Elle-Rose / March 3, 2020

A Guide to Stopping at the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando

The Portofino Bay Hotel is one of three premier onsite hotels at the Universal Orlando Report, and as the flagship hotel it offers what we think is the most luxurious stay of the three. It also offers the most amenities, so with so much on offer we thought we’d sort you out with a guide to stopping at the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando so that you can make the most of your stay!

This hotel is one of the most luxurious and prettiest in the resort-areas, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. The hotel is themed loosely around the Italian town of Portofino, and the exterior of the hotel looks just like an Italian town. So it’s really scenic and beautiful and a lovely place to spend time!

How far is the Portofino Bay Hotel from the parks?

The Portofino is one of the hotels onsite at Universal Studios. It’s really close when compared to external hotels and apartments, so it’s a great location and a fantastic hotel to be based at. This is probably why it’s such a popular choice!

How do you get to the parks from the Portofino Bay Hotel?

There are a few different transports methods to the parks from Portofino Bay Hotel.

Water taxi

Universal has a complimentary water taxi service, that starts about 30mins before early admission and keep running until 2:30am every. Single. Day.

Theme park shuttle

Basically the same concept as the water taxi, but it’s a big shuttle bus that pics you up from the front of the hotel and serves all seven of the nearby hotel complexes. There’s no advantage to using this instead of the water taxi, unless you need to rent a wheelchair for the day from a park, as the shuttle drops you off closest to the wheelchair rental office of each park.

Garden Walkway

At just under a mile, this scenting walk will take you through to the parks and past other hotels. It’s completely safe as it never touches any actual roads, and is completely beautiful as it’s been completely landscaped.

What rooms are available at the Portofino Bay Hotel?

Every single room comes with some basics amenities that are available across the board, regardless of the kind of room you go for, so we’ll lay them out for you here:

3 phones in every room. One at the desk, one at the bed and one in the bathroom. Each with dual voice lines, voicemail, and data ports.
Signature Cotton bathrobes
On Demand movies in the room, along with movie checkout and a remote control TV with cable channels.
A dvd player
Smart Room tech, so you can control the temperature even when you’re not in your room!
Coffee maker with coffee
A clock radio
A refreshment pantry
In room safe
Iron and ironing board
Hair dryer and makeup mirror
High speed internet access
And a daily newspaper delivery

Are different themed rooms available?

Taking in the basic room features and amenities above, the rooms vary a little – so we’ll walk you through the kinds of rooms that are on offer at the Portofino Hôtel in Orlando.

Garden View Room

These rooms will allow you to relax with a gorgeous view of the hotels manicured grounds. Every room has a beautiful turn out, with marble and furnishings in an Italian style. They’re all 450 square feet, allowing you to luxuriate in style. They come with either a king or a queen bed, and most rooms have a sofa and the option if a pull-out bed. You can also get connecting rooms to kings, queens, doubles and twins, too.

Bay View Room

If you’re idea of heaven is waking up to wide reaching sea views, then this room is the one for you! As Orlando is on the east coast you’ll be treated to views of the sun rising over the glitter of the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of spec, these rooms are basically the same as the above.

Deluxe Rooms

Hang tight y’all were getting fancy in here! The deluxe rooms are elegantly appointed with Crown moulding and a separate tub and shower in the luxurious bathroom. You’ll be treated to a view of either of the resorts elegant pools, and some increased living space of 490 feet.

Despicable Me kids’ suites

This is the perfect opportunity to let the kids have some fun (and the grownups have some alone time and privacy). These suites come with a king bedroom for the adults and a separate room for the kids, and offers a full 650ft of living space so that you can all really spread out! All the kids’ rooms have been given a full Despicable Me makeover – so the kids will be sure to think they’ve landed in heaven! The kids suites open only into the Adults’ room and not into the hallway, but there’s no option for further connecting rooms.

Portofino Suites

These suites offer plenty of space to relax away from the action. They have a 240ft parlour adjoining to a 450ft garden view bedroom, and a second adjoining bedroom can be requested to create a two bedroom suite. All suites come with their own full bathroom.

Villa suites

These rooms really allow you to live the highlife. They come with a casual seating area, a dining area, a kitchenette and an adjoining deluxe bedroom (see above). A second bedroom can also be added to create a 2 bedroom suite.

Club level deluxe Rooms

These rooms come with the option to upgrade your stay to have access to the Hotel’s club lounges. This means you can enjoy the highest quality of European hospitality and service. All the rooms are deluxe rooms and come with all club benefits: a concierge service, free continental breakfast, snacks in the afternoons, hors d’œuvres in the evening and a sweet hour at night. Complimentary tea, coffee, and soft drinks all day, and beer and wine at night. You’ll also get complimentary access to the fitness centre, and reduced rates in the pool cabanas.

Balconies

There’s no specific rooms with balconies and outside spaces – though they are available on request.

What’s outside your room?

There’s actually loads to do around the Portofino hotel, it’s a really nice place to be based while you’re visiting Universal Studios and Orlando.

Piazzas

A guide to stopping at the Portofino Hitel in Orlando couldn’t just tell you about the rooms! This one is absolutely full of spaces to relax in, unwind, and enjoy the scenery and ambiance.

Harbour Piazza

Whilst there are several Piazzas at the hotel, the Harbour Piazza is the grandest of them all! Surrounding the glittering Portofino Bay, you’ll find italianesque cobblestone streets and sidewalk cafes.

Mandata Spa

This spa is a sanctuary within the hotel, where you can relax, unwind, and maybe even find the elixir of youth! Services include massages, skin care, beauty, body treatments, hydro massage, steam rooms, saunas, lounges, hair and nail care and refreshments.

Villa Piazza

Much like the harbour piazza except this one looks over the villa pools, and has gone for a more Italian countryside vibe.

Piazza centrale

The main hub of the hotel, and just outside the main lobby, the piazza centrale offers the vibe of a central square in an Italian village.

Do they have a pool?

There are a few different pools at the Portofino Bay Hotel – and I love choice! Even when you’re visiting Orlando for all the parks, sometimes you may want a day (or two) where you can just relax and switch off by the swimming pool. Here are the three pools at the Portofino Bay Hotel, and a guide to which you might want to use!

Beach Pool: zero entry, with white sand and a Roman aqueduct themed slide. There are Cabanas available for rent.
Villa pool: a more private and luxurious bathing experience, with upgraded lounge chairs. Cabanas also available.
Hillside pool: even more private and relaxing, with a secluded vibe.

Dining near Portofino Bay Hotel

There’s loads of dining options near the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, so you’ll have loads of dining options right on your doorstep. Right outside the Portofino Bay Hotel you have a lovely area / walkway full of cafes, restaurants and bars. Here’s some of the tops picks…

Trattoria del Parto

This is Portofino’s three meal a day restaurant, and it’s themed around Italy’s colourful food festivals. It’s open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they have character dining from 6:30-9 on Friday nights. They’ve also got a kids dining room with kids sized tables and chairs and a play area so everyone can enjoy themselves!

Bice Ristorante

A slice of Italian tradition, and fine dining, Bice made its name in 1920s Milan and now has 26 international destinations. Not one to take small children too, unless they’re well versed in fine dining etiquette, but a very stylish destination for families with older children or just for the grownups, even.

Mama Della’s Ristorante

Dining at Mama Della’s is like being welcomed into her kitchen and being fed alongside her family. Every room is reminiscent of the Italian countryside, and the food is classic homely Italian fare. Every night the restaurant is home to musicians who’ll sing Italian classics whilst wandering around the restaurant as you eat.

Sal’s market deli and Gelateria

With a sensational selection of deli food from cured meats to cheese, Freshly made pizzas, and gelato to die for, Sal’s is a really great rustic food environment. It’s first come first serve and kids are definitely welcome. Hit up the Gelateria for great coffee and pastry as well!

The thirsty fish

This wine bar on the side of the harbour serves small plates and Friday night Jazz.

Bar American

A swish lobby bar, with elegant cocktails, classic martinis and mouthwatering hors d’œuvres.

We hope this guide to stopping at Portofino Hotel in Orlando has been helpful! If you’ve any other questions we’ll do our best to help in the comments!

Elle-Rose / February 28, 2020

A guide to Broadway: The best New York shows and which you should watch

Are you looking for a guide to all the New York shows on Broadway?

If you’re in NYC, chances are you’re planning to see a Broadway show, New York shows are one of the main attractions of visiting the city! I mean, Broadway is iconic and it’s one of the best things you can do in the city, and there’s nothing better than the excitement and anticipation of seeing one of the famous New York shows.

Did you know…? A lot of the shows on Broadway in NYC are exclusive to Broadway and you won’t find them anywhere else in the USA (or even the world).

But which New York shows should I see in NYC? It’s hard to choose and I totally get that – there are recent New York shows, old shows, quirky shows… it’s hard to know which Broadway show you’ll enjoy the most. Hopefully this guide will help you choose!

When you’ve finished reading this, you might want to check out my ultimate guide to visiting NYC here, for other tips and tricks!

Why is picking the right Broadway show so important?

So you’re wondering “which Broadway show should I see in NYC?”

Chances are you’re not in NYC very often, so taking the chance to see one of the New York shows when you’re in the city is ideal. Personally, I visit the city 2 or 3 times a year (I know I’m really lucky!) and I will always try and grab a cheap Broadway ticket if I can – because I know my opportunities to see these shows are often limited to when I’m in either NYC or London. I’m lucky that I’ve been able to see the majority of big shows on Broadway… although they’re are still some amazing New York shows I’m yet to see!

Another reason to make sure you pick the right New York shows, is that Broadway shows are expensive! Of course, the price is justified and the ticket price is worth the amazing experience, but tickets are pricy – and it’s likely you’ll only have enough budget to see one (maybe two) shows during your time in the city. You don’t want to waste time seeing one of the New York shows that isn’t ‘your cup of tea’ or one where you don’t know any of the songs, which is why researching the right Broadway show for you is so important.

Which Broadway show should I see in NYC?

Ok, so here’s my low-down on the different New York shows, so you can hopefully make the right choice! You can click on the titles of the shows below to book tickets – to make everything super easy for you!

Frozen the Musical

The first New York shows on my list… Based off the amazing Disney animation, Frozen the musical is a colourful, incredible show that anyone who loves the film will absolutely adore. You’ll find all the characters you love, all the songs you love and there are even some surprises too. I loved this show, it was super impressive, fun and memorable. This is a really children friendly Broadway show, there are lots of children in the audience having their first ‘Broadway’ experience – which is so lovely!

Mean Girls

If you’re looking for New York shows with a bit of attitude and comedy… This is the New York show for you! Based on the movie of the same name, this is a funny, witty and clever musical comedy. It packs all the attitude and sass that the movie has, just on a stage instead of on your screen! This is a great choice for a bachelorette party or a girls night out!

The Lion King on Broadway

OK, The Lion King is probably one of the most iconic and famous broadway musicals and one of the most well known New York shows. It’s so well known, the songs are so popular, and it’s just a brilliant choice. The Lion King is especially good for families with kids (because you’ll all recognise the music and characters) but it’s also great for couples who want to experience some serious Disney nostalgia. If you book tickets to this show, my advice is to get tickets on the ground floor, and close to the aisle… trust me…. those seats pay for themselves in how amazing the experience is.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is a controversial, quirky, comedy musical which looks at the practices of the Mormon religion, and (to put it bluntly) makes an absolute mockery of it. It’s one of the more adult-themed New York shows, but I’ve seen this twice, and loved it each time. It’s totally different to the ‘normal’ musical, and that’s one of the reasons you’ll love it. This musical is HILARIOUS but it’s definitely an adults-only kinda musical. You don’t want to be bring kids or even young teenagers to this show – pretty much all the jokes are either crude, rude or controversial. If you fancy going for one of the more risky New York shows, then this is it.

Chicago

This was the first Broadway musical I ever saw, and it’s one of the classic New York shows. If you enjoyed the movie version, you’ll love the stage version as it’s even better. There are so many great songs in Chicago, and you’ll find yourself remembering them all as they get performed. This is one of the classic Broadway shows that I don’t feel like anyone could go wrong with!

Come From Away

This is a relatively new Broadway musical and a new addition to this list of amazing New York shows. I actually haven’t seen it yet (aside from googling YouTube clips!). It’s based on the true story of the 7,000 stranded passengers that had to make emergency landings on the day of 9/11in a small town called Newfoundland in Canada. It’s a beautiful story, and the musical highlights certain people’s stories that are especially interesting or beautiful. If you want something truly moving and based on a true story, this is one of the right New York shows for you.

Hamilton

Next on my list of New York shows, I know you’ve heard of this one! We’ve all heard about how amazing Hamilton is. It’s one of the most talked-about musicals of the last 10 years – and it’s no wonder why. This musical makes historic cool, so cool you’ll wonder if it’s a musical you walked into or a concert. It’s such a great show, and it’s one of the most popular on Broadway right now.

Moulin Rouge!

Another recent New York show on this list, this one only opened recently, I’m absolutely desperate to see it. As you’ve probably guessed, Moulin Rouge is based on the movie with the same name (the Nicole Kidman one) and is about the romance of a performers in the Paris Moulin Rouge district. It’s promises to be opulent, beautiful, over-the-top and I’m absolutely here for it! Can’t wait! The story is pretty dark though, so this might not be the best musical to watch with children. If you like being the first to see New York shows, then you’ll want to tick this amazing new show off your list before anyone else!

Wicked the Musical

Next on my list of New York shows, this is one of my favourites. Wicked is about the ‘untold story of the Witches of Oz. It’s a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, so if you love that film, you’ll probably love this too. Chances are if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll recognise some of the songs! The amazing ‘Defying Gravity’ is actually the Act 1 finale for this musical, and it’s absolutely beautiful! This is a good choice for families with older children and teenagers (as it’s well known enough to keep them entertained). It’s also great for adult groups and couples too!

Phantom of the Opera

Of course the next Broadway musical on my list of New York shows, it had to be Phantom of the Opera. One of the longest running musicals, this is one of the classic musicals that never seems to age or fade in popularity. It’s always packed out, and it’s one of the popular choices in the city for sure. I wouldn’t recommend seeing this with kids – the themes are a bit confusing, and the staging and costumes might be a frightening too.

Aladdin the Musical

The next Broadway show on my list of New York shows, is Aladdin. This show is a great choice for children and families – this is the stage musical of Disney’s Aladdin film. There are a few changes to characters and plot (there’s no monkey!) but over all it’s a good conversion from film to stage and it’s really enjoyable. I loved the colours and the costumes of this one, and I absolutely loved seeing them recreate the flying carpet too!

The Tina Turner Musical

I’m afraid I haven’t seen this one so I don’t know too much about the plot line – but I do know that it is full to the brim of Tina Turner songs. So if you want something uplifting with songs and musical you know and love, this is likely going to be a good choice for you!

Dear Evan Hanson

This is mega award-winning musical (and a relatively new addition to the Broadway scene) is one of the most popular New York shows at the moment, especially amongst young adults. It was described by the Washington Post as “One of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history” so that’s a pretty good testament to how good this show is. The show is about a young man in high school, who has severe social anxiety disorder. He develops a relationship with a fellow student, but that student isn’t quite who you expect. I don’t want to say any more for fear of ruining it, but it’s a really beautiful show and it’d be a great one for families with teenagers, or adults and couples.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

And last on my list of New York shows, it’s the Cursed Child. This New York show isn’t actually a musical, but it’s one of the best shows on Broadway – and any Harry Potter fan will absolutely adore it. It was written by JK.Rowling herself, and it’s the continuation of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s lives after they’ve all grown up. You have to watch both parts of the story (told in two separate plays) so you’ll be spending the whole day in the theatre if you commit to this one. Make sure when booking tickets that you book part 1 and part 2 tickets. This is such an incredible piece of theatre, I won’t say anything to spoil it. The surprises make it truly magical!

I hope this list of Broadway musicals and New York shows has helped you decide which is the right choice for you!

They’re all amazing New York shows, and you’ll have an incredible time no matter which you choose. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

Elle-Rose / February 27, 2020

The perfect New York itinerary for 3 days

Are you looking for the perfect New York itinerary for 3 days in the city?

If you’re in NYC, you’ll want to make sure you’re planning you trip down to the very last minute – you won’t want to waste a single second in this amazing city. A lot of people who visit NYC pop here for the weekend, for 3 days and 4 nights – and although (ideally) I’d recommend spending a bit more time in the city, there is still loads you can fit in to a New York itinerary for 3 days.

My ideal New York itinerary for 3 days is below – this is how I would spend my time in the city, and if a friend or family member was visiting NYC for the first time, this New York itinerary for 3 days is what I’d send their way!

In terms of how the New York itinerary for 3 days works, I’ve given you a breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks options for each day. You could mix and match these if you wanted (or maybe skip breakfast, or skip lunch) but the options work really well together, and they also fit really well with the activity locations too.

So anyway, take a read of my New York itinerary for 3 days, and let me know what you think! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.

Day 1 in NYC

Breakfast: Grab a bagel

Your first breakfast in NYC should be easy, cheap and good on the go. A bagel is the perfect choice, and it’s a classic choice for New York too. You can grab a bagel from pretty much any diner or deli in NYC, but here are some of the top rated bagel shops in the city (maybe choose the one nearest to your hotel):

Lunch: Katz Deli

Katz Deli is my top choice for lunch on day 1. Katz Deli is one of the iconic delis in NYC, there have been movies filmed there, TV shows (it was featured in Man Vs Food several times). It’s an incredible deli, and it’s a classic New York experience too!

Dinner: Jacob’s Pickles

For dinner, my absolutely FAVOURITE restaurant in NYC. Jacob’s Pickles is southern food (friend chicken, biscuits, tacos, etc) served up in a really cool, modern setting. The portions are gigantic, the flavours are amazing, I honestly can’t say enough good things about this place.

Drinks: The Skylark

Skylark is a great bar perched above Times Square, with great views of Times Square and incredible views of the Empire State. I love sitting up here with my husband, soaking in the views and putting the world to rights. The cocktails are great, views are great and the service is great too.

Morning sightseeing: Open top bus tour

In your first morning in NYC I would do a bus tour in NYC. A bus tour is a really great way to see the city and it’s a great way to see all the main sights (even if you just glimpse it down the street). The bus tours are super educational too – you’ll learn loads about the city, it’s history and secrets tips and tricks about visiting New York. I love the open top bus tours, they’re deifnitely the easiest and most efficient way to tick off loads of sights in the city.

There are two main bus tour operators in NYC:

BIGBUS New York – Click here for info and tickets
City Sightseeing Bus – Click here for info and tickets

Afternoon sightseeing: Central Park and Times Square

For the afternoon activity on day 1 of my New York itinerary for 3 days, it’s Central Park. You can jump off your bus tour near Katz Deli, enjoy some lunch, and then jump back on the bus up to Central Park. When you get up to Central Park, get off the bus and have a walk around. Central Park is such a fun place to explore – whether you do it by yourself, or whether you join a walking tour.

Here are some Central Park tours I recommend, if you want a little guidance exploring this huge park of NYC:

Evening activity: Top of the Rock at Sunset

In the evening, I recommend heading to the Top of the Rock observation deck to watch the sun go down. Sunset is the best time to go up to an observation deck because you get to see the city in daytime and nighttime – but you only have to pay one ticket price! You’ll get amazing views and incredible photo opportunities too. And that’s the end of day 1 of my New York itinerary for 3 days.

You can get tickets to the Top of the Rock observation deck by clicking here.

Day 2 in NYC

Breakfast: Bubby’s diner

Bubby’s diner is my choice for breakfast on Day 2 of my New York itinerary for 3 days. Bubby’s is a really cool and laid back diner down in Soho / Tribeca. It’s a great place for breakfast, one of my favourite breakfasts in the city.

Lunch: La Esquina

La Esquina is a really cool lunch destination. It’s a traditional Mexican place, with delicious food. My favourite is the tacos! This place is great for lunch on a budget!

Dinner: Time Out Market

Time Out Market is such a great choice for dinner on day 2 of my New York itinerary for 3 days. Time Out Market in Brooklyn is EPIC. First of all, it’s located in one of the most scenic parts of the city, right on the river with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Secondly, it’s a food hall with dozens of restaurants inside to choose from. It’s such a good choice and perfect for couples or groups (because you each get to choose your own food from all the options available).

Drinks: The Standard

The ‘Top of the Standard‘ is a beautiful hotel bar, located in Chelsea area of Manhattan. It’s quite posh, so you’ll want to dress up! I love it because the vibe is sophisticated and the decor is amazing… Oh and the VIEWS! Just wow.

Morning sightseeing: Explore Wall Street & Downtown, then take the Statue of Liberty ferry

OK, it’s the morning of day 2 in my New York itinerary for 3 days. This morning you’re going to be exploring downtown NYC, and also heading out to the Statue of Liberty! The Statue of Liberty is a must-see for anyone visiting NYC, and for about $20 you get to ride over to Liberty Island on a ferry, enjoy walking around the statue of liberty and even head over to Ellis Island too.

You can book tickets for the Statue of Liberty ferry by clicking here.

Afternoon sightseeing: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO

In the afternoon you’ll be walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge is such a cool part of NYC, and it’s one of the hippest neighbourhoods in NYC – so (trust me) you’ll need to explore it! Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is brilliant too – it’s one of the bucket-list items you just need to experience.

Evening activity: Take in the NYC skyline from Brooklyn

In the evening you’ll be eating at Time Out Market, which is nearby DUMBO and in Brooklyn. There are brilliant views from this part of Brooklyn, you can see the whole of the Manhattan skyline.

Day 3 in NYC

Breakfast: Tick Tock Diner

Tick tock diner is a great choice for you last day in NYC. It’s a traditional New York diner and it’s a lot of fun too. You’ll be able to choose from loads of diner-classics, such as bagels, pancakes, waffles, hash browns.

Lunch: 2nd Avenue Deli

This was quite a new find for me, but I just loved it at 2nd Ave Deli. It’s a traditional jewish New York deli, and the menun is epic. It’s full of delicious sandwiches, salads, meats… Just YUM. So much yum.

Dinner: Quality Meats / Rubi Rosa

OK, I’m giving two choices for dinner on your last night. If you fancy one of the best steaks in NYC then you should visit Quality Meats. Their steaks are the best I’ve ever had, and I actually dream about their menu it’s so good! On the flip side, if you fancy something a bit more casual and you want to try some epic NYC pizza, then Rubi Rosa is about as good as pizza gets. It’s soooo good! For both of these places you’ll definitely want to book tables – as they’re super busy and popular.

Drinks: Draft 55

Draft 55 is a cosy neighbourhood bar, and it’s a great place to watch some sports in the evening, and enjoy some cosy drinks with friends or family.

Morning sightseeing: Macy’s and shopping on 5th Avenue & The Vessel

Did you even go to NYC if you didn’t go shopping at least once? Even if you don’t have much of a budget, window shopping in NYC is kinda fun too. Macy’s is a good place to start (there’s some pretty cool views of the Empire State from there too) and then you can cross over to 5th Avenue and walk up past all the shops there too.

Then once you’re done shopping, head over to Hudson Yards and check out ‘The Vessel’. It’s a new sculpture / vertical park and you can climb to the top for FREE! It’s a lot of fun and there are some beautiful views from up there too.

Afternoon sightseeing: A museum / tour

Time to pack in some culture on the last afternoon! Pick a museum or an art gallery that takes your interest, and spend the afternoon having a look around it! Some of my favourites museums are:

Evening activity: Watch a broadway show

In the evening of your final day, treat yourself to a Broadway show! Broadway is world famous for some of the BEST musical theatre in the world, and being in NYC is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of that! I try and watch a Broadway show every time I visit NYC, and here are some of my absolutely favourites:

I hope this New York itinerary for 3 days is really helpful! If you follow this New York itinerary for 3 days you can’t go wrong – NYC is an amazing city and you’ll love it!

Here are some other blog posts I have written that you might find useful on your trip to NYC…

My ultimate travel guide for NYC

Cheap lunch ideas in NYC

25 things for couples to do together in NYC

Bars in NYC with amazing rooftops views

Secret places to take photos in NYC

The best diners in NYC

Where to find the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge

Elle-Rose / February 26, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to using Amtrak trains

Are you looking for the ultimate guide to travelling the USA using an Amtrak trains? Hopefully this guide is what you’re searching for!

Amtrak is one of the lesser known methods of travel around the USA. For most people, they choose to drive or they choose to fly – but driving can be confusing or time-consuming and flying can be stressful, anxiety-inducing and is often prone to unexpected delays. Of course, both of these methods of transport have their own unique advantages, but there’s nothing quite like travelling by Amtrak trains – and this guide will hopefully help you trip be enjoyable and stress-free.

Travelling by Amtrak train is one of those must-do bucket-list experiences. The USA is huge (there’s no denying it) and seeing the country through the viewing carriages is something not many people can say they’ve done.

How do I book tickets for Amtrak trains?

You can book tickets online on the Amtrak trains website. The website is actually really good, and it’s easy to figure out once you’ve got the hang of it. You’ll see the booking box (I screen grabbed it below) on their website, and you can input the journey you want to take there, and search for tickets.

Remember, Amtrak do deals and promotions too – so make sure you check that part of their website out, because you might be able to get a discount. At the time of writing, they have the following available:

Save 20% on early bookings
Get up to 45% for groups of 6 or more
Veterans save 10%
Kids ride for 50% off

They also have useful things like a ‘train tracker‘ on their website so you can check for delays – which is pretty useful once you’re out and about travelling.

What kind of tickets do they offer for long term travel?

Of course, as I mentioned above, you can book for one-off journeys on their website. But there are different packages and tickets available for different kinds of travellers.

The multi-ride monthly ticket

The monthly multi-ride ticket allows you to take multiple trips using one ticket within a set amount of time – in this case, one month. So for example, if you bought a monthly ticket, it would be valid for unlimited travel between the origin and destination stations you select, and all stations in between, for an entire calendar month.

The ten-ride ticket

The ten-ride ticket is (as you’d imagine) valid for ten rides on the Amtrak trains. These ten rides can be within a 45-day, 60-day or 180-day window – depending on which stations you’re travelling between.

The six-ride student ticket

The Six-ride student passes are valid for a 365-day period. On Capitol Corridor trains between San Jose and Auburn, the pass is valid for all students with student ID. So please make sure you carry your student ID with you when travelling on this pass.

Tours and sightseeing packages

There are also lots of pre-assigned routes designed to help you see specific destinations and cities. You can see all of these by clicking here.

What route should I take?

Honestly, anything goes on Amtrak trains. But the answer to this question really depends on your budget, where you’re starting from and where you want to finish.

Amtrak trains are all over the USA – and can take you almost anywhere. There are 30 train routes throughout the USA, and the trains travel to over 500 destinations in 46 states! That’s a lot of ground to cover! If you’re confused about what you want to see, but you know you definitely want to travel by Amtrak trains, I think looking at their route map is the best idea. I’ve copied a photo of it below so you can see just how much area the Amtrak trains cover!

I know this is the ultimate guide to traveling the USA using Amtrak trains, but I would 100% advocate for going with no plan. Make sure you’ve got Jack Kerouac, William Faulkner or Toni Morrison for company, a toothbrush and a vague idea of cities you’d like to wind up in, and just fly by the seat of your pants. Amtrak is one of the few methods of travel that can truly allow for spontaneity.

Half the fun of travelling like this on Amtrak trains, is finding those unexpected places and towns along the way – so my one tip would be to just get off the train if you stop by a town you like the sound of. Some personal favourites of mine were rolling prairie, Indiana, Glenwood springs, Colorado, and Marks, Mississippi. Even if you stop for a day or until the next train comes through, it’ll show you a side of America you won’t get to see any other way.

How long should I go for?

This is really up to you and depends how much time you have for your vacation. You could spend months travelling the USA using Amtrak, or you could spend weeks. But bear in mind that some of the longer journeys can take multiple days, so the travel time does eat into your vacation time.

Amtrak trains has some pretty rad USA rail passes. From 15 days with 8 segments up to 45 days with 18 segments. Do bear in mind, though, that if your journey requires a change, then that counts as two segments instead of one. I decided against a rail pass in the end, as I had 90 days to travel, and wanted to stay a while in each place, but this can be risky as some tickets can skyrocket up to around $200 or more. The way to combat this is to just go wherever the cheapest ticket will take you on that day, or meticulously plan your route to maximize your budget.

I went for 87 days in the end on Amtrak trains, but I ended up staying with friends I made along the way which cut my expenditure massively! I think if you want to hit it hard, 45 days would be enough to hit all the big places, and give you enough time to really soak up the vibes, and will only set you back $689 for train fare. This sounds like a lot, but for 18 segments, it’s actually quite reasonable, considering how much ground you cover and how much you see.

If you only want to sample Amtrak trains, and you just want to try a shorter journey first – then the options below would be great choices for smaller journeys on the East coast.

Can I take checked baggage?

Like with a plane, when you travel on Amtrak trains, you can check your baggage. This is different from train in Asia and Europe – so if you’re used to lugging your big suitcase onboard with you, this might seem a bit weird to start with!

When you arrive at the station, you’ll check your cases like you would at an airport at the designated check-in area. Amtrak trains riders are actually given an allowance of two free checked bags on trains with checked baggage service. This means you can pack to your hearts content – and you’re not going to be worried about fitting bags under seats or on luggage racks.

Top tip! Before you travel, it is important to ensure your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.

What do I need to bring onto an Amtrak Train?

When riding with Amtrak trains, you’ll check your main baggage (as mentioned above) and you’ll carry with a small carry-on / hand luggage for the time on the train. In terms of the must-have items for your hand luggage, this is what you’ll want to bring:

An eye mask
A blanket
A good quality neck pillow (I swear by this one)
A change of clothes
Baby wipes
Flip flops

Another thing to consider when riding Amtrak trains, is bringing entertainment. I know it’s easy to imagine yourself dreamingly staring out of the window the whole time, but the truth is, you will eventually get bored. Something to do is paramount. Whilst I loved talking to people in the viewing carriage and gazing out of the window, I don’t think anything can prepare you for how long 24 hours on a train can feel. Bring a variety of things to do so you don’t get bored, and one of the best things I had on me was a deck of cards, so definitely stick a pack in your bag! A few other ideas would be:

Dobble (the absolute best travel game I’ve come across!)
A colouring book
A magazine or comic book
Your kindle
A phone / iPad stacked with TV shows

Can I buy food on-board an Amtrak train?

Yes, of course! There are actually a few different food options onboard Amtrak trains. From traditional sit-down dining, to cafes and snack – there should be something for you to enjoy whilst you travel. This page on their website is quite useful to look at!

Remember, you can also bring your own food and snacks onboard the Amtrak trains too!

What should I do on the train?

Honestly? Anything you like.

But I would 100% recommend sitting in the viewing carriage on your Amtrak train and striking up conversation with people – most people on the trains are travelling too, and it’s amazing who you can meet and what you can learn about just by talking.

I carried a deck of cards on me, and I kept a book nearby in case I wanted some alone time, but I really did meet the most incredible people; from a film maker traveling to Canton, Ohio, to a new friend who invited me to her barbecue in Memphis the next day (I went, it was incredible). I never failed to be astounded by the generosity and kindness of people riding trains, so I would definitely recommend striking up conversation whenever you can!

What’s the most picturesque Amtrak trains route?

In my opinion the most scenic Amtrak trains route is DEFINITELY the California Zephyr. It runs from Chicago to Emeryville (just outside SF), it goes through the Rocky Mountains, and shoots you out onto the Great Plains so that you feel almost as though you’re on the edge of the world. The whole journey is around 35-40 hours, and Chicago is a huge freight stop, so you can definitely expect delays coming into the station.

I would highly recommend stopping at Glenwood Springs, and Denver along this route. The former is known for its hot springs and its beauty, the latter because Denver is heart-achingly cool!

Also, any route that takes you along the coastline will be ridiculously pretty too!

Should I get a sleeper carriage?

This is entirely a personal choice but I really don’t think that you’ll need one at all, especially if you’re on a budget and trying to save money where possible.

Compared to European trains, the seats on an Amtrak will make you feel like a small child again, they have plenty of space! There’s buckets of leg room, the seats recline and there’s a very comfy leg rest so sleeping in your chair isn’t too much of a hassle. And of course, you have the motion of the train to lull you to sleep too.

If you’re traveling in excess of 24ish hours, though, you might want to think about it, just to guarantee yourself sleep and also comfort. Being able to stretch out properly and have some alone time might make all the difference. For journeys that only require one sleep, though, you’ll almost definitely be fine sleeping in your seat. Here’s a guide written by Amtrak trains with tips on how to sleep on Amtrak trains.

Get the Amtrak trains app

Amtrak trains finally have an app – so be sure to take advantage of it! It’ll keep you up to date with arrival times, delays, re-routes and anything else important, like schedules. It’s available on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

Overall advice

Basically, my advice would be to pack minimally, and dream big.

American train travel is honestly one of the most romantic experiences you can have, and Amtrak trains are the heart of it.

Just hearing the plaintive cry of a lonely train whistle is enough to set me off. If you can, get to the back of the train and watch the track unfurl behind you, and leave all your troubles out there as you head on to pastures new. If I could have spent my life riding around the states from small town to big city and back again I would have done.

So, what are you waiting for?

Elle-Rose / February 26, 2020

14 amazing places to find the best cheap lunches in NYC

Are you looking for the best cheap lunches in NYC?

So, picture this: you’re in The Big Apple, you’re feeling peckish, but you check out your holiday budget and you’re feeling a little pinched. What to do? You’ve got to find the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Don’t fret, we’ve got some great recommendations for the best cheap lunches in NYC, that pack a real punch but don’t break the banks.

Head to a bodega

What kind of list of the best cheap lunches in NYC would this be if we didn’t start by telling you that almost every bodega on every corner will have a grill, and will be able to make an egg and cheese roll for about $3? We’ve got slightly fancier recommendations, too, but you honestly can’t go wrong with a Bodega!

If you don’t know what a bodega is – the name bodega comes from a Spanish word which tends to mean “storeroom” “wine cellar” or “grocery store”. That should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect inside a bodega – it’s a corner shop, convenience shop, full of those little bits you just ‘need’.

Hunt down a bagel

And just like we couldn’t make a list of cheap lunches in NYC without mentioning bodegas, we also could mention lunches in NYC without giving the classic bagel a mention. You can get bagels in every diner or deli in NYC, and you can sit in and eat them or you can have them to go. The price will depend on your bagel choice and toppings, but generally it shouldn’t cost anymore than $6-7 (even if you go crazy on the toppings). A classic cream cheese bagel will cost you about $3 on average.

Here are some of the best review bagel shops in NYC…

Tompkins Square Bagels
Best Bagel and Coffee
Liberty Bagels Midtown (this is where you’ll find the rainbow bagels pictured below)
Broadway Bagel
Bagels & Schmear

Urbanspace Vanderbilt

The first actual place on our list of the best cheap lunches in NYC packs a punch for choice. Urbanspace Vanderbilt is open Monday-Friday 6am-9pm, and Sa t& Sun they’re open 9-5. You’ll be spoilt for choice in this urban food market; from amazing donuts to classic pizzas, you’ll find something for all moods! La Palapa has amazing tacos, that we’d highly recommend, but honestly it’s all good! You could definitely get a lunch for under $10!

Teranga

Next up on the list is all about flavor. We’d rank Teranga, with its casual setting, and incredible West African-inspired cuisine pretty near the top of any list of the best things we ate in NYC, so it’s pretty cool that it’s also a cheap eat! A vegetarian plate will set you back just $10, and includes things like black eyed pea stew, and roasted beets, and a wide selection of other dishes.

Gansevoort Market

I love this place! Gansevoort market is like a mini food hall . indoor food market with about 12-15 different food vendors selling their best stuff. I stumbled upon it, and there was so much amazing choice and the prices are mostly under $12. I like the cosy feel too – and the cute communal seating. The choice, prices and vibe makes this a contender on my list of the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Just Pho

If you’re a fan of pho, you’re probably thinking that we’d send you to the east village or maybe China Town, but no! This list of the best cheap lunches in NYC is jam packed with not only the cheapest, but also the best, so we recommend you get yourself to Just Pho opposite Penn station. It’s a pretty modest place, and the menu is very pared back, but rest assured that what they do serve is fantastic. Get the Hanoi Classic Pho and the crab stuffed spring roll. You won’t regret it, and it won’t set you back more than $15 in total.

Papa’s Kitchen

Next up on our list of the best cheap lunches in NYC is Papa’s Kitchen, in Jackson Heights. Here you can find a Filipino Silog, priced at either $7 or $8, and includes a classic dish served with rice and a runny egg. We highly recommend the national signature dish which is chicken adobos, but there are honestly so many good dishes that you can’t really go wrong.

ANY by-the-slice pizza place

Next on my list of the best cheap lunches in NYC, pizza! Of course!

When in NYC you have to try pizza by the slice. They’re almost always incredible, and you can find one almost anywhere. They’re the perfect lunch on the go, and one slice is about the same size as a normal pizza so you definitely won’t go hungry! If you want our advice, head to Joe’s pizza in Greenwich Village. The place is an institution, and honestly some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. It’s not fancy, but you won’t be disappointed. It’s around $4 a slice with toppings, but cheaper for margherita (just cheese).

M&P Biancimanco

Next up on this list of the best cheap lunches in NYC is absolute winner. Hoboken is the place to go for amazing Italian-American delis, and the pièce de resistance is of course M&P Biancimanco. You can eat inside in their adorable dining area, at the tables outside, or munch on the go, but this place has about 55 hot and cold heroes (Italian sandwiches). If it’s your first time, get one of the cold ones with a letter for a name. This is also a cracking spot for people watching, so we’d recommend eating in if you’ve got the time. Their sandwiches are a little pricier than other things on this list, but half a sub could do you lunch and dinner for around $10.

Katz’s Deli

On the subject of deli’s this list of the best cheap lunches in NYC wouldn’t be complete without a pastrami sandwich. It’s one of the most quintessentially New York things to eat, and we’d definitely suggest going to Katz’s Deli to get one. Don’t commit a cardinal sin and get it without pickles. The basic sandwich is $3.45, so definitely won’t break the bank! Also the portion are HUGE so you’re really getting a lot of portion for your penny here. This place is simply ICONIC in NYC, so I couldn’t write a list of the best cheap lunches in NYC without including it!

La Esquina

La Esquina is a great Mexican place selling street food style dishes at really low prices. If you want something super cheap but also fresh, healthy and soooo tasty – then this is the place you want to be. They have 3 places in NYC now (great for convenience). A great choice for the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Time Out Market, Brooklyn

Time Out Market is quite new on the scene, it’s only been open a year or so. Basically the idea is, it’s a huge indoor food hall with loads of cult-following NYC restaurants inside, offering up some of their most popular dishes. It’s great because the dishes tend to average about $8-$14 – but it’s also all about choice here too. If you visit with friends, you can all order and pay for your separate meals, different cuisines (whatever you each fancy) and there’s no worrying about splitting the bill at the end. It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite places for the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Faicco’s Pork Store

I could write a list of the best cheap lunches in NYC without mentioning this place. Faicco’s Pork Store is a deli that (as the name suggests) specialise in delicious pork. You only have to see a photo of one of their pork subs to become hungry (seriously… look below!) and I’d recommend the “Italian Special”. They’re located on Bleecker St, so if you’re in that area, this is a must-do for lunch. It’s a true Italian deli and we know you’ll love it.

Cheeky Sandwiches

Last on my list of the best cheap lunches in NYC, it’s Cheeky Sandwiches… Even the name sounds fun right? We love food when it’s tasty and when it’s cheap – and this place ticks both those boxes. There’s 9 different sandwiches to choose from on the menu, the cheapest is $3.50 for the chicken biscuit, and the most expensive is the braised short rib sandwich at $8. Which is pretty amazing considering the quality and the size.

We hope you enjoy our list of the best cheap lunches in NYC! Let us know if there’s any you think we’ve missed, or if you enjoyed any of our favourites!

Elle-Rose / February 25, 2020

30 fun things to do in Las Vegas during the day

Are you looking for things to do in Las Vegas during the day?

Las Vegas is an amazing city, and if you’re visiting for the first time – you’re in for a treat! Lots of people think Las vegas only comes alive at night, and whilst it’s true that the city had LOADS of nightlife, it’s also an amazing destination during the day too. My husband and I visit Vegas a couple of times a year, and this post is full of our favourite things to do during the day in Las Vegas. So if you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas during the day, keep reading!

Visit The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

First on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, it’s The Forum Shops. The Forum Shops is a shopping mall located inside the Caesars Palace hotel – it’s huge and full of loads of great shops. But it’s also themed and designed to look like an ancient roman town.

Visit the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, another shopping mall! Located on the Las vegas Strip, this one is located inside the Venetian hotel. Similar to the mall above, it’s also themed inside, but the Grand Canal Shoppes are designed to look and feel like Venice in Italy. It’s amazing, romantic, and full of great shops!

Take a gondola ride

The gondola rides take place inside the Grand Canal Shoppes (mentioned above) as inside the mall there are real canals weaving in and out of the hotel and walkways. Why is this is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day? Because you can choose an outdoor or indoor gondola ride (depending on whether you’re escaping the heat) and it’s so much fun!

Visit Top Golf driving range

One of my new favourite things to do in Las Vegas during the day, Top Golf is a HUGE driving range just off the strip. It’s easy to get an Uber or taxi there, and they also have a free shuttle if you head there from the MGM Grand. It’s so much fun, there’s music, bars, games, food, and even a pool alongside the golf!

Rent a pool cabana (or just sit on a lounger!)

The most obvious of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, sunbathing by the pool! Most hotels in vegas have pools, and sitting by the pool on a sunny day and just relaxing with a drink in hand it absolute perfection. If you’re looking for something a bit more VIP, then renting a poolside cabana for the day is a great shout!

Gamble!

The casinos in Las vegas are open all day long (so gambling is a classic choice for things to do in Las Vegas during the day). You’ll see people gambling all day every day here! If you want to do a little bit of gambling when the tables are quieter – the daytime is actually a really good time to do it.

Grab a seat at a buffet

Las vegas is famous for it’s crazy big buffets! Most hotels have buffets, and they’re usually open from brunch to evening dinner. A good tip though, if you head for a lunch buffet, you’ll usually pay about $10-$25 less than the evening buffet. So having your buffet experience at lunchtime can save you money! Which is why it makes my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day. Here’s a guide to the top 10 buffets in Vegas (my personal favourites are the Cosmo buffet and the Aria buffet).

Visit the Neon Museum

The Neon museum is what it sounds like… It’s an outdoor museum showing all the old neon signage that Las Vegas was once so famous for. It’s an great trip out, and it’s so interesting too, especially if you’re into the old-style Vegas.

Ride the High Roller

The high roller is open day and night, and if you choose to ride it during the day, you’ll get great views across town! It’s a relatively new addition to the Las Vegas skyline and it’s definitely one of my top things to do in Las Vegas during the day.

You can book ski-the-line tickets by clicking here.

Watch the Bellagio Fountains

Yes, the Bellagio Fountains are more impressive in the evening – but they’re also way busier and crowded in the evening too! If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas during the day, then watching the Bellagio Fountains is actually a great choice. You won’t need to push your way to the front, and your view will be pretty clear!

Visit Bellagio’s conservatory gardens

Located in the lobby of The Bellagio Hotel, the Bellagio Conservatory is a beautiful indoor botanical garden. Every season the talented gardening team redesign the conservatory to suit a particular theme or story – so it’s always changing and there’s always something new to see there. It’s free too!

Party at a pool party / day club

Las Vegas has it all, from the biggest nightclubs to the biggest day clubs too! Don’t know what a day club is? It’s essentially everything you love about clubbing, but during the daytime, in bathing suits and next to a pool. Sounds pretty epic right?

Visit the Flamingos

The Flamingo Hotel didn’t get it’s name for no reason… There are actually Flamingoes inside too! You can wander through the resort / habitat and see the stunning birds as a fun things to do in Las Vegas during the day.

Drive out to Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is only a 30 minute drive from the strip and it’s one of the most beautiful areas of natural beauty in the city. I absolutely love Red Rock, and it’s perfect for those days when you want to escape the city and get some fresh air. I recommend booking a tour from your Las Vegas hotel – as you’ll get park entrance included and transport there and back. Plus you’ll get the added bonus of a guided tour too! I love the Pink Jeep Tour personally, so that’s who I would recommend!

Click here to book a Jeep tour of Red Rock Canyon

Do a Grand Canyon day trip

The classic option for things to do in Las Vegas during the day, a Grand Canyon day trip! The Grand Canyon is only a few hours drive from las Vegas, so it’s the perfect day trip to take whilst you’re in the city. As with the above, I recommend Pink Jeep Tours above all other tour companies – they’re vehicles are super spacious and comfy… and they’re damn cool too.

Click here to book a jeep tour of the Grand Canyon (highly recommended!)

Learn how to shoot a gun

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, this might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’ve always wanted to shoot a gun, then Las Vegas is a good place to try it out. There are lots of shooting ranges in the city, and they offer completely controlled and supervised shooting experiences. If you’re going to do it, Vegas is a great place as the facilities are safe and high quality.

Click here to book a shooting range experience in Las Vegas.

Ride the New York New York roller coaster

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, it’s one for the adrenaline junkies! If you’ve not tried the NY NY rollercoaster yet, this is definitely something to try out during your next day in Vegas! The rollercoaster is amazing and even cuts through the hotel itself… it’s a Vegas classic!

Visit the Eiffel Tower viewing deck

Next on my list of things to do in Las vegas during the day, you can’t miss it, it’s the huge building that looks just like the Eiffel tower! You’ll get some amazing views of the strip from up here, and it’s usually a little less busy in the daytime too.

You can book skip-the-line tickets by clicking here

Visit the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign

You might have driven past this iconic sign on your way in, but maybe you missed it. Either way, it’s a great place to visit during the day in Las Vegas. If you get an Uber driver to take you out there, they can park up for a few minutes while you take a photo, and then drive you onto your next location!

Learn how to play poker

During the daytime in Las vegas casinos, you’ll find lots of hotels offer poker lessons on their less-busy tables. If you’re wanting to learn, the best time to do so id during the day!

Do an open top bus tour

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, it’s the open top bus tour. Did you even visit Las Vegas if you didn’t take the open top bus tour? This is a classic tourist attraction and it’s a perfect option for during the day as you’ll get great views of everything.

You can book open top bus tickets by clicking here.

Look around the Mob Museum

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, The Mob Museum. The Mob Museum is a classic Las vegas museum and it’s a lot of fun. It’s full of historical facts, as well as artefacts and things that dates back to the time of the mob. Las Vegas was a different place back then and it’s certainly interesting to learn about it!

Click here to book tickets for the Mob Museum

Drive out to the Hoover Dam

A lot of Grand Canyon tours will stop off at the Hoover Dam on the way out of Las Vegas, but some people may want to visit the Hoover Dam on it’s own (it’s pretty impressive after all!). If you want to check out the Hoover Dam on it’s own and take a tour of this amazing structure – then I highly recommend this tour.

You can book a 3 hour tour of the Hoover Dam by clicking here.

Visit one of the city’s outlet malls

There are a couple of outlet malls in Las Vegas, and they’re a great place to visit if you want to snap up some bargains! The discounts can often be up to 50-70% off, which means you can really buy some amazingly priced designer clothing there.

Head to the top of the Stratosphere

Some of the best view of Las Vegas are from the top of the Stratosphere casino! It’s a huge tall tower (you can’t miss it in the skyline) and during the daytime you’ll get crazy good views of the strip and of the surrounding city too.

Grab breakfast at Denny’s

Maybe it’s because I’m from London (and we don’t have Denny’s in the UK) but there’s nothing quite like starting your day at Denny’s. I just love it, and it feels so American. There are 2 Denny’s on the strip.

Have a spa treatment

Ahhhh, one of my absolutely favourite things to do in Las Vegas during the day… Have a luxurious spa treatment! My favourite spa (hands down) is the spa at the Aria Hotel. I love everything about it.

Take a trip to Planet 13

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, this one isn’t for everyone! However, if you enjoy a bit of legal cannabis, then Planet 13 is where you can buy it. It’s like a supermarket for marijuana products and it’s actually the largest dispensary on the planet for recreational cannabis.

Grab a table at one of the city’s busier restaurants

The day time is a great time to grab a table at one of the city’s busier and more in-demand restaurants. You’ll find that queues for these kind of places are much small in the lunch hour, than during dinner – so it’s a good time of day to try your luck!

Go Go-Karting

If speed is kind of your ‘thing’ then go-karting in Las Vegas is going to be at the top of your to-do list during the day. There’s an amazing go-karting track in Las Vegas and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss out on!

Click here to book go-karting tickets in Las Vegas

I hope this list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day is useful and has given you loads of great ideas for how to spend your time!

Here are some other posts I’ve written about Las Vegas, that you might find helpful…

The best shopping malls in Las Vegas

Best Las Vegas nightlife for couples

The most romantic hotel suites in Las Vegas

The most romantic things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas restaurants with amazing views of The Bellagio Fountains

The ultimate guide to visiting Las Vegas on a budget

Where to find the best views of The Bellagio Fountains

Things to do in Las Vegas when you’re pregnant

The most romantic engagement ideas in Las Vegas

Elle-Rose / February 24, 2020

15 fun things to do alone in NYC

If you’re visiting NYC solo, you might be a little worried about finding things to do alone in NYC. The good news is, NYC is an amazing city to visit alone, it’s a safe place to visit, there are loads of things to do here and the city lends itself extremely well to solo travellers.

Also – Once you’re finished reading this article of things to do, you might want to head on over to my ‘ultimate guide to NYC‘ – where you’ll find endless information about getting around, what to eat, see and do, and even money-saving tips and tricks.

But first – here are some of my favourite things to do solo in NYC…

Take a food tour

The first thing on my list of things to do alone in NYC, it’s a food tour! Doing an NYC food tour is actually one of the best things to do solo in NYC! A food tour is a guided group tour (usually between 5-10 people) where you’ll be taken around some of the best local restaurants or cafes to try their ‘speciality dish’ or just something extremely delicious.

It’s great for solo travellers in NYC because it’ll give you a chance to meet new people, try lots of new food and explore a neighbourhood too! There are loads of food tours in the city, but here are a few of my top picks… Definitely one of the top things to do alone in NYC!

2-Hour Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village

Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour

Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour

Visit the observation decks

Next up on my list of things to do alone in NYC, it’s visit an observation deck. There are three main observation decks in NYC and it’s definitely worth visiting at least one during your solo trip to NYC. I’ve listed them out below so you can see which is best suited to you!

The One World Observation Deck – Amazing views from the highest building in NYC.

The Empire State Building – An NYC classic, this is one of the original observation decks!

Top of the Rock Observation Deck – My personal favourite, this observation deck has the BEST views over the city and the Empire State.

Take the Staten Island Ferry

My next suggestion of things to do alone in NYC, take the Staten Island Ferry! If you want to doing something fun (and free) one afternoon, taking a round trip on the Staten Island Ferry is actually a really nice things to do solo in NYC. It’s completely free (it’s just public transport, not a tour or anything!) but the views over the city on your way over to Staten Island are insanely good.

There’s a little shop onboard, so you can sit down, people watch, enjoy the view, you name it. It’s a really relaxing and lovely idea for things to do alone in NYC.

Watch a Broadway show

I can’t visit NYC with watching a Broadway show, so it had to make my list of things to do solo in NYC! If you’re looking for things to do solo in NYC, then a Broadway show has be on your list. Actually, going alone to a Broadway show is a great way to score cheap tickets! Usually single seats are priced lower than seats together, so you might be able to snatch up a really good seat for a pretty affordable price.

Watching a Broadway show is one of the absolutely top things to do alone in NYC and it is also a great way to score tickets to the newer or more in-demand shows! These are my favourite shows:

Frozen the Musical (based on the hit Disney movie, it was so happy and upbeat and just so “Disney”)

Mean Girls (based on the classic teen movie, it’s a great choice!)

The Cursed Child (two plays in one day. A incredible theatrical must-see for ANY Harry Potter fan)

The Lion King on Broadway (A Broadway must-see, this is like the ‘ultimate’ Broadway musical)

Come From Away (uplifting musical about the true events following 9/11, in a small town where many planes were rerouted)

Moulin Rouge! (quite a new addition to Broadway, based off the movie of the same name. Looks so good!)

Wicked the Musical (Another classic, this was one of the first shows I saw on Broadway!)

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Next up on my list of things to do alone in NYC, the Brooklyn Bridge! Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do for anyone visit NYC. First of all, it’s one of the most iconic bridges in the world, so you definitely need to make time to walk across it! Secondly, the views you get from the bridge are amazing, and it’s one of the best ways to see the NYC skyline.

Visit Time Out Market

Time Out Market is located in Brooklyn (right under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO) and it’s one of the best places to eat in NYC if you’re visiting solo. It’s a brilliant food hall full of some of NYC’s best food chains, or restaurants. They’re all located in a food hall, with communal seating, and they serve up their best dishes. It’s a lot of fun, a must-visit for any foodies! Also – the rooftop has some of the best views in the city, so make sure you head up there before leaving! This is such a great things to do solo in NYC, especially if you’re feeling nervous about eating on your own.

Climb The Vessel

The Vessel is located in Hudson Yards, which is a newly regenerated neighbourhood about a 10 minute walk from Times Square and it’s my next idea for things to do alone in NYC.

The Vessel is a huge sculpture / vertical park, full of staircases and reaching dizzying heights. It’s quite amazing to look at, and you can enter it and climb it for free. It’s one of my new favourite things to do in the city, and it’d be a great thing to do in NYC if you were visiting solo.

Visit one of the MANY museums or art galleries

Next up on my list of things to do alone in NYC, visit one of the many museums. We all know NYC is full to burst with museums and art galleries. On a rainy day (or if the weather isn’t too great) then heading inside to a museum or gallery is a perfect way to spend the day solo in NYC.

I personally recommend the Museum of Modern Art or MoMA as many people call it (click here to buy skip-the-line tickets).

Stroll through Central Park

You can’t beat a leisurely stroll through Central Park, so it had to make my list of things to do solo in NYC. The park is huge too, so you could easily split this out into 2 days if you wanted to break it up! During the daytime, you can walk through the park on your own completely safely – so don’t let that worry you. The park is always full of locals, visitors, and event tour groups and cyclists. It’s the hub of the city and so many people enjoy spending time there.

If you want to do a walking tour of the park to make sure you see all the best bits, and to make sure you don’t get lost, I recommend this one. Or, you can read my full list of Central Park tours (there are all kinds to choose from, including running tours and even movie tours!). These are definitely one of my favourite things to do alone in NYC.

Visit the Statue of Liberty

Next on my list of things to do alone in NYC, the Statue of Liberty. There are loads of different ways you can see the Statue of Liberty (I’ve written about lots of them here) but the classic way to see The Statue of Liberty is probably the ferry ride, with admission to Liberty Island.

This is a must-do if you’re visiting NYC, it’s one of the main sights to see, and it’s just one of those absolutely iconic places. Click here for Statue of Liberty tickets.

Check out the street art on a walking tour

Another really cool walking tour, this time taking you around some of the city’s best street art and graffiti spots. I love tour groups (especially walking tours) when you’re travelling alone in NYC, because it’s the perfect chance to meet people.

This tour is fantastic and there are so many amazing locations included where you can take some great photos. This tour is super cool, which is why it had to make my list of things to do alone in NYC.

Walk the High Line

Next on my list of things to do alone in NYC, it’s the High Line park. The High Line is a public park that was made on top of old abandoned rail lines in the Soho area of NYC.

It’s a really special place, constantly changing with the seasons, and with some beautiful places to sit and relax and enjoy views of the city. On a clear day it’ll be busy, so I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. Oh, and it’s free!

Visit the Color Factory

Probably the most quirky things on this list of things to do solo in NYC, it’s Color Factory! This is a new immersive art installation / museum that will transform the way you feel about colour and art. It’s really unique, so much fun, and it’s somewhere you can easily spend a few hours (because there’s so many interesting things to see and do).

I recommend booking online ahead of time, as it can get quite busy – especially because people are starting to realise just how amazing it is! This is for sure one of the best things to do alone in NYC!

Go thrift shopping in Brooklyn

And finally on my list of things to do solo in NYC… Thrift shopping! This is always more fun when you’re solo, as you can really take the time to browse each and every rack of clothing to find that perfect item. As you’d probably expect, NYC has some amazing thrift shopping, but Brooklyn has to take the crown. Buffalo Exchange and Monk Vintage Thrift Shop on Driggs Avenue are both brilliant places to start your day of thrift shopping.

I hope this list of things to do solo in NYC has been useful! If you have any suggestions to add to the list, just let me know in the comments below!

Elle-Rose / February 24, 2020

Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour – Is it worth it?

Are you wondering if the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour is worth the money?

A Hop on Hop off New York bus tour is one of the classic ‘touristy’ things to do in the city. In fact, you’ll often spot these tour buses around the city, full of tourists getting their fill of sightseeing. But is the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour worth it, and is it something you should spend your money on?

In my opinion… YES! It’s worth it!

There are 2 main Hop on Hop off New York bus tours you can do in NYC…

BIGBUS New York – Click here for info and tickets

City Sightseeing Bus – Click here for info and tickets

They’re both extremely similar in what they offer (I’ve done both) – so this post applies to both companies.

What makes a Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour worth it?

In my opinion, it’s one of the easiest ways to see the city, and tick off a lot of the major sights in one day. The Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour has been designed to fit in all the main sightseeing must-sees in the city, and it’s also a lot of fun too.

Here’s why I think the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour is worth doing….

Reason 1: It’s good for first time visitors

If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed with how much stuff their is to see and do. The Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour is a great way to make sure you at least glimpse all the main sights and attractions. The pre-planned route that the bus takes is designed to fit in as many sights as possible, so you know you’ll be driving past all the good stuff (so you can be poised, camera ready!). If you are visiting NYC for the first time, I HIGHLY recommend booking the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour for your first day. You can use it as a chance to see loads of stuff, but also to work out where you want to go back to in the following days.

Reason 2: It’s genuinely interesting

If you jump on a bus with a good tour guide, then the tour is genuinely interesting and you learn a lot about the city. I know a lot of people think it’s just a sightseeing tour, but it’s nice to drive around the city and have facts and information given to you, so you actually learn about the city too. They’ll point out historical places, TV and movie locations, random facts, everything!

Reason 3: It’s so easy

If the idea of navigating the city on your own is a bit daunting, and you’re a little bit apprehensive about using the Subway, then you can essentially use the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour as you means of getting around the city. The map they give you is super easy, and each bus stop is usually located right by a corresponding attraction or sightseeing point. So you can get off wherever you want to explore, and then jump back on another bus once you’re finished. It makes the whole experience of sightseeing in NYC so easy!

Reason 4: You can bundle it with a ferry or night tour

I like that you can bundle your tickets with a ferry or night tour – as it just lets you do that little bit more during your NYC vacation. Ferry tours are amazing in NYC because the skyline looks amazing from the water (so that’d be my personal pick!) but the night tour would also be a great choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the skyline views during the evening. Anyway, I like that you can bundle these together with your bus ticket – it means you save money and time!

Reason 5: You get amazing photo opportunities

I love photography, so this is a major plus point for me. Sitting on the top deck of the bus gives you pretty epic photo opportunities you just would be able to get any other way. It’s also pretty consistent too – every new street or every corner you turn there will be something else to take photos of!

Reason 6: You get to see Uptown, Midtown and downtown

NYC is pretty big, and it’s easy as a tourist to get swallowed up exploring one area – and you forget to venture a little further afield to see other neighbourhoods. A Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour means you can see lots of different areas in the city.

There are a few different tour companies that run Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tours, but with most of them you can book 1, 2 and 3-day tickets for the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour, and all of those options include access to two different loops (this just means, two different bus routes). The 2 loops are Uptown and Downtown, so each loop takes you past different sights and attractions where you might want to hop off and explore.

As I mentioned above, you’ll also have access to live audio commentary from your tour guide too – which makes it so entertaining and educational! They will make sure you don’t miss anything important!

BIGBUS New York – Click here for info and tickets

City Sightseeing Bus – Click here for info and tickets

As you can see, there are a lot of stops to explore, and so many opportunities to get out and explore NYC using the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour! I hope this blog post has been useful and you enjoy your trip to NYC!

Elle-Rose / February 23, 2020

15 fun bachelorette party ideas in NYC

Are you looking for fun, unique and memorable bachelorette party ideas in NYC?

NYC is an amazing location for bachelorette parties, it’s the city of ‘Friends’ and ‘Sex and the City’ – so who wouldn’t want to jet away to the big city and have their bachelorette party in NYC? There are so many things to do in NYC for bachelorette parties, so I thought I’d put together a list of my favourite bachelorette party ideas in NYC – to get you started!

Bachelorette party idea #1 – Take a carriage ride in Central Park

First on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, a classic! You know what we’re talking about, you’ve seen the Sex and the City episode where Big takes Carrie on a carriage ride around the park! The great thing about taking a carriage ride around the park, is that you don’t pay per person, you pay per carriage. This makes it a great activity for groups of 3-4, as the more of you in the carriage, the cheaper it is! I recommend booking your horse and carriage ride online in advance too – so that you don’t get taken advantage of or charged too much. You can book a premium carriage ride by clicking here.

Bachelorette party idea #2 – Have cocktails in the Skylark Bar

How could I write a list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, without include an amazing cocktail bar? Skylark is my favourite bar in NYC, it has the MOST amazing views of the city, and the Empire State, and it has such a fun vibe and such a great atmosphere. The cocktail are fab, the music is great… and there’s even a balcony for taking the perfect group selfie with the Empire State in the background. I’d recommend booking a table ahead (as it can get pretty busy on Thursdays / Fridays / Saturdays).

Bachelorette party idea #3 – Do an NYC food tour

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, if your group of ladies love food and want to try some of the local food (NYC is known for amazing food after all!) then doing a food tour together is such a fun idea. Food tours are guided tours around the city, where you’ll get to stop in at various restaurants / cafes / vendors. Your host will have the specialities pre-prepared and the restaurant will know you’re coming, so usually you can jump the line too! You’ll get to try lots of the best neighbourhood dishes and try all the best bits in one day!

I recommend the 3 hour manhattan food tour, or this 2 hour cupcake food tour of Greenwich Village! Both would be amazing options for a bachelorette party in NYC!

Bachelorette party idea #4 – Take a TV / movie locations tour together

You’ve all seen all the movies and TV shows set in NYC, and taking a tour of the city around all the main filming locations is a really fun way to spend a few hours in the city. You can pose for photos in all your favourite movie locations, and even snap some instagram stories! I recommend booking this TV and movie tour as it includes a walking tour of NYC, and you’ll also get to go behind the scenes at one of America’s most iconic TV studios too! This is such a fun addition to my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC.

Bachelorette party idea #5 – Watch a Broadway musical

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC – watch a Broadway musical! There are soooo many amazing Broadway musicals you can watch in NYC, and watching a musical together makes a perfect bachelorette party idea in NYC! A perfect night would be watching a music, then heading for a meal and cocktails afterwards! I couldn’t choose a favourite musical – there are so many I’ve seen and absolutely loved! If I had to choose though, for a bachelorette party my favourite picks would be….

Frozen the Musical (based on the hit Disney movie, this is upbeat and a perfect sing-a-long)

Aladdin the Musical (based on the Disney movie, this is a nostalgic, funny and colourful)

Mean Girls (you’ve seen the comedy chic-flick with Lindsey Lohan, this is the on-stage musical version)

The Lion King on Broadway (this is the classic, iconic Disney musical. A Broadway must-see)

Moulin Rouge! (quite a new addition to Broadway, based off the movie of the same name)

Wicked the Musical (Another Broadway classic, Wicked is the story of the witches of Oz)

Bachelorette party idea #6 – The RIDE

The RIDE is one of the most unique tours of NYC, so it makes a perfect choice for bachelorette party ideas in NYC. The RIDE is equal parts theatre, as it is a city tour. You’ll tour NYC in a huge bus, and you’ll sit sideways looking out onto the streets through a huge window. From the window, you’ll see the best city sights, but you’ll also see performers, street-shows and more! You can book tickets by clicking here. If you want something a bit quirky and different this is the bachelorette party ideas in NYC for you!

Bachelorette party idea #7 – Take a sightseeing cruise

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, sightseeing cruises! A sightseeing cruise of NYC ticks all the boxes! You get to see the city, relax, catch-up, take loads of amazing photos together… It’s perfect! Sightseeing cruises are also pretty affordable, especially considering how many memories you’ll make onboard! During the daytime, I recommend booking a classic sightseeing cruise, or if you want to take an evening boat cruise, then this sunset harbour lights cruise is an amazing choice. If you’re on a budget, then going on the Staten Island Ferry is a great choice (it’s free!) but you don’t get quite the same views, and it’s not quite as glamorous!

Bachelorette party idea #8 – Color Factory

My next ideas on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, it’s the Color Factory. The Color Factory is a relatively new addition to NYC, and it’s such a fun way to spend a few hours in the city – especially on a bachelorette party! It’s an immersive experience / museum full of amazing, colourful (obviously) pieces of art. It’s really hard to describe, you have to just experience it for yourself… But trust me, it’s so much fun! If you want some super cute photos and instagram shots too – this is a MUST. You can book tickets online by clicking here.

Bachelorette party idea #9 – Visit some of NYC’s rooftop bars

Of course, the next thing on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC is a rooftop bar. The best kind of bar in NYC is a rooftop bar! You can to sip cocktails whilst enjoying insane views (and taking a few selfies too!). I’ve created a list of rooftop bars in NYC, if you fancy choosing your favourite from the list, or you can take a guided tour of the best rooftop bars in the city.

Bachelorette party idea #10 – Go shopping in Macy’s

Macy’s is the go-to shopping destination in NYC, so get your girls, grab your purse and head inside. You can spend HOURS inside easily, there is so much to try on, admire and (eventually) buy! If you haven’t found your bridesmaid dresses yet, you could even try on some of their formal dresses and see if you can find a beautiful bridesmaid dress! You can’t have a list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC without mentioning shopping!

Bachelorette party idea #11 – Get a blow dry

If you’re planning a big night out, then you have to treat yourself to a blow dry before the big night. Dry Bar is the best blow dry bar in the city (and luckily there are a few located around the city). You go in, pick you perfect style from their blow-dry menu, and then you sit and chat, sipping champagne or cocktails until you’re ready to go! It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon and proper pamper! I love this for bachelorette party ideas in NYC, it’s pampering, cute and glamorous all in one!

Bachelorette party idea #12 – Do a limo group tour

A glamorous limo tour is an amazing way to spend an evening with the girls, so of course it makes my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC! Get glammed up (I recommend the blow-dry bar above beforehand!) and then pack in your private limo for a tour of NYC’s city lights by night. It’s the perfect way to make your bride feel like a VIP! You can book a private limo tour by clicking here.

Bachelorette party idea #13 – Go wedding dress shopping

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, wedding dress shopping! NYC is home to some of the most incredible wedding dress boutiques. We’ve all watched the epic ‘Say Yes to the Dress‘ and if you’re bride hasn’t found her dress yet, then going dress shopping in NYC is the ULTIMATE bachelorette party idea in NYC! You can all swoon over the amazing dresses, make your bride feels incredible and gorgeous, and have the most lovely day!

Bachelorette party idea #14 – Book a spa day

There are loads of beautiful hotels in NYC that offer spa days, or stand-alone day spas… But my favourites have to be either AIRE spa (a stunning, secret underground spa) or the Equinox Hotel (which has a beautiful rooftop pool). If you’re looking for a spa day to make your bride feel extra relaxed and extra special… Then these two will tick all the boxes.

Bachelorette party idea #15 – Book a photoshoot!

Last on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, it’s a private photoshoot. Going to NYC for a bachelorette party is a big deal, and if you want to make sure you have loads of gorgeous photos to remember the trip with, then booking a private vacation photographer to take some lovely photos of you if such a great idea. I love this idea because it’s always so important to take photos on once-in-a-lifetime trips like these, and having a professional photographer capture the magic means you come away some seriously gorgeous photos!

I hope this list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC is useful and you’ve found some great ideas for your trip! If you have any questions, just comment below and I’ll do my best to answer!

Elle-Rose / February 18, 2020

The best of Las Vegas – What you need to see, do and eat

Are you looking for the best of Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but if it’s your first time, it can be a little overwhelming… especially when it comes to picking what to do, eat, where to stay, etc. Finding the best of Las Vegas in a list like this, will hopefully give you a bit more confidence that you’re visiting the right places!

Hopefully this quick guide of the best of Las Vegas will help you out. It’s a quick rundown of all the best of Las Vegas, so you can get a clear idea of how you should be spending your time!

The best of Las Vegas hotels

Las Vegas is home to hundreds of hotels, but the vast majority are located on the Las Vegas strip or downtown. The hotels truly are the best of Las Vegas… Hotels are where it all happens, the hotels in Vegas are the heart of the city! If you’re heading to Las Vegas on vacation, then you’ll probably want to be located in the heart of the strip, as this is where everything happens in Las Vegas!

Here are my top 3 budget Las Vegas hotels:

New York New York Hotel – www.newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com
Treasure Island – www.treasureisland.com
The Mirage – www.mirage.mgmresorts.com

Here are my top 3 luxury Las Vegas hotels:

The Cosmopolitan – www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
The Aria – aria.mgmresorts.com
The Wynn – www.wynnlasvegas.com

The best of Las Vegas day trips

There are loads of day trips you can take from Las Vegas, most of them will pick you up from your hotel’s taxi rank (or concierge / garage area). Sometimes it’s great to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and explore some of the surrounding areas. Here are my best of Las Vegas day trips…

The Grand Canyon – I love Pink Jeep Tour company, I used them a few times and always had a great time. Grand Canyon tours really are the best of Las Vegas day trips!
Red Rock Canyon – A small national park only 30-40 minutes drive from the strip. You can get day tours to take you out there, and you’ll learn loads from the tour guide too!
Zion National Park – One of the most beautiful national parks in the USA and only a few hours drive from Las Vegas. There are lots of tours that can take you there – I recommend this one.

The best of Las Vegas restaurants

Oh Las Vegas… so many amazing restaurants to try! But there are so many, how can you know if you’re choosing the best of Las Vegas? You’ll definitely want to try a steakhouse during your time in the city, along with a celebrity chef restaurant and maybe a themed restaurant too. Here are some of my top picks!

SW Steakhouse at The Wynn (steak)
Andiamo’s Steakhouse at The D Hotel (steak)
The Yardbird at The Venetian (posh southern food and friend chicken)
Tap Sports Bar at MGM Grand (big portion, american food and lots of screens)
Egg Slut at The Cosmopolitan Hotel (egg sandwiches – cult foodie following, very popular)
Block 16 Urban food hall at Cosmopolitan Hotel (food hall with lots of great choices, I love PokPok wings)
Hells Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace (celeb chef restaurant from the TV show of the same name)

The best of Las Vegas shopping malls

Whether you’ve been saving up for month to go shopping in Las Vegas, or whether you won big on roulette the night before… Shopping in Las Vegas is serious stuff! There are loads of amazing malls here, so here are my 3 top picks…

The Fashion Show Mall – A big mall with all the major designer and high street brands inside. It’s big, spacious and nice to look around. Located opposite the Wynn hotel.

The Forum Shops – Located inside the Caesars Palace, the Forum shops are themed to look like Rome in Italy. There are loads of shops inside, mainly high end and designer – but there are some affordable and high street chains too.

The Grand Canal Shoppes – Located inside The Venetian Hotel, the Grand Canal Shoppes have been designed to look like Venice, Italy. The design of the mall is incredible and it’s entertaining just to stroll around (even if you don’t buy anything!).

Read a full list of Las Vegas shopping malls (including the city’s best outlet / discount malls) by clicking here.

The best of Las Vegas nightlife

Las Vega is known for it’s nightlife, there are multiple nightclubs and bars in every hotel and on every corner – so you’re literally spoilt for choice. Whether you want to dance the night away in one of the city’s biggest clubs, or find a more intimate nightlife venue – Las Vegas has it all. Here are the best of Las Vegas nightlife…

Omnia – Located inside Caesar’s Palace, this is one of the best and most popular nightclubs in Las Vegas. There’s a roof deck and a terrace – so there’s a good balance between indoor and outdoor pace too. There’s great energy and vibes – we think you’ll love it.

Hakkasan – Another one of Las Vegas’s biggest and best nightlife destinations. Hakkasan is located inside the MGM Grand hotel and casino, and it’s huge! Spaced across 3 levels, this nightclub even has it’s own restaurant and light show too.

Marquee – Based inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel this is one of the newer nightlife destinations in the city. It’s really popular with people who love a bit of glitz and glamour.

The best of Las Vegas pool parties

Pool parties are one of the best ways to spend a summer day in Las Vegas. It’s all the best things about a nightclub, but based around one of the city’s glamorous and spacious pools instead. It’s the perfect way to spend a day! Here are some of the best pool parties in Las Vegas…

Marquee Day club at The Cosmopolitan – The same vibes as the nightclub by the same name, but during the day! There are amazing views from the rooftop pool, and the cabanas poolside are a great little extra perk if you’ve got the budget for one.

Wet Republic at The MGM Grand – This place is famed for champagne showers, and it’s actually one of the longest running pool parties and day clubs in Las Vegas. Expect long queues and expensive tickets – but if you want the epitome of poolside partying – this is it.

Encore Beach club at Wynn Encore – This place is huge and one of the most spacious and luxurious day clubs / pool parties in Las Vegas. They even have poolside blackjack tables, just incase you want a break from dancing!

The best of Las Vegas shows

There are so many incredible shows in Las Vegas, you could watch a different show every night! My favourites are (of course) the Cirque du Soleil shows, and you’ll know already that Las Vegas is known for being home to Cirque du Soleil. But I’ve tried to include more than just Cirque du Soleil on this list, to give you a bit of variety!

Cirque du Soleil “O” – this is my favourite show in the world, and definitely in Las Vegas. It’s mind-blowing, it’s incredible – it’s perfect. If you only see one show in Las Vegas, let it be this one!

Penn and Teller – If you like magic, then you can’t miss out on Penn and Teller. I absolutely loved this show, it’s a magic show with a twist and it’s speckled with their witty humour and amazing trickery too.

Shania Twain – If you’re lucky enough to be there when Shania is there, book tickets! She was phenomenal when we saw her perform, and I couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks! You forget just how many amazing songs this lady has released!

La Reve, The Dream – Similar to a Cirque du Soleil show, but with a slightly different set-up and theme. I love the seating for this show (there isn’t a bad seat in the house!) and the plot / theme is lovely.

Elle-Rose / February 18, 2020

List of 28 fun and romantic date ideas in Las Vegas

Are you looking for fun and romantic dates ideas in Las Vegas?

If you’re looking for fun and romantic date ideas in Las Vegas, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been visiting Las Vegas twice a year for the last decade (almost!) and it’s one of my favourite vacation destinations to visit with my once boyfriend, now husband. There are so many amazing date ideas in Las Vegas – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Here are my top picks for date ideas in Las Vegas…

Watch “O” by Cirque du Soliel

First on my list of date ideas in Las Vegas, if you’ve got a big budget, in my opinion this is the ultimate date night in Las Vegas. For me, “O” is the best show in Las Vegas, it’s original, mind-bending, over-the-top and just beautiful beyond words. I’ve seen it 3 times now, and it’s incredible every time. It’s such a memorable and fun date idea, and it’ll give you something to talk about for hours afterwards too.

Visit The Neon Museum

My next suggestion for date ideas in Las Vegas, is The Neon Museum in Las Vegas. This place is a great idea for a day-date or an evening date. The Neon Museum is pretty much what it sounds like, it’s a museum dedicated to all the old neon signs that once filled the streets of Las Vegas. It’s unique, a bit quirky and provides loads of cute photo opportunities too.

Go to a casino

How could I write a list of date ideas in Las Vegas and not include gambling in a casino? When you gamble you’ll get complimentary drinks from the casino hostesses (you only need to tip them a dollar) so if you’ve got around $30-$100 dollars, you could easily spend the night gambling and get free drinks too. Gambling together is fun, try out different machines, try and work out how the different table games work, it’s a really good time.

Have a luxurious spa treatment

My favourite spa in Las Vegas is the Aria Hotel spa. Most spas in Las Vegas have separate men and women’s areas for relaxing, but the Aria Spa actually have an amazing co-ed spa pool to enjoy together too – which makes it a lovely date location. You could have a couple’s spa treatment, and then cool-off in the pool together afterwards. This is one of my favourite date ideas in Las Vegas by far.

Book a Grand Canyon tour

The Grand Canyon is right on your doorstep in Las Vegas and there are so many tours that can take you there. I LOVE Pink Jeep tours, they’ve always been my favourite tour group. The vehicles are super fun and comfortable, the tour guides are amazing, and the groups are small – which makes a big difference to seeing everything and making it to places on time. You can book a Pink Jeep Tour by clicking here. Their amazing Drive, Fly and Float tour includes an amazing drive over to the Canyon, a helicopter ride down to the base of the canyon, and then a boat ride along the river at the bottom. It’s so cool, I’ve done it and loved every second. Highly recommend!! You can book it here.

Head to Red Rock Canyon

If you want to head into the great outdoors, but you don’t fancy going as far as the Grand Canyon, then Red Rock Canyon is a good choice instead. We took this tour out to Red Rock, and we had such a fun day. Red Rock is only 30-40 minutes out of town, and the views are stunning. It’s such a beautiful national park, and the tour guides have so much cool stuff to point out to you (like movie locations and TV filming locations!). Again, I really recommend going with the guys at Pink Jeep Tours, they’re so amazing, friendly and professional. I only have amazing things to say about them.

Visit a steak house

Las Vegas is known for it’s steak houses and there are loads of incredible ones in the city. My husband and I love steak, and we’ve made it our mission to try and as many steak houses as possible over the years.Our 2 stand-out restaurants have to be Andiamo’s at The D Hotel downtown, and SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Hotel (ask for a table on the balcony). MY husband and both love this date idea in Las Vegas, and we visit at least 2 steak places each time we visit!

Take a romantic helicopter ride over the strip

Next on my list of date ideas in Las Vegas, a helicopter ride! I love this date idea, because it’s probably the most memorable thing you can do in the city. Taking a helicopter ride over the city and seeing all the light twinkling below you is just pure magic. A helicopter tour has to be (hands down) one of the most romantic date ideas in Las Vegas. You can click here to book the group tour, or click here to book the completely private helicopter tour (which is slightly more romantic!). Both are highly recommended by myself!

Book a private hot air balloon ride

OK, this is a mega extravagant date ideas in Las Vegas – but I had to include it because it’s probably one of the most romantic dates you can do around Las Vegas. This incredible private hot air balloon ride is literally the date of a lifetime. We’re talking ‘The Bachelor’ levels of romance. You’ll even get a champagne toast when you land! You can book this insanely romantic date by clicking here.

Go to a shooting range

Shooting and guns isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely a date to remember, so I had to include it in my date ideas in Las Vegas list. There are quite a few gun ranges in Las Vegas, and the major ones are really professional, safe and entertaining. Usually they will have certain packages to choose from, where you can choose the size and power of the guns you want to fire, and you basically do target practise in a controlled environment. Everything is really controlled and you’ll be under constant supervision, but it’s definitely one of the more unique dates I’ve been on, and I did enjoy it because it was out of the ordinary.

Do a hotel crawl

Every single hotel in Las Vegas has something unique to offer. From themed shopping centres, to crazy casinos… it’s a pretty epic city to explore. One hell of a date idea in the city is to work your way down the strip, having a drink in as many hotels as possible. It’s a great way to see them all, and it’s a lot fo fun too. This is one of those classic date ideas in Las Vegas, and it’s so easy to do too!

Take a romantic gondola ride

OK, this has to be one of the the most iconic date ideas in Las Vegas… Taking a romantic gondola ride! Inside the Venetian Hotel, you’ll find the canals and gondolas (usually found in Venice, Italy). For a pretty reasonable price, you can take a private gondola ride around the canals, and even enjoy being serenaded by your host. It’s definitely romantic, and it memorable too!

Visit Hells Kitchen

This restaurant only opened last year in Caesars Palace Las Vegas, and if you’re a fan of the TV show (or if your date is) they will absolutely LOVE visiting this place. It has all the classic food items on the menu, and you might even bump into a celebrity or two!

Visit Top Golf

We did this on our most recent trip to Vegas and it was so much fun! We actually did this as a double-date with our friends, and despite our hangovers from the night before, we all had so much fun. Each driving range booth has sofas, TVs, and a range of clubs, and you can order food and drinks through the table service too. You get a great view of the city, and hitting a few balls over the course of a few hours is a really fun and casual date idea in Las Vegas. Not a conventional ideas, but I think it’s one of my favourite date ideas in Las Vegas!

FlipNOut Xtreme

I always think some of the best date ideas are the ones that bring out our inner child. This date idea at FlipNOut is definitely one of those. This is basically a giant room of trampolines where you can flip, bounce, run and jump to your hearts content. It also has zip lining, laser tag and even ninja warrior courses.

Visit the top of The Eiffel Tower

You might not be able to whisk your date away to Paris, but a trip to The Paris Hotel might be enough to win them over! The Eiffel Tower inside The Paris Hotel has it’s own restaurant and observation deck (click here to book skip-the-line tickets) and either of them would be a beautiful date ideas in Las Vegas. A classic on this list of date ideas in Las Vegas for sure! You can never go wrong with Paris!

Take them on the High Roller

The High Roller is a huge observation Ferris Wheel overlooking the city and it makes an amazing date idea in Las Vegas. It’s a pretty amazing date idea in Las Vegas, it’s the perfect mix of fun and romantic and the views on offer from the observation pods are insanely good. You can click here to book skip-the-line tickets.

Lake Mead Cruise

Lake Mead is so under-rated, it’s not far from the city at all and it’s a gorgeous place to tour and relax at. I found this Lake cruise (on one of those super cute old-style boats) that also includes a Hoover Dam tour, and I think it’s an amazing deal. This would be a great day-date from Las Vegas, and something a bit different too which is why it makes my list of date ideas in Las Vegas. Click here to book it.

Take a food tour

If you’re both foodies and love trying new things, then booking yourself onto a Las vegas food tour would be a cracking date idea in Las Vegas. If you haven’t done a food tour before, they’re so much fun, especially as a couple! You can guided around the city, and taken to the best food locations. You’ll get to skip any lines, and try out the best items on the menus, before heading off to a new place after! It’s a lot of fun and it’s a great way to scope out potential future date locations too! You can book the Secret Food Tour of Las Vegas by clicking here.

Go go-karting

Go-karting is such a fun date ideas in Las Vegas. It’s fast-paced, it’s fun, it’s full-on. If you’re the kind of couple who like to keep things exciting, then this date idea in Las Vegas is a must-do for your list! You’ll zoom around the local course, perfecting thos corners and competing for the best time! You can book tickets here.

Take a stroll around Town Square

Town Square is an outdoor shopping centre just off the Las Vegas strip. It’s a great location for a slow stroll around some shops, a romantic meal and a coffee. This is much less touristy than the other destinations on this list, but just as enjoyable.

Watch FRIENDS: The Musical Parody

Next on my list of date ideas in Las Vegas, something a bit cute and funny. If you’re both of a certain age (over 25!) chances are you’ve grown up watching the TV show Friends and you know it like the back of your hand. I know that’s the case for me and my husband at least! This show is a musical parody, and it’s absolutely hilarious. I was lucky enough to watch it last year, and it is SO FUNNY. If you like friend (even if you hate it) you’ll enjoy it, it’s such a cheap comedy to enjoy on the strip and it’ll definitely gives you loads to laugh about after! You can reserve tickets here.

Watch the Absinthe Show at Caesars Palace

This adults-only carnival show is like a feast for the senses. It’ll remind you of the old-fashioned circus you saw as a child, but a little more grown-up, cheeky and fun. There are so many different acts in the show, from extravagant vaudeville-inspired acts to jaw-dropping acrobatics. You can book tickets here!

Watch the Bellagio Fountains

This date idea in Las Vegas is totally free, and you can literally spend the evening just wandering around the strip finding the best locations to view the fountains from. I’ve actually written a blog post about this (click here) so you won’t even need to do any more research! The fountains are so gorgeous, and they’re one of those iconic Vegas-moments you just have to indulge in at least once.

Visit a strip club

This isn’t for every couple, but for many couples visiting a strip club is a great night out and a fun date idea too. You’d probably be surprised how many couples you’ll see in Las Vegas strip clubs. A tip for those planning to visit, if you call the club ahead of time, they will send a private car to pick you up and you’ll also get to skip the line when entering the club.

Dine at the Stratosphere revolving restaurant

Next uop on my date ideas in Las Vegas list, it’s this famous Vegas restaurant. The restaurant is called ‘Top of the World‘ and we’ve eaten here once, and we both really enjoyed it from start to finish. The restaurant is right at the top of the huge Stratosphere tower, and it slowly revolves 360 degrees, giving you incredible views of the city all night long. The menu is big with lots of choice and it has a really lovely romantic vibe to it – perfect for a date night.

Sip cocktails at The Chandelier Bar

The Chandelier Bar is located inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel and it’s probably the most glamorous and glitzy bar in Las Vegas. The entire bar appears to be suspended inside a gigantic diamond chandelier, and the experience is just perfect. Get dressed up, order some fancy cocktails and spend the evening talking and people watching. Sounds like a perfect date to me!

I hope this list of date ideas in Las Vegas has been useful! Las Vegas is such a fun city to be in and you’re bound to have an amazing time!

Now that you’ve read about the best date ideas in Las Vegas… Here are some other posts I have written about Las Vegas that you might find useful.

The best shopping malls in Las Vegas

Best Las Vegas nightlife for couples

The most romantic hotel suites in Las Vegas

The most romantic things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas restaurants with amazing views of The Bellagio Fountains

The ultimate guide to visiting Las Vegas on a budget

Where to find the best views of The Bellagio Fountains

Things to do in Las Vegas when you’re pregnant

The most romantic engagement ideas in Las Vegas

Elle-Rose / February 17, 2020

The ultimate guide to 8 of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing shopping destination, with some of the most unique and interesting shopping malls in the world. Whether you just plan on window shopping, or whether you plan on shopping till you drop – here are some of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas.

The Fashion Show Mall

First up on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas, The Fashion Show Mall. This place is located right opposite The Wynn Hotel, so it’s in a great location on the strip and in walking distance of many hotels. The fashion show mall is one of the biggest malls in Las Vegas and has loads of HUGE shops inside.

If you want tons of choice and lots of stock, then this is the mall you want to head to. There’s a good mix of designer and high street shops in this mall too – so a good mix of budgets. There’s also a nice little food court with about 12 different food chains!

The Forum Shops

Another great addition on my list of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas is The Forum Shops. The Forum Shops is one of the most well known malls on the strip (and in Las Vegas) and it’s all about the experience as well as the shopping. It’s located inside Caesars Palace Hotel, and carries on the theme. The mall is designed to look like an old Roman town, and there are cobbled streets, and even pretend sky on the ceiling.

You have to see it to believe it – but it’s really something special. There are to sides to the mall, and both have a really good selection of shops (ranging from budget clothing like H&M, to designer stores like Mulberry). There’s also a Cheesecake factory – which is a must-visit during your shopping trip! This is definitely one of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas.

The Grand Canal Shoppes

The Grand Canal Shoppes are my next choice on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas. This mall is brilliant! This mall is located inside The Venetian Hotel and it’s a must-see whilst you’re in Vegas. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, you need to just walk around and see this place for yourself.

The entire mall is designed to look just like Venice, and there are even canals and gondolas running through the mall. It’s truly something – and you’ll be mesmerised by the incredible design and how realistic it looks too! There are some restaurants inside the mall (in the fake St Marks Square) and there’s also a good food court too, with burgers, chicken wings and pizzas.

Town Square Las Vegas

I visit Las Vegas a couple of times a year and I only discovered Town Square on my most recent visit. It’s a little bit off the strip (about a $15 taxi ride) but it’s a gorgeous little outdoor mall with loads of my favourite shops in. There’s even a WholeFoods too – if you needed to do grocery shopping.

This place is a lovely mall to walk around, it’s super pretty, there’s even gardens and fountains to stroll around. This isn’t in the centre of the city, but it’s definitely one of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas if you don’t mind travelling a little off the strip.

Miracle Mile Shops

The next mall on my list of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas is The Miracle Mile Shops! They are located inside the Planet Hollywood Hotel, and stretch for (you guessed it) a mile. I like this mall, there’s a good variety, and it loops it’s way around the hotel casino, so you can dip in and out as you please.

There’s a huge variety inside the Miracle Mile mall too, but I’d say it’s well suited for lower-budgets (as there aren’t as many designers in here than some of the others on this list). It’s got a friendly vibe, it’s easy to navigate and it’s right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip!

The Shops at Crystals

The Shops at Crystals is probably one of the most sophisticated and luxurious malls in Las Vegas. It’s designed to feel like the epitome of luxury, and everything in here is polished, sparkling and ultra-modern. It’s connected to the Aria Hotel, and also very close to the Cosmopolitan Hotel (these are two of the best 5* hotels on the strip, so that makes sense!).

You’ll find big designers in here, as to be expected, but there’s also a Starbucks, so you can grab a cheap coffee while you shop! This is definitely one of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas if you’re shopping for designer stuff!

Showcase Mall

Next up on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas, it’s the Showcase Mall. This is one of the more budget malls on the strip, the Showcase Mall is located up towards the MGM Grand and Excalibur. It’s great for grabbing a bargain (there’s a ROSS there) but it’s also known for being a chocolate haven as it’s also home to M&M world in Las Vegas too!

There are a few different eating options inside such as; Panda Express, Popeyes, Subway and Outback Steakhouse.

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

And finally on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas, it’s Outlet Mall. If you want to do some designer shopping, but you don’t have as big of a budget as you’d like… you NEED to head to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. This is an outdoor mall full of outlet stores for some of the biggest designer brands, as well as some well-known high street brands too. You’ll find a Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Crocs, Skechers, Adidas, Banana Republic… and so many more.

There’s a small food court too, if you need to refresh and re-energise whilst grabbing all those bargains! I hope this list of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas is useful! Be prepared to shop until you drop!

Here are some more blog posts I’ve written about Las Vegas that you might find useful!

Top things to do in Las Vegas for couples

Best day trips from Las Vegas

Ultimate guide to Las Vegas on a budget

Best places to see the Bellagio fountains

Las Vegas nightlife for couples

Romantic hotel suites in Las Vegas

Romantic engagement ideas in Las Vegas

Las Vegas restaurants with a view of the Bellagio

Things to do in Las Vegas when pregnant

The most romantic hotels in Las Vegas

Elle-Rose / February 14, 2020

23 of the Best Romantic Date Ideas in San Francisco

Are you looking for romantic date ideas in San Francisco?

We get it, you want some great romantic date ideas in San Francisco that make you look like…

A) You’re really romantic

B) You know about San Fran

C) You’re really good at dates (this is key!)

We’ve taken all the hard work out of finding romantic date ideas in San Francisco, and we’ve come up with a few great ideas so you don’t have to spend loads of time planning… You just have to show up and have a great time.

For the adventurers

Take a Bike tour of the city

If you’re both confident on a bike, and enjoy cycling, then bike tours will always be top romantic date ideas in San Francisco. Taking a cycling tour of the city is actually a really cool date idea, especially in the spring of summertime when the weather is great. If you want to book a bike tour in the city, I recommend trying this Electric Bike Tour. Always go for an electric bike tour in San Fran – because OH MY GOD THE HILLS ARE HUGE. If a tour sounds a bit too ‘structured’ and you just want get on a bike and explore at your own pace – then you can rent bikes in the city instead!

7D Darkride experience

Next on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco, the 7D Darkride experience. There aren’t really any theme parks in San Francisco, but this 7D Darkride is as close as you can get. It’s just totally weird and random, and I think it’d make a great 1st or 2nd date, when you’re trying to break the ice a little and just do something super fun. You can book tickets here.

Do the GoCar Tour of San Francisco

A GoCar is basically if a gocart and a mini car had a cute little yellow baby. It’s a unique type of transportation and driving one and taking a tour in one is so much fun. It’s totally unique too and it’s such a fun way to spend time together and explore the city. You’ll see LOADS of the city’s most famous sights during the tour, but for me, this date idea is all about doing something a bit wacky and adventurous together. You can book yourself onto a tour here.

Do a high-speed boat ride

Next on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco, a high speed boat ride. Nothing screams adventure more than a high-speed boat ride through San Francisco Bay. This will have you clinging onto each other, screaming with joy (or fear) and feeling the wind in you hair. It’s a pretty epic date idea… Perfect for making an impression! You can book tickets online here.

For the Foodies

We couldn’t make a list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco and not include food!

If there’s one thing 2 people can bond over, it’s food. Food is one of the most perfect date activities, it’s fun, it’s delicious and you get to learn about each other’s tastes and preferences too. Literally food tours are so much fun, and you get to try lots of different restaurants / cafes all in one afternoon. Whether you’re a SF local, or a tourist visiting the city, food tours have to be one of the top choices on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco.

North Beach food tour: A great food tour if you LOVE Italian food. You’ll get to explore the Italian restaurant scene of San Francisco, and try pizza and try some of the best Italian food in the city.

Mission District Walking Food Tour: The Mission District is probably one of SF’s oldest neighbourhoods, but recently it has transformed into one of the trendiest parts of the city. This walking tour combines some of the area’s BEST food, and some of the best urban art too.

SF’s Chinatown food tour: Who doesn’t love Chinese food? Chinatown in San Fran is bursting with amazing restaurants and food stalls, and this food tour will literally take you to the best places for the best menu picks.

North Berkeley 3-Hour Food Tour: This tour is a little out of the centre… but OH WOW are there some iconic food destinations on this food tour. You’ll visit Jewish deli, Saul’s, Peet’s Coffee flagship location, The Cheese Board Collective, The Local Butcher Shop, and more.

If you’re looking for a more traditional date, here’s four options for a dinner date that I seriously LOVE.

Robin – robinsanfrancisco.com

The Hayes Valley’s best sushi restaurant, in our opinion. Get a seat at the bar so you can watch the masterful chefs work their magic, but rest assured this will be the most amazing sushi you’ve ever eaten. It’s a bit pricy, but honestly so worth it!

Lavash – lavashsf.com

This restaurant has been going for 10 years, but recently had to do a two year refurb after a 2018 fire, so it’s back in business, and you’ll look very cool for knowing all about it. It’s one of only a handful of Persian restaurants in the city, and you’ll find that the Shiraz salad and the Koobideh are amazing.

Lazy Bear – lazybearsf.com

It’s fine dining without the white table cloths. Lazy Bear is going to give you something a little different to what you’re used to. With communal tables and an attentive but casual style of service, you’ll feel like you’ve been invited to an incredible dinner party. The food is classic America, think grilled lamb with spring herbs or San Francisco salmon – but it definitely will not disappoint.

For the super romantic

If you want to plan a super romantic date, and by that we mean something really memorable, maybe even once-in-a-lifetime… this is the part of my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco you’ll want to pay attention too! Here are some super impressive date ideas in San Fran to whisk someone off their feet!

Take a romantic twilight cruise on the bay

Next on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco, a sunset boat tour! A boat tour, at sunset, on the bay. Can you think of anything more beautiful? I love the Luxury Catamaran tour on Get Your Guide because it’s quite a small group on the boat, the boat is open-air and you get to see so many beautiful parts of the city from the water (click here to book tickets).

Take a seaplane tour of the city

If you don’t know what a seaplane is, it’s a small aircraft that takes off and lands in water. It’s insanely cool, and it’s one of those mega romantic ‘Bachelor TV show’ kind of dates that you’ll remember forever. Also, the views you’ll get from the air are crazy cool, it’s one of the best ways to see the city. You can book tickets here.

Take a Napa Valley wine tour

Napa Valley is one of the most scenic locations in the San Francisco area, and who doesn’t love wine tasting!? You can drive yourselves out to Napa Valley, but you’ll be limited on how much you can drink… So I think it’s best just to book a tour. That way you don’t need to worry about driving, and you can just enjoy the day and enjoy each other’s company. I recommend this tour, as you’ll get to visit 3 different wineries – and both the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley too. It’s a great addition to my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco.

Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon

OK, I’m ending the mini-list of super romantic ideas with the ULTIMATE romantic date idea in San Francisco. Taking a hot air balloon is just WOW. You can even finish your tour with a Champagne breakfast option too – just to add in that extra bit of romance. I just think this is the perfect romantic date in San Francisco. You can book tickets here.

Have a weekend in Sonoma

Sonoma is only a few hours drive from San Francisco, and it’s a perfect location for a weekend away (or even a romantic day trip). You can visit some of the gorgeous wineries, or just explore the towns and eat at some lovely restaurants. There are some more ideas for visiting Sonoma here.

For the budget conscious

Not everyone has a big budget, so if you’re looking for free (or nearly free) romantic date ideas in San Francisco, then hopefully the following ideas will work perfectly…

Take a picnic in Alamo Square Park

It’s one of the prettiest parks in the city, with great views, so pack a picnic and head over to Alamo Square Park to hang out for the day. Take a ball, or a frisbee and inject a bit of fun into the afternoon afterwards too!

Take a walk along the beach

Yes, San Francisco has beaches! Even on days when it might not be ‘beach weather’ a walk on the beach is still super romantic. If it’s warm then take you swimsuits, if it’s cold bundle up and keep each other warm! Here’s a list of the best beaches in San Francisco.

Take a hike

There are so many amazing hikes around the San Fran area, and taking a hike together is a really cool date idea if you want to rope them into spending more than a couple of hours with you! Pop on your hiking gear (or just some gym pants and a pair of trainers!) and set off! Sometimes getting a bit lost together makes it even more fun! Here are some hiking trails you might want to consider. This is on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco because it’s fun, adventurous and free!

Find a Shuffleboard bar

Me and my husband love Shuffleboard, and one of our favourite cheap date ideas is finding a shuffleboard bar and spending a few hours playing and drinking. Here’s a list of the best shuffleboard bars in San Fran. This is on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco because it’s one of my personal favourite date ideas!

Ride the street cars / trolleys in the city centre

Next on my list of free romantic date ideas in San Francisco, ride the street cars! I think this is just good fun and a nice way to get around the city. Some routes are free, others cost a few dollars – either way it’s a super affordable but also romantic date idea in San Francisco!

For the culture fanatics

The Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers

First up on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco for culture fanatics… What’s more romantic than Shakespeare? This garden is heavenly, make this a day date and go strolling through this beautiful spot. You can stroll along cobbled pathways, and wind your way around the sundial.

Exploratorium

This next suggestion is kind of a quirky romantic date ideas in San Francisco. A visit to the Exploratorium, is equal parts culture and arty, but also mega fun. There’s so much to see and do in the Exploratorium, and it’s a great date idea in San Francisco because it gives you so many opportunities to laugh and explore / discover together. You can get skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Last on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco it’s the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The SFMOMA is one of the best art galleries in San Fran, and if you both love art (or just exploring galleries / museums) then heading to SFMOMA is a great date idea. You can easily spend all day wandering around the exhibitions, and it’s such a great activity to get you both talking and discussing your favourite artists or pieces on show. You can book tickets online here.

I hope this list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco has given you plenty of inspiration for your next date day or date night!

Elle-Rose / February 13, 2020

Where to stay in Boston – The best neighbourhoods and hotels

Are you looking for the information on where to stay in Boston?

So you’ve gone looking for where to stay in Boston… Each neighbourhood has a different vibe, so there’s usually something for everyone, but making that decision can be pretty tricky if you’re not sure what you want from your city break. If you haven’t been to Boston yet, you might not be sure which neighbourhoods are best suited to you – but hopefully this blog post will make things a little clearer for you!

From Back Bay and its Old Boston reputation, to the South End and its thriving culinary scene – there’s something for everyone in Boston.

South End

First on my list of where to stay in Boston, South End. If you’re an arty type, South End is about the best place to stay in Boston. This is where the cool people hang out, and it’s known for being a quirky and cool neighbourhood. It’s got a thriving eating and drinking scene and in terms of culture, it’s become a go-to, not only due to the Boston Cultural Centre and the Boston Ballet, but also because more recently the area south of Washington street (SoWa) has become home to loads of new galleries. The highlight of our time here, though, was Wally’s Jazz bar on Mass. Ave.

Tour Recommendation for South End: South is known for it’s restaurants and cafes, so we wanted to recommend the South End Wine Tasting tour. It’s a bit quirky and different, and you get to try a few cool bars along the way!

Where to Stay: The Revolution Hotel. It’s got a cool vibe, it’s really well located, and has a 5* trip advisor rating, so don’t just take our word for it.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is iconic in Boston. If you thought “I want to live the highlife” when searching for where to stay in Boston, then you’ve found it in Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill synonymous with wealth and prestige, and the scenery of its redbrick houses and cobbled streets makes you feel almost as though you’re in Europe. Despite being highly exclusive, though, it’s super welcoming. It’s also where you’ll find Boston Common, which is a gorgeous park with swan boats, and different flower configurations all around.

Tour recommendation in Beacon Hill: The 2 hour walking tour of Boston’s history and highlights will take you right through the heart of Beacon Hill, and your guide will tell you loads of interesting information about the area too. This tour has amazing review for a reason!

Where to stay: The Liberty Hotel. It used to be a prison, so it comes with buckets of history. The restaurants come with high recommendations from locals and visitors alike, and they host regular events like Yappy Hours for dog lovers.

Back Bay

When thinking about where to stay in Boston you really can’t go wrong with Back Bay. It’s beautiful, central, well connected, and home to some of Boston’s best attractions. Home to the Boston Library (which is beautiful) you could check out some stunning architecture and people watch, or if you’re into beer we definitely would recommend heading to Bukowski Tavern. If you want to live your dream Boston life (highly caffeinated and surrounded by books) there’s also Trident Booksellers and Cafe. The coffee is incredible, and the environment to die for.

Tour recommendation in Back Bay: The Boston Old Trolley hop-on hop-off tour will take you right through Back Bay, so it’s a great day activity to add to your list. In general, this is a REALLY fun (and affordable) way to see the city too.

Where to Stay: Gryphon House. It kinda looks like someone’s house, it’s hella beautiful, and has gorgeous harbour views. What more could you want?

North End

Next on my list of where to stay in Boston, North End. One word: History. North End is all about the history. Boston is pretty well known as being a very historic city, and this area is chock full of info about the American revolution (if that’s you’re thing). It’s also Boston’s Little Italy, so it has an amazing character that draws both on Italian Culture, and New England history, to create something really unique. Think tiny Italian restaurants serving fresh seafood, or cosy little cafes making kick ass coffee. It’s definitely one of the most picturesque areas to just go for a stroll and soak in the vibe.

Tour recommendation in North End: Another recommendation in North End is the amazing North End Pizza Tour. I mean, if the fact you get to try loads of pizza doesn’t convince you this tour is worth doing, I don’t know what will!

Where to stay: Boston Marriott Long Wharf. If it’s your first time in Boston this place could be ideal. It’s right on the water, it’s close to the sights, and it’s got a gorgeous waterfront bar (Tia’s) in the warmer months!

Fenway

Fenway is my next choice for where to stay in Boston. Fenway park is one of the few original baseball stadiums that’s still knocking around (Wrigley Field in Chicago is another), but baseball is not all this area has to offer. However, saying that, it’s a great place to stop if you plan on catching a game. Everyone in Boston has a story of a big night out in Fenway, and loads of new restaurants have started picking up there. If you’re hungry head to the Time Out Market, which is an incredible plethora of chefs, turning out stellar recipes on the reg.

Tour recommendation in Fenway: Of course we have to recommend the Fenway Park stadium tour ! Seeing the stadium is really cool, and getting to go behind the scenes is even cooler.

Where to stay: The Verb. Trendy, unique, and definitely cool enough to stick up on your instagram. Live music is a regular occurrence in the lobby and at the pool so you can’t be disappointed.

Downtown Boston

Another great place to add to my list of where to stay in Boston is Downtown. What list of where to stay would be complete without mentioning this space right in the centre of The Hub? This is as central as it gets. China Town is right there for amazing eats, and Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are some of the city’s most visited sights. Get a BanhMi at New Saigon Sandwich, and the walk up to Boston Common to eat in the park. You won’t be disappointed! Watch out for the squirrels, though!

Tour recommendation in Downtown: The historic Pub crawl through Boston’s freedom trail is an absolute must-do if you love pubs, history or beer. You’Local Bostonian tour guide and beer expert

Where to Stay: Boston Park Plaza. It’s kind of pricey, and sort of in between downtown and Back Bay, but it is beautiful. A very classic 1927 hotel, with gorgeous rooms and killer views of the common.

Seaport District

And finally on my list of where to stay in Boston, the Seaport District! Seaport District is a South Boston district, which (as the name suggests) runs alongside the waterfront of the city. If you like your hotel room to look over water (personally, I LOVE a hotel room with a water view) then the Seaport District is an area you’ll love being based in. You’ll find lovely hotels along the seafront, as well as a variety of bars, restaurants and cafes too. So there’s plenty for you to do in the evening within walking distance of your accommodation.

Tour recommendation in the Seaport District: The 90 minute sightseeing Boston cruise is actually a lovely way to soak in the city skyline. It’s really affordable, and gives you some great photo opportunities too.

Where to stay: The Westin Boston Waterfront. The Westin is a classic hotel chain to stay in and has good standards of service and decor across the majority of their properties. For me this is a really safe choice, you’ll get a great view (make sure to pick a waterfront room) and a solid 4 star service.

I hope this list of where to stay in Boston is useful! If you have any more questions, just let me know in the comments below and I’ll try to answer them for you!

Elle-Rose / February 12, 2020

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Are you driving the Pacific Coast Highway and you’re looking for a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary?

So you’re planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary… and you’re ready to rent a car and set off! You’ve got your open top car, you’ve got your beach boys Spotify playlist, and I’d also definitely recommend getting some twizzlers in the car as they’re the ultimate road trip food.

The route we’re suggesting is Route 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary includes all the scenic stops and sightseeing along the way, so you won’t be short of cool things to see and do.

Whether you do this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary over a couple of days, or you really take your time, we’ve come up with a tip-top 4 day drive plan, that shows you all the best sights whilst keeping the trip to an extended weekend so that you can fit this into any itinerary.

Day 1: San Francisco

San Francisco is iconic. So obviously it’s the first stop on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

You know it from Bullitt and Mrs. Doubtfire (or, if you’re being honest with yourself, The Princess Diaries and the seminal Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon classic Just Like Heaven). We had an actual Blast in SF, so here’s a few quick things to tick off before you leave this amazing city… Ideally you’ll have more than a day there, but if a day is all you have then make sure you spend it wisely!

- Little Italy for some incredible delis and cafes and some top notch coffee.
- Visit Muir Woods to be in absolute awe of nature.
- Don’t miss out on the Polk where you can find amazing vintage shops and the best donut in town at Bob’s.
- Visit Alcatraz Prison for amazing views of the city, and to walk around a creepy prison.
- Do a Bridge to Bridge boat tour and see the city from the water.
- Do a San Francisco food tour and eat your way around the city.

Day 2: San Francisco to Monterey

Drive time: 3 – 3.5 hours (without stops)

Stops on this part of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary:

Half Moon Bay
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Santa Cruz Wharf

Your first stop is at Half Moon Bay for coffee on the beach in the morning. If you’re a surfer, this is where you’re going to catch some waves (surfing at sunrise is always a good idea). If you’ve got time maybe stay here a little longer as it’s so scenic and beautiful.

It’s a real paradise for people who love the sport, so this is where you’re going to meet like minded surfers, who just want to get out on the water and cut a half-pipe (I don’t surf please don’t laugh at me). We got some coffee and took in the sights, it’s a quieter slice of Cali life, soak it up. Once you’re done here, continue down to Monterey, going via the Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

After the Redwoods, you’ll want to head towards Santa Cruz Wharf. This is a great scenic stop-off, but also great if you need a toilet break too! Santa Cruz is quite a touristy area, but it’s definitely worth snapping a photo of! Any amazing photo spot is definitely a must-see on my Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

Arrive in Monterey and get yourself some dinner at Alvarado Street Bar & Grill. They’ve got super laid back bar food, like truffle crawfish mac and cheese, or really good wings. They’ve got killer beers from APAs to weird craft brews. Would definitely recommend the fish tacos. The vibe is super chilled out and friendly, so you’re likely to make good friends!

Day 3: Monterey to San Simeon

Drive time: 2.5 – 3 hours (without stops)

First up, spend some time at the following places (they’re all very close together):

Pebble Beach
Lone Cypress
Pescadero Point

The incredible scenery round this area is likely to make your instagram look really good, but also it’s just something we think everyone should see at least once before they die.

Next a quick hop over the headland will get you to Carmel by the Sea. This is a cute spot, and it’s not far away. If I were you I’d wait to have breakfast in this little beachside town as there are great breakfast options at the Tuck Box cafes. It looks like a Hobbit Cafe and the pancakes are amazing – we may have eaten our entire body weight in pancakes during our time stateside, so we know what we’re talking about.

Next on your day 2 driving, it’s the Big Sur!

The coastline views driving down the Big Sur are incredible – you’ve never seen anything like them, and you most likely never will again. Even though you’ve basically been looking at the ocean for the entire drive, these views will definitely take your breath away. Some places to look out for along the Big Sur part of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary are:

Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge
Pfeiffer Beach
Grimes Point Scenic Lookout
Seal Beach Overlook
Boronda trailhead
Partington Cove
McWay Cove
Anderson Canyon

If you want to know more about these scenic places along the Pacific Coast Highway, click on my other blog post here.

If you’ve got some extra time, definitely stay at Big Sur to get in some hikes at one of the national parks. We’d recommend Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or Limekiln Beach State Park. They’re definitely worth it – and you can stay at Ventana Big Sur for a glamping experience like no other! After, head on to San Simeon to spend the night!

Day 4: San Simeon – Los Angeles

Drive time: 5 -6 hours (without stops)

OK, it’s day 4 of my Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

If you do one super touristy thing on this trip, get on a tour of Heart Castle. Originally designed to be the private residence of W.R. Hearst expect to find a lavishly decorated home, some cracking fine art, and maybe even the odd peacock or zebra roaming the grounds. Even if you decide not to take a tour, definitely hop out at Piedras Blancas, ‘cause you can always catch a glimpse of some elephant seals there!

From here you’re gonna drive through the San Luis Obispo area, there are countless places to stop here, and there’s something for everyone. If you’re into wine you can stop at a winery in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo itself has something for the arts and culture lovers, Morro Bay is for all you outdoorsy types, and Pismo beach is a classic Cali Beach.

The next stop on my Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary is Solvang. It’s adorable, it’s California’s little Denmark, it’s got bakeries where you can get a danish pastry, and it looks so cute.

Drive down to LA, next, and really take in the ocean views on this last stretch of your journey. If you’ve got time you can stop off at Santa Barbara which has loads of cool things to see and do, like the old mission in town, and we’d definitely recommend grabbing a coffee and checking out the town. Once you get to LA, stop off in Malibu for a well earned drink and a rest at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe.

Lastly on my Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, if that’s not your vibe, though, we spent a lot of time at The Original Pantry Cafe in downtown LA. It’s never closed once in its history, the lady behind the counter is honestly so sweet, and (again) the pancakes are killer, as are the steak and eggs. Sit at the counter if you’re alone, or there’s only a couple of you, as you can jump the queue and get served quicker!

I hope this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary is useful for your trip along the West Coast! The Pacific Coast Highway road trip is an epic road trip – so make sure you enjoy every second!

Elle-Rose / February 12, 2020

20 incredible things to do in Southern California

Are you looking for the best things to do in Southern California?

So you’re in So-Cal and you’re looking for cool stuff to do, are you? Especially in this part of the USA, it seems like there are so many awesome and fun things to do in Southern California, that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

What should you choose?
Which should you do first?
Is this place worth the drive?

We totally get it. Because of that I’ve written this great list of things to do in Southern California so you can make like a local and look like you know what you’re doing.

Camp out on the beach

First up on my list of things to do in Southern California… Hit the beach! California has 240 miles of g o r g e o u s coastline. We would 100% recommend doing this somewhere like crystal cove state park, where you can fish, swim, cook out, sunbathe, and just be a so-cal native. Trust us, you won’t regret taking a night out to do this!

Hit the trails

This was this writer’s favourite bit about being in the whole of California. It’s absolutely beautiful on the hills by the Hollywood Sign in LA, and I recommend taking a guided hike up to the top, to make sure you see all the best views. No matter the weather it offers incredible views, gorgeous scenery, and loads of different kinds of wildlife.

We saw deer, lizards, loads of different kinds of birds! Make sure you take enough water with you, though, and a portable charger. Also, a word to the wise, the hike up to the Hollywood sign is longer than it looks (we walked around 15 miles that day) so make sure you’re prepared and wearing decent shoes.

Griffith Observatory

Next on my list of things to do in Southern California, visit this iconic city landmark in LA. You have to go past this to get up to the trails around LA (so it’s a good idea if you plan on doing the hike above anyway). But even if you’re not big into hiking, I would still definitely recommend that you check this place out. There’s almost no better place to see the stars, and it’s super cool inside!

You can book a cheap shuttle service from LA to Griffith Observatory by clicking here.

Go to the Joshua Tree National Park

We could write a list of things to do in Southern California without mentioning Joshua Tree National Park. The trees are cool as heck, but also they were named by mormons who thought they looked like Joshua from the bible flailing in prayer – weird (yes) but bear it in mind next time you see one! We thought they looked like those inflatable car dealership things (you know the ones). It’s also super scenic, and the sunsets in the park are heavenly so we definitely recommend checking it out!

Drive Pacific Coast Highway

If you don’t mind renting a car and hitting the road, then we think you’ll like the next suggestion on our list of things to do in Southern California. This road is EPIC and has some incredible views. Essentially, you want to take route 1, pack some twizzlers, and get ready for the most scenic drive of your life. Bonus points for an open top car, and a beach boys infused soundtrack.

Santa Monica Pier

Yes, I know Santa Monica Pier is gimmicky and touristy – but it’s also hella fun and we couldn’t write a list of things to do in Southern California without mentioning it. It’s like going back to your childhood, playing arcade games, eating rubbish food and winning ride tickets. It’s loads of fun, it’s colourful, it’s summery.

Balboa National Park

This space is huge – in addition to having gardens, walking paths, green belt, and spaces of vegetation it’s also home to a number of museums and attractions. The highlight is almost certainly the San Diego Zoo – with hundreds of species of animals. It’s been voted the number one zoo on the planet, so don’t just take our word for it!

Spend a weekend in Santa Barbara

Easily one of my favourite places in South California. It’s the epitome of Southern California living, with all the sunshine of LA but half the pace. Definitely a must-see on our things to do in Southern California list.

Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

Next on my list of things to do in Southern California, it’s Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. This is so cool: it’s a sea cave that you can explore and live out your Goonies fantasies. It’s in La Jolla, it’s got 145 steps, it’s kinda spooky but also kinda cool. It’s one for the insta stories for sure.

Do a day at Disney

Disney isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for things to do in Southern California… You can’t get more ‘LA’ than Disney. It’s touristy, it’s childish, but DAMN it’s fun. It’s the ultimate day out, and I challenge you find anyone who wouldn’t love this even a little bit!

Coastline helicopter

Taking a helicopter along the Southern California coastline is an absolute must-do for anyone who loves seeing landscapes from the air. The coastline in this part of the USA is stunning, and to see it from a helicopter is even more perfect. It’s so beautiful to be able to see the little coves, cliffs and beach towns from above. You can book a helicopter tour by clicking here.

Relax in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a little beach town, about 45 minutes from LA. It’s one of the sleepy beach towns that is equally trendy as it is cute. There are beautiful beaches spread along the coastline of Laguna beach, and a gorgeous little town centre with all kinds of restaurants and cafes to enjoy too.

Whale watching

There are a few places you can do whale watching from in Southern California. A couple of the most well known locations are Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. You’ll head out in a tour boat and your professional tour-guides will use their amazing sonar equipment to locate nearby whales (and sometimes dolphins too).

I recommend booking this tour, which departs from Newport beach).

Harper’s Topiary Garden

We loved this! Right in the middle of San Diego there’s a manicured haven of sculpted bushes. Whilst you can only admire it from the road, we’d definitely recommend swinging by to have a look at this gorgeous garden.

Annie’s Canyon Trail

Next on my list of things to do in Southern California, it’s Annie’s Canyon Trail. If you wanna go hiking somewhere a bit different and quirky… This one’s for you. It’s a short hike through some tight spaces that’ll make you feel like you’re an intrepid explorer. The photos you’ll get are incredible, trust us.

Go ghost hunting on The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is an old cruise ship liner that is permanently moored just south of Los Angeles. It’s huge, it’s kinda haunted (or is it?) and it’s really damn cool. If you don’t believe in ghosts, it’s just a cool place to go for the history and the decor too! There isn’t really anything else like this in Southern California, so it’s well worth a visit.

You can book tickets for the Queen Mary boat by clicking here.

Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina is one of Southern California’s outlying islands, and it’s absolutely beautiful. You can take boat tours out there, and go wildlife watching, diving or even hiking. It’s popular with locals – because it’s such a beautiful escape from the bustling city, and it’s also pretty easy to get to.

Mojave Desert

Next on my list of things to do in Southern California, The Mojave Desert! This is a must-see in Southern California. It’s simply beautiful, a huge desert (the driest in North America actually) and it occupies 47,877 sq miles. If you want to go on a slightly challenging hike, or just explore a different kind of landscape – this is a great idea!

An honourable mention!

Last on my list of things to do in Southern California… an honourable mention for delicious food. Get burgers at In-n-Out. Your previous tumblr self will thank you. Your belly will thank you. Your taste buds will thank you. Once all those things have thanked you, you can finish your last mouthful and thank us for getting you to go.

Elle-Rose / February 11, 2020

Ultimate list: The best beach towns near Los Angeles

Are you looking for the best beach towns near Los Angeles?

Los Angeles might be best known as the bustling city with celebrities, smoothies and hipsters… But venture a little bit outside the city and you’ll find some of the most beautiful beach towns in the USA. Beach towns near Los Angeles are so gorgeous, and feel a million miles away from downtown and city centre. The beach towns near Los Angeles feel laid back, relaxed and the perfect place to spend a weekend in the sunshine.

Malibu

First on my list of beach towns near Los Angeles, it’s Malibu. Malibu is probably one of the most famous and well-known beach towns near Los Angeles. It’s a popular place for celebrities to live (it’s no wonder really – the views are incredible) and it’s also the shooting location for a few movies and TV shows too. The coastline of Malibu has the most rugged, windswept and beautiful beaches spanning all the way up the coastline, parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a really popular beach town near Los Angeles, with a variety of hotels, restaurants, shops and cafes to fill your time with. It’s popular with families, but it’s also a really great locations for couples too. The famous Newport Beach is a lovely beach to spend the day relaxing on, but you also have the lovely Balboa Pier to explore and enjoy too (kind of a quirky, old-town part of Newport beach). This gorgeous beach town has a little bit of everything, from lovely al fresco dining, to design shops and art galleries.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is one of the smaller beach towns near Los Angeles, and it feels like a bit of a hidden gem. It’s just south on the coast down from Newport Beach, and it’s a great spot for a quiet getaway from the city. Laguna Beach is intimate, arty, quiet and a little hipster. So if that sounds like your vibe… You’ll love it. It’s a little quieter, a bit less touristy than it’s neighbours Newport and Huntington Beach – and it’s probably better suited to couples who want a romantic getaway, than families. My personal favourite in this list of beach towns near Los Angeles.

Huntington Beach

Also known as Surf City, Huntington Beach is a favourite for outdoor sports, especially surfing. It’s a great destination for people who love lively resorts and beach towns near Los Angeles. There’s something for everyone in Huntington beach, from luxurious spa resorts, to the Huntington Pier and the expansive beach. On the beach itself you’ll find year-round activities such as volleyball, fire pits and other beach sport competitions.

Long Beach

Next on my list of beach towns near Los Angeles, It’s Long Beach. As the name suggests, Long Beach is one of the longest beaches in the LA area. Long Beach is actually classed as a coastal city and port in Southern California, but for the sake of this list I’m classing it as a beach town near Los Angeles, as it’s very close to Los Angeles! Long Beach has loads to do, and it’s the classic Californian beach with white sand and tall palm trees. Long beach has so many shops to offer, lots of restaurants and plenty of nightlife too. The marina is definitely a highlight, as is the Queen Mary, which is a permanently docked cruise liner which you can take tours of!

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is my next choice for beach towns near Los Angeles. Santa Monica is actually a separate city to Los Angeles, but it’s only a shot drive from downtown LA – and it’s so scenic and pretty so it’s well worth a visit. Santa Monica is probably the beach most people associate with Los Angeles, and it’s famous for it’s colour pier, friendly people and shopping options. There’s always something to do here, from pop-up events, to restaurants, cafes and nightlife too. This place has a great vibe, and it’s somewhere every LA local has explored at some point! The beach is perfect, huge and perfect for a day of sunbathing or a weekend out of the city.

Dana Point

Last on my list of beach towns near Los Angeles, it’s Dana Point. Dana Point is a local-favourite for surfers and water-sports enthusiasts. It’s located in South Orange County, and it has loads of charm and small-town vibes. There’s beaches in Dana Point, as well as a yacht harbour – so it’s a lovely place to spend the day. This is a nice option if you plan on surfing during your beach town trip, but also want to be based somewhere with nice eating options too.

I hope this list of beach towns near Los Angeles has been helpful and you’ve found some inspiration for your weekend away or your vacation!

Elle-Rose / February 11, 2020

What are the best Central Park tours?

Are you looking for the best Central Park tours to help you explore?

Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world – and when you’re in NYC it’s an absolute must-see. If you’re looking for the best Central Park tours, hopefully this list will give you loads of ideas!

Whether you want to do a walking tour, a bus tour, a bike tour… You name it! Central Park has it all. Here are the best Central Park tours…

Classic Central Park walking tour

First on my list of the best Central Park tours, a walking tour!

A classic Central Park walking tour is always a good idea – especially if you just want someone to guide you around the main areas of the park. In general booking a walking tour of Central Park is great because you remove any worry of getting lost (which is so easy, as the park is so huge!) and instead you can just enjoy meandering around and soaking in all the top sights and attractions Central Park has to offer.

I recommend this walking tour, you’ll be guided around by a former park employee and you’ll get a 2-hour tour of all the park highlights.

The classic horse and carriage ride

How could I write a list of the best Central Park tours, and not include a horse and carriage ride?

A horse and carriage ride is the classic way to tour Central Park. You can’t miss the horse and carriages in Central Park, but it’s always a good idea to book a carriage ride in advance (to ensure you only pay a fixed amount and don’t get scammed). The tour I’ve linked is a 40 minute tour and will take you to places such as Bethesda Fountain, Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, Sheep Meadow and other historical and iconic park landmarks.

A pedicab ride

Next on my list of the best Central Park tours, an alternative to horse carriage rides, the Pedicab!

If you’re allergic to horses, or you just don’t fancy the horse and carriage ride, then a pedicab ride is the next best choice. It’s a little more quirky and it’s definitely a lot of fun! A pedicab is basically a small carriage attached to the back of a bike, and your tour guide will cycle around the park past all the must-see places in Central Park. I love the Pedicab rides because they’re quick, easy and you get to see loads. Again, as with the carriage rides, I’d recommend booking the tour in advance. It means your fee will be pre-agreed and just avoids any queuing or confusion.

Movie and TV in Central park (walking tour)

For movie lovers… this might be the best Central Park tour for you!

There have been soooo many movies and TV shows set in Central Park, so if you consider yourself a bit of a movie-buff or TV geek, taking a TV and film themed walking tour around the park is definitely going to be fun for you. I recommend booking this specific tour, it has great reviews and a good itinerary – making sure you squeeze in as many movie and TV locations as possible! You’ll see locations from films such as; Home Alone, When Harry Met Sally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Date Night, The Avengers, Friends, Glee and so many more.

Deluxe Helicopter tour over Central Park

Next up on my best Central Park tours list… A helicopter ride.

If you want to see Central Park from above (and in the context of the city around it) then there’s no better tour than a helicopter tour. Helicopter tours are pretty incredible in NYC – you get to see so much, and the city looks so different from above. For me, it’s still one of the MOST memorable things I’ve ever done, and I’ll never forget seeing the park emerge from behind the skyscrapers and seeing the sheer scale of it! I recommend this helicopter tour – it’s actually a photography helicopter tour, so you get to fly with the doors open (which is SO DAMN COOL).

Central Park’s hidden gems walking tour

For people reading this list of the best Central Park tours, who already know and love the park – this might be the tour for you.

If you already know the park quite well, or if you want to discover some new areas of Central Park then this Hidden Gems tour of Central Park is a fantastic choice. You’ll explore off the tourist path and be taken to some secret places in Central Park that tourists don’t usually discover. From hidden bird sanctuaries, historic gun emplacements, you’ll feel like you’re an NYC local when this tour finishes.

Central Park guided bike tour

If you enjoying riding your bike and cycling, then taking a cycling tour of Central Park is such a nice way to see the park. You can get around quicker on your bike, which also means you’ll be able to see more of the park than you would during a walking tour. Also, Central Park is an amazing park for cycling – there are lovely bike paths and cycling roads – so it’s great. I recommend this specific tour… it has great reviews, and means you won’t miss anything! They’ll take you to all the key historical monuments, statues, fountains and hidden gems. How could I write a list of the best Central Park tours and not include a bike tour?

Self-guided Central Park bike hire

If you want to explore the park by bike, but you’d rather do it at your own pace and on your own terms, you can rent a bike in Central Park super easily! This is a great option for people who want to tour the park more flexibly and don’t mind finding their own way around. You can rent bikes in Central Park by clicking here. Maybe it’s not a traditional ‘tour’ – but it’s so affordable, so I wanted to include it in my best Central Park tours list.

NYC Rollerblade rental

Another great option for people who want to explore the park on their own terms and by their own timings… Renting rollerblades is SUCH a fun way to explore the park. This is ideal for spring or summer time, and on a sunny day, you’ll see loads of people exploring the park on rollerblades. It’s fun, and it’s also a great workout too!

Food tour and Central Park tour combo

Next up on my list of best Central Park tours, a food and park combo tour. If you want to combine a tour of Central Park with a food tour… then this tour is a great choice! We all know that NYC is famous for it’s amazing food, so combining a stroll around Central Park with some food discoveries is a win/win situation!

Historical tour of Central Park

Next on my list of best Central Park tours, something for the history lovers!

Central Park has been around for many years and it’s at the forefront of lots of the city’s history too. If history is ‘your thing’ and you love exploring the historical part of a city, then this specific tour is one you’ll enjoy. You’ll get to enjoy a leisurely historical walk through Central Park, led by a knowledgable guide (who is dressed in historical costume!). Highlights include; the Angel of the Waters, The Ramble, and Shakespeare’s Garden.

5K running tour of Central Park

Last up on this list of the best Central Park tours, a running tour!

This is one for the gym-bunnies or the runners! It might be some people’s worst nightmare, but for others, combining a 5K run with a tour of Central Park’s best sights is an ideal combination! This non-competitive 5K running tour that takes you along some of the parks most scenic and beautiful running paths. You’ll make brief stops along the way to explore, take photos and just enjoy the view.

I hope this list of the best Central Park tours is helpful! Have you chosen the best Central Park tour for you based on this list? I’d love to know which you chose in the comments.

Guide to Las Vegas on a budget: Where to stay

First on my list of tips for Las Vegas on a budget… Where to stay! There are loads of hotels in Las Vegas for when you’re on a budget, so you really have your pick of the bunch! If you’re looking for somewhere affordable or on a budget, there are a few options for you!

On the strip of Las Vegas

The Las Vegas strip is probably what you’d class as the ‘city centre’ of Las Vegas, so it’s a great place to stop. Hotels on the strip range in price, but the hotels listed below are some of the cheapest you’ll find!

The Excalibur
The Luxor
Jockey Club Suites
New York New York

Downtown Las Vegas Hotels

Downtown Las Vegas is located about a 15-20 minute drive from the Las Vegas strip, but it’s also a hub of nightlife and activities. In fact, it’s considered the other big ‘centre’ of Las vegas, and there are lots of hotels there. It tends to be cheaper to stop in downtown Vegas, so if you’re on a budget, it’s a good place to look!

The D Hotel
4 Queens Hotel and Casino
Hotel Apache
Fremont Hotel and Casino

Off the strip (less central)

One of the easiest ways to reduce the costs of your vacation in Las Vegas, is by choosing a hotel off the strip. You may end up spending money on taxis (if you plan on visiting the nightlife on the strip) but the hotels are definitely much cheaper off strip.

Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
The Orleans Hotel and Casino
Hilton Grand Vacation Suites
Desert Rose Resort
Club de Soleil
Palace Station

Guide to Las Vegas on a budget: What to do

Next up on my tips for Las Vegas on a budget, What is there to do?

When it comes to spending time in Las Vegas on a budget, there are so many things to do in the city that don’t cost anything! There are plenty of free activities in the city that will easily keep you entertained. Here are a few of my suggestions for free (or nearly free) things to do…

Walk around all the hotels

First on things to do in Las Vegas on a budget… Look around the hotels! The hotels in Vegas are so much fun – and like mini resorts in themselves. You don’t need to be a guest of a hotel to enjoy the hotel grounds and look around. Generally, the themed hotels tend to be more fun to explore! Some of the main ones I’d recommend exploring are; New York New York, The Paris, The Bellagio, The Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, The Wynn Hotel and The Cosmopolitan.

Go window shopping

Next up for things to do in Las Vegas on a budget, window shopping! There are so many shopping malls in Las Vegas, and window shopping doesn’t cost a thing!

Watch the Bellagio Fountains

The classic, iconic and famous Las Vegas landmark! The fountains are free to watch and go off about every 30 minutes. They’re amazing, and so entertaining!

Watch the Volcano erupt at The Mirage

Of course, I couldn’t do a list of things to do in Las Vegas on a budget without mentioning the Volcano at The Mirage! This outdoor show at the Mirage goes off every evening multiple times, and it’s completely free to watch!

Bet some cents!

In most casinos you’ll find slot machines with a minimum of 1 cent bets. This means you can make $10 last agessss! It’s entertainment for the whole night!

Visit the Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo Hotel

The wildlife at The Flamingo Hotel is such a lovely way to spend an hour or so! It’s really lovely to see these beautiful birds!

Visit the Bellagio Gardens / Conservatory

Next up on my list of things to do in Las Vegas on a budget… The Bellagio gardens! The Bellagio Conservatory is re-decorated every seasons to suit the beautiful surroundings. It’s really something to see, and the levels of details in the gardens is just stunning.

Visit the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown

Fremont Street is a hub of activity, lights and sounds. There are street performers, a light show, and music – and it’s very ‘old school’ Las Vegas. If you’ve never seen it, you should definitely go and explore for an evening!

Walk along the outdoor walk ways

There are lots of great outdoor walkways in las vegas, each with pedestrian access (obviously!) and great views of the city. One of my favourite walkways is from outside the Cosmopolitan (near the Bellagio driveway) and up to the Bellagio lobby.

Visit the Forum Shops

The Forum shops (even if you don’t have any money to spend) are so much fun to walk around. There are great shops, of course, but the design and decor of the mall is something else! There is also a free live show at the fish tank area every hour (near Cheesecake Factory).

Explore the Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel

Up next in my list of Las Vegas on a budget suggestions… The mall in the Venetian Hotel is an incredible place to have a walk around. They’re recreated the look and feel of Venice itself and created Italian-style shop fronts, and even canal and gondolas!

Spend a day by the pool

If you’re in Vegas in Spring / Summer and the pools are open – spending the day by the pool is a perfect way to pass time! In most hotel pools you can bring external coffees or smoothies up – so no need to buy those expensive poolside drinks.

Guide to Las Vegas on a budget: Where to eat

Food can be a big drain on budget, so of course I had to give you some suggestions for food places in Las Vegas on a budget! Most hotels have affordable food courts in them, and of course there are fast food joints on every corner and in every hotel too. Here are some of the best picks of budget food options…

Block 16 Urban Food Hall @ The Cosmopolitan

Block 16 is an urban style food hall in the heart of The Cosmopolitan Hotel – has loads of great food options for under $10. Pok Pok wings are my FAVOURITE!

Denny’s

There are two Denny’s on the strip (at each end) and they’re one of the cheap options for breakfast of snacks throughout the day. Just classic food choices you’d expect from a diner!

Secret Pizza @ The Cosmopolitan

Pizza by the slice, NYC style, this place is a cheap option for a quick dinner or a quick midnight snack.

Earl of Sandwich @ Caesars or Planet Hollywood

There’s a few of these dotted around Vegas, and they’re a good options for a quick lunch or dinner. Sandwiches around usually under $10 and they’re super delicious too!

Tacos El Gordo

Who doesn’t love Tacos? You’ll find these across the strip – and oh boy, they’re tasty.

Food court @ The Fashion Show Mall

There are quite a few cheap food vendors at the Fashion Show Mall, so if you’re in the mall and doing some shopping and fancy having a cheap lunch – definitely pop by the food court on the upper floor.

Dirt Dog

Hot dogs… An American classic! This place is great for late night snacks!

Top tips for saving money in the city

Remember! If you gamble, you drink for free (plus a small tip). So sometimes sitting at a slot machine is cheaper than sitting in a bar.
The more expensive casinos have more expensive everything else – including drinks and minimum bets (when gambling). If you head to cheaper hotels and casinos, you’ll get cheaper drinks and also cheaper minimum bets.
Always look out for food courts if you want to save money on food costs.
Every day feels like the weekend, so if you’re only in Vegas for a few days, opt for Monday – Friday (not the weekend).
Book with the hotel directly – you’ll avoid extra costs and might be able to score extra freebies or cheaper upgrades when you check in.
If you’re from outside the USA, and you’re paying with things on your Credit / Debit Card – make sure you always choose to pay in dollars (not pounds). You’ll get a better exchange rate that way, and end up paying less.
Avoid boxing matches, big conferences and big events! Unless you’re heading to the city for those events specifically, try and forward plan to avoid huge calendar events. The hotel prices will rocket during match weekends or big during conferences!

I hope this guide for Las Vegas on a budget has been helpful! If you need anymore suggestions or ideas, just drop me a comment and I’ll try to help!

Elle-Rose / February 2, 2020

What to See in New York – The Ultimate NYC Travel Guide

NYC is one of the best cities in the world so it’s no wonder you’re looking for a guide on what to see in New York!

I’m always in NYC, and have spent many years building up an endless list of tips, tricks and recommendations, and building the perfect list of what to see in New York… Which you’ll find here! Hopefully this huge New York City travel guide will be useful and informative, and make your trip to NYC the trip of a lifetime!

What to see in New York (my unmissable list)

First up on my list of what to see in New York it’s my un-missables list.

Of course, what kind of New York City travel guide would this be if I didn’t include a huge list of things to do when you visit NYC, and a huge list of what to see in New York! You’ll want to make sure you’re ticking off all the top tourist activities.

Here’s my list of things I wouldn’t miss in NYC…

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (here’s how!)
Visit Times Square
Walk through Central Park (or take a pedal ride!)
Visit Macy’s (and do some shopping)
See the Statue of Liberty (click here to read a post on the best ways to see it)
Visit DUMBO in Brooklyn and enjoy the skyline views
Sip cocktails on a NYC rooftop bar (here’s a list!)
Have a bagel for breakfast
Visit an Observation deck (see below for my top picks)
Visit the Rockefeller tree (if you’re there from Nov – Jan)
Walk the High Line park
Visit a museum (see below for a list of the best!)
Explore Grand Central Terminal (click here to book a Grand Central Station tour)
Ride the Subway
Try a slice of NYC pizza
See a Broadway show
Have a pint in an Irish bar
Visit the New York Public Library

Top NYC tip: First up, if you’re visiting NYC and plan on hitting up lots of the tourist attractions, getting a NYC PASS is one of the best ways to save money. It’s also a great guide of what to see in New York – as you can just your way through their attractions list. You pay one price, and then get access to loads of different attractions (many of which are mentioned below). This is genuinely a great way to save money during your trip.

Observation Decks in NYC

Next up on my list of what to see in New York… the views of course! Here’s a breakdown of the different observation decks in the city – which offer the vest views of the NYC skyline.

There are a few different observation decks in the New York City, so when you’re thinking of what to see in New York, definitely try and squeeze one of these into your schedule. Each one offers a slightly different view of the city and the skyline and they’re perfect places for taking photographs. Here are the most popular ones:

Top of the Rock (Rockefeller)

My personal favourite observation deck for what to see in New York. It’s not as high as the others, but I think the view is the best, as you get to see the incredible empire state as part of the skyline. Click here to book tickets.

One World Observatory

My second favourite. It’s the highest building in New York, and the views literally span for miles. Click here to book skip-the-line tickets.

Empire State Building

My least favourite, but it’s a classic choice and an iconic building – so it’s not a bad choice! Click here to book skip-the-line tickets.

Different kinds of tours in NYC

Next up on my list of what to see in New York… It’s all the different ways you can tour and explore the city!

When thinking about what to see in New York, taking a tour is one of the best ways to see lots of places in the city. There are SO MANY ways you can see the city if you’re going to opt for a tour, so they’re a crucial part of any New York City travel guide, especially this guide to what to see in New York.

Although tours might seem a bit touristy – they’re always really fun and education – and you genuinely learn a lot about the city during them. And you meet great people too, so they’re amazing for solo travellers.

What to see in New York: A boat tour / boat cruise

A boat tour will always make my list of what to see in New York. There are loads of boat tours in the city, most will take you around the majority of Manhattan, and it’s really special being able to see the city from the water. I recommend an afternoon and sunset boat tour (click here to book) as it’s a good balance between comfort and sightseeing.

Trust me – the last thing you want is to be stuck on an uncomfortable boat for 2 hours! It’s also worth booking a brunch / lunch or dinner cruise, if you fancy enjoying some food while you cruise around the city.

Open top bus tour

Next up on what to see in New York, it’s an open top bus tour. The open top bus tour is a classic choice in NYC, and it’s genuinely a great way to see the city. The bus tours are designed to take you via the biggest attractions / well known sights – so you can tick them off your list. What I like about this option is that you can usually hop-off if you see something you want to explore on foot, and then jump back on the next bus when you’re finished. Click here to book tickets!

Walking tour

If you want to stretch your legs and see NYC by foot, then a walking tour is actually a great idea. You can take things at a more relaxed pace, and you can soak in the city in a little more detail than the two options above would allow. Usually a walking tour will only cover a certain part of the city, or a certain neighbourhood though. I’d recommend the Greenwich food tour or the Little Italy walking tour. Walking tours are great ways of figuring out what to see in New York, and finding new places to go back and explore.

Helicopter tour

If budget isn’t an issue, then taking a helicopter tour over NYC is epic and completely unforgettable. I’ve done it once, and it was beyond amazing – the views you experience are just mesmerising.

What to see in New York: Neighbourhoods to explore

Next on my guide of what to see in New York, it’s which neighbourhoods you should explore!

Half the fun of visiting NYC, and figuring out what to see in New York, is exploring the different neighbourhoods and seeing the city from many different perspectives. No New York City travel guide would be complete without a list of the different neighbourhoods. For me, I love just getting to a neighbourhood and spending the day walking around it and exploring the local food options, the cafes, the shops and the seeing the architecture.

Here are some neighbourhoods I would recommend visiting and exploring:

Midtown (where all the touristy things are like Times Square)
Chelsea (a beautiful neighbourhood just below Midtown)
Greenwich / West Village (known for being the filming location of many TV shows, such as FRIENDS!)
DUMBO (a neighbourhood in Brooklyn that looks over the river to Manhattan)
Hudson Yards (a new neighbourhood, recently regenerated with The Vessel and a great shopping centre)
Little Italy (This feels very ‘old NYC’ and is obviously a must-visit if you love Italian food)
Tribeca (Bordering on Downtown, there are some gorgeous buildings here)
Upper West Side (where a lot of locals live, and so beautiful and scenic)
Williamsburg (a quirky area of Brooklyn that oozes cool vibes)

What to see in New York: Museums and Galleries

If you like to spend times in museums and galleries, you’ll like this part of my New York City travel guide! When it comes to what to see in New York, you can miss out the museums and galleries!

If you love museums, there are plenty to choose from in NYC, and they’re some of the best things to see in NYC. Here are some of my favourites in the city, as well as some of the main ones (and some unconventional choices too!).

Metropolitan Museum of Art (art museum – click here for skip-the-line tickets)
Museum of Modern Art (art museum)
Guggenheim Museum (art museum)
Natural History Museum (history of the earth and animals – click here for tickets)
Ellis Island Museum (history of NYC immigration – click here for fast-track entrance)
Museum of Chinese in America (a museum about the history of chinese culture in NYC)
International Center of Photography (museum about photography and capturing images)
Center for Architecture (museum about NYC architecture)
Museum at FIT (fashion museum)
Skyscraper Museum (museum about NYC architecture)
Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame and Museum (music museum)
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (oddities and curiosities)
Madame Tussauds (wax figures of celebrities)
Mets Hall of Fame & Museum (sports museum)
National September 11 Memorial & Museum (museum dedicated to victims of 9/11 attacks)
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (museum of World War II aircraft carriers – click here for tickets)
New York City Fire Museum (museum of firefighting vehicles, equipment, uniforms)

What to see in New York: Parks and green spaces

Next up on my list of what to see in New York… it’s parks and green spaces in the city!

There are actually loads of parks in NYC – all with something slightly different to offer! Yes, of course Central Park is the most iconic and famous park in the city – but if you want to enjoy some green space in other parts of NYC, there gorgeous parks will definitely do the trick! When it comes to what to see in New York, the parks make the top of the list as they’re so unique!

Central Park

How could I write a guide for what to see in New York, and not mention Central Park. I have to mention this one because it’s the biggest and the best. It’s iconic – please don’t leave NYC without visiting Central Park at least once! There’s so much to do in Central Park, from the zoo, to the carousel, to the parks, the the views… it’s just amazing. There are loads of great tours of the park too, or your can rent a bike and tour it yourself!

Bryant Park

My second favourite park in the city is Bryant Park, so I had to include it in my list of what to see in New York. this one is located in the heart of Midtown, next to the Public Library. It’s such a gorgeous little park, with a mini carousel, a huge green lawn, and even chess and other games for visitors. It’s also has an amazing Christmas market during Christmas time in the winter months.

Madison Square Park

Located in Chelsea, this little park has some lovely places to sit (as well as a dog park) so it’s a fun place to hang out. It’s also right by the Flat Iron building, so a great place for taking some photos too. I actually got engaged in this park, so of course I had to include it in my guide to what to see in New York.

Battery Park

Right at the very southern tip of Manhattan is Battery Park. I love Battery Park because it’s the very end of the city (kind of!) and it has lovely views out to the water. If you’re getting a statue of liberty cruise, this is probably where you’ll depart from.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

This park is located right on the river in Brooklyn, so it overlooks the Manhattan skyline. It’s one of the parks with the best views of the city – which makes it really popular. If you want some great images of the NYC skyline – this place needs to be on your to-do list. I love taking photos here, so I definitely had to include it in my list of what to see in New York.

NYC hacks and tips

When figuring out what to see in New York, it also helps to have some tips and trick for getting around the city!

Here are some of my NYC travel hacks and tips for whilst you visit – these are a bit random, but I wanted to make sure I included them! No New York City travel guide would be complete without some money-saving tips and travel hacks.

If you plan on riding the subway, be sure to get a weekly Metro card (it’ll work out cheaper)
Citymapper (it’s an app for your phone!) is amazing for navigating the city. Just type in your location and it’ll give you various routes you can take to get there.
Need the toilet whilst sightseeing? Most hotel lobby’s have toilets – so just use those! Alternatively – Starbucks!
Avoid hailing a cab in Times Square, you’ll have clocked up a huge fare before you’ve even got out of the area just because the traffic is so bad.
For cheap food, look out for food courts or food markets. You’ll be able to get one-person portions for under $10. I love Time Out Market at the moment.
Don’t order room service – it’s so overpriced! Use services like Uber Eats instead, they’ll deliver from external restaurants to your hotel room.
Visit Times Square in the morning (it’s so much quieter) or after 10pm (again, less crowds!)
Save money on attractions by buying a NYC pass (that includes lots of attractions within the price)
A bagel with cream cheese is the CHEAPEST breakfast and will keep you full for hours. It shouldn’t cost more than $4. For a cheap dinner, grab a slice of $1 pizza. You can’t go wrong.

Where to stay in NYC had a big impact on what you’ll see and do.

Finally, a big thing that can have an impact on what you see in New York, is where you stay!

When thinking about what to see in New York, you’ll want to make sure you stay in the right place too! New York is a pretty big, and where you stay can make a huge impact on how much you enjoy your trip and the kinds of things you’ll spend time doing / seeing. In this part of my NYC travel guide, I’ll talk about the best neighbourhoods to stop in, and which areas of the city might be best for your particular needs.

For first timers: Go for Midtown

If you’ve never been to the city before, then Midtown is hands down the best place to stay. You’ll notice a lot of the activities in this New York City travel guide are based in Midtown, so it’s a great place to be based if you want to be within walking distance of loads of NYC attractions. Try and opt for a hotel between 30^th St and 52^nd St, and you’ll be in the heart of all the action.

If you want somewhere a little more ‘local’: Go for Chelsea or Greenwich Village

There are still touristy attractions in Chelsea and Greenwich Village, but the general ‘vibe’ in these neighbourhoods is much more local, than touristy. It’s usually this part of NYC that you see in TV shows and sitcoms. The buildings aren’t as tall as in Midtown or Downtown, but they’re older, and feel a bit more ‘old-school’ NYC.

If you’re on a budget: Go for Brooklyn

Brooklyn is gaining in popularity as every year passes, but hotels are still cheaper there compared to Manhattan. One thing I will say about Brooklyn though, is be careful of your location. Brooklyn is a little more ‘spread out’ than Manhattan – so try and ensure you’re close to a Subway Station (it’ll make getting around so much easier!).

If you want romance: Go for Columbus Circle or near Central Park

For me, the most romantic hotel rooms in NYC (so I wanted to include this area in my New York City travel guide) are the ones with views of Central Park. It’s just my opinion, but I love being able to see the park peeping through the sky scrapers. If you’re there on a romantic getaway, I’d really recommend somewhere north of 56th street, in the blocks leading up to Central Park. You’ll still be walking distance to loads of attractions, but you get the peacefulness of the park too. Ask for a room on a high floor so you get an amazing view!