As a solo traveller in London, I know how hard it is to fit all that food in your stomach (and budget.) So, I’ve done my best to select the best culinary experiences that Borough Market offers for you to choose your favourites from. But remember, it’s all about exploration, so if something calls to you, seek it out. You might just discover a new favourite dish. Grab your appetite and let’s explore!

Table Of Contents

1. History of Borough Market
2. Hours of Operation
3. Location & Access
4. Map of Market Guide
5. Advice on Crowds and Lines
6. Covent Garden Portico
7. Monmouth Coffee Company
8. Ginger Pig
9. Richard Haward's Oysters
10. Borough Olives
11. Kappacasein Dairy
12. Turnips
13. Heritage Cheese
14. The Black Pig
15. Comptoir Gourmand
16. Humble Crumble

History of Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s oldest food markets in the heart of Southwark, with a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. The original entrance to the city of London was located just a stone’s throw away from the market, on the London bridge.

But London Bridge in the 12 century was a much different scene than today. These days, London Bridge is one of the most austere pieces of architecture along the Thames. Providing visitors and locals with a straight shot across the river and nothing more. But back in Medieval London, the bridge was a veritable cacophony of life. The entire bridge was lined with shops and houses, one piled on top of the other, creating a vibrant and bustling commercial center.

Medieval Borough Market

This brought in loads of traders, but these merchants required a space much larger than the already overwhelmed bridge. This is where the first Borough Market was conceived. The market, located just opposite the entrance to the city, initially dealt with trading grain and large livestock. But as the years passed and the market expanded. It became a commercial district selling produce, leather, pottery, soap and more.

If you think Borough Market is crowded today, imagine the chaos you would have found here in the 16th century. The market was packed to the brim with fishmongers and butchers. The most foul-smelling sellers were located as close as possible to the bridge and river as possible. This meant they could have access to drainage to keep those odours out of the street. The less foul-smelling your business, the more inward your stalls were from the river. Almost like medieval grocery stall aisles.

The New Borough Market

But the market was growing out of control. Borough Market was smack dab in the center of London’s main entryway, acting as a blocked artery into the city. It caused such traffic congestion that, in 1754, the market was forced to close by an Act of Parliament. Luckily, in 1756 local parishioners were able to set up another market on a new site that would become the Borough Market we know today.

The iconic art deco green wrought iron building was the design of architect Henry Rose and was built in 1932. For years the covered market mainly sold local produce and was only frequented by the Southwark residents. But in the 1990s, the artisanal restaurant boom was beginning to take shape in London. Various pioneering food businesses saw the potential of revitalizing the British food scene and felt that Borough Market was the place to do so! They hoped on the trend of food markets serving up small bites from local restaurants. Combined with more traditional market stalls selling preserves, produce, fresh meats, and pastries.

Ethically Sourced

Most people probably don’t know that Borough Market is run by a charitable trust. This group overseas has a strict food policy within the market itself. This policy was implemented in the 1990s to ensure the traders’ ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability and ethics. This includes environmental sustainability and animal welfare. These policies can make you feel better about the food you’re buying. Not just any stall can sell food here. Only the best of the best of London gets to call themselves a vendor at Borough Market!

Hours of Operation

Unlike other markets in London, this market is open seven days a week. Monday to Friday, it’s open 10 am – 5 pm, Saturdays from 8 am – 5 pm, and Sundays 10 am – 3 pm. Although the main market is open all week, various stalls are only open from Wednesday onwards. I’ve done my best to outline the opening times of each stall below. Remember not to leave your Market visit too late in the evening as many shops will sell out.

Location & Access

The best way to get to Borough market is via the London Underground. They are conveniently located right beside the London Bridge Underground station, which is serviced by the Jubilee and Northern Lines. After exiting the train, follow signs for Borough Market, and you’ll find yourself there in under a few minutes.

Map of Market Guide

Advice on Crowds and Lines

A word of warning on the crowds. Many of the most popular food stalls here can get really busy. There are times when the lines for food can get up to an hour long! Especially on the weekends, the entire market can get super crowded. To avoid the lines, try to visit Borough Markets on a weekday. Wednesday and Thursdays are best to find the most shops open but not as busy as the weekends.

Unless there is a food stall you have been dreaming of and absolutely CANNOT MISS, if the queue is too long, give it a miss. Or come back later to see if the line is any shorter. Your vacation time is precious. And often, no matter how good the food really is, the taste can be soured by having to wait in a frustratingly long line. There are so many options in these markets, so don’t be afraid to skip that one “must-try” stop and give something different a go. I’ve included a number of different stops, more than any one stomach could fill, to ensure there is always multiple options for your day out in Borough Market.

Covent Garden Portico

We will start our tour in front of the beautiful wrought iron portico on Stoney Street, just north of Park Street. The gorgeous portico was only added to the facade in the 2000s. But this historical piece of architecture was built in 1850. The portico once dominated the entrance to the floral hall in Covent Garden. In the 1980s, when Covent Garden was being renovated, this portico was removed and stored by the historic society. Not wanting to simply ditch this amazing piece of London’s history. During Borough Market’s revitalization project, they saw the opportunity to repurpose the old portico on the west side of the market. Borough Market bought it from the Covent Garden trust for a whopping sum of £1.

Monmouth Coffee Company

The perfect way to start the morning off right is with a cup of coffee or tea from Monmouth Coffee Company! Monmouth Coffee Company is now one of London’s most popular indie coffee chains, but it first originated here in the late 1990s. Its charming interior blends modern fixtures with old red brickwork from the original building. Giving it such an old London feel mixed with classic comforts. They are serious about their beans and even have them on display behind glass. You can take a look before ordering to read about the beans before brewing.

Price: Latte £3.80 | Filtered Coffee £3.80 | Iced Latee £4.30
Open Tuesday – Saturday

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Ginger Pig

Next, let’s head across the street and hit up Ginger Pig. All the meat for sale at Ginger pig is from native British rare breed livestock. Their fresh beef is butchered on-site, so many locals come here for prime cuts of beef for their Sunday roast. But we have come here for those glossy sausage rolls, steaming up the display case. These are one of the most filling sausage rolls in the city! Even just lifting this baby up to your mouth is a workout! Plan on splitting it up if you eat your way through the market.

Although wrapping meat inside pastry is a Roman recipe, the history of sausage rolls in the UK can be traced back to the early 1800s. Sausage rolls were believed to be a portable and convenient snack for working-class labourers. It was a way to get a quick and filling meal while working. The first recorded mention of sausage rolls was in a British cookbook written in 1851. Ever since these handy meat pockets have been considered a quintessential British food. And they should be on the top of everyone’s list to try when visiting London. While the classic pork sausage roll is the most popular, you can also get the pastry filled with British Silton cheese. Or opt for a spicy lamb roll for something a little more daring!

Prices: Traditional Sausage Roll £5 | Pork and Stilton £5.50 | Spicy Lamb £5.50
Open all week

Richard Haward’s Oysters

Just inside the entrance to the covered part of Borough Market, stop in at Richard Haward’s Oysters stand. The Haward family has been harvesting oysters in the shallow creeks outside Essex since as far back as 1792! This family knows their oysters! I was shocked to find out oysters could be found in England at all. But apparently, the warm temperatures in that area provide the perfect conditions for these delicious, fatty oysters to thrive. And since they are caught locally, the prices as surprisingly affordable. If you’ve never tried an oyster before, this is the spot to give it a go. I often suggest asking for their recommendation on what to try. Or taste a few different oysters to learn more about the subtle flavour difference that each variety of oysters has.

Price: Oysters are priced by size and variety | Try the oyster combo, which features two extra large oysters or three medium or five small, plus a glass of sparkling wine for only £10
Open all week

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Borough Olives

Borough Olives are one of my favourite spots to grab a salty snack. Something about those old wooden barrels filled with glossy marinating olives excites me and gets my mouth watering! All ingredients from Borough Olives are sourced from specialist producers in Greece, Spain and Morocco. Once harvested, the olives are brought to their Essex kitchens, dosed with various spices and marinades that turn them up to 11 on the flavour scale! A small sampling of olives is a great way to brighten your taste buds. If you are planning a little picnic, but sure to try their olive tapenade. The perfect thing to spread over a fresh loaf of bread and served with a side of cheese.

Price: Approx £4.70/200 grams
Open all week

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Kappacasein Dairy

Dash across the street quickly before delving deeper into the covered market to grab a snack at Kappacasein Dairy. Kappacasein Dairy was founded by William Oglethorpe, who studied agriculture in Switzerland before moving to London in the 1980s. This shop specializes in alpine-style cheese served up on British classics. Their best seller is the toasted cheese sandwich made with shredded raclette. These are often called “cheese toasties” and are considered another British staple food.

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In the winter, a favourite salty snack is their melted raclette, which is scraped and smothered over a plate of freshly baked potatoes. And served with a side of crunchy pickles. This comforting snack is the perfect way to warm you up on a cold or rainy day in London.

Cheese Toastie £7 | Raclette on potatoes £6
Open Thursday – Saturday

Turnips

Heading deeper into the market, make your way to Turnips Greengrocers. This shop is run by the Foster family, who source fruit and veg from all about Britain to bring the finest seasonal produce to the centre of London! While their produce is surely the visual draw of this stand, they have become very popular for their pressed fruit juices. These refreshing beverages allow you to taste the freshness of their produce without having to lug a bag full of fruit home with you.

The stand is also well known for its incredible selection of mushrooms. But visitors who didn’t have a kitchen in London mostly had to miss out on trying these precious morels. But recently, they have started selling freshly made mushroom risotto using their gorgeous produce. Cooked right in the market, for all to see and small. You can honestly sniff them out from across the market, making Turnips easy to find. If you want to amp up your risotto, you can also add freshly shaved truffles or truffle oil on top. I’m not much of a fan, so I prefer the plain risotto as it allows the true flavours of the natural mushrooms to come through. But I know truffle fans will jump at the opportunity!

Mushroom Risotto £8.50 | extra £2.5 for truffle oil | extra £15 for shaved white truffles | extra £8 for shaved black truffles
Open all week

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Heritage Cheese

If you want to sample some of the best British Cheese, head straight to the Heritage Cheese stall. This company brings together the best British and Irish artisanal cheese makers. My favourite being their selection of Blue cheeses, including the famous Stilton. I don’t think you’ve truly tried blue cheese until you’ve tried Stilton. Their stalls will happily give you a sample before slicing you off a wedge of cheese to take home. So don’t be scared to ask. If you aren’t sure what to get, ask for the Cheesemongers Choice. Give them a budget, and they will provide you with a few varieties with that price point in mind.

Around £15 for 400 grams (price depends on the variety of cheese)
Open all week

The Black Pig

The one spot in the market that I feel is worth the wait in line for the sandwiches at the Black Pig. Their signature honey truffle and parmesan pork ciabatta are truly one of the best things to eat in the entire city! The pork for the sandwich is slow-roasted over hot coals all day, giving it a succulent and subtle flavour that just melts in your mouth. That combination of sweet, salty and fatty is beyond reproach. My absolute #1 recommendation! There is an area of raised seating just opposite the Black Pig if you’re looking for somewhere to sit and enjoy your food. Or just take a minute to relax before heading back into the market.

Price: Honey Truffle Parmesan £10
Open all week

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Comptoir Gourmand

I know so many people are obsessed with the doughnuts at Bread Ahead but we found them to be stale and the queue is always really really long! Instead, consider checking out Comptoir Gourmand for a dose of delicious baked goods! This amazing shop is run by chef-patissier Sebastien Wind, who was trained in France. And we all know the French have mastered the art of pastry. Everything from tender fruit tarts to huge, colourful meringues and custardy croissants can be found here in their little stall.

Price: Meringue £2.70 | Croissant £1.80 | Chocolate Twist £2.50 | Danish £3.50
Open Wednesday – Sunday

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Humble Crumble

Humble Crumble is one of those places I saw go viral online, and I thought it would just be one of those over-hyped food trends. But once I tasted it, I was shocked to find it was everything people say it is. A humble crumble is essentially a build-your-own sweet crumble bowl. You start with a base of their seasonal fruit selections. Depending on the time of year, you can get mixed berries, apples, rhubarb, strawberries or a mixture of two.

You then cover the fruit in your choice of crumble. Either classic shortbread, vegan shortbread or granola. Then the entire bowl is then smothered in the creamiest hot vanilla custard, frozen vanilla custard, or freshly whipped cream. You can also get one extra topping like dried rose petals, almond slivers, or marshmallows. For an extra 50 p, you can also get a creme brulee topping. I’m a sucker for a ‘make-your-own” sweet and this always hits the spot!

Price: Regular £6.5 Large £8
Open Tuesday – Sunday

Well, fellow foodies, we’ve reached the end of our Borough Market culinary adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned Borough Market regular or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. Whether you’re craving traditional British fare or international cuisine, you’re sure to find something to tempt your taste buds. Until next time,

Happy Eating, Adventurers!

The post Exploring Borough Market’s Best Culinary Delights: the Ultimate Foodie Guide first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

About L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known as the “Venice of Provence” to many locals. Moss-covered water wheels sparkly in the morning sunlight. These water wheels are an important historical icon of the city. Back in the 12th century, the rivers were primarily used for fishing, which was the biggest industry in the city. The first houses built in the area were built on stilts, just like in Venice! Even today, the village still honours their fishing heritage by hosting a festival on the third Sunday in July. Its hosted by the brotherhood of Pescaire Lilien (fishers of the Isle) and features demonstrations of the ancient fishing techniques. If you happen to be in the area around the time of the festival, don’t miss checking it out!

Water Wheels

After the fishing industry disappeared and moved closer to the coasts, the city turned to the textile industry. They used the river to power the water wheels used for silk, tanneries, and paper mills. There are still 14 remaining water wheels around the city, and it’s really fun trying to find them all as you explore. I’ve added them all to the map in this guide if you want to easily find them all.

Today the industry is primarily powered by antiques and sightseers perusing the ancient streets. Gorgeous, rustic french houses are still on show on either side of the river. They seem to beam with excitement, green trees hang over sidewalks and even the alleyways smell of freshly baked bread permeating the air.

Table Of Contents

1. About L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
   • Water Wheels
2. Where is the Market?
3. When is the Market?
4. Getting There
5. How Long to Spend at the Market?
6. Bring Cash
7. French Tips
8. Self-Guided Walking Tour of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
   • Café de France
   • Place de la Liberté
   • Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges de L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
   • Rue Rose Goudard
   • Quai Jean Jaurès
   • Avenue des Quatre Otages – Antique Market
   • What to Avoid in the Market?
   • Picnic in Public Garden

Where is the Market?

The Market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is located along the Sorgue river in Southeastern France. Just west of Avignon in the Vaucluse région of Provence. The gorgeous market is located around the Place de la Liberté, Place Ferdinand Buisson, Rue Carnot, Rue de la République and on Place Rose Goudard.

When is the Market?

The Market is held every Thursday and Sunday, but the Sunday market is far superior. On Sundays, you can find what the french call a “brocante” also called a flea market! Some market stalls open as early as 6 am, but most stalls will open around 8 am and close at 2 pm. The cheapest prices of the day can be found just before closing as sellers often try to get rid of their produce before heading home.

Getting There

By Train

If you are planning on taking the train, the station is a short walk from the market. I prefer taking the train if I’m staying nearby as this means you never need to worry about finding a parking spot! You’ll want to find trains on their way towards L’Isle-sur-Sorgue—Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Luckily Avignon has a direct train to L’Isle-sur-Sorgue, which only takes 36 minutes. From other cities like Arles, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Orange, the trip is just over an hour with a straightforward change. Tickets cost anywhere between 10€ and 30€ depending on your starting location.

By Car

L’Isle-sur-Sorgue is located at the intersection of the D31, D901 and D938 highways. This makes it an easy drive from a myriad of surrounding towns. The only downside of driving is finding a parking spot but that can easily be remedied by arriving early.

Parking

Parking is a premium, so I would advise arriving before 8 am. This ensures a nice spot close to the market and less stress! Watching the vendors magically unfurl their goods into a full-on shop front is one of the best parts of the day. If you arrive late, there often aren’t parking spots available. So you’ll find yourself driving around and around, waiting for someone to leave. If all the vendors are still setting up, head out to find an open coffee shop. I highly recommend Café de France! After nabbing some caffeine and a snack, find a quiet spot on the grass along the river. Here you can enjoy a bit of quiet before the hustle and bustle of the busy market erupt.

Remember: be sure not to leave any valuables in your car. Since this is a popular tourist spot, there is always a chance that someone could break in. Best to make sure not to give them any reason to do so and keep the interior empty.

How Long to Spend at the Market?

I would advise at least three hours to spend in the market. The antique area alone is bound to cast a spell on you. You’ll find yourself just immersed in a treasure hunt! And making your way around the food market and creating your own DIY picnic is the best way to enjoy the goodies you find along the way. Rushing in and out doesn’t allow you to truly appreciate the amazing things on sale in this charming market.

Bring Cash

If you’re waiting for the market to open, be sure to stop by an ATM. Or bring lots of cash with you. The vendors will almost always only accept cash, and it’s good to get enough to last you throughout the day. Since it gets so busy here, it is common for ATMs to run out of money by midday. Keep that in mind.

French Tips

One key thing to making good with the vendors is knowing a bit of French.  Although the vendors interact with tourists often, it’s nice to show them a bit of respect. Even a simple please (s’il vous plaît) or thank you (merci) goes a long way. And a warm greeting of “bonjour” is required to be considered polite. If you want to ask the price of something, simply say “c’est combine?” And remember if you don’t want to interrupt or be extra considerate, you can always say “excuse moi” before trying to interject. All these little sayings will go a long way to indear yourself to the vendor for even trying!

Self-Guided Walking Tour of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Café de France

To start your morning in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, head to grab a coffee at the somewhat famous Café de France. This Art Nouveau coffee shop is the oldest cafe on the Isle, and you can feel the historic atmosphere just walking inside. The counter is stained with water rings from orders past and the charming posters on the walls reflect the ages gone by. Large tarnished mirrors between dark wooden panelling make this place a quintessential brasserie.

If there’s space on the outdoor terrace grab a table. The people-watching opportunities here are amazing, as you can catch vendors on their way to the market, arms full of their goods ready to be set up! Although the food is slightly overpriced, this is often the price you pay to dine inside history!

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Place de la Liberté

Place de la Liberté is one of my favourite little streets in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. So even if you don’t find you need a coffee, I still implore you to walk along this street to enjoy the incredible street signage and old French shops. Colourful window shutters line the second floors, while wrought-iron awnings protect the gorgeous painted exteriors along the street!

Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges de L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Walking along Place de la Liberté you have a view, albeit from the side, of the great Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges de L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. While the exterior is a bit austere, you absolutely must head inside! Even if just for a moment, you need a quick peek at the incredible architecture found within.

The original Romanesque church was built in 1222. But the shock and awe of this building lie in the baroque-era decorations that adorn almost every surface inside. Gilded altarpieces, detailed sculptures, ribbed vaulting, rich paintings and fantastical frescos awe and inspire the visitors. As you enter, your eyes will be darting all over the room, trying to take it all in! Although we came here for the market, this church is NOT to be missed, even if just for a moment.

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The primary colour scheme within the church is blue and gold, a popular pairing for baroque Provençale.

Rue Rose Goudard

Head back outside and along the Place de L’Eglise. Often there are a few stands just starting to open up along this street. More appear as you continue south-east along Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. But the largest selection of fresh food can mostly be found collected along the Rue Rose Goudard. Seasonal fruit and vegetables, charcuterie and olives pour out of charming wood and thicker baskets under brightly coloured awnings. Vegetables almost beam with brilliance they are so vibrantly coloured. You can’t help but want to try a piece of them all!

What to Buy in the Market?

So what to buy? One of the best things to do is gather items for a picnic luncheon. Fresh sausage is one of the best items in the market. Packed with incredible spices and made from some of the best meats in France, these cured delights are a must-grab!

The produce is some of the best in the country here in Provence. Melons, peppers, strawberries and cherries are as bright as they are juicy. Vendors often have samples out in front, so you can try whichever one catches your fancy.

If you’re looking for something to bring home, there is an assortment of olive oils in beautifully designed bottles. But if you just want something to nosh on today, olives are another great Provencal treat! Plus, they are a great addition to the rest of your picnic goods. You can combine all different varieties, perfect for sampling a bit of everything. 

The French are KNOWN for their cheese and bread! There perhaps isn’t a more iconic image of French dining. The cheese on offer here in the market is just as good as any luxury grocery store and often twice as fresh.

If you’re staying for a few days, grab a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your hotel room. The smell and colours are unforgettable!

Quai Jean Jaurès

As you continue wandering towards the Sorgue River, you’ll exit onto Quai Jean Jaurès. This street is where the market continues but where it transforms into more souvenir-type items. Everything from wooden kitchen utensils, textiles, handicrafts and clothes can be found here.

Dried lavender is sold in bags and bouquets all over the market. This is the perfect souvenir to bring home. In a sachet, it keeps the clothing in your drawers smelling fresh and of those memories from Provence. Grabbing a bundle of dried lavender is great to display but can be hard to transport home in one piece!

Soap is another thing you’ll see hundreds of shops selling. All in different designs and prices. Check to see if it was made in Provence before buying! You want the real thing. There will often be a discount if you buy in bulk, making great gifts for anyone back at home.

Avenue des Quatre Otages – Antique Market

The pop-up antique brocante vendors are located on the south side of the river, along the Avenue des Quatre Otages. A tip for shopping here is that haggling isn’t common and neither is getting a good deal. But the selection is great, and I found plenty at prices I thought were more than fair for the quality. The prices are often very well labelled, so even if you don’t speak French you should be able to shop without having to ask to vendors for pricing. Remember, if you see something you love, buy it right away. As it might be gone before you have the chance to return.

Best Antique Finds?!

Although things like furniture might not be able to fit into your suitcase, there are lots of smaller items which are worth considering. Many different vendors sell beautiful prints taken from old manuscripts and books. Once framed, make for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. 

Textiles are another great thing to keep an eye out for. Napkins, tablecloths, purses and blankets are often beautifully embroidered. They are sometimes even monogrammed – so keep an eye out, and you might even find one that matches your name!

What to Avoid in the Market?

Now, what are the best items to buy in the market? And what to avoid? The stuff to avoid is quite obvious – anything that isn’t decidedly French. Keep an eye out for “made in China” stickers on clothing, ceramics and even some textiles. I was surprised how many pieces of pottery I came across that were simply painted and not provencal in the slightest bit.

Picnic in Public Garden

After grabbing all you can carry, head back down the river and find a nice spot under the trees in the Public Garden. The park features tons of grassy patches to lay out with your delicious selection of the day. On Sundays, musicians stroll around, playing to entertain the visitors.

Along the river’s edge, painters are set up with their oils and pencils. Sketching the iconic scenery. Watching them work while enjoying your French meal makes for a darling little afternoon treat. Listening to the water wheels peddling in the distance.

This brings us to the end of the self-guided tour of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. If you want to extend your stay, consider simply wandering through the backstreets. While the market might have the biggest draw, the charming little houses in some unassuming back alleys contain some of the most iconic French sights you’ll see in Provence. Bright window shutters contrast the aging patina of the beige buildings. Cheerful street cats prowl around every corner. Secrets to be found wherever you go!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Ultimate Guide to Spectacular L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

All along the way, there are so many opportunities for incredible Instagram shots since Mexico City is truly one of the most colourful cities in the entire world. Because let’s face it, we all know those adorable IG snaps are an all-important part of the trip. Steal this itinerary to share with your girlfriends to convince them why Mexico City needs to be at the top of your list of places to go for the Ultimate Bachelorette Trip!

Mexico City Bachelorette Itinerary

1. Why Go to Mexico City?
2. Where to Stay
   • Airbnb in La Condesa | SAVE
   • Casa Decu | STANDARD
   • Sofitel Mexico City Reforma | SPLURGE
3. Four-Day Bachelorette Party in Mexico City Map
4. Day 1 | Arrive and Settle In
   • Hunt for Flowers
5. Day 2 – A Day out for Foodies
   • Filigrana Brunch
   • Mercado Medellín
   • Explore more about Roma 
   • Huerto Roma Verde
   • Take a Cooking Class 
   • DIY Cocktail Tour
6. Sunday – A Day on the Water
   • Panadería Rosetta
   • Xochimilco
   • Restaurante Rosetta Dinner
   • Lucha Libra
7. Day 4 – A Day for the Arts in San Angel & Coyoacán
   • Restaurante El Cardenal
   • Carmen Church of San Ángel
   • Saturday Art Market
   • Art Galleries and Stores
   • Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo
   • Coyoacan Market
   • Casa Azul
   • Bazar Artesanal Mexicano
   • Corazón de Maguey

Why Go to Mexico City?

Mexico City has it all. Cheap food, amazing cocktail bars, fun activities, gorgeous museums, awe-inspiring street art, retro architecture and phenomenal culture. This itinerary is for a Mexico City Bachelorette party who are maybe a little more eccentric. And don’t want a cookie-cutter weekend. Throw out ideas of strip clubs and manicures. Replace them with enriching museums, astonishing street food and giddying streets to explore with your friends. There are so many different activities to suit all kinds of brides. But you can intertwine all of them in this itinerary to give all the guests a little bit of everything. Whether they like to party or like a more laid-back weekend, I think Mexico City suits the needs of everyone.

Where to Stay

Airbnb in La Condesa | SAVE

Another wonderful thing about a Mexico City Bachelorette is that there are many different types of accommodations. Options to suit all different price points. A great choice for the savers is to rent an Airbnb in La Condesa. La Condesa is my favourite neighbourhood in the entire city. Here you can rent out entire houses and apartments to host your whole crew. This way, you can all stay together. It’s so fun to use the communal kitchen to make some of your meals. Or just relax in the outdoor spaces at night or in the morning. Soaking up all that amazing Mexico City weather! 

I found this incredible house in La Condesa with seven bedrooms and eleven beds. And it’s just under $300 USD a night. If you came with eight girlfriends, that is less than $40/night per person! Plus, you get all the amenities of having a house! There are many different options with Airbnb, from modern chic to more traditional, historic homes. You can really find the perfect fit to suit your bride-to-be.

USD $300/night (plus cleaning fees)

Casa Decu | STANDARD

If your guests would prefer a hotel, then you should check out the Casa Decu hotel, also in La Condesa. Casa Decu is located inside an old Art Deco building and has quickly become my new favourite hotel in the city. The benefit of hotels are they offer a little bit more privacy and the comfort of not having to clean up for yourself every day. The design of this place is so retro, the amenities are top-notch, and the rooftop breakfast patio is fantastic. They have a huge table under some shade upstairs, perfect to host your group. So you can all eat breakfast together each morning before hitting the streets.

All the rooms, even the most inexpensive, each come with their own mini kitchenette. This way you can keep food your buy along the way in the fridge. But you’ll also have the opportunity to cook a small meal, or just an aperitif before dinner, in the room. Be sure to message the hotel directly to see if they can provide you with additional group promotional rates!

USD $105/night

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma | SPLURGE

If you want to go all out, splurge on a few nights at the Sofitel Mexico City. Located on the famous Paseo de la Reforma, the main avenue in Mexico City. This hotel boasts some of the most fabulous views of the city from the comfort of your hotel room. The hotel is the first luxury French-branded hotel in the city, so you know you’re staying somewhere really special. The chic interiors are fabulous and suit the modern bachelorette aesthetic. Plus, their indoor pool on the 28th floor has one of the most spectacular views of the city. Which is even more incredible at sunset! Bring your girlfriends up here at dusk, and they’ll be so impressed!

USD $270/night

Four-Day Bachelorette Party in Mexico City Map

Day 1 | Arrive and Settle In

The best way to get settled and adjust to the new altitude (Mexico City is, after all, 7,300 feet above sea level) with your girlfriends is a self-guided taco tour. I’ve created this unique taco tour all around La Condesa! This tour lets you explore the neighbourhood while stopping in to try the barrio’s best tacos. Along the way, you can stop and check out whatever your eyes are drawn to. Exploring those little curious corners of the neighbourhood is a great way to work off those tacos, so you’re ready for more!

Hunt for Flowers

As you’re all exploring the neighbourhood for tacos, be sure to go hunting for flowers as well. If you’re travelling as a bridal party, seeking out fresh flowers from the flower carts is the perfect activity! Great practice for the wedding day bouquets. Fresh flowers in Mexico City are so inexpensive and jazz up your Airbnb or Hotel room. In La Condesa, you can simply walk up and down Avenue Amsterdam to find many different vendors. The one across from the Walmart called Flower Jessica (marked on the map above and at the end of the post) is always reliably filled with great flowers! 

Self Made Bouquets

It’s so much fun to grab as many different flowers as your heart delights. Then head back to your hotel’s rooftop patio or communal space to make your own little flower arrangements. It’s a fantastic yet also slightly relaxing activity. Great to do while you adjust to the new time zone and altitude.

“But we don’t have any vases!” you might think. Not to worry! While some stands actually do sell them for cheap, there is another option that is almost free. Just run over to your local Oxxo or 7-Eleven convenience store and buy a few drinks inside glass bottles. Fill your basket up with Topo Chico, Mexican Coke or interesting glass bottles of beer. Get back home and enjoy the refreshing beverages while you make your bouqtes. When you’re done, just pop the flowers into the now empty glass bottles with some fresh water. Easy peasy!

Take it Easy, grab a Churro

While you might be DYING to get out there and grab cocktails, trust me on this one, the altitude can make or break you on your first day! It’s best to take it easy, just on the first day. Especially regarding drinking anything alcoholic. If you’re looking for an evening treat, I advise heading to Churrería El Moro. This churro shop is one of the most popular places in the city. And luckily, they have a few locations so you’re never too far away from one. Grab yourself and your girlfriends a huge tray of churros with their selection of dipping sauces. The perfect sharable delight. In addition to amazing trays of churros, they also sell delicious Mexican hot chocolate. A historical Aztec staple you need to try along the way! Try to take in an early night cause tomorrow we hit the streets!

Day 2 – A Day out for Foodies

Today is all about FOOD! We are going to start the day by going out for Brunch. Brunch in Mexico City is truly world-class! And there are so many different places to go. But if you want to check out my favourites, you can’t go wrong with any of these locations. So if the only I’ve recommended below is booked up there are lots of other options.

Filigrana Brunch

Filigrana is my new favourite brunch spot, so I had to update this list to feature it. Walking inside, you are immediately in awe of the environment. The glass walls allow the beautiful morning sun to filter in, creating rainbows of light on the floor. You are immediately greeted by friendly servers. Before you’ve ever ordered, you are brought out their pastry tray with some of the most inventive, colourful and delicious pastries! I had to try at least once, even though I knew more food was coming. Filigrana specializes in Mexican fusion with dishes that combine various cultures. The tortillas served alongside your meal are made literally on sight. You can watch the tortillas makers at work for some in-house entertainment.

Be sure to sample the licuado de mamey, a smoothie made with the Mexican mamey fruit! Heavenly creamy! For your meal, I highly recommend the tostadas, chilaquiles, and, of course, some delicious freshly made guacamole. Served with those aforementioned fresh tortillas. What is so convenient about Filigrana is that you can make easy reservations in advance on Opentable. Especially if you’re visiting on the weekend with a larger group, reservations are absolutely mandatory! But they’re not too hard to find if you book well enough in advance.

Mercado Medellín

After a filling brunch, it’s time to head over to the Mercado Medellín. This market is a vibrant place to explore in the heart of the trendy Roma Norte neighbourhood. Even the walk you’ll take to get here will awaken all your senses! And the architecture in this colonial barrio is absolutely fantastic.

The market itself is a marvellous place to explore all the dazzling produce native to Mexico. In addition, the market is filled with stores selling salsas, fresh mole, nuts, rainbow-coloured candies, colourful pinatas and more! You can just wander around to your heart’s content. Or follow my self-guided tour to better understand the best things to check out!

Explore more about Roma 

Before our big evening activity, make a point to explore more of the Roma Norte neighbourhood. Roma Norte is known for having the best bar scene, top-class restaurants, incredible street food, and picturesque cafes on every street corner. But the area is also home to some of the best-preserved colonial-era architecture. Every street is plush with greenery and ivy falling off the Juliet balconies above. Wide avenues are home to charming works of art, and the idyllic parks are where locals come to relax.

Although you might not have time to take the entirety of my Roma Walking Tour, I would recommend at least walking up and down some of the side streets around Tepeji street. It’s here where you’ll find the filming location where they shot the Academy Award-nominated movie Roma. These streets are so quiet yet picturesque, so it’s the perfect place to safely wander with your girlfriends.

Huerto Roma Verde

On the way to our next activity, head over to the large intersection at Avenue Yucatan. Across the street, on the east side, you can spot a bright blue column, this giant structure is actually made of old water jugs! This icon marks the monumental entrance to the Huerto Roma Verde. Huerto Roma Verde is a cultural centre made from recovered property once destroyed by the 1985 earthquake. The land was abandoned for 27 years and used as a dumping ground. But Paco Ayala, who initiated the project, saw the 8,000 square feet as an opportunity. He saw the space as a place for regrowth and environmental education through art.

About Huerto Roma Verde

The self-managed community found inside these walls was created by grassroots environmental activists. It began as a small shared vegetable garden. Where residents who lived in small apartments without outdoor space could come and grow their own fresh food. From there, it grew to have a storage tower to collect rainwater, a recycling centre for solid waste and even several farm animals! They aim to focus on sustainability and promote the development of communities integrated into their local environments.

Much of the space is designed to be an urban garden with mind-bending art sculptures created within the living environment. While you can wander the space and appreciate the artworks, you can also stop at the various pop-up businesses. They sell everything from organic cosmetics to vegan desserts and fresh coffee. It’s a fantastic place to do some local shopping!

Take a Cooking Class 

Cooking classes are such wonderful group activities as everyone gets to participate, have some fun and learn more about the culture of the place their visiting. Plus you also get to eat everything you cook! Over at Eat Mexico, they have a cooking class that celebrates Mexico’s food culture and teaches their guests how to master these hundred-year-old recipes. From basic green salsa to corn masa, chicken tinga and papas con chorizo. You’ll learn how to cook nopales, make some chilaquiles and learn more about all the different varieties of Mexican chillies that flavour almost every dish you eat in Mexico.

(Note these classes only run Tues-Friday so plan accordingly.)

Price: $83 USD/ per person

DIY Cocktail Tour

For those who don’t want the night to end, you can safely bar hop along with the Avenida Álvaro Obregón in Roma Norte. Start at Gin Gin Álvaro Obregón, my favourite bar; thanks for their out-of-this-world, skeletal decor! Their cocktail menu is IMMENSE and highlights (as is the name of the bar infers) gin! As the night wears on, a DJ will sometimes play live music. While this can get very loud, if that’s your vibe, you’ll enjoy yourself.

The next place I would head to with my girlfriends is Licorería Limantour, just a few doors down. This place is a legendary cocktail bar in Mexico City which some of the most clever drinks & snacks in a chic environment, complete with a gorgeous terrace. Sitting here on a hot night, enjoying a cool breeze, is a fantastic way to while away an evening.

Hanky Panky

If you still are craving some more entertainment, walk or uber up to the northern part of Roma Norte to Hanky Panky Speakeasy. Be sure you book a reservation at this place in advance, as it’s the only way to get in if you’re not a member. Speakeasies have had a resurgence all over the world in the past few years, and this one is perhaps the most fun to discover. The place looks like nothing more than a small taco shop when you arrive. But on the right is a large fridge that juts suspiciously far out from the wall…

Once you provide your reservation details to the man behind the counter, he will open up the beer fridge and usher you inside. He closes the door behind you, and you’ll think the worst for a moment as you are plunged into darkness. But then, another door opens in front of you, and you enter into the chic, deliciously vibey atmosphere of the hidden bar inside. Drinks cost around $160-$220 pesos, which is more than reasonable considering the incredible drama of the place! It’s a delightfully fun experience for those who want to impress and awe their friends. Keep the details of this stop a secret, and the bride will be impressed with your discovery!

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Sunday – A Day on the Water

Panadería Rosetta

After what was no doubt a late late night, eating is the only real way to cure a hangover! And set you right for the day ahead. One of my other favourite laid-back brunch restaurants in Mexico City is Panderia Rossetta. This incredible bakery in Roma Norte is a hot spot every morning, no matter the time of day. And there is good reason for this, aside from its spectacular appearance. The pastries baked fresh daily are some of the most inventive, delicious and mouthwateringly beautiful creations. Their guava pastry is one of their most popular options.

Although there is seating outside, you might need to wait a while, depending on how busy it is. Luckily, if you’re staying in the area, you can get a whole selection of parties and coffees to bring back for a laid-back taste test at home. 

Alternatively, I recommend bringing your haul to the nearby Plaza Río de Janeiro. This incredibly beautiful park is encircled by some of the city’s most gorgeous art deco and colonial architecture. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a morning coffee and pastry in the sun. If you’re lucky, you might also have some street food vendors pass you by to top off your breakfast with some fresh tamales or fresh fruit cups!

Xochimilco

After loading up on carbs and recovering from the night before, it’s time to head out to one of the most interesting, vibrant and culturally significant places just outside Mexico City; Xochimilco. Xochimilco is known as the Venice of Mexico. Xochimilco consists of over 170 kilometers of canals spread across the southern part of Mexico City. The word “Xochimilco” means “Floating Gardens,” as this was where the ancient Aztecs created a network of artificial agricultural plots. These garden plots are called chinampas, land rich in minerals, where flowers and a variety of fruits and veggies grow in abundance. Xochimilco is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it preserves this Aztec technology.

Where is Xochimilco

Xochimilco is about 45 minutes south of the city. You can easily book an Uber to drive you to and from the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas Xochimilco. This is the ONLY place you should arrive to get onto your Trajineras. There are TONS of bike people who might stop you on the way into town saying this place is closed, but it’s not. It’s a common scam to get people to access a different dock with much higher prices. Just tell your driver to ignore them, and push onto your destination.

Trajineras

One of the most iconic aspects of a trip on the canals today are riding inside the neon painted Trajineras. These brightly coloured boats float up and down the canals and today can be rented out by individuals or groups to enjoy the beauty of the canals. They have flat bottoms and float throughout the canals with nothing more than a long wooden ore controlled by your rower, just like a gondolier. In the center of the boat is a large table, and there are about a dozen chairs on either side, so you can have an entire group ride on the same boat! The covered roof is perfect for keeping the sun off during hot days, but if you want to sit out in the sunlight, the front of the boat has ample room.

The boats are vibrantly painted to resemble the flowers that grew on either side of the canals hundreds of years ago. Each boat is given a different name; you might not know that if you know who to call, you can have your name painted on a boat just for you when you arrive. This is perfect for your bride as you can even get it named after her!

How to Rent a Boat

Getting a Trajinera inexpensively isn’t something you should expect when coming to Xochimilco. This isn’t one of those super budget-friendly excursions. The maximum rate set by the city is 500 pesos per hour, per boat (not per person as some tricky boatmen might quote you). You can try and haggle your way down, but unless you have a good grasp of Spanish haggling, you’ll find it difficult to get the rides any cheaper than 400-450 pesos per hour.

2-hours is the minimum I would go for since it takes a while for them to get the boats out of the dock, and an hour would barely get you out into the canals far enough to see the real Xochimilco. I would honestly say I wish we’d gone out for longer! Plus, the longer you go, the better your chance of striking a deal! Remember to tip your boatman at the end of the trip, most of the money you pay goes to his boss, and the driver sees little of that price, so a nice tip will go a long way for them.

Group Tours to Xochimilco

You can easily book a group tour if you’d rather not deal with all these details yourself. This takes all the organization out of your hands and lets you enjoy yourself without needing to be at the wheel. My favourite site to book these tours lately has been Airbnb experiences. I find their prices the most competitive and don’t include too many extras you don’t need. These tours are great as the guides help explain sights along the way and usually include a bit of food! 

You are allowed to bring whatever food and drinks you want with you to the Trajineras. I always recommend stopping by your local convenience stores to load up on some neat snacks and a few drinks. Depending on what day of the week you visit will change what’s open (the weekdays tend to have fewer stalls and sellers open than the weekends). But there’s always something to buy on land and on the water. That’s right, there’s food available throughout the canals as you travel. Vendors with roasted corn, coconut water, tacos, cold beer and freshly made micheladas float up and down the canals. The prices are more than you’d pay in the market, but you pay for the privilege of having them coming right to your boat!

Restaurante Rosetta Dinner

After coming home, it’s probably time for everyone to enjoy a bit of a nap after a hot day out on the water. If you feel like you’d like a gorgeous dinner tonight, I would recommend reservations at Restaurante Rosetta. This stunning eatery is located inside an old villa and is literally dripping, inside and out, with greenery. The menu is unique and creative and is a fusion of traditional Mexican dishes with modern, international ingredients. It’s such a gorgeous interior you’ll be absolutely transported both by the food and the decor.

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Lucha Libra

If your crew is the adventurous type, just down the street is the Arena México, where you can catch a Lucha Libre show almost every day of the week! Lucha Libre is Mexican Wrestling and even if you aren’t even the slightest bit of a wrestling or sports fan, going to these shows is soooo much fun. We’ve gone both with a tour group and on our own, and it’s a blast either way. Going on your own is much cheaper, as tickets are only about $25 USD but going with the group is a wonderful experience for first-timers. They teach you all about the sport’s history and why it has become such an important part of the Mexican identity.

Everywhere you go in Mexico City, you’ll see Lucha masks for sale and everything from t-shirts to souvenir magnets with famous wrestlers on them. So it’s good to find out what this is all about. It’s a fun group activity as it gets everyone talking. Even if you don’t speak a lick of Spanish, it’s so much fun to try to interpret the storylines and the moves and just sit back and be in awe of the absolute madness and amazing physical prowess this real athlete put on display!

Day 4 – A Day for the Arts in San Angel & Coyoacán

Our last day in Mexico City is about immersing ourselves in the city’s most artistic areas of the city; San Angel and Coyoacan. This is where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera spent more of their lives and careers. The entire neighbourhood is steeped in vibrant creativity. We’ll start the day in San Angel, exploring the brilliant colonial architecture and amazing art scene, and then uber over to nearby Coyoacan, where we can walk in the footsteps of Frida Kahlo. San Angel is famous for its Saturday Art Market. But if you choose to arrive here on any other day, you’ll still find the neighbourhood to be an incredible place to find wonderful works of art!

Restaurante El Cardenal

Head to the best breakfast spot in San Angel, Restaurante El Cardenal, to start your morning. Restaurante El Cardenal is an institution in Mexico City that was founded in 1969! At El Cardenal, you can come and feel like you’re dining at your mother’s table. Their location in San Ángel is located inside an old colonial mansion and the gorgeous architecture make eating here a luxurious experience.

To start the perfect breakfast, begin with hot chocolate, not coffee! Their unique hot chocolate is made with famous Doña Oliva chocolate and is like drinking a cup of history. Hot chocolate originated in Mexico and was an essential part of the Aztec culture from 1400 AD. My favourite part about the experience of eating here was the pastry tray. When you come inside, a waiter brings you over an enormous tray of sweet pastries. And you can choose, with your own eyes, which pastry you want to start the meal right with. I went with the concha as I feel like it’s the perfect pairing with a hot chocolate. The rest of the menu is filled with traditional Mexican brunch options and honestly you can’t go wrong with any of them!

Carmen Church of San Ángel

As we make our way west towards the Plaza San Jacinto, quickly stop inside the old Carmelite church, just across from the restaurant. The church was built here in 1615 and it features some amazing Herrerian architecture. The courtyard makes for a wonderful photo op as you are surrounded by incredible Puebla tiles, fantastical domed rooms and beautiful greenery. Even if your group isn’t super religious, I love stopping in here just to admire the marvellous architecture and baorque art.

Walking into the church, the restrained architecture surrounding you highlights the incredible golden altar. Light frames the altar from either side, creating the most ethereal glow. While the rest of the building might be simpler in design, the altarpiece is pure baroque. Drama, glamour and gilding are everything that the baroque era brought, and we can see it here in leaps and spurts! Since today is all about art, this is a great spot to make a quick stop.

Saturday Art Market

If you come to San Angel on the weekend, you’ll be graced with the amazing Saturday Art Market. It is by far the most popular event in the area. The art on sale is both meant for the locals to enjoy as well as the tourists. Found on easels and leaning against the walls are works of art highlighting the beauty of the Mexican landscape and their vibrant culture. There were so many amazing artists of all different styles and mediums. 

In addition to paintings, this Plaza is also home to craftspeople. Here you can find artisan pottery, textiles and even clothing. While some of it is a bit touristy, there are also unique designers and artists. Prices tend to be a little more expensive here in San Angel, but the quality matches the cost. This is a great market to find some amazing souvenirs to bring home!

Art Galleries and Stores

If you opt to visit San Angel on any other day than Saturday, you can still find many handicraft shops open around the square throughout the week. They keep the spirit of the art market alive throughout the week. Shops like the Bazar San Ángel, María Bonita and Local México sell gorgeous handmade decor and art pieces for your home. The spirit of the art market lives on long past the weekend, so don’t feel like you’ll have missed it all if you can only visit during the week. Maria Bonita sells amazing pieces of art made by Mexican artists at very affordable prices. Their store is also a joy to walk through and feels absolutely transporting.

Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo

Wander through the back alleys of San Angel, north towards the incredible Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. This amazing feat of architecture was where Diego Rivera worked and lived alongside his wife, Frida Kahlo. The two homes are connected via the large walkway on the top floor. The entire design of the homes is symbolic of their love. So it really makes for a great stop for a future bride!

The museum leads you through both houses to see their studios, living spaces and a gorgeous rooftop view across the neighbourhood of San Angel. You can read our full guide here to get a complete guided tour of the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. The house doesn’t take much time to explore, but the incredible architecture is worth seeing. Plus, if you’re a fan of Frida and Diego, this peeks into their private lives is unrivalled.

Coyoacan Market

By now, you’re no doubt starting to get hungry, so it’s time to hop into an Uber and head over to Coyacano. Start your introduction to Coyoacan outside the famous Mercado de Coyoacán! This market has stood here for decades, and if you look at the roofline, you’ll see that it’s more than one building pieced together. The newest part of the structure was built in the 1950s. But the original, much smaller marketplace was where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera would come to shop for their famous dinner parties held at the Casa Azul.

El Jardín del Pulpo

Before entering the market’s interior, stop at the sidewalk entrance on the corner of Malintzin and Ignacio Allende where you’ll find El Jardín del Pulpo. El Jardín del Pulpo translates into ‘The Octopus’s Garden, ‘where you can indulge in Coyoacán’s best street seafood. While it might seem a little more expensive than regular street food, you’ll be eating such luxuries as lobster and langostino. You MUST give their GIANT shrimp cocktails a try!

Tostadas Coyoacan 

But the main reason for visiting this market is to try Tostadas Coyoacan! The lines can get pretty long at lunchtime, but it moves quickly and gives you time to scope out what you want to try. The shrimp ceviche tostadas with thick slices of avocado to cut the acidity are absolute perfection! If eating raw seafood is a little too adventurous for you, try their famous shredded chicken; simple, moist and flavourful! There are six different eating areas with bar-style seating, so you can almost always find somewhere to saddle up, even at the busiest time of day.

Barbacoa is another traditional dish to try in the Coyacán market. If you’re visiting on Saturdays and Sundays, find your war to El Borrego de Oro or ‘The Golden Sheep’ at the back of the market. The shreds of tender meat atop freshly made tortillas are absolute heaven.

Casa Azul

What most people come to Coyocan for is the Casa Azul, also known as the Frida Kahlo Museum. The Casa Azul was where Mexican artist Frida Kahlo grew up, became an artist, married, and even died. She lived there with her husband, Diego Rivera, and together the two of them transformed a simple home into an artist’s retreat. After her death, the artworks of Frida Kahlo became an international sensation, gaining notoriety more and more as time went on. A hidden genius being discovered after her death, like it so often goes. But Frida herself has become an icon and cultural phenomenon. It’s very important to book these tickets in advance, especially for a large group.

The museum is less of a simple art gallery and more like an inside look at her private world. Although there are a few paintings from both artists, the main focus of the Casa Azul is the couple’s Mexican folk art and being able to tour their home exactly as it was when they lived and worked inside it. Throughout the house, you’ll see their collections of pre-Hispanic artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, personal items, and more. You feel deeply connected with these artists by literally walking in their footsteps. The best part for a group of gals is Frida’s personal wardrobe that features pieces from the fashion icon. This is an unmissable experience for anyone interested in art or Frida herself. 

Bazar Artesanal Mexicano

If you’re travelling with a group of ladies, there is no doubt some shopping needs to be done! Just outside of the main square in Coyoacan is the Bazar Artesanal Mexicano. Inside the arched red gates, you step into a small courtyard always adorned with a myriad of artisanal decor. Throughout the two levels of tiny stalls crammed into different corners, you’ll find everything from traditional Mexican clothing complete with gorgeous embroideries, artisanal jewellery, various handicrafts, and pretty much everything you could want for souvenirs. 

The benefit of this artisan market is that it is on the small side but still has everything you could want. This means it’s a little less overwhelming, and you can more easily find what you’re looking for without. Plus, the prices here are slightly lower than in the more touristy Artisan Market outside the Historical Centre in the central city.

Corazón de Maguey

To end the day, make reservations at the Corazón de Maguey. This restaurant in the heart of Coyoacan is an absolute feast for the eyes and the stomach. Walking into the lively cantina, you’re overwhelmed by the bright red walls trimmed in myriad traditional Mexican kitchen implements used for decoration. Huge glass jugs used to store mezcal are stacked around the room, used almost as room dividers. 

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The restaurant specializes in traditional Mexican food served in HUGE portions. My recommendation is to order a whole bunch of different dishes and just share them between the entire table. It’s a great place to try out any food you didn’t get a chance to sample yet. Everything from red mole to beef tongue, stuffed chile ancho peppers, Oaxacan cheese and handmade tortillas are just some of the amazing dishes on the menu. Honestly, it’s one of the most stunning restaurants and the perfect place to end an action packed Mexico City Bachelorette trip!

I hope you enjoyed this Mexico City Bachelorette itinerary! I think this is indeed the perfect combination of activities to entertain everyone. Let me know in the comment where your favourite location of a Bachelorette has been or if you’re planning on hosting your own Mexico City Bachelorette!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Bachelorette Trip to Mexico City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

There has never been anything I’d been so quick to review. During my most recent stay in Mexico City, I was travelling solo. Whenever I’m alone, I love to join a group tour. While I do personally enjoy my solitude, I also enjoy meeting new people and getting to experience new adventures with others. I knew a food tour was in order, as I think there is no better way to get to know someone than having a meal with them! But it took me a while to find a tour that really piqued my interest. But then I found Eat Like a Local.

About Eat Like a Local

Eat Like a Local is a female-owned Mexico City Food Tour company that strives to be one of the best in sustainable tourism. It pays its female-only employees a proper wage and supports female-owned businesses in the market places. Plus, part of the tour price helps young girls go to school to learn to speak English. Providing them with a rich education that sets them up to succeed and grow. Any extra money the tour company earns goes towards sending some of the girls to go on a trip of their own. Anywhere around the world. Allowing them to see the same world of travel, they help tourists experience in their own city.

Giving back to the Community

The company even uses part of the tour price to support the infrastructure of the marketplaces. Helping to improve them. So many tours I saw listed seem to use the marketplaces as a tourist attraction. These tours don’t actively view the marketplace as a real place of work and community. While eating inside the marketplace is great to support the individual businesses, supporting the infrastructure where they work is a sign of a true venture into sustainable tourism. So with all that in mind, and a promise of some truly phenomenal street food, I booked my ticket and joined the tour.

The Best Foor Tour in Mexico City!

1. About Eat Like a Local
2. The Tour Details
3. The Overall Experience
4. La Condesa
5. Taking the Metro
6. Jamaica Market
7. La Merced Market
8. Juarez Gelato Shop

The Tour Details

Cost

Eat Like a Local offers three different food “safaris” for you to choose from. Each one costs $115 USD. This covers all the food you’ll eat on the tour as well as your transportation. I opted for the Mexican Food 101 tour as it seemed to cover the widest variety of food. They also have a Flower Market and Mezcal tasting tour but since I don’t drink very much I thought that one might not be for me. There is also a street food at night tour that I really can’t wait to check out next time I’m in town!

When you book, you’ll only pay half of the total tour price online via their website. The other half you MUST pay in CASH upon meeting the guide. They use this cash to pay for the food along the way. So it’s essential to bring the right amount of money when you arrive at the meeting point. Don’t think you can just stop at the ATM after the tour is over.

How Big is the Tour

Like any good tour group, the size of the group is small. This means you have a much more intimate experience. But with the guide and the rest of the group. I cannot stress enough how the five of us felt like old friends by the end of the day. I even knew all their kids’ names! Small tour groups really are a sign of a great experience to come.

How Long is the Tour?

The entire tour lasted about four hours. In that time we covered a lot of ground (thanks to hopping on and off the metro.) They say that you’ll walk about 4.5 miles throughout the tour. I loved all the walking as it really helped make room for more food! Dress comfortably, and wear good walking shoes. Be sure this means closed-toe shoes since the marketplaces can get wet.

A Note about Safety

When booking the tour, one of the things that both intrigued, excited and made me a bit nervous was the fact we would travel via the metro. I had long wanted to experience taking the metro in Mexico City. But after hearing so many stories about how dangerous it was, I was always hesitant. But my tour guide Panda made the experience fear-free and super explanatory for future trips. The metro was so efficient and I never felt unsafe. And aside from drawing attention to ourselves as a group of loud English speakers on a tour, I don’t think anyone would have given us a second look.

I was careful to bring only my phone with me and kept it in a bag with an internal zip when required. Panda was great about letting us know when we should be more careful. Just like any big city, some areas are more prevalent with pickpockets. The largest market in Barcelona is a huge hot spot for pickpockets, so don’t think it’s just CDMX. I never felt the least bit afraid anywhere we went on the tour. So don’t let their overly cautious advice put you off! Use common sense, leave your large camera at home and don’t wear or bring anything flashy. Our tour guide also took lots of pictures and even emailed them to us afterwards. So if you wanted to just leave everything at home, and immense yourself, you’ll still get lots of souvenir pictures to take home.

Accessibility

This tour might be challenging if you’re travelling in a wheelchair or have issues with accessibility. Both are due to the distance covered and the lack of accessible entrances in various parts of the marketplace. But, you can absolutely reach out to the tour company directly to book a private tour. They do lots of private tours and they will be able to curate a specific tour just for you.

Bathrooms

I am definitely someone who has a small bladder, so bathroom breaks are always imperative for longer tours. There were plenty of stops along the way for bathrooms. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need to use one. Most of the bathrooms inside the marketplace cost 5 pesos to enter, so bring a bit of change to use them. Our guide also had some coins for those who didn’t have any on them.

Dietary Restrictions

The tour states they can accommodate all different dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free. Be sure to let them know in advance. This way, they can ensure something will be available for you at every stop. We had a vegetarian with us on our tour, and it was so fun to see all the different alternatives to our dishes. He definitely had to skip one of two stops but there were plenty of options at most places. And honestly, there is so much food on tour, missing out on one or two places might actually be a good idea!

The Overall Experience

Their website lists all the different types of food you’ll taste along the way, so I’m not giving anything away by detailing my experience here. I wanted to share the wonderful stories from my experience as a means to encourage those travelling to Mexico City to book a tour for themselves. But also as a way for those who read my blog to feel immersed in another world to travel along with me. Even if they can’t go themselves. Even if I did give you step-by-step instructions on where to go, you’d never be able to explore these places for yourself. There are too many hidden secrets and tiny sellers that only locals can guide you to.

La Condesa

We met up in La Condesa to start the tour off right with a coffee! This gave us all a chance to meet each other and get to know our guide. Our guide, Panda, was one of the most hilarious and fun people I’d ever met. From the minute she starting she felt like an old school friend and had us all smiling from ear to ear. After grabbing our coffees, we needed a little sweet treat. So we set out for pastries! We stopped at a Condesa institution which sells concha (sweet bread.) The perfect starter to get our stomachs prepped.

Tacos de Canasta

Next, we explored two different street food stalls in La Condesa. One was selling the classic breakfast staple Tacos de Canasta, aka sweaty tacos. These tacos are made by filling a taco with stew and bathing them in oil or butter. They are then layered up inside baskets and sold all over the city. Sometimes on the back of bicycles, but in this case at a street food stall.

The man working here had been selling them for over 35 years!! He is so popular that he made enough money selling these tacos to be able to send his kids to university! Here you had the options of a variety of fillings, from pork to potato and chicharron. Once you pick your filling, you could smother them in hot sauce. I was so surprised by how delicious they were. I had never tried tacos de canasta before because I thought they’d be soggy. But that wasn’t the case at all! I could have honestly eaten a dozen. But knew I had to save room in my stomach, as this was only our second stop!

Mixiotes

The next stop was tacos mixiotes. Mixiotes are made from stewing meat inside an agave leaf bag. The meat was so flavourful, seasoned with a mixture of all different chillies. This stand had almost a dozen other toppings you could add to your taco. I wanted to really savour the flavour of the meat, so I just went with a few slices of nopales (cactus) pads. And, of course, a squeeze of lime and hot sauce.

It was about now that I realized I would never be able to finish everything we sampled at this rate. As much as I wanted to because everything we ate was delicious. Thankfully, Panda, our guide, stepped in and told us no one would be offended if we didn’t finish. And we could split what we could share, or she could ask the vendor for a smaller portion. I felt so relieved as I’m always so worried that my small stomach and inability to always finish what’s on my plate is apt to offend the cook!

Taking the Metro

After this stop, we hopped onto the metro at Baldera station. I had been pretty nervous about riding the metro. But from the minute we descended down into the station, I realized how perfectly normal and unintimidating it was. All your tickets are paid for upon entering, but Panda took us through how to buy your tickets and use the system in case you want to ride the metro on your own after the tour.

The metro platforms were incredibly clean and actually super pretty to look at. The floors and walls were made of beautiful stone that looked like the station were carved out of the ground. While we were on tour, the metro was fairly empty, only getting busy near mid-afternoon. Most of the time, we could all get seats with no problem. When the cars were super full, we simply waited for the next train. They come very frequently so we had no trouble getting enough space and feeling safe. Interesting to note that there are also female-only train cars. These are marked on the floor of the station platform with pink signs marked with “Solo Dames y Menores de 12 Anos.”

Jamaica Market

The next stop on tour was inside Jamaica Market! Although you might read the word “Jamaica” and think of the country, Jamaica actually means “hibiscus flower” in Spanish. The Jamaica Market is home to the largest flower market in the city, with over 1,150 stalls selling over 5,000 different varieties of flowers! Almost all of them grown around Mexico.

The market is divided into two different areas; the first is almost devoid of flowers entirely and primarily sells produce, meat and other grocery staples. When you cross over to the second section of the market, you’re immediately overwhelmed with the smell of flowers. Before you can even see the flowers, you’ll know you’ve arrived.

Tacos Carnitas & Tepache

Our first stop was at a long communal table right at the market entrance. Pig heads hung in the butcher shops down the aislse, and you knew right away this was the place to get pork! The order was simple, tacos de carnitas, topped with raw onions and cilantro. While I thought I’d had carnitas before, after tasting this, it felt like I had never eaten them before in my life. This was the best-tasting taco I’ve ever eaten, and I still dream about it! While we were eating, Panda explained to us the myths about why you are almost always given two tortillas with every serving of tacos. But I’ll leave that tidbit for you to discover on tour…

To pair with our tacos, we got to sample tepache. Tepache is a fermented pineapple drink made from the peel and the rind of pineapples and refined cane sugar. It had that tang you get from other fermented drinks like kombucha. It was super sweet but so delicious and definitely cleansed the palette from the fatty pork tacos. The perfect combination!

Jicaleta

Next up, we walked around the market to the brightly coloured bins of what looked like powdered sugar. Beside these pins were huge round discs on popsicle sticks that looked like white lollipops with the words “Rico Jicaleta.” I have seen these signs all over the city and always wondered what they were! It turns out the giant thing on a popsicle stick is a Jicama, a root vegetable.

To convince kids to eat their vegetables, someone came up with the genius idea to cover the jicama with chamoy (pickled plum with chile sauce) and then dip the veggie in powdered sugar. Since the jicama is pretty neutral in its flavouring it allows itself to be the vehicle for these amazing flavours of powered sugar. Everything as simple as strawberry or blueberry to more exciting flavours like mango chilli and tamarind. You can even use the other colours to create a cool rainbow-like pattern on the jicama. I can see why these are such a popular treat with both kids and adults.

Piñata Market

Next up on tour, we walked deeper into the marketplace amongst hundreds and hundreds of piñatas. The Jamaica market is known for its huge piñatas selection. Design range from traditional stars to cartoon characters. And I even saw a covid one! What a perfect thing to bash away at, a way of taking out all the pent up frustration over the loss of the last two years.

Chorizo Verde

Sitting down outside a small shop beside piles of bright fruits and vegetables, we tried what I thought was the most incredible taco innovation of the whole tour; green chorizo! The proud owner displayed all his different types of chorizo sausages outside the shop. But none were as eye wateringly delicious to look at as the green chorizo. The pork-based sausage is mixed with a blend of fresh green veggies like spinach and lettuce. Then zesty green herbs are added to ramp the flavour up. Anything from cilantro, thyme, marjoram, whatever is in season.

After this they add green chillies (because heat is a staple of the chorizo sausage) and the most important and unique ingredient – NUTS! Yes, that’s right, they add anything from peanuts to pumpkins seeds or almonds to the meat. We ate it completely plain to start to ensure we could appreciate the flavour of all the ingredients. And OMG, I cannot explain how incredible this was. Truly one of the most unique and surprising parts of the tour. I wish I could remember where this was so I could go back to eat more!

Heading down to the other side of the market, we stopped at a few more stalls for some tiny samples as we went. Crispy tortillas covered in locally made crema y queso (cream cheese) and a bite of chicharrón (deep-fried pork skin).

Fresh Fruit Stalls

On the other side of the market, where the smell of flowers filled the air, we stopped for a selection of fresh fruit. The fruit was just what the doctor ordered to change things up and refresh my palette. I always admire the beautiful spreads at these fruit stands when I pass by. So many different fruits I’ve never tried, let alone seen before. Lucky for me, when we stopped, the friendliest man came out from behind the piles of fruit with these little banana leaf trays. Inside were slices of all kinds of fruits. Panda took us through what each bite was, and we dove in.

My taste buds were exploding. I couldn’t believe how delicious some of these fruits were, things I’d never tried before, which set my mouth alight. My favourite by far was the Soursop, which was tangy, sweet, and, as the name indicates, sour. I need to find this in Toronto! And my other favourite was the black zapote, which tastes like chocolatey permission pudding! The Chirimoya blew my mind as it tasted like a strawberry blended with a kiwi. I was truly entranced by all the flavours and vowed to make more of an effort to buy fresh fruit next time I’m in town.

Wholesale Flowers

Walking around the flower market was the best kind of chaos. We didn’t have a ton of time to admire the flowers; this is a working market, after all. People were milling about, grabbing carfuls of flowers for their stands in the city and small bouquets for their homes. Voices cried over one and other as people haggled for the best price.

During the Day of the Dead ceremonies, this market is packed to the rooftops with trucks full of orange Mexican marigolds. These are the most popular flower synonymous with the festival. They are used to decorate the ofrendas of past loved ones as the brightly coloured flowers are thought to guide the spirits of those who have passed back home.

As we moved through the crowds of people, we arrived at the back, where the larger floral displays are located. These are for celebrations like communions and quinceaneras in addition to funerals and weddings. But apparently, one of the most popular reasons people buy huge floral displays is to apologize for cheating on their wives…or at least that’s what Panda told us! The bigger the arrangement, the more sorry you are!

Esquites

The next stop on tour was for a cup of esquites fritos. Esquites are fire-roasted corn kernels, stewed in lard, and mixed with aromatic herbs and arbol chillies. I’ve had esquites many times before, as they are one of my favourite street snacks, but none as delicious as the ones we got here! There are definitely some secret ingredients at work here.

Before leaving the market, we stopped at a tortilla maker cranking out hundreds of perfect corn circles every hour. There is genuinely nothing more fresh than eating a hot tortilla right off the press. With nothing more than a sprinkle of salt, you can really appreciate how simple and complex the flavours are. And why this tiny disc has become such a staple of Mexican food throughout the centuries.

La Merced Market

After a quick bathroom break, we hopped back on the metro. We transferred from the teal line (#4) to the pink line (#1) and made our way directly into the Mercados de la Merced. Mercados de la Merced, or La Merced Market, has its own dedicated metro stop. And unlike other metro stations where you need to exit onto the street to get to your next destination, this stop exits right into the heart of the market. This is actually the only way you should enter the market. The exterior streets around here are a little dangerous but by entering directly inside, you avoid the exterior entirely.

History of the Market

La Merced Market is named after the monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de Redención de Cautivos. The monastery was established here in 1594, just after the Spanish Conquest. The neighbourhood that sprang up around the monastery also goes by the name La Merced. After the conquest, this part of the city, being just on the outskirts (before the expansion of what is now CDMX), was a hotbed for traders. They would arrive here from all different parts of the country and beyond. They could easily dump their goods here for sale and transfer further into the central part of the city.

By 1860, almost the entire neighbourhood was one big market. So the city decided to move the marketplace into a permanent, covered building. By now, the old La Merced Monastery has been closed down for years. But the empty building proved to be the perfect place to establish the new permanent market.

20th Century Market

In the 20th century, the market continued to expand becoming one of the largest wholesale markets in the city. Here you can find everything from fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, toys, clothes, flowers, candy and more.

Sadly, there is a dark history to the building as well. In 1988 a fireworks stall exploded inside the marketplace, killing more than 60 people! Then again, in 1998, there was another fire due to faulty wiring that destroyed much of the old main hall and 572 stalls. Luckily no one was killed in that fire, but the damage was extensive. Despite the accident occurring almost 20 years ago, repairs are still ongoing.

Just in front of the entrance to the market from the metro station, you’ll see a cheerful cartoon map of the marketplace. Each different section of the market is dedicated to a different specialty, so you know exactly where to go for what. I was immediately drawn to the candy section and was delighted to hear we would be stopping in there near the end of the tour.

Insects

Our first stop inside the market threw us right into the deep end of Mexican cuisine, at the Insectos stand. Yes, that’s right, bugs! I actually really like bugs as food; I’ve had them a few times around the world and find the flavour pretty interesting. If you don’t want to try them, just politely say no. Don’t make a big show of being grossed out or anything like that. Insects have been eaten and used in cooking here for centuries. It’s disrespectful to act disgusted by a kind of food they consider pretty normal.

I do recommend trying them at least once. And when you stop here at the stall, they also give you a glass of freshly pressed pineapple juice to chase down the bugs. In case it’s just not for you. My favourite was the crickets, but I was actually surprised how much I liked the little worms! The scorpion was the least tasty, a little too earthy for my liking, but I’m sure it would be great in other dishes.

Micheladas

We walked through the crowds of stalls towards the outer edge of the market, along Rosario street. Despite being a working street, with cars and lorries driving through, it also feels like an extension of the marketplace. Stalls pour out onto the streets with their wares leaning out so far they almost touch either side of the road. It’s so tight that often when a big truck comes thru, some stores need to move things they’re selling back inside to allow the cars to pass. It’s a very cool bit of choreography to watch.

We took a seat inside a casual bar where we gathered around a large table, welcomed by the smiles of the locals. Then we were given a series of brightly colours bowls, jars and glass bottles, like a modern-day apothecary in the centre of Mexico City. We were greeted by the amazingly kind Arely, one of the girls from the 80IQ program. 80IQ is a program created by the Eat Like a Local founder that funds the education of these young women and where they also receive mentoring.

With her adorable son in tow, Arley came to our table to practice speaking English and teach us to make a Mexican Michelada. Micheladas are such a fun beverage to make and we loved learning all the steps and ingredients that go into it! First, cover the rim in chamoy and dip in caramelized sesame seeds. Next, add more chamoy, Worcestershire, and hot sauce then filled the glass with a cold beer! Since I don’t drink beer, so I was given a glass of fizzy pineapple juice, and let me tell you mixture was just as delicious!!! We took this chance to enjoy our cold drinks, a refreshing break from the heat of the day. We grabbed for a bit, chatting with Arley and even celebrating an anniversary in our little group!

Quesadillas

From here, Arley handed us over to Wendy, another girl from the program. Wendy spoke incredibly well at only 14 years old and was such a great guide! She took us to her grandmother’s street food stall, where a series of women bustling around a hot comal. They went about serving us bite-size pieces of a variety of classic Mexican street food samples.

Huitlacoche

The one I was most excited about trying were the quesadillas. Although this might not seem very exotic, the filling inside the quesadilla was ‘huitlacoche‘ or, as it is known in English, corn smut! Huitlacoche is considered a delicacy in Mexico, even though it might not seem very appetizing. The word comes from the Nahuatl language and means “sleeping excrescence,” because the corn is transformed by a fungus that impedes them from developing. Thus, they remain “sleeping.” If the fungus doesn’t sound appealing to you, I’d ask, “well, have you ever eaten mushroom?” because the flavour is essentially the same. I couldn’t believe how complex the flavour was, and I was so happy I had finally been able to sample it! 

Pambazo

We also got quesadillas with squash blossoms filled with cheese from Oaxaca. Then there was a slice of tlacoyo filled with black beans and covered in requeson (like ricotta cheese) and more nopales. The last item on the place was Pambazo. The pambazo sandwich is apparently the most authentic Mexico City street food. One that originated here. It is made from a white bun that has been dipped in adobo sauce and then filled with chorizo, cheese, cream and lettuce.

Candy

After all this, I thought there was no way I’d ever be able to get up. But somehow, we shuffled out of the tiny chairs outside the street food stall and bid a sad farewell to Wendy’s family. They waved goodbye to us with big smiles as we headed back into the crowded marketplace. But I perked up as we learned we were on our way to the candy district. There are many reasons I love Mexico City, but one of them has got to be their love of bulk candies. You can find little carts wheeling around the neighbourhood every day. Filled with candy fills at the ready for your cravings. But here in the marketplace must be where they all come to load up these carts every morning.

Candies exploded out of bins and baskets in rainbow colours everywhere we looked. We sampled a few unique varieties like dried mango with chilis, tamarind candies, spicy candied almonds and, of course, lots and lots of flavoured powdered sugar. My favourites are these little fruit-shaped gummies that look like they are made of glass. Almost too pretty to eat! I could honestly have been here for hours, but I was too full to try anything more, lucky for my blood sugar.

Juarez Gelato Shop

To arrive at our last stop on tour, we hopped once more on the metro and made our way over to the Juarez neighbourhood. This part of town is just starting to become a new hot spot for hip eateries. We stopped at one of the chicest gelato shops, where we were greeted by flavours out of this world. Tamarind & mezcal, Oaxacan chocolate, cempasúchil (marigold), tonka bean, olive oil, lavender, and even epazote elato leaf are just some of the falvours that are on rotation here. We got to sample any three flavours we wanted. Although I had felt like I couldn’t eat another bite earlier, there seems to always be a second stomach for dessert.

This was our last stop, so we all just sat around chatting while eating our ice cream. None of us wanted to leave. We had all really become friends by the end of the day. Panda gave us all her recommendations based on the questions we asked along the way. After much hesitation, we all eventually parted ways! Leaving with full bellies, smiles on our faces, and lots of stories to share with our friends and family. The perfect end to the perfect tour.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Tipping is always a considerate thing to do at the end of a tour just as at the end of a meal. It’s a way to say “thank you” to the guide for their time, effort and expertise. While it’s not required, it is appreciated. Don’t feel the need to financially burden yourself but honestly, even a little bit goes a long way to show your appreciation.

I truly can’t say enough good things about this tour and I really hope if you get the chance to visit Mexico City you put booking this Mexico City Food Tour with Eat Like a Local at the top of your list!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Street Food Tour in Mexico City! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Coffee & Cafes
   • Analog Coffee
   • La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
   • Lukes Drug Mart
   • Kaffeeklatsch
2. Brunch
   • Our Daily Brett
   • Red's Diner on 4th
   • Galaxie Diner
   • Monki Bistro
3. Lunch
   • Park By Sidewalk Citizen
   • Native Tongues Taqueria
   • Actually Pretty Good
   • Myhre's Sandwich Shop
4. Sweet Treats
   • Hoopla Donuts
   • Don't Yell At Me Cafe
   • Made By Marcus
   • Black Sheep Pâtisserie
5. Dinner
   • Lulu Bar
   • Comery Block Barbecue
   • Aida's Bistro
   • A1 Cafe & Bodega
6. Markets & Specialty Shops
   • Peasant Cheese Mission
   • Kalamata Grocery
   • Bridgeland Market
   • The Blue Store

Coffee & Cafes

As soon as my feet touch the ground in a new city, I’m on the hunt for a good cup of coffee! Partly to quell the jetlag and partly as a means to just sit back and relax. When 9 am hits on vacation, there’s no need to jug down that coffee and run to the office. Instead, you can savour the brew, bring out a book and just take in the sounds of the city.

Analog Coffee

Walking into Analog Coffee almost felt like walking into someone’s family kitchen. The vibes inside were so friendly. Everyone seemed to know each other, buying drinks for their friends and catching up with the staff. This is always a key indicator to know when a place is good. They have a wide selection of signature coffees and tea lattes for those who aren’t a fan of the bean. These pastries are all brought in from local bakeries. The indoor-outdoor seating offers a comfortable setting any time of the year. During certain hours of the day, they even have a small DJ booth area where you can enjoy live music! Truly a unique and special place to spend your mornings.

La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe

La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe holds a very place in my heart. It was where my grandparents would come every morning to enjoy a chai latte and mocha with each other even in the last years of their lives. Dating till the very end! But it’s not just my warm fuzzy memories that make this cafe and bakery an extraordinary place. Locals flock to the bakery every morning with a line out to the door.

The family-owned restaurant offers up a distinctive variety of fresh, flaky pastries. There is seemingly always something new to try and make your mouth water. And their coffee is the perfect companion to those sweet treats. For me, their chai latte is a personal favourite, but their espresso is deep and delicious. Be warned that this place is always busy, so your order might take a bit longer than the typical coffee shop. Just take a seat on their Parisian inspired patio, and people watch while you wait on your order.

Lukes Drug Mart

Coffee in a Drug Store? Not exactly the first place you might think of, but trust me on this one, Lukes Drug Mart is worth the trip to Bridgeland, just north of the river! And yes, it really is a Drug Store. In fact, it is the oldest independently owned pharmacy in Calgary, opening in 1951. This location is now home to a trendy cafe. But the store is also filled with a small vinyl record collection, specialty grocery items, quality skincare and cosmetics. As well as the typical drug store items you’d expect to find in a pharmacy.

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Kaffeeklatsch

Kaffeeklatsch is a cozy little cafe located on 12th avenue. The word ‘Kaffeeklatsch‘ is a combination of two Germain words, which mean “coffee” and “gossip.” What more could you want! The word is the perfect description of what truly feels like a homely coffee shop where friends meet up to chat and get caffeinated before work. The shop is home to a small lending library, so if you forgot a book to bring on your vacation, you can pick one up here and just drop it back off before you leave!

One of the best parts of the coffee shop is pairing your morning brew with their traditional german pastries available fresh every morning! One of the more unique coffees available only at Kaffeeklatsch is the Black Forest Cake Lattee. This drink is made with chocolate milk, espresso and topped with cherries and whipped cream. If you wanna drink your pastries, this is the thing for you!

Brunch

Our Daily Brett

Hidden away, up in the Mount Royal neighbourhood, is one of the BEST brunch places in all of Calgary. Our Daily Brett prides itself on good, honest food, and it really lives up to the hype. Their adorable and chic restaurants are also home to one of the best curated retail shops in the entire city as well. So once you’re finished eating, you can browse the walls filled with local goods. Their menu is so diverse, with something for everyone. But the Huevos Rancheros and Shakshuka are some tried and true favourites.

If you’re a fan of pickles, you MUST order a side of their fresh turmeric pickles with chilli flakes. It makes for the perfects savoury bite to pair with your meal. If you want something special to drink, try their lavender fog latte! Honestly, anytime I see this one on the menu, I order it up as fast as I can!

Red’s Diner on 4th

As fun as trendy and hip brunch places are, nothing really hits the spot better than a traditional greasy spoon-type diner. And Red’s Diner on 4th is the best of the best. Red’s Diner serves incredible all-day breakfasts inside a friendly and comfortable interior. They have all the classics and a specialty Prairie Breakfast Plate, adding potato cheddar perogies and Rocky’s kielbasa to a traditional breakfast platter. Their Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast was INCREDIBLE! Portions are enormous, so don’t hesitate to share.

Galaxie Diner

The minute I spotted the retro-painted exterior of the Galaxie Diner, I knew I was going straight inside. While the trendy decor is one thing, good food is another, and happily, I was met with both! They are best known for their incredible breakfast burrito, but for me, the sourdough french toast is ALWAYS the way to go! That slight tang the sourdough gives to balance out the sweetness is perfect. With bottomless cups of coffee, toast and hashbrowns, there really is no reason to leave!

Monki Bistro

If you have a sweet tooth, then run, don’t walk, over to Monki Bistro. Handily they have two locations, one downtown and one over in the hipster neighbourhood of Inglewood. They frequently have specialty items on the menu, such as their Cookies and Cream French toast. This intensely rich dish is covered in crumbled Oreos, Nutella, whipped cream and cheesecake sauce served atop their iconic MONKI French Toast (which is thick as a brick!) Another one of their super unique items is the Brisket Poutine. This dish is made with slow-braised beef brisket cooked with truffle ricotta, cream cheese, and mushrooms. Then it’s topped with hashbrowns, smoked gouda, mozzarella cheese mix, a poached egg, hollandaise and a dash of hot sauce! I mean…Are you drooling yet?

Lunch

Park By Sidewalk Citizen

Right off of Central Memorial Park, you can dine on some of the most delicious shareable lunchtimes treats at Park By Sidewalk Citizen. Sidewalk Citizen has several locations around Calgary, but this is my absolute favourite. There is no way to not mention the gorgeous decor, which is a blend of beautiful natural wood and fantastical plants which feel like they blend right into the park’s backdrop. I’m one of those people that loves “sides,” and this restaurant serves up some of the most delicious sides, which I was more than happy to have as my entree. The honey, lemon and rose halloumi was some of the best things I’ve ever eaten! So simple and yet so deep! Don’t miss out on this place!

Native Tongues Taqueria

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know my deep love for Mexico City! So whenever I’m anywhere else in the world where I see a taqueria that reminds me of Mexico City, I have to go right in. And Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary was one of those places that felt like it transports you somewhere else, both with the decor and the food!

They focus on traditional Mexican street and market foods, which makes it the perfect place for lunch. If you’re visiting with a friend or a group, you MUST try the salsa tasting. The tasting consists of freshly made tortillas and an assortment of five different salsa. Each one is increasing in the spiciness. The waiter comes out and presents each salsa to you like they were fine wines; it was amazing! The pork belly taco was my favourite, though, but that’s no surprise, as it’s always the best choice

Actually Pretty Good

If you are looking for the cutest spot to grab a pizza, look no further than Actually Pretty Good! If you are gluten or dairy-free, this place also offers up some amazing alternatives for any diet. Their incredible creations are really unique, especially the Club Med Pizz, which has semi-sun dried tomatoes, charred red onion, calabrian chillies, roasted red pepper, kale, feta, mozzarella. YUM! Also, be sure to grab one of MANY of their dunking sauces; Hot Honey of the Roasted Garlic Tahini really takes that crust to the next level!

Myhre’s Sandwich Shop

When most people think of smoked meat, think of Montreal. Luckily Calgary has its very own authentic Montreal smoked meat at Myhre’s Sandwich Shop. Their counter even has a sign on it that says, “We specialize in skeptical Montrealers,” so you know it’s going to be good if they’re that confident. Although I do love a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, I can’t say no to a grilled Reuben! Plus, the interior of this place just feels like you’re in a different time and place. Everything about this place truly hits the spot.

Sweet Treats

Hoopla Donuts

I am someone who feels like a meal isn’t complete without dessert. Especially when I’m on vacation, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a sweet treat. And a specialty donut shop is just one of those things that I’m always on the lookout for! Hoopla Donuts caught my eye right away with this modern and brightly coloured branding, but when I walked inside and saw their selection of donuts, my jaw dropped.

Their aim is to create high-end donuts with unique ingredients and flavours. Even the presentation is of the utmost importance. It’s almost like a fancy pastries shop. Their flavours range from everything from crème brûlée (which actually has a hard brûlée crust on top,) cherry chocolate pie, caramel corn, raspberry chai old fashioned, London fog and horchata. Best of all, many of their flavours are available in gluten-free versions, and some are naturally vegan! Trust me, make this one of your first stops, and you’ll be back every day!

Don’t Yell At Me Cafe

Don’t Yell At Me Cafe is a boutique bubble tea shop that specializes in some of the most incredible bubble tea flavours. Bubble tea is another one of those sweet treats that pair flawlessly with walking around the city. It powers you up and is the ideal thing to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. I was entranced by their cotton candy milk tea but was so worried it would be too sweet, but once I tasted it, I was so happy to find that it was the PERFECT level of sweetness. This place truly knows what they are doing.

Their goal is to make beautiful and tasteful layered milk tea, chocolate milk, creative sparkling water and freshly ground coffee, so even if you don’t like bubble tea, there will be something for you! Those jade pearl with Sakura milk tea, though, is absolutely worth a try if you’re in town!

Made By Marcus

If you love ice cream, then you NEED to make time to head over to Made by Marcus! And luckily for you, they have four locations around Calgary, so you have no excuse not to go. Made By Marcus actually started out as a macarons bakery. Macarons require lots of egg white, and so not wanting to waste anything, they turned the yolks into small-batch ice cream. Well, the ice cream started to outsell the macarons (and aren’t we all over macarons), so they decided to just make the ice cream!

And this is no ordinary ice cream. They create truly unique made-from-scratch ice cream with local ingredients supporting Alberta-based farmers, roasters, distillers and artisans. Every month they released limited batches like Peach Blackberry Habanero, Whisky Caramel Cornbread Crunch, Odd Company Passionfruit Coconut Sour and Apricot Almond Tart! But their classics are still super special flavours like Lemon Saffron coconut sorbet, sea salt and goat milk caramel, chinook honey lavender apricot and vegan chocolate brownie fudge!

Black Sheep Pâtisserie

Every time I’m travelling I spend a bit of time before I leave looking up the top-rated restaurants and shops in the city I’m visiting. And rarely do you find a shop with a rating as high as Black Sheep Pâtisserie. It’s almost unbelievable. So obviously, I had to try it for myself. Their croissants are what have been making the rounds online, and they do not disappoint! They are airy, flaky and gorgeous to look at! But these aren’t just regular butter croissants. You can get raspberry filled with house-made jam, pear and vanilla, even grapefruit! All made with that iconic coloured ribbon of dough which makes them perfectly instagrammable! But it’s not just stunt food; it’s the real deal.

Dinner

Lulu Bar

Lulu Bar is where you go to escape from the ordinary in Calgary. They tried to recreate a little backyard oasis in the centre of downtown. Their aim is to make guests feel like they’re on vacation with their Pacific-inspired menu. And they really did succeed. Just sitting out on the patio with my adorable kitty-cat cocktail, I felt like I should be on the beach in Honolulu. Their wagyu beef tartare was amazing, but the best part of the meal was the BBQ crispy half duck served on turmeric crepes with pickles and tamarind sauce. Gluten-free and tasty beyond belief!

Comery Block Barbecue

I had passed Comery Block Barbecue several times while walking around the city. The smell drew me in every time, so I made sure to book a reservation ASAP. Comery Block Barbecue is a West-Tennessee-inspired BBQ and Bourbon joint on 17th Avenue. While I’m no whiskey aficionado, I do adore some good BBQ. They serve meat by the half-pound, but as usual, for me, it’s the sides that make the entire meal. Their collard greens were indeed some of the best collard greens I’ve ever had! That cornbread with honey butter was out of this world. The atmosphere in this place is so cheery with large shared tables and music that just makes you wanna get up and dance. The kind of place to come to spend a long summer evening watching the sunset and the little twinkle lights come on to light up your night.

Aida’s Bistro

For a taste of Lebanon in the centre of Calgary, you have to head over to Aida’s Bistro. Just the sheer variety of these international restaurants is the one thing that surprised me so much about Calgary. Who knew you could travel around the world in just one city. And Aida’s Bistro is one of the best. Their meals are genuinely made with love, and the intimate environment feels like you’re eating mom’s home cooking. Try their dip sampler platter as the perfect way to start your meal. Their shared plates are the perfect amount for two people, and I love the feeling of eating together like this.

A1 Cafe & Bodega

A1 Cafe and Bodega is a unique blend of a restaurant and neighbourhood grocer in the centre of Calgary’s hip downtown neighbourhood. The bodega section of the restaurants serves the community with local produce. The restaurants then use the products that would otherwise go to waste to help create a zero waste environment. Their aim is to create foods that sustain you and the planet! But the food is out of this world! The dishes are loosely Mediterranean-influenced, with a long list of charcuterie items and sharable plates. I know, I know here I go with the shared plates! But trust me on this one, the dill and butter potatoes, roasted beets and ricotta, harissa octopus and peaches and cream stracciatella are all too good to be kept to yourself!

Markets & Specialty Shops

Peasant Cheese Mission

If you prefer to make a little picnic and take that with you while you’re in town, there are some truly unique and fantastical markets and specialty shops you need to visit! Peasant Cheese Mission is one of the most amazing cheeses and charcuterie shops in the entire city. The people who own the shop are some of the kindest and most helpful cheesemongers without an ounce of pomp.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a cheese shop doesn’t want to cut the cheese too small, and you end up with huge chunks of cheese you’ll never finish eating on your little picnic. But this place knows how to help you curate the perfect mini platter for your vacation, so you don’t have any leftovers at the end of the meal. Be sure to ask for their pickled purple cauliflower; it’s the most incredible pairing for any cheese plate.

Kalamata Grocery

Kalamata Grocery is one of those grocers you might pass right by but is totally worth popping inside. This building has been home to a grocery store since it opened in 1912! Kalamata Grocery Store. This tiny international grocer features a fantastic selection of foods, spices and candy from around the world (specializing in Greece, Turkey, Spain.) Pop in to shop the olive bar, try their hand-made feta, grab some Turkish honey, and pick up a few ricotta cheese triangles.

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Bridgeland Market

Bridgeland Market is one of those places that feel like it’s from a bygone era. It manages to maintain that old-school corner store feeling while serving up everything the modern gourmand requires! There is a wonderful selection of local products as well as some international delights. They have cold brew coffee on tap, custom-made floral bouquets and wide selections of produce, fresh bread, meats and cheeses. Be sure to snap a picture outside with their hilarious marquee sign, which is always changing up their sayings to make people smile.

The Blue Store

In the popular neighbourhood of Inglewood, the Blue Store is where you need to come to find your essential groceries plus some truly extraordinary delights! If you’re looking for Korean Fried Chicken, this is the place for you! Grab some to-do along with a tray of Yakuza Sushi and a large iced slushie! Their aim in creating this general store was to bring affordable groceries to everyone in the community and embrace the nostalgia of this heritage building. They have restored the original hardwood floors and tin ceilings and added a 60’s & 70’s inspired mural outside. This is the perfect place to grab a handful of snacks and ready-to-eat meals and head over to the edge of the Bow River to enjoy your meal with the best view in town!

After reading all this, you must be drooling? After wiping away that drool, get yourself onto a plane, train or automobile and make your way to Calgary to try these places for yourself! Let me know in the comment if I missed any of your faves!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Spots you MUST EAT at in Calgary first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

History

Onigiri has an ancient history in Japan. They were invented during the Heinan period (794-1185) and initially called “tonjiki” which means “food served at a noble’s banquet.” These savoury treats were designed to go along with the royal family as they enjoyed picnics outdoors. The food was a perfect compact meal that would travel easily without getting ruined. The rice balls were formed into a triangular or cylindrical shape and sometimes stuffed with different fillings – just like today. But when they first were invented they had no outer wrappings. The rice itself is lightly salted and mixed with vinegar, sugar and salt to give it a delicious flavour. But the additives also helped keep the fish inside preserved so it could be eaten at a later date.

One of the oldest recorded filling used in onigiri is ume. Ume or umeboshi is pickled plum. It can be a little sour, but the rice’s sweet, salty flavour helps balance that out. In the 16th century, onigiri was used as troop provisions but they found that running around in the field meant the rice often got dirty. So during the 17th century, samurai used dried bamboo to keep their onigiri fresh while on the move. It wasn’t until the 1800s that using dried nori to wrap the rice was popularized.

Where to Find Onigiri

Whether you’re in the city or in the middle of the country, a fresh onigiri on a bench is one of my favourite ways to picnic in Japan and take in the gorgeous landscape. While you might not have the opportunity to try a homemade version made by mom, you can find fresh onigiri all over Japan. It can be found in specialty shops, train stations and department stores, and even restaurants dedicated to serving only this wonderful triangular delicacy.

But the easiest place to find a huge selection of onigiri is at one of my favourite foodie stop in Japan; convenience stores (aka konbinis)! Yes, you heard that right. Unlike convenience stores in North America, Japanese konbinis are full of some of the most delicious and fresh food that you absolutely MUST give a try. The only similarity with the convenience stores we have back home is the price. A scrumptious ball of onigiri here can cost as little as 105 yen ($1) and even the premium versions only go as high as 300 yen ($3 US). You’ll be amazed at how filling they can be, and therefore how inexpensive a delicious lunch can cost you at your local konbini. These are found in the city, just as often as you can find them out in the country, so you’re never far from a ball of onigiri.

Great for Different Diets

Onigiri is such an excellent choice for people since it suits so many different diets. If you’re vegan, you can opt for the ume or the simple vinegar and rice version. Most Lawsons stores offer these without any dashi inside (fish stock). Since any onigiri made without soya sauce is free of wheat it is also a great option for people with celiac or those who need to avoid gluten. If you can eat fish, but not meat, then you’ll be in onigiri heaven as they are dozens of different fish fillings. If on the other hand, fish isn’t your thing and you’ve found yourself in a country that adores fish, you’ll be pleased to know there are also so many versions of onigiri that are made with meat as their primary filling. There really is something for every palette.

Which Konbini to Try?

While you can generally find the same few iconic fillings in all konbinis, each of Japan’s largest chains also has its own spin on the traditional food. Depending on what prefecture you’re in, you’ll also find unique regional ingredients to try! While there are way too many flavours to list them all, I want to point out my favourite ones at each store. The large konbini chains are 7-Eleven, Lawsons and Family Mart and it’s worth trying some from each to find your favourite!

7-Eleven

Salmon

The classic onigiri, the best one for newbies to try, is without a doubt the salmon onigiri from 7-Eleven. The cooked salmon is embedded inside the soft rice and covered in that roasted seaweed. These onigiris are packaged to ensure the seaweed doesn’t actually touch the rice until it is opened. This ensures that the seaweed is nice and crispy even hours after it is packaged. To open an onigiri you follow the numbers and steps identified on the package. This slowly takes the plastic away and places the seaweed perfectly back onto the rice, like magic!

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Shrimp & Mayonnaise

Shrimp & Mayonnaise, also called Ebi Mayo, is probably my favourite onigiri from 7-Eleven. Japanese kewpie mayo, is the most delicious mayo you have ever eaten. I don’t know their secret, but whatever it is, it’s amazing! Combined with the sweet minature shrimp, it creates the most delightful combination with salty-sour rice and crispy nori.

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Tuna and Mayo

If shrimp isn’t your thing, the tuna and mayo onigiri is another excellent option. This is pretty similar to the idea of a tuna and mayo sandwich but sub the bread for the rice. What makes this onigiri exceptional tasting is the dashi and soya sauce added to the filling! This gives it that iconic Japanese umami flavour.

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Yaki Shoyu

A vegan option that you’ll find to be super delicious is the grilled shoyu variety. Grilled or “yaki” onigiri are very popular to refresh stale rice when made at home. These are best served warmed up. You can either ask for it to be warmed at the store or warm it up yourself at home in the microwave if you’re hotel has one. This version is simply made of rice which has been marinated in “shoyu” or soya sauce. It sounds straightforward, but grilling the rice brings complexity and a delicious roasted taste to the onigiri. Grab a side of pickled ginger to eat with it and you’ll be in heaven!

Family Mart

Ume

The most traditional onigiri is ume or umeboshi. Ume is pickled plum, and while you might expect fruit to be sweet, the pickling process makes the plum very sour and salty. This flavour is a very contentious one for foreigners as the taste can put them off. But I would recommend giving it a try. Set your expectations, and you might be surprised that you really like it. The nori used at Family Mart is genuinely the most delicious and compliments the sour flavour really well. Plus, this is vegan, so an excellent option for those diets. The ume at other stores contains dashi, but at Family Mart, it is safe from animal products.

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Konbu

“Konbu” means “kelp” and is another traditional ingredient used in historic versions of onigiri. At Family Mart, their Konbu onigiri is made from special kelp harvested in Hokkaido. The kelp is mixed with a rich soy sauce and dried bonito flakes giving it a deep, umami flavour. Since there are bonito flakes included, this is a no-go for vegans and vegetarians, but if you’re a pescatarian, this is an excellent option for you.

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Mentaiko Mayo

Mentaiko is Japanese for “spicy cod roe paste”. Roe, for those who might not be aware, are fish eggs, just like are used in caviar. The cod roe tastes of the ocean but in a way that is not overly fishy, and much more subtle in its salty flavour. The spiciness is perfectly balanced and the mayo helps create a creamy texture to balance out the fish and spices.

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Negitoro

“Negi” in Japanese means “green onion” and “toro” is the fatty part of the tuna (in many people’s opinions the most delicious part). So the negitoro onigiri is simply raw tuna and green onion. The balance of the crunchy green onions with the soft raw tuna is the perfect juxtaposition. But what makes this onigiri even more special is the wasabi shoyu, which has been added to the filling. The spicy wasabi gives it that special kick that makes this onigiri addictive!

Shoyu Tamago

The Shoyu Tamago onigiri from Family Mart is made a little differently from the rest, as it considered one of their premium onigiri. These premium onigiri have the nori wrapped around the rice without the plastic in-between. This makes the nori slightly softer, and not as crispy. The soft nori better compliment these flavours and seems to infuse with the rice a little more as well. The Shoyo Tamago is made up of rice marinated in chicken broth with the piece-de-resistance, a whole soft boiled egg, placed right in the center. These shoyu eggs, or ramen eggs are marinated in soya sauce. They are perfectly cooked, so the yolk in the center is still soft and super creamy!

Lawsons

Wakame Gohan

Wakame rice is a fixture in Japanese cuisine. It is rice mixed with chewy seaweed. It has the flavour of the ocean without being made of fish. And the entire piece is covered in savoury white sesame seeds. The seeds really give the onigiri a wonderful flavour, and the rice is perfectly salted. Lawsons is known for being one of the healthier options for konbinis. Their stores are famous for their vegan and vegetarian options and this is one of the best.

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Azuki Okowa

Another healthy vegan option is the Okowa onigiri. This onigiri is served without nori but contains a mixture of red azuki beans, black sesame seeds and perfectly cooked sticky rice! While simple the bean are very filling and it makes for a great snack.

Chicken Fried Rice

This onigiri is another version where the nori is already attached. Some people even prefer these versions as the nori’s taste is slightly subdued, so the rest of the flavours inside are more prominent. The Chicken onigiri is filled with rice fried combined with chicken burdock, bamboo shoots, carrots and shiitake mushrooms. The burdock taste is robust and gives it the most earthy and delicious taste. This one feels like a meal all to itself.

Ginger Scallop

This one is my favourites, and I think it best warmed up! The onigiri contains freshly shredded scallops with ginger and mushrooms! The ginger in this onigiri is powerful and combined with the buttery sweet scallops and enoki mushrooms you are left with this insanely rich and delicious treat!

I hope you loved this walk through my favourite types of Onigiri you can get in Konbinis all over Japan! Let me know in the comment which one looks the best to you or what you enjoyed trying the last time you were in Japan!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Onigiri in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

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What are Bento Boxes or Ekiben?

“Bento” translates into the English word for “boxed-lunch.” These meals were designed to be eaten on the go. The invention of the bento box dates back to the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333). Back then, they were pretty simple and made mostly to carry rice.

It wasn’t until the late 16th century that the boxes evolved into a more luxurious design during the Edo period. Beautiful lacquered wooden boxes were made to display bite-sized food within. These fancy bento boxes were called the ‘Makunouchi.’ This translates into “between acts” as the lacquered boxes were designed to be sold inside Kabuki theatres and eaten during the intermission.

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Different boxed meals were designed to appeal to various social classes. The ones with more expensive, specialty ingredients were sold to the upper classes, where the lower classes ate bentos with simpler ingredients. There were even specialty boxes designed to highlight seasonal fruits and vegetables during different times of the year.

Ekiben comes from the words “eki,” which means railway station. These bento boxes were designed exclusively for travellers on the railway. Sometimes people needed to travel long distances into big cities for work, so this was an excellent solution for people who needed to eat their dinner on the train. But who didn’t have time to prepare a healthy meal themselves.

Today there are rarely “dining cars” on Japanese trains as people will more often than not opt to bring these boxed meals onto the train instead. If you missed out on buying one in the station by chance, they are usually for sale inside the train as well.

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Elements of an Ekiben

There are hundreds of different varieties of ekibens. But in general, the make-up of an ekiben should include a carb, a protein, a veggie and a fruit or dessert. Each one of these elements is separated into a different part of the container. 

Another advantage to the Ekiben is that they sometimes feature ingredients from local prefectures. Even if you’re just stopping off at a station and then continuing on to a different final destination, you can hop off the train and grab an ekiben featuring a local delicacy.

While many simpler versions of the ekiben costs around $10, various gourmet boxes can cost almost $30! That might seem like a lot considering the kind of meal you can buy in Japan for $30, but I think the novelty of them is so special and worth the money. Ekiben’s are a quintessentially Japanese experience that you MUST have on your next Shinkansen journey.

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Where to Buy Ekiben’s?

Japanese Convenience Store

One of the easiest and cheapest places to buy an Ekiben or bento box is at a Japanese convenience store. If you’ve read my post all about Japanese convenience stores, you’ll know they are one of the best places to eat in Japan (sounds weird, but it’s really true). The bento boxes available in the stores change throughout the day, some are more geared towards breakfast others more filling for dinner. My favourite Japanese convenience stores to look out for are 7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart. If you happen to be shopping inside a large supermarket, you’ll also be able to find these ekiben’s there.

Train Stations

But the best place to buy traditional Ekiben’s is inside the train station. Any station with long-distance trains is going to sell a myriad of different ekibens. Stations like Tokyo Station are so large that you’ll find dozens and dozens of shops selling nothing but ekibens. I remember my first time in Tokyo station, I was overwhelmed with all the different options in front of me. To help others in my situation, I went ahead and made a list of the best Ekiben’s you can buy inside Tokyo Station! And to make it even more straightforward, there really is one place to find it all! And that’s Ekibenya Matsuri.

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Ekibenya Matsuri

Without a doubt, the most popular place to pick up your ekiben is Ekiben Matsuri. It’s located inside the station, past the ticketing gates, so you will need a ticket or entry card to get access to the shop. There are over 200 different ekiben sold at Ekibenya Matsuri! One of the best things about this shop is that the ekiben sold here are not just from Tokyo, but from all over Japan! Some exclusive ekiben you usually could only find in smaller cities across the country are shipped in here daily, so you can literally have a taste of the entire country in one spot.

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Below are my favourite 11 ekibens you can find at Tokyo Ekiben Matsuri!

Tokyo Bento

The Tokyo Bento from Ekibenya Matsuri is a platter of the best of the best ingredients from Tokoyo. The main features are the tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) and a beautiful slice of salmon with a tiny soy sauce bottle to squeeze on top. There is a side of rice with pickled plums and a pile of fresh steamed vegetables. And for dessert you get a freshly made macha mochi!

Cost: 1,650 yen

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Gyuniku Domannaka 

While a pre-cook and cold box of beef might be unpalatable to some, this is honestly of the best packages. We got one to try, and though we were apprehensive at first, once we tasted it, we were amazed at how delicious and moist the meat was. The Gyuniku Domannaka is from Yonezawa and is made with a secret marinated sauce, making it taste just impeccable!

Cost: 1,250 yen

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Daruma Bento

The Daruma Ekiben from Gunma Prefecture is another one of those gimmicky boxes which are impossible to pass up. The bright red container is shaped into the form of a Daruma Doll. Darumas are good luck dolls in Japan, and the slit in the mouth of the box can be used after the meal is done to help store your coins. The food inside the package is pretty healthy. As Gunma prefecture is located up in the mountains this meal has no fish and highlights the rich food found at altitude. The bento features shiitake mushrooms, burdock root, bamboo shoots, and root vegetables.

Cost: 1,080 yen

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Hipparidako Meshi

This Ekiben’s name translates to “octopus in high demand,” and that is pretty much what you’ll find inside. From Hyogo Prefecture near the Kobe Harborland and waterfront, this beautifully crafted clay pot features a myriad of fresh seafood. Inside you’ll find braised octopus, along with shiitake mushroom, bamboo, conger eel, shredded egg, vegetable and vinegar rice. It’s almost as if someone was fishing off the mainland and this is a selection of the catch of the day!

Cost: 1,080 yen

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Oshizushi

One of the oldest bento recipes you can find here is from 1913! It is a very simple box featuring thinly sliced horse mackerel atop pressed sushi rice covered in vinegar sauce. This is called “oshizushi” style and is one of the oldest styles of sushi making. The dish comes from Ofuna Station near Kamakura.

Cost: 1,280 yen

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Shinkansen Bento

If you’re travelling with children or are a child at heart, then you really MUST buy the Shinkansen Bento. The bullet train-shaped container is something you can keep as a souvenir or even use for future homemade bentos. Inside you’ll find food best suited for a simple palette (aka for the kids). You’ll find fried chicken, shrimp, pork sausages, meat dumplings, potatoes and, of course, rice!

Cost: 1,300 yen

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Three Flavour Beef Bento

If you love beef, then you must try the Three Flavour Beef Bento. Inside this box are three types of flavours: “Beef Soboro Sansho Flavor”, “Spicy Beef”, and “Beef Miso Pickled Grill”. Plus, you get a soft boiled egg on the side along with some delicious rice.  The beef comes from Nipponbashi, near Osaka. Some of this meat is flavoured with Sansho which is a specialty of this region. Sansho berries have a strong, peppery, citrus flavour that has been compared to lemon, yuzu and grapefruit!

Cost: 1,200 yen

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Seasonal Box

If you ever see a seasonal box, I would implore you to give it a try! It’s such a unique way to taste the literal flavours of the season in Japan. We visited during the Fall so our tasting box included Autumnal flavours such as chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, mackerel, trout, smoked duck, and sweet potatoes. It was absolutely delicious and looked like a miniature painting!

Cost: varies by the seasonal items

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Tuna & Salmon Roe

If you want a taste of the sea, you need to try the tuna and salmon roe bento. This is one of the brightest meals on offer with that hot pink of the tuna and flaming orange of the salmon roe. The entire meal is placed atop shredded omelet and vinegared rice. You also get some pickled ginger and wasabi on the side to cut the fat of the tuna. Everyone is always so surprised at how fresh and tasty this fish is considering its from a box!

Cost: 1,300 yen

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Vegetable Bento

I really wanted to add a Vegan/Vegetarian item on here to make sure that all those travellers know that there is indeed something for you too! The Vegetable Bento is a colourful mixture of steamed and pickled vegetables paired with two rice types and even a vegan omelette!

Cost: 900 yen

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Pork Cutlet Bento

An item that is often overlooked is the Pork Cutlet Bento. Pork cutlets are one of the things that Japan just does right. Somehow they always manage to capture the juiciness of the pork while the outside is crisped to perfection! The cutlet is served alongside white rice with potato salad and some pickled radishes.

Cost: 1,080 yen

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I hope this list helps narrow down your choices when you get to the train station. But if you have the time, go inside and see for yourself all the hundreds of different curated boxes they have inside. There is always something new and exciting to try! Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried an Ekiben before or what your favourite box from this list is!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Bento Boxes and Ekiben first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

As someone who hates the cold, I was worried the chilly weather would keep me from seeing everything. But what surprised me most was that with proper preparations, I actually enjoyed it. The look of the icy water, snow-topped hillsides and twinkling Christmas lights against the midnight blue sky. I found my time there in the winter, more enjoyable than in the summer! Maybe just because it was so different. There are a myriad of reasons to travel during the wintertime to these snowy destinations. Hopefully, this list inspires you to get out and enjoy the world, north of the equator in the winter months.

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Embrace "hygge"
2. #2 Deals on Airfare!
3. #3 Try out the Slopes
4. #4 Christmas Markets!
5. #5 Winter Comfort Food
6. #6 Coffee Culture
7. #7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold
8. #8 See the Northern Lights
9. #9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel
10. #10 Warm up in a Sauna
11. Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

#1 Embrace “hygge”

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness. It conveys the feeling of wellness and contentment. Hygge is so crucial to the people of Scandinavia that it is considered “a defining feature of our cultural identity,” according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute. These countries who practice hygge means that everywhere you go; you’ll find burning candles, cozy fireplaces, delicious hot coffee or chocolate and rich homemade sweets. Hygge makes every interior you find one of the most welcoming and warm places in the world!

But hygge is not just about hybernating. It is also about enjoying long walks outside. Despite the cold weather, you’ll find parks decked out in decorations, beautiful skating rinks and a feeling of a country that embraces the winter. Welcome the spirit of hygge into your heart during this season, and you’re bound to have a wonderful time.

#2 Deals on Airfare!

Winter is by far the cheapest season for travel in Europe. From early December to about mid-March, you’ll find flights around Europe super inexpensive. This time of year people are usually looking to escape to warm-weather destinations. Keep in mind you should always be booking these trips three months in advance as that is when the flight prices are usually the cheapest, outside of any last-minute sales. Travel during the week of Christmas is at its peak since families commute home during this time, so avoid going around those days if possible. If you’re worried about not being able to see Christmas Markets because the Christmas week is expensive to travel, fear not! Christmas Market opens as early as the last week of November.

#3 Try out the Slopes

If you’re someone who loves to hit the slopes, winter isn’t a downer but instead your favourite season! Just a short train ride into the countryside you’ll find ski resorts like Hemsedal, Riksgransen, Are Duved, Ruka, Vemdalen and Lillehammer. They are easily accessible from any major city in Scandinavia. If you don’t want to stay at the resort, the towns around these ski hills are full of alternative options for every budget. Also, if skiing isn’t your bag, many of these resorts also have toboggan or snow tubing hills. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and mountain top hot chocolates without needing an ounce of skill!

#4 Christmas Markets!

There is just something about a European Christmas market that gives me all those warm and fuzzy feelings. The twinkle lights on the trees, the smell of mulled wine floating through the air and freshly baked breads ready to warm your hands. If you’re a couple, there is something truly romantic about an evening stroll under the lights of the market. Most of the big cities have multiple Christmas Markets you can visit while you’re there. These places are not only beautiful but also great spots where you can find traditional handicrafts. You can also sample some of their famous Christmas foods.

If you’re looking for something outside the big cities, visit the Christmas Market in Lapland, which is the home of Santa Claus! As such, this town goes all out at Christmas time. Tivoli Park in Copenhagen is transformed during the holiday season into a real-life fairytale book. They even perform the traditional Christmas ballet The Nutcracker on stage inside the park, which makes for the ideal Christmas evening.

#5 Winter Comfort Food

Scandinavian foods are meant to be enjoyed in the winter. This is a country that knows how to make a warm and cozy meal. Almost all of their food is comfort food. Smørrebrød, rye bread, meatballs, stewed reindeer, pancakes and waffles are all the best things to enjoy in the winter. The portions are huge, as are the flavours. After you’re finished eating you’ll be ready to take on a long walk in the winter cold, without feeling a thing as you’ll be warmed from the inside out!

#6 Coffee Culture

Did you know that Scandinavia is at the top of the list of the most coffee-consuming countries? There is a good reason for this aside from just that their coffee is delicious. Coffee in Scandinavia is more than just a to-go cup you grab alone on your way to work. Having coffee is a chance to get away from the daily grind and catch up with friends. In Sweden, they call this Fika. Fika in Swedish means “to have a cup of coffee and a snack with a friend.” It’s absolutely built into the fabric of their daily life. They embrace the idea of bettering relationships while enjoying something scrumptious.

While other Scandinavian countries don’t have that words, the concept still remains. The prevalence of this coffee culture means there is an abundance of fantastic coffee shops to stop into on your trip to warm up while you enjoy the city. Take this time to step back for a minute, stop rushing around, enjoy the moment and reflect on your adventures.

#7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold

If you’re feeling particularly chilly, museums and art galleries are the best places to pop into to escape the cold. And what’s more, in Scandinavia, most state-run museums are free of charge to enter. Unfortunately, in countries like Denmark, recent government cuts have changed these policies. However, many of those museums are still open on certain days of the week for free. In Sweden, there are over 15 different museums and galleries which you can still enter free of charge everyday of the week! They make the perfect place to hide away from the cold without worrying too much about your budget.

I went to a myriad of different museums, some of which I didn’t even know anything about before I went. Still, since they were free, I didn’t have anything to lose. I could wander around and look at what interested me and simply head out once I finished. There was no pressure to make a whole day out of it since I didn’t pay a huge admission fee, which would have made me feel more inclined to “make it worth it.” It was the ideal place to get warm and see something exciting and new while I was at it.

#8 See the Northern Lights

Scandinavia is by far the best place to see the Aurora Borealis. The high latitude in Finland, Sweden and Norway makes these countries the best place for spotting those iconic green and blue waves in the sky. And winter (September to March) is the only time you can reliably spot them! Alta in Norway is probably the most famous city to travel to see them but other popular destinations are Abisko National Park and Porjus in Sweden, Senja in Norway and many cities in Finnish Lapland. Just remember you need to go far north for this, don’t think your visit to Oslo will allow you to see the lights!

#9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel

Ice hotels are one of the trendiest new things to come out of winters in Scandinavia! These luxury creations are somewhat of a novelty but combine cozy, fireplace lit interiors with icy architecture. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi Sweden was the first hotel in the world to be built out of ice. Every springtime, the ice melts, and come the next winter, a new design is created to form a brand new looking hotel. So every year, there is something unique to experience. Despite being at least -10°, you’ll be nice and cozy with the special thermal PJs, and cold weather insulated sleeping bag you’re given. These will keep you snug all night long while enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime views.

There are plenty of other Ice hotels around Scandinavia from The Lapland Hotel’s Snow Village in Finland to The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta Norway. All of these locations also have on-site activities like dog-sledding, an ice bar or ice church and even snow sculptures to see in ice galleries. It’s truly something you just can’t experience anywhere, or anytime other than in the winter in Scandinavia!

#10 Warm up in a Sauna

All over Scandinavia, you’ll find strangers getting together, in a small, hot spaces to indulge in sauna . Saunas originated in Finland, and the word “sauna” comes from the Finnish word for bathhouse. Pits dug into the ground were the first saunas. Stones were added atop a burning fire to fit the pit. Water was then thrown on top of the rocks to produce steam. There have been sauna pits discovered as far back as 4000 B.C.E in Finland. It is a commonly shared belief in the Nordic countries that saunas relax muscles, soothe pain, releases endorphins, increases blood circulation, flush toxins, relieve stress, help fight illness, cleanse the skin, burn calories and also provides a social space to enjoy with friends. It’s basically thought to be a cure-all for everything.

While there are some small differences between sauna culture in the different Scandinavian countries, overall, the experience is the same. While some same-sex saunas are clothing optional, in most big cities, you can find tourist-friendly options where bathing suits are worn. This is great if you feel like you might be uncomfortable being naked around strangers. But once you take the plunge, the feeling of freedom is pretty unparalleled.

Cold Dips

Speaking of taking the plunge, some saunas also offers a dip into cold, almost freezing water. This could be just a cold bath or some spots located near bodies of water offer access right into the frozen sea. The dramatic plunge into cold water from the hot sauna is thought to increase the blood flow in the body and help increase all those other benefits we spoke of before. While some might be scared to try it, I vote to give it a go. It sure might feel unpleasant at first, but man does it wake your body up in a way that is indescribable and entirely worth it!

Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

Dress for Success

Making sure you bring the right clothing is key to ensuring you are in the right mood throughout the day. There is nothing worse than being freezing cold to ruin a perfectly lovely experience. I was terrified of this exact scenario when I was planning for my trip, so I made sure to buy warm thermals to wear to help keep that heat in. In addition to this, I bought a few 100% wool sweaters, which were perfect for keeping the heat in without overheating and making me sweat. Wool sweaters can be purchased brand new online, but also you can find them at your local thrift shop for a 10th of the price of a new one! I found some with the most amazing designs, so don’t be afraid to go digging as you might find something amazing!

Hours are odd

Although I disagree with Rick Steves about not visiting Scandinavia during the Winter, I love this quote from him, “Scandinavia’s metabolism slows down like a hibernating bear’s, and many sights and accommodations are open on a limited schedule (especially in remote fjord towns).” This is something to be aware of. Outside of the official government holidays around Christmas, I never found anything to be altogether closed. But various attractions did run on shorter winter hours. Definitely nothing to cancel your trip over just something to be aware of and plan around.

Christmas Holidays

If you’re planning on staying over the Christmas Holidays, December 24th and 25th specifically, you will want to check to see what’s open on those particular days. While I heard EVERYTHING would be closed in Sweden on Christmas day, I actually found a few museums which were still open and holding special events. I also managed to find some once a year community events to take part in while I was there that made me feel like celebrating with a huge group of new friends. So many people might tell you there will be nothing to do, but trust me, I found a bunch of things to do, you just need to dig a little bit. If you know a particular museum will be open on those government holidays, make note of that and save that activity for those days when lots of other things might be closed.

Christmas Day

I also found that attending a church service on Christmas Day was a great experience. There were plenty of services which were non-denominational if you want to enjoy the spirit of the holiday but might not identify with a particular denomination. While there are some restaurants still open on these days, I did find that the majority were closed so you might want to hit up a grocery store on the 23rd to grab some easy to make meals. If you don’t have a kitchen, you can always buy cheese and meats, which you can make into an in-hotel-room charcuterie dinner. A lot of fast food restaurants remain open on those holidays as well so that’s always a last-ditch option.

Daylight is Precious

In Scandinavia, there are only a few hours of “daylight” in the winter, and depending on how far north you’re going, this could be as short as 4 hours of light with 20 hours of darkness. While the locals might find this darkness exhausting, I actually found the long hours of darkness exciting since it wasn’t something we experience in North America. But if you’re planning on taking any photos which require the light, such as any wide cityscape shots, just be sure to plan your schedule accordingly. I always headed out early in the day to take my pictures of the city and then scheduled my indoor activities, which didn’t require sunlight, for the afternoon into the early evening.

Be Cautious with Winter Air Travel

I had a near-disastrous flight to Sweden this winter. Luckily for me, everything worked out by some Christmas miracle, but I’m sure I’m not always going to be that lucky. Flying during the winter means weather might impact you more than other times of the year. To avoid as much stress as possible, be sure to book a direct flight if at all possible. This means should your outbound flight be delayed, you won’t need to worry about missing a connection. If you can’t book direct, ensure the layover between your two flights isn’t too tight. I BARELY made my connecting flight and felt so silly, not ensuring I had more time to account for bad weather. Yes, this might mean not getting to your destination as fast as possible, but trust me, it is worth it for the peace of mind. 

Let me know if you’ve ever travelled to somewhere cold in the winter and how you enjoyed your experience. Or comment to let me know what’s holding you back from a snowy adventure in the north!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post 10 Reasons Why You Need to Take a Winter Vacation to Scandinavia first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

#1 Don’t Rush!

Italy isn’t a country you want to rush through. Not only will the infrastructure of Italy itself render this impossible, but it just doesn’t do the landscape and culture any justice either. Italy is a place for exploring, for getting lost and discovering something you never knew was there. Lists and guides are essential to make sure you don’t get TOO off track but make sure you don’t overbook yourself. I’m one of the LEAST flexible people in the world. I LOVE making schedules and itineraries and get flustered when things don’t go to plan.

Be Open to Change

But sometimes, being forced into a situation where just those things happen, forces you to change. To become adaptable. To open yourself up to new possibility and just let things flow. Italy changed me as a person. It forced me to slow down, to savour in a mid-afternoon glass of wine under an ancient clock tower. I didn’t ask for the bill or try to rush to my next destination. I just sipped my drink under the literal Tuscan sun and reflected on how lucky I was to be experiencing that moment in time. Rushing meals is a mainly North American thing. We are used to fasting food, even at a slow restaurant.

But in Europe, especially in Italy, everything is relaxed, laid back and at a snail’s pace. Find a way of adapting to this new kind of living. I found I loved to bring my books with me and spent these hours of dining reading. It’s a great time to plan your next adventure or just catch up with old friends or family.

#2 Don’t Drive Inside Big Cities

Driving in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the countryside. Emphasis on the countryside! Driving inside the BIG cities is a nightmare. I witnessed one of the biggest fights between my parents while driving in Florence and that imprinted itself on my brain as “note to self: never drive in the cities in Italy!” Renting a car in Italy is actually one of the cheapest modes of transportation but don’t let that sucker you into using it for the entirety of your trip! You need specific permits for your car to bring it into some major cities. If you haven’t got the right one to expect a HUGE fine when you return your vehicle at the end of the trip. An expensive bill is something no one wants to get after a dream vacation.

In addition to these significant fines, there are also dozens of weird rules of the road in these large cities. You’ll also find heavy traffic, problems with parking and more incidents that you really don’t need to stress about on your vacation. Trains between big cities in Italy are easy to use and a great way to watch the landscape fly by. While they might not always run on time (there is that laid back Italian attitude once more) they get you from point A to point B lickety-split, without any hidden fees. Once you’re finished in the big cities, head just outside town to pick up your rental car for a drive to see the smaller villages across Tuscany. 

Driving TIP

If you are travelling on trains in Italy a word to the wise: be sure to always validate your train tickets. When you buy your tickets on regional trains, there won’t be a time or date on it. This is because you need to validate it before you board the train to mark it as used. Look for a yellow machine on the platform or near the entrance to the station. If you can’t find one, ask any employee to point you in the right direction. If you find yourself onboard without validation and run into a transportation officer expect to pay a BIG fine! They don’t fall for the whole “I’m a tourist I didn’t know any better,” line. They make big money off these fines so won’t hesitate to give you one.

#3 Don’t Assume Food is that Expensive!

Dining out in Italy is cheaper than you’d imagine. When I was a backpacker in my early 20s, I had been anxious about eating out in Italy. It is known as one of the best culinary cities in the world, and I had imagined that all restaurants would cost a fortune. I thought for sure I’d have to resort to buying supermarket food and cooking it back at the hotel. I was SHOCKED to find that by making smart choices, I was able to eat pretty much anything I wanted. And more than that, the prices were way lower than I thought they would be! If you only look at restaurants with English menus, you’ll come away with a totally wrong idea of food prices in Italy.

Avoid English Menus

These restaurants are geared towards tourists who might be swayed by an easy experience to pay more for a less authentic experience. Keep an eye out for menus only in Italian only and always be sure to wander the streets at least five minutes away from the busy areas. Here you’ll find some absolute gems! Also be sure to avoid any restaurant with a greeter outside, yelling in English about their menus. That’s a sure sign it’s not the real deal. In Italy, as long as you stick to those points, you don’t need to worry about checking YELP or TripAdvisor.

I always ended up at places I never had written down, and the food was ALWAYS spectacular. If you can speak even a few words of Italian, try to ask for the daily special or chef’s recommendation. If you don’t have any allergies, give it a try! You never know when you’re next favourite meal will appear out of nowhere. I was shocked to find how much I loved squid ink pasta, a traditional meal in Venice which I had never seen anywhere else in the world.

#4 Don’t Expect to Eat on Your Schedule

Italians eat late. Or at least it seemed pretty late to me when usually eats her dinner around 6 pm. The earliest any self-respecting Italian would have their dinner would be around 8 pm. While many restaurants catering to tourists are open earlier, this is a dead giveaway that the food isn’t authentic. I found waiting for dinner was one of the hardest things to get used to.

Eat and Drink Late

That was until I found out about Aperitivo (more on that later). To get used to this later schedule, I found the best thing that worked for me was to take a nap in the middle of the day. This is the same thing many Italians do. It’s very typical to see restaurants open in the morning and night but closed in the afternoon. Despite being a Spanish name, many (or most) native Italians will go home for a siesta in the middle of the day.

This is just one part of the Italian dedication to a better quality of life. Shop owners will close down in the afternoon to go and make a home-cooked meal in their apartment. They sacrifice any sales they would have made during that time for the chance to eat their own food, maybe see their family or even have a nap. So I did the same. I would head home around 3 or 4 pm after a busy day and take a nice long relaxing nap. It recharged me for the rest of the night and resting always makes me feel less hungry than if I was walking around killing time before dinner.

#5 Don’t Expect Half-Priced Drinks during ‘Aperitivo‘ 

Many North American are used to this thing called “happy hour” between the hours of 7 and 9 pm. This time is usually reserved for half-priced, watered-down drinks. In Italy, they have something similar, but all kinds of different! It’s called ‘Aperitivo‘ (which literally translates to appetizer). Aperitivo is heavily advertised outside bars in the city, and also happens during the hours of 7 and 9 pm. But you won’t find any half-priced drinks here, and if you do see somewhere offering half priced wine, you know its not the an authentic aperitivo.

Free Food NOT Drink

Aperitivo is meant as a time for people to relax after work but before dinner. Locals jovially catch up with friends and family over a few glasses of wine while they wind up their metabolism for dinner (maybe this is why Italians eat so much pasta but remain so thin). But what aperitivo does offer instead of half-priced drinks, is FREE food! These “bonus” snacks are a way to stave off starving before your 9 pm dinner.

Different bars offer up different kinds of snacks. Some offer simple things like nuts, bread and fruit but others have full-on buffets of appetizers all free of charge if you’re drinking. Most big cities charge about 8 and 10 euros for a great glass of wine (reduce this slightly if staying in a smaller, less touristy village). But more than just a glass of wine, you’ll get a real experience out of it! Aperitivo brings out the best in people and a chance for you to meet the locals and ingrain yourself in Italian culture.

#6 Don’t Underestimate Coffee Culture

Coffee culture in Italy is almost a religion. There are many rules and rituals you’re expected to know and follow. One of the biggest don’ts to know, which will help you out financially is, don’t sit to drink your espresso. Often a coffee will have an added “table charge” if you drink it sitting down. This is rarely, if ever listed, so you’ll either have to ask or take your chances. Especially if you’re having a drink near a trendy tourist site, these charges can be as much as 20 euros! My husband was backpacking in his 20s and grabbed a coffee in front of the pantheon with his friend. They unwittingly sat down and had FOUR coffees, which ended up costing them 60 EUROS! A mistake we still laugh about to this day but I’m sure at the time it was anything but funny.

Even at cheaper cafes, drinking the espresso at the counter will always be more affordable and also how real Italians do it. If you have an espresso, don’t miss out on the crema. While you are not supposed to put any milk or cream in espresso, lots of cafes will have crema on the bar. Creama is whipped milk mixed with sugar that you can spoon into your espresso for a deliciously creamy and sweet drink.

Tips on What to Order and When

Another tip for ordering coffee is not to order a cappuccino after 11 am. Cappuccinos are thought to be meant only for breakfast. If you order one after dinner, you’ll either be politely corrected or just simply brought a latte macchiato instead. Speaking of lattes, don’t go up to a coffee counter and order only a “latte“. Latte in Italian means milk, so you might be served up a cup of warm milk. If you’re interested in a North American latte, as for a latte macchiato or caffe macchiato. When ordering an espresso, you can also ask for a caffe (which is what they call an espresso in Italian). If you’re not a fan of strong espresso order a caffe lungo which adds more water for a less intense taste.

#7 Don’t Ask for Free Tap Water

Trying to save a few dollars when travelling is obviously something most people will want to do. And to do this often, you’ll order some tap water to have during your meal. In Italy, this is called “acqua di robinetto“. But if you try ordering it at most restaurants, you might be met with a dirty look. You might also be flat out refused or, on the odd occasion, begrudgingly have it brought out to you. For the most part, I found it wasn’t worth the trouble of asking for it in the end. There are many reasons people don’t think tap water is standard in Italy. One is that although potable, restaurants can’t guarantee the contents of the water they served, which is against health regulations. Others say that it’s because they don’t make a profit from the water.

Another theory is that it merely isn’t a cultural thing for Italians. Whatever the reason, I keep to the saying, “when in Rome” and order the same thing to locals are ordering. Honestly, sometimes it’s cheaper to order a glass of the house wine than a bottle of sparkling water, so take this as an opportunity to live it up and sample some fantastic Italian wines. If you don’t drink alcohol, Italy has a variety of freshly made sodas which I found at most restaurants. Freshly squeezed lemons and oranges with soda water are fantastically refreshing on a hot day.

#8 Don’t Patiently Wait In Line

Even though Italians are so laid back about table service in restaurants, they are outright frantic when it comes to ordering things to go from anything with a counter. I am a pretty shy and orderly person, so when I was in Italy and went to order a coffee, I patiently waited in line. Without hesitation, I found a woman suddenly push her way in front of me to order, and without pause, the barista served her immediately. I thought for sure, him having seen me, he would have asked her to go to the back of the line. But he did not.

After this happened multiple times, I realized that line jumping was just a part of their culture, like yelling or talking with their hands. If an Italian sees a gap in the line, they’ll jump right in. So either be sure to leave no space between yourself and the person in front or find the courage to start line jumping! Or at least being a little pushier and showy when it comes to ordering at counters. Some places have started using a number machine to control this queuing problem, but if you’re stuck somewhere without it, you’ll need to figure out the game. Remember, they’re not trying to be rude, it’s just all apart of that fiery Italian attitude.

#9 Don’t Go in the Summer

Ok, now I know this point will get everyone going! Italy is a fantastically popular place to travel. As it should be, it’s gorgeous! You can’t blame people for wanting to visit it. But summer is especially busy. For many families, the summer is the only time they can travel with their kids, so the cities become overrun with Europeans and international travellers. The weather has been getting increasingly hotter and hotter (thanks global warming) and what once was a relaxing summer vacation on paper, turns into a humid, sticky and sweaty affair. Combine that with the huge crowds, long wait time to get into attractions and you’re in for a horrid equation.

Summer = High Prices, Lots of Tourists

Prices for hotels are also the most expensive during this time as well, and even some popular train route are often booked up well in advance. Summer also has its pests, in this case, mosquitoes, which can have a field day on bare legs. For me personally, Italy is one of those landscapes that look stunning any time of the year. The visual difference between Venice in the Summer and Venice in the Winter is almost non-existent (they rarely get snow).

And if you’re lucky enough to see a snow-covered Italy what a unique and special moment that would be! What is the most different during those months outside of the summertime are the crowds and the costs. In both cases you’ll see a big reduction. The colours along the vineyards in the fall are spectacular, and the springtime blooms along the roadways make driving a joy. So if you can avoid it, skip the summer! If you can’t, just be sure to plan far in advance and make smart choices.

#10 Don’t take Heavy luggage

Italy is known for its gorgeous cobblestone streets and old, historic residences. But what those two things have in common is that they were designed for a different time. A time when luggage was made for being carried in your hands, not huge suitcases being rolled down the street on wheels. Too many of us have a tendency to overpack. And you’re never all too aware of this fact until you’re facing a 20 minutes walk down an extremely bumpy road, followed by a six-storey walk up. With airlines charging more and more for checked luggage, this is your opportunity to save, and scale down all at once. I have a great post about how to pack for 2-weeks in a carry-on which will save you a ton of hassle, exhaustion, stress and, best of all, money!

#11 Don’t wait to Book Tickets to Popular Attractions

Even if you’re not travelling in the super-duper popular months, buying tickets online in advance to busy attractions is highly advisable. If there are a few items on your list which are unmissable, you don’t want to find yourself unable to get in because they’re sold out or the line is too long. Buying tickets in advance also means that that portion of the sightseeing costs is already paid for before you arrive in the city. For those on a tight budget, it means you might have a little bit more to spend once you’re there.

#12 Don’t ONLY Stay Inside the City Walls

So many people, when travelling to a new city, might want to stay right in the centre of town! And while this sounds good in practice, close to sights and all that, in reality it’s a bit more complicated. If you’re someone like me who enjoys a quiet evening, these hotels or apartments in the centre of busy cities are often pretty loud. Not only that, they are expensive! Since transport, even in smaller cities is so prevalent in Italy, it’s easy to stay either just on the outskirts of town or in a nearby village just a few minutes away. If you’re travelling by car, this also means you can park the car at one of these hotels easily and won’t need to worry about bringing it into town.

Look in Bnbs

Often hotels outside the city are a fraction of the cost of the ones in town and come with so much more character and charm. We stayed in plenty or airbnbs, farm stays or just tiny bed and breakfasts on the outskirts of town on our travels through Italy. Every single one was owned by the most interesting characters! Airbnb makes it easy to search for accommodations using their map function so you can find the town you want to visit and then zoom out slightly to explore the options just a few minutes outside the centre.

We even stayed in one place where the owner would drive us into the city in the morning and pick us up in the evening. Like a personal chauffeur or bus service! PLUS staying in these little towns also means you can visit their local restaurants which are often so excited to have visitors. They serve up some of the best authentic food at the lowest prices!

#13 Don’t Forget to Bring cash

Despite the rise of credit cards, tap and, apple pay, it seems like cash money has become something of an ephemeral thing. Even I rarely have cash on me at home, heck sometimes I don’t even walk around carrying my wallet. But especially when travelling I always make sure to bring cash with me. For anyone visiting a marketplace, flea market or even smaller restaurant, you’ll find cash is either the only accepted form of currency or at least the much more preferred option. Especially in small towns which might be a little bit more behind the times, cash is essential. And if you’re interested in doing any haggling at the antique market, you’ll need cash for sure!

#14 Don’t Skip pastries for breakfast

Breakfast in Italy is a sweet affair. If you come to Italy, don’t try to find a restaurant that does a full English or an omelette with hash browns. Along with the mandatory caffe (espresso), you need to pick up your favourite sweet pastry to enjoy alongside. There is the iconic biscotti, brioche or cannoli but my favourite is the cornetti (cornetto if singular). A cornetto is the Italian’s version of a french croissant. It is slightly sweeter (right up my alley!) and eaten dipped into your coffee as you indulge. Pastry shops often have a fantastic coffee counter as well so you can easily get your morning brew and meal all in one place.

Italy is honestly one of the most incredible places in the entire world, and although that’s not really the most original opinion, it’s cliche for a reason. Hopefully, these tips help you out on your next trip over to the city of astounding food, unbelievable architecture and extraordinary people. Let me know if the comment any others tips you might have for first-time travellers to help them out on their future ventures.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post 14 Travel Mistakes NOT to Make on Your First Trip to Italy first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. #1. Bertrand Livraria
2. #2. Alfama District
3. #4. Bica Elevator
4. #5. Rua da Condessa
5. #6. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
6. #7. Carmo Convent
7. #8. Jeronimos Monastery
8. #9. Tower of Belém
9. #10. Arco Da Rua Augusta

#1. Bertrand Livraria

Bertrand Livraria is the oldest bookstore in the world. It was opened in 1732 and survived both the fire, earthquake and tsunami of 1755 which levelled much of Lisbon. Today it is standing like a quiet landmark in the middle of the busy city. There is only a small sign out front announcing its historic status. The blue and white tiles, which are so popular across Lisbon, are some of the most iconic and their tiled wall, from the 1700s is an incredible place to take a snapshot. I love the way they appear to bloom like flowers.

#2. Alfama District

Alfama was one of the only neighbourhoods to entirely withstands the massive earthquake of 1755. This district is littered with historic houses as old as the city itself, cobblestone streets which are so worn down the stones are almost indistinguishable from each other as well as some of the most vibrant personalities the city has to offer. The squares of Alfama are alight with colourful banners and decorations.There always seems to be some sort of party or festival happening here. Mixed in with the ancient stones and tiles, the colours and breathtaking backdrops here are unreal.

#3. Rua da Rosa in Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is a neighbourhood which absolutely silent during the day, and yet at night, it explodes with life! It’s where you’ll find all the trendiest bars and the hottest night life. But during the day time, it’s a fantastically peaceful place to explore. And admire the iconic Portuguese tiles and bright coloured apartment buildings. Walking down the streets you’ll hear only the sound of your footsteps. And the occasion resident sweeping off their front steps.

#4. Bica Elevator

The Bica Elevator is one of the most popular spots for a photo is Lisbon. And while it might seem overly touristy during the day, in the early morning, this part of the Bica neighbourhood is absolutely stunning and provides incredible photography opportunities. The old tram began running 1892. It’s aim was to help the residents of Lisbon get up the steep hills upon which the city is built on top of. Although these trams and the surrounding neighbourhood are always heavily graffitied, this somehow only adds to the vibrant nature of the area. Doesn’t detract from it.

#5. Rua da Condessa

At the end of the Rua da Condessa, in Bairro Alto, you’ll find a long staircase, flanked on either side by dazzling buildings. In between the two buildings is framed on the most magnificent vistas in Lisbon. In the distance, high atop the hill is one of Lisbon’s old ruins, like the old guard looking down over the new city.

#6. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

My favourite Miradouro is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia! Not only does it have one of the most spectacular views across Alfama and the Tagus river, but it is also has a lush garden. Filled with incredible tile work veranda and lots of rich, blooming trees. No matter which way you’re looking, there is something absolutely magical to see here. This place gets mobbed during the day time. But if you arrive early enough (especially at sunset) you’ll be in for a real treat!

#7. Carmo Convent

The Carmo Convent was once Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Catholic convent located in the heart of Barrio Alto. Fires, earthquakes, political and religious upheaval all resulted in the convent falling to ruins, but thankfully no one had the funds to demolish it. In the later 20th century, it was converted into a museum and what was left of the structure was given supports to prevent its further degeneration. The interior of the convent, with it’s roofless view of the sky is breathtaking. If you’re lucky enough to be there at night or when there is an event, the interior is lit up to highlight the architectural details. And the open rooftop provides stunning views of the stars above.

#8. Jeronimos Monastery

The Jeronimos Monastery was built in the 15th century by King Manuel who used money the realm gained from explorations around the world to fund its construction. Portugal was known for its explorers and as such, made a lot of money from its imports. This meant the architect had a virtually unlimited budget for the construction and it’s for this reason that we find this opulent, renaissance building we see today. No matter where you turn or where you look, there are exquisitely framed shots. Hidden in the details throughout the building are oceanic elements, reflecting this strong seafaring country. A joy to discover as you explore.

#9. Tower of Belém

The Tower of Belém is located along the scenic Tagus river. It was once a defensive system for Lisbon to help the military see any incoming ships into their harbour. The tower is both a military structure but also an architectural gem of the city. Standing in low tide, on the shores of the river, looking up at this tower is a magnificent sight to see. There’s no need to wait in the super long line and pay six euros to get inside. The view from the exterior is much prettier anyways and exploring it from all angles along the banks of the river is much more fun than waiting in a line.

#10. Arco Da Rua Augusta

The entryway to Lisbon’s largest square can be found through the Arco Da Rua Augusta. The gateway opens up onto the Comercio Plaza which looks out over the Tagus River. This archway is located along one of the busiest streets in Lisbon and sometimes it can get annoyingly touristy. But if you arrive here early in the morning, you’ll be left only with the elegant scene of 18th century Lisbon.

Hopefully this helps you out in your quest for finding the best Lisbon has to offer! Let me know in the comment what your favourite part of the city was or what you’re most looking forward to seeing.

Happy Travel Adventurers!

The post The 10 Best Instagrammable Spots you Must-See on in Lisbon first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.