This had been a mission of mine for a while. But I’m usually too busy to sit or haven’t found the right artist. Lucky for me, on this last trip, I completely fell in love with a watercolour painter. He totally charmed me into finally checking this experience off my list. It was one of the best moments of my life, and I came away with a work of art I will treasure forever. I wanted to share all there is to know about getting your portrait painted in the Place du Tertre and taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Paris.

Table Of Contents

1. Location & Access
2. History of the Place du Tertre
3. The Painters of Place du Tertre
4. When To Arrive
5. How to choose an artist?
6. My Experience at the Place du Tertre
7. Learning to Sit for a Portrait
8. What to Wear?
9. How Long Does it Take to get a Portrait?
10. How much does a portrait at Place du Tertre cost?
11. Do You Need to Speak French?
12. How to get your portrait safely home?
13. What to Do in the Area?

Location & Access

The Place du Tertre is a delightful, historic square located in the heart of Montmartre. It is merely a few steps from the famous Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. To get to the Place du Tertre, take the metro to Abbesses station. From there, it is a gorgeous five-minute walk (uphill) toward the celebrated square.

History of the Place du Tertre

The Place du Tertre has a rich and storied history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally, the area of Montmartre was a tiny village on the outskirts of Paris. The word ‘Montmartre’ means “mountain of the martyr.” Legend has it that the patron saint of Paris, Saint-Denis, was beheaded on the hill of Montmartre in the 3rd century AD.

In the 12th century, the Benedictine Montmartre Abbey was built here, and the Place du Tertre stood in the centre. After the dissolution of the monastery, the area was opened to the public in 1635. And this square served as the centre of village life in Montmartre.

During the 19th century, the Place du Tertre became a gathering place for artists. They were drawn to Montmartre’s free spirit and artistic atmosphere. Famous artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec frequented the area. And many studios and workshops popped up in the narrow streets and alleys around the square.

In the early 20th century, the Place du Tertre became a tourist destination. Local artists began selling their paintings and creating portraits of tourists on the square. Today, the square is still a hub of artistic activity, with dozens of local artists selling their work and creating portraits for visitors.

The Painters of Place du Tertre

After I got my portrait painted, one of the main questions I got was, “are the painters here really that good? Or is this another tourist trap?” Great question and one that I initially had myself. The reality is, you can’t be just anyone to be able to paint here. There are a limited number of painters allowed to set up their easels on the square. And each of them had to undergo a rigorous portfolio approval review process to become an “artist in residence.” The wait time for these residences can be up to ten years! News spots only open up if an artist dies or decides to give up his residence. So anyone you find here has really paid their dues.

This means that you might be able to find the same artists painting here year after year. Many people make it a tradition to get a new portrait painted here every five years, often by the same painter. Each artist is given one square meter to set up their outdoor studio. You can see the little markings on the cobblestones when it’s not filled with artists. Each artist is given a printed permit which proves they are approved to work here. Any painters set up here without permission could be fined so you know these artists are the real deal!

When To Arrive

Painters start arriving here around 10 am throughout the week. I find Mondays the quietest. The French aren’t early risers, so don’t expect them to come out in droves until they’ve had their morning coffee. The painters generally stick around until the sun begins to set. But there is no firm set time for opening and closing.

In the winter, especially when it gets freezing, you’ll often find fewer painters coming out to brave the cold. But even at Christmas, I found the square was packed! Weekends are the most popular, so prepare for it to be hectic! But you’ll also find the most artists on the show on those days as well. No one will come out during the rain, so consider those days a write-off.

How to choose an artist?

With so many artists in the square, choosing the right one for you might seem like a difficult task. It can be overwhelming to see so many artists working away and feel the need to pick just one. But the first thing you should do, before making any decisions, is to spend some relaxed time just looking at all the artists at work. Roam around, and look at the past example paintings done by these artists. As well as the ones they are in the midst of painting. This will ensure that their technique has stayed the same since those portfolio examples.

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When I visited, there were a variety of different art styles that I could see across the square. There were hyperrealistic pencil drawings that were so detailed they looked almost more like a photo than a painting. Then there are the more classical caricatures that overemphasize people’s most eye-catching characteristics, but these are a bit “cartoony.” The charcoal drawings are so expressive and really convey the silhouette of a person’s face. But the watercolour paintings were my favourite. Although perhaps not as photorealistic as the pencil drawings, they felt so expressive and conveyed much emotion through the brushstrokes.

My Experience at the Place du Tertre

I spent about 15 minutes observing various artists and inquired about their pricing. Most were about €60, but nothing completely entranced me. That was until I saw, in the middle of the crowd, my very own Van Gogh, Majid Aghili. Majid had been painting here on the square for over 15 years. And he looked like he was plucked right out of a French film with his chic round black glasses, checkered scarf and flat cap. He was smoking a cigarette and had paint all up under his fingernails. A sign of a real artist.

We hit it off immediately as I told him how much my late mother loved watercolour painting, which drew me to him. He loved the bright colours I was wearing on such a dreary winter’s day. He stated his price, €80, and I immediately went to find the ATM. €80 was more than the average I had seen in the square, but his work was much more elevated than some of the cheaper options, and I loved his unique style. And style and experience will always add something to your bill.

Learning to Sit for a Portrait

The key to sitting for a portrait is choosing a comfortable position. Not just in how you’re seated but ensuring you select a relaxed facial expression. A big-toothy smile is pretty hard to keep up after 10 minutes. If you know your best side, let the artist know and sit in that orientation.

Another thing to remember when sitting for a portrait is that people will be looking at you the entire time. You are literally on display. This felt awkward at first, but if you just zone out and relax, you’ll come away with a much better portrait than if your face shows any of that uncomfortably. One of the hardest parts was seeing other people reacting to the paintings before being able to see it myself! But when he turned it around, it was such a wonderful surprise, and I was just in awe. Not only of his skills but how beautifully he captured my spirit and self.

What to Wear?

I hadn’t planned on getting my portrait done, but in retrospect, I think I would have thought more in advance about what I wanted to wear if I was going to do it again. I was lucky I loved my outfit and wasn’t wearing too many patterns or accessories that would be harder to capture in the portrait. These portraits might be something you’ll want to have on display forever, so be sure to choose an outfit that will pass the test of time. A simple, more classic look is always a great choice so the outfit doesn’t detract from your face. This is less of an issue with black-and-white paintings, but you might want to keep your fashion style in mind.

I generally wear some pretty vibrant makeup colours, but a bare face would have been a better approach for this occasion. That way the artist can better capture your natural features, otherwise hidden behind the makeup.

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How Long Does it Take to get a Portrait?

Some artists have huge queues, so waiting in line for your turn might take an hour or so. This also might play into your decision of which artist to choose. Many artists might have a list and will tell you when to return instead of waiting in the square.

How long the actual process of painting your portrait will take depends on the complexity of the work. The quick, gestural charcol drawings can take as little as five minutes. While watercolour impressionist paintings take around 30 minutes. And some hyperrealistic colour pencil drawings, with multiple family members, would an hour or more! If time is a consideration, you can also ask yourself this question to your artist prior to agreeing upon getting the portrait made. But you definitely don’t want to rush your artist.

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How much does a portrait at Place du Tertre cost?

Every artist has a different set price. Some artists have their prices written on their display boards, but others will require asking to find out. With so much variety in style, the price varies to reflect the time and skills of the artists. The black and white caricature-like drawings were the cheapest. But the caricatures are often less realistic in representing the sitter. The paintings which are more representative are, of course, going to cost more. In general, I saw prices from €25 to €120. Be sure to set the price before you sit down and have the money on hand. If you adore your painting, you can also tip, but tipping in France is not the norm or expected.

All the artists I spoke with only accepted cash, so be aware of this if you plan to get your portrait painted. There is an ATM down the street if you need to take out some money. While mobile payments by card are getting more and more popular, many artists here are still very old-school.

Do You Need to Speak French?

Since most of these artists are used to working with tourists, many speak some English, but it’s not guaranteed. Learning French before your travels is a great idea, and I’ve included some key phrases to learn when speaking to the artists on the square.

Hello – Bonjoy!
Thank You – Merci
How much is one portrait? – Combien coûte un portrait?
How much for two people? – Combien pour deux personnes?
How long will it take? – Combien de temps ça va prendre?
Do you take credit card or cash? – Prends-tu une carte de crédit ou des espèces?
When should I come back? – Quand dois-je revenir?
This is beautiful – C’est beau

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How to get your portrait safely home?

Various sellers are walking around the square peddling small cardboard tubes to safely store your rolled-up portrait. Some artists also offer these as part of their portrait package. When I asked how much they cost, the seller told me €10. I thought this was too much, so I walked away, not needing it that badly. And, of course, the seller chased me down, asking me for my best offer. After offering him €5, he too happily agreed. I think could have haggled him down further based on how fast he decided to take the fiver. But it was worth it to keep the work of art safe. I carried it around in my bag for months, and when I got home, it was in perfect condition.

What to Do in the Area?

If you need to wait your turn for your portrait, there are plenty of things to see and do in Montmartre to pass the time. While you might be tempted to sit at one of the cafes facing Place du Tertre, these places are insanely overpriced and the definition of a tourist trap. If you want to enjoy a coffee, there are lots of cute and affordable options on Rue des Trois Frères.

If you’re looking for something to eat, I’d recommend heading to Rue des Abbesses. This is one of the most picturesque streets in Montmartre but it still manages to avoid being filled with overpriced cafes.

Basilica of the Sacré Cœur

If you’ve never been to the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, it’s well worth checking out. Depending on what time you arrive, the line to get inside can be pretty long. But since entry is free, the line moves quickly. If you’re not looking to go inside the Basilica but just want a great photo, I’d recommend getting a shot from Rue du Chevalier-de-La-Barre. This street is located behind the church and is often almost empty compared to the jam-packed balcony outside the front entrance to the church.

Montmartre Cemetery

Another great thing to do in the area is to visit the Montmartre Cemetery. The cemetery is about a 15-minute walk from the Place du Tertre. This picturesque burial ground is known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including artists, writers, musicians, and actors such as Edgar Degas, Hector Berlioz, François Truffaut, and Emile Zola.

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The Moulins

One of the most iconic aspects of Montmartre are the various Moulins, or windmills, found throughout the neighbourhood. In the 19th century, Montmartre was originally a rural village on the outskirts of Paris. The windmills were used to grind wheat into flour and were vital to the local economy. At the peak of their use, there were as many as 30 windmills in Montmartre, but today only a few remain. Despite their diminished numbers, the windmills remain an iconic symbol of Montmartre and are a popular attraction for visitors.

The Moulin Rouge

The most famous of all these windmills is the iconic Moulin Rouge. Made famous for being the setting for the film of the same name starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. The Moulin Rouge is a renowned cabaret and dance hall. It was opened in 1889 and quickly became a symbol of the Belle Époque era, with its stunning decor, lavish costumes, and talented performers. It was the birthplace of the can-can dance, which quickly becoming popular across Europe and beyond. The Moulin Rouge also attracted famous patrons such as Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Edith Piaf. The same painters that inspired many of the artists working in the Place du Tertre today!

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Getting your portrait painted on the Place du Tertre is a special memory for anyone visiting Paris. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the city’s vibrant artistic culture. Whether it’s your first or 10th time, getting your portrait painted on the Place du Tertre is an experience that should not be missed!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Souvenir from Paris, Portrait Paintings on the Place du Tertre first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Maybe you know someone who just missed out on travelling to France this year, or perhaps you are just looking for some unique gifts fit for a queen! In our previous post all about the court of Versaille’s Christmas traditions, we talked a lot about how to celebrate in style. But what about the gifts? Here are 11 memorable gifts, all inspired by the pastel princess herself, Marie Antoinette.

#1 Hot Chocolate

Maire Antoinette would start every morning with a fresh pastry and a cup of hot chocolate. Chocolate was one of the most trendy inventions in Versaille’s court. Everyone drank it like it was the ambrosia of the gods. While a cup of hot cocoa was considered a luxury in 18th century France, instant hot chocolate mixes make for the perfect stocking stuffer!

For something exceptional, try the luxury brand from Christopher Elbow which has a variety of exclusive drinking chocolate. Drinking chocolate is made from melting a bar of chocolate and it much more rich and thick than instant powdered versions. My favourite is the spiced gourmet blend made with Valrhona dark chocolate and blended ancho and chipotle chilli-cinnamon for a spicy little kick!

If you’d prefer to provide the ingredients for a make-your-own kit, buy premium dark chocolate and add in some orange blossom water. Orange blossom hot chocolate was the invention of Marie Antoinette’s court chocolatier and her personal favourite flavour.

#2 Marie Antoinette’s Tea

To taste a little bit of history, you should pick up an adorable tin of Marie Antoinette’s tea blend. Nina’s is a tea house that dates back to 1672. The founder Pierre Diaz, worked as a perfumer to the Court of Versaille. He was so well-loved and successful that years after serving inside the palace, he opened his own tea and patisseries company. Marie loved his creations and had them brought to her room almost daily.

The very same company still produces the Queen’s tea blend to this day. This blend is made with apples, and rose petals picked from the King’s Garden at Versailles! While the tea is a real splurge, the beautiful tin that it comes in makes for a lovely little decoration. Even long after contents have all been drunk.

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#3 Black Jade Perfume

Perhaps the most intimate gift is the Queen’s own fragrance; Black Jade Perfume. This perfume, made by Lubin, was designed to replicate the aroma made by royal perfumer Jean-Louis Fargeon. Fargeon had this perfume developed solely for the Queen of Versaille herself. Jean-Louis Fargeon was inspired by all the flowers which grew in Marie’s beloved Trianon garden. It contains the heady aromas of rose, jasmine, and bergamot.

The name Black Jade comes from the legend that Marie would carry the perfume around with her everywhere she went. She kept it on her person at all times, inside a black jade bottle. Apparently, this bottle of perfume was one of the few items she was allowed to keep while imprisoned before her eventual beheading. The sense of smell is closely linked with memory, probably more so than any of our other senses. It can bring back memories long forgotten, and perhaps with this scent, you can even try to imagine the memories of the great Queen herself.

#4 Baroque-Inspired Shoes

Marie Antoinette was something of a clothes horse. Her yearly clothing allowance in modern figures works out to be around $3.6 million a year! She was known to change her clothes at least three times a day. And you’d have to in order to wear all those clothes! Recently, one of the Queen’s shoes, which had been in the same family for over 227 years, went up for auction. It sold for a whopping $50,000. And not even for the pair!

Luckily for us, we don’t have to fork up $50,000 for something quite similar. So many modern clothing and shoe designers have been inspired by the pastel princess. Brands like Hot Chocolate Designs and Irregular Choice have long been inspired by Versaille’s frills and extravagant fashions. These shoes are a wonderful gift for someone who longs to feel like she belongs in an 18th-century palace! While inspired by vintage trends and forms, they still feel modern enough to wear every day or on fancy occasions. Perfect for Christmas!

#5 Bath Time Luxuries

Marie Antoinette was famous for having baths. In the 18th century, it was very uncommon to bathe, especially as frequently as she did. Marie would have a bath every morning. Famously, she would bring pastries and tea into the tub to enjoy while relaxing in the water. As such a public figure, I imagine this private time she had to herself would have been quite essential for her sanity. As is my own bathtime routine, is the best part of my day too

Marie would put various perfumes, essential oils, herbs and even flowers into her bath to make it as luxurious as possible. Modern-day Marie Anoitnette’s would love a gift set from LUSH. Their Winter Wonderland gift set contains rose and other floral scented products that will make bathtime a dream.

#6 Night Gowns

Seeing as Marie Antoinette was a fan of dressing, even her nighttime routine was sumptuous. She would wear a beautiful nightdress every evening and was known to bathe in her nightgowns as well. These fancy nightdresses have been starting to make a come back. Perhaps with the explosion of popularity of Schitt’s Creek and Moira’s stylish pyjamas. More and more companies like Sleeper have been designing trendy night clothes that could also be worn out and about during the day. Their Atlanta dress is truly one of the most spectacular nightgowns, and thrown on with a belt, you’d swear it wasn’t loungewear at all! Suppose you are looking for something a little less pricey. In that case, even Amazon has a wide selection of vintage-inspired nightgowns, giving you that old fashioned baroque feeling.

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#7 Hair Accessories

As is evident from the incredibly elaborate paintings of Maire Antoinette, her hair was just as lavishly done up as any other part of her body. Her hair would often be so tall that she would have to kneel while riding in her carriage. Her court hair stylish Leonard Autie would decorate her hairdos with additional wigs, jewels, and even figurines. To give yourself a bit of the Marie Antoinette look without kneeling on the floor to get around, you should check out places like Etsy, which carry vintage hairpins or bejewelled clips. These are easy to add to any kind of hairdo and really bring a touch of elegance to your look.

#8 Blush Palette

One of Marie Antoinette’s lasting impressions was her makeup. She was responsible for the crazy of painting the face with white lead-based paints and decorating this now blank canvas with beauty marks, red lips and the iconic round rosy blush. To give someone those perfectly, peachy pink cheeks, this charming blush palette is just the trick. With the name Champagne & Macarons, how much more Marie Antoinette can you get?

#9 Seeds for the Garden 

Marie Antoinette loved to play pretend in the gardens of Versaille. There she would tend to her little plants and animals, imagining what it would have been like to be a peasant. Perhaps the imagined simplicity of their was something she was jealous of. An experience away from the rigours and rules of the court. Her little Trianon’s lifestyle of ease brought great comfort to the Queen even while it was miles away from the real struggles of the citizens of France. To create your own version of Marie’s Petite Trianon garden, buy some seeds ready to plant in the springtime. In times like these, growing and caring for your own plants is something of great pride and enjoyment to have in the confines of your own home.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, you can get started right away! Seeds like squash, cucumbers, lettuce and chard are very simple to grow. They are a great starter vegetable for anyone wanting to learn how to get a green thumb. If you are looking for seeds for a flower garden, consider the Versaille cosmos as a flower plucked right from Versaille. It is resilient and easy to grow and full of colour and life, just like Marie herself.

#10 Orange Blossom Water

The Orangerie in Versaille was one of Marie’s favourite places to escape. She loved the grove and the scents emitted from the trees. So much so that she asked everyone from her bakers, perfumers and chefs to incorporate orange blossom water into a myriad of her favourite things. The Queen was known to drink orange blossom water in her hot chocolate as a way to cure her nerves. But orange blossom water is good for more than just nerves. You can use it to tone the skin just as you would rose water. Or throw some into your bath for soft, glowing skin. It is such an inexpensive yet versatile gift.

#11 Macarons

While Macarons may not have been eaten in the palace of Versaille, a myth perpetuated by Sofia Copolla‘s film Marie Antoinette, they are nonetheless something that feels iconic of the great French Queen. Although the macaron dates back to 1533, that version of the macarons was much more straightforward. It was made with almond paste, not almond flour, and was filled with a simple ganache. There were no pastel colours or delicious fillings.

It wasn’t until 1930 when Ernest Laudurée (founder of the Laudurée pastry shops) brought new life to this traditional classic. From then on, macarons have been one of the most popular desserts in France. They have almost become an iconic symbol of the city. So even though Marie Antonette wouldn’t have eaten them, there is no doubt they feel like she would have if she lived today. So I say go on and enjoy a few macarons no matter the historical accuracy. They are too delicious to pass up. And if you can find some with red and green colours they look amazing on your Christmas table. Laudurée even offers gift boxes of their iconic macaroons online. So as long as there is a Laudurée near you, you can have a package of macarons delivered right to your door this Christmas.

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I hope these ideas give you some inspiration for gifting this year. Even in the confines of your own home, these treasures will perhaps soothe that inflamed wanderlust. And with them, your giftee will be able to feel like they are travelling to the halls of Versaille. Let me know in the comments what you’re planning on gifting this year and if any of your ideas are inspired by places you’ve travelled or are dreaming of one day visiting.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post 11 Unique Holiday Gifts Inspired by Marie Antoinette first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

I had been clamouring to visit Skasen at Christmas ever since my last visit to Stockholm. This park’s themeing changes throughout the year, and there is always something new to experience. Even if you’ve been before, visiting during a particular time of the year, especially a holiday, will always bring about new activities to explore, and you’ll be able to dive into one specific part of Swedish history.

Skansen might seem like it might be more for children, but I found that there was so much to see here for adults, especially those with a heightened sense of wonder and curiosity. Walking in the gates of Skansen allows you to transport yourself back in time to experience Sweden of years past before there were iPhones or wifi. When questions were answered by the people you knew, not the internet. Every baker, farmer, ironworker or shopkeeper here in Skansen will eagerly answer all your questions! Skansen is a place that piques your sense of questioning and intrigue and allows you to feel that sense of childish wonder once more.

Guide to Skansen

1. History
2. Visitor Information
   • Hours & Admission
   • Location & Access
   • Hazelius' funicular entrance
   • Accessibility
   • When to Visit
   • How Long to Spend
   • Essential Tips
3. Self-Guided Tour of Skansen
   • Glasswork Shop
   • Bageriet
   • The Printer's Shop
   • Printer's home
   • Ironmonger & his Apartments
   • Co-Op Store
   • Café Petissan
   • Apoteket Kronan
   • The Älvros Farmstead 
   • The Bakehouse
   • The Bollnäs House
   • Delsbo Farmstead
   • Animal Enclosures
   • Lill-Skansen
4. Christmas Market at Skansen
   • Eating at the Christmas Market
   • Shopping at the Christmas Market
   • Oktorp Farmstead
   • Stora Gungan Tavern

History

Skansen was established in 1891. It was initially proposed as a way of preserving historic buildings that were in the process of being torn down throughout the country, replaced by more modern incarnations.  Artur Hazelius, a former teacher, had become one of the country’s most prolific conservators. Hazelius had previously funded the construction of the Nordic Museum on the island of Djurgården. During a visit to King Oscar II’s open-air museum in Kristiania, Hazelius was inspired to create his own minature version of historic Sweden here in Stockholm.

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Hazelius himself travelled around Sweden, collecting and selecting the most iconic houses and buildings to save and bring to his museum. Almost all of the buildings you see inside the park are original structures. Each one was carefully taken apart from elsewhere in the country and rebuilt here in Skansen. No modern techniques were used in any of the reconstructions to preserve the authenticity of the structure. Only three of the buildings you’ll see in Skanse are new constructions. Even these were made with traditional techniques, using historical floorplans and blueprints.

Visitor Information

Hours & Admission

Especially during Christmas, the park can get very busy, so it’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance. But if you arrive early in the morning and enter via the entrance mentioned below, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get inside and buy your tickets.

Adults: 220kr ($25 USD)
Students & Seniors : 200 kr ($22 USD)
Children 4-15: 70 kr ($8 USD)
Children 0-3: free

Skansen is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on weekdays, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on weekends.

The Christmas season at Skansen runs from the end of November into the first week of January. However, if you want to see the incredible Christmas Market, it is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 26 November until 19 December. Check the website for exact details.

Location & Access

Skansen is located on the island of Djurgården. While it is possible to get here on foot and public transit, I think the best way to get to Skansen is via the ferry! I love the short but scenic journey onto Djurgården island on the ferry. The ferry number which will get your onto the island is ‘Djurgården 82‘. 

If you are taking public transit, hop on the tram #7 or #13 to arrive at the front gates. 

To get there on foot is a pretty enjoyable walk if you’re interested in taking the scenic route. Make your way to the Djurgårdsbron bridge, which will quickly lead you onto the island. From there, head along the sidewalk, enjoying the views of all the other museums on the island until you reach Skasen’s front gates.

Hazelius’ funicular entrance

There are two entrances to the park. One is called the ‘Hazelius’ entry, which is where you’ll find the old funicular. While Hazelius’ funicular entrance is perhaps a fun experience, this old method of transporting visitors up the hill is a relatively slow one. Far fewer people can enter the park via this entrance at one time. The funicular also costs 30 SK per adult. 

Djurgårdsvägen Entrance

The other entrance is further along Djurgårdsvägen. Use this entrance to get inside as it’s line moves much quicker than the previous one. Plus, the Djurgårdsvägen gate will lead you into the park right up to our guided tour’s starting point. Plus, the entry at Djurgårdsvägen is directly across from a tram station, making transit to the park super simple. 

Accessibility

If you are in a wheelchair or have mobility issues, you can take the funicular up the hill free of charge. While the Hazelius’ funicular entrance is slower, it’s much much less strenuous. Many of the Skansen’s paths aren’t paved, so if you do not have a powered wheelchair, you might find you need to work a little harder around those rougher areas. There are ramps and elevators around the park to help you get around. Most of the buildings have been adapted to provide wheelchair and disabled access. They also offer free wheelchair rentals with a valid ID.

Accessible washrooms can be found at the main entrance, the Hazelius entrance, at the Forestry Center and behind the Högloftet.

Guide dogs are allowed in the park for disabled guests. They must wear a designated vest and have proper proof of vaccination since other animals in Skansen need to be protected.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the park is right when it opens! There is SO much to do here, and since on most days, the park is only open until 3 pm, its best to arrive early to maximize your experience. During the winter months, it also gets dark really early in the day, as early as 2 pm! Coming first thing in the morning will mean you can explore the park both during the daylight and after the sun goes down.

One of Skansen’s most unique events during the Christmas season is the St. Lucia celebration. St. Lucia (or Saint Lucy) was made a martyr after since brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs. She wore on her head a candlelit wreath to light her way in the darkness, which allowed her hands to carry as much food as possible. Her feast day, which coincides with the shortest day of the year, is widely celebrated as a festival of light, and the festival in Skansen is a great way to celebrate this momentous Swedish tradition. The other event not to be missed here is Skansen’s, Christmas Market. The market starts on the first weekend of advent and runs until December 22nd. Check their calendar for the exact dates.

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How Long to Spend

I would advise you to spend at LEAST three hours inside the park. But if you like shopping (like me), I could have spent a good three hours shopping alone! The Christmas market is such a great place to buy unique Christmas presents. If you have kids, they will really enjoy the animals at Lil Zoo within the open-air museum. Christmas time is busy at Skansen, and many of the historic buildings are relatively small. You might need to line up or return later to get inside and explore the scenes within. Remember, don’t try to rush through the park. Take your time and allow yourself to follow your interests or anything which excites you.

Essential Tips

If you have any questions along the way or just want to chat more about something you’re engrossed in, head right up to one of the people dressed in costume. They are happy to speak to you and will stay in character the whole time. Everyone speaks both Swedish and reasonably good English so don’t be shy!

Dress warmly. Most of the park is outdoors, and even the indoor buildings on the property don’t have central heating, so you must dress for winter success. I would recommend thermal layers that can go under your regular clothes, which help retain the heat but don’t require a wardrobe overhaul.

Your entry into the open-air museum will cover all access throughout the park, but things like food and souvenirs can rack up quite the cost as you’ll find out. Set yourself a budget. Skansen is a little bit like a historic Swedish Disneyland. You’ll want to have some money set aside to indulge in various traditional treats and buy some great keepsakes.

Self-Guided Tour of Skansen

After entering the park, head up the escalator to the left of the stairs. This will lead you to Skansen’s Old Town Quarter. This is a replica of what a Swedish town would have looked like at the turn of the century. 

At Christmas time, the entire street smells like a giant campfire. Large bonfires are placed throughout the park to create a more enchanting atmosphere and help guests keep warm!

Glasswork Shop

Stop in on the left into the Glassworks building. Here, you can see craftspeople at work, demonstrating how glass Christmas ornaments were made. Glasswork was a massive industry in Sweden in the 19th century. The area between Växjö and Kalmar was once known as the “glass district,” and their wares were world-famous. Although other European cities would eventually overtake the market, it is interesting to learn about this art period in Sweden. A small shop is attached to the studio where you can also purchase some handmade ornaments for yourself!

The Potter Workshop

Inside this traditional workshop, you can see the old potter at work. Inside the studio, craftspeople make mugs, jugs and pots right in front of excited guests. After chatting in here, you can even head into the gift shop adjacent to buy some items made on-site using only old-school techniques. The various products’ designs have been modelled off original designs that that were brought for preservation to Skansen. Mugs and vases are always great Christmas gifts, and this is a gift with a great story behind it!

Bageriet

If you see a line out the door, this is no doubt the old bakery or Bageriet. I would still advise lining up even if it’s a bit of wait since backtracking back here is a pretty lengthy process. And these treats are really worth the wait! The bakery building is from 1870. Entering into the hot and smokey interior, you’ll notice that the room is dominated by the large brick oven. To get these ovens up to the proper temperature took hours. Once the oven was hot enough, it needed to be carefully maintained to not lose any heat. Bakers often work 16 hour days along with their apprentices, to create all the baked goods to feed a hungry city.

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During the Christmas season, the bakery here bakes over 6,000 Pepparkakor cookies. These cookies are one of the most iconic seasonal treats eaten by Swedes. They are similar to gingersnaps but are much spicier as they do contain pepper (just like the name indicates)! A souvenir tin of these cookies is a perfect gourmet souvenir from Skansen. 

Another item baked inside the Bageriet is lussekatter. You can watch bakers rolling out large sheets of golden dough ready to be formed into their popular “s” shape design. Lussekatter are saffron buns traditionally eaten on December 13th to celebrate St. Lucia (the patron Saint of Light). The buns shape resembles a cat curled up in a ball, and the raisins are placed as its’ eyes.

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The Printer’s Shop

At the end of the quarter is the Printer’s shop, inside an old building from 1740. Here, you can see how books and papers were printed as late as the first part of the 19th century. This building contains enormous pieces of equipment used to hand-set type and rolls out the local newspapers across the country! As a designer, I shudder to think how long and painstaking it must have been to hand-place each lead letter to create one page of text alone!

At the back of the workshop, there are beautiful engravings on display, used to create Christmas cards. Designs would be etched unto a rubber piece, which was then inked (just like the type was in the newspaper room) and stamped onto the paper cards. You can even take a free souvenir card with you from the collection they have there.

Printer’s home

Inside the Printer’s home, connected to the workshop, you can see a young couple who has prepared a Christmas dinner typical of the 1840s. Many of the early Swedish celebrations were influenced by pagan festivals. These included a midwinter celebration called “Jul,” where the aim was to eat and drink well. They baked bread and drank ale, still apart of traditional Christmas celebrations today! In this scene, you might notice that there is no Christmas tree to be found. This is because the custom of a Christmas tree wouldn’t be imported to Sweden until the 1880s. 

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Ironmonger & his Apartments

Besides, the cafe is the Ironmonger apartments. The ironmonger owns the hardware store in Skansen, located nearby inside an old building from 1930. He made goods for all the farmers, builders and households in town and therefore did quite well for himself and his family. His apartments are considered very modern for the 1930s. Inside, you can find all the mod-cons such as a water closet, electric stove and even a vacuum cleaner! During the Christmas season, his family is even baking cookies inside their brand new electrical oven!

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During the winter holiday, you can visit the ironmonger’s apartment and see the family prepare their ice skating field trip with a packed lunch and warm clothing. In the ’30s, people started to have more leisure time to spend with their families. 

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Co-Op Store

Be sure to step inside the Co-Op grocery store Konsum. This is a 1930’s recreation of where locals would come to buy everything from butter, margarine, beer, soft drinks and sweets. You can also still buy some of these items from the shop, such as Christmas cookies. During the 30s Sweden had begun to embrace cooperative solutions as a way of changing society. 

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Herb Garden

Although there is not much to see in the Herb Garden during the winter, the view over Stockholm from this point is fantastic as it is one of the highest points in the park. Although it was a bit misty out when we visited, the eerie sight was still something to admire!

Café Petissan

If you feel the need to escape into the indoors’ warmth, head inside the Café Petissan. Here you can find all the traditional Swedish cakes, coffee and sweets your heart desires. You can try everything from; hot chocolate with whipped cream, freshly baked saffron bread, juicy chocolate cake, and their lovely gingerbread, a specialty in the winter. The Café Petissan was based on a real cafe that was popular with students from Stockholm University in the late 1800s. This quaint little shop gives you a sense of what dining as a bourgeois student would have felt like.

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Apoteket Kronan

The Pharmacy or Apoteket Kronan isn’t perhaps the most “Christmassy” thing to do, but I’m a sucker for old pharmacies. Most of the items found in this shop are from the old royal pharmacy in Drottningholm, dating back to the latter half of the 18th century. During the colder months, people would come here frequently searching for remedies for their colds or sore throats. But back then, there wasn’t just a bottle at the ready with whatever you needed. In the 18th century, the pharmacist would have had to manually create a remedy from one of their ancient remedies. Everything from drugs, tinctures, ointments, powders, and pills was made in the dispensary laboratory.

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Post Office

Stop by the Post Office to see delivery sacks filled to the brim with Christmas greetings! You can also find one of the traditional Yuletide trees decorated in the reception room. This building harkened from the early 20th century when Christmas trees were becoming en-vogue.

The Älvros Farmstead 

The Älvros Farmstead shows what life was like in Härjedalen, located in northern Sweden. Take note of the people’s clothing at the various farmsteads as they change depending on their location and period. During the weekends, you can enter the farm and see them preparing the traditional Yule goat, an old symbol for Christmas.

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The Bakehouse

Stop inside the Bakehouse from Jämtland where the women inside are busy making barley meal and turning it into fresh flatbread. After coming inside, they will even offer you some free flatbread straight from the oven.

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The Bollnäs House

The Bollnäs House was a building brought from Dalarna, a county is located in the middle of Sweden. This house has the most richly decorated interior. The walls are all handpainted, signifying that this building was of utmost importance. It was used to hold celebrations such as weddings, christenings and Christmas feasts. The different murals on the walls depict scenes from the bible.

The Forestry Center

The Forestry center is primarily an educational facility. It also functions as a workshop for children where they can make traditional Christmas decorations during the holidays. This is a great place to get out of the cold if your kids need a break, but be aware there is a small fee for the craft supplies.

Delsbo Farmstead

Delsbo Farmstead is a building from the 19th century from the Swedish province of Hälsingland. This area was famous for the flax that was grown in the countryside. This raw material was very lucrative as it was used to make beautiful textiles and linseed oil. Walking inside, you can see the Delsbo farmstead’s magnificent interior. Since they had a little more money than some of the other ranches, they could decorate their interior with unique wall paintings and gorgeously furnished rooms.

The entire Christmas table is laid out in the kitchen and dining room as it would have been on Christmas eve. The housewife is on hand to explain all the different cultural traditions incorporated into the food and dining.

In the living room, beside the hearth, fiddle players entertain guests with traditional Christmas music. We sat here, keeping warm and listening to the mesmerizing tunes. It was one of my favourite moments of the entire day.

Animal Enclosures

Reindeer

Continue walking north along the cobblestone paths towards the animal enclosures. Here you’ll find one of the most iconic Christmas animals, the reindeer! Every day at 12:30, you can stop by the pen to learn more about the park’s reindeer during their daily lectures. For instance, did you know that the hairs in the reindeer’s winter fur are hollow? This helps the reindeer keep warm all winter, so they do not need to hibernate.

Moose

Moose are another animal worth seeing while in Skansen due to their importance in Sweden. Sweden has a denser Moose population than any other country in the world. There are around 400,000 moose in Sweden. Just under one third will be culled annually during the autumn moose hunting season, as moose is a popular meat eaten throughout Sweden.

Stables

The stable near the Skansen Zoo is a great place to spot the Christmas Gnome, Tomte. He is known to take care of the animals in addition to being the symbol of Christmas for the Swedes. The horses are all decked out for Christmas with bells on their harnesses and red and white carriage.

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Lill-Skansen

The Children’s Zoo or Lill-Skansen is an excellent place for the kids to play, but if you’re only a group of adults, it might be worth skipping. The Zoo has over 30 different animal species. The indoor area features small Scandinavian animals like toads, mice, guinea pigs, bunnies, goats and chickens. All of their cages were adorably decorated for Christmas, which was a nice little touch.

Bredablick Tower 

Behind the Lil, Zoon is the great Bredablick tower. This 30-metre high brick structure was one of the buildings built on the site based on historical references. The name of the tower, Bredablick, is the name of the Norse God Balder’s home.

There are pony rides available outside the Christmas holidays outside he twoer from 12 pm to 3 pm on weekends and from 1 pm to 2 pm on weekdays. They cost SEK 50 ($5.50 USD) each.

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Seglora Church

The grand Seglora Church is from the 18th-century church from Västergötland. To this day, you can still rent out the church to have your weddings, christenings, and even host concerts—all for the right price that is.

At Christmas time the best part about visiting the church is the Christmas musical performances which take place here. The music schedule will be on the brochure upon entry but are around 1 pm and 2:30 pm. There is something so peaceful about listening to this old kind of music style in this ancient setting lit only by candlelight.

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Christmas Market at Skansen

After wandering through the old farmhouses, you come out onto the Marknadsgatan or Market Street. Here is where you’ll find the incredible Skansen Christmas Market! Since its inception in 1903, Skansen’s Christmas Market has become a beloved holiday tradition for Swedes and tourists alike. During the winter, all sellers must all dress in traditional garb, making visiting the market feel all the most festive!

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The number of stalls here was almost dizzying. But the very first item on our list we needed to check off was to grab ourselves a glass of Skansen’s specialty, Saffron Glögg. If you haven’t tried glögg at Christmas time in Sweden, you haven’t been to Sweden. Glögg is sweetened, mulled red wine blended with a spice mixture of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Here in Skansen, they add saffron to the wine, making it taste even more delicious. Glögg can be purchased by the glass at the market or even buy entire bottles to take home with you!

Eating at the Christmas Market

If you’re looking for something to eat, then you’ve come to the right place. There are both items to eat there in the park or bring home with you all with a distinctly Swedish Christmas flare! Taste traditional sausages,  holiday cheese, Skansen’s own handmade mustard, freshly made bread and cakes, sugared almonds, marzipan, crispbread, smoked turkey, jams and marmalades, more!

One of the most famous things to eat at Skansen is the Kolbullar. Kolbullar means “coal bun” as the dish is cooked over an open fire. They place cast iron pans on the bonfire and fry open a pancake covered with bacon and lingonberries (a local Swedish fruit). The batter bubbles away and steams like crazy in the freezing cold temperatures. After it’s finished cooking, it’s covered in brown sugar syrup. There is really nothing like it and so tasty!

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Shopping at the Christmas Market

If you’re looking to purchase some Christmas presents, the marketplace has you covered! There are all kinds of handicrafts, Swedish Christmas decorations, embroidery, leather goods, hand-knitted mittens, and one of a kind children’s books.

One fun little stall which I found in the market sold ‘mystery Christmas gifts.’ Each one cost 95 kr ($10 USD) and contained a secret gift. The items inside were all taken from the Skansen gift shop and related to the park itself or were Christmas themed. While most are valued at around 95, you might get lucky and pull a mystery item worth even more! These are great little surprises for both kids and adults alike! Plus, you can buy yourself a present and be able to still be surprised by what you find when you open it.

Be sure to try out the chocolate lottery! You buy a ticket, reach into the tombola to pull out a number and see if you won! You could get nothing but could also win a chocolate gift ranging from small chocolate coins to a colossal gift basket! These games made the market place feel like a giant funfair, and the jolly atmosphere it created was infectious.

Bollnäs Square

In front of the marketplace is a large square called Bollnäs square. This is where you’ll find the enormous Skansen Christmas tree. Throughout the day, there are performances on stage by musicians in traditional attire. You can get into the spirit of the holidays and dance around the Christmas tree. Swedes dance hand in hand, in a circle around the tree as they sing.

Oktorp Farmstead

​​The Oktorp farmstead (Oktorpsgården) from Halland shows what a farm in the flat countryside looked like in the 1870s. As the room appears at Skansen, it has been decorated for a festive occasion. It’s Christmas Eve around 1870, and the family is about to sit down for their dinner. The wall and ceiling are hung with woven linen cloths. The cloths are painted with biblical motifs and used for special occasions.

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Farm Labourer’s Cottage

The Farm Labourer’s Cottage is an example of the more impoverished families who lived in Sweden in the 1900s. This small one-room cottage was inhabited by a large family. Despite the family being slow, they still celebrated Christmas in their own unique way.

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Vala School 

Across the Farm Labourers Cottage, you’ll find Vala School. This school building dates back to the 19th century when a law was passed requiring school-aged children to attend class all across Sweden. A Christmas party is held inside the school for one week before Christmas, where children can decorate gingersnap cookies.

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Galejan Fairground 

Market Weekends. Swings and roundabouts for small children. Galejan is the most charming funfair with swings and roundabouts for small children.

Stora Gungan Tavern

I would highly recommend booking a reservation at Stora Gungan Tavern to eat an early dinner before you leave. Inside this traditional tavern, built-in 1880, you can sample a traditional Swedish Christmas Smorgasbord. This includes rye bread topped with everything from pickled red onions, cold-smoked salmon, cod, egg, shrimps, and more. You can sip on carrot and ginger soup with a side of Christmas crispbread. For the main course, try the Swedish staple, meatballs with lingonberry jam, horseradish, cream sauce, cucumber, potatopurée. For dessert, sample their Skansen Pastry!

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Christmas at Skansen is such a joy to visit, and just wandering the streets here brought a smile to my face! I hope you enjoyed your guided tour, and you left the park filled with the Christmas spirit!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been to Skansen before or what you’re most looking forward to during their Christmas celebrations.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Skansen’s Historic Christmas Market in Stockholm [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

After an incredibly stressful journey to Stockholm, the next morning, when I awoke refreshed and excited, my friends and I all headed out to see my first European Christmas Market! There was so much to see and do, I was almost overwhelmed with all the different treats to sample, and charming Christmas souvenirs to bring home. So I wanted to create this guide to help you navigate all the various Christmas Markets to be found in Stockholm, the best things to buy while you’re there and, most importantly, what you need to EAT!

Stockholm’s Best Chrismtas Markets

1. Stortorget Julmarknad
2. Skansen Christmas Market
3. Christmas Market at Drottningholm
4. The Christmas Market at the Royal Stables
5. Bondens egen Marknad Östermalm
6. Konstfack Christmas Market
7. Christmas at Rosendals Trädgårdard
8. Christmas Market at Färgfabriken
9. Skeppsholmsgården's Christmas market
10. Schysst Jul
11. What to Eat & Drink
12. What to Buy

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. Since this market feels like the original, I highly recommend you make it your first stop. It is by no means the largest, but there is something about its more modest size that makes it all the more appealing.

History

Farmer’s markets in Stortorget have been going on here since the 1300s, but the first Swedish Christmas market took place here in 1523. Back then there was only one Christmas market and its location would move around the city over the years. It wasn’t until 1837 that its place of permanence was established here, in Stortorget.

In 1915 the King of Sweden stipulated that only Swedish goods could be sold at this market, a tradition which the guild of markets still ensures is followed to this day. During the early days of the Stortorget Christmas market, you’d find tinsmiths, bookbinders, brush makers, glove and hat sellers, coppersmiths, pewter casters and jewellers. There was also a large swath of farmers who would travel long distances to sell their goods and produce here at the market. Despite the years going by and more modern production practices, many of the original items sold at the ancient market can still be found here today. Especially when it comes to food! The same 40 red wooden painted stalls pile themselves into the crowded square every year.

In the center of the red timber huts is the enormous Christmas tree. As far back as the 15th-century homes in Germany and Switzerland used spruce trees to decorate for Christmas. But it took a while for the trend to make its way to Stockholm. It wasn’t until 1920 that the first Christmas tree was raised here in Stortorget. But ever since, this beautiful tree has been a beacon for the market at the town square.

Open November 19th – 23 December 23rd 2022 | 11 am and 6 pm

Skansen Christmas Market

Skansen is an open-air museum located in Stockholm, that depicts the Swedish way of life before the industrial era. It’s like stepping into a giant time machine. And at Christmas, entering the park is like walking into a Scandinavian fairy tale. Throughout the holiday season, Skansen is home to a variety of demonstrations depicting traditional Swedish Christmas celebrations.

Christmas Activities

Try making your own Swedish ornaments, tour the historical houses and farmsteads decorated for the holidays and listen to musicians playing tunes inside. Go inside and talk with the housewives about what they fill their Christmas table for dinner with. And dance around the Christmas tree at Bollnäs Square!

Christmas Market

But the best part of the park is the old-fashioned Christmas Market. You’ll find dozens and dozens of stalls in the center of the park, surrounded by outdoor bonfires to keep you warm.  If you’re hungry, you can sample their famous pancakes, classic reindeer sausages, Christmas cheese, crispbread and Skansen’s handmade mustard. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try the sugared almonds, honey, marzipan, saffron buns, pepparkakor (gingersnaps), homemade jams and marmalades, penny candy, and more!

Don’t forget to grab yourself a glass of Glögg, and Skansen’s specialty; Saffron Glögg. Suppose you’re looking for a little Christmas souvenir? In that case, there are hundreds of handicrafts, Christmas decorations, embroidery, hand-knitted mittens, and the iconic Swedish advent candles. 

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 26th December 19th

Christmas Market at Drottningholm

Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the Swedish Royal family. It is located in Drottningholm, 40-minutes from the center of Stockholm. Although the Drottningholm Christmas Market is only open for two days in December, if you happen to be visiting Sweden during this time, it’s worth the effort to try and head down. The Christmas market is traditionally held in the palace grounds on the second weekend of Advent.

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The Palace

During the winter, you can also tour the castle and see how Christmas celebrations took place in the 18th century! See how they kept the castle warm with no electricity, how candles were used to decorate the Christmas tree and even how the royals played games, put on theatre shows and spent their free time during the holidays. There is something so unique and regal about being invited to celebrate Christmas inside the royal palace. Talk to the various period actors throughout the castle, including skilled blacksmiths, candlemakers, straw weavers, and textile producers and see how Christmas presents were produced years ago.

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The Market

The Drottningholm Christmas Market is also rather small, but very well curated. There are between 15 and 20 stalls. The outdoor market is filled with local produce with a festive flare featuring cheese, bread, mustard, fish, mulled wine and ham. You can find local craftspeople here selling handmade winter gear, warm slippers and Scandinavian embroidery and jewellery. There are even fun fair type games for the kids. Because the market is only open for two days, it feels all the more intimate and not so touristy. Not many tourists manage to make the trek or arrive on that day so you’ll find it feels more like a small-town affair.

Open December 3rd – 4th 2022

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The Christmas Market at the Royal Stables

The Royal Stables are located just behind Strandvägen in Östermalm. Even today, the Swedish Monarchy uses ceremonial horses to transport them during state events and festive occasions. The Royal Stables, built in 1697, are open to the public throughout the year but by guided tour only. Inside, you can find around 50 horse-drawn carriages, sleighs and coaches, and 20, perfectly groomed and well behaved, royal horses. But during the Christmas season, a four-day market is held inside the stables. The market occurs over the first weekend of Advent. This is not only a great market to visit but a fantastic way of seeing the stables without booking a guided tour.

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About 70 stalls on either side of an elegant red carpet are laid out inside the artful stables. The boothes feature handicrafts from all over Sweden. Some of the most unique gifts can all be found here all under one roof. You can even poke your head into the stables and say hello to one of the many royal horses. Don’t miss this market if you’re around.

Open November 25th – 27th 2022

Bondens egen Marknad Östermalm

Located in the quaint Tessinparken in the Östermalm is the Bondens egen Marknad, a weekly farmer’s market. And throughout December, they play host to a festive Christmas Market. This market feels more rustic and local. There aren’t as many handicrafts here, as the focus is more on local produce and Swedish food. 

This is a fantastic place to come to buy a few items for a little picnic or “smorgasbord” back at your hotel. Cheese, sausage, bread and sweets, what more can you ask for! If you’re staying in town for an extended period of the holidays, pick up one of the hand-made pine wreaths to bring some of that Christmas scent into your hotel room. It’s the next best thing to a Christmas tree.

Open: December 3rd, December 10th and December 17th

Konstfack Christmas Market

If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Konstfack University of Art and Design’s annual Christmas Market! Although the items here aren’t “Christmassy,” this is a glorious opportunity for you to support local artists by buying some of their ceramics, textiles, painting, jewelry, glass, posters, sculptures or decor. Plus, the entire event feels so festive. There is a small entrance fee, but even if you don’t buy anything, touring all the different works on offer is like walking through an art gallery. Their cafeteria is even open for guests during the event and serves up coffee and Christmas baked goods to all visitors. The market is open over the last week of November.

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Christmas at Rosendals Trädgårdard

Rosendals Trädgård is a sprawling urban garden located in Djurgården, just west of Rosendal Palace. During the holiday season, a festive market pops up inside Rosendals Trädgårdard. Since it is a garden, one of the best things to buy here is their living Christmas arrangements. Huge wreaths and winter flowers will bring that unmistakable scent of Christmas into your hotel room or home! Their bakery is continually churning out bread, pastries and delicacies like fresh gingerbread which are made in their fantastic wood fire stone oven. This wood fire oven really adds a unique flavour to the baked goods and makes them taste like nothing else!

Their farm shop is in full swing, making pickles, jams and other exceptional items to eat while you’re in town or bring home to friends and family. Throughout the season, Christmas concerts featuring local musicians and composers fill the garden with sweet melodies. Walking around the garden stalls, under the fairy lights, lantern and bonfires is nothing short of magical and really gets you in the Christmas spirit! The Market is open from the end of November to the last few days before Christmas. Check their website for details.

Open November 18th – December 22nd

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Christmas Market at Färgfabriken

Färgfabriken is a chich art gallery and event venue located in the Lövholmen suburb southwest of Stockholm. From December 10th to 11th Färgfabriken hosts its own Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, which boasts the honour of being Stockholm’s largest market for crafts and design. Inside you’ll find unique products from over a hundred exhibitors. In addition to these fantastic handmade products, you can also visit their cafe in the main hall, which serves up Christmas coffee, mulled wine, butter bread and other delicacies.

Open: December 10th – 11th 2022 | Admission is SEK 60 ($5.50 USD)

Skeppsholmsgården’s Christmas market

Skeppsholmen is a small, peaceful island located just east of Gamla Stan. It is frequently referred to as a museum island since it’s home to the National Museum Skeppsholmen, the Moderna Museet, the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design and the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities. But it is also home to the Skeppsholmen, a small sailing school that teaches sailing to children and young adults. But during December, Skeppsholmsgården hosts a small maritime-themed Christmas fair. The booths mostly feature nautical-themed handmade crafts; kids can even try out blacksmithing or watch the blacksmiths at work! Coffee and light food will be available for sale both in and outside.

Open: December 10th and 11th, 2022

Schysst Jul

Schysst Jul is a Christmas market, unlike the others. This market is focused on selling products that are all fair trade and organically produced. These businesses ensure all your Christmas gifts support the environment and the people who source and make the goods. This way you can feel good about what you’re buying.

Open December 3rd 10am-4pm & December 4 10am-3pm

What to Eat & Drink

Glögg

If you haven’t tried glögg at Christmas time in Sweden, you haven’t been to Sweden. Glögg is sweetened, mulled red wine blended with a spice mixture of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Different vendors might have their own unique spin on the drink with additives like citrus, raisins or almonds. It’s said to be lucky if you get a glass with one of the almonds in it. These nuts and fruits are sooooo good as they have soaked up all the flavour of the glögg and are a delicious little snack in your beverage. Glögg can be purchased by the glass at the market or you can even buy entire bottles to take home with you.

Pepparkakor

One of those Swedish Christmas treats I found everywhere in the city were Pepparkakor. Pepparkakor, or gingersnaps, have been eaten in Sweden since the 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 just buy yourself an entire box inside the charming tins found on every shelf in the grocery store!

Unlike other gingersnaps I’d had before in Canada or even in the UK, these were SPICY! Not like temperature spicy but filled with spices. The cookies aren’t just overpowered by sweetness, they have so much real flavour. In fact, the reason they are called Pepparkakor is that they indeed contain pepper! I loooooved them. Their flavouring is almost so strong it could wake you up like a cup of coffee. They were even better dipped into a glass of glögg.

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Although the cookies are eaten throughout the year, they are most popular at Christmas. Beautifully crafted tins and boxes of the cookies can be found at the market, and they make the perfect gift for those at home. You can also just buy one or two cookies to eat, dipped into your warm glögg while walking around the market.

Many Christmas markets also sell larger, non-edible versions of the cookie, decorated with brightly coloured icing sugar. The icing sugar spells out different Christmas greetings making them almost like a giant cookie Christmas card. These are great souvenirs and look adorable hung on the Christmas tree.

Saffransbullar 

Saffransbullar or saffron buns are traditional pastries eaten during the Christmas season in Sweden. Their golden yellow and shiny appearance can be seen glimmering in windows of bakeries all across the county. The buns are made with saffron and dark raisins. They are rolled into an s-shape, which is said to resemble a cat all curled up, and the raisins used to denote the cat’s eyes. These warm buns are perfect for enjoying on a cold winter’s day or night. Although you might not bring these home, they are lovely to enjoy as you peruse the rest of the market.

Smoked Meat

Smoked meat has been enjoyed by the Swedes since the dawn of time. But in Sweden, they specialized in various meats you might not have tried before. Specialties like elk, moose and reindeer. Prinskorv or “smoked sausages” are ALWAYS a part of the Swedish julbord or Christmas Buffet. While your home countries’ import restrictions might prevent you from bringing these foods home, they are a great thing to enjoy while you’re in town and are perfect for creating your very own julbord.

Knäckebröd 

Another item to buy for your julbord is Knäckebröd or Swedish crisp bread. These dry crackers are HUGE, almost the size of a large dinner plate. They are usually made with rye flour, and although they are pretty delicate, the crackers can keep forever! At the Christmas markets, they are packaged in beautiful red Christmas wrapping paper and look like a gorgeous present under your tree.

Polkagris

Although you might know them better as “candy canes” in Sweden, they are called ‘Polka Pig‘ or Polkagris. Polkagris was actually invented in Sweden around the 1800s. The name comes from the polka dance craze, which swept through Scandinavia at the time. The fast-paced dance matched the frenzied process required to create these twisted and twirled candies. These red and white peppermint sweets are made fresh for the market, but while they might look like the same thing you can get back home, I found they tasted much more refreshing and they had a more prominent punch!

Smågodis

While all the bins of candies might seem like a Christmas gimmick to get tourists to buy cheap candy for inflated prices, eating candy in Sweden is a real tradition. Smågodis means “little candies”. Visit any grocery store, convenience store or gas station and you’ll always find a series of bins filled with pick & mix candies. Take a bag and filler’ up!

The tradition started as something called Lördagsgodis, meaning “saturday candy” in Swedish. Every Saturday, Swedish children were allowed to visit their local store and buy as much candy as possible. But the tradition locked itself in the heart of Swedes into adulthood. Today, the average Swede eats about 23 pounds of candy every year! And yet somehow they remain so slim….baffling. Christmas time is even more special when it comes to Smågodis, and filling your bag up in the marketplace is a great way to take part in this tradition, Saturday or not!

Brända mandlar

Brända mandlar or candied almonds are among the most intoxicating smells that draw you in throughout these market places. The steam coming off the hot pans wafts through the square. These freshly made almonds are a popular treat at Christmas markets, and a warm pack of them in your pocket keeps your hot all night long! Or…until you eat them up.

Ost

Another important aspect of the Swedish Julbord is cheese or as it’s called in Sweden, Ost! One of the most popular cheeses to eat during the holidays is Swedish Cheddar Cheese from Kvibille, Sweden’s best-known cheddar producer. Another popular variety is the Hushållsost made from cows milk. It’s the most popular kind of cheese eaten in Sweden, with 15,000 tons of it consumed every year.

Swedish Mustard

Mustard is a popular condiment for the Swedes, they love to slather it on top of many different foods. At Christmas time, their festive ham isn’t complete without a side of hot mustard. But nothing compares to the homemade mustards you’ll find at local markets. These are fresh, spicy and a great gift (if you can keep your own hands off of it long enough)

What to Buy

Julbock

One of the most iconic images of Christmas in Sweden is the Julbock. The Julbock, or Yule Goat, goes back to Sweden’s Pagan origins. Swedes worshiped the god Thor, who rode a chariot drawn by two regal goats. This cemented goats being seen by Swedes as vital beings ever since. In the 19th century, the Yule Goat’s role shifted to becoming the giver of Christmas gifts. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Swedes adopted the image of Santa Claus. Despite Santa becoming more and more popular, the Julbock is still a cherished Christmas decoration. These goats are made of straw and always feature a bright red ribbon. They come in all different sizes, from large table-sized versions to little Christmas tree ornaments. These are a must-buy for anyone visiting Sweden at Christmas time.

Christman Candles

Swedes love candles! It’s part of hygge. Hygge is the word for creating cozy and conformable spaces, which lead to a sense of wellness and contentment. Winters in Sweden get really cold and dark, and one of the best ways to combat the winter darkness is by lighting inviting candles throughout the home. Christmas candles in Sweden often feature five candles to represent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas with one candle in the middle for Christmas day. The most famous candelabras seen in windows all across Stockholm feature a stepped ladder design. These candles are so beautiful and would make a gorgeous centerpiece on the Christmas table.

Tomte

Before the Swedes adopted Santa Claus, they had Tomte or Nisse. Tomte is a little forest gnome who is said to live under the house to protect children from misfortune. His defining features are his tiny stature, long grey beard, and large, pointed hat. The Christmas garb for Tomte features a bright red cap. At Christmas time, children leave out a bowl of porridge out for Tomte to ensure he creates no mischief. Tomte’s visage is replicated all over the market as hand-sewn felt decorations, sculptures, wooden figures, paintings and more. These make great gifts or an excellent addition to your own Christmas tree.

Julstjärna

The Julstjärna is the Swedish Christmas star. These paper decorations are seen hung in the home and in window frames all across the country. The shape of the Julstjärna resembles a Christmas poinsettia flower. These darling stars make any darkened room alit with the Christmas spirit! These stars are so famous they have even made it into the popular culture around the world and used year-round. Still, originally the stars were meant as a Christmas decoration and you can find amazing handmade versions in the marketplaces.

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Lovikkavantar

Lovikkavantar are hand-knitted mittens originating from the village of Lovikka in northern Sweden. The exact pattern that is still made today dates back to 1892. It features a white and grey hand-knitted glove with yellow, blue and red embroidered tassels around the wrists. These are not only quintessentially Swedish, they are great for keeping your warm in the winter!

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Dalahäst Ornaments

The Dalahäst or Dala Horse is a carved, wooden figure, originating from Dalarna, in the center of Sweden. Deep in the forests of Dalarna, during the long dark winters, farmers would use rudimentary tools to carve little horse toys for their children. Why horses, you ask? Well, perhaps for the same reason kids love to play with toy cars these days. Horses back then were one of the most essential parts of life. They transported you from place to place, helped plough fields, moved lumber, and of course, were a great animal companion.

The traditional designs of the Dalahäst features a bright red coat with an embroidered harness painted in white, green, yellow and blue around its neck. The Dalahäst is known to be a symbol for good luck. Many souvenir shops are known to sell Chinese mass-produced knockoffs which are anything but handmade or authentic. In fact, they use plastic which is heat wrapped around the wood to replicate the hand painted appearance. But in the Christmas markets which ensure only Swedish products are sold, you find mind authentically hand made one. They even have them in smaller sizes which are perfect to use as Christmas ornaments!

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Kræmmerhuset

A Danish tradition that has made its way to Sweden is the Kræmmerhuset. These upsides down cones are Christmas decorations hung on the tree, which are then filled with candies. After Christmas is over, children are encouraged to help take the ornaments off the tree. As their reward they can eat the sweets they find within the Kræmmerhusets. The cones are often designed to resemble the shape of Tomte’s Christmas cap. This was such an exciting new tradition for me to discover and I was so excited to bring it home to teach my family!

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Swedish Sami Jewellery

Sami jewellery comes from the northern Lapland region of Sweden. This Nordic handcraft is a form of indigenous jewelry passed down from generation to generation. The designs of Sami jewelry feature intricate braids made from silver threads. They are framed against a reindeer hide band. These simple but elegant styles are a beautiful gift and the perfect stocking stuffer!

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Swedish Christmas Ornaments

Although it might seem redundant to mention buying Christmas ornaments at a Christmas market, I found the decorations for sale at these Swedish markets to be some of the most charming and adorable decorations I’d seen anywhere. It’s incredible how all of Sweden seems to have gotten behind the colour of Christmas decorations being only red, white and grey. Swedish Christmas decor is much more restrained and rustic. But they use a myriad of different materials which creates a gorgeous textural effect everywhere you look. There are glass-blown bobbles, wooden carved stars, hand-knit stockings, felt Santas, wheat shaped into snowflakes and more! You are sure to find the perfect complement to your Christmas tree anywhere you look.

I had such a blast visiting the Swedish Christmas Markets. Even when I didn’t buy anything, it was such fun to just explore and look at all the wonderful things people had on display. The atmosphere at these markets is brimming with excitement and joy, and they are an experience not to be missed.

Let me know in the comment if you’ve ever visited a European Christmas Market before and where was your favourite!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Guide to Stockholm’s Magical Christmas Markets [UPDATED 2022] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The Best Souvenirs Inside Harry Potter World

1. TIPS
2. Zonkos
3. Honeydukes
4. Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
5. Ollivander's Wands
6. Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
7. Gladrags Wizardwear
8. Dervish & Banges
9. House Sweatshirts
10. Owl Post
11. Hogsmeade Station
12. Additional Shopping Locations

About the Stores inside Hogsmead

The shops inside the Wizarding World were designed to be the same size and scale as the movie versions. While having huge stores might be more conducive to selling merchandise, the park knew this wouldn’t be how these tiny, ancient shops would have looked in the real Wizarding world. They wanted to make it feel as close to the real thing as possible. I’m sure this meant fewer sales for the park, but it’s nice to know they made this sacrifice for the sake of authenticity.

Budget

Unless you have a limitless budget, it’s a good idea to make a game plan. Think about what you MUST buy or what is most important to you so you stick to that budget and aren’t just overcome by all there is to get here. I’ve done some of the work for you! Here is a list of all the best items I found in the park which I think every Harry Potter fan will enjoy. I’ve also made sure to note down where to find them! This will make sure you don’t waste too much time in the park looking for these items. Instead, spend that saved time drinking Butterbeer and riding broomsticks on the Forbidden Journey! For a complete guide to the park, check out my post here!

TIPS

• If you’re going to buy a wand and robe, get these as early in the day as possible. This means you can use your wand throughout the interactive parts of the Wizarding World ASAP. And your beautiful robe will make any picture you take in the park that much more magical.
• Shop for most of your other souvenirs in the afternoon. This is when most people have chosen to go on more rides throughout the rest of the park. Shopping during the lunch or dinner hour is also a good time since the shops will be less busy.
• Buy any food items you plan on taking home at the end of the day. Not only does this mean you won’t need to lug them around all day, but chocolates and some other candies tend to melt in the heat.

Zonkos

Zonkos Joke Shop is one of the first shops you’ll see upon entering the park. This joke shop was a favourite of pranksters Fred and George’s and their first stop while in Hogsmead. In the books, it was known to sells everything a wizard needs to play pranks and make people laugh. It carried such things as, “Dungbombs, Hiccough Sweets, Stink Pellets, Frog Spawn Soap, Sugar Quills, and Nose-Biting Teacups“. In Hollywood’s own Hogsmeade, you can still buy some really interesting items in the shop to take home with you.

Pygmy Puffs

One of the most iconic creatures from the Harry Potter books has got to be Pygmy Puffs! A Pygmy Puff is a miniature Puffskein, bred by Fred and George Weasley and originally sold at their shop Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley. It was one of their most popular products in the WonderWitch range. Now you can have one for yourself, although since you’re a muggle you’ll have to settle for the stuffed variety. Choose either a bright purple and pink little fluff ball. These are great souvenirs for the kids.

Cost: $20.00

Love Potion

Another Harry Potter artifact that will make a great addition to your shelf is the Love Potion bottle. Fans will remember how the love potion played a large role in the books when Romilda Vane tried to give one of the Weasleys’ love potions to Harry Potter. These Love Potions come in the same bottles which were designed for the movies making them extra special. The potion itself is made of a sweet lychee gel. Although the price might seem steep for a drink, what you’re really getting is a pretty movie and book replica. These make a great addition to a nightstand!

Cost: $9.96

Felix Felicis or ‘Liquid Luck’

The same sort of things goes for the Felix Felicis, better know as Liquid Luck! This teardrop-shaped glass bottle is filled with a sweet, sparkling syrup. The potion is thought to, “imbue the drinker with good luck for a period of time, during which everything they attempt will be successful”. This muggle-friendly version, however, is just made from ginger and lemon syrup, but is no less beautiful to admire.

Cost: $9.95

Sneakoscope

A sneakoscope is a type of Dark Detector from the Harry Potter books. It looks like a glass spinning top that lights up, spins, and whistles if someone is doing something untrustworthy nearby. Ron brought one back for Harry from Hogsmead the first time he and Hermione visited. Production designers for the movie created the most amazing Sneakoscope design but the scene was cut from the film. Luckily, their loss is their own gain, as they recreated it for any Muggle to buy in Zonkos.

Cost: $14.95

Exploding Bon Bons

Zonkos joke shop also features some delicious, and playful, sweet treats. These are GREAT to bring home to Harry Potter fans as it really feels like something pulled right from the book. While the glass jar of U-No-Poo is pretty funny and the Shock-o-choc has some great packaging, my favourite of all their “trick” candy is the Exploding Bon Bons. These little white chocolate bonbons are flavoured with orange and pineapples and filled with “exploding” pop rocks in the center! They are so fun to eat and a super delicate, delicious and unique flavour too! These were really one of the best tasting candies I’ve ever had.

Cost: $9.95 for 10 candies

Honeydukes

Honeydukes is visually one of the most amazing shops in Hogsmeade. Walking in the door you are overcome with fantastical scents and scenery all around you. There is just something about those mint green and pastel pink walls that makes you smile! One of my favourite quotes from the books about Honeydukes describes it perfectly, “…there were shelves upon shelves of the most succulent-looking sweets imaginable.” And they really are!

There are so many of those famous sweets from the books here that it’s almost impossible to narrow down your selection. But honestly, some of these treats are prettier than they are delicious. Here are my tops picks for those treats which are iconic to the books, but also delicious to eat!

Sherbert Lemon Candies

While everyone more than likely goes for the beans or the frogs first, I darted right for the Sherbert Lemon candies. Sherbert lemons were Dumbledore’s favourite candy in the books. So much so that at one point they were the password for his office door. Sherbert Lemon might be something you’ve seen before, but these ones are gourmet. They are melt in your mouth and just the right balance of sweet and sour. The best part is that once you’ve finished the tin, you can refill it as much as you want with your favourite candies. It makes for a gorgeous display piece year-round. I even put some loose leaf tea in it too! It’s super versatile.

Cost: $9.95

Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean

Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans are one, if not the most, iconic candy from the Harry Potter books and films. The Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans you can in Honeydukes are an absolute replica of the ones in the movies. They are packaged up in this darling, vintage-inspired striped box. The flavours included are everything from Tutti-Frutti, to cherry, earwax, black pepper, and even sausage! They’re really good fun to eat with friends and see everyone’s reaction. You can buy either the paper box or a fancier tin version. While the tin container is no doubt more sturdy, the paper box feels more like the original and you get the same amount of candy in both

Cost: Paper box $13 | Tin box $19

Candy Quill

One of the cheapest items in Honeydukes is the candy quills. These large lollipops are shaped into a beautiful feather quill. The tip, when wetted, actually writes too! They come in a multitude of different flavours so you can always find your favourite. Mine is ALWAYS blue raspberry!

Cost: $4.95

Butterbeer Fudge

Honeydukes also features a fudge counter where you can buy freshly made pastries and desserts. The BEST thing in this mouthwatering case is the Butterbeer fudge. The fudge replicates the drink almost exactly and even has that top layer of light, marshmallow foam. It’s SUPER sweet but that means you can easily share it among a bunch of people! The fudge is one of the only fresh items you can bring home with you and it will still be fresh for a couple of days.

Cost: $3.95

Honeydukes Latte Mug

One of the best non-food items sold at Honeydukes are these huge, Honeydukes branded latte mugs. These are complete with that iconic green and pink logo on the front. These are great for coffee or tea drinkers who want to feel like they are at Honeydukes every day! The mug is very large, and well made, with some real weight to it! This is something you can really use every day so it’s well worth the price.

Cost: $21.00

Chocolate Frogs, Don’t Buy?

Alright…Chocolate Frogs. I think most people will claim this to be the best thing to buy in Honeydukes. It’s no doubt iconic. It has a huge part to play in the first movie and throughout the books. And while the boxes are beautiful and the cards inside are super unique and well designed, the actual chocolate frog is honestly a bit disappointing.

The shape is pretty spot-on, but the chocolate tastes really cheap and even is a bit oily. For $13.99, I think there are so many better things you can buy that are just as iconic and with just as beautiful packaging. BUT if you really have your heart set on one, don’t let me stop you. One tip to keep in mind is if you open the frog in the shop and don’t like your card, you can ask to trade it in at the counter for a different one.

Cost: $13.99

Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment

Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment is my favourite shop to visit as it’s just so beautiful inside.  Walking inside, the Prussian blue walls covered in gold embellishment sparkle and shine, dazzling the eye of the beholder. The shop is made to look like an ancient astronomer’s tower with astrological constellations painted on the ceiling. Everything from crystal balls to telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses are displayed inside the window cases.

Replica Wizarding Robes

While Gladrags might be where most people go to buy their robes, I’d advise you to buy one at Wisescares if you’re going to make the investment. You can try it on and look at yourself in one of their antique mirrors and there is just something really “magical” about this shop which makes the experience that much more special. Buying a robe is a real splurge but for a huge fan, there is just something monumental about getting to wear your own house robe. The robes are so well made, and super heavy. The fabric isn’t cheap at all, which I’ve definitely found with Halloween costume robes I’ve worn before.

The robes have great big pockets, perfect for keeping your phone handy for pictures. They even have a tiny pocket inside for your wand, which makes it feel so authentic! The weather was miserable when I was there, and my robe kept me nice and warm! While buying a robe might not be for everyone, for me, it was a right of passage I had dreamed of and didn’t disappoint.

Cost: $139

Pins

If you’re looking for something much much cheaper, Wiseacre’s has a huge selection of Harry Potter themed pins. There can be worn literally every day, on your clothes, bags or shoes so they really make for a versatile gift or souvenir. I love the Quibbler Spectrespecs Pin ($ 15) as well as the Mermaid Window Pin ($12). The Deathly Hallows pin is one of the cheapest ($9) and also one of the most iconic symbols from the Harry Potter series. They really have a pin for anything you can imagine so take some time to find one that really speaks to you.

Cost: Varies, around $9-$18

If you can’t make it to Harry Potter World, you should check out pins.us to make yourself a custom Harry Potter pin. It’s a great way to show off your favourite part of the fandom! And something no one else will have.

Ollivander’s Wands

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Ollivanders is the wand shop everyone goes to get their first wand. It’s been owned by the same family of wandmakers since 382 B.C.! When you enter inside, you can feel the “age” of the building. Dusty wand boxes are stacked right up to the ceiling. They seem to lean and sway with the sagging of the walls. While the Ollivanders Wand shop is also an interactive experience, you can enter the shop on its own, through the back of Wiseacres.

Replica Wands

There are replica wands of pretty much every character from the films. The replica wands were gorgeous, and I couldn’t believe how many characters they had. I expected just the most important ten characters or so would be featured, but they had everyone! I found Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, various Death Eater wands and even Nicolas Flamel! My heart had been set on buying Luna Lovegood‘s wand (she’s my favourite character).

“Unclaimed” Wands

“Unclaimed” wand designs are uniquely suited to your personality and your birthday. This is based on the fact that J.K. Rowling found out that her choice of holly for Harry’s wand coincidentally corresponded with his birthday on the Celtic tree calendar. The Celtic Tree Calendar has thirteen lunar divisions, each one of which has a corresponding tree. If you want to learn more about this, I found it really fascinating. It’s like finding a wand based on your Celtic zodiac sign.

To get a custom wand “evaluation“ the wand clerk will ask you a bunch of questions; your birth date, your name and then a lot of other personality qualifiers. From there, they will present one or two wands to you which reflect what they learned from your evaluation. When they present the wand, they go over all its properties and what kind of person would suit the wand. It was like listening to a bedtime story, there were so many interesting aspects to each one.

Interactive wands vs. Non-interactive wands

Whichever wand you purchase, there are two types identified by the labels on the wand boxes. The wands with a gold label are interactive wands that you can use through the Wizarding World. The wands with the matte labels are just ornamental. The interactive wands can be used in all Wizarding World parks to cast spells. These “spells” can be cast at different locations inside the Wizarding World. Inside your wand box, there is a map of all the interactive destinations. They also provide instructions on how to perform each spell. I got an interactive wand and loved performing the spells in the park. It definitely makes you feel like a real wizard. But even just the ornamental wands themselves make you feel like you’ve been to Hogwarts and back. They look gorgeous to display in your home and fun prop to use throughout your visit to Hogsmeade.

Cost: The non-interactive wands cost $55, and the interactive wands cost $59 and come with a map of the locations where you can cast spells.

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

Inside Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods shop, you’ll find lots of “confiscated items”. If you’re a collector, this is one of the best shops to buy your very own replica props. They even sell copies of the Harry Potter books here, as these are still on the list of banned books in various countries around the world and would, therefore, be “confiscated” items.

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Marauder’s Map

Perhaps one of the most sought-after confiscated items is the Marauder’s Map. This wonderfully detailed fold-out map featured the entire layout of the castle, which is super cool to see! It has the names of almost all the book’s characters positioned throughout the castle. It’s an extremely accurate artifact from the movies and although the price tag is a bit steep, think of it as something you can frame and display forever in your home.

Cost: $49.95

Time-Turner Necklace

If you’re looking for a beautiful piece of jewellery which doesn’t feel cheap or cheesy I’d recommend the time-turner necklace! The quality is wonderful and the central hourglass has real sand that flows from one side to the other when it is turned upside down. For any Harry Potter fan, this replica piece is a real treasure but its also something which you can wear on a daily basis and won’t get called out for wearing “a costume”.

Cost: $50.00

Pumpkin Juice

The Magic Neep cart sells quick bites to eat and things to drink. The best drink to get here is the pumpkin juice. This tastes very similar to a cold apple cider and is so refreshing. But the best part is the souvenir bottle you get with it! This gorgeously designed bottle is perfect to put on your shelf as a piece of decor well after you’ve finished drinking it.

Cost: $4.99

Gladrags Wizardwear

Gladrags Wizardwear is a clothing shop was visited by the trio multiple times in the book and was where they went to buy a present for Dobby since the shop “had the best selection of socks in Hogsmead”. The shop was founded in 1750 and is full of incredible items to both buy and admire. On the second level, you can see hundreds of ribbons, rolls of fabric, piles of buttons and more ready to be whipped up into a brand new set of dress robes.

House Scarf

One of the most affordable and iconic pieces of clothing you can buy here is your very own wizarding scarf complete with your house colours. They have the authentic movie replica versions with the thin stripes, as well as the more bold, broad stipe versions. You can even get a scarf with your house slogan and crests emblazoned on them.

Cost: $40.00

R & H Sweaters

If you’re looking to splurge a little on something really special, then the replica Christmas sweaters that Mrs. Weasley knits for Harry and Ron at Christmas time are going to be for you. They are made of 100% wool and as such, are pretty pricey but feel absolutely amazing! I was too scared I would get it dirty or shrink it by accident in the wash, but if you’re much less of a klutz than me and you’d love a warm woolly sweater to remind you of your time in the park, this is for you!

Cost: $89.95

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Yule Ball Dress Ornaments

While you might not be able to afford Hermione’s $375 replica Yule Ball Gown, Gladrags sells these ADORABLE minature yule ball dress ornaments! You can find the trio’s outfits as well as Fleur and Krum’s dashing outfits! They would make a wonderful addition to any Christmas tree. I honestly could write a whole post about all the different Christmas ornaments you can buy here, but these miniature outfits are by far the most unique and memorable.

Cost: $21.95

Dervish & Banges

Dervish & Banges is a shop that features a little more prominently in the books and is known to sell “magical instruments and stuff,” according to Ron Weasley. Inside Dervish & Banges, you can find various house-themed items and apparel. The shop is gorgeously designed. They really wanted it to feel like an old clothing store. Antique boxes and piles of merchandise are stacked up on the second floor. Different parts of the shop move like magic. There are flying broomsticks bobbing up and down above your head as well as the cage which holds the ‘The Monster Book of Monsters”. Be careful, it will snap at any little children who dare to put their fingers inside the cage!

House Sweatshirts

One of the newer items of clothing on sale here are these wonderfully soft house sweatshirts with the name of the different houses stitched onto the front. There is also a wonderfully detailed crest on the sleeve. These look almost like the university sweatshirts you might see on campuses across the states. The cost is high but the quality is very high too. These shirts feel a little bit more contemporary and could be worn a lot more frequently than some of the more movie replica pieces.

Cost: $43.99

Quidditch Captain T-shirt

If Quidditch is your thing, they sell these amazing Quidditch Captain T-shirts with the name of the various house captains stitched on the back. If you want something even more unique, you can get a custom version made with your own name emblazoned on the back!

Cost: $36.95, extra $20 to get your name custom made

Spectrespecs

If you’re a huge Luna Lovegood fan, like me, one of the best souvenirs is a pair of Spectrespecs. These are just like the ones she wore in the movie. The Spectrespecs in the movie were large, colourful spectacles that were given away free in an issue of The Quibbler. Luna used these to watch for Wrackspurts and described them as making the wearer look like a “demented multicoloured owl“. Personally, I think they look amazing. The spectrespecs you can buy in the Wizarding World come on a cardboard poster inspired by the Quibbler magazine from the film. You simply punch them out of the poster or keep the piece intact as it can make for an amazing work of art to frame!

Cost: $6.95

The Golden Snitch

One of the extremely well-priced items in the shop is the Golden Snitch! This piece of quidditch equipment, as we all know, is much more than that. It shows up throughout all the books and even plays a part in one of the most important scenes in the final book. The toy version they sell here comes with a little stand and even flaps its wings! Close up it might look like a toy but from afar this looks just as real as the real thing!

Cost: $18.95

Owl Post

The Owl Post Shop is the Wizarding World’s version of the regular post office, but instead of human mail carriers, they use owls! All along the timber tall walls are animatronic owls who move and howl at customers as they come inside. Brown paper parcels are stacked to the ceiling awaiting their recipients. If you purchase anything from this shop you can even pay to have it wrapped in the very same iconic brown paper wrapping. The Owl Post is the best place to buy various bits of stationery.

Ministry of Magic Interdepartmental Paper Aeroplane Memos

If you remember from the films, the scenes inside the Ministry of Magic, you might remember the office workers writing memos on pieces of paper. The papers would then magically fold up into paper airplanes and whiz about the office landing on the desk of that to which it was intended. You can now send your very own Ministry of Magic memos, although perhaps without the magically flying abilities. Inside this gorgeously packaged folder are 15 memo sheets, with golden Ministry of Magic seals. There are instructions on how to fold them into paper airplanes and even just one of the 15 included in the pack makes for a beautiful piece of decor on a shelf! So they’re great to share with friends.

Cost: $24 for 15 memos and seals

Notebooks

My favourite item in this shop were the notebooks. Each one of these was designed to look like the covers of various famous books from the movies. you have ones made to look like Tom Riddle’s diary, the ‘Advanced Potion Making‘ manuals from the Half-Blood Prince, the cover of the ‘History of Magic‘, ‘Dark Arts Defence‘ and even ‘Tales of Beetle the Bard‘.

Cost: $25

Hedwig

No wizard is complete with a familiar, and for Harry, this was his beloved owl, Hedwig. Throughout the Owl Post shop, you can find a variety of plush owls, but the most important of them all is Hedwig. There is even a Hedwig puppet version whose head and wings can move! This is great for kids, and it’s more fun to play with than just a standard stuffed animal.

Cost: Puppet $40.00 | Other standard plush owls cost between $21 and $24.

Howler Recordable Pop-Up Card

In the second book and film, Ron gets a Howler from his mother scolding him for using the flying the car to get into Hogwarts after they missed the train. These Howlers are magical letters, which come in bright red envelopes, and have enchanted with messages in the writer’s voice inside, usually at a very high volume. Here in the wizarding world you can buy your own Howler card. The cards pop-up after they’re opened into that iconic mouth shaped letter and you’re even able to record a 15-second clip to surprise the recipient. These make a great birthday gift for any Potter lover.

Cost: $18.95

Hogsmeade Station

Hogsmeade station is a small shop that looks like an old-fashioned train ticket booth. Inside you’ll find various apparel and souvenirs with Platform 9 ¾ on it, hidden among piles of antique luggage. If you’re a train buff, this is the place for you.

Hogwart Railways Iron-On Patch Set

A really great souvenir to grab here is a pack of iron-on patches that can add a bit of magic to any outfit or bag! They come in packs of two patches so you can keep one and give one away to a friend!

Cost: $8 for two

Hogwarts Express Replica Ticket

A replica of Harry’s Ticket on to the Hogwarts Express can be bought at Hogsmeade station. This was his way into the Wizarding world and no doubt a piece of ephemera he would have treasured himself. There are two tickets inside the package, one from London to Hogwarts and one for the return journey. Each of the tickets is printed on fabulous gold-colour foil paper with the iconic Hgswarts logos in the background.

Cost: $10

Grimmauld Place Metal Sign

Something interesting I found in this shop was a tin street sign for Grimmauld Place. Grimmauld Place is the street in London where the Black family residence is located at number twelve. After the Blacks abandoned it, it served as the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix between 1996-1997. The tin sign is an adorable piece of movie memorabilia, especially for any Sirius Black fan!

Cost: $13

Butterbeer | Try but don’t buy the souvenir mug!

No trip to Hogsmeade is complete without trying out the Wizarding World’s most iconic beverage, Butterbeer. Butterbear tastes like butterscotch soda topped with a marshmallow creamed foam. It’s rich, sweet and when served cold, surprisingly refreshing. But, while I do implore you to buy a glass of butterbeer, I think the souvenir mug is worth skipping. You don’t get a discount on any future refills (which is usually the incentive for these types of refillable mugs in theme parks). I found the souvenir stein to feel very cheap, and the “butterbeer” logo on the front is just a tacky sticker. For all the effort the park makes in their other packaging, I was surprised by the poor quality of this one.

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While it’s not the most expensive thing in the world, I think you’re much better to just get a butterbeer is a disposable cup and save your money. You can put that money saved towards buying one of the fantastic ceramic steins they sell, which are really something you’ll be proud to display!

Additional Shopping Locations

There are two other places inside Universal Studios where you can find Harry Potter merchandise. The first is at the front entrance of the Universal Studio Store, and the second is inside the Feature Presentation store near the park’s entry plaza. These carry a variety of items which are also located inside the Wizarding World. So if you feel like you missed something and don’t wanna walk back (or if the shops are too crowded), you can always come here to see if they have it. While these shops don’t have any of the wonderful theming of the ones in the Wizarding world, they’ll do in a pinch.

Hopefully, this guide helps you plan your wish list for the Wizarding World, and you come away with some amazing souvenirs to help remember your trip! Let me know which of these items you’d most love to buy or anything else you spotted which ended up being your favourite purchase!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Best Souvenirs at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Where to Find Them! [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

After securing our tickets I immediately went online to research what to see and do in the park. I was sad to see that there wasn’t a ton of information out there for the Los Angeles Wizarding World. Everything seemed to focus on the Orlando parks. But that just meant I had my work cut out for me! My mission was to come back with a complete guide for Potter-heads, just like me. In the hopes that your first trip to Hogsmeade is as magical as you imagined it to be.

Table Of Contents

1. Ticket Prices
2. Expert Tips for Exploring the Park
3. How to Get there
4. Hogwarts Express
5. Hogwarts Castle
6. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
7. Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
8. Three Broomsticks
9. Hog’s Head Pub
10. Ollivanders Wand Shop
11. Flight of the Hippogriff
12. Hogsmeade Station
13. Magic Neep Cart
14. Dervish & Banges
15. Owl Post
16. Gladrags Wizardwear
17. Spintwitches and Tomes & Scrolls
18. Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
19. Butterbeer Cart
20. Honeydukes
21. Zonko’s Joke Shop
22. Guide to Casting Spells 
23. Entertainment

Ticket Prices

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is where muggles can get a chance to visit the streets of Hogsmeade! Many people seem to overlook going to Universal Studios Hollywood over Orlando. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando has two different Harry Potter areas (both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley) whereas Universal Studios in Hollywood only has Hogsmeade.

While there only might be one Harry Potter area to visit the price of admission in California is much cheaper than in Orlando. A two-day park pass in California will only cost you $109 USD. Whereas in Orlando a one-day park-hopper (which will allow you to see both Hogsmead and Diagon Alley) will run you $174 USD. So if you’re looking for value for money then Universal Studios Hollywood is the place for you! I also found that by only having one park to visit, rather than two, you can really dedicate more time to exploring the world properly. Rather than rushing through, trying to see everything in too short of a time.

Expert Tips for Exploring the Park

Buy Tickets in Advance

The best way to have as close to perfect a day as possible is to buy your tickets in advance. Doing this means you won’t need to worry about anything upon arriving at the park and can simply head right inside!

Arrive Early

Also, be sure to arrive early! Early in the morning is when you’ll have the best chance of seeing the streets of Hogsmeade without throngs of people. Plus, early in the morning is the best time to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey with the shortest wait time. I would advise lining up about 30-45 minutes before the park opens. Sure this means getting up at the crack of dawn but trust me, the early bird really does catch the worm!

Download the Universal Studios app

On the Universal Studios app you have a handy dandy map that will help you find your way around the park. You can also check wait times and see when different shows are happening. The paper map makes for a great souvenir but there is nothing like the app’s convenience. If you aren’t travelling with a data roaming package, download the app before leaving your hotel. Then you can use the park’s wifi to navigate inside the app.

How to Get there

The traffic in L.A. is just as bad as its reputation. Study the options below to find the right plan for your arrival at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Downtown LA Metro

If you don’t already know, LA has its own metro system which actually runs right up to Universal City Walk. Just get off at North Hollywood Station. From there it’s about a 15-minute walk to the gates of Universal. So if you’re staying somewhere on or near the Metro line this is a great option for you. And with rides costing just $1.75 per trip, you can’t beat the price!

Uber

Another great option is to take an Uber or rideshare. Uber will take you to one of the two the rideshare drop off areas near Universal. There is one right near the entrance to the park and one inside Universal City Walk. If you want to grab a coffee and doughnut to enjoy while you wait in line, the rideshare drop off at Universal City walk is right near Voodoo Doughnuts! Personally, this is what I would choose, those doughnuts are outta this world. From there you can easily walk over to the entrance of the park, about a 5-minute walk. Ubers are fairly affordable but obviously that depends on where you’re coming from. Leaving and returning outside of rush hours will help keep those costs down. You can always check the fare calculator to give you a better idea of the exact cost.

Shuttle Bus

Many of the hotels downtown and around L.A. have shuttle services that run to Universal Studios. Check with the front desk to see if this is available at your hotel. Pick up a copy or note down their timetables for your return journey. The shuttle service is often free with your hotel stay so definitely worth looking into.

Driving

If you rented or have your own car you can park at the Universal Studios parking lot. Parking is by far the most expensive option so be sure to weigh all your choices. Parking rates are as follows:

General Parking $25 before 6pm – $10 after 6pm
Preferred Parking $40 before 6pm – $20 after 6pm
Front Gate Parking  $60 before 6pm – $30 after 6pm
Valet Parking $25 first 2 hours – $45 after 2 hours

Arriving at the Park

If you get there early enough, you’ll be let into the park’s upper lot before the official opening. From there you’ll be held in a small group in front of the Universal Studios box office building. When it nears official opening time, you listen to this cute recording which begins to play all around you. It sounds like a movie studio getting ready to start filming, lights turning on, extra getting into place and more. Upon hearing “action!” you are all allowed to enter the park. It was a really sweet touch I didn’t expect.

When they finally let you in, start walking straight and veer towards the right to find your way to Hogsmeade! You can even see the Hogwarts castle on your right above the other buildings. The journey to the Wizarding World from the entrance is a fairly short one and within moments you’ll be face to face with the gates of Hogsmeade. You’ll pass under a large archway with a hanging sign which pronounces “Please respect the Spell Limits”.

Arriving in Hogsmead

If you’re anything like me, you’ll need a minute to compose yourself. Laying your eyes on Hogsmeade for the first time is really a huge moment for any fan. In the book, Hogsmeade is described as follows,

“Hogsmeade looked like a Christmas card; the little thatched cottages and shops were all covered in a layer of crisp snow; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees.“

The thin, snow-covered roofs are so tightly packed together, almost like they are huddling together for warmth. Chimneys lean to one side, almost falling over from old age. If you listening closely, beyond the murmur and footsteps of other muggles, you might be able to head the sound of a steam engine…

Hogwarts Express

Just beyond the gates to your right is the Hogwarts Express in all its glory! The ramp on the left side of the train is covered in wizarding luggage waiting to be piled onto the train. In front of the engine is the conductor himself greeting visitors to Hogsmeade! While you can’t get into the train itself, you can get a great snapshot with the friendly conductor.

I was amazed by the fact he, and all the other “wizards” in the park, really play the part! They each have a Wizarding name and stay in character the entire time. The conductor and I had a lovely chat. He asked if it was my first time in Hogsmeade, inquired what house I was in and, when he saw my Prefect badge, what I had done to be good enough to be a Prefect! It was such an adorable little interaction. Don’t miss out on your chance to meet the conductor! I felt like this was something people just skipped past and it’s definitely worth your time.

Hogwarts Castle

If you’ve arrived early in the morning, you’ll want to next head directly to Hogwarts Castle. This is where you can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Walking up to the castle for the first time I had my breath taken away. The forced perspective the architects of the park used to create the castle make it seem enormous! I tried to see if I could spot any students peeking their heads out the window. The grandeur of the castle is a spectacle all to itself. Every detail from the books and movies were taken into consideration. It looked just like what I had imagined in my head! You really do feel like your standing at the gates of Hogwarts.

On either side of the gates which serve as the entry to the Forbidden Journey ride, you’ll see two winged hogs. These are meant to embody the old saying, “when pigs fly,” representing the fact that Hogwarts is a place where the impossible is made possible!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is one of the best rides in the park but not for the faint of heart. Personally, the ride seemed a little too intense for me but my husband LOVED it and couldn’t stop raving about all the different effects! But, even non-riders can experience the wonderfully immersive queue without having to get on the ride at the end.

There are three options for queues (lines) for the Forbidden Journey. You’ll see wait times posted for the ride on the sign at the entrance or on the app. The first is the regular line, the second is for single riders and the third is the Express Pass (which requires additional admission).

Unless you MUST ride with your group members, I would recommend getting in the single rider line. It’s much faster and once you’re on the ride it’s so dark and fast-paced you won’t be able to see each other anyways.

Rules & Lockers

You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the Forbidden Journey. Be warned that if you have a bag you must either leave it with another group member who isn’t going on the ride or put it in a locker. These lockers can be found directly to your right as you enter Hogwarts castle. Once you find an empty locker, follow the directions on the screen. You’ll scan your fingerprint to lock your items inside and use this same finger to unlock it. This process can be a bit lengthy depending on crowd levels so be sure to consider leaving your bag with a friend if they’re not going on the ride as that will be much faster.  

Non-Riders

Even if you don’t want to ride the Forbidden Journey, I would implore you to walk through the ride queue! The line is designed to entertain visitors as they wait. Every inch of it is decorated with elements from the film and the books. Before entering the castle you’ll walk through a little version of the “forbidden forest”. Hiding within the trees is the iconic Flying Ford Anglia, still crashed amongst the rocks.

The Hogwarts Dungeons

The first part of the indoor queue you’ll walk through is the dungeons. Here you’ll find great Mirror of Erisded! Next, you’ll walk through the greenhouses of the Herbology department. The colouring of the decor in here felt like it was plucked right from the films. I swear I could even smell the dirt and plants growing throughout. 

Next, you’ll pass through the hallways of the castle. You’ll see the Hogwarts House Cup counters, Dumbledore’s golden Phoenix statue guarding his office, stained glass windows featuring mythical creatures, statues of great wizards and more!

One of my favourite rooms had to be the hallways of talking portraits. The people inside the portraits move and talk to one and another just like in the books. They were so entertaining and despite the fact that the line was moving so fast, I opted to stay here and listen to the chatter for a few more minutes.

Hogwarts Classrooms

You’ll turn a corner and come upon the Dark Arts classroom. On the teacher’s pulpit, there is a projection of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the film interacting with the objects in the room. This classroom was such an iconic spot for the trio so it was so neat to see it in person.

The next room you’ll approach is Dumbledore’s great office. Above his desk is another projection of Dumbledore from the film. Take a minute to look into all the different cabinets along the wall. Inside are various treasures, many of which are famous objects from the books. Be sure to find the Pensieve in the room before you leave, it was the most intricate prop and so cool to study up close and personal.

Just before entering the ride itself, you’ll find the sorting hat. It spouts off projections about future first years and banters with riders as they approach the candlelit ride. The queue is so immersive that even a long wait here is so entertaining. It really makes the time fly by.

The Ride

The ride itself features 4 side-by-side seats with harnesses that fix your body in place. You are made to feel like you’re riding a broomstick through the castle. You’ll fly across the Quidditch field and over the Whomping Willow. You’ll see Aragog and even the Basilisk. But the scariest part is when you have a ghastly encounter with an animatronic Dementor! Since the Dementors are real, and not 4k projections, they feel even more intense as they come towards you! The ride finishes with Harry in the Gryffindor common room hoisted high on the arms of his fellow students. It’s the closest thing any muggle will ever have to riding a broom throughout the Wizarding world.

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

As you leave the ride, you’ll pass through Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods shop. Inside this shop, you’ll find lots of “confiscated items”. These include; the Marauder’s Map, replicas of Death Eater masks, the time turner necklace and more. If you’re a collector, this is one of the best shops to buy your very own replica props. They even sell copies of the Harry Potter books here, as these are still on the list of banned books in various countries around the world and would, therefore, be “confiscated” items.

On top of the various display cases are replica props from the books and films. There are even boxes around the upper selves labelled with names of various students on them. These are thought to possess various items Filch had confiscated from them over the years. All the wizard employees in the shop are here serving their “detention”. Go up to any of the employees in the shop and ask them what they did to deserve “detention”. Each one has a funny little story of what they did. It’s a cute little easter egg and I loved hearing the different stories of devious things they did.

Three Broomsticks

If you’re a Harry Potter nerd like me, you’ll be over the moon to dine inside the Three Broomsticks. This pub features heavily in the books and isn’t to be missed. The best way to get a table at the Three Broomsticks is to eat early or late. 12 pm and 6 pm are the busiest times since they are the typical lunch and dinner hours for visitors. We opted to eat early (around 11 am) to give ourselves the afternoon to explore shops and go on other rides. Just outside the Three Broomsticks be sure to take a look at the wanted poster posted out front. The animated projection of Sirius Black is just like the wanted posters from the movies and adds to the realism that the park aims to create.

It’s interesting to note that the Three Broomsticks pub featured in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was modeled after the one in the theme park! And not vice versa. Stuart Craig, who was the production designer for the Harry Potter movies also worked for Universal Creative. He designed the theme parks and loved his design for the Three Broomsticks so much he used it in the movies. There are so many details I loved inside the restaurant which made you feel like you’re in another world. Everything from the ancient paintings on the wall, mounts of magical creatures, broomstick parking, to the ancient storage boxes piled high on the second floor made you feel like you were really in Hogsmeade.

The Food

To order your food, line up at the kiosks just inside the entrance. Once you’ve placed your order, you’ll grab your food from the counter to your left. Just wait for your name and number to be called. With your tray in hand, head over to the line to be seated. When we visited, we were there early enough that it was so empty we could just seat ourselves wherever we wanted! See, it pays to eat during off-hours. As the day wore on, you had to wait in line to be seated and therefore didn’t get to choose where you ate.

The food at the Three Broomsticks was incredible! Theme park food I think is getting better and better and we loved every bit of our meal. Most of the food is traditional British cusine with things like roast chicken, fish n’ chips, cornish pasties and more. You can also order desserts like trifle, butterbeer ice cream, butterbeer potted cream and apple pie. I highly recommend the butterbeer potted cream!

Drinks

If you haven’t tried a butterbeer yet than this is a great opportunity to get one! Dining inside the Three Broomsticks doesn’t have to consist of an entire meal. So if you’re looking to enjoy the atmosphere but don’t wanna spend a lot of money, ordering a drink is a great alternative. There are three versions of butterbeer you can order here; classic Butterbeer, frozen Butterbeer and hot Butterbeer.

We ordered the classic Butterbeer as it felt most authentic to the experience. How can I describe butterbeer for you if you’ve never had it before? The original is very sweet, like butterscotch, with a hint of cream soda flavoured fizz. On top, the “foam” is made from a froth that tastes like melted marshmallows. I think the foam was my favourite part! The drink is VERY sweet so I don’t think everyone needs their own. One or two are enough to share with the whole family. Then get some Gillywater to wash the rest down.

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Hot Butterbeer

Later in the day I wanted to try the hot version. It was such a chilly day, and I needed something to warm up with. And this was honestly the PERFECT thing for it! The hot butterbeer I preferred over the cold. It was similar to a butterscotch latte and I felt like the sweetness worked better in the hot version, than in the cold.

Hog’s Head Pub

If you’re looking to order a real beer than you’ve come to the right place. The Hog’s Head Pub from the books is owned and operated by Aberforth Dumbledore, the younger brother of Albus Dumbledore. At this counter-service bar you can order a variety of the locally brewed beers. Try the Hog’s Head Brew red ale, a Dragon’s Scale lager, or the Wizard’s Brew porter. These come either in a plastic cup or souvenir stein.

In addition to beers, you can also order wine by the glass, fruit cider or fire whisky (another famous drink mentioned in the books). Obviously you must be over 21 to order any alcohol here as that is the legal drinking age in America.

Ollivanders Wand Shop

Next up, check the wait times for Ollivanders Wand Shop. Usually, by mid-afternoon (especially during lunch hour) the line isn’t too long. Don’t get in line unless the wait times are about 15 minutes or less. Even when it says “15 minutes” the wait is usually much longer. Throughout the day you’ll always be able to find a time to get in here relatively quickly so there’s no need to wait over half an hour. The line is outside so if you want to enjoy a Butterbeer while you wait this is a great opportunity to do so. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing a wand, this little interactive show is well worth experiencing.

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Ollivanders is the wand shop everyone goes to get their first wand. It’s been owned by the same family of wandmakers since 382 B.C.! When you enter inside you can feel the “age” of the building. Dusty wand boxes are stacked right up to the ceiling. They seem to lean and sway with the sagging of the walls. 

The Ollivanders Experience

An Ollivanders wand shop employee greets you in the first room. There, he explains the rules of the shop and ushers you in through a secret door. This is the private wand fitting room. You’ll be greeted by another clerk who will select one lucky person from the group to have their wand fitted.

This is a wonderful interactive experience and the actor we had playing the wand clerk was incredible and full of whimsy! Although I was disappointed not to be chosen, I loved seeing the look on the kid’s face who got picked. He got to try out various wands to see which wand was fit for him! He cast spells throughout the room and those “magical” interactive elements really made you feel that at any moment you could cast a spell yourself.

Buying a Wand

After the show is over, you are sent through another secret doorway into the main shop. This area sells wands for everyone to buy. There are replica wands of pretty much every character from the films. The replica wands were gorgeous and I couldn’t believe how many characters’ they had. I expected just the most important ten characters or so would be featured but they had everyone! I found Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, various Death Eater wands and even Nicolas Flamel! My heart had been set on buying Luna Lovegood‘s wand (she’s my favourite character) but I was intrigued by the personality-based “unclaimed” wands…

Unclaimed Wands

These “unclaimed” wand designs are uniquely suited to your personality and your birthday. This is based on the fact that J.K. Rowling found out that her choice of holly for Harry’s wand coincidentally corresponded with his birthday on the Celtic tree calendar. The Celtic Tree Calendar has thirteen lunar divisions, each one of which has a corresponding tree. If you want to learn more about this I found it really fascinating. It’s like finding a wand based on your celtic zodiac sign.

Wand Evaluation

When I got there I saw another girl talking to one of the employees who offered to give her a custom wand “evaluation“. The wand clerk will ask you a bunch of questions; your birth date, your name and then a lot of other personality qualifiers. From there they will present one or two wands to you which reflect what they learned from your evaluation. When they present the wand, they go over all its properties and what kind of person would suit the wand. It was like listening to a bedtime story, there were so many interesting aspects to each one.

The wand she picked for me represented me perfectly! It was a long, Rowan wand, with a skull carved into the hilt. Although it might seem macabre, the skull in the wizarding world doesn’t always reflect evil or death. But rather refers to wizards who live well and fully. No dark witch or wizard has ever owned a rowan wand. I won’t spoil any more of their descriptions since I think getting this special wand analysis is so fun to do! Even if you don’t buy the wand in the end (they don’t mind), you should give it a try. Just ask any of the employees on the shop floor.

Interactive Wands

Whichever wand you purchase, there are two types, identified by the labels on the wand boxes. The wands with a gold label are the interactive wands that you can use through the Wizarding World. The wands with the matte labels are just ornamental. The interactive wands can be used in all Wizarding World parks to cast spells. These “spells” can be cast at different locations inside the Wizarding World. Inside your wand box, there is a map to all the interactive destinations. They also provide instructions on how to perform each spell. I got an interactive wand and loved preforming the spells in the park. It definitely makes you feel like a real wizard. But even just the ornamental wands themselves make you feel like you’ve been to Hogwarts and back. They look gorgeous to display in your home and a fun prop to use throughout your visit to Hogsmeade.

TIP

Ollivanders doesn’t have an apparent entrance door into the shop. But if you don’t want to wait in line for the Ollinvanders Experience to shop for your wand, you can enter Ollivanders through a back door inside Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment. There is also a wand cart outside Hogwarts castle if Ollivanders is too busy and you really want to buy your wand ASAP. The wand cart is generally fairly empty and has a multitude of wands to choose from. But the experience inside Ollivanders is much more authentic.

Flight of the Hippogriff

If the wait time is less than 20 minutes, head on over to Flight of the Hippogriff. You need to be 39 inches or taller to ride this ride. It’s a short, family coaster that takes you on a journey around Hagrid’s hut. While in line, you’ll get to see Sirius Black’s motorcycle, Buckbeak and if you listen closely you might even be able to hear Fang bark! Don’t expect too much from the ride but if the queue is short its a fun way to see Hogsmeade from above, at the top of the coaster.

Shopping

The afternoon is a great time to spend exploring the shops. The crush and excitement of the morning shoppers will have died down slightly. Many people are also off riding rides throughout the rest of the park. Below are some of the must-visit places in Hogsmead.

I find it best to start on at Hogsmeade Station, making your way up towards the castle and finishing at Honeydukes. The most affordable and delicious treats are available at Honeydukes. This is where you might do the most shopping so it’s best to do it last. That way you won’t need to lug a heavy bag around the rest of the day and your treats won’t melt!

Hogsmeade Station

Hogsmeade station is a small shop made to look like an old fashioned train ticket booth. Inside you’ll find various apparel and souvenirs with Platform 9 ¾ on it, hidden among piles of old fashioned luggage. If you’re a train buff this is the place for you. You can find train tickets, model trains, conductor hats, images of the Hogwarts express printed on t-shirts and more!

The Back Alley

Continue along the south side of Hogsmeade and take a short little detour behind the first row of shops. This little alleyway features a few different shop front and windows which display various magical items. Although you can’t enter these shops there are some fantastic photo opportunities back here. This place is tucked away from the crowds and there are some interactive wand spots here too.

Brews and Stews is one of my favourite windows to peek into. The shop is a combination hostel for travelling wizards and seafood restaurants. Another food-related shop on this street is the Magical Neep shop. The Magic Neep is a magical greengrocer selling neep or “turnips” which are used in many different spells.

Magic Neep Cart

Right beside the Magic Neep shop, you’ll find a large, bright green cart called the Magic Neep Cart. This cart sells everything from fresh fruits, to pretzels as well as different drinks like Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and Gilly Water. The Pumpkin juice is served in one of the most charming bottles and I think is even more delicious than butterbeer. Hot take! Gilly water is just plain water but branded in Harry Potter-themed bottles. A great little place to grab a snack if you’re getting hungry.

Dervish & Banges

From the back alley, there is a side door which leads you into Dervish & Banges. Dervish & Banges is a shop that features a little more prominently in the books and is known to sell “magical instruments and stuff,” according to Ron Weasley. Inside Dervish & Banges you can find various house themed items and apparel. The shop is gorgeously designed. They really wanted it to feel like an old, clothing store. Antique boxes and piles of merchandise are stacked up on the second floor. Different parts of the shop move like by magic. There are flying broomsticks bobbing up and down above your head as well as the cage which holds the ‘The Monster Book of Monsters”. Be careful, it will snap at any little children who dare to put their fingers inside the cage!

This is a great place to find your own pair of Luna Lovegood’s ‘Spectrespecs‘ or buy a plush version of the monster book.

Quidditch equipment

Dervish & Banges also sell all sorts of Quidditch equipement, from customizable Quidditch team shirts to replicas of the Quaffles and Golden Snitches. you can even find the Nimbus 2001 and the Firebolt brooms.

Owl Post

Connected to Dervish & Banges, make your way up to the Owl Post Shop. All along the timber tall walls are animatronic owls who move and howl at customers as they come inside. Brown paper parcels are stacked to the ceiling awaiting their recipients. If you purchase anything from this shop you can even pay to have it wrapped in the very same iconic brown paper wrapping.

Inside a little window hidden in the shop is 3D projection of howler which screeches at passersby. The shop even has its own real post office where you can send mail from Hogsmeade! If you buy a card to mail from here it will bear the postmark of Hogsmeade, a great surprise from the receiver. The Owl Post is the best place to buy a various bit of stationery from real quills with ink, notebooks, and even your very own owl (a plush one of course). My favourite item in this shop were the notebooks made to look like the covers of various books from the movies like Tom Riddle’s diary, the ‘Advanced Potion Making‘ manuals from The Half-Blood Prince, the cover of the ‘History of Magic‘ and even ‘Tales of Beetle the Bard‘.

Gladrags Wizardwear

The last shop in this large complex is Gladrags Wizardwear. This clothing shop was visited by the trio multiple times in the book and was where they went to buy a present for Dobby since the shop “had the best selection of socks in Hogsmead”. The shop was founded in 1750 and is full of incredible items to both buy and admire. On the second level, you can see hundreds of ribbons, rolls of fabric, piles of buttons and more ready to be whipped up into a brand new set of dress robes.

In a glass case inside the shop, you’ll also be able to admire Hermione’s enchanting Yule Ball gown up close! Here you can buy your very own Hogwarts robe along with a variety of house pins, prefect badges and other jewellery and appeal.

Spintwitches and Tomes & Scrolls

Heading out of the front door of Gladrags, make a quick stop just to your right. Here you’ll find two more shop fronts to peek inside as they are not accessible to visit into. These are Spintwitches and Tomes and Scrolls. Spintwitches specializes in sporting goods and sells all sorts of Quidditch supplies and fan apparel. Tomes and Scrolls, as the name implies, is a specialist bookshop established in 1768! I loved peering into their windows to spot all the different ancient books and volumes piled up inside.

Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment

Turn yourself now to the opposite side of the street and head inside Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment. This was my favourite shop in Hogsmeade. Walking inside, the Prussian blue walls covered in gold embellishment sparkle and shine, dazzling the eye of the beholder. The shop is made to look like an ancient astronomers tower with astrological constellations painted on the ceiling. Everything from crystal balls, to telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses are displayed inside the window cases.

I love the name of this shop since a “wiseacre” is a term for someone who claims to be knowledgeable about everything (but is not). One can definitely imagine that someone who buys all these sorts of props would be someone trying to put on airs to seem wiser than they really are. Wisescare’s is another great place to buy your house robes if Gladrags is too busy. 

Buying a Robe

I bought my robe here since I just loved the atmosphere inside this shop. You can try on the robes in front of their “ancient” mirrors. I really felt like I was getting ready for my first year at Hogwarts! The robes are not cheap but the quality is superb, much better than any of those I’ve worn from costume shops.

I had had my heart set on buying a robe and the experience didn’t disappoint. Not only did it keep me warm (since it was such a cold and rainy day) but it also did indeed make me feel more apart of the world. And whether you buy a robe here or bring one from home, dressing the part adds to your overall experience! You could even just wear some Harry Potter coloured or themed clothing to make your outfit feel more in line with the wizarding world! I highly recommend it.

Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop

Since we’ve already been inside Ollivanders, take a moment to study its windows display from the street. The inaccessible door between the two shop windows with the sign above the door is a wonderful photo opportunity! Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop is located right beside Ollivanders and Wiseacre’s. Although the shop window says “back soon” this is another shop that cannot be entered and is just viewable from outside. Scrivenshaft’s is visited by Hermione Granger on at least one occasion when she wants to purchase a new quill. The word ‘Scriven‘ is a play on the Welsh word ‘ysgrifenu‘, which means ‘writing‘.

Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop 

The last two storefronts to look into but not enter are Madam Puddifoot’s and Dogweed and Deathcap. Madam Puddifoot’s is located right beside the line into the Ollivander experience. This shop window is definitely one of the most delicious looking displays. It’s honestly a little heartbreaking since you can’t actually eat any of those delicious cakes in the window. The tea shop is described as being “a cramped, steamy little place where everything seemed to have been decorated with frills or bows.” In the Harry Potter books, this was where couples would gather in Hogsmeade over the weekends to have a romantic date. 

Public Conveniences (Bathrooms)

Even if you don’t need to use the “loo” (the British slang term for Bathroom) take a visit to the washrooms. Take a seat and see if you can hear something strange echoing throughout the room. Throughout the washrooms, you can hear the sound of Moaning Myrtle and hear her aggressively rattling the pipes. A small touch but one that brought a smile to my face.

Dogweed and Deathcap

Dogweed and Deathcap is a storefront in Hogsmeade which you can peer into. It is known to sell exotic plants and flowers and presumably the Death-Caps. The windows are piled high with various plants, both known and unknown, which bloom and whose vines crawl up the walls and windows.

Butterbeer Cart

Outside of Honeydukes is one of the iconic bright red, Butterbeer carts. If you haven’t’ tried butterbeer yet be sure you do before you leave. It’s easily one of the most memorable items from Harry Potter’s first visit to Hogsmeade and it would be a shame not to try the brew for yourself. Even if you don’t want to sample the drink, any of these carts are a great place for a photo opportunity!

Honeydukes

Honeydukes is visually one of the most amazing shops in Hogsmeade. Just walking in the door you are overcome with the smell and the scenery all around you. There is just something about mint green and pastel pink that makes you smile! One of my favourite quotes from the books about Honeydukes describes it perfectly, “…there were shelves upon shelves of the most succulent-looking sweets imaginable. Creamy chunks of nougat, shimmering pink squares of coconut ice, fat, honey-coloured toffees; hundreds of different kinds of chocolate in neat rows; there was a large barrel of Every Flavour Beans and another of Fizzing Whizzbees.”

Honeydukes was first established in 1641 and owned by Ambrosius Flume and his wife. Throughout the shelves you’ll find many of those iconic sweets from the book. Each one lovingly recreated here! The two most famous treats are Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.

I picked up so many different items from the shop. Not only do they look delicious but the packaging of each of the treats is just as collectable as the treats themselves.

Be sure to visit the hidden back alley behind Honeydukes as it features one of the most beautiful window displays. In the front window, you’ll be able to see a collection of the various chocolate frogs and wizarding cards hidden within them.

Zonko’s Joke Shop

At the back of Honeydukes, you’ll also be able to visit Zonkos Joke Shop. Zonkos is one of Fred and George’s favourite places in Hogsmeade. It sells everything a wizard needs to play pranks and make people laugh. In the books it was known to carry such things as; Dungbombs, Hiccough Sweets, Stink Pellets, Frog Spawn Soap, Sugar Quills, and Nose-Biting Teacups. In the Wizarding World, you can still buy some really interesting items in the shop which have the most wonderful and playful packaging.

You can find Extendable Ears, Screaming Yo-yos, Pygmy Puffs and more. They also sell some “joke” candy-like Shock-o-choc, Exploding Bon-bons, and U-No-Poo. Most of this candy is pretty delicious but the hilarious boxes will make anyone smile so I think these make the best gifts! 

One of the most iconic things to be found here are the pygmy puffs. These were bred by Fred and Geroge Weasley and are usually sold at their shop in Diagon Alley. But thankfully, they have exported them to Zonkos as well. They are adorable round balls of fur which come in shades of bright pink and purple. They are some of the most popular gifts for children. Be sure to see the outside window of Zonkos where they have a mannequin hilariously puking up “puking pasties” up into a cauldron.

Guide to Casting Spells 

If you’ve purchased an interactive wand, the best time to walk around with your map to cast spells is in the afternoon. Around this time most people are lined up for rides or inside eating. The map you’re given with your wand will be able to guide you to all of the locations in the Wizarding World but there are also some secret ones to find for yourself. Ask any of the wizarding staff around the park for help if you find you can’t cast a spell. They are always happy to help you with your technique. This was one of the best parts since it felt like you were having your very own personal lesson! Once you’ve performed the proper wand movement watch closely as things inside shop windows will move, water will pour and you might even see an explosion of fire!

Entertainment

Throughout the day there are two different shows you can see on the stage, located just to the right up past Wiseacre’s, near the castle. The two performances you can see are the Triwizard Spirit Rally and the Frog Choir (my personal favourite). The Triwizard rally features different performers from the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang schools who each perform acrobatics on a stage, competing against each other. After the show, you can hang around and ask for a photo with the various characters.

The Frog Choir is something that the movies came up with but lasts in the minds of fans to this day. Seeing it in person was so special. Each of the Hogwarts students possesses their own singing frog and they all sing wizarding tunes for the gathered audience. There is something just so charming about those singing frogs…

There is so much more to see at Universal Studios Hollywood outside of the Wizarding World. If you’re a Harry Potter fan like me you’ll want a good solid portion of your day to explore the Wizarding World. A two-day park pass is a great option if you have the time since it will allow you more time to explore all the rest there is to see after you’ve fully immersed yourself in Hogsmeade.

I waited for way too long to come to the Wizarding World and am already planning my next trip to Orlando to see Diagon Alley ASAP! Let me know what you’re looking forward to seeing most at the Wizarding World or what stores you’d love to see open up if they ever do an expansion!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Experience the Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood, California first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

But in recent years, Downtown Las Vegas has seen a boom in popularity, and people are more and more choosing to venture up to DTLV (as it is now conveniently called) to seek out the city’s origins and the alternative scene found there. Here is my list of the 21 best things to see and do in Downtown Las Vegas, along with a handy dandy map at the bottom so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Table Of Contents

1. Breakfast at the Peppermill Restaurant
2. Shop at the Bonanza Gift Shop
3. Watch Newlyweds at the Little White Chapel
4. Get Spooked at Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum
5. Enjoy the Multicoloured Metals at The Neon Museum
6. Go back in time on Fremont Street
7. Watch the ‘Viva Vision’ Light Show
8. Bunk down at the Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel
9. Relax in ‘The Tank’
10. Get Fine Dining for Less at Vic and Anthony's Steakhouse
11. Watch the Sigma Derby at the D Casino
12. Main Street Station Hotel and Casino
13. Pose with with Cowboys and Girls at Glitter Gulch
14. Admire the old Fremont East District
15. Admire some Vintage Neon Revival
16. Have a Drink at the Commonwealth Bar
17. Fuel up at Le Thai Restaurant
18. Admire the Urban Design of Container Park
19. Get the Dirty Details about Vegas’ Past at The Mob Museum
20. Chow down on pastries at the Donut Bar
21. Find Street Art

Breakfast at the Peppermill Restaurant

The Peppermill Restaurant in Las Vegas is a retro-lovers dream. It feels like one of those restaurants you could only find in Vegas. The restaurant and lounge are decorated so perfectly that it feels like stepping back in time. So much so you’d swear you just saw Elvis sitting at the bar, smoking a cigar and swirling a colourful drink in front of the fireplace (and yes, indeed, there is a fireplace). When you walk into the Peppermill, you step into sensory overload. Bright purple lights almost blind you, and blue velvet carpets and walls get you feeling cozy.

There are pink flamingo-stained glass lampshades and a swelling cherry blossom tree growing out of the middle of the restaurant. There are GIANT fishbowl drinks as colourful as the decor; even the sugar in the dispenser is multicoloured! The cocktails are all beyond fabulous, and the friendly servers make the entire experience one of a kind.

Shop at the Bonanza Gift Shop

No visit to Vegas is complete without visiting the Bonanza Gift & Souvenir Shop. This landmark is known worldwide as the World’s Largest Gift Shop, with over 36,000 square feet of shopping space. They specialize in kitschy souvenirs, and you’ll find everything from cheesy Vegas snow globes, eclectic postcards, hilariously themed playing cards, Elvis-themed items, religious icons plastered on burlap purses and miles and miles of plastic flip-flops. You might walk out with nothing, but walking around those hundreds of aisles is attractive.

Watch Newlyweds at the Little White Chapel

The trip to Las Vegas is complete without stopping to see the Little White Chapel. This tiny building is covered in hearts and surrounded by white wrought iron filigree. The church has been the site of over 800,000 quickie weddings since it opened in 1951. It is open 24 hours a day and has a drive-thru tunnel of “vows” where couples can wed without leaving their vehicle! It is a charming piece of Las Vegas history, and I adore the intentionally tacky aesthetic. Although it might never be where I could see myself getting married, it is a fun place to watch people.

Get Spooked at Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum

Las Vegas is known as a place for the wild and weird, and what is weirder than a haunted museum? Zak Bagans’ Museum is located inside one of Las Vegas’s most haunted houses and features a variety of spooky and scary items, all of which have been known to be haunted. If you’re interested in the paranormal, this place is worth checking out, if only for the weirdness factor.

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Enjoy the Multicoloured Metals at The Neon Museum

Neon signs are synonymous with Las Vegas. Imagine walking down the strip with only simple street lamps lighting your way. It wouldn’t have the same effect, would it? Neon has been a part of Vegas since its inception, and the Neon Museum, founded in 1996, made it its mission to preserve these historical pieces of the city, even after their useful life was over or their original buildings were torn down. Dubbed ‘The Neon Boneyard,’ this large plot of land north of the city is where you can find the Neon Museum, a non-profit organization which collects, preserves, studies and exhibits a variety of old Las Vegas signs for educational, historical and cultural purposes.

They do tours of their collection during the day and at night. While most of the neon here is long past being able to be lit up, they have spent a lot of money restoring some of their more important pieces. Visiting the collection is not only a feast for the eyes, but the stories the curators tell you as you walk through the boneyard make the history of Las Vegas come alive, and every single rusty letter seems to have its own story to tell.

Go back in time on Fremont Street

Fremont Street is the site of the original “strip” where all the top casinos in Vegas once stood before the expansion in the mid-1980s that saw newer, swankier hotels opening up along Las Vegas Boulevard. Now, Fremont Street offers visitors a taste of vintage Vegas at its finest. Walking these neon streets feels almost more authentically ‘Las Vegas’ than the current strip with bells and whistles. Here you’ll find some of the oldest-running casinos, with the most history seeped deeper within their walls.

Fremont Street feels a little bit more laid back, rougher and tumble and with a lack of polish that I find incredibly charming. Throughout the pedestrian street, you’ll find various stages where local musicians entertain crowds throughout the evening. Each is surprisingly talented and provides the audience with a mini-concert every evening. During certain times of the year, they’ll be themed to the season and visiting during Halloween provided us with dozens of “spooky” soundtracks to get us in the mood.

Watch the ‘Viva Vision’ Light Show

The best place to walk off a big dinner or stretch your legs is along the Fremont Street canopy, where they project the ‘Viva Vision‘ light show. Every 30 minutes, you’ll be mesmerized by the electronic canopy which covers the majority of Fremont Street pedestrian area. The Viva Vision light show was installed in 1995 and is 1,500 feet long and 90 feet wide. The 6-minute show twinkles and shines above you, beginning at dusk and ending at midnight. There are over 12.5 million energy-efficient LED lamps which dazzle viewers with the music of artists like The Who, Bon Jovi and more.

Bunk down at the Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel

The Golden Nugget was initially built in 1946, making it one of the oldest casinos in the city. This monolith of white arches and golden lights is like the White House of Nevada. Everything seemed to start with the Golden Nugget, and so many hotels and casinos attempted to replicate its gravitas over the years. Staying here, you can find deals for as low as $60/night without compromising style and comfort.

Most of the rooms have been lovingly renovated, and there is even the new Rush Tower which is brand new, yet its rooms are complete with decorative touches that evoke an old Vegas ambience. The first time we stayed in Vegas, we stayed on the strip and paid a pretty penny for a small room without a view, but here on Fremont at the Golden Nugget, we got an enormous room complete with a soaker tub and even a little sitting area with a great view for half of what we paid on the strip!

Relax in ‘The Tank’

Inside the Golden Nugget, you’ll find one of the most award-winning pools in the city. Pools and Las Vegas are two peas in a pod. Perhaps because it gets so hot outside in Nevada, people wanted to find a way to party without overheating, so they moved out of the clubs and into the pools. To our surprise, the Tank is a three-story aquarium filled with sharks! Along with the sharks are an array of other sea creatures. A giant three-storey water slide runs through the aquarium, making you feel as though you’re right in there with the sharks themselves. There are a few firepits outside burning during the colder months, and in the summer, there are loungers right inside the pool, so no matter when you visit, it’s a great place to grab a few cocktails and relax.

Get Fine Dining for Less at Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse

There are many choices for steak dinners in Vegas, each one boasting
their specialties and seemingly impossibly low prices. But I think there is only one *real* choice, and that is Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse. Labelled as one of the best steakhouses in the USA, this place will never disappoint in its upscale Vegas atmosphere and phenomenal food. Be sure to make a reservation and make mention of the Distinctive Dining menu.

The Distinctive Dining menu costs $49.95/person and features a three-course prix fixe meal. This deal is unreal since a single steak itself could run you that much without any of the other offerings you’ll get with this deal. There is no skimping on the portions, either. We started with the Lobster Bisque, chose the Petite Filet served with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes as the entree and ended with the Crème Brulee. Just be sure to print out the menu or mention it when making your reservation since. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get the deal. This is sort of like a little secret that only those who’ve done their research are rewarded with!

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Watch the Sigma Derby at the D Casino

Inside the slightly dull-looking facade of the D Las Vegas Casino, you’ll find one of the most engrossing vintage games in the city. The classic Sigma Derby slot machine can be found on the casino’s second floor. You can usually find your way there through the screams and cheers of the people surrounding it. You don’t need to spend any money to enjoy the experience of watching other wagers on their favourite metallic jockeys. Up to ten players can place bets on five minature horses with quarters. These machines were Japanese-made and built in the 1980s. Only two of the hundreds produced are still in working order, and one can be found here in Fremont.

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Main Street Station Hotel and Casino

The Main Street Station Hotel and Casino opened in 1978, yet its architecture and decor evoke a historical sensibility. It feels more like a wild west saloon than it does a retro casino. While the casino is the major draw to this place, what I love most is the self-guided tours you can take of their antique and artifact collection. The casino has amassed an incredible anthology of curiosities worldwide over the years. You can pick up a “Guide to Artifacts, Antiques and Artworks” at their front desk to use to lead yourself around the collection. Their gallery includes pieces of the Berlin Wall, stained glass from the Lillian Russell Mansion, doors and facade from the Kuwait Royal Bank, doors from the George Pullman Mansion, Louisa May Alcott Pullman car and chandeliers from the Coca-Cola building and Figaro Opera House.

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Pose with with Cowboys and Girls at Glitter Gulch

I think some of the best modern neon signage can be found on Fremont street, and the crowning glory is the area around the “Glitter Gulch.” The two most popular flashing signs are on either side of the street. Vegas Vic stands casually atop the Pioneer Gift Shop, his sturdy winking smile beckoning in customers. Opposite Vic is his female companion, complete with a matching cowboy hat above the “Glitter Gulch” strip club. While the strip club might not be your thing, the flashing lights of the sign are enough to attract at least a few curious minds.

Admire the old Fremont East District

Fremont East is outside of the canopy and pedestrian mall. It is a hipster mecca where you’ll find uniquely themed restaurants and bars. This area was left previously unloved for years, but thanks to a multimillion-dollar investment by a private partnership, this part of Fremont is now home to some hippest lounges and happening art scenes. As soon as you step out from under the electric canopy, you feel like you’ve entered another world. This place almost feels more like Brooklyn than Nevada. And for those looking for more eclectic, less touristy scenes, this is a welcome addition to Las Vegas.

Admire some Vintage Neon Revival

The Las Vegas Neon Museum has been raising money and working with the city to restore some of the historical and awe-inspiring neon signs from years past. Thought to be only good for scrap metal and left to rot, the museum restored these iconic signs, which are now on display in this “urban gallery” along Fremont Street East. We saw on our walk the incredible Silver Slipper. Formerly on show in 1950 outside the Golden Slipper casino, it now stands in its full glory at the gates of Fremont East. We also saw the Hacienda Horse, built in 1967 and installed at the Hacienda Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard South. Seeing these retro signs in working order is a great way to make history come alive, and we felt especially thankful for organizations like the Neon Museum.

Have a Drink at the Commonwealth Bar

If you’re looking to grab a drink in the East District, head over to Commonwealth. I was first drawn to this bar because of its laid-back upstairs terrace, but the entire downstairs bar is equally as impressive. The decor inside is inspired by the era of prohibition, covered in dark leather, ornate chandeliers, exposed ancient bricks and an entire wall dedicated to displaying their collections of antique whiskey bottles. If you want a more relaxed environment, head here in the earlier portion of the evening as the party starts late at night.

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Fuel up at Le Thai Restaurant

Although this favourite dinner joint can get busy, with a waitlist of over an hour, it’s well worth the wait. You can also spend your time waiting at any cool bars nearby. Inside the unassuming brick and corrugated metal facade, you’ll find one of Vegas’s best-priced and best-tasting restaurants. The Le Thai classics include larb salad (made with ground chicken, lime juice and fresh herbs) and their famous three-colour curry! This food will give you that much-needed boost to keep your energy up all night long!

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Admire the Urban Design of Container Park

Container Park is one of the newest fads in urban development, and parks like this have been popping up throughout the country. Vegas’ Container Park is an open-air shopping centre built from repurposed shipping containers. Here you can find boutique shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Greeting you at the door to the park is a giant 55-foot metal praying mantis sculpture which even shoots flames on special occasions. Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping or food (although there’s lots of that if you are), this park is unique and a great place to walk around and window shop. Some of the park’s attractions are geared towards children, but the park has a 9 pm curfew for kids, after which it’s adults only. One of my favourite parts of the park is the Sweet Spot, which sells vintage and classic candy.

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Get the Dirty Details about Vegas’ Past at The Mob Museum

Crime and Casinos go hand-in-hand; as such, Las Vegas has a torrid history with the mob stretching back as far as its inception. If your interests lie in this area of history, then the Mob Museum is your place! The Mob Museum is spread across three floors, each providing the viewers with high-tech theatre presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments. You’ll undoubtedly recognize different gangsters’ names throughout the museum, but their real histories are much different than their Hollywood dramatizations.

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Chow down on pastries at the Donut Bar

The Donut Bar in downtown Las Vegas is one of the hottest spots for sweet treats. So hot that on most days, the shop closes before mid-afternoon because they’ve already sold out! One of the big reasons this place is so popular is because of its vegan doughnuts as well as its indulgent and opulent flavours and designs. You can try the famed Harry Potter Butter Beer doughnut, a Pop Tart doughnut complete with jam filling, and yes, you can even get a Monte Crisco made with a doughnut and stuffed with ham and cheese!

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Find Street Art

Fremont Street is one of the most popular areas to search for some incredible street art. This rebellious part of the city is covered in dazzling graffiti that makes this previously quiet area downtown come alive. You can wander up and down the side streets to discover new and old works from local artisans. The best time to take this walk is during the day since the murals aren’t lit up at night, and it’s best to see them in all their colourful glory.

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Downtown Las Vegas is truly a unique spectacle, and if you’re visiting the city, it’s a shame to miss out on the historic nature of this district and all the awesome sights to be seen therein. Let me know if you’ve visited Downtown Las Vegas and what your favourite thing to do there was!

Happy Travels Adventurers.

The post The Best Things to do in Downtown Las Vegas Besides Gambling first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela
2. Peletería Continental
3. Velas Cerería de Jesús
4. Xinú Perfumeria
5. Dulcería de Celaya
6. La Casa Del Coleccionista
7. Mexican Coffee Beans
8. Mole Paste
9. Happening Store
10. Cafebrería El Péndulo

Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela

The Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela, located near the historic city centre, was my favourite market to shop for Mexican crafts and souvenirs. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed by colourful trinkets and found it almost impossible not to buy absolutely everything I saw here. The market is pretty big, so big in fact that we had to come back twice and even then, felt like there was so much we didn’t see. Unlike other Mexican markets I’ve been to in places like Nogales and Punta Cana, I didn’t feel like there was anyone chasing me down the hall for a sale or even hassling people to come in a visit their story.

Address: Emilio Donde S/n, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Centro, CDMX, Mexico

It was oddly calm and civilized, and that’s something I didn’t expect. People were willing to haggle, but I think there is definitely a tourist markup price you’ll get here. That being said, the prices are so cheap it almost feels bad to ask them to lower it any more than it already is priced. Sometimes, we paid exactly what they asked because it seemed fair. In other cases, we would attempt to haggle for a lower price, especially if we were buying multiples. I want to post just about this market and my favourite shops. But if I had to make a shortlist and pick a few highlights, it would be the tin sacred hearts, the brightly coloured pom-poms and tassels and the richly embroidered tablecloths.

Peletería Continental

Peletería Continental is one of those places which I feel almost hesitant to talk about since I truly think it’s my the best place I found in my time in Mexico City. There is something about keeping it to myself that felt like I held a precious secret, but it’s truly too cool to keep to myself. On paper, if you look up Peletería Continental you’ll find that it’s a just leather wholesaler. So why would a tourist want to go there? Well, it’s not just leather they sell, and it’s not just wholesale. In large display cases on the outside of the store are beautiful pieces of embroidery and jeweled patched. There are dozens of other fabric embellishments like bows, rhinestones and more! These are meant to sold for wholesale, perhaps for clothing manufacturers and fashion designers but if you want to just buy one, that’s totally ok!

Experience Inside

I was lucky enough to have someone in the store who explained the process in English to me, but in case you don’t find an English speaker here is what you do. Write down the letter and number code of the item you’re interested in. There is a huge tv sized iPad near the doors where you can input the item # and it will tell you the price in pesos per item.

Then once you have the list of items you want and the number of each, just take that list to the counter and someone will go to find your pieces. They’ll give you a total for all your items (which I think if you were buying in bulk you could probably haggle down) and you can then excitedly watch as the items are sent down in an antique style elevator from the stock room above. There were people buying thousands of items all around me and it was so exciting to be a part of. This shop has been open for years and remnants of the old world trading still remain. It’s like shopping with a side of history.

Address: José María Pino Suárez 28, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Velas Cerería de Jesús

Just down the street from Peletería Continental is Velas Cerería de Jesús. This seemingly small and unassuming candle shop is amazing. As soon as you walk in the doors you’ll see tall candles hanging from the ceiling. Each one fantastically decorated with flower petals and blooms made from wax. There are some which are almost 2 feet tall and are a rainbow of colours. Some look more like flower arrangements than candles. I purchased a few of the smaller versions which ranged from $2-$5! They packaged these up in boxes for me and I didn’t have any issues travelling home with them. I also purchased some of their tall stick candles since I’ve never seen so many different colours at such a good price! 35cm candles were only 20 pesos, which is about $1 USD.

Address: Calle de Venustiano Carranza 122-C, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Xinú Perfumeria

Xinú Perfumeria is located in the high-end district of Polanco. When we first visited we thought it was closed but turns out you just need to ring the doorbell to unlock the front door. This store is mind-blowing and visiting is an experience all to itself. When we first entered the entry room, there were framed pieces of tobacco on every wall. The smell of this gently roasted tobaccos filled the room and beckoned you in further.

From there you enter another room, so dark you can barely see. Xinú means ‘nose’ in Otomi. Otomi is a beautiful tonal language still present in various regions of Mexico. In so many ways your nose is what guides you to your destination here. On one wall sits a set of beautifully designed olfactory devices. You then climb a never-ending set of stairs until you reach the top where you find the store itself. Inside the main room is a naturalist’s table. A naturalist’s table is used to observes, gather and collect elements from their natural surroundings. Here it is being used to display all the pieces of flora, natural to Mexico City, which are used in developing these unique scents.

Xinú’s Philosophy

Xinú’s philosophy is that it appeals to our individual olfactory memory. Their perfumes were all unlike anything I had smelled before and so rich, even a small whiff transcended me into another realm. Xinú is also very passionate about saving the environment from which so many of these natural elements grow, and without whom, these perfumes could not be produced. Their innovative bottle designs can be re-purposed into vases or incense holders once the perfume has run out. My favourite scent was the UMMO. It was their newest scent containing absolute tobacco, jasmine tobacco flower, liquid amber resin and cedar essence. It was incredible but unfortunately, it was the one scent they had sold out of! I was pretty heartbroken but gives me another reason to return to Mexico City as they aren’t available online just yet!

Address: Alejandro Dumas 161, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Dulcería de Celaya

Dulcería de Celaya, located in the heart of the historic district, is a tiny, old shop which has been selling traditional Mexican candies and sweets since 1874. Walking into the shop it feels like nothing has changed in over 100 years. When the family-run shop first started selling candy it was all made in a small, improvised factory using wooden shovels, copper saucepans and a minature oven. They could only produce so much per day, often only one tray of candy. But the candy was so popular that they would sell out day after day and as the demand rose, they managed to expand their production.

Even today they produce candy in much the same way as it was made in that tiny kitchen. You walk in the door and the smell of fresh pineapples, strawberries, guavas and coconut fill the air. The candy is very well priced so even if you don’t’ recognize anything just let the smells guide you can just try whatever your eye is drawn to.

Address: Av. 5 de Mayo 39, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

La Casa Del Coleccionista

La Casa Del Coleccionista in Coyoacan is a tiny antique store located right near Centenario Garden. This store houses precious treasures from years past and if you’re looking for something for your home to bring back with you this is the place to go. There were so many old paintings, candlesticks and wall hangings which were incredibly charming and held within the memories of the past. While it’s nice to buy something new, an antique is a wonderful way of experiencing the Mexico City of year’s past and something you can’t just buy in any store. Each antique collection is unique to that one location and pilfering through their collections offers up singular treasures.

Address: Av Francisco Sosa 1, Santa Catarina, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Mexican Coffee Beans

Mexico is one of the world’s best producers of coffee beans and while the coffee beans might not be grown in Mexico City, Mexico City is one of their best roasters. Coffee culture is a huge part of this city! In areas like La Condesa and Roma there are chic coffee shops on every corner. Coffee is a very personal choice to many people, some like a darker roast, other like ones with more subtle flavours.

Instead of just going to the grocery store to buy some beans, I would explore the local cafes, almost every coffee shop offers bulk purchases of their own unique roast of beans. I would recommend exploring all the coffee shops in your area and when you find your favourite, ask to purchase a few pounds to return home with you. When you get home you’ll be able to brew a little bit of Mexico City in your home. We loved ‘Cardinal’ in La Condesa who serves up Cosautlan de Carvajal from Veracruz, which has notes of orange and chocolate. Absolutely delicious!

Address: Córdoba 132, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Mole Paste

Mole is a traditional sauce used in Mexican cuisine made from fruit, chili pepper, nut, and such spices as black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and chocolate. It’s a very unique flavour and although it might not be for everyone, if you love it, you LOVE it! You’ll see (and hopefully you’ll also taste) this sauce on street corners and fancy restaurants all over the city! While the mixture might seem like an overwhelming recipe you can actually buy the dried paste in various markets across the city. The best stuff is made from scratch but if you’re not an aficionado or have access to all those local ingredients at home, this will do just fine. The Coyoacan Market has an incredible section of different mole flavours and was my favourite place to shop for these rich flavours of Mexico City.

Address: Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Happening Store

Happening Store has two locations in Mexico City. They sell a variety of different goods made by local Mexican designers. They have everything from footwear, to jewellery to houseware and soaps. There is definitely a hipster quality to the products sold here but if you’re a fan of that kind of stuff then you’ll be in heaven! It’s always nice when visiting a city to try and support local, small business and shopping here you’ll find you’re able to explore a variety of designers right in one place!

Address: Tabasco 210, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

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Cafebrería El Péndulo

Cafebrería El Péndulo is a magical little place where you can explore all different literary fantasies. The bookshop was established in 1993, and as the name states, it is a combination of Cafeteria and Bookshop. On the first level is where you’ll find hundreds of shelves of books and on the second floor you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a lazy, mid-morning brunch. There are six different locations across Mexico City, each with the same open and luminous architecture and eclectic decoration. If you can’t read Spanish it’s still worth browsing the store and seeing all the different amazing books, music and art on sale. I loved the selection of notebooks and journals from local artists with that same stunning Mexican colours and design which make this city so enchanting.

Address: Mario Pani 200, Lomas de Santa Fe, Contadero, Cuajimalpa de Morelos, 01219 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

There is truly something for everyone in this magical city! Let me know what your favourite places are to shop in Mexico City and hopefully I can add them to my list the next time I’m visiting this amazing place.

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Access

The fastest way to access Arashiyama Village is by JR train from Kyoto station. That the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The ride only takes 15 minues and costs 240 yen. If you don’t want to take the JR rail you can access Arashiyama by bus. Bus # 28 takes you directly from Kyoto station to the centre of Arashiyama. Although the ride can take anywhere between 30-60 mins I actually found the ride quite pleseant since you get to see a lot of the countryside and city as you travel from the centre of Kyoto to Arashiyama. This ride will only cost 230 yen.

The streets of Arashiyama are ablaze with old and new technologies. Cars and tourist buses zip about letting people on and off while rickshaws and horse-drawn carriages also plod along the road, a reflection of the modes of transportation seen here during the Edo period. Arashiyama’s iconic river and laid back attitude have drawn visitors here for hundreds of years, and despite a few mod-cons, this little village still feels like stepping back in time.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s most popular landmark and one of the first things you see when you come into the city. Also known as the “Moon Crossing Bridge,” it was first built in the 10th century, but its current incarnation is a reconstruction from the 1930s. Cherry blossom trees run up and down the river’s edge, and during the spring time, the blooms draw thousands of people to this site. With the mountains in the background and the river running across, this spot is incredibly picturesque.

Hozu River Pleasure Boats

Beside the Hozu River, you can rent a “pleasure” boat. These boats will take you up and down, allowing you to see houses and landscapes only accessible from the water’s edge. The Hozu River is part of the Katsura River and begins in the mountains near Kameoka, a town north-west of Kyoto City. It snakes into the Arashiyama and surrounds the edges of the city. You’ll see, standing on the bridge, getting their photos taken, dozen of women dressed in stunning silk kimonos. Their hair and accessories match their outfit, and the dazzling embroidery on the kimonos sparkled in the sunlight. The boat trips usually last about two hours and can seat about 25 people. The boats depart on the hour from March 10 to November 30. The group boat costs 4,100 yen ($38 USD) for adults and 2,700 ($25 USD) yen for children.

Bicycle Rentals

One of the best ways to explore Arashiyama is on bike. It’s such a peaceful, breezy village and cruising around on a bike gets you around quickly but also allows you to hop on and off to stop into stores and restaurants along the way. On these bikes you can cycle through rural areas, past farming fields and thatched roof houses. A wonderful way to explore the countryside. The best place to find bicycle rentals is at Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Bicycle rental at this shop costs 900 yen per day. On weekdays, they offer special prices of 500 yen for two hours and 700 yen for four hours. Renting at the station is great since it’s most likely where you’ll arrive and depart, making it easy to drop off your bike once you’re ready to head home.

Kimono Rental

Kimonos are one of the most formal pieces of clothing many Japanese women own, and there are often not a lot of opportunities to wear them. But when travelling to these picturesque villages and historic towns, many women opts to wear their kimonos to both have a chance to dress in such an elegant fashion and feel a part of the historical look and feel of the city. The perfect place to rent a kimono if you’re looking to experience a bit of traditional Japanese culture is at Fuji Arashiyama. They might not be the cheapest, but the service and quality you’ll receive make it worth your while.

Renting a kimono is something which you want to get right. Doing it on the cheap just won’t create the same traditional experience you’re looking for. A one day rental for a 7 piece kimono set costs 3500 yen ($32 USD). You have total control of the colours and pattern of the kimono but the staff is great at helping coordinate your outfit and dress you up for a day out on the town.

Saga-Arashiyama

The primary place to do your shopping is on Saga-Arashiyama. This street in Arashiyama is constantly crowded with school children on break with their class, large tour groups and Westerners gawking at sweet shops creating art from spun sugar. Rickshaws run up and down the roads, getting honked at by locals trying to get back home in a hurry. The shops lining the street range from restaurants, cafes, sweet shops, ice cream vendors, kimonos designers and more.

Pick a Paper Fortune

Along one street we found colourful little-rolled fortunes sitting outside a beautifully decorated house. All you had to do was slip a coin into the container and take out a fortune. Fortunes on the go.

Sample Senbei

One of the more traditional snacks along the street are Senbei. Senbei are Japanese rice crackers which come in a variety of flavours. Senbei are usually eaten with green tea and sometimes offered as snack when visiting a guest house. We stopped to snack on a few different varieties. We sample both some sweet and savoury options. They were snappy and fresh, hot from the grill. The charcoal from the grill gave them a rich, smoky flavour turning a few simple ingredients into a complex dish. The most famous flavours are nori (seaweed), soy nut, soy sauce and red chilli.

Kotokikityaya

Stop off at Kotokikityaya right at the entrance to Saga-Arashiyama to taste their authentic cherry mochi. With a beautiful view of the river, in a traditional tea-house setting, there isn’t a more perfect way to start your morning or have an afternoon snack. Be sure to pair your cherry mochi with a powdered green tea to complete the meal.

Akahime Kimono Shop

What I was looking for while we were shopping was a vintage kimono. I had passed up on a few kimonos in Tokyo, but they all were too new and didn’t have the kind of character I was looking for. There were a range of clothing shops in Arashiyama for kimonos. Some were by exclusive designers, others were the ubiquitous silk version you see in every tourist shop. Akahime Kimono Shop is by far the best option if you’re looking for a tradition kimono at a great price!

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These kimonos were so well taken care of and felt brand new. Their designs ranged from traditional to more modern. You could find some handcrafted and one off designs here at competitive prices. The sweet woman who owned the shop helped me try on a few different options to find my perfect look and fit. I found a white and neon robe from the 1980’s that had some real unique designs that made it stand out from the other traditional ones. I loved it and got to pair it with a classic obi – all for just $25 USD.

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The Chiri-Men Craft Museum

This is my favourite handmade craft store in Arashiyama. Here you can find a myriad of different products all made from a weaving technique called Chirimen. The crafter used cloth or silk and “wrinkles” the fabrics into all different things like small toys, birds, dolls, purses and even these darling “hanging hina” dolls, where are good luck charms hung from the ceiling. The different items symbolized on the chain represent the kinds of things you are praying for, like health, children or wealth.

Sagano Romantic Train Station

Along these backstreets, you might come across one of the vintage train stations which service the Sagano Romantic Train route. The station’s columns are wrapped in bamboo shaped plexiglass, but the remainder of the outdoor structure is reminiscent of train stations from the 1920s.

Kimono forest

Behind the station, you can find the Kimono forest. The forest is made up of cylinder-shaped pillars which contained within them various textile used in the design of traditional Japanese Kimonos. There are about 600 different pillars with 32 different patterns inside. Walk around to see if you can spot them all! The best time of day to see this exhibit is at dusk since the columns all light up and form a glowing pathway.

Footbath of Arashiyama Onsen Station

As this is the mid point in your journey, it seems fitting that it’s time for a little rest. Take a break at the Footbath of Arashiyama Onsen Station where you can grab a ticket for 200 yeh to soak your tired feet in this natural hot spring. It’s a great way to rest and recharge to keep your enegery up for the rest of the day.

Unagi Hirokawa

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat lunch, there really is no better place than Unagi Hirokawa. This place gets busy so it’s best to arrive early or be willing to wait, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. On busy weekends, they often sell out of food before 1pm so don’t dilly dally! This place is most famous for their incredible unagi, or barbeque eel. It’s delicately charred on the grill and then slathered in a sweet and savoury sauce. This eel is fatty, tender and FRESH!

Saga-Toriimoto

Away from the main street, and down a narrow alleyway, you’ll find Saga-Toriimoto. The houses along this road all are in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and have been preserved by the city and the owners. It is a living museum of Japanese architecture. Some of the houses have been converted into restaurants and shops so be sure to poke your head inside to get a chance to see the interior of these hundred-year-old houses.

Walking through these tiny, side streets and peering into front yards and back porches were left like were on a Japanese secret garden tour of our own making.

Nisonin Temple

If you’re visiting during the summer or the fall, you’ll want to make a stop at Nisonin Temple. Nisonin Temple is a small hillside temple where you can be amazed at firey fall foliae or the stunning blooms of purple and blue hydrengas in the summer. Take a stroll in the temple’s cemetery, where you can find some of Japan’s emperors and nobles buried here.

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Rakushisha Residence

If you find yourself strolling along the backstreets of Arashiyama be sure to search out the Rakushisha Residence. This thatched roof hut once belonged to the 17th-century haiku poet Mukai Kyorai. He is one of Japan’s greatest poets, and the house is like a piece plucked out of time. You can imagine him inside there, writing out a poem on the cold, tatami floor.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple is probably the most visited temple in Arashiyama. The original temple was built in 1339 but due to fires and wars over the years the buildings standing here today are modern reconstructions from 1912. The gardens however, withstood the test of time and are the very same as they were when they were originally designed in 1339. It is perhaps for this reason that they are one of the Top 5 Zen temples in all of Kyoto! Admission is 500 yen (and extra 300 if you want to enter of the buildings, and if a great place to explore to study the incredible nature of Japanese Zen gardens.

Like so many travellers before us, we reminisced about the magical town we left behind as we walked back to our hotel. Although this is a great list to get you started, don’t try to rush around and just check off things on a list. Exploring, getting lost and stumbling upon hidden gems is the best part about travelling!

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What is a Goshuincho

A goshuincho is, simply, a stamp book. A goshuinchō (御朱印帳) translates to, a “book of seals”. Goshuinchos are brought to shines or temples where they get it stamped. A small donation to the temple is required to get the stamp. This is a beautiful way that the temple can get donations but also provide something back to the giver.

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History of Goshuincho

Each of these shrine stamps is wonderfully unique and imaginatively designed. The shrine stamps are pressed into the goods in stunning vermillion ink. Along with the stamp, the attendant will write in elegant calligraphy the days date and sometimes other details. These stamps were once used for pilgrims to mark the places they had visited. Goshuinchos were originally only something that very religious people in Japan would use. The younger generations of Japanese society became less and less religious over time and with this came the disappearance of Goshuinchos. But surprisingly, in the last few years, they have seen a resurgence. Tourists, both Japanese and from abroad, started viewing them as collectable items and great souvenirs.

Where to Find Goshuincho Books?

The best goshuincho books can be purchased at a Japanese temple or shrine. The more popular the temple, the more variety of designs they will have. They will cost around ¥1,500. The price depends on the amount of embroidery so more or less will bring the price up or down. There are so many different styles, colours and designs that it’s often hard to pick. Be sure to pick up your goshuincho at the first temple you visit. This way, you’ll have your goshuincho with you everywhere you go from then on and can collect more stamps. Don’t leave it till you find the perfect one or else you’ll miss collecting so many temple stamps along the way.

Alternatively, you can also go to a stationery store in Japan where they are often also sold now. You can also bring a blank notebook from home if you’re looking for a budget option. But I think buying the book at the temple is just another element of the ritual of the goshuincho.

First, Pay your Respects

When coming to a shrine to collect your stamp, it is considered good manners to pay your respects. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a great way of connecting to the temple and the Japanese culture. To pay your respects, enter the temple or shine and find the bell. Ring the bell (if there is one) 2 or 3 times to signal to the gods that you have arrived. Deeply bow twice. Clap twice, with your left hand slightly in front. Remember to thank the gods as well.

How to Buy your Goshuincho Stamp

Head over to the reception desk of the temple or shrine. This will usually be behind the area where they sell various amulets or ema placards. The fee for the stamp is around ¥300 to ¥500 depending on the importance of the shrine. Try to use exact change, as the smaller shrines won’t accept larger bills. If it’s not a busy day usually you can watch the priest creating your stamp. If it is a particularly busy day, you’ll be given a small number token and you can return later to collect your book.

After the stamp is placed in your book, the ink will usually still be wet. The priest will either find two blanks pages or will place a thin piece of paper over the top. This way the stamp won’t bleed onto any other stamps in the book.

TIPS

• Don’t write or draw in your book. Goshuinchos are meant only for priests or monks to place their stamps.

• If you’ve forgotten your book, ask the attendant as they usually can stamp a blank page for you. This way you can later paste this piece into your book.

These days, Japan has taken a modern approach to Goshuincho stamps. When visiting various secular tourist sites, you’ll sometimes see smaller red stamps which you can stamp into your notebooks. These are representative of the location and are meant for kids or just for fun. These are free and are a great way to commemorate your visit. But be sure not the mix the two up, and don’t put just any stamp in your Goshuincho.

Making Memories

One of my favourite memories of my latest trip to Japan involved hiking up to the Hakone shrine. It was so early in the morning and I took the hike in the pouring wind and rain. I had had it in my mind that I just had to visit the shrine and get my Goshuincho. Despite the bad weather I knew it would be my only chance to see it. So I braved the weather, and ended up being one of the only people there. I feel like the priest who made my Goshuincho gave me an extra big smile since he could tell I had been through hell and back to get there. Now every time I look at that stamp I remember all that effort it took to get there, and I smile.

I love looking back at all the different stamps in my book. I truly recommend getting one for yourself. I am waiting for the day when mine is full and I get to pick a new one for more adventures!

Let me know in the comments what your favourite souvenir you’ve ever purchased was?

Happy Travels Adventurers!

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