Sasha is standard contributor to Goats On The Road. He’s also an English instructor, language university student, blogger, and video producer. He and his spouse operate Grateful Gypsies, in which they write about everyday living overseas, lengthy phrase journey, and are living tunes. Adhere to Sasha on his site, social media accounts under and on YouTube.
Blending ancient history with sophisticated urban life, Beijing is one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia. Although the cost of visiting and living in Beijing has recently become more expensive, it’s still affordable compared to other western and Asian cities around the world.
Your cost of living in Beijing depends entirely on how you choose to spend your money. It’s possible to spend a hefty amount on clothes, goods, and food in Beijing (have you ever heard of the thousand-dollar bird’s nest soup?). On the other hand, you can spend a mere $4 on a meal, or $15 on a night out.
The truth is, Beijing doesn’t have to be that expensive at all, especially if you know what things should cost on average.
I’m here to discuss the actual cost of living in Beijing. I’ll explain how much you should spend on rent and food, and what you can expect from living in China’s vibrant and historic capital. In this article, you’ll get the information and tools to decide if living in Beijing is right for you.
When people find out that I lived in China, they’re usually curious about a few things.
First, they wonder how an American with zero Mandarin language skills was able to survive in Beijing for a year. That thought is then followed up by questions about cultural differences between Western and Asian cultures. Finally, they want to know about the cost of living, and if Asia is really as cheap as they imagine.
The truth is, there are plenty of reasons to live in Beijing. This bustling city blends ancient, traditional culture with modern, urban life. You could easily spend the day in a peaceful, lotus-filled park, or lighting incense in a colorful Buddhist temple. Or if you prefer, you could hit the town for bargain shopping, gourmet dining, and dancing under the stars. There are endless things to do in Beijing to keep you busy.
China’s vibrant capital is ultimately a city that you can make your own. No matter what sparks your interest, you can find it in Beijing! Besides the fun things to do, and the chance to learn about an ancient culture and history, here are a few more reasons to live in Beijing.
Take a look in the classifieds section, and you’ll see thousands of job opportunities for expats and English speakers. As one of the biggest cities in China, you’ll find that many international companies are eager to set up satellite offices and branches in Beijing. For this reason, there are multitudes of job opportunities for foreigners and English speakers.
It doesn’t matter if you’re working in tech, finance, or hospitality. If the company is based outside of China, then the primary language of the business is probably in English.
There are also plenty of service-industry opportunities available in Beijing. With the booming growth of tourism, many hotels and shops are looking to hire English speakers.
Teaching English is another popular career, not only in Beijing but all over Asia. In order to study abroad or to increase their hiring potential, Chinese students and residents are eager to learn English from native speakers. You can teach privately, for a school, or even live as an au pair for a family!
Beijing is also an excellent destination for digital nomads. There are plenty of co-working spaces and creative outlets for you to expand your freelancing business.
But don’t get me wrong; while English is widely spoken, it’s still beneficial to learn Mandarin while living in Beijing. Not only will you gain a deeper appreciation for the culture, but you’ll also expand your job prospects with Chinese companies.
Despite what many people think, Beijing is a diverse and multicultural city. Ever since it hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008, Beijing has seen tremendous growth in tourism and foreign expats.
While it’s common to see westerners and other foreigners, Beijing is also an ideal destination for immersing yourself in Asian and Chinese culture. China has done a fantastic job of preserving its traditional heritage.
There are seven different UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. If you want a taste of authentic Beijing, then I recommend visiting one of these impressive attractions.
Intertwined with the traditional sites is one of the biggest defining characteristics of Beijing — urbanization. That means you’ll see towering skyscrapers and modern highrises dotted in between the centuries-old temples, parks, and pagodas in Beijing. This gives the city an eclectic flair, unlike any other place in the world.
☞ SEE ALSO: The Villages of Dacangzhen: Southwest China’s Best Kept Secret
In a city known for its technological advancements, it should come as no surprise that Beijing has an incredible public transportation system. Your options for getting around the city (and getting around China in general) are virtually endless. There are subways, rail trains, buses, taxis, bicycles, electric scooters, and even rickshaws.
Best of all, all these options are relatively affordable. We’ll discuss the cost of transportation a little later in this article, but take my word for it; transportation costs in Beijing should be the least of your worries.
On the other hand, there is one significant downside to public transportation in Beijing. With over 21 million residents living in Beijing, transport can be crowded and overwhelming to some. Renting a car or taking a scooter can be dangerous, especially considering how congested and populated the roads are.
Although you might be rubbing shoulders during rush hour or dodging bicyclists during your drive to work, you can still easily get from one place to another.
Beijing is incredibly safe for foreigners, solo travelers, and women. As a young female in my early 20s living in Beijing, I never once felt unsafe walking alone or at night. Serious crime and violence against locals and foreigners are infrequent.
On the other hand, petty theft can be an issue, especially in big cities and touristy areas. However, if you take the right precautions, you can avoid being pickpocketed or robbed during your stay in Beijing.
When you go out, make sure to leave any valuables such as passports, jewelry, and large amounts of cash at home. You should also keep your wallet in your front pocket, or your purse zipped up and in plain sight at all times. By being aware of your surroundings, you can avoid thieves and pickpockets.
Beijing is known to serve some of the most mouth-watering dishes on the planet. From gourmet dining experiences to sizzling street foods, you’ll have no problem finding something delicious to eat in China. The only problem you’ll have is deciding exactly where to eat!
Food in China is entirely different than the mediocre Chinese food that’s probably served in your home country. In Beijing, you won’t find Orange Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, or Fortune Cookies on the menu. Instead, you’ll have the options of steamed pork buns, spicy noodles, and succulent duck to indulge in.
Besides the plethora of dine-in restaurants, you’ll also have access to freshly cooked street food in Beijing. All you have to do is find one of the street carts that whip up meat skewers, savory crepes, and sweet pastries, and you have yourself a cheap and filling meal!
The food here is so amazing that it remains one of my favorite aspects of living in Beijing.
Although many people believe that China is the cheapest country in the world, this reputation has changed slightly over the last few decades. While it is possible to find great deals in Beijing, your cost of living will depend entirely on how you choose to spend your time.
Let’s break the expenses and see if life in Beijing is within your budget.
Your biggest expense when living in Beijing will likely be the cost of the rent. There are several different accommodation types to choose from, including private studios, shared flats, and even single-family houses.
Unlike most things in Beijing, the cost of rent is actually very high. To many local residents, renting a flat or house is actually out of the question, since the price is much higher than the average income. However, if you’re living on a western salary, you can live quite comfortably in many places in Beijing.
If you’re looking to cut down on costs, you can consider sharing an apartment or housing with one or more roommates. You might also look for an apartment outside the busy city center districts.
The cost of food will depend on where you choose to eat. You can eat like a King in a hotel or high-end restaurant and pay the same as if you were dining in a western or European restaurant. However, if you know where to look, you can fill up on meals for just a few dollars a day.
If you’re looking to save big on food, then eat in one of the smaller, local, family-run establishments dotted around the city. Remember, it’s a good sign if you see lots of locals eating there! Just make sure to bring a dictionary or translator, because most local restaurants only have Mandarin menus (if they have a menu at all).
Spending a night out in Beijing can also be fairly affordable. Although you’ll find plenty of western cocktail lounges and bars (most of which charge western prices), you can still drink and party in Beijing withing spending too much.
As a general rule of thumb, you can save even more money by cooking at home. When shopping for groceries, Beijing has several western stores and markets, including Carrefour, Walmart, and METRO. You can also shop at a local produce market, or in a Chinese store for even more significant savings.
Compared to other western countries, utilities are much cheaper in Beijing. The biggest utility cost will be electricity, which is usually prepaid before moving into an apartment. You can expect to pay around 200-300RMB ($30-40 USD) per month for electricity.
Gas and water may or may not be included in your rent. If not, then you will need to pay 70-80RMB (~$10 USD) for each, which is a minor cost, in my opinion.
If your flat requires that you prepay your utilities, then this can be done at the bank or local management office.
Navigating through Beijing can be confusing at first. But once you get the hang of where you’re going, you’ll be traveling around the city just like a local. And it’s okay if you get lost every once in a while, because the cost of using the public transportation system is very affordable.
On average, you should aim for spending around $30 USD a week on transportation. If you live near the subway station, then taking the train is an efficient option for getting around Beijing. However, I ended up taking a taxi to most places, especially if I was grocery shopping. The price of a taxi ride is fairly low, especially compared to other countries in the world.
When living in Beijing, you’ll inevitably want to spend some of your hard-earned cash to let loose and enjoy the fun and exciting aspects of the city. After all, seeing the sights and immersing yourself in Chinese culture is one of the best ways to get a feel for Beijing. Most importantly, entertainment in Beijing is actually reasonably inexpensive!
Remember, it’s relatively easy to spend most of your money on entertainment and activities in Beijing. All those cocktails, excursions, and ticket prices can add up quickly. I recommend sticking to a monthly budget, so you don’t run out of money while living in Beijing.
Moving to Beijing can be an exhilarating experience. After all, you’re in one of the most buzzing capital cities in the Far East. To help make your transition to a new country a smooth one, I’ve put together a list of essential things to expect when living in Beijing.
Not being of Asian descent in a predominantly Asian country will inevitably attract stares and glances from locals. While most people that live in the big cities are familiar with Westerners, this might not be the case if you travel to small villages or towns.
Therefore, it’s quite common for Chinese locals to stare. To outsiders, this may come off rude, invasive, or strange. But in reality, it’s just a curiosity that makes them interested in learning more about a different culture other than their own.
As long as you’re friendly and smile at them, you’ll have no problem traveling around China.
☞ SEE ALSO: A Travel Guide to Experiencing the Tibetan Monlam Festival
Public bathrooms in China leave something to be desired. It’s not uncommon to find bathrooms without toilet paper, toilet seats, or even barriers or walls between stalls. Not to mention, you’ll have to get used to Chinese squatter toilets, which are more like holes in the grounds rather than seats.
For this reason, it’s essential to always carry around your own toilet paper. High-end hotels and malls might provide toilet paper, or at least make it available for purchase before entering the bathroom. But on the flip side, most public restrooms will not offer such a luxury.
In addition, you should also carry around hand sanitizer. Many public bathrooms are full of grime and dust, and soap is rarely provided. If you bring your own toilet paper and sanitizer, you’ll be prepared for even the dirtiest of public bathrooms.
Censorship throughout China can be a major issue, especially when it comes to journalism, television, literature, and even the internet. The Chinese government limits access to many foreign websites, including Facebook and Wikipedia, Google, and Twitter. Plus, you won’t be able to access websites like Netflix or Spotify.
For this reason, you also won’t see any information online regarding China’s tumultuous events in history. Information about food safety scandals, political corruption, Tibet and Taiwan independence, and the 1989 protests at Tiananmen square are strictly banned in China.
If you’re looking to use these sites during your stay in Beijing, you should consider purchasing a VPN — virtual private network. This would allow you to tap into another IP address so you can freely surf the web at your leisure.
Although English is spoken in many tourist sites and hotels, Mandarin Chinese is the primary language in Beijing. Taxi drivers, street food owners, and retail associates probably won’t speak any English. Knowing a few words in Mandarin, like hello, thank you, no thank you, can go a long way with Chinese locals.
To put it simply, learning Mandarin is not for the faint of heart. Not only do you have to learn different tones and vocabulary, but you’ll also have to master an entirely new form of writing. Unless you’re adept at learning new languages, it’s unreasonable that you’ll learn Mandarin in just a few months. However, you can still pick up a few survival phrases to help make your time abroad easier.
In Beijing markets, it’s perfectly normal to bargain for a lower price. Whether you’re shopping for counterfeit shoes and watches or fresh vegetables and fruit, the price you see on the tag may not be what you end up paying.
Generally speaking, you can save up to 50% by bargaining. If the shop owner is unwilling to go lower, then you can always use the “walk away” tactic!
Of course, you shouldn’t bargain in grocery stores or shopping malls, as these prices are set and regulated. However, if you go to a farmers market or knock-off market, you can haggle your way to better deals. It’s even believed that some shop owners will be offended if you pay the full price.
As you can see, it’s definitely possible to live in Beijing without burning through your salary and savings. However, the cost of living will be different for everyone that decides to move here. Like I mentioned before, it’s up to you if you want to spend $5 or $500 on meals and clothes!
Beijing can be affordable if you have a decent income, some savings, and most importantly, an open mind. And don’t forget to put your bargaining skills to the test if you’re looking to score even better deals.
But costs aside, living in Beijing is one of the coolest experiences you will ever get to have.
Personally speaking, I loved my time living in Beijing, and I still go back every year just to eat at my favorite, cheap dumpling shop and see how the city has grown over the years.
For the rest of my life, the Chinese capital will always have a special place in my heart. And if you decide to take the leap and move to Beijing, then you’ll see exactly what I mean.
The post Cost of Living in Beijing: An Insider’s Guide appeared first on Goats On The Road.
I was not incredibly non secular when I very first started out touring many years in the past. I realized what I thought was diverse than the culture I was lifted in, but I under no circumstances recognized that it was reflected in other cultures. Luckily, Asia was the 1st part of the environment that I explored, and it designed all the change.
The very first time I picked up a guide to study about Buddhism, I at last felt comprehended. The things that my previous finance coworkers identified as me a hippie for — my disconnect with extravagant factors, perception that everyone is basically equivalent, and energetic connection with nature — had been not New Age beliefs, but fairly older than Christianity. It all stems from Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths and prior to that, Hinduism.
More than the earlier couple of several years I have supercharged my spiritual curiosity, discovering more about meditation, Tantra, and dipping into quantum physics as well, at the very least, as considerably of it as I could recognize. What I’ve realized about the a long time is that we are absolutely in management of our reality, our energy, and our everyday living experience.
One of the finest ways I’ve uncovered to recover is to harmony my chakras.
Chakras are facilities of power in just the system operating from the foundation of our spine up to earlier mentioned the crown of our head. The ancient Sanskrit term for chakra translates to ‘wheel’, suggesting that the energy facilities in our physique are wheels that go our electricity upwards. They have been very first referenced in the Vedas textual content from the second millennium BCE.
All organisms give off a frequency, but what takes place when our electricity will get caught? Are we equipped to obtain all of our likely in a condition in which we feel unsafe, unable to categorical ourselves, or aren’t thoroughly open up to love?
To me that implies therapeutic and loving ourselves 1st, mainly because when we work on self-really like, we generate the capacity for all of the other types of adore to come to us. The adhering to are some valuable chakra meditations to rebalance your vitality facilities, and support you truly feel harmless, assured, and open up:
The root chakra is located at the base of your backbone and symbolized by a lotus with 4 petals and a downward-pointing triangle at its centre. The triangle symbolizes connection to the earth and the lotus is one of the most sacred symbols in Hinduism, Buddhism, and historical Egyptian beliefs. A functioning concept across all of individuals is rebirth and non secular awakening.
Our root chakra is our heart of security, strength, and dedication. When our root chakra is balanced we are grounded, like a warrior.
If you do not truly feel basically risk-free, how can you be open to really like, a great deal less talk your fact? Which is why nurturing our root chakra is so crucial. With no a balanced root chakra, we can’t harmony the relaxation of the chakras, both.
To carry into harmony, get started by acquiring a relaxed, silent spot where by you come to feel risk-free to dive deep. For me, which is ordinarily in my office environment the place it certainly feels like my house, and is adorned in these kinds of a way that helps make my feminine vitality come alive (far more on Tantra, and my causes for nurturing female strength right here).
*Be aware: all of the meditations advised in this article are accessible through Insight Timer. They are thoroughly free of charge and I only advocate them since I personally like them. You’ll need to obtain the app to get the full edition.
The sacral chakra is symbolized by a crescent moon at the center of a flower with 6 petals. Its colour is orange and its component is h2o. Can make perception, given that tides rely on the moon, and like feelings, each are ever-switching.
Depending on the custom, the sacral chakra is situated at the centre of your reduce tummy, or in the genital location. The latter is the place I was taught it’s found. Exact place doesn’t actually matter. What matters is that we maintain it in balance to continuous our thoughts, our expression of sexuality, associations, and creativeness.
The solar plexus is the home of our soul. It is positioned in the upper element of the stomach, where by your diaphragm rests. It has a relationship to the sunshine, heat, and most importantly, electric power.
Balancing the photo voltaic plexus chakra does not signify bringing about the ability to lord energy about other individuals, but somewhat using charge of our have own electric power, creating decisions, and developing self-confidence.
When in equilibrium we are linked to our higher intent, stay in integrity, and retain our claims to ourselves. It also corresponds to the gut, which has the second best concentration of neurons immediately after the mind.
If you can balance this chakra, I think you are currently significantly ahead of most men and women in the world by increasing your consciousness and inquiring you what is real for you, and keeping powerful in your beliefs. Most people today hardly ever really get past the root chakra, a experience of security, which allows us to open up to the rest. But if you’re in this article, that suggests you’re all set to open up to 1 of the most beautiful, the heart chakra.
The coronary heart chakra is located in the centre of our chest – a lot more in the direction of the middle than our true heart. The intersecting triangles symbolize the union of opposing forces, building harmony.
When our coronary heart is open up, we come to feel the connectedness with many others. We are in a location wherever we sense compassion and empathy, and can effortlessly forgive and take. We notice that people are a lot extra alike than they are distinctive, and essentially we all experience the exact matters. Went out of balance we can really feel shut off, fearful of other people, jealous, and not able to forgive.
The coronary heart chakra is associated with air, signifying lightness of becoming. 1 of the finest strategies to convey this into balance is via breath get the job done.
Is it any shock that as we go upwards, the total of petals, and growth, raises? The throat chakra is gentle blue in shade and is located at, shock, the throat. Individually, each time I do chakra operate, this is my most activated.
Our fifth chakra is where we offer with our expression, specifically talking our fact. It also has to do with our inner reality, and our creativity. This is in which we build and specific devoid of needing acceptance, but rather for the sake of real truth alone.
When out of harmony, we’re unable to preserve our term, not able to listen to many others, and worry talking. We also may deficiency of connection with our reason in lifetime. This is why opening the throat chakra is so vital.
The third eye chakra is characterised by a dark blue shade, or indigo, and is situated in the centre of our forehead. The triangular symbol signifies channeling facts to the seed from which wisdom blossoms. This is our gateway to higher consciousness.
When in balance, we’re in a position to think critically, make our very own actuality, and manifest what we opt for. Essentially, whichever we pick to see is what we will experience. The mantra of the 3rd eye chakra is “om”, the most sacred mantra in Buddhism and Hinduism, and an ode to our maximum guidance.
When out of equilibrium, we’re disconnected from our intuition, and our brain is filled with unnecessary info. This is why stillness and meditation are so critical. With so quite a few alarming headlines and rage-based mostly political crafting, believe about what information and facts will come into your thoughts every single working day. What will you opt for to fill it with, and are the views that occupy your mind really your individual?
The seventh chakra, located over the crown of our head and symbolized by the coloration purple, is our connection to spirit, common consciousness, enlightenment, and knowledge. Only when the rest of our chakras are in harmony can we tap into this incredible loving energy.
Are you open to looking at signs and obtaining this means in seemingly random items? This is where by we can faucet into our link with the cosmos. Individually, in addition to meditation, I come across investigate into quantum physics and our interconnection with all issues assists me recognize this 1 superior.
In my travels all-around the planet, I’ve searched for different therapeutic modalities from several cultures. It’s so intriguing to me that so numerous beliefs fundamentally overlap and the majority of spirituality comes again to like.
Although I recognize this is a slight deviation from my mainly travel-connected writings, I feel it’s an significant factor of the interior journey of traveling the entire world, and my feeling that traveling is nothing at all without having spirituality.
Also, the Earth has chakra centers wherever the ability of every chakra can be felt with even much more potency, bringing it all entire-circle. If you have experienced the natural beauty of traveling and understanding the spirituality of various cultures, I’m positive you know what I mean.
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Non secular Journey
Tahiti in the South Pacific is an island with a name for remarkable waterfalls, gorgeous seashores, mouth watering seafood, and all those famous overwater bungalows. It is a quick length away from Moorea, popular for stingrays and shark sightings, and of training course Bora Bora, the honeymoon spot of dreams.
Tahiti does not have normal seasons that most of us are applied to. With temperatures hovering all over 80 levels Fahrenheit all year very long, “seasons” in Tahiti should be produced categorically dependent on humidity and rainfall. Here’s every little thing you have to have to know about Tahiti’s climate, crowds, and selling prices so that you can plan the greatest vacation:
Weather conditions & Precipitation: The months of November, December, and January make up the rainiest component of the year, averaging at about 10.5 inches of rain for every month. For the reason that of all this rainfall, these months are significantly extra humid than the relaxation of the calendar year, with December remaining the most humid time of 12 months.
Pricing: Simply because of the wet climate, these months are the minimum crowded with vacationers. If you are inclined to tolerate the rain and humidity, the price ranges this time of yr will be worthy of it, as flights can be as small as fifty percent of the peak period price ranges. Numerous hotels, far too, are significantly less expensive for every evening during the wet year.
Booking Ease: Reserving a journey for these months is considerably a lot easier than for other times of calendar year. Accommodations are almost never bought out, even at the previous minute, whereas lodging for peak time can offer out even a calendar year ahead of time.
When composing this post, I did a mock booking lookup to evaluate costs, and I identified that it is both equally more cost-effective and less difficult to book a January excursion to Tahiti — even however that’s only three months from now — than it is to e-book a July or even Oct trip there, 9 to twelve months from now. A nice lodge in Tahiti in January would’ve expense me about $150 per night time, but for future October, the identical resort was entirely marketed out.
Key Points of interest & Availability: Mainly because the temperatures are nevertheless heat, no functions or sights will be unachievable. You surely won’t be holed up inside below blankets and sweaters! However, the repeated rain may make it far more hard to partake in specified actions like surfing or climbing. Just be sure to, initial, preserve an eye on the forecast and, 2nd, system an itinerary which is flexible so that it can be rearranged at the very last moment thanks to temperature adjustments.
Temperature & Precipitation: Even though nonetheless a part of the wet year, these months acquire about thirty per cent significantly less precipitation, averaging about 7.5 inches of rain for every thirty day period. Minimal by minimal, the humidity also decreases this time of yr. Nonetheless system for rain, but know that it will not be at its worst.
Pricing: Charges will start off to climb as you get nearer to peak time, but even in April, flights are nonetheless various hundred bucks more affordable than they will be at the heart of the dry year. Hotels and lodging, also, will maximize in price tag, but only by about twenty-five percent among January and April.
Booking Relieve: Reserving flights and lodging is quite effortless in these months, as nothing at all will be offered out fairly however. Nevertheless do the job in excess time, however, as you get closer and closer to the get started of Could.
Important Attractions & Availability: Drier climate indicates out of doors pursuits like hiking and water activities are far more feasible and extra fulfilling. Rain is usually a possibility, nevertheless, so be geared up to regulate your itinerary appropriately if showers suddenly seem, as they likely will. A great celebration on the islands this time of yr is the Pacific International Documentary Movie Competition, also acknowledged as FIFO (a French acronym which stands for Competition Global du Movie documentaire Océanien) which takes spot in February.
Climate & Precipitation: May well marks the begin of Tahiti’s dry year, and the months of Might, June, and July all see an average of all over 3 inches of rain for each month. The humidity continues to reduce, making way for extra and additional distinct, dry times.
Pricing: Attractive climate indicates that selling prices increase. By the middle of July, costs will be at their maximum. Even if you reserve significantly in progress, costs for hotel rooms, flights, and additional will immediately be higher than at other situations of 12 months. If you must go to the islands at this time of yr, just keep an eye out for flash gross sales and try to e-book your journey for when charges are at their cheapest, regardless of whether that be in the middle of the 7 days, the conclude of the month, or nearer to the shoulder months.
Scheduling Ease: Not only does peak time warranty major prices, it also assures significant crowds. Tahiti sees some of its greatest figures of visitors on the islands all through these months, specifically simply because it is formal summer season holiday time for substantially of the entire world. Lodging will fill up quickly as the year ways, so ebook very well in advance. You truly can not be far too secure in terms of organizing ahead.
Significant Points of interest & Availability: Since Could, June, and July have this kind of amazing temperature, any and all actions must be good video game! Once more, while, hold the crowds in head, and if you’re setting up on scheduling any sort of guided excursions or excursions all-around the islands, do your investigate and system ahead. Also take note that the Heiva, a month-extended Polynesian cultural and classic celebration on the islands, will take location every single July. The competition is designed up of audio, dance displays, sports activities competitions, and other festivities, which would be superb to experience but could also direct to more crowds. On top of that, hundreds of marine animals, like sharks and rays, arrive to the islands to feed in July!
Temperature & Precipitation: The months of August, September, and Oct obtain even less rain than the 3 months preceding them, averaging at about 2.5 inches of rainfall for each thirty day period. They make up the tail stop of the islands’ dry time. Obviously, as the year cycles as a result of on its way again to the rainy year, the rain starts rising as the months go by, but even at the finish of Oct, neither rain nor humidity need to be as well a great deal of an problem.
Pricing: Pricing will continue to be extremely large in the course of these months, as they are technically aspect of Tahiti’s peak time. The for a longer time in the time you wait to take a look at, the decrease prices will possible be. Most likely mid-September and later, soon after much of the earth has absent back to university and do the job, will convey manageable price ranges, but the only way to know for absolutely sure is to retain tabs on flights and lodges so that you’ll know when the costs fall.
Reserving Ease: It goes without the need of expressing that the more into October and November you go, the a lot easier booking will be, nonetheless it still retains accurate that reserving is not effortless, even towards the stop of the dry time. Although it mostly is dependent on what and where you’re reserving, October can even now be totally blacked out for dates at specified accommodations, and flight rates could possibly not be dropping as rapidly as you’d like them to. Check out airlines and accommodations to be the very first to know if price ranges fall or availability opens up.
Key Points of interest & Availability: Because these months are continue to encompassed in the dry period, the islands’ points of interest stay easily accessible thanks to the pleasant temperature. Acquire benefit of the very clear skies while you can and soak up all of the beautiful island sunshine! Also maintain in thoughts that the International Graffiti Artwork Festival usually takes location in Tahiti this time of yr, which could possibly be worthy of checking out! In the meantime, the massive inhabitants of humpback whales stays near the islands as a result of October, so this season provides tons of prospects to expertise them!
Irrespective of when you choose to stop by Tahiti, know that the delicious food, tradition, and elegance of the islands is there year-round. Additional impressive waterfalls and more compact crowds could suggest lower time is the most effective time for you, though if you choose milder climate and really do not mind crowds, June – September could be the ideal time. The excellent news is, you cannot actually go improper!
*Notice: All rainfall details from U.S. Information Travel.
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French Polynesia
You’ve planned your trip and booked your flight to France, but there’s one question left: where to stay in Paris? Where are the best neighborhoods in Paris for that matter? For most people, going to Paris is the trip of a lifetime — so it’s all the more important to carefully choose where to stay.
This post was updated in September 2019.
Paris was the first city I ever fell in love with, and after eighteen years, it’s still my favorite city in the world. On my first visit, I skipped away from my school group to climb the towers of Notre-Dame; these days, I’m more likely to escape for a plate of oysters and glass of champagne in the Saint-Germain neighborhood.
I’ve now visited Paris more than a dozen times and usually stay in two or three different places on each visit. At this point, I’ve gotten to know lots of different neighborhoods, I’ve learned the benefits of staying in different places, and I know the kinds of experiences that make a trip to Paris special. In short, when it comes to the best places to stay in Paris, you’ve got plenty of options!
Everyone wants to know where to stay in Paris, but I think most people like being in a quintessential Paris neighborhood — a place where you can buy fresh baguettes and marvel at the wrought-iron balconies. There is a lot of diversity in Paris, but most visitors like to stay somewhere that looks like the Paris of their dreams!
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods) and they are numbered in a spiral, the center being Ile de la Cité, the island in the Seine home to Notre-Dame. Neighborhoods with lower numbers are closer to the center; the 12th-20th arrondissements are the outer edge. Parisians refer to the neighborhoods by their number.
If I were choosing the best neighborhoods in Paris, at the top of my list would be the Marais and St. Germain, followed by the good part of Montmartre.
I think the Marais is the best neighborhood in Paris overall because it has so much to offer — it’s a creative, colorful neighborhood filled with interesting boutiques, beautiful parks, and some of the quirkiest architecture in the city (hello, Beaubourg). It’s also home to the best crepe restaurant in Paris (Breizh Cafe, probably my favorite place to eat in Paris) and the best cheap meal in Paris: the falafel at L’As du Falafel, which is best eaten as a picnic in the Places des Vosges. When you stay in the Marais, you have easy access to art, shopping, and several metro lines that can take you all over the city.
I think St. Germain is another one of the best places to stay in Paris because it has retained its Left Bank artistic culture over time. This is the neighborhood where Sartre, Hemingway, and Dali used to hang out amongst the Lost Generation. You can sit in one of those famous cafes by day, or check out the galleries and bookstores (including my favorite, Shakespeare and Company) that line the streets. When you stay in St. Germain, you have easy access to the Jardin Luxembourg, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, and plenty of other metro lines.
Montmartre is wrapped up in mystique, but it definitely has its highs and lows. Parts of Montmartre make you think it’s the most beautiful Paris neighborhood — where the white buildings line curvy steep streets. Then you get the seedy parts of Montmartre: the sex shops and aggressive touts who try to part you with your money. But if you’re able to concentrate on the good parts, it’s without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Paris. Staying in Montmartre gives you easy access to the Sacre-Coeur (go up to the very top at sunset!), the cheesy but wonderful Moulin Rouge! show, and plenty of beautiful cafes and boutiques.
The Marais (3rd/4th), in my opinion, is easily the best neighborhood in Paris. It’s central with lots of metro lines. It’s got several attractions, like the Centre Pompidou and the Hotel de Ville. There are lots of wonderful restaurants and cafes, the architecture is magnificent, and the shopping is superb. In fact, I think the Marais is the best shopping neighborhood in the city — there are tons of independently owned boutiques as well as luxury shops and wonderful markets.
The Marais was historically home to marginalized communities in Paris, including the LGBT community and the Jewish community, and as a result it’s got a nice cultural mix to this day.
Where to Stay in the Marais:
Luxury: Hotel Les Bains Paris
Mid-range: Hotel Georgette
Budget: Hotel Bastille
Check out hotels in the Marais here.
If you’re looking for Left Bank Paris, the neighborhood of Hemingway and Camus and Sartre, St. Germain (6th arrondissement) is a nice option and my other favorite neighborhood in which to stay. While it definitely has its share of tourists, you’ll find wonderful (and longtime famous) cafes, interesting little shops, and streets full of life.
St. Germain (full name: St. Germain-des-Pres) is well-located in Paris. The Jardin du Luxembourg is nearby, and it’s close to Notre Dame and the Musée d’Orsay as well. But what makes this neighborhood special is that it feels small and close-knit, like you’re a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of Paris. If you’re looking for where to stay in Paris, you can’t go wrong here.
One other thing: lots of travelers want to stay in the Latin Quarter of Paris. I’m not a fan of this neighborhood — it has gone from a quirky student neighborhood to a tourist zone filled with mediocre restaurants no Parisian would patronize. I recommend actually staying in St. Germain instead. It’s right next door and has the bohemian vibe you crave.
Where to Stay in St. Germain:
Luxury: Hotel Villa d’Estrées
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Paris St. Germain-des-Pres
Budget: Hotel de Nestle
Check out more hotels in St. Germain here.
If you love Moulin Rouge! and Amélie, Montmartre (18th arrondissement*) is your dream neighborhood. It’s one of the places in Paris that feels like a movie set. However, there’s a reason why I gave it an asterisk. Montmartre can be wonderful, but you need to do a little extra research to make sure you’re in the good part.
While much of Montmartre is the village-like urban neighborhood frequented by Amélie Poulin, some parts are seedy, especially around the Pigalle area. Rue Lepic (pictured above) and its side streets are lovely; Boulevard Clichy near Pigalle and further east is full of sex shops. Perhaps not one of the best places to stay in Paris if you have small kids.
The best way to know if you’re in a good part of Montmartre? Google Streetview is my go-to tool. Take a look at the neighborhood, especially the blocks surrounding the hotel, before you book your accommodation. The good news is that Montmartre hotels tend to be a bit cheaper than other areas of Paris, and it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Paris when it comes to value for money.
Where to Stay in Montmartre:
Luxury: Mom’Art Hotel and Spa
Mid-range: Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur
Budget: Best Western Le 18 Paris
Check out more hotels in Montmartre here.
The 9th arrondissement won’t be on a lot of lists — while it has the Opéra, it isn’t big on attractions. And while it’s very Parisian, it’s not as famously charming as other neighborhoods. I didn’t give it a second thought until I stayed at my friend’s apartment in the 9th and saw what a great base it made for exploring Paris.
The 9th is a residential zone with the Galeries-Lafayette department store on one end (perfect views of the Eiffel Tower at sunset) and the edge of Montmartre on the other end. As a result, there aren’t a ton of tourists swarming the streets here (a rarity in central Paris!). There are lots of restaurants, bars and cafes, and there’s lots of life without a single establishment pandering to tourists.
Where to Stay in Opéra:
Luxury: Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opéra
Mid-range: Hotel 34B Astotel
Budget: Hotel France Albion
Check out hotels in the 9th here.
If you want to be in the dead center of the city, yet a place that doesn’t feel like Parisian Disneyland, Île Saint-Louis is one of the best places to stay in Paris. It has a wonderful feel — almost like its own small town — and even though it’s next door to Île de la Cité and the massive crowds of tourists visiting Notre-Dame, Île Saint-Louis is almost a world away. It’s like the world suddenly goes quiet as soon as you cross the bridge.
The restaurants are nice and you shouldn’t miss Berthillon, home of Paris’s most famous ice cream. The black current ice cream is fabulous and one of my favorites. The boutiques aren’t bad, either.
Where to Stay on Île Saint-Louis:
Luxury: Hotel Saint-Louis en L’Île
Midrange: Hotel du Jeu de Paume
Budget: Familia Hotel Paris (three blocks away from the island)
Check out hotels in Ile Saint-Louis here.
Finally, if you want to be incredibly central and walking distance from most of the major sites, consider the center of the city: the first arrondissement. You’ll have easy access to the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme, Notre-Dame, and almost every major transportation line. A lot of people consider it one of the best neighborhoods in Paris for that reason, but I think it’s a little too commercial and lacking in character.
Keep in mind that being central comes with a price: Paris hotels tend to be most expensive in the first arrondissement. A lot of people who don’t know where to stay in Paris book their accommodation here because they assume it will be easier to get to the sights. But don’t forget about the metro. It’s cheap, it’s easy, it goes everywhere.
Where to Stay in the 1st Arrondissement:
Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Paris
Mid-range: Hotel Moliere Paris
Budget: Tonic Hotel du Louvre
Check out more hotels in the 1st arrondissement here.
Don’t stay outside the main 20 arrondissements. You’ll be far from the center and while many of Paris’s surrounding suburbs are lovely, some of them are the most dangerous areas in Paris. Whenever you hear about riots and violence in Paris, it’s usually in these rough suburbs.
Don’t plan your stay around being close to a certain attraction. Paris’s metro is easy and efficient enough to navigate your way anywhere — you don’t need to stay within walking distance from the Louvre in order to visit the Louvre.
“Near the Eiffel Tower” actually isn’t that great. The neighborhoods near the Eiffel Tower are upscale residential areas. They’re fine, but they’re expensive and a bit boring, in my opinion. Besides, you can see the tower from all over the city.
“Near the Champs-Elysees” is worse. A lot of people (including the Four Seasons) think this is one of the best places to stay in Paris, but I disagree strongly. Definitely go to the Champs-Elysees at least once, but it’s filled with shops you can find anywhere and it’s absolutely swarming with tourists. It’s Paris’s Times Square. There are better places.
Don’t stay in a hotel near the airport. Unless it’s for one night only and your flight leaves at 6:00 AM the next day. Paris’s two airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, are both far outside the city.
I’ve stayed in a few luxury hotels in Paris and my favorite is Hotel Villa d’Estrées. I relaxed the moment I stepped in. It was elegant, streamlined, and old-fashioned but not cliche. The bathroom had a beautiful vanity and the windows had a view over St. Germain.
While Paris hotels are usually known for being cramped and tiny, my room at the Villa d’Estrées was spacious and actually had room for a couch.
And the location? Magnifique. St. Germain, a 30-second (!) walk from the St. Michel metro stop and just steps from the shops and galleries of St. Germain, making it one of the best places to stay in Paris. Even though an Irish pub is next door, you don’t hear the noise of it at all.
Image: Joe deSousa
As hostels continue to innovate and turn into modern budget getaways for travelers of all ages, exceptional properties are popping up all over Europe. That said, unlike Lisbon or Berlin, Paris doesn’t have any game-changing hostels.
However, there is one nice Paris hostel that I do recommend: St. Christopher’s Hostel on the canal. It’s a relatively new hostel, built in 2008, and it’s airy and vibrant with impeccably clean dorms, large bathrooms, key card security, and a wild bar downstairs to meet fellow travelers.
St. Christopher’s is part of the Europe’s Famous Hostels chain, and I’ve found all their hostels to be well maintained with a great social environment.
The location on Canal St. Martin is offbeat and fairly out of the way, but there are plenty of nice cafes, a grocery store, some Vietnamese restaurants, and three metro stops within a ten-minute walk.
St. Christopher’s has another location near Gare du Nord, and while I can’t vouch for it personally, it’s worth checking out as well.
Other Top-Rated Paris Hostels:
Generator Paris
Le Village Montmartre
The Loft Boutique Hostel
Vintage Paris Gare du Nord
Check out more Paris hostels here.
A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense — I couldn’t disagree more. Travel insurance is vital. It’s saved me hundreds of dollars and for one of my friends, who slipped and broke his back while traveling, his travel insurance saved him hundreds of thousands of dollars. Another friend, who broke her foot while traveling, got her insurance to get her a business class flight home to keep her foot up.
If you get pickpocketed on the metro, travel insurance will refund you what you lost.
If you slip on the stairs at Notre-Dame and break your ankle, travel insurance will refund your medical costs and will get you home for free.
If you get appendicitis while in Paris, travel insurance will cover your medical costs.
If an immediate family member dies while you’re halfway across the world, travel insurance will help you get home immediately.
These are unpleasant things to think about, but it’s so important to be prepared for the worst.
I use and recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance. They’re a great fit for almost every traveler. Take a look at their policies before you buy to make sure they’re right for you.
Make sure your accommodation is within a short walk of a metro stop, or, ideally, a few metro stops on a few different lines. You’ll be riding the metro a lot, so being close will make your time in Paris so much easier. It almost doesn’t matter where to stay in Paris when you can get around so quickly on the metro!
In the past, I’ve stayed in places that were a long walk (around 12 minutes) from the metro in areas that weren’t well traversed. This made me uncomfortable walking home alone at night, and while I stuck it out at the time, I wouldn’t stay that far away again.
Any trip to Paris should be the trip of a lifetime. I hope this guide brings you close to making your Paris dream come true.
Essential Info: For flights to Paris, I find the best rates on Skyscanner. Double-check to make sure you got a good price.
Looking to book a tour in Paris? Here are the best tours in the city. I especially recommend seeing the show at the Moulin Rouge, going on a food tour, and taking a day trip to Monet’s gardens at Giverny.
Want to see more of France? G Adventures has several small group tours that include Paris.
More accommodation guides: Where to Stay in Barcelona, Where to Stay in Boston
The post Where to Stay in Paris — Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation appeared first on Adventurous Kate.
Where to stay in Tokyo? There are so many options! Whether you want to be surrounded by skyscrapers and sleeping in a pod hotel or, close to designer shopping and in a cool hostel, there is a place in Tokyo that is perfect for your trip. The best place to stay in Tokyo for one traveler isn’t necessarily the same for every traveler.
Tokyo is a city that quickly takes ahold of you. Its eclectic mix of traditional and modern attractions, huge electronics stores and tiny counter bars, the brightest neon signs and the most dimly lit izakaya, make it surprising, chaotic, delightful and mind-boggling in the most incredible of ways!
This post was updated in September 2019.
Deciding on where to stay in the largest metropolis in the world can be overwhelming. However, the sheer size of the city has meant that many neighborhoods offer different looks, feels and points of interest to visitors. Deciding on your priorities for your trip will therefore make it considerably easier to decide on a Tokyo neighborhood that suits your travel style.
After almost a decade of being based in Tokyo, here are our recommendations for places to stay in this incredible mega-city!
This post is written by Jessica and Hai from Notes of Nomads, who lived for several years in Tokyo. They are the ultimate Tokyo experts, and when I decided to put up a Tokyo accommodation guide on the site, there was no question that I wanted them to write it!
And for the record — my personal favorite neighborhood to stay in Tokyo is Shinjuku! And if you can afford the Park Hyatt Tokyo, DO IT. It was one of the best hotel experiences of my life.
–Kate
Shibuya Crossing — via Pixabay.
What’s the best place to stay in Tokyo? It’s different for every traveler. Some travelers like to be in the most convenient
Know that Tokyo is an immense city, but it has an excellent public transportation, so you’re always able to get to where you need to go. Also, neighborhoods are often pushed up right against each other. Ginza, for example, is right next to the Marunouchi neighborhood that contains Tokyo Station.
That being said, here are our picks for the best areas to stay in Tokyo:
Shinjuku is the center of the city, home to nightlife, restaurants, millions of skyscrapers lit with neon lights, and the very well connected Shinjuku Station.
Asakusa is a neighborhood where you get value for money, as well as some of the best food options in the city. Plus you have easy access to traditional Japanese temples.
Tokyo Station in the Marunouchi neighborhood is very convenient for day trips outside the city, as many of them leave from there. On top of that you’ll find some of the city’s best luxury hotels and a beloved ramen street.
Ginza is about the glamour and luxury — if you want to shop and explore Tokyo’s fascinating department stores, this is the best place to stay in Tokyo! You’ll also find lots of excellent restaurants and cafes.
Okutama is a quiet neighborhood away from the city center and if you want to have easy access to nature, it’s a very good choice for where to stay in Tokyo.
No accommodation guide for Tokyo would be complete without mentioning Shinjuku! If you want to enjoy city views, nightlife, and being in the center of things, this is your place. (Note from Kate: Shinjuku is my pick for the best place to stay in Tokyo.)
Shinjuku Station is the busiest train station in the world, serving more than 3.5 million passengers a day. While shinkansen trains do not depart from this station, a number of JR lines, private rail lines and subways do. Staying in the area means that you are always connected, even if that also means sometimes getting lost in the overwhelm of this station.
Shinjuku really has it all with a great variety of shops, electronics stores and depaato (department stores), as well as your pick of fantastic restaurants. If the idea of exploring Tokyo by night and being close to food, shopping and entertainment sounds like your idea of fun, Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo.
In Shinjuku, you can enjoy the city lights at street level or head up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free views over the city — a great place to catch the sunset, especially on a clear evening.
Where to Stay in Shinjuku:
Luxury: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Mid-range: Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku
Budget: Hikari House
Find more deals on Shinjuku hotels here.
With 160,000 restaurants in central Tokyo alone, it’s no easy task to isolate one neighborhood in particular as the foodie destination. Honestly, you can find excellent food choices all over the city and restaurants to satisfy any taste or budget. Hell, many people even rate convenience store food among some of their best eats! (Note from Kate: Truth. I love my 100 yen convenience store onigiri!)
The whole city (and country for that matter) has extremely high food standards, but we settled on Asakusa for a few reasons. One is that it is filled with traditional snacks and restaurants where you can sample lots of different Japanese treats and dishes. Soba and tempura are two traditional Japanese dishes that Asakusa is particularly well known for.
Another is its food accessibility. Japan is typically a challenging country for those with dietary restrictions, especially with so much of the cuisine based on fish products. However, Asakusa has a great range of vegetarian, vegan and halal restaurants, making it easier to find food for all kinds of diets.
Foodies will also no doubt be interested in the nearby Kappabashi Street. It has been coined “Kitchen Town” and is best known for its high-quality kitchen knives and plastic food models (like the ones you see in restaurant windows in Japan). You can actually book a lesson to learn how to make these fake food samples for yourself!
For those simply wanting to pick up some practical souvenirs, Kitchen Town also has beautiful bento boxes, useful kitchen gadgets and classic chopsticks.
Where to Stay in Asakusa:
Luxury: The Gate Hotel Kaminarion by Hulic
Mid-range: Asakusa Hotel Hatago
Budget: Hotel Mystays Asakusa-bashi
Find more deals on Asakusa hotels here.
Tokyo Station in Marunouchi is the best place to stay in Tokyo if you plan on doing day trips by train. The surrounding neighborhood gives you easy access to both Narita and Haneda Airports and to a number of subway and train lines, including the city’s central loop, the Yamanote line.
It’s a great base for day trips, especially those to the Tokyo Bay area, such as Yokohama, Kamakura, the Tokyo Disney resorts, and for traveling between cities. From here you can take the shinkansen (bullet train) to other popular destinations like Kyoto and Osaka.
Marunouchi is at the heart of Tokyo’s financial district, and while it has long been a busy area for the city’s salary men and OL’s (office ladies), the refurbished Tokyo Station has transformed the area from a transport and business hub that trails of commuters would simply pass through, into a destination in and of itself. It’s long been known as the best area to stay in Tokyo for business travelers, but plenty of tourists enjoy it for the same reasons.
Tokyo Station stands as a rather interesting contrast to the modern, non-descript office buildings that dominate the area. The iconic European-style redbrick building was originally constructed in 1914. After surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, it was later burned and gutted during fire bombings in WWII. A reconstruction project to restore Tokyo Station to its former 1914 charm was completed in late 2012.
Tokyo Character Street features 20 stores dedicated to well-known Japanese characters and TV show merchandise, while if you’re in the mood for noodles, Tokyo Ramen Street is operated by eight renowned names on the city’s ramen scene. You can find more food variety on Kitchen Street on the first floor main concourse between the North Yaesu and North Marunouchi exits.
For those wanting to visit the Imperial Palace and its East Gardens, it’s an easy 10-15 minute walk from Tokyo Station.
Where to Stay in Tokyo Station/Marunouchi:
Luxury: Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo
Mid-range: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo
Budget: Tokyo Ekimai Bay Hotel
Find more deals on Tokyo Station/Marunouchi hotels here.
Ginza is one of the most coveted addresses in the city and home to high-end fashion and dining spots. Think of any of the world’s top luxury brands and they’ll probably have a storefront here, along with Japanese luxury brands you’ve never heard of.
If high fashion and luxury goods are what you’re after, then Ginza is the perfect place where to stay in Tokyo. While weekdays are preferable for fewer crowds and more personalized service, a great time to enjoy this shopping district is actually weekend afternoons, when Chuo Dori is closed to vehicles and becomes a lively pedestrian street.
Ginza is also home to some of the best restaurants in the city. These are the kinds of places that will leave a dent in your wallet but also allow you to walk away with that satisfying feeling that it was totally worth it. Tokyo is home to some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and Ginza is one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo if you’re looking to experience them. Top guidebook restaurants are always popular here, so it’s best to ask your hotel to make a reservation for you in advance to avoid disappointment.
Ginza is also located near Tsukiji with its incredible selection of sushi restaurants, and is well connected to other popular areas for food, shopping and sightseeing on the Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines, such as Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, Omotesando, Akihabara and Shinjuku.
Where to Stay in Ginza:
Luxury: Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
Mid-range: Hotel Gracery Ginza
Budget: Hotel Monterey La Soeur Ginza
Find more deals on Ginza hotels here.
Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo actually has a lot of green spaces — and one of the best spots to enjoy nature in the city is Okutama. They exist in pockets all over the city, so it actually isn’t difficult to find a park or garden for a walk or to simply chill out in. There’s even a tranquil ravine known as Todoroki Valley within the confines of the 23 inner-city wards.
For those who want to get into the “wild,” so to speak, you simply have to go west. The west side of Tokyo is where it’s at for the hikers and nature lovers. Many tourists visit Mt Takao on a day-trip, but to get further off the tourist trail and into national park territory, we recommend Okutama in Chichibu Tama-Kai National Park.
Even the train ride there (approximately 2 hours from Shinjuku) has many visitors on their feet in the train carriage gasping at the views, especially around Sawai and Kawai Stations. In fact, many people get off around there for hikes and mountain climbing. A popular peak in the area is Mt Mitake and can be accessed from Mitake Station on the same line and a cable car can then take you part of the way up.
Okutama Station itself sees fewer visitors but it’s also a wonderfully picturesque place to go hiking, white-water rafting, forest bathing and visit hot springs. If you’re interested in camping or staying in more remote accommodation, you’ll find those options here.
Keep in mind that the Asian black bear is found in the area (yes, there are bears in Tokyo!) so hikers are advised to make their presence known by talking and making noise along the trials. Some hikers like to wear bear bells.
While we wouldn’t recommend basing yourself here for your entire time in Tokyo because of its distance from downtown, and limited bus services and dining options, a night or two will allow you to see a completely different side of Tokyo that you probably never knew existed.
Where to Stay in and around Otaru:
Mid-range: Shukubo Komadori-Sanso
Budget: Guesthouse Nishiki
Find more deals on hotels in Okutama here.
Tokyo image by @Pixabay.
There are so many places to stay in Tokyo, they could fill books. To make it easier, we’ve chosen three of our favorites.
The Park Hyatt Tokyo is our favorite luxury hotel in Tokyo — and if you have the money to spend, you will have an outstanding experience. If you love the movie Lost in Translation, this is THE place where to stay in Tokyo.
The Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku is an excellent, solid choice for a mid-range hotel in the epicenter of Tokyo. It’s hard to find any fault with this place.
K’s House Tokyo is an excellent hostel, home to some of the cheapest dorms in the city as well as budget-priced private rooms. If you’re trying to keep expenses down, this is a very good spot.
Read on for more in-depth descriptions of each property.
For those wanting a luxury stay in Tokyo, it’s hard to go past the Park Hyatt of Lost in Translation fame. This 5-star hotel in Nishi Shinjuku occupies the top 14 floors of a 52-story tower, giving guests unparalleled views of the city and the chance to live out all their Lost in Translation fantasies at the New York Bar.
Facilities include world-class drinks and dining, pool, spa, gym and fitness center.
(Note from Kate: I said it above but I’ll say it again — this hotel is fantastic, and the views are unreal. If you’re a Lost in Translation fan in the least, you must stay here.)
Well, in Japan, don’t expect wide hotel room but, cleanness is always on point. This 3*** star hotel room is no exception, for more or less IDR. 1.2mio a night, with good location (next to subway station, a lot of konbinis around and one Donki store not too far), I think Sunroute Hotel is a good choice for beginner to explore Tokyo. #msalwayshungrytokyo #travelgram #room #hotel #recommended #travel #sunroutehotelhigashishinjuku #higashishinjuku #tokyo
This three-star hotel is a comfortable western-style accommodation with reasonable pricing. Its biggest asset is its location, just 1-minute walk from the nearest subway station and 10 minutes from the main JR Shinjuku Station, putting it in the best area to stay in Tokyo.
The hotel’s facilities include free Wi-Fi, two restaurants and a 24-hour front desk.
We had a Shaved Ice party tonight! Yay!? Thank you all for coming?? #Tokyo #Japan #kshousetokyo #asakusa #kuramae #travel #solotravel #guesthouse #backpacking #backpacker #love #hostel #world #instagram #instagood #like #smile #followme #東京 #ホステル #ゲストハウス #日本 #浅草 #蔵前 #イベント #event
For those looking to stay in Tokyo on a budget, K’s House in Kuramae (Asakusa) is an excellent choice. If you’re wondering where to stay in Tokyo while also wanting to save money, this is a great spot.
There are mixed and female only dorms for those wanting the cheapest possible stay, as well as budget-friendly private rooms for solo travelers, double rooms for couples, twin and multi-capacity rooms for friends and larger traveling parties, and family rooms for those traveling with kids.
Facilities include free Wi-Fi, communal areas for socializing and a rooftop terrace. This hostel has no curfew. Note: there is another K’s House in Asakusa (K’s House Oasis) with similar facilities but less room variety.
Get an IC card. Electronic public transportation cards such as Pasmo or Suica will save you time and hassle trying to figure out individual fare prices for each train journey on your own (and it also gives you a small discount). Get them from ticket machines (500 yen refundable deposit) and add cash for spending. You can also use these cards at most vending machines and convenience stores.
If you do buy a paper ticket and are not sure which value to buy, just get the cheapest one and you can pay the difference at the other end. You’ll find fare adjustment machines near the ticket gates. Simply pop your ticket in and it will tell you how much you owe.
Consider a rail pass. If your plan is to visit several cities in Japan, the JR Rail Pass can be a huge cost saver. While they have been doing limited trialing of in-country JR Pass purchases, it is still easier (and cheaper) to organize the pass from your home country. A voucher will be sent to your address, which you can then exchange for the pass in-country.
While the rail pass is best used for inter-city travel, if you still have validity, you can also take advantage of using it on JR lines during the Tokyo portion of your trip.
Take advantage of lunch sets. Grab a lunch set for the cheapest, best-value meal deals. Many restaurants have daily lunch specials, known as higawari ranchi, which usually include a main, side, a drink and sometimes a small dessert.
Japanese restaurants are notorious for having many different menus. You might need to sift through them to find the one with the daily lunch specials on offer.
When you’re really hungry, get more rice. If you’re finding Japanese servings a little smaller than what you’re used to back home, many restaurants offer larger servings of rice at either no extra charge or for a very minimal extra cost. Simply ask for gohan oomori.
In Japan, it is polite to eat every last grain of rice in your bowl, so only order larger servings if you plan on finishing it.
When you don’t know where to eat, check out department stores. Department stores can be found near train stations around the city, as well as Ginza, and they are an easy go-to for food. As a rule of thumb, there are restaurants on the top floor(s) and a food hall in the basement. These basement food halls are called depachika and are home to an array of delicious food options.
It’s also where you can find food-related gifts and those legendary $100 square watermelons beautifully gift-wrapped to perfection.
Ask for a recommendation. If you don’t know what to order, you can ask for a recommendation by saying osusume wa? It’s an easy way to find out what’s popular or the restaurant’s specialty dish.
Expect to wait in line. Queuing is like a national pastime in Japan, and sometimes the wait at popular attractions, special events and restaurants – especially newly opened ones – can be several hours.
It’s always useful to check about ticketing and reservations in advance. You may be able to get advance tickets that will allow you to skip some of the waiting time, or for specific restaurants you want to visit, ask your accommodation to help you with making a reservation ahead of time.
Mind your chopsticks. One of the most important areas of Japanese dining etiquette involves chopsticks. Think of them as for the action of eating only.
If you like to talk with your hands, be sure to place them on the chopstick rest or over your bowl or plate. Never wave them around, point with them or leave them standing in your bowl. The latter is a funerary act, as is passing food to another chopstick to chopstick, and should be avoided.
If you are using your own chopsticks to put food on the plate of another, it is polite to flip them around and serve from the fat end.
A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense — that’s far from the truth. Travel insurance is vital, even in a destination as safe as Japan. It’s saved Kate hundreds of dollars and for one of her friends, who slipped and broke her foot while traveling in Italy, her travel insurance bought her a business class ticket home and saved her thousands of dollars.
If your purse is stolen on the shinkansen, travel insurance will refund you what you lost.
If you slip on the steps of a temple and break your ankle, travel insurance will refund your medical costs and get you home for free.
If you get appendicitis while in Tokyo, travel insurance will cover your medical costs.
If an immediate family member dies while you’re in Japan, travel insurance will help you get home immediately.
These are unpleasant things to think about, but it’s so important to be prepared for the worst.
AdventurousKate.com uses and recommends World Nomads Travel Insurance. They’re a great fit for almost every traveler. Take a look at their policies before you buy to make sure they’re right for you.
There you have it – those are our tips and recommendations for places to stay in Tokyo during your trip. Tokyo may be huge but it also has options to suit any kind of traveler. Once you figure out where to stay in Tokyo, the rest of your trip will flow out naturally from there. Simply pick an area that most suits your travel style and use the city’s incredibly vast public transportation system take you to see the rest.
Jessica Korteman and Hai Huynh are Australian travel personalities who recently relocated to Australia after several years of living in Tokyo. They write about their travels on their blogs Notes of Nomads and Travel Solo Anyway, produce videos on their YouTube channel, and regularly appear on Japanese TV and print media.
They are the founders of Instameet Community Japan and are the countrywide Instameet Managers for Instagramers Japan – join one of their free monthly photo walks during your next trip to Tokyo!
The post Where to Stay in Tokyo — Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation appeared first on Adventurous Kate.
When I think back to my travels in Baku, Azerbaijan, one anecdote comes to mind. I’m driving through the highway as we speed past modern, silver buildings interspersed with sand-colored mosques and souks, set back against the arid landscape. My guide points out a cluster of buildings on one side of the highway.
“See those buildings?” he tells me. “Our journalists live there. They get to live there for free.”
I smile weakly and say, “Oh. For free. Cool.” Inside, I’m thinking, really? In exchange for what?
That’s what it’s like to grow up in a country without freedom of the press. Journalists living in government-provided housing is seen as something to extol to international visitors, rather than something that should be kept under wraps.
That’s not to say that Azerbaijan is horrifying. Far from it. I found Baku to be an intriguing destination, quite often perplexing, and well worth a three-day visit with my boyfriend before traveling on to Georgia and Armenia.
Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire — this is a country where flames can and do burst out of the earth in unexpected places. There are places close to Baku where you can see eternal flames billowing out of the ground, or even from the water. And the reserves of natural gas cause unusual geological effects, like bubbling mud volcanoes.
And sitting in the middle of that fiery desert, on the banks of an inland sea, is one of the world’s most prolific collections of modern architecture. The most famous of which are three modern towers shaped like flames, lighting up with even more flames at night.
If you mention modern architecture set against a desert, where do you think of first? Dubai, maybe, or Doha, Qatar? I got a similar vibe from Baku. Azerbaijan is rich with oil money, thanks to its location next to the Caspian Sea, which had led to insane levels of recent development.
While Dubai and Doha have their share of modern buildings, Baku sprawls like neither city. As you’re driving around Baku, it seems borderline uncanny that you can cruise over so many hills and still see all kinds of modern, interesting buildings.
Within this unusual setting, there are a lot of cool places in Baku to explore and enjoy.
The good thing about visiting a city like Baku is that there isn’t an established tourist trail — you don’t need to hop from sight to sight.
Have dinner overlooking the Flame Towers. On a whim, I ended up at Panoramic Restaurant. While most of the windows face away from the Flame Towers, there is a tiny outdoor patio with only three tables that has a view of the Flame Towers! Do what I did — go early in the day to check it out, then make a reservation for that exact table for sunset that evening.
Explore the old city of Baku. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where the architecture differs enormously from the rest of the modern city. The old city dates back to the 6th century and it gives you an idea of the incredible cultural history in this region from Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Shirvani, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian cultures. The Maiden Tower is a great spot for a view of the Flame Towers. And just outside the old city is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.
Visit the markets. What struck me about Baku’s markets is how immaculate they are. I’m used to seeing piles of produce flung in every direction; it seems like Azerbaijanis make every effort to shape their produce into the most aesthetically pleasing piles. The conical shapes on the mango slices and dried flowers are perfect.
It extends to larger fruits, too. Apples were stacked in clean straight lines; perfect green watermelons made up the perimeter. One table even grouped tomatoes not just by type but by size, arranging them into perfect mounds!
Normally I’m a bit uneasy at markets because I feel guilty when I don’t buy anything, but I felt more relaxed here. That and men kept giving me macadamia nuts to sample — the best macadamia nuts I’ve ever tasted. (Did I buy any? Nope. Macadamias are one food that I avoid because if I have one, I’ll have a million.)
Check out Heydar Aliyev Center. In a city filled with modern architecture, this is one of the most famous buildings of all (and a symbol of Azerbaijan, named after its most beloved leader). The building contains a museum and conference center with rotating exhibitions. But even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it, because it’s in the middle of a giant park, which becomes a place to see and be seen at sunset.
This is easily the best Instagram spot in Baku. I recommend coming around sunrise or sunset for the best light.
Enjoy the cafe scene. While the old city was surprisingly more dead than I expected, I loved the neighborhood just east. This area was filled with all kinds of interesting cafes and restaurants, and I loved walking around and exploring.
Spend an evening down by the Caspian Sea. I was a bit surprised that there was so little seafood on the menus in Baku, despite being located on the sea. But there is one place where seafood is the star: Derya Fish House.
Once you step out of your cab, you arrive to a windy waterfront filled with locals celebrating the end of the day. Oh, and it’s cheap! The two of us had a whole fish, bread, a bowl of olives, eggplant caviar, lemons, pickled vegetables, cheese, and pomegranate sauce on the side for just $18.
The best day trip from Baku is its most famous day trip — to Qobustan to see the mud volcanoes and petroglyphs. Qobustan National Park (sometimes written as Gobustan) is just under an hour’s drive from Baku.
Qobustan is known for its mud volcanoes. To get to them requires an off-roading vehicle. When my car pulled to the side of the road, I assumed we’d be getting into some kind of jeep — but was I ever surprised when we got into a tiny Soviet-era Lada! It didn’t look like it would last a day in the desert, let alone go off-roading to mud volcanoes!
And soon we reached the mud volcanoes.
The gurgling is a lot slower than I thought it would be — just a constant, slow BLURP! BLURP! every few moments. Like the volcano had eaten a lot of beans that day.
The landscape is beautiful and dramatic — but that wasn’t all we’d see.
Next up in Qobustan was the petroglyphs — ancient rock art. I’ve seen ancient rock art in other parts of the world, like Kakadu National Park in Australia, but this rock art is uniquely impressive. You see people dancing, people hunting, petroglyphs of animals. It has survived remarkably well, and this is why Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seeing Qobustan was one of the highlights of my time in Azerbaijan, and I feel like you can’t go to Baku without making a stop here. See tours to see Qobustan’s mud volcanoes and petroglyphs.
The other half of my day was spent touring the famous sites on the opposite side of Baku. Here you’ll find two more attractions that prove that Azerbaijan is the land of fire: Ateshgah, the Zoroastrian fire temple, and Yanar Dag, where the fire bursts from the earth.
Ateshgah is a temple on the outskirts of Baku. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, though ceremonies have taken place on the same site as early as the 10th century, and it has been a center of worship for Zoroastrians, Sikhs, and Hindus. The flame inside the temple is naturally occurring, but it actually went out in 1969 due to environmental destruction. The fire today is lit by Baku’s main gas supply.
At Yanar Dag, you can see a steady fire burning from the bottom of the hill. Fed by natural gas, this is another fire that never extinguishes. It was so toasty down by the fire — I have never wanted to have a stick and a bag of marshmallows so much in my life! (And let’s not kid ourselves, a bag of graham crackers and chocolate waiting by the table.)
Ateshgah and Yanar Dag are two places that show you how interesting of a natural environment Azerbaijan is. See tours to Ateshgah and Yanar Dag here.
What kind of food will you be eating in Azerbaijan? Delicious food. Surprisingly good food. The dishes I ate were most similar to Turkish cuisine, fresh and flavorful. While there were some similarities to their Georgian and Armenian neighbors, Azerbaijani food is very much its own thing. I was only in the country for a few days, so this is by no means an exhaustive guide, but it contains several of my top hits.
I ate a lot of dolma — vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice and meat. While “dolma” can mean stuffed grape leaves or cabbage leaves in other cultures, in Azerbaijan it can mean any kind of stuffed vegetable.
Also popular are kebabs of all kinds, and plov, roasted rice and meat dishes.
Eggplant dip was everywhere — made from roasted eggplant, peppers, and onions and mixed with a variety of herbs and spices. This was the perfect start to a meal. You eat it with bread.
My absolute favorite dish was at Panoramic Restaurant in the Old City — I can’t remember the name and REALLY should have written it down, but it was a skillet filled with chicken, cherries, potatoes, and chestnuts. It sounds like a winter dish but it was solely on a hot summer night.
While you don’t see a ton of fish on the menus in Azerbaijan, you will down at restaurants on the Caspian Sea like Derya Fish House. I recommend ordering a grilled white fish with pomegranate sauce on the side — it brings the same kind of acidity that you get from lemons.
As for Azerbaijani wine, it does exist and it’s worth sampling, but it’s nothing to write home about. Georgia and Armenia have much better wine.
Azerbaijanis love sweets and pastries, and I tried a few different kinds of baklava — one made with walnuts, one made with almonds, one made with hazelnuts. I honestly think walnuts are king — they need that slightly bitter flavor to cut the sweetness. Hazelnut baklava was dangerously sweet!
And Azerbaijanis are crazy about tea. Tea breaks are important punctuation marks of the day. You can sweeten tea with jam, and they serve it with small pastries.
This is just a sample of the delicious food I ate in Azerbaijan.
On this trip I traveled as a hosted guest of JayWay Travel, a boutique travel agency specializing in Eastern and Central Europe. I’ve worked with JayWay Travel in Ukraine in the past and they do such a good job putting together bespoke itineraries where you don’t have to worry about a thing. JayWay recently added Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia as new destinations where they have local experts.
For my three-day trip to Baku, that meant pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport; a full-day private tour to Qobustan and the fire region, including a stop at a market; a local SIM card, and support throughout the trip. That was perfect for me — I knew my first day would be spent napping and taking it easy due to the weirdly timed flight (see more on that below), and I liked getting to do my own exploring on the final day.
As I always say, if you’re an experienced traveler, you don’t need JayWay in order to travel. But JayWay is perfect for your parents, older travelers, less experienced travelers, and experienced travelers who want someone else to plan their trip for a change. It’s an enormous time-saver when you’re busy, too.
The Caucasus is a fantastic travel destination, but it’s not nearly as easy to travel as Europe. Azerbaijan is a country just waking up to tourism, and they don’t have the established tourism infrastructure of other countries. It’s a good place to have a helping hand.
Most of the time when I visit a new city, I stay in the old town or old city because it’s usually the prettiest, most central part of town. Baku’s old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which made it seem like a slam dunk, and so I stayed at a hotel in the old city, the Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel.
While I had a good stay there, I actually don’t recommend staying in the old city of Baku. It’s beautiful but it’s mostly inaccessible to cars (to get an Uber or taxi, you need to walk a distance outside the old city); you are constantly going up and down stairs; there are lots of aggressive touts around the Maiden Tower; there aren’t as many cafes and restaurants as you would think. If you have mobility challenges, you should absolutely avoid staying in the old city.
If you do want to stay in the old city, the Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel is a nice midrange choice. It’s comfortable, the internet works well, it’s not too deep into the old city, and the staff are great. And the best thing about this hotel is that it has an Illy cafe in the lobby. Reliable quality coffee isn’t always easy to find!
So which Baku neighborhood is best? I recommend staying in a hotel just east of the old city. This area is home to lots of cool restaurants, cafes, parks, and nightlife. And because it’s part of the main city, cars can drive the streets and you can hail Ubers close to your hotel. Most of it is flat, though there are some steeper parts.
Recommended Baku Accommodation:
Luxury: JW Marriott Absheron Baku
Midrange: Passage Boutique Hotel
Budget: Hotel Hale Kai
Find deals on more Baku hotels here.
Azerbaijan requires a visa for most visitors. In the past it was difficult and expensive for most westerners to get an Azerbaijan visa for longer than a few days. Now it’s MUCH easier and cheaper — you can get an e-visa online for just $20! See the full list of nationalities eligible for the e-visa here.
You order the visa online, it takes around three days to process, and you print it out and bring it to immigration with your passport. Don’t keep it on your phone; bring an actual printed copy.
Order your visa directly from evisa.gov.az. NOTE: THIS IS THE CORRECT SITE; DO NOT BE FOOLED BY IMPOSTERS! There are many third party visa sites that mimic the layout of this site, then try to charge you $50 for the same exact thing. I almost got fooled by one of those sites.
I flew nonstop from New York to Baku on Azerbaijan Airlines. This is the one direct flight from the United States to Azerbaijan. The flight takes 11 hours and currently flies twice per week.
While it’s awesome to fly nonstop, the flight leaves at an awkward time: it departs New York at 11:30 AM and arrives in Baku at 6:30 AM, which is 10:30 PM New York time. As a result, you probably won’t be able to sleep much if at all, and you’ll likely spend your first day in Baku in a jet-lagged stupor. Plan a low-key day for your arrival if you take this flight.
I was lucky to fly in Azerbaijan Airlines’s Comfort Club, as someone special upgraded me for my birthday. Comfort Club is like the stop between premium economy and business class.
You get comfier seats and a TON more space (the seats go much further back but don’t lie flat), you’re served multiple courses for meals, and you get lounge access at the airport (in my case, the cheese-and-champagne-filled Air France lounge at JFK). I was able to stick my feet straight out without touching the seat in front of me (I’m 5’4″). I didn’t get into the entertainment but there was a decent selection of movies. For an 11-hour flight where I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep much, I was so glad to have this level of service!
If you’re coming from the US on another line, you can get connections on Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. Azerbaijan Airlines flies to cities including Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Paris, London, Dubai, and several Turkish and Russian destinations.
If you’re planning to travel throughout the Caucasus, you should try to travel to Azerbaijan before Armenia. It will make your life much easier.
Azerbaijan and Armenia don’t have diplomatic relations, and all borders are closed. Armenians are not allowed to enter. (While Armenia doesn’t have diplomatic relations or border crossings with Turkey, Armenians are allowed to travel to Turkey anyway, so Azerbaijan is much stricter.)
When I arrived in Azerbaijan, I was asked if I had ever traveled to Armenia. I said no, and there was no evidence of Armenia in my passport. But I do know people who have been interrogated heavily for traveling to Armenia previously, regardless of their nationality.
If you have visited the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is Azerbaijani land currently occupied by Armenia, you will automatically be rejected. (They also ask you if you’ve traveled to Nagorno-Karabakh when you apply for your visa, which will also earn you a rejection if your answer is yes.)
However, Armenian immigration officials are more forgiving. They do ask you if you visited Azerbaijan and why, but if you only visited as a tourist, they don’t care and they let you in without any problems. This is why I recommend visiting Azerbaijan first and Armenia second. (It’s best to go via Georgia, either by land or by plane.)
Unfortunately, ethnic Armenians of different nationalities (whether they’re American, Russian, French, Lebanese, Argentine, or something else) are often rejected at the border based on their last name. From what I’ve researched, it seems to come down to the mood of the immigration officer, and I’ve heard that some people try to convince the immigration officials that their last name is Persian.
If you’re an ethnic Armenian who wants to travel to Azerbaijan, or a person whose last name ends in -ian or -yan, I recommend you do more research. This is beyond my pay grade.
I’m very happy that I got to travel to Baku — but I think this is a one-and-done trip. Which is fine! Not every destination has to be an “I can’t wait to go back” destination. I’m so glad that I visited and had the experience this interesting city had to offer.
Looking back at my two-week trip to the Caucasus, I think that starting with Baku was a good idea. I was able to take advantage of the only nonstop flight to the Caucasus from New York, and then I moved on to Georgia and Armenia, which were both more impressive. I wouldn’t have done it any differently.
Essential Info: My trip in Baku was entirely organized by JayWay Travel, a travel company that organizes custom private tours in Central and Eastern Europe. They organize everything as soon as your feet touch the ground in your country, from flights and tours to airport pickups and a cell phone or SIM card. JayWay recently added Azerbaijan as one of their new specialties, along with Georgia and Armenia.
In Baku I stayed at the Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel. Rates from $56.
When using Uber to get around Baku, be sure you check the license plate — some drivers here operate with a different car than the account they claim to have. Never get in a car unless they match.
Travel insurance is essential before every trip — in case of an emergency, it could save your life and finances. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Azerbaijan.
Many thanks to JayWay Travel for hosting me on my Caucasus trip, including covering my expenses in Azerbaijan. All opinions, as always, are my own.
The post What’s it REALLY like to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan? appeared first on Adventurous Kate.
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are a mysterious archipelago just north of Prince Edward Island in Canada. They’re isolated, hard to reach, and precariously perched in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the wind whips like mad and erosion threatens their existence.
But these are islands of great beauty — of bright red cliffs and lighthouses, of purple cottages and seal colonies, of craft beers and creamy cheeses and lobster rolls served in the back of mini-marts.
This July I traveled on a 10-day expedition cruise of Eastern Canada with OneOcean Expeditions. I became interested in this journey because it visits so many random, hard-to-reach places in Atlantic Canada. But I got most excited when I saw the Isles-de-la-Madeleine on the itinerary — the destination I wanted to visit the most!
The expedition was fantastic — one of the best trips I’ve taken in a long time. And by the end of the voyage, despite the incredible places we visited, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine were my favorite.
What was it about these islands that stole my heart?
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are known as the Magdalen Islands in English (or the Maggies, if you’re feeling cheeky). So which term is best? You’re in Quebec, so the French name prevails, even if it’s more of a mouthful: the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Five syllables: EEL-duh-la-mad-LEN.
The original inhabitants of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine were the indigenous Mi’kmaq people, who hunted the once-abundant walrus; by the late eighteenth century, walrus had been overhunted to extinction in the region. In the seventeenth century, the first French settlers migrated to the islands.
People from the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are called Madelinots, and as Acadians, they tend to have more in common with their Atlantic Canada neighbors than mainland Quebec. Expect to see plenty of Quebec and Acadian flags flown throughout the islands. The population is about 12,700.
The islands are 94% francophone and 6% anglophone. English-speaking Madelinots mostly live in some of the furthest communities of the Magdalen Islands: Grosse-Île, Île d’Entrée, and Dirty Harry (yes, that’s its real name).
When my zodiac lands on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, I’m struck by how windy it is. The islands are famously blustery, making them a hotspot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. It can throw visitors for a loop — some people are surprised by how hard it is to bike in the wind, and tent campers are often unprepared for the reality of sleeping outdoors!
We arrive in La Grave, a village of tiny gray cottages cheered up with bright yellow and green trim. The Acadian flag, like a French flag with a yellow star in one corner, flies proudly throughout the village. It’s an overcast day, and these punches of color add life to the monochromatic landscape of gray and beige.
But what I most want to see is the cottages — the bright, colorful homes that I’ve seen in posts about the islands. And as soon as we hit the road and drive to the other islands, we see them — tiny purple cottages nestled into nooks, sumptuous yellow homes holding court over the hilly landscape. In the distance are red cliffs topped with lighthouses.
Being in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine feels like living in another time. Everything seems stripped down to the basics — cottages and fishing boats and honest livings. Who needs anything more than that? If you told me that the internet existed here, I might not believe you.
The islands, however, face major issues related to erosion. The surface area of the islands shifts constantly, which makes the total number of islands change continuously (sometimes two islands are joined and sometimes they’re not). While that’s been the case for centuries, the real worries are how this low-lying archipelago will deal with climate change and rising sea levels.
They’re already feeling the effects as harsh storms climb their way up the East Coast. After Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Madelinots have been asking for more aid from the province to protect against further erosion; the province argues that they don’t have enough money to do so. You can read more about that here (in French).
It’s not surprising that the islands have been losing population over the years, as young people leave for opportunities elsewhere and arguably more solid ground.
At the same time, though, there’s hope. In the form of a brewery.
As I enter À l’abri de la Tempête, the islands’ beloved brewery, I feel like I’ve been catapulted into the present day. This funky bar with its modern-day decor feels like it could be somewhere deep in Brooklyn. And it was started by two young women who wanted to bring a modern business to their beloved islands.
Is this the future? More young people coming back, more businesses coming to the islands? Are people going to continue fighting for funding to protect their environment? Are people going to believe in the tourism potential of their hard-to-reach islands and make them even more of a draw?
Perhaps, according a Madelinot woman working in a shop in La Grave.
“Everyone always leaves,” she tells me. “All the young people, they go to study and they don’t come back. But now they’re finally starting to come back. Six babies in my family were born here this year!”
There are so many things to do in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Whether you’re focused on outdoor adventure, camping off the beach, or exploring a pretty little village, there’s something for you. Here are some of the best things to do:
Wander the shops and boutiques of La Grave village. La Grave, located on the southern island of L’Île Havre-Aubert, is arguably the most picturesque part of the Magdalen Islands.
Here in La Grave, the best thing to do is just walk around, check out the shops, and enjoy the seaside setting. I particularly loved the chocolate shop — they make the most fantastic salted caramel truffles!
La Grave is also home to the Musée de la Mer, a museum covering the history of the islands.
If you’re going to have lunch in La Grave, try to go on the earlier side — there are only a few cafes here to satisfy the large crowds. Cailin and I had a great meal at Marché Resto, a mini-mart with a restaurant in the back, and it seemed like only locals knew about it. More about that further down.
You’ll find gorgeous red cliffs all over the islands — this one, my favorite, is by the Cape Lighthouse on the west coast of Île-du-Cap-aux-Meules. PEI may be more famous for its red dirt and cliffs, but the Magdalen Islands are just as stunning, if not more so!
Do note that exploring the cliffs can be dangerous — many are continuously eroding and may not hold your weight. Stay at least three meters away the edges of the cliffs, keep to marked paths, and follow all signs.
One of my favorite stops in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine was La Fromagerie du Pied de Vent. The name Pied de Vent (or “foot of wind”) refers to the sun rays peeking out from the clouds.
You can drop into the fromagerie and buy cheeses, but if you really want to get into it, take the tour! You’ll explore the pasture, witness the cheese-making process, and of course do lots of tasting. The 90-minute tour takes place on selected days between mid-June and late August (call them to make sure) and costs $15 CAD ($11 USD) for adults and $5 CAD ($4 USD) for children.
I definitely bought a few of the cheeses to enjoy back on the ship! (Cailin was less than pleased that I brought back one of the stinkier varieties, but as any cheese connoisseur knows, the stinkier the cheese, the better!) My favorite was the Jeune-Coeur (Young Heart).
When I saw a herring smokehouse on the itinerary, I’ll admit that I wasn’t too excited. But Le Fumoir d’Antan ended up being one of the highlights of my time on the islands. I expected an unpleasant fish processing plant — but this is a family-run smokehouse where they smoke the fish the same way they have for generations. And it smells AMAZING inside!
Tours including a tasting are offered from June through August at 3:30 PM for $5 CAD ($4 USD) per person, free for children under 5.
There is a tall hill behind the smokehouse that is good to climb for panoramic views of the surrounding cottages. I definitely recommend going up there for a few photos.
Take advantage of that insane wind by finally learning how to kitesurf! If not, there are plenty of other outdoor activities.
Kiteauxiles offers kitesurfing courses for all levels. L’Istorlet offers kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals and tours, including sailing trips and seal watching kayak excursions. Excursions sur Mer offers a variety of boating and fishing tours, including zodiac tours. The tourism board has a collection of hiking trails listed here; you can also buy a guide to the islands’ trails at their office in Cap-aux-Meules.
One of the coolest new establishments on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine is À l’abri de la Tempête, a women-founded brewery with a variety of local beers on tap! The name means “Shelter from the storm” — an apt choice for somewhere as windy as the Magdalen Islands.
The brewery was opened by two women in 2002, who dreamed of opening a new kind of business in their home community. The beers pay homage to the harsh climate and isolated location. You’ll find flavors made with local herbs and algae, and they even have a smoked beer made in collaboration with Fumoir d’Antan, the local herring smokehouse!
Not only does the brewery have great beers — but the entire bar is decorated in style. And it’s set in a former crab processing plant, overlooking sand dunes and the ocean!
The brewers say their beers come with “un peu de folie” — which you could translate as “a bit of fun” or “a bit of madness.” I think both are appropriate here.
If you’re staying for a few days on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, chances are you’ll have less-than-ideal weather at some point. That’s when you come here — for the shelter from the storm.
To be honest, the Quebecois don’t have the greatest reputation among travelers, which isn’t fair to the lovely people who live there. I’ve known many travelers to Montreal who have felt stung after asking, “Parlez-vous anglais?” and getting an eyeroll or a response in rapid-fire French. I wish it weren’t the case, but it’s pretty common.
I had my guard up when I arrived in the Îsles-de-la-Madeleine — I speak French, but did I speak enough French to get by here? I walked into Marché Resto, a mini-mart with a restaurant in the back, unsure of how to order. Why couldn’t we have just gone to a normal restaurant with normal rules? I hoped I didn’t look stupid to the lady behind the counter.
So I summoned my nerve and asked — and she smiled and told me I could order here and pay her, then take the receipt to the back and they’d make the food.
Looking back, I don’t know what I was afraid of. Everyone was eager to welcome visitors and happy to speak English as best they could. And Cailin and I got to enjoy fresh lobster rolls and a big dish of poutine.
They don’t make it easy to get to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. It can be complicated, time-intensive, expensive, or all three. But if you’re willing to invest effort in getting to these islands, you’ll be rewarded.
There are direct flights to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine from Quebec City, Montreal, and Gaspé. However, these flights tend to be very expensive, especially during the summer months. Check Skyscanner for the cheapest rates.
There are regular CTMA Ferries to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine from Souris, Prince Edward Island. The journey takes about five hours each way. Throughout the year the ferry departs PEI at 2:00 PM and departs the Îles-de-la-Madeleine at 8:00 AM; additional departures are scheduled in July and August. Book as soon as you can because this ferry tends to sell out.
The rates jump up sharply during high season, from June 15-September 14 . Low season/high season rates are $35.10/54.30 CAD ($26/41 USD) for adults, $28.60/43.90 CAD ($22/33 USD) for seniors, $14.15/$27.35 CAD ($11/21 USD) for kids under 12, and free for kids under 5. Vehicles under 21 feet are $71.20/101.25 CAD ($54/76 USD). See the web site for additional vehicles.
There is a bus to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine from Quebec City with Autobus les Silons. It leaves weekly from mid-June through early September, departing Quebec City on Thursdays and departing the islands on Wednesdays. It stops in Riviere-du-Loup, Edmundston, Fredericton, Moncton and Charlottetown and takes 21.5 hours altogether, including the ferry from PEI. The full trip from Quebec to the islands costs $265 CAD ($199 USD) one-way and $429 CAD ($323 USD) round-trip for adults; see the site for other pricing.
There is one weeklong cruise to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine from Montreal on CTMA Cruises. You leave Montreal on Friday afternoon and you arrive on the islands by Sunday morning, staying through Tuesday evening. The cruise does a stop in Gaspé, Quebec, allowing a seven-hour stopover to explore the region, then the ship returns to Montreal early Friday morning.
If you have the time and money, this is a nice way to get to the islands for three days without worrying about the travel logistics. Rates for inside cabin with shared bathroom start at $1,019 CAD ($768 USD), based on double occupancy, and outside cabins with private bathroom start at $1,419 CAD ($1,070 USD).
And OneOcean Expeditions’ Canada’s East Coast Fins and Fiddles route stops in the Îsles-de-la-Madeleine for one day. Is one day enough? I would have loved more, but this is a great start.
Some locals sail to the Îsles-de-la-Madeleine from Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. While the vast majority of fishermen will not take a stranger with them on this journey, you never know — make the right connections and charm the right people and you might be able to hop on a sailboat there. Keep in mind this is at your own risk.
I chose to travel on the East Coast Fins and Fiddles expedition with OneOcean Expeditions because their itinerary included so many hard-to-get-to destinations in Atlantic Canada. As soon as I saw that itinerary — Sable Island! Gros Morne! Percé! Anticosti Island! St. Pierre and Miquelon! — I knew I had to do this trip. But the Îles-de-la-Madeleine were the destination I was looking forward to the most.
OneOcean gives you opportunities to do all kinds of excursions: hiking (often both easy and challenging hikes in the same location), biking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, birding, cultural tours, etc. In the Îles-de-la-Madeleine they offered a “gastro tour” with visits to the fromagerie, fumoir, and brewery, along with lots of scenic stops around the islands.
I almost chose the biking excursion here, but after being warned that it would be super-windy, I decided I’d rather stuff myself with cheese and beer. That was definitely the right decision.
Do know that traveling on an expedition means you’re held to the whims of the weather. We lucked out with good weather in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, but we weren’t so lucky with other destinations. We missed half the day on Prince Edward Island because it was too windy to bring down the zodiacs down; sadly, we missed Francois completely because it was too windy to anchor in their narrow fjord. The fact that we made it to Sable Island in questionable weather was nothing short of a miracle.
In short, it’s possible that bad weather may keep you from the islands. Is that a risk you’re willing to take? It’s a risk I was willing to take.
One day wasn’t enough in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine — but one reason I took this trip was to find out which places I’d like to visit for longer. And I’m doing it — just one month after the trip ended, I went back to Newfoundland!
Where’s the best place to stay in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine? Accommodation in the Îsles-de-la-Madeleine tends to book out far in advance in the summer months, so I urge you to book accommodation as early as possible.
You won’t find large hotels here. Instead, focus on small guesthouses, B&Bs, and hostels.
Camping is a popular option in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine — though keep in mind that it’s extremely windy and there aren’t many trees to shelter you! Many campgrounds offer cabins as well as campsites. Three of the most popular campgrounds are Parc du Gros-Cap, Camping Belle Plage, and La Salicorne.
Top-Rated Îles-de-la-Madeleine Accommodation
Upscale B&B: Auberge Havre-sur-Mer or La Butte Ronde
Mid-range Guesthouse: Auberge Madeli or Motel L’Archipel
Hostel: Auberge de Gros-Cap or Paradis Bleu
Check out more accommodation in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine here.
While the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are an incredibly safe destination — the kind of place where everyone knows each other and people leave their doors unlocked — it’s essential to have travel insurance. Even with a country with good healthcare like Canada, travel insurance can save your health and finances in your time of need.
In the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, you’re dealing with a weather-vulnerable destination. This could end up impacting you if your flights or ferry are canceled.
Additionally, travel insurance will cover you if the islands’ crazy wind knocks you off your bike, or if you sprain your ankle while hiking up one of the hills to see the view.
Get yourself covered — I use and recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for trips to Canada.
I enjoyed the Îles-de-la-Madeleine so much that I’m hoping to return next summer — most likely in tandem with a trip to PEI, another place I want to return. Now that I know what I know, this trip will require a lot of advance preparation. Stay tuned to see how it goes!
Looking back to my time on the islands, in one shop I held up a shirt with French on it and tried to parse out the meaning — it was an expression I hadn’t heard. “Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire? What does this mean?” I asked the woman who worked behind the counter.
“It is like, I miss the islands, I think,” she offered.
“Ah. So it’s like les îles me manquent.”
“Oui! Les îles me manquent!” she exclaimed with a smile. “Très bien.”
Two months later, les îles still do, in fact, me manquent. I hope I get back there soon.
This post is brought to you by OneOcean Expeditions, who hosted me on their East Coast Fins and Fiddles expedition through Eastern Canada. All opinions, as always, are my own.
The post Reasons to Travel to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Canada appeared first on Adventurous Kate.
Where to stay in Rome? The Eternal City seems to have infinite options. This is a gorgeous, complicated, chaotic city filled with beauty and art and fountains and screaming motorbikes. For many travelers, Rome is their first foray into Italy — and what an introduction it is. But first things first: what is the best area to stay in Rome?
This post was updated in September 2019. Image above by Pixabay.
It’s hard to write an introduction to the city because everything to be said about Rome has seemingly already been said during its 2,772-year history. The Roman Empire defined western culture and shaped our world and we are still feeling the effects of their influences today.
That’s a pretty impressive resume for just one city. But what does it mean for your trip? As a visitor it can be challenging to narrow down the best places to stay in Rome.
Do you want to wake up with a view of the Colosseum out your window?
Do you want to stay in a cozy apartment in the medieval heart of the city?
Do you want to wake up to the smell of espresso and the buzz of a residential neighborhood coming to life?
Rome may be eternal, but it’s not lacking for diversity, especially when it comes to its different neighborhoods.
After living in Rome for a combined six years, we have combed the different Roman neighborhoods looking for local eats, charming markets, history, shopping, and more.
Here are the best Rome neighborhoods, no matter what kind of traveler you are.
This post is written by Ashley and Alex of In Pursuit of Adventure. As Rome experts, they definitely have the knowledge of the best places to stay in Rome and are eager to share it with you!
Enjoy this post — and I agree with them; the best place to stay in Rome is Trastevere!
Kate
The Trevi Fountain — image via Pixabay.
The best place to stay in Rome depends on who you are as a traveler and your travel goals. Some people like to be close to the main attractions, some people prefer to have a quiet, neighborhood-like atmosphere, and some people want to be surrounded by the best restaurants in town.
We believe that Trastevere is the best overall neighborhood to stay in Rome — it’s a beautiful, local neighborhood filled with far more Romans than tourists. There is excellent nightlife and even though you’re close to the center, it feels like you’re in a fun neighborhood nobody else has heard of.
If you’re a foodie, you want to stay in Testaccio. This neighborhood is home to Rome’s best restaurants, markets, and food tours.
If you want to be in the heart of the main attractions of Rome, the Centro Storico, or historic center, is the best neighborhood for you. This is a good option for first-timers.
If you’re crazy about ancient history, consider staying in Monti, with easy access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Prati is a neighborhood just a stone’s throw from the Vatican, which is the best area to stay in Rome if you want to be in the center of things while also enjoying typical Roman life.
And if you’re all about fashion and style, you want to stay in a hotel near the Spanish Steps.
Read on for more details about these fantastic neighborhoods.
We think the neighborhood of Trastevere (tras-TEH-ver-ay) is the best place to stay in Rome overall. It has everything we look for in a Rome neighborhood: fantastic restaurants, charming alleyways, a youthful vibe, and that quintessential Roman look. Trastevere was our home for just over two years and we may be biased, but hear us out!
Over those two years we fell in love with the beautiful winding cobblestone streets, local restaurants and the vibrant nightlife filled with students, locals, and tourists alike. Every time we go back to visit our old neighborhood, we feel right back at home.
Trastevere is also ideally located. It is just on the other side of the Tiber from the Centro Storico which is the historic center of Rome. It’s the best of both worlds: centrally located but not overrun with tourists.
Besides the great location, one of the best things about staying in Trastevere is the vibrant nightlife that comes with it. The neighborhood is populated with locals and students from the nearby universities. The streets are filled with wonderful bars and great restaurants that fill to the brim every night. If you want to mingle with the locals then you better start your night out at Bar San Callisto with an Aperol spritz, then go from there! (Note from Kate: Dar Poeta is an awesome pizza place in Trastevere.)
Lastly, Trastevere is one of the best preserved medieval neighborhoods left in Rome. Trastevere will transport you back to the 1200’s with its faded elegance, buildings in loving disrepair and cobbled, narrow streets that twist and turn until you come upon pristine piazzas.
If you choose to stay in Trastevere, you’ve done well — it’s a special place. We think that experienced Italy travelers will especially appreciate Travestere for where to stay in Rome. Keep in mind that due to being a residential neighborhood, most accommodation here is small guesthouses and B&Bs with only a few rooms.
Where to Stay in Trastevere:
Luxury: VOI Donna Camilla Saveli Hotel
Mid-range: B&B Arco Del Lauro
Budget: La Civetta di Trastevere
Click here for the best hotel deals in Trastevere.
The best Rome neighborhood for foodies is Testaccio! If you love food and don’t mind staying a little outside the center of Rome, the local neighborhood of Testaccio is the best area to stay in Rome for you. This is a neighborhood in Rome that has kept its traditional roots while embracing change, especially when it comes to food and markets.
Testaccio is where locals go to eat. Throughout the neighborhood are little restaurants that have been serving up delicious Roman cuisine. The most well-known place is Flavio al Velavevodetto, which is almost impossible to get into on Sundays because the place is packed with Roman families!
Testaccio is also home to the amazing Mercato Testaccio. This modern structure recently replaced the older markets in Testaccio, but all the fantastic old school vendors have come here to sell their produce.
In addition to these vendors, Mercato Testaccio has a host of new spots offering up anything from panini to vegan offerings to street food. Of particular note is Mordi e Vai, one of the most popular places to grab a panini in Rome. They specialize in Roman cuisine and are most well known for taking local main dishes and serving them up between two slices of bread. Make sure to grab a panino and then spend time wandering this amazing local market!
While there are plenty of traditional restaurants for you to enjoy there are also plenty of restaurants putting a new twist on the the Roman kitchen. Il Trapizzino is one of our personal favorite restaurants on the cutting edge of Roman street food. A trapizzino is a little cone of pizza bianca hollowed out and stuffed with your choice of fillings like chicken cacciatore, eggplant parmesan, Roman tripe, or chicken with peppers. Trapizzino is part of what Italians call “lo street food.” It’s a casual way to enjoy Italian cuisine, since food trucks don’t really fit in the streets here!
If you are a food lover, there’s nowhere better than Testaccio. Also, if you would like to to learn more about the Testaccio food scene, there are plenty of food tours available, like this 3.5 hour Testaccio food and wine tour.
Where to Stay in Testaccio:
Luxury: Seven Suites
Mid-range: B&B Testaccio
Budget: Hotel Re Testa
Click here for the best hotel deals in Testaccio.
The Centro Storico, or historic center, is the best Rome neighborhood to be in the heart of it all — the perfect neighborhood if this is your first visit. In the Centro Storico you can wake up steps away from Piazza Navona or see the famous market in Campo de Fiori come to life or watch the sunrise over the Pantheon.
While the neighborhood can be touristy, the Centro Storico includes the famous sites of Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon and has more than enough charm to offset the tourist crowds. There are plenty of charming alleyways and streets to get lost in, including the Via Giulia, one of the prettiest streets in Rome, featuring a stunningly graceful archway by Michelangelo.
This neighborhood is excellent if you want to be walking distance from all the major sites and well-connected. While the metro doesn’t run through this area, Largo Argentina is a transportation hub for all the major buses and trams. Did I mention there is a huge taxi stand at Largo Argentina, too? This makes Prati one of the best places to stay in Rome if you’re traveling with people who can’t walk too far, as it can be nearly impossible to flag down a taxi elsewhere in Rome.
Additionally, some of our favorite restaurants are located in the Centro Storico. Whether you are looking for a fresh mozzarella delivered daily from Campania or homemade pasta from some Italian grandmas or artisanal gelato or even a local wine bar, you can find it all in the Centro Storico.
And if you love to shop, don’t forget to take a wander down Via Coronari, which has independent shops featuring vintage goods, bespoke Italian clothing, and hand-blown glass. If you have family and friends who want you to bring back souvenirs, the Centro Storico is a great choice for where to stay in Rome.
(Note from Kate: Don’t stay in the Centro Storico if you hate tourist crowds. Rome is a very busy city, especially during the summer months, and the tourist crowds are their most intense in the Centro Storico. If you want to experience a quieter Rome, consider visiting in the off-season, from November to March — it’s still worth it.)
Where to Stay in the Centro Storico:
Luxury: Sina Bernini Bristol
Mid-range: Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel
Budget: Babuccio Art Suites
Click here for the best hotel deals in the Centro Storico.
Monti is the best Rome neighborhood for history lovers. A quiet neighborhood made up of small serpentine streets in the heart of Rome, staying in Monti can mean staying in the neighborhood of Julius Caesar.
This historic neighborhood is conveniently located close to several metro stops and Termini train station, but you wouldn’t know it — it’s actually tucked into a valley between three of Rome’s seven hills. This keeps the neighborhood quiet and charming. This may have been a slum in the days of Ancient Rome when it was known as Suburra, but it couldn’t be more lovely today!
Here you can base yourself close to the Colosseum and the Forum, which border the neighborhood. Also nearby is Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest church, dating back to 432 CE and where Gian Lorenzo Bernini is buried.
Surrounding these sites are structures built by Emperor Trajan, including his markets, column and forum. Several medieval towers from the Middle Ages dot the landscape, and you’ll also find San Pietro in Vincoli, the church of St. Peter in Chains and home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses.
This ancient neighborhood is also very popular with Rome’s hipsters. You can find them around the fountain in Piazza delle Madonna di Monti or enjoying an aperitivo at nearby restaurants and bars. Stroll the ancient streets, admire the galleries and shops, and revel in the creative atmosphere nurtured by artists since the 1930s.
Where to Stay in Monti:
Luxury: Villa Spalletti Trivelli
Mid-range: 1880 Atypical Rooms
Budget: Mok’House B&B
Click here for the best hotel deals in Monti.
Prati is best known for being the home of the Vatican, and if you consider yourself a Renaissance Man or Woman, this is the neighborhood to call home. The Vatican Museums are home to an immense collection that includes some of Europe’s finest works of art: from classical sculptures, renowned Renaissance paintings, and most famously, the Sistine Chapel.
In addition to Prati’s Vatican Museums, you can also tour St. Peter’s Basilica and wander the piazza in front of the church designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Prati also is home to Castel Sant’Angelo. The roots of this building date back to the early 100’s CE when it was constructed to be the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, a Renaissance man (if you can apply that term to a man born 1400 years before the Renaissance!) in his own right. (Note from Kate: I think Castle Sant’Angelo is the best place in Rome to watch the sunset!)
While this neighborhood has its fair share of history, it is also known for its wide streets, Art Nouveau charm, and its fast-paced lifestyle. This is a neighborhood where Romans live and work and you can find them shopping at the local markets, commuting to their jobs,and of course indulging in some retail therapy on the weekends on famed shopping street Cola di Rienzo.
While this neighborhood may not look classically “Roman,” it offers visitors a chance to experience a different side of Rome, embrace their love of the arts, and escape the tourists. It’s one of the best places to stay in Rome if you want a lot of variety on your trip.
Where to Stay in Prati:
Luxury: Le Meridien Visconti Rome
Mid-range: St. Peter Guest House
Budget: Hotel Nautilus Rome
Click here for the best hotel deals in Prati.
The Spanish Steps — image via Pixabay.
If you’re in Rome to explore the fashion scene and show off your style, you have to book a hotel near the Spanish Steps (La Spagna). This neighborhood is anchored by the iconic steps but also by the high-end shopping street, Via dei Condotti, which features the shops of some of the most famous Italian designers like Prada and Gucci.
Embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn, grab a gelato, and sit on the steps to watch the fashionable Romans parade by. Or grab a cocktail at two-level rooftop bar on top of the The First, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Rome, including the Spanish Steps.
Or embrace la dolce vita and head to Via Margutta to stroll the artistic haven where Federico Fellini used to live. This brick lined, ivy strewn street is full of charming art galleries and retains the soul that drew Fellini to this neighborhood. This is where to stay in Rome if you want to feel like you’re in a movie from the 1950s.
No matter where you stroll near the Spanish Steps, it’s the best area to stay in Rome to indulge in your stylish fantasies and truly live the sweet life.
Where to Stay Near the Spanish Steps:
Luxury: The First
Mid-range: Condotti Palace
Budget: Domus Spagna Capo le Case
Click here for the best hotel deals near the Spanish Steps.
Rome at night — Image via Pixabay.
What are the best places to stay in Rome overall? We recommend three properties in particular, one high-end luxury hotel, one mid-range property, and one hostel.
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Rome, we highly recommend The First.
An excellent mid-range hotel that we love is Hotel Forum.
And if you’re looking for a good hostel, The Yellow is an absolute gem.
Read on for more in-depth descriptions about these properties.
Comfort taken to a whole new level: the Junior Suite at The First captures the Italian way of enjoying beauty and style.
Why just grab drinks at this luxurious hotel when you can stay here? The First is in the heart of Rome near the Spanish Steps and is the perfect luxury stay for someone who has always wanted to spend the night at an art gallery. Besides impeccable amenities, this 200-year-old palace has been lovingly restored and highlights the contemporary artwork of some of Italy’s most influential modern artists.
This intimate 29-room boutique hotel provides an elegant retreat from the chaos of Rome, embracing the modern in the Eternal City. Hire your own personal shopper to dive into Italian fashion, experience Michelin-starred dining, and explore the world of modern Italian art at Galleria Mucciaccia when you stay at The First.
Our American Bar! ???
Hotel Forum is an affordable hotel in the heart of Rome across the street from The Forum. This four star hotel is located in a historical 18th century building and is the perfect stay for someone who wants to be walking distance to all the major sites and in the charming neighborhood of Monti.
The hotel is classically elegant and has a rooftop bar where you can watch the sunset over Rome. Plus, you don’t have to break the bank to stay at this elegant hotel in the heart of Ancient Rome.
Our American Bar! ???
While not the cheapest hostel, The Yellow is consistently named one of Rome’s best hostels. The Yellow isn’t just a hostel but also venue for amazing local music, a place to meet locals and expats at the popular bar, a yoga studio away from home, and so much more. The Yellow has really worked hard to create a community around their hostel and it shows. The Yellow in Rome is ready to be your home in the Eternal City.
A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense — that’s far from the truth. Travel insurance is vital. It’s saved Kate hundreds of dollars and for one of her friends, who slipped and broke her foot while traveling in Italy, her travel insurance bought her a business class ticket home and saved her thousands of dollars.
If you get pickpocketed on Rome metro, travel insurance will refund you what you lost.
If you slip on the Spanish Steps and break your ankle, travel insurance will refund your medical costs and get you home for free.
If you get appendicitis while in Rome, travel insurance will cover your medical costs.
If an immediate family member dies while you’re in Italy, travel insurance will help you get home immediately.
These are unpleasant things to think about, but it’s so important to be prepared for the worst.
AdventurousKate.com uses and recommends World Nomads Travel Insurance. They’re a great fit for almost every traveler. Take a look at their policies before you buy to make sure they’re right for you.
Rome at night — image via Pixabay.
Rome is a multi-layered city and it has so much history that deserves your time. Choosing where to stay in Rome will be one of the biggest decisions of your trip. Still, no matter what neighborhood you choose, be sure to get out and explore the others. They all have something to offer and play a role in this chaotic, historic, charming city.
Remember to relax, enjoy that long lunch, linger over coffee and stop for an aperitivo or two. Embrace the pace of your neighborhood and truly experience the Roman lifestyle. We love Rome and we want everyone to love Rome.
Click here to compare the best deals on hotels throughout Rome.
While the Roman empire may have fallen, all roads will eventually lead you to Rome — this city has a way of drawing people in.
Ashley and Alex are two travelers from California who are addicted to living local. They run the travel blog In Pursuit of Adventure and focus on eating, drinking, and living locally across the globe. Lately they’ve been writing about the dishes of Peru. They also are the authors of Eat Local in Barcelona: A Guide to Catalan Cuisine.
The post Where to Stay in Rome — Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation appeared first on Adventurous Kate.
A day trip to Paris from London is the perfect addition to a trip to England! Thanks to the fast and efficient Eurostar train, it’s never been easier to visit Paris for a day.
Honestly, one day isn’t enough for Paris — ideally, you should spend as much time there as you can. But not everyone has lots of extra time to spend. So is it worth it if you only have one day to spare?
Absolutely — taking the train from London to Paris is always worth it. Even if all you have is one day, you can still make it the best day ever. But if you’re only visiting Paris for one day, it’s best to plan your trip carefully so that you get as much out of it as you can.
This post was updated in October 2019.
(Image: Steve Cadman)
The train is far and away the best way to visit Paris for a day. Eurostar trains depart from London’s St. Pancras station, arrive at Paris’s Gare du Nord, and take about two hours and 20 minutes each way. This is the Chunnel train to Paris that goes underwater, beneath the English Channel. You go from the center of London to the center of Paris, plus the train journey is exceedingly pleasant.
The bus from London to Paris, by comparison, takes more than seven hours. Not worth it. Driving takes just under six hours if you don’t hit traffic.
You could fly from London to Paris, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip. The flight only takes about one hour and 10 minutes, but you have to factor in getting to the airport 90 minutes before your flight, plus nearly all of the London airports and all Paris airports are located significantly outside the city and take a long time to get there.
(If you insist on flying to Paris for the day, I recommend either flying from London City Airport, which is centrally located though often very expensive, or flying from Heathrow and taking Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, which takes just 15 minutes.)
One day is not enough for Paris, nor is it enough for everything you will personally want to see on a day trip to Paris from London. You can’t see the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay and go to the Eiffel Tower and climb the towers at Notre-Dame and walk around Montmartre and see the show at the Moulin Rouge. In fact, I wouldn’t advise visiting more than one museum on a day trip to Paris.
I encourage you to choose one or two activities that are absolute musts and to plan your day around them. Supplement your day with activities that are close to your main priorities.
For example, if seeing Notre-Dame is a priority, you can easily fit in nearby destinations like Saint-Chappelle, Île Saint-Louis, Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and the Marais.
If you want to spend part of your day in Montmartre, visit the Sacré Coeur, take a long walk down Rue Lepic, see Amélie’s Café des Deux Moulins, and walk down to the Opéra before checking out the rooftop terrace at Galeries-Lafayette.
And if you absolutely must visit the Louvre on your Paris day trip, take time to wander the Tuileries Gardens, visit the Palais Royal, and grab a hot chocolate at Angelina before window-shopping at the jewelry shops of Place Vendôme.
It’s easy to spend a Paris day trip going from attraction to attraction, but I think the magic of Paris is found in the in-between moments. Sitting in a cafe with a coffee or a glass of red wine. Wandering cheese and pastry shops. Crossing the Seine over and over again with no destination in mind.
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to get of the beaten path — just go to a new neighborhood and wander in whatever destination pleases you. I wrote a whole post about it.
I always tell people to travel to the destination that makes their pulse race. And that goes for Paris, too. Prioritize the things that make you excited — the things that are most important to you personally, not the things that you think you should do. If you’re not into art, you don’t have to go to any museums! You can have a day trip to Paris from London without seeing the Mona Lisa.
If your favorite movie in high school was Moulin Rouge! or Amélie, spend time walking around Montmartre.
If you love Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, go to the Musée d’Orsay for the best collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world.
If you’re a die-hard Doors fan, go see Jim Morrison’s grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Beyond that, I think how you should explore Paris depends on your travel experience level. If you’re an experienced traveler, you can handle exploring by metro on your own. If you’d like something a bit easier, or if you or your companion have limited mobility, I recommend a hop-on-hop-off Paris bus tour. It takes you from attraction to attraction and lets Paris unfold in front of you.
Bonus: if you book this day trip from London to Paris by train, they include a hop-on hop-off bus tour for free.
Book an early train from London to Paris and a late train back to London. You can book the train independently; you can also book a package that includes train tickets and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour here.
Morning: Notre-Dame and vicinity. Arrive at Gare du Nord and transfer to the metro line 4 toward Mairie de Montrouge. Get off at Saint Michel Notre-Dame. Stop for a quick coffee if you’d like and head up to Notre-Dame. Visit the towers if you’d like for photos of the gargoyles. Next, walk east to Île Saint-Louis and wander the streets. If you’re feeling really indulgent, get an ice cream at Berthillon!
Head north toward the Hotel de Ville and explore the streets of the Marais, heading further upward. Stop by Pierre Hermé for macarons — they’re the best in the city. Just be sure to eat them the same day.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Breizh Cafe in the Marais. This restaurant is home to outstanding Brittany-style buckwheat galettes and sumptuous crepes. I usually get a galette with egg, cheese, and artichoke followed by a salted caramel crepe for dessert, along with their delicious cider. Make a reservation in advance if possible (it helps massively if you speak French); if you’re uncomfortable doing that, try showing up when they open at 12:00 PM.
Alternative lunch: walk up to Rue des Roisiers and wait in line at L’As du Falafel, one of the best cheap lunches in Paris. Order your falafel and walk a few streets away to Place des Vosges, where you can enjoy your falafel “sur l’herbe” or sitting on a bench.
Afternoon: Art and the Tower. Visit one of Paris’s world-class museums in the afternoon. Since you’re visiting Paris on a day trip and have limited time, I urge you to buy skip-the-line tickets in advance, and be sure to double-check which museums are open that day.
The Centre Pompidou (Beaubourg) is close by; if you’re a fan of modern art and architecture, this is a great choice. There’s a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower from the top, too. Buy Centre Pompidou priority access tickets here. Another option? Head to the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa (La Joconde) for yourself! The Louvre can be overwhelming; I recommend limiting yourself to two or three sections of the museum (I happen to love the golden Gallerie d’Appolon). Buy skip-the-line tickets at the Louvre here. My favorite Paris museum is the Musée d’Orsay, which is home to incredible Impressionist paintings in a fantastic old train station. Buy skip-the-line tickets to the Musée d’Orsay here.
Finally: see the Eiffel Tower up close. How you see it depends on how much time you have. You can take a hop-on-hop-off Seine River cruise if you have time; I recommend taking the Metro Line 9 to Trocadéro for the most stunning surprise view of the tower when you turn the corner. From there you can take all the photos you want.
I do not recommend actually climbing the Eiffel Tower. Why? Because you won’t be able to see it in your photos! But if you insist, once again I recommend buying skip-the-line tickets due to your limited time. Make sure it includes the summit.
Instead, I recommend getting a good view from the nearby Arc de Triomphe. It’s a 20-minute metro ride on the 6 from Bir-Hakeim/Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel to Charles de Gaulle Étoile, five-minute cab ride, or 30-minute walk. Climb the Arc (once again…yep, skip-the-line tickets are best here) and enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower as well as down the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde.
A cheaper alternative is to go to the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette department store in the 9th. It’s not quite as close as the Arc, but it’s free to visit with a fabulous view.
One hour before your train: arrive at Gare du Nord, preferably by metro. You have to go through immigration here, so it’s wise to arrive one hour before your departure.
Enjoy that train ride back to London, awash in your Paris memories. Now would be an excellent time to dive into those macarons you procured earlier.
I’m not going to begrudge you for doing what you think is best for yourself, but here are some tips:
Do keep track of the time change. Paris is one hour ahead of London.
Do research opening times in advance. Especially so for museums. The Louvre and Centre Pompidou are closed Tuesdays, while the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin are closed Mondays, to start.
Don’t leave central Paris. This tacks on a lot of time to what is already too short of a trip. Versailles, for example, is just outside Paris but can easily eat up half a day. That also goes for Chartres, Giverny, Reims, the Loire Valley, the beaches of Normandy, EuroDisney, and other day trips from Paris.
Do guard against pickpockets. If you use a purse, I recommend using a black crossbody purse that zips shut, preferably made of leather or faux leather. Keep your hand on it. You can also keep valuables in the hidden pocket in a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf — I guarantee nobody will pickpocket you there!
Don’t leave love locks anywhere. They’re damaging to structures and your lock will be removed anyway. Just enjoy the city of love without vandalizing it in the process.
Do bring a digital guidebook. Guidebooks aren’t dead — they’re actually super helpful. I recommend buying a digital copy of Lonely Planet Paris and keeping it on your phone for reference.
Don’t go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This may seem like shocking advice, but when you’re on top of the Eiffel Tower you can’t see the Eiffel Tower. It’s like going to the top of the Empire State Building in New York — the most iconic building will be missing from your photos. Definitely go to the base of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero Gardens for the best views, but if you want a good view from a building, I recommend the top of the Arc de Triomphe (close proximity), the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette department store in the 9th (a bit further away), or the top of the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre (furthest away but sweeping views over the whole city).
Do not, under any circumstances, forget an umbrella! Paris’s weather is similar to London’s, but only London gets the overcast weather fame. The weather changes quickly in Paris and rain can come out of nowhere, even on an otherwise sunny day. I’m a fan of the LifeTek travel umbrella, which is small enough to pack away but strong enough to hold its shape on a windy day.
Parisians have a well-earned reputation for being among the best dressed in Europe. So what should you wear on a day trip to Paris?
It depends on the season, but my go-to outfit is a nice top or sweater, slim or skinny dark jeans, a faux leather moto jacket (this one from Zara is similar to mine) or sleek winter coat, and a beautiful scarf or pashmina (Speakeasy Travel Supply makes gorgeous scarves with a secret hidden pocket — perfect for Paris!).
For shoes, I recommend a pair of black flats with good arch support (I swear by black Abeo flats from the Walking Company). If it’s cold, you might prefer a pair of black boots; if it’s hot, you might prefer these chic but comfortable black sandals. Or stylish sneakers like these white leather Cole Haan sneaks. Top your look off with tasteful makeup, nice jewelry, and a pair of dark sunglasses.
You might enjoy dressing up a bit, especially if it’s warmer out. Wearing a nice dress makes for better photos and could earn you more cordial treatment from locals or even get you mistaken for being local.
What not to wear: Shorts, athletic sneakers, baseball caps, and t-shirts will immediately brand you as a foreigner anywhere in Europe, but especially so in Paris. I recommend leaving these items at home.
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