Category: Travel Guides

Imagine stepping into Livraria Lello in Porto, where every nook and cranny tells a story with its Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau vibes. Straight ahead is an incredible staircase that winds like the neck of a dragon and a stained-glass ceiling that could rival the beauty of a Gothic church. We just returned from Porto, fresh off a visit to the Livraria Lello, and we want to share our tips on getting in, purchasing tickets, and having the best experience at this beautiful bookstore.

And hey, have you heard about JK Rowling and the Harry Potter connection? Despite her saying she’s never been, whispers about Livraria Lello being a muse for Hogwarts keep attracting Potterheads from all corners of the globe. In this article, you will learn about the celebrated history, cultural impact, and unique architecture that amplify its global allure, and plan your visit with our practical tips.

We did want to highlight that there are only 2 ways to get tickets to Livraria Lello. First, you can book a walking city tour that includes a skip-the-line entrance like this one, or you can purchase tickets from the library website online and reserve your desired time slot. The Libray website can be a little confusing, but we will cover how to navigate that below.

Exploring the Enchantment of Livraria Lello: A Porto Gem

Livraria Lello, also known as the Lello Bookshop, is celebrated for its enchanting design features that transport visitors to a different era. In this era, books and newspapers were primary modes of cultural exchange and public debate. Considered one of the world’s most famous bookstores, the Livraria Lello bookstore captivates everyone with its flowing staircase, dark wood bookshelves, stained glass ceilings, and ornate carvings. Weaving together an ambiance one would be hard-pressed to forget.

The Architectural Marvel of Livraria Lello

Setting foot in Livraria Lello, you’ll be entranced by this visual masterpiece. Envisioned by the Lello brothers and architect Francisco Xavier Esteves, it was a pioneer of its time. It was one of the first buildings in Porto to utilize reinforced concrete in its construction.

One of the bookstore’s most distinguished features is the large stained-glass skylight adorned with the Lello motto, ‘Honour in Work.’ It is hard to miss as you head up the staircase; it dominates the room at the top of the stairs.

How to Visit Livraria Lello Bookstore

The experience of stepping into Livraria Lello is really special, even if you are not a Harry Potter fan. It took us two tries to visit Liveria Lello. Our first try saw us leaving Porto without stepping foot in the most beautiful bookstore in the world, but when we returned this past Spring, we were prepared. And we will share a few tips that you can use to make sure that you skip the line, see it without the crowds, or actually get in.

Our #1 Tip: The Golden Ticket Advantage

The Golden Ticket Voucher is perfect for those who want a seamless visit to the famous bookstore. It offers priority access, a reserved book of your choice, and an experience free from queues.

We visited Porto last year and didn’t know this, but this year, we made sure to book in advance and get the golden ticket. We booked the first entry at the 9 AM entry and managed a few photos without any people—a real feat as the rest of the day is an endless stream of people. Considering it is only 8 euros more than the General Admission, I have no idea why everyone doesn’t book this ticket.

We also found out that when purchased as online tickets, the Golden Ticket gives you a choice of Romeo and Juliet or The Art of War, but you are not locked into this choice; you can select any book from the store that costs €15.90 (the cost of our Golden Ticket) or if you want a larger more expensive book you can pay the difference.

Navigating The Website

As we mentioned above, the website was very confusing. Here are a few tips on how to book your ticket online.

First, you should choose Ticket Voucher Gold for the following reasons.
When adding it to your cart, you will be asked which book you want to choose. You can choose either one, and you can change it at the bookstore itself if you like. When we checked out, we chose The Little Prince and Selected Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
Once you add it to your cart and proceed to checkout, you can schedule your time. Choose early in the morning or a time near closing to avoid the crowds, and check “apply to all vouchers” if you have multiple tickets.
Next, you will asked to create an account or register as guest. We just registered as a guest and had no issues. Continue to fill out all the info for each ticket holder.
Once you pay, you will receive an email saying you were successful and another with your tickets. Load these on your phone and present them at the door.
Remember, Liveria Lello sells tickets weeks or even months in advance, so the sooner you know your travel dates, book your tickets.

Best Times to Explore Livraria Lello

Owing to its popularity, Livraria Lello frequently draws large crowds. However, there are ways to beat the rush. The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when the crowds are low and there are more time slots available. You can purchase tickets at the Lello’s bookstore adjacent ticket office, but we recommend booking online as it is easier and you have a better chance of getting your time slot.

To avoid peak times, it might be beneficial to plan your visit during quieter periods like lunchtime, late afternoon, or an hour before closing on a Saturday evening. That being said, if you can grab the first entry at 9 AM, that would be the best option.

When someone asked a staff member when the best time to visit, the answer was 3pm on a weekday in February.

Unveiling the Harry Potter Mystique at Livraria Lello

The charm of Livraria Lello reaches far beyond its captivating beauty and rich history. Its rumored connection to the Harry Potter series has added a layer of intrigue and mystique that draws in fans from around the world. JK Rowling lived in Porto in the early 1990s, where she taught English as a foreign language and frequented cultural sites like Livraria Lello.

Despite the profound ties between JK Rowling and Porto, the author herself has expressed that she never visited Livraria Lello during her time in the city. Nevertheless, stories persist of Rowling spending hours in the bookstore, even buying books from there.

The Hogwarts Likeness: Fact or Fiction?

Although JK Rowling might not have penned parts of the first Harry Potter book at Livraria Lello, the bookstore’s unique aesthetic bears a remarkable resemblance to her descriptions of the Hogwarts library. The grand, Neo-Gothic staircase at Livraria Lello, a Harry Potter bookstore in its own right, is often cited as the inspiration for the moving staircases of Hogwarts. When seeing the staircases of Liveria Lello with our own eyes, it’s hard to believe that this bookstore didn’t somehow inspire her writing.

The Complete Livraria Lello Experience

A visit to Livraria Lello offers an unforgettable journey. From its iconic floating staircase, evoking images of Rome’s Sistine Chapel, to the ornate wooden shelves that remind visitors of the Flourish and Blotts bookshop from the Harry Potter series, it is easy to see why it is one of the top bookstores in the world (in lists by Lonely Planet and The Guardian).

The Lello Brothers’ Legacy

The story of Livraria Lello begins with the Lello brothers, José and António Lello. In the late 1800s, they founded this bookstore, which soon became a cultural icon in Porto. Their intellectual spirit is captured in the stained glass window of Livraria Lello, featuring their motto ‘decus in labore’.

The brothers Lello were instrumental in the bookstore’s development, appointing a designer for the new bookstore and overseeing its expansion and renovation. Their efforts culminated in the bookstore’s inauguration in 1906, marking a significant milestone in its history. This period of growth and renovation was driven by their vision to create a space that was more than just a place to purchase books but a cultural hub that encouraged the exchange of ideas and intellectual discourse.

Over time, the Lello brothers’ legacy has endlessly inspired and enriched Porto’s cultural scene and beyond. Their vision for a bookstore in Porto that transcends just selling books and serves as a cultural hub, where the exchange of ideas and intellectual discourse thrives, continues to be the heart of Porto’s Livraria Lello.

Your Questions Answered

Since returning from Portugal, we have had a lot of questions about how to best visit the library, whether it was worth it, and what the connection to Harry Potter is. We thought we would make it easy for you and answer them below.

Is Livraria Lello the most beautiful bookstore in the world?

Yes, Livraria Lello is widely considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world due to its unique architectural design and ornate interior.

Did JK Rowling write Harry Potter at Livraria Lello?

No, JK Rowling has stated that she did not visit Livraria Lello while living in Porto, but we believe otherwise.

Is Livraria Lello the inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter?

While the interior of Livraria Lello resembles Hogwarts, it has not been confirmed as the direct inspiration for the series.

What’s the best way to visit Livraria Lello?

The best way to visit Livraria Lello is to purchase tickets online to avoid long queues or consider a city walking tour that offers skip-the-line access. Enjoy your visit!

What’s included in the Golden Ticket at Livraria Lello?

The Golden Ticket at Livraria Lello includes priority access, a reserved book, and the ability to skip the queue. Enjoy your exclusive benefits!

Why You Should Visit The Lello Bookstore

Livraria Lello is more than just a bookstore. It’s an architectural masterpiece, a cultural hub, and a living testament to Porto’s vibrant intellectual history. Whether you’re a book lover, an architecture enthusiast, or a Harry Potter fan, Livraria Lello offers an immersive experience that transcends time and narrates a tale of passion, creativity, and intellectual spirit.

Los Angeles is a fantastic city and definitely the most popular tourist destination on the West Coast. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, but trying to find a hotel in LA is similar to looking for a needle in a haystack. With more than 1,000 hotels to choose from, how on Earth can you settle on just one? With my help, of course! This detailed guide on all the best hotels in Los Angeles compares all the most popular destinations in LA to help you find the best city area and hotel room for you.

Best Places To Stay In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a very big city that encompasses several smaller areas that are also cities by definition. Beverly Hills is not part of the city of LA administratively, but it is such an iconic part of the area that everyone disregards the technicalities. And it’s one of the best places to stay in LA, even if it’s technically a different city. 

LA is massive, and choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. Consider which attractions you’re most interested in and how you plan to get around, and then decide on the appropriate area. If you want to party like a rockstar, make it West Hollywood or Santa Monica if you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the sounds of the whooshing waves. I’ve got a few more suggestions, so let’s get into all the top places to stay in Los Angeles. 

West Hollywood

The bustling West Hollywood is an excellent area of LA for first-time visitors. It’s known for live music venues and clubs where the party never stops. This is by far the best part of LA for nightlife, whether you want to rock out with up-and-coming bands at Whisky a Go Go or laugh until your stomach hurts at The Comedy Store. 

West Hollywood is also known for the Sunset Strip, a vibrant neighborhood along Sunset Boulevard. That’s precisely where you’ll find most of the area’s best bars and clubs, but also some of LA’s best hotels. 

Consider staying here if you’re looking for mid-range or high-end hotels with premium service and excellent amenities. This isn’t the best area of LA for budget stays, but it offers more options than neighborhoods like the Beverly Hills or the Hollywood Hills.  

Luxury: The West Hollywood Edition

The West Hollywood Edition is a luxury hotel on Sunset Boulevard. Featuring a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an excellent spa, the hotel is truly a top choice for a lavish stay in LA. The guest rooms at The Edition are all extra large and decorated with contemporary, LA-style furnishings, which means a lot of white furniture with warm wooden accents. 

Every room at this fabulous hotel offers an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. All the guest rooms have walk-in showers, while the larger suites offer both a shower and a bath. The hotel offers rooms on lower and higher floors, and I must point out that the rooms on higher floors have some of the best views of LA. 

Mid-Range: The Charlie West Hollywood

The Charlie West Hollywood is a four-star hotel set in a house that Charlie Chaplin once called home. As far as unique stays go in LA, this is one of the best options. The hotel is also within walking distance of Melrose Avenue, where you’ll find some iconic LA sights like the Pink Wall and the Hollywood Improv. 

The Charlie offers spacious suites, all featuring a bathroom and a kitchen. Every suite also has a desk, a seating area, a TV, and a coffee maker. Guests have access to a dishwasher in their room and the hotel’s laundry room. Everyone staying at The Charlie gets a private terrace, and guests can also use the shared garden space. 

Mid-Range: Hotel Ziggy Los Angeles

Hotel Ziggy is a nice hotel with excellent rates for Sunset Strip. And it’s a hotel you won’t regret booking, which I can’t say about some of the other, cheaper hotels in this area Trust me on this one. 

In addition to the premium location, this boutique hotel offers medium-sized rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Every guest room has a desk, seating area, and a TV. All guests at the Ziggy Hotel are welcome to make use of the saltwater pool and 24-hour gym. Some of LA’s best clubs and live music venues are just a short walk from this hotel, so definitely consider staying here if you want to experience this aspect of life in Los Angeles. 

Budget: Banana Bungalow West Hollywood Hotel & Hostel

The Banana Bungalow is one of the very few true budget options in West Hollywood. I originally wasn’t going to include it because its cleanliness ratings don’t meet my very high standards, but I figure you should be aware that the option exists, especially if cleanliness isn’t your pet peeve. Beds at this hostel are as low as $35 per night, with breakfast included, which is possibly the lowest rate in LA. 

Guests can also enjoy free coffee and tea all day long at this property, which is pretty cool. Billiards, foosball, and table tennis are available in the common spaces, so there’s plenty of opportunity for mingling and entertainment. The hostel’s cheapest option is dormitory beds, but it also offers a double room with a private bathroom. 

Pros of Staying in West Hollywood 

Excellent nightlife
Very LGBTQ+ friendly
 Great for luxury hotel stays 

Cons of Staying in West Hollywood 

The hotels aren’t cheap 
Limited public transport 
A crowded neighborhood

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is probably my favorite area of LA for a first visit. It’s one of a few walkable neighborhoods in the city with enough attractions that you can stay busy for a couple of days. Book a hotel in Downtown LA if you don’t have a car to get around because many interesting sights are within walking distance, plus the neighborhood has great public transport connections to other parts of the city. 

Ride the Angels Flight Railway, discover the modern art displayed at The Broad, see the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, and get something to eat at Grand Central Market. Downtown LA is the undisputed heart of the city with music arenas, historic movie theaters, and high-rise buildings. 

This part of LA offers various hotels in every price range, and it’s one of the best city areas for a budget stay. It’s also the best part of the city to truly understand the divide between the vastly wealthy and the poor; just a few blocks from the high-rise office buildings and lavish hotels is Skid Row, the neighborhood with the largest population of homeless people in the US. Keep this in mind when exploring the Downtown, and stay away from the more dangerous neighborhoods, especially at night. 

Luxury: The Ritz Carlton

There are many luxury hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, but few are as fabulous as The Ritz Carlton. It’s one of the tallest skyscrapers in the neighborhood and one of the priciest hotels in the city, so there’s hardly a better option for a true luxury stay in LA. The hotel features very spacious rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with private bathrooms, TVs, desks, and seating areas. 

If you’re going to book a room at this hotel, make sure it’s on one of the higher floors. All the rooms at the Ritz Carlton have huge windows, but only the ones on the higher floors offer sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline. As for the other amenities, this luxury hotel boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa center, and several restaurants. 

Mid-Range: Omni Los Angeles Hotel

Omni Los Angeles is a nice four-star hotel with an excellent location in Downtown LA. It’s situated right next to the Museum of Contemporary Art and just a few steps from the Angel’s Flight Railway. Book a room at this hotel if you want to be within walking distance of some of the best landmarks in Downtown Los Angeles, but also just a couple of minutes from the Grand Park metro station. 

The Omni offers an outdoor swimming pool, three restaurants, a bar, and a nice spa and wellness center. All the guest rooms are spacious and feature ensuite marble and granite bathrooms. Desks, seating areas, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers are also included in every room. Try to get one of the high-floor rooms for sweeping city views from the comfort of your bed. 

Budget: Freehand Los Angeles

The Freehand Los Angeles is probably my favorite option for budget travelers. It’s a four-star hotel with fantastic private rooms, as well as mixed dormitories. Travelers can book a single bed in a larger dormitory and spend a night in the heart of LA for less than $70. Yes, that’s still a bit steep for a budget stay, but the hotel has a rooftop pool with a sprawling pool deck that offers fabulous views of Los Angeles. 

Also, the bigger dormitories have two ensuite bathrooms, which is twice as many as you get in most hotels. Smaller, female-only dormitories are available, and they’re only a little pricier per night. The hotel is only a five-minute walk from the 7th Street metro station, which can take you to the iconic Holywood Walk of Fame in under half an hour or even all the way to Santa Monica in under an hour. It’s worth noting that the private rooms are much pricier, so only the dormitories are a true budget option in this part of LA. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles

Walkable area
Affordable hotel options 
Lots of attractions and landmarks 
Great public transport connections to the rest of the city 

Cons of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles

Quite far from Hollywood and Beverly Hills 
Very busy during the day 
Not all areas are tourist-friendly 

Beverly Hills

Few places in this world are as well-known and legendary as Beverly Hills. The posh LA city is known around the world for Rodeo Drive, the iconic shopping street lined with luxury fashion stores. Beverly Hills is the synonym for wealth and opulence, and as such, it caters to a very niche group of travelers. 

In other words, if you’ve got money to burn, you’ll absolutely love it here. But if you’re trying to visit LA on a budget, I do not recommend staying at Beverly Hills at all. The neighborhood is nice and generally quite safe, but it’s also one of the most expensive areas in LA. There are no true budget hotels here, only cheap mid-range hotels and very old hotels that are very much falling apart. 

Beverly Hills offers iconic LA landmarks and locations, plus it’s pretty close to West Hollywood and Hollywood. It’s a good base for a more thorough exploration of LA, especially if you want to stay in a more quiet part of the city. Just remember that everything here is very expensive. 

Luxury: The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the best five-star hotels in this upscale area. It is on Sunset Boulevard, so it is just a short drive from The Strip and Rodeo Drive. Come here if you want to have an epic vacation in Los Angeles and enjoy some much-deserved R&R. Everything about this hotel screams luxury, from the high-end furniture to the vast ensuite bathrooms with double sinks. 

The Beverly Hills Hotel suites are in a league of their own, but it’s the bungalows that offer the authentic Hollywood experience. They’re inspired by their most famous guests, and you can usually tell which movie stars inspired the bungalows from the decor. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and a full-service spa, as well as three restaurants.  

Luxury: Beverly Wilshire

We’re talking about Beverly Hills, so of course, I had to include two luxury hotels. Beverly Willshire offers the best shopping location in the area because it is only a few feet away from Rodeo Drive. It overlooks the Rodeo Drive Steps, and all that stands between this hotel and the best shopping in Los Angeles is a street crossing. 

This is a Four Seasons hotel, so everything about it is top-notch. The rooms are large and modern, with private bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. The beds are extremely comfortable, and every room features a desk, a seating area, and a TV. All guests are welcome to use the hotel’s outdoor pool and can enjoy dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred steakhouse with a menu created by Wolfgang Puck. 

Mid-Range: The Beverly Hilton

The Beverly Hilton is the best option for a mid-range hotel in Beverly Hills. The four-star hotel features large rooms with comfortable double beds and roomy private bathrooms. All the guest rooms are equipped with a desk, couch, and flat-screen TV. Terraces with views of Downtown LA are reserved only for specific rooms. 

The Beverly Hilton offers a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center, and several entertainment spaces. The hotel has many other facilities that make it a great place to stay, in addition to the superb location. Guests can play outdoor chess, visit the beauty salon, or just hang out at the hotel lounge. 

Budget: Maison 140 Beverly Hills

Maison 140 Beverly Hills is one of the most affordable hotels in this area. The rooms go for around $200, which is as cheap as it gets in Beverly Hills. The hotel is in need of some updating, but it’s in pretty good condition. All the rooms are decorated with somewhat tacky furniture, which is a bit of a nod to Parisian Inns from the previous century. 

The guest rooms are medium-sized, with large ensuite bathrooms and lots of decorations throughout. Every room features a desk and TV, and all guests get access to free Wi-Fi. However, the hotel lacks other facilities, as there is no restaurant, pool, or gym on the grounds. 

Pros of Staying in Beverly Hills

The best part of LA for luxury hotel stays 
High-end shops and restaurants 
One of the safest areas of LA

Cons of Staying in Beverly Hills 

Worst area for budget travelers 
Fewer tourist attractions 
Far from Downtown LA 

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a small city on the coast, situated west of central Los Angeles. It’s a more peaceful area near LA with easy beach access, a small amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, and more affordable hotel rates. If you want to experience a different kind of Los Angeles and stay close to the beach, Santa Monica might just be perfect for you. 

The small city is connected to Downtown LA by metro and bus, and you can be in the heart of Los Angeles in less than an hour. From there, you’re only 20-30 minutes away from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and all the tourist sights that might interest you. And if you have a car in LA, you’re just a 20-minute drive along Santa Monica Boulevard from the center of all action. 

Santa Monica is also much closer to the airport than central LA, making it my top choice for shorter stays in Los Angeles. You’ll be able to beat the traffic more easily, and Uber will be significantly cheaper than if you were to travel to the airport all the way from the center of Los Angeles. 

Luxury: Shutters On The Beach

Shutters On The Beach is a fantastic five-star hotel located on Santa Monica Beach.  The hotel is also within walking distance of Venice Beach, as well as all the top attractions in Santa Monica. The beachfront hotel offers a fantastic outdoor pool, two restaurants, and a great spa center. Everything about this hotel reminds me of a huge country house, which I think is the perfect vibe for a relaxed vacation. 

Both restaurants are on the beach with lovely panoramic views. As for the guest rooms, they’re all spacious with extra-large and comfortable double beds. Every room has a spacious private bathroom, TV, a seating area, and a coffee machine. Some superior rooms have balconies that overlook the beach, and they’re the best option if you want to experience the best Shutters offers. 

Mid-Range: Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica is an excellent hotel for travelers who want to stay close to the beach. The rooms are contemporary but with lots of colorful accents that make them feel cozy and homey. Every hotel room features a spacious private bathroom, a desk, a small lounge area, and massive windows with stunning views. 

The Viceroy has two outdoor pools lined with cabanas. It’s the perfect setup for a relaxed day spent sipping cocktails by the pool. For meals, the hotel offers a restaurant with eclectic furniture indoors and a sprawling outdoor terrace. Overall, if you enjoy staying in design hotels where everything is carefully thought-out, and the staff is extremely professional, you will not be let down by the Viceroy Santa Monica. 

Budget: HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel is one of the cheapest hostels in the LA area. If you’re on a very tight budget and are looking to spend as little money as possible on accommodation, this is one of the best options. The hostel is mere steps away from Santa Monica Beach and Palisades Park, plus it’s within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier. 

The metro station is also very close to the hotel, and it offers direct access to Downtown LA. Everything at the hostel is squeaky clean, which is the most important thing for me. Guests can choose to stay in single-sex or mixed dormitories, which can have 4-10 beds. A private room with an ensuite bathroom is also available, and it’s well worth the money if you’re traveling with at least three other people. The hostel also offers a lounge area, a TV room, and a garden that all guests are welcome to enjoy. 

Pros of Staying in Santa Monica

Best for beach vacations 
Cheaper than Downtown LA and Hollywood 
A safe area for tourists 
Closer to the airport 

Cons of Staying in Santa Monica

Quite far from the city center
Fewer landmarks and attractions in the area 
Crowded with tourists 

Culver City 

Culver City is a great area of LA for a very specific group of travelers. If you’re excited to come to the City of Angels for its moviemaking history, you really should consider staying in Culver City. It is a little farther away from Hollywood and Downtown LA than most people like, but it has so many interesting things to see that you don’t even have to venture into Los Angeles proper to have a good time. It takes just 45 minutes to reach the Downtown area by public transport. 

Culver City was the center for film production in the 1920s, and would later become equally important in television production. It was the home of MGM for the better part of the previous century, and it’s still the headquarters for Sony Pictures Entertainment and National Public Radio West. 

Tour the Sony Pictures Studio to see where the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are filmed, and then catch a movie at the historic Culver Theater. The city also has a buzzing gastronomic scene with loads of top-notch eateries and nice cocktail bars. Oh, and staying here is significantly cheaper than staying in LA proper, so it’s great if you want to save some money. 

Luxury: The Culver Hotel

The Culver Hotel is one of the best hotels in Culver City. It is a four-star hotel situated right next to the Culver Theater. The location can hardly get any better, especially since the hotel is less than a mile up the street from Sony Pictures Studios. Also, the hotel is set in a historic building, which was erected way back in 1924.

The rooms at the Culver Hotel exude vintage luxury. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a small seating area, and a coffee maker. The hotel offers in-room spa services to all the guests, which is pretty amazing. There’s a restaurant on-site as well as a fitness center, but no pool. And that’s probably the main reason why this hotel doesn’t have a five-star rating. 

Mid-Range: The Shay

The Shay is a Hyatt hotel, in a similar price range to the Culver Hotel. It’s situated on the northern edge of Culver City, directly opposite the Culver City light rail station. You can be in Downtown LA in under 30 minutes from this hotel, which is awesome for sightseeing. The Shay Hotel offers large rooms with modern furnishings and two on-site restaurants. 

Every guest room includes an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a TV, a coffee maker, and a seating area. I really like the decor of the rooms; it is contemporary, but there are plenty of colorful accents that make the rooms actually feel warm and cozy. The Shay also boasts a fitness center and a rooftop pool with a cocktail bar. Oh, and there are chairs in the pool, which is by far my favorite little detail about this excellent hotel. 

Budget: Travelodge by Wyndham Culver City

Travelodge by Wyndham is a good option for travelers on a tighter budget who don’t want to stay in hostels. This hotel offers affordable double rooms and studios at reasonable rates. All guests have access to a private bathroom in the room, as well as a desk and a seating area. There’s also a coffee machine in every room. The beds are big and comfortable, plus the hotel is in a pretty peaceful area of Culver City, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep. 

Also, the Travelodge Hotel is just a 20-minute walk from Sony Pictures Studio, and it’s close to several bus stops that can help you get to Downtown LA in under an hour. There’s a restaurant on-site and a vending machine for drinks, but it’s worth noting that the hotel doesn’t have a fitness center, spa, or pool. 

Pros of Staying in Culver City: 

Hotels and restaurants are affordable
Easy access to Downtown LA with public transport
Great for movie lovers 

Cons of Staying in Culver City: 

Fewer tourist attractions than in LA proper
Traffic jams can make the journey into LA last a while 
Fewer hotel options 

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a trendy area of LA that has been consistently growing in popularity. Nowadays, it’s known as the hipster part of the city, which means one thing: craft coffee shops in Galore. If you’re anything like me and can’t resist a good cup of coffee, I think you might just love it at Silver Lake. 

This neighborhood is also mostly residential, with very few hotels. But that’s not a bad thing at all; Silver Lake is generally a more peaceful part of LA, which is considered perfectly safe for both locals and tourists. 

Stay at a hotel in Silver Lake, and you’ll be roughly half an hour from both Hollywood and Downtown LA. The neighborhood also borders Los Feliz, from where you can easily hike to the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. Overall, it’s a good place to base yourself for exploring the touristy sights in LA, especially if you prefer being away from the crowds and noise of the busiest tourist centers. 

Luxury: The Paramour Estate

The Paramour Estate is a sprawling luxury property in the heart of Silver Lake. Featuring opulent guest rooms, suites, and cottages, this is one of LA’s premier estates for anyone who wants to feel like a movie star for a couple of days. It’s possible to rent the entire property, but I can’t even imagine how much that would cost. So, it’s great that you can also rent individual rooms at The Paramour Estate. 

All the rooms and suites are adorned with luxurious decor and equipped with designer furniture. There’s a pool on the grounds that guests are welcome to enjoy, and the entire estate is just a few minutes from the Silver Lake Reservoir with beautiful nature and relaxing walking trails. 

Mid-Range: Silver Lake Pool & Inn

Silver Lake Pool & Inn is a four-star hotel with modern and spacious rooms. The hotel is on Santa Monica Boulevard, roughly an hour’s walk from both the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so you’re still pretty close to all the top tourist attractions in Los Angeles. The rooms are clean and beautifully decorated, with spacious ensuite bathrooms and lots of warm wooden decor. 

There’s an outdoor pool at this inn, which is a tad small but still very nice. Guests can relax on the loungers by the pool and enjoy LA’s endless sunny days or hang out at the on-site coffee house to see why Silver Lake is locally known as a hipster’s paradise. There’s an Italian restaurant at this hotel for delicious dinners, but it’s worth noting that the inn doesn’t offer a fitness center or a spa. 

Budget: Comfort Inn Los Angeles 

Comfort Inn Los Angeles is an affordable place to stay on West Sunset Boulevard. It’s only half an hour from the city center by public transport, and a bus stop is directly across the street from the Inn. Also, this small hotel includes breakfast with every nightly rate, which starts at just $130 for a double room. That’s insanely cheap for LA, so consider this hotel if you’re on a tight budget but you would prefer not to share a bathroom with strangers. 

The Comfort Inn rooms are medium-sized and include ensuite bathrooms. The furniture is a little outdated, but nothing is falling apart, and the place is clean. Every room includes a TV and a microwave, as well as a desk, minifridge, and small seating areas. Granted, it’s a pretty small TV, but I wouldn’t count the inches for this price. 

Pros of Staying in Silver Lake

Accommodation is more affordable
Safe area for tourists
Very close to Hollywood and Downtown LA 

Cons of Staying in Silver Lake 

Few tourist attractions in the neighborhood
Not many hotels to choose from 
Quite far from Beverly Hills 

Best Areas To Stay in Los Angeles FAQ’s

What is the best area to stay in Los Angeles? 

The best area to stay in Los Angeles is either West Hollywood or Downtown LA. Either area offers easy walking access to famous landmarks and attractions, as well as good public transport connections to the rest of LA. 

Should you stay in Downtown LA or Hollywood? 

It is better to stay in Downtown LA than in Hollywood. Downtown LA is walkable and offers many hotels in every price range, while Hollywood is generally overpriced, dirty, and a tourist trap. 

Where should I go for the first time in LA? 

You should go to Downtown LA, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills for the first time in LA. Either place is great for a first visit to the City of Angels and offers a chance to discover unique city landmarks. 

What is the safest area in Los Angeles for tourists?

West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills are generally considered safe for tourists. Downtown LA is also mostly safe, but tourists should avoid some areas (like Skid Row) that are known for a very high homeless population. 

Where Not To Stay In Los Angeles

You might not like hearing this, but Hollywood is one of the worst areas of LA for a hotel stay. The neighborhood is dirty and crowded, with overpriced hotels and restaurants. It’s the most touristy part of Los Angeles, and most of it is just a massive tourist trap. Plus, the top attractions there are the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Paramount Pictures Studio, both of which you can visit without staying in the neighborhood. 

Instead, stay in West Hollywood or even Silver Lake. Both areas are relatively close to Hollywood so you can access the top tourist sights without a car. Silver Lake is a nice residential neighborhood with walking access to the Griffith Observatory and hiking trails that lead to the Hollywood Sign, so it’s a top choice if you want to experience the hiking culture of LA. 

Other areas to avoid are Compton and West Adams, both of which have a high crime rate and are known for high police activity. Instead, consider Culver City, Santa Monica, and even Venice Beach if you’re okay with being farther from central LA. You’ll get better hotel rates and more enjoyable surroundings, but you’ll still stay in a safe part of the city. 

Also, consider Hotel Bel Air if you’re fine staying outside central LA. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in the entire city and a place where you, too, can feel like Holywood royalty. Plus, it’s actually not too far from popular tourist attractions; both the Getty and Beverly Hills are less than a 10-minute drive from the iconic hotel. 

Why We Love Los Angeles

We love Los Angeles because the city promises glitz and glamour, and it delivers! It’s the best city in the world for celebrity sightings, whether you’ll catch them shopping on Rodeo Drive or heading to work in Hollywood. 

LA is a great city to visit because it offers something to everyone. If you’re into beaches and surfing, you can have the best time at Santa Monica and Venice Beach. But head to West Hollywood to experience some of the best nightlife in California and discover the city’s many clubs, live music bars, and comedy clubs. 

This fabulous city is also a top destination for hiking and nature excursions. More than a dozen state parks, forests, and recreation areas can be easily visited on day trips from Los Angeles, plus there are countless trails in the hills above the city.  

If you had asked me 10 years ago if I enjoyed a river cruise, my answer would have been a hard no. But a decade later, river cruises have come a long way, baby! We recently boarded the Avalon Alegria in Porto, Portugal, for a cruise into the Douro Valley. This European River cruise felt more like the small ship expeditions we’ve taken in the past than the old standard river cruises that stopped at packed ports and spent more time on the bus than exploring the destination.

What’s it Like on a Douro Valley River Cruise

We boarded our all-suites ship in Porto, where we began our journey into the stunning hills of the Douro Valley. The Avalon Alegria was designed to utilize the most space while creating the ultimate relaxing and luxurious experience.

The Ship – Avalon Alegria

The Avalon Alegria is the newest of Avalon’s ships. It is an all-suites ship with 14 deluxe staterooms or 37 Panorama Suites. We toured all of the rooms, and no matter which room you choose, you will be happy. All Panorama Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that open to turn your room into one huge balcony, and all beds face the water.

Onboard amenities include a bar and dance floor, nightly entertainment, a dining room, a club lounge, and a gym. The Sky Deck has a swimming pool, outdoor grill and bar, and plenty of lounge chairs and tables. If the weather is good, this is the place to be to take in the gorgeous vistas of the Douro Valley.

Avalon Alegria Suites

Let’s begin with the suites. With a maximum capacity of 102 people, every room is spacious and luxurious. We stayed in one of the fourteen 200-square-foot panorama suites, which was perfect for our trip.

While other cruise lines we’ve taken line their beds up against a wall with a view of the other wall, the Avalon Alegria ship sets each bed facing the floor-to-ceiling windows for views of the river. We enjoyed afternoon siestas in our room while watching the Douro River views go by.

But that’s not all. Most people want a balcony when river cruising, but it’s difficult to give everyone one due to the size limitations of the river and the locks. Avalon has fixed this problem by creating floor-to-ceiling windows that open wide, transforming your suite into an open-air balcony. By taking away the outdoor balcony, they have created 30% more living space.

We enjoyed breakfast in our room each morning with our windows open to see the hills of the Douro River. With plush robes, slippers, and stunning views, we never wanted to leave our room! Oh and did I tell you that they not only have a pillow menu, but also a bed menu? There are four different settings for the bed. Just let the crew know how you like your bed, and they’ll set it up for you.

Club Lounge

Next to our room, the Club Lounge was our second favorite space on the Avalon Alegria. Before breakfast, we walked to the lounge in our robes and slippers to grab a cappuccino, freshly baked cookies, and vitamin water.

I loved filling my refillable water bottle with my choice of water for the day. Would it be Vitamin B water? Sparkling grapefruit or ginger. The choices were awesome.

Normally, cruise ships reserve this space for upgraded suites, but Avalon makes this coveted space at the stern of the boat open for everyone. You can sit back and relax, have tea, or send an email on the fast Star Link Wi-Fi that is included in the trip.

Avalon, the Greenest Ship on the Douro

We know the rap cruise ships get, but Avalon works hard to travel sustainably. Avalon has partnered with destinations to generate sustainable electricity while docked. They use shore power whenever they can and have installed LED lighting throughout their ships.

You will notice that I mentioned a water station above and Avalon has zero plastic onboard. There are glasses that you can refill, but we recommend packing your own water bottle to take on excursions. We weren’t offered bottled water on our tours (which I was grateful for), so we filled up our bottles before leaving the ship.

They have reduced paper by 80%. Unlike other cruise ships, you won’t see your daily schedule and loads of paper on your beds. Avalon has an app for guests to use with schedules on the TVs.

They have also partnered with The Ocean Cleanup to aid in their mission of removing 90% of ocean plastic. This is a daunting task, and I have no idea how it will happen, but with companies investing and partnering, good things can happen.

Honestly, in today’s world, we are all contributing to the destruction of the planet, so the only thing companies can do is give back. Avalon plants two trees for every passenger on a cruise, has state-of-the-art oil filters to keep oil changes to a minimum, and is looking to switch to electric ships in the near future.

What’s Included – Avalon is About Choice

Since we mentioned premium coffees and free internet, I thought we’d touch on what is included in your Douro River Cruise with Avalon Waterways. The phrase we kept hearing was the Avalon is about choice. Passengers have flexibility regarding dining, excursions, and things to do onboard.

Meals

All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are included. Breakfast can be enjoyed in your stateroom or in the dining room. Lunch is a buffet in the dining room or light snacks in the bar. You can also always order certain foods, like burgers and sandwiches, off the menu.

Dinner is a delicious multicourse meal of local and international dishes paired with fine local wine. Portugal has fantastic wines, and I love that Avalon serves only local wines. When I am in Portugal, I don’t want to be drinking a California Chardonnay; I want a rich Douro Valley red, and that is exactly what they delivered.

Unlike other cruises, passengers are offered flex dining and can eat anytime within the dining window. Seating is flexible, with tables for two, or you can join large groups.

Drinks

Speaking of wine, beer and wine are included at lunch and dinner. All specialty coffees, soft drinks, and water are also included. And, unlike other cruises, the Douro Valley River cruise offers free cocktail hour drinks. And let me tell you, they make delicious cocktails.

Tours

Avalon Waterways really stands out with its tours and shore excursions. They have broken down tours to suit different needs. You can choose from Classic, Discovery, or Active Excursion options. Each day you can do something different from active adventures that include kayaking and hiking to cultural experiences that take you to historic districts and food and wine excursions to enjoy the Douro Valley Wines and Ports of Porto.

There is something for everyone, depending on your mobility and activity level. Plus, there is an onboard adventure host that leads yoga in the mornings.

Entertainment

Each evening after dinner, there is local entertainment. We enjoyed a Fado Show of talented local guitarists sharing their culture, stories and music.

The next night was an outstanding quartet of strings putting their own spin on modern rock and pop music.

We also enjoyed being serenaded by a finalist from The Voice and had nightly dancing. This is one of those trips that brings the local culture to you.

The Crew

Something that really stands out on the Avalon Alegria cruise through the Douro Valley is the staff. Your hosts can make or break a trip and the Alegria staff goes above and beyond. Within the moment we stepped onboard, they felt like old friends.

At cocktail hour, they knew exactly what type of cocktail I’d be in the mood for and even created specialties not on the menu.

Dave has a Gluten allergy, and the waitstaff paid careful attention to offering him alternatives and informing him of what we could eat and must avoid.

They were always smiling, and you could tell that they really enjoyed their jobs. It wasn’t an act; the crew loved what they were doing. From the guys grinning from ear to ear as they tied the lines to the front desk, answering our every need.

Ports of Call

Don’t worry, you are encouraged to get off the ship and enjoy the local ports of call. Avalon docks downtown or close to the urban centers where a short (and cheap) Uber ride can take you to where you want to be.

8-Day Itinerary – Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

The cruise starts in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto. We suggest arriving early to really soak in this beautiful destination. Avalon offers a guided tour of Braga and Guimaraes, which we highly recommend seeing. But you should also spend at least two days in Porto to enjoy the Historical Center, the Gaia District, and the stunning waterfront.

The cruise then leaves in the evening to stop at different locations along the Douro Valley. The 8-day itinerary includes these stops and then returns to Porto for another day of touring. We chose the option of wine tasting in Gaia with a tour of the Cork Museum, which was fascinating and delicious!

Porto Embarkation
Porto day tour to Braga and Guimaraes.
Peso da Regua – a visit to one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley 
Poncinho – Douro Valley Vineyards
Barca d’Alva – Salamanca, Spain – This is where you can add another country to your itinerary.
Ferradosa-Leverhino – Day tour of Amarante

Can Solo Travelers Join Avalon?

We always travel as a couple, but I know many people wonder about solo travel on cruises. Avalon waives the solo supplement. On Avalon, you never feel alone. From my observations, a river cruise is a great option for solo travelers.

Avalon is About Choice

Most people choose the Danube or Rhine Rivers for their first river cruise. We did 10 years ago, and it turned us off river cruising for a decade. When Avalon invited us to sample their Douro Valley route, we were intrigued to give it another try. I’m glad we did. This river cruise was exactly the type of travel we love—small ships with fewer passengers and plenty of options for shore excursions.

Fewer ships are on the river, and the stops feel intimate and untouched. With only 102 passengers on the Avalon choosing from different excursions, we had small group tours that felt tailored to our needs.

The Douro Valley is one of the most beautiful places to cruise in Europe, with rolling hills and terraced vineyards. It is truly a bucket list cruise where immersing in culture and experiencing the local cuisine is at the heart of the itinerary.

These are the most popular routes filled with other river cruises and crowds at ports of call. I’m not saying to never do one, but I think the Douro Valley is the perfect introduction to river cruising.

So there you have it—our Douror Valley River Cruise—the first European River Cruise we’ve taken in 10 years. Will we do another one? You bet! As we age, we love the idea of unpacking once and sailing through Europe’s most beautiful countryside.

When you get to ports, you don’t have to follow the guides; everyone is free to do as they please. Remember, Avalon is about choice, and our choice is to return soon.

Cusco is one of the most popular cities in the world to visit, and it’s easy to see why. There are so many activities and things to experience that it’s hard to do everything in one trip. Peru is home to some of the most beautiful people, landscapes, and history in the Western Hemisphere. 

There’s nothing better than exploring everything this country offers, going on a stunning hike, and relaxing afterward with a fresh pisco sour. I’ve traveled throughout Peru for a few months, and Cusco is one of my favorite places.  So, grab a coffee, sit back, and relax as I go over the best things to do in Cusco! 

The Best Things to Do in Cusco

Is Cusco Worth Visiting?

Peru is the land of adventure, and Cusco is one of the best spots for this in the entire country. It also used to be the capital of the Incan Empire and has a lot of history. This is why it’s the country’s most popular place to visit, and it can sometimes feel like a tourist trap. But visiting Machu Picchu alone is well worth the trip here. Read more: 42 Amazing Ancient Ruins of the World

If you love to see history and mountains and connect with the local culture, then Cusco is a must-add to any itinerary in Peru! 

1. Machu Picchu

I’m sure most people, especially those who love to travel, have heard of the sacred site of Machu Picchu. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and was declared one of the Seven New World Wonders in 2007.  Machu Picchu was said to be a religious site or royal estate for Incan leaders. 

A trip to Machu Picchu isn’t the cheapest activity in Cusco. You first have to get to the town of Aguas Calientes, which is a four-hour journey. 

Cusco is often used as the base when visiting Machu Picchu but you’ll stay in Aguas Calientes for a night or two. 

It is all worth it when you make it up to the actual site and see the beauty for yourself. It’s truly one of the most remarkable things you’ll ever see. Plan your trip to Machu Picchu with this guide: How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu

2. Hike to Laguna Humantay

Laguna Humantay is one of the most beautiful lake hikes in the region and even the country! It’s part of the Salkantay Trek, which showcases the beauty of the surrounding areas of Cusco. 

You can do this hike on your own, which will save you money, or you can book one of the many available tours. 

Doing this hike independently might seem too complicated for some but it’s also an adventure. Here’s how to get to the trailhead independently: 

Get a Colectivo from Cusco to Mollepata for around 20 soles. These can be found on the Mapsme app or ask around to find this colectivo
Take a taxi from Mollepata to Soryapampa. This is where you’ll begin the hike to Laguna Humantay. I suggest downloading Mapsme to use offline maps when hiking. 
You’ll pay an entrance fee in Mollepata of around 10 soles (prices may have changed slightly)

If this is too complicated for you, you can visit the lake with a tour group for around $25-$30 USD. The hike is straightforward but can be difficult for some. Read my complete guide here.

Laguna Humantay sits at around 4200 meters and some might experience altitude sickness. So, go at your own pace! 

Distance: This hike is around a 2.6-mile loop hike. This varies slightly depending on the trail you take early on.
Duration: On average it will take people 2 hours to finish. This depends on fitness level and time at the laguna.
Difficulty: I’d rank this hike as moderate to difficult because of the altitude and elevation gain.
Incline: The elevation for this hike is around 1302 feet or 396 meters.
Hiking Guide: A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public.

3. Explore the City Center and Take a Free Walking Tour

It’s hard to miss the city center of Cusco when visiting. It’ll always be lively; even into the night, there’s always something to see and do. 

A free walking tour is a popular activity for those who want to experience the history of Cusco while being shown it by a local. You can check out Free Walking Tours Cusco to book a time.

Some of the things you’ll see are: 

Arms square
Cathedral
The company of Jesus
The last street – Inca Street Loreto
The coricancha or Temple of the sun
The Palace of Pachacutec
Inca Roca Palace
The 12-angle stone
The San Blas neighborhood

Remember that just because it’s called a “free” walking tour doesn’t make it free. Please tip your guides! 

4. Grab a Beer and Look Over Cusco

One of my favorite activities to do anywhere, especially when I first arrive, is to find a good bar overlooking the city. And it’s no different in Cusco. 

What we did was visit a bar after hiking up to Cristo Blanco. There are many to choose from, and they can also be stumbled upon. 

Some popular ones are Ivin Inka Beer and Santo Resto Lounge. You might even get to hangout with a cat! Read more about dining in Cusco at 5 Authentic Cusco Restaurants Where you Can Eat Like a Local

5. Take a Tour to Rainbow Mountain

One of Cusco’s fastest-growing activities over the last decade is visiting the stunning Rainbow Mountain. Be warned, there will be a lot of people doing this activity with multiple tour companies. 

You’ll reach an elevation of around 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), so be prepared! You must take a tour to reach Rainbow Moutain.

A tour here costs around $30, which includes breakfast and lunch. It is a full-day tour that will take around 12 hours to complete. Plan your trip to Rainbow Mountain here: What To Expect When Hiking Rainbow Mountain Peru

Alternative to Rainbow Mountain – Palcoyo Mountain

If you’re like me and don’t love large crowds, especially during a hike, there’s a similar activity with fewer people.  Palccoyo is in the same area as Rainbow Mountain but doesn’t have nearly the same number of people hiking there. Look into this trek to escape the crowds and see something slightly different! This highly rated tour takes you on a full-day trek to Palcoyo Mountain of colors.

6. Visit the Cristo Blanco Viewpoint

Seeing a new city from a gorgeous viewpoint is a staple of my itinerary everywhere I go. It helps give you a perspective of your new destination and is also fun as heck! 

The Cristo Blanco statue is one of the easiest and best viewpoints in town. This large statue can be seen from afar the closer you get.  It’s also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset! After visiting Cristo Blanco, you can walk down the steps down the street to the East.  Tjere are many bars and hostels with amazing views of Cusco! Grab a drink and relax. 

7. Explore the San Blas District

The San Blas district is slightly out of the town center and has many shops and restaurants! 

Here you can enjoy a lot of shopping and buy souvenirs like the famous alpaca sweaters and many others. 

Take a break while enjoying a coffee at one of the cute cafes! There’s so much to do here, you might lose track of time. 

8. Hike to Salkantay Trek

If you want a unique adventure while attempting to reach Machu Picchu, I highly suggest hiking the Salkantay Trek! 

The Salkantay Trek is a 5 day hike through the mountains with the end goal of reaching Machu Picchu. It was by far the best activity I did in Peru! 

The five-day itinerary will look something like this: 

You will be picked up from your accommodation and driven to Soryapampa, where you will begin your hike to Laguna Humantay. Afterwards, spend the night here! 
Hike through the Salkantay Pass and spend the night in the town of Colpapampa
Wake up and hike through the canyon and coffee plantations to reach the town of Lucmabamba. 
Day 4 is all about reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, the base of Machu Picchu. During this day you’ll reach viewpoints where you can see Machu Picchu from afar.
On the last day, you’ll wake up early to visit Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco. 

Salkantay Trek Details

Distance: To reach Machu Picchu, this hike is a 46-mile loop. Just the Salkantay Pass is 12.3 miles from point to point.
Duration: On average, it will take people 5 days to finish. This depends on fitness level and time at the laguna.
Difficulty: I’d rank this hike as difficult because of the altitude, elevation gain, and length.
Incline: The max elevation for the Salkantay trek is 4,630 meters or 15,190 feet.
Hiking Guide: A guide is not needed for this hike, but it is accessible to the public.

9. Visit Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman or Saqsaywaman, is one of the most popular activities in Cusco, and it is located directly inside the city! 

This is an old Incan archeological site made of large stones. This ancient civilization put these stones together without mortar.  

To access this site, you’ll have to buy a ticket, which is pricey but well worth it! A general tourist ticket costs around 130 soles and gives you access to 16 different sites. 

With so much to see, it’s a great price for such a historic landmark.

10. Explore the Markets and Try Street Food

Cusco is known for its amazing markets, like the San Pedro Market. You can purchase fruits, vegetables, meats, and even different souvenirs here! 

Also, you can’t visit Peru without trying some of its local dishes! Try an Alpaca burger, or if you’re up for it, try the Guinea Pig! Check out Peruvian Food: 20 Traditional Peruvian Dishes You Have to Try

If those options don’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other options at restaurants throughout the city and near the city center. If you want to save money on food, venture farther from the city center for better prices and a more authentic touch! Try some street food. It’s delicious and cheap! 

Things to Know Before Visiting Cusco

How to Get from Cusco from Lima

Most people will find getting to Cusco from Lima straightforward. The most efficient way is to take a plane, but this isn’t the cheapest option. 

If you have time and want to save money, taking the bus from Lima to Cusco is a viable option. However, the bus ride is overnight and 20+ hours long. 

Flights are around $40 USD, but that is without a bag. A carry-on bag will nearly double this price, and a checked bag will cost even more. 

Here is what to do if you want to take the bus:

If you don’t want to go to the bus terminal, you can order your ticket on Redbus. This is the go-to for online bus tickets in Peru.
Julio Ceasar is one of the highest-rated bus companies but they are all pretty good.

 I suggest paying for VIP or first-class tickets. It doesn’t cost much more but you’ll be way more comfortable. I did this for every bus I took in South America that was 5+ hours (if it was available)

Terminal Plaza Norte and La Victoria are two good stations. The website and/or ticket will tell you which bus terminal you must visit. 
Take a taxi/Uber to whichever bus terminal it states

Best Restaurants in Cusco, Peru

How Many Days to Spend in Cusco?

The amount of days you should spend in Cusco will vary from person to person. If you’re limited on time, I’d suggest staying for three days in the city.

This does not include your time visiting Machu Picchu or any multi-day trek you want to take. Check out: Top Three Little Known Hiking Day Trips in Cusco, Peru

I’d suggest around a week if time isn’t a big deal. There’s much to do here and outside of town, including day trips. 

Remember, Cusco used to be one of the most important cities in the entire Western Hemisphere. There are endless amounts of things to see and do. 

Final Thoughts about Cusco

Peru is a magical country where adventure meets history, and Cusco is at the center of this. There’s so much to see and do here that it’s impossible to do everything in one trip. Take everything in as it comes and be present. I love this city so much that I plan to return one day soon. There are many more hikes to go on and adventures to be had! 

Set at the end of the mostly wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a wonderful city on Canada’s west coast. Known for the abundance of outdoor activities and stunning Victorian architecture, it’s a place where colonial history is intertwined with indigenous culture. I lived in Victoria, BC, for a year and got to explore all the great things that it has to offer. These are all my personal recommendations.

Attend high tea for brunch and then head to Chinatown for dinner while stopping by the harbor to watch seals and gigantic cruisers. Victoria is a city that can offer something to everyone because it has it all, from excellent art galleries to thrilling ziplines and hiking trails. 

Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, you won’t struggle to fill your itinerary with fun activities. With my insider knowledge, I compiled this guide of the top things to do in Victoria BC that will help you put together the best itinerary! 

Best Things To Do In Victoria BC

Victoria BC is known for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching tours, and vast parks. The majority of the city’s best attractions are outdoors, making it a top destination for travelers who love exploring off the beaten path. 

But don’t let that fool you; Victoria also offers an endless amount of things to do indoors, including a haunted manor with a pinball machine and some of the best museums in British Columbia. 

1. Guided Walking Tour of Victoria

Victoria is a gorgeous city with many stunning buildings. Of course, if it’s your first visit, you won’t be familiar with the purpose of many of those buildings, and you might miss out on some gems that are open for visitors. 

Arrange a guided tour with a local, and you’ll not only be taken to all the best spots in the city but also learn the history behind some of its best architectural gems. Most walking tours of Victoria cover the city’s best neighborhoods and streets, including the famous Government Street and Fan Tan Alley. 

My favorite walking tours of Victoria also allow you to discover the city’s culinary scene. Strolling around the city will burn quite a few calories, and what better way to make up for them than to indulge in Victoria’s specialties in its best restaurants? 

Practical Information 

Walking tours of Victoria usually take 2-3 hours and cost $60-100 per participant. 

2. Royal BC Museum 

The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s best and most popular museum. If you have time to visit only one museum or gallery while you’re in the city, make it this one. It has three main galleries: Natural History, the First Peoples Gallery, and Becoming BC. 

Come here to learn about the indigenous people of British Columbia, as well as about the state’s general history and how it evolved over the years. Younger visitors are more likely to enjoy the Natural History gallery, which features dinosaur skeletons and models of various animals. 

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at this museum, and that’s if you’re going to rush through the place. If you take your time with each exhibit, the visit can easily last 3-4 hours. Also, I must mention that the museum has a nice IMAX theater, where you can attend screenings of nature documentaries as well as blockbuster films. 

Practical Information

The Royal BC Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an extra $12. 

3. Tour The Fantastic Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle is one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a very popular historical landmark. It was originally built by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, during the late 19th century. 

Visit the castle and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent period furniture, beautiful decorations, and lovely stained-glass windows. The building is magnificent both inside and out, and it’s one of the best locations for architecture tours in Victoria. 

The castle is situated in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute walk (or 10-minute bike ride) from Downtown Victoria. 

Practical Information

Craigdarroch Castle is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided tours are $20.60 for adults, and tickets can be bought online or at the entrance. 

4. Rent A Bicycle

Victoria BC is known as Canada’s cycling capital, and it’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Pacific Northwest. Bike rentals are available throughout the town, and many accommodations offer them to their guests. 

Cycling around Victoria is not just great for getting around the town quickly for very little money, but also a super way of immersing yourself in the local culture. Not to mention that it’s usually faster than traveling by bus, plus you won’t have to worry about rush hour traffic. 

If you’re in great physical condition, you might even be able to bike to attractions far outside the city center, and you’d get to see some wonderful scenery along the way. And if spending several hours on a bicycle isn’t all that appealing, consider it for a quick tour of Downtown Victoria at least. 

Practical Information 

Bikes are available for hire in multiple spots throughout the town. The average price is $40 per day, although you can get a better rate when you rent a bike for a longer period. 

5. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a wonderful mid-size gallery housed in two distinct spaces. One part of the gallery is in a new, modern building, while the other sits inside the historic Spencer Mansion. 

Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable collection of gorgeous art, including pieces from Canada and Asia. In fact, the gallery’s garden even has a Shinto shrine that all visitors are encouraged to see. It’s one of Victoria’s best attractions for lovers of art, history, and architecture. 

Practical Information

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is open from 10 AM to 5 PM and charges a $15 entrance fee. However, admission is free on the first Sunday of the month and on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM. 

6. Tour The Parliament Buildings 

The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is hands down one of the most stunning government buildings I’ve seen in my entire life. For me, the buildings look like they were plucked from a European city and transported to Victoria. 

But they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings were constructed in neo-Baroque style at the end of the 19th century right here. The entire park between Government Street and Menzies Street is a fabulous place where you can enjoy some of the best architecture in the city. 

See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all the different memorial statues. You can even join a guided tour to see the impressive interior of these magnificent buildings. It will cost you nothing, and it will undoubtedly enrich your experience in Victoria, BC. 

Practical Information

Free guided tours of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria take place several times throughout the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. 

7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It is easily accessible from central Victoria and one of the best destinations in the city if you want to spend a couple of hours in nature but aren’t quite in the mood for an excursion that includes traveling far outside the city center. 

Featuring ponds, walking trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has everything from totems to peacocks, and coming here is a must for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, in general, are known for fantastic natural landmarks and outdoor activities. 

Practical Information

Beacon Hill Park is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Entrance to the park is free of charge. 

8. Walk Through Historic Fan Tan Alley

Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It is lined with restaurants and boutique shops on either side, which offer some excellent shopping and dining in the city. Here, you’ll find shops that sell everything from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s definitely a place you should check out if you’re looking for unique souvenirs to buy in Victoria. 

However, I will say that this experience is entirely skippable if you’re even a little bit claustrophobic. The alley is so narrow that passing next to someone isn’t always possible, and the buildings are tall enough to cause discomfort to people who don’t like confined spaces.

But if you can navigate the tight alley without a sense of dread, it will be a top experience. The red and green storefronts are charming and go wonderfully with the exposed red brick of the buildings. The entrance to the Chinese Canadian Museum is here, and although it is small, the exhibit is interesting and worth supporting.  

Practical Information

Fan Tan Alley is free to access at any time, but most shops are closed until 5 p.m. 

9. Visit Fort Rodd Hill

Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site best known for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park offers walking trails with views of old military structures, but it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that attracts the bulk of visitors to the site. 

Climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse to experience fantastic panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the way to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one side and the San Juan Islands on the other. 

Practical Information

Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission fee of $9.

10. Hike To The Top of Mount Douglas 

Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria City and a great place to come for 360° panoramic views. You can cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s just a 30-minute hike to the lookout point at the top. There’s even a parking lot at the summit, so you can just drive up to the scenic point if you’re not in the mood for an uphill walk.  

The vista from the lookout point is one of the best in Victoria BC and it stretches into the United States. Also, multiple hiking trails are available at Mount Douglas, and you could spend a couple of hours roaming exploring the area, and marveling at the nice views. But if you’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this activity is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria. 

Practical Information

Mount Douglas Park is open for visitors from 12 PM to 8 PM. Entrance to the area is free of charge, and parking at the top is also free but very limited. 

11. Historic Tours at Hatley Castle

Hatley Castle is situated in Greater Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike ride) from the city center. It is absolutely worth the hassle it takes to get there because the place is phenomenal. The early 20th-century castle was previously used as a residence and a naval training site and nowadays is a historic park. 

Can you imagine that people actually lived in this fantastic mansion? Even today, parts of it are used as office space and to hold classes, so you can’t just walk inside whenever you like. Visitors must sign up for guided tours to explore the interior of the mansion, but the formal gardens are accessible for free throughout the day. 

Practical Information

Guided tours of Hatley Castle are available upon reservation and are $22 per participant. The gardens are open from 10 AM to dusk, and access is free of charge. 

12. Swimming At Thetis Lake Regional Park

Thetis Lake Regional Park is the first nature sanctuary in Canada known for hiking trails and beaches on the lakeshore. Come here in the summer to relax in the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and enjoy some fantastic panoramic views. 

It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and an excellent place to come if you want to escape the crowds of the urban jungle. Pack a food basket and bring a blanket so you can set up a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day full of hiking and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a great destination for nature lovers in Victoria who want to explore beyond the city streets.  

Practical Information

Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There is no admission fee, but there is a parking fee of $2.25 per day. 

13. Bike Along The Galloping Goose Trail

This fun activity is only for the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it if you have zero interest in riding a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But if that sounds fun, the Galloping Goose Trail might just be the top Victoria activity for you! 

The trail follows an old railway line for roughly 55 miles from Victoria to Sooke. It’s 55 miles for the out-and-back journey, so you can cover this trail and be back in town for dinner if you’re fast enough on a mountain bike. 

This historic trail passes through urban and rural areas, as well as wilderness. You can follow the entire trail on a bike, or hike just a part of it. You can even choose to ride horses along the more rural sections of the trail, which is as much fun as it sounds. 

Practical Information 

The Galloping Goose Trail is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is recommended only for experienced mountain bikers in excellent physical conditions, as it takes roughly 5 hours to complete. 

14. Walk To The Breakwater Lighthouse 

The Breakwater Lighthouse sits at the end of a long pedestrian pathway that extends into the sea. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get a good view of all the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s inner harbor. The walking path offers a good view of the city’s marine traffic, and it’s particularly enjoyable on warm, sunny days. 

The lighthouse at the end of the pathway dates back to 1916, and it’s surprisingly big. It doesn’t look that big from the distance, but the closer you get to it the more you’re impressed by its size. 

One thing to note is that it’s possible to walk down the Breakwater and the Lower Breakwater. I recommend you stick to the regular walking path that is fenced off. The lower path features no fence, and the concrete blocks are often very slippery. 

Practical Information

The Breakwater walking path is accessible at any time of day or night, free of charge. 

15. Wander Around Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Situated roughly a 20-minute drive from the city center, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a great place to come and forget you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, not to mention all the different trees and flowers. 

You could tour the place quickly in under an hour, but I’m positive you’ll want to spend more time at the gardens once you pass through the front door. Also, I really like that all the animals here are rescues or donations, and are thriving in the lush rainforest environment. 

One thing to note is that it gets really hot in the tropical jungle, so you might need to take breaks if you stay there for a while. Make sure to bring a bottle of water to hydrate, and step outside every now and then to cool down a bit.

Practical Information

Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance fee of $19.50 for adults. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. 

16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor

Haunted Manor mini golf is not an activity for everyone, so feel free to leave it off your itinerary if it’s not something you’re likely to enjoy. But if you like mini golf or ping pong and you’re into haunted houses and ghost tours, it’s a very fun way of spending an evening in Victoria. 

The mansion offers an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a selection of (non) alcoholic drinks and classic pub food. 

Practical Information 

Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. General admission to the place is $24.95. 

17. Feel Classy At Afternoon Tea

Victoria was once a British Colony, and today it’s recognized as the most British city in Canada. So, it’s not too surprising that many popular British traditions have survived in the city. One of those is high tea, and it’s the perfect afternoon activity for travelers who want to spend an afternoon feeling fancy. 

There are quite a few different tea houses in Victoria, but I think the one at Pendray Inn is a top choice for tourists in the city. It’s in a charming Victorian mansion in James Bay, so just a short walk from the downtown. The elegant interior of the tea house is perfectly appropriate for high tea, while the food and drinks served there get only the highest markings. 

Once you’re done with the afternoon tea, take this opportunity to walk around the neighborhood a bit. The harbor is just a couple of minutes from Pendray Inn with views of the sea and huge ships. 

Practical Information 

The Pendray tea house is open daily from 11 AM to 3/4 PM. Reservations are recommended, and the average cost per person is $60-70. A vegan option is available.  

18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens

Spanning more than 22 hectares, this vast botanical garden is one of the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and multiple eateries, you could spend the better part of the day roaming around the Butchart Gardens. 

One thing I will say is that this is one of the priciest attractions in Victoria, BC, so you might want to leave it off your itinerary if you’re on a tighter budget. With daily tickets going as high as $40, it’s not a place everyone can comfortably enjoy. 

But you can get a much better deal on tickets if you come in the off-season, and honestly, the place is so wonderful I’d say it’s worth the money. Come here to see the endless field of colorful flowers and enjoy possibly the best-scented part of Victoria, BC. 

Practical Information 

The Butchart Gardens are open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The adult entrance fee is $25-40, depending on the season.  

19. Landscape Views at Malahat SkyWalk

Situated northwest of Victoria, just off the Trans-Canada highway, the Malahat SkyWalk offers possibly the best landscape views in British Columbia. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and well worth the trip if you’ve got access to a car. 

Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly ground in the middle of the forest. From the top, you can see the scenery of both the US and Canada, and it’s such a nice view that you’ll hardly want to leave. 

Practical Information 

Malahat SkyWalk is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entrance to the spiral tower is charged $36.95. 

20. Be Amazed At Miniature World

Miniature World is a unique museum in Victoria, BC. It features miniature dioramas of real-life and fantasy locations and is nicknamed The Greatest Little Show on Earth. The detail in the dioramas is staggering, whether you’re looking at the replica of Toronto in 1915 or the depiction of Camelot. 

A quick tour of the place is possible in 45 minutes, but only if you rush through the place. Take your time to appreciate all the little details and really understand everything about the dioramas, and you could easily spend 2+ hours at the museum. 

Practical Information 

Miniature World is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is $19 for adults. 

21. Smell The Flowers at Abkhazi Garden

Victoria is well known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Garden is one of the best close to the city center. Situated just a 15-minute bike ride from the heart of Victoria, it’s an excellent alternative for travelers who don’t want to go out of their way to see the Butchart Gardens. 

This is a much smaller garden, covering an area of “only” 1.4 hectares. It first started back in 1946, and it took a while for all the plants and trees to grow to their current size. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the lovely garden, followed by the tea house and ponds. Afternoon tea at the Abkhazi Garden is a great idea, but I will say that it’s in the same price range as the teahouse at Pendray Inn, but the interior decorations are not quite as nice. 

Practical Information 

The Abkhazi Garden is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission fee for adults is $10. 

22. Go For A Ride In A Pickle Boat 

Pickle boat tours are operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, and they’re awesome. Discover Victoria from the sea while riding in a pickle boat, which sounds a lot cooler than it actually is. 

It’s just a small boat that can fit up to 12 passengers. While I love that it’s much more private than a classic tour boat, I was thoroughly disappointed to learn that it is not indeed shaped and painted like a pickle. 

The small boats will take you on tours of Victoria Harbor, and they often go all the way up to Burnside. It’s a great way of exploring even more of this wonderful city and seeing the areas that are not quite as convenient to reach on classic walking tours. 

Practical Information 

Several options are available for tours of Victoria Inner Harbour, and they last from 45 to 75 minutes. The price is around $40-50. 

23. Check Out Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is the most picturesque area of Victoria Inner Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in bright colors, several of which serve as restaurants or shops. Just keep in mind that people live in many of those houseboats, so respect their privacy while exploring the area.  

As you stroll down the piers, you can often spot seals swimming in the water. They love the attention they get from visitors and often engage in playful antics to entertain the onlookers. 

Fisherman’s Wharf extends beyond the piers lined with colorful boats to encompass an expansive park with picnic areas and a playground for kids. 

Practical Information 

Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most shops and restaurants are open until 7 PM. 

24. Morning Jog Down Songhees Walkway

Songhees Walkway is a waterfront walking path that extends from Johnson Street Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes around 40 minutes to do the entire walk in one direction, and there are plenty of benches along the way so you can sit down for breaks. 

The walkway offers nice views of Victoria Inner Harbor with plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way. It’s also a great path for joggers in the morning, but only if you’re not easily distracted by the view. 

Practical Information 

Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time for free. The walking path extends for about 3 kilometers in one direction. 

25. Join a Food Tour 

Locals always know where the best food in their city is, and you’ll become privy to that knowledge if you join a local food tour. These usually include trips to the city’s best landmarks and plenty of stops in popular local eateries along the way. 

The cuisine of Victoria, BC, is diverse. The classical local cuisine is heavy on seafood, but a proper Victoria food tour will include much more than what is considered traditional Canadian food. After all, it’s the city with the oldest Chinese neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is complete without a stop there.  

Practical Information 

Food tours of Victoria, BC, usually last 2-3 hours. The starting price is $60. 

26. Admire the Aircraft at The BC Aviation Museum

The BC Aviation Museum is at Victoria Airport, so you should have at least two opportunities to visit it. It’s also a great incentive to arrive at the airport early and ensure you don’t miss your flight. 

The museum exhibit spans three hangars full of historic and modern aircraft. Helicopters, warplanes, and aircraft engines are all on display at this museum. If you’re offered a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to learn so much about the aircraft on display, and it’s a lot better than just walking around the hangar on your own. 

Practical Information 

The BC Aviation Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. The entrance fee is $17 for adults. 

27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing 

Kayaking and canoeing are both very popular activities in Victoria, BC, and the perfect way to explore the city beyond its busy streets. Join a guided kayaking tour or rent a canoe and take to the seas on your own—whatever your preference is, it shouldn’t be a problem. 

One thing I will say is that guided tours are the best option for people with little experience in kayaks and canoes. The currents here can be unpredictable, and if you’re not familiar with the weather conditions it could become an unpleasant or even dangerous experience. 

The beauty of these water adventures is that they’ll take you to places that would otherwise remain undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and enjoy a different perspective on Victoria’s Inner Harbor. 

Practical Information 

Several operates offer kayak and canoe tours in Victoria BC, but Kelp Reef Adventures is one of the most popular. 

28. See the Sakura Trees in Chinatown 

I’ve mentioned Fan Tan Alley as the central point of Victoria’s Chinatown, but the historic district extends way beyond it. It’s the oldest Chinese neighborhood in Canada and one of the prettiest parts of Victoria. 

A gate marks the entrance to this historic area, so it’s super easy to find. Sakura trees line the streets of Chinatown, and they’re reason enough to consider traveling to Victoria in the spring. The entire neighborhood is also decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns. 

Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown is also known for the best Chinese food in Victoria. You’ll also find loads of shops that sell traditional Chinese souvenirs, and you might want to peruse them if you’re in the market for unique souvenirs. 

Practical Information 

The historic Chinatown neighborhood is in the northern part of the Downtown district in Victoria BC. 

29. Whale Watching Adventures

Victoria and British Columbia, in general, are some of Canada’s best spots for whale watching. There must be a dozen tour operators in the city, but my favorite one is Prince of Whales, situated in the Destination Greater Victoria tourism center building in the harbor. 

The experienced operators will take you to the best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. But they also know to keep their distance from the animals so they don’t disturb them in their daily routines. 

This operator offers year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success rate of the tours, you’re practically guaranteed to spot the majestic mammals. 

Practical Information 

Prince of Whales whale-watching tours are available year-round. They start at $150 and last 3-6 hours. 

30. Venture Out To Swan Lake

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is within cycling distance of downtown Victoria. It’s a great place to visit if you don’t want to go to parks that are farther outside the city center but still want to enjoy a short hiking adventure. 

The nature sanctuary features a loop walking path that even crosses the lake at one point. It takes roughly 30 minutes to complete, and it’s a well-maintained and easy walking path suitable for everyone. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the Swan Lake Loop, which will reward you with some beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding forest. 

Practical Information 

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is open from 10?AM to 4?PM. Admission to the park is free of charge, but the entrance fee to the Nature House museum is a suggested $6 donation. 

31. Totems at Thunderbird Park 

Thunderbird Park is a small public park in central Victoria. Situated right next to the Royal BC Museum, the park is best known for its totem pole replicas and historic houses. 

The totems aren’t quite as spectacular as the ones in Vancouver, but they are still quite a lovely sight. Mungo Martin House is known for its painted exterior, while the Helmcken House Pioneer Doctor’s Residence offers short tours of a surgeon’s house with period furniture. 

Practical Information 

Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time. 

32. Ziplining in The Forest 

Thrill seekers won’t be let down by the selection of activities in Victoria. Just a 30-minute drive from the Downtown you’ll find Adrenaline Zip – a local company that operates ziplining tours in the rainforest. 

One thing to note is that this is along the way if you embark on the Galloping Goose Trail. The zipline rides are exciting and very fun. The entire adventure takes about two hours, and it includes 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV ride. 

Practical Information 

The ziplining tour starts at $120. For an extra $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.

33. Ride The Hop On Hop Off Bus

I’m not the biggest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, but I have to admit they’re a great option for travelers who are in town for a very short time. If you’re in Victoria for only a day or two, riding the double-decker bus is great for seeing all the city’s top landmarks in that time. 

The beauty of these buses is that you can get out at any stop, explore the area, and then just get on the bus again. You can even stay seated on the bus the entire time and just sightsee from the comfort of your seat, while the tour guide tells you the story behind the different attractions. 

Practical Information 

Buy Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets for $55 (valid for 24 hours) or $88 (valid for 48 hours).

34. Craft Beer Crawl

With more than 20 craft breweries throughout Victoria, the city is truly a great spot for beer lovers. Loads of pubs in the city serve local craft beer, and you can even tour breweries to try the drink right at the source. 

The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is one of the best pubs in the city. It offers a wide selection of local and international craft beer. They even offer tasting menus, so you can try half a dozen glasses. 

The Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in the Downtown is my top choice for a local brewery tour. 

Practical Information 

Pubs in Victoria, BC, are usually open until 9-11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends. 

FAQ For Best Things To Do In Victoria BC

Is Victoria, BC, worth visiting?

Yes, Victoria BC is worth visiting. It’s a gorgeous city with stunning Victorian architecture, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown area. 

What is Victoria BC well known for?

Victoria BC is known for many botanical gardens and gorgeous Victorian mansions. The city is also nicknamed the cycling capital of Canada, thanks to countless kilometers of cycling and mountain biking trails. 

What is the #1 tourist attraction in British Columbia?

The Stanley Park Totem Pole is by far the most popular tourist attraction in British Columbia. The Butchart Gardens is the most famous tourist attraction in Greater Victoria. 

Is Victoria BC a walkable city?

Much of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. However, there are many interesting places outside the downtown that are worth visiting but not accessible on foot. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Victoria BC

Best Time To Visit 

The best time to visit Victoria depends on what your priorities are. If you want to be in the city when it’s warm and sunny, then you should plan a trip in the summer. But expect higher prices of hotels and large crowds of tourists. 

If, on the other hand, you don’t mind walking around in a jacket if it means fewer tourists and better hotel deals, travel to Victoria in April-May or September-October. Just keep in mind that the city gets quite a bit of rainfall in the spring and autumn, so it’s not the ideal period for outdoor activities. 

What about the winter season? Victoria is spectacular in the winter and the temperatures rarely drop below 0 Celsius. It is especially nice there during the Christmas festivities.

Getting There

Victoria International Airport is the closest airport to the city, but it has a direct connection to very few international destinations. The airport in Vancouver, on the other hand, is the second-busiest in the country and chances are it will be your first stop in Canada. 

From there you’ve got loads of options. Local flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it possible to travel from Vancouver to Victoria. You can even take a bus from the airport to the city, which takes about four hours to reach the destination, with a ferry crossing. 

Getting Around 

Downtown Victoria is a very walkable area and you can visit most attractions in the historic part of the city on foot. Cycling is a great way of getting around the city because you can get to the more remote parts of Greater Victoria in about an hour, plus you won’t have to deal with rush hour traffic as much. 

Bike rentals are available throughout the city and are great for travelers visiting Victoria. Because the city doesn’t have a metro system, buses are the only viable mode of public transport. They’re convenient for traveling around the city but are generally quite slow. 

Uber and taxis are another option for reaching the more remote areas, but they’re also the most expensive way of getting around Victoria. As for car rental, I think it makes sense only if you’re in town for a longer time. Otherwise, it’s really not worth it because most of the best attractions in the city are within walking distance of one another. 

How Much Time Do You Need

Victoria is a pretty big city and I reckon you need at least three days to explore all of the best attractions downtown and a few famous sights in Greater Victoria. I think it’s possible to cover the best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, but you will be in a bit of a rush the entire time. 

Travelers who love being outdoors and exploring nature will have a great time in Victoria. If you can swing five days here, you can have enough time to explore a good chunk of Vancouver Island, much of which is untouched nature. 

Where To Stay In Victoria BC

Stay in Downtown Victoria or the historic James Bay neighborhood for easy walking access to all the best landmarks and attractions in the city. Both areas offer a wide variety of hotels in every price range, as well as loads of interesting tourist attractions. Some of the best hotels in Victoria for all budgets are: 

Ocean Island Inn offers budget accommodation with a fantastic location in Downtown Victoria. 
Fairmont Empress is one of the best hotels in central Victoria, with lovely views of Victoria Inner Harbor. 
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a five-star hotel with an oceanfront location. It has a fantastic spa center and large rooms, but it is quite far from the city center. Consider staying at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel if you’re planning a relaxing vacation in Victoria, BC. 

The capital of Utah is one of the most beautifully located cities in the USA. Salt Lake City sits between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain Range; it’s a jackpot when it comes to finding things to do.

The high season runs from December until March, when you’ll find all the winter activities and ski-related things to do. The second high season is the height of summer, when road trips around Utah become super-popular, and people visit its lakes for water activities in the sun. April until June and September until November are the shoulder seasons, when you’ll find all of these attractions much quieter.

Many people use Salt Lake City as a bit of a launchpad, flying into the city and then rushing straight off to Utah’s national parks and iconic hiking trails. But we’ll show you why this city is worth sticking around in. There’s so much to do in Utah, and this guide will cover the ultimate 25 things to do in Utah when you visit.

Using a rental bike or public transport, you can easily get around Salt Lake City to see these attractions. Alternatively, you can rent a car to take plenty of day trips and visit Great Salt Lake regularly.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most amazing things to do in Salt Lake City. But first, let’s briefly summarize the essentials for anyone in a rush.

Best Things To Do in Salt Lake City

We love Salt Lake City and are excited to share our top 25 things to do with you. We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again; there are just so many things to do in Salt Lake City. Without further ado, these are our top 25 picks for you.

1. Liberty Park

Salt Lake City has a beautiful selection of parks and green spaces. This park is the oldest and second largest in the city, spanning 80 acres. It’s the perfect spot for a morning stroll with coffee or somewhere to spend an hour or two in the late afternoon under a tree with a book.

There’s a massive lake where you can rent out paddle boats, miles of manicured trails, playgrounds, and a splash pad for kids. The park is really serene. It’s an excellent spot for inner-city green space and a convenient connection with nature.

The park also has Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens, but we’ll cover that as a standalone attraction later. It’s a paid zoo in the park’s center, sectioned off with an entrance fee of $13. The rest of Liberty Park is unfenced and free to enjoy. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind.

Insider Tip: Remember to visit the nearby Chase Home Museum.
Practical Information: Free to enter and open daily from 8 am until 11 pm.

2. Great Salt Lake

Everybody knows the Great Salt Lake. It’s the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere— impressive titles. The lake is popular for its gorgeous views and is a hotspot for bird watchers, attracting thousands of migratory birds. 

You can visit attractions on the lake like the Spiral Jetty, viewpoints in Great Salt Lake State Park, or beaches like Pelican Beach. It’s beautiful to walk around and admire, especially at sunset, around the pink water area of the lake. Equally, in hot weather, you can swim – just be mindful of irritation from the high salt levels.

Visiting this beautiful lake is a definite bucket list activity. Depending on where you go, it only takes 20 minutes or so by car to reach the lake’s shores. It’s worth renting a car for and is one of the most convenient day trips from the city.

Insider Tip: If you decide to swim, keep long hair out of the water, and be aware that the salt levels can damage your swimming costumes.

3. Antelope Island State Park

While talking about Great Salt Lake, we’ve got to mention Antelope Island State Park. This protected bit of shoreside peninsula juts into the lake. The beautiful peninsula is full of serene beaches with miles upon miles of hiking opportunities and horseback riding tours.

Best of all, though, are its free-roaming bison herds. You can spot the majestic animals all over the state park. There are also a handful of antelopes, hence the Antelope Island area’s name.

If you want to see the lake and embrace some gorgeous wildlife all at once, visiting Antelope Island State Park is the best. It gets our vote for its wildlife opportunities and beautiful location on the lake, with access to many beaches and trails like the hike to Frary Peak.

Insider Tip: Hike Buffalo Point Trailhead to see lots of different wildlife. 

4. Wheeler Historic Farm

Wheeler Historic Farm is a fascinating working farm offering immersive exhibits and experiences to guests. It’s family-friendly and located just outside of downtown Salt Lake City. If you’re traveling to Salt Lake City with kids, we heartily recommend it.

Kids can enjoy wagon rides, meeting animals, and a vast playground. Adults will love the time capsule-like experience, with historical exhibits, the farmers market, and seasonal events like pumpkin days. You can also tour the farmhouse on select days.

Utah has a lot of rural culture and history, so it’s interesting to learn about this and convenient given how close it is to the center. This preservation of rural heritage and farming communities is what gives it our vote.

Insider Tip: Reserve a farmhouse tour for an extra memorable experience.
Practical Information: It is open every day during daylight hours, with small fees of a few dollars depending on what activities you choose while there (milking cows, etc).

5. Red Iguana

You can’t visit Salt Lake City and not dine at Red Iguana. This Mexican restaurant offers delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. You can sample everything from chile verde to fajitas, mole, and carnitas. And that’s without factoring in their amazing beverage menu, which includes some seriously tasty margaritas. 

Red Iguana is family-run and a total favorite on the dining scene in Salt Lake City. We assume you’ll treat yourself to at least one meal, even if you are self-catered. And Red Iguana is the perfect place to do so.

The restaurant is located just a 30-minute walk from the downtown area or 20 minutes by the Green Line on the light rail.

Insider Tip: Organize a non-driving method of transport so you can sample the cocktails.
Practical Information: It is open from 11 am until 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

6. Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens

Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens is the small zoo we mentioned earlier in Liberty Park. Rather than being a traditional zoo—we generally do not endorse zoos at all—it only hosts birds, including flamingos, toucans, and vultures. It has plenty of educational programs and learning opportunities.

It’s an educational pick for those traveling with children or just an interesting day out for adults. The developed gardens are also beautiful and easily one of the most popular attractions in the city. It isn’t the largest botanical garden you’ll ever see; instead, what makes it special is the effort in its small areas, like the beauty in its rainforest biodome.

This attraction is centrally located just a short walk from the city center, and it’s a part indoor and part outdoor space, perfect for a hot or wet day.

Insider Tip: Watch out for the beautiful love birds.
Practical Information: Open from 9 am until 5 pm at $13 per ticket.

7. Bonneville Salt Flats

Have you heard of the salt flats in Bolivia? Salt flats are fascinating remnants of lakes that have dried up and left patterned salt layers behind. In dry weather, you can spot the salt patterns, which turn into a mirror-like surface in wet weather. Sound familiar? Well, Bonneville Salt Flats are Utah’s answer to Bolivia’s Salar De Uyuni.

Bonneville Salt Flats were formed when Lake Bonneville dried up, and now, they look almost like another planet. The white floor looks tiled thanks to the salt pattern. Bonneville Salt Flats are 1.5 hours away from Salt Lake City by car. It is well worth the rental, and you’ll pass Great Salt Lake State Park.

Insider Tip: Remember to research the salt flats beforehand; they’ve been the site of many world land-speed record runs.

8. Ensign Peak

Nothing is more satisfying than a summit hike. Ensign Peak is a small mountain just north of the city center, marked by a monument and sweeping views over the Salt Lake Valley. It’s a stunning place to gain a new vantage point over the city and that sense of achievement.

The summit trail is well-marked and only around a mile out and back. It’s really easy to navigate, so it’s our top recommendation for a scenic sunrise or sunset hike. You won’t struggle to navigate with a head torch. The trailhead is on Ensign Vista Drive, just a 10-minute drive or 40-minute bus ride and walk from the city center.

Insider Tip: Bring a head torch if you hike it for sunrise or sunset.

9. Lake Blanche

Lake Blanche is a gorgeous little place in the shadow of Sundial Peak and Salt Lake City’s eastern mountain range. It only takes around 30 minutes to drive there, making it an ideal half-day trip from the city center to embrace some natural beauty.

The Lake Blanche trail is 7 miles out-and-back, with striking water views and the dramatic vision of mountain peaks in the backdrop. It’s fairly suitable as a year-round trail, although it’s much more enjoyable and accessible from spring to fall.

You start the trail from Mill B South Fork Trailhead off Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. It’s a breeze to find. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of refreshments, though, as it takes roughly 5 hours to complete.

Insider Tip: Keep your eyes out for moose.

10. Big Cottonwood Canyon

You don’t need to go far for natural beauty in Salt Lake City. Big Cottonwood Canyon is just a 20-minute drive or an hour by light rail and bus. The beautiful canyon stretches 15 miles and offers some of the region’s best hiking, biking, and rock climbing. We’d suggest driving it purely so you can enjoy its scenic drive on Cottonwood Canyon Road.

You can hike to places like Lake Mary, Willow Fork Beaver Pond, and Silver Lake. There’s also the Wasatch Wildflower Festival every July.

We’d suggest Big Cottonwood Canyon if you want an area where you can organize your own activities and adventures. Visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon is free and gives you plenty of independence to choose anything from biking trails to climbing experiences.

Insider Tip: Silver Fork Lodge is a cool place to have brunch at Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11. Temple Square

Temple Square is palatial-looking, with light grey rock and dramatic-looking turrets. It’s the church of the Latter Day Saints, a religion that branches off from Christianity with its own interpretation of the bible and teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Salt Lake City was founded by Mormons, so it’s closely intertwined with the city’s history. You can visit Temple Square for free daily, and it’s great for those interested in Jesus Christ, general religious history, or just architecture buffs. The church is really beautiful and well-maintained.

Adjoining Temple Square is the largest genealogy library in Utah, aka the FamilySearch Library. There’s also the Salt Lake City Tabernacle.

Insider Tip: Watch out for the free organ concerts at Salt Lake City Tabernacle.
Practical Information: It is free to visit and open from 10 am until 8 pm daily.

12. Go Zip Lining

Perhaps one of the most adventurous things to do in Salt Lake City is to ride the ziplines at Deer Creek State Park, less than an hour’s drive from the city center. Its most exciting line is the Screaming Falcon, which stretches 3900 ft over the lake and is the longest overwater zipline in the US.

Tickets range from $39 to above $120, depending on what guided tour package you want. Going zip lining is easily one of the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City; it will definitely be an adrenaline rush among summer activities.

Zipline Utah is the company that runs the ziplines in Deer Creek State Park. Visit nearby ziplines, as well, like the ones at Provo Canyon.

Insider Tip: Consider trying out the Provo Canyon zip lines, which are just next door. 
Practical Information: Open 9 am until 5 pm with tickets ranging from $39 to above $120.

13. Clark Planetarium

Have you caught Salt Lake City’s weather on an off-day? Clark Planetarium is a great indoor activity on a questionable weather day.

The planetarium runs 3D IMAX films and laser light shows on space and science. It’s an educational place to visit for immersive learning and films-with-a-twist. Settling back to watch a film just provides you with different relaxation. You’ll catch free exhibits, too.

Clark Planetarium is located just outside of the downtown area, around 15 minutes on foot from its center.

Insider Tip: It’s right next to the Delta Center, so see if there are any events at this venue as well. 
Practical Information: Tickets are $10 plus tax for shows and free for the exhibits. Open from 10 am until 7 pm from Sunday until Thursday and stays open until 10:45 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 

14. Capitol Building

Salt Lake City’s Capitol Building sits on top of Capitol Hill and has typical neoclassical architecture. Regardless of your interest in politics and US history, the Capitol Building is stunning to visit and look at. You can take guided tours of its rooms and exhibits. 

The building itself dates back to 1916. Seeing all the marble interior and muraled dome is astounding – you’ll want to take lots of photos, as it’s easily Salt Lake City’s most photogenic building. It’s located north of the city center, around a 35-minute walk from the downtown area.

Insider Tip: If you are on the fence, just check out its virtual tour – you’ll want to see it in person.
Practical Information: It is free to visit and open from 7 am until 8 pm from Monday until Thursday and 7 am until 6 pm from Friday to Sunday.

15. Utah Olympic Park

Did you know that Park City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002? Well, Utah Olympic Park was its venue and has everything from ski jumps to bobsled rides. 

You can visit to see where the 2002 Winter Olympics occurred. It’s fascinating to see all the arenas and equipment up close. There are two museums on site, too: George Eccles Museum and Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center. It’s located just outside Salt Lake City, near Park City, in the eastern mountain range.

Insider Tip: There’s free parking space on site, and it’s best to drive.
Practical Information: Open from 9 am until 6 pm every day. Prices vary depending on your activities.

16. Go Skiing

If you visit Salt Lake City between December and March, you have to try skiing—it’s why the region is popular for winter activities. You’ll have stunning views from the mountains, and advanced skiers will have dozens of routes to enjoy at the ski resort.

There are three main areas for ski resorts near the Salt Lake City area: Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, Ogden, and Park City. The canyons are famed for deep snow and lots of snowfall. In contrast, Park City is famous for its more luxurious experience and Ogden for family-friendly resorts. For majestic views and a bit of winter adrenaline, you can’t beat skiing in Salt Lake City. Definitely make the most of those nearby mountains.

Insider Tip: Skiing in April after Spring Break will mean fewer crowds.

17. Natural History Museum of Utah

Everyone loves a good Natural History Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Utah has 10 fascinating galleries showcasing all the nature and earth science of the region. It has everything from dinosaur remains to precious gems. 

You could easily spend a couple of hours walking through this modern museum. Remember to check out the special exhibit, too, which is a rotating gallery running two to three different exhibits a year.

The Natural History Museum is located next to Red Butte Garden, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary. Just catch the bus from the city center, and you’ll be there in 40 minutes.

Insider Tip: You’ll love all the range of dinosaur exhibits.
Practical Information: $20 per person and open 10 am until 5 pm every day.

18. Visit Provo

You can’t visit Salt Lake City without taking a day trip to Provo. Utah’s ‘second city’ is known for its culture, housing everything from the BYU Museum of Palaeontology to the Crandall Historical Printing Museum.

Reaching Provo takes just over an hour by FrontRunner train or 50 minutes by car. We’d suggest catching an early train from Salt Lake Central Station to maximize your time and avoid parking nightmares. When you arrive, you can enjoy all of its museums. In summer, you’ll love the proximity to Utah Lake State Park and its beaches.

Insider Tip: Allow time to hike Mt Timpanogos in late spring and summer (bring a car for this activity).

19. Visit the University of Utah Campus

The University of Utah is located on the outskirts of the capital and offers regular guided tours. It’s a beautiful campus, with 100 acres of gardens and an arboretum.

If you fancy putting your academic hat back on, book a General Campus Tour – available to all visitors. You can take a look at the state’s most prestigious research university.

The campus is located just a 20-minute bus ride from the city center and is right next to Red Butte Gardens, so we’d recommend combining the two.

Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts on campus.
Practical Information: A guided tour is free, and times vary depending on availability. 

20. Day Trip to National Parks

You should definitely use Salt Lake City as a base to day trip to the mighty 5 national parks. Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Park are all amazing spots to enjoy nature. Day-tripping to a national park is one of the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City.

You could tackle hikes like Angels Landing or a scenic drive through Canyonlands. There are so many activities in Utah’s national parks.

If you only have a day and cannot stay overnight, be prepared to set off early in the morning and for a long day of driving. The closest park is either Arches National Park (3 hours and 40 minutes one way) or Bryce Canyon National Park (Approx. 4 hours one way).

Insider Tip: Research permits and weather conditions beforehand.

21. Trolley Square

Trolley Square is full of character. Once a 1900s trolley barn, it was converted into an upscale shopping center – perfect for retail therapy. Check out bookstores, fine dining restaurants, clothing chains, and even a museum on the history of trolleys.

We’d recommend shopping here for anyone wanting to enjoy Salt Lake City’s retail scene. It’s also a covered mall so ideal if you get unlucky with the weather.

Trolley Square stays open until 8 pm nearly every day, so you can enjoy a late meal and some evening shopping. It’s located just outside the downtown area, roughly 30 minutes on foot or 20 minutes on the light rail.

Insider Tip: Take advantage of the ice cream truck outside!
Practical Information: It is open from 10 am until 8 pm Monday through Saturday and 12 pm until 5 pm on Sunday.

22. Memory Grove Park

Memory Grove Park is a serene area of green space within Salt Lake City’s bounds. It’s only a 30-minute walk north of the city center and great for a peaceful walk. One of the best things about Salt Lake City is the number of gorgeous parks, so you should definitely make the most of how central Memory Grove Park is.

The Meditation Chapel is a particularly peaceful place to sit and collect your thoughts. You can also walk the Freedom Trail alongside the refreshing sound of City Creek.

The park is full of memorials and monuments that give you that extra prompt for reflection. The water features are beautiful too, with fountains, ponds, and the natural creek.

Insider Tip: Remember to see the Anderson Tower Monument nearby.
Practical Information: Open from 8 am until 10 pm and free to enjoy.

23. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum

Anyone trying to sightsee with children knows the importance of interactive exhibits. At Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, the target audience is those with a short attention span – so parents, get ready to hit the jackpot.

The museum has over 60,000 square feet of fun learning for children. It has everything from a real helicopter on display to small-world displays like mechanic shops, complete with cars with popped hoods.

If you have young children, visiting the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is a brilliant way to make your visit to Salt Lake City an extra bit more educational.

Insider Tip: Avoid the weekends, which get super busy.
Practical Information: Open Wednesday until Monday from 10 am until 6 pm. Tickets cost $13.50 per adult and $12.50 per child.

24. This Is The Place Heritage Park

Fancy stepping back in time? Well, Salt Lake City certainly would be the place to do so. This Is The Place Heritage Park takes you back to the Old West and the city’s founding. The park has everything from a Native American Village to gold panning exhibits and Mormon history.

It’s a great place to really understand Salt Lake City and its story. It doesn’t feel like a formal museum as it’s such an immersive experience – you’ll be living the days gone by without even realizing you’re learning.

This Is The Place Heritage Park is located on the city’s outskirts, roughly 20 minutes from the city center by car or an hour using the bus.

Insider Tip: Check out the nearby Living Room Trail when visiting.
Practical Information: There is a $20 per adult entrance fee, and it is open from 10 am until 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.

25. Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden is one of the largest botanical garden attractions in the Intermountain West. It spans 21 acres of manicured gardens and its beautiful displays change seasonally, including over 590,000 flowers in spring—predominantly daffodils.

To immerse yourself for a few hours in natural wonders, Red Butte Garden is by far the prettiest place to do so. It’s a great way to connect with the great outdoors. You can even catch outdoor concerts in summer. It’s located in the east of the city and an easy 15-minute drive from the center. Alternatively, you can catch a 30-minute bus.

Insider Tip: Check out the events on its main website.
Practical Information: $16 per adult from 9 am until 5 pm daily.

Your Questions Answered About Salt Lake City

By now, you should have a collection of the best things to do in the Salt Lake City area that are really up your street. You could ski, learn about the Church of the Latter Day Saints, or hike trails in the Red Butte Garden. Salt Lake City has so much to offer. Before you go, though, take a look at these common FAQs.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Salt Lake, Utah?

The number one attraction in the city center is Temple Square. It’s the pinnacle of Mormon history and has spectacular architecture. Great Salt Lake is the city’s greatest attraction outside the center.

What is Salt Lake City best known for?

Salt Lake City is best known for its Mormon history and proximity to a beautiful lake and ski resorts. It also has the best airport to access Utah’s national parks.

Is Salt Lake City worth seeing?

Absolutely. Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to visit because of its mixture of culture (with the Church of the Latter Day Saints and architecture like Temple Square) and nature (with the lake and nearby mountains).

How many days should I spend in Salt Lake City?

We’d recommend at least three days in Salt Lake City and as long as a week if you want to visit a national park or two.

Tips And Information For Visiting

Of course, knowing the best things to do in Salt Lake City is great. But what do you need to know practically about visiting? Let’s cover the vital tips and information you need to know before booking a trip to Salt Lake City. We want you to have the best time possible.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Salt Lake City is between April and June during shoulder season. In April, you can catch the backend of the ski resort season while also starting to enjoy warmer temperatures. May and June are ideal for quiet hiking and biking trails, as well as sightseeing without the crowds.

As a slight caveat, though, your preferred activities when visiting do slightly impact when you should visit. If you want to enjoy swimming in lakes, stick to summer. And if you want the ski season in full swing, we’d suggest visiting between December and March.

Getting There

The easiest way is to fly directly into Salt Lake City International Airport and catch a shuttle to the city center. This is the best option for anyone traveling internationally or who is short on time. 

With more time, you could use Amtrak to reach Salt Lake City. The Utah capital is on the California Zephyr line, connecting Chicago with San Francisco. Visiting by train is much more sustainable, and you get a more extended travel experience—with gorgeous views from the train window.

You could road trip to Salt Lake City as well. Depending on your departure point, you likely need more time than catching the train. However, it’s definitely worthwhile, and Utah is famously great for road trips.

Getting Around

The easiest way to get around Downtown Salt Lake City is on foot or by rented bicycle. The downtown area is highly walkable, and if you stay centrally, the only reason you’d need to consider other options is for day trips. 

That said, you also have a bus service run by the Utah Transit Authority and a light rail system called TRAX. You can purchase the Premium Pass for these, granting you travel for a set price. There’s also a fare-free area within the main downtown, meaning budget-friendly transport if your legs tire.

We’d suggest biting the bullet and hiring a car for those wanting to take day trips to a national park or the lake.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Three days is enough time in Salt Lake City to sightsee around downtown and visit the lake. You’ll be able to get a good taste of the city in this time.

If you want to see some national parks or visit Provo, give yourself a week. Some national parks, like Zion and Arches, are best visited if you plan to stay there overnight rather than on a day trip, so give yourself that extra wiggle room with more days in your itinerary.

Where To Stay in Salt Lake City, Utah

Without a doubt, Downtown Salt Lake City is the best area for tourists to stay in. The city has an all-or-nothing relationship with attractions, and you’ll either experience inner-city attractions like Temple Square or head way out into the outskirts to distant attractions like the lake or Red Butte Garden. Because of this, it really isn’t worth staying anywhere but downtown if you’re short on time and want to maximize sightseeing.

If you want a quieter experience in Salt Lake City and aren’t as interested in inner-city sightseeing, Park City is our top recommendation. Park City is residential and relaxing, perfect for resting after a long road trip or working remotely.

For now, though, we’ll focus on Downtown Salt Lake City, as you seem like the sightseeing bunch.

Here are some of the best hotels in Salt Lake City for all budgets:

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western ($), The Little America Hotel ($$), and Le Meridien Salt Lake City Downtown ($$$)

Luxury: Le Meridien Salt Lake City Downtown

Le Meridien Salt Lake City Downtown is a trendy property with a rooftop pool, fitness center, and onsite restaurant; it’s great for a luxurious base to sightsee the downtown area.

Mid Range: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City 

The Little America Hotel is a brilliantly located boutique-style hotel with both an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, and comfortable rooms.

Budget: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western

The downtown area isn’t best known for budget accommodation. While you can find hotels for as little as $70 a night, these mostly have low reviews over things like cleanliness, so we can’t confidently recommend them. Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western is the compromise, offering modern rooms, a fitness center, and a pool for reasonable prices.

Salt Lake City is something special. We love how you’ve got surrounding nature and the cultural aspect with the Natural History Museum and Temple Square. It was hard to narrow things down to these 25 best things to do in Salt Lake City, but we’re confident you’ll love them.

Are you looking for more inspiration on visiting Salt Lake City? Why not check out these amazing things to do in Utah? If you visit Salt Lake City for longer than a few days, there’s no reason why you can’t see more in the area. You could plan a few national parks or even a road trip to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. Whatever you choose to do, Salt Lake City will keep you entertained. Have a fantastic time.

Standing proud over Granada, Andalusia, Spain, the Alhambra is a testament to Moorish culture and its lasting impact on Spanish heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this exquisite complex was built on a plateau on the Darro River, overlooking the Albazin Quarter. With its intricate carvings, stunning tile work, and breathtaking gardens, it has captured the imaginations of visitors from around the globe, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. If “visiting Alhambra” is on your travel bucket list, you will want to keep reading because here is your go-to guide for the best way to visit Alhambra.

Best Time to Visit Alhambra

Timing is everything to enjoy the Alhambra without the crowds. The early bird not only gets the worm but also the most serene views of this historic site. Booking an early morning ticket can help you avoid the bulk of the crowds, especially during the peak season (April to June and September to October). Late afternoon visits also avoid the busiest times and offer softer light for photos, which is perfect for capturing the golden hues of Alhambra’s walls and gardens.

If you really want to visit Alhambra without crowds, consider going from November to March. The palace is open year-round, and crowds are much lighter during the winter months.

Visiting Alhambra in Spring and Fall is less hot and more comfortable. We visited in June, and it was extremely hot.

Get Your Alhambra Ticket in Advance

Planning ahead is key when purchasing your Alhambra tickets. Visiting Alhambra” requires some forethought, especially regarding tickets. They can sell out months in advance, especially if you want an early entry. So it is wise to book as soon as you know your travel dates. You can book this highly-rated tour and timed tickets in advance

General admission tickets the the Alhambra give access to the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife Gardens. Adult tickets cost around €14, with various discounts available for children, seniors, and EU citizens.

For a unique experience, consider the nighttime visits to the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens, which offer a different perspective under the stars.

Timed Entry

When visiting the Alhambra, you must book a timed entry. When booking, you’ll select a specific entrance time slot, which helps manage the flow of visitors and enhances the experience. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry. There is plenty to see, so you won’t be bored while waiting. If you are on a guided tour, your local guide will share details to keep you occupied.

Address of Alhambra:  C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain

Two Entrances to the Alhambra

There are two entrances to the Alhambra: the Pavillion main entrance and The Gate of Justice. If you already have your tickets, you will enter through the Gate of Justice and be close to the Nasrid Palaces.

What to Bring

Make sure you have your passport. Tickets are non-transferable, and the passport needs to match the name on your ticket. So don’t forget your passport when visiting the Alhambra.

Other items you should pack on your Alhambra visit are comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone paths, a bottle of water, a hat, and a handheld fan or neck fan. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen, as much of your exploration will be outdoors. The Alhambra is a sprawling complex, and you’ll be spending your time in gardens, outdoor pathways, and courtyards with limited shade.

Alhambra Opening Hours: A Schedule to Suit Every Itinerary

The Alhambra’s opening hours vary slightly throughout the year but generally run from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM for daytime visits and 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM for nighttime visits during the summer months.

Winter hours are shorter, so be sure to check the official Alhambra website for the most current information. Remember that the Nasrid Palaces require visitors to enter within the half-hour time slot specified on their tickets, so punctuality is very important.

A Guided Tour of Alhambra

We took a guided tour of the Alhambra and found it very interesting. We never would have learned about the history and intricate details of the palace.

Unlike exploring independently, a guided tour unlocks the secret stories and historical context behind the stunning Moorish palaces and lush gardens. Expert guides bring each corner of this historic site to life, making the experience more memorable and informative.

You begin by strolling through the ornate Nasrid Palaces to marvel at the intricate Islamic art. It then moves on to the panoramic views from the robust Alcazaba fortress.

Our tour ended with a walk through the serene Generalife Gardens, where fountains and flora offer a tranquil escape and some much-needed shade. Our guide then took us for refreshments at the hotel, where we enjoyed views of the Alhambra and cool misty fans under shaded trees.

Book your guided adventure through the official Alhambra website or trusted tour operators to ensure you get the full, fabulous scoop on one of Spain’s most treasured landmarks!

Can you visit Alhambra without a guide?

You can absolutely visit Alhambra without a guide. This offers flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you want to focus on photography and prefer to immerse yourself deeply in the serene ambiance of this historic site, an independent tour of the Alhambra is the way to go.

However, navigating the expansive grounds of the Alhambra can be challenging without the insights and historical context that a guide provides. So to maximize your visit we recommend an audio guide or carrying a detailed map. This audio guide takes you through the Nasrid Palaces, including the Palace of Mexuar, the Palace of Comares, and the Palace of Leones. You will also explore the Generalife, the sultan’s summer palace situated east of the Alhambra, which was a highlight for us.

Is a Guided Tour of Alhambra Worth It?

While visiting Alhambra independently allows you to linger in areas that captivate your interest, you might miss out on hidden details and stories that only expert guides know. With our guide, we had the best of both worlds, as we had a guided tour and then time to explore independently. If you can book a tour and then stay at Alhambra afterward, this is our suggestion.

Regardless of your decision, remember to book your tickets in advance, especially for access to popular sections like the Nasrid Palaces, and check the entry times to plan your visit efficiently. This approach is perfect for independent travelers who value discovery at their own rhythm.

What to Expect Inside the Alhambra and Its Grounds

When planning a visit to the Alhambra, you will need at least half a day. You will need at least three hours to explore the Alhambra, and even that will feel rushed. We enjoyed a half-day at the Alhambra and then had lunch at the hotel attached to the grounds.

The Nasrid Palaces

You can only visit the Nasrid Palaces during the time indicated on your ticket, so don’t rush this. The palaces are busy, so timed tickets are to control capacity in this area. With patience, you can have moments of serenity and gaps in the crowds. Remember, if you don’t enter at a specific time, you will lose the right to visit this area. That would be terrible because the Nasrid palaces are truly a highlight.

The crown jewel of the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces are a group of mansions from the 16th century connected by hallways and courtyards. They are adorned with elaborate Islamic art, marble carvings, and intricate architecture that defy words.

Inside, you’ll discover the stunning Court of the Lions with its famous fountain and the majestic Hall of the Ambassadors with its impressive wooden dome. These palaces are a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, featuring exquisite Islamic art, intricate tile work, and detailed Arabic and Moorish designs.

The Alcazaba

After you leave the palaces, the crowds thin out, and you can really find the quiet places. The Alcazaba is the oldest part of this iconic complex and offers a glimpse into its military past.

As the complex’s fortress, the Alcazaba provides visitors with stunning views of Granada and the surrounding Sierra Nevada from its robust watchtowers, including the famous Torre de la Vela. Inside, you can explore the remnants of the original citadel, including the barracks where soldiers were once quartered.

The Generalife Gardens

The Generalife Gardens were our second favorite area of Alhambra after the Nasrid Palaces. It was surprising to know that just a short walk across the complex took us to the sultan’s summer palace. A walk through the gardens takes you through a masterpiece of landscape architecture, combining water features and lush vegetation, showcasing the sophisticated gardening skills of the Moors. As you wander through these lush gardens, you’ll encounter elegantly designed courtyards, vibrant flowerbeds, and the soothing sounds of trickling water from numerous fountains, including the famous Patio de la Acequia.

The gardens also provide stunning views of the Alhambra’s palaces against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. To fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Generalife, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are thinner, and the light is ideal for photography. Ensure you have comfortable footwear for the uneven paths and bring water, especially in the warmer months. Booking your tickets in advance is essential, as the Generalife is a popular part of the Alhambra tour, often included in combination tickets with other sectors of the complex.

Carlos V Palace

Carlos V Palace is a lesser-visited part of the Alhambra that offers a quieter, more reflective atmosphere. Your general Alhambra ticket typically includes entry to the Palace of Carlos. The Palace of Carlos V is an interesting example of Renaissance architecture amidst the predominantly Moorish art and architecture of the Alhambra.

Designed by Pedro Machuca, the palace stands out with its impressive circular courtyard and beautifully detailed classical façade. This was one of our favorite places to photograph within the Alhambra.

Inside, visitors can explore two museums: the Alhambra Museum, which showcases Islamic artifacts and art from the region, and the Fine Arts Museum of Granada, featuring works from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

Hotel Alhambra Palace

We had drinks on the terrace and then ate lunch at The Palace Hotel. If the Alhambra has been on your bucket list, we suggest staying at the Palace Hotel to enhance your experience. Imagine staying right in the heart of historical grandeur.

We didn’t stay at this hotel, but we took a walk through it and enjoyed a delightful lunch at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant. The restaurant serves various local and international cuisine in a refined setting. The outdoor terrace is shaded, and fans mist water on patrons as they enjoy a cool drink while overlooking the beautiful scene.

With its combination of convenience, culinary excellence, and proximity to one of Spain’s most cherished landmarks, the Palace Hotel in Alhambra is an ideal base for both exploring the rich history of Granada and enjoying modern comforts.

Tips for a Smooth Visit to Alhambra

Stay Hydrated: The Alhambra’s grounds are vast, and exploring can be thirsty work, especially in the summer. Carry water with you, and refill at the fountains scattered throughout the complex.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: With all the walking involved, comfortable footwear is a must.
Hire a Guide or Use an Audio Guide: To truly appreciate the history and significance of what you’re seeing, consider hiring a guide or renting an audio guide.
Respect the Rules: The Alhambra is a treasure for us all to enjoy. Be mindful of the rules, especially regarding photography, noise, and the site’s conservation.

How Long Does it Take to Visit the Alhambra?

A visit to Alhambra takes at least three hours, but we suggest at least half a day. You don’t want to rush through the Nasrid Palaces, as you cannot go back inside. You must only explore during your timed entry, but there is no time limit once inside. You can then spend hours walking through the gardens and fountains.

Can you take photos inside the Alhambra?

Yes, you can take photos inside the Alhambra, but some restrictions exist. To protect the delicate interiors and artwork, tripods and flashes may be prohibited, especially inside the Nasrid Palaces. Taking photos for commercial purposes requires prior permission from the Alhambra management.

Always check the current photography rules on the official Alhambra website or inquire at the entrance for the latest guidelines to ensure you respect the site’s regulations during your visit.

Are bags allowed inside the Alhambra?

Yes, bags are allowed inside the Alhambra, but there are size restrictions. Large backpacks and bulky bags are typically not permitted within the Nasrid Palaces and other sensitive areas to prevent damage and congestion.

Visitors are often required to leave larger items in lockers or at the baggage check facilities available at the entrance. It’s advisable to bring only small bags or purses that can easily be carried around during your visit.

Are there hotels in the Alhambra?

There are no hotels within the Alhambra complex itself, as it is a historical monument and UNESCO World Heritage site. However, Granada offers a wide range of accommodation options nearby. The Palace Hotel Alhambra is just a short walk, and you don’t even feel as if you have left the grounds.

Many hotels, hostels, and apartments are within walking distance or a short drive of Alhambra. Some of these hotels offer spectacular views of the Alhambra, especially those situated in Albaicín, Granada’s old Moorish quarter.

Where can you eat near the Alhambra?

While there are no restaurants within the Alhambra palaces themselves, you can find places to eat within the general area of the Alhambra complex. Here are a few options:

For more casual dining or a quick snack, there are also several cafes and a kiosk within the Alhambra’s grounds, where you can grab sandwiches, drinks, and light snacks. These are perfect for a brief rest between visiting different parts of the complex.

Visiting the Alhambra is more than just a tick on your travel checklist; it’s an immersion into centuries of history, art, and culture. With these tips in hand, you’re all set for a journey into the heart of Granada’s most iconic landmark. Prepare to be enchanted.

Few cities on this planet are as magical and captivating as Barcelona. Boasting some of the most famous landmarks in the entire world, it’s hard to imagine that anyone could have less than an enjoyable time in Barcelona. 

But I guess it depends quite a bit on where you stay; book a hotel that’s too far from the things you want to see, and you’ll spend more time bumping elbows on the metro than sightseeing and snacking on tapas. Nobody wants that to happen, and I’m happy to help you figure out where it makes sense for you to stay in Barcelona. 

I’ve included all the best neighborhoods in the city in this guide, from the breezy and beachfront Barceloneta to the local Gracia. Whether you want to find the best hotels in Barcelona with epic views or are traveling on a tighter budget but still appreciate a central location, I’ve got your back. 

Please listen to what I have to say because I know Barcelona like the back of my hand. I’ve helped friends and relatives find places to stay and shared all my Barcelona travel tips to help them plan their itineraries with zero complaints so far. Well, there were some complaints about the crowds throughout the city, but none about the hotel location, quality of service, or the comfort of the beds they slept in. 

Where To Stay In Barcelona

Barcelona is a big city, so it’s crucial to stay close to the landmarks that interest you most. Consider which landmarks you want to prioritize, and then book a hotel in the appropriate neighborhood. 

The best ones for first-time visitors are usually the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, and La Barceloneta, but returning visitors prefer the calm vibes of Gracia and El Poble-Sec.

Don’t Have Time To Read The Full Article? 

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Hotel Barcelona Catedral and loved every minute of it. The location was perfect for exploring Barcelona on foot; the bed was super comfortable, and everything was sparkling clean. 

Gothic Quarter: Our Recommendation 

The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s historic center and home to most of the city’s oldest buildings. Stay here for charming, walkable alleys full of the city’s best landmarks and loads of great tapas and bars. 

Bordering Las Ramblas in the west and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera in the east, the Gothic Quarter is the central area of the Cituat Vella district. Even if you stay elsewhere, you will likely come to this neighborhood often, whether for the history and culture or the excellent food. 

This area offers accommodation options in every price range, so you’ll find something up your alley whether you’re looking for cheap hostels or five-star hotels. Just keep in mind that prices of accommodations (and most other things) are generally higher in the Gothic Quarter than in some other parts of Barcelona. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Gothic Quarter

Pros

Historic district boasts many landmarks and attractions 
Hotels in every price range
Great bars and restaurants 

Cons

Hotels and restaurants are more expensive
Perpetually busy and noisy 
Tourist crowds attract pickpockets 

Highlights of Staying in the Gothic Quarter

The best thing about staying in the Gothic Quarter is that there’s history everywhere throughout the neighborhood. Just go on a quick walk around the block, and you’ll spot buildings that are several centuries old. 

The Cathedral of Barcelona may not be as famous as Sagrada Familia, but it’s still an impressive sight. The 13th-century Gothic cathedral sits at the center of the neighborhood and offers fantastic city views from its tall towers. 

See the Roman Ruins. The Gothic Quarter is a historic neighborhood and home of Barcelona’s many oldest buildings and landmarks, plenty of them date back to Roman times, including the city walls, towers, and temples. 
Stroll down La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street. It is lined with shops and restaurants, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire city. 
People watching at Plaça Reial is great for understanding local culture better. This sprawling city square features palm trees, a fountain at the center, and is lined with bars and restaurants where an extra seat is wanted every evening. 

Best Places To Stay in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is a fairly small neighborhood, so the hotel’s location doesn’t matter quite as much. Also, this area is well connected to the rest of the city with public transport, so getting around Barcelona will be easy and quick. 

It isn’t my favorite option for travelers on a tight budget, simply because you can get more bang for your buck in other districts. However, you’d have to compromise on the location, which isn’t something all travelers are keen on doing. 

Kimpton Vividora Hotel

The Kimpton Vividora Hotel is among the best five-star hotels in the Gothic Quarter. Featuring modern rooms with ensuite bathrooms, this pet-friendly hotel is an excellent luxury option in the heart of old Barcelona. 

The Kimpton’s rooms are smaller, and even some of the suites offer only 32 m² of living space. But they’re beautifully decorated with high-end finishes and state-of-the-art appliances. And the hotel’s fabulous rooftop pool easily compensates for the small size of the rooms. All the suites and rooms at the Kimpton include coffee makers, smart TVs, and luxe toiletries.

This hotel has three restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa center. The Kimpton also has the Social Wine Hour; every day from 6 PM, hotel guests are invited to attend the open bar serving local wines. With rooms starting at $450 per night, I reckon you can easily get your money’s worth at the wine bar alone. 

Hotel Barcelona Catedral

Hotel Barcelona Catedral is a four-star hotel with a rooftop pool. It is situated in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, just a few steps away from the Cathedral of Barcelona. Hang out at the rooftop pool to enjoy a view of the Gothic spires, interrupted only by Barcelona’s signature-colored rooftops. 

The guest rooms here are quite spacious. The smallest rooms are 25 m², and the suites are twice as big. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, a TV, and a desk area. The decor is mostly contemporary with some classic accents, and I like that there’s a pop of color in each room. 

The beds are very comfortable, and a good night’s sleep is guaranteed here. The hotel also has a bar, restaurant, and fitness center, so you’ll have access to all the facilities you might need during your stay. The starting rate for a stay is roughly $330 per night, which is a good deal for a mid-range hotel with five-star amenities and service. 

Itaca Hostel

You can stay in the old city even if you’re on a tight budget! Consider the Itaca Hostel if you’re looking for cheap beds with a central location in Barcelona. Just keep in mind that the same amount of money could be used to book a room with a private bathroom in a different part of the city. 

This hostel offers only mixed dormitories with 6, 8, or 10 beds. Every dormitory has its own bathroom, so you will be sharing those facilities with at least five other people. The good news is that this is possibly the cleanest hostel in Barcelona, with pristine dormitories, bathrooms, and shared spaces. 

The common areas are nice. They include a kitchen, dining area, and a living room, so it kind of feels like you’re staying at a college campus. I definitely recommend this hostel to young adults who are going on a solo trip and want to meet new people. You’ll pay $40-50 for a bed in the center of historic Barcelona, which is as cheap as it gets. 

Eixample: Best For Sightseeing 

Eixample is a massive city district with many of Barcelona’s best sights. It stretches from Sagrada Familia in the east to the Sant Antoni Market in the southwest, encompassing many of the best streets and landmarks in Barcelona in all of its popular neighborhoods. 

This district is good for virtually anyone in Barcelona, whether it’s your first or fifteenth time in the city. It’s great for shopping, museum tours, sightseeing, nightlife, and culinary tours of Barcelona. Gaudi’s architecture is a staple of Eixample, as are countless tapas bars, and excellent hotels. 

Choose Eixample because it is a very safe area of Barcelona popular for upscale hotels and luxury shops. Yes, you’ll pay more for a hotel here, but you’ll also have to worry less about pickpockets and bag snatchers when strolling around the city streets. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Eixample

Pros

Home to Barcelona’s best tourist attractions
Great public transport connections 
One of the safest neighborhoods in Barcelona

Cons

The busiest part of Barcelona 
The upscale area is generally more expensive
Fewer budget hotels 

Highlights of Staying in Eixample

Eixample is the central district of Barcelona with all the best landmarks, shops, buildings, and hotels. Stay here if you want to be within walking distance of Barcelona’s iconic sights, 

La Sagrada Familia is by far the most famous landmark in Barcelona and easily the highlight of the entire neighborhood. The iconic building has been under construction since the late 19th century and now has a completion date of 2026. But work on the sculptures and details as well as the stairway that will be the main entrance, is expected to continue until 2034.
Sant Antoni Market is the place to be whether you want fresh groceries, pastries, or cheap clothes. The covered market is set in a 19th-century building, and it’s one of the best places in Barcelona for a cheap shopping spree. Also, you can buy virtually anything here, from classic Spanish cured meats to yarn balls, making the local market a must-visit for souvenir shopping. 
Gaudi’s architecture is the undisputed highlight of Eixample, and Casa Milà is the district’s most popular building. The entire place is fascinating, but the views from La Pedrera’s roof are by far my favorite thing about it. 
Casa Batlló is another Gaudi masterpiece in Eixample that you need to include in your itinerary. The building is absolutely enchanting, and the works of art displayed inside its museums will keep you busy for hours. 

Best Places to Stay in Eixample

Eixample is a central neighborhood in Barcelona and home to many of the best and most famous tourist attractions in the city. It’s a top location for boutique and luxury hotels but one of the worst areas for travelers on a tight budget because there are very few cheap places to stay here, and most are hostels. 

The area is especially good if your main criterion is proximity to iconic Barcelona landmarks, as most of the accommodations here are within walking distance of Gaudi’s best works. Countless top-notch restaurants are also in Eixample, and chances are there will be at least a dozen excellent places to eat just five minutes from your hotel. 

Hotel El Palace Barcelona

Hotel El Palace is a top-notch luxury hotel with an excellent location in Eixample. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Casa Batlló to the north and the entrance to the Gothic Quarter to the south. It takes roughly 20-25 minutes to walk from the hotel to La Sagrada Familia, so stay here if you want a premium location for sightseeing in Barcelona. 

The guest rooms are spacious with classic and elegant furniture, while the hotel’s shared spaces make you feel like you’re in an actual palace. With opulent decorations and luxury finishes throughout the hotel, you’ll constantly be reminded that you’re staying in a five-star accommodation in Barcelona. 

All rooms have a private bathroom, desk, and flat-screen TV. The hotel also offers a fitness center, spa center, and fantastic outdoor pool with beautiful city views. El Palace Hotel includes two restaurants, one of which is on the rooftop terrace. 

Sercotel Hotel Rosellon

Sercotel Hotel Rosellon is a four-star hotel in Barcelona with a five-star view of La Sagrada Familia. You’ll be staying in the heart of this city, just 300 meters from the most iconic landmark in Barcelona. 

The guest rooms are small but equipped with all the amenities you might need during your stay. All the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, a desk, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. But by far the best thing about the hotel is the rooftop bar, which offers interrupted views of the ongoing construction of Gaudi’s most famous work. 

However, this hotel will work for you only if you aren’t expecting too much from the facilities. Sercotel Hotel Rosellon does not have a restaurant, fitness center, or pool. However, countless restaurants are just five minutes from the hotel, though, so you can make it work if you’re open to exploring. Also, breakfast is included in the nightly rate, which starts at roughly $300 per night. 

The Loft Hostel Barcelona

Eixample is not a good neighborhood for budget stays. Your main options are hostels and cheap hotels, both of which are pricey for what you’re actually getting. The Loft Hostel Barcelona is arguably one of the best budget options, with beds starting at only $40.

That is a steep rate for half a bunk bed, but it’s as cheap as it gets for Eixample. The hostel’s location is good enough to justify the rate, as it’s only two minutes from Casa Milà. You’d be within walking distance of most of Barcelona’s best landmarks, as well as bars, shops, and anything else of interest. The metro station is also very close to the hostel. 

Guests can choose from mixed and female-only dormitories with 6-12 beds. It’s more expensive to stay in the smaller dormitories, and it’s worth noting that all the guests who stay in spaces with shared bathrooms have to rent towels if they don’t have their own. But the hostel’s shared spaces are really nice, and it even includes an outdoor lounge space that’s lovely in the summer. 

Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera: Best For Art And Culture 

Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera is a chic neighborhood with excellent art museums, indie shops, and local markets. It encompasses several smaller neighborhoods, including the trendy and busy El Born, which is very popular with younger crowds in Barcelona. 

This is one of the best parts of the city for young adults, especially artists and other creative types. Staying at Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera is absolutely a great idea if you want to explore Barcelona’s art museums and galleries, visit trendy coffee shops, and shop at markets and vintage boutiques. 

The art museums are my favorite thing about this neighborhood. I think everyone should visit a Banksy museum and a museum that displays elaborate sculptures created entirely from chocolate. Also, if you stay here, you’ll have easy access to the rest of the city with public transport and be within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter and many other attractions. 

Pros and Cons Staying in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

Pros

Close to the city center
Excellent art museums
Close to the beach 

Cons

Metro stations only on the edges of the neighborhood
Not too many historical landmarks
Noisy at night 

Highlights of Staying in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

This Barcelona neighborhood is probably the best for all art lovers and creatives in the city, thanks to a wide variety of fantastic art museums. The area also includes notable historical buildings and landmarks. 

The Basilica of  Santa Maria del Mar is one of Barcelona’s best Gothic churches. Dating back to the 14th century, this stunning landmark towers over El Born’s other rooftops. 
The Banksy Museum is a unique opportunity to discover art created by the world’s most elusive artist. I’m obsessed with everything Banksy creates so I can’t recommend this museum enough. But bear in mind that Banksy always aims to shock and raise awareness, so this isn’t a museum you’re likely to leave feeling happy and upbeat.  
Head to Ciutadella Park on a nice sunny day to discover landscaped walking trails, gardens, and a fantastic boating lake. The sprawling park is also home to the Parliament of Catalonia, the Barcelona Zoo, and several smaller museums. 
Museu de la Xocolata features incredible sculptures made from chocolate. Most exhibits are references to popular cartoons and comic books, but there are also quite a few gems on display, including a chocolate version of Sagrada Familia. 

Best Places To Stay In Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

This sprawling neighborhood is home to some of the best hotels in Barcelona, especially if you’re looking for luxury and boutique hotels. A few hotels are also available in the budget range, making Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera a solid option for most travelers. 

However, keep in mind that this hip and trendy area mostly attracts young adults. Whether that should be added to the pros or cons list is up to you to decide, but it’s certainly something to remember when choosing a place to stay in Barcelona. 

The Barcelona Edition 

The Barcelona Edition is one of the best luxury hotels in the entire Cituat Vella area. It features large rooms with contemporary furnishings and luxury decorations, making it an excellent option for people who prefer lavish accommodations. 

Book a room on one of the higher floors, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful cityscape from the (very) comfortable king bed. Every guest room at The Barcelona Edition has a private bathroom, desk, TV, and seating area. 

This hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, a bar, and a billiards table. The rooftop bar is undoubtedly the highlight of the entire hotel, thanks to its expansive views of Barcelona’s rooftops. It’s one of the best rooftop bars in the city, and that alone is enough reason to spring $550 for a night at The Barcelona Edition. 

Mercer House Bòria

Mercer House Bòria is a boutique hotel located centrally in Ciutat Vella. It offers spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms and modern furnishings. Every room has a TV, minibar, and a seating area. 

The Mercer’s double rooms are nicely decorated but quite basic. The hotel is much more popular for its suites, so consider staying here if you prefer to have more than one room. All the suites include a kitchen, desk, and separate living quarters. 

However, the hotel facilities are lacking a bit. It doesn’t have a restaurant or a fitness center, so you might want to consider a different hotel if you prefer having these amenities included. There is an on-site coffee house, as well as a rooftop terrace with wonderful views of Santa María del Mar cathedral. 

Born Barcelona Hostel

Born Barcelona Hostel is a great budget option just steps away from Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf. It features dormitories with just 4 and 6 beds, as well as double rooms with shared bathrooms, which are surprisingly nice. 

Everything here is squeaky clean, and the common spaces are beautifully decorated. The dining room chairs aren’t the most comfortable, but they’re perfectly fine if you’re paying under $40 for a night in Barcelona. 

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the private room just because it doesn’t include an ensuite bathroom, but it costs more than $130 per night. You can book a stay in a two-star hotel in the same neighborhood for the same amount of money, and you wouldn’t have to share a bathroom with anyone. 

Gracia: Best For Gaudi’s Architecture 

Gracia is a vast Barcelona neighborhood known for pedestrian streets and bistros serving Catalan cuisine. Gaudi’s architecture adorns most streets of this neighborhood, making it a top destination for anyone who wishes to see more of the famous architect’s masterpieces. 

The area extends all the way to the foot of Mount Tibidabo, but the southern parts of the neighborhood are better for tourists. Bordering Eixample, they offer easy walking access to Barcelona’s most popular landmarks. Green and yellow metro lines pass through this part of the city, making it super easy to reach areas that are further away. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Gracia

Pros

Hotspot for Gaudi’s architecture
Lots of great local restaurants
A walkable neighborhood

Cons

Fewer touristy things to do 
Northern areas are far from the city center
It’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists

Highlights of Staying in Gracia

The best thing about staying in Gracia is the local vibe. You’ll find all the restaurants where the locals actually eat, and you’ll get to visit some of the city’s most notable tourist attractions. 

The best and most famous attraction in Gracia is Park Guell. Featuring buildings covered with mosaics and the actual house where Antoni Gaudi once lived, the place is a dream for anyone who comes to Barcelona wanting to see the architecture. 

Casa Vicens Gaudí is another spectacular work of art by the famous architect. It’s special for the Moorish influences and a protruding tower on the corner of the building. 
Gracia is a popular hub for Catalan restaurants, so a local food tour is in the books for anyone staying in this neighborhood. Devour Canelons, Faves a la Catalana, and Fricandó while stopping by the local markets to check out the selection of cured meats. 

Best Places To Stay in Gracia

Gracia offers a wide variety of hotels in every price range, and it’s one of the better neighborhoods for budget travelers. It’s also the best part of the city for tourists who prefer to stay in private apartments. 

Hotel Casa Fuster

Hotel Casa Fuster is my top choice of luxury hotels in Gracia. It is located on the southern edge of the neighborhood, on the border with Eixample. The nightly rate starts at just under $400, which is a terrific deal for a luxury hotel with such a great location in Barcelona. 

The hotel is set in an early 20th-century building, which is a landmark in itself. In fact, Casa Fuster is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and staying in the building is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Despite the historic status, the hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a sauna, fitness center, and rooftop pool. A Michelin-starred restaurant is available at the hotel, and it’s a great place for fine dining in Barcelona city. The guest rooms are quite spacious with contemporary, colorful furnishings and large private bathrooms.  

Hotel Ronda Lesseps

Hotel Ronda Lesseps is a very nice four-star hotel near Parc Guell. It offers modern, cozy rooms with comfortable beds. Every room features a private bathroom, desk, and flat-screen TV. 

All guests also have access to a coffee maker in the room, as well as a mini fridge and free WiFi. The smallest rooms don’t have a seating area and only have one tiny closet, so I wouldn’t recommend them for a longer stay. 

In terms of hotel amenities, the two indoor/outdoor terraces are my favorite thing about the hotel. They’re entirely covered with plants and feel like you’ve wandered into a jungle. But the hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant or a gym, so keep that in mind. 

Casa Jam Barcelona

Casa Jam Barcelona is an affordable hostel that looks a lot nicer than I expected. It offers clean and pleasantly decorated rooms for an affordable price, which makes it a top option in Gracia for travelers in Barcelona on a budget. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station, meaning you can be anywhere in Barcelona in just 15 minutes. 

This hostel offers dormitories with 4 or 6 beds, private family rooms, and quadruple rooms with ensuite bathrooms. If you’re traveling with three other people, the quadruple rooms are excellent value for money, considering the hostel’s location.

All Casa Jam guests can use the free Wi-Fi and shared kitchen. The hostel has a few nicely decorated shared spaces, especially if you like modern furniture. 

La Barceloneta: Best For Beach Access

The Barceloneta neighborhood is the area around the namesake beach and the best place to stay for travelers who are primarily interested in Barcelona’s sandy beaches. The hotels in this area are top-notch, and the area is worth considering if five-star hotels are in your budget. 

Just remember that Barceloneta is quite far from the city center, so it will take you a while to get around the city if you still want to visit the popular tourist attractions. It’s also not the safest part of Barcelona at night, but the upscale areas around the high-end hotels are generally safe for everyone. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in La Barceloneta

Pros

Best area for a beach vacation 
Multiple high-end hotels 
Easy public transport access to the city center

Cons

Far from the city center
Few attractions in the area 
Not the best area to hang out at night 

Highlights of Staying in La Barceloneta

There aren’t too many tourist attractions in La Barceloneta, but the ones that exist are absolutely fabulous. 

La Barceloneta Beach is the best thing about this part of the city. The vast stretch of sand attracts both locals and tourists who want to spend a day sipping cocktails on loungers and listening to the crashing waves. 
Ride the Port Cable Car to Montjuic Hill. It’s a wonderful opportunity to do something different in this city and you’ll get to experience magical views along the way. 
The Museum of the History of Catalonia offers an extensive exhibit on the region’s history. It’s ideal for travelers who want to learn more about the ways of the locals in Catalonia. 

Best Places To Stay In La Barceloneta

La Barceloneta is a small neighborhood, so the precise location of your accommodation doesn’t matter as much. Unless you want to be directly on the beach, in which case you’ll find several suitable options in this waterfront area. 

W Barcelona

The W Barcelona is a premium five-star hotel with a seafront location. Stay here if you want to make the most of Barcelona’s beaches. This premium hotel offers direct beach access with private loungers. 

The W’s guest rooms are large and beautifully decorated. They feature modern furniture, ensuite bathrooms, and massive windows that offer a stunning view of the beach. All the rooms have a Nespresso coffee machine, a Bose Bluetooth sound system, a minibar, a seating area, and a desk. The hotel offers three swimming pools—two are seasonal outdoor pools, while the indoor pool can be used year-round.

This fabulous hotel also has a rooftop bar, a gourmet restaurant, a gym, a wellness center, and much more. There’s hardly a better place to stay for a relaxed beach vacation in the lovely city of Barcelona. 

Hotel 54 Barceloneta

Hotel 54 Barceloneta is a three-star design hotel overlooking the Barcelona port. It’s a good option if you want to stay at a mid-range hotel and enjoy the classic facilities, but also be just a few steps away from the sandy beach. 

Every guest room at this hotel features an ensuite bathroom, a small balcony, and a seating area. I must point out that the shower is in the room, and although you can’t see through the glass, I imagine these aren’t ideal conditions if you’re traveling with a friend or relatives. 

Hotel 54 doesn’t have a restaurant, but it does feature a breakfast bar. Also, there’s a rooftop terrace with lovely views of the sea, and I imagine most guests spend their evenings relaxing here. A wide variety of restaurants and seafood bars are within walking distance of the hotel, so you’ll have plenty of options for dining in Barceloneta. 

Residencia Campus del Mar 

Residencia Campus del Mar is pretty much your only option for a budget stay in Barceloneta. Rent a studio apartment in a residence hall and you’ll be close to the beach without spending a fortune on the accommodation. The nightly rate is around $160 for two people, which is a pretty good deal for this exclusive location. 

The studio apartments are small, averaging just 25 m². There’s even a tiny double room with a kitchenette and a private bathroom, which is the most affordable option at this residence hall.

Because this isn’t a standard hotel, you won’t have access to staple hotel facilities. But there is a game room, a library, and a laundry room that everyone is welcome to use. Also, every studio apartment has a kitchen and a private bathroom, as well as a desk and even a dining space. 

El Poble-Sec: Best For Alternative Stays 

El Poble-Sec is a residential neighborhood at the foot of Montjuïc Hill. Yes, a hill in Barcelona! That alone makes this area interesting enough to consider for your stay. Another reason to consider basing yourself so far from the city center is to experience a different kind of life in Barcelona, one that doesn’t revolve around Gaudi’s best buildings. 

Here’s the thing: El Poble-Sec is a neighborhood you should consider staying in if this is your second, third, or umpteenth trip to Barcelona. If you’ve already traveled to this city and you’ve done all the classic touristy things, it’s time to try something new. And it doesn’t get better than Sants-Montjuïc, with countless museums, scenic viewpoints, and the historic Montjuïc Castle. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in El Poble-Sec

Pros

Great for returning visitors 
Lots of interesting attractions in the area 
Metro access to the city center 

Cons

No beach access 
It’s mostly a residential neighborhood
Far from yellow and red metro lines 

Highlights of Staying in El Poble-Sec

El Poble-Sec is one small neighborhood in Sants-Montjuïc that offers a wide array of fun activities for tourists. Cable car rides, panoramic views, and countless museums all await in El Poble-Sec.

Montjuïc Castle is the star of the namesake hill, offering historical and art exhibits, as well as sweeping scenic views of downtown Barcelona. Come here to discover a landmark that is still a bit of a hidden gem in Barcelona.
Head to Jardi Botanic Historic to see Euro-Siberian plants thriving in the warm Barcelona climate. The botanical garden is on the site of a former quarry and has a cool microclimate that allows these unique plants to flourish.
History buffs will be glad to know that El Poble-Sec is home to a bomb shelter from the Spanish Civil War. Refugi 307 offers guided tours of the shelter that was built by the citizens and offers great insight into the history of the area. It’s genuinely one of the most fascinating history tours in Barcelona, so don’t miss out. 
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is one of the most popular art museums in the city. Many people come to El Poble-Sec specifically for this museum, and it’s a must-see if you’re interested in Catalan Art throughout the centuries. The museum exhibit is excellent and even includes a sizeable Romanesque collection.

Best Places To Stay In El Poble-Sec 

El Poble-Sec offers surprisingly many hotels for a residential neighborhood. And there are hotels in every price range here, so you’ll find a suitable option whether you want to spoil yourself or sleep at a hostel. 

One thing I will note is that it’s best to look for hotels near the metro stations. That way, you can still travel to other parts of Barcelona quickly and easily and explore as much as you like without being slowed down. 

Hotel Miramar Barcelona

Hotel Miramar is a luxurious five-star hotel on Montjuïc Hill. I’m torn on the hotel’s location; on the one hand, I love that it’s in a serene part of the city, with direct access to Plaça de l’Armada and stunning observation decks. But on the other hand, it’s quite far from the rest of Barcelona, so not the ideal hotel for easy exploration of the city’s best landmarks. 

I love everything else about this hotel. The rooms are big and beautifully decorated, with spacious ensuite bathrooms. Every room has a desk, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV, as well as a terrace. Also, I have to point out that some rooms include a glass sink in the bathroom, which I’m honestly obsessed with. 

This luxury hotel also offers two swimming pools, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. My absolute favorite feature of the Miramar Hotel is the staircase in front of the entrance, which leads to the Miramar Gardens with fantastic views. Witnessing a sunset here would be one of the highlights of your trip for sure. 

Hotel Concordia Barcelona

Hotel Concordia is a four-star hotel just steps away from the Poble Sec metro station. You can be in the heart of the city in just 15 minutes from this hotel, which is excellent for exploring Barcelona. 

The hotel offers spacious modern rooms with colorful accents. Guests all have access to a TV, desk, and seating area in their room, as well as an extra large and very comfortable double bed. An ensuite bathroom is available in every room, as well as a kettle and a minibar. The bigger rooms even have a private terrace. 

In terms of other amenities, Hotel Concordia offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant. Room service is available to all guests, as well as free WiFi. Overall, it’s a very nice hotel, and the nightly rate is more affordable than what you’d pay for a similar level of service in Barcelona, which is a more central location. 

Onefam Ramblas

Onefam Ramblas is an affordable hostel just five minutes from the nearest metro station. It’s also just a short walk from the Barcelona port, where you can enjoy wonderful sea views. 

The hostel is the best option for a budget stay in this part of Barcelona. Nightly rates start at $40 for a dormitory bed. 

This is a social hostel, so plan to stay here only if you’re okay mingling with other people. It’s worth noting that the hostel is only for travelers 18-45 years old and doesn’t process reservations made by older travelers. 

The hostel is squeaky clean, which is the most important thing for me. It offers several shared spaces where guests can hang out and have fun, including a sprawling communal terrace. Also, the hostel organizes free family dinners every night, so you can save a lot of money on meals and meet loads of people. 

Answering Your Questions About Where To Stay In Barcelona

Which area is best to stay in Barcelona?

Gothic Quarter and Eixample are the best areas to stay in Barcelona on a first trip. Consider El Poble-Sec if you’ve previously visited Barcelona. 

Where to avoid staying in Barcelona? 

Avoid staying directly on La Rambla. It’s the busiest part of Barcelona, with huge crowds that attract a lot of pickpockets. 

Is the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona good to stay in? 

Yes, the Gothic Quarter is a good area of Barcelona to stay in, especially for a first visit. It’s the historic center of the city with many landmarks and old buildings. 

Is it good to stay at La Rambla Barcelona?

I wouldn’t recommend staying directly on La Rambla because it’s very busy and noisy. Stay in the Gothic Quarter instead, and you’ll be just steps away from Barcelona’s famous street. 

Where Not To Stay in Barcelona

El Raval is a central neighborhood in Barcelona with a bad reputation, so it’s best to avoid booking a hotel there. The area is not inherently unsafe, but it does have a higher crime rate than other parts of the city. Walking around the neighborhood to visit attractions is okay, but I advise you not to stay after dark. And as always, stay vigilant and keep one hand on your purse because you are in Barcelona, after all. 

Also, I wouldn’t recommend booking a hotel directly on La Rambla. It’s the busiest street in Barcelona, and the noise and the crowds are a bit much, especially in the evenings. Instead, stay at the Gothic Quarter for easy access to this tourist hotspot but a much calmer atmosphere. 

Feeling inspired about where to stay in Barcelona? Hopefully, you’ve found your match, whether you want to be near great restaurants, have a rooftop pool, or be opposite the Picasso Museum or Passeig De Gràcia. Barcelona has accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. You may also like Where to Stay in Paris, another popular European city.

It’s clear that this ‘amazing city’ is full of incredible accommodation choices and neighborhoods, not just tourist attractions. Visiting Barcelona will be a real treat from the moment you land at Barcelona el Prat Airport. Don’t forget to check out these fun facts about Spain before you go.

Are you ready to have the weekend of a lifetime in the USA? There are so many weekend trip options, whether you’re looking for city breaks in iconic cities like San Francisco and New York City or adventurous retreats to national parks.

Weekend getaways in the USA can be city-focused, with art galleries and landmark sightseeing – who fancies a view from the Empire State Building? Alternatively, you could head rural to somewhere like Glacier National Park for hiking trails and natural beauty.

You could easily spend a lifetime traveling the USA in immense detail. But, equally, the country has some places ideally suited to short stays.

Best Weekend Getaway in the USA

In this guide, we’ll match you with your absolute dream weekend getaway destination. The USA is huge; we’ve had to be brutal to whittle it down to our top 25 recommended weekend trips. Let’s look at what the USA has to offer all those short-stayers amongst you.

East Coast

The East Coast is a brilliant place for city breaks and beaches in the USA. It’s where you’ll find New York City and Miami with its glorious beaches and surf culture. The southeast is most known for its hot weather and beach culture. At the same time, the northeast is more historical, with cities like Washington DC and the Salem witch history near Boston.

If you choose the USA’s East Coast for your next weekend trip, prepare yourself for city breaks galore.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a great place to immerse yourself in academia and educational sightseeing. As Massachusetts’s capital, Boston has some of the state’s best attractions, including Harvard University, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Science. However, Boston also has its own story to offer. You can tour the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and walk the hallowed Freedom Trail to learn more about the city’s Civil War history. When you only have a weekend, it’s helpful to have a destination with a clear theme and specialty, like Boston’s academia and Tea Party history.

Boston is incredible as a weekend getaway. It even has the nickname ‘The Walking City’ because it’s so well-suited to exploring on foot. If you want a city break on the East Coast, Boston is a fabulous choice for a short but sweet historical insight into US history.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is another hotspot for history buffs. This historic South Carolina city was founded in 1670, and it has preserved beautiful cobblestone streets and antebellum houses that make visiting feel like stepping inside a time capsule. It’s great for those who want a more immersive history, providing a real snapshot of original architecture.

The French Quarter and Battery Districts are non-negotiable neighborhoods to visit for the typical Charleston aesthetic. If you want more Civil Rights and tragic slavery history, visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Joe Riley Waterfront Park is also beautiful for a light-hearted stroll with views over Charleston Harbor and is within easy walking distance of the city center.

Charleston is walkable and heavy on its immersive history, making it one of the best weekend getaways in the USA. Everything is well-preserved, and you’ll learn so much, even in a short weekend break, so we had to add it to this guide.

Where to Stay: Market Pavilion Hotel.
Insider Tip: Head to Charleston City Market for souvenir shopping. It has more than 300 vendors daily.

3. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah has similar antebellum architecture and a time capsule feel – even home to horse-drawn carriages around its central Historic District. You’ve got quaint shops, sleepy oak trees, and cobbled squares. You can walk Savannah’s waterfront along the Savannah River, visit the American Prohibition Museum, and take guided tours of the Italianate Mercer Williams House Museum. When it comes to weekend getaways in the USA, Savannah is a beautiful choice and very aesthetic.

However, Savannah comes into its own with haunted stories and runs regular ghost tours of the cemeteries and Historic District. It’s especially famous for Bonaventure Cemetery and Colonial Park Cemetery, attracting thrill-seeking tourists looking for after-hours spooky tours.

Savannah is compact enough to explore on a weekend. It has a beautiful atmosphere and stunning architecture. It also has a fun haunted quality, which is great for maximizing your evening entertainment—if you feel brave enough.

4. Washington DC

Washington, DC, is a big deal when it comes to weekend trips on the East Coast. It’s the alpha and omega of all US history and the capital of the country, home to significant landmarks like Capitol Hill and the White House. Washington, DC, is an ideal weekend getaway if you are interested in politics or political history.

There are many things to do, including visiting the National Mall, touring the White House, and sightseeing the various Smithsonian museums. From March to April, Washington DC is best known for gorgeous cherry blossoms all around the Tidal Basin, with over 3,000 cherry blossom trees in bloom.

Washington, DC, is a city center just made to walk around. Every inch of its parks has historical and geopolitical nods, whether the Japanese gift of the cherry blossoms or the Lincoln Memorial.

Where to Stay: Hotel Madera.
Insider Tip: Pack some sturdy footwear because Washington, DC, is best seen on foot.

5. Miami, Florida

Miami is a classic addition to these best weekend getaways in the USA. Sunny South Beach is an easy sell, with its art deco beach architecture and flamboyant culture. Miami is known for its beach living and great year-round weather. It’s where to head if you want culture, partying, and a relaxing beach break all rolled into one.

Visit the city’s art museums, including the Perez Art Museum and all the art galleries around South Beach. However, if you only have a weekend, Miami is the perfect time to sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or snap pictures of art deco beach buildings.

Miami is laidback and artistic, but it mostly has stunning beaches and iconic city status. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend trip.

Where to Stay: We’ve got a full guide on where to stay in Miami here.
Insider Tip: If you can, add an extra day to your trip so you can squeeze in a day trip to the Florida Keys or Everglades.

6. New York City, New York

New York City needs little introduction and is clearly one of the best weekend getaways in the USA. You can climb the Empire State Building, visit a national museum or two, walk Central Park, or take the Staten Island ferry past the Statue of Liberty. The whole city is rammed with activities from sunrise to sunrise – hence its affectionate nickname of the ‘city that never sleeps’. Throughout the day, you have thousands of observation platforms in iconic towers, museums, and unique attractions like the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. After hours, you have things like Broadway shows and cocktail bars.

The only thing we’d say about New York City is to choose your location wisely to maximize sightseeing time and to head there with a game plan. If you only visit for two days, you’ll need to be pretty savage with your itinerary. Here’s our perfect one-day itinerary if you need any inspiration.

Where to Stay: Here’s our take on where to stay in NYC.
Insider Tip: Be savvy when it comes to your accommodation location; saving yourself travel time is vital.

West Coast

The West Coast has a serious reputation for sunshine and surfing, thanks to beautiful California stretching along most of the western coastline. You’ve got major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, connected by the dreamy road trip stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ve also got Seattle, right by the Canadian border, and its mysteriously overcast Olympic National Park and La Push beaches.

By sticking to the coastline, you can choose from iconic cities and plenty of national parks. The West Coast really comes into its own with redwoods and temperate rainforests. But equally, you can go sightseeing in the action-packed Los Angeles or San Francisco.

7. Redwood National and State Parks, California

Redwood National and State Parks are nothing short of magical. Where better place to go for a memorable weekend trip than the home of the tallest trees in the world? You can take scenic drives, go hiking, or even just spend a lazy afternoon fishing amongst the natural giants.

The national park is in California, next to the Oregon border. You can hike the stunning Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, walk through tunnels cut out of fallen trees in Tall Trees Grove, and visit Big Tree Wayside to snap a picture next to the 1,500-year-old redwood tree that tops 300 feet tall and 68 feet wide.

For anyone wanting the great outdoors with oomph, Redwood National and State Parks offer novelty and natural beauty all in one. And with a weekend, you have more than enough time to embrace most of its trails.

Where to Stay: Orick Getaway.
Insider Tip: Camp in the park for extra adventure and to maximize sightseeing time.

8. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the cool dude of the Pacific Northwest, laid back comfortably on Puget Sound with diverse neighborhoods and a killer coffee culture. It’s where you’ll find the Microsoft and Amazon headquarters. However, it is also just a short day trip distance from the stunning Olympic National Park and all its outdoor activities.

To balance natural wonders with some of the leading technology and futuristic architecture, Seattle is one of the best weekend getaways in the USA. You can dedicate one day to climbing the Space Needle, grabbing tasty food from Pike Place Market, and hiking through the Hall of Mosses in Olympic National Park.

Where to Stay: Check out our full guide on Where to Stay in Seattle.
Insider Tip: If you can extend a day then it’s worth doing; you’ll be able to stay overnight in Olympic National Park and make it a more leisurely experience rather than an ambitious day trip.

9. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a top spot for a long weekend. You’ve got iconic sights to see, like the Golden Gate Bridge, and historic sites like Alcatraz Island. The whole city is full of quirky corners, like curvy Lombard Street and the yellow cable cars. Visiting San Francisco is like stepping into a movie scene; you’ll recognize tons of scenery.

The San Francisco piers are lined with seafood restaurants, and you can catch sight of adorable sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also take a wine-tasting tour to the gorgeous Napa Valley. San Fran’s as good for cuisine and foodies as it is for sightseers.

People throw the phrase ‘melting pot’ around, but San Francisco really deserves it. It packs so much variety and quirky individual attractions into a single city, making it a fascinating city break.

Where to Stay: Here’s our take on where to stay in San Fran.
Insider Tip: Make sure to visit Muir Woods National Monument, which is like a small-scale version of Redwood National Park.

10. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is another fantastic city break that doesn’t require much introduction. You’ve got the heights of Hollywood – where you can tour Calabasas to spot celeb mansions, walk the Hall of Fame, and even see celebs at rest in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Los Angeles has some cool things to do. It’s a city of fast-paced living and celeb culture.

In two days, you can easily see the celeb side of Los Angeles and the city’s beachside in its Santa Monica outskirts. LA is easily one of the best quick getaways simply because of how well-connected it is. You can get flights here from all over the world, and once you arrive, you have tour choices galore.

11. San Diego, California

San Diego is our West Coast choice for constant sunshine and warm weather. If you want somewhere hot with beach culture, it’s one of the leading weekend getaways in the USA. This overlooked city has a ton to offer for a weekend of sun and sand – just check out its best beaches, and you’ll see what we mean. You could relax on Breakers Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, or Mission Beach Park.

Aside from beach culture, San Diego also has Balboa Park, which is full of museums and attractions. There’s also maritime history galore at the USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum of San Diego. San Diego is the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxing on the beach. For those wanting to explore new areas of California, it’s perfect.

North

The North of the USA hugs the Canadian border. It contains some of the most gorgeous, remote areas of natural beauty. Inland Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota are perfect for spending time outdoors.

It isn’t all nature, though; Lake Michigan is a magnet for major cities, including Chicago, with its mouth-watering cuisine. Detroit is another city break option, and you can even go on a day trip to Niagara Falls from there if you’d like. Northern USA has lots to offer. Here are the best weekend getaways in the region.

12. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is a fantastic weekend trip for lovers of the great outdoors. Just check out how beautiful its best hikes are; you’ve got Iceberg Lake with its little floating icebergs in a jagged mountain-framed alpine lake and aqua-blue Cracker Lake surrounded by meadow flowers. Saint Mary Falls is a scenic 35-foot waterfall that photographers and good-view-lovers will adore.

If you’re fit, you could tackle two hikes in this national park over a weekend. It’s where to hike if you want alpine scenery galore and fabulous wildlife sightseeing opportunities. You can spot everything from moose to bear. There are over 700 miles of trails in the national park, though, so you’ll have to be savage in your decision-making process. But it’s definitely doable in an action-packed weekend.

13. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is often overlooked and is actually one of the best weekend getaways. There are landmarks like the Roebling Suspension Bridge and museums like the Cincinnati Art Museum. However, most importantly, there are more unique things to do, like visiting the National Underground Railroad to Freedom Center.

This center marks where brave individuals made a dash for freedom across the Ohio River, which was once the largest natural barrier between the Northern USA and Southern slave states. On a weekend trip to Cincinnati, you’ll have enough time to learn more about this disturbing period and deepen your knowledge of Civil War history as a whole.

When you want some downtime, Cincinnati has a fantastic brewery scene and tons of major-league sports. See if there are any events or tours available when you visit.

14. Mount Rushmore National Park, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is an exciting weekend getaway. The colossal mountainside sculpture has been seen in major movies, not just social media and magazines. It’s a massively influential landmark depicting four former US presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. If you’ve got a US bucket list, chances are Mount Rushmore is on it.

You can easily reach Mount Rushmore from Rapid City, just a 30-minute drive from the sculpture. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway, as it’s easy to see the attraction quickly – it’s a tiny site despite the massive scale of the sculptures. Think of it as an efficient bucket list checker.

15. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit had a rough-around-the-edges stereotype, but that’s fast been shrugged off, and the city is now seen as the perfect weekend getaway for anyone wanting an industrial art atmosphere. The Detroit Industry Murals are a highlight of the Detroit Institute of Arts museum, while Lincoln Street Art Park is full of colorful street art. Detroit is creative and heavily urban, which caught our eye as one of the most unique and best weekend getaways in the USA.

You can grab food at the Eastern Market while admiring its street art murals. There’s also the Henry Ford Museum, baseball games from April to October, Motown Museum, and scenic riverfront. Detroit is your best bet if you want a city break with lots of urban art influence.

Where to Stay: Shinola Hotel.
Insider Tip: Any Eminem fans should take an 8-mile tour around all the movie scene spots.

16. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is another unsung addition to our best weekend getaways. The city is nicknamed ‘the city of lakes’, with thirteen lakes dotted around its outskirts. Minneapolis is sliced in half by the Mississippi River. It has gorgeous water views, which can be enjoyed by crossing Stone Arch Bridge or walking through Boom Island Park.

You can enjoy river activities like kayaking or just inner-city waterfront hiking trails. Then you’ve also got more standard attractions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Walker Art Center. Minneapolis gets our vote as one of the best city breaks because of all its water activities – an amazing balance as a landlocked urban destination.

17. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and is easily one of the most exciting weekend trip options. After all, it’s Yellowstone, which is the most famous national park in the USA. Yellowstone secured its national park status in 1872 and is home to nearly half of the world’s most active geysers. It’s an absolute hotbed of volcanic activity but also an excellent place for wildlife sightings. In short, it’s one of the best places to appreciate America’s most untamed nature.

You can visit Grand Prismatic Spring or watch Old Faithful explode. If you keep your eyes on the skies, you can spot moose, elk, and even bald eagles. Yellowstone National Park is one of the most rewarding weekend getaways you can possibly take.

Where to Stay: We have a whole guide dedicated to the Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone.
Insider Tip: Yellowstone has the largest bison population, so keep your eyes out for them.

18. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is full of culture, especially regarding food and theater, which go remarkably well together on a weekend vacation. You can taste delicious cuisine like deep-dish pizza, enjoying fabulous food before heading off for an evening of Broadway-style theater and comedy entertainment. Chicago has a huge improv comedy scene and is one of the best weekend getaways if you want evenings full of laughter.

So, we’ve established that your evenings will be spent eating yummy Chicago cuisine and watching theater and comedy shows. But what about during the day? Well, Chicago is beautifully set on Lake Michigan with a stunning skyscraper skyline. You can take a boat tour, complete the Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk, and enjoy abundant green spaces like Grant Park.

Chicago is a personality-pumped weekend vacation destination. A couple hours north, Milwaukee hosts Summerfest every year. If you have some extra time, there’s plenty to do nearby.

South

Southern USA has some of the best weekend trip choices, with strong characters like Las Vegas and New Orleans. Think deeply enshrined Creole culture and cuisine, cities that know how to party, and some of the less-flocked-upon stretches of coastline for a beach break.

The South has a complex Civil War history. It is fantastic for history buffs wanting to scratch past the surface and learn more about USA history. However, it’s also a place to embrace a more outrageous side to life, partying in New Orleans, listening to live music in Nashville, and embracing Dallas’ cowboy culture.

Are you ready to embrace Southern US culture? Here are the top places to consider for weekend getaways.

19. Las Vegas, Nevada

Who doesn’t know Las Vegas? ‘Sin City’ is a popular contender on Southern America’s weekend getaway scene. Whether you love it or hate it, Las Vegas knows how to entertain. You can hit the Strip for partying, take a day trip to Death Valley, or check out bizarre attractions like the Neon Museum.

Las Vegas is one of the best weekend trips, as you can easily squeeze its highlights into a two-day itinerary. The amount of activities at night also means you can maximize your experience and time – experiencing tons of sightseeing and building loads of memories in a short time. Plus, Vegas is a breeze to get to, with regular flights from all over the world.

Where to Stay: Here’s our guide on where to stay in Las Vegas.
Insider Tip: Try to spend one day off the strip – we’ve got a guide on off the strip activities here.

20. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a city surrounded by mountains, making it a fabulous weekend trip to enjoy nature from a comfortable city base. Asheville is sandwiched between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You have beautiful views and almost immediate access to gorgeous hiking trails and scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway. As if that wasn’t already enough, the city is also an easy weekend getaway, with plenty of regular flight connections. What’s not to love?

Aside from its mountains, you can walk amongst street art in the River Arts District and visit niche attractions like the Asheville Pinball Museum. Asheville has a thriving arts scene and beautiful 19th-century architecture. With the mountains so close by, you really can’t ask for a more interesting weekend break.

Where to Stay: Elevation Lofts Hotel.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Downtown Art District’s wealth of art galleries.

21. Dallas, Texas

Dallas is a prime destination for first-time visitors to Texas. Get ready for an absolute baptism of fire into Texan culture; Dallas is an exciting weekend getaway. When it comes to weekend trips, you want somewhere with enough personality that you’ll get a great taste of its character even in a short time. This is precisely what Dallas brings to the table. You’ve got cowboy shops dotted all over the city and the Fort Worth Rodeo just north of the city.

When you aren’t embracing Dallas’ infectious cowboy culture, you can be checking out dozens of things to do in the city center. There’s the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, from which JFK was assassinated, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. It is a real commercial and cultural hub, and you’ll get a great taste of Texas from a weekend in Dallas. And the extra stories from events like the JFK assassination give the city a bit more intrigue.

Where to Stay: Mint House Dallas.
Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Grassy Knoll, which is a grass section marking the spot where John F Kennedy was shot in 1963.

22. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is easily one of the best weekend getaways in the USA. This Utah metropolis sits between the Great Salt Lake and a gorgeous mountain range covered in ski resorts. The result of this is that Salt Lake City makes for great weekend getaways all year round. You could head there in winter to early spring and enjoy a mixture of city breaks and ski holidays. Or you could visit Salt Lake City in summer and enjoy Great Lake’s beaches between sightseeing.

Salt Lake City is a well-located choice for a weekend trip. In the city center, Mormon history is at Temple Square, the Pioneer Memorial Museum is nearby, and there are plenty of beautiful parks—including Sugar House Park, which offers a view of snow-covered mountains.

For us, the fact that you could ski or sunbathe in the morning and then sightsee in the afternoon is a real winner. Salt Lake City is also extremely well-connected with both international and domestic flights.

23. Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you love beautiful beaches, the Gulf Shores are one of the top weekend getaways in the USA. The city sits on Alabama’s south coastline and links with the Gulf State Park, which covers over 6,000 acres of sand dunes and protected coastal reserves. It has all the facilities of a city – including easy airport access. However, it also offers a quieter beach getaway experience.

In the Southern USA, many associate its coastal culture with East Coast destinations like Miami or the tropical Florida Keys. For this reason, the Gulf Shores are much less visited. This is great for you as if you visit in a tactical season, you’ll have peaceful beaches with fewer crowds than manic South Beach.

You can visit the Gulf Shores Museum or Gulf State Park Nature Center. But most importantly, you can use weekend getaways in Gulf Shores as a time to relax and rejuvenate.

24. New Orleans, Louisiana

The ‘Big Easy’ is the place for around-the-clock entertainment and a city with serious swagger. You’ve got the creole cuisine of blended French, African, and American dishes, and there’s a raging live music scene that culminates on neon Bourbon Street. New Orleans is full of culture and diversity, with noise and action at every turn. New Orleans will maximize that time if you only have a weekend to enjoy.

You should definitely check out the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, the Museum of Death, and the architecture of the gorgeous French Quarter. As soon as night falls, though, you should check out Bourbon Street and all its action. You’ll find jazz performances at Preservation Hall, live bands at Ticklers Bar, and karaoke at The World Famous Cats Meow.

Where to Stay: Here is our full updated guide on Where To Stay in New Orleans.
Insider Tip: Try to coincide your visit with Mardi Gras celebrations, which fall between February and March each year.

25. Nashville, Tennessee

Last but not least, we have the incredible Nashville. As the live music capital of the country, Nashville is a worthy addition to our list of the best weekend getaways in the USA. ‘Music City’ is home to the Johnny Cash Museum, the Grand Ole Opry stage, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Nashville is widely hailed as the birthplace of country music and bluegrass. It even has recording studios on Music Row where Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley recorded their jams.

It’s a fast-paced weekend getaway full of sound and vibrant music culture. If you love music and music history, Nashville will, without a doubt, keep you on your toes.

At night, Nashville has a fun honky-tonk scene—little rough-and-ready bars ideal for cheap weekend getaways. Head to the District for late-night music memorabilia shopping and live music galore. If you want to experience Southern US culture in just a weekend, Nashville can do a great job.

Our Favourite Weekend Getaways in The USA

The USA is so varied in its weekend getaways. While you are inevitably limited in time when embarking on weekend trips, picking one of these leading 25 destinations helps you get the most out of a short period. And the USA really comes into its own with weekend-suited national parks and city breaks. You’ve got major cities like New York City and lesser-visited cities like Cincinnati. You have hikes, outdoor activities, and shopping streets – it’s all up to you.

What about if you’ve found your weekend destination but now feel even more inspired? Looking for more USA travel inspiration? Check out our ultimate top 50 list of the best places to visit in the USA. We’ve also got a round-up of the best national parks to visit in 2024 here.

In an unprecedented move that has caught the attention of environmentalists and animal rights activists such as Jane Goodall and Ian Redmond, The World Civet Project has launched the first-ever World Civet Day today, April 4, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative aims to raise awareness about the controversial production of Civet Coffee, also known as Kopi Luwak, and the significant impact it has on the small, cat-like animals called Civets in Asia.

What are Civets?

Civets are cute, shy and solitary. We have had the privilege of seeing them on night safaris in places such as Borneo and have seen first hand just how elusive they are. They have beautiful, spotted fur and big ears that pop up with curiosity when a light shines their way.

Civets lead lives that play an important part in their ecosystem. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, berries, insects, and small vertebrates, which makes them vital for seed dispersal and controlling insect populations.

Unfortunately, the demand for civet coffee has significantly disrupted civets’ natural behaviors and habitats. Wild civets are captured with cruel methods such as snaring and trapping. They are then caged and displayed for tourists to take photos with. It is time to put an end to this.

The Most Expensive Coffee in the World Comes at a Price

Civet Coffee is renowned for being the most expensive coffee in the world, fetching prices as high as $100 per cup in some markets. The coffee’s unique production process involves the Asian Palm Civet, a creature native to the forests of South and Southeast Asia. The Civets eat the ripest coffee cherries, and after passing through their digestive system, the beans are collected from their feces. Enthusiasts of Kopi Luwak prize it for its supposed enhanced flavor profile, which is said to result from the natural fermentation process occurring in the Civet’s gut.

Civet Coffee from Rare to Reckless

What was once a rare and naturally occurring process has turned into a lucrative business that exploits the Civets. Investigations and reports have revealed that many Civet farms engage in inhumane practices, keeping the animals in cramped, unsanitary cages and forcing them to consume a diet solely consisting of coffee cherries. This unnatural confinement and diet lead to not only inhumane suffering but significant health problems for the Civets, including malnutrition, stress, and a drastically reduced lifespan.

Sadly, tourists are supporting Civet Coffee production without knowing what is going on. It doesn’t help that TripAdvisor has attractions that encourage visitors to visit Civet Farms. That is why Jess Hooper, founder of the Civet Project, has started a petition to encourage TripAdvisor to issue animal welfare warnings on all Civet Coffee attractions. Sign the petition here. They are not following their own animal welfare policies. And just as we all came together to work towards ending elephant rides and swimming with dolphins, it is time to put an end to Civet coffee production.

World Civet Day seeks to bring these issues to the forefront of public consciousness. The day is not only a call to action for the conservation of Civets and their natural habitats but also a plea for ethical consumerism. Organizers of World Civet Day advocate for the cessation of the use of caged Civets in the production of coffee and encourage the coffee industry and consumers to support sustainable and ethical practices.

World Civet Day

The introduction of World Civet Day represents a critical step toward addressing animal cruelty and promoting sustainable practices within the coffee industry. It reminds consumers that their choices can profoundly affect wildlife and the environment.

Do we really need to drink coffee that comes from cat pooh? Instead, let’s encourage the ultra rich to choose ethically sourced coffee to ensure that the luxury of enjoying a cup of coffee does not come at the expense of animal welfare.

As the world comes together to observe the inaugural World Civet Day, the message is clear: it’s time to rethink our relationship with coffee and the creatures that help produce it. Through awareness, education, and action, we can help end the abuse of Civets and pave the way for a more ethical and sustainable coffee industry.

World Civet Day, which will launch for the first time on April 4th 2024, will raise awareness of civet species. Visit the Civet Project’s website for more details. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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