Italy doesn’t tend to top the list of classic winter getaways. It doesn’t have the massive celebrations of New York, the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia, or the expansive Christmas markets of Germany. However, after spending last Christmas in Florence, Venice, Bologna and Padua, I was amazed at the festive experience I found! The streets were filled with twinkle lights, the air smelled of roasted chestnuts, and every bakery window was ablaze with panettone and festive sweets.

That said, there were a few hiccups I hadn’t really seen coming. Some museums were closed without much notice, information was hard to find, trains were more packed than I expected, and the sun seemed to disappear way too early in the day. But with a bit of flexibility and plenty of tasty snacks, those little bumps felt less like problems and more like part of the experience. If you’re dreaming of your own Italian holiday escape, here are my best tips for making the most of a winter visit and soaking up the magic that only December in Italy can offer.

Table Of Contents

1. Plan Around Italy's Holiday Calendar
2. What to Know About Holiday Travel Costs
3. Use Big Cities as Bases
4. Make the Most of Holiday Closures
5. Reserve Restaurants in Advance
6. When Everything’s Closed: Plan a Home-Cooked Italian Feast
7. Know Your Winter Weather (It's Not the Same Everywhere)
8. What to Pack for Christmas in Italy?
9. Staying Warm the Italian Way
10. Make the Most of Shorter Days
11. Travel by Train and Book Ahead
12. Visit Churches for Atmosphere and Art
13. Enjoy the Christmas Markets
14. Carry Some Cash
15. Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Italy
16. Trying the Best Christmas Foods in Italy
17. Experience the Magic of Christmas Concerts
18. Catch the Santa Canal Parade in Venice
19. Meet La Befana, Italy's Christmas Witch

Plan Around Italy’s Holiday Calendar

Christmas in Italy isn’t just a single day; it’s a whole season. The festivities begin around mid to early December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and run through January 6, the day of the Epiphany (known locally as La Befana). Between those dates, life slows down.

• December 24 (Christmas Eve): Shops often close early, and restaurants fill with families enjoying special dinners.
• December 25 (Christmas Day): Most businesses, museums and many restaurants close entirely.
• December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day): Another public holiday, many attractions remain shut. I actually found this to be the quietest day of the holiday calendar.
• January 1 (New Year’s Day): Transport and services are limited.

Plan your must‑see visits around these closures. In Florence, I discovered that the Uffizi was closed on both Christmas Day and New Year’s. However, in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica remains open for Mass and welcomes visitors who want to experience this seasonal service.

What to Know About Holiday Travel Costs

Generally, Christmas travel to Italy is less expensive than summer travel, particularly in terms of airfare and hotel rates. Although December is considered a low season in many parts of Italy, demand does increase during the holiday season, especially from December 23 to New Year’s. Festive events and celebrations are frequently held in major cities like Rome, Florence, and Bologna, drawing both locals and tourists from abroad. Hotel rates during these holiday periods are typically lower than peak summer rates, although they may be higher than the rates for the rest of the winter.

It’s important to book your lodging early if you’re visiting over Christmas and New Year. Popular hotels fill up fast, and prices rise quickly. We were lucky to get a great deal at the historic Hotel Loggiato Dei Serviti in Florence, the week before Christmas. In Venice, we even found a Grand Canal view room at the Locanda Leon Bianco Hotel for a fraction of the summer price. Apart from December 25 and 26, most of our stay was surprisingly affordable.

Selecting less crowded neighbourhoods or neighbouring cities can also help you find more affordable accommodations and a more intimate, local experience. Nevertheless, Christmas in Italy offers a more economical and distinctively atmospheric alternative to the crowded and costly summer months, despite slightly higher prices around the major holiday days.

Flying to Italy at Christmas

When it comes to airfare, prices can be a bit of a mixed bag. Flights to Italy are usually cheaper outside of the summer months, but they tend to spike around peak holiday travel dates, especially for departures between December 20 and 24 and returns around January 1 and 2. To score the best deals, try flying midweek, booking as far in advance as possible, and being flexible with your travel dates and airports. If you’re planning to travel over Christmas, start tracking flights early and book as soon as you spot a reasonable price; it’s likely to sell out quickly.

Flying into alternative hubs, such as Milan or Bologna, rather than Rome or Venice, can sometimes offer lower fares. One tip is to avoid flying in or out of Florence in winter. The airport is known for weather issues, especially fog, which often makes it hard for planes to land. Delays and cancellations are common during this season. It’s usually easier to fly into Rome or Venice and take the train to Florence instead.

Use Big Cities as Bases

Large cities like Florence, Milan, Bologna and Venice stay lively throughout the holidays, with glowing lights, bustling markets, and festive concerts even on the quietest days. In contrast, smaller towns often shut down almost entirely between December 24 and 26, with closed restaurants and empty streets that can leave you feeling stranded if you’re not prepared. By using bigger cities as your base and timing your countryside visits outside those closures, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: quiet, scenic escapes followed by a return to warm dinners and evening strolls under sparkling city lights.

Make the Most of Holiday Closures

While many restaurants, shops, and museums close on December 25, that doesn’t mean your day has to feel empty. It’s a great chance to appreciate a more peaceful side of your destination. Bundle up and take a morning walk through nearly empty piazzas, stroll along calm streets decorated with festive lights, or visit a church to see the nativity scenes up close. We were in Venice on Christmas Day, and it felt like we had certain areas of the city all to ourselves. A quiet, dreamlike atmosphere that’s rare to experience at other times of the year.

Reserve Restaurants in Advance

Tables fill up quickly around Christmas and New Year’s, especially in smaller cities where family-run spots often close for the holidays. In Bologna, there was one local place I had my heart set on. Luckily, I’d booked early. When we arrived, a sign out front confirmed they were fully booked for the entire week with no chance of walk-ins. I was beyond relieved to see my name on the list.

Yes, advance planning takes away a little spontaneity, but it gives you peace of mind and saves you from wandering cold streets in search of an open table. This is especially true for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some restaurants do stay open and serve special holiday menus but, reservations are essential for these meals.

If you make a reservation online, it’s worth confirming. More than once, even though I’d booked online and even received a confirmation email, I showed up at a closed door and a “Closed for Christmas” sign. Google hours can also be very unreliable (even outside of Christmastime), and holiday schedules are often subject to change without notice. To avoid this, call the restaurant on the day of your booking or check their social media for updates. If you can’t, always have a backup place in mind nearby. It saved me more than once.

One of the best tips I can give is to ask your hotel for help. Staff usually know which restaurants will stay open on Christmas Day and can even secure hard-to-get tables. In Venice, they found us an unforgettable family-run spot on Christmas Eve, well away from the tourist hubbub. It turned out to be one of our best meals of the trip!

When Everything’s Closed: Plan a Home-Cooked Italian Feast

If you find yourself in a small town where everything is closed on Christmas Day, or discover that the few restaurants still open are fully booked, this can actually turn into a wonderful opportunity to cook your own festive Italian meal. Shopping at a local market the day before is not only affordable, but also a truly memorable experience. Italian markets in December are bursting with seasonal produce, think bright citrus, wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, fennel, chestnuts, and leafy greens, as well as rich cheeses, handmade pasta, cured meats, and freshly baked bread. Add a bottle of local wine and you have everything you need for a beautiful holiday spread. Just be sure to shop early, ideally on the 23rd or early on the 24th, as many markets and shops close early on Christmas Eve.

One of my favourite memories was putting together a Christmas Day meal in Venice, even though we didn’t have a kitchen in our hotel. We made do with what we had, shopping the day before at the local markets and picking up a mix of prepared and ready-to-serve items. There were marinated artichokes, fresh bread, a wedge of aged cheese, some beautifully sliced prosciutto, and a bottle of prosecco to toast the day. For dessert, we had panettone with a little tub of mascarpone we found at a grocery store. It wasn’t fancy, but it was festive, comforting, and felt completely tied to the place and season.

Know Your Winter Weather (It’s Not the Same Everywhere)

The weather in December in Italy can vary significantly depending on your location. You can anticipate chilly, rainy days in places like Florence and Bologna. In the winter, Venice’s distinctive lagoon is home to some warmer weather than Florence, but on windy days, the dampness can feel bone-chilling. The weather in nearby Padua is comparable, though typically a little drier, which makes it more comfortable for day trips or lengthy walks.

Don’t let the thought of cold, chilly, or rainy days keep you from Italy at Christmas. While the weather can be a bit damp, the benefits far outweigh a little drizzle.

Winters are generally much milder in Rome. The days are frequently sunny and crisp, making them ideal for exploring antiquities and open piazzas without the summer crowds, though you’ll still need a jacket. With daytime highs frequently in the low to mid-teens degrees Celsius, other well-liked southern locations, such as Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, are even warmer. Although beach days are out of the question, these locations provide a milder winter getaway with fewer visitors and a slower tempo.

What to Pack for Christmas in Italy?

Warm, waterproof shoes are a must for Italy in December, not due to snow, which is rare, but to stay dry in the rain and comfortable when the chill sets in, especially after sunset. Cobblestone streets, beautiful as they are, become slick and slippery when wet, so be sure to wear sturdy boots or shoes with a good grip. I packed my heavy-duty winter boots, which I wear in Canada during the winter, and while they occasionally felt a bit too much, they kept my feet warm and dry every step of the way. I never once regretted bringing them.

Layers will be your best friend! While a full-on down puffer might be overkill, a classic wool coat strikes the perfect balance, warm enough to keep the chill out and stylish enough to blend right in with the locals. Italy in December isn’t as cold as Christmas in Sweden, but I still found a scarf and gloves absolutely essential. I also rarely went a day without wearing a hat. The cold sets in quickly, especially in the evenings, and a cozy hat made all the difference. I packed a few festive ones, which not only kept me toasty but added a touch of holiday cheer to every outfit.

Thermal layers were truly the unsung heroes of my trip! They were thin enough to disappear right under my jeans or a dress, but they trapped heat like magic. I also relied on Merino wool socks to keep my feet toasty without ever getting sweaty. And for those days when I needed just a little bit more warmth without looking like the Michelin Man, heat-tech camisoles or a lightweight fleece were absolute lifesavers. Be sure to pack a compact umbrella that can withstand strong winds and rain. I was especially grateful for mine while walking along the misty canals of Venice at dawn, where the fog settled low and the stone paths glistened beneath my feet.

Looking for more details? Check out our dedicated post on what to pack for Christmas and winter in Italy!

Be Aware of the Acqua Alta in Venice

If you’re visiting Venice in December, be prepared for the possibility of Acqua Alta (high water), a natural high-tide phenomenon most common in the late autumn and winter. The flooding is usually minor, short-lived, and localized, typically affecting only the lowest areas like Piazza San Marco for a few hours around midday. To stay dry, download a tide forecast app and watch for the sirens that warn of higher water. If the forecast suggests high water, pack a pair of cheap plastic overshoes (you can easily find them online). They’re much cheaper to bring with you than to buy at inflated prices once you’re there.

The city is well-prepared, installing elevated wooden walkways (passerelle) in key areas, and most sights and restaurants remain open. While it may be a slight inconvenience, seeing St. Mark’s Basilica reflected in the flooded square is a truly unique, memorable part of a winter visit. We didn’t have an acqua alta (which I was honestly a bit disappointed about, as it would have been unique to see), but I was glad to have the booties anyway, just in case!

Staying Warm the Italian Way

While Italy in December isn’t Arctic-level cold, the damp chill can definitely creep in after a few hours outdoors. The good news? Italians have mastered the art of staying warm without missing a beat. One of my favourite ways to escape the cold was by ducking into a museum or church. Not only do they offer a break from the elements, but you also get a dose of history and beauty while you thaw out. In Florence, I spent nearly an hour in the Medici Chapel just soaking in the quiet and warmth after a breezy morning stroll along the Arno.

Cafés are another winter haven. Grabbing a cappuccino at the bar, or better yet, lingering over a hot chocolate thick enough to eat with a spoon, is a great excuse to rest your legs and warm your hands. In Venice, we’d dip into tiny cafés just for a few minutes of heat and a fresh pastry before heading back into the fog.

Shopping also offers a welcome escape from the cold. Whether you’re browsing designer boutiques in Florence, hunting for artisanal gifts under Bologna’s porticoes, or wandering through Venice’s glass shops, retail therapy doubles as a cosy indoor activity. Many shops are beautifully decorated for the holidays, adding to the festive feel. It’s a great way to stay warm and pick up a few special souvenirs (or last-minute Christmas gifts!).

At night, the same idea applies, only this time, trade in your afternoon espresso for a glass of wine. Italy is home to some of the world’s finest wines, and there’s no shortage of cozy wine bars to settle into once the sun goes down. Whether you’re sipping a bold Chianti in Florence, a crisp Soave in Padua, or a smooth Valpolicella in Venice, it’s the perfect way to warm up and unwind after a chilly evening stroll. Don’t underestimate the power of these little warm-ups!

Make the Most of Shorter Days

In December, sunset in northern Italy can be as early as 4:30–5:00 p.m. Museums and shops are also often on a shorter schedule, closing by 5:00-6:00 p.m. Therefore, plan your sightseeing for mornings and early afternoons. Evenings are best for strolling through illuminated streets, sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine at a Christmas market, or attending a concert in one of the city’s historic churches.

Travel by Train and Book Ahead

Italy’s trains are your best friend at Christmastime, especially when travelling between major cities. They’re warm, reliable, scenic and often faster than flying. Trust me, you want to avoid the airports at all costs during the holidays when you can! However, even the trains do get significantly busier around the holidays, particularly on 23–24 December and 1–2 January. When we travelled from Florence to Venice on December 21st, our train was already packed with passengers coming from Milan. Despite having reserved seats, the entire carriage’s luggage racks were overflowing, both overhead and in the designated storage areas near the doors. We ended up balancing our hand luggage on our laps and leaving our suitcases loose in the corridor near the bathrooms.

One lesson we learned was to try to travel earlier in the day, the first train if possible, when trains are typically less crowded. Also, consider upgrading to first class for the holidays if your budget allows. The trip is much more comfortable when travelling with larger bags because train cars are usually roomier, have fewer passengers, and have more ample luggage storage. Or travel light, if possible, or opt for small bags that are easier to fit in overhead bins. It’s also worth arriving at the station early so you can board as soon as the doors open and claim a spot for your bags before space runs out.

Train travel during the holidays is often more expensive, particularly as Christmas approaches. We ended up paying a lot more for the tickets to our last-minute day tripto Bologna than we would have if we had done a little more preparation. Booking in advance can significantly impact availability and cost, even for short regional trips, so it’s worthwhile to secure your day trips in advance to avoid stress and save money.

Book directly with Trenitalia (the national railway) or Italo (a private high-speed operator) for the best train fares in Italy, particularly during the holidays. Both offer access to the most affordable official fares and reliable service. Trainline is a great aggregator that displays both Trenitalia and Italo options for comparing routes and costs. Another easy-to-use website for booking trains throughout Italy is Omio.

Visit Churches for Atmosphere and Art

Christmas is one of the most evocative times to visit Italian churches, even if you’re not a religious person. There is an atmosphere unlike any other time of year as the nation’s cathedrals and basilicas come alive with candlelight, music, and tradition. With choirs resonating beneath centuries-old domes and the aroma of incense filling the air, midnight mass at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice or the Duomo in Florence is genuinely unforgettable. Additionally, many churches feature ornate nativity scenes, or presepi, which are often highly detailed and represent local traditions and customs.

When I attended Midnight Mass at St. Mark’s in Venice, the experience was both magical and surprisingly intense. We arrived about 45 minutes before the service and still barely found a chair, with hundreds of people streaming in behind us. The basilica glowed with golden mosaics as the lights dimmed, and the sound of the choir carried through the vast, shimmering space. It felt as though the centuries of history surrounding us came alive in that moment, making the long wait and the crowd well worth it. If you plan to attend Midnight Mass in any famous church in Italy, arrive early, ideally an hour or more, to secure a seat and take in the atmosphere before the service begins.

Enjoy the Christmas Markets

Italy’s Christmas markets may be smaller and less grandiose than those in Germany or Austria, but they’re packed with charm, tradition, and a festive spirit. Each city puts its own spin on the holiday market, often blending local craftsmanship, seasonal treats, and regional culture into a cozy, celebratory atmosphere. You’ll find wooden stalls selling everything from hand-carved ornaments to wool scarves and gourmet panettone, all set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and the scent of roasted chestnuts.

In Florence, the most well-known market takes place in Piazza Santa Croce, where alpine-style wooden huts sell artisanal gifts, mulled wine, and festive snacks, all set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most beautiful churches. Bologna comes alive with two traditional markets: the Fiera di Natale, set up near the cathedral, and the Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia, tucked under the city’s iconic porticoes along Strada Maggiore, both offering nativity figurines, sweets, and seasonal decorations.

In Padua, head to Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares, where you’ll find a bustling market accompanied by light projections on nearby historic buildings, adding a touch of theatre to your shopping experience.

Other cities also offer unique market experiences. In Rome, visit Piazza Navona for a traditional fair with toys, sweets, and carousel rides. Bolzano and Merano in the South Tyrol region are home to some of Italy’s most picturesque markets, characterized by a strong Alpine influence and a stunning mountain backdrop. Even coastal towns like Sorrento host smaller markets that blend seaside charm with festive cheer. It’s important to note that most Christmas markets in Italy begin in late November or early December and close by Christmas Eve. Some remain open a few days longer, but the atmosphere is most vibrant in mid-December. If you’re visiting Italy specifically for the markets, plan your trip accordingly to avoid arriving after they’ve closed.

Carry Some Cash

Card acceptance in Italy has significantly improved over the past few years. Most hotels, big restaurants, and train stations take them without issue. But once you step into small trattorias, family-run cafés, or Christmas markets, cash is still the safest option. Stalls selling roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, or handmade ornaments will almost always prefer coins and notes.

During the holidays, ATMs can be tricky. Long lines build up on Christmas Eve and New Year’s weekend, and sometimes machines even run out of cash. To avoid stress, withdraw money ahead of the big days and keep a small stash of euro notes with you. It’s also useful when splitting bills with friends, leaving tips, or hopping on a bus where cards aren’t accepted.

Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Italy

Be sure to set aside time each evening to enjoy the festive light displays if you’re visiting Italy in December, they’re truly one of the season’s highlights. Every town and city brings its own unique charm to the decorations. While the displays might be more understated than in some of the other places I’ve visited at Christmas, there’s a sense of authenticity to them that stands out. The lights feel like a genuine celebration of the season, less about commercial flash and more about tradition, quite a contrast to the glitzier displays I’ve seen in places like London.

Bologna and Padua turned out to be two of the most unexpectedly beautiful cities for Christmas lights. Their displays were warm and understated, with an artistic, almost poetic quality woven through the portico-lined streets. In some areas, lines of poetry were projected onto building façades, transforming the city into an open-air gallery of light and words. Evening strolls through these illuminated streets felt especially memorable, like being let in on a quiet, local holiday tradition tucked away from the usual tourist trails.

Trying the Best Christmas Foods in Italy

If you’re visiting Italy during the holidays, be sure to try the festive foods that only appear this time of year. Panettone and pandoro are the stars of the season; look for artisanal versions in local bakeries rather than supermarket shelves. Christmas markets are also great for sampling regional treats, such as torrone (nougat), struffoli (honey-drenched dough balls in Naples), and mostaccioli (spiced chocolate-dipped cookies). In the north, especially around Bologna, be sure to try tortellini in brodo, a comforting bowl of pasta in rich broth that’s a classic Christmas dish.

The Creative Travel Writer said:

A traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Italy is typically a meatless, seafood-focused feast, known as La Vigilia, and it’s one of the most delicious ways to experience the season like a local. If you find yourself in a coastal city like Venice or Naples, don’t miss the chance to order dishes like baccalà mantecato (creamed salted cod), clams with spaghetti, or crisp, golden fried calamari, each one celebrating the sea’s bounty with simplicity and care. Many menus also highlight seasonal produce, like artichokes, fennel, or citrus, which appear in salads or side dishes to add freshness and balance to the meal. To finish, enjoy a glass of prosecco or spumante, followed by a thick slice of panettone or pandoro, often served with mascarpone cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Everywhere we went in Italy, we were delighted to find a festive twist on even the most everyday experiences. It felt like the entire country had quietly dressed up for the holidays. Coffee shops served seasonal specialties like panettone-flavoured lattes, and even the most humble morning pastry came topped with a dusting of icing sugar or a hint of citrus zest, giving it a subtle Christmas flourish. Bakeries filled their windows with artfully wrapped holiday treats, miniature pandoro, chocolate-dipped biscotti shaped like stars, and piles of torrone tied with ribbon.

And as you stroll through the streets after dinner, you’ll almost certainly catch the unmistakable scent of roasting chestnuts, sold from little street carts on nearly every corner. Their warm, nutty aroma fills the air, adding another layer of cosy, festive comfort to the evening!

Experience the Magic of Christmas Concerts

Christmas in Italy isn’t just about the lights and food, it’s the music that truly brings the season to life. From classical ensembles to traditional Italian carols, holiday concerts are held in churches, theatres, and piazzas across the country. Even if you’re not someone who usually seeks out live performances, the acoustics in Italy’s historic churches and grand theatres make these events feel incredibly moving and atmospheric. One of our most memorable experiences was attending the One Million Dreams Christmas Concert in Venice, where 200 members of the Big Vocal Orchestra filled one of the most breathtaking theatres I’ve ever stepped into with a joyful mix of seasonal songs. To catch something similar, check local event calendars or ask your hotel staff, they’re often a great source for finding festive concerts, especially ones off the usual tourist radar.

Catch the Santa Canal Parade in Venice

If you’re visiting Venice in December, even just for a day, try to time your trip around the Santa Claus Regatta (Regata dei Babbi Natale), one of the city’s most delightfully quirky holiday traditions. Usually held in mid-December, it features dozens of rowers dressed as Santa, paddling their way down the Grand Canal in classic Venetian boats like gondolas and sandoli. It’s festive, fun, and a little surreal, in the best way, mixing Christmas cheer with Venice’s age-old love of rowing.

If you’re planning to catch the Santa Claus Regatta in Venice this December, the best way to find out the exact date and route is to keep an eye on local event listings and Venice Tourism websites. The regatta usually takes place the Sunday before Christmas, but the exact date can vary each year. Social media is also a great resource; look for Instagram or TikTok posts about the Regata dei Babbi Natale. When in doubt, ask your hotel staff or a local tourism office.

For views, Rialto Bridge is a classic choice, offering a high vantage point over the Grand Canal, but it can get very, very crowded! You can also stake out a spot along the Ponte dell’Accademia, but honestly, anywhere along the Grand Canal is a great spot to watch the event!

Meet La Befana, Italy’s Christmas Witch

One of the most unique and charming traditions in Italy is the story of La Befana, a beloved figure who plays a starring role in the country’s Epiphany celebrations. According to legend, La Befana is an old woman, part kind witch, part grandmother, who flies from house to house on a broomstick on the night of January 5th, delivering sweets and small gifts to children. Unlike Santa Claus, she wears a shawl, carries a sack of treats, and is often depicted with a sooty face from climbing down chimneys.

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The myth comes from the story of the Wise Men, who once stopped at the house of La Befana on their way to see the baby Jesus. They invited her to join, but she said she was too busy with chores. Soon after, she regretted it. She gathered gifts and set out to find the child, but never did. Ever since, she has flown across Italy on Epiphany Eve, leaving presents for good children and lumps of coal for the naughty.

Even in early December, La Befana is already making her presence known all across Italy. Market stalls overflow with witch-shaped chocolates, shop windows feature her as a cheerful, grandmotherly figure smiling down at passersby, and Befana-themed candies line the shelves in local supermarkets!

I hope these tips give you the confidence to embrace winter in Italy and make the most of all the magic this festive season brings to its cities. There’s so much beauty to discover when you lean into the slower pace, the cozy traditions, and the unexpected joys that December in Italy has to offer.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Tips on Traveling in Italy at Christmas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Map of the Best Christmas Lights and Decor in Paris
2. Champs-Élysées
3. Place Vendôme
4. Galeries Lafayette
5. Rue Saint-Dominique
6. Rue Montorgueil
7. Moulin Rouge
8. Avenue Montaigne
9. Galerie Vivienne
10. Montmartre
11. Le Marais
12. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Map of the Best Christmas Lights and Decor in Paris

Champs-Élysées

The grandest of all Parisian boulevards becomes even more dazzling during Christmas. The best time to visit is in the evening, from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, when the trees lining the Champs-Élysées are strung with sparkling lights in a synchronized display. This iconic stretch offers a breathtaking stroll, particularly after sunset.

Place Vendôme

Known for its luxurious boutiques and jewellers, Place Vendôme is a vision of understated elegance during Christmas. The towering trees and chic lighting make it one of the most refined holiday displays in the city.

Galeries Lafayette

Every holiday season, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann unveils a jaw-dropping Christmas tree under its stunning glass dome, and it’s nothing short of magical. This annual tradition, dating back to 1976, has become a hallmark of Christmas in Paris, drawing visitors worldwide to marvel at its creativity and grandeur. The tree, a true work of art, is designed around a unique theme each year, mixing festive cheer with imaginative storytelling. It has whisked onlookers away in past years on whimsical journeys, like a globe-trotting adventure or a playful toy-inspired wonderland, inspiring awe and amazement. Galeries Lafayette is one of the top spots in Paris for Christmas shopping, perfect for finding gifts for everyone on your list.

Rue Saint-Dominique

Rue Saint-Dominique, located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is a picturesque street known for its charming cafés, boutiques, and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. This bustling avenue transforms into a festive delight during the Christmas season, with twinkling lights and elegant decorations adorning its shops and lampposts that frame the Eiffel Tower in festive decor!

Rue Montorgueil

Rue Montorgueil is a bustling pedestrian street renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and rich culinary heritage. Lined with traditional boulangeries, fromageries, cafés, and specialty shops, it offers an authentic Parisian experience. During the Christmas season, Rue Montorgueil transforms into a festive wonderland. The street is adorned with enchanting holiday lights and decorations, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Twinkling lights drape across the street, illuminating the historic facades and casting a magical glow over the bustling crowds. Shop windows are meticulously decorated with seasonal displays, adding to the street’s festive charm.

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge in Paris takes on an extra layer of glamour during the Christmas season, transforming into a festive spectacle that perfectly blends its iconic cabaret charm with holiday cheer. The exterior is a sight to behold, with its famous red windmill facade adorned with twinkling lights and elegantly decorated Christmas trees, creating a magical, wintry scene.

Avenue Montaigne

Avenue Montaigne, Paris’s high-fashion avenue, transforms into a shimmering promenade during the holiday season, with twinkling lights accentuating the lavish window displays of its designer boutiques. Strolling along this elegant street feels like stepping into a scene from a Parisian fairytale, especially in the evening when the festive glow creates a magical ambiance. The real showstopper, though, is the iconic view of the Eiffel Tower framed by the sparkling Christmas lights—a picture-perfect moment that captures the glamour and romance of Paris at Christmastime.

Galerie Vivienne

During the Christmas season, Galerie Vivienne in Paris transforms into a festive haven, blending its 19th-century elegance with holiday charm. The passage’s iconic glass roof allows natural light to mingle with the warm glow of Christmas lights, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Twinkling lights drape gracefully along the gallery’s arches and shopfronts, highlighting the intricate mosaic floors and neoclassical architecture.

Montmartre

Montmartre’s village-like charm takes on a magical glow during the holiday season as twinkling lights illuminate its quaint streets and squares. The neighbourhood feels like stepping into a snow globe, with its festive decorations enhancing the timeless beauty of this artistic enclave. The enchanting Christmas Market at Place des Abbesses, with its cozy wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, artisanal treats, and warm holiday drinks, is a perfect setting for a romantic stroll. As you meander through the festively adorned streets, don’t forget to pause and take in the breathtaking views of Paris below, sparkling like a sea of stars. Montmartre during the holidays is a true feast for the senses, blending romance, tradition, and a dreamy, sentimental atmosphere.

Le Marais

The historic neighbourhood of Le Marais offers a delightful and understated charm during the holiday season, making it a serene yet magical destination for those seeking festive lights without the crowds. Its quaint cobblestone streets and picturesque squares are gently illuminated with elegant holiday displays. The decorations here embrace a more subtle, refined aesthetic, with twinkling lights strung across shopfronts and small clusters of glowing ornaments adorning hidden courtyards. Wandering through Le Marais during the holidays feels like stepping back in time, and its quiet, romantic ambiance makes it an ideal spot for an evening stroll.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Stroll through this delightful neighbourhood, where charming streets and cozy cafes are elegantly dressed in holiday lights and decorations. This area beautifully showcases the essence of Parisian Christmas decor—understated yet sophisticated, with natural elements adding a touch of timeless chic to its festive ambiance.

As the holiday lights glow over the cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks, Paris feels like a city out of a fairytale at Christmastime. From the dazzling Champs-Élysées to the cozy charm of Montmartre, every corner offers a little sparkle to warm your heart. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand under glittering garlands, snapping photos of illuminated landmarks, or simply soaking up the magic with a hot chocolate, Paris at Christmas is pure enchantment. So wrap yourself in your coziest scarf, grab your camera, and let the City of Light fill your season with joy and wonder. Bonnes fêtes!

The post Holiday Magic in Paris: Where to See the Best Christmas Lights and Décor first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

If you’re a beer lover, Drygate Brewery in Glasgow is one spot you won’t want to miss during your visit. Located just a stone’s throw from the iconic Glasgow Cathedral, Drygate offers a unique blend of history, creativity, and community spirit—all served up with a perfect pint.

A Unique Brewing History

Drygate Brewery is more than just a place to grab a beer; it’s a venue steeped in history. Opened in 2014, it became Scotland’s first experiential brewery, blending traditional brewing methods with innovative techniques. The brewery is part of a larger complex with a bar, kitchen, and event space, all housed in a former box factory. The industrial aesthetic, with its exposed brick walls and large glass windows, adds to the venue’s charm, making it a perfect spot to unwind after exploring Glasgow.

The brewery’s name, “Drygate,” comes from its location on Drygate Street, which is historically part of the old road to the Highlands. This connection to the past is reflected in their brewing philosophy, where tradition meets innovation.

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Crafting Exceptional Beers

One of the main draws that brought us toDrygate Brewery is its impressive selection of craft beers. They pride themselves on brewing passionately and creatively, which shows in every pint. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there’s something for every palate.

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Some of the standout brews include their flagship Bearface Lager, a crisp and refreshing lager that’s perfect for any occasion, and the Orinoco Breakfast Stout, a rich and velvety stout with notes of chocolate and coffee—ideal for those colder Scottish evenings. They also offer seasonal and limited-edition brews, so there’s always something new.

Drygate’s beers aren’t just available at the brewery but distributed throughout Scotland and beyond. But there’s something special about enjoying a pint right where it was made, with the sounds of the brewing process in the background.

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The Beer Hall Experience

The Drygate Beer Hall is where the magic happens in brewing and socializing. The large, open space is filled with communal tables, encouraging a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Whether visiting with a group or solo, you’ll feel right at home.

The Beer Hall also features an impressive lineup of events, from live music and comedy nights to beer tastings and brewing workshops. It’s a place where creativity and community come together, making it more than just a place to drink beer—it’s a hub for local culture.

The Food

If you’re hungry, the kitchen serves up a fantastic selection of food that pairs perfectly with the beer. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, offering everything from hearty burgers to delicious vegan options. Their Beer & Food Pairing events are particularly popular, offering a guided experience where you can learn how different flavours complement each other. Cullen Skink is one of the most popular Scottish delicacies, and their Cullen Skink Fishcakes are a very delicious take on the traditional dish.

Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking for a great place to relax and soak up local culture, Drygate Brewery should be at the top of your Glasgow itinerary. With its rich history, innovative brews, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place that captures the spirit of Glasgow in every pint. So, grab a seat in the Beer Hall, order a flight of their best brews, and enjoy all Drygate offers.

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Cheers, Adventurers!

The post An Enthralling Review of Drygate Brewery: Unveil Glasgow’s Ultimate Craft Beer Sanctuary first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. What is the Correfoc or Firerun?
   • The Tabalada
2. History
3. When Does Correfoc Take Place?
   • La Mercè Festival
   • Sant Joan Festival
   • Festa Major de Gràcia
4. Safety and Participation

What is the Correfoc or Firerun?

The Correfoc, or fire run, is a thrilling event where streets or town squares are plunged into a dramatic display of fire and pyrotechnics. Participants, known as “diables” (devils), dress in elaborate costumes and masks and carry pitchforks and other devices that shoot sparks and fireworks.

Often, these devils are little children, which might come as a surprise, but since this tradition is passed on through generations, kids must take part even from an early age.

Correfoc Effigies

The “devils” carry around effigies during the Correfoc, which often take the form of grotesque and fantastical creatures, such as dragons, demons, and other mythical beasts. These effigies are designed to shoot fireworks from various points, creating a dramatic and fiery spectacle as the devils dance and parade through the streets.

The Tabalada

The events almost always begin with the “tabalada,” a drumming performance that sets the pace and builds anticipation. As the drumming reaches a crescendo, the diables emerge, and the Correfoc begins. The drummers walk through the streets with the devils, creating the most rhythmic beats to match the bangs of the fireworks.

History

The origins of Correfoc can be traced back to medieval Catalonia. It evolved from the traditional “Ball de Diables” (Devil’s Dance), which depicted the eternal struggle between good and evil. Initially performed during religious and community celebrations, these performances involved characters representing devils, angels, and other mythological figures. Over time, the fire elements were incorporated, giving birth to the modern Correfoc. The Correfoc also serves as a symbolic representation of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.

When Does Correfoc Take Place?

La Mercè Festival

Correfocs, or “fire-runs,” typically take place in Barcelona during major festivals. The Barcelona La Mercè Festival is the city’s largest and most vibrant annual celebration, honouring the patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercè). The festival spans several days around the end of September and transforms the city into a hub of cultural activities, parades, and performances. Streets and plazas come alive with traditional Catalan festivities, including the Castellers (human towers), sardana dances, and the iconic Correfoc, which is one of the highlights and usually takes place on one of the evenings during the festival.

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Sant Joan Festival

The Sant Joan Festival, which is celebrated in late June, marks the summer solstice and is one of the most anticipated and vibrant events in Spain. Known as the “Night of Fire,” the festival is characterized by its exuberant atmosphere, with fireworks, bonfires, and parties taking center stage. Locals and visitors gather on the beaches, streets, and public squares to celebrate this ancient tradition. The evening is filled with fireworks and the sight of flames as people light bonfires and the Correfoc’s fireworks erupt throughout the town squares and beaches across Spain.

Festa Major de Gràcia

The Festival of Gràcia, known locally as Festa Major de Gràcia, is a vibrant and community-centred celebration held every August in the Gràcia neighbourhood of Barcelona. This week-long festival transforms the area into a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity as residents compete to decorate their streets with elaborate and imaginative themes. Each street becomes a work of art adorned with handmade decorations crafted from recycled materials, creating a whimsical and immersive experience for visitors. The festival features live music, traditional dances, parades, and various cultural activities, including the Correfoc, which unusually takes place in the morning to allow families and younger children to participate and enjoy the spectacle. The morning light also highlights the vibrant decorations and costumes, making it a unique and inclusive experience for all festival-goers.

Safety and Participation

The Correfoc is a thrilling spectacle, and safety is an integral part of this experience. Participants and spectators are advised to wear protective clothing, including hats, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes and scarves, to shield themselves from sparks. I would also highly recommend that spectators bring a pair of earplugs as the repeated bangs are thunderous, and you’ll be thankful to have them with you. If smoke bothers you, I would also recommend bringing a face mask to help with that. The organizers take extensive precautions to ensure the safety of all involved, with well-coordinated emergency services on standby. This careful balance of excitement and safety allows everyone to enjoy the fiery display without undue risk.

As the city ignites with the flames and fireworks of the Correfoc, Barcelona‘s streets transform into a fiery wonderland that leaves an indelible mark on all who witness it. This electrifying event, with its costumed devils and dazzling pyrotechnics, offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Catalan culture. Whether you’re dancing through the sparks or marvelling from a safe distance, the Correfoc is an experience that captures the essence of Barcelona’s vibrant spirit. So, embrace the fire, join the revelry, and create memories that will burn brightly in your heart and mind, never to be forgotten. Here’s to the magic and mayhem of the Correfoc and the unforgettable stories it sparks!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Everything You Need To Know About Attending Barcelona’s Fiery Correfoc or Fire Run first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

How to Download and Use These iPhone Wallpapers

1. Click on the link for the wallpaper you like.
2. Save the image to your phone.
3. Go to your iPhone settings, select “Wallpaper,” and choose the saved image from your photos.
4. Set it as your lock screen, home screen, or both!

Summer Collage iPhone Wallpapers

Summer in Greece iPhone Wallpapers

Summer in Europe iPhone Wallpapers

Retro Summer Travel iPhone Wallpapers

Tropical Summer iPhone Wallpapers

Summer in Portugal iPhone Wallpapers

Summer in California iPhone Wallpapers

Thank you for exploring our collection of vibrant and whimsical summer travel iPhone wallpapers! We hope these designs bring colour and joy to your phone, capturing the essence of summer adventures. Whether you dream of sandy beaches, historic cities, or tropical getaways, our wallpapers are perfect for adding a touch of summer travel inspiration to your daily routine. Download your favourites today and let your imagination take you on a journey whenever you unlock your screen.

The post FREE Vibrant and Whimsical Summer Travel iPhone Wallpapers Downloads first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Admission: 200 yen for adults and 150 yen for children.

Walking in the front gates, you can immediately see the Buddha rising in front of the mountains in the background. As you enter, there is a plaque that reads: “Stranger, whosoever thou art and whatsoever be thy creed, when thou enterest this sanctuary remember thou treadest upon ground hallowed by the worship of ages. This is the Temple of Buddha and the gate of the eternal, and should therefore be entered with reverence.” 

History of the Great Daibutsu

The 43 ft tall bronze statue has been sitting in the same spot since 1252. The first incarnation of the statue was made in wood in 1243. The wooden statue took many years to be completed. But after all that work, the wooden sculpture was destroyed by a great storm in 1248. As a result, a new version was commissioned, and this one was to be made in bronze. The new bronze statue was finally completed in 1252, and it hasn’t moved since. I mean, it weighs 93 tonnes; I don’t think it’s going anywhere.

Originally the Buddha was housed inside a great hall. But year after year, the hall was destroyed by Kamakura’s rough seaside weather. After the most violent storm in 1369, the rebuilding of the hall was abandoned. Since then the statue has remained in the open air. And I think I far prefer it this way. The gorgeous contrast of the bronze buddha against the bright blue sky is one of the most stunning images.

Details of the Buddha

At one point, the great Buddha was covered in gold gilding. Only a few gold pieces remain around the ears and cheeks, the rest lost to the ages. On either side of the Buddha are two incredible carvings of climbing lotus blossoms. Originally there were 10 of these surrounding the Buddha. But the rest were either stolen or lost over time.

The design of the Buddha was made in the “song style.” This was the prevalent method of sculpture art in the Kamakura period. This style is represented by the bowl-shaped hair strands, a flat, square face, stooped posture and oversized head. The clothes which the Buddha wears over their shoulders are a simple, single piece of fabric. This remains slightly open around the chest as if to express a sliver of mortality. Unlike some Buddha statues, which have a raised hand, this statue sits with its hands on its knees. This is the position of contemplation and grounding. Because the figure is hollow, you can even stick your head inside and get a look at the interior. There is a winding staircase inside the Buddha which was used when creating it and is also used for repairs.

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When to Visit

In 2023 the Keukenhof will be open daily from 23 March – 14 May from 08:00 – 19:30.

The best time to visit the Keukenhof is before 10:30 am or after 4 pm, this is when the least tourists will be in the park and you’ll have more of the flowers all to yourself. PLUS, the morning sunrise and afternoon sunset provides an incredible backdrop to the rainbow of flowers. If you can avoid going on a weekend, this is also preferable if you’re trying to avoid crowds.

Keukenhof Tickets

Since the park is only open for a few months tickets can sell! Especially if you’re visiting over the weekend or on a holiday you’ll want to be sure to buy your tickets in advance. I would advise buying online either way since it means less time spent in line at the ticket office when you arrive.

Adults cost €19,00 in advance and children are €9,00, kids under 3 are free. But the best thing to do is buy a Combi Ticket which combines your transportation with your admission. The prices are different depending on where you’re departing from, but they range from €30-€35. The bus will drop you off at the main entrance to the gardens so it couldn’t be more convenient!

History of the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof gardens were first established in the 15th century on what was then a substantial hunting ground. The name ‘Keukenhof’ means Court Kitchen in Dutch as the fields once served as a giant herb garden for the Queen’s castle. Throughout the years, the various members of the royal family who inherited the manor continued to expand the garden, and in the 19th century, the Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt hired Jan David Zocher, a renowned landscape architect, to re-design it to create the unique and luscious garden the Netherlands had ever seen.

As time went on, the gardens were bought by the city, and in 1949 the Mayor of Lisse decided to open them up to the public. He held an exhibit of flowers from all over the Netherlands and Europe. People were able to see, and smell, hybrid flowers not available in their local markets. They walked through incredible floral landscapes created by illustrious Dutch landscape architects. 

Keukenhof Flowers

Since its opening in 1949, the Keukenhof has held the title as the world’s largest flower garden as well as being the most photographed place on the earth. Today it houses more than 100 varieties of tulips, more than 2,500 trees in 87 types and 15 kilometres of walking paths. To date more than 44 million visitors over the last 60 years have strolled through this real-life Wonderland. In 2018, Keukenhof’s theme will be Romance in Flowers. 

Dutch Tulips

The tulips are the main feature of the flower garden. Tulips were first brought to Europe in the 16th century and caught on in popularity in the Netherlands. Tulips were able to stand the harsh temperatures and conditions in the Netherlands more than many other internationally imported flowers. Due to their resilience, Dutch botanists became avid collectors and even started to breed new varieties. Soon, everyone wanted a tulip garden of their own. Tulips became a status symbol for anyone who planted or who carried a bouquet as they walked down the street. Today they have become somewhat ubiquitous, but in the 17th century, they were worth their weight in gold.

Varieties of Tulips

There are different groups and breeds of Dutch tulips. One is called the Couleren, which refers to the red, yellow or white coloured tulips. Then there is then Rosen, which are bright red or white with veining on the petals. The Violetten are the purple or lilac tulips, my personal favourite. 

And finally, and best named, is the Bizarden, which are tulip with odd or eccentric appearances. They tend to be brown with purpled or yellow veins running across a jagged petal. A virus was known to infect these tulips during growth and was called the mosaic virus which made the tulips bloom in vibrant colours sometimes with flame-like streaks across the petals. Although it was a virus, it was one that botanists cultivated since those features were more and more desired by buyers for their bizarre appearance. 

Access to the Keukenhof

To get to the Keukenhof there a few different ways of arriving depending on where and how you’re travelling.

Driving

The Keukenhof is located in the village of Lisse, which is in itself, a charming Dutch village with hundreds of flower fields colouring the countryside. If you’re renting a car while in the Netherlands you can park right at the park for €6. But you must pre-purchased parking ticket.

Driving into the Keukenhof is a great idea since it gives you the ability to drive around the surrounding village to see the farmers fields where they grow all the flowers for the Keukenhof. You can buy your parking pass online when buying your tickets or at the entry to the park.

Public transport

We used the Netherlands’ amazing public transport system to access the park. The best way to figure out your journey is by using the public transport website to map your route. Most people will be accessing the Keukenhof from Amsterdam. The best way to get there is by purchasing the combi-ticket for the gardens which includes your transport and entry to the park. There are two options for the combi-ticket.

The first option costs € 25 and covers the costs of THE BUS ONLY from Schiphol Airport to the park. Which means you’ll be responsible for payment to the airport. This is especially convenient if you are travelling to the Keukenhof directly from the airport. If you are travelling from the city, you’ll want option two, which costs € 30 and provides return access from Amsterdam. The combi-ticket gives you access to the special bus services which runs from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Leiden station or Haarlem directly to the Keukenhof entrance.

Tour Company

There are many tour companies which offer tours of the Keukenhof. These tour companies tend to be a bit rigid on time and sometimes feel a bit impersonally but I know that for some nervous or older travellers, the removal of multiple forms of transport or excessive planning is worth the trade-off. Viator offers many tours of the Keukenhof which also combine views of the surrounding coutryside. With over 200 5-star reviews you really can’t go wrong if this is the kind of experience you’re looking for.

By Taxi

For those travellers I mentioned previously who might have certain issues with public transport but who don’t want to deal with the time constraints of bus tours there is also taxis and uber. These cost between €50-€70 depending on where you’re departing from for a one-way journey. While costly, I think it’s important to provide this information to show inclusivity for all kinds of travellers.

Keukenhof Theme 2023

The theme of 2023’s Keukenhof is Flower Classics. There isn’t much more information released to the public yet but no doubt going back to the classics will bring lots of favourite designs from over the years.

Guide to Exploring the Keukenhof

As soon as we stepped through the door, we were amazed by the colours and the overwhelmingly Dutch atmosphere of the gardens. There was an old wooden crank organ sitting in the front beside the entry fountain and the bright, rosy-cheeked Dutch boys and girls playing their instruments welcomed us inside.

Exploring the Gardens

Before setting out right away, take the provided map to study up and plan your preferred route. There are picnic tables near the entrance, a perfect place to enjoy a morning meal. Although there are a few snack stalls, I would advise stopping by a local bakery before arriving and then eating a little picnic in the gardens. You can eat while watching the other people pass by, smiles on their faces as they took in all the jewel-toned flowers spread out around them.

Orjanje Nassau Pavilion

Every week a flower show is organized in the Orjanje Nassau Pavilion. This is a great place to come to not only see some amazing display but also learn a little bit about native Dutch flowers.

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Hedge Maze

The hedge garden and maze was a lot of fun. We wove in between the thick bushes, discovering sinuous sculptures dotting the area. As we strolled through the garden, we found a small petting zoo with tiny horses and cows. Children were laughing as they reached their hands over the edge to pet the fuzzy little creatures.

The Windmill

Then, it was off to visit the main feature of this Dutch Disneyland; the Windmill. We climbed up the windmill to get a better look out over the fields where the tulips are initially grown before getting moved to the gardens.

As we climbed down, we took a moment to try on a few pairs of wooden clogs. The exhibit in front compared different ancient clogs to their modern-day equivalent.

Orchid Greenhouse

Our next stop took us away from the array of tulips and into the Orchid building. Orchids are amazing flowers. They look so strange and almost otherworldly. 

Red Romance Garden

Leaving the orchid, you can step into the Red Romance Garden. We passed by what can only be described as a “Barbie’s Dream Greenhouse”. The bright pink and red flowers were almost blinding. I had never seen anything like that before. Thank goodness we brought our sunglasses!

Japanese Garden

Tulips are the main attraction, but there is also a Japanese garden, a sculpture garden and even a lily pad garden where they added fake lily pads underwater that you could walk on. They sat just below the water, so the children playing appeared as if they were walking on water. 

People seemed to come here not just to see the flower but to be inspired by them. A man had his easel out and had just begun to sketch out his next masterpiece as we passed by.

Keukenhof By Drone

If you’re looking for a way to view the gardens from above this amazing drone video gives you an idea of just how big these gardens are!

The Keukenhof Parade

The Keukenhof parade is an annual event that takes place in the beautiful gardens of Keukenhof, the best garden in Europe. In 2023, visitors can expect a lively and colorful display of floats, music, and performers. The parade route winds its way through the breathtaking gardens, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for all who attend. With its vibrant atmosphere and mesmerizing displays, the Keukenhof parade is the perfect way to celebrate the beauty of spring and the arrival of new growth. The date for the parade is Saturday 22 April 2023. This date books up very far in advance so be sure to check online immediately to grab your tickets ASAP!

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Keukenhof is a truly breathtaking and unique destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its beautiful flower displays, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder why it’s considered the best garden in Europe. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Keukenhof has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and start planning your visit to this must-see destination in the Netherlands!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Keukenhof, the Best Garden in Europe [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Now that we’ve been in this period of stay-at-home orders for a while, museums and art galleries around the world have all gotten their act together to put together content online for their would-be visitors. Some of the world’s best institutions are now providing guests visual visits to some of the world’s best exhibitions. If you are suffering from wanderlust, these are a great cure. Or maybe you have an older student at home who wants to use this as an at-home learning opportunity! Either way, these virtual galleries are a fantastic way to see the world all from the comfort of your couch! 

Table Of Contents

1. The Uffizi Gallery
2. The State Hermitage Museum
3. Frida Khalo Museum
4. The British Museum
5. Musée d'Orsay
6. Rijksmuseum
7. Vatican Museums
8. Van Gogh Museum
9. The Belvedere
10. MET

The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the world’s most famous museums. Inside its hallowed walls are some of the most important paintings from the Italian Renaissance. The collection of art was gifted to the city of Florence by the Medici family. The Medici’s were once Italy’s ruling dynasty and amassed some of the world’s greatest artists and artwork in their personal collection. The museum initially opened in 1765 to the general public. Today (or at least pre-covid), it saw more than four million people each year!

Uffizi 360°

Truthfully, visiting the Uffizi can be a bit of a pain. It is one of the most visited museums in the world. Honestly, sometimes I find it to be almost obnoxiously crowded. But for a good reason, I suppose as their collection is so renowned. I just find myself constantly yearning to have the gallery all to myself. Well, 2020 kind of made that happen! 10 of the museum’s most popular galleries are now on display on their website in 360°! You can virtually walk through the gallery and zoom into each painting along the wall.

Uffizi Google Stories

If you are interested in learning more about a specific painting, then head over to Google Art and Culture Galleries. Over here, you can click on any image that catches your eye. It will bring you into a detailed description of the piece and more information about the artists. They also have a few online exhibitions. One of these walks you through every last detail of Piero di Cosimo‘s famous panting “Perseus Freeing Andromeda.”

The State Hermitage Museum

I have long dreamt of visiting the Hermitage Museum, of delving into the dark Russian winter only to wander the halls of this incredible fortress of beauty. The State Hermitage Museum is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia and is the second-largest art museum in the world! The largest museum in the world is, of course, the Louvre. The museum has a deep connection with the Russian empire. The collection was founded by Empress Catherine the Great and contains over three million items! And while you might not be able to view each one of those items in person, they have an AMAZING virtual tour! So you can spend every wake hour exploring this massive treasure trove!

The online tour is at 360°, so you can look up down and all around just as you would if you were really there. The best thing about their online gallery is their information icons. You can click the “i” buttons to get details on the space or various particular objects on display. Many other online galleries make you work a little harder to get information about what you’re seeing. So the fact that this is all right there in the application is fantastic!

Frida Khalo Museum

I have an entire post all about walking (virtually) in the steps of Frida Kahlo. If you’re looking for a quick intro into the life and work of this fantastic artist, then the Frida Khalo Museum has the thing for you! The Casa Azul was Frida’s childhood home where she lived in Mexico City. After going off to school and living independently, she returned to this home in her adulthood. It was there that she would live until her death, inside her beloved Casa Azul. Today, you can explore her family home, which has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the artist. Inside, you can explore her most intimate spaces precisely as they were when she lived there. You can see some of her earliest works of art, sketches and folk creations.

Google Arts and Culture has created a wonderful online gallery of a special exhibit entitled “Appearances Can Be Deceiving“. This exhibit is a collection of Frida’s personal wardrobe, jewllery, prostetics and more. It also contains a series of personal photograph taken by Frida. The exhibition was a travelling collection which was halted in 2020 after the pandemic hit. But now you can explore the entire thing online.

The British Museum

The British Museum, located in London, England was established in 1753! It started off as nothing more than a collection of Irish physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. Sloane has a collection of 71,000 items which he bequeathed to the British people upon his death. The museum opened to the public in 1759 and, over the years, added to its collection. But most of the growth of the collection was a result of expanding British colonization. Which is to this day one of the most contentious parts of the museum’s collection.

A Journey Through Time

The British Museum has one of the most unique online virtual museums. Instead of taking you through the museums, gallery by gallery exploring in 360°, you are taken on a journey through time. A giant timeline is presented in front of you, separated into 5 different areas of the continent. You can even sort the timeline by a thematic elements from art and design to power, identity, religion, and belief.

Throughout the timeline, there are colour-coded dots that you can click to draw you into that point in time and space. From there you are presented with an object from the museum’s collection. The detailed synopsis of the item is present in both text and audio, so you can get a lovely little story told to you as you explore!

Musée d’Orsay

Ok, I’m going to say it…I like the Musée d’Orsay better than the Louvre. I know, I know! That’s sacrilege. And for the record, I do love the Louvre, but I’ve never been a great fan of those supersized museums. I find them a bit overwhelming and would much prefer a smaller, more curated collection. And it’s also all about location, location, location. And let me tell you, the Musée d’Orsay certainly has a beautiful location, set inside an old 19th-century train station. In fact, one of the online exhibits that you can explore through Google Arts and Culture is all about the location! An old Beaux-arts style railways station was transformed and saved from demolition in the 1970s to become the great Musée d’Orsay.

Musée d’Orsay Google Collection

Today this impressive building holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including the most extensive collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. Through the Google online galleries, you can see works from Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Zoom right in to see the tiny textures of the brush strokes. You can study the gentle expressions on even the background characters’ faces! Getting this close to these famous paintings is something you can only experience online, as those velvet ropes always keep you at a little bit of a distance.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, located in Amsterdam, is the Dutch National Museum. Inside its great walls are pieces dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam. The original Rijksmuseum opened in 1798 in the Hague (a neighbouring city to Amsterdam and the seat of the Netherlands’ government). In 1806, Napoleon Bonapart had established the Kingdom of Holland. Under his rule, he had the museum moved from its current home in the Hague to the new metropolis of Amsterdam. When the museum moved to Amsterdam, it was housed inside an existing palace. But this was deemed not large or regal enough to hold all their masterpieces. Eventually, a new design was a commission, and Pierre Cuypers, with his richly decorative gothic and Renaissance, inspired structure, won over the competition.

The museum is home to over 8,000 objects. But the most visited art works are their precious collection of masterpieces by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. Today you can see the interiors of their treasured museum online. The beautiful video gallery opens up as you enter the webpage. The video depicts the interior of the museum as the light each come on one by one as if opening up just for you!

Audio Guide

When you click on a painting, you will be entered into a video and audio guide through the details and history of the piece. At the beginning and end of the track, you can hear the sound of whispering echoing throughout the room. This is meant to replicate the quiet rabble of the voice inside the gallery when it would have been filled with people.

Video Series

The Rijksmuseum also has a video series online where you can listen to curators speaking about some of their favourite pieces in the gallery. These experts are so passionate about the works. It’s so exciting to get this opportunity for a 1:1 guide through the Rijksmuseum.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums were founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II. He wanted the public to be able to view the immense art collection amassed by the Catholic Church. This included letting visitors enter the incredible Sistine Chapel that is famously decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo. The museum’s collections contain over 70,000 items, but only 20,000 of them are on display for the public. One can only imagine their storage rooms and the hidden treasure you can find in there!

Walking through the halls of the Vatican Museum feels like being allowed to enter a truly holy place. But the hoards of tourists surrounding you kind of ruin the moment. You are only allowed to be inside the Sistine Chapel for a limited amount of time, and they ask you to remain silent (which, of course, too many people ignore). For this reason, getting to explore the galleries in the privacy of your home is a really unique opportunity!

Vatican in VR

Italy was hit the hardest during the first wave of the Coronavirus. Almost immediately their whole country had to be shut down. In order to allow people to continue to experience the wonders of the Vatican Museum, they created an online environment to explore. Inside Vatican 360 you can virtually explore all the great rooms of the museum. Some of the building’s most famous rooms are now yours alone. You can spend as long as you’d like studying the details of the fantastically frescoed walls and ceilings. If you have a VR headset, some of the rooms are also available to be viewed with the headset. I get a little sick using these but honestly it was so beautiful and cool I pushed through it to enjoy the experience.

If you are interested in learning more about the most essential items from the collection, then watch Get Your Guide‘s online tour. This video (embedded below for you) is under 30 minutes long and acts as a primer for your first-time visit. The video explores the most important works of art and architecture locked away inside the museum.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a museum dedicated solely to the works of Vincent van Gogh. Famously, Vincent van Gogh only ever sold one painting during his lifetime, ‘The Red Vineyard.’ Today he is one of the world’s most notable painters, with his works selling for millions upon millions of dollars. But you don’t need to spend a dime to get to stare upon his wonderfully rich and brilliant works of art! The Van Gogh Museum, opened in 1973 and contains more Van Gogh paintings and drawings than anywhere else in the world.

Unravel Van Gogh

The museum has long been at the forefront of digital technology and launched the website ‘Unravel Van Gogh‘ to allow visitors worldwide to experience Van Gogh’s paintings and understand themes in his life that influenced the work. Launching the site, you can explore various of his most famous paintings. Each image has a different interactive experience. Some can be explored from sketch to final artwork. Others have been retouched to appear closer to their original colouring (after years and years of discolouration). The paintings are blended with text and audio, which provide insights into the painting’s smallest details.

Van Gogh exchanged hundreds of letters with his brother, and this correspondence is used in the interactives as clues into the artist’s mind. I spent hours on this site. While not everything is entirely user-friendly, you’ll find the more time you explore, the more things you will uncover. Making the experience more like an investigation. We see Van Gogh’s painting as being some of the most vibrant ones ever made, but getting to see them as they would have appeared when first painted was an absolute shock! I couldn’t believe that they would be even more colourful than they are now, but seeing the digital reconstructions was mesmerizing!

4k Video Tour

If you’d like to see what the museum’s interiors look like, the museum has 4K Video Tours online that you can watch. If you are still clamouring for more Van Gogh, you can also look into the artists’ tragic love life through a little online exhibition through Google Arts and Culture. The exhibit features a series of his paintings and old photographs that tell the story of Vincent’s love affairs.

The Belvedere

The Belvedere was one of the highlights of my trip to Vienna. In the center of town are two ornate Baroque palaces, that play host to a great art gallery and museum. The palaces were once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 17th century. Today, the Belvedere houses the most extraordinary Austrian art collection dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. The most infamous artists featured inside are undoubtedly Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. 

Augmented Reality

One of the most unique features of Belvedere’s online gallery is its use of augmented reality. You can visit their website and use an app on your phone to study a series of Egon Schiele‘s paintings in greater detail. When you use your phone to scan the image on the screen, it will trigger an audio track that guides you through the work of art. You can also use your phone as a scanner, using infrared technology to uncover hidden secrets beneath the finished painting.

Google’s Arts and Culture website contains Belvedere’s complete collection of digitized artwork for you to view and read about. They also have an excellent digital exhibition on one of the world’s most romantic paintings, Gustav Klimt‘s ‘The Kiss.‘ I was lucky enough to see this work of art in person and was absolutely mesmerized by it. Getting the chance to learn a little bit more about the painting was a great way to recall some of those treasured memories.

MET

The MET or Metropolitan Museum of Art is America’s most famous art gallery. Located in the heart of New York City, the collection is home to over two million works of art! To help organize millions of objects are 17 different curatorial departments. These departments range from everything from the American Wing, Arms and Armour, the Costume Institute, Egyptian Art, European Art, Islamic art, the Medieval Collection at the Cloisters and more.

MET Primer

On the MET’s website, they have a great collection of editorial content called their “Primers.” These ‘Primers’ give you a quick and immersive look at select exhibitions. This fantastically designed website feels like reading an editorial magazine. If you never had the chance to visit the MET Cloisters, which contains the collections of medieval works of art, their online visit is the next best thing!

Their current exhibition features pieces from the newly designed ‘British Galleries’. This reimagined space is meant to provide a fresh perspective on British decorative arts. You can even head over to Soundcloud and listen to the exhibition’s audio guide as you browse the collection online.

Costume Institute Online

The MET’s most famous exhibits are undoubtedly the Costume Institute Collections. The celebrity-rich MET Gala, which raises money for the museum, has brought a ton of new visitors through the doors of the museum over the years. Although this year’s Gala had to be cancelled due to covid, you can view some of their old exhibitions online! I found this access to be amazing as I was only able to make it out there to see a few of them in real life. Getting to go back in time and study some of their older exhibitions is a beautiful opportunity.

Andrew Bolton, the curator of these exhibits, is one of my heroes, and I loved being lead through the displays by his comforting voice. Many of the items on display in the Costume Insitute are so delicately sewn and contain a myriad of complex textures. Getting the chance to zoom in and see these features in such microscopic detail is something you could only experience online.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to my favourite online museums and galleries. I think visiting one of these will really help make you feel like you’ve had a little adventure, even if you never left the house. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other virtual travel content. Let me know in the comments where you’d want to explore virtually that hasn’t been created just yet!

Happy (Virtual) Travels, Adventurers

The post 10 Best Art Galleries You Can Still Visit Virtually first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

You could take dozens of walking tours around Venice, specializing in different themes or neighbourhoods. But this walking tour is perfect if you have limited time to see the city. Or you just want a good introductory tour to take you around the iconic places which helped form the history and culture of this city.

Table Of Contents

1. Walking Tour Details
2. Venice Tourist Tax
3. Start of the Tour: St. Mark's Square
4. Caffe Florian
5. St Mark’s Basilica
6. Doge’s Palace
7. The Bridge of Sighs
8. Corte Teatro & Teatro Goldoni
9. The Grand Canal
10. Rialto Bridge
11. Venetian Street Names
12. Mercado di Rialto
13. Ca' d'Oro
14. Riding a Traghetto
15. Cannaregio
16. Church of Madonna dell' Orto
17. Jewish Quarter
18. Panificio Giovanni Volpe
19. Scalzi Bridge
20. Santa Croce
21. Giardini Papadopoli
22. Basilica dei Frari
23. Dorsoduro District
24. Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute
25. Zattere

Walking Tour Details

How Long is this Walking Tour?

This walking tour takes you around some of the most important landmarks around the island. I recommend leaving a whole day for it since it spans almost the entire city. Or you could break the tour into sections to spread over a few days. This tour serves as a great introduction to the various districts. Giving you a glimpse of where you might like to come back and explore more later.

When Should I do this walk?

Monday is a great day to do this tour. Most museums are closed on Mondays, yet the churches we will visit will remain open. Mondays are also when people have gone back to work, so you’ll get a better idea of what the neighbourhood looks like when all the shops are open. Businesses are bustling, and the cafes serve their daily customers. You can, of course, for this tour any day of the week, but I always recommend Mondays due to the museum’s closures.

Start the tour early in the morning. The earlier, the better. I usually wake up before dawn and go to St. Mark’s Square. As the sun rises above the city, the square is almost empty, except for the pigeons. There’s nothing like it. Well worth the sacrifice of a little bit of sleep.

When is the Best Time to Visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, from April to June and September to November, respectively. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer, allowing you to explore the city without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. However, keep in mind that Venice experiences high tides, known as acqua alta, from November to March, which can make certain parts of the city inaccessible.

Venice Tourist Tax

Starting January 1st, 2023, Venice will implement a Tourist Tax for anyone staying in the city overnight. This tassa di soggiorno or tourist tax will be included in your hotel, B&B and alternative accommodation fee. 

But soon, the city will be implementing a day-visit ticket. This is set to cost anywhere from €3 to €10. Visitors from cruise ships or the mainland must book their tickets to visit Venice in advance. This system has not yet been activated, but once online, day visitors will need to pre-register and select the day on which they plan to visit the city.

This new system is being implemented to help visitors contribute to the protection and safeguarding of Venice. All the money from these taxes goes directly toward improving the quality of public services and museums. As well as maintenance to prevent this historic city from sinking into the ground forever.

Start of the Tour: St. Mark’s Square

The best place to start your tour is standing in the centre of the Piazza San Marco or St. Mark’s Square. Arrive here as early as you can. There is something truly magical about being here as the sun rises on the square. You’ll see the beautiful rose-gold sunlight begin to kiss the cobblestone and bricks around you. The sun seems to bring the square to life as cafe owners take out their colourful chairs and pigeons flock around gawking tourists (but please don’t feed them!)

Standing in the centre of the square, in front of the Basilica, you can turn around 360 degrees and see one spectacular sight on top of another. In this small area, you’ll find the St Mark’s Basilica, the great Campanile (Belltower), the Procuratie, the Piazzetta, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Torre dell’ Orologio. There is rarely a time when you’ll visit the square when they aren’t some form of construction or renovation going on. With all these historical sights in one place, something is bound to be falling apart and in need of repair. Try to look past that and don’t let it ruin your experience.

Saint Mark

The square is named after the patron saint of Venice, Saint Mark. In 828, a relic of St. Mark was stolen from Alexandria and brought back to Venice by La Serenissima’s great naval fleet. The Venetian Doge, awed by the acquisition of this precious relic, adopted Saint Mark as the new patron Saint of Venice (whose honour had previously been given to Saint Theodore).

A city with a saintly relic immediately rose in power and prestige. Relics were the first tourist attraction of the medieval world. Pilgrims would come from all over the world to pray at the churches that preserved these relics. Pilgrims, much like tourists today, needed food and shelter. And therefore, they brought lots of money into the city.

A grand church to house the precious artifact began to be built in 836. Even back then, the church and the nearby Doge’s palace were highlights of the medieval city of Venice. A great square was needed to further showcase the opulence the Doge wanted to project. In 1172, orchards were demolished surrounding this area, and the Piazza San Marco was built. It’s been rumoured that upon visiting St. Mark’s square for the first time, Napoleon himself degreed that it was “the drawing room of Europe.”

The Procuratie

The simplistic yet elegant buildings along the north and south sides of the square are called the Procuratie. The Procuratie is most identifiable by the stunning arcade that wraps around this side of the square. The arcade features distinct Byzantine arches that shield visitors from the elements.

The Procuratie once served as the offices of the Venetian Republic, also called La Serenissima. Today they house the Correr Museum, the Museum of the Risorgimento, and the Archeological Museum. Each one of these is an incredible place to visit. But the Correr Museum is my favourite with its collection of art detailing the history of the city of Venice.

The Lion of Venice

Throughout St. Mark’s square, you’ll see various lion sculptures adorning doorways, columns and facades. The official ‘Lion of Venice’ is usually seen with his paw resting upon a bible. And he is not just any lion, but St. Mark’s Lion. St. Mark was often referred to as a lion, as he preached the word of the lord so powerfully it almost seemed like a roar. Legend says that when St. Mark was travelling through Europe and arrived in Venice, he was visited by an angel. The angel told him Venice would be where his body would rest for eternity. His remains were originally interred in Alexandra but moved to Venice, where the basilica was built to honour them as the angel had foreseen.

Caffe Florian

Now housed inside one of the old Procuratie is perhaps the most sumptuous cafe in Venice or perhaps Europe itself. Although this cafe is by no means cheap, it’s a splurge that I think is worth it to experience the incredible interiors and history to be found within. The Caffe Florian was founded in 1720 and has served patrons like Charles Dickens and Lord Byron. There is a €6 cover charge to even enter the cafe. But along with enjoying the lavish interiors, you’ll also be treated to live music throughout the cafe. Palacial red velvet couches and chairs are spread across the huge cafe, a maze of cozy antechambers. Each room is covered in ornate paintings, large Murano glass mirrors, gold foiled frames and intricate frescos plastered on the ceiling.

To save money, go to the bar and order your food or drinks there. Although you won’t get a seat, the bar menu is vastly cheaper than table service. An espresso at the bar will still run you €5, but again, you’re here for the atmosphere. If you’d rather save your money, you can opt to give this a miss. Instead, grab a coffee on your way toward St. Mark’s square from any local cafe to enjoy while you peruse the sights around you.

The Campanile

Standing guard in the centre of the square is the 323ft tall Campanile or Belltower. The low-level buildings throughout Venice are in stark contrast to the towering red brick Campanile. Its little pointed tower pokes out atop the skyline no matter where you end up in Venice. While the original tower was built in 1514, the current one is a reconstruction from 1912 after its collapse in 1902. It’s incredible to imagine that such a tall structure could survive for so long-standing atop the shifting waters below. But it wasn’t actually the water which proved to be the biggest enemy of the tower; it was lightning. Lightning struck the tower multiple times over the years, causing several fires and severe internal damage to the structure.

The Bells of the Campanile

The tall base of the tower is designed with a fluted shaft that reaches up towards the belfry. On each side of the belfry are a series of arched windows looking out over the square. Inside the belfry are five huge bells. Each one was used to call the people of Venice to attention. The bells have their own distinctive name and special significance. The Renghiera bell announced executions. The Mezza Terza would declare that a session of the Senate was taking place. The Nona sounded the midday hour. The Trottiera was used to assemble the Maggiore Consiglio and the Marangoni, the largest of the bells, rang to mark the beginning and end of the working day. Before anyone even had watches to tell time or Twitter to announce the day’s news, these bells were all the public had to get collective, daily information.

Above the arches of the belfry is another level of brickwork decorated with various sculptures on either side. On one farside, you’ll see the Lion of St. Mark and on the other, the female representation of Venice, in the shape of the Lady Justice. The golden weathervane which crowns the tower is sculptured into the angel Gabriel. He stands tall, reaching out toward the citizens below.

Torre Dell’Orologio

Turn to the square’s northeast corner, and look up at the bright blue and gold details decorating the fantastical Torre Dell’Orologio. In the morning light, the sun glints off the golden dials. The clock was built in the 15th century when the possession of a mechanical clock symbolized the wealth and power of a city. The clock was positioned facing out towards the water so that any foreign ships could see the time from the canals as they passed through. With a spyglass, of course, their eyesight wasn’t that good.

Atop the tower containing the clock, you can see two small bronze figures who carry large hammers in their hand. These figures move upon the hour to strike the bell, causing the bells to ring. One of the figures is a young man, and the other is an old man, symbolizing the passage of time. Once more, we see the image of the Lion of Venice above the clock, set against a blue sky of golden stars. Below the lion is the figure of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus wrapped in her arms. On either side of her are two blue panels with the time represented in roman numerals on the left. And on the right in Arabic numerals, as was the tradition during the Byzantine era.

The Clock Face

The most impressive feature of the clock are the blue and gold sculptural engravings set within the numerals. Each one was fantastically carved to represent the signs of the zodiac. The central dial, emblazed with the sun’s image, revolves around the zodiac signs. But rather than showing the time, the sundial marks the date. The smallest dial, closest to the central, holds a tiny orb representing the phase of the moon that changes throughout the year.

St Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most precious treasures from the Byzantine period. Preserved in amber, there are so many aspects of history, art, culture and faith from that era. The most significant elements of the church’s design are the mighty, tiled onion domes that glitter against the sea-blue sky. The bulb-shaped domes with their golden finials lanterns give the church that middle eastern appearance that defined Byzantine art and architecture.

Exterior Design of St. Mark’s

The exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica can be studied by looking at its three distinctive areas; the lower level, upper level, and domes. The lower-level mosaics portray scenes from the life of Saint Mark, for whom the church derives its name. In the central arch where the enormous doorway is located, there is the largest mosaic, which depicts the Last Judgment. The original mosaic would have been made in the 13th century, but this current incarnation is from the 19th century after much-needed restorations. The portals that lead into the church are held up by marble columns in a plethora of colours and patterns. Each one is set inwards, towards the doorway, creating a foreshortening perspective. Giving the viewer the effect of being pulled into the church.

On either side of the central portal, the mosaics depict the life of St. Mark. The mosaic on the left is the only surviving piece from the 13th century. Above these central portals, we can study the arched lunettes. These mosaics depict the life of Christ.

The Balcony

The upper-level balcony is home to four important bronze horses. These are the Horses of Saint Mark-Lysippos. Originally stolen from Constantinople in 1252. The ones outside the church today are replicas of the original sculptures, as these suffered terribly from the elements. They were brought inside the church museum to ensure they could be preserved for years. The bronze horses date all the way back to classical antiquity. It is rumoured that perhaps they were once a part of the Arch of Trajan in Rome. Positioned pulling an emperor’s chariot. But these horses were one of the many trophies collected during the Crusades, which is how they journeyed to Venice.

Ogee Arches

Arching behind the golden horses and above the second-floor lunettes are a series of ogee arches. Ogee arches are a type of arch with an S-shaped curve consisting of two arcs that meet at a point. Not only do these designs add an aesthetically pleasing element to the building, but they also serve a functional purpose by providing additional support for the structure. Ogee arches have a rich history in architecture and can be traced back to various ancient civilizations, including the Romans and the Greeks. However, the use of ogee arches in Islamic architecture during the 12th and 13th centuries is where they gained prominence and influenced such structures as the basilica we see today. 

Set within the central arch is the gilded and winged lion of Venice. Standing brightly against the blue-tiled sky and golden stars. Saint Mark and his choir of six angels decorated the top of the facade, looking down on the throngs of visitors below. 

Admission & Tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica

If you want to go inside the Basilica, be warned that the queue can get very long. And you need to book your tickets in advance and select the exact arrival time. But even with these timed tickets, you will still need to wait in line. Reserved timed tickets to cost €20.50 and include an audio guide. There is also an option to purchase a skip-the-line ticket, but this will cost €39. Free cancellation is included in your ticket, which must be done 24 hours in advance for a full refund. I would choose the earliest reservation time to ensure you are the first in the door, leaving the rest of your day open.

No large bags or backpacks are allowed inside the basilica. If you have one, leave it at the Ateneo San Basso in the Piazzetta dei Leoncini (at the north facade to the left of the main entrance.) Be sure to do this before you get in line as you don’t want to be turned away and have to line up again. Remember that the basilica requires guests to adhere to their dress code. No bare shoulders or shorts, and men should wear shirts. 

Interior of St. Mark’s Basilica

Upon entering the church, you’ll first notice the overwhelming amount of golden mosaics covering everything from the floors to the ceiling of the building. There are over 85,000 square feet of mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica. The light reflects off the surface of the glass, and depending on the time of the day, the light can change the effect and the appearance of the interior. There was such a large amount of gold used in the church’s construction that the residents of Venice began to call it the Chizea d’Oro or the Gold Church.

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Because the Basilica was built during the Byzantine age, architectural methods weren’t as advanced as they are now. You’ll notice thick walls, hundreds of columns and the heavy use of marble, which were used as rudimentary supports. They needed to use the strongest of materials to help keep the multi-domed ceiling from caving in.

Inside the church are the treasures of the fourth crusade on the holy land. During the 4th century, Venice deemed itself the holiest place on earth. And therefore, all the treasures crusading armies found were brought to Venice. One such treasure was the Pala d’Oro. The Pala d’Oro is the frame enclosing the high altar inside the church. It is decorated with panels featuring 1,300 pearls, 300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 400 garnets, 100 amethysts, rubies, and topazes. A glittering masterpiece.

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Porta Della Carta

When you exit the church, be sure to take a moment to study the Porta della Carta on the south side of the church. In 1442, the ceremonial entrance was built to connect the basilica to the Doge’s Palace. The doorway is dripping in gothic ornamentation, with two tall, thin pinnacles flanking either side of the statue of the Doge Francesco Foscari. The statue of the Doge is seen kneeling before the Lion of Saint Mark. Below each pinnacle, we can also spot various statues representing the cardinal virtues.  

Doge’s Palace

A Venetian Doge is something that many of you may not have heard of before. A Doge is pretty much like an English Duke; who served as the leader of the Republic of Venice from 726 to 1797. The Doge would rule over Venice from his seat of power inside the incredible Doge’s Palace. Today the building serves as a public museum.

The building itself is a wonder to behold. Despite the enormity of the upper structure, it looks almost weightless as it is supported by these delicate pink Verona marble columns. The columns are decorated with a lacy pattern, making them look even more fragile. The top of the building is adorned with spiked merlons that look like meringue frosting atop this architectural cake.

Walk through the arcade under the Doge’s Palace and study the individual capitals atop the exterior columns. Each one features a different set of sculptures with various animals, vegetal designs and more!

Piazzetta 

Past the Basilica, walk south towards the water, where you can find the Piazzetta. The Piazzetta is the smaller square to the south of the main square. In the middle of the square are two large two columns made of red marble. These two columns were where death sentences were announced during the medieval ages.

At the top of the columns are two statues. Each depicts one of the patron saints of Venice, St. Mark and St. Theodore, on the left and right, respectively, if you’re facing the water. St. Mark is depicted as the winged lion of Venice, and St. Theodore can be seen standing atop, of all things, a crocodile. In his hand, he holds a spear which we can assume he used to slay the giant crocodile. Saint Theodore is commonly known for slaying a dragon, not a crocodile. But perhaps the Venetian artists of the time had little knowledge of what a real dragon looked like, so instead, they carved the next best thing, which I guess was a crocodile. Makes sense when you think about it!

The Bridge of Sighs

Walk around the Doge’s Palace until you turn to face the Bridge of Sighs. The bridge of sighs was created to join the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace to the prison across the canal. If you were found guilty by the Serenissima, you were sent to prison, but upon crossing the bridge, you were allowed to look out at Venice one last time. Two small, square windows on the bridge allowed prisoners this one moment of reflection before facing their possible lifetime of imprisonment. The windows on the bridge are covered in tightly knit wrought iron bars, so no one could make an escape.

Calle de Fabbri

Head back to the area in front of the Basilica, and walk north along the Calle de Fabbri, crossing over the Ponte dei Dai. Calle is the Italian word for a narrow street. Like many streets in Venice, this one is named after the occupation of the people who worked in this area. Fabbri means locksmith, and it was along his street where you’d once have found the city’s locksmiths at work. Head northwest on Calle dei Fabbri and turn left onto Calle S. Gallo until you reach the Ponte Tron.

Ponte Tron

Due to the proximity to St. Mark’s square, this bridge is often pretty crowded. But its old stone design and views out to the gondola-covered canals aren’t anything to whizz past. If you’re lucky enough to be here when it’s quiet, this is one of the more romantic spots in the city. Even on busy days, I love just standing here just watching the gondola traffic. Sometimes dozens of gondolas get stuck in this narrow canal. See, even Venice has traffic jams!

Pont dei Fuseri

Continue southwest on Calle Tron, turning right onto Calle Frezzaria as it curves and becomes Calle Barcaroli. Make a right north onto Ramo dei Fuseri to the bridge Ponte Dei Fuseri. There are 400 bridges in Venice which cross 150 canals! Before Venice’s bridges were built, these little islands all acted as their own private communities. These communities needed to be self-serving with their own churches, markets, shops, and micro-culture. Even today, you can still make out the borders of these various micro-neighbourhoods as you cross from one bridge to another. As you reach the Pont dei Fusari, you are finally starting to get away from the tourist crowds, and the real Venice starts to open up for you. 

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Continue along Calle dei Fuseri and turn left onto Calle de la Vida o de le Locande. Then, turn left onto Scala Contarini del Bovolo, where you’ll find the towering Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

This brick Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo has become an iconic viewpoint in Venice. The Palazzo’s incredible, honeycomb-like spiral staircase, with a fantastic balcony at the top, provides one of the most amazing views across the city and over St. Mark’s square. The staircase is called the “Scala Contarini del Bovolo” or “the snail.”

Built in the 15th century for the wealthy Contarini family, the house became notable for its unique outer staircase. In 1952 Orson Welles also fell in love with the house. He even featured it in his film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. The Palazzo was closed for many years, but in 2016 it opened its doors to the public. You can climb the stairs to the top for three euros and get a snap of the skyline.

Corte Teatro & Teatro Goldoni

Head back to the Calle de la Vida o de le Locande and walk west towards the Calle de la Vida o de le Locande/Campo Manin. Turn right onto Rio Terrà S. Paternian, then make another left onto Calle Minelli. Walk along Minelli until you reach the Corte Teatro. Walking along the Corte Teatro until you come to the square at the end of the street.

This dreamy square, with a lovely nearby cafe, is surrounded by red and yellow-painted buildings. But dominating the square is also a HUGE boring grey wall. Why are we looking at a large grey wall, you ask? Well, this is the back entrance to the Teatro Goldoni. But Why are we looking at the back, not the front? Well, the front is even less interesting if you can believe it. But the history of this building is such an important part of Venice’s past that it’s worth stopping here for the story!

During the 17th century, trade had begun to twindle in Venice, with other European ports being able to accept larger ships than Venice. Rich families who had made their money in trade needed to suddenly find other means of earning funds. In the 17th century, Opera was quickly becoming the most popular activity for the aristocrats to indulge in. But at the time, it was only performed in private courts. Seeing an opportunity here, rich Venetian families began to invest in building theatres that could bring Opera and music to the public.

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Teatro Vendramin

Suddenly, theatres began to pop up all over Venice, each vying for the most popular singers to draw in the biggest audience. The Teatro Vendramin was the original name of the first theatre, which stood here in 1622. It was built by the illustrious Vendramin family. The theatre was renovated in 1720 and named after the infamous Venetian actor Carlo Goldoni.

But the renovation of 1720 destroyed all of the original, elaborate Renaissance architecture, and we were left with the boring interior and exterior design you can see today. Luckily, some intelligent historians preserved the archives before the renovation. This included a copy of every play, the list of previous actors and, most importantly, the original architectural drawings was saved as well.

The theatre was kept in the same family for years. And when it came time to restore it in the 19th century, architects could discover precisely what the original theatre looked like inside and restore its interior to its former beauty. Sadly, we are still waiting for the exterior to get the same treatment. Today, the theatre is used by the Teatro Stabile del Veneto to put on modern productions and musical performances.

The Grand Canal

Continue walking north along the Corte Theatro, through an almost impossibly narrow alley, until you emerge out into the bright light of the Grand Canal along the Riva del Carbon. As this is the first time we are really faced with the view of the Grand Canal, we should talk a little bit about this ever-so-important waterway. The Venetian Grand Canal splits the city of Venice in two. 

The original waterway was much narrower and was a branch of the river Brenta. Ancient Venetian fishermen were once the only ones who lived along its shores in simple stilt houses. Stilt houses ensured the rising tides didn’t wash their houses away.

History of the Grand Canal

It wasn’t until the 9th century, when the Doge moved his palace into the more protected area of what would become St Mark’s square, that the canal was widened. A broader canal was needed to make room for the enormous ships which were brought in and used to bring building materials for the grand palace. The canal soon became less of a fishing spot and more like a luxurious main street, but one made of water. Wealthy families began buying cheap property and building huge manors along the now Grand Canal.

The grand canal was now the main entryway into the city, and the Venetian Republic wanted every building lining it to demonstrate the city’s power, wealth and artistic sensibilities. Like a parade of the best architecture Europe had to offer. This huge canal is now flanked by 170 illustrious buildings. Some dating back to as early as the 13th century.

Palazzo Bembo

Turn right and walk along with the Riva del Carbon until you reach a stone bridge. Stop just before the bridge to admire the red building to your right. This is the Palazzo Bembo. This unbelievable building was owned by the Bembo family and was built in the 15th century! Obviously, there has been many renovations and restorations over time, but the original structure shockingly remains much unchanged.

The design of the building encompasses much of what traditional Venetian architecture looked like in the 15th century. The Byzantine influence was still going strong! And you can spot various of their traditional elements fused together here in the polyforms which cover the facade. A polyform is a multi-light window used on the upper floors to bring light into the structure by using wider openings. 

Pietro Bembo was born in Venice in 1470 and built the Palazzo Bembo as his lavish residence. Pietro Bembo was one of the most influential Venetian scholars and writers who helped develop the Tuscan language. He also spent much of his life creating and promoting a madrigal, a secular form of music developed during the Renaissance. He believed that music should be for more than just religious devotion. That music could be used to express everyday human emotion. That seems obvious to us now, but at the time, music was mainly composed for the church. And the subject matter was exclusively religious. We have Pietro Bembo to thank, in a small part, for why we have pop and rock music today!

Rialto Bridge

Continue along with the Riva del Carbon as it turns into the Riva del Ferro, walking along the edge of the Grand Canal. Emerging from the last arcade, you’ll be greeted almost immediately by the sight of the bright white stones of the Rialto bridge. The Rialto Bridge is the most famous of Venice’s canal bridges. It is also the oldest of the four major bridges connecting the various districts and neighbourhoods. The original bridge built here in 1173 was first made of wood. It went by the name Ponte Della Moneta, which means “money bridge.” The name reflected the industry of the area. This was where the largest mint in Venice once stood. People would flood into their area and cross the bridge at all hours of the day to deposit and take out their cash!

The old wooden bridge was split down the center and could be raised on either side to allow tall ships to enter these narrow canals. This was of the utmost importance, especially when the Rialto Market opened, as boats would come in mass to deliver fresh fruits, vegetables and fish to the centre of Venice. But as time passed, the old wooden bridge wasn’t up to snuff. After years and years of wear, riots, fires and crowds, eventually, it collapsed.

New Rialto Bridge

The new Rialto bridge design was completed in 1551. The architect who designed it did away with the raised wooden design and favoured stone as it was more durable and could last the test of time. Since the stone bridge couldn’t be raised, he needed to ensure that it was tall enough at its peak to accommodate the galley ships that needed to pass through. The result was this grand arched design that has such a theatrical quality to it.

Atop the stone bridge are a series of covered porticos which contain shops on either side. The addition of shops allowed the bridge to earn rent on the space. The money from this goes towards the maintenance of the bridge. A large arch, like the crown, is set in the center of the porticos atop this stunning structure.

Avoiding the Tourist Traps

Unfortunately, the shops along the bridge are somewhat of a tourist trap, selling tacky souvenirs along the entire walkway. But, if you look at it from afar, you can ignore the tourist tat and focus only on the gorgeous silhouette it forms about the teal waters of the canal.

If you’re looking for a spot to sit to enjoy the view, there are these two little nooks on the bottom of the bridge where you can sit beside the water. This is one of the most amazing places to watch boats and gondolas float by, with stacks of fruits and vegetables coming into the market as the midday sun casts its bright rays down on the city. Once you’ve taken in all, there is to see below, walk up the bridge and make sure to stop in the centre to get that iconic view across Venice and the Grand Canal.

Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

Crossing the bridge and heading to the island on the other side, you’ll walk through the Campo de San Giacomo di Rialto. This unassuming square is dominated by a rather small, strange-looking church. This is the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, supposedly the oldest church in Venice, consecrated in 421! The most unique aspect of this church is the huge clock set into its 15th-century facade.

This area of Venice, known as San Silvestro, was where all the wealthy bankers of the city lived. The bankers who lived here funded the church’s renovation, and while construction went on, they added a large clock and bell tower to its design. Being able to tell the time was of the utmost importance for traders and bankers. While clockfaces aren’t that uncommon on buildings around Venice, this one is absurdly large. Those bankers really wanted the most bang for their buck! It’s also interesting to note that the hours aren’t positioned as they are on modern-day clocks. Whereas most clocks now only have 12 number positions, this one displays all 24. Ironically enough, this clock is a notoriously bad timekeeper. So don’t be fooled if you think you’ve lost an hour of your life somewhere in the streets of Venice. 

Venetian Street Names

As we make our way toward the Mercado di Rialto, we walk along the Ruga Degli Oresi. Like many streets in Venice, the Ruga Degli Oresi gets its name from the professions or trades which once were active in the area. Orsi means goldsmith, as there was once a large faction of gold and jewellery traders working here. Many other notable streets in Venice have the same kind of naming convention. There is the Calle de la Malvasia, where you’d find the winemakers.

The Campiello del Remer for the rowboats, the Calle de Forni, which was where you’d find the bakers, the Botteri for the coppers, Calle de Magazine for the grocery shops and even the Calle de Fiubera for the buckle makers! This would have made finding what you were looking to buy so simple! No need for yellow pages or even google! Find the street with the corresponding name, and you’re in the right spot.

Mercado di Rialto

Now that you’ve been introduced to the city’s history, it’s time to meet the people of Venice. And there is no better place to get a peek into the real lives of its residents than to head to the Rialto Market! The Rialto Market is one of the last remaining fresh food markets in the city and, as such, is a bustling place for locals to come and buy their food. Unlike in North America, where we shop for a week’s worth of food at a large chain grocery store, Italians buy only what they need for that day. And repeat the process every day of the week. While this might sound exhausting, it means fresh food every day and the chance to make lasting relationships with the vendors you buy your food from. Something I dearly long for and admire greatly when visiting cities like Venice.

History of the Rialto Market

But the Rialto Market is much more than just a place to get some of the best food in the city! It is also a place of great historical value. Of all the rich bankers and traders who lived in the region, the most famous were the Rivoalto family. The Rivoalto traders were one of the first families to come into the lagoon to set up a trading post. They picked this location because it was well situated along the bend of the canal. This meant it was located on higher ground and therefore was spared from some floodings that other parts of the island suffered through. 

The first known market opened here in 1097. Because the family didn’t have to constantly rebuild their homes, they were in a much better financial position than many other families in the area. There wasn’t home insurance to help you back then. The Rivoaltos grew in prominence and wealth and soon controlled so much of the neighbourhood that the area was named after them.

Layout of the Market

The outdoor portion of the market is where you’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables under brightly coloured awnings. If you’re looking for a snack, there is nothing more refreshing than a basket of fresh fruit!

Opposite the green awning of the outdoor market is the neo-gothic fish hall, or Pescheria, built in the early 1900s. Outside the red brick building, there is still a marble plaque which you should study before heading inside. This plaque denotes the different types of fish allowed to be legally sold here when the marketplace was first built. Certain varieties of fish were being overcaught, and laws were set in place to ensure there was a limit on how many a household could buy to prevent their depopulation.

The Fish Hall

The fish hall is a rustic building with dramatic arches surrounding the exterior. Towering columns continue throughout the interior, making a simple stone building feel rich and illustrious. Fresh fish has long been one of the most important resources in Venice. All they have to do is throw out their rod, and the freshest fish comes jumping out of the sea and pouring into the market. It can’t get much more local than that!

The marketplace was facing the chance of being shut down a few years ago due to a possible canal expansion for cruise ships. Thankfully, the citizens convinced the city to put a stop to this, and the market was saved. But as more and more people shop at larger grocery stores on the island, markets like this always face the chance of being closed. So if you visit, buy at least a little something to show your support. We bought some fresh raspberries and cherries, and they were absolutely delicious. The perfect on-the-go treat!

Ca’ d’Oro

Before heading to our next stop, walk to the corner of the Fondamenta de le Prigioni, across from the Campo de la Pescaria. From here, you have a perfect view across the Canal towards the Ca’ d’Oro. The Ca’ d’Oro of Palazzo Santa Sofia was an illustrious palace built along the Grand Canal for the Contarini family in 1428. The Contarini family was responsible for rearing eight different Doges and was one of the wealthiest families in Venice.

To show off their wealth and power, they wanted to create a palace that mirrored the greatness of the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s square. Ca’ d’Oro means the golden house. When the building was first constructed, the entire facade was covered in gilt polychrome, giving the effect of being made entirely of gold!

Venetian Gothic

The palace’s architecture is one of the best-surviving examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. The iconic elements characteristic of this style are gallery windows with heavy tracery details featuring quatrefoil designs and byzantine-inspired decorations. Ogee arches span the balcony’s facade, each capped with a wonderfully carved relief ornament.

Inside, the lavish details continue. Even the flooring was made into a work of art. Different coloured stones were used to create fanciful patterns. Since 1927, the building has served as the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, which features a wonderful collection of 15th-century art.

Riding a Traghetto

Instead of backtracking over the Rialto bridge to get to Cannaregio island (our next stop), we’re going to opt for a very Venetian method of crossing the canal, a Traghetto! You can find the Traghetto ferry dock along the Fondamenta de le Prigioni, across from the Campo de la Pescaria. Walk over to the water’s edge, where you’ll see a small dock and what appears to be a series of black gondolas. “But gondolas are so expensive!” you say. And rightly so, they are. But these are not gondolas; they are traghetti. A traghetto (or traghetti if you’re referring to them as plural) means ferry in Italian. These little ferry boats take passengers across the Grand Canal when there are no nearby bridges.

This is essentially how many Venetians would have made these crossings long ago. A trip on a traghetto costs €2, which might seem a bit pricey for a quick journey, but they save you a ton of time. Plus, it gives you a short but sweet experience on a gondola-type boat. Sure, you might have to share it with a group but it’s the same design, just less romantic. The trip across the water provides a beautiful view of the Ca’ d’Oro from afar, so you can better study all of it in all its glory before getting up close and personal. The Traghetto will let you off at the Santa Sofia in the neighbourhood of Cannaregio.

Cannaregio

This area of the island is called Cannaregio. Cannaregio is home to the old Jewish Quarter and is where most of Venice’s permanent residents live. This means that you’ll see things more than just tourist attractions. Places like schools, corner stores, and traditional Venetian houses aren’t sprawling palazzos. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Venice, Cannaregio is my favourite spot, as it feels like the community’s beating heart.

Ponte Chiodo

We are going to set off into Cannaregio via the Strada Nova. The Strada Nova a wide pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes. Turn right from the Strada Nova onto Fondamenta S. Felice. This is such a picturesque street and peaceful canal. As you look down along the canal, you can see four different bridges all along one short stretch of water. The most interesting of these bridges is towards the end of the street, called the Ponte Chiodo. The Ponte Chiodo dates back to the fifteenth century and is one of the last two bridges that doesn’t have any balustrades to prevent people from falling right into the canal! The city built another bridge just next to it with proper railings but kept the old one as a memory of the past. 

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Scuola Grande della Misericordia

We continue west into Cannaregio across the Ponte della Misericordia to the first of two old schools we will look at. The Scuola Grande della Misericordia dominates the northern side of the sestiere Cannaregio. The Scuola Grande della Misericordia (New School of Mercy) was one of seven Scuole Grandi in Venice. These “Scuole Grandi” or “Great Schools” were religious and charitable organizations. Developed in the 13th century, they were the most important social institutions in the Serenissima Republic of Venice. The secular institutions played a crucial role in the fabric of political and religious life. The Old School of Mercy was built in 1308 in the typical gothic style (we will see this building at the next stop.) 

But as the organization grew in size, a new building was commissioned to house the growing organization. Jacopo Sansovino was brought on to build the “Scuola Nuova,” or New School. Built in 1532, the imposing quadrangular structure was strongly influenced by Roman classicism. Building work continued over the next fifty years; unfortunately, Sansovino died before the building was completed. Today the building is used as a gallery and events space, but the exterior architecture has been preserved for us to admire.

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Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia 

Head northeast on Sestiere Cannaregio toward Campo de l’Abazia. In this small square, you can see the old Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia in one corner and the original Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia in the other. The Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia (“Old School of Mercy”) was the first seat of the organization. When they built the new school, this building was sold off to the guild of the silk weavers in 1634.

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Casa del Tintoretto

Continue west along Fondamenta de l’Abazia, across the wooden Ponte dei Muti, then along Corte dei Muti and turn left toward Fondamenta dei Mori. Along this canal-side street is the old Casa del Tintoretto. This crumbling old house bears a small plaque with the bust of a man on the top. This is the Casa del Tintoretto, where the artist Tintoretto lived from 1574 to 1594. Tintoretto is one of the few artists who lived and worked in Venice but who was also born here. Many artists flocked to Venice during the Renaissance as the art scene exploded, but Tintoretto was the original trendsetter. His great work helped form the Venetian school of art and even perhaps the artist style which defined the Renaissance itself.

Campo dei Mori

Continuing west, you are greeted by the small, peaceful square Campo dei Mori. As you turn into the square, take note of the strange statue on the corner of the Osteria l’Orto dei Mori. This statue looks almost as if it has a beak. Three carvings were made in the 13th century, one in each corner. They represent the three merchant brothers who famously opposed the Republic of Venice. Back then, it was treason to speak up against your government. In reaction to their controversial attitude, these unflattering carvings were made to mark their treason in stone forever. Years later, their bravery in speaking out against injustice is honoured, and the statues are revered. Venetians today are known to hang satirical comments on these statues. Addressing and airing their problems with local politicians.

Church of Madonna dell’ Orto

Continue north, along the Campo Dei Mori, and head across the bridge. Here you’ll come face to face with the grand Church of Madonna dell Orto. Considering this church’s history and beauty, you’d think it would be overrun with tourists. But, since it’s located so far away from the city centre, often you’ll find this square empty and all to yourself!

The church was first constructed in the mid-14th century for the Humailiati order. Never heard of them? Not surprising since they were ousted from Italy in 1462. Despite their name Humiliati, meaning “humble,” the pope famously referred to them as humiliating. He believed them to take part in sacrilegious behaviours, which included gluttony and lust. One of their members even tried to assassinate archbishop Carlo Borromeo, whose task was to reform their order. While the order was definitely not the most pious, they were certainly great art lovers, which can be seen in the design and decoration of this great church.

Church Facade

This church’s facade is one of my favourite pieces of architecture. There are so many tiny details packed into this small space. The current facade dates back to 1460. The sloped sides of the church are lined with a series of twelve niches, where dozens of statues are placed depicting the twelve Apostles. The niches are each framed in bright white columns creating this very visually powerful ribbon effect along the roofline. On either side of the entrance door are two huge quadruple-mullioned windows that allow light to flow into the church’s interior.

Atop the ornate ogee archway leading into the church is the statue of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travellers. This was the saint the church was initially dedicated to. However, it changed consecration to the Holy Virgin later in the century. On either side of St. Christoper are statues of the Madonna and the Archangel Gabriel. Above St. Christoper, the pointed roof is decorated in small arches and bas-reliefs with geometrical motifs. The large Eastern-style onion-domed bell tower is surrounded by four statues of the Evangelists. And at the very top is a statue of the Redeemer made in white marble.

Church Interior

Enter the church if it’s open, as this church contains some fantastic works of art. As this is the district where Tintoretto lived, this church contains three different pieces from the great artist. Works by Tintoretto in the church include a Presentation in the Temple (South aisle, close to the East end), Adoration of the Golden Calf, Last Judgement (both in the apse, either side of the main altar) and the Four Cardinal Virtues (in the upper storey of the apse, behind the altar), all from 1562 to 1564. Walk into the apse and find your way to the right Chapel. On the floor is a simple engraved tomb where master Tintoretto is now laid to rest. Happily surrounded by his amazing works of art.

Jewish Quarter

From the Campo della Madonna dell’Orto head southwest along the Fondamenta Madona de l’Orto. Turn left onto Calle Loredan, where you’ll pass over a few little wooden bridges. When you arrive at Ponte del Forno, cross over onto the Calle del Forno. Turn right onto Fondamenta dei Ormesini and walk for a few minutes admiring the many different cafes and restaurants along this street beside the canal. When you spot the gorgeous iron bridge covered in swirling filagree, turn left onto Cl. Ghetto Vecchio into the heart of the Jewish Quarter. Hearing the words Jewish Ghetto, you might think we are entering an area built during WWII, but this ghetto had nothing to do with the Nazis. This neighbourhood actually area predates WWII by more than 400 years!

History of the Jewish Quarter in Venice

In 1509, a large portion of the Jewish community from Germany fled the mainland and moved to Venice. Venice had agreed to allow these Jewish refugees to live inside a small neighbourhood on the island of Cannaregio. But in that area alone. The area they were segregated inside was no bigger than an acre and contained hundreds of Jewish refugees. The old district had once been the location of the old copper foundries. The word ghetto was actually coined in Venice. In Italian, the word ghetto or ‘get’ translates to ‘foundry’ or ‘foundries.’ But over time, the word became synonymous with an area where members of a minority group live, as was in the case of the original Jewish ghetto in Venice.

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Although Venice had given them a place to live, that didn’t mean their life was free and easy. Jewish Venetians were forced to make their living only by selling rags and running pawnshops. This was the only type of employment they were allowed to have at the time. The only exception was Jewish doctors and those with skills in the printing press industries. They worked on printing Hebrew texts and keeping their religion and culture alive in the Ghetto Ebraico or Jewish Ghetto.

Merchant of Venice

In the 16th century, Jewish citizens from Spain fleeing the Spanish inquisition also arrived in the ghetto. These Jewish Spaniards developed the narrative of the “merchants of Venice.” They were skilled and sought-after traders and merchants. Soon, the Jewish quarter was the centre of foreign trade in Venice. This new industry brought in a substantial amount of money to the Serenissima, allowing them to stay in business despite previous restrictions on this kind of work in the quarter.

Although Venice allowed Jewish people to live and worship in this area, their lives were highly regulated and segregated. As early as the 16th century, Jewish citizens had to wear either yellow hats or yellow badges to distinguish them from Venetian Christians. The ghetto also had a strict curfew which the residents had to follow. Boats filled with members of the Serenissima would circle the canals at night to ensure no one broke curfew. The punishment for doing so was severe. To many residents, this area must have felt more like a prison than an escape from the persecution they had been trying to flee.

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The First Vertical City

Despite these restrictions, the Jewish quarter’s population grew and flourished. More synagogues began to be constructed. But residential development was difficult. Since they were limited to this small island, their only chance for expansion was to go up vertically. The Jewish quarter in Venice was known to be the first real “vertical city.” Even today, walking around this part of Cannaerigio, you’ll see how much taller these buildings are compared to the rest of the city.

In 1797, Napoleon’s entry into Venice freed the Jewish people from their ghetto. Napoleon abolished these divisions. Jewish Venetians were finally free to buy property throughout the rest of the city. Since they were now some of the wealthiest citizens, they were able to buy up some of the most beautiful palazzos on the Grand Canal. Over the years, these Jewish citizens became as much a part of Venice as any other native Italian. Perhaps because they were such an important part of the fabric of Venetian society, their betrayal at the hands of Italian fascists later in WWII was so devastating. And almost led to their extinction.

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World War II in Venice

Jewish people throughout Europe were rounded up and sent to concentration camps during WWII. But, thanks to the sacrifice of Giuseppe Jona, head of the Jewish Community in Venice, a large portion of Jewish Venetians managed to escape. When the Nazis demanded Jona make a list of Jewish people living in Venice, he agreed but used the time to warn his community. On the day he was told to deliver the list, he burnt the papers and took his own life, fearing he would be murdered for his actions. The Nazis were only able to find 243 Jewish Venetians who were deported. Only eight of them returned home.

Before WWII, Venice had a Jewish population of around 150,000. After the war, little more than 1,200 people returned to their homes. On one side of the Ghetto Nuovo square is a large bronze monument in honour of the victims of the Nazis. It was created in 1980 by artist Arbit Blata. The seven bronze panels depict several horrific tragedies Jewish people suffered during WWII. Today there are merely 450 Jewish Venetians left in Cannaregio. But they work hard to preserve and share their history with locals and visitors alike.

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Scuola Spagnola

The Scuola Spagnola, or Great Spanish Synagogue, is one of the last remaining synagogues in modern Venice. The synagogue was built in 1555, founded by Jewish Venetians who had been expelled from the Iberian peninsula. The great synagogue was built by one of Venice’s most famous architects, Baldassare Longhena. He is also notable for designing other iconic Venetian buildings, such as; the church of the Madonna Della Salute, Ca’ Pesaro and Ca’ Rezzonico. 

But the exterior of the synagogue isn’t anything like these other buildings. The facade is rather austere, with a plain, four-story cream-coloured finish. But it wasn’t for lack of inspiration, funding or skill that the exterior was so lacklustre. It was a condition of the Venetian state government in the 16th century. Although Jewish citizens were allowed to build their own places of worship, they needed to be concealed within a building that gave no appearance of being a house of worship. Essentially hiding their religion from the eyes of Christian Venetians.

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Inscribed upon the arch on the entrance of the building is a piece of script that reads, “Blessed are they that dwell in Thy House and continue to praise Thee.” On the side of the building, there is also a stone plaque with the names of all the deported Jewish Venetian families who suffered death at the hands of the Nazis. Take a moment to pay respect as you pass by.

How to Visit a Synagogue?

Although tourists can’t enter the synagogue on their own (unless attending a service), I recommend booking a guided tour through the Jewish Museum of Venice if you are interested. They have a great connection with the local community, and you know this way you are supporting the preservation of their history through your contributions.

If you were to peek inside, you would be amazed at what you’d find. Stepping inside is like walking into a fantastical jewel box. Ornate carved wooden balustrade frames the ceiling in a variety of geometric shapes. Lavish red velvet curtains with golden tassels hand in front of the windows. Giant brass chandeliers drip from the ceiling and illuminate the rest of the room with warm candlelight. The highlight of the interior is the magestic sanctuary lamp known by its Hebrew name, Ner Tamid. The light inside this holy lamp symbolizes God’s eternal presence, which will never be extinguished.

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Panificio Giovanni Volpe

Just down the street from the old Spanish Synagogue is Panificio Giovanni Volpe, one of Venice’s last remaining kosher bakeries. While visiting the Jewish quarter, it’s a good tourist practice to patronize their businesses. This is such an easy way to ensure their community continues to flourish. In this bakery, they still make many traditional Venetian desserts and also some unique Jewish recipes. Don’t be shy to ask what they recommend! Everything is delicious though.

Guglie Bridge

To cross onto the next island of Santa Croce, we need to pass over the great Guglie Bridge. This crossing was established in 1285 with an early wooden bridge, but the current stone incarnation was built in 1580. The large balustrades which run over either side of the bridge are inlaid with gargoyles that watch over the canal. It is therefore dubbed the “bridge of spies.”

Chiesa di San Geremia

Standing in the centre of the Campo San Geremia is the church of the same name. The Church of San Geremia has stood here since the 13th century, and the old brickwork on the bell tower is some of the only remaining pieces of the original church. The rest of the edifice dates back to 1753.

While the interior lacks any flashy ornamentation, this church is often seen as a pilgrimage sight because it carries the relics of Saint Lucy inside. Saint Lucy is the patron saint of eye illnesses. The story goes that she had devoted her virginity to God and would not marry. To make herself less desirable, she tore out her own eyes. When she was buried in the family mausoleum, they discovered her eyes had been miraculously restored, a sign of her martydom. She is seen frequently in paintings holding a golden plate with a pair of eyes laid upon it. Many people make a pilgrimage to this sight to pray for their own eye related illnesses.

Pasticceria Dal Mas

You’ll find my favourite bakery on the charming Rio Terà Lista di Spagna street. The Pasticceria Dal Mas has some of the best cream-filled pastries in town! Their bright green pistachio cannolis are a dream. There are a few seats inside where you can sit and order an espresso or even an Aperol spritz to enjoy with your food. If you’d rather just stand at the counter and chat, you can also do that; how very Italian of you.

Scalzi Bridge

You’ll come upon the Scalzi Bridge at the end of this street before reaching the train station. The Scalzi Bridge means “bridge of the barefoot monks” in Italian. The first bridge to be built here was right beside the old Carmelite order, also known as the “order of the barefoot monks.” But this current incarnation of the bridge is one of the city’s newest, completed in 1934. While the bridge isn’t as remarkable as some others, its modernity allows it to feel light and airy, almost defying the laws of gravity.

Santa Croce

Walking over the bridge, we are moving into the Santa Croce district. Santa Croce is where you’ll find the large train station, which brings people in and out of Venice every day. Leading to this neighbourhood being referred to as the city’s “transport hub.” Being located away from the top attractions, you’ll also find that Santa Croce has the least amount of tourists. This may be one of the reasons I find it the most pleasant to walk around. The people you’ll find on the street are locals, and there is an honest air about this neighbourhood.

Crossing over the bridge, walk southwest on the Fondamenta del Monastero to tread along water’s edge. This area of the Grand Canal is bustling with action. You’ll find more than just gondolas and vaporettos here. Motorboats carrying fruits and vegetables chug up and down the water, and boats piled with wooden beams and other construction equipment jet over to their various destinations.

Giardini Papadopoli

Turn left down Fondamenta Papadopoli where you’ll quickly see the bright green trees sticking their heads above a brick wall. This is the Giardino Papadopoli, a beautifully manicured garden where locals Venetians come to get some shade and enjoy a bit of green space. The park spans more than 8,800 square meters and was built in 1834. While Venice has ample squares and waterways, there is surprisingly little greenery and lush parkland. The Giardino Papadopoli is Venice’s version of Central Park.

Among the gravel and stone paths are a variety of different trees like cypress, cedar, different fruits, elm, oleander, mulberries, and laurel. If you are even looking for someplace to come to escape the crowds and the noise, this is the oasis you’ve been looking for!

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Campo San Rocco

Walking through the park, exit at the south end, and cross the bridge over to the Calle dei Amai. Walking along the Calle dei Amai (which turns into the Calle de le Sechere) and turn right onto Ramo Cimesin. Ramo Cimesin veers slightly right and becomes Calle Tintoretto, and passes through Campo San Rocco.

Campo San Rocco is a charming square whose centrepiece is the church of San Rocco, an impressive Renaissance structure adorned with intricate marble carvings and frescoes. The surrounding buildings feature colourful facades and elegant balconies, creating a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a cup of coffee at one of the outdoor cafes.

Basilica dei Frari

From the Campo San Rocco, walk toward Calle Fianco de la Scuola and continue onto Salizada S. Rocco. Turn left onto Campo dei Frari, where you are immediately struck by the towering Basilica dei Frari or Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. But most people just call it the “Frari” for short. The church is the beating heart of this neighbourhood. In 1231 the Doge Jacopo Tiepolo donated this land to the Franciscans. The original church he had built was very small. As the Franciscans rose to power, they demolished it in exchange for a larger, more impressive design that better reflected their status in the city. The current version we see today was built in the 14th century in a high Venetian Gothic style.

Looming over church is the great campanile, the second tallest tower in the city. The bell tower was built in 1396 and somehow still stands today! The unassuming facade might fool you into thinking at first blush this church isn’t very important. But in actuality, it is perhaps one of the most significant churches in the entire city.

Entry into the Church

There is a small fee to enter the church (€ 3,00), but it is more than worth it to gaze upon the interior of this church and the famous works of art found inside.

Titian

Many Doges were buried here under the watchful eye of masterful works of art by the painter Titian. Titian, a Venetian himself, painted the great altarpiece inside the church. The Assumption of the Virgin by Titian is one of the first things your eye is drawn toward as you enter the church. It sits behind the high altar, lit by the glow of the stained glass windows behind it. This piece is perhaps the best example of Titan’s masterful work. Setting the standard for Venetian art during the Renaissance.

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Titian died of the plague at 94 years old, and a memorial to his life and death stands inside the great Basilica. The monument is gigantic! Looking like a small structure rather than a statue. A version of his famous painting is carved in relief into the stone. The image of the great master himself sitting in front. On either side of the artist are two figures representing universal nature and the genius of knowledge. The other four figures set in between the large columns represent Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Art and Architecture, each one being a critical force possessed by Titian’s art.

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Campo Santa Margherita

From the church, head south through the Campo dei Frari. Turn right along Salizada San Rocco and left onto Calle S. Rocco. Cross over the Sestiere Dorsoduro and continue south down Calle S. Pantalon as it passes over the bridge, and the street turns into the Sestiere Dorsoduro. Leading you right in the Campo Santa Margherita.

The Campo Santa Margherita is a huge square in Dorsoduro District. Surrounding this square are houses that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Cafes have a tremendous amount of outdoor space in this large square, so you’ll hear the murmur of people laughing and the clinking of wine glasses at all hours of the day. Lovers lounge on the bright red benches, kissing under the sunlight. If you’re tired, this is a great place to end the tour early if you don’t want to explore the rest of the Dorsoduro District.

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Dorsoduro District

The Dorsoduro district is located on the bottom of the Venetian islands. This area borders the Grand Canal and the Venetian Lagoon, making it a prime spot for traders to live. While it’s not as flashy as the other districts, think of this as a blue-collar neighbourhood. I still find it to be one of the most charming areas in Venice. Dorsoduro lacks the pretensions of the other spots. Since it’s home to Venice’s Ca’ Foscari University, you’ll also find the new blood of Venetian society, its students, who liven up the streets with modern music, food and entertainment.

Ponte dei Pugni

Head to the southern end of the Campo Santa Margherita and make a sharp left onto the Rio Terà Canal. Turn right to stay on Rio Terà Canal until you reach the Ponte dei Pugni. I love the view from this bridge. If you look towards the west, you can see the brick bell tower from the church of Santa Maria del Carmelo sticking its head up above the other buildings. 

On either side of the bridge are a pair of footsteps marked onto the stones. This marking reveals a strange practice from the 18th century. Whenever two rival families were feuding, they would come here to battle it out with their fists. Unlike gun duals in the United States which were common to settle violent disputes, Venetians would fight each other with their fists. The first one to fall into the canal off this bridge was deemed the loser.

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

We are approaching the evening by this time, but it’s not time for just yet dinner. Oh no, first we must have an aperitif! And one of the best places to get it in Dorsoduro is Cantine del Vino già Schiavi. This bar sells Cicchetti (small snacks), which include Venetian classics like crostini topped with salt cod and wild garlic, pistachio cream or aioli with flower petals. Grab an Aperol spritz to drink while standing at the bar to feel very much like a local.

Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese

Head northeast until you reach the Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese. This narrow street is filled with a variety of different shops. Being so far away from the touristy areas, these stores are known to sell authentic Venetian goods but at reasonable prices. In addition to the tourist shops, you’ll also find unique boutiques, which are a great way to support local businesses.

Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute

If you’re still feeling up for it, continue walking through Dorsoduro, eastwards, along the Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese (which turns into Piscina Forner.) Continue onto Calle de la Chiesa and make a slight left onto Fondamenta Venier dai Leon walking along as it becomes Fondamenta Venier dai Leon. Turns left along Dorsoduro Street and follow the street into the Campiello Barbaro. Walk east along the Calle Barbaro as it becomes Calle San Gregorio and veer onto Calle de l’Abazia.

Stepping onto the stone of the Fondamenta Salute, you find yourself standing in front of the stunning white marble church of Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute. Take a moment to both soak in the view of the church but also turn around to look at the great view of Saint Mark’s square across the river. This is where we first started the tour, and it’s amazing to see this spot from another perspective.

The Venetian Plague

In 1630 Venice was being ravaged by the plague. At the time, one of the ways people thought you could stop the plague was by making an offering to God and praying he would send deliverance to the city. So, the Republic of Venice built the church of Our Lady of Health as a last resort. Eventually, the plague period passed, and the city was able to start rebuilding itself. Nearly a third of the population of Venice died during the plague. Those that survived would remember that harrowing experience forever. Since the church was made in honour of stopping the plague, most of the art and symbolism you’ll find throughout the church in some way refers to death or the plague. Making it a very uniquely themed church. 

The Dome

The church is most notable for its humongous white dome, which dominates the sky. The dome, which almost seems to defy gravity, became a symbol of inspiration for artists in the city. To support the huge dome and weighty marble church, 1 million wooden piles were used to hold up the floating building.

Zattere

To finish the evening, walk down south towards the island’s far edge. The stone promenade which flanks the large waterway is called the Zattere. Zattere in Italian means rafts. In the 16th century, timber would arrive in the city on large rafts. Timber was not only used to construct the walls of grand palazzos and houses in Venice; it was literally the ground on which the houses were built. Timber was one of the most important imports in the city. It was also used to make gondolas up until the 18th century. Suffice it to say, the city was built around the timber industry, so its importance is not to be ignored. The earliest parts of the Zattere date as far back as 1520. Today the wide promenade is a great place to watch the sunset, reflection down against the mirror like waters of the canals.

Trattoria San Basilio

If you’re feeling like you would like to dine somewhere close to your accommodation, there are Vaporetto stops all along the Fondamenta Zattere. But if you’re looking for something special along the water’s edge but away from the touristy hub, you should check out Trattoria San Basilio.

This down-to-earth restaurant is located inside the corner of one of the older buildings in the Zattere. It barely looks like a restaurant except for the awning and a few tables and chairs out front. But don’t let its modesty fool you; here, you’ll find a relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and traditional Venetian cuisine. Their seafood spaghetti with mussels, clams and squid tastes so fresh you’d swear the food jumped right onto your plate straight from the water. Try to get a spot outside to enjoy the sunset or watch as gondolas paddle past into the moonlight.

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Phew, well, that brings us to the end of this tour. Hopefully, if you packed this all into one day, you found things along the way to return to see tomorrow! Let me know which neighbourhood was your favourite or what you’re most looking forward to visiting!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

Buy the Downloadable PDF for this Walking Tour

With our downloadable PDF guide, you can take the tour at your own pace, without worrying about schedules or large tour groups. Plus, you can download the PDF to your phone or tablet to use even while offline.

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Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Venice Walking Tour [UPDATED 2024] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Mexican historical sites like Chichén Itzá and Tulum are much more expensive to visit. In addition to this, they feel more like a tourist-created destination, whereas Teotihuacán feels more laid bare and more natural. And as such, you truly feel like an explorer when visiting this place. But with this lack of curation comes a lack of information when you’re alone. Hopefully, this in-depth blog post provides a great introduction and guide through this incredible place.

Table Of Contents

1. What's in a Name?
2. How to Visit Teotihuacán
3. Hours, Admission & Visitor Tips
4. History
5. Architecture
6. Religious Iconography
7. La Ciudadela
8. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent
9. Avenue of the Dead
10. Pyramid of the Sun
11. Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana
12. The Quetzalpapálotl 
13. Palace of the Jaguars
14. Templo de Los Caracoles Emplumados
15. The Pyramid of the Moon
16. Museo de los Murales Teotihuacanos

Introduction

Teotihuacán is the sight of the ancient Mesoamerican pyramids, first built in 100 BCE. That makes them over 2,000 years old! Teotihuacán was, at the time of its construction, the largest city in pre-Columbian North America, with a population of around 125,000. Considering how long ago that was, a city that size is just staggering.

Most cities that existed that long ago were so much smaller since their infrastructure couldn’t support a population of that size. 13th century London was only 80,000 people, and that was hundreds of years after the building of Teotihuacán. When you explore the site and look around at the city’s ancient foundations, you’ll be able to see the scale and size of this magnificent domain. The city continued to flourish and grow until 1150 CE, when it was destroyed by invading Mexican armies. They left it to ruin, and it was left almost untouched for hundreds and hundreds of years.

What’s in a Name?

The name Teōtīhuacān, the name given to the site, was more than likely not the settlement’s original name. Teōtīhuacān was given by the Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs centuries after the city’s fall. The name means the birthplace of the gods. The Aztecs believed and wrote in their myths that this location was where the gods created the universe. As such, when visiting, consider this a very sacred site for the Mexican people. And you should consider this while you are there. Walking down that huge avenue when you first entered the site, I felt a huge wave of awe wash over my body. It felt undeniably sacred. And even when there were moments of quiet when the tourists would scatter, I swear it still felt like eyes were watching, perhaps from another astral plane above.

Further investigations years later revealed old Mayan hieroglyphics, which referred to these areas as “puh,” which means the “Place of Reeds.” Since this name and the hieroglyphics would not have been discovered by the Aztecs during the Mayan period, they most likely didn’t rename the site but, more understandably, just weren’t aware of the fact it ever had a different name before. Even though more and more historians are starting to identify the site by this original name, Teotihuacán has stuck thus far and therefore is what most people still call it to this day.

How to Visit Teotihuacán

Public Transport

You might be surprised to hear that you can access this amazing historical site by public transport! Take the Metro on Line 5 to Autobuses del Norte metro station. From there, head across the street to the bus station, where you can board a bus to the Pyramids. All the buses heading to the Pyramids are run by the Autobuses Teotihuacán company, and to purchase a ticket for the bus, head over to counter number 8.

The Public Bus

Busses leave every 20 minutes, starting around 6 am and ending around 2 pm (but never leave it that late). I’d recommend getting there as early as possible but to avoid travelling on the metro during rush hour. The buses leaving for the pyramids will have a sign which displays “Piramides” on the front of the bus. You will even get a seat number marked on your ticket, so sit where you’re assigned. Your ticket is for a specific time, so don’t miss your bus and think you can jump on the next. The journey to the Pyramids takes about an hour, depending on the traffic.

Buses will drop you off at Puerta 1 at Teotihuacán, where you can buy entrance tickets. I’d give yourself at least 4 hours to explore, so check the bus return departure times. The buses returning to the city can be found at Puerta/Gate #2 near the main road or Gate #3. So, if you’re brave enough, the journey on public transport is well worth the effort for the cost savings! Public transport costs only 100 pesos (around $6 USD) for a round-trip journey from the bus station to Teotihuacán and back. Tickets on the Metro cost 5 pesos (less than 25 cents USD) per journey.

Why do I say brave? Well, Mexico City’s public transport system has a very sketchy reputation. Some people say it’s totally safe, and others would avoid it at all costs. If you’ve travelled a lot on the metro before and are a confident traveller, I would say this journey would be fine for you. But I would skip this option if you’re a newer traveller or visiting Mexico City for the first time.

Guided Tour

There are dozens of different guided tour options for your visit to Teotihuacán. Whichever company you go with, the biggest thing you want to make sure of is an early morning departure and that you have plenty of time at the site. These things will make a huge difference in your experience. While a large group size is something I try to avoid, this blog post lets you easily get away with being your own tour guide. But having a real one to answer all your burning questions is always nice.

Vibe Adventures offers a completely private guided tour. Their prices depend on your group size, but for two people, it’s $172.00 USD. Amigo Tours offers an amazing sunrise option as it allows you to see the site without all the tourists as the sun comes up behind the pyramids. For two people, the 9-hour tour costs $67 USD. They bring larger groups to the site, which is a downside, but you get the cost savings.

Airbnb Experiences

We went with an Airbnb experience called the Teotihuacán Express. We LOVED it, not only because it left early in the morning but also because the group size was very small. There were only four guests on the tour, of a possible six. This ensured I could ask all my questions! We also had plenty of time to explore the sites independently, a great balance to a guided tour. The tour costs $65 USD per person, which is the best option!

Private Driver

Hiring a private driver is another great way to get safely to the historic site. This way, you can explore the entirety of the place on your own time. Ask your hotel about hiring a private driver, as they almost always have a few reliable drivers for you to contact. If you’re not staying in a hotel, I’ve also found Airbnb hosts to be very useful in recommending their own private drivers. You can also use Uber to get to the historical site, and so long as you’re travelling during popular times of the day, you shouldn’t have an issue getting back to the city. Just remember that the prices of the rides tend to be more expensive on the return journey since traffic increases throughout the day.

Hours, Admission & Visitor Tips

If you’re travelling to Teotihuacán by guided tour, all your admission fees should be paid, but if you’re going alone, you’ll be responsible for getting your own admission tickets. The Teotihuacán archaeological zone is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Sunday. Admission costs 70 pesos per person, and children under one can get in.

How Long to spend?

I would say 4-5 hours is enough time to see everything. Some people blast through the place at lightning speed, which is an option, but there is SO MUCH to see and do! It would be a shame to come all this way and miss out on so much. So don’t rush, and just take it all in as it comes.

When to Go?

Weekday mornings are, no doubt, the best time to visit. This site can get very busy on the weekends (especially on Sundays when the entrance is free to locals.) Arriving early in the morning will not only mean fewer people, but it also is much, much less hot. This area of Mexico is almost entirely shadeless, and the hot sun will just be beating down on you all day. So arriving as early as possible ensures your visit will be all the more comfortable.

What to Bring

• WATER! And lots of it. Remember what I said about the sun? And remember, this area of Mexico is much higher, so you’ll find yourself becoming dehydrated more quickly. You can easily think you’re drinking enough and still suffer from heat exhaustion the next day. Drink more than you think you should, and you’ll be fine.
•  Cash for the vendors. At the site, there are some really sweet artisans and craftspeople. There is even a small marketplace. I loved the Jaguar souvenirs we bought from here to remember the trip, and it would be a shame if you didn’t have cash on hand, as none of these places take credit cards. Also, if you’re hiring a guide or driver, giving them a cash tip is nice as it goes straight to them instead of to the company.
•  Snacks! If your tour doesn’t include food, you’ll want to pack something to eat. Our tour provided lunch, but as it was a 9-hour tour, we were glad we brought some snacks to enjoy. Just be sure to pick up after yourself!
•  Walking shoes. A lot of walking is required to explore all of Teotihuacán, so bring comfy shoes that aren’t open-toed. While sandals might seem like the coolest option for a hot day, the gravel, sand, stairs and rocks don’t make for a great combination when paired with open-toed sandals.

Accessibility

If you have mobility issues or can get tired easily, it’s best to go on a guided bus tour, as the tours will actually drive you from site to site, so you don’t have to walk almost 4 km between all the different buildings. Although you might want to skip the climb up the pyramids, there is still lots to see on the ground, and you’ll have more time to grill your guide with questions about the beautiful site. If you only have the energy to climb one of the pyramids, I’d recommend the Pyramid of the Moon. It is a much shorter climb, and I liked the view from up there the best. But the climb is quite steep, so keep that in mind.

Wheelchair Access

If you’re visiting in a wheelchair, I managed to find a wheelchair-accessible tour for you! There must be more of these since tracking even this one down was challenging. I hope you’re listening tour operators! Gate #5 is the best entrance for wheelchairs as this entryway has no steps or obstacles to enter the Teotihuacan complex. The terrain along the Avenue of the Dead is fairly level, but as it’s made of old dirt and gravel, it is much more easily traversable in a powered chair rather than a manual. But if you’ve got the energy or the help, don’t let this hold you back from visiting this great site; it might require a little more effort.

History

The history of Teotihuacán is very mysterious, as archeologists and historians still do not know exactly who built this amazing sight. No non-ideographic texts (hieroglyphics) from Teotihuacán exist, meaning there is no recorded history of their culture. At first, historians thought the city was built by the Toltec civilization, one of Mesoamerica’s first recorded civilizations. But these people didn’t appear until 900 CE, and Teotihuacán predates this culture by a few hundred years.

The architecture of Teotihuacán appears to contain features of various cultures, including the Maya, Mixtec and Zapotec. This led historians to believe that various historically evident volcanic eruptions from the nearby Teotihuacán Valley, just before the founding of the city, would have brought thousands of different people from various tribes together into this rich basin. And this was where they formed the new city of Teotihuacán.

Chinampas

The basin was rich with minerals, and agriculturally, Teotihuacán was equally prosperous. Teotihuacán employed chinampas that created channels of irrigation that funnelled water into more arid areas of the land. This allowed farmers to create large, plentiful fields throughout the valley. The farmers of Teotihuacán grew everything from corn, beans, squash, tomato, amaranth, avocado, prickly pear cactus, and chilli peppers.

These chinampas canals also provided a means of transportation. They used canoes to travel up and down the valley. Access to the waterways also meant they could easily trade with cities around Mesoamerica. In many of the dig sites around Teotihuacán, they have found objects from as far away as Guatemala! Historians could see how far and wide people would travel to visit this great city through these discoveries.

Archeological Discoveries

Another thing which they have uncovered is that Teotihuacán was a city of craftsmen. Discovered in ruins were thousands of pieces of pottery and jewellery, along with the tools which would have been employed by these artisans. But their most precious crafted material was obsidian! Large obsidian deposits were located nearby at Pachuca, and this mineral was used to create strong pieces of weaponry, such as spears and dart heads.

Although no military structures have been found in Teotihuacán, this does not mean they were a peaceful nation. In various murals that have been uncovered, there are depictions of fearsome warriors and impressive arms. Their military leaders wore impressive feathered headdresses, carried large shields and shells were used as makeshift armour. Hundreds of weapons have been found on-site, perhaps evidence that Teotihuacán was one of the largest weapons traders in Mesoamerica. Perhaps this is what led to their downfall as a tribe? Trying to guess what brought an end to this illustrious city is truly one of the most interesting parts of visiting Teotihuacán.

Architecture

The architecture used to create these buildings is incredibly ingenious, considering their design time. The pyramids closely resemble other structures from as far away as Egypt, despite having no connection to that far-off land. The main style found at Teotihuacán is “talud-tablero,” which refers to the architectural feature of inward-sloping external sides, which are topped with a rectangular panel. Originally these buildings would have been painted dark red, almost burgundy, and decorated with emerald greens and other natural colours that would have been derived from organic materials found around Teotihuacán.

Religious Iconography

Gods were of the utmost importance to the people of Teotihuacán. But their gods were very different from the ones we know today, but that makes them no less significant. Knowing a little about these gods is important, as it helps you better understand some of the iconography used throughout the archeological sites. Just as knowing a few stories from the Bible helps you interpret images in Christian Cathedrals, knowing a bit about these Mexican gods helps you better understand the stories they are trying to tell, even thousands of years ago. Despite no written texts about the gods from Teotihuacán, hieroglyphics which tell their stories have been discovered. Teotihuacán gods share some of the same characteristics found in the Aztec culture, of which we have much-written text that gives us a bit of insight into their history.

Great Goddess of Teotihuacán

The Great Goddess of Teotihuacán is the chief god that rules over the city. The great goddess is most notable for her giant feathered headdress, which is almost twice as wide as herself. In the headdress’s center is an owl’s face with a pointed beak. Her body is adorned with large beaded necklaces and other jewelry pieces typically worn by Teotihuacán women of the time. The most important piece of jewellery on her body is the enormous jade nosepiece, decorated with what looks to be spider-like fangs. One of the remaining sculptures to her glory still sits outside the gates of Teotihuacán after you pass through the admission gates.

One of the most important murals which depict the Great Goddess of Teotihuacán was found in the Temple of the Jaguar. This is significant as the goddess is considered one of the underworld’s rulers. Throughout representations of the Great Goddess of Teotihuacán, you’ll find images of spiders, owls and jaguars. Each of these animals is known to be associated with the night and, therein, the underworld. But in addition to symbolizing the underworld, she also directly represents creation. Many murals depict her with her hands outstretched, with water or jewels pouring from them. This represents how she is there to provide for her people.

Quetzalcoatl, the feathered Serpent

Quetzalcoatl, after whom one of the temples in Teotihuacán is named, is the feathered rattlesnake god. He usually wears a breastplate made of a large conch shell on his chest, which has been known to be worn as a talisman by spiritual healers and religious rulers all over Mesoamerica. The conch shell, which sounds like the wind when pressed to your ear, is significant as Quetzalcoatl is the god of wind, air, and learning. The shape of the conch shell is also thought to replicate the patterns created by hurricanes, dust devils and tornadoes which might have torn through this part of the countryside. While in some other Aztec cultures, the feathered serpent represented war, in Teotihuacán, historians have found that he is more closely associated with fertility and the earth’s agriculture.

Tlaloc, the Storm God

Tlaloc was the storm god, the god of rain and fertility. In these arid climates, water was so closely associated with life and, therefore, power. As such, Tlaloc was one of the most important gods in their pantheon. Tlaloc is usually depicted with large, bug eyes and fangs (often made from panther claws). Tlaloc is also almost always seen carrying a cornstalk or lightning bolt wand.

La Ciudadela

When arriving at the site, the first large, almost empty field you’ll encounter is the great Ciudadelal or “marketplace” of Teotihuacán. Surrounding the central Ciudadela are a few other large and wide structures which encircle an enormous large inner courtyard. These outer buildings would once have had tall walls, which protected the inner area of the Ciudadela.

In the center of the field, inside this walled area, are two large foundations, once the location of two huge mansions. These were thought to be occupied by some of the most powerful families in Teotihuacán. These families would have wielded great political power and influence over the city. Having their house in the centre of the Ciudadela would have allowed them to watch over the dealings and daily life of the city.

The Temple of the Feathered Serpent

The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is located towards the back of the Ciudadela. Walking up to this first pyramid, I remember feeling so in awe, but I had no idea how small this pyramid was compared to the ones along the Avenue of the Dead! This structure was built in 150 CE. Covering all sides of the pyramid are carvings of the feathered serpent, giving the pyramid its name. In addition to the faces of the feathered serpent, you can also see images of Tlaloc. See if you can spot them all! Look closely at their eyes. They all have empty sockets, which once would have contained obsidian orbs, that have since been plundered over the years. You can imagine how these orbs would have reflected the light and looked like the eyes of the gods were following you.

Below the sculptures of the god’s heads, you can see bas-reliefs with symbols of water and seashells. Since this location is so far away from the sea, these representations of the ocean solidify that this society knew these geographic locations. This also means that perhaps citizens of Teotihuacán either travelled out to the edges of the country or received travellers and traders from those parts of the country.

Mesoamerican Calendar

In addition to the empty eye sockets, you might notice that some of the god’s mouths are missing something. The people of Mesoamerica had a very advanced understanding of the calendar, and it is thought that these serpents’ mouths helped track the calendar year. There are 260 of them, the number of days the Teotihuacán calendar followed. They had a rich understanding of the position of the sun and the moon, and their position in the sky was of the utmost importance to their culture and architectural designs.

Underground Tunnels

As recently as 2003, an underground tunnel was discovered under the Temple of the Feather Serpent. After many painstaking years of digging and careful excavation, archeologists discovered a series of tunnels connecting different areas of the Teotihuacán complex. Many large entrances inside these tunnels were blocked off by huge boulders, which had been placed there 2,000 years ago. Excavating the entrances, they found seashells, cat bones, pottery and even human skin.

Towards the end of these tunnels, they even discovered what they believed to be a small sanctuary. Hundreds of precious objects were found, from; wooden masks covered with inlaid jade and quartz elaborate necklaces, rings, stone crocodile teeth and human figurines. There were crystals shaped into sets of eyes, beetle wings arranged in boxes, sculptures of jaguars, and hundreds of metallized spheres. Guarding the entrance to the underground area were four large stone statues. Each one wearing garments that would have once been adorned with gems. They are thought to be the founding shamans of Teotihuacán who would have greeted pilgrims into the sanctuary. Here, sacred objects used to perform rituals were also found, making it perhaps one of the most sacred remaining sites.

Avenue of the Dead

Head back out to the main avenue and walk towards the other end of the archeological site. This large walkway, leading directly to the Pyramid of the Moon, seen at the end of the avenue, is called Avenue of the Dead. The road is about 40 meters wide and 4km long (this is why you need your walking shoes!) The length is one thing, but the width makes this avenue seem grand and important!

On either side of the avenue are dozen smaller buildings, with talud-tablero platforms. These are believed to once been where burial tombs were kept, giving the avenue its name. Each of these buildings would have been topped with a temple at one point.

Pyramid of the Sun

The crowning glory of Teotihuacán is no doubt the Pyramid of the Sun. It is the largest of all the Pyramids in the city and still stands as its guardian. It is also the third-largest pyramid in the entire world. The name comes from the Aztecs, who first discovered it in 500 BC. The pyramid was built in two phases from 100 CE to 200 CE. Over 1.1 million cubic meters of adobe mud and bricks were used to build the giant structure. The amount of work and number of people it would have taken to build this structure so many years ago is just staggering.

Star Alignment

The location of this pyramid was very important to the people of Teotihuacán. The positioning of each of the pyramids is one of the most advanced and astonishing things about ancient Teotihuacán. The pyramids align perfectly with the three stars of Orion’s belt as they appear in the sky on August 11th. Why August 11th, you ask? Well, this is what the people of Teotihuacán believed was the date of the “birth of the world.” While this knowledge of the stars in the sky leads some people to believe in their construction by the hands of otherworldly creatures, I think it also points to these incredible people’s extremely advanced knowledge.

When it was first built, the pyramid would have been painted in bright colours and covered in rich murals. Some of these murals can still be seen in the archeological museum.

Height of the Pyramids

The pyramids are 200 feet (63 meters) tall. And one can only imagine what the view from above would have looked like when this city was exploding with life during its heyday.

We were lucky enough to visit Teotihuacan before they closed the climb up the pyramids. Reaching the top of the pyramid was a real moment for me. We arrived at a time of day when there weren’t too many people who had made it to the top, and the silence was beautifully deafening up here. The humidity was low, and you could see so far away from the valley’s centre. I tried to imagine the hundreds and perhaps thousands of smaller buildings that would have also surrounded the city. I tried to think how far it stretched, almost like the first metropolis.

Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana

Along the Avenue of the Dead, you’ll come to a small pathway on the right, leading you to the Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacan or Archeological Museum and the Botanical Gardens. You’ll have to backtrack slightly to get there, but I think it’s more important to see and climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun first since there will be fewer tourists earlier in the day. I thought this museum was really interesting and worth the effort of visiting. If museums aren’t your thing and you’d rather keep exploring, you can miss it. It’s also a great indoor area to escape to in the heat of the afternoon sun if you need to cool down.

In this museum, you can learn more about Teotihuacán’s history and see many of the different discoveries that have been uncovered from the dig sites. Here you can study objects used in daily life inside Teotihuacán. There are beautiful carvings dedicated to the various gods. And hundreds of pieces of jewelry made from shells, bones, rocks and more.

Funerary Objects

One of the most interesting parts of the museum is the areas dedicated to burial and funerary materials, as well as a look into human sacrifices! One of the most prevailing stories of ancient Mesoamerican cities is the dark stories of human sacrifice. Originally, it was thought Teotihuacán was quite peaceful, but archaeological digs reveal a darker history. It is well documented that Teotihuacános practiced human sacrifice. Many animal and human skeletons have been found during excavations around the pyramids, consistent with sacrificial burials.

It is strongly believed that to commemorate the building of new structures, the Teotihuacán people would make a human sacrifice, often of a captured enemy, bringing good fortune to this new building. Male warrior skeletons were some of the most prolific remains on the sites. In their hands were large weapons, and they wore ornate necklaces made to look like they were made of human teeth. The stones were carved to look like the lower jawbone of humans to put fear into any enemies they encountered. Animal sacrifices were also very important as they believed animals held mythical powers. When that animal was killed, it was said that the person or site would absorb those powers.

Model of Teotihuacán

Towards the back of the museum is a large minature model of the entire layout of Teotihuacán as it would have appeared when it was first built. This gives you an idea of the scale and relationship between different areas in a way you could never experience from the ground. Or really understand as it remains today with so many elements lost to time.

Botanic Gardens

Surroundings of the archeology museum are beautiful curated botanic gardens. This garden is a protected area that contains plants that would have grown here naturally in 200 CE. The gardens ensure the preservation of these ancient plants. You can find nopal, manzanilla, plum, avocados, figs, lime trees, cherry, bitter, aloe vera, but also cactus, agave, and cardi plants.

The Quetzalpapálotl 

Quetzalpapálotl is a complex of ruins that were thought to once be an ancient Palace. Here is where you can see some of the most amazing murals, in situ. These precious paintings still exist today as they were protected from the elements being indoors. This building was constructed around 450 CE. But remnants of an even older structure have been found underneath that date back as early as 250 CE. Since this palace contains so many beautiful and intricate murals, it is thought that this part of the complex was where high-ranking priests of dignitaries lived. As it was occupied by the priests, it is safe to assume that many rituals or sacred ceremonies would have taken place here.

Inner Courtyard

One of the most alluring parts of the building is the inner courtyard, where you can find a series of intricately carved pillars. These pillars represent various mythological creatures from which the name of the building comes.

The birds seen here are the Nahuatl quetzal which means precious feathers. We can also see images of the pāpālōtl, which are Aztec butterflies.

Palace of the Jaguars

In a small room inside the palace, you’ll find the red-painted murals of the Palace of the Jaguars. These murals depict plumed felines holding conch shells in their mouth. These murals were thought to represent war as conch shells were used to announce incoming armies during great battles. See if you can spot the rain god Tlaloc, with his googly eyes and large fangs. Many of these murals are of the highest quality and show off the level of artistry that was present in this community. Many cities would not have had such skilled artisans, so the fact that Teotihuacán employed such artists is more evidence of the greatest of their city.

Templo de Los Caracoles Emplumados

Inside the Palace of Quetzapapalotl, you’ll find the hidden Templo de Los Caracoles Emplumados or Temple of the Feathered Feathered Conches. This temple is buried beneath the rest of the building. You can see a clear carving of the feathered conch on one of the columns. Conch shells were only worn by religious rulers, so this could have been where the city’s rulers would have come from.

Also found in the temple are some incredible green birds. These birds are known as the quetzals. Stream water flows towards a three-petaled yellow flower from their once bright orange beaks. Although the flower might look like a French Fleur-de-lis, it is actually thought to be a ripening maize (corn) plant with the leaves peeling back to reveal the cob of corn. Corn has forever been one of the most important plants grown by the Mexican people, so it shares this connection with these life-giving birds.

Cougar Mural

Exiting back on the Avenue of the Dead, as you near the pyramid of the moon, you’ll pass a small shelter that protects another precious mural. This is known as the Puma or Cougar Mural. This mural is a fantastic example of the decoration with which all the buildings along the Avenue of the Dead would have been painted. The puma (or cougar) is the central point of the mural. Its claws are enormous, showing off its ferocity and strength. The mural’s background is painted with waving lines, which were thought to represent the water.

The Pyramid of the Moon

At the end of the Avenue of the Dead, we find the final pyramid, the Pyramid of the Moon. This is the second-largest pyramid on the site, built between 100 and 450 CE. Behind the Pyramid stands the great Cerro Gordo, or “Fat Hill.” The pyramid, while not as tall as the Sun pyramid, is very wide and almost mimics the shape of the hill behind it. In a mural found on the site, there is a depiction of “The Paradise of Tlaloc,” which shows the Cerro Gordo mountain as a life-giving natural wonder nourishing the’s people of Teotihuacán. The mountain helped farmers sow and water their crops and therefore was considered sacred and deserving of great reverence.

But there is a darker aspect of this mural as well. In addition to the water-giving nature of the mountain, the mural shows sacrificial enslaved figures, bound together, who are being fed to the mountain. This depiction confirms that this pyramid was where many sacrificial rituals were performed and was a burial ground for these victims. These burial sites contained felines, birds of prey, snakes, and, yes, even human remains. Since all the animals found on the site were carnivorous, it is thought that therefore the sacrifices were closely associated with warfare.

Great Goddess of Teotihuacán

As the moon is a part of the world of night, and therefore the underworld, the pyramid was thought to be a place that honours the Great Goddess of Teotihuacán. A tomb was discovered in the tunnels beneath the pyramid dedicated to the Great Goddess herself. There, they found a single human male sacrificial victim and a wolf, jaguar, puma, serpent, bird skeletons, and more than 400 other relics. Many of these items, such as ceremonial knives and spear points, were violent.

The placement of the Pyramid of the Moon at the end of the Avenue of the Dead has been theorized to represent the human journey coming to an end of the road. And the temple underneath is dedicated to the great goddess, your entry into the underworld.

In front of the pyramid is a large plaza that Mesoamericans used as a place of gathering and socialization. The plaza was used for astronomical observation as well. It is surrounded by pyramidal bases that would have housed temples and provided viewing platforms for the city’s elite.

Museo de los Murales Teotihuacanos

I highly recommend visiting the Murals Museum of Teotihuacán if time allows. The museum houses hundreds of murals that have been excavated from the archeological zone. The murals are divided into themes that give you a glimpse at an artistic rendition of life in Teotihuacán. You can see paintings of the gods they worshipped and how these gods made an impact on the lives of the people.

Some murals also show the Teotihuacán people playing ball games, almost like soccer or baseball, that we know today! This kind of scene breaks the division of time between this ancient civilization and how we live today.

Tepantitla

Various murals come from a compound in Tepantitla. The murals from this wonderfully preserved space give us a look inside the daily lives of the Teotihuacán people. You can see Teotihuacános hunting butterflies, farmers sowing seeds and priests performing rituals. These priests wear headdresses with the faces of owls or crocodiles to pay homage to their respective gods.

The museum also features a fantastical recreation of what the interior paintings inside temple spaces would once have looked like. This gives you an idea of the colours and designs that once would have covered these great pyramids’ entire outside and inside. It brings the rocks to life, and I can’t imagine who utter awe one would have experienced hundreds of years ago, walking into this city for the first time.

This brings us to the end of the guided tour. Teotihuacán is truly one of the most spectacular ancient sites of the old world. I remember the first time I visited the ancient ruins of Rome, I felt a little disappointed. Stuck in the middle of a bustling modern city, they felt out of place. Or at least didn’t imbue the kind of reverence I had expected from these time-worn relics. But Teotihuacán was different. Walking down the avenue of the dead, you feel like an explorer coming across the discovery of a lifetime. You can feel the sacred nature of the stones and see the grandeur of the city which once was. I definitely think whatever way you can make your way here, don’t miss seeing this amazing piece of history!

Have you been to Teotihuacán before? Or is there another ancient ruin you loved exploring for the first time? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Teotihuacán, the Wonderous Pyramid of the Sun | Updated 2023 first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.