Table Of Contents

1. Map of 2-Days in Bruges Itinerary
2. Where to Stay?
3. History of Bruges
4. Day One in Bruges
5. Day Two in Bruges

Map of 2-Days in Bruges Itinerary

Why Spend at Least 48 Hours in Bruges?

Many people visiting Bruges skip staying the night and instead choose to visit either on a day-trip bus tour or a quick stopover on their way through Belgium. But I strongly encourage you to stay at least one night in the city. This way, you can properly experience the atmosphere of this ancient city, both during the day and at night. The town’s true nature comes alive once the heavy loads of day-tripping tourists disappear in the later afternoon. Locals open their doors, and the city feels more than just a postcard but a living piece of history.

Where to Stay?

Budget Option: Hotel Fevery

Hotel Fevery in Bruges is a cozy, family-run retreat just a short walk from the city center. Known for its warm and homely atmosphere, this charming hotel offers comfortable, spotless rooms and a delicious breakfast. Guests appreciate the friendly, attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, making Hotel Fevery a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for a memorable visit to Bruges.

Mid-Range Option: Boutique Hotel Sablon

Boutique Hotel Sablon is a stylish four-star hotel located just five minutes from Grote Markt square. The hotel offers plush suites with freestanding bathtubs and lounge areas. The decor combines modern style with historic elements, featuring contemporary art and a luxurious Living Room bar. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking a balance of comfort and elegance without breaking the bank​.

Luxury Option: Hotel De Orangerie

For a more luxurious stay, consider Hotel De Orangerie. This boutique hotel is set in a beautifully restored 15th-century building along the Den Dijver canal. The hotel offers elegant rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy high tea in the plush dining room or on the terrace by the canal. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore Bruges’ top attractions​.

History of Bruges

Bruges is not just a gothic-looking town; it is a gothic town. The streets are still lined with stones older than perhaps even my home country, and even the most ubiquitous family home looks like a gothic paradise. Bruges is a UNESCO-protected city, and as such, historians ensure that everything remains unchanged from its perpetual state of gothic opulence. Any renovations undertaken to protect buildings from the perils of old age are done with lots of research and employ only old materials to fix or repair any damage.

Bruges first established itself as a settlement in the 9th century. Since Bruges was a city settled on the river, connected to the North Sea, it immediately became a hub for international trade. The name Bruges is derived from the word Bryggia, an old Scandinavian word meaning harbour.  Bruges was northwest Europe’s most important trade centre in the Middle Ages. It specialized in Flemish cloth, one of the most essential products in medieval times, as it was used to sew clothing for everyone from villagers to the royal family. Because the cloth market was exploding nationwide, more and more money poured into the city. The overwhelming wealth meant Bruges could build some of Europe’s most impressive pieces of medieval architecture.

The Growth of the City of Bruges

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, Bruges fluctuated under an ever-changing economy. While other European cities were able to expand, Bruges remained a small town. It couldn’t keep up with the worldwide growth and eventually lost its position as the leading trade city to Antwerp, with a population that doubled its own. Bruges slowly fell out of the limelight and disappeared from European high society.

In the 1800s, Bruges became the most impoverished city in Belgium as all trade routes into the city had shut. It is perhaps this period of poverty that we have to thank for the preservation of the city’s historic architecture. There was no money for renovations, expansion or modernization. In the mid-19th century, when the tourism industry started to creep outside the major cities into the countryside, people began discovering this untouched town gem. People from all over fell in love with the historic-artistic culture they found here, left untouched by urbanization.

Day One in Bruges

The Grote Markt

The best place to start your tour is in the Grote Markt, which serves as the centre of Bruges. It seems fitting to begin your journey in the area that brought Bruges all its wealth. The first known marketplace was built here in the 10th century. Later, in the 12th century, a wooden market hall was developed to help house fish, cloth imports, and exports. The square turned from a simple shopping area into a meeting place for jousting tournaments, weddings, royal parades and even executions. The square is still used today as a marketplace despite the passage of time.

In 1996, the square was converted into a pedestrian zone where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles were the only modes of transportation allowed. Tourists can wander and gaze up at the buildings around them without fear of being hit by a car. And gaze up, you will!

Bruges Belfy

Looming over Markt Square stands the Belfry Tower atop the infamous Cloth Hall. The Belfry was built in 1240 but needed to be rebuilt in 1280 after a fire ravaged the first building. If the octagonal-shaped top looks slightly unfinished, you’d be correct in thinking so. The tower was once topped with a great spire. There were various spires, but each was the victim of lightning strikes, reducing them all to ash. There is a famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which goes, “In the marketplace of Bruges stands the Belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilt. Still, it watches o’er the town.”

Bell in the Belfry

In the medieval ages, the Belfry’s bells were the only indicator citizens had to tell the start of the workday, signal for fire, or even begin a festival or event. In the 16th century, a 35-set carillon was installed in the tower. A carillon is a set of bells that could be played using a keyboard below the tower, creating a more musical sound than a few single bells rung from ropes ever could.

You can still climb the 366 steps to the top of the tower, as patrolmen once did, to look out for fires that could have destroyed this incredible city. The view from the top is unequalled and worth the time and effort.

“French” Fries in Bruges

At the bottom of the Belfry Tower is a local French Fry vendor who serves some of the most delicious Belgian fries. There are ongoing disputes over the term “french fries” and its origin. The Belgians insist it was them. The story goes that when American armies were stationed in Belgium, the Flemish military served them one of their favourite (and inexpensive) meals—fried potato strips.

The American army LOVED them and took the recipe back home. They called them french fries since French was the local language in Belgium then, and the Americans assumed they were in France. While the French aren’t known for selling fries on the street, the Belgians have perfected the snack on the go. They serve them alongside mustard and mayonnaise dipping sauce, an oddly delicious side dish that is the perfect thing to eat to keep you going throughout your tour.

While chowing down on your snack, take a moment to study the brightly coloured buildings surrounding that square. Each one is topped with iconic crow-stepped gables, which have become the quintessential characteristic of Bruges. 

Statue of Jan Breydel and Pierter de Conick

Take a seat in the centre of the square, beneath the grand statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. These two men are local heroes known for leading the uprising against the invading French in 1302 and keeping Bruges a part of Belgium.

Provincial Hof

Across from the statue is the Provincial Hof or Provincial Court. The building now houses the government of West Flander and a local post office, but hundreds of years ago, it was home to the largest port in Bruges. Initially built in 1294, it was demolished in 1787 and rebuilt in a neogothic style reminiscent of its original Gothic architecture. One of the most iconic parts of its design is the bright red dormer windows, which pop out of the stone grey roof.

Hendrik and Gustaaf Pickery designed all the interior decorations; intricate stained glass windows and exquisite ironwork cover the rooms like wild vines. The statues and murals within depict scenes of famous personalities from West Flanders and provide a visual history of the building of their great city.

Chocolatier Dumon

Dumon Chocolates are among the most popular souvenirs people bring home from Bruges. Belgium is known worldwide for its chocolate creations, and Dumon has found a way to perfect the art. Established in 1992, this family-run business expanded around Belgium, but their first family-run shop was in Bruges.

As you open the door, you are overwhelmed with melting chocolate’s sweet and slightly bitter scent. The tiny shop is almost no wider than arm’s length but is charmingly cluttered. Chocolates glisten behind glass cabinets, and you can’t help but start to drool. While there are no labels, the kind employees (all family members) will lovingly tell you about all the different kinds of chocolate and prepare a customized box with all your favourites. They speak English in addition to French and Belgian, but if you can’t communicate, you can’t go wrong with anything inside.

Hof Bladelin

Walking past Dumon, along the narrow streets and alleyways, you come upon Hof Bladelin. Hof Bladelin was once an aristocratic mansion, which has now been converted into a home for the elderly and a small museum. The Hof Bladelin was initially built in 1451 as the house of Pieter Bladelin and his wife, Margaret of Vagewierre. Pieter was the counsellor and treasurer for Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy.

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At the time, he was one of the wealthiest men in Bruges and wanted to build a house, which reflected his enormous wealth. The Bladelins had no children, and after their death, the house came up for auction in 1472. It was purchased by the Medicis, a powerful Florentine banking family known for coveting the most beautiful pieces of art and architecture from the world’s greatest artists.

The Hof Bladelin has the architectural design of a Gothic castle. The Renaissance courtyard was designed in Italian and added to the building by the Medici family. There are still stone medallion portraits of Lorenzo de Medici and his wife in the courtyard. The ribbed vaulted ceiling in the interiors has some unique corbels adorned with scenes depicting Bladelin’s duties and the life of St. Alphege of Canterbury.

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The Poortersloge

The Poortersloge, or Burgher’s Lodge, is an exemplary model of Gothic architecture in Bruges. It was built at the end of the 14th century and served as a meeting place for the burghers (town or city’s citizens). One can admire its magnificent façade, decorated with stone figures; one is of the legendary bear, Beertje van de Logie, dated 1417. In the past, banquets and festivities were held here; nowadays, the building contains historical documents.

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Cambrius

If you’re feeling peckish, stop off at the Cambrinus pub. The building oozes history. The original pub was built here in 1699, and despite a few updates, much of the place remains the same. When you arrive, the waiter will bring you a book the size of a dictionary with over 400 varieties of beer listed and vivid descriptions in various languages.

There truly is something for everyone. In addition to the best beer list in the country, their traditional Brugian food is also to die for. The rabbit stew is my favourite and will warm you up from the inside out if you are travelling in any of the colder months.

Burg Square

After lunch, make your way over to Burg Square. This square is one of the city’s most stunningly medieval parts. Architectural gems from the Gothic era to the Renaissance and the Neo-Classical Revival surround it from all sides.

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Burg Town Hall

Burg Town Hall, or “Stadhuis,” is the oldest building in the square. It was built in 1376 in a truly Gothic fashion. Standing between the bright red-painted windowsills are statues of men from the Court of Flanders intermingled with biblical figures. Each one looked down at the townspeople below, guiding them in their daily lives.

Sandwiched between the Town Hall is the Palace of the Liberty, which once served as the Old Court House for over 200 years. Its brilliant white painted facade with gold trim is decorated like a cake, with the golden Lady of Justice statue as the cherry on top. 

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Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood stands in the corner of the square, tucked away so tightly it almost seems to disappear. This 14th-century church holds one essential item, a vial of “Holy Blood,” believed to be drops of blood and water washed from the body of Christ. 

Behind its dark, richly decorated facade hides an even more ornamental interior. The interior houses two chapels, each opposite the other. The upper chapel is the crown jewel of West Flanders in high Gothic style. From floor to ceiling, there are darkly painted murals depicting the Holy Trinity and various scenes of the journey of the Holy Blood Relic to Bruges. Vividly painted stained glass windows provide the only natural light inside the chapel. Little modern lighting has been installed inside to ensure the murals don’t fade with time.

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Heilig-Bloedbasiliek

The Holy Blood relic is embedded in a rock-crystal vial and placed inside a glass cylinder framed with two golden crowns. It is only shown to the public on certain days of the week, so check the schedule if you’re making a pilgrimage just to see it. It is housed inside a silver tabernacle with a picture of the Lamb of God on the front when it is not displayed. In recent years, the validity of the vial has come under question, and investigations have shown that it was nothing more than a Byzantine perfume bottle from Constantinople. But to those who believe, no amount of science can deter them.

The lower chapel is a simple Romanesque church from the 12th century, the last Romanesque church in all of West Flanders. This chapel has been virtually unchanged since it was first built. The two chapels are connected, but a large brick staircase was built in 1533 in the Renaissance style, which was subsequently destroyed during the French WWII occupation but rebuilt in the 19th century.

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Vismarkt

Across the bridge from Burg Square is the Vismarkt, or old Fish Market. The fish market was once located in Markt Square, but the smell of the fish was so intense that people around the square complained, so it was moved further east. The covered stone arcade was built in 1821. The market is only open from Wednesday to Saturday in the early morning, but you can visit the iconic stone structure any time of the day.

Dijver Canal

From the Fish Market, walk west along the Dijver Canal. The canal’s passageway from the fish market to Nieuwstraat is a classical view of Bruges you must see for yourself. Various restaurants along the canal are reasonably touristy but provide one of Bruges’s most beautiful scenes. If you just want to hop into one of their patios for a drink, I think the overpriced beer is well worth the view.

De Garre

To end your first day in Bruges, head to De Garre bar, nestled in a tiny alleyway. De Garre is a hidden gem in Bruges renowned for its exceptional house beer, the Tripel van De Garre. This robust and flavorful tripel, brewed exclusively for the pub, is a must-try for any beer enthusiast. The cozy and intimate atmosphere of De Garre, combined with its rich wooden decor, offers a perfect setting to enjoy this unique brew. The pub also serves a variety of other Belgian beers, making it an ideal spot to unwind and savour the local beer culture after a day of exploring the city​.

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Day Two in Bruges

Groeninge Museum

To start our second day in Bruges, we will head to the famous Groeninge Museum. The Groeninge Museum is an essential stop on your tour of Bruges as it gives you an introduction to Brugian art across six centuries. 

The Primitive Flemish style of painting is featured throughout the walls of museums. Flemish art isn’t classically considered exceedingly masterful since it sometimes seems slightly grotesque, raw, and explicit. Flemish painters always tried to emulate their Italian counterparts to achieve a dynamic perspective, but they didn’t have the technical skills to realize these effects. The result is images that appear almost warped but whose expressions are so genuine they leave a lasting impression on the people who view them. 

Arents House Courtyard

Across from the Groeninge Museum, you’ll find the Arents House. Arents House was once an ancient manor belonging to the noble Arents family. It now hosts an extensive collection of paintings by the British artist Frank Brangwyn. While it might be worth a visit on a more extended tour to Bruges, today, we are merely exploring its courtyard. The small yard between the two medieval houses is the perfect place to stop and pause. Listen to the sounds of cobblestones underfoot.

The trickle of water flows down the canal. From Arents Court, you have one of the most splendid views of the Church of Our Lady’s tower. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the church bell rings across the street and the soft crowing of birds perched above. Four exciting sculptures by artist Rik Poot surround the courtyard, representing the “Four Apocalyptic Knights,” which are a great compliment to the artistic surroundings.

Bonifacius Bridge

Before heading to the Church of Our Lady, you’ll pass across the Bonifacius Bridge. Despite only dating from 1910, it is one of the most beautiful bridges in Bruges. The tightly interlaced cobblestones are red brick archways that provide the perfect frame for the church towers behind them. Standing on the bridge, you can watch tourists paddle up and down the canal.

The Church of Our Lady of Bruges

All of the churches in Bruges are enormous. They seem to tower over the tiny houses below. The Church of Our Lady’s tower is over 122 meters high, the highest point in Bruges and the world’s second tallest brickwork tower. Because the church took over two centuries to build, it combines various evolutions of Gothic architecture with a Baroque interior.

While the interior might not be as grand as its exterior, it is still worth poking your head inside. The central organ is small but opulent, hiding behind the high altar screen. A few dozen simple chairs provide seating for the small but dedicated congregation. The altar screen is unique both in colouring and design. Its white and green coloured marble are highlighted with splashes of gold leafing. Along the nave are columns dotted with reliefs of various influential saints. A sizeable wooden pulpit stands at attention on the right side of the nave; dozens of beautifully carved cherubs hang off the sides, clinging to books with golden scriptures written for the people below to read.

Tombs of Bruges Royalty

Behind the high altar is the resting place of two of Bruges’ most famous residents. The golden tombs of Charles the Bold and the Duchess Mary of Burgundy lie in quiet repose beneath a beautiful tryptic. The elaborately designed tombs are worth looking at, so don’t miss touring the back half of the church.

The crown jewel of this church is the white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child, created by Michelangelo in 1504. Over the years, the statue has been stolen by foreign invaders, but those dedicated to preserving its place in Bruges have always managed to bring it back home. Although this sculpture doesn’t have the same impact as his Pieta in Rome, the sadness on Madonna’s face reflects her knowledge that this little boy will grow up only to die for the sins of his people.

Gruuthuse Hof

Away from the Church of Our Lady is the Gruuthuse Hof, a small but historic house adorably sandwiched between two major streets. Now a restaurant, the Gruuthuse Hof is one of the oldest residences in Bruges. While in one of the prime locations for tourists, the restaurant keeps a simple, traditional menu catering to locals and tourists alike. With only 28 seats inside and 12 on the patio, the place remains intimate despite its popularity over the eras. If you can find a table, it’s worth stopping in for the featured meal of the day.

St. Salvator’s Cathedral

Up from the Gruuthuse Hof is St. Salvator’s Cathedral. It is the oldest parish church in Bruges, with parts dating back to the 10th century. But the original design was much less grandiose than the current incarnation. In 1834, after Belgium’s independence, St. Salvator’s was given the status of a cathedral, and the meagre church had to be extensively renovated to match its new high status as a cathedral. 

The architect of the new cathedral was William Chantrell, an English architect greatly influenced by the resurgence of Neo-Romanesque architecture. Neo-Romanesque buildings feature thick walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, large towers, and decorative arcades. This church stands out because most of Bruges is so powerfully Gothic.

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St. Salvator’s Cathedral Interior

The neo-Gothic interior of the church is relatively plain but is accented with stunning embroidered tapestries from the 18th century. These antiquated works of art were made in Brussels by Jasper van der Borcht and feature astounding scenes from the Bible, all created with needles and thread.

To the left of the nave, the pulpit is a stunning example of Louis XVI’s designs. Louis XVI’s design was predominantly produced in France and exemplified the last phase of Rococo design. The style focused on natural forms and dramatic embellishments.

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Old St. John’s Hospital

Walking back down Mariastraat, we come upon Old St. John’s Hospital, now the Memling Museum. Before becoming a museum, it was used as a hospital for the sick and dying, administered by nuns and priests. Inside are many relics and six paintings by a 15th-century painter and Bruges resident, Hans Memling. One of the highlights inside is the Shrine to St. Ursula. Carved into a gilded wooden reliquary in the shape of the church are six panels which tell the story of St. Ursula’s sainthood, painted by Memling himself. The work was commissioned by the Hospital of St. John and is one of the most exquisite pieces of religious art I’ve seen close up. The three-dimensional details and rich colours are remarkable. 

De Vos Almshouse

Further south, away from the central part of the city, we will come across the “De Vos Almshouse.” This small grouping of little white houses, facing a lush green herb and flower garden, once housed the poor, widows and the elderly. The houses were purchased by a wealthy Brugian merchant who loved his city and wanted to give back to the less fortunate.

Each home was donated to a specific guild (mason’s guild, blacksmith, coopers, etc.) and would provide housing for members of that guild when they became too old to work, fell ill or lost their jobs. You might notice how none of the houses have windows facing the street – this was because, at the time of their construction, a tax was improvised for any street-facing window.

Beguinage

Before our final destination, stop into the Beguinage’ De Wijngaard’ or Vineyard. This grouping of white houses with terracotta roofs is one of Bruges’s most peaceful places to rest your weary feet. So far from the town centre, this site is little toured by day-tripping tourists.

Since 1245, the Bruges beguine sisterhood has lived here, and in 1937, it became a monastery for the Benedictine sisters. To enter the Beguinage, you first pass through a large arched entrance gate built in 1776. Inside, you find houses dating from the 15th to 19th centuries.

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The Minnewater

The Minnewater, or Lake of Love, is one of the most beloved retreats for the remaining residents of Bruges. Swans float up and down the picturesque canals, and lovers roam under the densely forested pathways, arm in arm.

Poertorenpark

Poertorenpark, or Gunpowder Tower Park, is a serene spot near the picturesque Lake of Love in Bruges. The park features a striking round tower, historically used to store gunpowder, which reminds of the city’s medieval past. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful walking paths, Poertorenpark offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city center. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, relax on the benches, and take in the scenic views of the tower and the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal location for a quiet afternoon​.

Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan

To end your last day in Bruges, head to Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan. This historic brewery is known for its rich brewing tradition, which dates back to 1856. This family-run brewery has produced some of Belgium’s most beloved beers for generations, including the renowned Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. Visitors to De Halve Maan can enjoy guided tours that offer insights into the brewing process, the brewery’s history, and the unique beer pipeline that runs under the streets of Bruges, transporting beer from the brewery to the bottling plant outside the city.

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The tour concludes with a tasting session, allowing guests to savour the distinct flavours of De Halve Maan’s craft beers while enjoying panoramic views of Bruges from the brewery’s terrace. The best way to soak in the last scenic views of the city.

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Bruges is a stunning city with a unique history, culture, and beauty blend. With the help of this 2-day itinerary, you can make the most of your time in Bruges and experience all this charming city has to offer. From exploring the stunning architecture and picturesque canals to sampling delicious Belgian chocolates and local beers, there’s something for everyone in Bruges.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How to Spend the Perfect 48 Hours in Bruges, Best 2-Day Itinerary [UPDATED 2024] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Tasmania is truly a spectacular place, and if you’re making a trip all the way out to Australia, you need to make time to fly over to this secluded island to experience all it has to offer. I thought you could easily spend a week here and have prepared a wonderfully rich and diverse week-long itinerary. If your trip is shorter, you can easily pick and choose your favourite parts of this tour to customize your own adventure.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Travelling Around Tasmania
3. When to Go?
4. What to Pack?
5. National Park Fees
6. How to Arrive
7. Ferry
8. Day 1 – Arriving & Exploring Launceston
9. Day 2 – Road to the Bay of Fire
10. Day 3 – Freycinet National Park
11. Day 4 – Wielangta Forest
12. Day 5 – Tasman National Park
13. Day 6 – Port Arthur to Hobart
14. Day 7 – Exploring Hobart

History

Tasmania is located 240 km away from the mainland of Australia. Tasmania is known as one of Australia’s “natural states” as 42% of its land is protected. This includes several national parks and gorgeous World Heritage sites. The native indigenous tribes, who inhabitated the country for over 30,000 years before colonization, are significantly different than the tribes on mainland Australia. Their unique traditions grew from their love and reliance on the waters which surround the island.

The British Arrival

The island was settled by Europeans in 1804. Britain saw that the French had been exploring the area and rushed to beat them to claim the land for England. They used the newly colonized island as a place to house the British Empire’s penal colony population. The island was initially called Van Diemen’s Land. It was named after Anthony van Diemen, the Dutch colonial governor who ruled in the 16th and 17th centuries. van Diemen had commanded naval explorations, and it was under his direction that the island was first discovered in 1642.

Free settlers from England began to arrive on the shores of Tasmania as they were promised free land grants as well as free convict labour. By 1825, over 75,00 convicts had been sent to Van Diemen’s Land. Many of them had finished their sentences and decided to start their new life here in the colony. Sadly, the British saw the indigenous tribes as their enemy and, over the years, massacred almost the entire population. By 1830 only 300 indigenous people were left on the island. Many of the few remaining indigenous people later died from the diseases introduced by the British to which they had no immunity. It’s heartbreaking to imagine how such a rich culture could be wiped out in such a short amount of time. 

The Modern Age

In 1901, Tasmania joined with the five other Australian colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia. After the closure of the penal colonies, the island’s main form of income was through whaling, fishing and most lucrative of all, mining. The mining industry dried up shortly after WWI. After this point, they began to focus on agriculture and the productions of fruits and vegetables. After WWII, many people started to immigrate to Tasmania as it was seen as the “Sanitorium of the South” as its quiet and zen-like natural environment was perfect for those seeking peace. This gave the population a little boost, but it still feels like a quaint island with extremely friendly locals happy to welcome tourists to their hidden gem in the ocean.

Travelling Around Tasmania

Rental Car

Tasmania is best traversed by car. Tasmania might be a big island, but it has a small population, so large-scale public transport is really lacking. So you’re the best option is to fly into Launceston (or Hobart) and rent yourself a car. Cars can be picked up in Launceston and dropped off in Hobart. Or vice versa if you prefer to reverse your trip. Car rentals in Tasmania can be as little as $96 USD a day.

Camper Van

Although a Camper Van is a much more costly experience, they also allow you to sleep anywhere you want. In a place as scenic as Tasmania, this is a real treat! The other plus with a camper van is that you have a kitchen wherever you go. This way you can easily stock up on groceries before you leave the big cities. You’ll never find yourself having a place to stop for something to eat. The downside obviously is the cost of gas. Another downside could be if you’re not familiar with driving a camper van. This can be a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully the roads in Tasmania are generally pretty empty. so you don’t need to worry about navigating through intense traffic.

Cost of Gas

As of March 2021, gas prices in Tasmania were $1.40 Australian per litre. The trip mileage can vary greatly depending on how many detours you take along the way. But overall you should be covering around 800 km. But I would add even more since you are bound to make some detours along the way as you see things that catch your eye.

Notes on Food & Gas

Some of the areas we will travel through are very remote, so be sure to research before you head out for the day where your food and gas stops will be to ensure you’ll have enough before the next stop. A small fabric cooler will go a long way to keep your grocery food and drinks cold on your journey. I am always sure to keep a large bag of room temperature snacks with me as well. And always be sure you pack plenty of water.

Bus Tour

If you can’t drive or don’t want the stress of driving yourself, you can always join a bus tour. One of my favourite companies is Under Down Under Tours. They offer a comparable 7-day tour of the island. It includes all your accommodations, pickups and drop-offs, and small group size. Also included in your booking are all the national park fees. Their tours do not include food, but they do stop at restaurants, cafes and takeaways along the journey. Also, if you opt to stay in a hostel accommodation, you can always use their kitchen for cooking upon arrival.

The best things about their tours is that they give you a choice of accommodations. They offer both hostel rooms as well as motel accommodation. And you can even get a cheaper price if you are a single traveller. This is such a great option. I’ve been in many a situation when I wanted to go on a group tour, but the accommodations were always double occupancy, and I was on my own.

Cost

The seven-day tour costs $800 USD per person for the hostel dorm rooms. $886 USD per person for a twin hostel room. And $1079 USD per person for a twin motel room.

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When to Go?

Tasmania is noticeably colder than the rest of Australia. Don’t come here without checking the weather! We saw a few people step off the plane in shorts and t-shirts in a climate that was more suitable for a winter coat! November to March are the best months to travel when the weather is at its most enjoyable. June, July and August are relatively chilly and rainy. But the prices of hotels are significantly discounted during the rainy season, and the cities are almost empty of tourists! Summer is the peak travel season when you’ll find the hotels to be the priciest but that’s the price you pay (literally) for that beautiful weather.

Whereas international travellers might not find their way to Tasmania, local Australians have been frequenting the island more and more. Be sure to check the dates of any Australian holidays or school breaks as these times may also be much busier and more expensive.

What to Pack?

As mentioned above, you might be surprised to see how different the weather is in Tasmania compared to the mainland. So much of Tasmania is made up of cool temperate rainforests. In addition to your regular travel essentials, there are a few critical items to bring to Tasmania. It’s crucial to pack lots of layerable clothes. These will help keep you warm in the morning, but you can shed them in the afternoon. Unless you going at the peak of the summer, be sure to pack a hat, scarf and gloves. Some of the high points in Tasmania are very windy and you’ll be happy to have the extra protection.

It’s also essential to pack a good raincoat or waterproof windbreaker. This will be super useful since rain is a frequent visitor to Tasmania’s forecasts. The rainforests can get pretty wet as well. Umbrellas are also a good thing to pack in your bag for extra protection. But a good raincoat with a sturdy hood is your best option. There are a few easy hikes in this guide, so while you don’t need professional hiking boots, a good pair of waterproof or water-resistant walking shoes is a must!

National Park Fees

A valid park pass is required for entry to all of Tasmania’s National Parks. Paying these fees individually can add up, so my best advice is to buy a Holiday Pass. You can buy the pass at the first park you visit. Holiday Passes are good for up to two months and cost $80 AUS ($61 USD). When you compare this to the $40 one-day pass, you can see why the holiday pass just makes more sense. You can also buy your pass online before you leave. This will save a few minutes when you enter the park, especially if it’s busy season.

How to Arrive

This tour is designed to go from Launceston to Hobart, but you can easily flip it the other way around. I lived in Syndey when I visited Tasmania, and it was a cheap 2-hour flight from Sydney. A direct flight costs $112 USD one way. If you are departing from Melbourne, flights are almost the exact same. Flying home from Hobart back to Sydney will run you a bit more since it’s a slight loner flight at $160 USD. But remember, these flights are always cheaper during the week. If you’re flexible with your timeline, keep this in mind.

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Ferry

If you are departing from Melbourne, some people opt to take the ferry, dubbed the Spirit of Tasmania. This is the more popular option with local residents who wish to bring their own car along. A one-way journey on the ferry will cost around $90-100 USD for the lowest-economy recliner chair. Or you can opt for a a two-person cabin with a shower and window for $153 USD. The ferry journey is about 10 hours long and runs both during the day and at night. I can’t stand ferries since I get so sick-sea, but for people who love being at sea or who want to save on a night’s hotel, this is a great option!

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Day 1 – Arriving & Exploring Launceston

I like starting my tours in Launceston. Launceston is such a dreamy place to visit and a great introduction to Tasmania. When you arrive in Tasmania, you can get a cab to your hotel, as the rest of the city is very easily accessible by foot and by public transport. You won’t need to start renting your car until you are ready to depart the city.

The first thing I NEED to do once I arrive, after even a short flight, is grab a cup of coffee. And just like the rest of Australia, which is known for its incredible coffee culture, and Tasmania is no different. Sweetbrew is a local hangout for hipsters and tourists alike. Every coffee is perfectly crafted, and their summer berry cake is something I’ll remember forever! Sit and relax here to soak in the atmosphere of this new city.

Explore Historic Launceston

After getting your bearings, and dropping off your luggage at your hotel, it’s time to head out and start exploring! Launceston, located on the northern tip of the state of Tasmania, is one of their two main cities. The other being Hobart, located on the southern end. Launceston is Australia’s third oldest European settlement, established in 1806 after Sydney (in 1788) and Hobart (in 1804). The city is renowned for its well preserved historic buildings. Launceston has some of the best colonial and Victorian architecture anywhere in Australia. Cameron street alone perfectly exemplifies what the rest of Australia would have looked like during the boom times of the 19th century.

You can do your own self-guided walking tour from Albert Hall in the east to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in the west. This tour focuses on specific buildings along the route that tell rich tales of the city’s architectural and social history. There are little plaques along the way to help inform you of the stories as you go. And it’s a great way to explore the city on foot.

Sip on Aged Ales at James Boag Brewery Experience

Tasmania’s most famous beer is the Boags beer, which is sold worldwide but highly regarded in Launceston where the brewery is located. On the Brewery Tour experience, you’ll learn all about what makes their beer unique, see how its made and learn about the history of this Tasmanian Brewery.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be invited into their bar where you’ll receive a 30-minute guided beer tasting! Here you’ll be able to taste a flight of their brews paired with locally produced cheese! I’ve been to many a beer tasting but never one which included cheese, so that captured my attention straight away (I’m a HUGE cheese lover) and I did think it really gave an interesting spin on the tasting.

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Cataract Gorge

There is no better place to spend the afternoon than Cataract Gorge. Cataract Gorge is a stunning park in the centre of Launceston. To get to the gorge, you begin by walking along a scenic pathway called the King’s Bridge-Cataract Walk. This leads you around the South Esk River’s edge to the northern part of the gorge’s basin. From here, you can walk across the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find a large swimming pool to be enjoyed in the summer months.

Gorge Scenic Chairlift

The Gorge Scenic Chairlift is one of the best parts of your visit to the gorge. This antique chairlift was built in 1972 and is still the longest single-span lift in the world! We were one of the only people in the park during our visit and figured the lift wouldn’t be open. But to our surprise, a quiet old woman was sitting at the desk to welcome us in and let us ride. It felt almost strange, like they had kept it open just for us. We giggled the entire way across the gorge, swinging our feet, nervously laughing as the chairlift climbed higher and higher. The chairlift crosses 457 metres and moves pretty slowly for you to really take in the scenery around you.

The trip costs $9 USD for a one-way ticket or $12 USD for an “Across & Back” ticket. We opted for the one-way since we enjoyed the walk back to the entrance. The lift is open every day from 9 am, 365 days a year! In the winter it closes at 4:30 pm, in the Spring and Autumn it closes at 5 pm and in Summer from 5:30 pm to 6 pm.

When you get off the chairlift, you can explore the Victorian garden and small cottage restaurant on the other side of the basin. You’ll find unusual Tasmanian flora and fauna, including ferns, exotic plants, and even wild peacocks covering the entire hillside.

Get Spooked on Launceston City Ghost Tours

To end your evening I would highly recommend that a ghost tour! Ok, now I know ghost tours might seem like something kinda cheesy, but I LOVE them. To me, they are just like a history tour but with a slightly macabre angle. Launceston has a deep and dark convict past. It’s said that some of the prisoners who were sentenced here can still be seen roaming the streets, their ghosts clinging to the mortal world. Walking the old streets of Launceston, your guide will tell tales of the past, making the city’s history come alive. There is both an adult-only and family-friendly option, so there is something for all ages! Obviously the family-friendly tour is a little less scary so if you spook easily that might be the tour for you.

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Day 2 – Road to the Bay of Fire

After a relaxing first day exploring the city of Launceston, it’s time to head out onto the road! The area we’re heading into doesn’t have almost any restaurants or even fast-food stops along the way so be sure to pack some food before you leave Launceston. And remember to bring lots of water!

Grindelwald

Just 20-minutes outside the city is the city of Grindelwald. Grindelwald Tasmania is a minature replicate of the Swiss village of Grindelwald. The charming little town is located in the scenic Tamar Valley. Driving through this beautiful valley is such a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the Tasmanian landscape. But Grindelwald isn’t a theme park; it’s a real neighbourhood where real families still live. The concept to recreate this place began in the 1980s as a unique take on suburban residential developments. 

The idea came about from a Dutch immigrant named Roelf Vos. To re-create the Swiss village, they built the houses using classic Swiss architecture and added sweet details like balcony rails in the shape of tulips and scalloped-wooden eaves. Plus there is even an Alpine-themed restaurant and shopping center. If you didn’t grab a coffee on your way out on the road, I would recommend stopping by Missasippy Cafe near the Alpenrose Bistro & Bar. If for nothing else but to enjoy the almost theme park-esque stylings of the minature town square.

Batman Bridge

From Grindlewald, travel north along highway C733 that travels along the scenic River Tamar. Although named “the Tamar River” on the map, its proper indigenous name is actually ‘kanamaluka.’ And despite being called a river, it’s actually tidal estuary. While driving along the water’s edge might be a little less direct, the views you get of the landscape are just spectacular. It’s lovely to enjoy this scenery before heading into the dense forests. 

Eventually, we make our way East, crossing over the Batman Bridge. Yes, that’s right, ‘Batman’ Bridge. Sadly, the bridge isn’t named for the famous cartoon hero but after John Batman, a Launceston businessman and co-founder of Melbourne. Built in 1966, the bridge was actually the first cable-stayed bridge in Australia and one of the first of its kind worldwide! If there’s not too much traffic as you cross, be sure to take it slow and enjoy the incredible view from up there across the valley.

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Hillwood Berries

Once you’ve crossed over the bridge, continue down highway C727 towards Hillwood. Hillwood is a tiny town famous for its agriculture. Tasmania is known for being one of the most prolific producers of fresh berries in Australia. George Peacock set up the first Tasmanian jam manufacturing company in Hobart in 1850. Tasmania was the ideal climate for growing berries. When Peacock arrived in the new colony in Tasmania, there was a wealth of open fields to establish farms. Although the Peacock company has since closed, the farms growing berries across Tasmania continue to produce a wealth of these incredible fruits. 

One such place you can visit is Hillwood Berries. The farm is open for “pick-your-own berries” from November to March. Berry picking is an excellent activity if you need to stretch your legs and allows you to enjoy the natural environment around you. Picking a small box doesn’t take long either, so it’s a short activity. But they also have prepackaged berries if you need a snack for the road. They also have a small cafe and grocery store inside with unique local products, delicious savoury pastries, and decadent desserts. I always am sure to pick up little snacks and portable meals whenever I can at places like this. This way, I’m sure to have food with me even when there isn’t anywhere to stop later in the day. If you want to grab a to-go lunch, you can eat it at the picnic area at our next stop.

Lilydale Falls

From Hillwood Farms, we begin our journey into the interior of Tasmania. The landscape almost immediately seems to change. The river disappears and the road winds through hilly valleys covered in eucalyptus trees. The tall mountains and hillsides rolling up and down by your window as you drive.

One of the more undiscovered hiking trails along our route is the Lilydale Falls Reserve. The first waterfall on the trail is found just 10-minutes from the parking lot. Other hiking trails might be more rigorous, but this one provides such a beautiful view after only a short walk. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot Tasmania’s tall eucalyptus trees and lush fern-covered landscape. The trail passes by two little waterfalls. While they aren’t immensely tall, there is something about the coziness of the scenery and ease of the trail that makes visiting them so enjoyable. The rest area near the car park is a great place to picnic and use the restrooms.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Continuing along highway B81, head slightly northeast towards Bridestowe Lavender Estate. This farm is home to great waves of lavender fields. The lavender generally blooms from December through to early February, but their website has more up-to-date information. During the rest of the year, you are free to wander the fields and view the other native vegetation. There are even self-guided tours to learn more about the history of Bridestowe. 

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Their shop is a great place to buy local Tasmanian lavender products. They also have a cafe/restaurants where you can dine and try some of their iconic lavender flavoured ice creams. If you don’t have an interest in seeing the lavender fields when they’re not in bloom, you can always skip this destination and just go directly to our next stop.

Legerwood Memorial Tree Forest

Along the road towards the eastern part of the island is the Legerwood Memorial Tree Forest. In 1918, after the first World War, several great trees were planted by the remaining family members of honoured Tasmanian fallen soldiers. Almost a hundred years later, the trees grew so large they were thought to be a danger to the community and were set to be torn down. But the community was devastated as the trees were so important to the historical legacy of Tasmania and their township. 

Instead of just uprooting them, the stumps of the trees were turned into sculptural memorials. Each stump was carved to represent a poignant scene from the first world war. Other trees were carved in the memory of the soldier to whom the tree was dedicated to. While the sculptures are very rudimentary and made by untrained artists, I love the fact that the community came together to ensure the memory of these soldiers lived on. Some art doesn’t need to be high brow. Some art is more about expression and walking through this grove of trees; I feel like you really get a sense of the impact the war made on even this little village.

Little Blue Lake

Travelling along highway A3 through B82, we drive further north towards Little Blue Lake in South Mount Cameron. The lake is spectacular. It glows almost neon blue in the sunlight. But don’t you dare dip your foot into the water! The luminescent colour is formed as the result of alluvial tin mining and is packed with toxic heavy metals! Despite the toxicity, the area is a HUGE draw for spectators as it is truly one of the most impressive sights you’ve ever seen! Just north of Little Blue Lake, there is a gas station, so be sure to fill up.

As you drive down the highway and through Ansons Road, keep your eye out for wildlife. This area is a part of Mount William National Park, which is a protected environment for the Forester Kangaroo. The Forester Kangaroo is the largest kangaroo species in Tasmania and the second largest marsupial in the world.

Policeman’s Point

A 40-minute drive from the gas station will take you right to the coast! It’s incredible to see as you approach. Head down to the Policeman’s Point campground parking lot, where you can leave the car and look out on the incredible vista. There are also public bathrooms here if you need to use the facilities. Policeman’s Point is a part of the Bay of Fires Conservations area. The Bay of Fires area around here is known for its incredible white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Many people don’t think of Tasmania as having such perfect beaches, but this one is spectacular! Standing on the edge of the Bay of Fires walkway on a clear day, you might be able to spot the Eddystone Point Lighthouse.

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The Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, for whom the entire island is named after, was the first explorer to set their sights on Eddystone Point in 1642. It wasn’t until 1875 when a group of hazardous rocks were discovered below the waterline, that the lighthouse was built. It was made from local pink granite and constructed to help the sailors coming into port at St. Helen’s.

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Bay of Fires

Head back along Ansons Bay Road, south towards through the Bay of Fires Conservations Area. The Bay of Fires was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773. When the captain first arrived in Tasmania, the first thing he saw upon landing was a group of fires set along the beach by the Aboriginal people living on the island. It was such a powerful sight that he named the area after that encounter.

An iconic part of the Bay of Fires are the coastal rocks covered in bright orange lichen. The rocks found along the shore here are made of dolerite. The most extensive of all dolerite formations worldwide, are found here in Tasmania.

Meresta Eatery

One of the Bay of Fires’ best views can be found in ‘The Gardens.’ To access the Gardens, you need to head east towards Bingalon Bay and then make a sharp turn north up C848. If you brought a picnic dinner, this would be the perfect place to eat it. But if you are desperate for food, you’re in luck since there is a fantastic restaurant in Bingalong Bay. Meresta Eatery is a wonderful restaurant serving up great food made with the best ingredients from Tasmania. Their restaurant is often very busy since it’s one of the only ones in the area, but they also offer take-way for a little picnic in the Gardens.

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The Gardens

When you finally arrive at the Gardens, it will be around dinner time, so find a spot on the beach to enjoy dinner and a sunset! The Gardens were named by Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of the Governor of Tasmania, in the early 1800s. She loved flowers, and when she came to visit, the wildflowers were blooming all across the coastline, making it appear as a giant garden. The waters here are just crystal clear and if you’re lucky, keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot a pod of dolphins on their way home. There are even humpback whales that migrate through the area during certain times of the year!

Bay of Fires Accommodation

My favourite place to stay is near Skeleton Bay and Binalong Bay. The area was once a retirement village, but it has been transformed into a little spot for surfers, fishers and people who visit the area for snorkelling and nature walks. There are dozens of holiday homes here, most of which can be booked on Airbnb. There are also some rentable bungalows in the area as well. If you need more accommodation options, you can go down to St. Helens. If you are travelling with camping gear or a camper van, there are several amazing camping grounds in this area. 

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Day 3 – Freycinet National Park

The Bays Kitchen

To get your day started, wake up and head on over to The Bays Kitchen. This cafe is such a surprise to find in such a far-off place. Their passionfruit cronut is wildly delicious. But they also serve classic Australian breakfast favourites like bacon sandwiches and meat pies.

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Bicheno

Now that you’ve filled up for breakfast, it’s time to get back on the road. There is a gas station in St. Helen that is a great place to fill up. From there, we drive down the scenic A3 highway towards our next destination. Tasmania is such an interesting island to drive through as the landscape and greenery around the coastline are so different than the interior, which is much more like a rainforest.

After an hour and a half of driving, you’ll arrive in the small coastal town of Bicheno. This town is one of the major fishing ports in Tasmania and a popular beach resort. Everything from crayfish, abalone and scallops are caught just off the shores of the city.

Bicheno Blowhole

One of the most popular locations to visit is the Bicheno Blowhole. The rocks along this shore are made of granite, but the crashing waves have carved a small sea cave shelf underneath the stones over the years. Eventually, a small hole began to form on the roof of this sea cave, creating a natural blowhole for the waves to burst through. Making an enormous spray above from the water rushes in. It’s a hit for kids and adults alike as every spray is different. Be careful, because you might just get wet! Bicheno was once a popular whaling spot in the 1800s, so it seems even more fitting that Bicheno would have formed its very own “blowhole.”

Whalers Lookout

Whalers Lookout is a steep but short 10-minute walk that leads to two lookout platforms. There is both an east-facing and west-facing platform. From here, you have a panoramic view of the town and the great crescent harbour.

Lobster Shack Tasmania

Bicheno is known for its seafood, so you absolutely must have lunch at the Lobster Shack Tasmania! This laid-back restaurant specializes in everything from lobster rolls to fresh oysters, local mussels and grilled salmon. Even just their house fish and chips is divine! Their outdoor deck tables sit off of the water and provide a stunning view of the pristine boat harbour surrounding it.

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Diamond Island Nature Reserve

Just off the coast, to the north of Bicheno, is the Diamond Island Nature Reserve. The island is so close that you can even walk across the sandbar to the island during low tide. The island is home to a unique form of wildlife in Australia; the fairy penguins. These are minature penguins with the most darling blue colouring. All the little pathways you see on the island are formed by the penguins. This secluded, uninhabited island has become the penguin’s primary rookery. Be careful where you step to be sure to don’t crush one of their dens. Also, keep an eye on the water levels! You don’t get stuck on the island when the tide starts to come back in.

Grab some Groceries!

Before leaving Bicheno, head over the IGA supermarket to grab some items for a little picnic dinner on the beach at the last hiking spot!

Freycinet National Park

Just 30-minutes down the road from Bicheno, you can drive over to the Freycinet National Park Tourist Information center. Here you can pick up and learn more about the different walking and hiking trails that wind through this monumental natural wonderland that is Freycinet National Park.

Accessibility

The parks department installed a 10-minute wheelchair-accessible circuit track that begins at the visitor center. While it would be great to see this expanded further over the years, it’s nice to know they have made an effort to take into account accessibility.

Wineglass Trail

The Wineglass Bay Trail is 6 km long and takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete based on how fast you go. But trust me, you’ll want to stop lots along the way! Not because it’s a particularly hard trail, but because there are so many amazing lookout points to admire. While the pathway isn’t too rough, you should definitely have some good walking shoes for this hike. The bathroom in the car park is the only washroom on the route, so be sure to use it before you go.

The Wineglass Bay walk takes you up to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the lookout. This point gives you a great view across the saddle-shaped wineglass bay beach below. The bright turquoise waters and almost impossible to believe white sands make for one of the most iconic views of Tasmania.

Wineglass Bay

From the top of the lookout, you can walk down the 1000 stairs to Wineglass Bay Beach. While this might seems like a trek, it’s well worth it to relax and explore the beach for yourself (not just from above). You can stroll along the sands, enjoying the sounds of the softly crashing waves while birds chirp in the distance. If you walk to the south end of the beach, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of ‘the Hazards’ mountains.

Because of the tall mountains which surround this bay, flora and fauna here are protected from the elements. Therefore this area produces a superb array of plants and animal life. Everything from wallabies, pademelons, and echidnas are commonly seen on land, and you might even be lucky enough to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks. If you brought some picnicking food with you, this is the perfect spot for it! And you’ll need to gather your energy for the 1000 stair hike back to the car park! If you planning the hike to end around sunset, once you get back to the top of the stairs, you’ll get an even more incredible view of the sun setting across the water.

Honeymoon Bay

If you are still looking for a place to watch the sunset, head over to Honeymoon Bay. This peaceful beach is a popular destination for picnics, birdwatching and snorkelling. But at sunset, you can understand why it might be called Honeymoon Bay as the scenery just screams romance!

Coles Bay Ice Creamery

If you didn’t bring anything to eat for dinner or want to grab a late-night dessert, head back into Coles Bay village and over to Coles Bay Ice Creamery. Coles Bay Ice Creamery serves up fantastic fried fish and chips! Located in the quaint seaside village, this retro-styled shop also offers 24 flavours of Tasmanian-made ice cream and a wide range of hot and cold drinks. Dine inside or out on the patio tables with panoramic views of the Hazards mountains of the Freycinet peninsula. The fried Crumbed Tasmanian Scallops with chips, aioli dipping sauce and local craft beer is a match made in heaven.

Finish off the meal with a couple scoops of ice creams. They have such unique flavours as; salted caramel crunch, lavender, watermelon, Irish creme with scorched almonds, or Viennese coffee. If you still have any energy left, you can grab a cone to-go and head over to the Esplanade to enjoy your sweet treat.

Freycinet Retreat

There are lots of holiday home rentals around Coles Bay and near the Hazards. You can get huge homes for the whole family or little apartments perfect to crash in after a long day of hiking. If you brought a camper or camping equipment Freycinet National Park’s campground is a wonderful place to set up for the evening. But my favourite place to stay is at Freycinet Retreat. This is an eco-certified, boutique hotel, nestled in thick forest on the side of Mount Paul and surrounded by the National Parkland. The rooms are impeccably designed and provide a stunning view of the Tasmania landscape. Their walk-out balconies offer the chance to spot the wildlife that surrounds the sanctuary. It’s a luxury experience but well worth the price.

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Day 4 – Wielangta Forest

Spend as much time in the morning in your room as possible, as the mornings in the Freycinet National Park are a particularly special time of day. Enjoy a coffee on the patio as you watch the sunrise, and listen to the sound of the animals as they sound the alarm as dawn rises in the distance.

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Kate’s Berry Farm

As we get back on the road, we start to head down south. On the way, let’s stop off at Kate’s Berry Farm. Kate has been harvesting and growing berries since 1988, when she bought this property. The main reason? The magnificent views of Tasmania’s eastern coastline. Here, Kate grows raspberries, strawberries, red and black currants. She turns these fruits into everything from jams, ice cream, and baked pastries. 

The biggest draw to Kate’s farm is her ‘Just Desserts Café’, which serves fresh-baked scones with their homemade jam, fruit and meat pies and even Belgian waffles. Basically everything you need for a mouthwatering breakfast. Another item that you can’t leave without trying is Kate’s handmade chocolates. She combines rich Belgian chocolate with her berries and other Tasmania ingredients to create incredible flavours. Grab a box to go to enjoy on the road when you get peckish.

Spiky Bridge

Along our route today, you need to stop to see one of the stranger side-of-the-road attractions, the Spiky Bridge. The bridge was built by convicts in 1843 out of sharp fieldstones. The bridge is located on the old convict road that connected Swansea with Little Swanport and the east coast road to Hobart. 

The stones were laid vertically on the parapet to give the bridge its name: Spike Bridge. There are two differing opinions on why the spikes were added like this. The first is said to have been made to prevent cattle from falling over the bridge. The other is that they were added to help the bridge survive the harsh elements of the coastline. Either way, it is one of the more obscure scenes from the Tasmania roadside.

Triabunna Ferry to Maria Island

Travel down the A3 until you reach Tribunna. Head down to the Triabunna Wharf, where you can get the Ferry to Maria Island. The Ferry departs from Triabunna to Maria Island at 10:00 am and 11:30 am. Departure times from Maria Island back to Triabunna are from 2:30 pm and 4:15 pm. Be aware that the Ferry does not operate on Tuesdays or Thursdays. A return adult fare costs $45 AUS. The best plan is to arrive at 11:30 am and head back on the 2:30 pm ferry. This gives you enough time to explore the island, but you can head back before the end of the day. 

Darlington Convict Site

Exiting the Ferry, you arrive in the tiny settlement of Darlington. This old convict probation station is now considered a World Heritage Australian Convict Site. Darlington was the sole settlement on the island, but there are no permanent inhabitants aside from the park rangers today. Upon arrival on the island, stop off at the ranger station for a map of the island to help you get around.

Today, the Darlington township is the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia. It is one of eleven convict sites recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the Darlington historic township, you can still visit some of the old buildings from the 1820s. This includes the commissariat store, the workers’ cottages and the old penitentiary.

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 When the convict station was open, it was home to over 600 male convicts crammed into these overcrowded buildings. The old prison that still stands here dates back to 1824. It was built to house convicts, mainly from Ireland, including the Irish nationalist leader William Smith O’Brien. He was exiled for his part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. Interestingly, O’Brien didn’t have to live in the crowded penitentiary. He had a cottage built near the penal colony that you can still visit today. Shockingly you can even opt to stay overnight in the old jail cells! There is also a campground on the island near the old Penitentiary buildings where you can camp should you choose to. Eventually, the prison was shut down, with a halting of convicts arriving from England. 

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The Island as National Park

The island was purchased by an Italian entrepreneur, Bernacchi, who wanted to harness the island’s agricultural resources. He opened “the Grand Hotel” in 1888 and turned some of the old convict buildings into a pleasure resort. This “sanitarium” was designed for city folks to escape and relax in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Funny to imagine that this place of harmony was once a horrible spot of punishment only a few years early.

Sadly, Bernacchi’s venture was short-lived, and eventually, the township passed hands to a small cohort of farmers. Farming ended when the Tasmanian Government began purchasing properties from their owners to declare the island a national park.

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Maria Island Wildlife

Animals to spot while you walk along the trails include; the bare-nosed wombat, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies. There are also fallow deer, ringtail possums, echidnas, and many, many snakes! Birds are also very prevalent on the island. In fact, there are even some swift parrots, Cape Barren geese and twelve of Tasmania’s endemic birds, so bring your binoculars!

Painted Cliffs Walk

From the Darlington settlement, take a walk along the island’s eastern side. Here you can see Maria Island’s spectacular painted cliffs wrapping around the coastline. The painted cliffs are made of these fantastic swirling colours and patterns. The design is caused by the groundwater percolating through the sandstone over time. The waves crashing onto the sand create erosion resulting in these magical honeycomb patterns, potholes and notches. Mother nature is such a wonder!

The Painted Cliff walk starts along the coastline and heads back to Darlington via the island’s interior. This winding trail provides views of the waterside and forest-like landscape of the inner island. The walk takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, so you can easily walk it in enough time to be back at the Ferry for the 2:30 departure. Whenever you get a chance to look out over the water, keep a keen eye out. During certain times of the year, you might be lucky enough to spot a whale during its annual migration! 

Three Thumb State Reserve

Get back on the Ferry at 2:30 pm so you can get back on the road with sunlight to spare. Make your way to the Three Thumb State Reserve. This lookout point can be driven directly up to; no hiking require at all! And you’ll be shocked at the incredible view you’ll be greeted with as you arrive in the picnic area. It looks out over Prosser Bay and Great Oyster Bay at the Peninsula and the ocean beyond. This area is home to Swifty parrots and wedge-tailed eagles, as we all as several threatened plant species.

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Wielangta Forest

Only 20 down the road from the lookout, you continue on into the Wielangta Forest. The Wielangta forest is a glacial forest containing lush eucalyptus trees and giant ferns. The forest is home to some rare and threatened species, including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, swift parrot, Wielangta stag beetle, spotted-tail quoll and eastern barred bandicoot. They have even discovered a rare orchid inside this unique forest.

Stop at the Wielangta Forest Picnic Area, where you can walk along the Wielangta Walk that weaves itself along the Sandspit River. The walk is pretty long, but you need only go about 20-minutes in to still get a great sampling of the fantastic temperate rainforest. Something only to be found in Tasmania!

Murdunna Roadhouse

On your way towards the last stopping point of the night, head over to Murdunna Roadhouse. Although this looks like a gas station with a small supermarket inside, the building hides a fantastic little cafe with everything from a deli counter to freshly shucked oysters! The fish and chip are made fresh and surprisingly sumptuous for somewhere you’d expect to serve nothing but chocolate bars and soda pops. Pick up some items to make yourself a picnic dinner as the accommodation we recommend for the night has a small kitchen. If you are staying somewhere else, you can also get many premade meals here you can eat without much prep. I would also advise you to stock up on some food for tomorrow’s breakfast and lunch as there aren’t many options for food as we drive deeper into the Tasman peninsula.

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Eaglehawk Neck / Teralina

Passing over into the Tasman Peninsula, we cross over the narrow isthmus called Eaglehawk Neck. An isthmus is a narrow piece of land connecting two larger areas across an expanse of water by which they are otherwise separated. The Tasman Peninsula was originally called ‘Turrakana’ by the indigenous people who once inhabited this part of the island. Before the invasion of the British, who eradicated almost the entire population in the short time after their arrival. The peninsula is best known for being the location of historic convict site Port Arthur and for its natural rugged coastline where you can find the Tasman National Park.

The Dog line

The Eaglehawk Neck or ‘Teralina’ was used by the British as a place to stop any escaping convicts from the southern Port Arthur penitentiary. As the expanse of land was only 30 metres wide at its narrowest point, the British employed a series of dogs chained to posts to warn the guards of anyone attempting to get through unannounced. In addition to the line of chain, very aggressive dogs, there was 24-hour surveillance by heavily armed soldiers.

Eaglehawk Pavilions

Finish your night at the Eaglehawk Pavilions. This is another boutique hotel located right at the mouth of the Tasman Sea and Pirates Bay! There are only two pavillions so book this accommodation early. Each one of these little holiday homes has an outdoor bbq or indoor kitchen. If you are looking for a camping spot consider the Sunset Beach Holiday Spot just up the road.

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Day 5 – Tasman National Park

Tasman National Park

After loading up on coffee or tea while soaking in the sunrise on the water, it’s time to get back on the road. The first stop of the day is at the tip of Pirates Bay, at the ‘Blowhole.’ This blowhole is very similar to the one we saw in Bicheno, with a spray of misty water exploding from a hold in the sea cave below. Above the blowhole, you can walk out towards the Fossil Bay Lookout, where you can see the entirety of the dramatic coastline spread out in front of you.

Tasman Arch

Walk a few minutes along the pathway towards the great Tasman Arch. This incredible cliff side looks out over the southeast tip of Tasmania and out towards the ocean. Towering up above the water, over 300 meters above, to be exact, are these amazing dolerite cliffs. The cliffs have been naturally carved by the wind and water that batter the cliffside carving out over thousand and thousands of years this archway. It looks so artfully deliberate like someone came and made it as a frame to the great ocean on the other side. Once more, mother nature just on full display here in Tasmania!

Doo-lishus

If you are feeling peckish, you need to see if it’s late enough in the morning for the Doo-lishus food truck to be open. This side of the road establishment is a mainstay for visitors and even the locals. They have more than just the traditional fish and chips, too; you can get scallops and squid as well as freshly made meat pies and steamed mussels. Prices are a bit high, but since the food is almost brought to you in one of the most picturesque locations, you’re paying a premium for that. 

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Cape Hauy Walk

Get back on the road and make your way through the island’s centre towards the southeastern tip, at the Tasman National Park near the parking lot to the Cape Hauy Trail. This hike is the longest included in this itinerary. The entire hike takes about 4-hours to complete the return journey. As the vegetation up here on the cliffs is relatively low to the ground, you pretty much always get a beautiful view of the stunning coastline. So feel free to make the hike as long or as short as you see fit. There’s no pressure to walk the entirety. You can turn back whenever you see fit. If you do plan on doing the entire hike, be sure you bring some food along with you for a bit of picnic at the endpoint around the 2-hour mark.

The trek starts from the boat docks at Fortescue Bay and follows the edge of the steep dolerite cliffs. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll be able to see the sea stacks that the rocks form. These have also been dubbed the “candlesticks” or “totem poles.” These rock formations have split off from the mainland and now stand on their own. Many climbers and abseiler use these rocks to climb, and you can often watch their daring antics as you continue on your walk. Really makes your walk feel like childs play in comparison to those daredevils.

Remarkable Cave

With exhausted feet, it’s time to head back into the car and bid adieu to the natural beauty of the National Park as we head west, over to Port Arthur. But before heading to Port Arthur for the rest of the day, drive to the southern tip of Tasmania, where you’ll find the Remarkable Cave. The Remarkable Cave is famous for its unique form when gazed upon from the viewing deck near the water’s edge. The two sizeable sandstone outcrops were worn away by the splashing of the waves over time. This once more created a hollow cave underneath. Hiking down the stairs to get to the viewpoint, you can make out the shape of the sea cave, and you’ll be amazed to see that it takes on the form of Tasmania! Just incredible.

Port Arthur Motor Inn

After a scenic drive back to Port Arthur, it’s time to find a place to lay your head. Port Arthur is such a charming town, despite its rather sordid convict past. One of my favourite places to stay in Port Arthur is at the Port Arthur Motor Inn. This amazing and quaint hotel is actually located inside the historic Port Arthur Convict site. It’s like staying inside a bit of history. Not only are the room very affordable, but all the rooms also look right out over the scenic Port Arthur site and the bay. Best of all, there is also an amazing restaurant on-site, so you don’t even have to leave your room if you don’t feel like getting up for dinner after your long day of hiking!

Ghost Tour

One of the best ways to experience the darker side of Port Arthur is at night. Specifically at one of their evening lantern-lit ghost tours. The ghost tours are even more popular than the regular site tours, and they book up fast, so best to book that tour well in advance. Since the site was such a place of pain and suffering, it is the perfect location for hauntings. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the storytelling that takes place here is phenomenal and seeing the site at night is a really unique experience. If you don’t feel like leaving your room, you can simply sit out on the balcony as the sun sets and read over my ghost stories all about Port Arthur! Trust me, you don’t need to be there to get a good scare.

Day 6 – Port Arthur to Hobart

To start our sixth day in Tasmania, we make our way to the old convict settlement of Port Arthur. The site at Port Arthur is one of the best-preserved Australian Convict sites and one of the largest settlements. This site gives a fantastic look back in time at Tasmania’s violent and criminal past. At the site was here, the most hardened criminals came to stay with some of the most rebellious personalities. For this reason, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures and most brutal punishments. Most of which focuses on the psychological rather than the physical. To end our day, we make our way to the old convict settlement of Port Arthur.

Port Arthur Historic Site

The site at Port Arthur is one of the best-preserved Australian Convict sites and also one of the larger settlements. This site gives a fantastic look back in time at Tasmania’s violent past. At the site was here the most hardened criminals came to stay with some of the most rebellious personalities. For this reason, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures and brutal punishments.

Practical Information

Hours and Admission

Adult tickets cost $40 AUS, and children are $18 AUS. Your ticket into Port Arthur includes entry to the museum, a 40-minute walking tour, a harbour cruise, and access to 30 different historic buildings. The site is open seven days a week, from 10:00am – 5:00pm. They are only closed on Christmas Day.

COVID-19 Protocols: Tickets must be booked online prior to your visit. Click here for more information on their COVID-19 safety precautions.

I have a complete guided tour of Port Arthur if you’re interested in having someone lead you on your way throughout the site. This way you can learn stories all about the history of each of the buildings inside the convict site.

Rosedale Homestead

After you’re finished at the historical convict site, grab a spot of lunch at the Rosedale Homestead. The homestead is owned by an Aboriginal Tasmanian family who has created a charming animal sanctuary and tasty restaurant that focuses on local delights. Eating here really feels like you’ve been invited right into a family kitchen, and the friendly atmosphere here just can’t be missed!

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Tasmanian Devil Zoo

Before leaving this peninsula, it’s worth making an early morning stop at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo just a minute down the road from the homestead. A “un” zoo, you say? What on earth is that? The zoo owners Jon Coe and Ray Mendez wanted to create their vision of an animal’s natural environment that the human visitors can explore, not an environment created for the human visitors that the animals must adapt to.

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is worth a visit for their namesake, the famous Tasmanian Devil. In here, you can see their habitats and many of the animals up close. They are such interesting animals and so much small than I thought they would be! If you have never had a chance to visit a free-range kangaroo field, where you can see these massive creatures in person, this zoo also has a large paddock where you can see kangaroos, wallabies and Australian hens.

Federation Chocolate

A minute down the road, make your last stop on the peninsula at Federation Artisan Chocolate. Federation Artisan Chocolate has been an iconic foodie establishment in Tasmania for over 30 years! Their chocolatiers have been crafting innovative and ever-evolving handmade chocolate praline and truffles for years, all made with local ingredients. Their unique flavours include hazelnut praline, wildberry and pistachio, Tasmanian peppermint crunch, espresso martini, Hellyer’s whisky and my favourite, Tasmanian lavender!

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Richmond Bridge

Continue along the A9 Highway through the Woodvine Nature Reserve. Travelling west towards Hobart, you will pass across the famous Richmond Bridge. Richmond is a beautiful little place for a pitstop just outside of Hobart. The Richmond bridge is a heritage-listed bridge built by English convicts in 1823 and, therefore, the oldest stone bridge in Australia! While the bridge is magnificent and placed in a scenic location, it is perhaps its darker past that makes it so well known. In 1832, George Grover, an employee at the nearby Richmond Gaol, was murdered on the bridge. Grover was known to be very cruel to the prisoners. Although no one was convicted of his murder, he had many well-known enemies. His ghost is thought to haunt the bridge to this day.

Richmond Village

It would be a shame not to pass through Richmond and not hop out of the car for a few minutes to walk around this historic and charming little village. Richmond has been relatively untouched by the modern changes that came to bigger cities like Hobart. It, therefore, retains its Georgian colonial architecture would have looked like once all cities around Tasmania would have looked. It feels like a living museum.

My favourite building is the old Richmond Arms Hotel with its fantastical lace wrought-iron verandah. The building was constructed in 1827 for James Buscombe, who aimed to create a pub that would serve the growing population of Richmond and all the passersby who were travelling onto Hobart. Despite passing hands and changing names over the years, the building still serves local drafts in a friendly atmosphere. Their outdoor beer garden is such a great place to sit and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful surroundings.

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Pooley Wines

Just down the road from Richmond are the vineyards for the award-winning Pooley Wines. This winery is located in the heart of Tasmania’s famous wine-producing region, the Coal River Valley. This is the steepest vineyard site in the coal river valley. The rich and fertile soils and the afternoon sea breeze and prevailing winds result in a smaller variation between day and night temperatures which aids grape production. Pooley Wines is located on a historical property which is one of the loveliest places to wander around. For only $5 per person, you can enjoy local cheeses and charcuterie along with a varied selection of wines from the estates.

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Arriving in Hobart

After finishing up at the Winery, it’s time to leave the countryside behind and head into the great city of Hobart. One of the most beautiful aspects of Hobart is the fact that there are so few high-rise buildings that creep across the city. This building limitation was put in place due to Hobart’s proximity to the River Derwent and Mount Wellington/kunanyi. This was due in part to the fact that the government didn’t want to ruin these incredible vistas with views of stark steel towers. The results in the peaceful seaside village we find today. Despite being an urban centre and having all those amenities, Hobart still feels like a secret treasure.

Franklin Wharf

Drop your things off at your hotel and head out to the docks to grab yourself some dinner! Walk along the Franklin Wharf waterfront. The historic buildings along this street are stunning, one of which is the old Marine Board. Franklin Wharf is the Hobart’s Waterfront where fishing and sailing boats dock, both now and in years past. It is also where you can find some of the best seafood restaurants and cafes at very reasonable prices! 

Heading South Sculpture

So much of Hobart is home to random sculptures and art installations that seem to pop up out of nowhere. And the docks aren’t any different. You’ll find the ‘Heading South Sculpture‘ group along the water’s edge towards Hunter street. The first sculpture you see is called ‘The Bernacchi Tribute.‘ Louise Bernacchi was a scientist, photographer, and writer, and he is seen here with his trusty husky dog Joe, holding the flag. Bernacchi was the first Australian to spend and document a winter in Antarctica. In the sculpture, we catch Bernacchi taking a picture (or selfie as we know it today) of himself as he marks his accomplishment.

Behind Bernacchi, we find the bronze sculpture of a group of seals and penguins made by Stephen Walker. This scene is meant to memorialize English explorer James Clark Ross and his role in the 19th-century Antarctic expeditions. Ross sailed from Hobart to Antarctica in 1840. Later, in 1845, Ross set out with Sir John Franklin to help lead his expedition to discover the North-West Passage. Although we both know now how that ended for both explorers.

Elizabeth Street Pier

Elizabeth Street is one of the major street that runs southeast to the northwest through the downtown and into the suburbs. But the famous street ends right here in the harbour. The Governor of New South Wales named Elizabeth Street after his wife, Elizabeth Macquarie. The original Elizabeth Street Pier was in built 1866, but this new concrete structure was built in 1933. Today, the covered pier serves as a space for restaurants, bars and event spaces.

Fish Frenzy

When I first visited Hobart, I was a young student and was eager to find somewhere to eat great seafood at low prices. No trip to Hobart is complete without some fresh seafood, and even students deserve to try it out! Lucky for me, Fish Frenzy was recommended to me over and over again as the best place for cheap and delicious seafood. It makes me so happy to see they are still wildly popular. Fish Frenzy serves amazingly fresh fish and chips with seafood caught directly from local fishermen. They also serve incredible grilled seafood, chowder, and my personal favourite, Tasmanian scallops. And the best part is you can dine outdoors along the waterfront. Sitting here enjoying your catch of the day is the best way to take in the fantastic views of Hobart’s waterfront.

Lady Nelson Tall Ship

Located right outside Fish Frenzy is the historic Lady Nelson tall ship. To be fair, this is a replica of the historic ship that people still use regularly today! It sets sail from this dock and heads out along the Derwent River. The original HMS Lady Nelson was commissioned in 1799 to survey the coast of Australia. At the time, large parts of the Australian coast were unmapped, and Britain had claimed only part of the continent. This ship would be the first to seal all of Australia for the British. The ship’s crew were also the first to establish settlements on the River Derwent, at Port Dalrymple in Tasmania.

Constitution Dock

Constitution Dock has been used to harbour fleets in Hobart since its founding in 1804. It is still used today by fisherman who docks here to sell their catch of the day. Walking around this area and the adjacent Fisherman’s Dock, you’ll find that pretty much every single building is a fantastic seafood cafe or restaurant! There is no better place to come for seafood lovers!

Mures

A Hobart institution that I loved coming back to, night after night, was Mures. Jill & George Mure established Mures Fish House in 1973! Back then, it was located in Battery Point but to ensure the fish’s freshness, they moved the location right to the source on Fisherman’s Wharf. One of the most interesting things about Mures is that they have two different areas of the restaurant; the upper and lower deck. The Lower Deck is where you’ll find the quick-service restaurant serving up their famous fried fish and seafood paired with their world-class chips. But another seemingly strange addition to the lower deck is their cafe with 32 flavours of ice cream! Despite being primarily a seafood shop, their ice cream is AMAZING! You can either eat your plunder inside in their gorgeous mural-covered interior or outside where you can watch fishing boats come in and go out to sea.

The Upper Deck is their fine dining restaurant. Here you can experience the ultimate seafood experience in Hobart. This is a great place to try fresh Tasmanian pacific oysters! You can also sample Tasmanian octopus, Bass Strait squid, Tasmania rock lobster, and local spring bay mussels. Despite being a fine dining restaurant, the prices are shockingly affordable for the incredible quality and freshness you get!

Drunken Admiral

The best place to end your day in Hobart is inside the Drunken Admiral! While this restaurant and bar might seem too touristy to be legit, don’t let the kitsch factor dissuade you. The restaurant is decorated to look like you are drinking inside a haul of a pirate ship. Ropes hang from the walls, and the ceiling even appears to be made of the ribbing of a giant ship. The are nautically themed objects all over the place, covering almost every inch of the surface. Some of them are antiques, others are new creations, but it’s almost impossible to tell which ones are which.

Their beer and wine lists are staggering, so it’s a wonderful place to come to sample locally made spirits of all sorts. But it’s the friendly environment inside this place that makes it so special and the best place to wile the night away.

Day 7 – Exploring Hobart

To end our week in Tasmania, we spend our last day touring the city of Hobart and the famous Mount Wellington/kunanyi.

Battery Point

Start your morning off right in the historic neighbourhood of Battery Point. This area is one of Hobart’s most peaceful and beautiful districts, and I love wandering the streets in the early morning. You’ll find the least tourists out and about this time of day, and the area takes on a more authentic neighbourhood feel. I adore wandering aimlessly and watching the locals mull about doing their morning tasks.

Princes Park

Start your tour of Battery Point inside the peaceful Princes Park. The name “Battery Point” was due to the fact that the first Battery was built here in 1818 as a part of Hobart’s coastal defences. Although the Battery was well stocked with guns and ammunition, the defences were never called upon to withstand an invasion. Instead, the Battery was mainly used for ceremonial salutes. The Battery was officially decommissioned in 1878 and turned into a lovely park for the residents in 1934. Princes Park is the perfect place to start the day as it is located on a lookout over the gorgeous River Derwent. Princes Park is also home to some beautiful lush trees, representative of that iconic flora and fauna that makes Tasmania so unique.

Battery Point Historic Homes

After meandering around Princes Park, take a walk along Hampden Road. This street winds up the hillside, climbing higher and higher. As you go, you’ll catch more and more views of the towering Mount Wellington/kunanyi overhead. On either side of the street, you can spot a myriad of different styles of colonial cottages. Keep an eye out for the eave-free homes. These are some of the oldest in the area and have been here since the colony’s establishment. In 1973, the Builders Labourers Federation established a “green ban” on the destruction of the historic building. This ban ensured the historic homes were preserved for future generations. The everyday Tasmanians who own these homes take great pride in keeping them prime and proper and their gardens are almost as glorious as the houses themselves.

Runnymede Street & Arthur Circus Park

For a moment, turn off Hampden Street to explore Runnymede Street, a small circle that surrounds the quaint Arthur Circus Park. The houses surrounding the park are old cottages. These homes were originally constructed for the garrison officers of the Battery. An iconic architectural element to keep your eye out for around here is the “iron lace” verandas. This style of wrought iron is a feature of many buildings in the area and in colonial Australia. In 1870 Australia established its own iron factories, influenced by the Victorian ornamental iron designs they saw in magazines from England. Australians adapted this style for themselves and having an iron lace terrace was a sign of your status in Australian society.

Jackman & McRoss

Located in the heart of the community is the popular cafe Jackman & McRoss. Jackman & McRoss feels like a quintessential Australian cafe, but with a gourmet twist. Their most popular item is the iconic Australian staple: meat pies. But unlike the mystery meat pies you get in truck stops, these pies come in flavours like; goat & lentil, blue eye fish korma, lamb & rosemary and even scallop pie, with shellfish caught right from the Tasman sea.

If sweets are your morning preference, then they have you covered as well. You’ll be drooling over the gorgeous window displays of all their sweet creations. Always go for whatever is labelled “seasonal” as these items are extra special. You can opt to grab your food to go and eat in one of the many beautiful parks around the area or sit inside and watch the locals come in and out for their morning brew.

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St. George’s Anglican Church

From the cafe, head up Waterloo Crescent, then down Colville Street and over Cromwell Street to find your way to St. George’s Anglican Church. Although this is a little bit of a roundabout way to get here, it is the best route to see some of the most amazing historic streets along the way. St. George’s Anglican Church is a Greek revival church built to serve Battery Point residents in 1838. English architect James Blackburn designed the classical tower in 1847. The tower is one of the most impressive parts of the church and a worthy addition.

Nanny Goat Lane

Nanny Goat Lane is home to one of the best spots to get an amazing view across Hobart. This steep and skinny set of steps is essential to help residents make their way from Quayle Street to St Georges Terrace. These little shortcut steps can be found all over the city. Originally, many of these access points were made by the residents themselves and not the city. But in recent years, they have become both historical and accessible assets.

St. Georges Terrace

Continue along Cromwell Street and down De Witt Street until you reach St. Georges Terrace. Standing on the corner of St. Georges Terrace and Colville Street, you have the most incredible view of the water to the left and the sprawling city, crawling over the hillside to your right.

Narryna Heritage Museum

Turn around and walk west along St. Georges Terrace and back north along Sandy Bay Road. Then turn back onto Hampden Street to visit Narryna Heritage Museum. The Narryna Heritage Museum is a delightful place to visit to explore what the interiors of a 1830’s style merchant house would have looked like. Designs and furnishings from early colonial Tasmania have been preserved here. The house and their collection help tell the story of life in Tasmania for those early settlers. The Georgian townhouse was built by the seafarer, Captain Andrew Haig. Haig also built the famous Salamanca warehouses in 1834.

Admission: 10 AUD for adults and 4 AUD for Children.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Closed Mondays and Sundays

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Kelly Street & Steps

Walk along Hampden Street until you reach Kelly Street. Kelly Street was named after James Kelly, an explorer who circumnavigated Tasmania in 1816. And in only a 5-oared whaling boating nonetheless! Kelly went on to become a whale-oil merchant. Back then whale oil was one of the highest-selling commodities of the Hobart ports. To export the oil, he needed to employ shipwrights, sailmakers, ship chandlers, coopers to make barrels, smiths, wharf labourers, and watermen to ferry the cargo. These men needed to live close to the warehouse, so Kelly took his huge plot of land and subdivided it into smaller cottages for her workers. You can still see many of these old cottages today.

But the most important part of the street is the famous Kelly Steps. The steps were also made by Kelly in 1839. He wanted a shortcut for him and his workers to access the warehouses in Salamanca Place from their homes in Battery Point. The steps were carved into the hillside and from the top provide a stunning view out towards the piers. As the steps were carved almost 200 years ago, they weren’t quite made to code and are very steep, so those with mobility issues should traverse down to Salamanca Place via nearby Runnymede Street.

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Salamanca Place

The steps guide you right to the center of Salamanca Place. These rows of simple, sandstone buildings were once the former warehouses that served the enormous marine industry, that was the Port of Hobart. The area was previously called “Cottage Green” but renamed in 1812. It was named Salamanca after the victory in the Battle of Salamanca by the Duke of Wellington. As the whaling and shipbuilding industry dried up and the port became less and less frequented by ships, the warehouses were transformed into a trendy space for restaurants, theatres, galleries, cafes and shops.

Salamanca Market

The best time to visit Salamanca Place is on Saturdays for the Salamanca Market. Every Saturday, hundreds of vendors come here and pop up their market stalls. Locals come here for fresh produce collected from all around Tasmania. Everything from delicious baked goods, fresh fruits and veg and friendly florists selling bouquets of brightly coloured flowers. Tourists will enjoy all that as well as the crafts and gifts made by local craftspeople. But best of all is the cheery atmosphere local markets provide. The market runs from Salamanca Lawns to Salamanca Place and is open from 8:30 am to 3 pm. This is a great place to get some food for lunch and eat it picnic-style in one of the nearby parks.

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Food at Salamanca

My favourite place to grab a cup of coffee or a delicious brunch is Machine Laundry Cafe. This retro fantasy cafe is located inside the old interiors of a laundry mat. Instead of removing the old machines, they left them on display and in fact, you can still do your laundry here while enjoying your breakfast! A double load will cost you $5 AUD and the dryer costs $1 AUD for 7 minutes. If you’re travelling for a long time and need some laundry done, you cannot miss doing it here! Plus the food is incredible, the perfect hangover cure!

If you want something sweet, check out San Churro Salamanca. Since the area is named after a place in Spain, it seems fitting to find a Spanish Churro shop in the middle of the old warehouses. This place serves up pipping hot, fresh churros served with traditional cinnamon sugar and a side of melted chocolate for dipping! Honey Badger Dessert Cafe is another fantastical brunch restaurant that serves up some decadent breakfast sweets. Try the pancakes or cheesecake covered in candy floss for those of us with a real sweet tooth.

Salamanca Arts Centre

Wanders into the Salamanca Arts Centre to peruse the incredible works of art found inside. Unlike a traditional art gallery, this place is free to visit and an amazing way to explore up-and-coming local artists as well as get a sense of the vibrant art style Hobart is famous for!

I’m a HUGE used book lover, so I adored Deja Vu Books inside the arts centre. This place is a treasure trove of books that wobble from the floor to the ceiling. Aspect Design is a wonderful gift shop inside that supports local Tasmanian artists and craftspeople. Everything is made using local materials and is the best place to pick up something to remember your trip with.

St David’s Park

Continue along Salamanca Place street, passing the Supreme Court of Tasmania. Just opposite the Supreme Court, you’ll find the entrance to St David’s Park. Marking the entrance to the park are the two large lion sandstone sculptures. Their paws clutching onto the column capital. These were a gift for the Hobart bicentennial from an Australian and New Zealand Banking Group. You might spot the image of the lion all over Tasmania. This is because the Tasmania flag has a white disk with the image of a red lion in the center. Throughout the English-style park, there are lots of pretty sandstone sculptures, gorgeous pergolas, and lush Tasmanian flora and fauna.

St David’s Cemetery

While strolling through this peaceful park, many visitors are unaware that under their feet sits the grounds of an old cemetery. St David’s Cemetery was first established here in 1804. The site was thought to be perfect as it was a tranquil part of town with scenic water views. But it was also located a ways away from the residential area of Hobart Town. Many of Hobart’s founding citizens were buried here after serving in the new colony.

As the neighbourhood around the cemetery was built up, many residents became uneasy living close to the corpses. Health officials also voiced concerns about the health risks of this proximity. So, the cemetery was closed in 1872 when the Cornelian Bay cemetery was opened far north of the city centre. In 1919 the town council purchased the land from the church, and the area transformed into a lush recreational park.

There are still 900 bodies buried in the park as only some graves were moved to the new cemetery. Today, you can still see some of these old tombstones and headstones along the memorial wall. These include the remains of David Collins, the first Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania. Taking a look at these headstones, you might notice that many are from young children. Sadly, children’s life expectancy in the new Tasman colony was very low, and many children didn’t survive into adolescence.

Parliament House Gardens

Walk back out to Salamanca Street and make your way to the Parliament House Gardens. On the west side of the park stands the grand Parliament House. Look up at the flag on top of the building to see the red lion for yourself we mentioned previously. In 1825 Tasmania became an independent British colony, and its administration was separate from that of New South Wales. It was here that the first Legislative Council was formed to advise the Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen’s Land, who had sole governance of the colony. The gardens in front of Parliament House are a peaceful place to stop to rest your feet before continuing on the rest of the tour.

Customs House

On the other side of the road stands the old Customs House. John Lee Archer was the architect who designed the Customs House in 1835. The Customs House was originally used as Tasmania’s primary Parliamentary building until the new Parliament was built in 1841. The beautiful classical revival facade has been preserved and is a great example of the styles of the time. The building is now used as a pub and hostel, so you can still go inside and take in the historic atmosphere.

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Franklin Square

Head North along Murray Street to Franklin Square. Franklin Square is one of the most impressive public squares in Hobart. The square is lined by oak trees on either side. The park was named after Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin. Sir John Franklin was also the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen’s Land from 1837 to 1843.

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In the center of the square stands a large fountain with a statue of Sir John Franklin on top. On one of the stone pedestal, you can see the words, “Not here! The white north has thy bones.” This is because Franklin was obsessed with exploring the artic and perished there instead of at home in Tasmania. In 1845 he set out with two huge vessels, the HMS Terror and HMS Erebus, to explore the Northwest Passage. The ships never returned home as they became icebound. He and all his crew perished at sea, but their death was a mystery for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until 2014 that the ships were discovered, and the mystery was finally put to rest along with Franklin and his crew.

On the east side of the park sits a beautiful sculpture called “Two Islands.” The sculpture portrays a sizeable wooden boat skeleton wrapped around a smaller metal canoe. This sculpture represents the history of the Tasmanian Indigenous people being swallowed up by the European settlers. The Two Islands sculpture also incorporates a soundscape comprised of many voices providing a dialogue revolving around reconciliation for the future.

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St. David’s Cathedral

Sitting just behind Franklin Square is the domineering castellated parapet tower of St. David’s Cathedral. In 1842 Hobart was declared an official city, and the existing smaller St David’s Church became St David’s Cathedral. Construction on the current cathedral began in 1868 but wasn’t complete until 1936. St. David’s Cathedral is designed in the Gothic Revival style by the English architect George Frederick Bodley.

Walking inside, one of the first things I was struck by was the impressive stained glass windows. These windows depict saints, knights, kings and other biblical characters. Despite the rather simple exterior, the interior is replete with neo-Gothic quatrefoil tracery windows, buttressed turrets, stone columns supporting pointed arches and an incredible wooden vaulted ceiling.

Brooke Street Pier

Walk back towards the water along Brooke Street towards the Brooke Street Pier. The Brooke Street Pier is a floating pontoon made to expand the waterfront area of Sullivans Cove. Sullivans Cove, also known as Macquarie Wharf, historically served as the main port for the city of Hobart. Sullivans Cove was the place where Captain David Collins chose to establish a new colony in 1804. He christened the area “Hobart Town.” Sullivans Cove was the ideal place to set up a colony. Its proximity to the Derwent River provided access to inland transportation, and the deep, natural harbour was protected by Storm Bay. And best of all, the area has easy access from the Tasman Peninsula into the ocean.

The Glass House

Inside this beautiful glass pier building is a series of small restaurants and shops. Appropriately named ‘The Glass House‘ offers a selection of Tasmania’s finest drinks, matched with unique shared plates. You can taste the best Tasmania wines along with freshly plucked oysters, spring bay mussels, Tasmanian scallop ceviche, Stanley octopus, and a selection of vegan and vegetarian cuisines with only the best organize produce from local farmers.

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Explorer Bus

If you didn’t bring your own vehicle, you can take the Explorer Bus up to visit the soaring views on top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. This tour bus departs directly from Hobart and takes you up to the summit. Once you arrive, you get to enjoy the panoramic views and observations shelter without doing the drive yourself! There are also a few different hop-on-hop-off options along the route. These are great if you wanted to explore any other walking trails around kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Throughout your journey on the bus, there is a commentary track from your drive. They will tell you all about the history and wildlife of the region. Your bus passes valid all day, but checks to see when the different pick-up/drop-off times and locations are.

Adult (17+ years): $35 | Child (6–16years): $25

What to Wear?

kunanyi/Mount Wellington rises 1,271 metres (4,170 ft) above sea level. The temperature up here is frequently so cold that the summit is covered in a thin blanket of snow, even in the summer! So be sure to bring a bunch of extra layers to ensure you’re not too cold up here. I thought I had dressed warmly enough but was shocked by the strong winds up here. The wind chill drops the temperature even further! So bring more than you think you’ll need. A puffer jacket is an excellent option since it is so light to carry around in your bag after the tour. A scarf, hat and gloves are also a necessity!

Landscape and Wildlife

As you climb the mountain, look out your window at the incredible landscape. The initial climb is full of lush Eucalypti forests. On either side, you’ll see tiny bursts of water flowing out from the rocks. These ravines, creeks and hidden waterfalls flood the mountain range. The freshwater creates colossal tree ferns that flourish in the moist ground.

The animals that live in these mountains are so diverse! I hadn’t even heard of some of the creatures that live up here. Everything from potoroos, pademelons, quolls, bettongs, and bandicoots! There are also the common possum, bats, echidnas, the elusive platypus, small frogs, reptiles, and of course the alpine lizards. There are also 67 different bird species living in these forests including peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, swift parrots and grey goshawks.

Wellington Pinnacle

When you finally reach the summit, the landscape changes from lush green ferns into flat sandstone cliffs. The sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations you find on the summit are so unique. It feels like walking on the moon. You might have noticed that anytime I write Mount Wellington I pair it with the word kunanyi. Kunanyi is the proper Palawa name for the mountain. The indigenous Tasmanian people have called it such for thousands of years before the British colonizers’ arrival. In 2014, the mountain’s name was officially changed to kunanyi/Mt Wellington. This was done as part of the Tasmanian Government’s Aboriginal and Dual Naming Policy.

Standing at the top of the summit, you can see the entirety of Hobart, the River Derwent and even the surrounding hillsides spread out across you like a painting. The most iconic aspect of the summit is the igneous rock spread out over the landscape. These were formed by layers of rocks pushing upwards by upsurges of molten rock as the Australian continental shelf violently tore away from the Antarctic. It’s incredible to think how old these rock formations are. This separation from Antarctica happened over 40 million years ago!

Charles Darwin Visits the Mountain

Charles Darwin visited Hobart Town in 1836. He made an effort to climb the mountains and described his journey to the summit.

“The summit of the mountain is broad and flat, and is composed of huge angular masses of naked greenstone… The day was splendidly clear, and we enjoyed a most extensive view; to the north, the country appeared a mass of wooded mountains, of about the same height with that on which we were standing, and with an equally tame outline: to the south the broken land and water, forming many intricate bays, was mapped with clearness before us. …”

Pinnacle Observation Shelter and Boardwalk

Once you get out of your car or bus at the summit, you can walk along the boardwalk toward the Observation Shelter. The short section of the pathways leading into the Observation Shelter has been made to be wheelchair accessible. Inside the Observation Shelter is a great place to look out at the fantastic views but be protected from the harsh weather as the room is encased in glass.

The boardwalk continues one along the cliff edge. A set of stairs leads you towards a view platform that puts you out on the absolute edge of the mountain to get the best views. Continue walking along the boardwalk as the more you explore, the more of the unique landscape you’ll discover!

Cascade Brewery

Heading back down the mountain, make your way to the South Hobart neighbourhood. Nestled in these suburbs are a few historical treasures of Hobart’s past. If you are taking the Explorer Bus, you can ask to get off at the Fern Tree Park Stop. From there board the 448 Bus at Fern Tree station towards stop 20, Huon Rd near Hillborough Road. Then it’s a 20-minute walk to the Brewery. Although it sounds like a trek, we loved the winding, scenic walk leading up to the great Brewery!

Walking up Cascade Brewery, the enormous building feels a little ominous. It feels almost out of place, as such tall buildings are scarce to find in Hobart. On the grey, misty morning when we arrived the building looked absolutely haunting! The misty shadow of kunanyi/Mt Wellington silhouetted behind the sandstone facade. But once you get inside, you’ll find a charming brewery serving up some fantastic local beers and ciders. Although you’ll discover that its tumultuous history gives reason for the rather spooky atmosphere here.

History of Cascade Brewery

The history of Cascade Brewery is marred with deception and hints at its convict past. The Cascade Brewery first opened in 1824 and remains the oldest continually operating brewery in Australia. Originally the estates here consisted of large sawmills producing the much-needed timber used in the Hobart shipyards. Shipbuilding was one of Hobart’s largest and most lucrative industries, so the demand for timber was very high. Hobart was an optimal location for shipbuilding as the blue gum trees around the city made for some of the best ship lumber.

Peter Degraves and Hugh Macintosh

The Cascade Brewery was the brainchild of Peter Degraves and Hugh Macintosh. Until 2011 this was not the commonly accepted truth. It was previously thought that the brewery was founded only by Peter Degraves. Degraves was a cheat and a debtor so it’s no surprise he managed to fool everyone for years that he was the sole creator. Peter came to the shores of Hobart with his brother-in-law Hugh Macintosh in 1824. Degraves had decided to come to Hobart only to escape his charges of thievery in England. But you can’t run from your past forever.

When they arrived, Macintosh wasn’t so keen on the idea of a brewery. But Degraves convinced him to fund it anyway. In 1826, Degraves was arrested for the debts he had in England. He was sentenced to prison for five years in Hobart. Once Degraves was in jail, the kindly Macintosh opted to pay off all Degraves’ outstanding debts. Macintosh abandoned the operation of the brewery and focused his attention on the lucrative sawmills he ran with his nephews.

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Once Degraves was let out of prison, Macintosh (for whatever reason) agreed to allow him back into the partnership. Degraves immediately went about expanding the brewery. When Macintosh died in 1834, Degraves offered to buy out the other half of the estate. Macintosh’s sons, who inherited the property, lived far away in India and had no interest in the estate. The sons agreed and transferred the deed to Degraves but, as was the pattern with Degraves, he never paid them. In fact, Degraves went onto falsify the brewery’s history after Macintosh’s death and made it appear as if he was the sole owner.

The Gold Rush & Today

Despite his trickery, both the mill and the brewery began to experience a boom of growth, and the money came rolling in. The gold rush in Victoria demanded the import of both timber and beer for the miners. And lucky for Degraves, he could supply both! Eventually, Degraves died and the brewery passed hands a few times. Eventually, the brewery was purchased by Australian subsidiary Carlton & United Breweries, who still own the brewery today. Sadly, a massive bushfire in 1967 destroyed many buildings around South Hobart, the brewery included. Thanks to immense restoration efforts, the entirety of the brewery was rebuilt stone by stone and looks like a replica of the original.

Tasmania Tiger

The original icon of the Cascade Brewing Company is the now extinct Tasmania Tiger or thylacine. The thylacine was the largest carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania. They called it the Tasmania Tiger as a nickname was the stripes on its lower back resembled that of a tiger. Like the kangaroo, the thylacine also carried its young inside its abdominal pouch. The animal was timid and only about the size of a large dog. Sadly, intensive hunting, shockingly encouraged by state bounties on the animal, contributed to its eventual extinction. New diseases were brought to the country by the English settlers. Their encroachment on the land also led to the thylacine’s disappearance. The last Tasmania tiger died in captivity in 1930. The Tasmanian devil is its closest living relative.

Cascade Brewery Bar

The Cascade Brewery Bar is also a great place to grab a bite to eat and settle in for the evening. Their menu is full of incredible Tasmanian delights. Their taste of ‘Tassie platter’ is a fantastic way to try a bunch of different local items at once. It consists of smoked wallaby, pale ale glazed ham, salmon rillettes, apple relish, pickled vegetables and lavosh bread. And of course, you must try a variety of their different brews. Their tasting paddle comes with four 5oz Cascade beers, a lager, pale ale, first harvest, and a stout. Or if beers aren’t for you, you can try four ciders instead. I adore Australian cider, and Cascade makes ones infused with crushed passionfruit, raspberries, and traditional apples.

After a night drinking in the shadow of Mount Wellington/kunanyi, it’s time to head home. This brings us to the end of our beautiful journey across Tasmania. I hope you enjoy all the different facets that this wonderful island has to offer. I truly think Tasmania is one of the most spectacular places in the world and CANNOT be missed if you are making the journey all the way over to Australia. Let me know in the comment any questions you might have about Tasmania.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Discover the Best of Tasmania in One Week: Your Ultimate Itinerary Guide first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

When planning my Christmas trip to Stockholm, I initially didn’t think about Christmas Holiday closures. When you plan a dream trip, you don’t typically think about all that could go wrong or might not happen. But after booking all my flights, I thought, “Hmm, I wonder if I should be worried about anything being closed while I’m there.” Well, it turns out there was a lot that was going to close while I was there but nothing that a little planning couldn’t fix! All it took was plotting a careful schedule to ensure that everything I wanted to fit into the trip was scheduled on the days when things were open. 

If you’re planning a Christmas trip to Stockholm, here is how to plan your activities perfectly to ensure you see everything your festive little heart desires! I’ve laid out a sample itinerary for you, so you know what you need to visit on which day to make it there before it closes for the holidays. It’s designed as a holiday set in the week leading up to Christmas Day. But you can quickly shift it around to fit your particular schedule.

Guide to Christmas in Stockholm

1. The Essentials
2. What about Daylight?
3. Where to Stay?
4. Public Transit
5. Sample Itinerary
6. December 19th
7. December 20th
8. December 21st
9. December 22nd
10. December 23rd
11. December 24th
12. December 25th

The Essentials

Weather

If you are picturing snow-capped rooftops on your Christmas trip to Stockholm, you might want to adjust your thinking. Although Stockholm does get snow, having a large snowfall around Christmas is a rarity. If you want to see some snow, it’s easy enough to jump on a train and head north toward the colder weather.

Despite the lack of snow, it does get pretty cold in Stockholm in December. The average high is 1°C, but the low is -3°C. Add the wind chill off the water, and without proper clothes, you can be freezing. But, embrace the Nordic saying of “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!” I was sure to bring lots of thermals for layering under my clothes. I also got warm wool sweaters, waterproof boots and an excellent selection of cute hats and gloves, making dressing for the cold all the more fun!

What about Daylight?

Being located so far north, Sweden gets much less sunlight in December than you might be used to in your own country. Even here in Toronto, it gets dark around 5 pm but in Stockholm, expect it to get dark as early as 2 pm! If you want to see something specific during the day, make sure you plan this into your schedule. But the darkness means you’ll be able to enjoy all those Christmas lights almost all day long!

Where to Stay?

NOFO Hotel, Soderlam

NOFO was recommended to me by my friend who lives in Stockholm, as it’s where all his guests choose to stay time and time again. It is located in the hip neighbourhood of Södermalm. The streets of Södermalm are where you can find the most relaxing cafes, trendy bars, and hipster vintage shops. The hotel itself is one of the coolest boutique hotels I’ve ever stayed in. There is a myriad of different room themes and styles, and the breakfast buffet included in your stay is beyond incredible! I almost always opt for eating out of the hotel to experience more local restaurants and cafes, but every morning there was no way I would pass it up!

Collector’s Lady Hamilton, Gamla Stan

Although the Gamla Stan (Old Town) is pretty touristy and most businesses shut down after 5 pm, having your room located inside such a picturesque place is a real treat at Christmastime. That said, make sure you splurge on a room with a view. Collector’s Lady Hamilton Hotel is located in a 15th-century building next to the Royal Palace. The Lady Hamilton Hotel has a 13th-century cellar, which is now used as a plunge pool! Throughout the hotel, you’ll find antique furniture, old paintings and crystal chandeliers, which make you feel like you’re staying inside a piece of Stockholm’s history. 

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Berns Hotel, Norrmalm

Norrmalm is another popular neighbourhood to put your head down as its located in the heart of mainland Stockholm. Norrmalm is probably the most central place to stay to get to everything you’ll want to see. Berns Hotel is one of those luxurious historic hotels that makes you feel like you’re immediately on holiday upon walking in the door! The hotel’s beautiful twinkle light covered exterior looks out over Berzelii Park and the Baltic Sea. The hotel opened in 1863 and has one of the most majestic interiors in the city. They even have an unforgettable holiday experience package at Berns which includes a full Christmas dinner, overnight stay and specialty breakfast. So if you feel like you might be homesick for Christmas, at Berns you’ll never miss a festive beat!

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Public Transit

Since most travellers use public transit as their main mode of getting around, I thought it essential to list out any holiday changes to their schedule.

Metro

Dec. 23rd: Regular Sunday schedule (trains run from 5:00 am to 3:00 am)
Dec. 24th | Christmas Eve: The metro blue line runs from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm every 10 minutes, the green and red run every 15 minutes. From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, it runs every 30 minutes. After 7:00 pm there is no underground service.
Dec. 25th | Christmas Day: After 6:00 am, the system resumes Sunday schedule service.  
Dec. 26th: Regular Sunday schedule 
Dec. 27th: Resume regular service

Buses

During the week of Christmas, many buses are still running but on adjusted schedules. Since there are so many different routes, it’s best to check online in advance for any specific route you are planning on taking. But in general, expect buses to be running on an adjusted schedule, which means longer wait times.

Sample Itinerary

December 19th

Skansen Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Skansen’s open-air museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 26th until December 19th. So make sure you plan accordingly to ensure you arrive in Stockholm in time to visit the Skansen Christmas Market. If you arrived earlier in the month, you could easily visit this anytime. But if you have your heart set on seeing the Skansen Christmas Market (which I did), I would make this your first stop. While the local markets are great in town, the Skansen Christmas market is the most comprehensive and the largest! uy everything from handicrafts and design to sweets, home-made candles and secret Christmas presents. 

If you aren’t interested in Christmas Market, there is no need to rush over here as Skansen is open 365 days a year. But trust me, you won’t regret making this your first stop, as the atmosphere is magical. I would schedule an entire day at Skansen as there is SO MUCH to see and do! Way more than just the Christmas Market. You can visit all the historic buildings and learn about Sweden’s Christmas traditions. My favourite thing to do is end the evening inside the Solliden’s dining room, where you can enjoy a fancy Christmas smorgasbord and buffet. Great way to sample lots of different classic Swedish Christmas dishes.

December 20th

Stortorget Julmarknad

Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan is the Stortorget Julmarknad. The Stortorget Julmarket is Sweden’s oldest Christmas market. This market, while small, carries everything you’d want from a Christmas Market. From cured meat to glogg, crispbread, handmade ornaments, straw Christmas goats, gingerbread, knitting and more!

The market runs from November 19th to December 23rd and is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. I find going a few days before Christmas Day feels the most enchanting but not as chaotic and busy as the last day of the market.

Explore the Christmas Windows of Gamla Stan

After touring the marketplace, spend the rest of the evening walking up and down the historic streets of Gamla Stan. Since Stockholm was spared any destruction during WWII, this old town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval quarters. At Christmas time, the storefront and shops along this touristy part of the city are decked out to the nines! Swags of fresh evergreens cover the doorways, Christmas lights glimmer against the icy cobblestones and little pink-faced gnomes in Christmas hats poke their heads out from all corners of the shop windows.

Sample some Glögg

Glögg is the traditional Swedish Christmas drink which all Swedes imbibe come the holiday season. It is sold everywhere, but one of the best ways to enjoy it is outside. It’s the perfect thing to warm up from the cold with! During Christmas-time, the streets are filled with Glögg vendors. Almost every single cafe also sells its own version of the traditional drink. I loved trying one every time it got cold and made a list of my favourite places to get glögg. Create your rating system for a fun little game to play as you wander around the city!

December 21st

Start your Day with a Sweet Treat!

Pepperkakor is the Swedish version of gingerbread and is one of the most iconic baked goods to enjoy at Christmastime. The thin cookies were eaten in Sweden as early as the 1300s. But it wasn’t until the 1800s that it began to be associated with Christmas. You can find these delicious desserts made with gourmet ingredients in specialty cafes, sample traditional homebaked treats in the Christmas markets or buy yourself an entire box inside the charming tins found on every shelf in the grocery store!

Another popular pastry sold during the holidays Saffron buns or lussekatters. These “s” shaped buns are a beautiful golden treat flavoured with saffron and currants. They are called ‘lussekatter‘ or ‘Lucia cats’ as the shape resembles a cat’s tail. These desserts can be found in everything from cafes to convenience or grocery stores.

My favourite Swedish Christmas treats are Kanelbullens or Cinnamon Rolls. They are a very popular thing for Swedes to bake on Christmas morning. They are different from cinnamon buns I’ve had before, with a glossy exterior and big sugar crystals dusted on top! My favourite place to get them is the iconic Vete Katten cafe.

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Walk the Christmas Lights Map

Spread across the city of Stockholm, there are over 40 streets and squares which have been festively decorated for the Holiday season. The stunning decorations are themed around Swedish Christmas traditions and iconography. Everything from moose, deer, mistletoe and stars seems to float around above your head, lighting up the dark days in even darker nights. I have a great guided tour of the city lights to follow-along, which takes you through the city’s best-decorated areas. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy the streets of Stockholm.

Skeppsbron Waterfront Christmas Tree

Finish your Christmas lights tour with a visit to the Skeppsbron Waterfront to see the largest ‘real’ Christmas tree in the world. Standing 38 metres high, the Christmas tree on Skeppsbron in Old Town is the world’s biggest. It is covered with approximately 5,000 lights and is topped with a four-metre large star!

Enjoy the Julbord

The Swedish ‘Julbord‘ or Christmas feast is one of the most important family traditions. Pretty much all Swede have a Julbord on Christmas Eve. I have a whole post all about the Julbord which you can read to find out what to expect! But just because you might not know anyone who might invite you in for a feast doesn’t mean you can’t sample it for yourself. Historic restaurants like Operakällaren have their Julbord menus for both tourists and locals alike to try! It’s a great opportunity to feast on so many uniquely Swedish foods while also dining in one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city.

December 22nd

ArkDes Gingerbread Houses 

ArkDes on Skeppsholmen island is the national museum for architecture and design. Every year the museum features one of the most interesting Christmas exhibitions. It hosts a huge Gingerbread House competition where adults, children and professionals alike construct amazing creations all out of gingerbread. Since admission is free, it’s super easy to come in and enjoy simply the exhibition without feeling like you need to spend the whole day inside to justify the admission price.

Walking into the room filled with all the submissions, you are overwhelmed by the sweet, intoxicating smell of Christmas gingerbread. Every year there is a theme for the gingerbread houses, making a yearly visit interesting every time.

Centralbadet

If you’re feeling a bit chilly or tired from the cold, one of the best places to warm up is inside Stockholm’s Centralbadet. Centralbadet is a bathhouse located in the centre of Stockholm, yet almost hidden away. This magical place is tucked in off one of the city’s busiest shopping streets inside a large art nouveau building. Although there is nothing specifically Christmassy about this activity, the holiday season and your vacation should be about relaxing! And there is no better place to relax and get a massage than here. You can swim in the Roman pool, soak in the warm thermal baths and sweat out all the stress inside the Nordic saunas! It’s a great way to experience a very Scandinavian way of life.

Get a Bottle of Julmust

While you’re out and about, be sure to stop into a convenience store to pick up a bottle of Julmust. Julmust is a fizzy drink that tastes a little bit like root beer. The drink is ONLY available at Christmas, and Swedes go crazy for it as it has become the taste of Christmas. The drink is so popular in December that it regularly outsells Coca-Cola products as soon as it hits the shelves!

December 23rd

Christmas Cruise

One of the best ways to take in the sights of Stockholm’s waterfront is on a boat. And you might be wondering, “a boat in the winter?” And while indeed the weather might be a lot colder than a picturesque summer’s days it’s an experience not to be missed. The boats which run these cruises are set up to provide their visitors with the most comfortable experience even in the winter months. There is something so magical about seeing the (possibly) snow or frost-covered trees and buildings as you glide along the icy waters. To beat the cold they provide huge fur blankets and warm cups of glogg or hot chocolate.

There are buffets onboard many of these cruises, which provide you with another opportunity to sample a Swedish Julbord. The Christmas smorgasbord features classics like reindeer and elk meat, Swedish sausages, crispbread, smoked herring and salmon and cheese. I would recommend taking the early afternoon cruise. This means you have enough time to enjoy a bit of daylight but also admire the beauty of the city at night. The cruise lasts about three hours. Prices are around SEK 795 per person ($90 USD). Check the website for more details.

December 24th

Live Advent Calendar

Every year the windows around the main square in Gamla Stan are home to an extraordinary Christmas tradition; the Live Advent Calendar. Every day until Christmas Eve, a window around the square opens and out pops a live performer. For 15 minutes, a performance is given by either an individual or a group. This would be a reading of a Christmas story, a speech or a song. Check the website for the schedule of when the windows will each be opened.

While you are welcome to visit the Live Advent Calendar any day leading up to December 24th, I decided to visit on Christmas Ever Day. And I found it to be the most lovely occasion. Many locals were there to celebrate the last day of the calendar, and it felt like a very communal celebration. Everyone sang along to the music, and even though it was all in Swedish, I still loved listening. There were speeches thanking the volunteers, so much laughter and I immensely enjoyed the beautiful music. Even though the Christmas market was closed on the 24th, they still opened the Glogg stalls. This way everyone could enjoy a glass of warm glogg while the Christmas celebrations continued.

Nordic Museum

After hearing the lovely music of the Advent Calendar, head over to the Nordic Museum. The Nordic Museum is one of the only museums still open on the 24th. It stays open to host one of the best Christmas parties in the city open to the public. This is great for families travelling who don’t have anywhere to celebrate at home or for tourists like us! They host a farandole at around noon. This is an open-chain community dance, around the giant Christmas tree in the center of the great hall. You can also meet Tomte, the Swedish Christmas Santa and get one of the best Christmas pictures!

Their restaurant is open, and there you can taste some of the most fabulous Nordic Christmas food. I was so surprised by how good the food was, considering it was set up like a cafeteria. But even the tables where you can eat are decorated for Christmas, and the atmosphere is so enchanting.

The museum has a great exhibition upstairs all about Swedish Traditions. The collection goes through the calendar year and delves into all the different holidays and their origins in both religion and folklore. The best part to visit during this time of year is obviously the Christmas displays. These feature some fantastic pieces of ephemera from Christmases past. It even has a large scale replica of the first Swedish Christmas tree.

Last Chance for Food!

Many grocery stores and restaurants are closed on December 25th. While celebrations are taking place on Christmas Eve, Christmas day is meant for rest. As such, the entire city feels like it has gone to sleep. While some restaurants remain open on the 25th, they are few and far between. If you have your mind set on something it’s best to research in advance to see if that place is open. So you might want to plan to do a big grocery shop in advance to get some ingredients for at-home meals and picnic lunches. Plus, this gives you an excuse to wander the Christmas themed aisles of the grocery store. I honestly love visiting grocery stores when travelling. It’s such an excellent opportunity to find local things to eat and drink that are simple and everyday foods.

When shopping for my Christmas Day meals, I bought a small pre-packaged charcuterie board, bread and jam (the jam in Sweden is bonkers amazing), some interesting drinks I’d never seen before, lots of Swedish snacks, and a few sandwiches, pastries and salads. And, of course, a bottle of glogg and a bottle of Yulemust. These are easy to carry around and have on hand throughout in case you don’t find an open restaurant.

December 25th

Find the City’s Best Views

Since almost everything is closed on the 25th, I found that it was the perfect day to schedule a few walks to some of the city’s best viewpoints! The highest natural point in central Stockholm is Skinnarviksberget. From this rocky outcrop, you can see all across the city to Kungsholmen, Gamla Stan, the Stockholm City Hall, and more. On the opposite side of the town, Fjällgatan, located on the edge of a cliff, provides a stunning view from the east. Throughout this area of town, you’ll pass well-preserved buildings from the 1700s, making it one of the most historical walks to take as well.

Abba Museum

If you are interested in learning more about the Swedish Pop Culture Icons ABBA, you need to pay a visit to the ABBA Museum! It might seem a strange way to spend Christmas Day, but the ABBA museum is one of the few open on Christmas day, and honestly, this place is so much fun; it’s pretty much the perfect place to be to enjoy a spirited afternoon. The ABBA Museum is much more than a museum stuffed with original costumes, gold records, and other memorabilia. With this experience, you can pretend to be on stage with ABBA, record at the Polar Studio, and dress up like the group’s members.

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Ice Skating

Another popular Christmas Day activity is to go ice skating. The Kungstradgarden ice rink and the Vasaparken ice rink are two of the best places to visit in the city. They are each open from around midday to later into the evening. Skating is free, but if you need skate rentals, there is an extra charge. These rinks are gorgeously lit with festive Christmas lights and even play charming music to enjoy as you glide along.

One Last Fika…

Finish your evening off by stopping in at a cafe to enjoy on last 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 Swedish daily life. They embrace the idea of taking time to better your relationships while enjoying something scrumptious. I found that there were many cafes still open on Christmas Day despite restaurants being closed. This is how important Fika is, it is one of the only things to stay open! So, keep your eyes peeled and you’re bound to find someplace to rest your feet. It is the perfect way to stop, and reflect back on all the memories from your trip. Take out your notebook and jot down your favourite things you did or saw along the way. Trust me, you’ll treasure taking that time to cement those memories!

I hope this little itinerary was helpful, and it provides a general guide to your first Christmas holiday in Stockholm! The schedule is pretty open, so you can plot any other activities you are excited to do while visiting this fantastic city. Many of the popular museums will remain open until around the 22nd or 23rd. So you can easily fit them in as well, but most don’t have any particular exhibition dedicated to Christmas. I would recommend the VASA museum or Swedish History Museum if it’s your first time in the country. But don’t overpack the schedule as the magic of Christmas is one best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever spent a Christmas away from home and where you most enjoyed travelling!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Discover the Ultimate Guide to a Magical Christmas in Stockholm, Complete Included Itinerary [UPDATED 2022] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Mexico City 7-day Itinerary

1. Where to Stay
   • Chaya B&B Boutique $
   • AR218 – $$
   • Ignacia $$$
2. Day One – Take it Easy
   • Adjust to the Altitude
   • La Condesa
   • Parque México
   • Stop for a Churro
   • Dinner in La Condesa
3. Day Two – Explore the Historic City Centre
   • Pastelería Ideal
   • Zócalo
   • Cathedral of the Assumption
   • National Palace
   • The History of Mexico
   • Azul Historico
   • Torre Tower
   • Palacio de Bellas Artes
   • Diego Rivera Mural Museum
   • National Post Office
   • Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
   • Roma Norte Dinner
4. Day Three – Chapultepec Park
   • Bosque de Chapultepec
   • Chapultepec Castle
   • Street Food
   • National Museum of Anthropology
   • El Lago de Chapultepec
   • Dinner in Polanco
5. Day Four – Frida Khalo's Coyoacán
   • Café Avellaneda
   • Iglesia De Coyoacan
   • Centenario Garden and Hidalgo Garden
   • Cafe El Jarocho
   • Mercado de Coyoacán
   • Casa Azul – Frida Kahlo Museum
   • Parque Santa Catarina
   • Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles
   • Mesón Antigua
   • Go to a Lucha Libra Show
6. Day Five – The Old City of Teotihuacan
   • Pyramids
   • La Gruta
7. Day Six – Xochimilco
   • Mercado Xochimilco
   • Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas
   • Trajineras
   • Food
   • Entertainment along the Canal
8. Day Seven – Back Home

Where to Stay

Chaya B&B Boutique $

Located in the heart of Mexico City, facing the Alameda Park, Chaya Bed an Breakfast is tucked away inside a recently renovated building which provides travellers a budget-friendly hotel experience with public spaces throughout where you can meet other guests, enjoy the rooftop views across Mexico city or just relax on the hammocks after one of the many incredible meals you’ll have in this city. Prices are listed as $145 for the standard room, but I’ve found that on sites like booking.com or Expedia they are often on offer for as low as $91/night!

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AR218 – $$

AR218 is located in my favourite neighbourhood, La Condesa, inside an old 1930’s bungalow which still is decorated with the original talavera floorings while the rest of the hotel has been given a modern update with sleek urban designs. Every room is spacious and contains luxurious amenities that include state-of-the-art technology, cosy and comfy living rooms which make relaxing back at the hotel a joy. If you like to cook some meals they even have fully equipped kitchenettes for your convenience. AR218 is a full-service hotel and offers free bike rentals as well as a slew of technological devices great for travellers like extra battery packs and charging cords. Prices online range but I’ve found rooms for as little as $150 a night.

Ignacia $$$

Ignacia Guest House is technically located in Roma Norte but is just on the edge of the Southern borders. Under the purple blossoms of the Jacaranda tree lining the streets, you will be welcomed home. The house was originally an old 20th-century mansion that has been transformed into just six elegant suites. Since there are so few rooms, everyone who stays here feels like family.

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Day One – Take it Easy

Adjust to the Altitude

Mexico City is located 7,200 feet (2,200 metres) above sea level! So you’ll find it’s worth giving yourself some time to adjust to the altitude when you arrive. Even if you are lucky enough not to experience any of the severe side effects, most travellers will feel a little more tired than usual. Or you might have to exert more effort than you might be used to when walking. The best way to fight the altitude is to drink lots and lots of water. And maybe avoid those cocktails for the first night.

La Condesa

After dropping your bags off at your hotels, I would recommend a leisurely walk around La Condesa. La Condesa is a very tourist-friendly neighbourhood which makes it a relaxing place to explore just when you arrive.

La Condesa is famous for its tree-lined avenues with wide pedestrian sideways located in the centre of the road. Along the streets, you’ll see art nouveau mansions and art deco-inspired apartment buildings. “Condesa” means “countess” as it was named for the Countess of Miravalle. The Countess once owned all the land in this area. Wander along Amsterdam Avenue, which is a circular loop that wraps around one of the city’s best parks. On either side of the street, you’ll find incredible coffee shops and fantastic eateries. Stop into any that catches your eye to fuel up! In this area the food and drinks are so good you really can’t go wrong.

Parque México

Make your way to Parque México. If you arrived on the weekend, you’ll find that this park is filled to the brim with families and their dogs. Parque México has one of the largest dog parks and public spaces in the city. And it is absolutely vibrating with energy on the weekend. Dozens of street vendors line the outskirts of the parks where you’ll be able to try a myriad of different local street food. My personal favourite are the fresh slices of mango, topped with lime and chilli! Spicy and sweet, the perfect combination.

Stop for a Churro

Stop off for a churro and hot chocolate at Churrería El Moro on the corner of the park. This churro cafe has a few locations around Mexico City and is a reliable place for fresh, delicious churros. Be sure to get the Mexican hot chocolate to dip your churros into as you eat as is the custom.

Dinner in La Condesa

To end your night in La Condesa, grab a bite to eat. As it’s our first day in town, let’s just do something quick and easy and save those luxurious dinners for later in the week. And honestly, I’m sure everyone is dying to eat what they really came to Mexico City for; TACOS! El Tizoncito is known for its incredible tacos, Al Pastor. Despite being a chain, it is my favourite place to eat tacos in Condesa. Fast, cheap and friendly! Plus, their salsas are an excellent way to enhance the flavour! 

If you want to try a bunch of different types of tacos in a very unintimidating place, head over to El Farolito Altata or Taquería El Califa. These are both fast-food-like restaurants with great menus with almost every kind of taco you can think of. While there might be better versions of these tacos in street stands all over the city, this is a great place to try them and see what you like. Then, once you’re a little more settled, you can try the street food tacos!

Day Two – Explore the Historic City Centre

After a leisurely first day, it’s time to hit the streets. The Historic Centre of Mexico City is one of the busiest areas of the city. I’d recommend heading to the centre early in the morning. This will result in seeing fewer tourists out and about when you first arrive to get your bearings. By the afternoon you’ll see how much more crowded it gets!

Pastelería Ideal

Start your morning at Pastelería Ideal. This bakery has been serving flaky pastries and sweet cakes for over 100 years! The morning rush in here is hectic but the bustling atmosphere is absolutely infectious! Huge carts and trays full of sugared treats rush up and down the aisles. The smell of sugar and bread fills the air as soon as you walk in the door.

Take a tray and pick a few of the best-looking sweets. Then head over to one of the counters. While they pack up your treats, they’ll pass you your receipt. You have to pay at another counter. Once you’ve paid you can show your paid stamp to the same people who packed your order and you’ll be ready to go. Seems complicated but honestly I kinda love the process as it feels so retro. Take your sweets with you and head to the Zócalo to enjoy breakfast with a view!

Zócalo

The Zócalo is the main square in Mexico City. Before the Spanish invasion, this was the site of important ceremonies for the Aztec people of Tenochtitlan. Still today you’ll find lots of ceremonies happening in the square. Everything from wearing in of viceroys, royal proclamations, military parades, Independence services and festivals like Day of the Dead can be found here in the square.

The Zocalo is dominated by the enormous flag of Mexico City. The Mexican flag is full of national symbolism. The green stripe represents the Independence Movement. The white stripe represents the purity of the Catholic faith. The red stripe represents the Spaniards that joined in the quest for Independence and the blood of the national heroes. The emblem-shield symbolizes the Aztec heritage. According to legend, the gods had advised the Aztecs that the place where they should establish their city was to be identified when they saw an eagle, perched on a prickly pear tree, devouring a serpent. They saw this mythical eagle on a marshy lake that is now the main plaza in Mexico City.

Cathedral of the Assumption

Across from the Zócalo is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heavens. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the Spaniards build their church on the site of the Templo Mayor. The Templo Mayor was the gem of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. Stones from the destroyed temple of the Aztec were used to build the church. And while we mourn the destruction of the old temple, it is amazing to stare up at the church and see stones from over 1000 years ago.

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1573 and took until 1813 to complete! The enormous cathedral is over 350 feet long and 200 feet wide. This makes it Latin America’s largest and oldest cathedral.

Its enormous size means the Cathedral has four distinct facades. Each facade more elaborately embellished than the next. The church is a patchwork quilt of different styles of architecture and decorations, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassic. Although the 215-foot bell tower, containing 25 bells, is proudly done up in a Mexican style of architecture.

National Palace

Head down the street towards the entrance to the National Palace. This place is an enormous museum and art gallery featuring many famous works of art. It’s free to enter, you just need to leave a piece of ID at the gate. And don’t worry, they keep it safe and you’ll get this back when you leave. Because it is free to entre, I would recommend keeping things short, and picking one part of the museum to explore. My recommendation would be the series of murals by Diego Rivera inside the main courtyard. Seeing everything can be pretty overwhelming and I always feel like a shorter visit makes the information more digestable.

The History of Mexico

The murals which encompass the courtyard are called ‘The History of Mexico‘ painted on the main stairwell. Diego Rivera began painting it in 1929 and took over six years to complete. The subject of the mural is Mexico’s history from ancient times to the present day. From north to south the mural depicts the struggles of the indigenous Mexican people against foreign invaders and local dictators.

My favourite aspect of the mural are the depictions of the Aztec people and their rich culture. You can see every day Aztecs at work and play. See images of their icons of worship as well as images of their traditional dress. On the south wall, you’ll see an image of a woman holding the communist manifesto. This is Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera’s wife. Although at the time Frida was only the woman behind Rivera, she would go on to be even more famous than Diego himself. More on her later!

Azul Historico

After finishing at the museum, wander down the long pedestrian avenue Francisco I. Madero. This street is filled with incredible old historical buildings. If you’re looking for something to eat head to one of the city’s most sought-after restaurants, Azul Historico. This restaurant features an indoor-outdoor courtyard where you’ll eat under a tree canopy. The restaurant serves up traditional Mexican cuisine with its own unique flair. One of the most popular dishes is the guacamole with fried crickets, absolutely delicious and a must-try!

Torre Tower

To cap off your lunch, head to the Torre Tower for a view over Mexico City. The tower requires admission for the viewing deck but it’s free to access if head up to the restaurant or bar. If you get a drink at the bar or snack at the restaurant you’ll be able one of the best views in the city! It might be a little pricier than other places in Mexico City, but think of it as a viewing tax.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

After looking at it from above, head down to see the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The Palacio de Bellas Artes hosts events in music, dance, theatre, opera and literature. Therefore it was aptly nick-named the “Cathedral of Art in Mexico“. The exterior of the building is primarily Neoclassical and Art Nouveau and the interior is primarily Art Deco. If the line up isn’t too long, head inside to see the iconic murals by Diego Rivera as well as other famous Mexican artists.

Diego Rivera Mural Museum

If the line up is really long you can always opt to go the Diego Rivera Mural Museum down the road instead. This museum houses one of Diego Rivera’s most famous painting, Dream of a Sunday afternoon in the Alameda.

National Post Office

Across from the Belle Arts building is the National Post Office. While it might seem strange to visit a post office, this one is truly spectacular. The Postal Palace of Mexico City was designed at a time when the post office became a separate government entity. They wanted to show off their power and designed a building with a very eclectic style for the time.

It blends Art Nouveau, Spanish Renaissance Revival, Plateresque, Spanish Rococo style, Elizabethan Gothic, Elizabethan Plateresque and Venetian Gothic Revival all together. And while trying to blend that all together would result in a mess, it is anything but. This building is so iconic to Mexico’s architectural style that it inspired the design for the Department of Family Reunions in the Pixar film, Coco.

Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela

Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping at the nearby Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela. This is the best market to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. The market looks like a veritable rainbow and even if you walk away with nothing (which I doubt you will) it’s still an incredible place to explore and enjoy. I have an entire post of the best items to buy when you’re visiting if you want to make a checklist! Trust me, this is super handy since it’s so easy to get lost or carried away in this place.

Roma Norte Dinner

Make your way to Roma Norte for dinner. Colonia Roma, as it is also known, was established as an upper-class neighbourhood in the 1900s. At the time, Mexico City wasn’t as large as it is today, and this neighbourhood was considered the newest suburbs of the capital. The design of this European-inspired neighbourhood was meant to appeal to the noble aristocrats. Since the area was badly damaged in the huge earthquake of 1985, many of the buildings were not subjected to modernization. Today it remains as a vestige of another time from Mexico City’s history. Today, Roma is the epicentre of hipster culture in the city with streets lined with restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, cultural centres, and galleries. This is where you can find some of the best sit-down restaurants in the city.

For a gorgeous meal in a modern setting check out Rosetta. Reservations are recommended well in advance for a spot at this hot-spot. For something more laid back and experimental check out the Mercado Roma. This spot is designed to feel like an upscale market. Here you’ll find a series of different vendors spread out so you can try a sampling of different dishes.

After dinner, head to the stylish Gin Gin bar for a few drinks to cap off the night. Not only is the bar incredible chic, I love gin and this is the place to go for some amazing gin cocktails.

Day Three – Chapultepec Park

Bosque de Chapultepec

After a busy day in the historic district, it’s time to slow down and relax in Chapultepec Park. Chapultepec or “Bosque de Chapultepec” is one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere. The entire park is over 1,600 acres! A city this dense and populated needs fresh air and this park act as its lungs. The vast forest of trees replenish fresh air throughout the Valley of Mexico. The name Chapultepec stems from the Nahuatl word chapoltepēc which means “at the grasshopper’s hill”.

Chapultepec Castle

Start your day at Chapultepec Castle. Chapultepec Castle is the ONLY true royal castle in the Americas, as it was actually the residence of the viceroys when the country was ruled by Spain. It was built in 1785 as a summer house for the royals. Not only is this castle a marvel of Mexican-Spanish architecture and interior design, but the view from the terrace over the park and the city are unrivalled.

You can spend hours wandering this home and discovering secrets around every corner. My favourite part is all the incredible stained glass filtering in that beautiful morning sunlight.

Street Food

After finishing up at the castle, walk back the hill towards Avenue H. Colegio Militar. This road will weave its way through the forest towards the best lookout point across Chapultepec Lake. This avenue is absolutely packed with street vendors! Although there is a larger “food court” beside the lake, I would avoid this area. Perhaps since they have more permanent booths, the food can be left inside and therefore isn’t of the highest quality. But the food vendors that flank the roadways are really delicious. So stick with them! These might not be as filling as the meals on offer in the food court area, but you’re better off with a safe bet.

Below are a few of my favourite street snacks so you can keep your eyes out for these reliably delicious traditional treats.

• Chicharron: deep-fried pigskin doused in chilli sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice. Duritos: Duritos (not to be mixed up with Doritos) are a wheat-based pinwheel-shaped snack topped with hot sauce and lime.
• Dorilocos: If you’re looking for something more like a meal, find your way to the Dorilocos vendor. This dish is made by taking a bag of Doritos and slicing it down the long edge, so it opens like a bowl. Then they top it with Mexican radish, shredded cucumber and carrot and Japanese peanuts. Then, of course, it’s topped with lime juice and hot sauce on top. 
• Papas: freshly made potato chips served with hot sauce and lime.

National Museum of Anthropology

After lunch head over the National Museum of Anthropology. This museum contains archaeological and anthropological artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage. It’s is perhaps one of the most powerful and interesting museums I’ve seen. The enormous artifacts from the Aztecs cultures, as well as lesser-known indigenous cultures like the Toltec, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Olmec are larger than life and command your attention. If you don’t know much about the pre-hispanic history of Mexico, this is a wonderful place to start learning.

El Lago de Chapultepec

Finish your day in the park with a padel around El Lago de Chapultepec. This man-made lake is one of the most picturesque places to take a little blue paddle boat and take in the scenery. The views from the middle of the lake are fantastic and even look out at the Colonia Polanco. The boats cost 60-100 pesos/hour (around the U.S. $3). Normally, such a touristy activity would price gouge visitors but not here in the park. The locals enjoy a ride as much as the tourists, so prices are kept low to ensure everyone can enjoy a day out!

Dinner in Polanco

For dinner, let’s head just north of the park to the fanciest neighbourhood in Mexico City; Polanco. Polanco is known for its upscale boutiques and luxury stores. But it also had great food hidden amongst the otherwise ubiquitous shops. If you want to go all out, make reservations at the famous Pujol restaurants. As of 2022, Pujol stands at #9 on the list of the world’s best restaurants! Reservations book up months and months in advance so be sure to get yours as soon as you can. But if you find there are no spots lefts, keep checking as sometimes people make cancellations and something will pop up out of the blue.

If you can’t snag a reservation at Pujol or don’t wanna spend that kind of cash there are lots of other options. One of my faves is El Turix, a little hole in the wall that sells Cochinita Pibil in a multitude of ways. My pick is always the taco but the torta and tamale are also great choices! Cochinita Pibil is best known as a dish from the Yucatec Mayan peninsula and this is the best place to try it outside of the Yucatan!

Day Four – Frida Khalo’s Coyoacán

Coyoacán is one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods, just south of the centre of town. The name comes from the Nahuatl word meaning “place of coyotes.” Today, Coyoacán is most notable for its amazing marketplace, brightly coloured yet quiet streets and gorgeous greenery. But most importantly, it’s where you’ll find the Casa Azul; Frida Khalo‘s home which has been preserved as a museum.

Café Avellaneda

Because this sleepy village doesn’t rise early in the morning, head over to Café Avellaneda for a late brunch. This small but charmingly decorated cafe serves up some inventive, and cosy meals. Give the Chilaquiles Verdes a try or opt for the waffles covered in their selection of seasonal fruit! Great way to try some of the best produce from the marketplace!

Iglesia De Coyoacan

After filling your belly with food, head over to the Iglesia De Coyoacan. The first church was built here in 1577. The site was given to the Franciscan parish by Hernan Cortes, a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. Over the years the church has changed appearance from its original form. Renovations and fires continued to shape its evolution but the current church is no less beautiful than all its predecessors.

The facade is a classical herrerian design with geometric rigour and an overall absence of decorations. This is so that when you enter the church there is a huge juxtaposition to what you find walking through the large wooden doors. The interior is covered in baroque gilded decorations, mindblowing ceiling frescos of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, a fantastical work of Juan de Fabregat. The interior feels grand and yet at the same time very intimate. When we visited there were a large group of locals, praying on their way to work.

Centenario Garden and Hidalgo Garden

Outside of the church spend some time wandering the two adjoining parks; Centenario Garden and Hidalgo Garden. In the middle of these gardens is a large canopied rotunda where on the weekend you’ll often hear music being played.

Children are seen playing in the square, and brightly coloured balloons and toy vendors decorate the surroundings. In the centre of the park is a fountain which contains a bronze sculpture of two coyotes. In reference to the original meaning of the borough’s name.

Cafe El Jarocho

For a little pick me up on your way to the market, head over to Cafe El Jarocho. This place has been serving customers in Coyoacan for 63 years and is a veritable piece of history. It’s an unpretentious coffee shop and a great alternative to just another Starbucks. Give their mocha a try since it’s famous for being made with traditional Mexican chocolate and some of their locally grown beans.

Mercado de Coyoacán

Next, you’ll finally arrive at the golden yellow facade of the Mercado de Coyoacán. The interior of this busy market is tightly packed with spices, toys, fruits and vegetables and wonderfully smelling flowers. But the main reason for visiting this market is for their famous tostadas! At lunchtime, the lines can get pretty long, but it moves quickly and gives you time to scope out what you want. The ceviche tostadas with a thick slices of avocado to cut the acidity of the fish are absolute perfection!

Casa Azul – Frida Kahlo Museum

But what most people come to Coyocan for is the Casa Azul, also known as The Frida Kahlo Museum. This was where Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera lived. Frida herself grew up in this family home when her parents owned it. She would later return here to seek refuge from her pain and from the public. Frida is one of the most influential surrealist artists. Her work was inspired by her life, the natural environment and many elements from her Mexican hertiage.

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, pre-Hispanic artefacts, photographs, memorabilia, personal items, and more. You feel a deep connection with these artists by literally walking in their footsteps. This is an unmissable experience for anyone interested in art or Frida herself.

Parque Santa Catarina

As you head towards where you’ll have dinner, stop off in the Parque Santa Catarina. This lovely parkette is dominated by the marigold painted church of Santa Catarina. The square is often a site for party and, and there is usually a remnant of those events still holding onto the sunlight.

Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles

Across from the park is the Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles. This centre is free to enter and a beautiful place to rest your feet and explore. The “House of Culture” was named in honour of the distinguished historian and political scientist, Jesús Reyes Heroles. In this public centre, you’ll see people writing an essay, practising dance, earning music, having meetings and more!

Mesón Antigua

Across from the Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles is the Mesón Antigua. This cosy and welcoming restaurant serves up traditional Mexican food in a charming environment. It’s a great place to try some traditionally made mole and while away the evening on the terrace, watching locals on their way home from work and lovers meeting the park. People watching at its finest.

Go to a Lucha Libra Show

If you feel up for some evening entertainment I would highly recommend going to a Lucha Libre show! Lucha Libre is basically 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 ownand its 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 history of the sport 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-shirt to magnet with famous wrestlers on them so it’s good to find out for yourself what this is all about.

Day Five – The Old City of Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is one of those places you hear about, and everyone tells you to visit. I was a bit on the fence when I first heard about it, the pictures never really do a place that vast justice, and I didn’t know what to expect. But after going I can tell you, it is indeed a must see part of Mexico and somewhere which taught me a lot about the culture and the history of this country. Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city where over 125,000 people once lived in around 100 BCE! At the time it was one of the largest cities in the entire world. Teotihuacan’s pyramids are its most famous site. The Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon were laid out in a geometric and symbolic plan which mirrored the stars.

Pyramids

Climbing up the Pyramid of the Sun is a challenge, especially on a hot day, so arriving early is key! Not only did we find the pyramids were way less crowded than later on in the day, but it was the perfect temperature. The Pyramid of the Sun is 140-feet (43-meters) high with a base measuring 426 by 511 feet (130 by 156 meters). Its the largest of the pyramids and gives you the best view from atop of the surrounding landscape and other ancient structures.

In addition to seeing the pyramids, you’ll also have the chance to explore the multi-family residential compounds, the Avenue of the Dead and the amazingly vibrant murals which reflect how bright and colourful all these structures once were. These incredible pieces of history have been incredibly well-preserved after all this time and looking at them you are blown away by the seemingly modern designs they were making thousands of years ago.

There are multiple ways to get to Teotihuacan. The most popular method is by guided tour. This was the option we chose and ended up booking a semi-private tour through Airbnb experience. You can also opt to take public transit or even schedule an Uber driver to take you to the site which is about 1 hour and 20 minutes outside the city depending on your location.

La Gruta

If you’re looking for a seat with a view, there is no other option for lunch other than ‘La Gruta’. This restaurant is located inside a prehistoric cave, just a few steps away from the Teotihuacan Pyramids. Here you will get the chance to taste delicious dishes that mix local ingredients with pre-Hispanic recipes. You also get to enjoy traditional Mexican folk dance shows while dining. Seats often book quickly, so reservations are recommended.

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There are a few smaller museums around the Pyramid sites, but I would recommend spending more time exploring the actual pyramids themselves and the areas around them. It’s incredible how much you’re allowed to climb on and venture into, and there is always something new to discover for yourself.

Day Six – Xochimilco

Xochimilco is the Venice of Mexico. It’s an enormous network of canals that spread across this southern district of Mexico City. Xochimilco means “Floating Gardens” as the Aztecs created chinampas which were artificial agricultural plots rich in minerals and there they would plant thousands of flower fields. Today, Xochimilco is UNESCO World Heritage Site as it preserves this Aztecs technology. The main pier I would advise boarding your boat from is located about 45 minutes outside the centre of town but is well, well worth the effort to get there. I have an entire guide on Xochimilco so if you want to know all the tips and tricks for visiting definitely check that out as this is just a brief overview!

Mercado Xochimilco

You’re allowed to bring whatever food and drinks you want onto the boat but if you have time to stop, check out the Mercado Xochimilco before arriving at the pier. You can load up with fresh sweet and savoury treats to enjoy on your journey!

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Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas

Be sure to arrive at the ‘Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas’. There are multiple embarcaderos, or ‘piers’, which service the canals but the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas is the official pier to catch your boat and where you’ll find the most honest pricing.

Trajineras

The boats which run up and down the river are called ‘Trajineras’. 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 on Spanish haggling, you’ll find it pretty difficult to get the rides any cheaper than 400-450 pesos per hour. It’s up to you how long you want to be on the canals but I would honestly say I wish we’d gone out for longer! Plus, the longer you go, the better chance you’ll have of striking a deal!

Food

One of the most enjoyable parts of the experience is the food. Food is available throughout the canals as you travel. Vendors with roasted corn, coconut water, fresh tacos, cold beer and spicy 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!

Entertainment along the Canal

As soon as you set off into the canals, the sound of musicians playing across the waters can immediately be heard. Mariachi bands floating on their own individual boats float down the river. As they pass you by they’ll offer to board your boat and play a song or two or really as many as you want!

Songs cost about 150 pesos per number but are cheaper the more songs you want. In addition to the mariachi bands, you’ll also see various smaller boats with only 2 to 3 people playing the xylophones as they float down the canal.

Day Seven – Back Home

Since it’s your last day, it’s best to take it easy. Most flights out of Mexico City require you to be at the airport at least 3 hours early. And you have to remember traffic to the airport can add in some travel time to that as well. So best not to plan too many activities. Instead of a big activity, I would head down to Lalo! for a delicious, laid-back brunch in the Roma Norte neighbourhood.

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If you have any time left, I would recommend wandering through any park that’s close by. Parks in Mexico City are truly spectacular places. They have a certain kind of magic that you just want to soak up before leaving. Grab some street treats and take a seat on a bench to marvel at the light coming through the trees. Watch the smiling people milling about with their adorable dogs and get ready to miss everything you’ve come to love about this city.

While seven days might not be nearly enough time to see everything there is to see in Mexico City, it certainly is a great start. And trust me, after one visit, you’ll be planning your next trip as soon as you return home!

The post The Ultimate Mexico City 7-Day Itinerary to See the Sights and Soak up the Culture [UPDATED 2022] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. DIY Tour
3. How to get to Cascais
4. By car
5. by Train
6. Getting Around in Cascais
7. Car
8. Walking & Bike Rental
9. Tourist Bus (a word of caution)
10. Public Bus
11. Uber
12. What time of year to go?
13. Self Guided Tour
14. Stop #3: Boca do Inferno
15. Stop#12: Rue Frederico Arouca

History

Cascais, pronounced “cash-ky”, is a word developed from the Portuguese “cascas” which means “shells” since the town was located so close to the waters where thousands of shells would wash ashore. The town’s proximity to the seas made it a hub for fishing and the money it brought in from those exports gained it the privilege of self-government in 1370 as decreed by King Fernando. Cascais rose to prominence with the title, and it became the first place Portuguese navigators would see when they returned from voyages around the world.

Lighthouses, military operations and forts were all built to support the town as a great lookout point for the country’s capital, Lisbon. Over the years, as the naval wars began to dwindle, its use as defensive maritime fortresses waned. But it’s elegant architecture, and charming city structure meant that people continued to flock to its shores and it was transformed into a luxury beach town for the aristocracy of Portugal. Years later, Cascais is most famous as being the writing haunt of famed author Ian Fleming, who wrote the classic James Bond novels in a hotel in Cascais. He had visited the town when he fought in World War II and came back here to write after the war was over. Many of the seaside settings throughout his novels all have some inspiration drawn from his experiences in Cascais.

DIY Tour

When we were planning our trip to Cascais and Cabo da Roca, we couldn’t understand why we couldn’t find much information online about a do-it-yourself tour. A lot of people visit Cascais and Cabo da Roca as a part of a day trip, sometimes also paired with a visit to Sintra. After visiting both Sintra and Cascais (along with Cabo da Roca) I genuinely do not know how they do it all in one short day. I suppose it’s more of a drive by viewing rather than a chance to really explore and understand each one of these incredible places. There is simply too much to see!

I think with this guide you can easily explore the wonders of Cascais and Cabo da Roca on at your own pace and save a ton of money too. It might require a little extra planning and effort on your part but if you’re up for it than I think it will pay you back in dividends.

How to get to Cascais

By car

If you have a vehicle getting to Cascais is a breeze, it’s just 35 minutes outside the centre of Lisbon. Parking can be found easily across Cascais and the surrounding countryside. On very busy days parking can be tough at the beach but there is usually places to park along the roadside where you can then walk over to the beach. Be sure to have coins for the tolls.

by Train

If you don’t have a car, not to fear. There is a train which leaves from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon which services Cascais in just under an hour. The train journey costs just 2.20€. Be sure to have your metro zapping card with you since it makes jumping on and off the train easier than buying individual tickets.

Getting Around in Cascais

Car

If you have a rental car you can just drive from point to point from each of the destinations listed in this guide. Of all the methods of transports it’s the least complicated but does require the investment of the rental car. If you haven’t already rented one for the rest of your trip I don’t advise that you need to rent one just for this day-trip, it’s easily manageable without.

Walking & Bike Rental

The town of Cascais is relatively small, so walking around the sites in town is super easy on foot. If you just want to explore the beaches along the coast, there are bike rentals all over the place and bike paths too which makes getting to and from those areas a breeze! You can walk to most of the beaches but renting a bike is just that much more fun! While biking or hiking all the way up to the furthest point on our tour isn’t for the faint of heart it would be an absolutely beautiful hike/bike for those who are up for the challenge.

Tourist Bus (a word of caution)

To get out to all the destinations in this guide without a car, you’ll need to take the Scotturb buses. We opted for the tourist hop-on-hop-off bus, but honestly, we weren’t that impressed. When I got home I saw just how abysmal the reviews were and with good reason. When we told the driver we wanted to get off at Praia do Guincho, he seemed shocked that we actually wanted to “hop off” on a hop-on-hop-off bus! And even after asking he didn’t remember to stop. I ran up to the front and reminded him and only then did he, grumpily may I add, pull over and let us out. Our experiences certainly don’t look out of the norm based on the 1-star rating, and I’m surprised they still have this service up and running.

Advice on the Bus

If you have the money to spend and don’t mind waiting on late drivers and being firm about telling them where you want to get off and making sure they do indeed stop, then go ahead with the sightseeing bus but just be sure to read the reviews before you do! The upside to this bus is that you can “easily” get to all the destinations without having to figure out the public bus routes. Hopefully they’ll be improving this service, let me know if you decide to venture out on it and how your experience rates. The sightseeing Cascais buses run every 45 minutes from around 10 am to 5 pm but be sure to get the updated schedule from the main loading dock at the Cascais train terminal. A ticket costs €20 (€10 children under 12) + 0.50 card, and is valid for 24 hours.

Public Bus

The public transport system to and from different destinations in Cascais is a bit complicated. I understand how they get tourists suckered into only using the “sightseeing buses”. That being said, you can absolutely do this tour using the local buses. I’ve made sure to mark all the stops down on the map at the bottom of the post. I’ve also detailed each step out for you in this guide since most people are likely using public transport to get around. Fares on the bus cost €1.15 per journey and you’ll only need to ride them 4 times so the savings compared to the sightseeing bus are very significant. The three bus routes you’ll need are the 403, 414, and 415. (I’ve linked each of their schedules here as well as within the post.)

Uber

Another option is taking Ubers to and from each location. Depending on how many people you’re with, you could actually save some money here compared to the sightseeing bus. Uber’s cost around €12-17 from Cascais to Cabo da Roca. €9-13 from Cabo da Roca to Guincho Beach. And €5-8 from Guincho Beach to Boca de Inferno. The highest estimated cost is €38, which is actually cheaper than two people taking the tourist bus! The only risk you might consider is that there wouldn’t be any Ubers driving around that day. If so, you can easily find the nearest public transport option and hop on that.

What time of year to go?

The cooler weather during the winter and late fall makes Cascais a little less appealing to visit. Lying out on the hot sand and soaking in the surf and the sun is all part of the coastal experience. But if you do choose to visit during “off-season” you’ll be rewarded with less crowded attractions. The buses run on a slightly modified schedule during the winter so be aware of that as well if you choose to come down in the winter.

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit. Even on a hot day, the winds off the water, bring the temperature down a lot compared to in the city. And if you’re too hot, you can always just jump into the water to cool down! Try your best to come during the week since the weekends and holidays mean the beaches are packed.

Self Guided Tour

Stop #1: Cabo da Roca

After arriving at the Cascais train station, the first stop on your journey should be Cabo da Roca. Cabo da Roca is the furthest point on our tour from the Cascais terminal. It’s good to get it done first thing in the morning as it’s also the most popular sight on tour. Around midday, it can get extremely crowded so early mornings really pay off. I’d recommend leaving Lisbon just after 8 am to arrive in Cascais bright and early. Grab a few pastries and a cup of coffee for the train ride and enjoy the scenery as you go!

If you’re driving, you can simply head up the road and leave your car in the National Park’s parking lot. For the bus, catch #403 from the Cascais bus terminal. If you choose to take the sightseeing tourist bus, you can catch this outside of Cascais Train station as well. Either way, you go, you should reach the peaks of Cabo da Roca in around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

The ride up to Cabo da Roca was actually one of my favourite parts of the trip. It seemed as we climbed up the cliffside, the environment around us kept changing. At one point we were driving along coastal beaches and sand dunes, in another minute we were surrounded by lush rainforest-like trees, and finally, after coming through the forest, we reached the top of the mountains, and there seemed to be nothing but rocks, cliffs,green grass and a never ending expanse of ocean.

TIP: Even on warm days Cabo da Roca is exceptionally windy, and it’s higher altitude makes it pretty chilly! Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket with you.

Cabo da Roca

Arriving at Cabo da Roca, you’ll first notice the red-topped lighthouse and terracotta roofs of the building of the National Park office. But the real draw of Cabo da Roca doesn’t open itself up to you until you step off the bus or car, and walk down to the cliff’s edge. And then wow! What a sight! Cabo da Roca is famously the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Looking out across cliffs you’ll see nothing but a vast expanse of sparkling blue waters belonging to the Atlantic Ocean. To the left, you’ll have the most spectacular view of the Serra de Sintra coastline as well. While Cabo da Roca is now a big tourist attraction, in the 17th century it’s purpose was mainly defensive. From this vantage point, guards could see any incoming ships which would be approaching Lisbon’s harbour. A considerable advantage in their maritime strategy, especially during the Peninsular Wars.

Lighthouse

The iconic lighthouse which sits on the top of the cliffs is not only a beautiful sight to see but an essential part of Portugal’s history as it is the oldest lighthouse in the country. It was built in 1772 and once was the guiding light for sailors on their way back home. Today you can find a quaint souvenir shop inside, with an overpriced “certificate” of your visit to the westernmost part of Europe, but it mostly just adds to the scenery of the entire location.

Be sure to take a walk down the entire cliffside, the view changes as you continue walking and the landscape towards the northeastern part of the park is absolutely stunning. It looked so much like the green fields of Scotland or Ireland and not like something in the middle of the Mediterranean.

Stop #2: Praia do Guincho

Our next stop is Praia do Guincho, one of the most famous and magnificent beaches on this coastline. To get here if you’re driving, it’s an absolute breeze, just a few minutes drives from Cabo da Roca. If you have a tourist bus ticket, you can get on the next bus returning to Cascais but BE SURE to not only tell your driver you want to get off at Praia do Guincho but also you sit near the driver and make sure to remind him as you approach (you shouldn’t have to do this but since he missed out stop altogether its better to be safe than sorry).

If you’re using public transport hop onto the Scotturb bus #403 and get off at Malveira da Serra, which is the first stop on the bus after getting on at Cabo da Roca. From Malveira da Serra stop change onto the bus #414 and jump off at the Charneca stop. The Charneca bus stop is located about a 25 minutes walk from the beach, and while the walk might not be “ideal”, it’s the easiest and quickest way (not to mention cheapest) when using public transport. Plus, the walk from Charneca is actually delightful since you get to see all the different houses and rural landscape of the suburbs of Cascais along the way. I’ve included a map of the walking route from the bus stop to the beach here so you can follow along.

Arrival at the Beach

Once you get to the beach, you can just relax! This beach is famous the world over for surfing. Since it is one of the windiest beaches in Portugal you’ll see hundreds of surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers here no matter the weather! It’s immensely entertaining to watch them out in the water! The beach is located on the edge of the Serra de Sintra National Park, which means that it’s natural beauty has been, and continues to be, preserved and protected. Due to the high winds, the beach is covered in sculptural sand dunes giving it that dynamic appearance. Grass grows through the sand and creates a strong contrast against the white sands and crystal blue waters.

Cresmina Beach

The beach is the perfect spot to grab some lunch with a view. While there are several Michelin star restaurants along the beach, these are enormously expensive (I was SHOCKED), and while they’re highly rated, most of us won’t have that kind of money to spend. But the real shock was the little beach we found at Cresmina Beach (located just on the other side of the dunes from Praia do Guincho). We thought this small shop would have nothing but chips and soda but were pleasantly surprised to find that they served hot pizza, salads, sandwiches and more! And best of all they were well priced and really delicious. Washed down with a freshly made sangria as you sit and enjoy the sound of waves crashing on the sand what more can you ask for?

I would recommend spending a few hours here. Have a leisurely lunch, walk along the beach, if the waves aren’t too intense you can even jump in the water for a swim! Cresmina Beach is a little calmer, and you’ll find more people swimming here while Praia do Guincho is THE place to be for surfing. We sat and watched the surfers for hours, it was pleasantly mesmerizing. We visited in May and despite the warm weather the beach wasn’t overcrowded and there still was a lovely peaceful atmosphere to the whole place.

Stop #3: Boca do Inferno

Next up on the itinerary is Boca de Inferno. To get here, if you have a car or are Ubering it’s located just 9 minutes down the road. The hop-on-hop-off tourist bus will also drop you off there (the stop after Guincho Beach) or if you want to take public transport, you can get on bus #415 which picks you up right from Guincho beach. Get off at the stop Bairro do Rosário and walk the 17 minutes towards the cliffs. Map of the walking route is located below.

“Boca do Inferno” in Portuguese means “Hell’s Mouth”. It sounds a lot scarier than it really is. It’s actually quite stunning. Over the years, this rocky outcrop’s proximity to the strong waves created a cave, which then collapsed, leaving a natural arch as a window into the water filled chasm. There is something truly magical about watching the waves as they splash and crash inside the dark cave. They swirl and spin, changing colours as they move and swell.

Aleister Crowley

One of the strangest parts of this place’s history is its involvement in the “death” of famed magician and astrologer Aleister Crowley. The occultist came here to fake his death in 1930 with the help of poet Fernando Pessoa. It was meant as a publicist stunt to promote the opening of an exhibition of Crowley’s work at a gallery in Berlin, where he “magically” reappeared when the doors were opened. Perhaps one of the first “social media” stunts of the 20th century.

Stop #4: the Santa Marta Lighthouse

From the Boca de Inferno, we will walk the rest of the way back into town. You can also drive back into Cascais, but the walk along the coast is a short and beautiful one with a few small things to see along the way. The Santa Marta Lighthouse is a very Portuguese looking lighthouse, covered with a striped pattern of white and blue tiles. The lighthouse was built on the site of a 17th-century fort in 1868. Although it has long been put out of use, it now maintains itself as a little museum and lovely piece of traditional decoration along the coast. The manor house it sits behind is a coast paradise and duo, along with scenic palm trees is a picture perfect photo.

Along the cobblestone pedestrian walkway back into town, you’ll pass dozen of the enormous estates and gorgeous houses. Some of these mansions were built back in the 17th century by the rich and famous of Lisbon’s high society. One of these famous mansions is the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. This manor house is now a small museum housing paintings, ancient artefacts & old books collected by the owner, now open to the public.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Stop #5: Citadel of Cascais

Continuing along the road you’ll see the large, rocky walls of the Citadel of Cascais start to emerge as you creep closer to the city. These fortifications were built in the 15th and 17th centuries to defend the Cascais coastline. There are three different buildings which make up the entire complex; the tower of Santo António de Cascais, the Fortress of Our Lady of Light and the former Royal Palace. You might be surprised to learn that the Royal Palace was restored and converted into a hotel in the 21st century. It’s incredible private chapel is now used to host some of the most amazing weddings which bring people from all over the world to Cascais.

Stop #6: Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

One of the most amazing churches in Cascais is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption or “Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção“. The church dates all the way back to the 16th century, and because Cascais was left virtually untouched by war or modernization, the church maintains its historic design. Inside you’ll find golden niches surrounded in stunning blue an white 18th-century traditional Portuguese tile work.

Stop #7: Ribeira Beach Cascais

Turning along the Avenue Dom Carlos, you’ll come upon Ribeira Beach in the town Cascais. Imagine having a beach this beautiful just steps away from the centre of town! You could even come down here on your lunch break! The beach is full of brightly coloured umbrellas, laughing children playing in the sand and there is ALWAYS a team of volleyball players battling it out on the small court.

Behind the beach is a classic Portuguese square with those iconic black and white cobblestones in a wave pattern. You’ll see this same pattern used all over Portugal but set right next to the ocean it feels even more appropriate. Also in the square is a beautiful bronze statue of a woman whose leg’s form the shape of a wave, her body wrapped in a ship’s rope. She looks out towards the ocean, perhaps eternally waiting for sailor to return home.

Stop #8: Palacete Seixas

Standing on the beach, you can see a castle-like structure in the distance, this is the Palacete Seixas. This old military fort was transformed in the 19th century into a grand mansion for a wealthy aristocrat to live in. When he died, he left the structure to the Portuguese Marines in his last will and testimony. Today it’s used as a meeting office for Marine officials but also creates a wonderful backdrop for beachgoers.

Stop #10: Cascais Town Hall

Opposite the beach is the great Town Hall, distinguishable by its ornate facade covered in azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting various Catholics Saints across the facade.

In the centre of the Town Hall square is the statue of King Peter the 1st. King Peter was the one who declared Cascais a township and gave them independence from Sintra in 1364. Before this, Cascais was seen as Sintra’s little brother. A community simply put in place to support the people of Sintra, but over the years it’s fishing industry swelled beyond anyone’s expectations, and it began bringing in more money for Portugal than Sintra ever could. It felt strongly that it deserved this designation, but it wasn’t until King Peter that Cascais was finally able to become its own independent city and therefore King Peter is greatly respected amongst the people of Cascais.

Stop#11: Largo Luís de Camões

Just down from the Town Hall is Largo Luís de Camões, a pedestrian-only street which is where you’ll find dozens of lively bars and restaurants. So many of the roads which connect to Largo Luís de Camões are also worth exploring, they are littered in pretty pastel houses replete with flowers pouring off their rooftops. Around each corner, see if you can spot the incredible tiled street signs which make even the most simple alley look like a royal lane.

Stop#12: Rue Frederico Arouca

A little way up from the Largo Luís de Camões, turn right and continue down Rue Frederico Arouca, another street dedicated to pedestrians only. This street is filled with eclectic shops, souvenir stores and gorgeous old architecture full of character. This is a great place to shop for some items for friends and family back home as its relaxed atmosphere is one of the best places to leisurely find some hidden gems.

Stop#13: Jardim Visconde da Luz

At the top of the main street is the Jardim Visconde da Luz, a beautiful park where locals come to play with their kids and get away from the heat of the sun under the shade of these green trees. In the centre of this adorable square is one of the most beautiful carousels I’ve ever seen! Only children can ride it since it’s so small, but each of the animals on the carousel is so charmingly sculpted and full of life! Unlike some carousels which are more fantastical, this one is filled with farm animals which look like they’ve been plucked straight from a nursery rhyme.

Stop#14: Moules and Gin

Across from the park is a little restaurant serving up one of Cascais’ specialities; seafood – specifically, mussels! Moules and Gin is a low key, off the tourist track, restaurant popular with locals due to its low prices and straightforward menu which only aims to highlight the incredible taste of fresh seafood right from the ocean!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Stop#15: Gelados Santini

For dessert, just follow the line up around the block surrounding Gelados Santini. Beach towns really do manage to have the best ice cream and gelato, the perfect combination for a day out in the sand and sun. The handmade gelato is fresh, and if there are any seasonal flavours, those are a must-have! The strawberry flavour feels like licking the berries right off the vine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With the last lick of gelato comes the end of our day in Cascais. To return back to Lisbon just hop back on the same train which brought you here or head back to the city in your car. Having dinner and dessert in Cascais means you’ll miss the end-of-day rush of both locals and tourists heading back into the city. Hopeful you’ll be swayed into coming over to Cascais on your own and skip the bus tours.

There is just so much to see here, and those organized tours are much too rushed for the rich history which Cascais offers up. With a little effort and organization, you can absolutely see all there is to see here on your own. If you have any questions about Cascais, let me know in the comments! I can’t wait to return and perhaps even spend the night to see this fantastic city when the sun sets, and there’s nothing but the sound of the ocean crashing on the shore to lull me to sleep

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Discover the Beauty of Portugal’s Coastline: A Complete Guide to Cascais and Cabo Da Roca first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

In English and French, Bruges is pronounced “broozh,” but in the native Flemish, it’s called Brugge, pronounced, “broo-gha.” Bruges is a UNESCO-protected city, and as such, historians ensure that everything remains unchanged and is in a perpetual state of Gothic opulence. Any renovations undertaken to protect buildings from the perils of old age are done with lots of research and employ only old materials to fix or repair any damage. Bruges is truly one of my favourite cities to visit. You could walk endlessly along the streets and continuously find new discoveries. It’s a fairy-tale like a village, and I think far too many people just breeze through it on a day trip from Brussels. To truly experience the city at its best, you must spend the night and dedicate 48 hours to exploring every nook and cranny of the city.

History

Before you head out on your adventures, here’s some history of giving you some context for your travels throughout this Gothic city. Bruges first established itself as a settlement in the 9th century. Since it was a city settled on the river, connected to the North Sea, it immediately became a hub for international trade. It was called Bruges after the old Scandinavian word Bryggia, which means harbour. In the middle ages, Bruges was one of the largest trade centres in northwest Europe. It specialized in Flemish cloth, one of the most important products in medieval times. Because the cloth market was exploding all over the country, more and more money poured into the city. The overwhelming wealth that the city gained over the years allowed Bruges to build some of the most impressive medieval architectural masterpieces in Europe.

15th Century Bruges

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, Bruges continued to fluctuate under an ever-changing economy. While other European cities were able to expand, Bruges remained a small town. It couldn’t keep up with the growth happening worldwide and eventually lost its position as a leading trade city to Antwerp with a population that doubled its own. Bruges slowly fell out of the limelight and eventually disappeared from European high society.

In the 1800s, Bruges became the most impoverished city in Belgium as all trade routes into the city had shut. It is perhaps this period of poverty that we have to thank for the preservation of the city’s historic architecture. There was no money for renovations, expansions or modernization of any kind. In the mid-19th century, when the tourism industry started to creep outside the major cities into the countryside, people began to discover this untouched gem. People from all over fell in love with the antiquated facades and peaceful canals they found here. In the 1900s, Bruges became a popular tourist destination, and eventually, in 1970, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and was deemed a “medieval historic settlement.”

Access

To make your way to Bruges, you can take the train from any other European city to Bruges Station or fly into the Brussels Airport, located about 110km east of Bruges. Direct trains from the Brussels Airport run every hour into Bruges station.

You can quickly get on a local bus from the train station that will take you to the town centre. The commuter bus drives through the narrow, cobblestone streets of medieval Bruges at breakneck speed. There were a few close calls as we barreled around tight corners, but any locals on the bus didn’t seem the least phased, so I took their nonplussed reaction as comfort and watched the red brick scenery pass us by.

Our bus dropped us off in Markt Square, close to our hotel, and we walked through the square dragging our rolling suitcases along as we went.

TIP: Make sure you have sturdy wheels, or better yet, a knapsack, as suitcases with wheels will take a beating in this city! They’re pretty much isn’t a single smooth surface in the entire place.

Accommodation

Another big tip for visiting Bruges is to stay at least one night in the city. Many visit only for a day trip and rush through the sites just to check them off their bucket list. I more than encourage spending a few days here to properly experience the atmosphere of this ancient city, both during the day and at night. Once the heavy loads of day-tripping tourists disappear in the afternoon, the town’s true nature comes alive. Locals open their doors, and the city feels more than just a postcard.

Hotel Jan Brito

Hotel Jan Brito can be found right in the center of Bruges, just a hop, skip and a jump from Market Square. The hotel is located inside a 16th-century manor house, and staying in this place feels like sleeping inside a piece of the history of Bruges. There are 37 different rooms to choose from, but lucky for those looking for a good deal, they also offer budget rooms where you can stay that are still beautiful but offered at a great price. These rooms will run you $136 US/night.

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Hotel Bourgoensch Hof

If you’re looking for a hotel to take your breath away, look no further than Hotel Bourgoensch Hof. This architectural masterpiece was once a famous brewery that overlooked Bruges’s canals. Despite its conversion to a hotel, the building retains many architectural details that made it unique when it was a brewery. Book one of their canal view rooms if you can splurge a bit. You can open the blinds in the morning or at night and sit on the windowsill looking out at the boats floating down the canal. Rooms will run you $180 US/night.

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More and more Airbnb options have been popping up all over Bruges. This is your chance to stay inside a historic property and treat it less like a hotel and more like a home. This option in central Bruges is a 17th-century romantic little cottage tucked away on a private street. You’ll sleep on one of the city’s most colourful and charming roofs and relax in the morning with a cup of coffee in the garden. Airbnb always offers such unique experiences and properties. This one costs $183 US/night for two people.

After you’re settled into your hotel, it’s time to dig your heels into the history, art and architecture that pours from the veins of Bruges. And what better way to do this than to take a stroll to get up close and personal with the city. You could do this entire walking tour in one day, but I advise you to break it up over two days. Allow yourself time to venture inside the buildings and museums. If you can’t do the time work, you can totally do this walking tour in one day, but it will be a push!

Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Grote Markt or Market Square

The best place to start your tour is in the Grote Markt or Market Square. Seems fitting to begin your journey where Bruges first established its trading center and the location which would bring in all the wealth the city became known for. The first known marketplace was built here in the 10th century. Later, in the 12th century, a wooden market hall was built to help house the fish and cloth imports and exports away from the cold and the sun.

Market Day

The square turned from a simple shopping arena into a meeting place for jousting tournaments, weddings, royal parades and even executions. Despite the time, the square is still used today as a modern marketplace. Every Wednesday, local vendors come out with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese and more to sell to locals and tourists alike! It’s the perfect place to get ingredients for a picnic, so I highly recommend you visit here on a Wednesday morning!

In 1996, the square was converted into a pedestrian zone where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles were the only modes of transportation allowed. Tourists can wander and gaze up at the buildings around them without fear of being hit by a car. And gaze up, you will! While the horse and buggies might be too pricey for the regular tourist, bikes are a great way to explore the city, and Market Square is always a place to rent a bike for a few hours.

The Bruges Belfry

The Belfry Tower, atop the infamous Cloth Hall, looms over the Market square. The Belfry was built in 1240 but needed to be rebuilt in 1280 after a fire ravaged the first building. If the octagonal top looks slightly unfinished, you’d be correct. The tower was once topped with a high spire, well many spires actually, but each one was the victim of lightning strikes which reduced them all to ash. There is a famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which goes,

In the marketplace of Bruges stands the Belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilt. Still, it watches o’er the town.

In the medieval ages, the Belfry’s bells were the only indicator citizens had to tell the start of the workday, to signal for fire, or even to mark the beginning of a festival or event. In the 16th century, a 35-set carillon was installed in the tower. A carillon is a set of bells which could be played using a keyboard below the tower, creating a more musical sound than a few single bells rung from ropes ever could.

Climbing the Tower

You can still climb the 366 steps to the top of the tower as patrolmen once used to do to look out for fires that could have destroyed this incredible city. The view from the top is unparalleled and worth the time and effort it takes to climb up. These days the cost to climb the tower is € 12,00 for adults if you have the money to spend this is a great experience. I recommended visiting the Concertgebouw Circuit if you want a great view across the city with a slightly lower price and fewer tourists. The cost to visit the roof terrace on the seventh floor is only €8, and you’ll also see a fine collection of modern art. There is definitely a price you pay for history at the Belfry, so just weigh which ones are more important to you.

Snack on “French” Fries

At the bottom of the Belfry Tower is a local french fry vendor who serves up some of the most delicious Belgian french fries. There are ongoing disputes over the term “french fries” and their origin. The Belgians insist it was them, but the French disagree. The story goes that when American armies were stationed in Belgium, the Flemish military served them up one of their favourite (and inexpensive) meals – fried strips of potatoes.

The American army LOVED them and took the recipe back home. They ended up calling them french fries since French was the local language in Belgium then, and the Americans assumed they have stationed in France, not Belgium since that’s the language they heard spoken. While the French aren’t known for selling fries on the street, the Belgians have perfected this snack to be served on the go. They serve them alongside a mustard and mayonnaise dipping sauce which is an oddly delicious side dish and the perfect thing to eat to keep you going throughout your walking tour.

While chowing down on your snack, take a moment to study the brightly coloured buildings surrounding that square. Each one is topped with iconic crow-stepped gables, which have become the quintessential characteristic of Bruges.

Jan Breydel

Take a seat in the centre of the square, beneath the grand statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. These two men are local heroes known for leading the uprising against the invading French in 1302 and keeping Bruges a part of Belgium.

Provincial Hof

Across from the statue is the Provincial Hof or Provincial Court. The building now houses the Government of West Flanders and a local post office, but hundreds of years ago, it was home to the largest port in Bruges. Initially built in 1294, it was demolished in 1787 and rebuilt in a Neo-Gothic style reminiscent of the original Gothic roots of the city. One of the most iconic parts of its design is the bright red dormer windows which pop out of the stone grey roof.

Hendrik and Gustaaf Pickery designed all the interior decorations. You’ll find intricate stained glass windows and exquisite ironwork which covers all the rooms like wild vines. Gothic architecture was inspired by nature and how the organic world is so free and ornate. The statues and murals within depict scenes of famous people from West Flanders, a visual history of the building of their great city spread out for you in art.

Chocolatier Dumon

Dumon Chocolates are one of the most popular souvenirs people bring home from Bruges. Belgium is known worldwide for their chocolate creations, and Dumon has found a way of perfecting the art. Established in 1992, this family-run business expanded around Belgium, but their first family-run shop was in Bruges.

As you open the door, you are overwhelmed with melting chocolate’s sweet and slightly bitter scent. The tiny shop is almost arm’s length wide but is charmingly cluttered. Chocolates glisten behind glass cabinets, and you can’t help but start to drool. While there are no labels, the kind employees (all family members) will lovingly tell you about all the different kinds of chocolate and prepare a customized box with all your favourites. They speak English in addition to French and Belgian, but if you can’t communicate, you can’t go wrong with anything inside.

Hof Bladelin

Past Dumon, walking along the narrow streets and alleyways, you come upon Hof Bladelin. Hof Bladelin was once an aristocratic mansion, which has now been converted into a home for the elderly and a small museum. The Hof Bladelin was built in 1451 as the house of Pieter Bladelin and his wife, Margaret of Vagewierre. Pieter was the counsellor and treasurer for Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy. At the time, he was one of the wealthiest men in Bruges and wanted to build a house which reflected his enormous wealth. The Bladelins had no children, and after their death, the house came up for auction in 1472. It was purchased by the Medicis, a powerful Florentine banking family known for covering the most beautiful pieces of art and architecture from the world’s greatest artists.

The Hof Bladelin has the architectural design of a Gothic castle. The Renaissance courtyard was designed in the Italian style and added to the building by the Medici family. Stone medallion portraits of Lorenzo de Medici and his wife can still be found in the courtyard. The ribbed vaulted ceiling in the interiors has some interesting corbels adorned with scenes depicting the duties of Bladelin and the life of St. Alphege of Canterbury.

The Poortersloge

The Poortersloge, or Burgher’s Lodge, is an exemplary model of Gothic architecture in Bruges. It was built at the end of the 14th century and served as a meeting place for the burghers (town or city’s citizens). One can admire its magnificent façade, decorated with stone figures; one of these is of the legendary bear, Beertje van de Logie, dated 1417. In the past, banquets and festivities were held here; nowadays, the building contains historical documents.

Cambrinus

If you’re feeling peckish, stop off at the Cambrinus pub. The building oozes history. The original pub was built here in 1699, and despite a few updates, much of the place remains the same. When you arrive, the waiter will bring you a book the size of a dictionary with over 400 varieties of beer listed and vivid descriptions in various languages. There, indeed is something for everyone. In addition to the best beer list in the country, their traditional Brugian food is also to die for. The rabbit stew is my favourite and will warm you up from the inside out if you are travelling in any of the colder months.

Burg Square

Burg Square is one of the most stunningly old parts of the city. Surrounding you from all sides are architectural gems from the Gothic era, the Renaissance and the Neo-Classical revival.

Burg Town Hall

Burg Town Hall, or Stadhuis, is the oldest building in the square, built in 1376 in authentic Gothic fashion. Between the bright red painted window frames are carvings of men from the Court of Flanders intermingled with biblical figures. Each one looks down at the townspeople below, guiding and inspiring them to do good in their daily lives.

Palace of the Liberty

Sandwiched between the Town Hall is the Palace of the Liberty. This once served as the Old Court House for more than 200 years. The brilliant white painted facade with gold trim is decorated like a wedding cake with a golden Lady of Justice statue on top.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

In the corner of the square, tucked away so tightly it almost seems to disappear, stands the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This 14th-century church holds one essential item, a vial of “Holy Blood,” believed to be drops of blood and water washed from the body of Jesus Christ.

Behind its dark, richly decorated facade hides an even more ornamental interior. The interior houses two chapels, each polar opposite of the other. The upper chapel is the crown jewel of West Flanders in high Gothic style. From floor to ceiling, there are darkly painted murals depicting the Holy Trinity and various scenes of the journey of the Holy Blood Relic to Bruges. Vividly portrayed stained glass windows provide the only natural light inside the chapel. Little modern lighting has been installed inside to ensure the murals don’t fade with time, so this sombre lighting constantly fills the church.

Holy Blood relic

The Holy Blood relic is embedded in a rock-crystal vial and placed inside a glass cylinder framed with two golden crowns. It is only shown to the public on certain days of the week, so if you’re making a pilgrimage just to see it, check the schedule. When it is not displayed, it is housed inside a silver tabernacle with a picture of the Lamb of God on the front. In recent years the validity of the vial has come under question, and investigations have shown that it was nothing more than a Byzantine perfume bottle from Constantinople. But to those who believe, no amount of science can deter them.

The lower chapel is a simple Romanesque layout from the 12th century, the last Romanesque church in all of West Flanders. This chapel has been virtually unchanged since it was first built. The two chapels are connected, but a large brick staircase was built in 1533 in the Renaissance style, which was subsequently destroyed during the French WWII occupation but rebuilt in the 19th century. Moving from one chapel to another is like stepping back in time, and you really appreciate the incredible technological advances.

Vismarkt

Across the bridge from Burg Square is the Vismarkt or Old Fish Market. The fish market was once located in Market Square, but the smell of the fish was so intense that people around the square complained, so it was moved further east. The covered stone arcade was built in 1821. The market is only open from Wednesday to Saturday in the early morning, but you can visit the iconic stone structure anytime.

Dijver Canal

From the Fish Market, walk west along the Dijver canal. The canal’s passageway from the fish market to Nieuwstraat provides a classical view of Bruges, great for picture taking. Various restaurants along the canal are reasonably touristy but provide one of the most beautiful vistas in Bruges. If you just want to hop into one of their patios for a drink, I think the overpriced beer is well worth the scenery. This is a great place to end your first day, or if you’re trying to squeeze it all into 24 hours, you can continue from here.

Groeninge Museum

Across the street and down a few lanes from the canal is the Groeninge Museum. The Groeninge Museum is an essential stop on your tour of Bruges as it introduces you to Brugian and Belgian art over six centuries.

The Primitive Flemish style of painting is featured throughout the walls of museums. Flemish art isn’t classically thought of as exceedingly masterful since it sometimes seems grotesque, raw and explicit. But that’s exactly what I love about it. Flemish painters were always trying to emulate their Italian counterparts to achieve a dynamic perspective, but they didn’t have the technical skills to realize these effects. The result is images which appear almost warped, but whose expressions are so real they leave a lasting impression on the people who view them.

Arents House Courtyard

Across from the Groeninge Museum, you’ll find the Arents House. Arents House was once an ancient manor belonging to the noble Arents family. It now hosts an extensive collection of paintings by the British artist Frank Brangwyn. While it might be worth a visit on a more extended tour to Bruges, today, we are merely exploring its courtyard.

The small square between the two medieval houses is the perfect place to stop and pause. Listen to the sounds of cobblestones underfoot and the trickle of water which flows down the canal. From Arents Court, you have one of the most splendid views of the Church of Our Lady’s tower. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the church bell rings across the street and the soft crowing of birds perched above. Four exciting sculptures by artist Rik Poot surround the courtyard, representing the “Four Apocalyptic Knights,” which greatly complement the artistic surroundings.

Bonifacius Bridge

Before heading to the Church of Our Lady, you’ll pass across the Bonifacius Bridge. Despite only dating from 1910, it is one of the most beautiful bridges in Bruges. The tightly interlaced cobblestones and red brick archway provide the perfect frame for the church towers behind it. Standing on the bridge, you can watch tourists paddle up and down the canal. Looking atop the bridge, you have this lovely view of some of the most charming houses peeking out onto the water.

The Church of Our Lady

All of the churches in Bruges are enormous. They seem to absolutely tower over the tiny houses below. The Church of Our Lady’s tower is 122 meters high, the highest point in Bruges and the world’s second tallest brickwork tower. Because the church took over two centuries to build, it combines various evolutions of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Interior of the Church

‘While the interior might not be as grand as its exterior, it is still worth poking your head inside. The central organ is small but opulent, hiding behind the high altar screen. A few dozen simple chairs provide seating for the small but dedicated congregation. The altar screen is unique both in colouring and design. Its white and green coloured marble interior is highlighted with splashes of gold leafing. The green marble is a feature you don’t always see, making this cathedral interior special. Along the nave are columns dotted with reliefs of various influential saints. A large wooden pulpit stands at attention on the right side of the nave; dozens of beautifully carved cherubs hang off the sides, clinging to books with golden scriptures written for the people below to read.

Behind the high altar is the resting place of two of Bruges’ most famous residents. The golden tombs of Charles the Bold and the Duchess Mary of Burgundy lie in quiet repose beneath a magnificent tryptic. Their elaborately designed tombs are worth looking at, so don’t miss touring the back half of the church.

Madonna and Child

The crown jewel of this church is the white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child, created by Michelangelo in 1504. Over the years, the statue has been stolen by foreign invaders, but those dedicated to preserving its place in Bruges have always managed to bring it back home. Although this sculpture doesn’t have the same impact as Michelangelo’s Pieta in Rome, the sadness on Madonna’s face reflects her knowledge that this little boy will grow up only to die for the sins of his people. It’s an ominous prelude of things to come and a wonderful piece of Michelangelo’s portfolio.

Gruuthuse Hof

Away from the Church of Our Lady is the Gruuthuse Hof, a small but historic dwelling adorably sandwiched between two major streets. Although it has now been converted into a restaurant, the Gruuthuse Hof is one of the oldest residences in Bruges. While in one of the prime locations for tourists, the restaurant keeps a somewhat simple, traditional menu that caters to locals and tourists alike. With only 28 seats inside and 12 on the patio, the place remains intimate despite its popularity over the eras. If you can find a table, it’s worth stopping in for the featured meal of the day.

St. Salvator’s Cathedral

Up from the Gruuthuse Hof is St. Salvator’s Cathedral. It is the oldest parish church in Bruges, with parts dating back to the 10th century. But the original design was much less grandiose than the current incarnation. In 1834, after Belgium’s independence, St. Salvator’s was given the status of a cathedral, and the meagre church had to be extensively renovated to match its new profile.

The architect of the new cathedral was William Chantrell, an English architect who was greatly influenced by the resurgence of Neo-Romanesque architecture. Neo-Romanesque buildings feature thick walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, large towers and decorative arcading. Because most of the rest of Bruges is so powerfully Gothic, this church really stands out.

Jasper van der Borcht

The neo-Gothic interior of the church is relatively plain but is accented with stunning embroidered tapestries from the 18th century. These antiquated works of art were made in Brussels by Jasper van der Borcht and featured astounding Bible scenes, all created with needles and thread. To the left of the nave, the pulpit is a stunning example of Louis XVI’s designs. Designs of Louis XVI were predominantly produced in France and exemplified the last phase of the Rococo style. The techniques focused on natural forms and dramatic embellishments.

Old St. John’s Hospital

Walking down from St. Salvator’s Cathedral, we come upon Old St. John’s Hospital, which is now the Memling Museum. Before becoming a museum, it was used as a hospital for the sick and dying, who were administered to by nuns and priests. Inside are many relics and six paintings by a 15th-century painter and Bruges resident Hans Memling.

One of the highlights inside is the Shrine to St. Ursula. In the shape of the church, there are six panels carved into a gilded wooden reliquary that tell the story of St. Ursula’s sainthood, painted by Memling himself. The work was commissioned by the Hospital of St. John and is one of the most exquisite pieces of religious art I’ve seen close up. The three-dimensional details and rich colours are remarkable. Inside the museum, you can also visit the old pharmacy. It’s a real treat for anyone who loves going back in time and seeing how sickness was treated in the 1800s. It will make you very thankful for modern medicine, that’s for sure!

De Vos Almshouse

Further south, away from the central part of the city, we will come across the De Vos Almshouse. This small grouping of little houses, facing a lush green herb and flower garden, once housed poor residents, widows and the elderly. The homes were purchased by a wealthy Brugian merchant who loved his city and wanted to give back to the less fortunate. Each house was donated to a specific guild (e.g., the mason’s guild, the blacksmiths, the coopers etc.) and would provide housing for members of that guild when they became too old to work, fell ill or lost their jobs. You might notice how none of the houses have windows which face the street – this was because, at the time of their construction, there was a tax imposed for any street-facing window, and to save money, the builders were sure to avoid designing any street-facing windows.

Beguinage

Before our final destination, stop into the Beguinage’ De Wijngaard‘ or Vineyard. This grouping of identical-looking white houses is one of the most peaceful places to rest your weary feet in Bruges. So far away from the town centre, this site is often unvisited by day-tripping tourists, so you’ll usually have it all to yourself.

Since 1245, the Beguine sisterhood of Bruges has lived here, and in 1937 it became a monastery for the Benedictine sisters. To enter the Beguinage, you first pass through a large arched entrance gate built in 1776. Inside you find houses which range from the 15th to 19th century.

The Minnewater

Minnewater, or Lake of Love, is one of the most beloved retreats for the remaining permanent residents of Bruges. Again, since this is farther away from the historic centre, you’ll find that fewer tourists make their way here, and more locals are seen simply enjoying a day out in the park. Swans float up and down the picturesque canals, and lovers roam under the densely forested pathways, arm in arm. This is the ideal place to reflect on your time in Bruges.

Dine on Mussels

Head up from Minneswater towards ‘T walpoortje restaurant for a great dinner to end your long day! If you’re wondering what to eat on your last day here, I recommend the mussels or modules and frites, as they’re called in Bruges. Mussels are a Belgian specialty. They are so simple to cook, so you can’t go wrong. The ones here are extra delicious, and you won’t be able to leave even a drop behind!

Explore the City at Twilight

If you’ve taken my advice and planned to stay the night, you’re in for a treat! Nighttime changes the appearance of the city. When the sun sets, there is something about making even those little modern touches disappear, and you’re left with only the city’s medieval roots. Many historic buildings are lit at night, giving them an eerie golden against the midnight blue sky. The street will be as quiet as you’ll ever find them. We walked for almost an hour without seeing a single another tourist. Only the gargoyles are looking down on us. It was spooky but, honestly, one of the coolest experiences of the trip! Make an effort and stay the night, and you’ll be rewarded with something truly special.

And with the setting of the sun and the night drawing to a close, it’s time to head home. This concludes my little walking tour and guide to Bruges. I hope this helps you plan out your time on your trip to this magical Medieval city! Let me know in the comments what your favourite part of the city was or what you’re most interested in learning about on your future travels out in Bruges!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Best 24-Hours in Bruges, a Self-Guided Tour of the City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Sydney – Day One

Congratulations — you’ve arrived in Australia! Most flights from North America arrive early in the morning. Sydney is usually people’s first stop since it is both the most notable city in the country as well as the cheapest one to fly into. The day of your arrival is a good chance to take it easy, but still, push yourself to move around and try to fight the jet lag. Drop off your stuff at the hotel or Airbnb, take a shower (an essential part of waking up after a long flight) and go for a relaxing walk or bike ride around the city. The best place to start off is at Circular Quay.

Circular Quay is the most picturesque harbour in Sydney. Nearby you’ll find the Sydney Opera House, historic waterfront shops, views of the Harbour Bridge, and lots of ferries puttering about. If you have the energy, jump on a boat and take a one-hour harbour tour. It will give you an idea of the size and scope of this great city.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

If you don’t feel like a ride on the water, opt for a stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Opened in 1816, it is considered the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world. The gardens span 30 hectares along the water and are the perfect place to take in all the new Australian sites and sounds.

Another great way to get a highlight tour of Sydney is to rent a bike. I’ve heard that some light cycling is the best way to combat jet lag. Pick up a bike from one of the dozens of companies around Circular Quay and noodle around the city, exploring whatever catches your eye. Before you know it, you’ll need to call it a day. Try to push yourself to stay up as late as you can, but an early bedtime will give your body the rest it needs for a great second day in the city!

Sydney – Day Two

Start your morning off with a visit to the Sydney Fish Market. This spot has an excellent patio along the water and you can taste local oysters for only $1. Despite the low price, it’s some of the best seafood in the world. They have plenty of local specialities and the view is unbeatable. Going in the morning is ideal since it gets incredibly busy during the day.

Since it’s only your second day on the other side of the world, let’s try to take it easy. Take the Metro over to Bondi Beach. What better way to get acquainted with the Australian way of life than to relax on a beach? The morning is the best time to arrive since it’s not as hot and you can nab the best spot on the sand. Don’t miss a chance to swim in the ocean pools, as well as, you know, the actual ocean. If you’re feeling up for it, you can also take a surf lesson. Walk up to any of the surf shops along the opposite side of the water to get a spot in the next class. Day-of reservations are almost always available except during extremely busy season. Best to go when they first open to secure your booking.

After lounging on the beach and perhaps grabbing a quick bite to eat, take the Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk hike. It’s more of a walk than an intense hike, but easily one of the most scenic routes you can stroll in the city. Lasting approximately two to three hours (depending how many stops you make and how fast your pace), the path along the coastal boardwalk takes you through stunning ocean views, secret beaches, cliffside parks, the famous Waverly Cemetery, as well as various cafes and restaurants if you need a pit stop. At the end of the walk, Coogee beach is the perfect spot for a spectacular dinner with a view.

Sydney – Day Three

If you have kids or are interested in Australian flora and fauna, checking out the Taronga Zoo is a must. To get there, you can take the ferry across the water (which provides remarkable views of the harbour). It’s one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. The layout and design of the space is fabulous. Officially opened as a zoo in 1916, this spot still has much of its historical landscaping and architecture, making it feel like you’ve stepped back to when the English settlers first came to this sunburnt country. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the various animals in Australia — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

After the zoo, take a walk across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, an icon of the city. It is over 48 meters wide and 134 meters tall. There are two ways of getting across. The simplest and FREE way is simply to walk along it. While this might seem tedious, it is an excellent way to see the city on all sides and is notably less precarious. But if you’re brave enough (and don’t mind forking over $150) you can climb to the top of the bridge. In addition to the cardio workout, you will also be given a guide that will tell you all about the history of the bridge and Sydney itself. While my preference is to save the money, there are plenty who have loved this experience, so it’s really up to you!

If you still have some time and want to visit another beach, ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. It’s got golden sands and a refreshingly cool ocean breeze. This charming coastal town is ripe with trendy restaurants and cafes. A great place to shop if you’re looking for some Australian inspired fashions or a pair of Havaianas sandals (or as the Aussies say, “thongs”.)

Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves – Day Four

The Blue Mountains are about 2 1/4 hours away from the centre of Sydney, but well worth the trek. You can take the train out to Katoomba Station or rent a car for the day. The range is comprised of various mountains, plateaux, and escarpments. The most iconic formation is the ‘Three Sisters’ which towers over the lush, green Jamison Valley. Take time to walk along the lookout and then head down the stairs to hike along the basin. You’ll see some of the most beautiful waterfalls that provide the much-needed water to keep those trees so green!

After grabbing something to eat in Katoomba, head over to the Jenolan Caves. Made of limestone, these are considered the most ancient discovered open caves in the world. The calcite formations inside are one of the biggest draws. They can be bright white and look almost like marble carvings. One is shaped like the closed wing of an angel (incredible to see such a thing formed by nature). During your guided tour, the calcite structures are artistically lit up to accentuate their beauty. In the middle of the caves, your guide will turn off all the lights for one minute so you can appreciate the overwhelming silence and darkness which naturally kept all these shapes hidden for generations.

The Hunter Vallery – Day Five

The Hunter Valley is known for its award-winning wineries and quiet countryside atmosphere. It’s only a two-hour drive north of Sydney, so you can rent a car and make a day of it! There are hundreds of wineries to visit and really, it doesn’t matter which ones you try. They each have their speciality. Unless you’re a sommelier, you’ll have a great experience wherever you go.

Audrey Wilkinson Winery is known for being the most picturesque winery in the valley. Brokenwood Winery is a must for chardonnay lovers. Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard has one of the most exquisite gardens and an ancient cellar. Meerea Park Wines has a unique sandstone tasting cottage and unusually spicy reds. If you’re feeling indulgent and want to stay overnight, many of the wineries feature accommodations and luxury spas.

Fraser Island – Day Six and Seven

It’s time to say goodbye to New South Whales and head up north to Queensland. Fly out to the small, seaside town of Hervey Bay. From here you can rent a 4×4 and catch the ferry over to Fraser Island. Before you leave, be sure to stop by a grocery store and stock up on food and drinks for your camping adventure on the island. There are a few restaurants on Fraser, but they are either mediocre or somewhat costly. Plus having the freedom to eat anywhere your heart guides you is part of the fun! On the Ferry ride over, be sure to keep your eye out for whales since many can be spotted on this stretch of water.

K’gari (the aboriginal word for Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world! Yes, that’s right, the entire island is made of sand. But unlike what you might expect, it is incredibly lush! The island is filled with rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, peat swamps, dunes, and green shrublands.

Accomodation on Fraser Island

On Fraser Island, you can book pre-assembled tents so you won’t have to rent or buy camping equipment. Sunset and sunrise are unreal, so planning a meal on the beach around that time is fantastic. They talk about the island having dingos aplenty, but no one I knew ever saw one. There are spiders though, so be sure to check your shoes before putting them on! Despite its natural beauty, many people don’t make it out here. At times you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. Your own private island.

Spend your days visiting the Maheno shipwreck site, swimming in the champagne pools, hiking the sands to picturesque Lake McKenzie, fishing along the Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and floating down Eli Creek, the island’s natural lazy river.

Townsville/Magnetic Island – Day Eight and Nine

Try to head out early in the morning and catch a short flight from Fraser Island up to Townsville. Many people opt to visit the famous city of Cairns, but I prefer Magnetic Island. It gives you that small town/island experience. Take the ferry from Townsville over to the island where you can stay at one of the world’s best hostels or some impressive Airbnb’s.

While on Magnetic Island, you can visit a koala sanctuary and have brunch alongside these pretty creatures. You can also opt for a hike up to visit the old WWII forts. Check out the Arthur Bay Lookout trail where you can see wild koalas along the path. Horses make their home here and you can book a tour here which will take you into the waters on horseback. A unique and thrilling experience.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef

You can also catch a boat from the Magnetic Bay harbour. It will take you two hours out into the ocean to go scuba diving or snorkelling and see the most amazing fish and coral reef. Queensland is where the reef is the most stunning. I got hugely seasick on the ocean waters, but even despite that, the snorkelling was one of the best experiences in my life. If you are afraid of being that far out in the ocean, you can always just snorkel off the beach on one of Magnetic Island’s many offshore reefs. The fish aren’t as big and the coral not as bright, but it’s still an incredible experience.

While on the island, there are these little “cars” that you can rent. There’s a local bus that can get you around just fine, but it isn’t super frequent, so these open roof cars are a great option and fun to drive. They can help you get out to the remote spots much faster than the bus.

Daintree National Park – Day Ten

Whether you’re staying on Magnetic Island or in Cairns, make a point to take a day trip out to visit the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a bit of a trek to get out there, but well worth the travel time. You can either rent a car for the day or join one of the many tour buses which leave daily from Cairns. The Daintree rainforest is a national park and is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. You can visit the Mossman Gorge amd take a refreshing swim in the waterfall basin. There is also a retro cable ferry which will take you over the oldest parts of the rainforest. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, opt to take a stroll along the boardwalk to see if you can spot native wildlife relaxing in the treetops.

Melbourne – Day Eleven

Fly from Cairns back down to Melbourne to see the state of Victoria. The reason I suggest doing this is that you’re much closer to Syndey (most likely your return airport) on the tail end of your trip. Melbourne is a bustling city and a great contrast to the laid back living on Magnetic Island. The best way to see Melbourne is by bike. You can explore so much of the city in a short period. The architecture in the city ranges from old world to neo-modern, changing at every corner. The most impressive building is the golden yellow Flinders Street Ballroom.

Melbourne Street Art

Be sure to wind your way down side alleys and hidden corners to check out the impressive street art that Melbourne is well-known for. Great food is plentiful here and if you’re sick of camp grub, now is your chance to make a reservation at one of Australia’s top restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Victoria, The Great Ocean Road – Day Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen

After a day of city living, it’s time to hit the road one final time. This time to travel to the Great Ocean Road. You can easily do it on a one or two-day bus tour from the city which is relaxed and carefree. While the bus is the simplest way of seeing the Great Ocean Road, it is not the most personal. You can feel like cattle being shipped on and off the vehicle with the rest of the herd. I would opt for renting a car or campervan (a popular option) and driving it yourself. You can choose the pace, the destinations and, best of all, stay at some of the most picturesque campsites in the entire world. Most driving routes recommend 72 hours which I think is a good estimate to fit everything in without running yourself into the ground.

Twelve Apostles

You’ll drive to see the iconic Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park. Stop off at a Kangaroo preserve to feed the big and little fellas. Make a point to take a walk into Mait’s Rest rainforest. If you have kids or love animals, stop off at The Nobbies on Phillip Islandwhere you can see hundreds of tiny penguins. This breed of penguins can only be found in Australia. The little critters have made homes along Phillip Island where you can see them hopping in and out as they bring food in from the ocean.

Sitting on the edge of Victoria’s limestone cliffs at sunset is the perfect way to spend one of your last nights in Australia. Time to reflect on your favourite moments, your most memorable culinary treats, and those one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.

This itinerary is a great way to get you started. Feel free to customise it based on your travel wishes. The overwhelming size of the country often makes people feel just as overwhelmed in the planning, so it’s nice to have a starting point. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you’re bound to have one of the greatest times of your life. Don’t stress about missing out or not making it to a particular place. Leaving something behind just means more of a reason to return.

Share your favourite Australian destinations with me!

The post Discover the Best of Australia in Two Weeks: Your Ultimate Itinerary for a Memorable Trip first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.