Day One – Trendy & Tasty

The Windsor

Brunch isn’t just for the big cities. There are tons of different restaurants in Phoenix where you can find an amazing Saturday brunch! But the Windsor is one of the best. I love the midcentury decor; the bright red brick walls feel so chic and welcoming. Their Highroad Sandwich made with eggs, belly bacon, tomato & garlic aioli is pure perfection and the best hangover cure. Their Matador is my favourite though; two eggs over easy stacked with griddled cheddar potatoes, a crispy tortilla, salsa verde & avocado relish. It feels like the epitome of Phoenix on a plate, a mix of traditional American, Mexican and southwestern flavours.

Frances & Stinkweeds

After finishing up your meal, head over to Frances to walk off that eggs bacon. Frances is an adorable boutique that features chic women’s clothing, shoes & accessories, and handmade gifts. All with that touch of vintage flair. They always have something super unique that catches my eye. And they also feature Arizonan themed items that you can’t get anywhere else which makes for perfect souvenirs. Stinkweeds right next door sells used and new vinyl records. If you’re a music lover this is one of the most welcoming and unpretentious record stores I’ve ever been too. We always have a great time pouring over the records and listening to their in-store selections.

Heard Museum

After a little bit of shopping, it’s time for some culture at the Heard. The Heard Museum is one of the best places to visit if you’ve never been to Phoenix or Arizona before. Here you’ll be able to learn about the indigenous people of Arizona. The museum has partnered with various native artists and local tribes to create a collection that presents the stories of the American Indian people from a first-person perspective. Inside are you can see more than 40,000 different items and revolving exhibitions. There is always something new to see here. I didn’t know much about the history of Phoenix’s native history before I visited and found the museum incredibly insightful. The indigenous art is so powerful and inspiring that you leave feeling absolutely invigorated!

MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain

After the museum, it’s time to get something to eat. MacAlpine’s is one of those Phoenix institutions that you can’t help but adore. Since 1938, this place has been serving up soda fountain pops inside what used to be an old pharmacy. In the 1950s, this was the place for greasers and pink ladies to hang out and share gossip over milkshakes and desserts. Today the original countertop and malt machine stands as a reminder of all that great history. You can still order up classic treats and get served by a waitress in victory rolls and vintage dresses. It’s like going back in time. Along the walls are an array of antique pieces of ephemera and packaging from as early as the 1930s, which makes you feel like you’re eating inside a museum. The food is delicious, homemade, and a freezing cold ice cream float really does the trick on a hot day in the desert!

2023 UPDATE: Due to the death of one of founders, Cary Heizenrader, MacAlpine’s are temporarily closed. They currently looking for staff and plan to reopen later this spring. 

Lola’s Coffee

If the heat is getting you down, or if you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, head over to Lola’s Coffee. Lola’s offers up some of the best brews in the city with one of the most chill environments. A jumble of vintage furniture makes the place feel like your grandmother’s basement but run by some of the best baristas in the valley. They serve up amazing hand-roasted coffees, which I always order over ice. Their back patio is a sanctuary in the middle of downtown where you can sit with your favourite book or just relax under the warm sun.

Roosevelt Row 

The Historic Roosevelt Neighborhood runs from McDowell to VanBuren and from Central to 7th Avenue. These houses were built between 1893 and 1930. Today the area around these houses is known as Roosevelt Row. It is one of the few walkable districts in downtown Phoenix. The Roosevelt Arts District is home to amazing street art, fabulous restaurants and trendy boutiques. But my favourite activity is walking up and down the side streets to admire the fantastic neighbourhood architecture. There is something so iconic about southwestern architecture and if you’ve never seen this kind of design before, then this little walkable neighbourhood is the best place to see it!

Phoenix Public Market Café

If you’re getting a bit hungry, head over to the Phoenix Public Market Café. This chic open-air market is located inside the heart of urban Phoenix. All the food is sourced from local vendors and farms, and you feel like you’re eating straight from the source. If you’re looking for something sweet, you HAVE to try the cafe sundae. Served atop organic vanilla soft serve, is a layer of raspberry sauce, toasted butter pistachios, and rich chocolate shavings. It makes me drool just thinking about it.

Antique Sugar

Antique Sugar is one of my favourite vintage stores in the city. It is wonderfully curated and a joy to shop inside. The shop is small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed, and their racks are only stocked with the best-used clothing. They curate their selection with items that will suit the current trends while still being vintage. A great way to support the community and sustainable shopping!

Cibo Pizzeria

The best place in the city for a romantic evening is Cibo Pizzeria. The restaurant is located in a quaint, circa-1913 bungalow. Cibo Pizzeria features Italian staples, including red & white wood-fired pizzas. My favourite is the Diavola, with tomato sauce, mozzarella and spicy salami! Their unique and modern white pizzas are also very popular, one of the best being the Tartufata, with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle oil. In the evening, the trees outside are covered in white twinkle lights, and on the weekends there are even local musicians who come to entertain diners under the setting sun.

The Vig Fillmore

After dining at Cibo, head just down the street to the Vig for a nightcap. The Vig is such a casual place to hang out, it almost feels like you’re at a backyard party. The bar also has a bocce ball playing area and bean toss games to enjoy while you’re having a drink. The outdoor patio is set up with fireplaces to sit around on cooler dessert nights. They have live music throughout the week, which makes it easy just to sit back and relax as the night winds on.

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Crescent Ballroom

If you’d rather have a more lively end to the night, I would recommend going to the Crescent Ballroom. This hip, brick-walled lounge features live entertainment, local and international, every day of the week. But the intimate nature of the place makes you feel like you’re just watching a band playing in your garage.

Day Two – Desert Immersion

Papago Park

Papago Park is one of the most amazing places in Phoenix to watch the sunrise. The enormous red sandstone ‘Hole-in-the-Rock‘ is an easily climbable geological formation whose iconic formations make peep-holes out to the desert. There is nothing like the sunrise in the desert and it an unmissable event. Yes, it means getting up early, but trust me, the view is more than worth it!

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Matt’s Big Breakfast

After a super early morning sunrise, it’s time for some coffee and breakfast! Kick off your last day at Matt’s Big Breakfast. Matt’s Big Breakfast is known for its cage-free eggs made “cracked to order.” There is almost always a line, but trust me, it’s worth it. The decor is hipster cafe meets high-school cafeteria. It feels warm and homey. Like you’re visiting old friends. Be sure to try the Chop and Chick if you’re feeling extra hungry. It comes with two eggs, and an Iowa seared pork rib chop! The enormous waffles are light and fluffy, and the griddle cakes are topped with sweet cream butter – drooling yet? Don’t wait – head on down to Matt’s Big Breakfast for some delicious comfort food.

Desert Botanical Gardens

Back on the road, head over to the Desert Botanical Gardens. The gardens are spread over 140-acres outside Papago Park. This park was founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 to preserve, document and educate. Over 21,000 local plants and 139 species, which are rare, threatened or endangered are living in harmony and safety inside this huge garden. If you’ve never been to a desert before, you might have an image of it being arid, barren, without plant-life, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Many people will go on long hikes around the mountains in search of native flora and fauna. But at the Desert Botanical Garden, you can see everything the desert has to offer without breaking a sweat! The best time to visit is during the Spring when the desert flowers bloom but throughout the year there is always something unique to see and experience.

Lunch at Gertrudes

While some museum cafes contain only awful coffee and stale pastries, Gertrudes Cafe inside the Desert Botanical Garden is a world-class restaurant all on its own. When we had a yearly membership, sometimes, we would come here just for the food! The flavours and recipes are all indicative of southwestern cuisine and the ingredients are sourced from local farmers. Giving guests a taste of the desert itself! Plus, the cafe is mostly outdoors, right in the centre of the gardens, so it feels like you’re dining in the middle of a cactus rich forest.

Taliesin West

Just up the hill from the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful, hidden sights in all of Arizona, Frank Lloyd Wright‘s Taliesin West. Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most prolific American architects. Very few people know that he called Arizona his winter residence. In fact, he spent years living here even before he started up the architecture school. 2020 was the last year the architecture school was in operation but the house and the school buildings can still be seen today.

Throughout your guided tour, you’ll be entertained and educated by incredibly, knowledgeable guides. They will lead you around this stunning, desert-inspired property. This tour is a great place to learn about desert plants and their contribution to the ecosystem. And how these resilient plants, inspired Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture both in Arizona and beyond! The views across the valley from here are breathtaking and well worth the drive up the mountain.

Old Town Scottsdale

To get yourself something to eat after your tour of Taliesin West, head back down to Old Town Scottsdale. This western district is full to the brim with trendy restaurants, hip cafes, unique art, jewellery stores and anything to satisfy your sweet tooth. While the “old west” vibe and style might be a little on the nose for some, I love it!

The Mission

For dinner, head over to the Mission, which amply, is situated right beside the old Spanish Mission site. The decor inside the restaurant is dark and mysterious. A large Himalayan salt block wall and the twinkle of candlelit chandeliers welcomes you inside. The Mission serves up a mix of modern and traditional Latin cuisine. Don’t skip their Wagyu pastrami taco, they are to die for!

Shakes & Cones

For dessert, head over to Shakes & Cones. While Scottsdale is mostly known for its upscale dining, Shakes & Cones still feels like a simple, family joint. They make small batch, soft-serve ice cream and even offer non-dairy options for vegetarians. There aren’t a lot of bell and whistles here, just simple ingredients that highlight the fantastic flavour of their ice cream.

Rusty Spur Saloon

To end your perfect weekend in Phoenix, head over to the Rusty Spur for one last drink. The Rusty Spur Saloon is the oldest bar in Scottsdale, which opened in 1960. It was actually Scottsdale’s first-ever saloon too. The building is an officially registered historic landmark. Originally, the building was used as the Farmers’ Bank of Scottsdale. Walking inside makes you feel like you’ve entered a different period in time. Cowboys stand at the bar sipping whiskey and every night of the week, they have a band playing old country tunes. But it’s not just cowboys who visit. There are old folks, hipsters, tourists and yes, even cowboys. So you won’t feel out of place. Take a seat near the band, and enjoy the warm desert air before heading back to whatever time and place you had come from before.

Hopefully, this guide will help you on your way to exploring all the wonders Phoenix has to offer on your next weekend away! If you’re looking for more to do, check out my Top 10 Things to do in Phoenix!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post How to Enjoy the Perfect Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

There are pluses and minuses to both scenarios. While seeing the bright and colourful streets empty is a pleasure to just have it to yourself, when it’s busy you can admire all the local kawaii kids even chance at seeing a few Lolitas meandering around. Exploring Harajuku is more than just walking down the famed Takeshita Dori Street. There are so many side alleys and hidden shops you need to explore to get a real sense of what Harajuku is all about and not just the touristy side of things. I’ve tried to make this list an easy to follow walking path from the station so you don’t have to backtrack too much! The map to all the locations listed here is at the bottom of this post!

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. History
3. Map of Harajuku
4. Takeshita Street
5. Paris Kids
6. Purikura NOA
7. Daiso
8. Etude House
9. Totti Candy Factory
10. Panama Boy
11. Marion Crepes
12. Zaku Zaku Harajuku
13. CANDY A･GO･GO!
14. Closet Child & Bodyline
15. Chapter World
16. WEGO
17. Santa Monica Crepes
18. Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
19. Starbucks Rooftop Patio
20. Chicago Omotesando
21. Alice On Wednesday
22. Cat Street
23. RAGTAG
24. Harajuku Gyozaro
25. Kiddy Land
26. 6% DokiDoki
27. Rainbow Pancake
28. Eddy's Ice Cream
29. Santa Monica Vintage
30. The Airstream Garden
31. Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum

Access

Harajuku is an easy destination to arrive at. The Harajuku Station on the JR East Yamanote Line lets you off right across from Takeshita Dori. You can also get off at the Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station served by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. You can even take the Tokyo Metro on the Fukutoshin Line to get here, so no matter where you are coming from, it’s only a train ride away.

Outside the train station on busy days you can see hundreds of teenagers hanging out, listening to cute boys singing K-Pop songs and selling their CDs. Girls giggle and blush as the singers point at them as they sing the next romantic ballad.

History

Harajuku initially became the hot spot for Japanese fashion back in the 1970’s. A large fashion house called “Palais France” was built on Meiji Street near the exit of Takeshita Street and sold fashion-forward clothes, accessories and more. With this one large store drawing people down to this area more popular fashion chains started opened up. Then small independent retailers popped up to take advantage of the fashionable crowds.

Harajuku isn’t just one street. It’s the name of a general area spreading from Harajuku Station to Omotesando. In this area, you’ll find dozens of tiny alleyways and side streets where you can discover the newest in alternative, youth fashion. Although Harajuku has become more of a tourist attraction and has lost some of its original uniqueness, there are still lots of interesting stores if you get away from the main drag. Streets like Cat Alley are where you can still find independent retailers selling the hottest Japanese fashions and lifestyle accessories. In addition to clothes and accessories, you can also find Japanese souvenirs at pretty good prices, so it’s a good place to pick up some presents for back home while you’re here.

Modern Day Harajuku

Although the masses of people seem overwhelming, these Sunday crowds have been happening since 1977, when they closed down the street to traffic and turned it into a pedestrian only walkway. On Sundays you’d see local bands gather to play and fashionable Lolitas, punks and creatives modelling their incredible wearable creations. Now a days, more and more people are moving away from the streets and over to the nearby Yoyogi park to gather on Sundays, but you can still see your fair share of uniquely dressed individuals any day of the week, shopping for the perfect accessory to complete their outfit.

In addition to the clothes along the street, there are two other big draws. One is the incredible architecture and design seen on the outsides of these buildings and in their store windows. The other is the inventive food being served up from tiny little nooks and crannies under brightly coloured awnings.

Map of Harajuku

Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is the main street you’ll enter through. It is a busy pedestrian shopping lane. No cars are allowed after a certain time in the morning and by 11 am you’ll see why. The entire street at busy hours can be completely filled with people, crowds so thick you’ll barely be able to make out the road below. The entrance to the street is always decorated with a different design made out of balloons. Along this street are many of the most popular shops in Harajuku. While some are worth skipping, others are historic establishments which helped put this street on the map.

Paris Kids

Paris Kids was probably my favourite store. Inside are thousands of accessories in amazing kawaii (cute) Japanese designs. Doughnut shaped earrings and cute kitten headbands were plastered all over the walls. Everything was really cheap, most things going at a rate of 3 for $10, 5 for $15, etc., etc. Since it was almost Halloween when we visited most of the specialty items were Halloween themed and seemed the perfect place to visit if you needed a quick Halloween costume or just some random accessories to get you in the spirit.

Purikura NOA

Purikura are the Japanese version of photobooths. Except, like with everything in Japan, it is taken to the next level. Down the stairs, just off Takeshita Street, you’ll find the greatest selection of purikura photobooths. Purikura is where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos where you can add text, stickers and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Once you finish your photoshoot, you’ll get to decorate, alter, add filters and text to all the photos you took. This location in Harajuku definitely has the best selection in terms of decorations you can add to the photos. They even have a dressing and makeup area where you can make sure you look picture perfect.

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Daiso

One of my favourite shops in Harajuku was their Daiso location. Daiso has now also found its way into the US, but we still don’t have it in Canada. Inside this massive four-story building is one of the largest 100 Yen shops in Tokyo. You’ll find anything from clothes to kitchenware, food and best of all – stationary. Unlike dollar stores in North America, everything is actually 100 yen ($1), and you’ll find some absolute bargains for items you’d never believe are only $1. This is a GREAT place to grab some souvenirs. You’ll find so many awesome gifts for only $1 which you’ll also see in touristy locations but for at least three times the price.

Etude House

Etude House, a Korean makeup company, have installed a dollhouse inspired storefront right here in the centre of Harajuku. Korean makeup is known the world over as one of the best, and even local Japanese girls will travel down here to get their hands on some of these goods. The packaging design on their products is phenomenal and a gift in itself. Makeup makes for such a unique souvenir and something people will really enjoy using.

Totti Candy Factory

If you’ve ever spent some time cruising the #Harajuku hashtag you’re bound to have seen dozens of pictures of cute girls smiling with GIANT cones of rainbow cotton candy. These amazing candy creations are found at Totti Candy Factory. While there is often a line-up, it moves quickly and while waiting in line you can observe the candy creators inside molding these amazing sweet treats. They are gorgeous to look at and even better to eat!

Panama Boy

Located just off the Takeshita Street, you’ll step away from the main crush of people and suddenly just one street over you’ll find yourself in a much more peaceful side alley. Down the alley you’ll find Panama Boy. It easy to spot since there are piles of clothing simply pouring off the side of this building. Panama Boy is a vintage and thrift store with a collection of custom made as well. They have perfectly curated sections and nothing feels used at all, it’s so lovingly cared for and feels like a bespoke custom brand. This shop does a great job in finding bright and colourful pieces and doesn’t just focus on brand names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Marion Crepes

Crepes have had a surge in popularity in Japan. It might seem like a recent phenomenon since the creation of Instagram and “food selfies”, but crepes have been a Japanese fascination for over 40 years. Marion Crepes has stood in the same spot since 1976. They brought pancakes to Japan, but instead of the traditional savoury crepes you found in Europe, they added brightly coloured fruits and ice cream to their desserts. Now, you’ll pass many different crepe shops, each with dozens of flavours showcased by intricately designed plastic models. You don’t even need a knife and fork; they come folded into a cone for a portable sweet treat to enjoy while pursuing the local shops.

Zaku Zaku Harajuku

One of the most popular food trends to hit the streets of Harajuku in the last few years has been Zaku Zaku and their famous croquant chou (crispy cream puffs). These delicate pastries are covered in toffee crunch and then filled with fresh cream from Hokkaido. Hokkaido cream is world famous and is what a lot of ice cream here in Japan is made of. This treat is wonderfully decadent but if you have room for it you must give it a try!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CANDY A･GO･GO!

This candy shop is not only a feast for your mouth but also for your eyes! I came in here solely to look at the awesome designs and decorations covering the walls but left with a bag full of candies which were almost too pretty to eat…almost.

Closet Child & Bodyline

Although Lolitas were once always seen walking the streets of Harajuku, their popularities has shrunk over the years. They do like the attention, but it became too overwhelming, and often it’s almost impossible for a Lolita to walk down the streets of Harajuku without being hounded for hundreds of selfies. But, there are still many Lolita fashion shops in Harajuku selling darling, victorian and gothic inspired dresses.

Closet Child and Bodyline are two popular shops located right beside each other along Takeshita Street. Closet Child has amazing prices for Lolita style clothing which usually is pretty expensive. Even if you’re not a Lolita yourself, visiting these stores is a lot of fun. This type of clothing is so fantastical and a joy to behold. Bodyline features a lot of wigs and costumes for anime cosplay. If you’ve ever wanted an anime costume for Halloween this is the place to pick it up!

Chapter World

Along Takeshita Street, you’ll see dozens of shops selling shoes. But a lot of these are cheap knock-offs and won’t last you long enough to make the purchase worth it. There are however a few shops which are worth your time and feature some truly incredible designs. Chapter World is reliably the best place to find kicks in the city. They’re a chain outlet but the store with the best selection is here in Harajuku. If you can’t afford a new pair or don’t have room in your suitcase, you should definitely check out their selection of rainbow laces to jazz up even the most casual pair of shoes.

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WEGO

My FAVOURITE store in Harajuku is WEGO! There are various WEGO’s in Harajuku but I like this one the best since it has a great selection and is further away from the main entrance to Harajuku. Because it’s a little more hidden, this means the shop is often less crowded and therefore more relaxed. WEGO is a trendy fashion brand which blends Japanese pop and American vintage influences into their designs. Their prices are super cheap and if you buy more than $75 US you can use your passport to get a tax free exemption. I honestly had to stop myself from buying up the entire store but came home with a few choices pieces. Every time I put them on I get to remember this fantastic trip and all these memories from Japan.

Santa Monica Crepes

Santa Monica Crepes has some of the best signage and I loved visiting their shop. But since I enjoy Marion Crepes more I always opt for Santa Monica’s decadent bubble tea parfaits. These sweet drinks are topped off with whipped cream, fresh fruit, ice cream and even sometimes a bit of cake. They’re as beautiful as the plastic models and taste even better.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

As you walk towards the intersection between Omotesando and Harajuku you’ll find it’s hard to miss Tokyu Plaza. This incredible building houses all the high-end fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci and Chanel. As you approach your eye will be immediately caught by the dazzling kaleidoscope of mirrors that serves as the entrance to the mall. They call this the stargate. And with good reason. The building was designed by Hiroshi Nakamura. He wanted it to reflect, “the time and the season, for an ever-changing view,”. Standing outside or in, you can see all around the crossing. The people, the landscape and the colours that change within it.

Starbucks Rooftop Patio

In the Tokyu Plaza, take the elevator straight to the top and head to the rooftop Starbucks. I know, I know, I should be telling you to try more international places than just Starbucks, but trust me, we’re not here for the coffee. Opposite the Starbucks on the top floor is a pair of double doors that lead you out onto this enormous outdoor patio. There are hundreds of seats, both at tables and along these beautiful wooden benches and staggered stairs steps which serve as more places to sit. From here you have an amazing view across Harajuku and the stunning garden spread across the rooftop. You absolutely do not have to buy a coffee to stay up here. I even decided to run to the conbini before I arrived and had my own little picnic up here on the cheap while enjoying this priceless view!

Chicago Omotesando

Chicago is one of my favourite vintage outlets in the city. They have a seemingly unending assortment of vintage finds and their selection of designer goods is truly impeccable. But my favourite part of their shop are the vintage silk kimonos. I found such beautiful designs, every single one of which I put on made me feel like Japanese royalty. Kimonos are such a traditional piece of Japanese history and one which I always recommend people pick up as a souvenir. But getting a vintage one feel that much more special, like you’re buying a piece of history.

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Alice On Wednesday

Down the street a little bit is a tiny doorway which leads you into a fairytale world. Alice On Wednesday is one of a few different Alice in Wonderland themed stores and restaurants in Tokyo. Inside this shop you’ll uncover three floors, each one designed to reflect aspects of the famed story. You’ll come upon the White Room where Alice drinks the shrinking potion, the Queen of Hearts’ room and the Mad Hatter’s room. The shop sells various accessories in the ‘wonderland‘ style as well as bottled beverages with “drink me” labels. It’s a great place to go if you’re a big Alice fan!

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Cat Street

On the East side of Harajuku, you’ll find the famed ‘Cat Street‘. This pedestrian street is where you’ll find the majority of the alternative brands, vintage shops and hip restaurants and cafes. Cat Street is where the original Harajuku hipsters have now fled with the onset of so many tourists along Takeshita Street. These pedestrianised roads have a different feel to them, greenery seems to pour over the edges of buildings and there is a more peaceful, laid back feeling to the stores and laneways.

RAGTAG

RAGTAG both looks and feels more like a department store than a second-hand designer clothing store. The Japanese are very passionate about reducing waste and you really do see less fast fashion here in lieu of stores like RAGTAG which have branches all over Japan. They verify every piece of clothing they sell so you know you’re getting the real deal. While the more rare pieces are pretty costly, this is a great opportunity to nab yourself some designer pieces for a great price!

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Harajuku Gyozaro

If you need somewhere to replenish after all that walking and shopping, look no further! Harajuku Gyozaro is a cheap and delicious option offering steamed and fried gyoza. The gyoza costs only 290 yen ($2.50 US), which is an absolute steal! Try to avoid the lunch and dinner rush, because this is a popular spot and it gets PACKED. Going on off hours is a great way to sneak in without too long of a line up. There isn’t much selection so it’s easy to order, just try to figure out how many orders of these delicious treats you’ll want!

Kiddy Land

Right along the main road as you exit the quiet Cat Street you’ll find the candy apple red storefront which is Kiddy Land. Despite the word ‘kid’ in the name of the store, this place is for everyone. It’s multiple floors of delightful toys, clothing, home goods and stationary are themed after popular cartoon characters or nostalgic anime figures. My favourite was all the amazing Sailor Moon goods and My Little Pony retro items. The entire place as a joy to peruse and we even discovered ‘Gudetama‘ here which soon became our favourite Sanrio character.

6% DokiDoki

6% DokiDoki is one of Harajuku’s most iconic shops. Selling crazy coloured clothing and accessories, their unique designs became the origin of the term ‘decora’ fashion. The store looks like a Lisa Frank sticker book exploded! All their items are made just for those adults who never grew up. Hearts, stars and sparkles are mandatory in everything you see, and neon is the base layer for almost everything. I had a great time exploring the store, everything is created with such love, and even just a small piece would brighten up any outfit. The cost of these clothes was pretty high, but for such unique items, it is something worth picking up.

Rainbow Pancake

The craze for impossibly fluffy and jiggly pancakes is one still going strong in Japan and one of the best places to eat them is at Rainbow Pancake cafe. The line up can get pretty long here so the earlier you arrive the better chance you’ll have at getting a table more easily. And obviously, weekdays are less busy than on the weekends. These pancakes are made with a lot of eggs (to give them that fluffy texture) so the taste is both savoury and sweet. Top it off with over a dozens different toppings and you’ll find yourself in food heaven!

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Eddy’s Ice Cream

If you didn’t get your fill of sweetness at Rainbow Pancake then head down the winding alleyways towards Eddy’s Ice Cream. This place can be found easily by the amazing pastel painted exteriors and generally long line up outside the door. The interior is miniature but its neon pink painted walls and brightky coloured ice creams are more than enough to make it feel larger than life. Their ice creams are perfectly Instagram worthy but also super delicious. You can either choose one of their designs or build your own custom creation!

Santa Monica Vintage

Santa Monica Vintage feels like it should belong on the west coast of California and not in the crowded centre of Tokyo. Those white walls and peaceful music playing throughout transports you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In here you’ll find some really unique pieces of clothing all with a a definite bohemian vibe.

The Airstream Garden

To finish your day in Harajuku, head over to the Airstream Garden. This coffee shop is located inside an old 1930s Airstream trailer but has a cute little sitting area outside, made out of staggered wooden steps. Here you can both enjoy the delicious coffee made inside and soak in the last little bits of Harajuku. While it might get the reputation of being a very touristy place, Harajuku is popular for a reason. Don’t let the crowds scare you off! This magical neighbourhood is worth your time and you’ll find so many more places other than the ones listed here to make your trip to Harajuku all that more special but I hope this list gets you started!

Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum

The Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum showcases the works of the late Taro Okamoto, a famous Japanese painter and sculptor. It’s a super unique museum that is truly a hidden gem. His exhibits different pieces from his collection on rotation so there is always something different to see.

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Have you been to Harajuku? What was your favourite thing you found there? If you’re planning your trip what are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Harajuku, What to See and Do in Tokyo’s Hippest Neighborhood first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Access & Hours

Located off the strip, at 1610 East Tropicana Street, this is the second iteration of the Pinball Museum or Pinball Hall of Fame as it is now known. After growing popularity, it moved out of its original location further away from the strip and now is home on East Tropicana street in a 10,000 sq. Ft warehouse! As you go game to game, you are always surrounded by flashing lights, the sound of balls clinking and clacking against quick snapping flappers, bright colours glowing in the dark and high scores calling you out to over take them. The Hall of Fame is open 11am till 11pm, Sunday to Thursday and 11am till Midnight, Friday and Saturday. The late hours mean you can play far into the night, but the fact that it’s also open somewhat early means that if you’re only in a town for a few days, you can play during the day while the strip is a bit quiet early on.

History

The Pinball Hall of Fame features over 200 pinball games, all perfectly ready to play so much time as you have a quarter in hand. Each one of them represents a different piece of pinball history and spans all different periods of time. Tim Arnold is the man responsible for this amazing collection of classic arcade games along with other members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club. Tim and the club members wanted guests to come in and relive their childhood memories of playing these arcade games in a time before iPods, iPhone, Wiis and PlayStations.

Although Pinball-like games from the 16th to 17th century do exist, the Pinball machines as we know them now, with coin operated flippers and balls, only appeared in the mainstream as early as 1930. The Pinball Hall of fame is home to some of the earliest games in arcade history, and although they might not have all the bells and whistles as some of the modern machines, these games are steeped in history. Their designs evoke the culture from which the game was made, and as your place your hands on the slides to keep that ball from falling that hole; you can almost feel the decades of people that came here before you.

Prices

Despite many of these machines being made decades ago, each one of them works like new! And by no mistake either. Tim and his team work tirelessly to restore these machines to their original working condition to make the experience for the customers as close to the original as possible. The other amazing thing about this place is the price. There is no entrance fee, all you need to do is put money in the machines. Unlike places like Dave and Busters or other chain video game arenas, they cost almost as much as they did 30 years ago. Older pinball machines are 25 cents a play, and more modern models are 50 cents a game. In a city where losing your money for nothing is easy, this place makes you feel like your buck not only stretches pretty far, but every game is a riot and a blast to play. There’s no feeling defeated after you’ve dropped your coins down a slot, only feeling the joy of being a kid again.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a non-profit organisation. It relies on people coming in to play their games to stay afloat. They also subset their expenses by restoring old pinball machine for other arcades and selling a “Pinball Repair” DVD for self-service repairs. So, if you do come in, be sure to play a few games, buy a coke from one of the old soda machines and snack on Mike and Ikes from the retro candy dispensers.

The Games

We stayed here for hours! Every machine has something special that you just HAD to play to see happen. My favourite games were mostly the older ones. The Elton John game from the old Bally’s Casino was hilarious, and the illustrations were perfection! Some of the oldest machines were a blast from the past and their mechanics very interesting to explore. They were so unique, and it was fascinating to see how they developed and were refined over time.

My husband managed to find an old WWF game, and that was his clear favourite. I have to say, it was pretty cool and was from one of the best time periods in wrestling history. Again, the design and illustration of the graphics on this machine was so fantastic and the different voices from the wrestlers that came on while playing certainly took you right back to the attitude era.

The game with the best music was for sure the old Star Wars game. The John William’s score still sends goosebumps up my arms and reminds me of my own childhood. The two games with the best surprises were the Twilight Zone and the X-men machines. The Twilight zone has different levels that would open up like staircases as your score rose. It was so cool and honestly sometimes would take you away from watching the ball, just admire the different transformation the board was doing.

The X-men game also has fantastic voice acting, sliding and shifting ball ramps that move like a maze and a board that adapts itself to the story that the game is telling as you go. I have a soft spot for X-men, so this one touched my heart and kept me there more quarters than I care to admit.

In addition to Pinball Games, they also have some very distinctive arcade games. One which we loved was the bowling game that came with real yet slightly more minature, pins and balls that you threw down the lane. They also had a few whimsical love testers which are never something we can pass up, even just for a laugh.

All in all, this is for sure one of the best things to see in Vegas. Visitors often never leave the main strip but I implore you to step outside the casinos and bars and see what else Vegas has to offer. There are incredibly rare and fabulous places to visit, created by dedicated collectors keen to share their passion with you. And this is exactly what the Pinball Museum is all about!

The post The Pinball Hall of Fame, One of the Best Alternative Things to do in Las Vegas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Osaka Castle
3. Kuromon Ichiba Market
4. Nambayasaka Shrine
5. Hozenji Yokocho
6. Hozenji Temple
7. Amerikamura! 
8. Hokkyokusei 
9. Dotonburi
   • Glico-Running-Man
10. Ebisu Bridge
11. What to Eat?
    • Takoyaki
    • Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten
    • Osaka Ohsho
    • Creoru Okonomiyaki
    • Melon Bread Ice cream
    • Pablo Dotonbori
12. Don Quixote Ferris Wheel
13. Space Station

History

In 645, Emperor Kōtoku made Osaka the capital of Japan, and Osaka prospered and grew for years. Eventually, the capital was moved to Tokyo. But Osaka continued to be a flourishing port city and commercial centre for Japan. Today, many people flock onto its streets for one main thing: the food!

Osaka Castle

Start your morning off at Osaka Castle. The history of Osaka Castle dates back to 1583. However, the building you see today is far from the original. Wars, sieges and bombing raids destroyed the structure many times over the years, and the current incarnation is a reconstruction from 1995. The castle is now used as a museum dedicated to the history of the castle and Osaka. While the museum is pretty interesting, for our purposes today, we’re just going to take a walk around the grounds. You can still see so much of the castle from down below. The incredibly beautiful moats and tree line passageways surrounding the castle are a relaxing way to start your morning rather than crammed into a line to see inside.  

Surrounding the castle are various food stalls selling some of Osaka’s culinary specialties. I would opt for the yakisoba, a delicious noodle dish covered in oyster sauce and topped with pickled ginger. Strangely enough, it makes for a delicious and decidedly Japanese breakfast. You can get it to go and eat it in front of the picturesque castle moat which surrounds the entire castle.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

The next stop is the Kuromon Ichiba Market. The Kuromon market has been open as “the nation’s kitchen” since 1601. Its bustling narrow alley serves fresh sushi and sashimi, meat, produce and a collection of housewares and souvenir shops. Although there are plenty of grocery stalls, there are also dozens of small restaurants along the alley where you can grab a delightful little lunch.

Try to arrive before or after 12 pm to ensure it’s not too busy and you miss the lunch rush! While Tsukiji in Tokyo is most notable for its fresh fish, Osaka is famous for its choice of sliced Wagyu and Kobe beef. You can pick your desired cut, and certain shops will cook it right up for you then and there! Just add a little salt and get ready for a transcendent taste experience.

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Nambayasaka Shrine

After stuffing your face at the market, work off all those calories with a short 15-minute walk over to Nambayasaka Shrine. If you’ve been in Japan for some time now, you might think, “another shrine?” but trust me, this one really stands out. Approaching it, even from afar, you’ll notice it right away. The shrine was designed in the shape of an enormous lion’s head. The area of Osaka we’ve now entered is Namba, and this is its main Shinto shrine. While many temples in Japan are Buddhist, brought to Japan by the Chinese, Shinto is Japan’s native religion. Each Shinto shrine worships a particular spirit or “kami.” At this temple, the spirit lion is said to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck to those who come to pray. So if you have any evil spirits to get rid of, this is the place to do it!

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Hozenji Yokocho

Walk up through the charming side street of Namba towards Hozenji Yokocho. Hozenji Yokocho is a tight little alleyway whose architecture has been preserved as a relic from the Edo period. Stepping under the gates, flanked on either side by bright red lanterns, you enter a peaceful oasis. Study the architecture tightly squeezed in on either side. 

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Hozenji Temple

Stop by the nearby Hozenji Buddhist temple, which dates back to the 17th century. This temple gives the name to the area. It features an ancient statue of Fudomyoo, which is covered in moss. Blessings are given by pouring water over the statue, keeping the moss nice and healthy, and, best of all, bright green! It really looks like a tree sculpture instead of a stone statue.

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Amerikamura! 

Our next stop is over in “Amerikamura.” While some places might send you to the more popular Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, I find it rather commercialized and lacking the, sometimes odd, characters that Amerikamura has. You might think it odd to visit somewhere inspired by America if you’re looking for a Japanese experience, but this is Japan’s idealized version of America. Studying if you have lived or have ever been to the US before is fascinating. Colourful and quirky shops line the street, and even more quirkily dressed teenagers relax outside hip coffee shops and lively bars. This is the best place to find well-priced and fantastically curated thrift shops and indie clothing brands.

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Hokkyokusei 

If you’re a little hungry before dinner, stop by Hokkyokusei, where you can sample the now internet-famous omurice. Omurice is an omelette stuffed with rice and slathered in a thick red sauce. When you cut it open down the centre, the entire thing melts down the middle sensationally pleasingly. It’s delicious and the perfect little bit to eat to tide you over before dinner.

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Dotonburi

As night begins to fall, it is time to make your way over to the neon streets of Dotonburi. While the biggest highlight inside Dotonburi is the food, the architecture and spectacular light show are nothing to scoff at. At night, the entire area comes alive, and the lights of the buildings dance on the water along the Tombori River. “Dotonbori” is named after Yasui Doton, whose vision in 1612 was to create two canals connecting this area to the Kizugawa River, thereby increasing its commercial and trading power. War greatly affected his plans; unfortunately, he died before seeing his vision come to fruition. His cousins took over the concept after Yasui Doton’s death and named the area after him.

Glico-Running-Man

One of the most famous neon signs in Dotonburi is the Glico-Running-Man. This billboard has been located here for over 70 years and is the oldest sign on the street. It is over 33m tall and stands imposingly over the iconic Ebusu-bashi bridge. Glico’s primary business is manufacturing confectionery products, so it might seem odd that its mascot is an athlete, but that’s just how Japan is, unexpected.

Ebisu Bridge

Be sure to stand on the Ebisu Bridge and look at the river and the beautiful flashing signs on either side. This is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity or just to take a moment to drink in all the incredible imagery which Dotonburi is so famous for.

What to Eat?

Takoyaki

But there is one reason you probably came to Osaka: to eat, and Dotonburi is the place to do it. What’s great about Dotonburi is that all the food options here are small, unlike huge meals, so you can sample a myriad of Osaka’s culinary treasures in one night. The first stop on your food tour should be Takoyaki. 

This iconic ball-shaped delicacy is the most popular treat from Osaka. Made from an egg batter and filled with a juicy piece of octopus, the batter is then poured into round pans and shaped into adorable little balls. Then it’s covered in savoury sauce, mayo, pickled ginger and topped with bonito flakes. There are so many vendors, so just find the one with the biggest line (always a sign for the best food in Japan) and wait for your turn to dig in!

Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten

Next up is the famous Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten. This sign is one of the most popular photo spots in Osaka due to the 3-meter wide moving mechanical crab located on the front of the building. You can dine inside with views over the river, but you can also grab cheaper grilled crab legs right outside the entrance to the restaurant. They are not super cheap but juicy, sweet and incredibly fresh.

Osaka Ohsho

Next up is Gyoza at Osaka Ohsho. Once more, you’ll see giant versions of the gyoza plastered up on the front of the building as you enter. Ordering here is very simple since there is only one option (meat and chives), and you just need to tell them how many order’s you’d like. Get a seat at one of their tiny tables and dress your gyoza with their zingy sauces.xxxxxxx

Creoru Okonomiyaki

At the very end of Dontonburi is Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki where you can sample Osaka’s own version of okonomiyaki. Osaka differs in this dish by adding grated yam potato to the batter and not including noodles, as some Okonomiyaki in Tokyo and Hiroshima are made with. It is a simple and clean version due to the lack of carbs. It allows the sampling of many different filling combinations.

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Melon Bread Ice cream

After all these incredible savoury dishes, it’s time for something sweet. One of the most popular street sweets is freshly baked melon “pan” or melon bread filled with a giant scoop of ice cream. Despite the name, there is no melon inside. The crust pattern on top of the bread when it cooks gives it a melon-looking appearance, hence the name. The combination of the hot and cold is perfect for any day!

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Pablo Dotonbori

If you’re still craving something sweet, check out Pablo Dotonbori’s cheese tarts. These world-famous tarts are buttery, crispy and perfectly sweet. They often have a big line, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait. Various flavours exist, but the classic and the macha are fan favourites.

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Don Quixote Ferris Wheel

Don Quixote is a famous superstore across Japan. But the one in Osaka is even more popular because it has a giant, 77-meter-tall Ferris wheel on its exterior. Its bright red and yellow tracks and huge mascot characters on the facade made it a popular photo opportunity even though it went out of service years ago. But thanks to its fandom, it was recently renovated and reopened to the public. Take your chance now before it closes down again to jump in and experience stunning views across Dotonbori.

Space Station

End off your night with some retro fun at Space Station. This bar is filled with retro video games, cheap drinks and amazing company!

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Osaka is a city full of surprises and has a lot to offer visitors. With the help of this guide, you can make the most of your 24 hours in Osaka and experience the best of what the city has to offer. From traditional temples to delicious street food, there is something for everyone in Osaka. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and that you enjoy exploring this vibrant city.

The post Your ULTIMATE Guide to Exploring Osaka in 24 Hours first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

History

The Museum houses over 300 mechanical machines. It is one of the biggest private collection of antique arcade games in the world! These early examples of what would become would-be modern-day “video games” were just as innovative and exciting to the 19th-century audience as the virtual reality seems to us today. These machines brought the Victorians into a magical environment where their imagination could come alive and run amuck.

Access

To access the museum, take the Light Rail Line E or F to Jefferson St & Powell St station. You can walk the rest of the way towards Pier 45. The museum is located at the foot of Taylor Street along Fisherman’s Wharf.

Hours and Admission

Entry is free every day for everyone! Hours are:
Mon-Fri 10:00am-8:00pm
Sat-Sun 10:00am-8:00pm
Holidays 10:00am-8:00pm

• Just as a note, be aware that this isn’t your typical museum. It’s not shiny, or fancy or filled with flourishes. It’s a large warehouse filled with treasure. And what it lacks in polish, it more than excels in its pristine penny arcade.

To the generation before, these were the video games. Many visitors haven’t been here since childhood, but when they walk through that door, they are going back in time.

Dan Zelinsky, Museum Curator

The Machines

This old-school arcade has been lovingly repaired. Every machine on display still works today for anyone who drops a coin in the slot. Unlike many video arcades today, these games still only cost a quarter or two. When you enter, you can use their change dispenser to trade in your dollar bills for coins.

The various mechanical games include love testers, peep show viewers, Stereoscopes, fortune tellers, mechanical marionettes and an incredible, and rare, diorama from 1920 of a traveling carnival with a Ferris wheel, cotton candy maker, gazebo band and a myriad of other characters and attractions – all of which come to life with a simple drop of a coin.

Love-o-meters

These Love-o-meters are a wonderfully nostalgic piece of history that still survives today. Even now when I walk into an arcade, such as a Dave & Busters, there is still some interpretation of the “Love Tester” hanging on. These old love tester machines worked by measuring the moisture on someone’s hand. It then delivered a result based on that measurement.

Hundreds of different versions where produced and you can check out many different ones here at the museum. While we might understand the science behind these machines now, they’re still a fun game to play with your friends. It will either make your laugh or blush with embarrassment.

Fortune Tellers

Another traditional troupe of the Mechanical Arcade era are the Fortune Tellers. These vintage machines would give out a printed card with a prediction of the user’s fortune written on it. Depending on the complexity of the machine, the teller inside would sometimes move their arms, their eyes might flash, they might even talk and the lights inside would even twinkle and spark on and off to create an atmosphere of magic and mystery.

Probably the most famous incarnation of the fortune teller machine is from the movie ‘Big’ where Tom Hank’s character uses a Zoltar machine and it changes his fate forever. I think everyone, whenever they use one of these machines, wonders if the same thing will happen to them. 

Dioramas

The circus Diorama is one of the most impressive vintage machines in the collection. I put my single coin in the slot and the moment I did the entire scene came alive. The Ferris wheel began to spin, the band began to play, children danced in the street and lights lite up throughout the carnival. Absolutely wonderful.

Some of the more intriguing pieces in the museum are the morbid curiosity machines. The first is an animated scene with figurines depicting a French Execution. The second is a Stereoscope of the deadly 1906 Earthquake and fire. A stereoscope is a device which combines two photographs taken at different angles, which are viewed together, creating the impression of an image with depth and which is almost three dimensional.

Death was a great obsession during the Victorian era and their curiosities needed to be sated by using machines like these. They huddled around them to get a glimpse at what death and the afterlife might just be like. Although now they seem so antiquated, at the time they were a truly extraordinaire thing to see.

Other Stereoscopes found throughout the museum depict burlesque peep shows on varying themes. They are pretty tame, so no need to worry about bringing the kids, but one must imagine how shocking and titillating these machines must have been when they were first introduced. 

The most famous piece in the Museum is their ‘Laffing Sal’ – a TERRIFYING monster (well technically it’s a doll but that’s debatable) of a woman who laughs hysterically, rocks back and forth, waving her arms when activated. These machines were, surprisingly, mass-produced during the 1920s and early 1930s for amusement parks around America.

Although she might be a little scary, she was the first animated amusement park character and helped usher in an era of animated characters such as Walt Disney’s wonderful creatures.

There are also dozens of different games to be played. Early pinball machines, bowling games and shooting games were all very popular in the 1920s. These still work today and even a hundred years on are lots of fun.

This place is definitely worth a look so check them out at the new home along Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

The post Guide to the Musée Mécanique, San Francisco first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

1. Aston Lane

To start your visit to Glasgow’s West End, check out some of Scotland hippest shops and restaurants along the infamous Ashton Lane. Ashton Lane is a cobblestone backstreet in the West end lined with bars, restaurants and even a cinema. All of these places are housed in the old, brick houses that have stood on this street for ages. It’s iconic white painted brick houses with black roofs, and blackened cobblestones is a quintessential image of Glasgow and a must-stop spot for travellers. We stopped off at for the Grosvenor Cafe for a drink before settling on a place for lunch. We decided to grab a seat on the balcony to people watch. It was the perfect place for this. From up here you could see everyone coming and going below, and I imagined that at night it would be ever more a spectacle.

2. De Courcy’s Arcade

We continued down the lane and stopped in at a few vintage shops at De Courcy’s Arcade. There were so many things I wish I could have fit in my suitcase. I had my eye on an entire set of tea cups and saucers but knew; this would never make it back home in one piece. In the arcade, there were a few vintage shops along with a very sweet vintage tea room serving up some of the most delicious looking drinks we’d seen all day. But it was no time for cakes, well, not yet anyways.

3. Vintage Shopping

We stopped into a few more vintage shops on our way to our lunch destination. We ended up at ‘Starry Starry Night’ which was a delightful little store where specializing in pristine condition army jackets! They were a bit too heavy for our suitcase but if this has been our last destination we sure would have taken a few home for ourselves. I did buy a lovely embroidered piece of cloth. A tiny little souvenir of the store. There was an incredible amount of quality items here, and it turned out they were one of the stores that Downton Abbey frequented when looking for clothing for the show! We also stopped into ‘Ruthven Mews’. This little arcade which contained a few different vintage shops, some with fascinating specialisations. I poked around one store that was filled with old dishes and canisters. I found a very darling cookie tins and bought them for only a few bucks. They were perfect for travelling with as I used them to store my socks or small clothing!

5. Afternoon Tea at Kember & Jones

After shopping, we finally decided it was time to grab something to eat. We had our heart set on Kember & Jones, a delightful little bakery/cafe. Kember & Jones are popular for their local produce and in-house bakery.

We were dying for some a sweet and savoury meal so we opted to order their local cheese and charcuterie board along with a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and jam. It cream was like eating air, and the scone was heavenly fresh. One of the best I’d ever eaten. The cheese board was chock-o-block full of local cheese, fresh pate and homemade chutney. It was divine.

6. Used Book Shops

After filling our bellies to the point of bursting, we wandered through the street, stopping into all different shops on the way home. We stopped into on charity shop where I found a 1911 printing of Shakespeare’s Henry IV. It smelled wonderful; you know that old book smell that is beyond replication.

7. Oran Mor Pub

After a long walk, we stopped into the Oran Mor pub. The Oran Mor was a Kelvinside Parish Church was built in 1862 by J.J. Stevenson that has since been restored and turned into a bar, event and theatre space.

It was one of the coolest bars I’d even been to. The stained glass on the windows and the old wood on the floors were all original, and the place was brimming with history. Even the bar itself, which was a new installation felt lived in like it had been there for ages.

8. Glasgow Botanic Gardens

After having a drink in the pub, we headed off to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The gardens were created in 1817 and as such, the trees, flowers and even the building feel like it has been a part of the city for hundreds of years. When we arrived, the sun was out and shining, and the flowers in the garden simply glowed.

The most famous building in the gardens is the Kibble Palace. A 19th century wrought iron glasshouse. The building initially just an exhibition and concert venue but in the 1880’s it was turned into a greenhouse. For a city that doesn’t get the most warmth or sun, this place was an oasis for the people to visit when they needed a respite from the cold.

Inside the glass while the domed structure is bright green plants growing wild and yet restrained. Plants from all over the world have lived here for 120 years. We walked through the pathways like walking through a maze. Losing each other for moments and then seeing each other reappear around the bend. We sat down for a few minutes here and there to take a break from all the walking, and there wasn’t a perfect place to take a break.

9. The Hillhead Bookclub

After the gardens, and before heading home, we stopped off at the Hillhead Bookclub. The Book Club is a fun bar where patrons can play retro video games, ping-pong, board games and even order cocktails served up in a gramophone. Yes, you heard me right.

You can play Sonic the Hedgehog on old big box TVs, old gastronomic creations and play a myriad of old board games inside the dark and edgy interiors.

10. Old Salty’s

To finish off a tour of the West End of Glasgow, you need to end with Fish and Chips and ‘Old Salty’s’ is one of the best places to get it.

Don’t miss out on trying the macaroni pie. Whether you eat inside or get it for “take away” it’s the best way to end your day, or start it for that matter

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