City Guides

21 Epic Day Trips from Sedona, Arizona

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Red rock landscapes of Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona

There’s a lot to do in Sedona — so much so that you need at least 2 days in Sedona to even start to see some of its best sights!

From the beautiful buttes of Bell Rock to the hiking trails among Cathedral Rock, from the Tlaquepaque market to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the Arizona high desert. 

You’ll find all sorts of typical Southwest landscapes in Sedona, but the landscape in Arizona quickly changes.

Landscape near sedona at sunset with beautiful reflection

Drive 10 minutes north and you’ll find rugged canyon landscapes in Oak Creek Canyon.

Drive 30 more minutes and you’ll be spat out in Flagstaff, a funky little mountain city right on Route 66, surrounded by Ponderosa pines. 

Driving further afield from Sedona will bring you out of Red Rock Country and into a volcanic crater and lava tubes.

You’ll find the ruins of Native American villages, ghost towns that were once booming mining towns, to the Grand Canyon and so much more. 

Let’s go see what an Arizona road trip has to offer!

Best Day Tours & Day Trips from Sedona

Oak Creek Canyon

A trail through the Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona with cliffs and water and greenery

Drive Time: 10 minutes

Just a few miles north of Sedona, the landscape quickly changes, and in just the blink of an eye, you can quickly be in Oak Creek Canyon, considered “a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon.”

You can visit independently easily. Head north on AZ-89A until you reach the turn off for Oak Creek Canyon.

Cross the creek and park your car, and then walk a short distance to Oak Creek Canyon, where you can marvel at the beauty that this miniature Grand Canyon has to offer.

Tip: This is one of the most beautiful places to go in Sedona in winter, when there are all sorts of icicles and beautiful snowy features!

If you go by Jeep tour, it takes about 1.5 hours for the guided tour from start to finish. You’ll start at the center of the canyon, looking up at 1,500-foot tall cliffs above you that were formed by being at the heart of a fault line.

Then you’ll head up on paved roads over 2,00 feet until you reach the South Rim of the Colorado Plateau, where you’ll enjoy an amazing view before being swept back to Sedona.

Book your Jeep tour online!

Slide Rock State Park

The natural "water slide" of Slide Rock State Park with mountains around it and cool water running through Oak Creek

Drive Time: 15 minutes

Slide Rock State Park is just a few more miles up the road on AZ-89A, so if you are doing a self-drive day trip to Oak Creek Canyon, it’s very easy to combine this as well. 

There are several easy trails you can take in Slide Rock State Park for a little hike out in nature. For an easy paved trail, check out the Pendley Homestead trail, which is just a quarter-mile and super-level. 

You’ll see the historic Pendley Homestead House and the original apple orchards and a barn where the apples were packed.

For another easy hike, take the Slide Rock Route. It’s only 0.3 miles and will lead to a natural “water slide” of sorts on Oak Creek, which is a popular place for people to relax on hot Sedona summer days.

Red Rock State Park

red rock formations of sedona with green trees in the foreground and two towering formations in the distance

Drive Time: 15 minutes

Red Rock State Park is located to the south of Sedona by about 15 minutes by car. It’s full of awe-inspiring landscapes and is home to 5 miles of hiking trails.

One of the best hikes is Eagle’s Nest, a 1.5-mile return hike that leads up a hill with an incredible view of the larger Sedona area. 

There’s a slight incline as you gain about 300 feet, so it is a moderate hike, but the spectacular views are quite worth it!

For a different kind of hike, check out the Kisva Trail. It’s shorter, about 0.7 miles, and you’ll pass high desert flats and then enter the riparian zone of Oak Creek. 

You’ll cross the creek a few times and be covered in shade throughout most of the hike, so it’s a good choice for a hot day or for someone looking for a family-friendly hike.

Cottonwood

A Syrah vineyard sign during winter near Cottonwood in Arizona, USA

Drive Time: 25 minutes

Who knew that just a 25-minute drive from the red rocks of Sedona’s high desert, you’d be in Arizona wine country?

Old Town Cottonwood has tons of tasting rooms, or you can visit some vineyards in the Cottonwood area for wine tasting. 

There are also more wineries in the Jerome and Clarkdale area, part of the Verde Valley wine trail.

For some nature, the Dead Horse Ranch State Park is right there in Cottonwood and it’s a lot more beautiful and a lot less foreboding than its name would suggest! 

It’s located right on the Verde River and it’s a stunning place for a walk after exploring the historic downtown area and enjoying some of the tasting rooms and art galleries in Old Town Cottonwood.

If you plan to do several wineries, I suggest going on a wine tour so that no one in your party has to abstain or run the risk of driving under the influence. This is a highly-rated wine tour that leaves from Sedona!

You can also do a combination wine + Jeep tour departing from Sedona. It only includes one winery, Alcantara, but you can taste 5 different wines there and then be back in Sedona in only a quick 2-hour excursion.

It’s great if you have limited time, but still want to see a little more than just downtown Sedona.

Book your wine tasting + Jeep tour online here!

Jerome

Abandoned mountain town of Jerome, a mining boom town in Arizona

Drive Time: 35 minutes

Once called the “Wickedest Town in the West” for its corruption and debauchery, Jerome was a mining boomtown due to its immense copper mine, which produced over 3 million pounds of copper each month.

Jerome was a large city, at one point the fourth-largest in all of Arizona, up until after World War II. When wartime demand dried up, so did demand for copper. 

The mine closed in 1953, its population of 15,000+ people dwindled down to just 50 or 100. 14 years later, it was designated as a National Historic District and promoted as a historic ghost town. 

Today, things are a little more lively — the population numbers around 450, and there’s a large community of artists and companies which cater to tourists. Jerome is now considered one of the largest ghost towns in America!

You can drive to Jerome easily with about 35 minutes of drive time. Also located in Jerome is the Tuzigoot National Monument, a pueblo ruin atop a ridge above the Verde River.

This pueblo was built by the Sinagua people, who began settling the Verde Valley around 1,400 years ago. 

This particular pueblo was built around the 11th century, but construction on it continued up until the 14th century, suggesting continual habitation up to that point.

Historians believe the Sinagua people abandoned these settlements while making a journey towards Northern Arizona, where they dispersed into different Native tribes, including Hopi, Yavapai, and Zuni. 

If you don’t want to drive (or prefer some historical context along with your sightseeing), there are tours available that cover both Jerome and Tuzigoot National Monument departing from Sedona. It’s a full day trip that takes about 6 hours.

Book your Jerome + Tuzigoot tour here!

Montezuma Castle National Monument

The scenic Montezuma Castle carved out of a cliff, a pueblo cliff dwelling of the ancient Indigenous peoples of Arizona

Drive Time: 35 minutes

Another historical legacy of the Sinagua people, this is perhaps the most impressive Native American ruin in Arizona. 

The construction of this “castle” looks similar to the Puebloan cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, though smaller in scale.

Not so much a “castle” as a sort of “prehistoric high-rise apartment complex“, this dwelling has about 5 stories and 20 rooms, which were built up between 1100 and 1425, before being abandoned in the same migration north that Tuzigoot experienced.

While visiting Montezuma Castle, be sure to also visit Montezuma Well, about 15 minutes away. This limestone sinkhole (similar to the cenotes of Mexico) is really beautiful, although you are not allowed to swim here!

Ther are caves surrounding the Montezuma Well which show that this was another place where the native Sinagua people were living before their migration.

This is one of the best day trips from Sedona for those interested in Native American history, and it’s easily paired with Tuzigoot National Monument if you are self-driving, as the sites are about 40 minutes apart by car.

Flagstaff

historic center town of flagstaff arizona on a partly cloudy day

Drive Time: 45 minutes

Flagstaff is one of the most obvious Sedona day trips for a number of reasons. Less than an hour drive away from downtown Sedona through a beautiful pine forest, Flagstaff has so much to offer travelers.

In terms of nature, Flagstaff has a ton to offer. You can forest bathe in the world’s largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest, ascend to the San Francisco peaks via the Arizona Snowbowl chairlift, or take a section hike on the AZT, the 800-mile trail that runs through Arizona from Utah to Mexico.

The Coconino National Forest is home to great opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Another great outdoor activity in Flagstaff is ziplining with Flagstaff Extreme! It’s a ton of fun and an experience I recommend wholeheartedly.

Other great things to do in Flagstaff include enjoying all the great breweries in town, ambling along Flagstaff’s stretch of Route 66 by foot or by car, and enjoying the historic downtown area.

But there’s no need to stay down to earth: Flagstaff is also home to the Lowell Observatory, a famed planetarium where Pluto was first discovered! 

Of course, the observatory is best visited at night, so this may not be the best day trip option, but planning an overnight excursion to Flagstaff that includes some time touring the observatory would be a fantastic option for space enthusiasts.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Native American ruins in Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona, with a hiking path going past them.

Drive Time: 55 minutes

Walnut Canyon is another cool site that combines geology and archaeology, where you can visit a Native American pueblo and also admire the canyon in which it was built.

Take a stroll down the 1-mile Island Trail, which allows you to pass 25 individual cliff dwellings that were last inhabited some 700 years ago.

Note that while the trail is short, it is a bit difficult and it’s not accessible. The elevation is well above 7,000 feet, and the trail descends and then ascends 185 vertical feet via stairs on steep terrain. 

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Colorful volcanic hill near sunset crater in Flagstaff Arizona with lots of trees

Drive Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Located outside of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a really beautiful and unique place where the Ponderosa pines give way to a volcanic landscape.

There are several beautiful hiking trails in the National Monument site, where you can explore the volcanic landscapes. 

An easy trail is the A’a Trail, a quarter-mile trail showing the basalt lava rock formations of the Bonito Lava Flow which occurred almost a millennium ago. 

If you need a paved, accessible trail, the Bonito Vista Trail is a great option too, only 0.3 miles round trip and paved over the cinders.

For a more difficult hike, take the Lava’s Edge trail, a 3.5-mile moderate hike over loose volcanic cinder and rocky basalt. You’ll see all sorts of incredible sites on this path!

There is a lava tube in the national monument area that used to be able to be walked through, but unfortunately, since it is now beginning to collapse, it is no longer able to be visited.

Wupatki National Monument

Historic Wupatki Ruin at Wupatki National Monument in Arizona, made of red rocks that look like bricks

Drive Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Often visited in conjunction with Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, the fee for Sunset Crater also includes admission to Wupatki National Monument, so you should pair both when doing a Sedona day trip.

This is another Native American archaeological site with ancient pueblos. There are some 800+ ruins in the park, though only 5 sites are open to visitors and accessible via the main road. 

These pueblos were built by the Anasazi and Sinagua Natives during the same time period as the previously mentioned pueblos and were abandoned many centuries ago during the same migration.

Williams

Road sign US road 66 in Williams, Arizona.

Drive Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Williams is considered the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, and it’s also the start of the scenic Grand Canyon Railway. 

It’s also right along Route 66, so it’s a fun destination if you’re looking to drive a stretch of Route 66 from Flagstaff to Williams while visiting Sedona!

A great day trip itinerary would include Flagstaff, Williams, and Grand Canyon National Park in a full-day trip full of scenic drives and natural beauty. 

If you continue on to Grand Canyon Village from Williams, this is the departure point for a lot of epic Grand Canyon helicopter and Pink Jeep tours!

Book your Grand Canyon helicopter or your scenic Grand Canyon Pink Jeep tour here!

Prescott

Yavapai County courthouse in Prescott Arizona

Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Prescott is a charming city near Sedona that makes a great day trip option!

Wander along the historic Whiskey Row full of bars and live music spots, check out the pioneer history at the Sharlot Hall Museum, or learn about the culture of the Southwest’s original inhabitants at the Museum of Indigenous People. 

Nature lovers will love birding at Watson Lake, which also abounds in hiking opportunities. The Prescott National Forest is also right there on the edge of town and offers up 450 miles of trail to choose from!

Prescott is easily paired with other destinations like Cottonwood, Jerome, and Tuzigoot National Monument for an epic one-day road trip from Sedona that covers several historic destinations in one go.

Winslow

Public "standin on the corner" park in Winslow Arizona on Route 66

Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Winslow is another historic Route 66 town in Arizona that is worth a stop if you are driving a stretch of Route 66, such as if you are heading to Petrified Forest National Park.

Winslow is a town made famous by the Eagles in their song “Take it Easy”, where they sing about standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona — and there’s now a Standin’ on the Corner Park to commemorate the song, complete with a statue and a trompe l’oeil mural!

Winslow would be best paired with other destinations on Route 66 like Flagstaff and Holbrook. You can also visit the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark on the way — it’s just a short sojourn off the Mother Road.

Grand Canyon National Park

Orange and red rocks of the Grand canyon from a vista point with a view of the Colorado River winding below

Drive Time: 2 hours

While the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is out of reach for a day trip from Sedona, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is easily accessible within about 2 hours by car. (Read about the difference between the two here)

Considered one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is the world’s deepest canyon, carved out by millennia of erosion of the mighty Colorado River. 

It’s truly a wonder to behold, and if you’re staying in Sedona with no plans to make a larger Arizona road trip, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is the day trip to choose. 

If you only have one day at Grand Canyon South Rim, you’ll have to plan it carefully as there’s a lot jam-packed into one small area of park!

There are a few ways to do a Grand Canyon day trip from Sedona: self-drive, guided tour, and guided tour via train.

Self-driving is relatively self-explanatory. The perk of this is that it’s the cheapest: just hop in your car, drive up through Flagstaff and then head to Williams along Route 66 before turning towards Grand Canyon National Park. 

The other perk is getting to stop however long you want in these side-trip destinations, so you can spend a few hours in Flagstaff and an hour or so in Williams before checking out the Grand Canyon.

If you don’t have a rental car, or don’t want to deal with the drive, there are tons of great day tours to choose from! 

Taking a guided tour takes the spontaneity out of things, but it does also take the stress out, and it puts the onus of driving 4+ hours in a day on someone else! 

There are a variety of guided tours offered from Sedona. This guided tour is the best-rated standard Grand Canyon tour, which includes pick-up, plenty of sightseeing time at the Canyon, and drop-off back at your Sedona hotel.

Book it here!

Sunburst at sunset at Toroweap Lookout at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

For a slightly different option, you can do this sunset tour of the Grand Canyon that also includes dinner. It gets a later start, starting around 11:30 AM, and lasts for 10 hours. 

Expect this to be a long day and to arrive back late at night in Sedona, but as someone who has seen the sunset at the Grand Canyon, I can promise you: it’s absolutely worth it!

Book it here.

The Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad which carries passengers between Williams, Arizona and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Another option is the guided tour that includes the historic scenic train from Williams to Grand Canyon Village. 

This tour includes transit from Sedona to Williams, a one-way ticket (standard or first-class) with entertainment between Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a 4-hour tour of the Grand Canyon (including the East Rim, the Desert View Watchtower, and the Cameron Trading Post on Navajo land), and then return transit via vehicle to Sedona.

Lunch is not included, but there is free time given for lunch, so pack a lunch or be prepared to spend some money on lunch.

Book it here!

Phoenix

Capitol City of Phoenix skyline with some shrubs and desert fauna

Drive Time: 2 hours

The capital of Arizona, Phoenix, makes for an interesting day trip, though it is rather far away from Sedona. 

If you’re visiting Sedona from out of state, most likely you’ll fly in and out of Phoenix International Airport, so perhaps setting aside a half-day to explore Phoenix either coming or going would be the best use of time!

When in Phoenix, don’t miss the stunning Desert Botanical Garden, spread across 140 acres of beautiful land in Papago Park.

Other things to do in Phoenix include checking out the culture. Phoenix is home to a number of great museums including the Arizona Capitol Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, and the Heard Museum of American Indian Art.

Museums are a great way to spend a summer day in Phoenix because summer temperatures here are scorching!

Scottsdale

The city of Scottsdale Arizona at sunset with a small mountain peak in the distance

Drive Time: 2 hours

Scottsdale is part of the Greater Phoenix Area, a large city that sort of acts as a suburb of Phoenix. 

It’s best-known for its resorts and spas, but Scottsdale also has great culture! 

It’s known for its architecture, including the Old Town with its Western architecture and the beautiful Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home, which you can see on a guided tour.

Other things to do in Scottsdale include exploring all the great boutiques, checking out the museums, and enjoying the fantastic eating and drinking scene like on a Scottsdale food tour!

Tempe

Lake in Tempe with bridge and skyline

Drive Time: 2 hours

Another city in the Greater Phoenix Area, Tempe is also worthy of a day trip on your way coming or going to Sedona. 

Enjoy time out on the water at Tempe Town Lake, take a hike in the Sonoran Desert (best avoided in summer unless you can get an early start!), or enjoy the beautiful murals around the city.

Holbrook

Tipi style hotel rooms as part of the Wigwam motel on route 66, a nostalgic place to stay

Drive Time: 2 hours

Holbrook is a worthy stop along Route 66 that makes a good breakpoint on your way to Petrified Forest National Park (another 20 minutes away) or Canyon de Chelley (another hour and 45 minutes).

It in and of itself isn’t quite worthy of a day trip but it is a great waypoint to further explorations from Sedona!

Holbrook is perhaps best-known for its ultra-quirky, slightly culturally-insensitive Wigwam Village, a popular motor lodge along the Mother Road. The design of the rooms are not actually wigwams, but rather tipis, but apparently that didn’t have a cool enough ring to it?

Holbrook is a strange little city full of odd things: an award-winning sake brewery the size of a small garage, a street called Bucket of Blood Street, and lots of kitschy Route 66 stops and shops.

Hopi Nation

Red rock canyon near Hopi Lands

Drive Time: 2 hours

So far, we’ve mentioned a lot of Sedona day trips that involve ancient Native American culture and archaeological sites.

But Native Americans are very much alive and present in Arizona, and the state represents more than 10% of the United States’ entire Native population. In terms of Native populations, California and Oklahoma are the only two states with more Native peoples.

There are several important Native American tribes in Arizona, including the Navajo (Diné), Hopi, Havasupai (Havasuw `Baaja), Quechan (Yuma), and many others.

The best way to experience Native American culture is via a guided tour that benefits the community that you are a guest in, patronizing Native businesses and artists.

This tour of the Hopi Nation is led by a Hopi guide, who will share their culture with you through food, art, and history. 

The tour includes a Hopi meal enjoyed at the Hopi Cultural Center, a tour through the Hopi Museum and Art Gallery, and visits to local artisans who keep tradition alive through basket-weaving, pottery-making, and carving the famous Kachina dolls.


Book it here!

Petrified Forest National Park

Drive Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

This National Park is often overlooked in favor of Arizona’s other two, more famous national parks (it’s hard for anything to compete with the Grand Canyon!), but it’s an absolute beauty worth visiting despite the long drive time from Sedona.

The national park is so named for its colorful array of petrified wood throughout the park, surrounded by the Rainbow Forest to the south and the Painted Desert further out in Navajo Nation. 

You can drive through the park in less than an hour via Blue Mesa Road, but I’d allocate at least 3-4 hours to stop at overlooks, do a few easy hikes, check out the petroglyphs and the Rainbow Forest Museum, and head to the Painted Desert Inn with its Hopi murals on the North edge of the park.

Page (Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon) 

Allison in Antelope Canyon looking up at the slot canyon

Drive Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are easily accessed from Page, Arizona, a small town on the border of Utah and Navajo Nation. 

I strongly recommend visiting Page on a guided tour. The drive time is nearly 3 hours each way, leading to a nearly 6 hour return trip, which is rough for just a day. 

A day tour means you can relax and rest in the car on the way to and from Sedona without having to stress about having to drive and get back to Sedona. 

There are several excellent day tours that visit Page. Depending on what you want to see, you can pick the right tour for you. The most popular option is to visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon together. 

This tour of Antelope Canyon X is the best option because you get all the beauty of Antelope Canyon without the crowds at Upper Antelope or Lower Antelope. 

I visited Lower Antelope Canyon during my last trip to Page and while it was beautiful, the crowds were frankly rather overwhelming!

This full-day guided tour includes a roundtrip transfer; visits to Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, Antelope Canyon X, Cameron Trading Post; and lunch on the tour.

Book it here!

Alternately, you can visit Cathedral Slot Canyon, an even less crowded hidden gem near Page. This tour includes Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam as well, with a picnic lunch at Glen Canyon. 

It doesn’t include Antelope Canyon, but it is a gorgeous slot canyon nonetheless and is definitely worth the trip.

Book your Cathedral Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour here!

Glen Canyon

Glen Canyon rafting destination on the Colorado River

Drive Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Want a more active day trip from Sedona? How does a 4.5-hour float trip along the Colorado River sound to you?

This peaceful float trip doesn’t include rapids, so you can relax as you float through Glen Canyon on a relaxing stretch of the river. Your river guide will tell stories of the geology, wildlife, and Native American history of the region.

At a point during the rafting trip, you’ll be able to stop for an easy hike to spot the Native American petroglyphs, and you can also eat a picnic aside the river after the hike. 

You’ll end the tour at Marble Canyon and Lees Ferry, where you can spot pioneer-era cabins, before heading back to Sedona by air-conditioned vehicle.

Book it here!

Lake Powell

Allison standing in the Lake Powell landscape at Wahweap Overlook

Drive Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Also located near Page, if you want an active day out without a guided tour, you can head to Lake Powell. It is a long drive, so I suggest having another person you can swap driving duty with, since it’ll be about 6 hours of driving over the course of the day!

On Lake Powell, you can do all sorts of water sports: jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, you name it!

You can also combine Lake Powell with a visit to Horseshoe Bend rather easily, because it’s just a short 1.4-mile hike out and back from the parking lot. 

It’d be difficult to try to squeeze in a tour at Antelope Canyon too if visiting independently, so I suggest picking between Lake Powell and an Antelope Canyon tour.

Canyon de Chelley

Canyon de Chelley red rock landscape with a river snaking below it

Drive Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Located in Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelley National Monument is an absolute stunner. It’s like a far less crowded Grand Canyon!

From scenic overlooks, check out the massive spires and sandstone cliffs around the canyon. Take the 25-mile Canyon de Chelley Scenic Drive, or take a short hike out to the Spider Rock viewpoint.

There is tons of evidence of its importance to Indigenous peoples throughout time: you’ll find prehistoric petroglyphs and rock art, as well as ruins of Pueblo villages from centuries past.

Monument Valley

purple and reddish mesas at hunts mesa in monument valley

Drive Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

One of the most photographed stretches of road in the entire American Southwest is located in Monument Valley. 

While technically along the Arizona/Utah border, it’s doable as a day trip from Sedona as long day out, as you don’t mind driving and have someone to switch up driving duties with (or can handle driving 7 hours in a day).

Better yet, you can book a tour of Monument Valley and shift the responsibility for driving on someone else! This tour includes Oak Creek Canyon, Cameron Trading Post, the Painted Desert, and Monument Valley Tribal Park.

In Monument Valley, you’ll see all sorts of buttes and mesas and rock formations, including Rain-God Mesa, the East and West Mittens, the North Window, and more.

Book it here!

13 Epic Day Trips from Geneva (+ How to Get Everywhere)

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Geneva is the start of many people’s trips to Switzerland, due to its busy airport which often has a lot of great flight deals. 

Not only that, Geneva’s perfect location on the border of France and Switzerland means that you can do an abundance of great day trips from Geneva that bring you totally different cultural experiences. 

The ease of access to France thanks to the Schengen area agreement means that a day trip to pop into one of the beautiful villages of Alsace is by no means difficult! 

View of the Jet d'eau water fountain a symbol of geneva seen at sunset in the wintery months of geneva

You won’t even experience a proper border crossing, as there is no passport control between the Swiss and French borders due to the Schengen agreement.

You could certainly spend plenty of time exploring all the things to do in Geneva, such as touring the U.N. and world-class museums, checking out the Jet d’Eau, and taking a steamboat ride on Lac Leman.

With good reason, Geneva is one of the top places to visit in Switzerland for both its beauty and its culture, and it’s full of great things to do. 

However, you can also use it as a base for several beautiful day trips in Switzerland and France. 

Here are 13 of my favorite Geneva day trip ideas to inspire your Switzerland itinerary and beyond!

Best Day Trips from Geneva

Montreux

the beautiful chillon castle (chateau de chillon) on the banks of lac leman (lake geneva), a popular day trip from geneva

WHAT IS IT: One of my favorite towns in Switzerland, this lakeside gem that is home to the Montreux Jazz Fest each year is worth a visit no matter the time of year (and winter has its own delights!)

Whether you visit at the height of summer activity or in the peacefulness of winter, Montreux’s lakeside setting surrounded by a ring of snow-capped mountains (no matter the time of year) is unbeatable. 

WHAT TO DO: The town itself is gorgeous and home to several points of interest, the most obvious of which is Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle) a beautiful medieval castle that sits as a little island right on the bank of Lac Leman. 

It’s one of those places that I’m sure you’ve seen a million times on the internet. It’s one of the most famous Swiss castles, and in a country known for its beautiful castles, that’s truly saying something. 

Besides the Chateau, which is well worth the day trip from Geneva just to see, you can also walk along the Montreux lakeside promenade.

Another great thing to do is check out the museum dedicated to Queen, which is in the studio where Freddie Mercury and the rest of his bandmates recorded several albums), or visit the nearby Chaplin’s World museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin (another famous Montreux ex-resident) in Corsier-sur-Vevey. 

HOW TO GET THERE: The train will take you from Geneva to Montreux quite easily in about an hour and fifteen minutes. 

There are also guided tours which include Montreux and other nearby sights as well, so you can tick a few things off your Swiss bucket list simultaneously.

Book your Montreux + Lavaux vineyards tour here, or your Montreux + glacier tour here!

Lausanne

fancy building in lausanne on an overcast day with a statue in front of it and a green lawn

WHAT IS IT: One of the larger cities flanking Lac Leman (excepting Geneva, obviously), Lausanne is a must-visit city tour for fans of impressive architecture and well-curated museums. 

It’s also one of the easiest cities to visit on a day trip from Geneva due to frequent steamboat connections on the lake.

WHAT TO DO: Built on three steep hills, walking around Lausanne requires a decent bit of fitness (it offers stiff competition to San Francisco and Lisbon), but it’s well worth it!

This city is beautiful everywhere you look. One of its most famous buildings is the Chateau d’Ouchy, a gorgeous multi-turreted, red-roofed castle in the heart of town. 

For fans of museums, Lausanne won’t let you down. Perhaps the strangest museum in all of Switzerland, you shouldn’t miss the Collection de L’art Brut, which features art created by societal outcasts – prisoners, psychiatric patients, and the like – as the collector, Jean Dubuffet, became fascinated with the connection with madness and genius. 

Somewhat patronizingly, he called this work “art brut” (naïve art). The collection numbers more than 50,000 pieces spread across four floors, and it’s undoubtedly a fascinating place to while away a few hours. If you’re a fan of weird travel: this is for you. 

For people looking for a more typical museum, you won’t want to miss the world-famous Olympic Museum which has not only modern artifacts from recent Olympics but even pieces dating back to the original ancient games. 

It’s also really interactive, making it a great place to bring children (the Collection de L’art Brut, maybe not so much!).

You’ll also want to do a wander to the other side of town, on the other side of the train tracks, to see the beautiful Place de la Palud, the heart of Lausanne’s Old Town. 

Here, you’ll see buildings like the city hall, the Instagrammable wooden Escaliers du Marché, the lovely Palais de Rumine (which hosts 5 museums in one building), and other historic towns.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s just 45 minutes by train from Geneva! 

While it seems like the ferry would be a good option, it takes almost 4 hours each way – so it’s  hardly day trip material.

If you do want to take a boat ride one way from Lausanne, I suggest doing a combined bus and ferry tour like this one, which drops you off in Lausanne by bus, gives you some time to explore the city, and then ferries you back to Geneva on a scenic 4-hour boat cruise.

Book your bus + cruise day trip to Lausanne here!

Lavaux Vineyards

vineyards and a town in the distance overlooking the beautiful still blue waters of lake geneva in the town and unesco site of lavaux, a great geneva day trip

WHAT IS IT: If there’s one thing I learned from my weeks in Switzerland, it’s that Swiss wine is freaking delicious and it’s really a shame that more of it doesn’t get exported. Only some 5% of the wine ever makes it out of the country! 

So while you’re in Switzerland, you may as well take advantage of the ease with which you can find these delicious wines. 

After all, who knows the next time you’ll see Swiss wine at your local wine shop or on a restaurant’s wine list? 

Many of the best Swiss wines come from the area around Lake Geneva, particularly in the area of Lavaux – a region so famous and beloved for its wine that it’s quite literally a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 

The vines present date all the way back to the 11th century and were tended by monasteries (both Benedictine and Cistercian) which historically controlled the land around this area. 

The Lavaux area covers 30 kilometers of land around Lake Geneva and produces some fabulous wines, so it’s time to get tasting!

WHAT TO DO: Go wine-tasting, obviously! I don’t recommend driving yourself from vineyard to vineyard for obvious reasons, so I’d suggest going on an organized wine tour of the region such as this one. 

The tour lasts 4 hours and involves a wine tasting, but you’d have to get yourself to Montreux (1 hour by train) in order to do this excursion.

HOW TO GET THERE: Since I don’t recommend going by car unless you have a designated driver (and even then – call the wineries you want ahead of time as most don’t have tasting rooms open all the time), I’d suggest a wine tour like this one offered on Viator. 

Alternately, you can pair it with a visit to Montreux and Vevey as part of a multi-stop tour like on this one (itinerary and details here).

Book your panoramic wine tasting tour in Lavaux or your tour of Montreux, Vevey, + Lavaux here.

Rochers de Naye

the brilliant blue of lake geneva as seen from high above on a mountain, views of small towns around the lakeshore

WHAT IS IT: Switzerland is famed for its scenic railways and one of the best railways in the Geneva area is up to the viewpoint at Rochers de Naye! 

At an elevation of just over 2,000 meters, you’ll get sweeping lake views and incredible hiking trails.

WHAT TO DO: The area around Rochers de Naye is mostly known for its aerial views and its hiking trails. 

You may see lots of different kinds of flowers, depending on the season obviously, and you’re likely to see some of the adorable marmot colonies who call this mountaintop home. 

There is also a panoramic restaurant, Plein Roc, where you can eat with an incredible view!

HOW TO GET THERE: There is a cogwheel railway which runs from Montreux through to Glion and then to Caux to reach the summit. 

The whole ride takes just about one hour from Montreux downtown, and you can buy tickets at the Montreux railway station.

Vevey

the lakefront promenade of the town of vevey in the swiss riviera along lac leman, a beautiful day trip option from geneva

WHAT IS IT: An underrated town on the Swiss Riviera, a visit to Vevey is a great idea if you want to skip the crowds of Montreux or Lausanne, both of which are a little more popular with tourists. 

While it doesn’t have the same major attractions as either of the aforementioned cities, it is well worth a visit for its quaint charm and lakeside beauty.

WHAT TO DO:  The most obvious answer is Chaplin’s World, the Charlie Chaplin museum in his former home. It’s the most famous attraction that Vevey claims, but it’s a tiny bit out of town (though still easily walkable). 

Other than that, there’s a well-regarded photography museum, an odd food-themed museum called Alimentarium (in front, you’ll see a puzzling fork statue stuck into the waters of Lac Leman). 

There is also supposedly a Musée de l’Absurde, which I’m sure is exactly what it sounds like! 

You can also walk a bit to Villa “Le Lac” Le Corbusier which is a minimalist-style house built by the famous Swiss architect in sync with the gorgeous lake surroundings.

HOW TO GET THERE: Located between Lausanne and Montreux, Vevey is an easy train ride away from Geneva, taking just about one hour. 

If you want to see several of the places on this Geneva day trips guide in one go – Vevey, Montreux, and the vineyards of Lavaux, there are full-day tours of the Swiss Riviera that cover all three beautiful destinations in an easy, relaxed day trip. 

Check out 3-in-1 guided tours of the Swiss Riviera here.

Annecy

the famous canals of annecy with a beautiful castle-looking building with a turret in the middle of the canals in this medieval french village

WHAT IS IT: If you’re going to leave Switzerland for any day trip to France, I highly recommend it be Annecy and its canals and houses straight out of a fairy tale! Nicknamed “Venice of the Alps”, its charming canals are a photographer’s dream.

There’s enough to do in the lakeside town of Annecy to give it a few days, but if you just have time to visit it on a day trip from Geneva, some planning (or guidance) can make your time well worth it.

WHAT TO DO: A few of the obvious things are to stroll around the Old Town (Vieille Ville) and admire the houses, getting those gorgeous photos of Annecy that everyone wants to leave with – especially the Palais de l’Isle, the quintessential Annecy snap. 

There’s also the Chateau d’Annecy which was a castle back in the 12th century and is part of the medieval town center, but it is now a museum welcoming tourists. 

Finally, the English gardens of Jardins de l’Europe on the banks of the lake also merit a stroll or even a picnic, or a brisk walk on a winter day.

HOW TO GET THERE: To DIY it, you can get there by Flixbus from Geneva’s Gare Routière Station. 

Alternately, there are plenty of inexpensive day tours from Geneva which offer a little more structure if you prefer to have some context and guidance on your day trip. 

This affordable option is only a half-day tour so you can explore Annecy and still get back to Geneva in time to rest up and have a lovely dinner and walk on the lake at night. 

Check out prices and availability here.

Chamonix & Mont Blanc

red cable car going up a steep snowy mountain to chamonix mt blanc

WHAT IS IT: Want to say you’ve seen Europe’s highest mountain — well, west of Russia’s Mount Elbrus? It’s Mont Blanc in the French Alps.

It’s the 11th highest in the world and while Switzerland’s Matterhorn may have more instant recognizability, Mont Blanc is nearly a thousand feet taller (though it would take nearly a century more for the Matterhorn to be ascended, due to its technical difficulty).

While of course, climbing Mont Blanc itself is out of the question as a day trip from Geneva, you can visit the quaint ski resort town of Chamonix and admire Mont Blanc from there.

It’s a perfect day trip, whether you visit in winter or in summer!

WHAT TO DO: Assuming you’re just visiting on a day trip, a few suggestions would be to see the beautiful glacier Mer de Glace, the third-largest glacier in the Alps.

It is accessible via the Chemin de Fer du Montenvers railway just a 20-minute ride from Chamonix’s center. Alternately, the cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi has incredible views over all of Chamonix.

You can also stroll the pedestrian pathway, Rue du Docteur Paccard, and sit in a café with gorgeous mountain views gorging on coffee and pastries. 

Hikers can make the trip to the photo-perfect Lac Blanc at 2,352 meters above sea level, which can be reached after a strenuous 90-minute walk from the cable car at Flegere.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s quite easy to get to Chamonix via a Flixbus from Geneva’s Gare Routière if you want to tour Chamonix independently. It takes about one hour to get between the two cities. 

Alternately, you could go on a guided day trip which covers the cable car, the Montenvers railway, the glacier, and more with transfer included. 

Check out this Chamonix + Mont Blanc + glacier tour or do this combined Annecy + Chamonix day trip!

Gruyères

a giant swiss castle on a cloudy day with beautiful stonework and turrets and mountains in the distance

WHAT IS IT: If you’re a big fan of cheese, making a pilgrimage to Gruyères – the namesake of one of the world’s most delicious cheeses – is in order.

I mean, is there anything more prominent on any cheese-lovers bucket list?

WHAT TO DO: Besides overdose on lactose? Sights include the 13th-century Gruyères Castle, the medieval village architecture, the gorgeous Catholic Église Saint-Théodule, and the HR Giger Museum which is an art museum inside the castle.

If you go as part of a guided chocolate and cheese-themed tour to Gruyères, you can take the lovely Golden Train to make your commute part of the journey. 

You’ll get to visit a proper chocolate factory, learn to prepare Swiss fondue with the sound of real Swiss cowbells jangling behind you, and explore the sights of Gruyères village. 

HOW TO GET THERE: The most indulgent way is definitely on the Gold Tour with chocolate and cheese tastings! 

You can do the tour accompanied by a travel guide, either with the Gold train included (prices and availability here) or you can save a bit of money by swapping the luxe train for a bus ride (prices here). There are also private group tours.

Alternately, you can DIY a trip to Gruyères by going by public transportation, which takes 2 hours and involves taking two trains and then a bus. 

However, if you do that, you won’t have the option to do the chocolate factory visit or cheese tasting experience. You can visit Maison Cailler independently (learn more on their website here) but it’d be a bit tougher to time and manage.

For that reason, if budget is a concern, I’d recommend against DIYing it and picking a different Geneva day trip instead – there are plenty to choose from!

Évian-les-Bains

the beautiful french village of evian, home of the mineral water, on a sunny day with light clouds, on the waters of lac leman

WHAT IS IT: Yes – this is the town of the famous Évian water! 

it’s famous for its mineral water springs (hence the “bains” in its name, which is French for “baths”) and gorgeous lake setting on the other side of Lac Leman from Switzerland, a 35-minute ferry from Lausanne.

THINGS TO DO: Besides sampling the water from the local springs, there’s a surprising amount of beauty to find around Évian! 

Check out the art nouveau gorgeousness of the Cachat Pump Room, take the fin-de-siecle-era funicular up to the luxe Hotel Royal Evian, visit the Palais Lumiere, or check out the beautiful town hall.

HOW TO GET THERE: While you’d think you could easily go by train, the French and Swiss train connections really aren’t so good. This is why Flixbus dominates the connections between Geneva and Annecy as well as Geneva and Chamonix and Mont Blanc.

Therefore, it’s best to go Lausanne by train first (1 hour) and then get a ferry over, which takes about 35 minutes, about 2 hours total. 

There’s also a private group tour that also includes scenic Yvoire, which is a good deal for a group of 4 people or more, but it would be quite expensive for solo travelers or couples. 

Check prices & availability of the group tour here!

Glacier 3000

a small child in a green jacket and pink pants on a glacier walk in the swiss glaciers and mountains

WHAT IS IT: The nearest glacier to Geneva. 

If you only are visiting Geneva on your trip to Switzerland don’t have time to make it to more impressive glaciers like Titlis and Gorner, make it this one! It’s especially great for kids as it has a lot of activities to enjoy.

WHAT TO DO: A trip to the impressive Glacier 3000 is one of the most popular day trips from Geneva and is best done as part of a tour. 

The trip starts with a transfer from Geneva, then takes you to the cute mountain village of Les Diablerets. From there, you can take a cable car up to a glacier. 

At the glacier, there is a cool suspension bridge that connects two mountains, giving you impressive views of 20+ peaks over 4,000 meters — including the Matterhorn on a clear day! 

Kids will love adding on various activities like a snow bus ride, Alpine coaster, and Peak Walk. As a bonus, you can tack on a visit to Montreux at the end of the trip.

HOW TO GET HERE: There are two tour options at different price points. For a budget-friendly way with fewer inclusions, check out this bus tour to the glacier. 

For a more exciting, all-inclusive trip, check out the Gold Tour which has more inclusions such as the snow bus ride, the cable car, etc.

Book the glacier tour by bus or the Gold Tour with all the extras!

Bern

the beautiful aare river which is turquoise and calm flowing through the heart of the old town of bern, the swiss capital city

WHAT IS IT: The capital of Switzerland is also a downright beautiful place to visit, with the scenic Aare River running right through it in brilliant shades of turquoise.

Check out Bern to see the heart of Switzerland and how this country like no other merges the beauty of nature in with its cityscapes in a way that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

WHAT TO DO: Bern is a vibrant city with plenty to do! The most famous landmark in Bern is the Zytglogge, a medieval clock dating back to the 13th century which shows the centuries-old Swiss fascination with keeping time.

There also fantastic museums in Bern, such as the Einstein Museum and the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts), and a scenic Old Town to explore.

HOW TO GET HERE: This is an easy day trip to DIY, with frequent trains connecting Geneva with the Swiss capital. The train takes about 2 hours and involves no connections.

Zürich

aerial view from one of the churches of zurich looking over the water and the old town of zurich and its bridges on a sunny day with a few clouds

WHAT IS IT: The largest city in Switzerland, Zürich is also Switzerland’s most multicultural city. 

While Bern is the technical capital of Switzerland, Zürich is the county’s cultural capital, and it feels the most contemporary and vibrant.

WHAT TO DO: There’s so much to do in Zürich that it’s worthy of a few days in and of itself, so if you were to visit on a day trip from Geneva, you’d have to make some serious decisions about what to prioritize and what to cut!

Whether it’s window-shopping on the Banhofstrasse, checking out the medieval churches of the 11th and 12th centuries like Grossmünster and Fraumünster, or visiting the Swiss National Museum, you’ll get lots of culture on a day trip to Zürich.

HOW TO GET HERE: Geneva and Zürich handle most of the flight traffic into Switzerland, and as a result, there are several direct trains between the two cities. The train takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes and is very scenic. 

Due to the long train ride, it’s not the first day trip I’d suggest, but it is quite doable!

More Switzerland Travel Resources

Need help planning your perfect Switzerland trip? I’ve written up this Switzerland itinerary for 10 days in the country.

Prefer to DIY your own itinerary? Start with this inspiration for the best places to visit in Switzerland.

I have a day trip guide to Interlaken as well if that’s another city you’ll visit on your trip to Switzerland.

Finally, be sure to check out this Switzerland packing list for all seasons and genders! It’s your one-stop shop for everything you need to bring to Switzerland.

Your Puerto Rico Packing List: What to Wear in Puerto Rico

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With year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches with buttery soft sand, and vibrant city culture, Puerto Rico is the has-it-all destination within a short flight from the U.S. mainland.

Despite not needing a passport to visit, Puerto Rico offers a unique culture all of its own. Puerto Rican culture is influenced heavily by its Taíno roots (the Indigenous people of the Caribbean who pre-dated Columbus’ invasion), as well as African, Spanish, and American cultures: a result of its complex history of colonization, slavery, and its present-day status as a colony by a different name.

This post will focus on what to pack for Puerto Rico and so I don’t want to get too much into such a complex topic here. I wrote a quick summary of Puerto Rican history and things to know before you go on this Puerto Rico travel guide that may be helpful to read before arriving in PR.

Packing lists can be quite personal, and I don’t claim that this is the only or most comprehensive Puerto Rico packing list out there. This is what I’ve personally brought on my two trips to Puerto Rico as a minimalist traveler who still likes to look cute when I travel and bring a few of my favorite products.

I’ve broken this list down into the 10 most essential items to make sure aren’t missing from your Puerto Rico packing list, then I’ve followed it up by what to wear in Puerto Rico for women and men. Finally, there are a few little extras that you should consider when packing for trip to Puerto Rico, located at the end of the post.

10 Essential Things to Pack for Puerto Rico

Reef-safe sunscreen: If there is one thing I hope you take away from this Puerto Rico packing list, I hope it’s this! The future health of the reefs around Puerto Rico depends on the actions you take today. Your choice on what sunscreen to wear has a huge impact on keeping Puerto Rico’s reef system healthy for future generations. When it comes to a reef-safe option, I love SunBum SPF 50 with Vitamin E — it’s moisturizing and soothing for you, and it won’t hurt the animals who call the reefs around Puerto Rico home.

Chemical-free insect repellent: Just like reef-safe sunscreen, it’s critical that the bug spray you use won’t harm the sensitive ecosystems of Puerto Rico, especially when you get in the water! A simple lemon eucalyptus spray like this will keep most mosquitos away without the harsh chemicals which can mess up delicate ecosystems. Spraying your clothes with

An awesome travel towel: An actually-good travel towel changes the game. Let’s be clear: I’m not talking about a sad little microfiber square that might as well be a washcloth. I’m talking a true microfiber beach towel that serves you just as well on a beach day as it does after a long shower. I’m obsessed with this classic red and white striped travel towel from Dock & Bay, which easily knocks off sand in a single shake-out and is made of 100% recycled materials.

Bathing suits you love. When packing for a trip to Puerto Rico, you’ve got to have swimwear you really love — and that loves you back. I love wearing a two-piece, but I often get bloated while I travel and I hate feeling awkward in my swimwear after a day indulging in too much mofongo and lechon. Solution? High-waisted swimsuits! I love this one, and this one is a great plus-size option with a high waist and a classic shape. I would bring 3 swimsuits for one week in Puerto Rico so I never have to suffer the indignity of putting on a wet bathing suit, because no one — and I mean no one — has time for that.

Allison wearing a swimsuit in Puerto Rico
Enjoying Puerto Rico in a cute high-waisted swimsuit!

Comfortable and secure daypack: My everyday backpack is this awesome PacSafe CitySafe backpack – it has a lot of awesome security features that make it insanely useful for city travel. While Puerto Rico is quite safe, pickpocketing can be an issue in cities. Personally, I love the locking zippers and slash-proof construction for peace of mind. Even when I don’t need the security features, I just love this bag because it’s great at fitting all the things I need for my day (mine can fit a camera and several lenses, a drone, my reusable water bottle, some snacks, and a few other odds and ends), and it’s actually — dare I say — cute?

Portable charger: You’ll use your phone battery more than you thought in Puerto Rico – whether it’s using it to take photos or videos, or to navigate as you drive around the country. Bring a portable charger to save yourself many headaches! Anker is a reliable brand and what I personally use as a blogger with approximately 102 different gadgets I use – make sure you get one that can hold several charges at once so you don’t have to charge it every single night.

Motion sickness tablets: Many activities in Puerto Rico have you out on the water, which can be tough for people like me who are prone to seasickness and motion sickness! I always pack non-drowsy motion sickness tablets and keep them on hand for days on the water and on long car drives.

Medications from home: Anything you need at home, you’ll likely need on the road. Don’t risk not being able to get the medications you need abroad. Just bring them, and double check that you have them before leaving.

Travel insurance. While this isn’t something you would literally pack for Puerto Rico, travel insurance is really important and should be part of the packing and planning process! Travel insurance covers flight delays and cancellations, as well as personal travel safety against incidents, theft, and illness. I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for years and recommend them highly for travel in Puerto Rico (and anywhere, frankly — I’ve trusted them with my safety for 5+ years across 60+ countries!). The contract is very clear as to what it covers, the prices are affordable, and the deductible is low if you find yourself needing to make a claim. Trust me, you’ll wish your health insurance was this good. *cries in Kaiser Permanente*

What to Wear in Puerto Rico (For Women)

El morro old san juan
A Saturday stroll at the El Morro grounds in Old San Juan

3-5 lightweight summer dresses: Dresses are great for the hot and often sticky Puerto Rican humid weather. Since they’re lightweight, they pack up nice and small, so feel free to throw a few extras in your bag so you have more options. Since you’ll likely end up wearing one or two as a beach cover-up, having some extras is nice. I like this classic striped dress, but pick whatever you are most comfortable in!

Bike shorts (optional): If you’re a thick-thighed woman like myself, you won’t want to wear dresses without these! Chub rub can ruin your day, so come armed and equipped. I like these Undersummers bike shorts for wearing underneath longer dresses — they come in inclusive sizing up to 5XL and are comfy with no inner thigh seams, which should be a “duh” for designers but often isn’t.

Bandelettes (optional): When I want to wear something cute and short like a minidress, I love these Bandelettes. The plus of the Bandelettes is that unlike short-short bike shorts, they won’t ride up and bunch, so they end up being a lot more comfortable. Plus they allow you to breathe, if ya know what I mean.

5+ tees & tanks: You will sweat a lot in Puerto Rico, so opt for black, navy, and other dark colors. Yes, they attract heat, but they also avoid the telltale yellow pit stains that seem to be my constant vibe whenever I attempt to wear white. If you wear white, make it loose and drapey. I love this simple blank tank.

1 pair jeans: While during the day I felt too hot in jeans, I did occasionally wear my pair of jeans at night and was happy to have one pair in my bag. I like a light-wash, high-waisted pair like these cute and classic Levi’s.

2-3 pairs shorts: I suggest one pair of denim shorts (cuffed or cutoff) and one or two pairs of linen or cotton shorts. Avoid polyester as it doesn’t breathe and you will hate yourself. I suggest these affordable 100% linen shorts! Note that linen wrinkles easily, but if you hang it up in your bathroom while you shower, a lot of the wrinkles will easily shake out and smooth out.

2-3 skirts: I suggest bringing one black skirt and one printed skirt for flexibility. I especially love having midi or maxi length skirts, which feel great and coincidentally look nice in photos. As a bonus, the extra fabric around your legs traps some cool air, making you feel less hot, plus it gives you some extra coverage. I adore this polka dot midi skirt, which looks amazing with some tan sandals, and this twirl-worthy pleated midi comes in a gorgeous selection of colors!

1 pair sneakers: On days when you’re walking around San Juan and all its cobblestones, it’s nice to have a pair of sneakers that can handle the abuse that cobblestones dish out. I always add my pair of black Nikes to every packing list, as I find they look cute even worn with my dresses, and I’m all about having options!

2 pairs sandals: I suggest bringing one pair of rubber flip flops like these Havaianas and another pair of more stylish or dressy sandals. I’m obsessed with my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals and will never go back. If you buy new Birks, though, be sure to break them in for 2-3 days before you travel, as they mold to form to the exact shape of your foot! They’ll be slightly uncomfortable at first, but trust me, they quickly will become the sandals you never want to take off.

Sandals so nice, I’ve bought them twice!

1 pair heels (optional): I don’t like to dance but I know many travelers plan for a night out in San Juan dancing the night away. If you enjoy dancing in heels, then I’d bring a comfortable pair with you. If you don’t plan to go dancing, then leave these at home – I did, gladly!

1 rain jacket: Even if you don’t plan on traveling in the rainy season (which runs April through December), sometimes the weather has other plans. I love my Marmot rain jacket as it’s lightweight, practically impermeable (tried and tested in rainy NYC biking conditions), and has underarm zips which you can open to vent on hot, humid rainstorm days.

1 lightweight cardigan: Just in case you get cold at night, are battling some extra persistent mosquitos, or want a little extra coverage, a cardigan is good to have. You likely won’t need it in Puerto Rico, but it’s good for the plane. I’d opt for a slightly longish, light-colored open front cardigan.

1-2 bras: I personally brought 1 regular bra and 1 sports bra and switched between the two.

7+ pairs of underwear: You can arrange laundry on the road, but I recommend avoiding it if you only have a week in Puerto Rico or less. If you want to avoid laundry, just bring enough underwear for the duration of your trip.

Socks: As needed for wearing with sneakers.

1 sunhat: Not just for the ‘gram, you’ll want a sunhat as it’ll give your face extra SPF and keep the rays off your face.

Sunglasses: Bring an inexpensive pair or two, or prescription from home if you’re blind as a bat like I am.

What to Wear in Puerto Rico (For Men)

Full disclosure: I’m not a man, nor do I have strong opinions or experience with men’s clothes, so these are guidelines more than actual product recommendations.

This guide is really aimed more at addressing what to wear in Puerto Rico for women since that’s my personal experience, but I’ll throw in some suggestions without much commentary in case it is helpful.

  • 5 short sleeve Ts
  • 2-3 pair jeans or pants
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 1 pair of underwear for each day of your trip
  • flip flops or comfortable walking sandals
  • sneakers
  • 1 pair nicer dress shoes if you have a nice dinner/night out
  • 1 nicer button-up shirt for nights out
  • waterproof rain jacket
  • swim trunks
  • 1 lightweight sweater
  • 3-5 pairs of socks
  • sunglasses
  • any other popular travel accessories for men

Other Things That Need to Be on Your Puerto Rico Packing List

Basic toiletries: This is highly personal, but for me, I need to bring the following: shampoo, conditioner, facial moisturizer, facial sunscreen, and all my little serums. Shoutout to my permanent sidekick, the Valo Vitamin C serum from Lumene, a cruelty-free Finnish brand, which is currently working overtime undoing all the sun damage I unleashed on my poor twenty-something skin before I realized the importance of preventing sun damage and am now seeing in my thirties.

Deodorant: This deserves a separate category, always and forever. I readily admit I am often sweatier than I have any right to be, but I’m obsessed with Secret clinical strength deodorant. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to go with a more natural formation, but I’ve often ended up sweat-drenched and rank within hours. This is the only thing that holds up to hot weather travel for me.

Hand sanitizer: The thing we’ll never travel without again! I like these small Purell bottles for travel.

Menstrual cup or your favorite tampon/pad brand (if applicable). I switched to a menstrual cup for travel 5 years ago and haven’t looked back! I started with DivaCup, and now I like the FlexCup for its tampon-like pull tab which makes it easier and cleaner to remove. While it may seem awkward at first to the uninitiated, I don’t have to change my cup for at least 8 hours even on heavy days when a tampon will last less than 2 hours. I’ve never leaked once in 5 years — can you say that for tampons? That said, you do you, and if you will feel more comfortable in tampons or pads, bring ’em.

Razor (if applicable): Bring a high-quality razor for a close shave that won’t irritate your skin — disposables are wasteful and cause irritation.

Ebook reader: I love having a Kindle Paperwhite for travel (the new ones are waterproof!) but if you don’t think you’ll be doing much reading on your Puerto Rico trip or your flight over, then you can give this a pass.

Travel camera or smartphone: I use a Sony A6000 because it’s lightweight for a professional caliber camera, relatively inexpensive in the wild world of professional-grade cameras, and a nice step up from a smartphone. I like having a zoom lens and a prime lens to maximize what I can capture, but if you have to pick just one, I’d pick a zoom lens. The kit lens on the A6000 isn’t bad, but the 16mm-70mm f4 Zeiss zoom lens uplevels it massively. However, smartphones are getting better every day, and the new iPhones with their telephoto and wide lens capabilities are pretty amazing, so you might not need a camera if you have a good smartphone!

Well, that just about covers what to pack for Puerto Rico. I hope you found this list and my tips for what to wear in Puerto Rico for women helpful for planning your trip. Did I forget anything that’s on your Puerto Rico packing list? Let me know in the comments!

12 Unique Day Trips from Sofia, Bulgaria

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I lived in Sofia from 2018-2021, and while I’ve since returned home to my beautiful home state of California, I still find myself raving to people about the underrated beauty of Bulgaria.

No one talks about how beautiful Bulgaria is. When I arrived, I was surprised to find some of the most beautiful mountains and mountain lakes in all of Europe, rivaling those of Switzerland and Montenegro.

I walked through historic old towns that didn’t make me homicidal trying to squeeze through crowds of tourists. I explored historic churches and monasteries and Roman stadiums nearly two millennia old.

Everywhere I went, I wondered why there weren’t more people exploring all the beauty of Bulgaria.

The best part is that with the exception of visiting the Black Sea coast, you can do almost anything as a day trip from Sofia.

During my first trip to Bulgaria, I based myself in Sofia for a month in an Airbnb. As a result, I did lots of day trips, leaving early in the morning to maximize my time and coming back at night to avoid paying twice for accommodation.

After living in Sofia for nearly 3 years as an expat, I’ve discovered even more wonderful cities, towns, and natural wonders around Bulgaria that I’m happy to share with you!

Of course, many of these destinations are also suitable for a longer stay, particularly Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo, but they also work as day trips from Sofia.

Unlike most Sofia day trips posts out there — I’ve actually done all these myself, with the exception of Musala because I’m not a very skilled hiker.

While I’ve included a ton of day trips here, there are still plenty of things to do in Sofia, but I always suggest taking a day trip to see some of the natural wonders this region of Bulgaria has to offer.

Planning on visiting Sofia? Since writing this post, I moved to Sofia and started running a travel blog exclusively dedicated to travel in Sofia with a fellow expat. Check out our new blog Sofia Adventures to help you with all your Bulgaria travel planning!

Seven Rila Lakes

If you’re at all into hiking, this is my #1 recommendation of what to do in Bulgaria in the summer and early fall. The Rila Lakes are less than 100 kilometers away from the capital, making it a perfect day trip from Sofia.

If you’re staying at a hostel in Sofia (I recommend Hostel Mostel, which I stayed at in Veliko Tarnovo and loved), many times there will be an organized tour you can easily hop on. If not, you can organize it yourself, but it’s a bit complicated. Take a bus from Sofia to Dupnitsa, then a minivan to the chairlift at Rila Lakes. Get an early start, as the chair lifts end around 4:30 PM. You can also take an organized tour to Rila Lakes. When I went, I took a group shuttle that my Airbnb host helped me organize, and I paid 12 leva each way.

The hike will take about 3-5 hours, not including the time you need to wait for and take the agonizingly slow chair lift (you can walk from the lift station to where it drops you off, but you’ll need to add a few more hours to your hike). The lift costs 10 leva one way, 18 roundtrip, and entrance to the Rila Lakes is free.

Rila Monastery

Despite sharing a name with the Lakes, these two places are not actually that close together. Originally, a friend and I rented a car, hoping to do both in one day — way overly ambitious, as there was simply no chance of that happening!

The Rila Monastery is stunning, and I don’t know what’s more beautiful: the church or the open terraced monastery where the monks live that encases the church and courtyard.

My friend Stephanie and I rented a car, which ended up being a good choice — we also got to explore the crazy unofficial junk museum/hoarder’s den in Kocherinovo, eat at a lovely restaurant where I nearly destroyed my throat choking on a fish bone, hike the Stob’s pyramids, and stop at a mall for sushi because apparently, that’s what you do when traveling in Bulgaria.

If you don’t have a friend to split a rental car with, it’s best to book a guided tour, as there is only one bus to and from every day, and it only gives you about two hours at the monastery.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv is worth an extended visit all on its own, but if you have limited time in Bulgaria, a day trip from Sofia is a great option (then come back and explore it more!).

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continually habited cities in the world, and it’s definitely one of the oldest in Europe, with artifacts found dating as far back as 6000 BC. A remarkably well-preserved Roman stadium is right in the center of town, which dates back two millennia.

Plovdiv is also home to Kapana, a neighborhood filled with artsy boutiques, funky cafés, and relaxed bars. Plovdiv was named the European Capital of Culture for 2019, and there’s a lot of revival happening in Bulgaria’s second largest city as they prepare for the festivities.

It’s quite easy to get to do a day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv by bus (check schedules here, prices start at 14 leva each way), but if you prefer a guided tour or want to see Bachkovo too, there are affordable tours on offer as well.

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is perfect for a longer stay, but it also works great as a day trip from Sofia or an overnighter. The Tsarevets fortress is a must-see, and the church at the top of the hill inside the fortress is home to some of the trippiest, oddest religious art I’ve ever seen in my life.

We’re talking BDSM Jesus meets cow skulls with a distinctly Cubist affect… I actually do kind of think whoever painted the murals inside this church must have been having a seriously bad PCP trip.

Aside from being home to the world’s weirdest religious art, it also has a beautiful monument and beer garden where you can see the town of Veliko Tarnovo cascading down the hills to the riverside. It’s also home to some surprisingly happening nightlife, with funky craft beer and cocktail bars like Tequila Bar staying open well into the night.

Veliko Tarnovo is also a good base for day trips to some nearby spots, like Buzludzha and the Krushuna waterfalls (see later on in this list) if either of those strike your fancy.

It’s easy enough to go by bus, but I recommend booking your tickets online or buying them at the station the day before. Both there and back, I had trouble getting on the bus I wanted and had to wait 1-2 hours for the next bus. For this reason, a day tour could also be a good idea if you are pressed for time or unable to buy bus tickets in advance.

Vitosha/Cherni Vrah

Photo credit to commenter Svetoslav Markov, thanks!

One of the easiest day trips from Sofia is hiking Vitosha, the 2290-meter mountain right outside the city. On weekends in the summer, LIDL runs two free daily buses to one of the trailheads in the morning (one bus leaves at 8 AM, the other at 9 AM, from Vasil Levski Stadium; arrive a half hour early to secure a seat or you may have to stand) and returning at 5 and 6 PM. There are also several city buses if you want to go during the weekdays; Free Sofia Tours has detailed information on their website.

The hike from where the LIDL bus drops you off (The Golden Bridges, or Zlatnite Mostove) takes about 3 hours up and 2 hours back; whereas if you take one of the city buses to a point nearer to the peak, it’ll only take you about an hour to the top and another hour back.

You can also check out Kopitoto, the TV tower and abandoned ski lift, whie you’re on Vitosha, which has amazing views over Sofia.

Buzludzha

(source)

Buzludzha is a former Communist meeting place, abandoned nearly 30 years ago and ravaged by time, vandals, and the elements. While it’s not officially open to the public and the main entrance has been closed, tours still run there organized by Bulgaria Communism Tours upon request, or you can rent a car to get there on a day trip from Sofia, Plovdiv, or Veliko Tarnovo.

Buzludzha strikes mixed feelings in the hearts of a lot of Bulgarians. When I expressed that I wanted to go there, many people didn’t understand why: “why go to a dead place?” my Airbnb host asked me, genuinely puzzled by my interest in the decaying monument.

For me, the decay is the main interest — an architectural scar on the landscape of a country wondering where to go next. This abandoned UFO-looking building is, in my mind, an interesting symbol of a country not sure how to properly memorialize its past while still looking forward.

Belogradchik Fortress

The Belogradchik Rocks are an odd, distinctive rock formation in the Northwest corner of Bulgaria, stretching nearly 30 kilometers long with stones measuring up to 200 meters. Each formation has a name based on what people in the past thought it looked like, and many of the formations have some sort of myth associated with it. There’s a famous fortress in nestled in the rocks, too, which you can explore as well.

It’s quite difficult to get here by public transport, as there’s only one daily bus and it takes four hours. You’re better off renting a car or going on a group tour that’ll show you both the rocks and the fortress. Personally, I came by car as part of a road trip combining Bulgaria and Serbia.

Koprivshtitsa

Koprovshtitsa, a great day trip from Sofia

Koprivshtitsa (try saying that three times fast) is a historic “museum town” that has kept in tact much of its 19th-century architectural style.

There are direct buses and trains to Koprivshitsa from Sofia a few times daily, but when I visited as part of my long Bulgaria road trip, I went by car so that we could explore Koprivshtitsa at its own pace.

Personally, renting a car is my favorite way to enjoy traveling in Bulgaria as public transit is a bit unreliable.

Saeva Dupka Cave

This is one of the first caves in Bulgaria I visited and it won’t be the last!

I have a weird thing for geology and I find caves especially fascinating. The Saeva Dupka cave is particularly gorgeous, with glittering mineral formations and tons of elaborate stalagmites and stalactites.

This cave actually reminds me a bit of the stunning ATM Cave in Belize with how massive it is and how crazy the stalagmites and stalactites look. You can go on a guided tour or rent a car to get here; we opted for renting a car and tried to combine it with the Krushuna Waterfalls (but failed due to rain). However, if you had better weather, you could definitely do both in one day.

Melnik Pyramids

Melnik, another day trip from Sofia possibility

Bulgaria is home to lots of funky rock formations, from the giant stone pillars of Belogradchik that almost remind you of Meteora in Greece to the hoodoos of Stub’s Pyramids near Rila Monastery which are like a much smaller version of Bryce Canyon.

Melnik is one of the cooler rock formations in Bulgaria, with pyramid-like rocks that stretch up into the sky surrounding a small humble town. Even better, the region is famous for its wine, so it’s a must-visit if you are intrigued by trying Bulgarian wine (the rosés here are especially nice, in my opinion!)

It doesn’t seem as if it’s possible to do a day trip using public transport, as what I’ve found online suggests the one daily bus leaves Sofia at 2 PM, so I’d suggest a guided tour of Melnik and the Rozhen monastery if you want to make this a day trip from Sofia, or stay overnight if you want to do it independently.

Krushuna Waterfalls & Devetashka Cave

If you’re in Sofia in the summer, it can get really, really hot. I’m talking sticky, 40 degree Celsius, massively-thigh-chafing heat. Sofia’s about a six-hour bus ride from the Black Sea coast, so if you have a long time in Bulgaria, it’s a great place to escape the heat for a bit. But if you’re just looking for a day trip from Sofia to give you some relief from that city heat, try going to the Krushuna waterfalls, a series of waterfalls formed by calcium travertines (similar to ones you may have seen in photos in Semuc Champey, Oaxaca, Pamukkale, etc.).

You can get there by taking a bus to Lovech and then onto Krushuna, or simplify your life with a guided tour of the waterfalls and nearby cave. This would also work great as a day trip from Veliko Tarnovo if you choose to spend time there, as it’s much closer to Veliko Tarnovo than it is to Sofia.

Musala Peak

If Vitosha isn’t enough mountain for you, it’s possible to leave from Sofia, hike the tallest mountain in the entire Balkan peninsula, and get back at night.

Musala Peak is in the Rila Mountain range, the same range as the Seven Rila Lakes hike, but Musala Peak stretches a staggering 2,925 meters into the sky.

To get there in one day, it’s probably easiest to do a guided day trip, as you can be sure you’ll have a roundtrip transfer. Otherwise, you can try to take a bus from Sofia to Samokov then a minibus to Borovets, where you can take a gondola that’ll bring you to 2369 meters.

You can then do the hike to the top of Musala, which should take about 3 to 4 hours to ascend depending on your pace.

Note: While Bulgaria is very safe, I always recommend purchasing travel insurance on your travels — especially if you plan to drive or hike and adventure around. I always use World Nomads to cover me in case I get injured or ill, and find them easy to deal with and affordable.

Where to Stay in Sofia – Recommendations from a Local

Sofia is a great place for all the Bulgaria day trips you can dream of! If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Sofia, I have a few recommendations broken down into a few different budget categories. Budget accommodations will mean hostels, which cost usually around $10 per night or less. Mid-range accommodations will fall around $50 per night, and luxury will cost you upwards of $100 per night. Still, Sofia offers great value compared to other European capital cities, so $100 in Sofia will get you much, much further than say in Western Europe.

Budget: If you are looking for a hostel I always recommend Hostel Mostel to my friends. I haven’t stayed at the Sofia one because I’ve always had an apartment or Airbnb as I live there, but I’ve stayed at the one in Veliko Tarnovo and can highly recommend it. I especially love that you get a free vegetarian dinner in addition to breakfast included in your stay! Check rates and availability here, as Hostel Mostel is popular and tends to book up in advance.

Mid-range: For a nice, trendy brand new boutique hotel that still won’t break the bank, I recommend R34 Boutique Hotel close to one of my favorite buildings in Sofia, the Ivan Vazov National Theater. I especially love the loft-like details, such as white-painted exposed brick, giant windows, and streamlined but trendy Scandinavian-esque décor. It’s quite affordable, too – check rates, reviews, photos, and availability here.

Luxury: If you want the best hotel in town, it’s hands down Sense Hotel. I go to their rooftop bar all the time when I have guests in town as I think it has one of the best views in the entire city and they make fantastic cocktails. So close to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral that many rooms literally hav ea view of it, the hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, an art gallery in the lobby, a pool, and the rooms are just divine. It’s truly the best choice in town (and the lobby smells amazing — random but true!). Check rates, reviews, photos, and availability here.

22 Cool Hidden Gems in Amsterdam: Secret Spots Not to Miss

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Dive deeper into Amsterdam’s rich history and culture by visiting some of the hidden gems in Amsterdam!

These secret spots in Amsterdam are tucked away behind popular landmarks, away from the crowds.

So, if you have seen the famous attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and the Dam Square, you can still make the most out of your trip to the city by visiting some of the lesser-known spots that will let you connect deeper to Amsterdam. 

In fact, that’s one of our biggest travel tips for Amsterdam: getting off the beaten path in Amsterdam will improve your trip to the city tenfold!

With that said, even if you have been in the city several times, or if you’re new here and you want to see rare spots, these are the places to look out for!

22 Hidden Gems in Amsterdam: Secret Spots Away From the Crowds

Hortus Botanicus

Sunset at the Hortus Botanicus, a clear glass greenhouse surrounded by trees.

A bit off the beaten path in Amsterdam, Hortus Botanicus is an underrated botanical garden you need to visit when you’re in the city.

It is situated along the river, which makes it a great walk. The garden is also one of the best spots in the city you can enjoy on rainy days, too!

So, if it’s raining in Amsterdam and you want to do something calm and relaxing, you should definitely visit this botanical garden! 

Original Picasso In Vondelpark

Vondelpark isn’t really an Amsterdam hidden gem, but a concrete sculpture in the park is one!

Located at the southern end of the park is an original Picasso art that was created in 1965 as part of an outdoor exhibition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Vondelpark.

The structure is known as “Figure découpée l’Oiseau,” or The Bird. The structure was donated to the city by the artist after the exhibition. 

Symmetrical House

The house at Kloveniersburgwal 29 is known as the widest house in the city. It was built during a time when residents were taxed based on the width of their houses. Therefore, the wider the house, the wealthier the owner is!

Due to its width, it conceals the fact that is joined together by two adjoining symmetrical houses built by the Trip brothers. When the house was finished, the brothers’ coachman commented that he would be the happiest if he had a house even just as wide as the front door.

From there, the brothers complied and built a small house for him across the canal!

Mezrab

Do you want to listen to stories by random people? Mezrab is where you should go.

Storytelling nights are held every Wednesday and Friday, and they’re in English! So, you don’t have to worry about comprehension.

On some nights there are comedy and live music events that you shouldn’t miss as well!

You know what’s even better? The entrance here is free of charge, but there’s a donation jar (and you should definitely donate!) that helps the people behind the concept pay the rent. 

Noordermarkt

Aerial view of the Noordemarket with a large church-like building and smaller houses in the traditional Dutch style around it.

Located along Prinsengracht and on the edge of Jordaan, this is a lovely spot to spend your early mornings in and you’re ready for some shopping.

The area is known for its flea market and farmers market. On Mondays, don’t miss the textile market on Westerstraat, too!

The Maker Store

If you love shopping, it’s essential to shop locally when you’re in a foreign city. That’s why you need to visit The Maker Store!

Independent creators make all the products here in the city and you also get a chance to get some of the items personalized or made on the spot. The store is an excellent example of the city’s vibrant independent scene!

Tiny Hidden Houses

Along Westerstraat, you will notice that the numbers of the houses jump from 54 to 70, which is very curious.

You might want to wake a closer peek because the seven missing houses can be found in the crack between the houses; but now, they are in the form of mini houses!

So, make sure to look very closely. You don’t want to miss them! 

A Beautiful Mess

Have a meal in prison here at A Beautiful Mess: definitely a unique thing to do in Amsterdam!

The restaurant occupies what was formerly a prison called De Bijlmerbajes; today, it is home to several organizations, including the restaurant.

It is located in the prison’s old clothing repair section and you can really feel the prison-ish vibe here.

In fact, there are rows of old sewing stations you can see here still. It’s also a great place to go if you’re looking for fusion meals. 

Lighthouse

A white lighthouse with an orange roof and black room at the back of the lighthouse, shown on the water, a true hidden gem in Amsterdam.

The lighthouse on the former island in the Markermeer doesn’t only guide ships during the night, but if you look closely, you will notice that the lighthouse is horse-shaped.

It’s been a national monument since 1970, but still, a lot of people don’t really come here when they visit the city.

However, for those who are looking for hidden gems in Amsterdam and secret spots, then this is definitely one of the best places you could visit! 

Meneer Nieges

One of the best things to do in the city is to sit out by the water when the weather is nice.

It is challenging to find a spacious terrace in Amsterdam where you can lounge around, but the Meneer Nieges is the best place to start.

Another great thing about this is that it is located on the Western Islands, which means it’s out of the tourist route. Don’t worry, though; it’s still accessible. In fact, it’s only a ten-minute walk from the central station.

The terrace has a spacious terrace with picnic tables, deckchairs, and lounge beds where you can relax. 

NAP (Normaal Amsterdams Peil) Visitor Centre

There’s more to NAP than meets the eye!

Did you know you can see the city underwater through three glass tubes that show the sea level in various parts of the region?

It’s a real Amsterdam hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss when you’re here. 

Beth Haim Cemetery

Located at Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, the cemetery is the oldest Jewish cemetery here.

Most of the graves here below to Portuguese and Spanish Jews who fled the country in the 17th century. Some public figures are here, too, including Rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel, who was a collaborator of Rembrandt.

Aside from these graves, the ornate gravestones that feature beautiful symbolism and inscriptions in various languages are something you should keep an eye on as you stroll around.

Although it may sound creepy for some, the cemetery may give you a deeper insight into the lives of Dutch Jews in the 17th century. You will definitely experience the country’s culture and rich history just by walking the paths of the cemetery. 

Torensluis

Lights on the canal, with bicycles chained to the bridge, surrounded by traditional canal houses in Amsterdam at night.

Amsterdam has over 160 canals, and that means there are plenty of bridges here that connect places! The widest and oldest bridge is the Torensluis, which translates to Tower Lock.

The name was derived from the tower that stood on the site until it was demolished in the mid-19th century. You can still see its foundation today! But there’s more to it, though.

Look closely in the dungeon below and you can see barred windows and arched entrance to the prison cells that are located under the bridge. The area is now open to the public and is often used to host exhibitions and events. 

Nieuwendammerdijk

This is one of the most beautiful streets in the city, and it’s a great cycling route as well.

Consider the “roadside garden” on the street some kind of a phenomenon because with only one-square meter of fertile ground in front of an apartment, residents were able to create gardens of flowers, bushes, and trees.

Because of this, it has made the street one of the most beautiful cycling routes . Moreover, it is also the oldest street in this part of the city!

Aside from the gardens, there are beautiful houses here that date back from the 18th century that are a sight to behold. 

Amsteltuin

For a unique secret spot in Amsterdam, check out its cute vineyard—the Amsteltuin!

Although it’s not as exotic as a French vineyard, it is still a beautiful place. It’s perfect if you’re craving some vineyard feels while you’re in the city.

The owners are very welcoming and you get a fully-stocked picnic basket with delicious Dutch specialties and homemade wine. Explore the vineyard while you get just the right amount of buzz. 

Zootje Sculpture Garden

Just near De Plantage, follow the signs that will lead you to the Zootje Petit Zoo. However, this isn’t an ordinary zoo!

It has a hidden little sculpture garden that will give you a quirky experience. Just make sure to stay alert for the zombie or the dinosaur. 

Amsterdam Zuid

View of the buildings of the residential neighborhood of Amsterdam Zuid.

There are plenty of interesting houses in the city, but one of the most underrated ones is the Zevenlandenhuizen, which means “seven countries houses” on the Roemer Visscherstraat.

Seven houses that are next to each other, in which each house represents a specific architectural style from different European countries. The houses were built in 1974 and were designed by architect Tjeerd Kuipers. 

The Tea Rat

Located in a tiny alley off Spuistraat, you will find one of the smallest museums in the city, which is a teapot museum!

There are over a hundred teapots in a single room here and you can even dress up while you enjoy the collection. It’s perfect for tea and teacup lovers; this is heaven!

Even if you’re not a fan, it’s a curious place you should definitely check out while you’re here. 

Corrie Ten Boomhuis

The Anne Frank House is a popular place because it served as the house of Jewish stowaways; but there’s another one in Haarlem that far fewer people know about, the Corrie Ten Boomhuis.

Although this isn’t in the city anymore, it’s only 10 minutes by train!

The Ten Boom family hid behind a false wall in the house along with other members of the resistance. They were arrested and sent to concentration camps eventually, and it was only Corrie Ten Boom who survived.

Today, the house is now a museum that teaches about the Second World War and the Jewish faith. 

REM Eiland

Lit up building on the water where you can dine in Amsterdam, a secret spot!

For a unique Amsterdam experience, have a meal inside a water restaurant inside a renovated offshore platform!

It was originally owned by a group of pirate radio broadcasters who eventually abandoned it because they were raided by the Dutch government in 1964.

After decades, it was towed to the city’s Houthaven harbor and converted into a classy restaurant. 

Blijburg City Beach

Surprisingly, there are beaches in the city, and one of the classic beach experiences you can get is at Blijburg, a true Amsterdam hidden gem mostly enjoyed by locals.

The artificial peninsula has plenty of attractions and it also has a restaurant to accommodate beach-goers. 

Pancake Boat

Traditional dutch pancakes served with blueberries and mint leaves.

When you’re in the Netherlands, it’s important not to miss their Dutch pancakes!

You can have authentic Dutch pancakes in Amsterdam onboard the Pancake Boat, where you can have unlimited Dutch-style pancakes!

The trip starts in the city’s northern docklands then makes its way to the famous harbor of the city where you can marvel at the beautiful architecture while you eat your pancakes. 

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Are you ready to dive deep into the rich culture of Amsterdam? These hidden gems will give you an entirely different perspective about the city that you won’t see at the most popular attractions here!

There’s more to the city than meets the eye; and if you’re up for it, visit these hidden gems and experience the city like never before. 

It is definitely going to be an eye-opening experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. And even if it’s your first time in the city, make sure to allot some time to visit some of these hidden gems—you know you don’t want to miss them! 

Author Bio

Ask The Dutch Guy your go-to guide when it comes to The Netherlands! The goal of Ask The Dutch Guy is to showcase the beauty of The Netherlands and to inspire others to explore the country. Read more about Ask The Dutch Guy at https://askthedutchguy.com. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

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21 Cool Things to Do In & Around Cardiff, Wales

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Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and one of the largest cities in the UK. It’s also one of the easiest cities to get to from London, with direct train and road links.

In 2011, it was ranked 6th in the National Geographic’s list of alternative places to visit, which means it’s one of the most visited places in the UK, with over 25 million visitors each year. 

Its gorgeous location also makes it a top pick as one of the best summer vacations in the UK!

What’s nice about Cardiff is that it lives up to the hype. There are so many things to do in Cardiff, both inside and around the area. 

If you visit as part of a Wales road trip (which I highly recommend), it’s easy to park up your vehicle and explore the city for a couple of days.

Once you’re done, you can add some of these alternative ideas to your itinerary. 

Things to Do in Cardiff Center

There are lots of things to do around Cardiff Center – here are five of our favorites.

Visit Cardiff Castle

This spectacular castle is built on foundations dating from 50 AD. The city grew up around it and it’s been destroyed and reconstructed many times. But the latest reconstruction (mostly from the 1800s) is magnificent.

The interior is incredibly opulent – it was designed by the world’s richest man (at the time!) Make sure you buy tickets to visit the Arab room and the castle apartments — they’re breathtaking.

Go to St Fagan’s

St Fagans houses some of the oldest buildings in the city. Over 40 houses, gardens, and other buildings create a living museum, representing an old Iron Age village.

It’s brilliant for kids and adults of all ages and is a fantastic way to learn more about the history in the area.

Visit the National Museum

This is a great place to come should it rain. Side note: ALWAYS expect rain. It’s Wales!

This museum houses a huge collection of art (both modern and older), and some incredible depictions of the history of the area and the animals which wandered Wales- including woolly mammoths and dinosaurs! 

Visit Bute Park

This wonderful park is a haven in the city center. There are 130 acres of gardens and parkland, which once belonged to Cardiff Castle.

The river runs through it and there’s plenty of space to spread out, making it a wonderful place for walks, picnics, or sunny Saturday afternoons. 

Enjoy a coffee in Roald Dahl Plass

Named for the famous children’s author, this is a large square in central Cardiff.

It’s home to the Senedd (famous striking government building) and the Millennium Centre (home to many sports and artist performances).

The square itself often hosts open-air concerts and it’s a wonderful place for people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere of the city.  

Other Great Things to Do in Cardiff City

Visit Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is actually 2 rivers, which form a large freshwater lake in the heart of the city. It used to be tidal, but now locks provide access for boats.

Years ago, the Bay was the hub of the city and was where the coal ships were loaded up.

You can still wander around many of the docks and pier heads, which have mostly been regenerated and turned into smart bars and cafes. 

See the Norwegian Church

Whilst you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit the Norwegian Church Arts centre- a rescued wooden church which was rebuilt in 1992. Roald Dahl used to attend this church as a child, and it now is a venue for charity work and small concerts, conferences and art exhibitions. 

There are many other incredible and unique things to do in the centre of Wales- such as white water rafting!- but let’s focus on some things to do outside the city centre.

Visit the marvelous Caerphilly Castle

If you like castles you must visit the second largest castle in the UK. It’s impressively built and surrounded by artificial lakes, which aided in its defences. 

This isn’t the only thing that makes it famous though; it also has a leaning tower that has leaned 3 meters since 1648! Who needs to go to Pisa?

Check out Llandaff Cathedral

The heart of the Church of Wales, this is actually one of 2 cathedrals in Wales (the other is Roman Catholic).

You can walk around the Cathedral whenever there is no service on- it has some beautiful architecture, windows, and history to discover. 

See Castell Coch

Yep, it’s really called that (and yes, you can snicker). This Gothic castle is just outside Wales and was constructed by the Normans to control the trade route. 

The roof of the castle is totally at odds with many of the other UK castles- it looks more like something from one of the German fairytale castles! 

Check out Barry Island

Despite its name, this is no longer an island (although it used to be!).

This area is well-known for its beach and pleasure park, but it is possibly more famous as the home of Gavin and Stacey (from the hit BBC TV show)

Cross the Newport Transporter Bridge

This is possibly one of the coolest things in the entire area and I highly recommend everyone add it in when they’re planning a UK road trip.

It’s one of a handful of working transporter bridges in the world, and it’s a great way to take your car or camper across the River Usk. It can take 6 vehicles and 120 pedestrians – or if you’re feeling really brave, you can walk across the top. 

Opened in 1906, it is an electric-powered gondola that goes between two towers that are at a slightly terrifying height of 242 feet each.

Definitely not one for those who have that fear of heights, but it is exciting and it’s a challenge to see how well you manage up there. For adults, it costs £2.75 and for children, it’s £1.75.

Best Things to Do Near Cardiff (Within a 60 Minute Drive)

Here are some other incredible places which are all within an hour of Cardiff:

Take the Brecon Mountain Railway

Trains are a fantastic way to explore the countryside, especially when it’s a steam train- it’s a great way to watch the world go by. 

This mountain railway travels through foothills of the Brecon Beacons, alongside Pontsticill reservoirs until it gets to Pant, just north of Merthy Tyfdil.

The main station at Pant opens at 9:30 am, the last train leaves at 5pm or 4:15pm depending on the time of year from Pontsticill. Return Adult currently costs £13, children return costs £6.50 (15 and under). All children under 5 receive free entry

Delve into the National Showcaves

This is one of the most sizeable cave systems in Western Europe.

The caves were uncovered about a century ago and inside are underground lakes, rivers and several breath-taking waterfalls. There are 4 different caves- you can even get married in one of them! 

 Also, for the kids, there is a dinosaur park with more than 200 life sized dinosaur models.

Admission rates allow entry to all the attractions. It’s currently £14 for Adults and £9.50 for children aged 3-16. Children under 2 go free.

Wander through Tintern Abbey

This is one of the most well preserved monastic ruins in the country, despite the fact that it’s been decaying for nearly 500 years.

This beautiful abbey sits on the banks of the River Wye and was the second of its type to be built in Britain. It has become a haven for artists who want to draw, paint, or photograph it, as well as for history lovers and dog walkers. 

Stroll around Margam Park & Castle

Margam Country Park is perfect for a relaxing day around nature. There are wild deer and farm animals that you can pet, a train that goes around the park, a stunning castle, and vast amounts of grassy areas and open space. 

You can also visit the house at the center, go to the café, and also to the fishing lake. For the kids, there’s a children’s play area. Entry is free, although you need to pay for parking.

Visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum

The Big Pit is inside an old coal mine that was operational until 1980.

Here, you can take one of the world-famous tours that go 300 feet underground and get to see and understand what life was like for those thousands of men who worked in the mines.

A real-life miner accompanies you and shares stories of life in the pits.

There are also tours above ground that are multimedia and exhibitions. Entry to the Big Pit is free!

Hike up Pen y Fan in Brecon Beacons National Park

Pen y Fan is the highest point in South Wales. It’s a steep climb but worth the trek and the feeling of accomplishment after!

There are two routes you can take, either straight up and down or you can go the “horseshoe” route which is longer but possibly slightly easier.

Be aware, the weather at the top of Pen y Fan is not often the same as below- so make sure you pack appropriately. 

Visit the stunning Saint Mary’s Priory

Known as Wales’ Westminster Abbey, this priory contains some of the most important medieval treasures in Britain.

There are more than 10 alabaster chest tombs and the 15th-century wooden sculpture, known as the tree of Jesse, which has been described as one of the finest medieval sculptures in the world.

Entry is free but donations are welcomed here.

Stroll through Dyffryn Gardens

Dyffryn Gardens are the beautiful grounds which surround a gorgeous Grade II listed house built in 1893-4. The gardens stretch for 55 acres and are open all year round.

They’re ornate, beautiful and peaceful — perfect for a wander and explore, or even a picnic if the weather is kind. 

Do go chasing waterfalls

There are some incredible waterfalls in this area, especially around the Brecon Beacons.

One of the most famous is Aberdulais Falls which is now owned by the National Trust and is closer to Swansea than Cardiff, but can be reached within an hour

In the Brecon Beacons, there are a series of waterfalls called the waterfall walk.

This incorporates Henrhyd Falls: the highest waterfall in the National Park, with a drop of 27m and the home of the bat cave in the 2012 movie The Dark Knight Rises. 

But, honestly, the most impressive waterfall is Sgwd yr Eira, which is the waterfall you can walk behind! It can be a little hard to find using sat-nav, but it’s well worth the effort and the walk to get there. 

So there you go — 21 incredible places to visit in and around Cardiff. Whether you can only visit for a day or have a week or more to explore, there’s plenty to see and do in Cardiff area, Wales.

About the Author

Kathryn Bird decided to get out of the rat race whilst she was still young enough to enjoy it. Together with her husband and cocker spaniel puppy Mac, she explores Europe by motorhome and motorbike, sharing her experiences on the award-winning travel blog Wandering Bird. In two years they have visited 19 countries and driven nearly 50,000 miles in their motorhome- not including the times they were lost! 

5 Day Trips from Austin Worth the Trip

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Each year, millions of tourists flock to the eclectic city of Austin to experience its funky music atmosphere, miles of pristine hiking trails, and endless options for swimming and soaking up the Texas sun.

But if you’ve grown tired of the lively city, these five Austin day trips are a great alternative to slow down and experience just what the Texas Hill Country has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to sip some of the finest Texan wines or spend the day dipping in the cool waters of the Guadalupe, you’re sure to find an appealing place on this list. So fill up your gas tank, roll down those windows and get out of town on these incredible day trips from Austin.

The 5 Best Austin Day Trips!

Driftwood

Distance from Austin: 24 miles

Highlighted Activities: Eat, Drink and Sightsee

Driftwood, Texas is known for beer, BBQ, and beautiful wildflowers! Located just 24 miles southwest of Austin, Driftwood is the perfect town to kick off a day tripping adventure.

If you’re staying in downtown Austin, wake up early and grab a quick coffee at Cuvée Coffee Bar and hit the road!

Your first stop in Driftwood should be Lady Bird Johnson Gardens. Lady Bird Johnson Gardens is the perfect way to see the Texas wildflowers in all their glory. Known as the botanical garden of Texas, Lady Bird Johnson is an active wildflower conservatory with miles of trails and educational museums that’s perfect for soaking in some Texas beauty.

After walking around the fields of wildflowers, you’re going to be ready to eat. In true Texas fashion, BBQ is what’s on the menu. Driftwood is home to one of the world’s most famous BBQ joints, Salt Lick. When you arrive at Salt Lick you better be ready to eat! They offer all you can eat options as well as meats by the pound. Bring cash, as that’s all they accept!

Take a walk around Charro Park to empty your belly a bit and then head over to Jester King Brewery for a Texas brewed beer. Jester King Brewery has a great community atmosphere with amazing views of the surrounding Hill Country and even has a garden area where you can hang out with the local goats!

Local Tip: If beer isn’t quite your thing, Driftwood is full of wineries, distilleries, and amazing restaurants!

Comal River

Distance From Austin: 48 Miles

Highlighted Activities: Float the River

Every true Texan has floated the river. There are several different float rivers to choose from but if you’re day trippin’ from Austin, the Comal River is the best choice.

Not only is it one of the closest options to Austin, it allows the perfect amount of float time. At just 3 miles long, it generally takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to float.

The Comal River is crystal clear, mostly shaded, and maintains a consistent temperature of 72 degrees. It’s the perfect way to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights.

If you’re considering tubing the Comal River there are several different companies that can assist you in making the most of your trip.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 to float the river. This includes your tube and a shuttle drop off/pick up.

If you’re really wanting to elevate your tube game, rent a cooler tube! River companies have tubes specifically for your cooler so you can bring your own food and drinks. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing more refreshing than sipping a cold Texas beer as you float down the river!

Local Tip: If you’re looking for food post-float, it doesn’t get much better than Alpine Haus for authentic German food. Or before heading back to Austin, stop in at the Red Oak Bakery for some pastries to take back home.

Bastrop

Distance From Austin: 34 miles

Highlighted Activities: Shopping, historic museums, restaurants and libations

Texas Hill Country is surrounded by small towns but Bastrop takes the cake when it comes to Texas history. The streets of Bastrop are lined with brick storefronts, cozy diners sit at every corner, and charming local artistry fills every shop.

As you cruise into Bastrop, one can’t help but notice the meticulous historical properties that welcome you into the town. You can easily spend an hour winding down the friendly streets taking in the beauty of history.

In fact, there are more than 100 homes that are Nationally Registered Historic Properties. While you’re soaking up the history, consider stopping in at the Bastrop County Museum and Visitors Center. Displays and exhibits abound in this original 1930’s fire station.

If you’re looking for some true Texas swag to take back home, head to the heart of Downtown Bastrop. Not only will you feel like you’ve been transported back in time, you’ll be delighted to find local handcrafted goods in every store. From home decor to homemade jewelry, there’s something for everyone in the 30 plus shops that line Main Street.

You can’t visit a small Texas town without trying some local cuisine. The local cuisine of Bastrop comes in the form of comfort food!

Paw Paws Catfish House reigns supreme when it comes to true comfort food. Located in the heart of downtown, Paw Paws specializes in serving up seriously good catfish.

The walls are lined with family pictures, the menu is simple and the atmosphere is inviting. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the swanky restaurants of downtown Austin.

Bastrop also has an endless array of beer, wine and spirits to top off your dining experience. My favorite place to experience local wine is Colorado River Winery. Located on the banks of the Colorado River, this local historic American winery offers a collection of rotating, small-batch wines for tasting.

If you’re looking for something a little harder than wine, head over to Copper Shot Distillery. Copper Shot is known for whipping up their own handcrafted distilled spirits that are sure to please. They have a wonderful patio area where you can enjoy different flavors of moonshine, vodka, and in-house bourbon.

McKinney Falls State Park

Distance From Austin: 13 Miles

Highlighted Activities: Water, Hike, Fish, Picnic

There’s no better way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city than by connecting with nature. McKinney Falls State Park is the perfect way to do this!

Located just 20 minutes southeast of the Capitol, McKinney Falls is a great option for a day of relaxation. There are tons of options when it comes to activities in this 641-acre park. McKinney Falls welcomes visitors with hiking, biking, birdwatching, fishing, and of course plenty of cool water to swim in to beat the heat.

If you’re considering making the trip to McKinney Falls, grab a swimsuit and pack a lunch basket! The shores of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek are lined with smooth boulders that are perfect for stretching out a blanket and dining on some fresh-packed snacks.

After lunch, hit the trails for some light (or long) hiking. The park is covered in beautifully maintained trails that range from 0.7 to 7 miles long. When you return, head straight for the water and soak your tired feet in the clear cool water that pours over the small waterfalls.

If you plan on visiting McKinney Falls State Park I recommenced visiting the State Park website first so you can plan your trip accordingly. There is a $6 dollar guest fee for using the park as well as State Park rules that all visitors need to be aware of. You can learn more here.

Georgetown

Distance From Austin: 30 miles

Highlighted Activities: Family-friendly town square with shopping, observatories, and swimming

Thirty miles north of Austin lies Texas’ “Most Beautiful Town Square.” Georgetown is a great town if you’re visiting Austin with a family in tow.

There’s no shortage of entertainment in this small Texas town. Much like Bastrop, Georgetown has its own historical downtown speckled with brick storefronts, local shops and mom and pop restaurants.

The gems of Georgetown, however, lie outside of Main Street. Georgetown has some of the most iconic swimming holes, such as Blue Hole Park and Lake Georgetown.

Blue Hole Park is an oasis-like lagoon surrounded by towering limestone ledges and abundant waterfalls. Shallow wading areas make it perfect for families with young children or adults wanting a place to lounge.

Not much further up the road is Lake Georgetown. Lake Georgetown is known for its clear waters, cliff jumps, and water activities. Miles of trails surround the area and even lead to a breathtaking waterfall known as Crockett Falls. There’s no lack of water around Georgetown, so be sure to pack a bathing suit and expect to get wet in this classic Texas town.

Another option for a family-friendly adventure is the Inner Space Caverns. A perfectly preserved cave that’s over 10,000 years old. You’ll find prehistoric remains, beautiful cave formations and cave rooms large enough for an entire party! Inner Space Caverns offers several tour options differing in lengths. You can find more information here.

 As the sun begins to set, continue your spacey adventure with a trip to the Fountainwood Observatory. Gaze at the stars, moon, and other galaxies through a research-quality telescope. Southwestern University periodically allows free public viewing nights throughout the year. Learn more about their program here.

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 As you can see, Texas is filled with magical small towns hidden all along the miles of backroads, many of which make perfect day trips from Austin!

So put on your boots, blast some tunes and get ready to experience the true charm of the Lone Star State!

What to Eat in New Orleans: 25 Food & Drink Classics

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Oh, New Orleans. You’re a city that knows that the quickest way to my heart is through my stomach.

I arrived in New Orleans deflated — my bag lost by Greyhound, exhausted from being overstimulated from too much socializing at a travel conference, generally just over it.

And then I ate my first po’boy, and everything was right again in the world. New Orleans food is just that good.

I truly think the best way to experience New Orleans is by eating as much food as is humanly possible… and so I’ve gathered all my top recommendations for what to eat in New Orleans, as well as the best place to try it, and I’ve also included my favorite food tour in New Orleans to try as much of this food as possible!

The History of Diversity in New Orleans’ Food Scene

A mash-up of a Vietnamese banh mi and a traditional NOLA po’ boy at Killer PoBoys

New Orleans’ food scene reflects the diverse migration patterns of the people who settled (or, in the case of enslaved Africans, were brought by force) in Louisiana.

There’s a lot of influence from Louisiana Creole people — in this context, this is defined as people who descended from those living in colonial Louisiana during French and Spanish rule. 

But what is Creole? The term was used first by the French to differentiate those born in Louisiana from those born in France or other French colonies.

However, the term Creole came to envelop pretty much anyone who was born in Louisiana. This included enslaved Africans who were born in Louisiana and Native Americans whose land was stolen. So when speaking of Creole, we are speaking about those who descended from people living in the same place (French/Spanish colonial era Louisiana), rather than people of a specific ethnic or racial background.

In the Louisiana context, Creole can apply to people of European descent, African descent, Native descent, or mixed descent.

But there’s also a lot of more recent immigration which has influenced New Orleans’ food culture. A few of those include large waves of Haitians, Irish, Germans, and Italians, among others. 

Many people from those waves of immigration intermarried with Louisiana-born Creoles, intermingled their food traditions, and birthed a unique New Orleans food culture you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

More recent waves of immigration include Southeast Asians, particularly Vietnamese, and Latin Americans

The Best Way to Experience New Orleans’ Food Scene

To understand the patterns of migration that have marked New Orleans and made it so unique, it’s best – and most delicious – to do so via a culinary history tour.

Have a light breakfast and save lunch for a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way through New Orleans if you only have a short amount of time, so you can taste as much as you possibly can without wasting time or food.

I highly recommend taking a tour with Doctor Gumbo if possible (this is the exact food tour I took) – it’s one of the best food tours I’ve taken literally anywhere, and I’m a huge fan of food tours. Dylan was our guide, and he was hilarious and managed to weave together food, politics, and history in an engaging way — while making sure delicious eats are never far away to maintain your attention.

Some of the things we ate on the tour: pork cracklings, boudin balls, sweet potato beignets, po’boys, muffuletta sandwiches, hot sauces, pralines, beef brisket (also often called “debris”) and naturally, gumbo!

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But another important part of New Orleans’ culture is the drinking scene. Forgo the enormous slushies in to-go cups on Bourbon Street and save what’s left of your liver for some classic New Orleans cocktails.

New Orleans quite literally invented America’s cocktail scene. Among its greatest contributions: the Sazerac, the Vieux Carré, Ramos Gin Fizz (my personal favorite), and the Hurricane.

Go on a self-guided cocktail tour, being sure to sample the above-mentioned cocktails and others. Alternately, opt for a guided cocktail tour to make your New Orleans getaway slightly more educational (while just as boozy).

I didn’t have time to go on a proper cocktail tour in New Orleans, but since I had such a good food tour with Doctor Gumbo, I’d trust them to deliver on the cocktail & history tour (check time, availability & pricing here). You can also do a combo food + cocktails tour and save a bit of money by combining the two – check it out here.

What to Eat in New Orleans: Must-Try New Orleans Food

Muffaletta

Originally brought to New Orleans’ food scene by Sicilian immigrants, the muffaletta (also written muffuletta with two u’s) is a quintessentially New Orleanian sandwich. 

It’s made on a sesame bread that Sicilians call muffaletta, which they brought to New Orleans when settling here. The sandwich is prepared with chopped olive-caper based salad, plenty of sliced provolone cheese, and a mix of different cold cuts — typically at least salami, mortadella, and capicola.

The above pictured is a rather small and dainty muffaletta — it’s often sold as an entire loaf of bread turned into a sandwich, and you’ll eat just a portion and share the rest!

Try it at: Central Grocery and Deli, 923 Decatur St

Red Beans & Rice

One of the most classic New Orleans dishes, red beans and rice tastes so much more exciting than it sounds!

Typically, it’s made with small red beans (similar to kidney beans, but a bit different in size and shape), andouille sausage (a slightly spicy smoked sausage common in Cajun dishes), and the ‘holy trinity’ of Cajun cooking: celery, green bell pepper, and onion, and served with long grain white rice.

Traditionally, it’s made on Mondays with bones and meat left over from Sunday dinner…. but it’s tasty enough to just about any day of the week!

Try it at: Gumbo Shop, 630 St Peter

Gumbo

At first glance, gumbo may seem similar to red beans and rice, but the two New Orleans foods are quite different.

So what is gumbo? Essentially, it’s a thick chicken and sausage soup (sometimes with shrimp as well). The base is made with a roux with stock added to it to thicken it up and add flavor, and the vegetables used are again that holy trinity of bell pepper, onion, and celery.

It’s served with white rice and it is absolutely delicious.

Try it at: Gumbo Shop, 630 St Peter

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is also a bit similar to gumbo in terms of ingredients, but the method and texture are quite divergent, resulting in very different dishes.

Jambalaya is a bit similar to paella or jollof rice, if I had to draw a parallel, which makes sense as it has some mixed origins from Spanish food and West African food… as well as French and Native American influences, so basically your classic Creole influences!

It’s made of several types of meat — usually smoked sausage like andouille, chicken or pork, and seafood such as shrimp or crawfish — mixed together with rice and stock and cooked on the dry side as a paella would be.

Whereas gumbo is soupy and stewy and rice is served on the side, jambalaya is drier and more focused on the rice. Both are absolutely delicious.

Try it at: Mother’s Restaurant, 401 Poydras St

Fried Alligator

Never had alligator before? Me neither, until I visited Alabama, and I liked it so much I had it again in New Orleans!

Alligator meat is perfectly healthy to eat and is commonly eaten in many southern US states, such as Louisiana and Alabama.

At the risk of sounding like a cliche, it truly does just taste like chicken. Which is probably why it’s so delicious fried up like popcorn chicken and served with a dipping sauce!

If you’re an adventurous eater, you really ought to try this food in New Orleans. I think you’ll be surprised how much you like it!

Try it at: Cochon, 930 Tchoupitoulas St

Po’Boy

The po’boy is one of my favorite sandwiches in the world… well, when it’s stuffed with delicious fried shrimp or other seafood, at least!

Po’ boys are basically the generic name for a traditional New Orleans sandwich, made on a fluffy baguette and stuffed with either deli meat or fried seafood.

You can ask for your po’ boy “dressed” — complete with lettuce, tomato, pickle, mustard, and mayo. Seafood po’ boys, on the other hand, are generally served with melted butter, lettuce, and pickles.

Roast beef po’ boys are quite popular but not really my favorite. Give me a fried shrimp or fried catfish po’ boy any day of the week!

For a really New Orleanian twist, try it with fried oysters (an ‘oyster loaf’) or fried crawfish.

Add a Louisiana hot sauce and you’re in for one of the best sandwiches of your life

Try it at: Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar, 5240 Annunciation St

Shrimp, Crab, or Crawfish Boil

Simple yet classic, a Louisana shrimp, crab, or crawfish boil is just a few ingredients.

We’re talking shrimp, crab, or crawfish, chunks of corn on the cob, andouille sausage, new potatoes, onion, and some key spices. That’s it. Added together at the right time, seasoned perfectly, and you’ve got a meal fit for a crowd.

In New Orleans, crawfish is the most common type of boil, mostly because it tends to be the cheapest — great when you’re feeding large groups, as most boils are (this isn’t really a “meal for 1” situation).

Try it at: Clesi’s Restaurant and Catering, 4413 Banks St

Crawfish Étouffée

As you might guess from the name ‘Étouffée,’ this dish draws its origins more from its French history.

The technique used is called “smothering”, a common technique in Creole cooking, and “Étouffée” means literally that!

To make it, a light roux is made and then the seafood is simmered in it. Sometimes tomatoes are added for a more stew-y dish. It is typically served over rice.

The dish originated in Cajun cooking around the bayous nearby New Orleans, and was brought to New Orleans in the 1980s, when Galatoire’s on Bourbon Street introduced it to the New Orleans food scene.

It’s been a classic since.

Try it at: Mambo’s, 411 Bourbon St

Shrimp Étouffée

Just like crawfish étouffée, the technique is similar but shrimp is used in its place.

Typically it is made with a darker roux when using shrimp, which takes more time (about 30 minutes) to get the deep brown color on the roux, though a light roux can also be used.

Try it at: Bon Ton Café, 401 Magazine St

Shrimp Creole

Shrimp creole is a delightfully spicy and simple dish made with chopped tomato, the ‘holy trinity’ (bell pepper, onion, and celery), plenty of hot pepper sauce or cayenne, and shrimp.

Unlike other somewhat similar dishes like gumbo or jambalaya, there is no roux, but rather the dish is just simmered together quickly, making it an easy dish.

Try it at: Neyow’s Creole Café, 3332 Bienville St

Oysters Rockefeller

There are several kinds of baked oysters popular in New Orleans, but oysters rockefeller are a classic!

I’ll be honest — I like them better than raw oysters (which I’ve never been a huge fan of).

Oysters rockefeller are served as follows: on the half shell, topped with. butter, herbs, bread crumbs, and ample parmesan cheese, and baked to perfection! Simple but so, so delicious.

Try it at: Acme Oyster House, 724 Iberville St

Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a flavorful rice dish made ‘dirty’ by finely minced chicken liver and ground beef.

As with so many other New Orleans dishes, it’s flavored with the ‘trinity’ of aromatics and livened up with a sprinkle of cayenne and black pepper to give it a little kick.

Try it at: Mother’s Restaurant, 401 Poydras St (Saturdays only)

Blackened Redfish (or Salmon)

Redfish (also known as red drum) is a type of fish found often in waters around the Gulf of Mexico.

Typically, this dish is made with redfish in New Orleans; however, outside of New Orleans, salmon has become a popular substitute, and so you’ll also find blackened salmon in New Orleans restaurants as well.

The preparation is ultra simple: the fish filets are dipped in butter, dusted with cayenne pepper and herbs, and then seared in a hot skillet until a nearly black crust forms on the fish.

It’s tasty, hot, and fresh — what more could you want?

Try it at: Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon St

Fried catfish

Fried catfish is one of the most common kinds of fried fish you’ll find in New Orleans, and it’s well-loved by nearly everyone in the city.

It’s different from other fried fishes as it’s typically dredged in flour and cornmeal rather than beer-battered or dredged in breadcrumbs as other places will fry their fish.

Try it at: Clesi’s Restaurant and Catering, 4413 Banks St

Soft Shell Crab

You won’t find soft shell crab at all times of the year in New Orleans, but if you see it… order it!

As a rule of thumb, if it’s between June through August, it’s likely fresh. Outside of that season, it’s most likely frozen… which is still tasty, but not quite the same.

Try it at: Acme Oyster House, 724 Iberville St

New Orleans Desserts to Try

Beignets

Beignets are delicious fried choux pastry donuts covered in a heavy, heavy dusting of powdered sugar.

They go phenomenally with a cup of steaming hot coffee.

Need I say more?

Try it at: Cafe du Monde, 800 Decatur St

Pralines

New Orleans style pralines are tasty classic made of a few simple ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, milk, butter, and nuts, typically pecans.

In New Orleans, they’re generally flat-ish and quite large, as opposed to pralines in other places which are more similar to truffles.

Try it at: Leah’s Pralines, 714 St Louis St.

King Cake

King Cake is a New Orleans institution made of brioche dough and covered in colorful decorates in the typical Mardi Gras colors (green, gold, and purple). And in the middle? Often, perplexingly, a toy baby.

According to tradition, “At a party, the King Cake is sliced and served. Each person looks to see if their piece contains the “baby.” If so, then that person is named “King” for a day and bound by custom to host the next party and provide the King Cake.”

It’s thought to have been brought over from France in the 19th century and integrated into New Orleans Mardi Gras culture. It’s now a popular cake served between early January and available up until the day after Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent.

Try it at: Manny Randazzo’s King Cakes, 3515 N. Hullen Street, Metairie

Bananas Foster

Now a popular dessert around the United States, originally, bananas foster were from New Orleans. It’s a simple dessert: bananas served with brown sugar, butter, and rum.

It was originally created for and named for Richard Foster, who was a friend of a restaurant owner who made this dish for him at the restaurant Brennan’s in the French Quarter.

Try it at: Brennan’s, 417 Royal Street

New Orleans Cocktails

Sazerac

This classic New Orleans cocktail is made of rye whiskey (or cognac), absinthe, a single sugar cube, and Peychaud’s bitters, served with a lemon peel garnish.

It’s the official cocktail of Louisiana and if you’re a drinker, you shouldn’t leave New Orleans without sampling it (don’t let the absinthe scare you off — it’s just a touch, and we don’t get the good stuff that makes you loopy in America, anyway)

Try it at: The Sazerac Bar, 130 Roosevelt Way

Hurricane

No cocktail in New Orleans has been done as dirty as the Hurricane — you’ll see it offered in horrific slushie forms all over Bourbon Street.

But the classic is delicious, made with dark & light rum, lemon juice, and passionfruit syrup. Try it at the bar who invented it and skip the crappy ones up and down Bourbon Street.

Try it at: Pat O’Brien’s, 718 St Peter

Ramos Gin Fizz

Another classic New Orleans cocktail, and my personal favorite, is the Ramos gin fizz.

Made with gin (obviously), club soda, simple syrup, lime, orange flower water, heavy cream, and egg white (which whips up into a lovely foam)… the Ramos gin fizz is a dream to drink, like a gin-infused creamsicle without the treacly sweetness.

Try it at: The Sazerac Bar, 130 Roosevelt Way

Vieux Carré

The final New Orleans cocktail on this list (though of course, there are others!)

It’s a tasty, unique drink: made with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, benedictine liqueur, Peychaud’s bitters, Angostura bitters, topped with a maraschino cherry.

Try it at: The Carousel Bar, 214 Royal St., where it originated!

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Off the Beaten Path London: 17 Quirky Hidden Gems in London

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Big Ben. Westminster Abbey. The London Eye. London Bridge.

These things are all quintessentially London, but let’s face it, they’re extremely crowded and a lot of the magic is lost.

If you want to see London without the crowds, you’ll need to go a bit off the beaten path in London, beyond just central London.

Luckily, I have Anissa from London Travellers, a London local, here to share with me all her favorite London hidden gems and show you a secret London that few tourists get to experience!

Here are her top recommendations for hidden gems in London for you to explore.

Off the Beaten Path London: 17 Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

God’s Own Junkyard

Located in East London, God’s Own Junk Yard is one of London’s hidden gems and offers a multi-colored neon art gallery. Just note that where it’s located is not the best area in London, and when I visited, I went past the place. It’s easily missed!

Some of the items include a multi-colored neon arrow pointing downwards with bulbs around the edges. The bright neon “Laughter” lit in the middle of the arrow. Why not see the British Union Jack flag brightly lit in red and blue neon lights? Or see a bright neon Santa next to his sleigh with his red and white costume?

The creator, Chris Bracey, has worked with Vivienne Westwood’s store to install neon lights for her storefront, David La Chapelle, and Selfridges in the past. There are hundreds more to choose from. If you have a retail fashion store, a bar or night club, ask in store for details; it’s a shop too! Enjoy cakes and coffee and spend at least an hour here.

Highgate Cemetery

If you love cemeteries, then you’ll love Highgate Cemetery. Situated near Archway Tube Station, and the upper-class area of Hampstead Heath (another London hidden gem), Highgate Cemetery is said to be haunted. Several important people such have been buried here, for example, Karl Marx is buried here.

Check out Egyptian Avenue where you’ll find rows of subterranean passageways on a hillside, used to be used for religious purposes. All around you, you’ll find stuccoed brick in the area.

Check out Waterlow Park where you’ll see great views of London. You can sit by the rows of benches just enjoying the green space and relaxing, looking at wildlife and historical 18th to 19th-century buildings.

Find a place where you can sip your coffee and eat cake and relax for a bit. Don’t forget to take photos of the stone gargoyles on either side of the stone steps, enjoy yourself by the lake and have a picnic.

Be sure to check out Lauderdale House while in the area, an intimate art gallery where you’ll see numerous art collections and another hidden gem in London

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is an upper-class area of London and not far from Highgate Cemetery. You can easily walk there and combine two London hidden gems in one outing!

One of the most popular open spaces in London, Hampstead Heath is by far the best out of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. With 800 acres of woodlands, you will see a great view of London from the top of Parliament Hill.

If you’re coming from Trafalgar Square, it’s around 30 minutes from Leicester Square on the Northern Line. Alternatively, take bus numbers 88 and 214. Here are some activities you can do in Hampstead Heath Park.

You can swim in the open-air Bathing Ponds and Parliament Hill Lido during the summer (these are usually for residents of the UK rather than tourists, so check ahead of time). You’ll also find the lovely Kenwood House located here.

There are various paid sports events and sports activities, especially for families with young and older children. For sports lovers, you can go fishing, practice your athletic skills, play cricket, ride a bike, go swimming, or play tennis. There are also sports clubs from rugby, running, croquet, bowling and many more.

For wildlife and nature, you can spot woodpeckers, bullfinches, stag beetle, grass snakes, and many more. Although you rarely see beautiful colorful flowerbeds, you will still enjoy green trees turn orange and yellow in autumn, then disappear into leafless trees in winter.

You will often see bats and up to 25 different types of butterflies, along with foxes, hedgehogs, deer, a duck pond, and many more.

Check out Golders Hill Park and Golders Hill Park Zoo (free), adjacent to Hampstead Heath Park for more open space greenery and wildlife.

House of MinaLima

Located in the heart of Central London, Soho, behind Shaftesbury Avenue, House of MinaLima is a Harry Potter gift and merchandise shop. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, then this place is for you! It’s also a great place if you’re visiting London with kids.

The storefront looks like an arcade: red all over with small light bulbs surrounding the name of the shop. It’s situated below a pink bricked house; you can’t miss it.

You will often see several black and white Harry Potter billboards, a replica of several posters and billboards you’d see in the movies. Other items include the flying envelopes that the Dursley’s kept from Harry, a statue of Hedwig, a large artwork of the Marauder’s Map on the floor (you can step on it), many books on witchcraft and wizardry as well as the Dark Arts. See the exhibition downstairs for more surprises!

Situated behind Shaftesbury Avenue, the major West End theatre district, House of MinaLima has several members of staff who would be willing to help you choose your Harry Potter products. They’re the real Harry Potter fans.

If you haven’t had enough of the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden, then visit the shop when you get back to London (if you have enough time, that is). The store closes at 7 pm.

Still want more Harry Potter? Take a Harry Potter themed walking tour with my favorite tour company, GetYourGuide.

Read reviews and book your tour today!

Brick Lane

Historically, Brick Lane was the place in London where the poorest of the poor lived and congregated. Many years back, Jack the Ripper claimed his many unfortunate victims in this area; however, now, it’s a place for trendy fashion and it’s the home of many Asian communities.

Situated in the East End of London, you can see the multi-cultural aspect of London here. Brick Lane Market opens every Sunday, selling street food and drinks from around the world. During the rest of the week, Brick Lane is also a place for several curry houses scattered around this area.

You can usually smell the hot spices mixed with different aromas of food as you walk past. Sometimes you can still feel the heat from the hot pan as you choose your dishes!

As for retro fashion, make sure you wear your best vintage outfits to fit in. You’ll see a different side to London, a sight not normally seen in Central London.

The community on Brick Lane is largely Asian, particularly Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian. Although it’s remarkably busy, you’ll enjoy the community feel, and you will see several Asian shops selling saris, headscarves, jewellery, street food, restaurants, and cafes.

Along with the multicultural community and retro fashion all around you, you will see a lot of colorful street art adorning the brick walls and storefronts.

On Brick Lane, you will see a large artwork of a pelican, (a photo popular on social media!), a large painting of a lady in orange/purple street-style outfit with her large silver necklace around her neck, and many more. Take advantage of taking several photos when you pass them!

Don’t forget to give the buskers (playing all kinds of music, from Caribbean to R&B) your attention while in the area as well, and give them a tip if you like the music!

Brick Lane is young, vibrant, multicultural, colorful, and artistic all rolled into one. A place not to be missed!

Kayaking and canoeing along the Thames

Most tourists do a hop-on hop-off bus tour or take a river cruise along the Thames. To do something a little different, why not canoe or kayak and enjoy the cool breeze as you see the many famous landmarks in London?

Kayaking and canoeing are not for the faint-hearted and not for beginners. The current in the River Thames can actually be very fierce and when it’s windy, it’s wise not to go out. I have seen experienced swimmers struggle getting out of the water because of its currents. Make sure you know the risks and go with a licensed guide!

The great thing about kayaking and canoeing in London is that it covers the quieter side of London too if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. These places are not always the most scenic, but if you’re into grazelands and abandoned spaces all overtaken by wildlife, then its an interesting sight!

You can also mix it up with a little adventure and go by jet boat! Check out RIB boat tours here.

Little Venice

Located in West London, Little Venice consists of boat houses, Georgian houses, waterways, and much more. You hardly feel as if you’re in London at all here!

It’s quiet in some areas and crowded in other areas. Connected to Regent’s Canal and the Grand Union Canal, as you walk further up into the canal, you will see Camden Lock, Camden Market near Regent’s Canal, and Portobello Market near the Grand Union Canal. Those two markets offer vintage, quirky, and trendy atmospheres and more crowds, whereas other areas are a bit quieter.

The crowds of people will make you feel a part of the friendly community and the quiet areas will give you peace. Don’t forget to check out some of the Georgian houses and see how locals live in council estates scattered around the canal.

Why not ride a boat and enjoy the ducks paddling along with you with the currents? I guarantee you that you will have a chance to avoid the crowds, and enjoy some peace in nature.

Book your Regents Canal boat tour today!

Another great thing about the areas near Little Venice is the classic and quirky cafes along and above the canal.

It’s a great feeling, sipping tea and coffees or cocktails in the evening, hearing crowds of people talking, and seeing the lights from boathouses twinkling in the night sky.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is situated near London Fenchurch Street and Monument. If you happen to visit the Sky Garden, give Leadenhall Market a visit before or after.

As you step inside the cobblestone pavement in the market, you will be surrounded by many luxurious shops dating back to the 15th century. Sip some luxurious coffee in one of the coffee shops among businessmen in their suits. Buy some cinnamon pastries or sugary waffles, chocolate croissants, and various cakes to take away.

Not enough? Why not visit the New Moon pub, a brightly lit golden pub for traditional British fish and chips? Other than buying cakes, sipping coffees, and eating fish and chips, you can buy flowers at the florist, fresh meat from the market, or taste fine wine in a casual wine café.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to choose from here, and it’s a welcome contrast to the vibrant working-class Borough Market and vintage Portobello Market.

It’s not just the shopping you’ll experience; it’s the historical architecture all around you. The brightly lit pathway lines many shops and as you look above, you’ll see the exceedingly high arch-shaped glass roof. As you arrive in the middle, above, you will see an extremely high dome-shaped roof. It’s a guarantee that you’ll be surrounded by stunning architecture!

Experience Pie, Mash, and Liquor

Traditionally, pie, mash, and liquor was the food of the working class in the 19th century. This dish consists of mashed potatoes and pie, usually served with gravy called ‘liquor’ (which is actually non-alcoholic), made from the stock leftover from stewed eels.

People usually eat this traditional meal with mixed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or peas. Complement it with a traditional British tea with milk. The taste is salty and filling at the same time. The presentation isn’t elaborate, but it’s the flavor that counts.

You can eat it for lunch or dinner, and it can be found in British pie and mash cafes or some traditional British pubs around London.

If you happen to see English cafes scattered outside Central London, the settings consist of simple flat chairs and simple tables. Regular locals will usually eat in these types of places; that’s the beauty of experiencing the British culture, seeing how and where regular Brits eat.

Here are 5 recommended Pie & Mash cafés worth a visit.

  1. Mother Mash: 26 Ganton Street, London, W1F 7QZ, England (Soho).
  2. Castle’s Pie and Mash Eel: 229 Royal College Street, London, NW1 9LT, England (situated near Camden Town and popular with tourists).
  3. M Manze Tower Bridge: 87 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 4TW, England (follow the road from Tower Bridge and head South)
  4. Goddards at Greenwich: 22 King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HU, England
  5. Fuller’s Pie and Ale House: 33 Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9LA, England (situated in near St. James’ Park)

All Hallows by the Tower Church

All Hallows by the Tower Church is situated next to the Tower of London. The nearest tube station is Tower Hill. It’s the oldest Anglican church in London and still holds services to this day.

After your tour at the Tower of London, why not give All Hallows by the Tower Church a visit? Later on, you can eat at the Coppa Club Tower Bridge restaurant, famous for its igloos by the River Thames, overlooking Tower Bridge and The Shard (be sure to make a reservation in advance!).

All Hallows by the Tower Church has survived many disasters including The Great Fire of London and the German bombers during the Blitz. It can also be easily missed since everyone will be attracted to the Tower of London.

If you’re into Roman history, the history of Anglo Saxons, and Ernest Shackleton, then this place is for you. Compared to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, there are not usually a lot of people here, so it’s an intimate experience if you don’t like crowds.

Check out the crypt museum and the many multi-colored glass crests on the stained-glass windows. It’s historical, spooky, creepy, and interesting at the same time!

The Operating Theatre and Herb Garret

The Operating Theatre and Herb Garret Museum is in the South East of London. This place was used to store herbs for medicine, and it’s one of the oldest surgical theatre in London between the 18 – 20th Century.

If you’re a science buff or you’re into the history of medicine, this museum is for you. Here, you will see a collection of different flavored aspirins ranging from mint to coffee and usually taken with milk or water.

Other interesting items include a red velveted surgical box with its complete silver surgical tools. The item that most caught my attention was the blood testing kit. Seeing it, I could imagine how much it hurt when the thick syringe went into the skin to take blood samples!

In different areas of the museum, you will see other items: a 17th-century wooden hospital trolley, a 19th-century urinal glass shaped like a vase with a handle, a rusty tinned ward lantern, and a tool known as a blade scarificator, used for bloodletting. Bloodletting was intended to draw blood from a patient to cure and prevent future illnesses. Most of the time, they used to use leeches to extract blood.

It’s great fun for all the family (if you’re not squeamish or have very young children, that is) and educational if you’re curious to see what life was like during the 18th to the 19th century.

The museum is situated next to London Bridge Station. If you happen to visit The Shard, Borough Market, or the Southbank area, then you can’t miss this London hidden gem museum.

See the deer in Richmond Park

Richmond Park is situated in the southwest of London. There’s no other place to go deer watching than Richmond Park! Richmond Park was a recreational and hunting ground for the royal family for more than 1,000 years, but now everyone can visit.

Richmond Park is the second-largest of the royal parks in London, and it consists of 2,500 acres of green space with lots of paths for walkers and lanes for drivers. As you reach the Richmond area, you can feel a bit of a rural village vibe in London.

Although a busy and popular area for locals and tourists, by mixing with nature and wildlife, it’s a place that makes you feel at peace — as a bonus, all that green space boosts your immune system, a contrast to the stressful, a contrast to the sometimes stressful urban area of Central London.

While deer spotting, don’t get too close! They are not pets; they’re wild animals. People have been injured feeding them. If you go by car, if you’re lucky, you can see them close as you drive by (but be careful not to hit them!)

Check out the café and Isabella Plantation for beautiful walks among plants, trees, and flowers. You can go cycling, walking, picnics, dog walking and see a great view of the Thames in Richmond Hill from the hilltop. See if you can spot Mick Jagger’s house!

Secret Bars

If you want to try out something different from the usual partying areas scattered in every corner of Soho, you must try out several secret bars, which London is well known for.

Hidden from the busy life of the city, this post wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging a few obscure secret cocktail bars around London. Here are 4 recommended secret bars in London to visit.

The Luggage Room

The luxurious, cozy, and dark cocktail bar has an intimate setting hidden in the aristocratic area of Mayfair. The Luggage Room offers 19th century-inspired alcoholic drinks up to the current period. If you want to experience the lively atmosphere, make sure you check in during the weekends by 10 PM to get in.

The simple black door has a silver lion knocker. It can easily be missed and be mistaken for an abandoned house. However, as you reach the basement, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of the Great Gatsby movie.

The afternoon tea cakes and sandwiches taste the same as the afternoon teas served around London, but the sweets and savories taste so different from the other restaurants and cafes in London.

Check out the marble fireplace, the leather menu imprinted with the club’s initials, a selection of cocktails that used to be served in the medieval times down to the peanuts. These small details are what make the place memorable, especially when you’re spending time with your family and friends!

The Little Yellow Door

The Little Yellow Door Cocktail bar is situated in the colorful and fashionable area of Notting Hill. This bar has a 19th-century Victorian feel to it, and its theme makes you feel that you stepped into someone’s flat as you get that cozy feeling of being at home.

Here, you can have dinner parties, Sunday roasts, bottomless brunches, and house parties. Although the food is average and tastes similar to other pubs around London, the atmosphere is unique and the theme of feeling like you’ve stepped into someone’s flat is such a good idea.

Lunch ends at 5 PM, and if you like R&B and hip hop, head downstairs to dance a while downstairs. Take advantage of the DJ booth, a vinyl station, a fancy-dress box, poker, and backgammon tables if you’re hiring the place for a private event. You can play Jenga and other board games in the bar area as well.

Evans Peel Detective Agency

Situated in Earl’s Court, Evans Peel Detective Agency is a speakeasy bar hidden in Central London. Like the Luggage Room, Evans Peel Detective Agency will make people feel like they’ve stepped into the set of the Great Gatsby!

The great thing about this speakeasy bar is that once you arrive in front of the door, a waiter playing a detective will tell you they’ve solved your case. Be prepared to have a story ready and play along with the dialogue as they guide you to your table.

The professional mixologists have excellent knowledge of modern classic cocktails. As for the decor, you will see many detective themed items in the 1920s, including maps, magnifying glass, and many more to add to the ambiance.

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Situated in Bishopsgate, you can visit this London hidden gem before or after visiting Spitalfields Market, a retro vintage and antiques market like Portobello Market. Like Evans Peel Detective Agency, it’s also a speakeasy bar.

When you arrive at the Breakfast Club bar, tell them that you’re there to see the mayor. They’ll escort you to what looks like a large fridge that will lead you down to a cozy, dark, and lively underground pub!

Try the Basic Kitsch cocktail for their signature vanilla, raspberry syrup, and lemon sweet and sour cocktail. It’s an average price for the atmosphere; I’ve seen many bars that are more expensive. I recommend it!

 The Hardy Tree

The Hardy Tree consists of hundreds of 18th century tombstones which were placed close together around a large ash tree by novelist Sir Thomas Hardy.

It’s a bit bizarre, but in the mid-19th Century, London was in the middle of a great railway expansion, which they thought would affect the souls buried in the nearby graveyard.

Sir Thomas Hardy thought it was a good idea to pile the burials near the ash tree so they could rest in peace. However, it’s thought the people buried here aren’t resting in peace to this day.

Weeds and algae have grown between the tombstones and people have had bad luck here — some say the souls resting here can commit an act of “bodysnatching”. Visit this tree if you’re brave enough — good luck!

Cruise the Thames on an old paddle steamer

There are many companies that offer cruises on the River Thames. You can choose from exploring the city with live entertainment, fine dining with wine, and fireworks display if you choose to come for NYE and experience the Tower Bridge lift, a rare occurrence nowadays!

We went with Dixie Queen, and the service there was amazing. As you board the Dixie Queen, you feel like you’re stepping inside a mini-Titanic cruise ship. The wooden stairs with brass handles will take you to the second floor of the dining area. There were around fifty chairs and tables covered in white tablecloths. Large white candelabras are placed on each table.

We went to the lower deck; this deck consists of several intimate booths and blue couches complemented with dark wooden tables. The upper deck consists of a bar for alcoholic beverages, and you can also opt for buffet service if you prefer.

At the end of the boat, there is a great space for dancing, live entertainment, and a balcony for fresh air.

It’s recommended to take in these sights at night, since London can be rather dense and industrial around the Thames. During the day, the view isn’t as beautiful at night, when it’s all lit up!

Interesting landmarks covered include the former Battersea Power Station, Palace of Westminster (Big Ben), The London Eye, the Gherkin, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Cutty Sark ship, Greenwich The O2 Arena, and the Thames Barrier to prevent from flooding.

Dixie Queen is the busiest, but you can choose from the Elizabethan, Edwardian, and Equity. Equity is for private tours of no more than 6 people.

Postman’s Park

If you happen to be in St. Paul’s Cathedral, make sure to check out Postman’s Park, nestled behind. It’s a great place to get away from the busy atmosphere, and a great place to have your lunch. You’ll be surrounded by giant ash and oak trees, green plants, and tall 14th-century Tudor houses.

The special thing about this park is the Watt’s Memorial to Heroic Self. It consists of memorial plaques of over 40 people who have sacrificed their lives to save others. The memorial opened in 1900 and dates to the 19th Century. One plaque is above; two other plaques include:

Thomas Griffin, a laborer who died in a boiler explosion so he could search for his mate. Died 12 April 1899.

Alice Ayers, a daughter of a bricklayer, saved 3 children from a burning house. Died 24 April 1885.

It’s worth reading all the plaques and imagining what they had to go through risking their lives, taking a moment to honor their sacrifices.

Jack the Ripper Tour

For those who don’t know Jack the Ripper, he was a notorious criminal back in 1888 who targeted women. Nearly all of his victims died within the Highgate and Whitechapel area.

If you love true crime and a good mystery, this highly-reviewed walking tour will offer you just that. I enjoyed hearing the macabre stories, though it is definitely not for young ears!

The tour usually last about 2 hours, and they’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have about Jack the Ripper. You will see the various alleyways he used to lure in his victims, you will visit the Ten Bells pub where one of his victims used to work, and you will get to see the historic Spitalfields Market, a vintage and retro market near this area.

Before or after this tour, check out Wilton’s Music Hall, the oldest music hall in London dating back to the 19th century, another hidden gem of London. It kept its original décor including its pillars, balcony, and stages, and it’s well worth a visit.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Annisa, an Indonesian national living in London. I’ve been living here since 1991. My family and I packed our bags to pursue a better way of living.

Since living here, I noticed London is rich in history and culture and I had an idea of writing about it in a blog, London Travellers. As a resident here, I’ve learned the ins and outs of London and every time visitors see London, there’s always something new to see and do. It’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time, so that’s why I made it my mission to write about London and give visitors tips and tricks for planning a great holiday.

For more tips, check my London guide and my London itinerary.

For more information on London Travellers, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.

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