Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
I visited Barcelona twice in the summer and never quite got the love for it. It was throbbingly crowded, maddeningly touristy, made me want to use every Spanish curse word in the book, and was far more expensive than anywhere else in Spain. The Gaudí architecture was cool, sure — but could you even see it over the selfie sticks?
After eating ridiculously cheap food in Madrid and amazing pintxos all throughout the Basque country, I balked at spending upwards of 15 euro on an average meal. Barcelona, I decided, was not for me.
I’m a contrarian at heart. I proudly tell people my favorite country is Albania or Nicaragua just to see the puzzled looks on their faces. I take a weird pleasure in telling people my favorite cities in the world count Sofia and Belgrade amongst their numbers.
And so, I almost wore this resistance to Barcelona as a badge of honor. It was too crowded, too touristy, “inauthentic” – that word that travelers-not-tourists everywhere love. Sorry, I can be a bit of a douche sometimes. (At least I know it? Or does that make it worse?)
A February street scene in Barcelona
So when I came to Barcelona in February, it wasn’t necessarily out of love for the city.
It was because I scored a $159 direct flight from Oakland en route to my new home in Sofia.
My friend Stephanie who also lives in Sofia came to meet me in Barcelona, and so I decided to give the city another try.
To my surprise, the third time was the charm: I actually loved Barcelona (in February).
There was a surprising amount of great things to do in Barcelona despite it being the off-season, and I thoroughly loved my time in Barcelona in winter.
You see, Barcelona is one of the places that — in my opinion — is only good in the offseason.
Sure, you won’t be able to take advantage of the beaches, but come on.
Do you really want to be packed ass to ankles with every other tourist baking themselves pink?
Do you really want to fight your way through Las Ramblas only to sit down exhausted at some mediocre tapas restaurant?
This is Las Ramblas in February. Imagine the hell it is in summer. Photo credit: Stephanie Craig
Do you really want to pay upwards of 20 euros to get into Casa Batllo, only to barely be able to see anything through the throng of flesh?
Yeah, I thought so.
Mercifully free of people
Which is why I’m here to tell everyone that Barcelona in February rocks, and maybe it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe in February.
But maybe don’t tell everyone – this is a secret best kept amongst friends.
If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona in the winter months, here are a few things I loved doing – to help you plan your own Barcelona itinerary and hopefully love this city in the off-season as much as I did.
Explore the Barri Gotic without the crowds
The name Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is a bit of a misnomer — this area dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries, not the Gothic architecture era of the Middle Ages. Still, it’s called that for the strong influence Gothic architecture plays in this part of the Ciutat Vella district.
Stephanie and I were even able to score a nice hotel right in the heart of the Barri Gotic for around 50 euros a night — unthinkable in Barcelona’s peak season. Just one more reason to visit Barcelona in February or any other off-season month.
Explore La Boqueria market
Plenty of delicious produce, even in winter
This was one of my favorite places the first time I visited Barcelona in the summer — and let me tell you, La Boqueria is even better in the winter.
There are way fewer people there so you won’t have to deal with lines or crowds the same way you will in the summer.
If you have a kitchen, there’s plenty of vegetables, fresh fish, and delicious condiments to cook with. Or you can just gorge yourself on all the fresh fruit juice, cheese, and sausage like I did. *shrug*
Decisions, decisions…Juice so colorful, you almost don’t hate being healthy
Do a self-guided food tour
Barcelona’s weather in February is often quite warm and sunny, so there’s no reason to cower inside.
One of my favorite things we did in Barcelona on this recent trip was a self-guided walking tour with bitemojo, who I partnered with on my most recent trip. Basically, it’s an app that guides you to a few hidden gem eateries where you can redeem your “bites” through an app, walking past some historic landmarks along the way.
Combining my love of food and my side-eye towards humanity, genius.
There are two tours, each costing 30 euro (which is not that outrageous a price considering the expensiveness of Barcelona).
We opted for the tour of La Boqueria and El Raval. We got to try 6 bites ranging from cheese, Catalonian sausage, cod fritters, fried eggplant tapas, and fancy Instagrammable donuts. It was delicious and I highly recommend it!
If you’re an architecture fan like I am, Gaudí is likely one of the main draws to Barcelona. The architect left an outsize footprint on the face of Barcelona and is responsible for some of its most iconic buildings. In fact, his buildings collectively make up one of Barcelona’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Visiting Barcelona in February, you’ll have less of a crowd to fight with to get your shots. You’ll still probably need a bit of Photoshop sorcery to get a people-free photo of the Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, as Barcelona is never exactly tourist-free.
Honestly, Barcelona in February is pretty much equal to summer in Stockholm, and it really reminds me of my home in the East Bay. We enjoyed some really sunny days during our visit, and with a bit of luck, the temperatures will hover around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit with plenty of sun.
We saw a lot of people sunning themselves out with their pets in February, and there’s no reason not to visit Barcelona’s parks with a bottle of wine or a picnic from La Boqueria market if you have a nice sunny winter day.
This photo is of the stunning Ciutadella Park, one of the most beautiful in Barcelona!
Go on a day trip
Game of Thrones vibes, anyone?
There’s no shortage of beautiful day trips from Barcelona. On our most recent trip, we visited Andorra la Vella — mostly to tick off another country off our list, as Steph and I are both shameless country counters. To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Andorra la Vella unless you’re a country counter as well. It’s a pretty boring and not super photogenic city, and the best thing to do there is indulge in a 60 euro day pass to a fancy thermal spa.
If you have more time to explore Andorra, surely the mountains are beautiful and offer plenty of skiing opportunities, but I can’t in good conscience say Andorra la Vella is anything special. Plus, Andorra la Vella is a good deal more elevated than Barcelona, making February not really a great time to visit the Andorran capital (though I’m not entirely convinced there is a good time wow, salty much?).
What I’d recommend instead is taking a day trip to one of Catalonia’s beautiful other cities — I especially loved visiting Besalú and Girona on a previous trip to Catalonia, and I’d recommend them over Andorra in a heartbeat. The summer heat in Spain is no joke, especially inland where you’ll find Besalú, so going in February seems like it’d be a fantastic idea.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
The best part about visiting Barcelona in February or any other off-season month is that you can stay in a super central location for an insanely cheap price. On my last trip to Barcelona, my friend and I shared a massive private room with shared bathroom for about $50 USD per night split between the two of us – in the heart of Ciutat Vella. Meanwhile, when I came in the summer last time, I paid well over $30 for a bed in one of the crappiest hostels I’ve ever had the misfortune to stay at.
Here are my recommendations for where to stay broken down by price. Here’s how I roughly break it down: budget is under $20 per night for a bunk in a dorm, mid-range is $75-150 for a double room, and luxury is over $200.
Budget: If you’re on a budget and traveling solo or in a small group and want to spend as little money as possible on accommodation while still having a nice place to stay, I recommend Sweet BCN. With an 8.8 rating on Booking.com, a prime location in the hip Eixample neighborhood near sights like Casa Batlló, and charming interior décor that pays homage to its Barcelona roots, Sweet BCN is a big step above typical hostels yet the price for a bunk is very fair in February. Click here for rates, reviews, and availability.
If you simply want the cheapest room possible, I recommend Safestay Sea in Ciutat Vella, which has decent reviews but isn’t quite as nice as Sweet BCN, but is a good deal cheaper. Still, I think Sweet BCN offers better value for your buck.
Mid-range: You’ll find a ton of affordably priced mid-range options in Barcelona in February. This is a great opportunity to stay at a fashionable boutique hotel without paying a fortune, as a lot of boutique hotels will be very reasonably priced in the winter months then easily go for over $200 per night in peak season. For a stylish yet affordable stay, I recommend Hotel Omnium, which has great but minimalist design and an excellent location in the heart of Barcelona. Click here for rates, reviews, and availability.
Luxury: For a luxury stay with a reasonable price tag, I recommend H10 Casa Mimosa in the trendy Eixample neighborhood. With stylish yet unfussy décor, a gorgeous private pool nestled between buildings like a little Barcelona secret, and spacious rooms, this affordable-yet-luxe hotel is walking distance from all of Barcelona’s best sights. Click here for reviews, prices, and availability.
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Have you visited Barcelona in the off season? What were your thoughts?
Note: I was provided with a complimentary food tour courtesy of bitemojo in order to test out their app. All opinions shared are entirely my own.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you’re a coffee fanatic like I am, it’s probably important to you that you’re never far away from a good cup of coffee while you’re traveling.
There are some places around the world with fantastic coffee: I’ve been especially impressed with the coffee in Australia and Scandinavia.
However, it’s also true that certain countries consider hot water and instant Nescafé to be an appropriate replacement for your morning cup of joe — I’m looking at you, Mexico.
As a former barista, I’m pretty particular about my coffee, and that’s no different when I’m traveling.
Sometimes, I don’t bring a travel coffee maker with me and instead, I just enjoy the local brews, especially when I’m traveling to places with great, affordable coffee cultures like in the Balkans.
But if I know I’m traveling somewhere pricy, like Sweden or Western Europe, I usually turn to my trusty Aeropress, which is far and away the best travel coffee maker in my book.
I’ve also reviewed a few other portable coffee making devices as I know we all have different ways we like our coffees (I, for one, can’t stand Turkish style coffee, and I’m not a huge fan of the French press) that would work well for digital nomads, frequent travelers, or anyone else in need of a portable coffee maker.
Drink up!
(To skip to different sections, use this Table of Contents)
If you’re the kind of person whose morning just isn’t right without a perfect cup of coffee (same), a portable coffee maker will improve your travels tenfold.
I’m just a bit obsessed with coffee, so I’ve compiled this comparative review of all the best travel coffee makers on the market. I’ve focused on affordable options (nothing is over $50 and most are under $30).
All my picks are also entirely sustainable and don’t produce plastic waste (I’m looking at you, K-cups!). Be assured that you won’t break the bank or the planet with these options.
What to Look for in a Travel Coffee Maker
Sure, the world’s best coffee will come from a 200 pound La Marzocco, but that’s not the kind of coffee maker you’re going to bring with you when you travel. You want a blend of convenience, durability, portability, and quality — otherwise, your travel coffee maker will be more of a burden than a treat.
Durability
This should be obvious, but it’s best to avoid breakable materials when it comes to picking a travel coffee maker. This means that metal and plastic options are generally a better bet.
Avoid glass by all means – this is not the time for a Chemex or a fancy glass French press. If you don’t want to use plastic, ceramic is better than glass but is still quite breakable so you’ll have to wrap up your travel coffee maker in a scarf or sweater during transit.
Portability
Obviously, this is one of the most important factors when it comes to picking a coffee maker for travel.
Ideally, you are looking for a small coffee maker no bigger than a bottle of water or coffee mug.
It should also be lightweight and hopefully not have that many separate parts – if one gets lost during travel, you probably won’t be able to replace it and may just end up throwing out the whole thing.
Quality of Coffee
Of course, what’s it worth bringing around a coffee maker if it makes crappy coffee?
Whether you prefer espresso or filtered coffee, you want the best possible brew if you’re going through all the trouble of purchasing and bringing along a portable coffee maker. The best choice will be a blend of all three factors.
Tips for Picking a Travel Coffee Maker
Set realistic expectations
Some types of coffee are easier to replicate when traveling than others. For example, it’s not so hard to make a simple cup of filtered coffee on the go.
However, if you’re the kind of person who needs a perfectly foamy cappuccino, you’re not going to be able to achieve that in a hotel room — you’re better off just buying coffee on the road if that’s the case.
Take it from a former barista – milk frothers don’t even come close to what a proper steam wand can do, so don’t even try.
Learn how to use it before you travel
Most of these are pretty simple to use (otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen them) but still, give them a test spin before you take it out traveling with you.
Trust me, the last thing you want to do when you’re jet-lagged and desperate for a cup of coffee is to be crying as you try to figure out how to work an Aeropress, how many grams to how much water, and how many ounces in a quart.
It took me a few times using my Aeropress to get comfortable with pulling a good shot from it. Other devices are a little simpler but still, it’s always best to learn first and perfect on the road.
Bring beans from home (unless you’re going to a great coffee destination!)
No point in working hard to make a good cup of coffee if the beans you’re starting with are crummy.
I personally bring some of my favorite beans with me, pre-ground because I don’t want to waste space on a grinder in addition to my travel coffee maker (true coffee enthusiasts here will thumb their noses at me for this).
Though you definitely could pack your own coffee grinder if you are a coffee purist! The exception to this would be unless you are going somewhere where you know you can get excellent fresh coffee beans, like Nicaragua, Indonesia, Colombia, etc.
The Aeropress is just short of magic. Honest to goodness, I used one as my primary coffee maker for 2 years while living in a small NYC apartment where counter space was at a premium.
It makes delicious coffee and espresso and takes up virtually no room. Once you learn how to use it, it’s quite simple and is more than worth the slight extra bit of effort as compared to a French press.
When I travel with the Aeropress, I don’t bring all the parts pictured – just the Aeropress chamber itself and some filters. I find that all the other parts aren’t really necessary if you have a spoon and a kettle (electric or stovetop both work great).
Dimensions:
– 4.8 by 4.5 by 11.8 inches
– 6.4 ounces
Pros:
– Makes the best tasting coffee and espresso
– Affordable, especially given the quality of espresso made
– Incredibly easy to use – watch one quick video to get the hang of it
– Cleans up very easily. Just pop the compressed coffee disk straight in the garbage and rinse out the Aeropress
– Can make anywhere up to an espresso shot to a full pot of coffee
– Can be used back to back with no waiting time
Cons:
– The filters are impossible to restock on the road, so make sure you have enough or buy a metal reuseable filter. Also, if you’re really into the crema on top of an espresso, it’s worth investing in this, as the paper filter will just absorb the oils that make up the crema.
– It’s easy, but it’s still not the easiest option
This was my default coffee setup before I replaced it with the Aeropress. In my opinion, the Aeropress is way better, but whenever I stay somewhere with a Bialetti stovetop espresso maker, I’m happy to use it.
It’s easy to use, makes great quality espresso (unless you really need a crema – in which case I recommend getting the Aeropress + mesh filter combo), and can be made directly on the stovetop so there’s no need to boil water.
Dimensions:
– 4.3 by 3.7 by 5.8 inches
– 1.1 pounds
Pros:
– Super simple to use and clean up
– Makes delicious espresso
– No extra pieces to lose
Cons:
– Needs stovetop or direct heat – can’t use with an electric kettle
– Need to watch it carefully or espresso can burn. Be especially careful not to let all the water overboil or the pot can overheat!
– Makes a limited amount of espresso and you need to let it cool down between uses
– It’s a bit heavier than other options
This wouldn’t be my first pick, but for some people it will be perfect. If you’re the kind of person who needs coffee in the morning but then wants to immediately get going – this is exactly what you need. (Those who prefer a more leisurely morning coffee will be better suited with one of the above or below options).
This basically combines a French press and a stainless steel portable coffee mug in one go. But its strength is also its downfall – this means that if you don’t drink it quickly, the coffee grounds sitting in the French press will cause your coffee to get over-extracted and bitter. I’m not a huge fan of French press coffee for this reason, but if drinking coffee quickly is not a problem, this may be right for you.
Dimensions:
– 2.8 by 2.8 by 8.1 inches
– 7.2 ounces
Pros:
– Coffee mug and maker all in one
– Insulated so that coffee will stay hot longer
– Better mesh than most French presses to reduce grit
– Doesn’t require a stove, just hot water
– Easy to clean
Cons:
– Can only make one cup at a time
– If you take too long to drink your coffee, it will get bitter
If you love French press-style coffee, you’re in luck as this is one of the easiest types of coffee to brew on the road. The main thing is finding a French press that is unbreakable and produces enough coffee for your needs while taking up as little room as possible.
This travel coffee machine is perfect for two people traveling together, although it also works for one if you’re a huge coffee lover like me.
Dimensions:
– 7 by 7 by 9 inches
– 1.2 pounds
Pros:
– Shatterproof construction
– Makes coffee for at least two at a time
– Easy to clean
– Doesn’t require a stove, just hot water
Cons:
– Bigger and heavier than other options
– Handle is not so ergonomic for packing
If you’re a super light packer, I can’t really think of a better option than this. Collapsible so that you can pack it even in the smallest of bags, this little guy can still churn out a reliable cup of coffee. They even come with a carabiner so you can clip it onto the outside of your pack – making it a great camping coffee maker.
Keep in mind that with any pour over coffee maker you’ll also need to bring some paper filters (#2 only). They won’t take up much space but it is one extra thing to keep track of.
Dimensions:
– 4 by 0.5 by 4 inches
– 4 ounces
Pros:
– Easily the smallest and lightest option
– Most affordable option
– Produces a quality cup of pourover coffee
Cons:
– Not the prettiest or most high tech option
– Can only make one cup at a time
– Must bring paper filters (#2) with you also – these are not the easiest kind of filter to find when you travel
I hope this guide has been helpful to you when it comes to prepping your coffee on the go! If you have any favorite travel coffee makers you’ve tested, feel free to share them with me below.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Packing for a trip to Nicaragua isn’t too difficult. Being a subtropical climate, Nicaragua only has two seasons: rainy and dry, and both have around the same average temperatures (read: hot AF).
The rainy season — which is low season — lasts from May to November, peaking in October.
That said, despite the rain, the average temperatures still range from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even in the rainy season, you’ll want to leave the heavy rain gear at home.
Most travelers will want to avoid Nicaragua during its rainiest, with the exception of diehard surfers — the rainy season means bigger swells and better surf.
For every other kind of traveler, the period from December to April is the best, but also the most crowded.
Not that anything ever gets too crowded in Nicaragua, though!
I spent all of January and the first half of February in Nicaragua and found the weather to be perfect, if not slightly on the hot side, with almost no rain.
Cities in the highlands like Estelí and Matagalpa are slightly cooler (especially at night!) than those in the lowlands, like Léon and Granada. When you map out your itinerary, add extra layers if you are planning stops in Nicaragua’s highlands.
After spending 5 weeks in Nicaragua, traveling from north to south, lowlands to highlands, and even the farflung Caribbean Islands, I’ve got all the packing tips you need to make sure your Nicaragua trip goes off without a hitch.
Here’s everything you need to know about what to pack for Nicaragua!
What to Pack Everything In
Take it from someone who’s been traveling for the better part of the last two years: Nothing guarantees your sanity more than a well-organized system for packing all your stuff. Unless you are traveling really slowly, you will be packing and repacking every couple of days. Having a well organized system makes the whole process less burdensome, trust me!
You don’t need anything that fancy, but following a few tips to make your Nicaragua packing list more streamlined will buy you serious peace of mind.
Street scene in Granada, Nicaragua
Travel Backpack (carry on size or check-in size): While I do love a good rolling suitcase for travels in Europe — that just won’t fly in Nicaragua, especially if you’re taking public transportation and hitting up lots of different places during your trip to Nicaragua. Infrastructure is limited. You don’t want to drag a wheeled suitcase across uneven sidewalks or up endless flights of stairs. I am a light packer, so my Tortuga Backpack is all I need — I spent 4 months traversing Central America with it and still didn’t use all the things I brought in my pack. I used their original version for 2.5 years before Tortuga recently gifted me their newest version to trial, and I love it even more than the original (which my boyfriend now happily uses – in fact, he was even almost more excited than I was when I upgraded my Tortuga and he got my old one).
Why do I recommend Tortuga so much? Here’s why: this bag is 45L and has got three main compartments: one for a laptop and other flat objects, one giant rectangular compartment perfect for packing cubes stuffed with clothing, and one smaller compartment with pockets for passports, pens, odds and ends, etc. that I stash all my extras in – plus one small outer zipper pocket for anything you want quick access to. It also has a water bottle holder on the outside as well as buckles so that you can strap something like a yoga mat to the outside. Plus, it’s quite comfortable to wear, with a padded hip belt and comfort-molding shoulder straps complete with a chest strap so that you can distribute weight perfectly across your body in the event that you need to wear your backpack for longer than usual. Check out more specs and details here.
Does it pass budget airline requirements? I’ve literally taken it on 50+ budget airline flights at this point and never once been asked to check it in. I do tend to fly with priority boarding so that I can also bring my travel daypack as my personal item, but that only adds a few dollars onto my budget airline ticket, whereas adding checked luggage usually more than doubles my ticket cost.
I haven’t personally used a bigger backpack, but I’ve heard excellent things about the Osprey system and I think that’s the only brand I’d trust if I wanted to upgrade my packing capacity. However, I’ve been fine with just 45 liters, personally — but your comfort level varies!
Packing Cubes: I have strong, strong feels about packing cubes. It helps you organize your clothing and makes opening your backpack a little less explosive. You don’t really need to be too picky with your packing cubes — anything with a rectangular shape and a zipper will do. I personally use these packing cubes and love them. But really, any will do. And in a pinch, some gallon size plastic Ziploc bags will do the trick. But since they eventually rip and gap, I prefer reusable packing cubes.
Laundry bag: Mentally, it makes a huge difference to have a separate laundry bag for all your dirties — it also makes laundry day all the less painful. Again, like packing cubes, you don’t need anything fancy at all – it is just a receptacle your dirty underwear, after all. I do like having a cute one like this one from Kikkerland though, because I’m impractical.
Hanging Toiletry Bag: Trust me – nothing will piss you off faster than searching for your toiletries in a never-ending pile of junk. Using a simple hanging toiletry bag (which fits perfectly in the outer pocket of my Tortuga backpack, by the way) is life-changing. It has the perfect number of separators, organizers, and pockets without taking up any excess space. It’s kind of like those tents at the Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter — you’d be amazed how much fits in one little pack.
Backpack with locking zippers : While Nicaragua is safe, it’s not completely free from petty crime. While wearing a shoulder bag is probably the most secure option, it’s just not comfortable if you carry a lot of stuff with you during the day. I swear by PacSafe and love their PacSafe Citysafe backpack. It’s not horrendously ugly, PLUS it has locking zippers so that you don’t have to be so on edge when you’re walking around a city with your valuables on you.
Essential Things to Pack for Nicaragua
You don’t need to pack that much for Nicaragua, to be honest, but here are the few things I really insist upon.
Mosquito repellent: As a tropical country, Nicaragua has lots of pesky mosquitos, especially in the rainy season. Malaria is present in the country and it is classed as low-risk. As someone with depression and anxiety I avoid antimalarial drugs whenever possible, and double up on the mosquito repellent instead. I usually carry a bottle and also some repellent wipes with me if I need to reapply on the go.
Water bottle with built-in filter: My go to is the Water to Go bottle as it’s a nice size and filters out 99.9% of contaminants so that you can drink tap water that would normally be undrinkable. This is HUGE at reducing plastic waste. Psst: I have a discount code for those who are interested — type in EA15 at checkout to receive a 15% off discount!
Reusable tote bags: Like many countries in the developing world, there is plastic everywhere in Nicaragua. Bring your own reusable tote so that you can signal to it and refuse plastic bags at most establishments and markets. I keep one or two small ones in my larger bag and bring them with me daily, plus I use them as beach bags, separating shoes from clothes, etc.
Basic medicine: You will be able to find all this in Nicaragua, but trust me — if you’re experiencing traveler’s diarrhea, just about the last thing you want to do is shuffle to a farmacía and discuss your bowel movements with a pharmacist. I carry Pepto-Bismol for standard stomach troubles, Imodium as a nuclear option for diarrhea (i.e. you have to ride a bus for several hours), some sort of painkiller like ibuprofen for headaches and minor pains, and some sort of motion sickness tablets. That usually covers the bases for me — anything else I need I grab on the road.
Some cash in USD: Nicaragua charges $10 USD for a tourist card upon entry – make sure you have it to avoid issues at the airport! I also just like having some extra in case my card fails to work at the airport.
What to Wear & Bring in Nicaragua
Admittedly, this is a list for female travelers — menfolk, sorry, but I trust you know how to dress yourselves in summer, so just follow that.
Women have a bit more to contend with when it comes to traveling Nicaragua — especially if you are traveling solo (which I did – and for the record, I felt safe — though I’ve written a more detailed post on travel safety in Nicaragua here). Catcalling in Nicaragua is incredibly common. While I wish it was different, it’s true. That said, I didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable or unsafe, as compared to prior experiences in places like New York City and Marrakech.
Trying to pretend to be stylish in the Corn Islands
I didn’t really find that how I dressed had much of an impact on how I was treated by men. Generally, if you look white or light-skinned, you are going to attract more attention. So dress to make yourself comfortable first (with the obvious exception of dressing modestly if you plan on visiting a church).
3-5 lightweight summer dresses: Or really, however many you can pack without being cramped or ridiculous.
5+ tees & tanks: The more neutral, the better. You will sweat a lot, so minimize your white. I suggest black, gray, and a few bright colors.
1 pair jeans: While it’s too hot many days to wear jeans, if you’re in the highlands, you’ll be glad you brought them. They’re also perfect for chilly nights or for when you want to blend in (most Nicaraguan women wear jeans all the time, even when it’s over 90F outside)
2 pairs shorts: I bring one pair of loose-fitting linen shorts for hot AF days, and one pair of denim shorts for when I want to look a little cuter.
1-2 skirts: I suggest bringing one black skirt and one printed skirt for flexibility. I loved having a midi-length skirt. The extra fabric around your legs traps some cool air, making you feel less hot, and I liked the additional coverage it gave me.
1 pair hiking boots (optional, but recommended): If you plan on hiking any of the volcanoes – and I urge you do – there’s really no substitute for hiking boots. Volcanic gravel is very loose. Sneakers will suit you in a pinch, but you’re much better off with proper boots. I wore these on days that I flew and tied them to the outside of my backpack when traveling between cities. I loved my Ahnu bootsbut if you have a pair at home already bring those so you don’t have to break them in.
How to style your hiking boots. Or not.
1 pair sneakers: For days when you spend a lot of time on your feet, but aren’t necessarily climbing volcanoes, these will do the trick. I usually wear a pair of black Nikes as I find they look cute even with my dresses and I’m all about options.
1 pair sandals: Having a cute and comfortable pair of sandals does wonders for the psyche. I’m obsessed with my Birkenstocks and will never go back.
1 rain jacket: Even if you don’t plan on traveling in the rainy season, sometimes the weather has other plans. I also used this as a lightweight jacket during nights in the highlands (Estelí, Matagalpa) where the weather was a bit colder. I love my Marmot rain jacket.
1 cardigan: For when you want a little warmth, but not as much as a rain jacket will give. Most buses won’t have AC, but if you take a shuttle, sometimes they blast the AC and it’s good to have an extra layer.
1-2 bras: I trust you’re all big girls and you know what you need when it comes to bras. I personally brought 1 regular bra and 1 sports bra and switched between the two.
7+ pairs of underwear: The more underwear you bring, the longer you can go between washes. I don’t recommend bringing stuff to do your laundry on the road – it’s a waste of time and money. There are plenty of laundromats catering to backpackers in Nicaragua, plus you’re supporting the local economy. If you really need to clean some clothes in a pinch, a bar of soap and hanging it somewhere
Bathing suit: Whatever your style is, from a colorblock 1980s style one-piece to a high-waisted 1950s style two-piece, you’ll definitely want it! Whether you’re taking dips in a hostel pool, going to the beach, learning to surf (in which case I recommend bringing a rash guard too) or diving in the Corn Islands, you’ll need a swimsuit.
Binoculars: OK, calling binoculars something you wear is a bit of a stretch, but you’ll certainly want a lightweight pair of good quality binoculars you can toss around your neck for jungle hikes and birdwatching.
What to Pack for Nicaragua Hostels
If you’re staying in hotels, you can skip this part, but there are a few specialized things you might want to bring in case you are staying in a hostel.
1 pair flip flops: Guys. Athlete’s foot is no joke. I’ve dealt with ringworm before (which is basically athlete’s foot on any part of your body that’s not your foot) and it is miserable to get rid of. Save yourself the trouble. Buy a pair of cheap rubber flipflops. /end PSA
1 travel towel: Many of the hostels I stayed at did not provide free towels. Bring your own to avoid rental fees.
1 eye mask: I swear by this contoured eye mask as it doesn’t put uncomfortable pressure on your eyes but completely blacks out any light. Great for inconsiderate roommates and early nights in when you’re beat but your bunkmates have other ideas.
Some earplugs or good noise-canceling headphones: I love Hearos — they’re the gold standard for ear plugs. I’ve also been eyeing these noise-canceling headphones but can’t justify the purchase at the moment. One day!
What Toiletries to Pack for Nicaragua
Nicaragua stores will have most of the things you want and need… but just in case.
Hand sanitizer: Many public restrooms don’t have soap, so having some hand sanitizer is always good.
Kleenex packets: Like above — public restrooms may be lacking in the toilet paper department, so having some Kleenex in a portable sleeve is a nice choice.
Sunscreen: Nicaragua is sunny AF (unless you’re traveling in the rainy season). My skin is really sensitive on my face, so I use this fancy Japanese sunscreen to prevent acne, and I buy a more standard sunscreen on the road.
Travel medications: I listed them above, but just to reiterate — stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, and some sort of painkiller are my standards.
What to Pack for Safety in Nicaragua
For whatever reason, people think that Nicaragua is unsafe… when in fact, it’s statistically the safest country in all of Central America. Use common sense and you’ll be perfectly fine in Nicaragua.
The one major safety note I should mention: keep your valuables with you and in sight when on a chicken bus as they’ll often tie your backpacks to the roof of the bus or put them far away from you on the bus. This isn’t to be sketchy; it’s because the buses are insanely crowded. That said, I do recommend bringing the following:
Combination locks: In Nicaragua, you’re probably at the greatest risk of theft from your fellow travelers. Prevent crimes of opportunity with simple measures like having a combination lock and keeping your valuables locked away. I always check hostels on Hostelworld to ensure they have lockers available because I travel with so many valuable electronics.
Daypack with locking zippers: Backpacks are easy targets — I wrote above about how much I love my PacSafe Citysafe backpack. After nearly being pickpocketing while wearing a different backpack in Vietnam, I now carry no other kind of daypack.
Don’t bother with a money belt. Thieves know about them. You’re better off carrying your wallet deep in a slash-proof backpack (like the one mentioned above) or bag tightly zipped. One other thing I recommend is to have a second checking account and two debit cards if possible. Keep them in different spots in case you get pickpocketed. This way you won’t be screwed while you wait for your bank to send you another card!
Electronics to Pack for Nicaragua
There are really no special considerations when it comes to packing electronics for Nicaragua except for the one: do not bring a drone. They are 100% illegal in the country, and if you are caught, it will be confiscated and I have no clue if you’ll be able to get it back.
Other than that, bring whatever you’re comfortable bringing. As a travel blogger, I bring my entire life with me on the road, which includes a laptop, camera, multiple lenses, smartphone, GoPro, and more. I always make sure that I stay at hostels with lockers so that I can lock up my valuables. People who are more paranoid/responsible than I am may want to bring a portable safe for peace of mind.
Laptop, if necessary: I bring my Macbook Air everywhere but other people may prefer a tablet or an inexpensive netbook. I work on the road so a user-friendly, lightweight laptop is a must.
Kindle Paperwhite: English-language bookstores are few and far between outside of expat-haven Granada. I love the Kindle Paperwhite because the screen is glare-free, making it easy to read at the beach or in direct sunlight.
Travel camera: I use a Sony A6000 because it’s lightweight for a professional caliber camera, inexpensive, and a HUGE step up from a smartphone. You may want to replace this or add a GoPro too, especially good for adventure activities like volcano boarding and diving (just check to see if you also need an underwater house for your GoPro if you dive, as many of the newer models are only good to 10m — not nearly enough for divers)
Portable charger: As an electronics-addict, I’m always running out of juice. Bring a portable charger to save yourself many headaches! Anker is a reliable brand and what I personally use.
Adaptor, if necessary: Nicaragua uses the same plugs as America and Canada, so if you’re coming from Europe or the UK, you will need an adaptor.
***
Well, nearly 3,000 words later, I think I’ve finally exhausted all the things you need to bring for Nicaragua. While this sounds like a lot, I was able to fit it all into a 44L backpack (carry-on size) and daypack because I chose lightweight fabrics and packed carefully.
Is there anything I’ve forgotten? Is there anything else you’re wondering if you should bring? Let me know in the comments!
Note: This post contains affiliate links to items I personally used on my trip to Nicaragua. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I will make a small commission at no additional charge to you. I received a free Water-to-Go bottle to sample it and can recommend it without reservation. If you’d like one, you can use my affiliate code — EA15 — to purchase one of your own at a 15% discount.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Eastern Europe is no stranger to breakaway states, each more strangely spelled than the last: Kosovo, Srpska, Transdniester…. the list goes on.
(You can tell you’re a geography nerd when you just spell-checked yourself and didn’t miss a beat.)
But Užupis is a “republic” of a different sort: one part parody, one part quirky utopia, resting peacefully in the heart of central Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city.
Užupis, for all intents and purposes, is not taking being a self-proclaimed republic too seriously. Sure, they have a currency, a passport stamp, a president, and an army (so they say). But there’s no border, save for a sign near a bridge stating that you’re now entering or leaving “Užupis res publika.”
The “res publika” play on words is classic Užupis: using wordplay and humor to get around technical obstacles. The story goes that officially, they couldn’t use the Lithuanian word “respublika” on a sign: after all, they couldn’t really declare a proper republic without going through a whole lot of kerfuffle. So, instead, they added a space and called it “res publika,” imperfectly translated from Latin to mean a public thing or space, and no one complained.
This is a perfect embodiment of the ideas of the Užupis constitution, the first among the 41 articles being: “Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.”
It’s a space of radical inclusion, which has some resonance for the history of Užupis, which once used to be the Jewish quarter. Of course, Lithuania’s Jewish population was decimated in the Holocaust. A staggering 94% of all Lithuanian Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, a higher percentage than any other country in Europe — even Poland.
After having its Jewish population all but entirely eliminated, Užupis became unoccupied and run down. As often happens, the abandoned buildings attracted society’s cast-offs: drug addicts, prostitutes, and of course, writers and artists.
The artists and writers living in Užupis began livening up the once-abandoned buildings, adorning them with art and graffiti.
On April 1st of 1997, a group of bohemians and oddballs cobbed together a constitution, a flag, and an army. They then nominated a president (the former mayor of Vilnius) and declared themselves a republic.
The date of the republic’s founding definitely seems intentional, as it falls on April Fool’s Day.
This is perfectly in line with how seriously Užupis takes itself. After all, its constitution does include such gems as “Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation”, and a backpacker Jesus statue stands over the river with his back to a church.
Another Užupian twist? A fat, proud, camera-shy ginger cat is its ambassador, as signed by the foreign minister.
Duties include “preparing the board of Constitution in Cats language” and “lectur[ing] in Uzupis University (Faculties of Wisdom and Ryzhics)” –whatever that is — and the most onerous of all, “enjoy[ing] life.”
Street art, that hallmark of bohemia worldwide, adorns much of Užupis’s walls.
Predictably, one such wall includes a call for marijuana legalization.
April 1st is officially Užupis Day, and the only day on that day, beer flows from the central fountain and their currency — useless on any other day — flows free.
On any other day, you’ll be stuck with boring old euros and water.
I’ll end with the entirety of the constitution of Užupis, which I suggest reading in full: it’s a genius piece of literature, grappling with the dualities of what mankind wants (and doesn’t want), the importance of free will and thought, and strong – though oblique – words about history and resistance.
Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.
Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
Everyone has the right to be unique.
Everyone has the right to love.
Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
Everyone has the right to be idle.
Everyone has the right to love and take care of a cat.
Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
A dog has the right to be a dog.
A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to be happy.
Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
Everyone has the right to be silent.
Everyone has the right to have faith.
No one has the right to violence.
Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance.
No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
Everyone has the right to understand.
Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
Everyone shall remember their name.
Everyone may share what they possess.
No one can share what they do not possess.
Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
Everyone may be independent.
Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
Everyone has the right to cry.
Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
No one has the right to make another person guilty.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Stockholm is one of my favorite cities in Europe, but it’s unfortunately also one of the most expensive. Prices all around the Nordic countries are generally quite high. Luckily, Stockholm won’t hurt the wallet quite as hard as, say, Copenhagen or Oslo, but it’s still not a cheap city by any stretch of the imagination.
If you’re visiting Stockholm on a budget, the easiest way to save money is by staying in a hostel, especially if you’re traveling solo (an Airbnb may also be a good call and work well for a group)
If you have a vision of nasty bunkbeds and stuffy rooms, rest assured. Hostels in Stockholm kick it up a notch thanks to that delightfully airy Scandinavian design you’ll find everywhere. As in, it seems to be a sin in Sweden to have bad décor.
I’ve broken down this post into some general tips as well as a breakdown of best hostels in Stockholm by neighborhood. Keep in mind that Gamla Stan is the Old Town and for the purposes of this post is considered the “center.”
Prices are highest in Gamla Stan and radiate outward, like in most cities. The next closest neighborhoods are Norrmalm and Södermalm; I would recommend staying in one of these neighborhoods unless you really have to have that Old Town experience.
General Budget Tips for Stockholm Hostels
A few things to keep in mind about Stockholm hostels, as they have a few unique quirks that you won’t find elsewhere.
1. Linens are often not included. For some reason, in Sweden, bed linen is not included in the price. This can add on another $6-10, which you’ll pay once. You can get around this by bringing your own linens from home, though if you’re doing a longer trip throughout Europe you probably won’t care to do this. Towels are often an additional fee as well, so consider bringing a microfiber quick-dry towel from home to save on towel rental costs.
2. Check to see if breakfast (or pasta dinner!) is included. Eating meals out in Sweden is extremely pricey — expect to spend around $15-20 USD without drinks for a basic meal, unless you’re just getting a hot dog off the street (and even that will be expensive). So you can get good bang for your buck if you find a place that offers breakfast or a pasta dinner.
3. Transportation costs are also quite high in Stockholm. It is, however, a very walkable city if you stay central. 2 one-way subway tickets will cost $9 USD (you can bring the cost down slightly by getting a transit card — then it’ll be around $6.50 per roundtrip with a one-time $2.50 card purchase).
Choosing a centrally-located hostel can end up saving you money if it means you have to travel less as you’re enjoying all the things to do in Stockholm. You can also buy daily passes if you ride the train a lot and if you buy a Stockholm Pass, transportation is included.
A Stockholm Pass may be a good idea if you are planning to spend 3 days in Stockholm or more. It depends on what you’re planning on doing, but if you’re a big culture vulture who loves visiting all the museums, a Stockholm Pass can definitely save you money.
Best Hostels in Stockholm: Norrmalm
Generator Stockholm
Generator is a chain of hostels in Europe with a reputation for sleek design. I’ve stayed at Generators in Dublin and Hamburg and always been really satisfied with the experience and vibe, always a good mix between social enough while being respectful of others. The modern design contributes to making the hostel atmosphere relaxed as well as welcoming.
I haven’t stayed at this Generator in particular, but generally (ha!) I think Generator hostels do a good job at catering to slightly more upscale travelers versus your minimal budget backpackers. It’s perfect for travelers who want to relax after a long day, but also want a social and inviting atmosphere with trendy design. It’s a newer hostel, having only opened in 2016, so it offers nice, up-to-date amenities.
Generator Stockholm has no curfew, their own 24-hour shop, an in-house bar, offers bed linen included in the price (rare in Sweden, for whatever reason), and is just a 5-minute walk to some of the best historic sites in the city. However, there is no breakfast included, which can increase your daily costs as meals out in Stockholm are quite expensive.
Having recently won an award for being the best hostel in all of Sweden, City Backpackers is truly an impressive hostel and one of your best bets for a hostel in Stockholm.
Boasting a free pasta bar for dinner, free traditional sauna in the evenings, bike rental, and even free ice skate rental in winter, the hostel focuses on giving visitors a traditional Scandinavian experience during their visit at a minimal cost. They also host excursions such as a guided bike tour, which is great if you want people to explore the city with.
They offer everything from 12-bed dorms to private rooms for up to 8 people, ensuring there is something for everyone, no matter their budget or rooming preferences. Linen is not included, nor is breakfast.
If you want a cozy, medieval feel, Old Town Lodge is your best bet. The building dates back to 1600 and even incorporates a portion of the old city wall from 1200 in its architecture, which is just insane.
The age of the building has not stopped Old Town Lodge from creating a modern and minimalist looking hostel, with a soothing white theme throughout the entire hostel. There are both private rooms and dorms to choose from, depending on your needs and comfort level.
Note that like many hostels in Sweden, bed linens are not included. As far as I could see, this was an additional 65 kronor ($8) which, while not a lot, definitely makes a difference for those just planning a short stay. Breakfast is free, though.
With over 10 years in the top 5 rankings in the city, Castanea Old Town Hostel is known for being homey and welcoming while still being well situated within the city. The building itself dates back to 1747, making it incredibly cozy and personal-feeling.
The hostel is particularly friendly to budget travelers who want to stay in Gamla Stan with its twisty cobblestone streets, and has received favorable reviews from single travelers and families alike.
Neither breakfast nor bed linens are included in the price; however, there is a big spacious kitchen for those who like to cook for themselves.
Known as one of the quieter hostels in the city, this modern hostel caters to guests who don’t want the party hostel scene.
Tucked away in a the trendy Sofo district of the island of Sodermalm, it is still near enough to the largest attractions to provide the perfect mix of offbeat and touristy. Personally, Sofo is my favorite neighborhood in Stockholm, so in my opinion the location can’t be beat.
Breakfast is not included in the price, but can be pre-ordered for 75 SEK ($9 USD) or more if you order same-day. However, they do offer free pasta for guests to use. As you’ve probably guessed, linens are also not included, but the price is less outrageous than most places at 50 SEK ($6) plus an extra 20 SEK if you need to rent a towel as well.
The Red Boat is one of three themed hostels on this list, and undoubtedly one of the more unique. It spans two different houseboats and offers a one of a kind waterfront experience in a hostel in Stockholm.
It’s a boat (if you haven’t figured that out yet) so naturally the rooms are a lot smaller than you’ll find in other, well, non-boat hostels. But it is affordable and well-located near Gamla Stan and Södermalm, if you can stand the small, cramped quarters.
It also includes linen (yay!) although not breakfast.
If you’re the kind of person who wants to stay somewhere a bit… strange, Langholmens is just for you.
A uniquely-themed hostel, Langholmens is situated in a now-defunct prison. Quirk-loving travelers can spend the night in old cells, spending time on the prison-like bunk beds. Fun?
Outside of the cells, a boutique, cafeteria, and an internet cafe offer all of the comforts of home — or at least, not prison. Other services available include a pub, restaurant, laundry services, and the ability to rent bicycles to explore the city. An attendant is on duty 24 hours a day (in case of any traveller riots, naturally).
Keep in mind that this is the cost for a bed only. In addition, you’ll have to pay for your linens (80 SEK/$10), breakfast if you choose to have it (98 SEK/$12), as well as a mandatory departure cleaning fee of 35 SEK ($4). Plus, it’s located on an island outside the center, so add on transportation costs to boot. Still, if you’re craving a unique experience — this certainly fits the bill.
As the name suggests, the hostel is known for being budget-friendly; however, like other hostels in Stockholm, be prepared to spend an additional 70 SEK ($9) on bed linens. Breakast is not included, but there is a kitchen, and free coffee, tea, and pasta.
This is located in Vasastan, which is conveniently close to the Central Railway Station, but not so close to most of the touristy places in Gamla Stan. Whether that’s a pro or a con for you depends on your travel style. It is a very local neighborhood with lots of young people and students calling the neighborhood home, so that can be great for those who want to get a bit off the beaten path in Stockholm.
Keep in mind that reception is only open from 10 AM to 6 PM so it’s not a good option for those arriving late.
Let’s hear it for bedsheets and towels included in the price!
This hostel is located a bit outside the center on the island of Kungsholmen, so as a result it’s more modern and spacious than hostels located in the Old Town. Again, you’re going to get a more local vibe here as a result, and more reasonably priced restaurants as you’re farther away from the tourist center.
Every room has a spacious and modern en-suite bathroom which for me is a huge plus — I hate cramped shared bathrooms.
This is great for travelers who have a layover at Stockholm Arlanda or want a place to stay near the airport if they have an early morning flight. There’s a free airport shuttle and it takes just six minutes to get to the airport from the hostel and vice versa.
Another themed offering, the Jumbo Stay is the first and only hostel located within a Boeing 747-200. Maintaining many of the original airplane furnishings within the common area, the jet is also equipped with surprisingly modern rooms, offering a fun theme in addition to all of the comforts expected within a hostel.
Breakfast, linens, and towels are included in the cost, a nice surprise in pricy Stockholm. Breakfast starts at 3 AM which is perfect if you have an early morning flight but still want to grab something before heading to the airport.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you’re looking for the most stunning places on the Emerald Isle, there’s no better place for an Ireland road trip than exploring all the beautiful places and things to do in Mayo. This county is home to some of the most stunning landscapes, delicious food, and off the beaten path gems in Ireland.
This road trip itinerary will take you through all the best things to do in Mayo, Ireland’s most photogenic and striking county, which can be done in a minimum of three or four days. Of course, the longer you have, the more leisurely you’ll be able to travel as a result.
While a road trip is definitely the easiest way to explore the best of County Mayo, alternately, you can explore Ireland by train. The country is quite well-connected, though you’ll be limited to larger cities and it can be a bit harder to see the smaller towns.
And with views as epic as you’ll see all over the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s well worth the extra time spent visiting these gems along the coastline by your own car!
Things to Do in Mayo – Westport
Explore the cute town of Westport
Westport may very well be one of the most photogenic towns in all of Ireland, which is saying something — Ireland is a beautiful place.
I particularly loved the canal going through the center of Westport, especially beautiful in the fall as the leaves change color and the brightly colored flowers on the bridges add pops of color everywhere. It’s one of the cutest places in Ireland!
The houses are painted in a variety of fun, vibrant colors, and there are tons of great shops and bars, including one of Ireland’s most famous bars — Matt Molloy’s.
Westport House
While many people don’t think of Ireland when they think of pirates, they’re mistaken. Grace O’Malley, the most famous female pirate of the 16th century, was actually born and raised right here in County Mayo.
This badass pirate took over her father’s position after his death, skipping her brother in the typical ascension line, and made a name for herself as the “Pirate Queen.”
The Westport House is owned by direct descendants of Grace O’Malley. It’s now a historic house open for guided tours, from the grounds to the ornately decorated rooms to even the dungeons!
The residents of Westport love their Grace O’Malley history so much that there’s even some street art dedicated to her in the town center!
Cycle and eat along the Great Western Greenway
The 42-kilometer trail can be biked in a day or in bits and pieces as you choose. The Greenway starts in Westport, passes through Newport and Mulranney, before going onto Achill Island.
The trail is rather hilly in parts, so for the less fit amongst us (read: me) I highly recommend renting an electric bike.
An electric bike gives you a bit of extra oomph up the hills, but you’ll still have to put in some effort and power yourself. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for food or photographs.
Trust me, the views as you approach Clew Bay are some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland, so you’ll want to make sure you come with your camera battery fully charged.
If you’re wondering about the logistics of renting a bicycle if you have a car, Clew Bay Bike Hire offers pickups and shuttle service, so if you only want to bike one way, it’s totally doable! This is great for people like me who loathe the idea of doubling back. If only every hike offered this service!
I recommend stopping in Mulranny where you can try food from the Gourmet Greenway, an association of local farmers, fishers, and butchers based along the Greenway. The Nephin Restaurant at Mulranny Park Hotel puts together delicious food from these local merchants.
I was drooling over the wild Atlantic smoked salmon — simply delicious.
Things to Do in Mayo – Achill Island
See the postcard-perfect Keem Bay on Achill Island
When thinking of the beauty of Ireland, you most likely think of all sorts of shades of green and the deep blue of the sea. You’ll see beautiful spots all over your Ireland road trip, but Achill Island is different.
There is, in my opinion, no more beautiful place in Ireland that I’ve seen than Achill Island.
Sheer cliffs drop a massive 688 meters (2,257 ft) into the sea, the tallest in all of Ireland and the UK — and without the crowds of the cliffs of Moher.
Besides the highest cliffs in Ireland, there are also historical sites, cute pubs, tranquil lakes, cozy inns, and so much more.
But the real gem of Achill Island is the stunning Keem Bay. Located on the western side of Achill Island, Keem Bay is one of the best examples of Ireland’s beauty and is a designated Blue Flag Beach.
If you visit on a sunny day (which is basically akin to winning the lottery in Ireland), the water is almost a Caribbean shade of blue. But even on a cloudy day, there’s no denying the gorgeous color of the water and stunning cliff landscape.
Kitesurf or stand up paddle board on Achill Island
If you want a side of adventure along with your visit to Achill Island, you’re in luck. French expat Francois has opened up Pure Magic, a kitesurfing school, cozy inn, and delicious restaurant all in one.
If kitesurfing is a bit too much adrenaline for you, you can stand-up paddleboard.
You’ll want to wear a wetsuit if you do as the water in Ireland is around 50 degrees F/10 C year round!
Things to Do in Mayo – Belmullet Peninsula
Visit the abandoned Inishkea Islands
The Inishkea Islands are a beautiful but slightly haunting set of two islands about an hour’s boat ride away from Belmullet.
Surrounded on all sides by white sand, low lying grass spreads across the entirety of these islands, which are dotted with the remnants of stone structures.
No one lives there anymore, save for a few coy donkeys and sheep.
Sadly, a tragic fishing accident in 1927 killed 10 young men – a huge number given the small population of these islands. Shortly thereafter, the inhabits of Inishkea North and South left for the mainland.
There is a small graveyard where you can pay your respects to the lives lost.
There isn’t a whole lot to do on the Inishkea Islands, but it’s magical nonetheless.
You can hike around, photograph the abandoned villages, marvel at the water, and even discover a hidden lighthouse. It’ll only take you about two hours to get a sense of the Inishkeas, but it’s absolutely worth the trouble. There are no public boats or ferries, so you’ll have to charter a boat: we went with Geraghty Charters and it was a wonderful experience.
For all the sadness of what happened here on Inishkea to make it so quiet and peaceful today, there’s no denying the views are beautiful. On a calm day, the turquoise sea’s crystal clear water offers views straight to the ocean bottom.
You can see why, despite the isolation, people have been calling the islands of the Inishkeas home for over 5,000 years.
Visit the Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Center
It’s odd, but I swear it’s true: pretty much every other American you will meet (including yours truly) lays claim to some Irish roots. The Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Center works tirelessly to preserve the heritage of Mayo County and its history. Here, the Blacksod Bay Assisted Emigration project works to connect people with their Irish roots, with records of over 3,000 Irish emigrants.
Also at the Heritage Center, you can see photographs of daily life, documents preserving the history of the region around Blacksod Bay, and talk to the lovely staff who will share with you anything you want to know about this area – from wildlife to history to tradition.
Visit the North Mayo Sculpture Trail
The North Mayo Sculpture Trail is the largest public art installation in all of Ireland and one of the largest in all of Europe. The focus on the sculpture trail has been blending together the landscape and nature with more contemporary art.
This means that walking through dunes and fields, art will seem to rise out of the ground, flowing seamlessly with the land around it. Over the years, more sculptures have been added, making it a living art installation that is ever-changing.
Road signs and plaques with information about each piece dot the landscape.
We didn’t explore the whole sculpture trail, but we made a quick stop at Deirbhiles Twist, a mini-Stonehenge of sorts that elicits a bit of a supernatural vibe due to its location on the isolated Belmullet peninsula.
Walk the cliffs of Erris Head
Journey through several different fields, past sheep and stunning sea views, while climbing the beautiful yet super steep cliffs of Erris Head.
The plateau at the top of the cliffs offers a completely unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean and of the surrounding cliffs — Cliffs of Moher, eat your heart out! Looking out across the ocean, you almost feel like you can see to the other side of the ocean, putting the migration of so many Irish to the Americas into perspective.
Be sure to wear proper waterproof shoes, as I very nearly got sucked into a bog doing this hike! But it’s so worth it.
The braver amongst us (read: not me!) can even go “coasteering,” which is a combination of cliff jumping, scrabbling, climbing, and letting the ocean sweep you around.
It’s not my kind of adventure, but for the adrenaline junkies amongst us, you can’t miss it. My friends went with Wavesweeper and loved every minute of the experience!
Things to Do in Ireland – Ballycroy & Ashford
Check out the ancient landscape of Ballycroy National Park
Comprised mostly of bogs, the park also boasts rivers, viewpoints to the nearby Achill Island, and a number of endangered habitats. It is one of the largest peat bogs still in existence and teams with various rare wildlife.
Bogs are depleting rapidly, as some Irish still use the peat as an energy source. However, the peat from these bogs have taken over 10,000 years to be the way it is today, and therefore it’s not a very sustainable solution.
To preserve the bog for future generations, you’ll find a boardwalk you can walk across to protect the fragile ecosystem below it. The different habitats within almost guarantee that you will see rare flora you can’t find anywhere else.
See the magic of Ashford Castle
No Ireland road trip is complete without a trip to a castle, and Ashford Castle is one of the most interesting castles in all of Ireland.
Converted to a hotel within the last century, the castle dates back to 1228 and has Anglo-Norman roots.
Recently featured in the show Reign, the castle has been mostly preserved as it would have been in the 15th century, offering visitors a once in a lifetime experience.
If you’re looking to live out your castle fantasies, Ashford has got you — hotel rooms are available for a hefty price tag, but the castle’s accompanying lodge is actually surprisingly affordable (check out rates here – you’ll be surprised!) — or you can visit for a price more suitable for peasants like you and me (a mere 5 euro).
Other castles worth staying in Ireland include Ballyseede Castle Hotel, another hotel you can stay in in Ireland.
Where to Stay in County Mayo
Westport: I didn’t get the chance to stay in the beautiful, sunny yellow Wyatt Hotel, but it would be my top pick for my return to Mayo. Right in the heart of Westport’s colorful and historic center, the Wyatt Hotel is a fantastic place for a drink (I had a few rounds there on my night in Westport!) With nearly perfect ratings on Booking.com and the best location in Westport at affordable prices, it’s a no-brainer for your time in Westport. Check reviews & availability here.
Achill Island: Achill Island was one of the true highlights of my trip to Mayo – the landscape was, well, Pure Magic – which happens to be the name of the extremely cozy guesthouse and small restaurant that I stayed at on my night in Achill Island. A short drive from beautiful places like the massive sea cliffs and the pristine, nearly Caribbean-blue waters of Keem Bay, Pure Magic is a no-frills, affordable option for visitors to Achill. The food at the in-house restaurant is fantastic as well, especially the fish and chips! Check reviews & availability here.
Belmullet: This quiet part of Mayo is one of the most remote areas of the country and is a place for people who truly want to get off the beaten path in County Mayo. With chic and luxe interiors and spacious rooms, Broadhaven Bay Hotel is a lovely option in Belmullet just a five minute walk from the center of town. But perhaps the best thing about it is that it has a heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam room! Great for warming off after day out in Ireland’s typically rainy climate. Check reviews & availability here.
Ballina: One of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed in (yes, ever – and as a blogger who’s traveled to over 70 countries, that’s quite a lot!) was The Ice House in Ballina. It’s extremely unique – one half of the hotel is modern and new, and the other half of the hotel is more rustic and vintage, some rooms even with a copper bathtub! The entire hotel overlooks a beautiful river, and there are outdoor hot tubs as well as a lovely Finnish-style sauna that is perfect to unwind in after a long day. The food at the Ice House is also utterly fantastic, so it’s a great (albeit slightly more luxurious) option in County Mayo. It’s a tiny bit outside the city center, but if you have a car, it’s not a big deal at all. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed, so if you can, I highly recommend The Ice House, especially as it’s part of Ireland Blue Book’s collection of top-tier properties in the country! Check reviews & availability here.
Note: I was a guest of Failte Ireland and TBEX Ireland during my time in County Mayo. All opinions expressed are my own
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
It’s unfortunate but true: women travelers everywhere have different safety considerations than men. And this is doubly true in Latin America, with its strong patriarchal culture. When I told people back home that I was spending 4 months traveling alone through Central America, I had many surprised and nervous reactions. But were they warranted?
Well, I learned it firsthand when I traveled alone for five weeks in Nicaragua — yup, no one but me, myself, and I. After all that time, exploring from north to south, from smaller towns like Estelí and Matagalpa to larger cities like Managua and Léon, all the way to the Corn Islands in the Caribbean — I’d say I feel vaguely qualified to answer the common question: is Nicaragua safe?
Note: Keep in mind, of course, that this is my personal experience and is thus incredibly subjective. I’ve traveled a lot — to around 50 countries, at last count — and I’ve lived in some places that are very unfriendly to women. These opinions come from an experienced solo traveler who is familiar with Latin American culture and fluent in Spanish. Your comfort level may vary based on your experiences and personality!
Here are my main takeaways about travel safety in Nicaragua.
Yes, traveling as a woman is safe — but the patriarchy is strong.
If you’ll allow me to generalize, Latin America has a very patriarchal and male-dominated culture. So is traveling there safe?
I’d say yes – with a few caveats. For one, you have to be comfortable with a certain level of stares and comments. For another, you have to trust your gut. If something tells you that a person’s intentions are not good, listen to them. Exit the situation, even if you feel like it’s rude. Your safety matters more than a stranger’s feelings. Always.
If you’re used to life in a big city and ignoring men who call out to you on the street — you’ll be just fine in Nicaragua. I found that my years of living in New York City had steeled me pretty well to Nicaraguan catcalling and I wasn’t very affected by it. That said, I did limit the amount of time I walked at night alone (keep in mind sunset is rather early in Nicaragua due to its latitude, so it’s not realistic — nor necessary — to always be home before dark).
When all else fails, remember: women are your allies. Make eye contact, smile, say hello, chat with them, and don’t be afraid to stick close to them if you feel you’re getting unwanted attention. Women look out for women, generally, and I’ve found that local women will look out for you and tell men where to go if necessary.
Catcalling is ubiquitous, but you need to use your gut to assess safety
I had heard that catcalling in Nicaragua was incredibly commonplace, and I can confirm that. Catcalling is a major part of a woman’s daily lived experience in Nicaragua.
In the cities, it’s rare to go more than a few blocks without a hissed “compliment” or suggestive comment. I found catcalling to be less common in smaller towns like Las Peñitas and in the Corn Islands, but it was still present nonetheless. Nicaragua is safe for women, but still — catcalling is a fact of life.
For me, having a plan of action was important mentally. I had two tiers of responses. I’d respond to innocent holas and buenos días with a polite but curt response as I continued walking past them, without making eye contact. If someone threw in a bella or a baby or anything beyond that — they were promptly ignored.
95% of the time, the interaction stopped there. It was rare that someone would continue to bother me or ask me why I ignored them, or took my hurried hello as an invitation for further discussion. I’m comparing this experience to my time living in New York, where ignoring men quite literally got me called a bitch or a whore multiple times a week.
I found that men in Nicaragua were quick to assert their dominance with some catcalling, but often left it at that. While not necessarily pleasant, I didn’t find that it made me feel unsafe. Trust your gut and know the difference between an uncomfortable but isolated sexualized comment and an actual threat.
Taxis are insanely cheap and worth every cordoba
I’ve never traveled anywhere where taxis are as cheap as Nicaragua, and I used them liberally during my five weeks in the country.
The reason why they’re so cheap is that they all work essentially as colectivos – aka, collective taxis. So don’t be surprised if you flag a taxi, only to have them stop for other travelers. This is how it’s supposed to go. That’s why they’re so cheap!
On average, I paid 10 to 30 cordobas (the equivalent of 30 cents to $1 USD) to travel from point A to point B within a city. Taxis don’t have standard rates — much less meters, for that matter. Always agree upon the fare before entering the taxi. A simple Cuanto cuesta ir a ___? will show that you understand how the taxis work in Nicaragua and that you aren’t likely to be tricked (just make sure you have enough Spanish to understand their response!). I’m not sure how it would go if you spoke English to the taxi driver. I never tried, seeing that I’m comfortable speaking in Spanish.
Let me just say: I think it’s a bit gauche for foreigners to argue over every last nickel and dime, especially when we enjoy relative wealth compared to Nicaraguans. By all means, don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of to a ridiculous level. However, do keep in mind that you’re often arguing over the equivalent of a few dimes. If a taxi driver truly is overcharging you and you’re not comfortable with it, simply decline politely and wave down another.
Be prepared to be assertive on chicken buses
I don’t want to gloss over my five weeks in Nicaragua without mentioning one very uncomfortable experience I had. This literally happened on my way to the border with Costa Rica departing Nicaragua. I was especially frustrated because up until the final day of my travels in Nicaragua, I had felt pretty safe in Nicaragua as a woman. But this was different.
On the chicken bus from San Juan del Sur to Rivas, where I was going to transfer to the border bus, a man decided to take advantage of the fact that we were on a crowded bus. I was packed three to a seat with two other female travelers, sitting on the outside seat. It was a very packed bus, I’ll grant. But there was nothing natural about the way this man was standing with his dick thrust proudly in my face — basically straddling me — with a sick grin on his face.
I know that crowded forms of transit are a thing. I lived in New York City for nine years, for Christ’s sake. I get it. But something just felt off. I was half worried that I was being oversensitive, but I also felt frozen. The girls next to me sensed my discomfort with the situation and asked if I wanted any help with telling off this man — but I just felt so oddly frozen, so afraid to escalate the situation, so I told them I was fine. Of course, I wasn’t, but I didn’t know the proper course of action, so I sat through it. I wish I could say that I raised my voice and got loud and told this guy where to go in some particular colorful Spanish, but I didn’t.
The thing about sexual harassment is that you never know how you’re going to respond to it until you’re in the situation, and once you’re in the thick of it, the situation is often fraught with variables. I didn’t want to seem like an insane gringa shouting out a local guy over nothing. I didn’t want to seem oversensitive, or rude, or racist. So I sat.
What can you learn from this? If you speak Spanish, practice a forceful but polite way to express discomfort. A simple “Puedes moverte por favor?” is good to have in your back pocket. If that’s too much, shifting your body with an icy “pardon” (bonus points for a well-placed glare) should work too. Or simply get up and move if you are uncomfortable. I was tired from five straight weeks of traveling Nicaragua and navigating the constant question between deciding if comments were harmless or if they had bad intent. Upon leaving the country, I think I let my guard down a bit and wasn’t expecting this. I didn’t respond with as much strength as I wish I had.
I want to share my experience with you so that you can be prepared. But the last thing I want to do is have my one bad experience to dissuade you from visiting Nicaragua. This is nothing that wouldn’t happen to women elsewhere in the world, sadly. I spent 5 weeks visiting over 10 different cities in the country and this was the only experience that left me unsettled. So please go to Nicaragua — but just have a snappy fuck-off response in your back pocket, and be ready to use it.
Give trust freely, but cautiously
Like I said above, I don’t want one bad experience to sour you on Nicaragua or Nicaraguans. Nicas are extremely kind and helpful people, quick to assist, give direction, and support you in times of need. There’s no reason to distrust locals. Generally, if you are traveling as a solo woman, people want to point you in the right direction and ensure you have a positive experience in their country. I was always helped to the correct bus, never overcharged on public transportation, given the right change, etc. during my travels.
In my opinion, the risk of scams in Nicaragua is smaller than in Belize and Guatemala, and the people of Nicaragua are generally very honest and kind. But keep in mind this one rule of thumb: if you get a bad feeling from someone — it’s probably for a reason. Walk away. Ask around and get another opinion. Ignore. Being safe is always — always — more important than being polite.
No matter what, travel insurance is a great idea — I use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance when I’m traveling abroad.
So, is Nicaragua safe? I’d say yes, definitely, but never ignore that voice in your head. It’s often right.
Have you traveled in Nicaragua? What has been your experience and your perception of safety in Nicaragua?
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
You’re flying over a lagoon with countless shades of cerulean and turquoise, dotted only by a few small islands. The islands are so small that from this height, they almost don’t even look like islands– just ribbons of electric blue paint on the dark blue canvas of the Indian ocean. The earplugs in your ears muffle but don’t drown out the rhythmic thrum of the propeller plane outside your window. You’re seated so close to the pilots you can practically smell their aftershave.
For the first time in your life, you actually don’t ever want this plane ride to end.
But, as with all good things, it’s over quickly, a mere 30 minutes after departing Male’s seaplane airport. The barefoot pilots kick their sandals back on as they begin fiddling with the controls and preparing for landing. The color of the water changes dramatically as you get closer and closer to the surface. Finally, with a controlled skid of a landing on the turquoise water, you’ve arrived at your island home paradise for the next few days.
A smiling staff is waving, alluring fresh coconuts adorned with purple-specked orchids cradled in their arms for your arrival.
…. Raise your hand if you could use a tropical vacation right about now.
***
The Kanuhura Experience:
Let’s backtrack a bit here: how did I, a former New York City public school teacher, end up at one of the Maldives’ top 5 star resorts?
I was invited to speak on the subject of storytelling and authenticity in destination marketing at the inaugural World Travel Writers’ Conference. Naturally, I extended my stay so that I could explore a bit more of the Maldives after the conference. I stayed at four resorts during my two weeks in the Maldives, all lovely in their own right, and each perfect for a different kind of traveler: one for the budget-conscious, another for the trendy and nightlife-centric, another for surfers.
Yet of all the places I stayed, I can definitely say hands-down that Kanuhura is the most luxurious and boutique-feeling option. With a small size of only 80 villas (other places I stayed numbered well into the hundreds), the attention to detail in Kanuhura is unmatched.
In addition the beautiful rooms, our villa came with a private plunge pool just a few minutes walk from the white sand beach. On the beach, we had two private lounge chairs and umbrella, also just steps from our villa.
This was one of the best locations on the island because we had sunset views every single night. This being the Maldives, there are — of course — overwater bungalows as well, which face the sunrise. But I quite loved our little private pool facing the beach, particularly because of those fiery Maldives sunset shows.
All the villas are all attended by a personal villa host and cleaned twice a day. At first, this seemed excessive, but I grew to greatly appreciate how there was never any sand in the villa — one of my biggest pet peeves about being in beachy locations. Oh, and the nightly dessert treats definitely didn’t hurt 😉
What I loved most about Kanuhura was how it provides luxury without pretense. Ultra-luxury can make me a bit uncomfortable — afraid I’m going to break something or do something uncouth (both very probable). But Kanuhura is laidback; its mission to is balance the carefree spirit of bohemians and the understated sophistication of the jet set. They have an official “no news, no shoes” policy — going barefoot everywhere along the island is encouraged — even to dinner.
They offer a balance of luxe and adventure, from a range of holistic and ayurvedic treatment options in their spa as well as a variety of land- and water-based adventure activities.
Let me say that while I don’t typically live an exceptionally luxurious lifestyle, I am an absolute fiend for massages and no matter what my financial situation is, I always schedule at least one monthly massage. I’ve gotten massages all around the world — in probably well over 20 countries at this point — and I can say that hands down, the massage I had at Kanuhura’s spa was the best of my life.
If you’re more into adventure than massages and spa treatments, Kanuhura’s still got your back. Snorkle in the vibrant house reef or take a boat dive with their on-island dive school. The more adventurous amongst us can even try jet skiing, wakeboarding, or windsurfing. I prefer what I’ve deemed “soft adventure,” so I stuck to exploring their pristine house reef and doing sunrise yoga.
The pain of waking up early for sunrise yoga was quickly fixed by an amazing in-villa breakfast (or should I say in-pool breakfast?) complete with champagne and tropical fruit because hey, you only live once.
The food at Kanuhura is a whole different level as well — easily my favorite of all the 4 resorts I stayed at. The breakfast selection was insane: I literally had sushi for breakfast every day, complete with miso soup, fresh fruit, and of course — mimosas!
There are 8 restaurants, ranging from Asian fusion (we had some delicious curries and sushi there), to amazing Italian pastas, to fresh fish, to more casual salads, sandwiches, and juices.
My favorite of all the restaurants was probably Drift, their deserted island restaurant — the tuna shown above was ordered there.
When Yulia and I went, we were literally the only two people dining on the island — and with the chefs and waiters, there couldn’t have been more than 6 people on the entire island! It’s easy to get there — just a short 5 minute boat ride from the main island of Kanuhura — but it feels a world away.
I’d be remiss not to mention all the amazing places to relax and lounge around the island. While you could very easily and very happily shut yourself in the privacy of your own pool or overwater villa — there are so many wonderful places to get some sun, swim, or socialize with a drink all around the island.
The main pool has a swim-up bar — of course! — with some delicious and insanely creative cocktails made with herbs from Kanuhura’s very own garden. And of course, the pool has an ocean view as well.
The sunset bar area is also fantastic and definitely worth mentioning. There are countless areas to lounge and relax here and the aesthetic is simply gorgeous.
One of my favorite and most unique touches about this bar area is that you can organize a “make-your-own-mojito” station in one of the little teepee-style covers. A bartender will come and show you how to make all different sorts of flavored mojitos — we tried the standard mint, pineapple, and passionfruit — before allowing you to strike out on your own.
In the spirit of full disclosure, we were both pretty awful at making our own mojitos — the ones our bartender made us were far, far better! But it was fun to make it ourselves nonetheless, and I’m sure that people who go a little less rum-crazy than we did would have a much better shot at making their own mojitos.
For parents who are traveling with kids, they’ll be happy to note that Kanuhura has a kids club on the island, so there’s plenty of fun to be had by little kids and adults alike.
A Note on Sustainability:
As with many hotels in the Maldives, Kanuhura is taking drastic steps to decrease their carbon footprint. In particular, they are doing an excellent job at reducing plastic usage across the board. I can’t recall seeing a single piece of plastic during my stay.
The straws are all made of sturdy paper — a major improvement over plastic straws, which often end up stuck in sea turtle noses and inside fish and shark stomachs. They’ve also completely eliminated plastic water bottles by having an on-site water desalination and purification plant on site. They’re also making an effort to reduce reliance on cargo ships bringing in produce from overseas by growing their own herbs and some fruits in their on-site Chef’s Garden.
They’re also doing great work to reduce pollution and ensure the health of their in-house reef. I saw many beautiful and healthy fish during our snorkel around the reef, which I feel is testament to the work Kanuhura is putting into keeping these reefs pristine for future generations of guests to enjoy.
Cost:
Offering 5* luxury in the Maldives, Kanuhura does not come cheap — nor is it as expensive as its some of its fellow 5* neighbors. Doing a quick search, I was able to find prices in March as low as $865 per night, half board (breakfast & dinner) and June for as little as $661 per night (room only). While this isn’t cheap, it offers a great value compared to other 5* resorts in the area. I recommend booking directly through their website as that’s where I found the best prices. Keep in mind this does not include the return seaplane transfer, which costs an additional $550 per person.
Their peak season is Christmas, so don’t expect to find any reasonable prices in this time period, when rooms soar up to $1700 per night!
I’d recommend traveling in the shoulder season. I spent two weeks in the Maldives in mid-September, which is technically the rainy season (it runs from May to November). However, it barely rained at all during my 2 week stay. Most of that is luck, but in general, the rainy season in the Maldives is incredibly unpredictable — now moreso than ever due to climate change. You can have storms for days — or you can have perfectly blue skies nearly all day with an occasional shower for a few minutes.
It’s a risk to take (and Kanuhura plans for rainy day contingencies with a lot of indoor activities) but if you are dreaming of a 5* Maldives experience — there’s no better time to get a good deal.
Are you planning a Maldives trip? Let me know in the comments!
Note: I was a guest of Kanuhura and the World Travel Writers’ Conference during my time in the Maldives. All experiences and opinions are entirely my own.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Montenegro is a small country and one of the newest in Europe (and even the world), having only declared independence in 2006. While often overshadowed by Croatia, its neighbor to the North, Montenegro is more than worth a visit.
For one, it has the same coastline as Croatia – yet with a fraction of the tourists: 2 million to Croatia’s 12. For another, the prices are about 30% lower.
But most importantly, it’s got some of the most amazing terrain of any country in Europe. From the fjord-like slopes of Kotor to the beautiful mountains in Durmitor and the deepest canyon in Europe, Montenegro may be the 10th smallest country in Europe, but around every corner I feel like I found a view more beautiful than the last.
Top Things to Do in Montenegro
1. Get epic views from the Castle of San Giovanni
Tip: The light is better earlier in the day!
The Castle of San Giovanni (written Tvrđave Kotora in Montenegrin) has one of the best viewpoints in all of Montenegro… but you have to work for it.
You’ve got to climb nearly 1,400 stairs up to a height of 1,200 meters above sea level. It’s not as bad as it sounds – I was sore from having climbed Bobotov Kuk the day before and it still only took me about an hour each way.
While it sounds romantic to go there for sunset, I’d actually recommend doing it closer to sunrise, or at least early morning. When the sun sets behind one of the mountains, the bay quickly gets dark and you lose the best of the views. The shadows also aren’t favorable for photos at that time.
Entrance costs 2 euros, as far as I recall, and is worth every cent!
2. Take an early morning walk around the streets of Old Town
Sure, you can finds streets like this – but you’ll have to set your alarm early
Kotor’s Old Town is beautiful but it can be packed in the afternoon — especially if there’s a cruise ship in the harbor, which there often is in the summer.
If you want to photograph the Old Town without a hoard of tourists, your best bet is to get an early start and go for a stroll while people are still snoozing. I noticed it didn’t start to get busy until around 9:30 or 10 in the Old Town.
3. See the old city walls
Game of Thrones much?
The Old Town of Kotor is surrounded by medieval fortifications up to 10 meters thick. Combined with the natural borders of the rugged terrain, these fortifications protected this ancient city from countless invaders over the centuries.
While earthquakes have damaged some of the walls, they’ve since been restored to their medieval glory, and are one of Kotor’s main attractions.
Staying in the Old Town is a must when visiting Kotor, and of course, Kotor figures highly on any list of the best places to stay in Montenegro.
4. Stroll around the Arms Square (Trg od Oruzja)
Not the worst place to be publically shamed – just saying.
Just off the main gate to enter Kotor is the main square filled with cafés, stone buildings with adorable shutters, and a few landmarks.
The clock tower isn’t as famous as, say, Prague’s astronomical clock, but it sure is beautiful. There’s a little pyramid statue called the “Pillar of Shame.” The story goes that people who were caught doing shameful things would be pilloried here, where the entire town could see.
These days, it’s not much more than a plaque and small statue, but it’s worth a quick peek given its central location.
Kotor is full of cats everywhere, lounging and making this historic city their own – like they’ve been doing for presumably the last 2,000+ years. It’s like the whole city is an open air cat café.
For just one euro, you can visit a quirky, weird museum dedicated to cats and support the local cat population all in one swoop. Just two rooms, you’ll find a small but modest assortment of prints, postcards, and literature dedicated to cats. It’s worth a short visit – maybe about 20 minutes – but given its central location, it’s one of the can’t-miss things to do in Kotor for animal lovers.
6. Stroll along the Bay of Kotor
Blissfully people-free
Most of the photos you’ll see of Kotor are from a high-up perspective… but don’t forget that it’s equally lovely from sea level.
Strolling around the Bay of Kotor – which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 – is a must. It’s especially nice to do around midday when tourists are thronging the Old Town.
7. Check out Montenegro’s “Horseshoe Bend” at Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar straddles two countries, Albania and Montenegro. I’ve seen it on both sides of the border and while it’s stunning to behold on either side, Montenegro by far got the better end of the deal.
Similar to Arizona’s Insta-famous Horseshoe Bend, the lake curves in a near perfect semi-circle around the mountain. It’s on your way to Rijeka Crnojevica, the town mentioned below. It’s easiest to get here on a tour – I did the Full Day tour from Kotor and checked a ton of things to see in Montenegro off my list in one easy day. I normally am not a tour person, but it can be a bit tricky to get to some of the smaller towns in Montenegro and the roads aren’t for the faint of heart.
8. See the famous stone bridge in Rijeka Crnojevica
Perhaps the second most famous bridge in Montenegro
Rijeka Crnojevica is a small town of less than 200 people near Lake Skadar. It’s best known for its super-photogenic double-arched bridge with a small arch window between the two. On a day when there’s little wind and the water is still, you can see a near-perfect reflection.
Built in 1853, this bridge has been untouched by the Balkan Wars and is still in pristine condition. It’s definitely worth seeing as part of a tour or as a stop on your way to Lake Skadar.
9. Explore Skadar Lake
I never get over how much birds look like dinosaurs
Skadar Lake is considered to be one of the best places for birdwatching in all of Europe, with over 280 species calling the lake home.
One of the most sought-after sightings is the Dalmatian pelican — no, not named for the dog with its black and white spots, but rather for the Dalmatia region of neighboring Croatia.
10. See a floating ruined fortress in Lake Skadar
What looks like a sinking fortress – one of the cooler things to see in Montenegro!
When in Lake Skadar, try to find the ruined fortress. You can hire a boat or ask a local and kayak to it.
11. See the “floating church” of Our Lady of the Rocks
The epic – but often crowded – Our Lady of the Rocks
One of the most memorable things to see in Montenegro is the Catholic church floating in the middle of the Bay of Kotor, called Our Lady of the Rocks in English. Trust me – you don’t want to try to pronounce the Montenegrin (it’s Gospa od Škrpjela, if you’re curious/masochistic).
The island was artificially created, apparently over 500 years ago, by Croatian fisherman (hence why there’s a Catholic church in a majority Orthodox country). To get there, you have to go via boat (duh) so I’d recommend doing a tour that combines it with the nearby Blue Cave, which is definitely worth seeing — check prices here.
12. Check out the quaint seaside town of Perast
A great day trip from Kotor
If Kotor is too packed with tourists, nearby Perast, Montenegro is also super picturesque and makes a perfect day trip from Kotor (or even the place to overnight and visit Kotor from by day).
It has similar views of the Bay of Kotor, but with fewer tourists, giving you a better idea of what daily life is like for Montenegrins. The prices are a bit better than in Old Town Kotor, which can feel like a bit of a rip-off if you’re used to Balkan prices (I balked — no pun intended, though I’m certainly proud that I made it now — at nearly paying 10 euro for a pizza).
13. Visit the colorful, often forgotten town of Cetinje
Why aren’t more tourists coming here?
Kotor gets a lot of love, Budva gets a lot of partiers, and unfortunately, a lot of the rest of Montenegro gets short shrift.
The town of Cetinje, which is actually the old royal capital of Montenegro, is one of these overlooked places. In my opinion, it has a lot more charm and history than its actual capital, Podgorica, which sorry to say is one of the most boring capital cities I’ve ever been to.
If you have an extended amount of time in Montenegro, it makes sense to stay in Cetinje for a day or two to see some of what it has to offer and do some nearby day trips, like the trip to Lipa Cave below. But if you’re on a short timeline, the tour I mentioned that brings you to Lake Skadar will also stop by Cetinje.
There’s something I love about exploring caves, and I’m kicking myself for not making time to visit the Lipa Cave on my trip to Montenegro.
This is a perfect side trip if you stay overnight in Cetinje, as it’s located just a few miles outside the city. There are affordable tours you can do or you can arrange for entrance upon arrival if you have a car.
15. Check out the Cetinje Monastery
Even more impressive on the inside
The Cetinje Monastery is just a brief walk from the center of Cetinje and is definitely worth a visit when in this former capital city.
If you’ve never been to an Orthodox monastery or cathedral before, you’re in for a treat — it’s very different than Catholic and Protestant styles that you might be used to, with ornate iconography and lots of rich colors and gold.
Don’t be surprised if you see men, women, and children tenderly kissing photos of saints. This is pretty much the equivalent of Catholics making the sign of the cross and is part of the prayer rituals. Also, I noticed that it’s frowned upon to take photos in most Orthodox churches in the Balkans. Even times when there was no “no cameras” sign, I often was chastised by locals for taking photos inside the church. So do so with caution and respect all signage.
No one can say Montenegrins don’t know how to honor their dead. You have to check out the mausoleum to Petar Petrović, one of the most revered national heros, a former prince, poet, and philosopher. On one of the peaks of Lovćen National Park, they’ve constructed one of the most ornate mausoleums I’ve ever seen.
A 28-ton statue of Petar Petrović rests literally under the wings of a freakin’ eagle, and if that wasn’t enough, he’s chilling underneath a gold mosaic rooftop, protected by two badass statues that remind me of the ancient Egyptian style.
17. See 7 countries (maybe) from the viewpoint on Jezerski Vrh
7 countries seems like a bit of a stretch, no?
Just behind the Negjoš mausoleum is one of the best views in all of the Balkans. In fact, my guide claimed that this viewpoint has views of 7 countries on a clear day: Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, Albania… and some others I’m forgetting.
While I’m not convinced this is true as I couldn’t corroborate it anywhere… it certainly is one of the nicer views in Montenegro!
18. See weird architecture in Podgorica
Some weird apartment buildings in Podgorica
While Podgorica is – in my mind at least – one of the more boring capital cities in the world, it does have a few interesting things to see there. Sorry Podgoricans – I’m sure it’s a perfectly fine place to live, but it just doesn’t offer too much to the tourist. That said, it’s worth a day trip or a one night stay.
To be totally honest, for me, one of the selling points of Podgorica was its strange architecture. What can I say, I’m a sucker for weird buildings — bonus points for a bit of Communist-era decay.
19. Check out the funky radio tower outside Podgorica
Looking a bit like a UFO rising above Podgorica, the Dajbabska Gora tower is one of its more famous landmarks for tourists looking for interesting photo opps.
I could have sworn that the Dajbabska Gora tower was built in the Communist times – but turns out it was built in the 21st century. If you’re interested in architecture, it’s worth a quick look.
While Podgorica’s a bit dull, it’s a must do if you like strange architeecture
I’m a huge fan of Orthodox cathedrals – I love the blinged-out gold interiors and ornate mosaics. What can I say — I’m a bit extra.
It’s a new cathedral (construction started in 1993), as many in the region are. After decades of state-imposed atheism, I’ve noticed that it’s pretty common for Balkan countries to celebrate the end of Communism by building new religious monuments.
While countries in former Yugoslavia like Montenegro never so bad as say, Albania, where countless historic churches were destroyed, there’s still been a resurgence of new and ever more ornate cathedrals throughout the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century.
21. See the picture-perfect Black Lake
Located in Durmitor National Park, Black Lake is one of the most famous sights in Montenegro for a reason. For one, it’s super easily accessible: a simple 30-minute walk from the center of the town of Žabljak.
Despite that, while there are a few tourists taking photos at the most accessible edge of the lake, if you walk around the perimeter a bit further it’s incredibly peaceful and people-free.
22. Wander through the town of Žabljak
I continued hiking on from Black Lake to another less exciting lake, whose name I’ve forgotten now. On my way back, I got a bit lost – but it ended up being a great thing as I wandered through the rural backroads of the town of Žabljak.
There are lots of beautiful trails in Durmitor National Park but my favorite one was the trailhead starting in Sedlo, a town about a 20-minute drive outside of Žabljak.
The landscape was carved by receding melting glaciers over tens of thousands of years — and as a result, it’s left a beautiful variety to the landscape. I kept thinking to myself — “this looks like Iceland!” — “this looks like Scotland!” — “this looks like New Zealand” — before realizing that maybe it’s just a one-of-a-kind place that looks like itself.
24. Hike to Durmitor’s highest peak – Bobotov Kuk
This one isn’t for the faint of heart. It involves about a 4-6 hour roundtrip hike, including a bit where you pull yourself up via cables attached to sheer, steep rock. A whole couple kilometers are up nothing but loose rock, making twisting an ankle a definite possibility if you’re not careful.
That said, I’m a pretty amateur hiker, and I found it possible – though utterly exhausting – to summit Bobotov Kuk. At 2,500 meters, it’s not quite the highest mountain Montenegro, but it does have one of the best views — looking over into Serbia and Bosnia as well as a glacial lake right on the final ascent up.
25. Go rafting in Tara Canyon
While near Durmitor, you can’t miss Tara Canyon: the deepest canyon in Europe and one of the most majestic things to see in Montenegro. And what more fun way to go about it than by an adrenaline-pumping rafting adventure through it?
Unfortunately, when I was in nearby Žabljak, some seriously bad weather prevented me from getting to give it a go. I’m hoping to return to Montenegro this year and finally give it a go!
There are plenty of tour options for rafting the Tara Canyon. I recommend staying in Žabljak and basing yourself there for a couple days, and taking a rafting tour from there (check here for prices). You can also do it as a day trip from Kotor, but that will involve a lot of time in transit and be a lot more costly (check prices here).
26. See the most famous bridge in Montenegro
The Tara River bridge is Montenegro’s most famous, and with good reason: I mean, just look at that landscape and that perfectly arched bridge.
The especially brave amongst us (read: definitely not me) can even bungee jump off it. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 highest jumps in the world. But I’ll keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, thank you.
27. Check out the nightlife capital of Montenegro, Budva
I’ll be honest — I didn’t really love Budva. It felt like a less quaint but just as touristy version of Kotor.
However, different strokes for different folks and yada yada yada. I’d rank going to a nightclub as just above jumping off a bridge on my own personal things to do in Montenegro bucket list. But if you’re into the party scene, Budva will supposedly deliver the best nightlife in Montenegro.
28. See a calmer side of Budva in the morning
That said – Budva’s Old Town is undeniably full of charm, especially if you wake up early enough to see the fortified island Old Town from an inland vantage point.
The contrast of the blue, blue water of the Adriatic against the red-tiled rooftops and rock structures is breathtaking and definitely worth waking up for. It’s like a smaller, less crammed version of Dubrovnik.
29. See the famous “Dancing Girl” statue
Near Mogren Beach just outside Budva’s Old Town, you’ll see the iconic “Dancer of Budva.”
This is a great place to take photos during sunset, as the light over the Adriatic casts beautiful pink and purple glows on the water and Old Town behind it.
30. Check out Jaz Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Montenegro for a reason, Jaz Beach is just outside of Budva and is definitely worth a visit.
While it can get quite crowded in the summer, if you’re there in one of the shoulder seasons, it can be busy but still peaceful. I was visiting Montenegro in the end of September and found the weather to still be pretty lovely with fewer crowds.
31. Party on the beach at the Sea Dance festival
I am decidedly not a music festival person, but my goal in writing a mega-post like this is to show the diversity of things to do in Montenegro – not necessarily show you everything that I personally want to do or did.
While you’ll never catch me dead at Sea Dance, it’s on every July and takes place on lovely Jaz Beach. An offshoot of Novi Sad’s EXIT festival, Sea Dance has gotten acclaim as the “best medium-sized festival in Europe,” and is likely to be slightly less of a shit show than Croatia’s Ultra festival.
32. Visit the lesser-visited beaches of Ulcinj
If you’re going to Montenegro from Albania or vice versa, you’ll likely transit through Ulcinj. But don’t think of it as just a transit point — Ulcinj is beautiful in its own right and is worth stopping for a few days.
The Old Town, the promenade, and nearby Long Beach are all worth a visit!
33. See some of Europe’s only flamingos
Despite being the 10th smallest country in Europe, Montenegro hosts an impressive 50% of all of Europe’s bird species – and surprisingly, one of them is the adorable flamingo.
Yes, you heard correctly – flamingos in Europe. About a 15 minute taxi outside of the town of Ulcinj, Solana Ulcinj is home to salt pans where hundreds of flamingos make their home. Apparently, springtime is their breeding time, which makes it the best time to visit, but you have a good chance of seeing them year round.
34. Ski Montenegro’s mountains
Unsurprising considering its name means “black mountain,” Montenegro has tons of beautiful mountains perfect for winter sports. I visited in the late summer season, but the town of Žabljak where I stayed when hiking in Durmitor National Park is a great winter base.
I’m no skier, but apparently the mountains are perfect for skiing and come at a fraction of the cost of other popular ski destinations. Montenegro’s no Switzerland or Austria – I can tell ya that.
35. Visit a monastery built into a cliff
Photo Credit: Luigi Torreggiani, Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
The Ostrog monastery is probably the most photographed church in Montenegro – if not all the Balkans – for its stunning location quite literally carved into sheer rock face of a cliff.
To go independently, it’s best to take a bus to Nikšić (making this a good stopover to go on your way to Durmitor National Park). From there, cabs cost about 10 euro to get to the monastery. There’s also supposedly a train from Podgorica, but I’ve never taken a train in Montenegro and generally favor buses to trains in the Balkans. You can also take a tour from Budva but predictably, that’ll cost ya.
36. Indulge in café culture
All over the Balkans, café culture is huge. Centuries of Ottoman rule in the Balkans left their mark in many ways – most noticeably seen by the presence of mosques in many places – but also on the food.
Turkish coffee (turkska kafa) is popular, but I’d reckon that espresso has surpassed it in popularity. Either way, coffee is pretty cheap all throughout Montenegro – usually around a euro or euro fifty.
37. Try ćevapi, one of Montenegro’s most famous dishes
Photo credit: Mandic Milan, Wikimedia Commons, (CC BY 3.0)
All over former Yugoslavia, you’ll find ćevapi (sometimes written ćevapčići in other countries). It’s basically a mix of ground beef and pork shaped into skinless sausages, spiced and grilled to perfection. They’re served with anything from fries to pita to grilled or raw veggies (often raw onion, tomato, and cucumber).
I’ll admit, it can get a bit tiresome after a while of traveling through the Balkans, but if you have a short holiday in Montenegro you’ve absolutely got to try it (assuming you’re not a vegetarian — you’ll have a bit of a tough time here).
38. Try Montenegrin wine
Montenegro isn’t known for its wine, but I suspect that’ll change soon.
Their most famous grape is Vranac, a red wine grape, and it’s really delicious. Even wine connoisseur extraordinaire Jancis Robinson is in agreement. The stuff you’ll find in the supermarket for just a few euros is quite delicious, but if you’re a huge wine fan I’d seek out some smaller vineyards and arrange a tasting.
39. Or, go a little harder with some rakija
Rakija is pretty much synonymous with traveling the Balkans. Wondering what it is? It’s essentially a moonshine distilled from fruit, often suspiciously served surreptitiously from a plastic bottle.
Basically every family in the Balkans grows their own version of rakija. In Romania, it’s called tuica; in Hungary, palinka; the rest of the Balkans call it rakija or rakia (note: I know that Hungary is not Balkan but due to its interaction with Romania, it’s absorbed some of Romanian culture and vice versa).
40. Take a day trip to Albania
Perhaps this is cheating a bit – as it’s not in Montenegro per se – but a day trip to one of the most interesting countries in the Balkans isn’t out of reach from the southernmost beach town of Ulcinj.
Shkodra is a mere 2 hours from Ulcinj and is one of the more developed-feeling cities in Albania. People bicycle everywhere, everyone sits outdoors sipping cappuccinos, and there are a wealth of great museums in town.
Where to Stay in Montenegro
When it comes to deciding how to spend your time in Montenegro, I recommend picking some places along the coast (where that be the relatively quiet town of Perast or Herceg Novi, the lively but peaceful Kotor, or the buzzing party-hub of Budva) during your stay, and a few days in the mountains if you plan on doing some hiking. Here are a few recommendations for each major tourist spot in Montenegro:
Perast: The perks of Kotor without the crowds
Travelers on a budget who want a bit of comfort will be enamored with Vila Perast Boutique Hotel, which offers clean, high quality accommodation in one of the most gorgeous towns in Montenegro for an affordable price. Click here for rates, photos, reviews, and availability.
For a luxury option, the Monte Bay Retreat can’t be beaten – I mean, just click here and look at that infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Kotor. It’s practically Instagram gold. The rooms are also beautifully decorated, tasteful yet comfortable. Check rates, photos, reviews, and availability here.
Herceg Novi: Kotor views, Dubrovnik proximity, & quiet nights
How often can you stay in a hotel that’s been converted from a historic train station by a famous director – without paying a fortune? Budget-conscious travelers should run, not walk, for Stanica B&B – Hotel Aurora. Incredible design details plus windows opening up onto the Adriatic -yet a price tag that is surprisingly affordable. Click here for rates, photos, reviews, and availability.
For those looking for luxury, I recommend Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare – Mediterraneo. It has beachfront access, a luxe pool, lovely hammocks where you can swing away the day with a great book, and peaceful white-toned rooms with tons of space to feel at ease. Check rates, photos, reviews, and availability here.
Kotor: The most iconic place in Montenegro
Kotor is one of the most desirable locations in Montenegro but even that being said you can still find some great options in the city for an affordable price. Hotel Marija is simple yet comfortable for couples or solo travelers, and offers affordable prices right in the heart of Old Town. Check rates, photos, reviews, and availability here.
For luxury seekers, the Boutique Hotel Astoria in the heart of Stari Grad (Old Town) is a perfect choice. The rooms are dramatically decorated but gorgeous, all the amenities are modern, and the location can’t be beat. Check rates, photos, reviews, and availability here.
Budva: Party with a side of beach
Budva is where Montenegro goes to party, and so you’ll find cheap crash pads as well as ultra-luxe hotel offerings here. Hotel Aruba is a bit outside the city center but offers perks like a pool and cheap rooms (check rates and availability here).
Meanwhile, if you have money to spend, one of Budva’s luxury options is better suited for you. The luxe Hotel Moskva right in the city center is a great option. The rooms are enormous, classy, and luxurious – Check prices, reviews, and availability here.
Zabljak: Quaint mountain escape
Durmitor Bungalowsare ultra-affordable, super cute mini-chalets right in the heart of mountainous Montenegro. Check prices & availability here. If you’re looking for more typical hotel, I recommend Hotel Soa, which you can check out here.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission – at no extra cost to you – if you purchase something using these links. I visited Montenegro in 2016 and to my knowledge the information in this article is accurate – but please feel free to update me if not. Unfortunately, I lost all my photos due to a hard drive corruption (who knew you had to back up your backup?) and so all photos in this article are sourced from Creative Commons or Instagram.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
