I watched New Orleans struggle while also exponentially rebuild.  I watched the New Orleans Saints win their first Super Bowl championship EVER in 2010. I watched New Orleans HOST their first Super Bowl ever in 2013; dubbed ‘Super Gras‘ as Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl were in the same week. I watched the city expand, diversify and formulate, while I simultaneously did the same in college. I still watch it do this each time I visit; there is a new building, a new high-end restaurant winning global awards, and more tourists than ever before. NOLA is America’s most eclectic city in the country. When visiting, you don’t feel you’re in America; whether it be from the French sounding street names, from people walking with open cups of alcohol at all hours of the day on the streets or from the nicest people in the entire world living here.

So maybe I don’t have the true tourist experience in New Orleans, but that’s why this New Orleans travel blog is special as an insider local New Orleans experience. I learned NOLA as a tourist, a student, a resident and more. My New Orleans itinerary guide below reflects these NOLA statuses all meshed in to one; it’s an insider New Orleans experience. 

Disclosure: This New Orleans travel blog guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

NEW ORLEANS TRAVEL BLOG TIPS

• How to get to New Orleans: New Orleans just re-did their airport and it reopened in Fall 2019 and is absolutely stunning. The old airport was small and decrepit. Now it’s insanely nice (code: MSY). Every major domestic airline flies to NOLA and they also have a bunch of international flights so it should be pretty easy to visit from anywhere! New Orleans Louisiana is in the South of the USA so it’s extremely close to anywhere in Latin America. Flying to New Orleans is super easy and quick!
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

NEW ORLEANS PACKING: If you visit in the summer, it is HUMID. Be prepared For all of my fave travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here and my travel must-haves under $20 here!

NEW ORLEANS BLOG: FULL NEW ORLEANS ITINERARY

Walk around the French Quarter

• Make sure to ogle at the famous St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square, which you can’t miss – take in the views from Decatur Street.
• Shop around the amazing artists that line the perimeter of Jackson Square, some of my favorite art pieces come from here… and the artists are more than happy to tell you their favorite NOLA story.
• Stop at the New Orleans French Market to do some shopping for all of the souvenirs you could think of.
• Lastly, don’t forget to stop for beignets at the famous, always crowded, Cafe Du Monde (more on that in food section – it must be in every New Orleans itinerary)!

Get Lost In The Marigny/Bywater

All the colorful cute houses and buildings you see in everyone’s New Orleans instagrams? They’re in the Marigny & Bywater areas. These areas are more downtown than the French Quarter and you can get their by walking through the Quarter past Frenchman Street, or take a quick Uber/Taxi. You can get lost in these streets staring at the colorful, bright houses that change on every block.

• Tired after exploring the streets? Head to the edge of the Bywater to Crescent Park to relax and for amazing views of the French Quarter and Mississippi River.
• Hungry and in the area? Head to my favorite insider New Orleans cafe: Satsuma.

RELATED POST: USA Country Travel Tips

Take the Streetcar Uptown & Explore Uptown NOLA

There are a few New Orleans streetcar lines but I suggest taking the St. Charles line to get to Uptown through the Garden District. It’s a long, slow, often hot, ride but it goes along the famous St. Charles Street where you can stare at the amazing, southern mansions along the way. I suggest taking it all the way to Carrollton Street at the end during your New

• When you reach Carrollton, go to the famous institution of Camellia Grill for brunch (see more in food section).
• After brunch, walk down to Audubon Park/Tulane University. They are across the street from each other a few blocks from Carrollton. If you’re interested, Tulane’s campus really is gorgeous (maybe I’m biased 🙂 ) with amazing Southern buildings and the famous Bead Tree on campus!
• Then, head into the gorgeous Audubon Park and walk around the park which is a few miles long and loops around the golf course. If you walk to the other side, cross the street (Magazine) and head to the Audubon Zoo or keep walking straight to “The Fly” which is the levee area where a lot of students and locals hang out, tan, and play sports along the Mississippi River. The sunsets are amazing here too.

New Orleans Swamp Tour

One of the best Louisiana activities to do while visiting NOLA is to head out to the swamps in the bayou and do a New Orleans Swamp Tour! Here you can take a tour on an airboat through the Bayou swamps, watch massive alligators around you and even feed them marshmallows. Any of the main hotels in the French Quarter will have brochures on the different swamp tour that you can book while you’re there, or, you can book in advance and secure your Swamp Tour spot here.

Book the best New Orleans swamp tour here!

Riverboat Cruise

Another popular NOLA tourist activity is to take a Riverboat Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez down the Mississippi River in the French Quarter. It’s a nice boat ride with many departure times throughout the day that goes around the Mississippi, giving you another perspective of the city. You can book Riverboat Cruise tickets here.

Book the Steamboat Natchez Riverboat Cruise tickets here!

Shop & Walk Magazine Street

Magazine Street is a great street that stretches from downtown to uptown with tons of cute boutiques, restaurants and bars lining the way. The houses and buildings are so cute and always decorated and it’s a great street to stroll around when you are looking to just walk around, explore, shop and eat.  

WWII Museum

The World War II Museum in New Orleans is a must-see. It is the perfect rainy day or too-hot weather activity. The museum is put together extremely well and gives an in depth tour through WWII. People come from all over the world to see this museum as it is one of the top in the country.

Saints Game

New Orleans, and Louisiana as a whole, LOVE their New Orleans Saints. They are crazy about football and their team and going to a game at the famous Superdome is no different. If they are playing at home while you are there I highly suggest getting tickets and experiencing it! If they are playing away, you will see every single bar packed with screaming fans.

• Want more things to do in New Orleans?
  • Check out this guide on the creepy abandoned Six Flags in NOLA.
  • Or check out this popular NOLA Walking Cemetery Tour.

RELATED POST: How To Spend 36 Hours In Charleston South Carolina

BEST RESTAURANTS NEW ORLEANS

The New Orleans food scene is outrageous and is growing extensively. The nicest restaurants are affordable (at least comparable to New York City) and unbelievably amazing… I plan my visits to NOLA around my favorite restaurant recommendations. Unfortunately I can’t list everything or it would take days so I kept it to my top restaurants in each category to talk about. The foods here ARE the best things to do in New Orleans.

New Orleans Brunch Restaurants

• Ruby Slipper: 5 locations, all extremely good. Ruby Slipper is a great NOLA brunch spot. It is always packed so make a reservation beforehand.
  • Insider Tip: Use the app “NoWait” to put yourself in line virtually for brunch when you wake up! They’ll text you when your table is ready.
  • PS: One time I sat next to Alec Baldwin here, so you know it’s good 🙂
• Willa Jean: Trendy brunch spot by a famous NOLA chef that has taken over the city. This is a new must-hit spot for brunch when you’re visiting New Orleans. Definitely make a reservation beforehand – it is always packed.
  • Insider Tip: Get the cookies!
• Camellia Grill: An institution in Uptown New Orleans. Camellia has been around for over 100 years and has so much history. It lived through Katrina and the servers are there to tell the stories. The food is outrageously greasy and yet so good. Be prepared to wait for a seat but I promise it is worth it.
  • Insider Tip: Get the Pecan Pie (and make sure you pronounce it peh-CAN (not pee-can) and ask them to fry the bottom of it. You will not be disappointed.
• Galatoires: This is a quintessential New Orleans brunch spot and a must go as the locals do! It is fancier (need to dress up) and the food is amazing! People are always celebrating things here and you can bring your own decorations. There is usually a second line that comes through as well making it even more New Orleans vibes and a must visit when visiting New Orleans for brunch.
• Atchafalaya: This is a nicer brunch spot with a full-out Bloody Mary Bar. It’s in the Garden District and it is a really good Southern brunch, with obviously amazing bloody marys. Go here for a nicer brunch and make a reservation beforehand.
• Commander’s Palace: Commander’s is Uptown and is an extremely famous restaurant in New Orleans. The food is really great and eclectic. You must make a reservation as well as dress nicely! Best part for brunch? Their 50 cent martinis.
• Satsuma: One of my favorite insider New Orleans spots, Satsuma has 2 locations in the Bywater and uptown. It is an amazing healthy brunch spot with a Southern flair.

Related Post: Best Brunch in New York City

New Orleans Take Out/Fast-Casual

• Mahony’s Po-Boys: A great, always packed, po-boy spot uptown on Magazine Street.
• Domilises Po-Boys: Another great well-known spot uptown known for their massive po-boys.
• Hansen’s Sno-bliz: Snowballs are an amazing ices dessert and Hansen’s is notorious for the best. It is uptown on Tchoupitoulas.
• Dat Dog: People love love Dat Dog for its amazing hot dog creations. There are a few locations around the city but its most frequented spot is late night on Frenchman street.
• Cafe Du Monde: The famous Cafe Du Monde. A must, must, must go. Enjoy the sugar powdered dough with frozen coffee. Unfortunately you will wait on an extremely long line to get a table, since it’s the most popular spot in NOLA. It’s right off of Jackson Square so at least you get a good view while waiting in line!
  • Insider Tip: Go late night; it closes at 2AM!

New Orleans Dinner Restaurants

• Shaya or Saba: Relatively new restaurants (less than 10 years) pioneered by the famous Israeli Chef Alon Shaya. They are sister/brother restaurant and both are amazing. Must. Go. All the plates are unreal.
• Domenica: Another one of my favorites, I cannot not go to Domenica when I go on a New Orleans trip. Must get the cauliflower and the kale chips. Their pizza is also amazing. They also have a very good Happy hour deal with half off pizzas and drinks from 4-6pm! Domenica is also perfect for any kind of dietary restriction.
• GW Fins: Another top-rated, amazing restaurant in the city right off Bourbon Street.
• Peche: Another one of John Besh’s new restaurants that lives up to his hype. Peche is also relatively new and I finally went there for the first time last month – incredible.
• Port of Call: This is a great restaurant when you want something casual and good for big groups. Port of Call is an amazing burger spot on Esplanade (which separates the French Quarter and the Marigny so it’s a perfect location.
• Luke: Best burger in the city. They’re also known for their $1 oyster happy hours. Go for the burger, though.

Special New Orleans FOOD you should have: Abita Beer, King Cake (Mardi Gras season), Voodoo flavored Zapps Chips, Crawfish, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Po-boys, Snowballs, Daiquiris & Hand Grenades.

Click on any of the restaurant names to learn more and book reservations!

RELATED POST: Tel Aviv Food Guide

NEW ORLEANS NIGHTLIFE

• Bourbon Street: Ah, the famous Bourbon Street. Can’t go to NOLA and not party here. Any night of the week it will be a crowded, crazy night, but especially on the weekends. Make sure to definitely hit the Piano Bar in Pat O’Briens and get the famous hurricane to start out or end the night; it’s an institution and full of tourists and locals alike. Other fun, notable spots on Bourbon are Fat Catz and Gold Mine (a block off Bourbon known for their flaming Dr. Pepper shots), but really, all spots on Bourbon are fun. Make sure to take the time to try a hand grenade & hurricane drink and just walk around Bourbon with them in hand and watch the chaos unfold outside.

• Frenchman Street: My FAVORITE area to bar hop in all of New Orleans. Frenchman Street is in the Marigny right past Bourbon and is a long stretch of bars with live music, in and outside. Some of my favorite bars are Maison, Cafe Negril, Spotted Cat, and d.b.a, but you really can’t go wrong in any of them. It is the most NOLA vibes ever and is fun any night of the week. There are always random people performing on the street and they’re always amazing too. Frenchman is a must-go, especially to get the real, NOLA, non-tourist feel of the city vibes.

• Carousel Bar: A trendy off Bourbon Street that’s perfect for pre-dinner drinks. The actual bar is literally a carousel that rotates in circles!
• Sazerac Bar: A nice bar inside the Roosevelt known for their drink, the Sazerec! Just get it.
• Le Bon Temps: A well-known bar in New Orleans that is uptown on Magazine. A very good NOLA band, The Soul Rebels, play here weekly and it is an extremely fun, NOLA vibes spot.

• Tchoup Yard: This is a relatively new bar that just opened on Tchoupitoulas Street which is a totally different concept for NOLA. It is a massive outdoor spot in an old parking lot with lots of bars, tables and games.
• Bacchanal: Another amazing, true NOLA spot. Bacchanal is far, far downtown in the Bywater and rarely has tourists. You have to take a cab here from the Quarter but it is so worth it. Bacchanal is a wine bar with a massive outdoor area and live music many nights of the week. It’s amazing and a must-hit if you like wine, locals and live music 🙂

• Tipitina’s: A fun concert hall known for its live music. Different bands play here all the time and it’s always a fun spot. Always check the schedule to see if you want to see anyone while you are visiting. I’ve seen some great New Orleans & famous musicians play here and I love the venue. 

BEST NEW ORLEANS HOTELS

Naturally, my New Orleans travel blog has a lot of hotel/hostel/apartment recommendations! For New Orleans hotels, generally, tourists usually stay on or near Canal Street in the French Quarter and I highly suggest this. Everything downtown is walkable and it’s a great, lively area. There are plenty of chain and boutique hotels around that are perfect for staying at for any budget. I recommend the Marriott New Orleans, Roosevelt New Orleans, Windsor Court New Orleans or the new and trendy, one of the best new hotels in New Orleans, Ace Hotel (now called The Barnett, with an amazing roof). If you want to stay away from downtown, I highly suggest the cutest, Southern boutique hotel on the fancy St. Charles Street, The Columns Hotel.

Book the Marriott, Roosevelt, Ace Hotel, Columns Hotel or more NOLA hotels here. If you are looking for hostel/budget options you can search here.

AIRBNB New Orleans: There are also so many cute apartments in downtown New Orleans with extra nice hosts. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route or are with a big group I definitely recommend it in New Orleans. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

PLANNING A TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS: Best Time To Visit New Orleans

My favorite local New Orleans travel tip is to visit New Orleans more than once; Visit on a random weekend to really get to see the city and to also visit for a certain event (like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, etc.). This is the best way and best times to go to New Orleans

Anytime Except The Summer

The weather in New Orleans is almost always amazing…if you take out their 100 degree humid summers and their random downpours throughout the year with some hurricanes. Besides that, you’ll often get an amazing 75 degrees, especially when it’s freezing in the Northeast. NOLA continues to be an ever-changing, lively, eclectic city and there is so much to do and see that doesn’t revolve around a festival. Just avoid the summertime weather, it’s unbearable, unless you like cockroaches, humidity and 100 degree weather :).

New Orleans Mardi Gras

I don’t think Mardi Gras needs any introduction. Mardi Gras is truly one of the most cultural yet insane events I have ever experienced. New Orleans totally shuts down for 4 days and it becomes wild. The whole city is celebrating together in ways you never thought was possible. The parade decorations, costumes, beads are put together a year in advance and everything is perfected. You have to experience it for yourself to understand. Just make sure you know what you are in for – drinking all day every day, total debauchery, and the most fun, interesting characters you have ever seen. Everyone should visit for Mardi Gras at some point in their life. PS – No, you don’t have to do anything stupid to get beads thrown at you – they throw them at everyone🙂

New Orleans Festival Season

After you visit for a different weekend and learn the real New Orleans, make another trip down here for a festival. The best time of year to visit New Orleans? April. New Orleans in April means the best weather, and more importantly, festival season. It will be worth it. New Orleans is notorious for its different festivals and they are some of the best things to do in New Orleans. The most popular are French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest. French Quarter Festival New Orleans is a huge festival with lots of food and music stands all throughout the French Quarter & Jackson Square. Jazz Fest New Orleans spans two weekends in April and May and brings down thousands of visitors along with top-notch music performances. Jazz Fest consists of over 10 stages of music across all genres with lots of food vendors. It’s an amazing experience! Some other amazing festivals include Crawfest, Oak Street Po Boy Festival, Freret Street Festival and more.

Like my travel New Orleans travel guide / New Orleans travel blog? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Did I miss one of the best things to do in my New Orleans travel guide that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! Be sure to check out my full country USA travel guide here too!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post NEW ORLEANS BLOG: A LOCAL’S TRAVEL GUIDE appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This “Stockholm winter travel guide” guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Stockholm Winter Travel Tips

• If you want to head up to Swedish Lapland during your time in Stockholm, check out my detailed Swedish Lapland travel guide and Sweden Country Guide. Again, we did this in the dead of winter and it was stunning.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

Stockholm Packing Tips: Stockholm is coldddddd in the winter and not SO warm in the summer. Pack accordingly. These hand and toe warmers are my lifesaver for cold destinations (buy here). I would not have survived around Stockholm without them. For the rest of my fave travel essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

How To Get To Stockholm

The main airport you will fly into internationally is Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. Most airlines fly here as it is a major hub. We took Norwegian Air from NYC and I really loved the airline. They were extremely nice and the seats had a large amount of leg space (compared to US airlines). We also had an empty middle seat between us so that was huge for the overnight flight!

Once arrived, there are 3 ways to get to the main area of Stockholm:

• High-Speed Train: 196 SEK ($21): Book this 30 days in advance for this price, if closer to date will be a little more. 20 minute ride, runs every 15 minutes from airport. Goes to Central Station in Norrmalm (T-Centralen). We took this route and highly suggest – train was clean and quick. Book Stockholm train here.
• Coach Bus: 99 SEK ($11): 35-45 minute ride, runs every 10-15 minutes. Goes to Central Station in Norrmalm (Cityterminalen). Most popular route due to price, but takes a longer time and is dependent on traffic. Book Stockholm bus here.
• Taxi: 675 SEK ($70). Around 45 minute drive.

Related Post: Sweden Travel Guide

3 DAYS IN STOCKHOLM ITINERARY

Stockholm consists of thousands of islands (the largest archipelago in Sweden) with a few main ones to note and visit. Even in the middle of Stockholm winter, this city is beautiful and you must take advantage of the different islands and seeing them from the water – as long as you wear layers!

Day One In Stockholm

Spend Full Morning In Gamla Stan

The Old Town of Gamla Stan is a tiny, tiny island in the center of the city and is the main area of Stockholm. It includes the main square and the Royal Palace and is very touristy, however, this island is the cutest! You can get lost in the little winding streets for hours. I suggest spending half of your first day in your 3 days in Stockholm in Gamla Stan. Find more information on Gamla Stan here. Here is what to do in Gamla Stan:

• Stotorget: The famous square with lines of colorful buildings. Just stand in here and admire the beauty and people.
• Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet): See the Changing of the Guards during the day and/or do a tour inside of the Palace.
• Swedish Parliament (Riksdag): Can do a tour inside if interested.
• Alley of Mårten Trotzigs: The smallest street in country – can touch both sides at once!
• Västerlånggatan Street: Main tourist/souvenir shop drag.
• Walk around the hundreds of winding tiny streets and get lost, eat and shop.

Related Post: Swedish Lapland Travel Guide

Spend Afternoon/Evening In Sodermalm

Sodermalm is the trendy/young area and is south of Gamla Stan. It was also voted one of the coolest neighborhood in Europe by Vogue a few years ago.

• Fotografiska: really good contemporary photography exhibitions, along the waterfront. good cafe/coffee place on top floor w good views
• Monteliusvägen: Walk to this small walking path that starts on Mariatorget for the best view of Stockholm (best sunset viewing point).
• SoFo: Trendiest area of Sodermalm. Lots of cool restaurants/bar/clubs, definitely have dinner here tonight (restaurant recommendations below).

Related Post: St. Petersburg Russia Travel Guide

Day Two In Stockholm

Morning In Djugarden: 2-3 Hours

Djugarden is also known as the Museum Island and is a really pretty, green island to walk around (as well as visit all the museums).

• Vasa Museum: Must do, a massive ship that sank in 1628 and they resurrected in one piece.
• Skansen Museum: Open-air interactive museum that shows the Swedish way of life, architecture, zoo. A very kid-oriented, young tour.
• ABBA Museum: If you are into ABBA then it is a must-see.
• Grona Lund: Big amusement park (better for an activity in summer).

Boat Ride Around Stockholm Archipelago

As I mentioned, Stockholm is a massive Archipelago: the name for all of the little islands around Stockholm is Skärgård. You MUST take a boat tour (even in the winter!!!) operated by Stromma Boat Tours. This was a highlight of my time in Stockholm and highly recommended! It is a great way to see all the islands and the outsides of the city. It was so, so picturesque in the winter with snow on all the islands. The tour is 1.5 hours and leaves from Stromkajen.

Afternoon In Ostermalm & Norrmalm

Ostermalm and Norrmalm are nice, popular areas north of Gamla Stan where a lot of Swedes live and are bustling with locals and tourists alike. This is generally the main, busiest area of the city and is on the mainland of Sweden.

• Strandvagen Boulevard: a popular upmarket street to shop on, especially the prestigious department store Svenskt Tenn.
• Ostermalms SaluHall: historic food market, great spot for lunch today!
• Sergel’s Torg (Central Square): nice, bustling square in the middle

Related Post: Reykjavik City Travel Guide

Day Three In Stockholm

Half-Day Trip Outside Of Stockholm

Drottningholm Palace is a world UNESCO heritage site and is a massive gorgeous palace inspired by Versailles that is a quick trip from Stockholm. I highly recommend doing this for a half-day tour from Stockholm! Have to take steamer boat here which runs from Stockholm and is super easy to catch. You can buy your round trip boat tickets to Drottningholm here in advance!

Afternoon Metro Station Hop

The Stockholm metro stations have awesome art installations in them. It is known as the largest art exhibit in the world. I suggest getting on the subway and just getting on and off at random stops to walk around underground. There are also official metro station tours to take – book a metro tour here!

Related Post: 6 Day Iceland Itinerary

If you’re going to Stockholm during Christmas, read this perfect Christmas Stockholm guide!

Check out this other great itinerary for some inspiration while visiting Stockholm.

Where To Eat In Stockholm

Swede’s love their Fika break, which is just coffee break during the day! You have to take advantage of their favorite pasttime. If you go during Stockholm Winter, you must try Semla. This is their signature pastry only available during this time period and it is delicious. Every main restaurant/cafe/bakery serves it! The Semla in Stockholm is delicious and can’t be missed in-season in winter in Stockholm.

Coffee/Breakfast/Lunch in Stockholm

• Drop Coffee Roasters: Stockholm coffee staple, good small plates.
• Kaffekoppen: Famous, cozy coffee hangout in Stotorget. Must go. The bottom floor is a cave/cellar and the food, drinks and hot chocolate (served in a bowl) are amazing.
• Greasy Spoon: Brunch of all brunch spots.
• Pom & Flora: Another must-visit brunch spot.
• Barobao: Amazing trendy lunch spot.
• STHLM Brunch Club: Good staple brunch food, sick milkshakes.
• Ostermalm Saluhall: Food market in Ostermalm.

Best Restaurants in Stockholm

• Sturehof: Amazing culinary destination, famous and expensive.
• Brasserie Le Rouge: Very good, famous, expensive restaurant.
• Koh Phangan: Popular Pan Asian food. Really cool atmosphere and decorations. Amazing Pad Thai.
• Pelikan: Award-winning menu, restaurant decorated like Ikea.
• Herman’s: Mostly a local’s spot. Vegetarian buffet with amazing views and food. Unlimited food for cheap. Student discount with ID also. There is also live music Saturday nights from 7-9pm.
• Fem Små Hus: Speciality Swedish food, next to royal palace.
• Smak: Creative multi-dish dinner. Good deal; 3 dishes for $40.
• Grill: 8 different themed rooms, very cool and good food.
• Babette: Trendy pizza/wine place, casual, Michelin star.

Click all the restaurant links above to find out more/make reservations!

Related Post: What To Do In London On Your Own

Stockholm Nightlife

• Morfar Ginko: Trendy big club.
• Indigo: Colorful bar on the main street in Sodermalm with fun drinks.
• Tweed Bar: Good trendy cocktail bar.
• Pharmarium: Themed cocktail bar & good light food in Gamla Stan.
• Corvina Enoteca: Extensive wine bar in Gamla Stan.
• Aifur Krog & Bar: Viking-like traditional bar.
• Snaps Bar and Bistro: Trendy Sodermalm bar.
• Stampen: live music, great cocktails, jazz bar.

Click the bar links above to find out more!

Where To Stay In Stockholm

I stayed with my cousin who lives there in the Norrmalm area and it was perfect. I suggest staying in Norrmalm or Sodermalm depending on your interests. Everything is walking distance and very close. Search and book Stockholm hotels here!

AIRBNB Stockholm: There are also so many cute apartments in Stockholm with extra nice hosts. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

Search and book Stockholm hotels here!

Like this 3 day Stockholm itinerary guide? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Did I miss something in this 3 day Stockholm Winter Itinerary that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! See the rest of my Sweden country travel guide here! Looking to head North to Swedish Lapland? Check out my Swedish Lapland (Abisko and Kiruna) travel guide here!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post STOCKHOLM WINTER TRAVEL: WHAT TO DO IN 3 DAYS IN STOCKHOLM SWEDEN appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This Tel Aviv travel blog may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Tel Aviv Blog: Tel Aviv Travel Tips

• For all of my Israel travel tips head to my Israel travel blog here (and there are a lot of tips).
• The main airport in Tel Aviv (and in the whole country of Israel) is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Train and Taxi are your two options to get to the city.
  • A taxi is my go-to to get to Tel Aviv from the airport. The airport is about a 25 minute ride to the city of Tel Aviv and should be around ~150-170 shekels normally, and around ~190-200 shekels on Shabbat/middle of the night. It is easier to get one directly from the taxi line as soon as you exit the airport and turn left to the authorized taxi lines. Do NOT go with anyone who comes up to you and says they are a taxi. You have to download the Gett Taxi app (more details later) to get the taxi and then you can pay by card in the app or with cash.
  • You can also take the train which is a direct train to any of Tel Aviv’s 3 train stations, however the stations are on the border of Tel Aviv meaning you will have to then take a taxi or bus to your accommodation. The train is a cheaper alternative from the airport for sure, but keep in mind on the location of where your accommodation is.
  • If you are just visiting Tel Aviv I do not suggest renting a car in Israel as parking is hard to come by in Tel Aviv and you do NOT need a car by any means for any Tel Aviv activity. However, if you are exploring the country of Israel (which I suggest, duh) then read my Israel car rental guide on my country guide here.
• Download Gett app. Gett was made in Israel and is the primary way to get around Tel Aviv and Israel in general. They do not use Uber or Lyft in Israel so Gett makes it super easy. Gett just uses taxis in Tel Aviv but it makes it easier because you can pay by credit card. Speaking of which…
• Cabs in Tel Aviv will either give you a set price to your destination within the city or you can choose meter when you get in. I always would choose meter (if I don’t use Gett) because they will rip you off. ESPECIALLY if you are speaking in English and they know you don’t live there. Always do meter. Also most cabs do not accept credit cards, it’s cash only, which is why I like having Gett!
• Download Bird or Lime: Scooters are huge in Tel Aviv and one of our main way of transportations. There are bike lanes on almost every street now and the scooters come with helmets.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

Tel Aviv Packing Tips: Tel Aviv is HOT and HUMID in the summer and mild in the winter. It can always be beach weather, even in winter. Sunscreen is an absolute must during any visit to Israel. My favorite face sunscreen ever is this Sunbum stick (buy here). I think I own 5 of them and they last forever. They’re the best for travel since its solid too! For more of my fave packing items I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here or my favorite travel gear here or the best travel items you need under $20!

TEL AVIV ITINERARY: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TEL AVIV ISRAEL

Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market)

A MUST! The famous Shuk HaCarmel (open-air market) in Tel Aviv is by far one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv and the number one spot not to miss on a Tel Aviv Itinerary. Come to the Tel Aviv Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) any day of the week to shop for anything you could ever think of (clothes, home goods, antiques, candy, falafel, hummus, fruits) and the freshest produce and food. I urge you to try the food in the Shuk, specifically: strawberries (in winter), falafel and halva. Some of the best restaurants are also on the OUTSKIRTS of the Shuk so make sure to weave in and out of the alleys, too, not just the main road! This is also where you will find all of your tourist gifts you could ever want to buy to bring home (IDF sweatshirts, evil eye and hamsa bracelets, keychains and more). I also HIGHLY suggest taking a food tour when visiting the Shuk to really immerse yourself in the history of the Shuk and each of the food stalls. Delicious Israel runs the best food tours I highly recommend (have done it twice!), you can read my review on the tour lower in this guide!

A true local Tel Aviv experience is going to the Shuk on Friday morning right before Shabbat when it is bustling and beyond crowded. Also spending all day here on Fridays is the thing to do – have a drink at one of the many spots on the alleys of the Shuk and people watch until sundown.

• TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: Negotiating the price of what you’re buying is a 100% must at the Tel Aviv Carmel Market! They will always come down.
• TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: If you are a looking to buy produce and food, the farther down in the Shuk you go towards the end, the cheaper the price.
• TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: If you are walking on the outskirts of the Shuk and see the floor is RED, that means you are in the meat section!

Walk (or scooter) the Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet)

Walk the whole length of the Tel Aviv Boardwalk (better known as the Tayelet, which technically translates to Promenade). The Tel Aviv Tayelet stretches all the way from the port of Tel Aviv (the Namal) in the North of Tel Aviv all the way down to Jaffa in the South along the Mediterranean Sea. The Tayelet is such a gorgeous place to run, bike, scooter or walk and, for obvious reasons, has the best sunset views. This is one of my top things to do in Tel Aviv every single day. I could walk along the Tayelet forever. Scooters (or Korkinet in Hebrew) have also become wildly popular thanks to Lime, Bird and Wind definitely rent one and ride up and down (in the bike lanes!!).

Jaffa (Yafo)

Jaffa (Yafo) is the southern tip and oldest area of Tel Aviv. It is an absolute must-visit to add into your Tel Aviv itinerary travel time as the history is tremendous and shows a different side of Tel Aviv. You need to spend a good part of a full day visiting Jaffa and all that it has to offer especially since it is also up and coming (there are THREE new luxury hotels that have opened in the past year (18/19). While visiting Yafo, you should do the following:

• Walk around the Jaffa Port.
• Get lost in the Jaffa cobblestone alleys up and down from the Port to the top while stopping in cute boutique stores.
• Shop at the Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPushPashim) (my favorite name ever). Here you will find everything from antiques, jewelry, furniture and more.
• See: the Zodiac Fountain, the Gate Of Faith and the Jaffa Clocktower.
• Eat at a Middle Eastern restaurant with lots of small plates (see below for my recommendations).
• Head to Abu Hassan for the voted best hummus in Tel Aviv (but get there as early as possible because they close as soon as they run out (usually near 2pm) since they make it daily!).
• Walk to the top of the hill from the bottom and turn around to see the stunning views of the Tel Aviv skyline.
• Walk across the Wishing Bridge and find your astrological sign, hold it and ask for a wish and it will come true!
• Favorite Jaffa Restaurants to stop at for lunch include Puaa and Beit Kandinof!

Related Post: One Day In Dubai Itinerary

Shuk Levinsky (Levinsky Market)

Levinsky Market is another one of the best things to do during your Tel Aviv travels that, in all honesty, most people do not get to on their first visit to Tel Aviv but should. A lot of people focus on the beaches and the Carmel Market BUT Levinsky Market should be on EVERYONE’s Tel Aviv itinerary! Levinsky Market Tel Aviv is one of the oldest markets in the country and is located in Florentin (more on Florentin later) and is totally different than the Carmel Market. Shuk Levinsky is a market dedicated to Israeli spices, nuts and fruits as well as popular Turkish and Greek foods (there are two different sides of the street for each of these). It is one of the much more popular local things to do in Tel Aviv (why I love it) and open-air. You won’t find tourist souvenirs here. I also HIGHLY suggest doing a Food Tour in Levinsky Market (more on that in Food Tour section below).

• Some of my favorite spots and foods you must try in Levinsky Market are: Levinsky 41 (Cafe Levinsky) for a Gazoz Drink (flavored fresh soda water with an Israeli twist), Yom Tov Deli for olives and vegetables (get the hibiscus flower wrapped goat cheese it is insane), Halva Magic for Halva, duh, Burekas Penso for amazing Burekas and Saluf & Sons for Yemenite Kubaneh.

Rabin Square

[As of 2023 Rabin Square is under construction for the new metro line so you may have to walk a bit farther and in between streets to find the memorial] Rabin Square (Kikar Rabin) is probably the most famous square in Tel Aviv and is largely historical. It is a big square in Tel Aviv on one of the main streets, Ibn Gabirol. Most importantly, you must check out the Rabin Memorial Monument at the edge of the square which has an exact replication of how Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination was carried out in 1995. It is incredibly somber and powerful to see the exact movements of this terrorist act and how it occurred. Rabin Square is also extremely lively at nighttime as there are tons of shows and events for various holidays and also peaceful protests are held here often whenever there is something to protest about in Israel (which is often)!

Rothschild Boulevard

Rothschild Boulevard is Tel Aviv’s oldest street and by far the prettiest street in Tel Aviv. It is lined with trees in the middle and has walking/biking paths. It is such a gorgeous and historical street to walk around. If you walk to the end of it (South) you’ll get to Florentin and the Neve Tzedek neighborhoods and on the other side (North) all the way at Kikar Habima (Habima Square), near Dizengoff Center. At the top of it (South) there is a tourist booth where you can take a DIY walking tour pamphlet to read while walking down Rothschild and it will tell you some important facts as you’re walking! There’s a metal strip down the street how its Independence Road. Rothschild is also a hub for Tel Aviv’s famous nightlife with a ton of bars and clubs lining the street on the South end.

Independence Hall

Tel Aviv Independence Hall is one of the only historical museum-type spots most people visit on Israel tours. It is a must-go just for the history lesson of Israel becoming a country and its independence. It is on Rothschild Boulevard and you really only need less than an hour here.

Related Post: Israel Country Travel Guide

Tel Aviv Port (Namal)

Namal translates to port and this is in the Old North of Tel Aviv. It is the main port of Tel Aviv (and Israel) and you can walk around it. There are a lot of nice restaurants, bars and clubs on the Namal as well with great outdoor seating. There are also a ton of stores to shop at. Definitely suggest walking around the Namal for part of a day. There are always people walking, running or biking around here and the Namal at night is beyond lively.

Tel Aviv Beaches & Sunsets

Obviously the main Tel Aviv point of interest to tourists are the beaches! The beaches of Tel Aviv are some of the best in the world and stretches a vast NINE miles and you can find different types of beaches (13 of them!) for all interests. Tel Aviv sits right on the Mediterranean Sea and this long coast also gives way to some of the best sunsets since it faces West. One of my favorite things to do is sit at the Tel Aviv beach restaurants (like LaLaLand, Calypso, Hilton Beach) and order watermelon and feta and a bottle of rosé. Watermelon is Israel’s summer fruit and you will see everyone eating it on the beach! My personal favorite Tel Aviv beach is Gordon Beach which is right by the Sheraton Hotel and has LaLaLand restaurant right on it. It also has lots of umbrellas, chairs, right in the center of the city and great food.

• Some of the best Tel Aviv beaches to people watch are Gordon Beach (LaLaLand restaurant is one of the better beach restaurants), Frischman Beach (a lot of French people head here), the Dog Beach (aptly named), Hilton Bay Beach (the new up and coming trendier beach) and Banana Beach. You can’t go wrong anywhere. You can just walk on to any beach wherever you are staying closest to as well! You don’t need passes as they’re not private.
• You can buy a lounge chair for 16 shekels (~$5), a regular chair for 6 shekels (~$2) and an umbrella for 18 shekels (~$6). You have to buy them at the machines attached to each beach restaurant building. The beaches in Tel Aviv are amazing and I urge you to camp out there for more than one day of your trip to relax. And watch the Tel Aviv sunsets. They never ever get old.

Shopping in Tel Aviv

There is SO much good shopping in Tel Aviv. Head to Sheinkin Street for the most trendy street with the best boutique shopping in Tel Aviv. Head to Dizengoff Street, one of the main streets in the city that is lined with stores and a million restaurants and bars. Make sure to walk on Dizengoff Square right in the center, it was just recently reopened after being refurbished in 2019! Head to Neve Tzedek for the most upscale and expensive shopping in Tel Aviv. One of my FAVORITE spots to shop & one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is to go to Nachlat Binyamin Street (next to the Carmel Market) on Tuesdays and Fridays. There is an outdoor market on these days with stands set up by local artists and designers selling their goods. It is the BEST local Tel Aviv shopping and I have bought so many gifts and home decor and pieces here. A must.

Related Post: What To Do In The Negev Desert and South Of Israel

Sarona Market

Sarona Market is somewhat new (<5 years) and is in Central Tel Aviv. It’s basically a food complex and is a bunch of great food/snack places, drinks and shops to check out and just walk around during the day. It reminds me of Chelsea Market in NYC. The Market is an indoor complex with a bunch of spots to choose from and then surrounding the indoor market there is a HUGE outdoor space with more shops and restaurants. It’s a really popular lunch spot since it’s near a lot of Tel Aviv offices. There are about 90 stalls inside so take your time choosing what to eat!

Florentin and Neve Tzedek Neighborhoods

Florentin is a hipster neighborhood in Tel Aviv mostly known for their street art/graffiti (and also Levinsky Market, above). If you are a street art person definitely walk around Florentin Tel Aviv and get lost looking at the amazing Tel Aviv street art! Neve Tzedek is the most chic and trendiest (and most expensive) neighborhood of Tel Aviv. It’s home to some of the most posh stores and restaurants as well. The cobblestone streets of Neve Tzedek make it my favorite though. The main street to walk along in Neve Tzedek is Shabazi Street. You also must stop at Anita’s and have their famous gelato here. 

HaTachana

The HaTachana (translates to train station) is an area near Neve Tzedek that used to be an old train station! They repurposed it to be a really cute complex to walk around with a bunch of stores, bars and restaurants! It’s pretty cool how they built this area on top of old tracks and some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in Tel Aviv are in the HaTachana.

HaYarkon Park

HaYarkon Park is in the North of Tel Aviv. My favorite part of the park is that it’s not a tourist destination at all; you’ll almost solely find Tel Aviv locals here. You can find people kayaking on the Yarkon River, walking around the parks and playing sports throughout. The botanical gardens and large concert venues here also make for a great setting for any activity. The park was one of my favorite places to go during my spare time and is a true Tel Aviv local spot.

Related Post: Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Where To Eat In Tel Aviv

One of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is EAT! I am so beyond obsessed with the Tel Aviv food I plan my trips and itineraries around where I am eating in Tel Aviv! I have FINALLLLY finished my MASSIVE beyond massive Food Guide to Tel Aviv. After 10+ visits and living here three times, I know my Tel Aviv food. In the guide, I go in depth into all the cuisines, where to eat for any type of meal you may be craving and more. You can literally find ANYTHING you want to eat in Tel Aviv and this Tel Aviv food guide has it all. I listed a few of the best below in case you are skimming quickly but I highly recommend you read the full guide so you find your perfect spots for your Tel Aviv itinerary.

Visit my massive FULL FOOD IN TEL AVIV GUIDE here!

• Best breakfast/brunches: Café Xoho, Bucke Cafe and Yom Tov Cafe
• Best street food lunch: HaKosem, Jasmino, Shlomo v Doron, Hummus Abu Hassan, HaShomer 1
• Best dinner spots: HaBasta, North Abraxas, Abie, Old Man & The Sea, Ha’Achim, Port Sa’id and La Shuk
• Best sweets: Anita Gelato, Tamara and Arte Cafe

Again, visit my massive FULL FOOD IN TEL AVIV GUIDE here!

BONUS: Tel Aviv Food Tour

If you know me at all you know I try to do food tour’s in every city I visit in order to really immerse myself in their cuisine and culture. If you also couldn’t tell from the above, I am beyond obsessed with Israeli food and specifically the Tel Aviv food scene. So when I found Delicious Israel Food Tours during my time living there in 2019, I could NOT pass up the opportunity on taking this tour. I can honestly, whole-heartedly say this was the ABSOLUTE BEST food tour I have EVER taken. This is THE way to eat Tel Aviv. And I am saying that as someone who has taken similar food tours in other countries AND have already tried (what I thought was) the best of the best in Tel Aviv.

Delicious Israel offers a ton of different Israel food tour options around the country, I personally chose the Market Hop tour which is a four hour tour that goes to both the Carmel Market and Levinsky Market. I chose this one so that I could get a taste of each of my favorite markets, instead of focusing on one since they are both so insanely different. The tour was amazing. I thought four hours was going to be too long. NOPE. It felt like 5 seconds. My guide Lainie was amazing and you could tell how much she cared about the Israeli food, the spots she brought us to (which each had a unique story and personality) and the history behind it. If you are in Tel Aviv and love food (duh) BOOK A TOUR WITH DELICIOUS ISRAEL now. This is the most important part of the Tel Aviv travel guide. I am confident their other tours are just as good as the Market Hop. I cannot wait to go back and literally try every single one of their tours until I do them all! I will go more into detail on every single stop we took on my massive food guide as well, but run, do not walk, to booking this Tel Aviv food tour. It DOES sell out daily. I emailed to book in February and didn’t get a free date until April – hurry !! This has to be on your Tel Aviv itinerary no questions.

Book the Delicious Israel Market Hop or any of their other food tours here!

*Thanks to Inbal for inviting me on the Delicious Israel Market Hop food tour! While I did receive this tour as a gift, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Food Tour in Porto Portugal Guide

Nightlife & Bars In Tel Aviv

Cocktail Bars In Tel Aviv

• Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar: The place to go when you fancy cocktails. It’s a SUPER small bar. MAKE A RESERVATION (I’m not kidding). It’s the #1 rated bar in the Middle East and Africa, you literally can’t walk in without a reservation. Coolest cocktails.
• Other cocktail bars in Tel Aviv I love: Dizengoff 223, Bellboy, Spicehaus, Concierge, Honolulu, Por do Sol (go for sunset!!).

Fun Bars In Tel Aviv

• Sputnik: Super cool bar on Rothschild. Has a hipster vibe and has a bunch of different rooms including an outside spot. Really good drinks and chill bar.
• Teder: One of my favorite spots that I frequent weekly. Good vibes outdoor courtyard bar that is fun any night of the week. Many Saturdays there are live music shows as well. Within the complex there is also a restaurant upstairs called Romano, a record bar on the ground floor, and a few other bars within. There is also pizza in the bar. The best pizza in Tel Aviv. Get it.
• Drama: 3 floors with different vibes. The second floor has a huge outdoor (covered) area to sit and chat. Super popular, go early if you are going on a weekend night.
• Speakeasy: Rooftop bar on Rothschild.

Bar Clubs In Tel Aviv

• Kuli Alma: One of the most popular bars in Tel Aviv. It has a hipster vibe but it is so cool. The top floor is all outdoor tables and chill, then the bottom there is a bar area and then in the back room is a club area. They play all hiphop/rap music. Go later on in the night.
• Jimmy Who: Fun bar/club on Rothschild, better for people in their young 20s.
• Abraxas: Attached to the Abraxas restaurant is a bar that gets really wild on the weekends. However, Israeli night is on Wednesday nights and it is my absolute favorite. If you are looking for a local night I highly recommend going on Wednesdays, otherwise, come any other night of the week and it is a vibe! Probably my favorite bar in Tel Aviv.
• Mondo 2000: Rooftop bar/club in Florentin. There is usually a wait to get in.
• Secret Garden: My personal favorite club (usually Saturday late afternoon/evening). Super cool Tulum type vibes.
• Shalvata: The “it” young club in Tel Aviv for the summers since it’s outside on the port. Only open in the summer. Skews a bit younger.
• Other going out/rowdy clubs in Tel Aviv I love: Goat, Emesh, & Kanta.

Sunset Bars in Tel Aviv

• Loullie: Chic club right on the tayelet where you can sit at a table and watch the sunset and often has fun DJs on Saturdays. Need to save a table.
• Migdalor: Newest sunset spot in the city and a bit far as it’s past the port all the way in the North but has one of my favorite views of the sunset and all of Tel Aviv and is a massive spot with an amazing vibe. Can just walk in – all ages! (often there are kids here!)
• Por de Sol: Amazing small bar on the top of the steps at Ben Gurion/Tayelet (Kikar Atarim)
• Contento: Another cute bar right on the Tayelet
• Any of the restaurants on the beach!

*Tip: A lot of the bars and clubs in Tel Aviv you have to be over 24 years old to get into. This is because Israelis go into the army after high school and THEN college, meaning they are out of college at 24 and the bars do not want college kids there, even though they’re of age (drinking age is 18). Just be mindful of this that you may get rejected, but we rarely had issues at every bar.

Tel Aviv Hotels & Where To Stay In Tel Aviv

I’ve lived in Tel Aviv, I’ve visited with friends, I’ve been on group trips and I’ve visited with my family, so it’s safe to say I have stayed in many different areas at different budgets. I personally suggest staying at a hotel when you visit Tel Aviv right on the Mediterranean Sea but you still can’t go wrong wherever you choose since Tel Aviv is such a small walking city.

• BEACH HOTELS in Tel Aviv are the absolute best. I suggest somewhere near the center of the city (Allenby Street). You will find plenty of ranges of different hotels on Tel Aviv beach. You will find a ton of big chain hotels here (Sheraton Tel Aviv, Hilton Tel Aviv), the David Intercontinental Tel Aviv (which has the best hotel brunch I’ve ever had and is one of the nicer hotels in Tel Aviv). I personally recommend the Royal Beach Hotel (where I had my parents stay when they visited) or the new David Kempinski just opened (Spring 2022) and is the new, nicest hotel in Tel Aviv. It is truly like no other place here, but definitely comes the price. Highly recommend.
• BOUTIQUE CASUAL: There are a ton of new boutique hotels that have opened near the beach (personally I like boutique better), I recommend Mendeli Street Hotel (amazing brunch), Brown Beach House or Fabric Hotel I have been in all and they’re both great and in amazing locations!
• LUXE BOUTIQUE HOTELS: If you are coming during the winter and don’t need to be close to the beach, there are a TON of luxe boutique hotels near Rothschild and the Tel Aviv Center for a range of budgets. I recommend The Norman (one of the most luxurious and best hotels in Tel Aviv), Hotel Montefiore, The Vera Hotel, The Rothschild Hotel or Poli House!
• JAFFA HOTELS: Lastly, there have been luxury hotels popping up all over Jaffa as it becomes the new hot spot in Tel Aviv so if you want to stay in a different area DEFINITELY check out The Setai Tel Aviv(most luxurious hotel in Tel Aviv) or The Jaffa Tel Aviv.
• Book the hotels by clicking their names above!

Search and book all Tel Aviv hotels by clicking here! Read reviews on Tel Aviv hotels on TripAdvisor here.

• For a cheap hotel in Tel Aviv or hostel in Tel Aviv, I HIGHLY recommend Abraham Hostel. This is THE hostel to stay at – it hosts a ton of bar crawls, events, and is by far the highest rated hostel group in the country and is an amazing place to meet people! Definitely, definitely book Abraham for a fun time and clean hostel in Tel Aviv!

Book Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv here!!

• AIRBNB Tel Aviv: There are also so many amazing, modern apartments in Tel Aviv. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it in Israel – Israeli hosts are amazing. Airbnb Tel Aviv has tons of options, too! Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

More Things To Do In Tel Aviv: Weekend & Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Another one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is to take day trips or weekend trips around Israel, it is a benefit of being a small country and Tel Aviv is situated in the center of Israel so a perfect home base. Travel guides for each of these locations coming soon! For now, check out my Israel travel blog here on what to pack, safety and what to expect when visiting Israel!

• Jerusalem
  • My extensive Jerusalem guide coming soon – but Jerusalem is an absolute MUST when visiting Tel Aviv.
• Day Trips From Tel Aviv: Haifa, Akko, Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov
• The West Bank
• Masada, Ein Gedi & the Dead Sea
• The North of Israel (Golan Heights, The Galilee, & Tzfat)
• The South of Israel (Mizpe Ramon, Sde Boker, Ein Avedat, Sderot, Gaza Border & Salad Trail) AND/OR Eilat, Petra and Sinai

Loved this local Tel Aviv blog and Tel Aviv itinerary travel guide? Pin for later or share with friends!

Did I miss one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv Israel that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit. Don’t forget to read my Tel Aviv Food Guide and then see my general Israel travel blog here to know what to expect when visiting Israel! Hope you liked this extensive local Tel Aviv blog!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post TEL AVIV BLOG: A DETAILED LOCAL’S GUIDE TO VISITING TEL AVIV ITINERARY appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

I decided to make this extensive guide (so many years, visits and pictures in the making) because the lists were getting too long in my FULL Tel Aviv Itinerary Guide and to help answer ANY question about where to eat in Tel Aviv. This includes: WHAT to eat in Israel, brunch in Tel Aviv, cafes in Tel Aviv, cheap eats and street food in Tel Aviv, casual dinner in Tel Aviv, fine dining in Tel Aviv, dessert in Tel Aviv, best spots for every specific craving, and my absolute favorite and recommended food tour in Tel Aviv. Anything you are in the mood for Tel Aviv has it and this guide will help you plan your itinerary around food and reservations like I do! Keep reading for the best restaurants and best food in Tel Aviv. *I will keep updating this list as I keep trying more restaurants during my time living in Tel Aviv*

Disclosure: This Israel Tel Aviv Food Guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Must-Know Tel Aviv Food Guide Tips

• For my full Tel Aviv travel guide and to know everything else of what to do in Tel Aviv head to my Tel Aviv travel itinerary. For Israel travel in general, where to visit when traveling to Israel, safety in Israel, head to my full Israel travel tips guide.
• RESERVATIONS: These days post-Covid, tourists are everywhere in Tel Aviv and restaurants are packed. I highly suggest making a reservation at all of your brunch/dinner spots you want to go to well in advance of your trip or you will likely not get in. You can find almost all restaurant reservations HERE on OnTopo (and there is an English option) or Tabit (no English but easy to figure out!).
• Travel Insurance: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
• TEL AVIV PACKING LIST: Tel Aviv is insanely hot during the summer and mild in the winter! For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here.

WHAT FOOD TO EAT IN ISRAEL

Israeli food is the absolute best. Before getting into the restaurants of WHERE to eat in Tel Aviv, you have to make sure you eat all of the Israeli food staples while visiting.

• Hummus: Needs no introduction and once you have it in Israel you will never like store-bought brands again. Where to try it: Abu Hassan and Shlomo v Doron.
• Falafel: Falafel is one of Israeli’s favorite street food and it is amazing here. And it’s vegetarian so it’s perfect for everyone. Usually comes in pita with a ton of other amazing vegetables. Where to try it: HaKosem, Yashka or anywhere in Shuk HaCarmel.
• Shawarma: Shawarma is Israel’s other famous street food and is thinly sliced and cooked meat (can be chicken, beef, lamb, etc. Where to try it: Yashka.
• Sabich: Sabich is the lesser known of all the Israeli street foods but might be my favorite one. It’s eggplant and egg served in a pita with different veggies. Where to try it: Sabich Frischman or Sabich Tchernichovsky.
• Tahini: Tahini is also known internationally but it is exceptionally good in Israel. Also they call it ‘tahina’ here. Where to try it: Everywhere! ALWAYS ask for it on the side with everything.
• Schnitzel: I love a good schnitzel. And Israel happens to have some of the best. Where to try it: Cafe Noir and Malka for fancy sit-down restaurants, and for schnitzel sandwiches (in challah): Etzel Tzion & Java.
• Knafeh: I was only JUST introduced to knafeh since I moved here and I’m honestly upset with myself it took this long to find out about it. Knafeh is an AMAZING traditional Middle Eastern sweet dessert of syrup-dipped pastry filled with cheese and often pistachios, ice cream and other treats on top. I’ve never eaten anything like it. Don’t sleep on it!! It’s a Midden Eastern treasure not enough people talk about. Where to try it: Yaffa Knafeh.
• Jachnun: Traditional Yemenite pastry. Where to try it: Shuk Levinsky.
• Shakshuka: An Israeli breakfast staple and one of my favorite dishes. Baked tomatoes with eggs inside. Have it with Challah on the side to dip. Where to try it: Shakshukia or Java.
• Halva: An Israeli dessert that you can find ALL over the markets. Lots of sugar but melts in your mouth. I always bring it home for friends to the states. Where to try it: Shuk HaCarmel or Shuk Levinsky.
• Malabi: This is an Israeli dessert that is super sweet and is really good (but you either love it or hate it). It’s kind of like pudding with rose water. Where to try it: HaMalabiya or on the dessert menu of most restaurants!
• Fresh Juices/Smoothies: Fruit and produce are beyond fresh in Israel. You can find juices and smoothie stands all over the city. Where to try it: Etrogman, Tamara Juice Bar or in Shuk HaCarmel.
• Israeli salad: Served as a side with EVERY meal, all the chopped tomatoes and cucumbers and always fresh. Where to try it: Any restaurant!
• Arak: Israeli alcohol! You have to have shots (called chasers in Israel) of these before you leave. Don’t smell it before, trust me. Where to try it: All bars!

Related Post: Tel Aviv Travel Itinerary

FOOD IN TEL AVIV BY MEAL TYPE

Brunch and Breakfast in Tel Aviv

• Café Xoho: My most favorite brunch spot, but if you only have a few days in Israel, this is not the spot to get traditional Israeli breakfast and brunch. It is definitely a Western brunch place. Still, my favorite. You must get the egg and cheese bagel. It’s not JUST an egg and cheese, there is a special onion jam in there that makes it unbelievable. Other things to consider are their beer bread specials. They’re SO good and always have the freshest ingredients and change weekly. Their vegan desserts are also amazing and they’re known for their ice cream cookie sandwiches. Also their Matcha smoothie. They make their own ice cream and cookies from scratch.
• Bucke Cafe: Bucke is my other favorite brunch spot in the city. They are known for their trays of food that comes with a ton of different options and changes with fresh in-season produce. The place is super cool and hipstery. This is a must on your brunch in Tel Aviv stops and packs all the fun Israeli breakfast foods into one tray.
• Yom Tov Cafe: Another must for brunch in Tel Aviv, Yom Tov is crowded with their outside seating everyday of the week and is the best for people watching. Yom Tov is at Shuk HaCarmel and has the freshest and most eclectic brunch menu.
• Benedict Tel Aviv: Everyone loves Benedict. It’s overrated when you live here, but amazing when you’re visiting. It is very tourist and English friendly. It is also 24 hours so it is also always a good idea at 4AM. Get the eggs benedict (duh). Also their banana pancakes are the most famous.
• L’chem V’Shut (Bread & Co.): Super local spot with amazing breakfasts and breads – when you walk in the smell of fresh bread is unreal.
• NOLA American Bakery: An American inspired brunch spot on Dizengoff based on New Orleans. The owner is from New Orleans and moved to Tel Aviv which makes me the happiest since I went to university in New Orleans.
• Manta Ray: Fancier brunch when you want a more upscale brunch with a view! Great menu and their location is RIGHT on the sea with amazing views.
• Java: This is my favorite local Tel Aviv spot and they have my favorite Shakshuka and Challah ever here. Also my favorite schnitzel sandwich.
• Dallal: Another nicer sit down spot but one of my favorite spots to go for brunch in the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood. The space is huge and beautiful and the food is amazing.
• Anastasia: This is for the vegans! Full vegan brunch spot with amazing smoothie bowls, vegan shakshuka and more.
• Cafe Cucu: Newer spot on the list! Super cute brunch spot on Dizengoff Square with amazing twists on classics like Beet Hollandaise on Eggs Benedict.
• Orby Cafe: Newest spot on the list. Amazing proper trendy brunch cafe in the middle of Florentine.

Cafes in Tel Aviv

Need a tea/coffee break or just want to sit and people watch? The cafe culture is thriving in Tel Aviv. Check out some of my favorite cafes with the best coffee in Tel Aviv to hang at.

• Nabi Yuna (best for people watching)
• Chachos (my fave Matcha!)
• Cafelix
• Saga Cafe
• Nahat Cafe
• HOC

Related Post: Israel Travel Guide

Lunch, Cheap Eats & Street Food in Tel Aviv 

• Shlomo and Doron: Amazing local hummus spot off Shuk HaCarmel with different twists on hummus. Get the shakshuka hummus or the falafel hummus!! Also make sure you eat hummus with an onion as Israelis do.
• Miznon: World class. Eyal Shani is THE most famous Israeli chef probably in the world and Miznon is his most fast-casual. It is a street food spot and you can get anything in a pita. I get the cauliflower or minute steak pita but the chicken, meat, veggies ANYTHING is amazing. They also put so much inside of the pita (hummus, veggies, tahini, etc). You also MUST order the side of a cauliflower head. I can’t even explain why it is so unbelievably good but Shani totally changed the pita game. This isn’t as fun anymore if you are a tourist from NYC, Miami, Vienna, and more as there are tons of Miznons all over the world, but I still believe it is the best here.
• HaKosem: Best falafel and shwarma in Tel Aviv. Truly the best you will ever ever have. They put fried eggplant inside too. Get the original falafel pita with everything in it. Must go.
• Frishman Sabich: Best Sabich in Tel Aviv. It is right on the corner of Frischman and Dizengoff and is a small take-out place.
• Hummus Abu Hassan: Best hummus in Tel Aviv. It will not disappoint. It will actually blow your mind how you ever thought any other brand packaged container is good. Must go before 2PM as they close after the daily batch finishes (that’s how fresh it is).
• Jasmino: Super casual AMAZING pita place on Allenby. Always a line here. Best pitas with meat ever (similar to Miznon).
• Aboulefia: Best takeaway burekas and other savory and sweet pastries (also amazing late night).
• Etzel Tzion: Best schnitzel sandwich in Tel Aviv.

Casual Dinner in Tel Aviv

• Port Sa’id: Same chef as Miznon and probably his most popular and by far my favorite place to eat in Tel Aviv. This is THE #1 spot I tell any visitor to go to when traveling to Tel Aviv. The food, drinks and vibe are always perfect and it is in a fun, trendy area by the Great Synagogue on Allenby. No reservations though so be prepared to wait.
• Ha’Achim: This is one of the most standard Israeli restaurants and is consistently amazing. I would ALWAYS recommend Ha’Achim and love going here. You MUSTTTT get the artichoke dish.
• Beit Kandinof: Amazing Israeli restaurant in the center of Jaffa. Perfect spot for big groups as well, the restaurant is massive. Also the architecture and building that this restaurant is in is pure Jaffa vibes. I always bring tourists here.
• M25: Best meat restaurant in all of Tel Aviv. Part meat shop, part restaurant M25 sits right in Shuk HaCarmel and you quite literally pick what meat you want out of the freezer and how you want it cooked. It’s amazing. You MUST get the arayes and salad as appetizers, and the crack pie as dessert. Thank me later.
• Old Man And The Sea: One of the most popular tourist restaurants in Tel Aviv and honestly a must-go for the experience. This is a typical Israeli restaurant in Jaffa on the port that comes with the 1 million little dishes that keep refilling. A must.
• La Shuk: Super casual, right in the middle of the city on Dizengoff Square. Such delicious Israeli food and great prices. I love the cauliflower and eggplant dishes. Highly, highly recommend…I always brought visitors here when I lived there.
• Romano: Another one of Eyal Shani’s masterpieces (same as Port Said, Miznon, etc). This is located on top of Teder and has the best vibes and the same amazing food. This one takes reservations if you can’t get into Port Said and is the same food!
• Ouzeria: Amazing amazing spot in Florentine neighborhood. Fresh ingredients and middle eastern dishes. One of my newest favorite spots.
• Café Noir: Solid restaurant, known for their schnitzel in Tel Aviv.
• Santa Katarina: Also right behind the Great Synagogue. Really good Israeli dishes and fun crowd. Highly recommend and try to make a reservation.
• Saluf and Sons: Traditional Yemenite small spot in the center of the Levinsky Market. Amazing amazing Yemenite dishes and fun and casual vibe. Try to sit at the bar.
• Merloza: New casual restaurant in Shuk HaCarmel with amazing fish dishes. Love the Shuk vibe so this is great if you are going out after or want to be in the local scene, not touristy at all.
• Onza: Amazing Georgian restaurant in Yafo.

Fine Dining in Tel Aviv

• North Abraxas: One of my oldest, favorite restaurant. Same chef as Miznon and Port Said. Their fish is OUT OF CONTROL good. Just ask for the fish of the day. They change their menu daily BUT my recommendations (tried and tested 20+ times): Bread salad, cauliflower, steak, green beans, burning potato & zucchini pizza. And you must get the Cucumber Gin drink. You also must make a reservation here beforehand. Make sure to choose the restaurant (North Abraxas) not the bar (Abraxas Bar) when making a reservation. Though, Abraxas Bar also has similar (smaller) menu and gets rowdy later at night (my favorite bar).
• HaBasta: One of my other favorite restaurants. Was in the top 50 Middle East restaurants of 2022. The food is always fresh and amazing and the dishes change every night. It is right in the middle of Shuk HaCarmel.
• Malka: Another Eyal Shani restaurant and his first fully Kosher one – but don’t let that deter you. Has my most famous dish in the whole country maybe ever here – his Queen Malka dish which is schnitzel with mashed potato inside. It’s literally insane. The restaurant becomes super fun and a rowdy party during later seatings. A must.
• Shila: One of the nicest restaurants in Tel Aviv, known for its fish dishes and amazing Israeli cuisine. Probably my favorite high-end restaurant in the city. Highly, highly recommend. They also opened a bar across the street that has a different menu and is a more casual bar but same chef.
• George & John: One my newer favorite restaurants. Kind of in a random location in between Florentine/Jaffa but the food is truly incredible. Highly recommend for a fancy upscale restaurant.
• Claro: Really amazing restaurant with amazing dishes at Sarona Market. Highly recommend sitting at the bar.
• Cafe Popular Bar: Newer spot in the Old North for a super fun and good solid dinner. Make sure to reserve the downstairs bar area. The food is AMAZING. This place is super trendy and fun scene and gets really fun later at night. When my parents visited me for the first time this was their favorite of all the nice restaurants I brought them too.
• Abie: B the same chef as Ha’Achim but his fanciest restaurant and it was INCREDIBLE. Order everything, literally. Not one thing is bad. You must get the side of potatoes (trust) and the crispy fish.
• Social Club: High quality, good vibes restaurant on Rothschild with amazing food. Get the gnocchi or the salmon dish as well as the artichokes. You must also get the special dessert (see dessert section).
• OCD: One of the most interesting food experiences I have had in a long time. A private seating with only about 20 seats sitting around the kitchen, everyone served at the same time, about 13 courses of amazing food. Super expensive and a long evening but an awesome experience.
• Mashya: Highly, highly recommend for a fine-dining amazing meal.
• Topolopompo: One of the best meals I have ever had. Must make a reservation. It’s insane Asian cuisine dishes with a twist. If you only have a two or three nights in Tel Aviv I would probably stick to more Israeli centric restaurants but if you have more you must add this.
• Taizu: One of the best restaurants for Asian food in the city.
• Naifa: Newest restaurant in TLV and on this list and my new favorite restaurant by far. Haven’t been this excited about a new restaurant in the city since I moved here! Naifa is a Druze restaurant and every dish is better than the next. I have been twice now and both times were inside. Try to eat at the bar or table inside.

Dessert in Tel Aviv

• Anita/Golda Gelato: Best gelato in Israel. Anita is in Neve Tzedek right on Shabazi Street with 3 locations on the same street. It’s my favorite location but Golda is found in more locations around the city (literally every other corner) and big secret: it’s the exact same flavors, they’re owned by the same owner. Get the cookieman flavor, you won’t be disappointed. Anita also just opened their first NYC location on the UES as well!
• Showroom Bakehouse: Amazing, amazing cookies! They are the Levain Bakery of Tel Aviv.
• Arte Cafe: Israeli gelato spot in the middle of Nachalat Binyamin with insane flavors you would never think about ordering in ice cream – but do it. Try the bread flavor (trust me) it’s the best. This is hands down my favorite not-so-popular gelato spot.
• Otello: New gelato spot with two locations in the city.
• Yaffa Knafeh: If you are eating dinner in Jaffa or walking around, do not skip Yaffa Knafeh for dessert.
• Social Club: NOT a desert place, it’s a VERY good dinner spot BUT I had to add this here because I think I had the best dessert of life here – the massive pistachio ice cream with halva on top!
• Tamara: Best frozen yogurt in the city. They have 2 locations and then a ton of other locations for smoothies and pops but go to their froyo spots – the one on the beach is new and amazing!

Related Post: North Day Trips From Tel Aviv

FOOD IN TEL AVIV BY CUISINE

We all have serious cravings some times and in Tel Aviv you can find ANY food you possibly want in all cuisines. Here’s where you should go if you are looking for the….

• Best Pizza in Tel Aviv: Teder.fm, Har Sinai and Lila
• Best Burger in Tel Aviv: Vitrina, Fat Cow, Jango and American Burgers
• Best Thai in Tel Aviv: Thai at Har Sinai, Nam, Kab Kem
• Best Sushi in Tel Aviv: Fu Sushi and TYO
• Best Italian in Tel Aviv: Rustico, Cicchetti, La Repubblica and Cafe Italia
• Best Asian in Tel Aviv: Taizu and Topolopompo
• Best Mexican in Tel Aviv: Mezcal and Taqueria
• Best Steak in Tel Aviv: M25, Triger, Whiskey Bar Museum
• Best Bagel in Tel Aviv: Cafe Xoho and Tal’s Bagels
• Best Middle Eastern/Local Cuisine in Tel Aviv: Old Man & the Sea, Ouzeria, Ha’Achim and La Shuk
• Best Acai Bowls/Juices/Healthy in Tel Aviv: Hamaniya, Anastasia, Jusa, Etrogman
• Best Concept Dining in Tel Aviv: OCD, Burek
• Best Kosher Restaurants in Tel Aviv: Malka, Whiskey Bar Museum, Devora

FOOD MARKETS IN TEL AVIV

• Shuk HaCarmel: The central Tel Aviv market and the market people are usually referring to when they say they are going to “the shuk”. It has everything you could ever want from food, souvenirs, produce and more. Come here for Israeli candy, falafel, hummus, smoothies, and everything else. Always always negotiate here – once they hear English they will rip you off.
• Shuk Levinsky: This is a different type of market with more flavors from different cultures – think Yemenite, Turkish, Greek, etc.
• Sarona Market: This is the newest, most modern market in Tel Aviv and is an indoor/outdoor market with a ton of different restaurants and food stands within the massive complex. Good for winter since most is indoors!

BEST FOOD TOUR IN TEL AVIV

I wrote about this beyond amazing tour on my general Tel Aviv itinerary but it’s worth noting again because its that amazing and it’s all about Tel Aviv’s FOOD! Delicious Israel Food Tours has different tour options to learn and taste the different Israeli foods. I could not recommend this tour more. I did the Market Hop tour which went to both Shuk Carmel and Shuk Levinsky and I LOVED it. I had visited Tel Aviv 8+ times before and thought I knew Israeli food – but I still learned SO much on this tour and tried so many new foods between the two Shuks. I can honestly, whole-heartedly say this was the ABSOLUTE BEST food tour I have EVER taken. It is a MUST-DO when visiting Tel Aviv no matter what. I would take any tour that fits your schedule/budget as I know they all are AMAZING. You must book in advance – it does sell out. I had to book two months in advance!

BOOK A TOUR WITH DELICIOUS ISRAEL now!

*Thanks to Inbal for inviting me on the Delicious Israel Market Hop food tour! While I did receive this tour as a gift, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Porto Portugal Food Tour Review

Loved this Tel Aviv food guide? Pin for later or share with friends!

Did I miss one of your favorite restaurants in Tel Aviv or best food in Tel Aviv? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! See my general Tel Aviv Travel Guide and Israel travel guide to know what to expect when visiting Israel!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post FULL TEL AVIV FOOD GUIDE: WHERE TO EAT FOOD IN TEL AVIV FOR EVERY TYPE OF PERSON & MEAL appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This Food Tour in Porto Portugal guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

After a short amount of research, I learned that Taste Porto was the best of the best in Porto food tours and I had to take part. Taste Porto is one of the most popular and well-known food tours in Porto and I can highly recommend. I’ll talk about a full travel guide to Porto in another guide, but this one is all Porto food related. Taste Porto food tour will allow you to try all of the best food in Porto in an efficient way. Keep reading to see all of the details that you will get on a Taste Porto food tour, including how to book the tour, each of the foods (and wines) you will try (and there are a lot), as well as the pros and cons to this food tour in Porto.

Taste Porto Food Tour Tips

• Taste Porto has two different tours: Downtown food tour and Vintage food tour. I chose the Downtown tour due to my food restrictions but both are highly suggested and amazing. I loved the downtown one and the different types of foods (and wines) native to Porto we were able to try.
• I chose the afternoon session and I’m glad I did because a lot of the food was heavy and not really what I would want in the morning. Also, Taste Porto is basically a Porto food AND wine tour, so be ready to drink (but it’s not mandatory!).
• DO NOT EAT BEFORE THE TOUR!!!! Like within two hours of the tour. You are going to eat so much and so many different flavors. You want to be able to experience it all!!!! Definitely come with an empty stomach.
• Dietary Restrictions: Taste Porto will accommodate all of your food and dietary restrictions, as they did for me (since I don’t eat shellfish or pork), just make sure you tell them far before the tour. They had special meals waiting for me and it was perfect. Don’t not go on this tour just because you can’t eat some of the foods because they will accommodate you!
• My one and ONLY negative of the Taste Porto food tour was that it was all 50+ year olds. Honestly not a big deal at all, but as a 27 year old, it would have been nice to have someone younger to converse with similarly! My tour guide, Maria, was about my age so I talked to her most of the time. I did love that everyone was from different countries (we had some Aussies and Canadians on our tour), I just wish they were a little closer to my age!
• Maria was an amazing tour guide so if you have any possibility of requesting a tour guide or can switch tours to be with her – go!!! She is so knowledgable and insanely passionate about the Porto food scene and will also give you recommendations on nightlife, things to do, day trips and more after your tour.

FULL PORTO FOOD TOUR WITH TASTE PORTO

Our tour began at a meeting spot smack in the center of the city, which was perfect because I got to hit some of the spots I wanted to see in Porto on the way to the tour. In addition, we walked by a ton of the main things to see in Porto while on the tour so it was like a double tour in one 🙂

Taste Porto Food Tour Stop #1: Loja Dos Pastéis de Chaves

Our first stop is known for their amazing sweet and savory pastries. These come from the city of Chaves in Northern Portugal (hence the name) and are different than your average pastry. We tried some meat pastries, and while I’m used to sweet pastries, these were amazing! They were so flaky and light that it was the perfect intro snack into this tour.

Taste Porto Food Tour Stop #2: Bolhao Market

Our second tour brought us to the *temporary* famous Mercado do Bolhāo in Porto (also know as Bolhao Market Porto and the main food market in Porto). They are currently re-doing the original and will be open in 2019, hopefully. It was unfortunate we couldn’t see the real market, as it is supposed to be a true Porto experience, but they set up the temporary market to look like it, but it just doesn’t have the same feel. It still displays how much the Portuguese workers love what they do and the produce they are selling. Each of the stand owners have their own story and their produce has been in their family for generations.

We went to Store #9: Bolhao Wine House and had traditional Portuguese sardines with Moscatel do Douro wine and then a sweet treat made by the Grandma of the stand. This was my first time trying sardines and I was so nervous but they were SO good and now I am obsessed with sardines. The wine was INSANELY sweet, almost too sweet to drink. I think this was my favorite stop on the tour as I love visiting local markets in every city.

Related Post: Douro Valley Tour From Porto Guide

Taste Porto Food Tour Stop #3: Flor Dos Congregados

The third stop was to a fancy Porto restaurant that actually looked like a hole in the wall. It only opened for us and they don’t accept reservations at night time. There are maybe 6 tables in the whole restaurant but fills up with lines out the door. This restaurant is family owned and one of the best known secrets in Porto. I loved the vibes inside with the underground walls. While I couldn’t have their famous pork loin or cured ham sandwich like the rest of the group, I can attest for the veggie soup I had as well as the sparkling Portuguese wine! The other guests said it was some of the best pork they ever had so I can confidently say this was THEIR favorite stop on the tour. It was my favorite for restaurant vibes.

Taste Porto Food Tour Stop #4: Café Guarany

Cafe Guarany was my least favorite stop on this tour. Not because it wasn’t a beautiful, old cafe that served amazing coffee (it did), it just wasn’t food and I really wanted to enjoy six food options. However, the coffee was amazing and Cafe Guarany is one of the oldest cafes in the city and most well-known for serving some of the best coffee in all of Porto, or as they call it, cimbalino.

Related Post: Food In Tel Aviv Israel Guide

Taste Porto Food Tour Stop #5: Leitaria da Quinta do Paco

The fifth stop on the Porto food tour was at Leitaria da Quinta do Paco and was my FAVORITE food of the tour! This spot is known for their delicious éclairs that were really out of this world. I have never had such fluffy, light amazing desserts and I don’t even like cream or frosting. These were so good and the whipped cream on top was 100% necessary. Definitely add this place to your list if you don’t make it on a tour.

Related Post: Portugal Travel Guide

Taste Porto Food Tour Stop #6: All In Porto

Our last stop was the most fun, I’ll admit, and was full of wines, cheeses and meats. Since I couldn’t eat the meats they also gave me Mackerel which was also delicious! They went into detail about which cheese, jam and wine to pair together and the combinations were amazing! I love cheese especially with homemade wine and I loved tasting these Portuguese pairings. All of the meats, cheeses and wines at All In Porto are from different producers around Portugal.

Find out more about all of these Porto food spots by clicking their names!

Final notes on Taste Porto Food Tour: Highly recommend! The tour was completely organized and provided a deep look into the special cuisines of Porto, not just what you see in the tourist spots. They took us to real, local spots so you can get the true traditional Porto food experience. I would recommend Taste Porto to anyone visiting Porto Portugal! You can book your tour right here!

*Thanks to Taste Porto for inviting me on their Downtown tour to learn about all that the Porto food scene has to offer and making this blog post possible! While I did receive this tour as a gift, my review and experience with Taste Porto is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Other Porto Travel Tips

How To Get To Porto

Porto is the next biggest city to Lisbon and Porto and they have plenty of international flights (though not as many as Lisbon). You can fly direct from NYC and to many other cities around Europe. You can also take a quick 2.5 hour train from Lisbon to get here. I was in Lisbon first so I took the train there and then flew directly back to NYC from Porto. The train was insanely easy, clean and honestly a pleasure to take and travel through the Portugal countryside. You can book your train tickets here: Portugal Train Tickets. I went from Lisbon Santa Apolónia station to Porto Campanhã station, so that it was a direct train with no transfers. Book online ahead of time to get a cheaper price than booking at the station. The train only cost 25 euros. For the airport, the Porto International Airport is only a 15 minute drive from the center of Porto. You can learn more about visiting Portugal and getting around the country in my Portugal country travel guide here.

Related Post: Tel Aviv Local Travel Guide

Where To Stay in Porto Portugal

There are a TON of hostels and hotels in Porto for any budget – take your pick! I LOVED the area I stayed in and I definitely recommend staying right near Livraria Lello, it’s the best nightlife area and right in the center of the city so it is walking distance to every single imaginable spot that is on your list of things to do in Porto! You will not need Ubers at all if you stay in this area. 

Search Porto hotels on Booking.com by clicking here or searching below. Find more hotel reviews on TripAdvisor here!

AIRBNB Porto: Many people also choose to stay in Airbnb in Porto because it is insanely affordable! I personally chose the hotel route for safety precautions since I was solo, but I would definitely recommend Airbnb if I were with friends! They’re definitely cheaper than the hotels around the city. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

Porto Travel Tips

• PACKING FOR PORTO: Porto’s weather is beyond amazing. I went in the beginning of September and it was a nice high 70s. It was very sunny so don’t forget sunscreen. For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 
• UBER: Uber is insanely cheap in Portugal around the entire country. I’m still not over it. Sure, I come from NYC with astronomical prices, but I have used Uber in plenty of countries and nothing compares to the prices in Portugal. You could go on a 20 minute drive and it would be 2 euros. It’s insane. Take Uber in Portugal!

Like this food tour Porto guide? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Don’t you want to do a food tour in Porto now!? Let me know in the comments! Looking for what to expect before visiting Portugal? Check out my Visit Portugal Travel Blog guide for more tips and my Douro Valley from Porto Tour guide here.

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post PORTUGAL: PORTO FOOD TOUR WITH TASTE PORTO appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This 3 days in Mykonos guide post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

3 Days In Mykonos Travel Tips

• For all of my Greece travel tips, head to my Greece Travel Guide!
• NOTE: Most of the restaurants, beaches and clubs in Mykonos are only open during the summer/shoulder months as it primarily shuts down in the winter.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

MYKONOS PACKING: For all of my fave travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here! It’s suuuper hot in the summer (when you will likely be visiting) don’t forget your sunscreen (my fave travel one here) and your water bottle (my fave here)! I also newly swear by this portable fan (and charger/flashlight!) that I can’t believe I traveled to summer destinations without for so long. Also if you are planning on hitting the day parties/nightlife here get your most trendy outfits + heels together (lots linked on my amazon page)!

How To Get To Mykonos

• My first visit I took the ferry from Athens to Mykonos which was super easy and quick and honestly quite beautiful. We took it from the Rafina port, which has more time options than Pireus. The ferry was about 2 hours with assigned seating, like an airplane. It was a really interesting experience as well as affordable (around $60). You can book your ferries here.
• My second trip we flew directly to Mykonos from Tel Aviv. There are TONS of flights daily from Athens and many other European cities in the summer and this is great option if you are coming from far away and don’t want to spend hours on a ferry!

Mykonos Itinerary: Everything to do in Mykonos Greece

Explore Chora town

Spend a full day in Chora (the main town) and get lost in the alleys is one of the best things to do in your Mykonos itinerary. The whole town is tiny but you can easily get lost roaming these streets, eating amazing food, marveling at the all-white buildings and blue accents and shopping in the stores. The shopping is incredible. The cutest boutiques you will ever see with honestly the nicest people! I did a lot of shopping damage on my most recent 3 days in Mykonos trip in 2022 and I love everything I bought! I suggest spending your morning and early afternoon doing this and eating plenty of good meals (eat gyro at Jimmy’s Gyro!!!) and ice cream in between!

Related Post: Greece Travel Guide

Mykonos Windmills

One stop you must make on your Mykonos itinerary is on the top of Chora at the windmills – it’s an amazing site. Four windmills line the hill and you can look over the water and edge of Chora and Little Venice together. This is the most famous view of Mykonos. Sunset views here are also amazing.

Mykonos Town Sunsets

When the afternoon starts to come to an end, head to the Little Venice area (part of the town on the border of the water) or to the other side of Mykonos town overlooking the sunset as well where the restaurants and beach are. These area consists of tons of bars that overlook the sunset. It is the most stunning view…and the cocktails are amazing, but they will cost you. There are a myriad of bars to choose from, and I suggest picking wherever you can get a seat legitimately on the water.  We sat at Scarpa and the drinks were amazing. Galleraki is another great option right next door and Kavos is an amazing restaurant for dinner. The sunset is absolutely perfect.

Related Post: Athens Travel Guide

Rent ATVs Scooters

Rent them for a day and ride around the island stopping at different areas like the locals do. There are many gorgeous beaches on the island that you can travel to on them. You can rent one from any beach or area in town.

Beaches: Best Mykonos Beaches To Visit

If you are staying in town and not on a beach, I highly suggest going to check out and lay at one of the famous beaches in Mykonos. Some gorgeous ones are: Paradise Beach (a party one, but gorgeous), Psarou (trendy, famous celebrity-heavy beach), Platis Gialos (close to town) and Paraga (one of most popular and crowded). You will find paradise at any of the Mykonos beaches.

Delos Island: Best Mykonos Day Trip

While I didn’t have time for this, I heard this day activity was amazing if you have more time in Mykonos. You can take a short ferry trip (30 minutes) to Delos Island which is known for its awesome archaeological ruins.

 Click on any of the Mykonos activities above to get more information!

Related Post: Santorini Travel Guide

Where To Party In Mykonos: Best Mykonos Clubs (Day & Night!)

Ok so this is probably what you have been waiting for in this guide anyway but many people that come to Mykonos to party. Daytime parties nighttime parties until the morning, bar hopping, restaurants with breaking plates…. Mykonos party scene has it all.

• Mykonos nightclubs: Mykonos is the elite party scene in Europe. No question. Generally the party area is on Paradise Beach. This is where the two biggest clubs are on the island for the nighttime, both making the top 20 in the world, Cavo Paradiso and Paradise Club. They alternate nights so not to worry, you can go to both. These clubs hold the top DJs in the world, so they do not disappoint. Do not worry, all of the bars in Chora town are also a huge party every night of the week so you can go out in town in a much more toned down bar instead of a huge club – highly recommend Caprice Club – the back opens onto the water and it’s amazing.
• Mykonos day clubs: There are a few famous beach day parties in Mykonos. And by a few I mean a lot. Nammos, Alemagou, Sant Anna, Tropicana Beach Club, and, of course, the absolute best, Scorpios. Scorpios on a Sunday late afternoon into night is an absolute necessity. Make a reservation well in advance. I prefer the Sunset Beach area for reservation, around 6PM. It is stunning and massive and everything you want in a sunset club. All of these beach clubs you can also just eat lunch/dinner at so they are perfect for any type of person. 

Where To Eat In Mykonos: Best Restaurants in Mykonos

We went to amazing places for dinners as well as sunset drinks (mentioned above)! Greek food is amazing. You must, must, must make reservations at all of these places beforehand (as far in advance as possible in peak months!)

• Sea Satin: If you want a party at dinner, this is your spot. Come here any night of the week and what will start as a chill, good dinner will slowly turn into a party into the late hours with everyone dancing on the chairs. Highly recommended. One of my favorite nights in my 3 days in Mykonos itinerary.
• Interni
• Spilia
• Jimmy’s Gyros: casual take out, but hits the spot. Best gyros in Mykonos town in my opinion.
• Hippie Fish: Amazing restaurant with the great food, wine and the best views over Turquoise waters.
• Nikos Taverna: Traditional Greek food, definitely recommended.
• M-Eating: Another option for great traditional Greek food.
• Raya: Cute little restaurant overlooking the old port in Chora. Good breakfast food!
• Nobu Matsuhisa: If you are feeling fancy. In the Belvedere Hotel.
• Kavos Taverna: Great Greek restaurant overlooking Mykonos town and the sunset. Not a party vibe, good for one of the chill nights.
• Nammos: This restaurant is on one of the beaches, Psarou. It is one of the most famous (and nicest) restaurants and beaches in Mykonos. Go here for lunch. This is the beach all of the famous celebrities tend to go to.

Click on any of the restaurants above to learn more and book reservations!

Related Post: Paphos, Cyprus Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Mykonos

• On my first visit, we stayed in Paradise Beach, where the late-night (and daytime!) beach partying happens. There is a bus that goes straight into Chora and leaves every 30 minutes right from the hotel and only takes 15-20 minutes to get there, it was so convenient. The hotel was Tropicana Hotel and it was absolutely perfect for what we were looking for (2 people only) with stunning views and a balcony. While many other people would say to stay in the middle of town, I say otherwise if you are there to party. We much preferred to take a bus to and from town during the day as opposed to 2 AM from the club and back into town.
• On my second and third visits, we were a group of friends both times and we rented villas about 15 minutes from town and 15 minutes from most of the beach clubs and it was the perfect house and location. If you rent a villa or stay outside of town, you must must MUST hire a driver company, which you can easily find by googling. They were ready for us on demand whenever we wanted, multiple times a day and at any time a night. In our 3 days in Mykonos we did 17 rides total! It was so convenient and I promise you do not want to see the lines of busses and people calling taxis at 6 AM in the morning after the clubs when you just want to get to sleep. There are also minimal taxis on the island so this is a must.
• If you are visiting Mykonos for the town only and not the clubs, then there are plenty of good hostels and small hotels located right in the middle of the town, check out some Mykonos town hotel options here!

Book Tropicana Hotel Mykonos here or book other Mykonos town hotel options here!

• Check out some more of the top things to do in Mykonos here!

Like this 3 days in Mykonos travel guide? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Did I miss something in a 3 days in Mykonos itinerary that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! Don’t forget to check out my full Greece travel guide here! Looking for more Greek city travel guides? If you are visiting Athens head here and if you are visiting Santorini head here.

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post 3 DAYS IN MYKONOS ITINERARY: WHAT TO DO IN MYKONOS GREECE appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This South Israel, Negev Desert and Eilat travel guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Should I Visit the South of Israel On My Israel Trip And For How Long?

YES! If you are traveling to Israel on a long holiday with a few days in each area, I highly recommend not skipping Israel’s desert region. I highly encourage both – they are both amazing and totally different! It is such a special and distinct area of Israel – fun facts about the Negev Desert: Israel is comprised of 55% desert, and that’s mostly the Negev! If you like adventure, I suggest AT LEAST TWO NIGHTS, THREE DAYS visiting the Negev Desert. If you are doing that as a stop on the way more South to Eilat (and Jordan/Sinai) you need to add THREE NIGHTS IN EILAT. The Gaza Border/West Negev area can be added on stops as well, but they can also be day trips from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem! The Negev Desert must be a part of your Israel holiday trip!

Must-Know Southern Israel Travel Tips

• For all of my Israel travel tips and what to expect when visiting Israel including renting a car, visas, safety in Israel and more, head to my detailed Israel Country Guide.
• Names!?: Negev, South Israel, Mitzpe Ramon, Makhtesh Ramon… lots of names regarding the Israel’s Southern region! All of these will be used throughout the article:
  • South of Israel here is referred to as the entire area SOUTH of Jerusalem within Israel above and including Eilat (the Southern tip city on the Red Sea).
  • The Negev Desert is the massive desert region within Southern Israel. The Negev makes up 55% of Israel’s entire land! It’s main city is Be’er Sheva which you likely will not visit except to stop in for gas or a bathroom break on your road trip.
  • ***Mitzpe Ramon (or Mizpe Ramon) is a tiny city in the Negev that is home to the WORLD’S largest crater: Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater). It is in the center of the Negev, which is where the hotel I recommend below is.***
  • This guide will also have tips on what to do in the Western area of the Negev Desert (near the Gaza Border) as well as Eilat region.
• Renting A Car In Israel: I write extensively how to rent a car in Israel and why you should in this article: Israel Travel Guide. I highly suggest renting from Eldan. Getting around Israel is easiest by car, not public transport!
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

When To Visit The Negev Desert/Packing for the Israel’s South: Visiting the Negev is great in ANY season. I have been in the dead of summer and the dead of winter. In the summer it is EXTRA HOT and humid and dry. Bring lots and lots and lots of water. A Swell bottle to keep cold water is a MUST especially for hiking the Ramon Crater (buy one here)! In the winter it is pretty mild around but may be windy and at night it gets pretty cold- so bring layers! For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

How To Get To South Israel & The Negev Desert

DRIVE ON YOUR OWN! Have I mentioned this enough?! Driving in Israel and driving to the Negev is the easiest and quite frankly the only way to get to the Negev Desert. Getting around Israel is by far easiest by car. Yes you can take public transportation but it will involve transferring at least 2x whether you are coming from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. You also can hire a car service but it’s insanely expensive. If you do have a tour guide for your entire trip to Israel then it will be easy to get here but for cost efficiency and overall ease, rent a car! Ben Gurion Airport, Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon are all only a 2.5 hour drive so it’s really not bad! The drive is also BEAUTIFUL. As you drive out of the massive cities you see how the terrain changes so drastically, you pass through lots of greenery and then through Be’er Sheva (a big city) and then brown sand and desert views. It’s really a peaceful drive on one main highway that goes from North to South Israel (Road 40). Make sure to read my tips for driving in Israel and traveling around Israel and how to rent a car in Israel with Eldan before going!

Where To Stay In The Negev: Beresheet Hotel Israel

When planning an overnight trip to the Negev you want to base yourself at a hotel in Mitzpe Ramon. Mitzpe Ramon is a small city in the middle of the desert and a 2.5 hour drive from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. All of these hotels and hostels in Mitzpe Ramon offer a ton of different excursions where you can book all the different activities of what to do in the Negev. Mizpe Ramon is the most popular spot to stay because it is the town that overlooks Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) with stunning views and excursions at your fingertips.

There are a ton of hostels (search here for Mitzpe Ramon hostels) and smaller Ramon Crater hotels to stay at. However, Israel’s Beresheet Hotel looking over the crater steals the show. You have likely seen pictures of this hotel with its beautiful turquoise blue infinity pool. This is THE HOTEL in Israel. If there is one place to splurge on your full Israel trip, it is at this hotel. Beresheet Hotel exemplifies luxury, nature and perfection altogether. The hotel was built into the edge of the crater so the views could not be any better, the hotel blends right in with the terrain and there are ibex roaming around the property. There are different levels of rooms with different budgets to fit every size group and cost. No matter what room you choose they all maintain the luxury of the hotel. We stayed in the ‘cheapest’ and it was still phenomenal. The main infinity pool AS WELL as their indoor pool for those few colder days are the heart of the hotel. They even built the indoor pool overlooking the crater so it didn’t lose the allure of the infinity.

Besides the room and keep of the hotel, there are a number of other factors that make Beresheet the top hotel in Israel.

• THE FOOD. They have one main dining room that is kosher (meat) and then a restaurant in the lobby bar next door. We ate at the dining room and had steak and it was delicious and worth the price of the meal which includes a massive appetizer buffet (which literally was enough food to be dinner), one main course and a dessert. The brunch buffet, which is included in the hotel room price, was probably one of the best hotel brunches I have had. Ever.
• THE SPA. I had one of the best massages ever at the Beresheet Hotel. If you have time to relax, I highly recommend one.
• An every season hotel. We went in February (one of the coldest months in Israel) and the weather was not in our favor. It was pretty cold and windy and raining half the time. It was still amazing and SO worth it. While we wish we could have gone in the outdoor pool at Beresheet Hotel – that’s what the indoor one is for!

Overall, if you couldn’t tell, I HIGHLY recommend Beresheet Hotel Israel (book here). You can’t go wrong here. It’s by far the best hotel in Mitzpe Ramon and likely the best hotel in Israel itself. Whether it’s one night (we only did one) or three, you will not want to leave. It’s also the perfect stop on the way to Eilat. They have everything you could need in a luxury hotel in the desert you won’t even want to leave to go on your excursions (but trust me, they’re worth it).

Book Israel’s Beresheet Hotel here (and trust me, it sells out, fast)! Alternatively, search here for cheaper hotels and hostels in Mitzpe Ramon by clicking here.

Related Post: Israel Country Travel Guide

WHAT TO DO IN MITZPE RAMON & THE NEGEV DESERT

Sde Boker & Ben Gurion Grave

Once you make your way into the Negev Desert Israel from the cities towards Mizpe Ramon, your first stop is right on Route 40 – Sde Boker and Ben Gurion’s Grave.

You know the name Ben Gurion because of Tel Aviv’s main airport. David Ben Gurion was the first prime minister of Israel so he is a very important figure in Israeli history. Sde Boker is a Kibbutz within the Negev and where Ben Gurion retired. The house has turned into a museum so you can learn about Ben Gurion and his legacy in Israel and walk around the premises. A few meters away is the Ben Gurion Memorial and Ben Gurion’s tomb, which is the main attraction here and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. Honestly what steals the show here is the view from the Memorial overlooking the Zin Valley (more on that later). I highly recommend visiting Ben Gurion’s Grave (it’s free!) as a stop on your Israel road trip South.

Sandboarding in the Negev Desert

One of the cooler activities I have done in my lifetime. I first heard that you could sandboard in the Negev in 2020 and it felt like the perfect COVID activity day trip from Tel Aviv and it was! It’s RIGHT next to Sde Boker, legit a 5-minute drive so it is the PERFECT activity to do on your South Israel trip. It is also geared toward kids (even though we were 3 29-year-olds that went) so it is PERFECT for the entire family. I highly, highly recommend this sandboarding activity and booking this excursion. It’s so much fun, inclusive, and such a unique travel experience. The sand is SO soft here (I fell plenty) – this is the only place in all of Israel’s desert that it is soft enough to sandboard. It also takes place around sunset due to the weather, so you get to see an amazing sunset over the sand dunes. You can book the Sandboarding trip here.

Book the Sandboarding trip here! Read reviews on TripAdvisor here – you’ll see why this activity is so amazing.

Kornmehl Farm

When you or your kids are starving after a 2 hour drive from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon, or as a break on the drive to Eilat, Kornmehl Farm is your spot for lunch. This might be one of the best meals I have ever had in Israel and I do not say that lightly. This is a small goat farm on the side of the highway with a tiny outdoor restaurant with amazing views overlooking the Negev. Every dish on the menu at Kornmehl Farm has goat cheese in it and they are all AMAZING. By far, the goat cheese Knaffeh is an absolute must. But the salads, pizzas, sandwiches and more desserts are all amazing too. Highly recommend stopping here on the way to or from your Negev Israel travel trip or on the way to visiting Eilat!

After Sde Boker, it is only about another 20 minute drive until you are in the town of Mitzpe Ramon. Check into your hotel and get ready for the excursions! You definitely should pre-book excursions from your hotel or book a separate tour before arriving no matter what hotel you are staying at as they fill up especially in the summer months! The below are my favorite and most recommended Negev desert tours and adventures in Israel to take.

Jeep Tour In Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon)

One of (if not THE) most popular things to do in Mitzpe Ramon is take a Jeep Tour in Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon jeep tours are the BEST (and most efficient) way to go deep into the crater and learn about how the crater was formed, see the different layers of the crater, some wildlife if you’re lucky and really feel how vast the crater is. I HIGHLY recommend booking a Jeep Tour with Adam Sela. His tours are by far the most well-known in the area and have the best tour guides. I did their “Ramon Machtesh in a Nutshell” which was perfect for my 2 day Negev trip but am confident that their other longer tours are amazing. Next time I am definitely doing their Tzin Valley tour since it’s one of my favorite areas in Israel (more on that below). Adam Sela tours are totally private and you get a jeep fully to yourself and your guide. You can really tell how passionate these guides are about their land, which is my favorite part. Even during my Mitzpe Ramon tour, which was one of only seven days it rains in the area (my luck), it was still amazing and our tour guide made the best of it. They also have rappelling trips in the Ramon Crater which is a super popular activity for the adventurous ones! Highly recommend booking Mitzpe Ramon tours of the Negev desert areas with Adam Sela here.

Book a Mitzpe Ramon Jeep Tour here!

*Thanks to Adam for helping set up my private Ramon Crater jeep tour and customizing it to my desire and the weather in order to make this blog post possible! While I did receive this tour as a gift, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Tel Aviv Insider Travel Guide

Ride A Camel / Experience Bedouin Culture

One of the most popular photos you see of people traveling around Israel is riding camels in the desert! This is a must-do one time experience in Israel and the Negev Desert is the spot to do it. All of the hotels offer this experience! Many of the Negev camel tours combine with visiting a group of Bedouin people and lunch. Bedouins are the indigenous people to the desert and make all their food and live in tents in the desert. They are BEYOND friendly and just truly want you to experience their culture within Israel (they are also in many other desert locations around the world) and enjoy their special cuisine and camels. I have now done a Bedouin experience four different times in Israel (three of which in the Negev Desert, once in the North). The most recent was only a ten minute drive from Beresheet and we sat in their tent while listening to their stories while they gave us tea and a meal (the food was SO good, especially the cheese). After lunch they took us on a private camel ride along the edge of the Ramon Crater and the views were INSANE. The day was so windy and cold walking around on the camels but the views were totally worth it. I highly recommend visiting a Bedouin community in Israel and riding camels in the Israel desert. You can book this camel Negev desert tour with your hotel!

Hike Mitzpe Ramon

Another option to seeing Mizpe Ramon besides a Jeep Tour is to hike Mizpe Ramon! There are SO many different hike trails you can take ranging from an easy hour to half a day to a full day! Ask your hotel for hike paths and you’ll be on your way. I have done a few different Mitzpe Ramon hikes over the years (around the perimeter as well as within) and they are all different and breathtaking. The Makhtesh is MASSIVE! Of course you can also book a guided Mizpe Ramon hike through your hotel or book a hike inside Mitzpe Ramon here!

Zin Valley & Ein Avdat National Park

The Zin Valley is another area of the Negev Desert that is an absolute MUST-VISIT on your trip in Israel’s desert. Ein Avdat National Park is within the Zin Valley and is one of the most serene and beautiful places….especially after hiking to get there! The Zin Valley is the view you are overlooking from Ben Gurion’s grave as mentioned above and is by far the best view overlooking the valley. The best way to explore the Zin Valley and Ein Avdat is the same as Mizpe Ramon – hike or take a jeep tour! I personally did the Ein Avdat hike and I think it was my most memorable hike I have EVER taken in Israel (and I have taken 20+!). The area is so quiet and peaceful and when you finally make it to Ein Avdat (the Avdat Spring) you are blown away with the springs as well as the panoramas you get of the valley! If you want to hike yourself, there is an entrance into the valley from Ben Gurion’s grave or one a few more miles down. Otherwise I recommend booking a tour guide from your hotel to explore! Do not miss the Zin Valley and Ein Avdat in the Negev tours in South of Israel on your next Israel trip!

Stargaze Mitzpe Ramon

Being in the middle of a desert surrounded by barely any cities and urban areas means little to no light pollution at night which means CLEAR SKIES! The Negev Desert is the best place to stargaze in Israel due to its perfectly clear skies every night. You can book a full stargazing tour here or through the Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center…or you can just step outside of your hotel and look up! It’s truly breathtaking. Don’t forget a sweatshirt – it’s cold in the desert at night!

Book a Negev Stargazing tour in advance here!

Naot Farm

True story, I am obsessed with goat cheese. I eat it straight out of the packaging with nothing else. So when I learned how many goat farms there are in the Negev and in Israel itself and you can hang with the goats AND taste goat cheese, I was in. I have been to a few different goat farms (like Kornmehl above, but that is more of a restaurant and see the goats) but Naot Farm I think was my favorite for the goats! It’s a great farm where you can hear the story of the owners of the farm, play with the goats, and of course taste the cheese in the tasting room!

Click on any of the destination stop names above to learn more!

Don’t forget to book Beresheet Hotel here, book your Mitzpe Ramon Jeep Tour here, book Stargazing tour here, and book Sandboarding Tour here.

WHERE TO VISIT IN THE WEST NEGEV (all are day trips from Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, too!)

Like I said, the Negev and South Israel is the biggest area of Israel! There are so many other places to explore around South Israel that I would recommend if you spend way more time down in South Israel and are making your way to Eilat. The West Negev is closer to Tel Aviv if you drive along the coast and these could easily be day trips as well!

Sderot & The Path To Peace Project (Gaza Border)

Sderot Israel is a city on the northwestern side of the Negev Desert (ie. near the coast ie. on the border of Gaza) there are also a ton of different kibbutzim and areas to visit that are worth your time on a visit to the South of Israel and are totally contrasting the desert areas and other cities of life in Israel. Sderot is a beautiful city with around 25k locals and is mostly well-known because it is the closest Israeli city to Gaza (1 KM). When in Sderot, you have FIFTEEN seconds to find a shelter when a rocket siren goes off. That’s it. I recommend visiting Sderot as a tourist because it shows the TRUE LIFE of what living on the Gaza Border is like. You can tour a school playground that consists of shelters, the Sderot Media Museum which explains life on the border and shows rocket remains areas that have been hit, and more.

The Path To Peace project is a joint mosaic along the Gaza Border in the Moshav of Netiv HaAsara. It’s FOR SURE worth a visit to see the mosaic on the border in order to help understand the reality of life.

There are a ton of Gaza Border day tours from Tel Aviv that focus on the conflict that visit both Sderot and the Path To Peace project that leave from Tel Aviv. HIGHLY recommend taking one if you are not visiting on your own from the Negev. These tours are so important to see the reality of conflict life on the Gaza Border on both sides.

Book this Gaza Border Conflict tour from Tel Aviv here!

The Salad Trail

The Salad Trail is another must-visit tour in South Israel for everyone who likes food! The Salad Trail is a tour on a beautiful farm located on a Kibbutz in the North West area of the Negev and is by far the best way to learn all of the AMAZING produce that comes from Israel! You can take a 3 hour tour of the farm to learn (and taste!!) the different foods (like 15 types of tomatoes!?) that come from the land of Israel. It’s also beautiful! You must book a tour in advance. This is also a great activity when visiting Israel with kids! You also could do this as a day trip from Tel Aviv it’s only a 1.5 hour drive!

Related Post: Tel Aviv Food Guide

The Israel Air Force Museum

Another must in the Western Negev area where you can learn everything you could ever imagine about the Israel Air Force is at the Hatzerim Base where they have the main Israel Air Force Museum and you can tour the airbase and their aircraft!

WHAT TO DO IN EILAT REGION

Another 1.5-2 hour south drive of Mitzpe Ramon is the Eilat region. You need at least another minimum 3 days to visit Eilat, which is located on the Red Sea in the most Southern tip of Israel. Eilat is known for its diving in the Red Sea, proximity to Timna Park (a massive National Park in the Arava Desert in Israel and is known for its geological attractions) and its proximity to both Jordan and Egypt! Eilat is a beautiful (mostly tourist) town with tons of big hotels right on the beach.

Hidden Lake Eilat

On your drive down to Eilat, you MUST MUST MUST stop at the Hidden Lake Eilat. This is right on the outskirts of Timna Park and a 5-minute drive from the Eilat entrance and right on the highway. It’s an abandoned hidden lake (hence the name) and is SO vast and stunning and totally outdoes the pictures of it. I was blown away. It’s a must (free entrance, drive right up to it).

Eilat!

Eilat is known as the beach town in the South which has likely the best weather in Israel year-round. It sits on the tip bottom of Israel and is surrounded by Jordan and Egypt, both of which are literally right next door (if there were no borders, driving would take less than 30 minutes to get to each country!). On a good day, you can also see the mountains of Saudi Arabia. The sunrises in Eilat are simply stunning as they come over the Jordanian mountains. Eilat is mostly known for its coral reef – the only one in all of Israel, so a ton of people visit Eilat to dive! There is so much to do in Eilat Israel, even as simply as walking along the boardwalk. You can also fly to Eilat from Tel Aviv in 30 minutes if you don’t want to road trip! Either way if you have extra time and want to see a totally different Middle Eastern region I suggest visiting Eilat Israel!

Things To Do In Eilat

• Coral Beach Nature Reserve Eilat: The only Coral Reef in all of Israel! This is THE spot to snorkeling (can rent there or buy on-site) free-range or can take a tour, and this is also the place to take diving classes! I highly recommend doing this – the only place to do it in the country. Book an Introductory Guided Diving tour here! Book a guided Snorkeling tour here!
• Dolphin Reef Eilat: This is definitely a highlight of the things to do in Eilat Israel. If you’re going with kids (or not) and want to swim with dolphins – the Eilat Dolphin Reef is the place to go! They work with their dolphins a lot and no harm is done to swimming with the dolphins. You also do NOT have to book a tour/excursion – you can come here and pay just the entrance fee and see the dolphins from the beach!
• Underwater Observatory: If you love sea life but don’t want to go in the water, you can’t miss the Eilat Underwater Observatory. Great kids activity too.
• Timna Park: A massive National Park surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains with so many different hikes and viewpoints that are good for all ages. Timna Park is a vast part of Israel in the Arava Desert (another big Israeli desert region) and you can’t miss it when driving – it’s only a ten minute drive from the center of Eilat! You can either take your car and do hikes/drive around yourself and tour it, or book a guided tour! Book a Timna Park guided tour here.
• Red Canyon Hike: One of the COOLEST hikes in Israel and an absolute must-do. Looks just like the hike in Utah with the red canyons. It’s stunning. You can go and do the hike on your own (totally able for kids and not difficult at all) or can do a guided tour. Book a guided Red Canyon tour here.

Where To Eat In Eilat Restaurants

• Pastory
• Pago Pago
• Ginger
• Barbi’s
• Olla

Visit Petra, Jordan or Sinai, Egypt from Eilat

Eilat is also the perfect base to visit either Petra, Jordan (book a day tour from Eilat to Petra here) or Sinai, Egypt (I suggest staying over in Sinai in a nice hotel that are like $50 per night! or can book a day tour to Sinai here) since the borders are right on Eilat! HIGHLY recommend both and you MUST book a tour in advance for both locations. You can read more about what to expect in Jordan here.

Book a diving tour in Eilat here, a full day trip to Petra here or book a full day trip to Sinai here!

Click on any of the destination stop names above to learn more!

Where To Stay in Eilat

A lot of big name hotels have been popping up in Eilat too recently, like the Shangri-La. I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the center or if you are going to Eilat with a big group to get an Airbnb – my last trip there we were 16 people and we stayed at one of the most amazing Airbnbs with amazing views and sunrises – and a 2 minute drive to the boardwalk.

Eilat Hotels

• Royal Shangri-La Eilat: New in Eilat and a huge luxury hotel chain across Asia. Book the Shangri-La Eilat here.
• King Solomon Eilat: More mid-range hotel right on the boardwalk. Book the King Solomon Eilat here.
• Royal Beach Eilat: Another luxury level hotel right in the center of Eilat. Can’t go wrong with one of the Isrotel chain resorts like Royal Beach. Book the Royal Beach Eilat here.
• Dan Eilat: Another big luxury Israeli chain hotel highly recommended in all major cities in Israel. Book the Dan Eilat here.
• Queen of Sheba Eilat: one of the older, fanciest luxury hotels in Eilat. Highly recommended and has the best views. Book Queen of Sheba here.

Airbnb Eilat

As mentioned, I HIGHLY recommend getting an Airbnb massive villa when visiting Eilat with a big group. It is the best way, the most cost-efficient and there are amazing villas right in the center. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

Related Post: North Day Trips From Tel Aviv

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Did I miss one of the things to do Eilat, Mitzpe Ramon, the Negev Desert, or South Israel? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! See my general Israel Travel Guide to know what to expect when visiting Israel, my North Israel Day Trips From Tel Aviv, or my Tel Aviv travel guide here!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 35+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post WHAT TO DO IN EILAT, THE NEGEV DESERT, MIZPE RAMON & MORE IN THE SOUTH OF ISRAEL appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This brunch Flatiron NYC guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

New York City Travel Tips

• Click here to head to my USA travel guide to know what to expect before visiting America and New York City!
• PACKING FOR NEW YORK CITY: New York has all four seasons so make sure you pack for when your trip is! The winters get quite cold and the summer months are humid and sticky. Spring is my favorite. For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: When visiting New York City, I highly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know what may happen to your flights, a death/personal emergency in your family, or an accident happening while traveling (think: getting mugged, falling while hiking and spraining your ankle, literally any accident than can happen ANYWHERE!). World Nomads makes it super easy and I never leave for a trip without getting their insurance. Most importantly it’s extremely affordable: get your World Nomads travel insurance before your trip here!

Related Post: USA Travel Guide

BEST BRUNCH FLATIRON NYC RESTAURANTS

Related Post: Food Guide To Tel Aviv Israel

Follia

• Follia is one of those places you walk by a million times but never think anything of it. I went to their boozy brunch three weekends in a row once because it is that good. The Follia bottomless brunch deal is solid, especially for the trendy Flatiron area, and the food is always good. One of my top recommendations for bottomless brunch NYC. PS: Get the Bloody Mary. $30 for unlimited drinks and entree.

Upland

• Upland is a super trendy NYC restaurant that serves a good brunch. Obama went here. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it for brunch and dinner. I frequent here (especially with my parents). You must get the mushroom dish. This is probably the fanciest brunch in Flatiron but again, highly recommended.

ABCv

• ABCv is the newest of the ABC family (ABC Kitchen & ABC Cocina) and is their pure vegetarian restaurant. Their brunch menu is no different and packs lots of veggies into creative dishes that are amazing. They also have lots of outdoor sidewalk seating making it a great spot for Flatiron brunch.

Tavern 29

• Tavern 29 is one of my all-time favorite boozy brunches in the summer. The restaurant boasts 3 floors with the top floor being the best of all – a rooftop with plenty of long tables giving you all the drinks and food you need. While the roof doesn’t have good views (since it’s only 3 floors up), the vibes make up for it. Their bottomless brunch deal is good for the city and this is a solid spot to come for boozy brunch in Flatiron during the warm weather. The deal is add $25/per person to the entree you get for unlimited drinks.

Boqueria

• Boqueria has multiple locations around the city, including Flatiron, and is a great tapas spot. Their boozy brunch includes all the usual foods on their menu as well as a churros sundae (which is beyond amazing). It is $39 per person for unlimited drinks and the food. You can also order a la carte if not everyone in your party is drinking.

Click on any of the restaurant’s names above to learn more or make a reservation!

Related Post: Food Tour in Porto Guide

Recommendations for Hotels near Flatiron NYC

There are so many places to stay in New York City it gets overwhelming. If you are looking at this guide for the best brunch near Flatiron, chances are you want to stay at a hotel in Flatiron. Flatiron is right in the middle of Manhattan and has every subway, attraction and restaurant you could possibly need right there. Flatiron would definitely be my recommendation to stay in New York! You can

Book hotels in NYC by clicking here and read reviews for hotels in NYC on TripAdvisor here!

AIRBNB NYC: Obviously there are sooo many apartments in New York and plenty of residents rent out their apartments to Airbnb! There are so many cute apartments in Flatiron you can’t go wrong going this route either. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

Related Post: New Orleans Local Travel Guide

Like this brunch flatiron NYC guide? Pin for later or share with friends!

Did I miss one of your favorite NYC Flatiron brunch spots? Let me know in the comments so I can go there next! Looking for another US city guide? Check out my New Orleans Travel Blog or Charleston Itinerary! Head here if you are looking for my USA country guide. 

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post THE 18 BEST BRUNCH FLATIRON NYC RESTAURANTS TO EAT AT RIGHT NOW appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This traveling to London alone guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Traveling To London Alone Tips

• All the museums in London are free!
• Bring your Student ID if it applies – lots of good student discounts on the tourist spots!
• While traveling to London alone, I recommend using Big Bus Tours London (or any of the Hop on Hop Off companies – but I liked this well-known company) to see all the sights. This makes it easy to get to all the must-sees under a pre-paid 24- or 48-hour ticket. Of course you’ll hit some serious London traffic but you’ll still be overground looking at the amazing city. The Hop on Hop Off is one of the top things to do in London on your own.
• Insurance: When visiting London, I highly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know what may happen to your flights, a death/personal emergency in your family, or an accident happening while traveling (think: getting mugged, falling while hiking and spraining your ankle, literally any accident than can happen ANYWHERE!). World Nomads makes it super easy and I never leave for a trip without getting their insurance. Most importantly it’s extremely affordable: get your World Nomads travel insurance before your trip here!
• Traveling to London with a dog? Check out these dog-friendly London tips here.

LONDON PACKING: For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

How To Get To London

Flying from America is beyond easy and is a quick 5/6 hour flight from New York. I suggest Virgin Atlantic personally, I have flown them many times, including all the way to South Africa, and love the airline, however all major carriers fly direct to London. Head to this detailed guide on how to get from Heathrow Airport to London.

BEST THINGS TO DO ALONE IN LONDON

There is way too much to do in London to squeeze in five days. Solo travel in London is one of the best ways to TRY to see everything as you can visit at your own pace! Below is a list of all of the AMAZING things to see in London by yourself that I couldn’t even get through.

London Bridge

Most famous name (and songs), least famous bridge. London Bridge is cool to see just to say you went there, but Tower Bridge is the famous, gorgeous one.

Tower Bridge

Definitely walk over Tower Bridge, maybe even multiple times. It is a gorgeous, historical, massive bridge with amazing views of the city. I also suggest coming here to watch the sunset if you can work that into your itinerary.

Top of the Shard

One of the newest buildings in London, the Shard provides the best views of London from the highest point – it is twice the highest of any viewing point in London. The building is modern and is a must-go. You also must buy your tickets in advance on their website (you will save 6 euros!) so plan this in advance! You can buy them on their website or through a London tour here: Top of the Shard information. The journey up is also awesome – they made a whole experience on the elevator ride. The picture below shows what the Shard building looks like (can’t miss it!) and the picture at the top of the article is the view from the top!

Related Post: United Kingdom Travel Guide

Borough Market

Most famous food market that is an absolute must when visiting London – preferably more than once. Borough Market is an indoor food market with all the food/drink/snack possibilities you could possibly imagine – it is heaven – and everything tastes amazing. Going to Borough Market is one of the best things to do alone in London because you can spend as much time as you want sampling all the foods!

Tower of London/Crown Jewels

One of the most popular attractions and the lines wind around the city. This is an essential visit, most notably the Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels exhibit is inside the Tower of London and showcases all of the crowns and jewels (duh) of the previous kings and queens dating back far beyond our years.

London Eye

Duh! The most famous attraction probably in Europe. Everyone waits on lines forever to ride the fun ferris wheel to get the best views in London. This is also such an easy and fun thing to do for solo travel in London since you are in a pod with other people! Can’t go to London and not ride the London Eye – but definitely get a fast pass online beforehand so you can skip to the front!

Westminster Abbey/House of Parliament

The famous church in London, and one of the most famous in the world, and an essential to visit if you love gothic churches – it is also gorgeous to marvel at from the outside.

Big Ben

Can’t miss a famous picture of the Big Ben clocktower outside Westminster Abbey in the heart of London.

Buckingham Palace

Where the Royal Family lives! Usually people go just for the changing of the guards (which I suggest) (you can find the timings each day online here), but some seasons they have tours inside the palace. I happened to go during this time (while the family was at their summer house) and I was able to tour the castle and see a special Queen’s fashion exhibit there. Definitely try to get inside Buckingham Palace if a tour is available – it is stunning.

Harrods

The famous department store people travel from all over the world to come to! Everything is very high-end and it is easy to get lost in the massive store and try to buy something! Harrod’s is a definite experience when traveling to London alone – who doesn’t like to shop without the pressure of others?? 🙂 Check out other trendy things to do in London here.

Notting Hill/Portobello Market

An area accessible by the metro in central London and probably my favorite part of London. You could spend hours just walking through Notting Hill and through the Portobello Market and the colorful houses. A standard London experience that you cannot miss.

Regent Street

Regent Street is the main, huge boulevard in London near Piccadilly Circle and is famous for its high-end shopping. Take some time to walk around the Regent Street, Covent Garden and SoHo area.

See a Broadway Show

Broadway is just as huge in London as it is in New York! I recommend going to their theater district and seeing a show there. I saw “Book of Mormon” there and it was incredible. This is also an amazing activity to do on your own in London!

Other Popular Things To Do By Yourself In London

Other places to see in London/attractions that are popular, depending on your tastes, are:

• Walk on Abbey Road & a Rock Music/The Beatles Tour (book here)
• Walk around Covent Garden (my favorite neighborhood)!
• Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park – if you are visiting London by yourself in winter this is a must-do!
• Warner Brothers Studio HARRY POTTER tour (book here)
• The Jack The Ripper Tour (book here)
• Cabinet War Rooms
• 12 Cool Things To Do In Shoreditch

Check out more reasons why London is the best!

Where To Eat In London

Brunch/Lunch in London

• Borough Market – DUH. A must. Do not miss Borough Market in London.
• Flour to the People – trendy and known for their avocado toasts.
• Brickwood Coffee
• Farm Girl Cafe
• St. Clements Cafe

Afternoon Tea in London

You must take advantage of the UK’s favorite pasttime – afternoon tea! It is one of the best things in London to enjoy! Afternoon tea is just another one of the amazing things to do alone in London. While most restaurants offer specials and afternoon tea options, I would suggest making a reservation in advance at one of the fancier places below for a real, pampered experience.

• Sketch
• The Savoy at the Strand
• Claridges
• Harrods

Related Post: Brunch Guide To New York City

Dinner Restaurants in London

• Cecconi’s – very good and near Theater District.
• Holborn Dining Room – get the burrata.
• Bocconcino – good Italian restaurant also near Theater District.
• Franco Manca – Very good pizza in Soho area.
• Bocca Di Lupo – One of the top restaurants in London, very good Italian. Near Piccadilly/Theater district. Highly recommended.
• L’Antico – Very good burrata and pasta, across London bridge.
• Novikov – Famous for pasta inside a parmesan cheese bowl.

London Dessert Spots

• Morelli’s – famous gelato spot in London
• Milk Train Cafe – cotton candy on ice cream – I recommend! (see picture)

Click any of the London restaurant names above to learn more/make reservations!

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Best Day Trips From London

There is SO much to see around Great Britain and I highly suggest taking some of the amazing options of day trips from London. I only had a half day and chose Windsor Castle and it is definitely a must-visit and a super easy London day trip when traveling to London alone. If I had a full day trip option I would have done this combination Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath trip, which you can book by clicking here. This would be the most efficient way to see the most amount of areas from London! There are a bunch of other options here that cater to anyone’s interests, so pick which you would benefit from most!

• Bath & Stonehenge – Bath is 1.5 hour train while Stonehenge is a bit farther from there. World heritage city, architecture, ancient roman baths. Stonehenge is also a famous World Heritage spot. It is the perfect trip (and most popular) to combine together from London! Book this combined Bath & Stonehenge day tour from London here!
• Oxford – 1.5 hour train, pretty college town. Book this Oxford combined day tour from London here!
• Cambridge – 1.5 hour train, university, boat ride down river (punt tours). Book this Cambridge day tour from London here!
• Brighton – <1 hour train, shopping, marina, beach, seaside town, depends on season. Best beach getaway when visiting London in the summer. Book this kid-friendly Brighton Beach day tour from London here!
• Edinburgh Scotland– 1 hour flight into Scotland. Such an easy day trip from London into another country! Don’t want to fly? Try this full-day rail trip to Edinburgh from London here.
• Windsor Castle – 30 minute train ride, one of the best-known London attractions, has exhibition tours and activities in castle. Easiest trip and only need a half day. I was a HUGE fan of visiting Windsor Castle from London and suggest it 100%. Don’t want to go from London on your own? Try this full day Windsor Tour from London including admission into Windsor Castle by clicking here. 

• Kew Palace & Gardens – 20 minutes by train, famous botanical gardens and exhibit, another very easy half day trip from London and probably the most popular London day trip because of how easy it is! You can get your entrance ticket online beforehand to skip the line by clicking here!
• Hitchin – 30 miles away, famous lavender farms.
• Leeds Castle – 1 hour train ride. Picturesque castle and tour, tree-top adventure courses and hot air balloon rides or flower gardens/afternoon tea. Check out this full day Leeds Castle tour from London here.
• Kayaking With Seals day trip!
• Liverpool – probably want a little longer than a day here but check out the 6 things to do in Liverpool!

Also check out this First Timers London guide.

Related Post: Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Where To Stay In London

I stayed with my sister while she was living in London but you can search here for London hotels and I suggest booking quickly as soon as you know your travel dates since it’s a popular city! You can also search reviews for London hotels on TripAdvisor here. If you are traveling with kids, I highly suggest check out this list of the best kid-friendly London hotels.

Search and book London hotels and hostels here!

Like my traveling to London alone post? Pin for later or share with friends!

Did I miss something in my things to do on your own in London? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! Don’t forget to check out my general United Kingdom travel guide here for more tips!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post TRAVELING TO LONDON ALONE TRAVEL GUIDE: THINGS TO DO IN LONDON BY YOURSELF appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This 36 hours in Charleston guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

36 Hours in Charleston Travel Tips

• HOW TO GET TO CHARLESTON SC: We flew JetBlue to Charleston from NYC and it was super easy. All major airlines fly to Charleston within the US Iso it should be fairly straightforward (and cheap!) to get direct flights to Charleston. The flight is around 2 hours from NYC. You can take a quick Uber from the airport to the downtown area for only around $20 USD!
• Travel Insurance: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

PACKING FOR CHARLESTON: Charleston is pretty hot especially during the summer! For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

CHARLESTON ITINERARY: WHAT TO DO IN CHARLESTON

Shopping on King Street

Charleston’s King Street is downtown Charleston’s main shopping street. It is a must-visit on your Charleston weekend itinerary and I definitely recommend walking up and down one or two times. There are so many cute, trendy boutiques for shopping as well as your usual big shopping chains. The street is always busy and very touristy. Lots of the main restaurants (below) are also on King Street, but we liked it more for the boutique stores 🙂

City Market Charleston

City Market is Charleston’s main, most popular market and is over 200 years old. You can find anything from food, drinks, and little southern gifts here. It is always bustling and fun to walk through at anytime during the day. There are over 100 authentic vendors here, and I suggest getting dried Okra chips (which you can only get in Charleston). City Market is a must-do on any Charleston itinerary.

Carriage Ride

Another one of the best things to do in Charleston is horse carriage rides are very popular in the downtown area. Palmetto Carriage Rides is one of the main companies, but any of them are fine. They take you around downtown and it is a fun experience and a great tourist activity for spending a short time in Charleston.

Related Post: New Orleans Blog Insider’s Guide

Charleston Battery/Waterfront Park

Charleston Battery is the tip of the peninsula of the city and is a nice walk around the water with pretty views over-looking the city harbor. Around here you can also see a row of historical cannons they used to use back during the war. If you keep walking along the water you will hit Waterfront Park which is just a gorgeous area to walk around in the city.  I suggest walking through the residential little streets to get here from King Street; the quaint, gorgeous, colorful townhouses are amazing to see.

Rainbow Row

Pretty self-explanatory, this is the street that is made up of a stretch of colorful townhouses that you see in all the tourist magazines and websites about Charleston. It is so pretty and colorful and so nice to walk around here. This is a must-visit when spending a weekend in Charleston. There will always be tourists in front of the houses taking pictures.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

When you think of Charleston you think of Southern plantations. Magnolia Plantation is the most popular and famous in Charleston and it was amazing. It was about a 20 minute Uber ride outside of downtown Charleston and it was so worth it! They even have a little farm in the front (good for kids) where they have gorgeous peacocks roaming around. We spent more than an hour getting lost in the gardens on the plantation, they were so beautiful. I definitely suggest spending half a day of your weekend in Charleston exploring Magnolia Plantation.

• Here are some more things to do if you have more time than a weekend in Charleston!

Related Post: USA Travel Guide

Best Restaurants For A Weekend In Charleston

Charleston has a food scene that isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Definitely check out some of these best restaurants in Charleston during your weekend in Charleston (we tried to fit in as MUCH as possible.. felt gross after, but totally worth it)!

Brunch In Charleston

• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: a must-visit (see picture at right). This HAS to be on your Charleston itinerary. This tiny tiny shop always has a line out the door (it’s on King Street) and for good reason; their biscuits are AMAZING and do not disappoint.
• Husk: Most famous restaurant in Charleston and their brunch is no different. Won one of the top brunch spots in America in 2017.
• The Grocery
• Butcher and Bee

Related Post: Brunch in New York City

Lunch In Charleston

• Leon’s: Very famous lunch spot in Charleston known specifically for the oysters and bloody marys. Leon’s is located on King Street but all the way at the top (farthest from downtown area), about a 25 minute walk. The place is very divey. I can’t eat oysters but my friend said the oysters were some of the best she’s ever had! The drinks were also delicious. Leon’s is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike during a weekend in Charleston.
• Xaio Bao: Not sure who visits Charleston for Asian food, but Xaio Bao is very well-known and has the best Asian food in the area.
• Cru Cafe
• Minero: Known for their tacos!
• 167 Raw

Dinner Restaurants in Charleston

• Fig: So Fig and Husk are the two ‘must-go’ restaurants on any Charleston list. We tried to hit both in one night but failed. We made it to Fig and it was worth it. I thought the meals were beyond amazing and memorable and so were the drinks. I absolutely recommend Fig especially because it is only in Charleston. Must make reservations far, far in advance.
• Husk: The other must-do and extremely famous. Try to hit both if you can for the experience. There is also a Husk in Nashville. Must make reservations far, far in advance.
• Hall’s Chophouse: Famous restaurant with amazing steak.
• Magnolia’s: We ended up going here for lunch just because we had no more dinners left and we wanted to hit it – the food was very good and fresh and the restaurant was big. Definitely recommended.
• SNOB (Slightly North of Broad): Another highly recommended restaurant.
• Poogan’s: Real BBQ restaurant. We were in Charleston during Superbowl weekend so we decided to come here to watch the game AND have real southern BBQ. The food was extremely good and recommended for BBQ lovers.

Best Bars In Charleston

• Rooftop at Vendue: Good views of the city
• Pavilion Bar: Another good rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
• Market Pavilion Hotel’s Grill 225 Bar: Known for one thing: their Nitrotini drinks (see picture below). These are drinks made of Nitrogen and they come out literally smoking. The drinks are strong too. Go for the experience if anything, then go to the rooftop upstairs.
• Proof: Whiskey bar on King Street
• Midtown: Good night club (get the blue slushie drink).
• Stars Rooftop

Where To Stay In Charleston

There are so many places to stay in Charleston. We stayed at The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel which was gorgeous. We had a great stay here; it was in a perfect location and walking distance to everything right in the middle of downtown Charleston. It is also directly across the street from Husk restaurant. It’s been around since 1853 so it definitely has that Southern charm feeling as well. I would absolutely stay here again and it’s definitely one of the best hotels in Charleston. Click here to read reviews for Mills House on TripAdvisor.

Book The Mills House or search other Charleston hotels here!

AIRBNB Charleston: There are also so many cute apartments in downtown Charleston with extra nice hosts. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it in Charleston. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

• Check out this post for the best Charleston Airbnbs for a girls trip!

Like this 36 hours Charleston itinerary? Pin for later or share with friends!

Did I miss something for a 36 hours in Charleston itinerary that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! Looking for another beautiful US South city? Check out my New Orleans Travel Blog! Head here if you are looking for my USA country guide. 

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post EXACTLY HOW TO SPEND 36 HOURS IN CHARLESTON ITINERARY appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.