If you’re wondering whether you actually need to rent a car, how safe driving is, or what to expect when driving in Puerto Rico, this guide will answer all those questions.

I’ve driven in Puerto Rico on four separate trips, including at night, during rainstorms, and in rural areas and overall, each time, I found it comparable to driving in many US cities, with minor differences.

Quick Answer: Is Driving in Puerto Rico Easy?

Yes – if you drive frequently and have no major issues at home, driving in Puerto Rico will be easy and doable for you. Having a car to yourself will allow you to explore more of the island and see places that tours or taxis won’t take you to.

Here’s what to generally expect:

• Most roads are well developed – you shouldn’t have problems getting from point A to point B, especially as a tourist visiting the more popular places
• Signs are comparable to US signs – many are in Spanish but you shouldn’t have issues understanding what they mean
• A US license is valid in PR – since Puerto Rico is a US territory, you won’t need an international license to rent a car
• Things to watch out for:
  • Drivers can be a little more aggressive
  • Potholes in more remote areas can be common
  • Weather can change quickly at times with rain sneaking up on you

Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

Renting a car when traveling might seem intimidating no matter where you travel. There are lots of things to consider: where to rent it, safety, navigation, parking, tolls, and road conditions. Below you’ll find my honest opinions on each of the topics based on the experiences I had in Puerto Rico after numerous rentals.

Do You Need a Car in Puerto Rico?

Well, that will depend on what you want to do on the island. If you’re coming on a cruise or are simply planning to stay in one area like San Juan or any bigger city, Ubers will be sufficient for you. There are also many arranged tours that can take you to popular spots like El Yunque Rainforest or neighboring island excursions. While public transportation is not Puerto Rico’s strongest suit, Uber is pretty developed and reasonably priced for shorter distances.

If you’re planning to explore the island, do things on your own schedule or get a more local, authentic experience, then you’re much better off renting a car.

Don’t know if you’ll be exploring many locations in Puerto Rico? Check out my full Puerto Rico itinerary to see what this beautiful island has to offer.

Uber pick-ups are clearly marked at the airport or you can easily pick up a car at the airport as well.

Best place to rent a car in Puerto Rico

For most travelers, the easiest rental pickup will be the airport in San Juan. They have many options for vendors, so choose the provider you trust the most.

I personally have rented with Hertz (4 times in Puerto Rico), and they have yet to fail me. One of my travel card perks is the Hertz Gold+, which allows me to pre-book a car in the app and simply picking it up in my assigned parking spot (picture above). It’s the easiest way without the need to wait in any counter lines. I have also rented the car in San Juan and dropped it off in Aguadilla (BQN) airport without any issues.

They’re quick to assist you, and their pricing is pretty fair compared to all others. And no, this is not a sponsored or a commission link; I simply find them very reliable and have never had a bad experience with this company in any country I have rented with them (15+ car rentals).

What type of car should you rent in Puerto rico?

Renting a normal-sized car (sedan) is more than sufficient when driving in Puerto Rico. Roads are pretty developed, and unless you’re doing some off-road trip, you will not need anything bigger.

Do you need insurance when renting a car?

You need insurance for any car rental. Whether that comes from your credit card or the car rental company is up to you. If you have a travel credit card like Capital One Venture, for example, check what type of coverage it includes. If you have primary coverage, use it for your rentals; it’s one of the biggest underrated perks your card has. Just make sure to decline the company’s offered insurance and book the on that specific card in order for it to be active.

Don’t let car companies bully you into insurance or tell you it’s not valid. It is valid and it will cover you if anything happens. However, if you have never used it before, make sure to confirm that your coverage includes.

I personally had an incident in Spain where someone broke into my rental car, smashed the window, and stole all of my belongings. My credit card insurance covered all the damages will all the proper paperwork (police report) and I had no issues with them. Just make sure to read the fine print of what your insurance entails or simply call your card benefits and ask.

If you’re nervous about your credit card options, there is also travel insurance that can include car rental insurance at an additional fee or you can simply choose it as an add-on with the company you are renting with.

Seasoned traveler tip: Whatever you choose as your option, do your homework before you come up to the rental desk so you know what route you’d like to go with. Those guys can be very pushy and pressure you into more coverage than you need. I personally had rental staff tell me that I would get arrested if I didn’t purchase their insurance 😂

Can you drive in puerto rico with a uS license?

If you’re from the U.S., you can drive in Puerto Rico with your normal U.S. driver’s license.

What Driving in Puerto Rico Is Actually Like

Is It Safe to Drive in Puerto Rico?

Generally, driving in Puerto Rico is safe, and there is no reason to be afraid to drive there if you’re a regular driver. With that said, you have to use the same amount of caution you normally use anywhere else.

I personally felt safe driving during the day, at night, in the mountains, and on the highways. My driving experience was a lot different in the Dominican Republic, just to compare, where I did not feel that same confidence.

Highways vs. Local roads

Puerto Rico has highways that feel similar to US highways, multiple lanes, exits, and clear signage. Drivers are fine but you can get an occasional crazy one. Signage is clear and most destinations are reachable via main roads.

Local roads vary. If you’re going in the middle of the island, you’ll encounter a lot of windy roads that can make you car sick. They also get much narrower than the highways. For the most part, they’re pretty easy to drive on, but watch out for potholes, animals or people in the road. Speed bumps or “muertos” can be a little intense so be on the lookout for them as well.

Tolls in Puerto Rico (AutoExpreso Explained)

On the highways, you’ll encounter AutoExpreso or toll roads. They are very similar to an “EZPass” system, charged via a little device instead of a cash toll booth payment. You can avoid them by taking more local routes, but those can be much longer in distance. The tolls themselves are not that expensive so my advice would be just to pay them, especially if you have limited time on the island.

If you have a rental car, ask the company how they’re charging the tolls.

A lot of companies will propose the pay-per-day unlimited system, but I find that to be a waste. For most tourists, you won’t be driving multiple toll roads per day, so you won’t need that. Instead, ask if you can simply pay as you go and get charged at the end for all the tolls you have accrued. This is the option I have repeatedly chosen with Hertz, and it ended up being the most economical choice for me.

Best Navigation Apps for Puerto Rico (Google Maps vs Waze)

Navigating the roads should be fairly easy with all the modern tools we have on our phones. Simply use Waze for real-time driving updates with traffic, accidents, police checks etc. If you don’t like Waze, Google Maps is just as good in 2026 too.

No matter which tool you choose, I’d recommend downloading an offline map in case you lose service. And you can lose service in the mountains very easily. And don’t forget your car phone charge either!

Driving Rules in Puerto Rico

Most rules will be similar to those in the US. The main difference that people might not be used to is that red lights can be treated as stop signs between 12 am and 5 am.

Other than that, these are the main things to know:

• Speed limits exist – 55-65 mph on highways & 25-35 on more local roads
  • This doesn’t mean people won’t speed past you on the road 🙂
• Don’t drive in the left lane – let people pass you
• You can turn right on red unless posted otherwise
• No drinking and driving – 0.08 is the limit as it is in the US
• Seatbelts are mandatory
• No phone usage
• Some signs are in Spanish:
  • Pare = Stop
  • Desvío = Detour
  • Salida = Exit
  • Velocidad = Speed
  • Ceda el paso = Yield

Parking in Puerto Rico (San Juan + Beach Areas)

Parking can be stressful, especially on narrow streets in San Juan. There is limited street parking, lots of people walking around, and signage that might be confusing. My biggest tip for parking in San Juan is to get into a garage and walk to wherever is that you’re going. The city is not that big, and having peace of mind is more important than trying to squeeze into a tight spot. For example, there are a couple of garages on Recinto Sur which give you a central location for walking the city.

If I were only staying in San Juan and not venturing out much, I wouldn’t rent a car, as Ubers are abundant and cheap. I only rent one if I know I will be exploring a lot outside of the city itself.

Parking near the beaches is mostly straightforward. You can either park in a designated spot, a paid lot or near the side of the road if allowed.

No matter where you park, make sure not to leave any valuables in the car or anything else that can call attention to petty theft.

Gas Stations in Puerto Rico: What to Expect

As someone who grew up in New Jersey and very rarely pumps their own gas, I always stress about gas stations in other places. Puerto Rico’s gas stations can function a little differently than what you’re used to, but it’s more than manageable.

Stations closer to the airport can have an attendant help you out, but it’s not the case for most. Since you can’t always pay at the pump, you’ll need to pay inside. First, you’ll choose your pump, look at the number on it, go inside, and tell the cashier how much you want on that specific pump. You’ll say “$20 on pump 7” for example, and you’re all done. You might have to leave your card in there if you’re filling up.

The prices are shown in liters, not gallons, so make sure you know that. As of 2026, gas prices are under ~$1 per liter at 3.8 liters in a gallon, which is around ~$3.5 to $3.8 per gallon.

Vocabulary to be aware of at the gas station:

• La gasolinera – gas station
• Pagar – pay
• Tarjeta – card
• La bomba – pump
• Llenar el tanque – fill up the tank

Remember to fill up your tank completely before you return your rental car to avoid crazy refueling fees.

In terms of gas station scams, which are common in the world, I didn’t hear or hear about anything unusual that happens in Puerto Rico. Simply follow general safety rules: if someone is filling your tank, check that they zeroed it out. If someone is too friendly and eager to help you at the pump, be cautious and don’t fill up your tank in the middle of the night alone.

What to do if you get pulled over

If you’re following the rules, there is no reason for you to get pulled over. In case you do, do as you would back at home: stay calm, be respectful, and follow instructions. If you’re renting a car, keep your rental paperwork accessible.

What to do in case of damage to your car rental

Shit does happen, so if it does, make sure you’re aware of what to do next.

I had two incidents with rental cars: one was a robbery where the car window was smashed and all my belongings were stolen from inside the car in Spain (a lesson to never ever leave your valuables in a visible view), and the second incident was car damage in Mexico.

Both times I followed the simple steps below and have gotten reimbursed by my credit card travel insurance.

• First, as easy as it sounds, stay calm. Things happen and you need to be clear-headed to figure everything out.
• Take photos – make sure to have all the videos and photos that you will later submit to your insurance company.
• Contact the rental company ASAP – they will likely arrange your towing or if you can drive the car, you’ll have to go pick up a new one.
• Contact the police – You will need to have a police report to submit to your insurance company.
• You will figure it out! – You’re certainly not the first person to cause damage to a rental car or get robbed. This is why having insurance is important.

Final Thoughts: My Best Advice for Driving in Puerto Rico

If you’re debating whether you should rent a car in Puerto Rico, don’t be nervous. If reading this article reassured you about everything you need to do and didn’t give you anxiety, then renting a car sounds like a good option for you.

If reading this gave more travel anxiety than you had before, maybe reconsider your choice. If you’re not planning to venture out too much out of your base, you will be fine with Uber and tour transportation, too.

Don’t be too confident, know what you’re getting yourself into, and most importantly, enjoy your vacation.

And once you get comfortable behind the wheel, Puerto Rico becomes the kind of place where a “quick drive” turns into the best part of your day.

While planning my trip, I was surprised to find fewer detailed resources than expected. Now that I’ve experienced it firsthand, I’m here to share all my tips and lessons for your first visit to Sardinia.

Whether you’ve just discovered this incredible destination or it’s been sitting on your travel wish list for years, this 4 Day Sardinia Itinerary (focused on the island’s northern coast) will help you with your planning. You’ll get real advice on where to stay, what to do, and most importantly, a ready-to-use 4-day plan for your unforgettable Sardinia adventure.

In this post you’ll find:

• A day-by-day itinerary for the Northern Sardinia region
• Recommendations on where to stay and eat while visiting Sardinia
• The best beaches, towns, and inland spots to visit
• What activities should you do on the island

Logistics of Visiting Sardinia

How many days are enough to explore Sardinia?

Sardinia is a pretty large island, so if you want to see all of it, you’ll need around 10 days. However, if you’re just focusing on one part, like North or South, up to 5 days is plenty. It really depends on how much of the island you’d like to see.

Since this blog is all about PTO friendly travel, I planned a 4-day Sardinia itinerary, and I found it more than enough to get the gist of the island.

What are the best airports to arrive in Sardinia?

For Airports: in the North, you have Olbia on the east side and Alghero on the west. In the south, you have Cagliari. There is no best airport to arrive, it just depends on where you are coming from and which side of the island you want to see. Note that you can drive from Olbia to Alghero but driving from the south to the north will be more challenging.

Ferries: Sardinia is connected to Italy, France, and Spain by multiple routes, with prices ranging from around €35 to €200 depending on the season and route. Crossings can take anywhere from 5 hours to 12+ hours. Ferries can be a great option if airfare is high during peak summer months, and they allow you to bring your own car for exploring the island.

What’s the best base location for a Sardinia trip: Olbia, Alghero or Cagliari?

Each area of the island offers something different, so the best base depends on what you want to do. The key tip, especially if you’re only staying for 4 days, is to pick one base. Trying to see the entire island in under a week will be exhausting and cut into your time actually enjoying it.

Other parts of the island include Cagliari – southern part and Alghero – north west part. While you won’t go wrong with choosing those for your bases, in my opinion, starting in the north east is your best bet as a first-time visitor.

For first-time visitors, I recommend the cities around Olbia (I personally wouldn’t stay in Olbia itself, the city was very underwhelming for me) and the surrounding region. It’s close to some of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, scenic drives, and the La Maddalena Archipelago, all within a reasonable distance for day trips.

Some city suggestions include:

• San Teodoro – my top pick
• Palau – more north, good base for Maddalena Islands
• Orosei – more south, good base for Costa Smeralda exploring

Here are some hotels in the area based on your budget:

Do I need a car for a Sardinia itinerary?

Yes, you absolutely need a car in Sardinia and don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. Public transport is almost non-existent, and taxis/ride shares are super expensive.

Before my trip, I heard horror stories about local car rental companies, but I ended up having a fantastic experience with Italy Car Rent company, which I found on Do You Italy website. Seriously, not sponsored. Just an honest, amazing experience.

Driving isn’t so bad on the island. Some roads are narrower than others, and I even drove on a couple of dirt ones, but overall it wasn’t a negative experience.

When renting a car in Sardinia, make sure to take very detailed pictures and videos of the car at pick-up. They’re known for being picky and annoying about extra charges.

When is the best time of year to visit Sardinia?

The best time to visit Sardinia will be June – September.

People will tell you the best time is shoulder season because you’ll miss the crowds and avoid peak prices. I visited in the last week of May and while it was less crowded and cheaper, I don’t feel like I got to experience Sardinia fully. The water was cold, making it a challenge to enjoy the beaches. Places were also on more restrictive schedules, so planning everything was a little more challenging as well.

Is Sardinia expensive?

Yes, Sardinia can be pretty expensive. Between the hotel, flights, meals and drink, the four days were pretty pricey for two people.

• Good hotels can easily be cost $200-$300 per night
• Drinks – ~ 10-20 euros
• Dinners – ~ 30 euros per person
• Excursions – ~100-150 euros per person

Is Sardinia Worth Visiting?

Sardinia has gotten a lot of hype on social media lately. If you ask me, aside from the stunning beaches, I found Sardinia to be just ok. Having been to a ton of European islands, based on everything I have seen and read prior, I had much higher expectations for this so-called paradise.

So is Sardinia worth visiting? Yes, but taper your expectations.

4-Day Sardinia Itinerary

Day 1: Beaches & Dinner on the Costa Smeralda

Morning – Beach Time

For your first day, make sure to start with what Sardinia is truly known for: its stunning beaches. Leave as early as you can because these will fill up quickly. Expect to pay parking fees, and if you want to rent loungers, those prices can also run pretty steep. My advice is to pick one or two

• Spiaggia del Principe: famous for its crescent of white sand and crystal water
• Capriccioli: family-friendly with calm, shallow waters
• Liscia Ruja: one of the largest beaches, ideal if you prefer more space
• di Rena Bianca: another crystal clear water beach with white sand

Late Afternoon – Porto Cervo

If you’re not an all-day beach lounger, head over to Porto Cervo to wander around Sardinia’s luxury capital. Walk the marina, admire the yachts, and browse designer shops. It’s a beautiful little town worth a nice stroll.

Dinner

There are a ton of restaurants on the island, some examples include:

• Punta Baja (Baia Sardinia): Chic dinner spot right on the beach, with sunset views.
• La Rocca Beach Restaurant (Arzachena): Fine dining with a coastal view.
• Bacchus Ristorante (Olbia): sardinian dining in town
• Mamabeach (Olbia): Beachfront restaurant, a little chain-y vibe but I enjoyed the meal there a lot

Day 2: La Maddalena Islands Tour

Morning – La Maddalena

La Maddalena is a small island town and the gateway to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, a collection of granite islands and turquoise lagoons off Sardinia’s northeast coast. They are famous for their Caribbean-like waters, hidden coves, and pink-sand beaches.

The main island of La Maddalena itself has a charming historic town with pastel-colored houses, cobblestone lanes, and waterfront cafés. A scenic Panoramica Drive loops the island, offering stunning viewpoints over the sea and smaller islets. Together, the archipelago is one of the most breathtaking highlights of Northern Sardinia.

You have a couple of options to see it:

• You can drive to Palau (~50 min from Olbia) and take the ferry to La Maddalena. There you can explore the island or book a tour that leaves from there.
• If you don’t want to explore the island itself, instead, book a full-day boat tour covering the main highlights: Spargi, Budelli’s pink beach, and Cala Coticcio. These tours are standard boat tours with lunch included and multiple swimming spots.

I personally did option two and loved just spending the day on the water, eating fresh pasta and drinking Aperol Spritzs 🙂

Afternoon/Evening – Explore Palau

If you have time after your boat tour, consider exploring the small yet charming town of Palau. There are multiple restaurants, gelato spots, and boutiques for you to stroll around and enjoy.

Dinner Options in Palau:

• Elegant & Seafood-Focused: La Gritta – a refined dining experience with scenic coastal views and expert culinary execution.
• Authentic and Local: Da Robertino – home-style Sardinian cooking with genuine flavor in a down-to-earth setting.
• Casual & Crowd-Pleasing: Il Ghiottone – well-loved by locals for its traditional dishes and welcoming vibes.
• Chill and Scenic: Rupi’s Chilling Out – beach vibes, sunset views, and relaxed plates make this a great spot after a day on the water.

Day 3: San Teodoro Boat Tour

Morning & Afternoon – San Teodoro & Boat Excursion

This was by fr my favorite activity on the entire island visit. San Teodoro is about 20-30 min south from Olbia. It’s a small beach town with stunning views and a lively atmosphere.

The best part of that area are the boat tours you can take. We opted for this amazing half-day dinghy tour that I found on Airbnb experiences. We had a small group, making it very personal and special, so if you can, book a private tour for the best experience. We got bubbly, drone footage and enjoyed a crisp dip in the ocean.

There are many more options on Viator if you prefer a bigger tour too.

Afternoon Beach Time Near san teodoro

If you have some time after your boat excursion, head over to Cala Brandinichi. It’s a long beach with tons of parking and little amenities like chairs and snack booths. It’s a long crescent-shaped beach with lots of people, but it’s perfect for an afternoon dip.

Dinner Time in town

San Teodoro has such a fun mix of beachy, casual spots and cute places, so you’re guaranteed to find something you like.

• Ristorante Da Nardino – One of the most well-known spots in town for seafood, pasta, and a classic Sardinia dinner vibe
• Bal Harbour – Trendy, spot with a poolside setting that’s great for dinner + drinks (especially in summer).
• Il Mangiatutto – Casual and super popular for pizza + seafood in a lively, laid-back atmosphere.
• Ristorante Da Silvio – A solid choice if you want a more traditional sit-down dinner with a menu that covers everything from pasta to seafood.
• Ambra Day – Fun, lively option that feels like dinner and a night out (perfect if you want energy + cocktails).

Day 4: winery and agriturismo Dinner

Morning – Winery Experience in Sardinia

If you want a slower, more elevated final day in Sardinia, a winery visit is the perfect choice. Northern Sardinia is known for Vermentino di Gallura, and many wineries near Olbia offer tastings with beautiful countryside views, local pairings, and that relaxed vacation energy. This is also a great option if you want something scenic without committing to another beach day.

Some options for your visit include:

1. Vigne Surrau (Arzachena)
2. Tenute Olbios (Olbia)
3. Cantina del Vermentino di Monti (Monti)

Afternoon/Early Evening – Best Dinner of Your Life

In Sardinia, you need to do an agriturismo-style dinner at least once in Sardinia. These dinners are usually multi-course and super traditional, where you get to try many local dishes. It’s one of the best ways to experience Sardinia beyond the beach, and it makes the perfect “final night” moment.

I visited Agriturismo Cabu Abbas (near Olbia) and loved everything about it. While driving there was a little scary (up a hill on a dirt road), I would drive up there 10 more times to experience that dinner.

Top Multi-Course Dinner Spots Near Olbia

1. Agriturismo Stazzu Li Paladini (Olbia)
2. Ristorante Lu Stazzu (Arzachena)
3. Stazzo Cuncosu (Arzachena area)
4. Agriturismo La Cerra (Tempio Pausania)
5. Agriturismo Li Mori (San Teodoro area)

Final Thoughts on Sardinia

Sardinia is a beautiful island with a ton to offer. If I had to do it again, I would choose a different base compared to where I stayed and visited later in the season, rather than being there in May. While the island gets a reputation for being the perfect party island for the rich and famous, I believe a “normal” traveler can experience it as well.

Know what to expect, do some basic research and enjoy your perfect Italian summer with a spritz in your hand 🙂

With that said, I bring you an awesomely planned out 4-day Ibiza itinerary that’s a mix of beautiful places, beaches, and great food. I did sprinkle a night of clubbing in there in case you’re tempted but no worries, this itinerary is not centered around partying.

Vamos a Eivissa!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post.

want a copy of the Ibiza Itinerary for the road?

Quick Logistics Of Traveling To Ibiza

Before embarking on your full Ibiza itinerary, here are some things you should know before traveling there. Knowing all the logistics and what to generally expect, will make your trip a lot less stressful on arrival.

Can you go to ibiza without partying?

Ibiza has a reputation for being a huge party destination. People go to experience the infamous club atmosphere and live the hype. Is that all Ibiza is good for then? No! It is SO much more than the handful of clubs so if that’s your concern, don’t worry, there is plenty to do outside the club scene. And you’ll have more than enough to do to explore Ibiza in 4 or even 10 days.

While I do recommend a night of dancing in a sweaty club, one is all you’ll need (unless you’re a 21-year-old stepping into one for the first time 🙂 ). And to be completely honest, if you’re past the age of 30 and have done some partying in your life, Ibiza won’t impress you as much as you think it will. The music is great that’s for sure, but 25 euro drinks, 60 euro entrance fees, and a ton of drunk teenagers won’t be the highlight of your Ibiza adventures at that age.

Curious about another party island? Check out my Mykonos post.

How to get to Ibiza?

There are a couple of ways to get to the island. In the summer, Ibiza has a good amount of direct flights from most major airports in Europe. Book as early as you can because you’ll be able to snag a $30 flight compared to $200 closer to the season.

The second way to get to Ibiza is by booking a ferry from mainland Spain in Barcelona, Valencia or Denia or connecting islands like Mallorca or Formentera. They won’t be very cheap but are a good option if you’re nearby.

And if you’re coming from Spain don’t forget to check out my Week in Spain Itinerary or if you want to explore another Spain island, consider Tenerife.

Where to stay in Ibiza?

Choose an area based on how you want to experience Ibiza

I’d recommend choosing where to stay based on what you want to prioritize on the island. The southern part of the island is close to the airport and the ferry the Formentera and in my opinion is generally nicer to stay in.

If you want to party, Sant Jordi/Playa d’en Bossa has clubs like Ushuaia or HI. I recommend staying in Ibiza Town which is close to the clubs and will also give you everything you need: great restaurants, a transport hub, and activities. I also really loved Santa Eularia, a much more quiet but cute beach town close to Ibiza town (20 mins).

In the north, you have another major city Sant Antoni. I stayed there for a night and explored some northern points but I can’t say I loved it as much as the southern end. The amount of drunk teenagers at bachelor parties didn’t appeal to me.

Here are some hotel recommendations for Ibiza Town as that would be my top area to stay in:

Should you stay at a party hotel?

Party hotels in Ibiza are another level. So if you want to party from your balcony at Ushuaia or Hard Rock you’re in for nights of no sleep. Would I stay at one of those? Probably not but if I were looking for the ultimate Ibiza party experience that’s what I would do.

Note that these Ibiza party hotels are PRICEY. Especially during high season, you will be paying a ton of money to stay there but you will get an unmatched experience when it comes to being in the heart of an Ibiza party. Another option I’d recommend if the stay seems too hardcore is to stay in a quieter hotel next door which will allow you to party on your terms.

I stayed at Fergus Style Bahamas next door to Ushuaia and enjoyed my beachfront room. When I booked it I didn’t realize it was a resort but it ended up being a very nice relaxing spot.

Navigating the Island

The best way to navigate Ibiza is to rent a car. It’s easy and gives you so much more freedom to explore the island on your own terms. I rented with Click&Rent and had an ok experience. The rental place was located a 5-minute shuttle ride to the airport and they were fairly quick on getting me the car. The only complaint is that they made me get an international driver’s license on the spot for an extra fee which is something I never had to get before in Europe. Note that you can easily get them at the local AAA office.

I personally always book through rentalcars.com because of their variety of vendors and great prices.

Best Time to Visit Ibiza

The best time to visit the island is without a doubt summer as the atmosphere picks up with the warmer weather. The island is also highly seasonal so visiting outside it, a lot of places and activities will be closed. However, as in any high season, visiting in peak July or August will come with super high temperatures and many tourists. If you don’t mind a slightly colder water, May or September will be much better for your visit.

Random Info

• Ibiza is expensive. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of money on the island.
• If you’ve seen the videos of Ibiza Airport and passed-out 20-year-olds on the floor from all the partying, I can vouch for that indeed that is a true sight 🙂
• Ibiza is so much more than drunk Europeans clubbing if you go to the right places.
• The food is amazing on the island. I don’t think I ate at one bad place.

Now Let’s Get to the Awesome 4-Day Ibiza Itinerary

As I mentioned above, I stayed in Playa d’en Bossa for the first half of my trip and then made my way over to Sant Antoni for the second part. I always build my itineraries in the best way I think you should visit a place so I won’t recommend doing exactly what I did.

I’d simply rather stay in or near Ibiza Town and use it as my base for exploring. The itinerary below will be based on staying in Ibiza Town but also having a rental car. Without a rental car, it will be difficult to see everything on the island.

Day 1: Beach, Food and Sunsets

Morning: Beach & Lunch

There is nothing better than starting your Ibiza vacation on a beach. For your first day of your 4 day Ibiza itinerary, I recommend picking a beach or two and making a drive to spend your whole day doing nothing, but lounging in the Ibiza sun and having a beachfront meal at whichever spot you chose from below. Here are some ideas for your beach day, from closest to furthest to Ibiza Town:

• Platja de Ses Figueretes: This gem of a beach is conveniently close to Ibiza Old Town, approximately a 10-minute drive. This urban beach has a mix of fine sand and rocky areas. Its main perk is its proximity to the town, making it easily accessible for a quick beach day. But note that because of its closeness to town, it will be busy and it probably won’t be the nicest beach on the island. There are beachfront bars and restaurants serving a variety of dishes, perfect for a casual meal with a sea view. While there, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade and explore the nearby shops.
• Bossa Beach: Bossa Beach, located just south of Ibiza Old Town, is famous for its proximity to popular beach clubs. It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Bossa Beach by car. Again, don’t expect breathtaking views here but it is still a very nice way to enjoy a day at the beach. I stayed near it and enjoyed it. The main attraction here is the energetic beach scene with music, water sports, and beach parties. Numerous beachfront bars and restaurants line the shore, offering a mix of cuisines but I personally loved Ammos right on the beach.
• Cala Tarida: Cala Tarida is a beach situated about 20 minutes southwest of Ibiza Old Town. Known for its soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the sea. It’s known for the calm and clear Mediterranean, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are some beachfront restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, making it convenient for a beachside lunch. I’d rent a sunbed and umbrella for added comfort, and explore the nearby coves for a more secluded experience. This spot will certainly be a lot nice compared the beaches closer to town.
• Platges de Comte: Located approximately 25 minutes southwest of Ibiza Old Town by car, this beach offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The main attraction here is the vibrant and colorful sunset, making it a popular spot for evening gatherings. There are several beachfront bars and restaurants where you can enjoy drinks and seafood while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot for sunset viewing, and consider bringing a picnic for a cozy beach experience.

Afternoon: Sunsets & Dinner

For the evening part of the day, head over to the famous Cala D’Hort for sunset to see the stunning Es Verda Rock. Cala d’Hort, located about 35 minutes southwest of Ibiza Old Town, is celebrated for its iconic view of the mysterious Es Vedrà. This limestone outcrop stands as one of the most recognized landmarks. Beyond its picturesque beauty, Es Vedrà holds spiritual significance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking inspiration and a connection to the island’s unique charm. Whether viewed from the shore or explored up close, the island promises a journey into the heart of Ibiza’s intriguing mystique. I’d recommend heading there for sunset to enjoy its magic.

After sunset, head to Ibiza Town for a nice meal. Some places known for its quality are:

• La Bodega: Tucked away in the charming streets of Old Town, La Bodega is a culinary gem known for its authentic Spanish tapas. This cozy restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu of small, flavorful dishes.
• Ses Taules: Nestled in the heart of Dalt Vila, Ses Taules is a charming restaurant specializing in Mediterranean and Ibizan cuisine. Known for its picturesque courtyard setting and historic surroundings, it serves up dishes inspired by the island’s rich culinary traditions.
• Callas Ibiza: Situated in the heart of Old Town, Can Terra is a beloved restaurant known for its exceptional Italian cuisine. It’s a perfect spot in the heart of Ibiza’s historic center.
• La Oliva: La Oliva is a charming restaurant located centrally in Old Town, celebrated for its Mediterranean and Ibizan-inspired dishes. This intimate eatery boasts a cozy courtyard and a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients.
• Bar 1805: Don’t forget to grab a nightcap at this gem which also serves some delicious French bites!

Day 2: Towns, Markets & Nightlife

Ibiza Old Town: Dalt Vila

Start of your day at a cute cafe in the heart of Ibiza. Croissant Show has freshly baked pastries, hearty omelets, and Mediterranean-inspired options while enjoying the atmosphere of the old streets. Passion Café is a popular Old Town spot offering organic and plant-based breakfast choices, from smoothie bowls to avocado dishes, in a trendy setting. Lastly Cafe Sidney has a cozy ambiance for a breakfast featuring fluffy pancakes, Spanish-style tortillas, and sandwiches.

After getting a good breakfast, it’s time to explore the Old Town or Dalt Vila. There is no solid Ibiza itinerary without exploring this part of the island. Start your adventure at the grand Portal de Ses Taules – the front door to this fortified gem, holding the key to centuries of historical significance. As you stroll through the charming Dalt Vila alleys, exploring gems like Plaza de la Vila and the Santa Maria Cathedral, take note of its medieval vibe and UNESCO World Heritage status.

Next, climb up to the historic fortress for epic views that once protected the city against pirates, and then head down to Sa Penya, the artsy quarter, where every corner exudes the essence of Ibiza’s cultural tapestry. Continue your day at Plaça del Sol, surrounded by local life, all while shopping for unique finds at all the local shops.

I love to call myself a “port-gal” because there is just something about the port atmosphere that makes my heart happy. So for lunch I’d recommend having a meal right in the heart of the Ibiza Marina at Calma. It serves Mediterranean cuisine and won’t disappoint.

Afternoon visit to Santa Eularia and/Or Hippie Market

For the afternoon, head over to Santa Eularia des Riu, a cute down a short 20 min drive from Ibiza. It’s a gorgeous little down to enjoy a stroll through. While it is recommended on a lot of guides, I kind of stumbled upon it by accident while driving through it. There are many outdoor cafes and a cozy beach promenade which is great for people watching!

Another great attraction on the island is the Hippy Market. I mean did you even go to Ibiza if you didn’t visit one? Are they touristy? Yes. Are they cute? Yes. Would I recommend visiting one? Yes. There are a bunch of them throughout the island depending on the day of the week so check out this page for the schedule.

Evening: Pre-party siesta & a little bit of partying

Since you probably had a very long day, don’t forget to snatch a siesta before embarking on a night adventure. And don’t worry, Ibiza parties don’t start until 1am or so, so you’ll have plenty of time to rest.

Now party time.

Although this is not an Ibiza party guide, I would at least check out one club on your Ibiza Itinerary so you can experience what the hype is all about. Ibiza is known for its wild party scene and there is bound to be an event somewhere. The biggest DJs will come flying in for the summer with a lot of residency shows. Expect drinks to be 20 euros plus and entry tickets varying from 30ish euro to 100+ for bigger names.

Here is a quick list of all the most famous Ibiza clubs:

• Pacha: This spot does not need an introduction. It is by far one of the most known clubs in the world and it’s a total experience to party there.
• HI Ibiza: A newer kid on the block but rated ads the best club in the world. I mean …
• Ushuaia: A club and a hotel is a place located in Playa d’en Bossa. It brings pretty big names during the summer.
• San Antonio has clubs like Eden or Ibiza Rocks but having stayed in San Antonio, I wouldn’t recommend it. The sheer amount of drunk British teenagers wasn’t for me.

There are honestly at least a dozen more party spots on the island. I’d simply choose a place based on who’s playing where. As I mentioned earlier, the party starts after midnight and headliners won’t come on until 3 am or so. If you’re a retired 30+-year-old partier like myself, make sure you chug a couple of Red Bulls before your night out. Or pay 15 euros for one inside a club. Oh and don’t be that guy to buy anything tempting from people outside the club.

Day 3: Relax & Beach or Activity!

I choose relaxing

The past two days have been busy for you so I want you to take a step back and make sure to spend the day relaxing on your vacation as well. Whether that’s taking a break on your hotel lounger or taking a scenic drive across the island to another beach, don’t miss out on enjoying a true island day.

We visited Cala Saladeta close to Sant Antoni, a gorgeous beach with a small hike to get there. It was beyond stunning so I’d highly recommend taking the 30 min drive from Old Town to see it. While there you can also explore the city of Sant Antoni.

Second place we drove to was Cala de Sant Vincent which is a small beach town with amazing waterfront restaurants. While there, check out The Boat House for lunch. Honestly, that restaurant alone is worth the drive.

I Choose Activity

If your explorer brain won’t let you relax for the day (don’t worry I’m like that too 🙂 ) then I recommend choosing a fun activity on the island. Here are some cool ideas for the day:

• Snorkeling and Cave Tour – A 3-hour tour that leaves from Sant Antoni. It includes snorkeling gear and cave exploration in the nearby calas of Ibiza.
• Beach Hopping on Catamaran – I mean who doesn’t want to spend half a day hopping beautiful beaches in the Southern part of the island?
• Old Town Food Tour – If the weather is messing with your perfect Ibiza beach day, book an in-town food tour instead.
• Have a Professional Photo Shoot – No shame in wanting to get that perfect Insta shot! Better yet when a professional does it 🙂

Day 4: Boat Day to formentera

On your last day, head to Formentera, a stunning island located a short 30-min boat trip from Ibiza. I highly regret not going like I planned. Let’s just say that getting sick on vacation is never fun. However, I won’t let you miss out on this amazing destination!

There are a couple of ways to reach this small island. First you can simply take a ferry from Ibiza Town Port to La Savina Port with numerous daily departures. Second, if you’re traveling with a group of friends, it might be worth to book a private boat to get you there.

Formentera Highlights

The best way to travel around the island is by renting a scooter for the day. Or if you’re lazy simply walk from the port to a beach and enjoy spending the day in the sun. Some top highlights include:

• Playa de Ses Illetes: The poster child of Formentera beaches in the north part of the island.Make sure not to miss these crystal clear baby blue waters. It’s true Spain paradise.
• Playa de Migjorn: On the south end, you’ll find another beauty to explore.
• Various Markets: Sant Ferran, La Mola or La Savina are located throughout the island.

map for your 4-day ibiza itinerary

In this post, I’ll talk about how to increase your chances of getting Tomorrowland tickets, what to expect from the festival, what to bring with you and how to make the most out of it. I will try to cover everything that I researched prior to the event and everything I wish I had done differently as well.

While Tomorrowland isn’t coming up until July, you’ll have to start thinking about all the logistics way ahead. Pre-sale and tickets come out for sale in the winter, usually in January with pre-registration starting in December. With all that said, let’s get to all the logistics necessary for your optimal Tomorrowland experience!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. 🙂

Things to know before Attending Tomorrowland

What is Tomorrowland?

If you’re reading this post, you probably already know what Tomorrowland is, but if you’re just stumbling upon this post, let me give you a brief introduction to this event.

Tomorrowland is an annual electronic music festival that takes place over the the last two weekends of July, in Boom, Belgium, right outside of Brussels. At first, it started as a small local festival in 2005 and grew into an event that draws crowds from all over the world. In 2024, over 400,000 people attended during both weekends!

The festival has the most famous DJs from all types of electronic music sub-genres. There are 14 stages each uniquely decorated, with the Mainstage being the biggest and most artistically popular. The Tomorrowland grounds include a beautiful set-up, entertainment, food, but most importantly, an amazing vibe from the people coming together.

How to get Tomorrowland tickets?

Before we get into the guide and logistics of what Tomorrowland entails, let’s talk about how to get Tomorrowland tickets. Everyone who plans on going to Tomorrowland dreads this day the most, as they sell out extremely fast. I’m not even going to lie, it’s hard, like REALLY hard to get Tomorrowland tickets, however, it is not impossible. There really isn’t a magic formula to get them so you have to be really prepared in to increase your chances of getting them.

First and foremost, pre-register on the Tomorrowland website so you’ll get all the major announcements regarding ticket sales. Although the timelines are very similar every year, you will need to keep track of all the dates. And yes, you’ll be buying tickets 6-7 months in advance!

Tomorrowland Ticket Sales:

No matter which ticket packages you choose, the purchasing process is the same. You will log into your account at the designated time and wait in a virtual queue until the system allows you to enter the purchasing portal. You cannot have multiple browser windows open as it will kick you out. I imagine this is only getting to get more competitive and complex as the festival keeps on growing each year.

In my experience even during pre-sale, I did not even get into the purchasing stage as everything sold out within 20 minutes of me being online 😉

Here is what you need to know about the different types of Tomorrowland ticket sales:

• Global Journey Sale opens before any other sales. This involves purchasing a whole package including transport and accommodations along with your tickets. It will be the most expensive option but also your best chance of getting tickets.
• The Pre-Sale starts the weekend before the actual global sale so you’ll want to access that before the general worldwide dates. You will need to register for it in order to access it. In 2023, this took place the last weekend of January.
• The General Sale will happen a week after so if you don’t get tickets in pre-sale, you’ll be able to try again during this time.
• The Waitlist happens after everything sells out. This is your last chance to get tickets closer to the festival date as some extra tickets get released. It’s the most risky too as you won’t know if you can attend until pretty much last minute. If you’re traveling internationally, I don’t recommend banking on this.
• Resell Tickets are pretty available on all the major ticket platforms BUT officially Tomorrowland doesn’t allow for this. I personally wouldn’t take the risk of getting these as you’ll hear of multiple accounts of people being scammed.

Types of Tomorrowland Tickets

Generally there 4 types of Tomorrowland Tickets: Day Passes, Full Madness (Weekend Pass), Dreamville, and Global Journey. I would highly recommend getting Full Madness or Global Journey as going to the festival for 1 day is simply not enough to experience it.

Day Passes and Full Madness Tomorrowland tickets cost between $125-160 for day passes and $300-$375 for weekend passes depending on which sale you purchase them on. Comfort tickets (VIP) are slightly more expensive and include access to blocked-off areas that have bars, toilets, and some other cool features like jacuzzis at the MainStage.

Dreamville Packages include tickets and stay on the Tomorrowland grounds and vary depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. The most basic package starts at around 380 euros and includes a camping spot and goes up to villas for 10s of thousands of euros for a group. There are some great packages for around ~1200 euro a person which include a ticket and locked sleeping pods with beds.

Global Journey Tickets include Full Madness passes as well as pre-arranged accommodations in surrounding towns like Brussels or Antwerp along with initial transport into the city from big global hubspots. This is what I purchased and my ticket included a train from London to Brussels, a hotel in Brussels near the main train station, and a daily shuttle to Boom. I will talk more about my Global Journey experience later on in the post.

All tickets are linked to your online account through which you will be loading up Pearls to, Tomorrowland’s payment system. Once you order your tickets, these will be shipped to your address in July. Living in the US, I had no problem receiving my shipment here.

Tomorrowland Logistics

Tomorrowland transportation To and From the Festival

Unless you have the Global Journey package which arranges all your transport, you’ll need to plan for how to get to and from the festival. The festival grounds are in Boom which is located between Antwerp and Brussels.

From Brussels, you can take a train to Mechelen and then a bus from there to Boom. The bus stop is fairly close to the festival entrance but the whole commute takes about 1.5 hours. Otherwise, you can take a Bolt/Uber and the drive will be around 40 min. My recommendation would be to not stay in Brussels unless you have Global Journey.

From Antwerp, you can take a train but the walk from the Boom train station to the festival grounds takes 35 min and then another 30 min to get back to the city. The drive in a shared ride will take about 30 min but the pick up spot will also require some walking. Note that these shared rides will be VERY limited due to the volume of people.

Additionally, there are specific Tomorrowland shuttles in each surrounding city, but you’ll need to pre-book them and they’re usually sold out early as well.

Coming home from the festival also requires you to check whether your connections are running. The Tomorrowland page provides transport logistics closer to the festival as well so you can check if you can purchase a shuttle back if available.

Overall transport to and from Boom is not something you can save for late minute and you can’t wing it either. You need to know your options or you’ll be stuck in the middle of Boom in the middle of the night.

Tomorrowland accommodations

Dreamville is by far the best option in my opinion to experience Tomorrowland. Dreamville is located right on the festival grounds and gives you a unique experience of the festival. However, it is extremely hard to get this package so I would look into multiple options prior to attempting getting Dreamville.

Instead, start looking for Airbnbs or hotels in Boom, Antwerp or Mechelen for the easiest access to the festival way ahead of time. As mentioned above, I would not recommend staying in Brussels because public transport is not easy from there.

Antwerp will be a slightly better option and here are some choices for you:

Is the Tomorrowland Global Journey package worth it?

What does the Global Journey package include:

Global Journey was not my first choice as I really wanted to secure a Dreamville package. However, since everything sold out, I knew my only chance of getting tickets was getting a Global Journey package.

Was it worth it? Yes, I thought I was amazing but knowing what I know today, I would have done it a little differently than I did.

So if you don’t know what Global Journey is, it’s a package that includes:

• Transport on a bus, train or plane to a nearby city like Antwerp or Brussels
• Hotel accommodations usually with breakfast
• Shuttles to and from Boom
• Full Madness Pass
• Invited Pre-Party on Thursday
• Tomorrowland Treasure Chest and Goodie Bag on arrival

Global Journey cost ranges based on when you buy it, the type of transport into Belgium, and accommodation type. We booked a 2-person package train from London-Brussels with two separate hotel rooms and paid ~1400 euros a person. While it seems like a steep price, everything the ticket includes is well-priced and we would have paid more or less the same booking it separately ourselves.

Review of the Global Journey experience

The organization and overall experience of Global Journey is excellent. We received all the instructions via email prior to the festival and at each point there were plenty of staff to help you out and assist with the next step.

Tip: If you do GJ, make sure to know the location of where to pick up your custom envelope with your shuttle passes. We missed the pick up at the London train station and had to last minute beg staff for assistance. Although we were lucky enough to get some help, this would have been a huge fuck up and a pain to get these replaced!

In Brussels we were greeted by a welcome band and where we picked up our goodie bags. Then we walked to the hotel where we had a special concierge with all the festival info who was there to answer any questions and walk us to the shuttles.

Another cool thing about Tomorrowland’s Global Journey is the Invited Experience on Thursday before the festival. This year it was at the Gare Maritime which is a stunning large industrial hall in Brussels. At Invited, there were several DJs playing, performers, food vendors along and some awesome drink bars. The best part was certainly the atmosphere and everyone getting super hyped for the upcoming weekend.

The cons of Global Journey

Although I would say that the overall Global Journey package was amazing and planned way better than what I would have planned myself, there is one major drawback of this option. This really surprised me as you’d think that something as big as Tomorrowland would have figured this out better than it did. Global Journey transportation into the festival is a major PITA.

There are only two shuttles per day included in your package: one that takes you to the festival at noon and one that returns you to Brussels after the festival. For the first day you should absolutely be there as early as you can but on day 2 and 3 you may want to sleep in a little. The journey from Brussels takes about 45 mins too so you have to account for travel time. If you miss the noon shuttle, you have to arrange your own transportation. There were some additional shuttles during the day but you needed to buy tickets for these and when we tried to, they were already sold out. So I’d say that having a couple more options of shuttles should absolutely be included in the package.

The second thing is the shuttle to get you home. It only leaves after the festival ends for the day which is 1am or midnight on the last day. I don’t think anyone leaves before that so the timing isn’t an issue, however, the bus station to get you back home is located 40 minutes away by foot from when you exit the festival. Exiting alone takes about 20 mins so you have to walk 1 hour to the bus and then take the 45 minute shuttle back. So in all, it takes about 2 hours to get back to Brussels each day.

What to pack for Tomorrowland

On to the next major item on your prep list. Packing for Tomorrowland is important. You’re going to a 3-day (4-day if Global Journey or Dreamville) festival so being prepared will make your experience a lot less stressful than scrambling last minute.

Here are some absolute essentials I would pack:

• Festival Outfits – More on that in the next section.
• Comfortable Day Pack – I got this one on Amazon and loved the anti-theft zipper which allowed me not to worry about being in crowds. And I personally don’t think you need a water pack as water is super affordable at the festival.
• Shoes – You will be doing a TON of walking so make sure to pack shoes you can survive in for the weekend. I am personally more comfortable in sandals than sneakers so I wore my Reef Slips all weekend without getting a single blister. Although not a conventional choice, my feet were in mint condition after 4 days of wearing these 12+ hours a day.
• Poncho – I cannot stress enough about how important this is. I personally did not pack one and on the last day when it started down pouring and the festival ran out of them, I was miserable. Belgium doesn’t have the best weather so I would not skip this at any cost.
• Evening Jacket – If the temperature is expected to drop at night, grab a jean or any other jacket to get you home. While the areas with crowds are warm, you will need to walk to your transfer home and the last thing you want to be in the middle of the night is cold!
• Recovery Items – Liquid IV, Salon Pas, Tylenol, Bandaids will be your best friends. My arm and neck muscles would be sore from dancing so much that a pain relief patch was necessary each day 🙂
• Flag – Since this is a very international festival, I would absolutely recommend bringing your country’s flag for the group shots or even some cool shots representing you!
• Power bank – You will be taking a ton of photos but you will also need to be in contact with your crew so a back up charger is a must.

What to wear to Tomorrowland

I’ve been going to festivals for a while and I watched the dress code change dramatically throughout the recent years. I personally don’t love the current trends in festival wear and I find that most of them lack creativity. Most people look very similar and nothing about these outfits stands out to me. If you go to festivals often, you know what I am talking about.

However, the good news about Tomorrowland is that you can wear whatever you soul desires! People dress from typical EDM style outfits, to creative costumes, to group themed ones to just simply wearing t-shirt/shorts. I would encourage you to get creative though rather opt-ing out for the safe option as it makes the experience a little more fun!

I was happy with my choice of outfits, a statement cat skirt, a feather top and a chill Sunday outfit but next year I know I want to get a little more creative. As mentioned before, my major regret is not taking the weather more seriously and not being prepared with a poncho. Being soaked from the rain for most of Sunday was truly a nightmare.

What will make or break your Tomorrowland experience

Another major thing to consider is who you want to go to Tomorrowland with. I was very fortunate to go with a person who was as equally excited to be there as me. We had similar expectations for how long to stay at the festival, which DJs to see and what the overall weekend would look like. Because we were on the same exact page for the festival, both of us had a wonderful time without any tension or conflict.

So when you’re planning on who to go with, make sure you have a conversation about the points I mention above. If there is a person in the group who wants to leave before the day ends or arrive only at night for the main sets, your experience might not be as smooth and you’ll spend a lot of your time irritated rather than fully immersed in the festival.

Your Ultimate Guide to Tomorrowland

Now that you know everything to consider before the festival, let’s talk about what to expect when you get there. This complete Tomorrowland guide is meant to cover everything you need to know prior to attending the festival!

Tomorrowland Festival

Once you arrive via train, bus or car, you’ll have to cross three entry checkpoints. First one just checks if you have the proper bracelet, second is a bag check and third is the actual scan into the festival. Expect these take a little longer on the first day as everyone is getting acquainted to the flow. We waited about ~10-15 min at the last point to enter. Relatively speaking, that’s extremely impressive based on the amount of people there.

It’s hard describe how amazing the Tomorrowland experience actually is. If you’re into EDM, it is absolutely something you have to do at least once in your life. The production level is next level and the overall organization of the festival is by far the best I have seen anywhere.

The crowd energy is another level. Everyone is very respectful, excited to be there and just happy. The atmosphere alone should be the reason to go there.

The whole festival grounds is a one giant park with colorful installations, lights, performers and obviously stages. There are 14 stages (also one secret one), which bring different genres of EDM. They each have a unique theme and you should absolutely visit all of them. The Mainstage is the most grand and some other big ones include The Library, Freedom Stage or Rose Garden.

Pearls – Tomorrowland’s currency

If you want to buy anything at the festival, you will need to load up your bracelet prior to the festival. The conversion rate varies on the currency but to give you an idea, I loaded 100 euros and got 60 Pearls with a bonus. I ended up adding 25 euros on the last day as well but didn’t end up using it all. For my 3 days there, it was enough to feed me 2 meals a day and have ~3 beers per day.

How much you decide to load your bracelet with obviously depends on who much you’re planning to eat and drink there but remember that there are multiple top-off stations at the festival so you can always add more!

Food and drinks at Tomorrowland

There is an abundance of food choices at Tomorrowland at reasonable prices for what you get. Your choices of meals range from pizza, hot dogs, burgers, falafels to fancier meals in the Mesa Garden. A hot dog or burger is 6.75 pearls which is around 11 euro and that is filling enough for meal. A large beer is 3.75 pearls of 6 euro.

Compared to what you pay at American festivals, this was more than reasonable. The more fancy spots and beer gardens will cost ya more but it’s worth splurging for at least one of your meals.

How to plan your DJ line-up

The main reason why people love this festival is because it brings the most known DJs to one place. So imagine going to an amazing concert multiple times per day for the entire weekend! That’s how it feels to be at Tomorrowland.

Tomorrowland has an app which should be your best friend the entire weekend. Not only does it have the lineup but also a map with your current location to properly navigate yourself. You can create your own calendar of people that you want to see.

While the most known and mainstream DJs will be playing at Mainstage during evening hours, you want to make sure not to miss the day performances on the other stages but other major talent. You’ll also want to spend time at other stages as each is amazing in its own way!

When you’re planning who to see, you also need to consider the distance between the stages. For example, if you want to see a DJ at Freedom Stage at 4pm and then catch a set at the Mainstage at 5pm, consider that you’ll need a 15-20 min walk between the two. A lot of traffic at Tomorrowland goes one way only to control crowds, so you’ll need extra time to reach your stage.

Also Mainstage crowds start gathering 3-4 sets before the end of the day. So if you find yourself a spot at 9pm there, expect to stay until 1am 🙂

Additional tips for Tomorrowland

• While you might be tempted to end your night everyday at the Mainstage, don’t be afraid to venture off to other stages for the last set at least one day of the festival.
• Bathrooms are abundant and actually decent throughout the festival.
• Have a meeting point for your group. There will be times where people want to go to the bathroom or see a set that no one else wants to. It’s ok to separate but make sure to have a time, and place to meet back up as well as a contingency plan if you lose each other.
• Surprisingly there is excellent cell service at the festival.
• Plan to come early (12/1pm) for at the very least one day of the weekend. Tomorrowland grounds are so cool and you don’t want to miss exploring them.
• There are random attractions like a tattoo parlor or a giant ferris wheel.
• You can nap on lawns, beer gardens or chill out areas.
• Push through! On a Sunday night you might be all out of energy but keep reminding yourself that this might be a once in a lifetime kinda deal. I almost gave up and left early Sunday but looking back I am so happy I didn’t.
• Front row or even lower level at Mainstage is not worth it. The lawn is where it’s at! You can see everything perfectly, dance without getting pushed and be able to exit comfortably for bathroom or drink!

In this post, I will cover the logistics of visiting this gorgeous city but most importantly I will give you a plan for an awesome getaway for you and your girlfriends. With that, you won’t have to stress about planning, and instead, you can simply focus on enjoying a city that I know you’ll end up falling in love with!

In case you’re new here, know that I always base my itineraries on my own travels! So if I give you a plan, it means I have followed it or would have done it that way based on what I experienced at the destination. If you have a suggestion for a new restaurant or a hot tip, don’t forget to comment at the bottom of this post!

Looking for other ideas for the best weekends with your girlfriends? Check out my Miami Girls Weekend or Austin Guides for awesome itineraries!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Let’s talk about some San Diego logistics

Transportation to and in San Diego

Getting there

Getting to San Diego is pretty straightforward. You have a pretty well-connected airport right outside the city from which can catch a quick ~15 min Uber to the center. If the Uber fare is surging out of control, you can always take the bus on route 992 which can connect you to the trolley, train stations or the city center.

If you’re already in California, take the Amtrak along the Coast. It’s an experience within itself as its a super scenic and comfortable ride. When traveling in the southern direction, make sure to sit on the right-hand side to get the best views of the coast. I paid a little extra for the first-class cabin. It was slightly more comfortable than coach and you got a snack box with an alcoholic beverage. That alone made it worth the extra price. But to set your expectations straight, remember this is still an old train first class and not the Emirates suite.

Moving around the city

San Diego has a nice public transport system so if you don’t want to spend money on Ubers, you’ll be able to get around on the buses or trolleys. You can walk some parts of the city but if you want to see most of the attractions, you will be not able to avoid driving.

Should you rent a car in San Diego?

If you’re just staying in the city, there is no need to rent a car. Looking for parking and the cost of the rental will not save you any money and it won’t make your life easier either. However, it might be worth considering a rental if you’re planning to take some day trips out of San Diego. Some popular spots include La Jolla or even Tijuana in Mexico which is located only an hour away.

Best time to visit San Diego

Although San Diego has decent weather throughout the year, the best time to visit will be May through September for the sunshine, beach time, and overall lively vibe. As with any peak season though, it will be expensive. I personally visited in April and loved the shoulder season vibe. It wasn’t too crowded and the weather was just perfect enough to explore without overheating. However, it would get a little chilly at night and I did not do any water-related activities.

Is San Diego expensive?

Yes, it is. I won’t even beat around the bush and tell you that you can avoid spending money. Just as most destinations in California, San Diego is pricey, especially in the city center.

From accommodations to drinks and food and visiting attractions, you’ll be spending $500-$800 per person for a weekend there unless you’re really sticking to a low budget.

Where to stay in San Diego

Depending on what the goal of the weekend is, that will determine where you stay. However, for first timers, here are some areas to consider.

• If the goal of your girl’s weekend in San Diego is to party, stay near Gaslamp.
• If you want to relax near the beach, stay near Ocean Beach.
• Coronado is an island super close to the city that will give you chill vibes and cool restaurants.
• Downtown will have the vibes of any downtown.
• Or even La Jolla (25 min from center) if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities.

Is a weekend in San Diego enough time?

A weekend anywhere is never enough to truly get to know a destination however a weekend is sometimes all we got. San Diego has a ton of activities so I’d plan for a 3 day weekend. However, a quick Saturday/Sunday getaway will do the trick if you’re just planning to see the highlights! You certainly won’t be able to see everything and your schedule will be packed but it’s certainly do-able.

A Girls Weekend in San Diego Itinerary!

Day 1: Let your awesome girls’ trip to San Diego begin!

One of my favorite strategies for weekend trips is to always arrive on Friday afternoons. This way I can check into my accommodation, do some light exploring and get a full night sleep before the weekend ahead. I prefer this a lot more than arriving on Saturdays and losing half the day on check-in and travel. So with that, I say do your best to arrive in San Diego on check-in time Friday (early) afternoon to get your awesome San Diego girls’s trip going!

Late Lunch

Depending on where you’re staying in town, choose a place for a late lunch/early dinner vibe. My girlfriend and I stayed in the Gaslamp District so we found something nearby in the touristy area of San Diego. Food was delicious and it filled us up perfectly for the rest of the day.

Stroll along the waterfront

Right before sunset, head to the waterfront area near the Marina. It was a stunning place for golden hour and then for sunset. You can stroll along the promenade or grab a drink at one of the numerous waterfront spots. Watching the sunset along the boats is super cute!

We walked near the Seaport Village toward the Embarcadero. This area had a ton of shops, waterfront restaurants, park spaces and cool sculptures. If you like boat tours for dinner cruises, whale watching or speed jets, you can catch those from this area too. Another thing to do in this area is to catch some live music at the Randy Shell outdoor concert venue.

Gaslamp District Party Time

Now onto the best part, party time! A trip to San Diego will not be complete until you have spent some time walking through the Gaslamp District and grabbing a drink (or partying) in at least one of the bars on the “strip.” And especially if you’re spending a girls weekend in San Diego, this will be a fun activity of your stay! There are numerous places you can go to depending on the vibe you’re looking for.

If you’re a girl there will be a ton of promoters wandering the streets looking to get you into their club with a free drink pass. You have all different types of places in Gaslamp and way too many to name them all but to name some, there are clubs like Toro, F6IX, Parq and Oxford, a rooftop bar called Altitude, more low-key bars like The Tipsy Crow or Whiskey Girl. Honestly, I think the best way to explore Gaslamp is to go bar hopping and simply finding a place based on the vibe it has. But if you want a full list of what’s in the area, check out Gaslamp’s full list of all the bars and nightclubs.

Day 2: Sightseeing in full swing

Brunch in Little Italy

After a night in Gaslamp, you will need a solid brunch. I recommend having brunch in Little Italy which is a cute neighborhood in town to eat in and explore after. Here are some popular options in the area. If traveling in season, don’t forget your resys!

• Morning Glory – A popular breakfast/lunch place with cool decor
• Caffe Italia – A small cafe with breakfast food, coffee and gelato
• Farmers Table – Cool decor and extensive weekend brunch
• Parakeet Cafe – Healthy options for acai bowls, protein bowls or creative toasts
• Little Italy Food Hall – And if you’re traveling with a bunch of picky eaters, it might be a good idea to head to the foo hall with a ton of options for everyone!

Balboa Park

For the afternoon, head to Balboa Park to enjoy this beautiful and massive park. There are so many spaces and nooks there so pick 2-3 spots you want to see rather than trying to see them all. Here are some top spots to see in the park but note that there are many more than this:

• Botanical Building: A beautiful building (inside currently closed for construction) with a lily pond
• Japanese Friendship Garden: Has an entry fee but it’s a beautiful display of Japanese culture
• Alcazar Garden: A smaller space with Moorish accents
• San Diego Museum of Art: An art museum with impressive collections
• Spreckles Organ Pavillion: World’s largest outdoor pipe organ, free concerts on Sunday
• San Diego Zoo: If you’d like to spend your time with some animals
• Balboa Park Carousel: I personally love old carousels and this one is over 100 years old

Nightime activities

On day 2, treat yourself to a nice dinner. Places like Barbusa for some amazing Italian Born and Raised for high end steak or Top of the Market won’t disappoint. You can also venture out to the beautiful island of Coronado to places like Il Fornaio or Blue Water Grill for some waterfront night views.

If you’re up for night two of partying, head back to to Gaslamp and let your night continue!

Day 3: La Jolla and Old Town

La Jolla

Next on your itinerary is the famous La Jolla! It’s a quick 30 min ride from city center San Diego. There is so much to do in that area not to mention how beautiful it is. Start by exploring the La Jolla Cove, where you can admire the seals and sea lions sunbathing on the beach and rocks. I was so excited to spend time walking the stunning path admiring these lazy but super entertaining creatures! Walk all the way down to La Jolla Tide Pools as well where you’ll be able to see some cool sea creatures when as the name suggests, the tide is low.

Next, head over to Village of La Jolla for lunch and some shopping. Although popular and pricey, there are a couple of restaurants with stunning views of the ocean like Duke’s or George’s for example. The downtown area has many stores and boutiques you can explore as well.

If you want more outdoor time, make sure to visit Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. You can hike that area and get the most stunning views of the unique nature there right on the beach! It’s about 15-25 min drive from La Jolla but totally worth it!

Old Town

On your way back from La Jolla another fun things to do on your San Diego girls weekend itinerary is to stop in Old Town. The main touristy area is the Old Town Market which is full of stores and beautiful pieces. I got myself a nice hand painted vase from Mexico that is a centerpiece in my kitchen until this day. Additionally, there are some restaurants on site or food stands at which you can snag an elote or even a beer if you need an afternoon snack.

Back home 🙁

And just like that it’s time to wrap up your girls weekend in San Diego. There is nothing better than exploring this gem with your besties and I hope that you have the best weekend ever.

This is the itinerary I planned when I visited with my best friend but if you have any suggestions that you think would make this trip better, let me know in the comments!

A Delicious Jewish Food Tour in New York with Ultimate Food Tours!

Kasia Kalemba

July 18, 2023

Living in New Jersey/New York area spoils you rotten when it comes to experiencing good food. You get fantastic cuisine from almost every culture which sets your expectations high when it comes to any food activities. When I heard about Ultimate Food Tour’s Jewish Food Tour in New York, I was curious to check out…

Continue Reading A Delicious Jewish Food Tour in New York with Ultimate Food Tours!

2 Days in Miami: A Unique Itinerary for a Quick Getaway

Kasia Kalemba

April 7, 2023

If you grew up on the East Coast, especially in the NJ/NY area, you are probably very familiar with Florida snowbirds. It’s a pretty standard migration route for those of us who need a seasonal reset and a serious vitamin D boost. I myself travel this route at least once per winter season. When I…

Continue Reading 2 Days in Miami: A Unique Itinerary for a Quick Getaway

Review: Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC with Ahoy Tours!

Kasia Kalemba

February 10, 2023

The absolute best way to travel in any city is through food. In food, we can find hidden history, traditions, and each generation’s contributions. It’s also something that makes us remember distinctive things about other cultures more than a history book or a museum. For example, I had moose and reindeer meat in Sweden, unique…

Continue Reading Review: Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC with Ahoy Tours!

Awesome Ideas for Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time

Kasia Kalemba

November 16, 2022

You’ve seen it in movies, pictures, and all over social media. Visiting Los Angeles for the first time is an awesome experience no matter how popular this place is. You find yourself in front of the Hollywood Sign or driving along Pacific Coast Highway and life doesn’t feel real for a second. As someone who…

Continue Reading Awesome Ideas for Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time

An Awesome Maine Getaway: Portland, Bar Harbor and Acadia

Kasia Kalemba

November 4, 2022

One of the best things you can do on the East Coast during the fall is to explore New England during its most beautiful season of the area, fall! Nothing compares to the crispy air, changing leaf colors, local seafood, and just the most beautiful nature all around. I have visited Maine twice during this…

Continue Reading An Awesome Maine Getaway: Portland, Bar Harbor and Acadia

A Perfect Itinerary for a 3-Day Austin Bachelorette Party

Kasia Kalemba

October 4, 2022

When my college bestie and bride-to-be said that she wanted her last single hoorah in Austin, I didn’t know it would end up as the perfect destination for a bachelorette trip. Although this city is no secret to these kinds of parties, planning it was not as straightforward as we expected. Everyone on the internet…

Continue Reading A Perfect Itinerary for a 3-Day Austin Bachelorette Party

Now let me tell you. If you want to eat some seriously delicious food, learn about local Jewish history, and spend time with an awesome host, this tour is just that!

In this post, I’ll take you on this Upper East Side Jewish Food Tour journey with me! I hope it inspires you to check out this unique NYC activity 🙂

A little bit on Ultimate Food Tour’s background

I gotta say, aside from my curiosity about the food and its history, I always love learning about how unique ideas were born. Rarely are cool things carefully planned and executed, often times they happen because of a random life circumstance that pushes us to do something different. That follows Scott’s baby, or Ultimate Food Tours, which started as hobby, turned an Airbnb experience, and now is a well-established NYC Food Tour company offering 4 amazing options through NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Things born out of pure passion and interest often reflect that in the actual experience and that’s certainly how I felt listening to Scott. He walked us through the history of the food and the neighborhood all with a personal connection and passion radiating from him. He was very knowledgeable about the topic and genuinely excited to take you on this tour. There is such a difference in the quality of your time when your guide has his full heart in what he does!

And Some Quick Logistics about the Jewish Food Tour

• The tour starts on the Upper East Side and continues throughout it
• This is mostly an outdoor walking tour so wear comfy shoes and dress weather appropriate
• Yes, there will be bathroom stops along the route
• Don’t eat much prior to the tour and portions will keep you full so no need to book resys for after either!
• The cost of the Jewish Food Tour is $90 per person which is very standard for a food tour experience

Let’s go on a Jewish Food Tour in NYC!

Stop 1: Orwashers’ Bakery

What’s more iconic than a real NYC bagel with lox? Nothing, so it was only appropriate to start this awesome food tour with the most delicious bagel topped with cream cheese, lox, and some green onions. If you know me, you know I am very picky about my lox and I do not overhype anything subpar. But let me tell you, Orwashers nailed this!

In addition to the tasting itself, this is where our history of Jewish foods begins. We learned that traditionally this was a sandwich that in order to become appropriate with kosher customs, had to get “re-invented” a little. This combo was originally intended to have a herring addition but since salmon was more available and cheaper in NYC, that ended up being the winner. Who knew that this substitution would become such a staple! Since the Yiddish word for Lox is Laks, that’s where that name came from. Today, this iconic sandwich is something most New Yorkers enjoy for their weekend breakfast!

In addition to their amazing bagels, Orwashers also serves bread, pastries, and cakes! Make sure to grab a traditional rugelach cookie as well!

Stop 2: Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar

For our next stop, we had some delicious New York hot dogs. But this wasn’t some simple hot dog from a street vendor, this was some next-level meat. A perfectly done hot dog in a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and mustard was the perfect next bite!

At first, I was surprised about how hot dogs can be tied into local Jewish history. But we learned about how the famous Hebrew National Dogs came into the market and how they are still one the most popular selling hot dogs around! They’re iconic slogan of answering to a “higher authority” got them national attention and was one of the first major kosher items to start selling in supermarkets.

We also learned about the kosher custom of eating meat vs. dairy and how kosher restaurant certifications come about. I absolutely love learning about the influence of cultures on food and especially the new inventions that come about in melting-pot cities like New York!

Stop 3: Pastrami Queen

Continuing on our tour, we headed over to Pastrami Queen. If you’re a New Yorker, a good pastrami sandwich is a staple in your diet. While some will argue that Katz’ has the best one in town, after trying Pastrami Queen, you might change your mind. This hole-in-the-wall spot does indeed serve an awesome sandwich that I will cross the Hudson River from Jersey to have again. Not only was the pastrami perfectly cured and seasoned, the rye bread (which comes from Orwashers Bakery!) perfectly complimented it as well.

Stop 4: William Greenberg Desserts

Last but not least, we stopped at William Greenberg Desserts for the one and only, Black and White Cookie! If you’re from this area, chances are you had dozens of these in your life. Although what appears to be a pretty simple cookie, it’s not as easy to find a well-made black and white as you’d imagine. This bakery did indeed nail this and it was the perfect way to end our Jewish Food Tour in New York.

As many black and white cookies as I enjoyed in my life, I had no idea it carried a Jewish-American history nor that it’s thought to have roots in Manhattan itself. It also carries some interesting stories related to the war! Who knew this simple classic cookie carries so much cultural importance!

Thoughts on the Jewish Food Tour in NYC

I personally love learning about cultures through their food. It’s especially fascinating in areas like New York City where multiple nationalities, religions, and customs all come together in search for a better life. With that, different combinations of origins along with substitutions for traditional ingredients created masterpieces like a lox bagel, a pastrami sandwich, a hot dog or even a cookie! While we may be eating these foods on a regular basis, learning about their origins makes each bite that more special.

Going on this Jewish Food Tour in New York with Scott’s Ultimate Food Tour was such an awesome weekend activity. I’d certainly recommend it if you’re looking for a unique thing to do in NYC! I loved it for its history, exploring the Upper East Side neighborhood in a different way, and most importantly the delicious food choices.

Whether you are a local like myself or someone visiting NYC for the first time, I’m confident you’ll enjoy this activity as much as I did!

And if the food stops on this route don’t necessarily go with your taste palette, Ultimate Food Tours has other routes in Chinatown, Times Square, and their Iconic Food Tour throughout the city.

I want to thank Scott for inviting me and my guest to spend the day with him! The opinions in this post are my own!

2 days in Miami might not seem like a lot of time but trust me that this itinerary will give you that small Miami boost that you need. This Miami 2 day itinerary is perfect not just for cold season travels but can be referenced all year round.

If you have more time in my favorite city, you can check out my full Miami guide or even my Miami to Key West one and if you’re traveling with your girlfriends, then check out the Miami Girls Weekend guide! Both offer unique ideas for visiting Miami and I am sure you will find something that aligns best with your upcoming trip.

I hope this itinerary will give you exactly what you need to have the perfect 2 days in Miami!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Day 1: Brunch + Design District + Night Activity

But first, let’s Brunch

Brunch is an absolute must to start your Miami exploring. Some ideas for a good meal:

• Mandolin – Mediterranean food, located in Design District, cool Greek aesthetics 
• Cvi.Che 105 – Stylish Peruvian chain with a couple of locations in the city
• Kalamata – Another Mediterranean spot with high-quality fresh dishes
• Mila – A boujee MediterrAsian restaurant and rooftop lounge with a unique brunch
• Orange Blossom – A typical brunch spot. Make sure to check out the back patio.

Design District

The Design District is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood that celebrates design, fashion, art, and architecture. It’s one of the fairly newer neighborhoods in Miami and I have to say it’s pretty impressive! In my previous guides, I always mentioned that this area was on my Miami to-do list and I’m happy to say that on my last visit, I got to explore it!

As you stroll through the Design District, you’ll be amazed by the stunning architecture that surrounds you. From the restored historic buildings to the modern structures designed by the world’s top architects, every corner is a feast for the eyes.

The Design District is also a shopper’s dream. From high-end luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, to independent boutiques and concept stores, you’ll at least indulge in some window shopping like myself. There are some restaurants on site too if you want to take a break from exploring!

Dinner Time

A nice dinner is a must in Miami and there is no shortage of places to have one. Here are some fresh options for you however if you’d like more, head over to the full Miami guide I mentioned earlier:

• Gitano: Have some good Mexican among gorgeous Tulum vibes
• Contessa: Old school Italian located in a modern Design District
• The Bazaar: Dine in Jose Aviles’ boujee Latin restaurant

Night out in Miami

If a 24-hour club in Miami or walking down Ocean Drive along with all the other tourists is the last thing you want to do on a night out, don’t worry, I have better choices for ya. Don’t get me wrong, you certainly have to experience the Miami classics as well but at a certain point you’ll want to try something new instead. I personally don’t want to club until 4 am anymore but still want to have a great night in Miami! So I’d recommend the following alternatives:

Viernes Culturales or Cultural Fridays is an event in Little Havana that takes place every third Friday of the month starting at noon. There will be music, dancing, local artisans, good food, and awesome drinks. Go at night for a fun vibe and a very cute cultural experience. Even if you don’t happen to be in Miami on the third Friday of the month, Little Havana at night is a fun place to be!

Another unique option and totally opposite of a neighborhood party are events at Faena Hotel. If you don’t know Faena, it’s a super boujee hotel that most of us can’t afford to stay at. However, a drink or a show at night, although not cheap, are cool glimpses into Miami Luxury stays. Currently, you can see Allura Cabaret on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the Faena Theater! In addition to the show, they have live music events along with some rotating shows. Dress to impress and enjoy a nice night out!

Day 2: Beach + Exploring + Activity

Beach time

Do not forget to schedule beach time into your 2 days in Miami! It would honestly be a sin not to take a nice stroll along the beautiful coast or to lay out and soak in the sun for a little bit. The beach hugs Miami on the east side and most of it is public. You can rent chairs at pretty much any point and a lot of hotels have some sort of beach chair arrangement.

On my most recent stay, I stayed in my new favorite Miami hotel, The Confidante, and I enjoyed the beach in that area. I also spent the morning soaking up the sun and swimming in a heated pool.

Afternoon Exploring

Before you explore, don’t forget to grab a bite. If you don’t want a formal sit down, a good place for a quick but delicious bite is the TimeOut Market. Although they’re pretty touristy, I do enjoy them because they do a good job of gathering the local specialties in a nicely situated place where you can also grab a decent afternoon cocktail!

Now back to exploring. Miami has a ton of exciting neighborhoods which I go into detail about in my full Miami guide. However, here’s a quick recap on some:

• Wynwood – What started as a hipster neighborhood with funky murals, coffee shops, and industrial vibes turned into a highly desired living area with $20 drinks. Nonetheless, a visit is well worth it and if you don’t want to spend too much, stop at a brewery like Veza Sur or Cerveceria La Tropical.
• Little Havana – Always a favorite of mine to grab a fresh Mojito and enjoy the Cuban vibes.
• South Beach – The most touristy yet iconic part of Miami with Art Deco buildings, and streets like Ocean Drive, Collins Ave or Espanola Way.
• Brickell – Financial area of Miami with high rises and drink spots on rooftops.
• Coral Gables – A boujee neighborhood with shopping, tree-lined streets, mansions and the famous Venetian Pool.

or some cool Miami activities …

If you’ve been to Miami a couple of times already or if you’re looking for something outside out of the most touristy spots, here are some ideas for unique Miami things to do:

Miami Nature Activities

Miami has some awesome nature spots that people often forget to check out. If you’d like to check out some unique vegetation, head over to Miami Beach Botanical Garden in South Beach, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or The Kampong both in Coral Gables.

You can also do a classic Everglades tour on an airboat! Some tours pick you up from Miami while others are located in the Everglades National Park.

Tour ideas

Another fun thing you can do is check out some of the local tours. These are pretty unique and give you a totally new perspective on the city! I always recommend a good boat day but there are many more things to do in Miami. Here is a list of cool activities I found with some top-rated reviews!

That’s a wrap on 2 days in Miami!

Miami is truly one of my favorite cities around. Even a quick 2-day getaway gets me the Miami boost I desperately need. Whether it’s your 1st or 20th time in Miami, this city’s vibe is really unmatched. And while you can totally spend the entire 2 days in Miami on a beach, or boat, or sipping drinks by the pool, if you’re an explorer like myself, I hope this guide gave you some new ideas for your upcoming trip!

Don’t forget to check out my Miami to Key West itinerary! Key West truly feels like another country and is a really iconic place to visit in your lifetime.

More from Perfect Day Somewhere

One Week in Dominican Republic Itinerary – No Resorts!

Continue Reading One Week in Dominican Republic Itinerary – No Resorts!

4 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary: Ultimate First-Time Visitor Guide

Continue Reading 4 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary: Ultimate First-Time Visitor Guide

Perfect Weekend in Key West: Your New Favorite Getaway

Continue Reading Perfect Weekend in Key West: Your New Favorite Getaway

6-day Playa del Carmen Itinerary for an Unforgettable Time

Continue Reading 6-day Playa del Carmen Itinerary for an Unforgettable Time

Havana Itinerary: The Reality of Traveling to Cuba

Continue Reading Havana Itinerary: The Reality of Traveling to Cuba

When I visit new cities, I simply love doing food tours! But when Ahoy NYC Food Tours invited me on a tour in my own neighborhood, I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, a Little Italy and Chinatown food tour in NYC? I’ve eaten in these areas dozens of times so how could I possibly discover new things?

Well, spoiler alert. Ahoy Food Tours killed it! Not only did I eat some amazing Asian and Italian food but also learned about their shared immigrant history and saw some cool new spots in both neighborhoods. It’s safe to say that even when you think you’ve seen it all, you can ALWAYS find hidden gems in your own neighborhoods! You can have a Perfect Day right around the corner.

In this review, I will share some general information about the NYC Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour along with an overview of the food we tasted.

At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a discount code for Ahoy Food Tours that you use when booking!

Let’s Start with Some Useful Info

Ahoy Food Tours has been around for a while, since 2008 to be exact. Each tour consists of a small group of up to 13 people. Their most popular public tour is the Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC but they also have another multicultural one on Mulberry Street. They also offer private and corporate events. Prices are pretty average for a food tour compared to local companies.

Our tour guide Maryana was amazing. She was super knowledgeable about the neighborhoods, history, and food of course. We really enjoyed her expertise!

Dietary Accommodations

Food tours and dietary restrictions don’t always go hand in hand. Previously I attended a food tour in another city where a company listed that they accommodate a specific food allergy. In practice, that accommodation ended up being a total failure and the tour ended up a dud for our group then.

My guest on Ahoy’s Food Tour was vegetarian so we knew that she wouldn’t be able to taste everything. But what pleasantly surprised us is that in every spot which included a meat bite, the tour had prepared a substitute delicious veggie tasting for her. Each accommodation is different but if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry about missing out! They do a great job with substitutions!

Overall Itinerary

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, there are 8 tastings with one alcoholic beverage included. You will certainly feel full after the tour as the portions are generous (for a food tour of course).

You’ll be walking for about half a mile outside so dress accordingly to NYC seasonal weather. During the stops outside, you’ll learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act, the tenements of the area, the dark history of Chinatown, and the immigrant history of Little Italy. As an immigrant myself, this was a very interesting portion of the tour. It shows how the people and history shaped the area along with the food and how much struggle they went through in hopes of a better life in this country.

Tasting Stop Overview

• At our meeting spot, we enjoyed hot tea and a pork bun
• Then we had some dumplings
• Next was a Chinese sponge cake
• Then a fresh mozzarella with prosciutto
• And some gnocchi with amazing marinara sauce
• Next was a cheese sampling from a famous cheese shop
• My favorite was the following sit-down stop with eggplant rollatini and a cold beer
• And lastly, we had cannoli to end on a perfect sweet tooth!

I was so full at the end and so happy with all the delicious tastings. There truly wasn’t a bad meal on this Little Italy and Chinatown food tour in NYC.

Now let’s dive a little more into each tasting!

Tasting 1: Tea Tasting with a Chinese Pastry

Our tour started at Silk Road Cafe for our first tasting of Jasmine Tea. It was served in cute little glasses and we let it seep while we settled in and got our introduction to the tour. Our tour guide explained the importance of balance within traditional Chinese cuisine. We sipped our tea and enjoyed her explanation of herbal concoctions throughout history.

Next was an insanely delicious pork bun (and taro bun for my vegetarian friend) from Fay Da Bakery. The slightly sweet bread along with the salty and perfectly seasoned pork was a perfect combo. The taro bun had a combination of sweetness with floral undertones, and almond slices on top were a great touch. I could have easily eaten two more!

Tasting 2: Dumplings

Next, we headed over to Tasty Dumplings for some meat dumplings! Dumplings to me are always fascinating since most cultures in the world figured out their unique way of stuffing their favorite ingredients in a form of a dough pocket. For example, Eastern Europeans have pierogis, South Americans have empanadas, Italians have ravioli and Asians have dumplings! In essence these are allt’s the same food, yet they are all so different to each culture.

Back to Tasty Dumplings though, don’t let this hole-in-a-wall fool you with its simple appearance. The dumplings were superb!

Tasting 3: Spongecake

We enjoyed our next tasting which was a (purple) spongecake from Kam Hing Coffee Shop while listening to some interesting history behind Doyers Street. It’s quite wild yet fascinating and I won’t spoil it for you because it’s just one of those stories you’ll have to hear about in person. For a tad more suspense, I also won’t tell you the ingredient that makes the spongecake purple. I’ll save that detail for your tour too.

Tasting 4: Fresh Homemade Mozzarella wrapped in Prosciutto

After our Chinatown tour stops, we headed over to Little Italy. Personally, I have eaten many meals there and attended (my favorite) San Gennaro Feast! I love the food in that area so I was very excited about discovering some new gems!

Our first location in Little Italy was Alleva Dairy, which is the oldest cheese shop in America. Upon entering the shop, you could immediately smell the delicious scents of authentic Italian deli. We sampled homemade mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto (or if you’re from Jersey like me then call it mutz) 🙂 Since the cheese was unsalted, the cured prosciutto beautifully complimented it!

Tasting 5: Fresh Pasta

Our next bite was pasta in tomato sauce at Piemonte Ravioli. It was a small pasta store that sells pasta to very popular clients! I expected the sauce to be salty, however to my surprise, it had a slightly sweet aftertaste. We learned that it’s the tomatoes that give it that distinctive taste.

Tasting 6: Imported Cheeses and Olives

You can NEVER ever have enough cheese so when we arrived at Di Palo’s Fine Foods and tasted some Piave (cow milk) and Moliterno (sheep milk), my soul was super happy. Not only was the cheese amazing, but the store itself is such an institution. Their imported foods are impressive, I mean check out these cheese wheels!

Tasting 7: Eggplant Rollatini

Benito One was our sit-down spot where we had some Eggplant Rollatini along with an alcoholic beverage of our choice. The rollatini was probably my favorite meal out of the tour since I am a sucker for some good Italian!

The restaurant itself was such an interesting place and I am certainly planning to come back for a full dinner soon with my family.

Depending on the tour, the sit-down locations vary between this one and having Dim Sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor.

Tasting 8: Cannoli

Last but not least, we ended the tour with the perfect sweet tooth treat, a pistachio cannoli! Normally the tour does this tasting at Ferrara Bakery, which I LOVE dearly, however, it was closed on the day we did the tour.

Is Ahoy’s Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC worth it?

Yes it is. As someone who has done a dozen of food tours, I have to say I really enjoyed Ahoy’s Food Tour. All the tastings were delicious and it was great to learn some interesting neighborhood history along with it. The food portions and picks were great, our tour guide really knew her stuff, and it was a great afternoon activity to do with my best friend.

Ahoy was generous to share this discount code for Perfect Day readers so you guys can save some $$. Visit their website for the tour schedule.

USE CODE PDSAHNY TO SAVE 20% OFF AHOY FOOD TOURS!

If you’re a fan of food tours, you’ll like this one. If you’ve never done one, Ahoy will set the bar high!

I am thankful to Ahoy’s team for the invite and I assure you that this is a truly honest and independent opinion about it.

With that said, I have planned the perfect Copenhagen solo travel itinerary and I am happy to share it with you today! You’ll find an awesome weekend plan, a map, ideas for things to do in Copenhagen alone, and some food recommendations for your travels. No need to scramble a plan from different sources, I gotchu with everything you’ll need for your weekend away.

Whether this is your 1st or 50th solo trip, I know you’ll find some useful advice along with interesting places in this solo trip to Copenhagen itinerary.

Quick Logistics of Traveling to Copenhagen Alone

My Personal Copenhagen Solo Travel Experience

I traveled to Copenhagen in the summer of 2022 and loved every second of being there (well aside from the torrential half a day rain 🙂 ). I found the city to be full of activities even as a solo traveler and without only a couple of days there, I felt like it wasn’t enough time to see everything!

The beauty of solo travel is that you can do WHATEVER you want and WHENEVER you want. You can have a whole plan to follow and then decide to do completely something else because of a new idea that comes along. That happened to me. I planned my trip with the itinerary below but then on day 2 of it, I ended up tagging along for some Pride festivities with random strangers I met.

I ended up catching up on the plan the following day and felt super happy that I was able to experience something more local and totally not planned! So my advice for any solo itinerary is to always have a plan so you don’t end up sitting in a hostel/hotel googling things to do in x but be open to deviating from the plan if something exciting comes along! It’s how the best travel stories are created!

Is Copenhagen safe for female solo travelers?

Copenhagen continuously ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. Just because a place is ranked so high, that doesn’t automatically mean that you should completely let your guard down and assume you’ll be safe. I took the same exact precautions in Copenhagen as I would when traveling to Barcelona. However, when exploring the town, I felt totally fine and not threatened in any way. Based on research as well as my own experience, I can confidently say that Copenhagen is an amazing solo destination for a female traveler!

I would still advise taking the following precautions for female travelers as no city is 100% safe:

• Don’t tell anyone where you are staying and that you’re traveling alone. Simple concept but you don’t owe anyone an explanation and you don’t want some weird situation happening either.
• Keep your passport and valuables locked up in a safe/box, especially if you’re in a hostel.
• When using public transport or walking around, keep your belongings near you. If you have a purse, hold your hand over the zipper. Don’t be too flashy with your things either.
• Do not use ATMs in secluded areas or after dark. Always use an ATM within the branch or within a busier area.
• As a female solo traveler, you have to be more mindful of staying out alone. If you really want to socialize late, stay within your hotel or hostel bars or ones close by. I (try) to be back before dark when I am alone. You never want to end up walking in a dark alley even in Copenhagen.
• And this should be obvious but never ever accept drinks from people if you didn’t see it being poured at the bar yourself!

Where should you stay as a solo traveler in Copenhagen?

If you’re traveling alone in any city, not just Copenhagen, you should always stay in the city center. Why? Well because it’s easy to get to the action, there are a ton of people around and transportation is usually easy. Some will argue that the center is always the most touristy and pricey but why make your life more difficult by trying not to be a tourist as a tourist 🙂

When I traveled there, I wanted to stay somewhere social so I chose the Generator Hostel. I stayed in Generators all over the world and usually like them, but this one was just ok. It did have a great location for exploring and a social bar to make some friends. For a while now, if I stay in hostels, I choose private rooms because well, I am getting too old for shared rooms and communal snoring. However, Copenhagen is WILDLY expensive, and justifying spending $700 for a weekend stay wasn’t something I could stomach. So I ended up in a 6 people dorm for 65 euro a night … Do I regret it? Yes.

Instead, here are other cool, highly rated and centrally located options in the city that I considered:

• Motel One
• Hotel Tiffany
• 25Hours

Navigating the City

Public transport in Copenhagen is amazing! The metro will take you from the airport into the city center in about 15-20 minutes. Within the city, the metro runs 24/7, is clean, and super safe. Here is the link for specific station information.

If you’re staying in the center, you won’t need to use it much as everything is walkable. Everyone in Copenhagen also bikes since it is a perfect city for that too. Bikes are everywhere and it’s wild how many of them you see near the major transportation hubs! I was fascinated by the biking culture there! A lot of the bikes aren’t even locked up. In my town, I lock up my bike outside a coffee shop …

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen

Without a doubt, I will recommend visiting in the summer, especially as a solo traveler! There are so many outdoor activities and places to see that won’t be open in the colder seasons. Even shoulder season is great for a visit but unless you have a specific reason to visit in the winter, it might not be as exciting for solo travel during cold times!

Food in Copenhagen

There certainly isn’t a shortage of amazing food in Copenhagen. The whole city is a vibe when it comes to its food scene. Not only are there many great restaurants but you’ll also find food halls and lots of outdoor dining.

At the very minimum, you have to try some danish pastries, open-faced sandwiches, hotdogs (yes, hotdogs are a thing there), seafood, flæskesvær (pork rinds), and all the amazing goodies from the food truck scene!

Copenhagen is Expensive

Copenhagen is so so expensive, especially for a solo traveler since you’re not splitting your accommodation or meal costs. A couple of years back I had the same shock when I traveled solo to Stockholm but this was another level expensive in my opinion including the recent inflation.

The currency there is the Danish Krone (1 USD ~ 6.5 Krones). A meal at a sit-down restaurant will range from 200-500 kr for 1 person, a beer is around 40-60 kr, a coffee will be around 30 kr. Expect to spend between $80-$150 a day there on a budget.

Don’t exchange money though, maybe just withdraw a small amount from the ATM if not having cash makes you nervous. Mostly everything in Copenhagen is cashless, so instead use a good travel card!

Random Things I Noticed in Copenhagen

• Copenhagen is such a friendly city! I had conversations with shop owners and just random people and found it to be a very welcoming place.
• Speaking of people, this is a very “cultured” city in my opinion. People are very elegant and behave with that Northern Europe class that you see across that region.
• Additionally, it’s become a very inclusive city over the past couple of years. I traveled during Pride and I was (pleasantly) surprised by how the locals celebrated it. It was a whole family affair and everyone was in the streets just having fun and enjoying all the festivities.

Copenhagen Solo Weekend Itinerary

Now that you have the basics of Copenhagen, let’s get to the solo itinerary. My Copenhagen solo travel weekend itinerary is a full 2-day plan with some additional activities if you have some extra time! There are so many things to do alone in Copenhagen. Drink lots of coffee because your days will be busy.

Day 1 of Solo Things in Copenhagen:

King’s New Square

Start your explorations by navigating toward Kings New Square, a public square located in the heart of Copenhagen. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the old stock exchange and several former merchant houses. It is a hub for public transportation, with several major roads converging and several metro and bus lines stopping there. It’s a popular gathering place for locals and tourists, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops located in the surrounding buildings.

Now that you arrived at a good starting point, grab breakfast at one of the bakeries nearby. You can go to a popular local chain Lagkagehuset or one that l loved called Buka.

Nyhavn

After fueling up for the day on some much-needed sugary carbs and a good coffee, head to the poster child of Copenhagen, Nyhvan.

Nyhavn is a historic harbor and canal in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its colorful row houses, lively atmosphere, and rich history. A stroll there is simply a must for anyone visiting Copenhagen, as it provides a unique insight into the city’s maritime past and its cultural heritage.

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canal, taking in the colorful facades of the row houses and the boats moored in the harbor. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it an ideal place to stop for a drink. I decided to stop there for a meal but I wouldn’t recommend one there. It was a very touristy and gross one compared to meals I ate throughout the city. During the summer months, many of the restaurants and cafes set up outdoor seating, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

In addition to its historic and cultural significance, Nyhavn is also known for its literary history. Many famous Danish writers, including Hans Christian Andersen, lived and worked in the area, and it has inspired numerous works of literature and art over the years.

Boat Tour

Nyhavn is also a popular spot for boat tours, offering visitors the chance to see Copenhagen from the water and explore its many canals and waterways. While strolling up and down the canal, I noticed one last boat leaving for the day and decided to hop on and see what it was all about. While I am the last person to take a touristy bus or boat (although I did really enjoy my cheesy boat tour in Paris), I actually really enjoyed this one.

As a solo traveler, I was really able to soak in the city from a unique perspective and get a lay of the land and some new ideas of what I wanted to see. It showed me that I did not want to take the time out of my day to see the Little Mermaid Statue 🙂 The tours leave from top of Nyhvan and there are many options for times. The providers offer very similar routes so just hop on what’s available and enjoy learning some history while seeing some amazing sights!

Amalienborg & Frederik’s Church

After a boat ride from the Nyhvan, walk all the way down toward the Playhouse. It’s an outdoor area where you can relax, people-watch, and enjoy a refreshing spritz. Then walk on the small waterfront promenade towards Amaliehaven garden. Although the area is touristy and crowded, I really enjoyed the beautiful fountains along with the whole area.

Next, Amalienborg is a famous square in Copenhagen, best known as the residence of the Danish Royal Family. A highlight for visiting the area is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily at 12:00 pm. I personally had no idea that the ceremony was a thing there and ended up walking past it at that specific hour 🙂

The square also includes the Amalienborg Museum and the Marble Church, both of which offer a glimpse into Danish royalty and the city’s rich history.

Reffen

After a very busy morning, you deserve a break! And there is no better place for an afternoon meal and a cold beer than at Reffen! It’s a vibrant street food market and outdoor area located in the Copenhagen neighborhood of Refshaleøen. You can either take public transport there or take a pretty long walk.

There you can sample a wide variety of cuisines from around the world, including Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, and Nordic. Some popular vendors include “Tacos Anonymous,” “Mama Sharpe’s,” and “Fiskebaren,” offering dishes ranging from tacos and burgers to fish and chips. Prices at Reffen are average for Copenhagen, with most dishes costing between 80-120 kr ($12-$18 USD).

In addition to food, the market also features a variety of shops and boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, and other handmade goods. During the summer months, it is typically open from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, while in the winter, it is open from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Day 2:

For your Day 2 of solo Copenhagen activities, you’ll explore more of the city, eat some awesome food, and visit the famous Tivoli Gardens! For the morning part, you can always do a Free Walking Tour or simply get the highlights yourself using my route below.

City Hall Square

Start your day at City Hall Square, a central public square that is pretty neat. It is surrounded by historic buildings, including the City Hall, which serves as the headquarters of the City of Copenhagen. You can enter the hall for free or explore city views from its tower for a small fee. The square is also home to several popular landmarks, including the Stork Fountain, the former main post office, and the Tivoli Hotel.

In the square, you can enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants that line it or take a stroll around the nearby lakes and parks.

Stroget

Next, it’s time to shop, or just stoll along this gem. Strøget is a popular shopping street in the heart of Copenhagen. It is considered one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe and is a must-visit for anyone interested in shopping, dining, and exploring the city. Strøget is lined with a mix of high-end and budget-friendly shops, including clothing stores, souvenir shops, and specialty stores.

Don’t forget to step away from the main street and get lost in the pretty side streets too!

Rundetarn

Next, it’s time for a little exercise! Or rather not much exercise as the building you’re about to enter has a round climb that won’t make you feel like you’ve done much climbing! I really enjoyed its unique structure but my favorite part of it was the views from the top!

Rundetårn (Round Tower) is a historic tower located right near Stroget. Built-in the 17th century, it serves as both an observatory and a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Visitors can reach the top of the tower via a ramp, which winds its way up to the top, providing a unique and leisurely way to take in the views. Admission to Rundetårn is priced at 35 kr ($5 USD) and the tower is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Torvehallerne

Now, the best part your afternoon. It’s time to eat! Let’s explore Torehallerne for that activity.

Torvehallerne is a popular indoor food market. It is the perfect destination for food lovers looking to explore the local culinary scene while enjoying a solo weekend in Copenhagen. The market features a wide range of stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and street food, making it a great place to sample local specialties and try something new.

Popular stalls at Torvehallerne include GRØD, which specializes in hearty, Danish-style porridge; The Coffee Collective, offering specialty coffee from local roasters; and Kødbyens Fiskebar, serving fresh seafood dishes. Other popular stalls include Hallernes Smørrebrød, featuring traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches, and Spiselauget, offering a range of gourmet hot dogs.

I ended up eating some tapas and sipping on a cold Spanish beer! There was a small flea market outside in which I did some damage shopping for vintage watches 🙂

Tivoli Gardens

Last but certainly not least, for the last part of your day head over to the best place in town (in my humble opinion), Tivoli Gardens!

Tivoli Gardens is an iconic amusement park founded all the way back in 1843. It is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and a popular destination for visitors of all ages. Tivoli Gardens features a variety of amusement park attractions, beautiful gardens, live entertainment, and decent dining options.

Tivoli Gardens is open during the summer months, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Admission is priced at 120 kr ($18 USD). You have the option of purchasing individual rides or an all-you-can-ride pass.

I absolutely loved the gardens! I spent a good time walking around loving how magical the place felt and that’s coming from someone who isn’t a big fan of these types of places. I purchased the unlimited pass and went later in the day. However, to my surprise, the rides closed at 10 pm and I only got to ride a couple of them 🙁 While I thoroughly enjoyed the grounds and my dinner, I totally didn’t plan out my timing to enjoy the rides and kinda messed up there.

BONUS: Meatpacking District!

If you’re like me and resting when traveling is not in your vocabulary, don’t forget to visit the Meatpacking District for your nightlife adventures.

The Meatpacking District of Copenhagen is a popular destination for nightlife and entertainment, offering a range of options for those looking to experience Copenhagen’s night scene. The district is located just a short walk from the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation.

You can expect to find a mix of bars, clubs, and music venues, offering a range of experiences from casual drinks to all-night parties. Popular venues in the area include Jolene, a bar and music venue with a focus on live performances and DJs; Culture Box, a club and concert venue known for its cutting-edge sound system; and Bakken, a lively bar and dance club.

Don’t forget to be mindful of going out alone as a solo traveler though!

Map for your Copenhagen Solo Travel

Additional Places

If you happen to have an extra day in the city, here are some additional spots for you to explore.

Freetown Christiana

Probably the most interesting and fascinating place in the city is Freetown Christiana. This was on my itinerary but unfortunately, half a day of heavy rain ruined this plan for me.

Freetown Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood in Copenhagen, Denmark, known for its alternative lifestyle and vibrant community. Founded in 1971 as a response to the housing shortage and gentrification in Copenhagen, Christiania is home to around 1,000 residents who live in a unique and self-governed community.

While Freetown Christiania is not an official part of Copenhagen, it is a popular destination for visitors who are looking to experience a unique and alternative side of the city. You’ll find a unique and eclectic mix of art, music, and culture, with a range of street performers, musicians, and vendors selling handcrafted goods and street food. The neighborhood is also known for its street art, with a range of murals and graffiti adorning the walls of buildings and homes.

Freetown Christiania operates under its own set of rules and regulations, including a ban on photography (although some areas allow you to take pictures), cars, and hard drugs. If you choose to visit, you absolutely must respect these rules!

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is a historic palace in Copenhagen, where you can explore its beautiful gardens and grand interiors. Expect to see a range of rooms and halls, each decorated in a unique and ornate style. Highlights of the castle include the Knight’s Hall, which displays a collection of weapons and armor from the 17th century, and the Crown Jewels, which include the Danish crown, scepter, and orb. Don’t forget to spend some time in the castle’s beautiful gardens, which feature a range of ornate fountains and sculptures, as well as a small pond and park area.

Statens Museum for Kunst

Statens Museum for Kunst, also known as the National Gallery of Denmark, is a leading art museum located in Copenhagen. The museum features an extensive collection of Danish and international art, including works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Rubens. The museum is open every day except for Monday and admission is free, making it an accessible and affordable destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts visiting Copenhagen.

While this was on my itinerary, I ended up celebrating at pride with random strangers I met instead! Sorry, Rembrandt.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Copenhagen Solo

Copenhagen is one of my favorite places that I traveled to solo! The city felt safe, there was plenty to see and the only thing stopping me from staying longer was its prices 🙂

If you have any suggestions or comments on places to visit as a solo traveler in Copenhagen, don’t forget to add them below!!

4 Day Sardinia Itinerary for First-Time Visitors – Everything you need to know

Continue Reading 4 Day Sardinia Itinerary for First-Time Visitors – Everything you need to know

An Exciting 4-Day Ibiza Itinerary Without (Too Much) Partying

Continue Reading An Exciting 4-Day Ibiza Itinerary Without (Too Much) Partying

First Timers Guide to Tomorrowland – The Best Music Festival in the World

Continue Reading First Timers Guide to Tomorrowland – The Best Music Festival in the World

How to Spend 2 Days in Budapest: Itinerary & Map

Continue Reading How to Spend 2 Days in Budapest: Itinerary & Map

How to Visit The Blue Lagoon on Your Iceland Layover

Continue Reading How to Visit The Blue Lagoon on Your Iceland Layover

3 Day Lisbon Itinerary: A Perfect Introduction to the City

Continue Reading 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary: A Perfect Introduction to the City