How to Plan the Perfect One Day in Vienna Itinerary
From imperial palaces with beautiful gardens to historic churches where classical music rings through elaborate sanctuaries, Vienna is full of incredible things to do. This one day in Vienna itinerary will help you make the most of a short visit to the capital of Austria, with tips for the best palaces, museums, and music venues to visit.
This one day in Vienna itinerary will help you make the most of a short visit to the capital of Austria, with tips for the best palaces, museums, and music venues to visit.
From imperial palaces with beautiful gardens to historic churches where classical music rings through elaborate sanctuaries, Vienna is full of incredible things to do. If you’re visiting on a short trip and only have time for one day in Vienna, it’s important to plan your stops to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
That’s where this Vienna one day itinerary comes in. I’ve rounded up a few of the best museums, palaces, markets, concert halls, and more into an easy-to-follow agenda that lets you choose which activities to focus on.
I’ve traveled to Vienna a couple of times in different seasons and the things I recommend below are a few of my favorites that I return to over and over again. Visiting Vienna in one day can be done, but you’ll have to narrow down what you want to see the most. The ideas below cover everything from art and history to shopping.
After browsing the list of the best things to do in Vienna, keep scrolling for three different ways to arrange your Vienna 1 day itinerary. Each focuses on a different theme, so you can pick the one that best fits your interests.
Day in Vienna Map
This map has all of the best things to do on a one-day Vienna itinerary.
Top 17 Things To Do in Vienna in One Day
Before you decide exactly how to arrange your one day in Vienna itinerary, I recommend looking over the top things to do on your first trip to the city. Everyone has different interests, so I put together the list below to show you a few of the best museums, palaces, tours, and views.
Browse through the list of activities and then scroll down for three options for how to spend 24 hours in Vienna. Each one has a theme that corresponds to different interests.
Vienna Innere Stadt
With just one day in Vienna, the Innere Stadt district is the perfect place to start sightseeing. This is Vienna’s historic city center full of old churches, intriguing museums, ancient squares, and shops. There are tons of places to see in the neighborhood, but to keep your itinerary moving, I recommend sticking to an Innere Stadt walking tour and only visiting inside one or two of the spots listed below.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The medieval St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most noticeable landmarks in the middle of the Innere Stadt. The tallest church in Austria at more than 440 feet, the cathedral has four intricate towers and a roof adorned with colorful tiles.
You can pop inside for free to view the main sanctuary, but some areas like the catacombs and treasury require a ticket. If you have time and don’t mind a steep climb, I recommend walking up the 343 steps of the South Tower (the highest one). At the top, you can peek out of windows for sweeping views of the city.
The surrounding Stephensplatz square draws crowds throughout the day, so arrive early if you can.
Hofburg Palace
On a Vienna one-day trip, you may not have time to tour the entire Hofburg Palace, but it’s worth a stop on your Innere Stadt walking tour. Enter from the Michaelerplatz square to see the Roman wall ruins before crossing the gates to the palace courtyard.
The Habsburg-era Hofburg Palace is the current official headquarters for the president of Austria. Inside, visitors can tour the Imperial Apartments and museums to see displays of historic treasures, armor, instruments, and more.
The west end of the massive palace complex leads into a public square and gardens with flowers, monuments, and a little Greek-style temple with an art gallery inside.
Peterskirche
St. Peter’s Catholic Church is just a couple of blocks away from St. Stephen’s and less impressive from the outside, but it’s one of my favorite stops in the city center. The first church on this site may have dated as far back as the 4th century, but the current structure with a green dome was built in the early 1700s.
You have to step inside, though, for the best part — a Baroque interior with the most intricate details along the walls, ceiling, altar, and organ. Gilded decor and sunlight dancing into the sanctuary make it a jaw-dropping scene, only made better when music echoes through the hall. The church has frequent concerts, so check the outside bulletin board first thing in the morning if you want to catch a show.
Austrian National Library
The Österreichische Nationalbibliothek near Hofburg Palace is a must-see for book lovers. The Baroque-style hall features towering walls of wooden shelves, ceiling frescoes, and carved columns.
There is a fee to enter the State Hall, or you can add tickets to the Literature Museum and Papyrus Museum inside.
Rathausplatz
Rathausplatz and the surrounding parks sit in front of a huge, neo-Gothic city hall building on the northwestern boundary of the Innere Stadt. Throughout the year, you may stumble upon various markets, festivals, and fairs in this central gathering spot.
If you visit during the holiday season, though, you have to make a stop here to see one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. The most popular Christmas market in Vienna, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz features dozens of vendors with food, gifts, and decor, plus an ice-skating rink, towering Christmas tree, carousel, and light displays.
The Ultimate Christmas in Europe Itinerary
Museums Quarter
Some 60 cultural venues fill Vienna’s Museums Quarter in the central city. It’s one of the largest museum districts in the world.
With just one day in Vienna, you’ll need to stick to a short visit to just one or two museums that catch your eye. A few popular options are below.
Vienna Art History Museum
Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of a pair of museums located on the picturesque Maria-Theresien-Platz square. The extravagantly decorated 19th-century building holds an art history museum with major pieces from Raphael, Velazquez, and Rembrandt in the painting gallery.
Natural History Museum Vienna
Sitting across from the Kunsthistorisches Museum on Maria-Theresien-Platz, Vienna’s Naturhistorisches Museum holds a collection of some 20 million objects related to nature and the earth. Launched in the Habsburg era, the museum displays prehistoric relics, dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and an early Stone Age sculpture called “Venus von Willendorf.”
Albertina Museum
Housed in the largest of the residential Habsburg palaces, the Albertina is filled with modern art and the most valuable graphical art collection in the world. The permanent exhibit spans some 130 years of art movements, from French impressionism to Russian avant-garde.
Among the more famous works are Monet’s “Water Lily Pond” and Renoir’s “Girl.”
Leopold Museum
For a taste of modern Austrian art, the Leopold Museum is a can’t-miss. It has one of the largest collections of the genre, with more than 8,300 pieces from the late 19th century and beyond.
Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is the perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch while sighting Vienna in 1 day. Located in the fourth district (Wieden), a 15-minute walk from the Innere Stadt, the market has about 120 different vendors and eateries. Here, you might find everything from fresh produce to gourmet cheese to piles of colorful spices.
The food market on this site dates back to the 16 century, but today you’ll also find textile vendors and cafes. On Saturdays, the popular Flea Market draws crowds.
Belvedere Palace
A pair of Baroque palaces sit on opposite ends of verdant gardens full of sculptures and fountains at Belvedere. Both palaces contain museums — the Upper Belvedere’s art display has the largest collection from Gustav Klimt and the Lower Belvedere and Orangerie house special exhibits.
While you have to buy a ticket for the museums, you can enter and explore the complex for free, including the gardens, terraces, and reflection pool. Belvedere sits on the outskirts of central Vienna in the third district (Landstrasse), but it’s well connected by tram for easy access.
Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens
Once an imperial summer estate, Schonbrunn Palace is one of my favorite spots in Vienna. The site dates back to the 1500s and consists of a large creamy-yellow mansion with 1,441 rooms and expansive grounds full of walking paths, gardens, statues, and fountains.
Visitors can tour a few dozen of the Rococo-style rooms to see where Napoleon once led conferences and a young Mozart played music. Schlosspark Schonbrunn, the exterior parklands, are free to visit.
I highly recommend setting aside enough time to wander the grounds and climb the hill behind the 1770s marble Neptune Fountain. From the top, the panoramic view takes in the palace, the perfectly manicured gardens, and the Vienna skyline in the distance. It’s one of the best spots to catch the sunset at the end of the day.
This palace is a few miles away from the city center, so you may not have time to visit with just one day in Vienna. However, it is my favorite of the palaces in the city, and with a full day, you could split your time between this one and the sites around the historic center.
Mariahilferstrasse
If you want to do some shopping during your one day in Vienna, Mariahilferstrasse is the place to go. The longest shopping street in the city, it’s packed with apparel, jewelry, and souvenir retailers, plus bars and restaurants.
While I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time here during a Vienna one day itinerary, it is a hub of activity and somewhere you can peruse after dark to find a spot for dinner.
Music Performances
Vienna’s musical heritage includes such greats as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, and the city still pays homage with classical concerts at stunning venues. Catching a show is one of the best ways to end your one day Vienna itinerary.
St. Charles Church
The Baroque Karlskirch is one of the most beautiful churches in the city, built in 1739 and featuring a massive green dome and towering exterior columns. By day, you can tour the interior to see the organ and frescoes or climb up to an outside terrace for views over Karlsplatz.
If you don’t have time to stop by during your Vienna one day trip, the church offers frequent Vivaldi and Mozart concerts and special holiday performances in the evening. This is a great chance to soak up the atmosphere of the historic venue while listening to classical music.
Wiener Staatsoper
Located in the Innere Stadt, the Wiener Staatsoper is a famous opera house that puts on some 350 music and ballet performances throughout the year. The 1869 building features Renaissance Revival touches, and you can join guided tours during the day to see the grand staircase, Tea Salon, Marble Hall, and auditorium.
Musikverein Wein
Musikverein Wein is a concert hall for classical music on Karlsplatz near the Albertina Modern Museum. The venue has multiple performance halls and a robust calendar of events featuring the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Mozart Orchestra, and touring acts.
Vienna 1 Day Itinerary Options
One Day Vienna Itinerary for First Timers
8 AM-12 PM: Vienna Innere Stadt sightseeing and attractions
12-1 PM: Lunch at Naschmarkt
1-3 PM: Museum visit or Belvedere Palace
3-6 PM: Schonbrunn Palace tour and grounds
Sunset: Schonbrunn Palace hill or St. Stephen’s Cathedral tower
Evening: Concert at Wiener Staatsoper, Musikverein Wein, or Karlskirch
Vienna Itinerary 1 Day for History and Culture
8 AM-10 AM: Vienna city center tour by bike or bus
10 AM-12 PM: Vienna Museums Quarter first choice
12-1 PM: Lunch in the Innere Stadt
1-3 PM: Vienna Museums Quarter second choice
3-5 PM: Hofburg Palace museums tour
5-6 PM: St. Stephen’s Cathedral North Tower ascent
Evening: Performance at Musikverein Wein, Wiener Staatsoper, or Karlskirch
Vienna One Day Itinerary for Palaces
8-10 AM: Vienna Innere Stadt walking, bike, or bus tour
10 AM-12 PM: Hofburg Palace museums
12-1 PM: Lunch at Naschmarkt
1-3 PM: Belvedere Palace museums
3-6 PM: Schonbrunn Palace and gardens
Sunset: Schonbrunn Palace hill
Evening: Downtown Vienna or classical music performance
Tips for a Day in Vienna
Where to Stay in Vienna
Vienna also has some nice 4-star properties at reasonable prices, like Hotel Beethoven Wien near the Naschmarkt and Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol off of Mariahilferstrasse.
Search for the best hotel deals in Vienna
The Best Christmas in Europe Itinerary for 7 to 14 Days
This Christmas in Europe itinerary includes some of the best holiday markets in Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. From Christkindlmarkts in Nuremberg and Munich to Marche de Noel in the Alsace region of France, these are the most magical places to spend the holidays.
This Christmas in Europe itinerary features the best holiday markets in Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland.
Under twinkling lights on a frosty winter’s night, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread welcomes holiday travelers to old-timey Christmas markets all around Europe. Some of my favorite ones so far are in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria, so I’ve crafted a European Christmas itinerary to incorporate these festive stops.
While the four countries are neighbors and share some similarities, you’ll also notice differences in cuisine and culture as you move from town to town. For a unique blend of experiences, this winter in Europe itinerary includes a mix of larger cities with dozens of Christkindlmarkts and smaller villages brimming with holiday fairytale vibes.
There are many different ways to arrange a Christmas market trip to Europe, and I’ve included a few itinerary options below for a 7 to 14-day vacation. I’ve done the two-week version myself and highly recommend it if you have enough time.
You could also add Paris, Brussels, Cologne, or Frankfurt at the beginning of the trip or Cesky Krumlov and Prague in Czechia at the end.
Keep reading for my Christmas in Europe itinerary and a guide to the markets you can see in each city.
Europe Christmas Itinerary Options
One Week Christmas in Europe Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Frankfurt or Munich, Germany; train or bus to Strasbourg, France
Day 2: Strasbourg markets and sightseeing
Day 3: Day trip to Colmar, France
Day 4: Day trip to Basel, Switzerland
Day 5: Train or bus to Nuremberg, Germany
Day 6: Day trip to Regensburg, Germany
Day 7: Nuremberg and return to Frankfurt or Munich
10 Day Winter Europe Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Paris, France, or Frankfurt, Germany; bus or train to Strasbourg, France
Day 2: Strasbourg Christmas markets
Day 3: Day trip to Basel, Switzerland
Day 4: Day trip to Colmar, France
Day 5: Train or bus to Munich, Germany
Day 6: Munich Christmas markets
Day 7: Day trip to Regensburg, Germany
Day 8: Day trip to Nuremberg, Germany
Day 9: Day trip to Salzburg, Austria
Day 10: Return to Paris or Frankfurt or fly home from Munich
Two Week Winter Itinerary Europe
Day 1: Fly into Paris or Frankfurt, train or bus to Strasbourg, France
Day 2: Strasbourg, France
Day 3: Day trip to Colmar, France
Day 4: Day trip to Alsace villages (Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauville)
Day 5: Day trip to Basel, Switzerland
Day 6: Train or bus to Munich, Germany
Day 7: Munich Christmas markets
Day 8: Day trip to Regensburg, Germany
Day 9: Day trip to Nuremberg, Germany
Day 10: Munich to Salzburg, Austria
Day 11: Salzburg to Vienna, Austria
Day 12: Vienna Christmas markets
Day 13: Vienna sightseeing
Day 14: Travel home from Vienna
Best European Christmas towns
in Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland
These are a few of my favorite towns to include on a Christmas in Europe itinerary. There are so many other amazing ones, too, but these towns in France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are a great place to start for your first Christmas market trip to Europe.
Strasbourg, France
Little wooden market chalets topped with garland sit in the shadow of a towering Gothic cathedral in Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas.” The city is actually the capital of the Grand Est region of northeastern France near the German border, with a blend of the two cultures displayed in the architecture and food.
The Christkindelsmärik here is the oldest in France, dating to 1570. In modern days, more than 300 mini chalets stacked with holiday gifts, cookies, and large vats of mulled wine fill a dozen or so different squares and corners of the town.
Beyond the markets, the streets sparkle with lights and storefronts display elaborate scenes of teddy bears and oversized ornaments. It’s easy to stumble upon Christmas just wandering through the central Old Town, but make sure you visit the markets at Place de la Cathedrale, Place Kleber for a towering tree, and Place Broglie in front of the opera house.
Outside of the holiday activities, I also recommend visiting Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg to watch the astronomical clock show and climb the tower, the riverfront district of Quartier de La Petite France, and Jardin de la Place de la Republic to see the Palais du Rhin (and possibly some gorgeous yellow trees if they haven’t shed their leaves yet). You can also pop into museums dedicated to fine arts, decorative arts, and local history.
Strasbourg makes a great base on your first Christmas in Europe itinerary, especially for a short trip. It’s just a couple of hours from Paris or Frankfurt by train, and you can take day trips to German and Swiss towns nearby and several quaint villages in the Alsace cultural region of France.
Christmas Markets in Strasbourg
Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place de la Cathedrale and Place du Chateau
Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place Broglie
Place Kleber Christmas Market and the Great Christmas Tree
Christmas Market at Place du Temple Neuf
Christmas Market at Rue des Hallebardes
Alsatian Christmas Delicacies Market at Terrasse Rohan
Rue Gutenberg Christmas Market and Pere Noel mailbox (letters to Santa)
Christmas Market at Place du Marche-Aux-Poissons
Christmas Market at Place Saint-Thomas
Place Benjamin Zix Christmas Market in Strasbourg
Marche Off at Place Grimmeissen
Village d’Advent at Square Louise Weiss and Suzanne Lacore
Colmar, France
A fairytale village is the best way to picture Colmar, France. Colorful, half-timbered buildings line the cobblestone streets and the canal front Petite Venise district while the imposing, 14th-century churches peak above the skyline.
At Christmas, the town exudes charm, from the decked-out storefronts and festive market squares to the children’s choir that sings carols on boats in the canal in the evening (my favorite moment here, by the way). A Christmas Shuttle also operates from the Colmar rail station to the nearby villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Ribeauville.
Colmar is a 30-minute train ride south of Strasbourg, so it makes an easy day trip from the larger city during your Europe Christmas itinerary. This is also an ideal base for a Christmas in France trip to smaller Alsatian villages nearby.
Christmas Markets in Colmar
Artisan Arts Market at Place de Dominicains
Christmas Market at Place Jeanne d'Arc
Gourmet Market at Place de la Cathedrale
Christmas Market at Place de l’Ancienne Douane
Children’s Market in Petite Venise
Koifhus Indoor Craft Market
Basel, Switzerland
With some of the prettiest Christmas markets in Switzerland, Basel makes an easy add-on to a France and Germany holiday trip. Located on the Rhine River, it borders both countries and is just a 45-minute train ride from Colmar.
There are two main Christmas markets in Basel, a large one surrounding the Barfusserplatz square and a smaller one with a cute kiddie zone next to the Basel Minster church. You can also climb to the top of the Gothic cathedral for a view of the river and the square sparkling in lights below. (Be aware that they do not allow anyone to walk up the tower alone, for very strange reasons).
While in Basel, you also must stop by the 500-year-old Rathaus (city hall) to see the large Christmas tree in the fresco-adorned courtyard and add your holiday wishes to the Basel Wish Book. A lot of people skip over Switzerland on a winter Europe itinerary to the Christmas markets, but I think it’s a great addition, especially if you’re already going to Strasbourg or Colmar.
Christmas Markets in Basel
Christmas Market at Barfusserplatz
Christmas Market at Munsterplatz
Munich, Germany
Munich overflows with Christmas markets and special events in December. The capital of Germany’s Bavaria region is best known for its massive Oktoberfest in the fall and makes a logical base for a Christmas trip to Europe.
During the holiday season, the festival grounds, the center of Old Town, and neighborhoods scattered around the city transform into cozy Yuletide hubs filled with warm drinks, delicious bites, and a host of holiday collectibles, gifts, and decor. There are well over a dozen different Christmas markets in Munich.
If you’re only in the city for a couple of days, I recommend sticking to the Altstadt (Old Town) area for traditional markets surrounding the neo-Gothic town hall.
Münchner Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz (the central square) is a must for Bavarian food and crafts. The market at the Kaiserhof of the Residenz is my favorite for the setting in a palace courtyard. And the Medieval Christmas Market in Wittelsbacher Platz is fun for something a little old-timey and different.
The Oktoberfest grounds also transform into the Tollwood Winter Festival, a buzzing holiday event with live music, a food plaza, a curling rink, and more.
Christmas Markets in Munich
Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz
Winter magic at Viktualienmarkt (food market)
Eiszauber skating rink at the Karlsplatz-Stachus
Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor Platz
Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz (city palace)
Munich Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz
Tollwood Winter Festival at the Oktoberfest fairgrounds
Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz
Haidhausen Christmas Market at Weissenburger Platz
Bogenhausen Christmas Magic Forest at Cosimabad
Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower at Englischer Garten
Schwabing Christmas markets at Münchner Freiheit
Märchen Bazar (fairytale bazaar) at Olympiapark
Neuhauser Christmas Market at Rotkreuzplatz
Blutenburg Christmas at Blutenburg Castle
Star Fleet on Alte Utting
Magical Christmas Market at the Werksviertel at Knödelplatz
The Moonlight Express Christmas Market at Bahnwärter Thiel
Nuremberg, Germany
Home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, Nuremberg twinkles with thousands of lights that transform the city’s main square into a fairytale setting for the holidays. The centerpiece of the festivities is the angelic Christkind figure, who symbolizes the spirit of the season in Nuremberg and opens the Christkindlesmarkt every year.
The large Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg fills the square in front of a 13th-century church. Dozens of wooden booths topped with red and white striped canopies and lined with garland sell intricately carved ornaments, spekulatius cookies, candied nuts, and rostbratwurst.
Nearby, a children’s market has a colorful carousel, a Ferris wheel, and activities for kiddos. There’s also the Sister Cities’ Market, where you can shop for international handmade crafts from Nuremberg’s partner communities around the world, including Antalya, Turkey; Cordoba, Spain; San Carlos, Nicaragua; and Kavala, Greece.
Nuremberg is one of the best German Christmas markets to add to your Europe in winter itinerary.
Christmas Markets in Nuremberg
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in the Hauptmarkt (main market)
Children’s Christmas Market on Hans-Sachs-Platz
Sister Cities Market at the Rathausplatz (town hall square)
Regensburg, Germany
Home to a 13th-century cathedral and a 12th-century bridge across the Danube River, Regensburg’s medieval center is the ideal setting for classic Christmas markets. The main Regensburg Christkindlmarkt fills the square surrounding Neupfarrkirche (new parish church) with twinkling lights, live music, cute carousels, and the aroma of glühwein.
Elsewhere around town, you can stop by the Christmas tree at Altes Rathaus Regensburg (the old town hall), tour inside the St. Peter Cathedral, and wander around to holiday markets at the palace, Kohlenmark, Haidplatz, and across the river by St. Katharinenspital. I also recommend heading to the cafe on the top floor of the Galeria department store on Neupfarrplatz for a view of the main market from above.
Regensburg is about an hour and a half from Munich and an hour from Nuremberg by train. You can get here with the Bayern Ticket, a regional day ticket for unlimited rides in Bavaria for up to five people. Regensburg was one of my favorite stops on my first Europe Christmas itinerary and I highly recommend checking it out. It’s large enough to have a few fun markets, but not too big or overwhelming.
Christmas Markets in Regensburg
Regensburg Christmas Market on Neupfarrplatz
Advent Market at Katharinenspital
Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss St. Emmeram, Thurn, and Taxis
Lucrezia Market at Haidplatz and Kohlenmark
Salzburg, Austria
The jingling of bells in Salzburg can mean two different things — holiday cheer or the arrival of Krampus, the somewhat terrifying horned creature said to scare away the dark winter spirits. Throughout the season, dozens of costumed Krampuses pop up for parades and appearances at markets around the city.
On a sweeter note, the city is the birthplace of Mozart and the Christmas carol “Silent Night” was composed nearby, so music plays a big part in the seasonal festivities. Daily a capella choral concerts take place in front of the Salzburg Cathedral in late November and December, while brass bands, string quartets, and special Advent performances fill the rest of the calendar.
Some half dozen Christmas markets are scattered around the Altstadt (old town) and Neustadt (new town) on either side of the Salzach River. The main Christkindlmarkt fills the squares around the Salzburg Cathedral with an ice skating rink, towering Christmas tree, string lights, and stands full of holiday trimmings.
My favorite holiday spot is in the 11th-century Hohensalzberg Fortress on a hill above the city. Set up in the medieval castle courtyard, the Christmas market here feels cozy and homegrown. To get into the castle for free, mention at the ticket office that you’re there for the Advent market. There’s also a stunning view over the whole city from a terrace near the courtyard.
Christmas Markets in Salzburg
Christkindlmarkt at the Dom and Residenzplatz
Christmas market on Mirabellplatz
Advent at Salzburg Fortress
Stern Advent and Winter Market in Sternarkaden
Charitable Advent Market at Alter Markt
Hellbrunner Adventzauber at the Palace of Hellbrunn
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a magical city to visit any time of the year, full of palaces, museums, and music. During the holiday season, tons of Christmas markets pop up in landmark squares around the city.
One of the largest holiday markets in Europe is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall, with an ice-skating track, carousel, Ferris wheel, and dozens of food and shopping stands. From there, you can stop by palace markets like the Christmas Village at Belvedere, the Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn, and the lesser-known Advent Market at the Palais Liechtenstein.
The Vienna Christmas markets have incredible food — be sure to try the suppen im brotteig (soup bread bowl), kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), raclette (warm cheese served with bread), and waffles with all sorts of sweet toppings.
Since most of the markets here are next to attractions like art museums, historic churches, and palaces, it’s easy to mix sightseeing and tours with Christmas activities. My favorite things to do in Vienna include climbing to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a view of the city, listening to live music at Peterskirche, and exploring the extensive gardens at Schönbrunn Palace.
Here’s my favorite Vienna itinerary for a day in the city!
Christmas Markets in Vienna
Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square)
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
Art Advent on Karlsplatz
Christmas Market on Spittelberggasse
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz
Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung
Christmas Market at Am Hof
Winter Market at the Riesenradplatz
Advent at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace
Christmas Village at the University of Vienna campus
Alm Advent Festival at the Messeplatz
The 12 Best Christmas Markets in Vienna Austria This Year
Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of spiced mulled wine wafting through the air. At the heart of this seasonal spectacle are the Christmas markets in Vienna that fill the squares around the city’s palaces and cathedrals, each bursting with tradition, culture, and yuletide cheer.
The best Christmas markets in Vienna Austria fill the squares around the city’s palaces and cathedrals each holiday season.
Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of spiced mulled wine wafting through the air. At the heart of this seasonal spectacle are the Christmas markets that dot the city, each bursting with tradition, culture, and yuletide cheer.
I spent last Christmas hoping between cozy markets tucked into narrow streets in the historic city center and large community gatherings in front of iconic landmarks. The best part about Christmas markets in Vienna is definitely the Austrian dishes (hello, everything potato), but you can also do some serious holiday gift shopping at the cute wooden huts and find fun wintry activities like ice skating rinks and carousels.
In this guide, we'll embark on a festive journey to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets Vienna has to offer. Most of the options listed below are located in the central city, so it’s easy to hop around and visit several with just a few days in Vienna.
From the grandeur of the Rathausplatz festival to the intimate charm of Spittelberggasse street vendors, these are some of the best Vienna Christmas markets to visit this year.
Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square)
The grandeur of Vienna's Rathausplatz transforms into a fairy-tale setting during the Wiener Christkindlmarkt. Not only is this the largest Christmas market in Vienna, but it’s also one of the grandest in all of Europe, with dozens of vendors, an ice skating track, rides for kids, holiday photo ops, and light shows.
The towering Christmas tree at the center, adorned with sparkling lights, creates a mesmerizing focal point in front of the neo-Gothic style Vienna City Hall. A different tree — the Herzerlbaum — is even more eye-catching, though. It’s in a garden off the main square and decorated with big red hearts that illuminate in a special hourly display beginning at dusk.
Strolling through rows of market stalls, you’ll find handcrafted ornaments, traditional Austrian treats, and artisanal gifts.
Dates: November 15 to December 26, 2024
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Spread across a plaza nestled between the palatial Art History Museum and the Natural History Museum buildings, the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz simultaneously feels both cozy and grand.
This Vienna Christmas market boasts over 70 stalls, showcasing Austrian craftsmanship and culinary delights. If you’re here to shop, expect to find delicate glass ornaments, embroidered textiles, handcrafted gifts, and edible souvenirs.
I ended up eating the most at this location because I couldn’t resist the aroma of sizzling fried dough stuffed with cheese. This market also has private, covered pagodas with tables you can reserve for your group.
Dates: November 13 to December 31, 2024
This is my favorite Christmas in Europe itinerary
Christmas Village at the University of Vienna Campus
The University of Vienna campus transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Students and locals alike gather to explore stalls filled with handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and gifts.
The market here has a young and trendy vibe, with creative art pieces and activities like curling. A special section full of lights called the “Fancy Village” features innovative dishes and products for sale. For a fun night out with friends or family, you can reserve private pagodas with a curling rink to play on.
The University of Vienna Campus is right next to the largest Vienna Christmas market at Rathausplatz, so it’s easy to visit them both on one outing.
Dates: November 15 to December 23, 2024
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace is one of my absolute favorites, thanks in large part to its imperial setting. Against the backdrop of the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, this market combines festive traditions with cultural experiences.
Local choirs and musicians provide a soundtrack of carols as you explore the stalls offering traditional handicrafts, seasonal treats, and unique gifts. Some 90 huts fill a square on one side of the palace and an ice skating rink, children’s train, and Ferris wheel add to the festive fun.
The food at this Vienna Christmas market is also top-notch, from stews in bread bowls and hearty grostl (a fried potato, bacon, and onion dish) to crepes and buchteln (stuffed sweet rolls).
Beyond the holiday festivities, you can join tours of the palace or wander the extensive garden grounds on your own. I loved climbing up the hill in the back for a stunning view over the entire city with Schönbrunn in the foreground.
Dates: November 8, 2024, to January 6, 2025
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
The Baroque splendor of Belvedere Palace provides a magnificent backdrop for one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Vienna. The market exudes a refined elegance, offering high-quality handicrafts and bites.
The palace has beautifully manicured gardens on both sides, so it’s the perfect setting to wander around with a cup of mulled wine and some sweet roasted nuts as you take in the views.
In addition to the market, you can tour the Upper Belvedere Palace for an art collection spanning 800 years, the one-time residential palace of Lower Belvedere, and Belvedere 21 for contemporary art in a Modernism-style building.
Dates: November 15 to December 31, 2024
Advent at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace
The Liechtenstein Garden Palace provides a regal backdrop for the Advent market held within its opulent gardens. The holiday stop combines the charm of historic surroundings with the festive spirit, offering a curated selection of artisanal products, culinary goodies, and cultural performances.
This is a newer Christmas market in Vienna, so it’s not as well known yet as some of the others and a bit less crowded. In addition to shopping and dining, you can take a leisurely stroll through the grounds or tour the interior of the City Palace and Garden Palace when they’re open.
Dates: November 14 to December 22, 2024
Art Advent on Karlsplatz
Karlsplatz transforms into a vibrant cultural hub during the Art Advent Market. This alternative Vienna Christmas market focuses on local artisans and sustainability, with regionally sourced products, LED lighting, and entirely organic dishes at the food stands.
The artistic atmosphere is complemented by live music performances and creative workshops, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a unique and socially responsible holiday experience.
The Art Advent Market is also super family-friendly. Activities on the calendar for kids include drawing and craft workshops, fairytale story times, and a carousel of found objects.
This Christmas market in Vienna is situated on a square in front of Karlskirche, a Baroque church with a green dome that hosts regular Vivaldi concerts.
Dates: November 15 to December 23, 2024
Christmas Market on Spittelberggasse
The cobblestone streets of Spittelberggasse, lined with historic Biedermeier houses, provide an intimate setting for this charming Christmas market. The narrow alleys in this neighborhood are packed with market stands full of handmade crafts, vintage treasures, and culinary treats.
The market's cozy ambiance makes it a favorite among locals and a hidden gem for visitors.
Dates: November 16 to December 23, 2024
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz
Nestled at the foot of the grand St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Christmas Village at Stephansplatz offers a festive escape in the heart of Vienna's city center. The stalls here brim with all the seasonal delights you’d expect, from gingerbread cookies to handcrafted ornaments.
The true highlight is the cathedral, though, a must-see on your Vienna itinerary. It’s the tallest church in Austria at nearly 450 feet and has four intricately detailed towers and a roof with colorful tiles.
If you’re able, I recommend climbing the 343 spiral steps up to the south tower room for stunning views over the city.
Dates: November 8 to December 26, 2024
The ultimate itinerary for visiting Vienna, Prague, and Budapest
Christmas Market at Am Hof
Am Hof, the historical center of the city, welcomes visitors to a traditional holiday market. More than 70 wooden stalls full of handcrafted treasures and tasty bites create a nostalgic atmosphere at this Christmas market in Vienna.
Sip on a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine as you peruse the handcrafted goods and festive decorations. The market’s central location and historic surroundings make it a perfect stop while exploring Vienna's cultural landmarks.
The Am Hof square actually has a really interesting background. Once a setting for a military camp and tournaments in the 1165 AD era, it was built into a fish and farmers market from around 1280.
The Vienna Christmas market here has roots as far back as 1842.
Dates: November 15 to December 23, 2024
Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung
Step back in time at the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, where the historic square transforms into a festive tableau. Early holiday markets took place here over 300 years ago, and the current iteration has been around for some three decades.
The market celebrates Vienna's rich cultural heritage with artisans showcasing their skills in glassblowing, woodturning, and other traditional crafts. A stage in the square hosts special Advent programs, like a puppet theater, craft demonstrations, and musical performances.
You can also indulge in culinary treats like roasted chestnuts and traditional Austrian pastries.
Dates: November 15 to December 23, 2024
Winter Market at the Riesenradplatz
The iconic Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater amusement park sets the stage for the Winter Market at the Riesenradplatz. As the illuminated wheel towers over the market, visitors can enjoy a unique blend of festive attractions, live music, and fun rides.
This is more of a modern-style winter fest, but the vibrant atmosphere and activities make this market a favorite for families and groups of friends.
Dates: November 26, 2024 to January 6, 2025
KUK Christmas Market at Michaelerplatz
Though it’s a small Christmas market in Vienna, the stalls at Michaelerplatz have a regal air. The plaza sits just outside the 13th-century Hofburg Palace, once an imperial residence.
The market is referred to as KUK for the German words “kaiserliche und koniglich,” which translates to “imperial and royal.” The white and gold vendor stands with chocolate fountains and delicate ornaments have decorative flourishes to blend in with the surroundings.
Dates: Typically mid-November through the first week in January
8 of the Best Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov This Year
The best things to do in Cesky Krumlov include a storied castle, a cobbled old town, and a winding river. This Cesky Krumlov guide will show you how to get to the town and the top sites and activities there.
The best things to do in Cesky Krumlov include a storied castle, cobbled old town, and winding river.
Wandering along the stone streets of Cesky Krumlov feels a bit like stepping back in time. Narrow, winding lanes are lined with painted facades featuring decorative flourishes, and a faint aroma of dough and cinnamon often wafts through the air.
The medieval town in southwestern Czech Republic has a well-preserved core with touches of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, landing it on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and many travel bucket lists.
Most things to do in Cesky Krumlov revolve around the landmark castle, but the riverfront locale along the Vltava and the centuries of legacy contained here means everything from water sports to storied monasteries might land on your agenda.
While the compact size and proximity to Prague make Cesky Krumlov a popular day trip destination, staying for at least a night or two will give you a much better opportunity to soak up the winsome atmosphere outside the buzzing midday hours when the top attractions in the village overflow with selfie sticks. I visited Cesky Krumlov solo and stayed for a night to experience it without the day time crowds.
Read on for ideas of what to do in Cesky Krumlov and scroll to the bottom for some useful tips for your visit.
8 Enchanting Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov
These are the best things to do in Cesky Krumlov on a day trip or overnight stay for a taste of the history, culture, and nature of the Czech Republic City.
Explore the Cesky Krumlov Castle
The centerpiece of Cesky Krumlov is its castle, rising hilltop from the banks of the Vltava River. Dating to the 13th century, the fortress displays internal and external details of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.
It’s free to visit the grounds and gardens of the huge complex, but exploring the interior spaces costs a small fee. Guided tours show off grand halls, portrait galleries and the Baroque Castle Theater, while a museum holds regal artifacts from the nobles who once resided here.
Stroll the Cesky Krumlov Castle Gardens
With its centerpiece fountain and winding hedge paths, the Castle Gardens in Cesky Krumlov fill more than 25 acres on the slopes of the complex. Dating to the 17th century, the Baroque-styled space is perfect for an afternoon stroll along green lawns and colorful flora. You can wander the terraces for free during a visit to the castle grounds.
Climb the Cesky Krumlov Castle Tower
The elaborate and colorful Castle Tower is visible from all over town, rising a couple hundred feet above the banks of the river. With roots to the 13th century and reconstructed murals and decor of Renaissance style, the structure is full of storied charm, from its perennial bells to the creaking wooden staircases inside.
A viewing gallery 162 steps up offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and the orange rooftops of downtown Cesky Krumlov framed by the picture-perfect, u-shaped bend of the river.
Tour the Minorite Monastery
Established in the 1300s by the Rosenbergs, Klastery Cesky Krumlov offers everything from history tours to family-friendly craft workshops. In its heyday, the double monastery housed both monks and Poor Clares, the brothers and sisters of the St. Francis order.
The buildings saw multiple rounds of reconstructions over the centuries, including Gothic and Baroque redesigns, but the most recent 21st-century revitalization transformed it into a cultural space full of medieval history and art. Among the local makers here, you’ll find a potter, tailor and blacksmith.
Raft the Vltava River
With so much waterfront surrounding the city of Cesky Krumlov, getting out on the river is a must on a warm day. Rafting is a popular way to enjoy the Vltava here, and you’ll often see folks floating near town under the shadow of the castle. Both hourly boat rentals and guided excursions and day trips to nearby villages are available through local companies.
Hang out in Town Square
Pastel facades line Svornosti Square in the middle of the old town, where stone streets and a centerpiece Baroque column help retain the old-timey feel. Most of the historic buildings here have been converted into hotels and restaurants, so the square stays lively even as the daytime tourists have filtered away and the evening candles begin flickering on the open-air dining tables. Winding alleys and streets sprawl out from here toward the river and hold gift shops, bakeries and cafes.
Visit St. Vitus Church
You can’t help but notice the steeple of St. Vitus Church poking up from the skyline as you gaze down at Cesky Krumlov from the castle grounds. Established in the 1300s, the church preserves pieces of the following centuries, from its architecture to its altar and art.
The focal organs inside date to the 1700s while some frescoes have stuck around from the 1400s. Today, you might catch a classical concert inside, or you can pop in for a look around during the day between regular services.
Museum Hop
From marionettes to contemporary art, the museum scene in Cesky Krumlov is just as charming and quirky as the town. Head to the Regional Museum for local history in an old schoolhouse or the Museum of Torture for a fright in the cellars below town hall.
Art lovers can check out the collection of photos and have their portrait taken at Museum Fotoatelier Seidel or admire the modern gallery housed in a 1500s brewery at Egon Schiele Art Centrum.
Tips for Visiting Cesky Krumlov
This mini Cesky Krumlov guide has tips for your visit, including how to avoid the crowds and where to find the best views of Cesky Krumlov Castle.
1. Spend the night. During the day, Cesky Krumlov fills with tourists visiting on excursions from nearby cities like Prague. By mid-morning, the halls of the castle begin to swell with crowds and downtown streets buzz with shoppers. Come late afternoon, though, the day-trippers filter out and a quiet peace returns that lasts through the early hours of the day. Spending the night is the best way to experience the town without photo-bombing other tourists.
2. Arrive early at the castle. The day trippers typically begin arriving by 10 a.m. or so, and crowds peak in the early afternoon, so the opening is the best time to see the castle. Walk the grounds first thing in the morning and grab the earliest entry times (9 a.m.) for the tours or tower and then leave during the midday rush. If you return before sunset, you can catch the show from the hilltop once the mob has scattered. Since a ticket isn’t required for the exterior grounds, it’s easy to come and go as you please.
3. Wander away from the town square. Most of the activity in town takes place around the castle and the immediate vicinity of the town square, but walk a couple of blocks away and you’ll find much quieter streets. Everything from trinket shops and gingerbread bakeries to a blacksmith and cobbler can be found along the winding lanes on both sides of the river.
4. The castle has the best views. If you want that iconic shot you see on postcards of the Vltava River wrapping around downtown in a U shape, head up to the castle. Two of the best views of the city and river bend are from the Castle Tower (for a fee) and from a small cafe and viewpoint (free) near the Castle Theater just past the Cloak Bridge.
5. Buy the Cesky Krumlov card. With admission to five museums included, the Cesky Krumlov Card is a great bargain at less than $20 per person. It includes the Castle Museum and Castle Tower as well as the Regional Museum, Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, Egon Schiele Art Centrum, and the Monastery Museum. Get all the details here.
Where to Stay in Cesky Krumlov
If you’re able to spend a night in Cesky Krumlov, I highly recommend it. The hotels here are pretty affordable and the town clears of tourists by the late afternoon.
There are tons of historic guest houses, hostels and hotels in Cesky Krumlov to choose from. Most are in walking distance to the top attractions and some even include views of the Cesky Krumlov Castle and perks like free breakfast.
How to Get to Cesky Krumlov
There are tons of guided tours available to Cesky Krumlov, but you can also visit on your own using buses, trains or shuttles. We break down the pros and cons of different Prague to Cesky day trips and transit options.
Prague, Vienna, and Budapest: Best Central Europe Itinerary for 7 Days
From hilltop fortresses overlooking the Danube to imperial palaces with opulent gardens, Central Europe is steeped in culture and history. This 7-day Central Europe Itinerary shows you how to spend one week in Prague, Vienna and Budapest, three capital cities filled with grand cathedrals and concert halls.
This Central Europe itinerary includes the storied capital cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest for 7 days of castles, cathedrals, and museums.
From imperial palaces with opulent gardens and fountains to hilltop fortresses overlooking the Danube River, Central Europe is steeped in heritage and culture. But with so many grand cities and postcard-perfect towns to explore, it can be hard to know where to start.
This 7 day Central Europe itinerary shows you how to spend one week in Budapest, Prague and Vienna. The three historic capitals brim with grand cathedrals, cobbled streets, and concert halls that still echo with the tunes of Mozart and Beethoven.
The majority of your trip will be devoted to the landmarks in these famous locales, perfect for a first visit to the region, but read closely for some hidden gems and day-trip ideas if you need a break from the crowds.
The itinerary begins in Prague and ends in Budapest, but remember, none of these cities are incredibly far from the others, so if you need to move things around a bit, you can. I did this trip Prague to Budapest to Vienna because I needed to end near the last city’s airport for my flight out. I traveled solo and used bus transportation, a super affordable way to get around.
Keep reading for what to do with 7 days in Vienna, Prague and Budapest!
7 Day Central Europe Itinerary in Prague, Vienna and Budapest
This Central Europe itinerary map shows the route from Prague to Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. I spent about a week in Central Europe, but you could easily extend this to 10 days or more with three nights in each city.
Day 1 — Prague
On your first day in Czechia, you’ll discover the Old Town area and visit the Prague Castle. You can easily do this in a self-guided way, but free walking tours are available if you want some commentary and an inside look from a local. There are lots of buildings and towers to climb for scenic views in Prague, so you’ll have to pick and choose your favorites with just a couple of days here.
Prasna Brana
Start the day at the Prasna Brana (or Powder Tower), a Gothic city gate that serves as an entry point to the Old Town and the beginning of the royal route that kings would walk on their way to coronations at the Prague Castle. For a small fee, you can ascend the spiral staircase to a viewing gallery, but at least make a quick stop here to admire the statues of royals, saints and angels with golden wings that adorn the walls.
Old Town Square
Just a few blocks toward the river from the Powder Tower, Old Town Square is a hub of activity throughout the day, filled with sidewalk dining, souvenir shops, bubble artists and rows of stunning, colorful buildings with ornate facades. One of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world is located here on the Old Town Hall, which is open for tours and has a tower you can climb for views of the square.
Make sure you snap some photos of the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady Before Tin, with its dramatic soaring spires, and St. Nicholas Church, which has an elaborate Baroque interior featuring a stunning chandelier.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter nearby is within the Old Town district. The original neighborhood was mostly demolished and remodeled at the turn of the 19th to 20th century, but you can visit a handful of historic synagogues still standing. The Jewish Museum in Prague sells a combo ticket for admission to the synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Charles Bridge
Follow the winding stone streets toward the Danube River for your next stop, the Charles Bridge. Built during the 14th and 15th centuries, the stone structure buzzes with activity throughout the day, when tourists come to snap photos of the Baroque statues of saints (including one that people line up to touch for good luck) and vendors set up booths selling postcards and paintings.
Towers and gates sit on either side of the bridge, one leading to Old Town and the other two to the Lesser Town (one of these dates to the 12th century). You can, of course, climb a couple of them for a view. Stick around to watch the sunset over the water before heading back to the square for an alfresco dinner.
Day 2 — Prague
Today you’ll hang out on the west side of the Vltava River exploring Prague’s castle and mini Eiffel Tower, both of which have stunning vistas overlooking the city from their hilltop vantage points.
Lennon Wall
Pull yourself out of bed before sunrise to pay a quick (and less crowded) early morning visit to Charles Bridge before crossing over to the Lesser Town on the west bank. If you follow the Certovka canal here for a block or so, you’ll soon stumble upon the Lennon Wall, a graffiti-covered surface that was used as a means of peaceful protest against Communism in the 80s and for other forms of activism and art after.
In 2014, an anonymous group of students painted it white as a sort of blank slate for the next generation, but it’s back to full colorful glory now and visitors are constantly adding to the scene.
Petrin Lookout Tower
Next up is the Petrin Lookout Tower. Though much smaller, the structure was inspired by and built just a couple of years after the Eiffel Tower, and since it stands on a hill, the top is at about the same elevation. You can hike or ride a funicular to reach the base, and 299 steps lead to the top (lifts are only for accessibility purposes). From the viewing platform, you can see for miles.
Prague Castle
On this side of the Vltava, you’ll also find the Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded more than 1,000 years ago, and a Guinness World Records holder for being the “largest ancient castle in the world.” Entry to the grounds is free, but you’ll have to purchase a ticket to see interiors.
Inside the huge St. Vitus Cathedral here, you can witness the coronation site of kings and queens and burial ground of saints, while the Great South Tower is the place to climb for views (after 280 steps). For free city vistas, walk down to the South Gardens, from where you can see both the Charles Bridge and Petrin Tower.
Though the historic buildings shut down before evening, the castle complex stays open until 10 p.m., so you can linger on the hill to watch the sunset. Alternatively, reverse today’s itinerary to end at Petrin, which also stays open until 10 p.m. in summer.
Day 3 — Cesky Krumlov or Bratislava
(Day Trip Option)
This flex day is perfect for a day trip to either Cesky Krumlov, a fairy tale town 2 hours outside Prague, or Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital an hour from Vienna. If you want to shave a little time from another city, you might be able to squeeze both in, at least for a quick visit to their castles.
Cesky Krumlov
A popular day trip from Prague, the Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov is known for its castle and charming small-town vibes. While it can certainly be visited as an excursion from the bigger city, staying overnight here is a much more relaxing experience, with the bonus of fewer crowds in the evening and early morning outside the heavy visiting hours.
The top attraction here is the Cesky Krumlov Castle, where you can stroll the hilltop gardens and grounds or buy tickets to tour interiors halls and climb the Castle Tower for sweeping views of the town on a U-shaped bend of the Vltava River. Down below and across a bridge, the stone-paved Town Square is ringed by pastel-tinted facades housing restaurants while surrounding blocks are full of souvenir shops.
Bratislava
Almost close enough to be part of the Vienna metro, the city of Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital, located across and a little way down the Danube River from its neighbor. Like Cesky Krumlov to Prague, this can be seen as a day trip from Vienna or placed on either end of your stay (it can also be on the way to Budapest if you want to spend the night and avoid backtracking to Vienna).
Bratislava Castle here sits hilltop and is hard to miss thanks to its stark white exterior. A fortress has occupied the locale for centuries, but war damage and fire left it all but a ruin until rebuilding work began in the mid-1900s.
Today, you can walk around the grounds and wander inside to see museum exhibits. Save some time for the Old Town below, home to the 13th-century St. Martin’s Cathedral, the bubble-gum pink Primatial Palace turned music hall, and Michael’s Gate, a leftover entryway from the 1300s with views from the top. The Presidential Palace and its gardens and fountains also are nearby.
Day 4 — Vienna
The Innere Stadt district of Vienna is the city’s central old town and the perfect place to begin your sightseeing in this Austrian capital, with tons of churches to photograph, museums to explore, and shopping streets to meander.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Come to St. Stephen’s Cathedral first thing in the day to enjoy a peaceful ambiance, since by noon the square here fills with tourists snapping photos of the dramatic spires of the medieval landmark. The church opens at 6 a.m. (7 a.m. on Sundays), but audio guides and tours aren’t available until mid-morning. Entrance is free, but you’ll have to pay to access certain areas, like the catacombs, treasury and towers.
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
Just a couple blocks away, St. Peter’s Catholic Church may be slightly less overwhelming from the outside, but the interior of the green-domed structure is jaw-dropping — filled to the brim with gilded and ornate Baroque art and designs. The acoustics in here are spectacular, too, so check the bulletin board outside to see if you can catch a concert.
The best Vienna Christmas markets this year
Hofburg Palace
Pause at Michaelerplatz square to check out the ruins of a Roman wall before walking into the courtyard of the Hofburg, a Habsburg-era palace and official quarters of the Austrian president. If you want to wander inside, the elegantly adorned Imperial Apartments welcome the public, while a number of museums display collections of silver, ballgowns and armory. The west side of the complex is a world of green, full of parks and rose gardens, with benches and little cafes for alfresco refreshments.
Rathausplatz Square
If you’re visiting around the holidays, you’ll definitely want to pop by Rathausplatz, where a festive Christkindlmarkt and ice-skating rink fill the public square in front of the neo-Gothic city hall. Throughout the year, the park hosts other festivals and fairs, too.
Museums Quarter
If you have any extra time, use it to tour the neighboring Austrian Parliament Building from the 1800s or head to the Museums Quarter, where palatial-looking structures are equally impressive to the treasures they hold. The Natural History Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum (art history), Mumok (modern art) and others have late hours once a week
Day 5 — Vienna
More palaces are on the docket today, so pick your favorite to tour inside or just admire the impressive gardens and fountains on the grounds. Allow at least a couple of hours for the final attraction, the most popular in the city.
Naschmarkt Market
Grab a coffee and pastry for breakfast while you stroll along the Naschmarkt, perusing stalls of fresh veggies, cheeses and spices. The food market here dates to the 16th-century but today’s version includes some clothing vendors and small restaurants, too.
Karlskirche Church
You’ll want to stop for photos at Karlskirche before your first palace visit of the day. A fountain in front reflects the carved columns and pale green dome and cupola of the 18th-century cathedral, while the platform inside allows you to admire ceiling frescoes up close.
Belvedere Palace
At Belvedere, a pair of palaces gaze upon each other across acres of verdant gardens filled with fountains and mythical sculptures. Both the Oberes Belvedere (Upper) and Unteres Belvedere (Lower) contain art collections and rotating exhibits, and you can choose to visit just one or both with a combo ticket.
Be sure to pass beyond the central garden to the other side of the Upper Belvedere, where a huge reflection pool mirrors the Baroque palace. The gardens and grounds don’t require a ticket.
Schonbrunn Palace
A favorite with tourists, Schonbrunn Palace once served as an imperial recreation ground and summer residence, with roots to the 1500s. Today, the grand, creamy-yellow building opens a few dozen of its more than 1,000 rooms to the public for tours with an audio-guide. Outside, most of the grounds are free to roam, with more than a half-mile of parkland in each direction dotted with fountains, monuments and perfectly-manicured hedges and trees.
The open Great Parterre fronts the south side of the palace and leads to a hill with the 1770s Neptune Fountain at its base and huge Gloriette structure from the same period atop. Sweeping views from the hillside here look over the symmetrical gardens, palace and city skyline beyond, the perfect spot to watch the sunset at the end of the day.
Evening Entertainment
After soaking up all the imperial vibes today, why not sign off with a show at one of the city’s many performance venues. Historic theaters like the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein (for the philharmonic orchestra) frequently host concerts, as do some of the grand cathedrals.
Christmas in Europe guide to Vienna and Salzburg
Day 6 — Budapest
Since the Danube River divides Hungary’s capital city into the two parts, we’ll split our time between the sides, starting with the ancient, hilly Buda on the west bank. Your Buda day should include time to explore two different districts — Castle Hill and Gellert Hill, with more time for the first.
Castle Hill
One of the most popular sites in the city, Castle Hill encompasses both the palace complex and the neighboring Castle District, an old town with cobbled streets, picturesque squares and historic churches. A funicular from the 1800s makes runs up the hill if you don’t want to walk.
Start your morning at the Fisherman’s Bastion here, as the site will be overrun with tourists midday. The picturesque terrace of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic design is known for its white, pointy turrets that give off fairy-tale vibes. The view looks east, so if you’re up early enough, you’ll get a spectacular sunrise show over the river behind the Hungarian Parliament Building on the opposite bank.
Next door, you can visit the treasury and climb up the bell tower of Matthias Church with a ticket. Built in the 15th century, the Gothic-style structure’s unique roof is made of colored tiles. Coronations used to be held here, and the church now hosts concerts and masses.
Buda Castle has occupied the hill for nearly 800 years, but the current Baroque palace complex dates to the 1700s. You can check out the interior by visiting one of the cultural attractions housed inside — the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum occupy wings of the palace. Castle gardens wind down the hill toward the river.
Gellert Hill
Finding your way up Gellert Hill can be a bit of a maze, with paths, stairways and roads zig-zagging from multiple entry points leading to the top. Start on the south side across the street from the Gellert thermal baths for a quick diversion to the Gellert Hill Cave church, where a chapel is tucked inside the rocks.
Continuing up, you’ll pass playgrounds and viewpoints looking over the Danube as you wind your way up to the Citadella, a fortress built in response to the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The towering Liberty Statue here, standing high on a pedestal holding a palm leaf, commemorates those who lost their lives for the freedom and prosperity of the country. Outside the walls, vendors sell paprika, painted eggs and postcards from little market huts.
Day 7 — Budapest
Pest on the east side of the river is known for its nightlife but there’s tons to do here in the daytime, too. So much, in fact, that you’ll need to pick and choose a bit if you’re packing it into one day as this itinerary requires.
Central Market Hall
If shopping is a priority, start at Central Market Hall, which opens early in the morning. The huge, neo-Gothic structure was built at the end of the 1800s and has three floors of fresh produce, spices, cheeses, baked goods, souvenirs and more. Adjacent Vaci Street is a pedestrian-friendly shopping zone, with lots of sidewalk cafes, too.
St. Stephen’s Basilica and Andrassy Avenue
Pay a quick visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica to see the domed ceiling and lavish, marbled interior before setting off on a walking tour down Andrassy Avenue. About a mile-and-a-half long, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed route runs from the city center to City Park and is packed with cultural sites — the neoclassical Hungarian State Opera, the old Thalia Szinhaz and Budapesti Operettszinhaz theaters, and museums displaying everything from East Asian Art to mini versions of Hungarian Landmarks.
City Park
You could spend a whole day exploring all the attractions at City Park. In addition to the walking and biking paths and a lake that turns into a skating rink in winter, the huge space hosts museums dedicated to contemporary and fine arts, agriculture, and transportation. Be sure to pause at the entry for Heroes Square and the Millennium Memorial, built at the end of the 1800s to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of the Hungarian state.
If you have a couple of hours to spare, take a soak in the warm waters of Széchenyi Thermal Bath in the park, too. Budapest is known for its thermal spas, and this one is particularly popular, with 21 indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and steam rooms, and massage services.
Danube Promenade
A stroll along the river on the Danube Promenade is perfect for early evening when you can watch the sunset behind the Buda hills. Start at the Hungarian Parliament Building (which you can tour earlier in the day) and walk south to find the Shoes on the Danube monument, a heartbreaking tribute to the Hungarian Jews who were shot along the banks of the river during World War II.
Further down, you’ll see the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the first permanent link built between the two sides in the 1840s.
Danube River Sunset Cruise
Nighttime Danube River cruises depart from this area as well, with options for basic tours or rides with multi-course dinners. Either way, you’ll get to see the buildings along the banks and the bridges all lit up.
Central Europe Trip Planning Guide
I’ve put together this planning guide for a Central Europe itinerary based on my experiences traveling in the region. I’ve visited twice so far in 2018 and 2022.
Best Season to Visit Central Europe
You can visit Central Europe any time of the year, but it will be a different experience depending on when you go. Summer is the most time to visit so prices and crowds will be higher. The should seasons of spring and fall are much better for mild weather and fewer tourists.
A holiday season visit is also fun since these cities host beautiful Christmas markets. Just expect bitterly cold temperatures and snow if you visit in winter. The holiday season can be crowded, but you won’t find many tourists in these places once you get farther into winter.
I’ve been to all three cities at the very beginning of fall and to Vienna around Christmas.
How Long to Spend in Central Europe
A would recommend spending 7 days in Central Europe at a minimum. This is enough time to get in some sightseeing in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. If you have more time, it’s easy to spend at least three days in each of the big cities, and a day here and there at smaller towns along the route.
Should I Go to Vienna or Prague or Budapest?
There’s no easy way to pick just one of these cities, and everyone will have a different opinion on which is “best.” Vienna was my personal favorite because of all of the palaces and I’ve visited twice now, but I’d like to go back and spend more time in Prague and Budapest. If you only have time for one or two, I’d recommend evaluating the top things to do in each city and determining which ones appeal to you more.
How Many Countries Can I Visit With a Week in Europe?
It’s so quick to country-hop in Europe that you can see quite a bit in a week if you wish. I would advise you not to worry to much about the number and focus on appreciating the different cultures. That said, if you follow the Central Europe itinerary above, you will get to see three to four countries in 7 days.
The Best Prague to Cesky Krumlov Day Trips and Guide
Thinking about taking a Prague to Cesky Krumlov day trip and wondering how to get there? Guided tours are simple to plan and easy to find, but DIY trips are perfect for a lower budget and more flexibility. To help you plan your Cesky Krumlov day trip from Prague, we’ll break down all the different travel options.
You don’t want to miss this Prague to Cesky Krumlov day trip to visit a charming Czech Republic town with a storied castle on the river.
The small Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov sits on a dramatic bend of the Vltava, with a 13th-century castle on the hilly outer bank, and a colorful, historic center on the inside, wrapped by the rushing river. Since the city is just a couple of hours from the Czech Republic’s capital, Prague to Cesky Krumlov day trips are a popular way to visit the destination.
With so many tour and transit options, though, it can be hard to decide on the best way to get here. Guided excursions are simple to plan and easy to find, but arranging your own outing is a budget-friendly alternative that allows the flexibility to stay overnight and experience the town without the daytime crowds.
To help you plan your Cesky Krumlov day trip from Prague, we’ll break down the different travel options, from cheap bus tickets to group tours with perks like free lunch and knowledgeable guides to show you around. Read to the end for some of the top things to do in Cesky Krumlov!
Prague to Cesky Krumlov Day Trip Ideas
There are several ways to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. I’ve rounded up all the options below with pros and cons so you can pick the right option for your Czech Republic itinerary. I visited on a self-guided grip, but a tour can also be a great way to experience the small town on the river.
Book a Prague to Cesky Krumlov Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit Cesky Krumlov is on an organized tour from Prague. These excursions typically last about 10 hours and include transportation on a bus or shuttle and a live guide to provide commentary.
While the exact perks will vary a little depending on which itinerary you book, the general benefits include the ease of not having to arrange travel yourself (some even include hotel pick up in Prague) and the comfort of having an attendant nearby to answer questions and point you to the best spots.
Many of these trips include tickets or a tour of the Cesky Krumlov Castle, which is one of the top sights, and free time to wander around the town square, shop some of the local vendors or visit a museum.
When deciding which Cesky Krumlov day trip to choose, look for details like whether lunch is provided, castle tours are included, the bus offers Wi-Fi and any other stops are made along the way.
The following are a few tour options you might consider for your visit to Cesky Krumlov.
Cesky Krumlov Day Trip from Prague
Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice Day Trip
Private Tour to Cesky Krumlov
Visit Cesky Krumlov on Your Own
While some might like the ease that comes with joining a tour, those who prefer a little flexibility or want to save money can choose to arrange their own visit. This can still be done as a day trip, but if you want more time in town than an organized tour offers, some transit options leave in the wee morning hours from Prague and offer evening departures from Cesky Krumlov.
Attractions in Cesky Krumlov are pretty inexpensive (the castle grounds are free and the Cesky Krumlov card for museums costs less than $15), so you’ll find that visiting on your own will typically work out to be cheaper than joining a tour. And since the town is small, walkable and tourist-friendly, it’s easy to find your way around.
Since Cesky Krumlov is about midway between Prague and Vienna, stopping in the town on the journey from one capital to the next also makes sense if you plan to visit both. I did this on my first trip to the area, staying for a night in Cesky Krumlov on the way from Prague to Vienna.
While Prague is better connected via direct lines, you’ll still find shuttles that make several runs from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov throughout the day and buses that are increasing service as the town grows in popularity. If you’re coming from Vienna, be sure to look for a route directly to the town and not one with a connection in Prague, which makes for a long ride.
Since there are several transit options you can use to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, we’ll break down a few to look at their pros and cons.
Here’s how to plan a day in Vienna, Austria
Bus to Cesky Krumlov
The Prague to Cesky Krumlov bus is an affordable way to travel between the cities. Budget-friendly options like RegioJet and FlixBus depart downtown Prague locations for the Cesky Krumlov bus station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the castle.
While your ticket will include little more than a seat, luggage space and sometimes outlets and Wi-Fi to keep you connected, but the cost is pretty low. The trip takes about 3 hours and buses start departing Prague around 6 a.m. some days and leave from Cesky Krumlov to Prague as late as 8 p.m.
If you’re looking for a direct line from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov, try FlixBus. They offer a route back and forth several times a week that takes about 4 hours.
Prague to Cesky Krumlov Train
Another budget-friendly option, the Prague to Cesky Krumlov train offers daily departures. Taking off from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi, these routes end at Cesky Krumlov station, which is about a mile from downtown.
Direct trains are more limited than buses, with often just a single route running in each direction per day, in the morning from Prague and in the early afternoon from Cesky Krumlov. The journey takes about 3 hours and tickets are usually less than $15 each way for a 2nd-class car.
Cesky Krumlov Shuttle
Shuttles offer a more personalized way to travel, though you’ll pay a bit more for the service. A few different companies in the area provide shared and private transfers in vans and cars between Cesky Krumlov and nearby cities in the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Slovakia.
CK Shuttle, for example, has perks like door-to-door pick up and drop off, child safety seats and free bottles of water. Shuttles between Prague and Cesky Krumlov run a few times per day. For an extra fee, you can arrange a private car or van service for up to eight people and customize sightseeing stops along the way.
Car Rentals to Cesky Krumlov
If you plan to do a lot of exploring in an area, it might be beneficial to rent a car for a Prague to Cesky Krumlov road trip. Big brands like Hertz, Budget, Avis and Sixt have locations in downtown Prague. Prices vary greatly, but you can find a weeklong, round-trip rental in summer for less than $100 if you book ahead.
Since Cesky Krumlov’s town center is a pedestrian zone, you’ll have to ditch your vehicle in one of the car parks on the edge of town, but most are a shorter walk than the bus and train station, so you won’t have to drag your suitcase far if you’re staying the night. Daily parking is about $10, but if you’re just stopping by for a few hours, try the lot at the castle garden for a low daytime fee.
Cesky Krumlov Attractions and Activities
Before you travel to the Czech Republic, be sure to read this article about eight of the best things to do in Cesky Krumlov (with travel tips and hotel ideas, too). Here are a few of our favorites:
Cesky Krumlov Castle
With Baroque gardens to stroll, a colorful tower to climb and killer views of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov Castle is a must-visit. Entry is free to the grounds, but you’ll pay a small fee for guided tours and the museum.
Svornosti Square
Full of pastel-painted buildings and stone streets, Svornosti Square is the core of downtown Cesky Krumlov. Grab a bite at one of the sidewalk restaurants, pop into the souvenir shops on surrounding alleys, or simply sit on one of the benches and soak up the buzzing atmosphere by day and peaceful aura by moonlight.
Vltava River Rafting
The Vltava River makes a dramatic bend around Cesky Krumlov, a view captured on many a postcard. After you’ve snapped your own frame-worthy shot from the heights of the castle, you can get up close and personal with a raft ride on the rapids here.
Klastery Cesky Krumlov
History and culture buffs should check out Klastery Cesky Krumlov, a 14th-century monastery turned art space. Stroll through galleries of medieval art and be sure to shop from local vendors like a potter and blacksmith.
This is How to Plan the Best 2 Days in Paris Itinerary
For a short trip to Paris, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you see all the highlights. This Paris in 2 days itinerary packs in Eiffel Tower views, a visit to the Louvre, shopping the Champs-Elysees, cafe-hopping and so much more. Find out which art museums, historic landmarks and photogenic neighborhoods must be on your 2 days in Paris itinerary and snag our other important know-before-you-go tips.
This 2 days in Paris itinerary highlights the best museums, cathedrals, palaces and monuments to squeeze into a short visit.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower, wandering the Louvre, shopping the Champs-Elysees, cafe-hopping in Saint-Germain-des-Pres — yes, you can fit it all into a Paris in 2 days itinerary. While there are enough art museums, gourmet restaurants, historic landmarks and couture boutiques to fill weeks in the city, a short visit is enough to see the highlights if that’s all you can manage.
It is best to plan ahead to maximize your time and make sure you don’t miss anything on your Paris bucket list, which is where this weekend in Paris itinerary comes in. We’ve included must-see places to visit in Paris in 2 days, like the top art museums, shopping streets, and historic neighborhoods.
If you move fast, you can fit most of it in. Or, cross off anything that doesn’t appeal to you to spend more time exploring.
Keep reading for what to do in Paris for 2 days and scroll to the bottom for my top tips for spending a weekend in Paris, including what to pack and where to stay.
Paris Sightseeing Pass
There are also cool experiences like walking tours and food tastings around the city. You can either select a certain number of attractions to include on the pass or book an all-inclusive option to squeeze in as much as possible.
See what’s included on the Paris Go City Pass here.
The Ultimate Paris in 2 Days Itinerary
This weekend in Paris itinerary includes all the attractions pinned on the map below. You can move quickly to squeeze most of them into two days in Paris or pick just a few to focus on if you want to spend more time wandering through museums or savoring long lunches.
Day 1 — History and Landmarks
Otherwise, you may have to narrow those down to one or two. Make sure to leave enough time in the afternoon for the Eiffel Tower. We recommend a couple of hours before sunset (or longer if you didn’t reserve a ticket).
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Built in the 13th century, Notre Dame is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and a must-see during your 2 days in Paris. It’s located on a little island in the Seine River and with charming historic neighborhoods on either side.
Though parts are still closed since a 2019 fire caused mass destruction, you still should pop by to admire it from afar. When it was open, you could visit the interior for free or pay a fee to climb into the bell towers for up-close views of the gargoyles and stunning vistas of the city with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Sainte-Chapelle
With 15 soaring stained-glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle dazzles with light when the sun streams into the church. The 13th-century building has more than 1,000 colorful panes with scenes from the Bible lining the sanctuary. There’s an entry fee to visit this one, and it’s near Notre Dame on the same island in the Seine.
Le Marais
Just north of Notre Dame in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Le Marais neighborhood packs in fashionable boutiques, small art galleries, and 17th-century mansions once home to aristocrats. Highlights here include the Picasso Museum, Victor Hugo’s apartment and museum, and Place de Vosges square. It’s the perfect spot to wander around soaking up the Parisian culture and discovering photogenic corners.
Latin Quarter
With bustling cafes, cozy bookshops and landmarks from the middle ages, the Latin Quarter on the left bank is an intriguing zone to explore. It’s mostly located in the 5th arrondissement and is home to the 18th century Pantheon, the 13th century Sorbonne university, the National Museum of Natural History, and Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens on the river.
You’ll also want to make time during your 2 days in Paris for the famous Shakespeare and Company, a small independent bookstore tucked into a 17th-century monastery and crammed full of literature.
Luxembourg Garden
Occupying some 55 acres in the 6th, Luxembourg Garden offers a green and serene escape from the buzzing streets that surround it. Between crisscrossing, tree-lined paths, you’ll find flower gardens, sports fields, a museum, fountains and historic statues.
If you just have a few minutes here, pop by the Marie De Medicis Fountain from the 1600s and take a break at the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace (a rental kiosk has little boats for kids to float).
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Neighboring the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Pres is the famed former haunt of literary and artistic greats like Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and James Joyce. A pair of cafes from the 19th century frequented by many of them remain open and popular to this day — Les Deux Magot and Cafe de Flore. Wander here to shop for souvenirs (or chocolates) and stop at one of the sidewalk eateries for an afternoon latte.
Eiffel Tower
The Iron Lady tops many Paris bucket lists, and a visit to the landmark is an absolute must for your first time in the city. The Eiffel Tower has adorned the Paris skyline since the 1880s, standing some 1,063-feet tall.
With a ticket, you can visit three different observation levels via lifts; the first two also have stair access. Since thousands flock here each day, you’ll want to reserve a time slot ahead so you don’t have to wait in outrageously long lines.
I recommend arriving at least a couple of hours before sunset to admire the scene from the gardens below before going up the tower for city views during daylight and twilight. After sunset, head back down to watch the twinkling golden show that lights up the tower at the start of each hour for a few hours after dark. This one is a can’t miss during your 2 days in Paris!
Seine Boat Ride
Though you might want to take a sightseeing boat ride on the Seine while it’s still light out, a night excursion is a great way to squeeze the activity into a shorter itinerary. The cruises depart from near the Eiffel Tower and glide down the Seine toward Notre Dame. At night, the City of Lights sparkles romantically from the riverfront.
Day 2 — Museums and Culture
Day two in Paris packs in museums, shopping and more intriguing neighborhoods to explore. I recommend picking just one museum to visit in the morning, or two if you want to skip the touristy Champs-Elysees, as each will require a minimum of two hours. The Montmartre neighborhood is a bit out of the way, but definitely worth a visit.
Louvre Museum
The world’s largest and most-visited art museum, the Louvre is best known as the home of the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. Most tourists come here with a goal to take a glimpse at (or a selfie with) the famous painting, so expect big crowds around the work.
For a two days in Paris itinerary, you’ll have to keep your museum sessions brief, so glance at a map of the Louvre ahead of time to plan out what you want to see. There are artworks here from huge names like Rembrandt and Michaelangelo as well as a collection in the thousands of antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia and beyond.
You won’t have time to stand in line on a short visit, so reserve a skip-the-line ticket ahead to get in faster. There’s also typically a shorter wait if you enter from one of the side entrances instead of through the photogenic glass pyramid in the central courtyard.
Musee d’Orsay
Another of the top art museums in Paris, Musee d’Orsay houses a collection of Impressionist works from Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and other French painters. You can also admire Vincent van Gogh’s famous “Portrait of the Artist” here.
The museum building itself is also a bit of a masterpiece. It’s located in a Beaux-Arts rail station that was constructed for the 1900 Paris Exposition. D’Orsay is just across the Seine from the Louvre, so you can squeeze both museums into your 2 days in Paris if you keep your visits short.
Musee de l’Orangerie
For an art museum that’s quite a bit less busy than the Louvre, you might consider Musee de l’Orangerie on a Paris two day itinerary. The collection here includes impressionist and post-impressionist pieces. Make sure you pause at Monet’s “Water Lilies.” The series portrays the French painter’s gardens in Giverny, a village about an hour outside Paris in Normandy.
Pont Alexandre III
About a block from the Champs-Elysees, you’ll want to pause along the Seine to take in the views from the Pont Alexandre III. The arched bridge has massive posts on either end with gilded statues as well as Art Nouveau lamps along the span. You can also see the Eiffel Tower from here.
Champs-Elysees
One of those things to do in Paris you just have to mark off the list, Champs-Elysees is a long, tree-lined avenue packed with retail and dining. It stretches for about a mile between Place de la Concorde (Marie Antoinette was executed here) and the early 1800s Arc de Triomphe.
If you’ve dreamed of shopping in Paris, this is one of the most famous places to do so, with everything from luxury flagships to fast-fashion retailers. The surrounding blocks have even more on offer — meander a couple of blocks south for haute couture in the Triangle d’Or along Avenue Montaigne.
There’s also lots of sightseeing just off the Champs-Elysees, like the Petit Palais and Grand Palais down Avenue Winston Churchill, both were built for the 1900 world’s fair here and now house museums.
Read Next: This London Bucket List Has the Best Views and Shopping Districts
Arc de Triomphe
Built during the Napoleon era, the Arc de Triomphe is a war memorial and home to the WWI Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame. It’s about 165-feet tall and located in the middle of a busy traffic circle at one end of the Champs-Elysees. From a viewing terrace at the top, you can take in panoramic vistas that include the Eiffel Tower.
To reach the Arc, use the underground pedestrian walkway on the right side of the Champs-Elysees facing the monument.
Montmartre
Hilltop Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement is the perfect spot to end a Paris in two days itinerary. The neighborhood has the feel of a small village, and packs in cozy cafes, vintage shops and little squares where street artists paint caricatures and entertain passersby. If you have time, you can stop into the Dali Paris museum or Musee de Montmartre, but the best way to sightsee is just by wandering.
Make a point to visit the 1914 Sacre-Coeur basilica — you can’t miss it at the top of the neighborhood with its white domes. You can pop inside the church for free, or pay a small fee to climb 300 steps up to the dome. The courtyard and hill in front have spectacular views looking out over the city, perfect for a final sunset in Paris.
Evening Show
Seeing an evening show in Paris is a great way to sneak in a little more sightseeing after dark at one of the city’s gorgeous venues. The 1875 Palais Garnier opera house is a top choice, with its grand marble staircase and colorful auditorium ceiling and chandelier. During the day, you can tour the theater and see the box reserved for the “Phantom of the Opera,” while at night the venue hosts ballets and concerts.
For something a little more lively, many tourists enjoy the shows at the Moulin Rouge, a cabaret venue established in the late 1800s. It’s famed for its giant red windmill and rousing performances.
Tips for Seeing Paris in 2 Days
Use this Paris travel guide to plan out the details of your trip. I’ve included tips for where to stay, what to pack, and how to get around.
Best Place to Stay in Paris
For a weekend in Paris, I like the Latin Quarter or Le Marais on opposite banks of the Seine for their cultural scene, great restaurants, and historic hotel buildings. If you want an Eiffel Tower view, you’ll want to look around the 7th, 8th and 16th arrondissements.
If you’re on a budget, a couple of places I’ve tried and recommend are the cozy Hotel Victoria Chatelet in the 1st and Hotel Marignan in the 5th. Both had quirky features like no AC or elevators, but they were in prime locales and full of traditional charm.
Search for deals on hotels in Paris on Booking.com
Traveling to Paris
If you’re flying to Paris, you’ll likely arrive at either Charles de Gaulle Airport, 20 miles from central Paris, or Orly Airport, 10 miles away. Shuttles, taxis, rideshares, trains and buses from each will take you downtown. The RER-B train is a quick and cheap option, with a few stops in the central city. You can purchase your ticket from the machines at the airport.
Gare du Nord is the primary station for the Eurostar train from the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and France. Several metro, bus and RER lines connect near the station in the 10th arrondissement.
Getting Around Paris
On this Paris in 2 days itinerary, most of the landmarks and museums are within walking distance of each other and best accessible by foot. Plus, you’ll see much more of the city by walking around.
You will likely want to take the metro up to the 18th arrondissement if you choose to explore Montmartre, as it is a couple of miles from the riverfront. The Anvers metro station is at the bottom of the hill that leads up to Sacre-Coeur basilica.
Taxis, city buses and hop-on hop-off buses are other common ways to get around.
Best Time to Visit Paris
Summer and the holiday season tend to be the most crowded in the city, though Paris is popular throughout the year. If you need to visit during school break, August is less busy as many locals leave the city for their summer vacation and hotels often have better deals since business travel is down.
The shoulder seasons around late spring and early fall are my favorite time to travel, and the weather in Paris will often be in the pleasant 60s. Plus, these months bring blooming gardens or changing leaves, accordingly. January and February often have the best prices and lowest crowds, but you’ll have to deal with freezing temperatures.
How Long to Spend in Paris
For a Paris itinerary, 2 days is pretty short as there is so much to do in the city. But, it can be done by planning ahead. You’ll have to prioritize what to see in Paris in 2 days based on which activities are most important to you, whether that’s shopping, museum hopping, wandering pretty streets, trying out lots of restaurants, and so on.
If you start early and move fast, you can squeeze in all of these things to do in Paris in 2 days, but you might want to pick just one of the museums and a couple of the neighborhoods to allow more time to experience them fully.
If you have extra time, check out our 4 days in Paris itinerary for more activities.
What to Pack for Paris
You’ll want to be comfy and stylish for your trip to Paris, as it’s a very fashionable city. Neutral and dark colors tend to blend in here. Make sure to wear good walking shoes and bring along something to cover your shoulders on cool nights in the shoulder season.
This is the Best 4 Days in Paris Itinerary for Your First Time
This 4 days in Paris itinerary is packed with the city’s highlights — art-filled museums, Gothic churches, historic neighborhoods, fresh croissants, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. Keep reading for our action-packed Paris 4 day itinerary and scroll to the bottom for tips like where to stay, what to pack, how to get around, and how to save money in Paris.
This 4 days in Paris itinerary packs in the best monuments, museums, cathedrals and cafes the French city is famous for.
Visiting Paris for the first time is like stepping into a story. You’ve seen the streets and cafes in movies, been charmed by the romance in books, and dreamed about the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower. So when the time comes to finally experience the city in person, you want to get it right.
That’s where this 4 days in Paris itinerary comes in. I’ve visited the city a few times now, even guiding family around for their first trip, too.
There’s so much to see and do in the French capital that it’s hard to know where to start. Figuring out how to divvy up your time depends a lot on what you enjoy — museum hopping, shopping, historic sights, eating, photography. I’ve packed this 4 day Paris itinerary pretty full, giving you space to cross a few things off and focus on your favorites.
The top things to do in Paris below are grouped by neighborhood so that you won’t waste as much time traveling from place to place. Paris is divided into 20 numbered sections called arrondissements that start from the center and spiral outward. So when you see the 3rd, 9th, and so on mentioned, I’m talking about the arrondissements.
The attractions from this guide are all pinned on the Paris map below so you can see what’s close by. Keep reading for a dreamy and action-packed Paris 4 day itinerary and scroll to the bottom for tips like where to stay, what to pack, how to get around, and when to visit Paris.
Paris Attractions Pass
Check out the Paris Go City Pass for the most up-to-date offers.
The Ultimate 4 Days in Paris Itinerary and Map
This Paris 4 day itinerary is colored-coded on the map below so you can see which destinations are close to each other. Click on the Paris map to save the attractions to your own Paris bucket list.
Day 1 — Eiffel Tower and Sightseeing in the 6th and 7th
Most of us can’t wait to see the Eiffel Tower when we arrive in the city, so I’m starting this 4 days Paris itinerary with the Iron Lady. Since this will be a day time visit, I’ve also included a spot at the end of the trip to see it again at night as a final send-off.
I actually prefer going up the tower in the late afternoon for sunset, so today can just be a daytime photo stop if you want to do that as well.
After leaving the Eiffel Tower, walk through the 7th arrondissement for highlights like Musee d’Orsay, the sculpture garden at Musee Rodin, and the Les Invalides army museums where Napoleon is buried. You’ll only have time to tour one, and I’ve recommended Musee d’Orsay below.
Continuing on into the 6th, you’ll discover some fun places to stop for an afternoon coffee in Saint-Germain-des-Pres or a rest in Luxembourg Garden before capping off the day with twilight city views from Montparnasse Tower.
Eiffel Tower
Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was never intended to be a permanent fixture and was almost destroyed in World War II. Today, it’s one of the most famous structures in the world and draws millions of tourists yearly.
At 1,063 feet, the tower has three levels of observation decks open to the public, accessed by lifts and by steps as far as the 2nd floor (674 of them). Lines can get outrageously long, so reserve a timed ticket ahead of your visit.
Highlights on the first level include a glass floor to walk over and open-air terraces. The second floor features a macaroon bar and a Michelin star restaurant as well as incredible views overlooking the city. At 905 feet, the top public space has open-air and covered levels with geographic markers showing the distance and direction of other cities around the world.
Trocadero and Champ de Mars
For the best views of the Eiffel Tower, visit Jardins du Trocadero or Champ de Mars parks on either side. The first is on the opposite side of the Seine from the Eiffel, surrounded by a museum complex and with fountains running down the center. From this approach, you can get the famous view of the tower by a carousel.
The Champ de Mars park is in the 7th and full of tree-shaded walking paths and green lawns perfect for picnics with an Eiffel Tower view.
Musee d’Orsay
Musee d’Orsay is one of the top recommended art museums in the city, perfect for the start of this Paris 4 day itinerary. The collection here includes a wealth of Impressionist paintings from famous French artists like Monet, Renoir and Pissarro. Van Gogh’s “Portrait of the Artist” and “Starry Night Over the Rhone” are also displayed at d’Orsay.
The museum is housed in a Beaux-Arts style train station that was built for the 1900 world's fair. It’s located on the left bank of the river across from the Louvre in the 7th arrondissement, less than 2 miles from the Eiffel Tower.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Saint-Germain-des-Pres in the 6th arrondissement is a cultural hub made famous by the great writers and artists who hung out here at the turn of the 19th to 20th century. The district surrounds the wide Saint-Germain Boulevard, where you’ll find historic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, both famed for their early regulars like Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir.
Wander the neighborhood to shop for vintage souvenirs, or pause at a sidewalk table for coffee, pastries and people-watching.
Luxembourg Garden
Jardin du Luxembourg sits on about 55 acres in the 6th and packs in a palace, flower gardens, athletic fields, a museum and tons of historic statues. It’s the perfect spot to sit and sip a coffee by the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace, or to stroll along crisscrossing walking paths admiring monuments like the Marie De Medicis Fountain. Kids will love floating little boats on the pond and you can rent them from a stand right by it.
Montparnasse Tower
If you just can’t wait to get another look at the Eiffel Tower, head over to Montparnasse Tower and the city’s highest rooftop terrace. The observation deck is more than 650-feet high and has spectacular Paris skyline views. Arrive just before sunset for a spectacular sky behind the Iron Lady and stay to watch the twinkling light show on the Eiffel Tower when it gets dark.
Day 2 — Gothic Churches and Historic Neighborhoods in the 4th and 5th
Carve out time in the morning for one or both of the churches below before hopping from right to left bank to explore two intriguing historic neighborhoods. You can take as much time wandering around Le Marais and the Latin Quarter as you like, and both have great places to stop for lunch.
If you didn’t have time for everything in the 6th arrondissement yesterday, it’s also very close to the Latin Quarter.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame is one of the most famous and stunning landmarks of Paris. The 13th-century cathedral is located on a small island in the middle of the Seine and center of the city.
Before a devastating fire closed it to the public, visitors could walk inside the nave to admire the organ, stained glass and works of art. For a small fee, you could also climb up to the two towers and see the decorative gargoyles and huge church bells up close.
For now, you’ll have to admire the Notre-Dame from the outside. One of my favorite views is from the little park at Square Rene Viviani just across the Seine in the Latin Quarter to the south of the building.
Sainte-Chapelle
You haven’t seen stained glass until you’ve stood in the sanctuary at Sainte-Chapelle watching the sun stream in through 1,113 colorful panes. The Gothic church was built in the 13th century and features 15 windows some 50-feet tall displaying hundreds of Bible scenes.
It’s located on the same island on the Seine as Notre-Dame, and you’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter.
Le Marais
For a taste of traditional Paris, head to Le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement. The cobbled streets of this historic district are lined with 17th-century mansions where French aristocrats and authors like Victor Hugo and Colette once lived. I
t’s the perfect zone to wander around indulging in your interests, whether that’s gallery hopping (the Picasso Museum is here), shopping at trendy boutiques, or snacking on crepes and people-watching in neighborhood squares .
Shakespeare and Company
Back on the south side of the Seine in the 5th just across from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is a not-so-hidden gem of a bookstore and the perfect spot to duck away from the midday sun. Founded in 1951 in a former 17th-century monastery, the tiny, independent shop is run by the original owner’s daughter and has a cozy and authentic feel.
Upstairs, in small rooms stacked with mounds of books, you can tickle the ivories on an old piano and write notes to be stuffed in books shipped around the world. The shop carries on an early tradition of welcoming writers and artists, called Tumbleweeds, to bunk inside on bench beds in exchange for helping out at the store.
New and vintage books from here make the perfect souvenir, and they’ll stamp purchases with the shop’s logo.
Latin Quarter
The 5th arrondissement borders the Seine and Notre Dame on the left bank of the river, and is known as the Latin Quarter. Home to the famous Sorbonne, a university dating to 1253, the neighborhood is packed with cafes and bookshops, some tucked into narrow lanes and alleys and many along the bustling Boulevard Saint-Michel.
With a rich culinary scene, it’s also a great spot to come for dinner. If you have extra time, the 18th century Pantheon mausoleum, the National Museum of Natural History, and Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens are all here.
Day 3 — Culture and Shopping in the 9th and 18th
Day 3 of this 4-day itinerary in Paris takes us to the 9th arrondissement for a famous theater and shopping and the hilly 18th for epic views and a fun artsy neighborhood. You can end the day with a show at one of the venues mentioned below.
If you’re wanting to do a day trip from Paris, I would swap out this day. But, if you can squeeze Montmartre in to another afternoon, it really is a gem.
Galeries Lafayette and Boulevard Haussmann
If you’ve come to Paris for fashion and shopping, you’ll want to stroll along tree-lined Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. The section near Palais Garnier is packed with elegant rows of upmarket department stores. Big names like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussman have flagship locations here in stunning buildings.
Palais Garnier
“Phantom of the Opera” fans may want to carve out some time to tour Palais Garnier, the setting of the famous book and movie. Built in 1875, the real-life opera house features a colorfully painted ceiling and elaborate chandelier in the auditorium and an eye-catching grand staircase of white Italian marble.
Reserve Palais Garnier tickets on GetYourGuide.
Montmartre
The Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement is known as an arts and culture hub and has stellar city views from its hilltop position. Wandering aimlessly you might stumble upon vintage shops, pocket theaters, and little public squares like Place du Tertre with its touristy portrait artists, buskers and sidewalk cafes.
Other gems here include La Maison Rose(that pink and green cafe you see all over Instagram), the Dali Paris museum, Place des Abbesses with its Art Nouveau-style metro entrance and colorful carousel, and the famous white Sacre-Coeur basilica. To learn more about the history of the neighborhood, check out Musée de Montmartre, housed in a 1600s building with gardens dedicated to former resident Renoir.
Sacre-Coeur
One of the most popular sites in the city, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is also the centerpiece of Montmartre. It opened in 1914 and is located on a hill overlooking the city.
It is free to visit the interior of the white church, but a fee applies to climb 300 steps up into the dome. A courtyard in front opens to a wide clearing with views of the Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
The Anvers metro station is at the foot of the hill, where you can climb the steps or ride a funicular railway to the top.
Moulin Rouge
Paris’ famous cabaret venue is located just outside Montmartre in the 18th. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the Moulin Rouge made the can-can famous and still puts on colorful music and dance performances for tourists. Even if you don’t pop in for a show, you can walk by to see the familiar windmill that adorns the exterior.
Day 4 — Museums and Sightseeing in the 1st and 8th
There are tons of the museums in the neighborhoods you’ll explore on this final of 4 days in Paris. You will definitely have to pick just one or two and keep the visits short. Most people opt for the Louvre, which is incredible but also huge and busy.
The 1st and 8th arrondissements are pretty touristy, especially around Champs-Elysees, so many of these sights can just be a quick walk by as you head back toward the Eiffel Tower for a final sunset.
Louvre Museum
Everyone knows the Louvre Museum as the home of the “Mona Lisa,” and the gallery is where she is housed gets very crowded. If you want to visit the Louvre just to see the famous da Vinci portrait, I don’t recommend it. It’s challenging to even get close enough to take a good look at the small painting with how many people flood the room with selfie sticks.
As one of the largest art museums in the world, the Louvre is packed with other really interesting and famous works, too. Carve out at least a couple of hours for the Egyptian Antiquities and sculptures and paintings from European icons like Michaelangelo, Rembrandt and Delacroix.
The museum is in the 1st arrondissement on the banks of the Seine — you can’t miss the glass pyramid in the courtyard at the main entrance. To avoid the longest lines, try entering from the Portes de Lions gate on the south side of the attraction.
Musée de l’Orangerie
If you have a keen interest in art or want to try a museum that isn’t quite as busy as the Louvre, Musée de l’Orangerie features impressionist and post-impressionist works. The most recognizable paintings here are probably Monet’s “Water Lilies,” a series based on the French artist’s garden in Giverny, which you can visit on a day trip from Paris (it’s about an hour outside the city).
L’Orangerie is in the 1st on the river a short walk from the Louvre.
Pont Alexandre III
A must-see photo stop, the arched Pont Alexandre III bridge over the Seine connects the Champs-Elysees and 7th arrondissements and has bucket-list-worthy views of the Eiffel Tower. Built at the end of the 19th century, the bridge features huge gilded statues guarding both ends, tons of elaborate details and carvings, and Art Nouveau lamp posts.
Grand Palais and Petit Palais
This pair of 1900 palaces face each other on Avenue Winston Churchill, both built for the world’s fair held in Paris that year. The Grand Palais was used as a military hospital during World War I and currently is a museum complex and exhibition hall with a showpiece glass roof.
Petit Palais holds a fine arts museum focused on works from the Renaissance through the 1900s. The building surrounds an open garden courtyard.
Even if you don’t have time to tour the pair of elaborate structures, walk by to admire the architecture and snap some pictures while exploring the area around the 1st and 8th.
Grand Palais tickets and hours and Petit Palais tickets and hours
Champs-Elysees
Avenue des Champs-Elysees spans a little over a mile in the 8th arrondissement, connecting the Place de la Concorde near Musée de l’Orangerie with Place Charles de Gaulle. The first plaza features an Egyptian obelisk in the center and the latter the Arc de Triomphe, an early 1800s war monument.
In between, the well-manicured and tree-lined street is a hub of modern-day commerce. Tourists flock here for the retail, dining and entertainment scene, which covers everything from luxury goods to fast food.
Arc de Triomphe
One of the most recognizable icons of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was built in the early 1800s during the Napoleon era and serves as a monument to the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Underneath the arched structure is an eternal flame and WWI Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
You can walk around the exterior for free to admire the sculptures or purchase a ticket to climb up steps to a terrace. The Arc is nearly 165-feet tall and has views of the Eiffel Tower.
Keep in mind that the traffic circle surrounding the plaza is extremely busy with no crosswalk, so use the underground pedestrian tunnel to reach the Arc in the middle (it’s on the right side of Champs-Elysees when you’re facing the monument).
Seine Boat Ride
A boat ride down the Seine is another perfect send-off to the city, and many of these depart from right by the Eiffel Tower. You can either go when it’s light out to see all the riverside churches and ornate buildings you’ve been touring from a different angle, go around sunset for a romantic feel, or take a ride after dark to watch the City of Lights sparkle at night.
Eiffel Tower at Night
If you’re going up in the tower to finish the trip, I recommend arriving in the late afternoon to take in daylight views from each level before watching the sunset over the city from the 2nd or 3rd floor. When it gets dark, you can watch the Eiffel Tower’s dancing light show from the gardens down below.
Tips for Visiting Paris in 4 Days
If you’re wondering, how do I plan for 4 days in Paris, the Paris travel guide below will help you decide when to come, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around with ease.
Getting to Paris
Most international flights to Paris will land at either Charles de Gaulle Airport (aka Roissy), about 20 miles northeast of the central city, or Paris Orly Airport, 10 miles south. From either you can get downtown by taxi, rideshare, shuttle, bus or train.
One of the quickest, easiest and cheapest options is to take the RER-B train, which has a few stops downtown where you can transfer to the metro if needed to reach your hotel. There are ticket machines at the airport.
If you’re traveling by rail from the UK, Belgium, Germany or other parts of France, you might arrive at the Gare du Nord station. The Eurostar train through the chunnel stops here. The station is in the 10th along several metro, RER and bus lines.
How to Get Around Paris
For a 4 days Paris trip, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the central part of this city, which means many sites will be most easily accessible on foot. If you’re physically able to, I highly recommend walking as much as possible, as you’ll see more of the city this way.
If you need a ride, the underground metro and public buses will be the most affordable ways to get around. Taxis and hop-on hop-off buses are available as well. You might also need to use the RER train if you are staying in the suburbs. This resource will help you sort out all the public transit options.
Where to Stay in Paris
On a Paris 4 day itinerary, I highly recommend staying as close to the historic core of the city as possible so that you can access the top attractions quickly and easily. In the central city, 20 arrondissements form a sort of circle around the Seine, spiraling outward from the riverfront.
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th are all really close as well, and the 7th will put you more in the neighborhood of the Eiffel Tower. Moving outward means some cheaper prices, but I’ve also found great deals so far in Le Marais and the Latin Quarter (just go in expecting historic buildings with no elevators, small rooms and often no AC). Montmartre in the 18th would probably be a fun place to stay, as it feels like a little village on its own.
If you plan to use the metro to get around, picking a hotel near a station will be very useful.
I've also tried Hotel Marignan in the Latin Quarter, about half a mile from the Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral. This one had basic but very affordable accommodations with shared and private bathroom options and large rooms ideal for families. There was a free continental breakfast with yummy croissants.
Search for the best hotel deals in Paris on Booking.com.
What to Pack for Paris
Paris is such a fashionable city and I’m always intimidated when packing because I want to be comfortable but also not stand out like a tourist. Packing for Paris of course depends on what season you visit.
I tend to go neutral and black over super colorful and make sure I have comfortable walking shoes. I’ve put some outfit inspiration and things to remember to pack for a Paris itinerary 4 days below.
When to Visit Paris
While Paris is popular year-round, summer and Christmas bring the heaviest crowds and should be avoided if possible. If your schedule only allows for summer, August can mean some better hotel deals as this is when most locals leave town for vacation and business travel decreases.
I always recommend the shoulder seasons, spring and fall, when temperatures will often be in the pleasant 50s and 60s and the already pretty city will be accentuated by blooms or changing leaves. Winter after the holiday season will likely have the lowest prices and crowds, but it can get below freezing quite often.
How Many Days to Spend in Paris
You may be wondering, is 4 days in Paris enough time for your first visit. There are so many hidden gems and things to do in Paris that you could spend endless amounts of time eating croissants and wandering historic neighborhoods, but between 3 to 5 days in Paris is enough time to see the famous highlights and pop into a museum or two (and get fat on macarons).
If you only have a couple of days, you’ll definitely have to be picky and move quickly, maybe selecting only one museum from this 4 day Paris itinerary and avoiding lengthy meal breaks. If you have longer, I would recommend adding in a day trip to the Loire Valley or the popular Palace of Versailles.
This Paris in 4 days plan is a bit fast-moving, so if you like to devote half a day-plus to each museum and attraction, have kids that need naps, or want to have some lazy lunches or shopping sprees, you’ll probably need to eliminate a couple of things on days 1 and 2 or stretch this out to a Paris itinerary for 5 days.
Is it Worth Going to Paris for 4 Days
There is so much to do in Paris that you could easily spend a week or more there. But, from my experience, 4 days in Paris is enough time to see the highlights on your first visit and even take a day trip to visit nearby palaces.
How to Stay Safe in Paris
Like any big metro area, there’s always a chance of petty crime and pickpocketing in touristy parts of Paris, but I have never felt uncomfortable wandering around the central city. I like to read the travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State to stay aware of larger issues and be as prepared as possible before traveling internationally.
How to Visit Paris on a Budget
Attractions, hotels and meals in Paris can be pricey, but you can also stick to a budget with some good planning. For food, avoid touristy looking restaurants and try more local spots or food stands. Hotels will be cheaper farther away from the riverfront and touristy areas as well.
For sightseeing, you can soak up so much Paris atmosphere just by walking around exploring different neighborhoods for free. Look for free entry at churches like Notre Dame (when it reopens) and Sacre Coeur and parks like Luxembourg Gardens. You can also view landmarks like the Eiffel Tower without entering ticketed areas.
8 of the Best London Day Trips That are Fun and Easy
Looking for day tours from London to picture-perfect castles, charming countryside villages, and stunning coastal cliffs? These recommendations from professional travel bloggers include easy half-day trips by train and guided coach tours to famous sites like Stonehenge, Windsor and the historic town of Bath.
These London day trips include castles, legendary monuments, and stunning sea cliffs.
Looking for day tours from London to picture-perfect castles, charming countryside villages, and stunning coastal cliffs? After spending a few days in London checking landmarks off your London bucket list, you might be itching to get out and explore the famous historic surroundings like Bath, Stonehenge and Windsor.
Whether you’re searching for easy London half-day trips by train, coach excursions with a pro guide, or day trips from London by car, this list will get you started. It includes some of the best London day trips recommended by travel bloggers with all the scoop on what to see and do and how to get there.
A few of these outings can even be done in half a day if you want to return to the city for an afternoon activity or evening show. Be sure to check out this London itinerary to help plan the rest of your trip to the city.
Bristol Day Trip
By Nabiha of Verses by a Voyager
One of the most amazing day trips from London is to Bristol, a large and lively city in the southwest of Great Britain with a maritime legacy and plenty of sightseeing.
One of the top Bristol activities is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which crosses the River Avon over a dramatic gorge. The Victorian-era landmark offers splendid views of the surrounding area and an incredible sunset. You can walk, bike or drive the stretch, or take in the scene from the blufftop Clifton Observatory, a lookout tower in a 1766 windmill.
Located on Brandon Hill, 105-foot-tall Cabot Tower is another symbol of the city. It requires a steep hike to reach the viewing platform, but the reward is spectacular panoramas.
The vibrancy of Bristol along with its dedication to culture and arts can be witnessed through the graffiti murals all around. Legendary street artist Bansky is said to be from the area and has left his marks around the city.
Bristol is about 120 miles west of London on the River Avon. The trip typically takes between 2 to 3 hours by car or bus (check Megabus or National Express for tickets).
Direct trains depart Paddington Station in London stop for Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads. A super-fast version of the rail route launching December 2019 cuts the travel time to 68 minutes and 1 hour 19 minutes respectively.
Stonehenge and Bath Tour
By Sydney of A World in Reach
One of the most popular London day trips is to Stonehenge and Bath, a pair of legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites outside of the city.
The 4,500-year-old Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Though I’ve heard many say they were disappointed by the small size of the stone circle and the crowds, I definitely thought it was a bucket list experience! Make sure to spend some time at the museum in the visitor center. Here, you’ll learn more about the history of Stonehenge as well as about what life was like during the neolithic times.
After visiting Stonehenge, make your way to the ancient city of Bath and its thermal springs. The picturesque downtown is ideal for grabbing some lunch and taking a walk around admiring the beautiful architecture before heading to the city’s namesake: the Roman Baths. If you still have some time before heading back to London, pay a visit to the beautiful Bath Abbey and grab a cornish pasty from The Cornish Bakery.
Day Trip to Arundel Castle
By Kelsey of Sights Better Seen
Looking for a cute historic market town just a stone’s throw from London? How about one with a castle, too? Arundel has it all in one London day trip.
The highlight of this West Sussex destination is certainly the hilltop medieval fortress, where the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and their family still live. If you’re castle obsessed, you definitely don’t want to miss it! Tickets to Arundel Castle include access to the Keep, for views over the River Arun and the sea in the distance, the 14th-century Fitzalan Chapel, and the well-manicured gardens, which are said to be full of rehabilitated hedgehogs.
After spending a few hours exploring the castle, pop over to the Arundel Museum for some history on the town (admission is discounted if you have a ticket to the castle) and to the Blackfriars Dominican Priory Ruins, the stone remains of an old friary. There are plenty of tea shops to choose from for an afternoon cuppa with scones and clotted cream (Lulamae’s has a great atmosphere).
Arundel is about 65 miles south of London, down the A3 to the A283 by car. For public transit, take the Southern Line from Victoria Station in the direction of Bognor Regis (about 90 minutes to Arundel).
Coventry Day Trip
By Dagney of Cultura Obscura
Coventry is a great option for a day trip from London, with a fascinating history and unique museums.
One of the real standouts is the Coventry Transport Museum. This place is massive, and definitely one of the top things to do in Coventry! The museum details the history of transportation throughout the years, from monocycles to race cars.
There’s even a 4D simulator so that visitors can experience driving in the world’s fastest car. However, we particularly loved the bicycle section — did you know that bicycles contributed to progressive views of women in the UK?
You can also explore the ruins of the Old Coventry Cathedral, bombed during WWII, and learn about the Coventry refugee experience at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
The city is often overlooked by tourists, and none of the sites we visited were particularly busy. This is a shame because we thought Coventry was a real underrated gem! If you’re looking for a unique day trip from London, definitely consider Coventry.
Coventry is located in central England, about 100 miles northwest of London. Express trains from London Euston reach Coventry in an hour and the regular London to Coventry train just under 2 hours. Alternatively, National Express buses leave regularly from Victoria station and take around 2.5 hours.
Seven Sisters Cliffs and South Downs National Park Outing
By Loredana of Destguides
The Seven Sisters, a range of white coastal cliffs on the English Channel, is a great place to go for a half or full-day hike just outside of London proper. The chalky bluffs are part of South Downs National Park in East Sussex, a sweeping landscape of rolling hills, ancient forests and breathtaking seaside.
A circular walking route along the cliffs is about 8 miles long and takes 6 or so hours to complete. From the top, you can see excellent panoramic views over the water and of the grasslands. Access to the path, along with parking and some facilities, can be found in Birling Gap, East Dean and Seven Sisters Country Park.
I decided to check out the Seven Sisters cliffs on New Year's Day for a half-day walk in nature. They were simply stunning and the weather was stable and temperature relatively mild. It only took about 2.5 hours to get there by car from Central London (give or take a bit depending on traffic), a drive through the quaint villages and countryside that the UK is known for.
The Seven Sisters are about 80 miles south of London on the coast. For transit, take the Southern line from Victoria Station to Eastbourne or Seaford (about 90 minutes) and hop on bus route 12 for stops at Birling Gap, East Dean or Exceat (for Seven Sisters Country Park).
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
(The Making of Harry Potter)
By Elizabeth of The Fearless Foreigner
Calling all Harry Potter fans! Whether you are a muggle or a wizard, a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the best day trips from London. Located in Leavesden, the studio tour gives you a behind the scenes look at how the Harry Potter films were made.
Leavesden has one of the largest movie studios in Europe. Two huge warehouses are now designed for Harry Potter fans to visit and see how the movies were made.
While walking through the huge spaces you can see the real props, costumes and sets from the films. There are several interactive exhibits, including broomstick riding. Even the biggest Potter fanatics will learn some new interesting facts and stories.
Have you been wanting to try Butterbeer? You can do that here too! There are special events and workshops to participate in as well, like a “Behind the Seams” experience all about the costumes used and the work that went into creating them. It was pretty cool to be able to try on some of the actual robes!
Make sure to buy your ticket at least two to three months in advance, as this day trip from London is extremely popular.
London Day Trip to Windsor Castle
By Michelle of Harbors and Havens
Known as the queen’s weekend home, Windsor Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror and has been home to the royals for more than 1,000 years. At an impressive 13 acres, the fortress is one of the oldest and biggest castles still occupied today (look for the Royal Standard flag flying to see if the Queen is there). This is a great London day trip if you’re into the royals, castles, or history.
Carve out some time to walk around the charming riverside towns of Windsor and Eton just outside the castle, too, where the old-timey streets are full of pubs and souvenir shops.
St. Albans Day Trip
By Deeptha of The Globe Trotter
With historic streets, beautiful buildings and a thriving food scene, the old market town of St. Albans is truly a gem of a city, and an easy and fun day trip to take from London. The city is packed with places to discover and experience, including several historical St. Albans attractions.
The St. Albans Cathedral, one of the oldest places of continual worship in the UK, is the main draw for visitors. The city has a few other notable distinctions, like being home to a medieval clock tower and the ruins of a Roman theater from around 140 AD. One of its pubs, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, even claims to be the oldest in the country. Other places to visit include the St. Albans Organ Theatre and the St. Albans Museum and Gallery.
St. Albans is located 25 miles north of central London in Hertfordshire. The train from St. Pancras International to St. Albans City takes less than 30 minutes so it is an easy half-day trip from London.
75 of the Best London Landmarks for Your London Bucket List
This mega London bucket list packs in 75-plus London landmarks, from medieval churches and castles to epic city views to free museums. The guide is broken into categories so you can find exactly what piques your interest, be that parks, galleries, shops and markets, historic sights, or Harry Potter.
This London bucket list includes everything from storied castles and cathedrals to parks and gardens with city views.
From medieval churches and grandiose palaces to huge green parks and epic city views, this London bucket list packs in tons of London landmarks. Whether you’re searching for the best place afternoon tea in London or curious about free museums in London, we’ve got you covered!
There are 75-plus historic haunts and fun activities in London on this list, broken down into categories so you can scroll straight to the topics that interest you most, whether that’s gardens, medieval castles, art galleries, shops and markets, or Harry Potter attractions.
Make sure you check out the London landmarks section first for what should soar to the top of your London itinerary. And if you’re here for a few days, I’ve rounded up some London day trips you don’t want to miss.
London Bucket List
Wondering what to do in London on your first trip? Or looking for something off-beat and under the radar? This London bucket list has a mix of tourist musts and cool spots in the city for every taste.
London Landmarks and Experiences
These London landmarks are the classic destinations you have to see and experience at least once. Even though they’re popular London tourist attractions, these spots help tell the story of the city.
Buckingham Palace
Changing of the Guard
This famous ceremony takes place when guards switch shifts at Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace. The showmanship part in front of Buckingham starts at around 11 a.m. (check the calendar for dates) and includes inspections and music performances, but you’ll need to arrive an hour early to get a spot close to the gates or around the Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. Since this is on a lot of folk’s London bucket list, it gets crowded. If you’re not set on seeing the whole thing or want to avoid the throngs, you can watch the troop movements from St. James Palace or the Wellington Barracks (where the new guard exits and old crew retires) instead. Standing along The Mall path in front of the palace will get you views of the marching to and from St. James as well.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
You can’t visit London without snapping a few photos of the famous Big Ben clock tower and the gorgeous Palace of Westminster it’s attached to. In the building, tour the Houses of Parliament with a guide or multimedia device, or attend one of the debates in the House of Commons or House of Lords. There’s also an afternoon tea service here, if you want to sip Earl Gray by the Thames. Walk across the Westminster Bridge for the best views of Big Ben.
Read Next: Add These 50 Landmarks and Experiences to Your Paris Bucket List
Westminster Abbey
Trafalgar Square
This buzzing public space seen on many a postcard is most recognizable for its twin fountains and lion statues that surround the Nelson’s Column monument. Typically filled with camera-wielding tourists and street performers, it also fronts London’s National Gallery, which holds famous artworks dating back to the 13th century.
London Eye
Tower Bridge
Often mixed up with the London Bridge, which is a pretty plain structure in its current form, Tower Bridge spans the Thames between the Tower of London and the Southwark district. Built in the late 1800s, the suspension structure is distinguishable for its two turrets that give it a castle-like appearance. You can stroll across it for free, but visiting the old engine rooms or walking 140-feet above the river on glass floors requires a ticket.
Tower of London
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Read Next: This is How to Spend 2 Days in Paris
Piccadilly Circus
Though its function is a vehicular traffic junction of a handful of busy streets, Piccadilly Circus is always packed with pedestrians, thanks to its proximity to a wealth of retail, dining and entertainment around Soho. A bronze fountain and its tiered platform here offer a little spot to sit and rest in the middle of shopping and sightseeing, in view of Times Square-esque electronic billboards plastered between Victorian-era buildings. You’ll likely stumble upon it without even trying if you’re wandering between stores, museums and theaters in the West End.
Afternoon Tea
Double Decker Bus
Thames Clipper
Harry Potter Tour and Platform 9 3/4
London Palaces and Castles
Obsessed with the royals or just curious to see what a real life palace looks like? London has several historic castles and palaces you can visit. Check these out.
Buckingham Palace & Tower of London
See the “London Landmarks” section for more info on these historic sites, the first the queen’s London residence and the latter a medieval fortress.
St. James Palace
This Tudor residence near Buckingham Palace holds royal apartments and participates in the famous changing of the guard ceremony, too. You can’t visit inside, but you can snap photos of the exterior and St. James Park across The Mall.
Clarence House
Next to St. James Palace, the 19th-century Clarence House has been the royal residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II when she was a princess, and The Prince of Wales. The home typically opens for tours in August each year.
Kensington Palace
Winchester Palace
Once a grand building in medieval times, Winchester Palace succumbed to fire and now sits in ruins next to the Thames. You can view the exterior remains for free on a quick walk by. It’s between the Southwark and London bridges on the Southwark side of the river.
15 Things To Do on a Solo Trip to London
Somerset House
A neoclassical London palace built in the late 1700s, Somerset House mostly hosts events and exhibitions. Entrance to the grounds, courtyard and fountains here is free, as are occasional tours, but you’ll need a ticket for exhibitions. You’ll find it on the Strand next to the Waterloo Bridge.
Lambeth Palace
Home to the Archbishop of Canterbury (that’s the leader of the Church of England), Lambeth Palace has roots in the 13th century and sits on the South Bank of the Thames. It’s mostly closed to the public as a private residence, but occasional tours and events at the grounds and gardens offer a peek. It’s worth the photo op from the outside, though, on a stroll by.
Hampton Court Palace
Theater and the Arts
The London theater scene is worth the visit alone. If you’re into the arts, add these museums and theaters to your London bucket list.
Shakespeare’s Globe
West End Theaters
With award-winning shows like the Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserable performed in its old-timey theaters, the West End district is London’s version of NYC’s Broadway. London’s TKTS booth for last-minute, discounted tickets can be found in Leicester Square a couple of blocks from Trafalgar, and this article is packed with other ideas for scoring bargain theater tickets. Seeing a show in London should definitely be on your London itinerary.
National Gallery
Names like Monet, Michelangelo, van Gogh, and da Vinci plaster the walls at the National Gallery, located at Trafalgar Square. Free tours throughout the week introduce the museum’s collection, which spans the 13th to 19th centuries. Late hours on Fridays means you can squeeze it in when other attractions close, and there’s no charge for admission.
National Portrait Gallery
Neighboring the National Gallery, this art museum was the first of its kind, featuring paintings, photos and sculptures of famous Brits throughout history. Notable faces on display range from kings and queens of old to Elton John and Ed Sheeran. Entry is free.
Tate Britain
This more than a century-old establishment holds a huge collection of British art dating to the 1500s. Entry is free to the gallery, which is housed in a striking columned building about a mile down the Thames from Big Ben.
Tate Modern
This riverfront art gallery in Southwark displays modern, international pieces. The building, once a power station, is located by the Millenium Bridge across the Thames from St. Paul’s Cathedral, with views from the museum cafe and the walkways outside. Entry is free.
Royal Albert Hall
Museums and History
Museums in London range from history and science museums with thousands of artifacts to niche spots telling the story of the London guards, London’s role in World War II, and the city’s transportation systems.
The British Museum
This London bucket list museum holds an antiquities collection in the millions, including Greek sculptures from the Parthenon, medieval samurai armor from Japan, the Rosetta stone, and Egyptian mummies. The British Museum is free to visit (but make a donation if you’re able), and educational talks and tours are offered throughout the week in different zones of the facility.
Museum of London
Located in the old City of London, this institution tells the story of the U.K. capital through artifacts and displays tracing the prehistoric era to Roman occupation to medieval times to the present. Admission is free, and just outside you can see the stone ruins of the Roman walls that used to enclose the city.
The Guards Museum
If you’re fascinated by those marching redcoats, then a visit to this military exhibition is a must. It’s housed at the Wellington Barracks, and delves into the story behind the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards that watch over Buckingham and the royal palaces. Outside the gates at the barracks, you can watch the troops marching in and out during the Changing of the Guards ceremonies. Check here for current museum admission fees and hours.
Churchill War Rooms
The Household Cavalry Museum and Horse Guards Parade
The 18th-century Horse Guards building next to St. James Park houses the stables and barracks of the Household Cavalry, the mounted guards of the Queen. With a ticket to the museum here, you can see what goes on behind the scenes, watch daily inspections and guard changes, check out the horse facilities, and try on a Cavalryman helmet and uniform. Passersby can see the Horse Guards Parade Grounds and the Guards Memorial across the street.
HMS Belfast
Imperial War Museum
This museum collection that includes the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast has an IWM London location in Southwark that preserves military and war history. The facility features everything from actual planes, rockets and vehicles used in conflict to a moving Holocaust exhibit and gallery of heroes, all with free admission.
London Transport Museum
Once you’ve mastered the tube routes and circled the city on a double decker, it’s time to uncover the history of London’s transport systems, from the days of horse and buggies and beyond. This gem in the buzzing Covent Garden district tells of how getting around the city has evolved over the years, with actual vehicles and trains on display, as well as signs, photos and maps. Tickets are required but kids are free.
The British Library
Bibliophiles — add this one to your bookish London bucket list. Part book heaven, part museum, this facility by the St. Pancras train station catalogues millions of items, thought to be the largest national library in existence. Among the collection are maps from the 15th century, vintage periodicals and newspapers, music scores and recordings, and the Magna Carta.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Named for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and founded during her reign, the V&A is themed around art and design. A collection of more than 2 million includes works of textile and fashion, furniture, glass and ceramics, and photography. Along with free admission, the museum offers complimentary tours with topics like the Renaissance era, performance and theater, and African heritage.
Natural History Museum
Known for its massive dinosaur displays, London’s Natural History Museum houses more than 80 million different specimens, from blue whale bones to rare minerals to a rock from Mars. Interactive and educational exhibits make it a family-friendly option, while the outdoor Wildlife Garden offers a quiet oasis full of native flora and fauna. The free facility is along South Kensington’s museum-filled Exhibition Road.
Science Museum
London’s Science Museum packs in all sorts of technology, space, invention and engineering exhibits. Entry is free, but things like IMAX tickets, shows and demos in the Wonderlab, and flight simulators carry a fee.
National Maritime Museum
This free Greenwich museum forms part of a complex listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List that includes the Royal Observatory. The National Maritime Museum delves into British naval history, with interactive exhibits like a ship simulator and a kids play zone.
London Gardens and Parks
London isn’t all history and culture. The city actually has some pretty incredible green spaces with room to row, bike, hike, picnic and enjoy the outdoors. If you want to spend some time outdoors, add these parks to your London bucket list.
Green Park and St. James Park
Neighboring Green and St. James parks front the Buckingham Palace complex and offer a necessary bit of nature in the midst of the heavy tourist zone. Shady trees line winding walkways with a bench here and there, while big green lawns draw sunseekers, readers and picnickers. Waterfowl can usually be spotted hanging out on the reflective St. James Park Lake, while a bridge across provides views of the palace in one direction and the London Eye in the other.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Just steps from Green Park, massive Hyde Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities, as well as historic sights in the form of monuments and memorials. Walkers and cyclists frequent the huge network of paths here, and an onsite sports center also offers activities like tennis, mini golf and lawn bowling. At the east end of the 350-acre space, you can spot the white Marble Arch, designed as a triumphal piece a la Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Speakers’ Corner, known as a historic soapbox-style speech and rally site. The central Serpentine lake is often dotted with row and peddle boats, and has a pair of art galleries on either bank. The west side of the park transitions to Kensington Gardens, notable for the massive gilded Albert Memorial erected by Queen Victoria for her late husband, and Kensington Palace Gardens, a well-manicured space of flowers and hedges.
Regents Park and Primrose Hill
Part of the Royal Parks collection, Regents Park is the central city’s sports zone, with fields for rugby, cricket, football and more, as well as walking and biking lanes. It’s also home to Queen Mary’s Garden, with a collection of 12,000 roses. A boating lake, playgrounds, an open-air performance space, zoo and food venues round out the amenities. Neighboring Primrose Hill offers stellar views of downtown London from an elevated vantage point a few miles away.
Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill
Just 4 miles north of the river and the tourist buzz, Hampstead Heath is a sweeping space for recreation. Marked and rough-hewn paths for joggers and horseback riders weave in and out of wooded areas, while sports facilities include tennis and croquet courts and fields for football and rugby. A few of the ponds allow swimming. Like Primrose to the south, Parliament Hill here rises above the park for vistas of the London skyline.
Greenwich Park
This Royal Park a couple blocks from the river is home to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the Prime Meridian, known as the dividing line of the earth’s longitude. In addition to the astronomical attractions, the park has a wilderness zone where deer roam, herb and flower gardens, paved trails, and a hilltop lookout over the Thames and city skyline to the west, perfect for sunsets. It’s about 5 miles southeast of the City of London in the borough of Greenwich.
Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
These two queenly parks are in the northeast suburbs, less than 5 miles from the old city. Victoria is one of the oldest public parks in London and features multiple recreational lakes, rose gardens, and spaces for walking, cycling and sports. The neighboring park named for Queen Elizabeth hosted the London Olympics in 2012, and its grounds are full of wetlands, waterways and play areas. You can also snap photos with the famous Olympic rings.
Kew Gardens
London Shopping Streets and Markets
If you’ve come to London to shop, these are the spots you need to check out first.
Borough Market
Southwark’s Borough Market is one of the city’s oldest, largest, and best-known retail food venues, dating back 1,000 years. Dozens of traders gather here with stands of locally grown produce, fresh deli cuts and seafood, artisan chocolates and jams, and aromatic cheeses, breads and flowers. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and pastry or order a hot lunch with international flair prepared in front of you.
Leadenhall Market
With roots in the 14th century, the current Leadenhall Market has a distinct Victorian look in its covered passageways lined with shops and restaurants. It’s the place to go for designer retail therapy or for dining and drinks in a buzzing, picturesque atmosphere.
Harrods
A department store to rule all department stores, Harrods could be more accurately described as an emporium, housing everything from high-end designer fashion to pastry counters. It’s a must-see on your London bucket list. Even if you don’t care to splurge on shoes and purses here, it’s worth a visit to see the impressive Food Hall, packed with luxury cheese and charcuterie, tins of biscuits and tea, and mouthwatering chocolate truffles in the confectionery.
Soho
With everything from jazz clubs to Victorian theaters to some of the best London shopping streets, Soho’s eclectic vibes hail from a red-light district past. The nightlife still buzzes here, as does the food scene, but during the day you can head to Oxford Street to stumble upon every retailer you could imagine and Carnaby Street for fashion along pedestrian-friendly brick lanes.
Covent Garden
A near neighbor to Soho, Covent Garden district packs in shopping, dining and theater as well. A historic covered market bearing the same name serves as a central neighborhood landmark, as does the Royal Opera House, which hosts the Royal Ballet.
Camden Town
Less than two miles north of King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations, this little canal-front neighborhood is known for its unique markets. It’s the place to go for antiques, vintage fashion, handmade accessories, one-of-a-kind art pieces, retro decor...you name it! There’s also tons of global cuisine at restaurants and street stands.
Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
When you see a photo of pastel-colored row houses in London, it was likely taken in Notting Hill. This Kensington district neighborhood hosts the festive yearly Notting Hill Carnival, but it’s perhaps best known for the Portobello Road Market, which started with produce stalls but has evolved into a world of antiques and second-hand fashion.
Shoreditch and Brick Lane Market
Full of street art, independent boutiques and global food carts, Shoreditch is a trendy zone on the east side about a mile north of the old city. Graffiti-adorned Brick Lane is one of the more famous Sunday markets in London, especially for vintage and second-hand goods, while the Columbia Road Flower Market adds in some sweet fragrances and vibrant colors on weekends.
London Bucket List Churches
A tour of cathedrals is a must for your London bucket list. Check out these gems with stunning stained glass and long legacies.
Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
You can read more about these two bucket list London churches in the landmarks section above.
Southwark Cathedral
This 800-year-old London church building just steps from the Thames and London Bridge once held the royal wedding of King James I of Scotland. Pop in for free to see the stained glass windows, request a quick tour from one of the cathedral guides, or join in a daily choral service in the late afternoon.
All Hallows by the Tower
Said to be the oldest church in London, this institution dates to the year 675. Though many restorations and renovations have happened since, including a post-WWII rebuild, some remnants from the early days still exist. Since it’s located just by the Tower of London, those executed on Tower Hill were often brought to the facility for temporary burial. Another claim to fame, future U.S. President John Quincy Adams and wife Louisa were married here in 1797. Free, guided tours take place on weekday afternoons for much of spring through fall.
St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden
Destroyed during the Blitz in World War II, this medieval church now shelters a public garden within its ruins. The steeple and tower designed by famous English architect Christopher Wren still stand, but flowers, ivy and benches fill the leveled-out interior. It’s about a block west from the Tower of London.
St. Helen’s Bishopsgate
Situated by the bullet-shaped Gherkin building in the old city, St. Helen’s was constructed in 1210 and is said to have been William Shakespeare’s parish church. Nearby bombings by the Irish Republican Army in the early 1990s severely damaged the building and shattered its historic windows, but it has since been repaired. The church participates in the yearly Open House London for tours, but allows visitors during the week (call ahead) and at services.
St. Olave’s Church
Long before the beloved Disney character of “Frozen” fame, there was a King Olaf II of Norway, who later became the country’s patron saint. This medieval church is dedicated to him, and is one of the rare survivors of the Great Fire of London. Visitors are allowed during the day when the building is not otherwise being used.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields
This elegant Trafalgar Square church with roots to the Middle Ages is well known for its evening classical music performances. During the day, you can pop in for a look around or grab a bite at a cafe housed in the crypt. A few days a week, free lunchtime concerts are offered to the public.
St. Bartholomew the Great
Adjacent to a hospital bearing the same saintly name, Great St. Bart’s was built about 900 years ago and restored throughout the 19th century. You can wander the halls and churchyard during daily visiting hours for a small fee.
St. Giles’ Cripplegate
Though is has roots in the 11th century, this Gothic-style structure was first built in the late 1300s. One of the few London churches to survive the Great Fire of London, it took big hits during other burns and was bombing in WWII. From the remaining shell and surviving bell tower, St. Giles was rebuilt using restoration plans saved from 1545, so it retains a medieval look. Outside of service times, the church typically opens on weekday afternoons.
Best London Views
Viewing London from above really highlights the blend of old and new in the city. Some of these spots are ticketed attractions, but read through to find a few free London lookouts.
London Eye
Scroll up to the “London Landmarks” section for more on this London bucket list must on the River Thames with elevated views of the Westminster district and beyond.
Golden Jubilee Bridges
This pair of pedestrian crossings sit on either side of a rail bridge near Charing Cross Station. The northern one looks toward the City of London at a bend in the river, but the southern one has an epic shot toward Westminster District, with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on one bank and the London Eye on the other. It’s the perfect spot to catch a sunset.
The Shard
One of the most recognizable London skyscrapers, the 95-story Shard rises well above its surroundings, but the pointy glass design is what really makes it stand out. Poking up from the Southwark district about a block from the river, it’s in the perfect locale to gaze out at the city for one of the best views in London.
The Monument
A tribute tower to the Great Fire of London, the Monument sits in the heart of the old city. It was erected a few years after the 1666 tragedy, designed by the same architect who rebuilt the scorched St. Paul’s Cathedral. Reaching the top requires climbing 311 spiraling steps up the column-like structure. Sweeping platform view take in the Shard, Tower of London and Tower Bridge (which offers a combo ticket with the Monument).
Sky Garden
This skyscraper in old London offers 360-degree city views and lush landscaping from its glass-surrounded top level dome called the Sky Garden. The public space spans three stories and features Mediterranean and South African species with year-round blooms. Tickets are free but should be booked online ahead of time to reserve a space. There are also window-filled restaurants and terraces to enjoy. It’s one of the best free city views you can add to your London bucket list.
Westminster Bridge
Crossing the Thames next to the Palace of Westminster, the Victorian-era Westminster Bridge is the oldest road span over the river in the central city. It’s popular with pedestrians as well, connecting the Westminster district to the South Bank. You’ll often encounter street performers in this touristy zone, and it’s a prime spot for snapping photos of both Big Ben and the London Eye.
Primrose Hill
Located behind Regents Park a couple miles north of Soho, this hilltop vantagepoint takes in a sweeping expanse from about 200-feet up for one of the best views of London’s skyline. It’s considered a protected view and is popular with visitors. The huge park nextdoor contains a rose garden, sports fields, trails and more.
Parliament Hill
Another of London’s protected viewpoints, Parliament Hill is another mile-and-a-half to the north and elevated. Amongst the buildings poking up from the city skyline, you can spot the Shard, the London Eye and the tip of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The surrounding park of Hampstead Heath is full of trails, swimming spots and athletic fields.
Greenwich Park
On the other end of the city, you can find the best London views from a hilltop in this Royal Park. Just next to the Prime Meridian and statue of General James Wolfe, a scenic platform looks toward a bend in the Thames and the skyline from the east. The borough of Greenwich is some 5 miles from the City of London.
This is How to Plan the Best 2 Days in London Itinerary
This two days in London itinerary is perfect for first-timers, full of bucket-list landmarks, incredible skyline views, top-rated museums and so much more! We’ve outlined a day-by-day agenda and recommended schedules to keep things on track. There are also options for each day so you can pick and choose from what interests you the most.
This 2 days in London itinerary helps you maximize your sightseeing on a quick weekend trip to the city.
So you only have 2 days in London for your visit? Don’t worry, there’s plenty you can pack into a quick city break or weekend in London if you plan ahead.
This London itinerary for two days is perfect for first-timers, full of bucket-list landmarks, incredible skyline views, top-rated museums and so much more! It’ll help you figure out just what to do and see in London in two days, whether that’s historic castles and palaces, art and theater, or shopping.
Since I have family in England, I’ve been visiting London since I was a kid. The day-by-day agenda below is based on my own experiences on weekend trips to London. The recommended schedules will help to keep things on track while allowing enough time to soak up each sight.
There are also a few alternate options for each day so you can pick and choose from what interests you the most. You’ll be exploring by zone, walking between nearby attractions so you don’t waste too much time waiting for buses and hopping from one end of the city to the other.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for tips on how to maximize two days in London, and if you have longer in the city, check out our itinerary for four days in London and favorite day trips from London.
2 Days in London Itinerary
Use this London 2 day itinerary to figure out how many museums, palaces and shopping trips you can pack into your short visit to the city. I’ve included options for different interests so you can find the perfect activities for your travel crew.
All of the attractions on this itinerary are pinned to the map below. You can click to open it and save a copy to help with your planning.
Day 1 — Westminster Walking Tour and London Landmarks
This first of 2 days in London is all about bucket-list sights, cool historic landmarks, and cultural gems. You likely won’t have time for a proper tour of every single attraction listed, but you can at least snap photos from the outside and pick which ones you want to dive into. The schedule at the bottom will present options for utilizing your time. Charge up the camera and get an early start to squeeze in as much as possible!
Buckingham Palace
The official home of the monarch in London, Buckingham Palace is the perfect start to a tour of the city. Neighboring St. James Park and Green Park are ideal for a morning stroll with a cup of coffee, offering a bit of respite from the London bustle.
During a few weeks in summer, the 1703 palace opens the State Rooms and gardens to tourists. You’ll have time for either an interior tour, a walk through the Queen’s Gallery, or a visit to the Royal Mews, where the carriages and horses reside. Or, just take a selfie in front of the iron-gated landmark from the outside and move on to other activities.
Churchill War Rooms
This underground bunker served as a meeting spot and refuge zone for Winston Churchill and other leaders during World War II. Touring the war rooms and a museum about the former prime minister takes at least 90 minutes, so pick between this or Buckingham Palace for a morning visit.
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace takes place about every other day and includes marching, inspections and musical performances. The most popular place to watch the activity in front of Buckingham is from the gates or the Victoria Memorial.
As a top London activity for first-timers, it can get a bit crowded, so folks typically gather an hour-plus early for the 11 a.m. ceremony. Since this takes up a good chunk of the day, we recommend skipping it for a short visit or just watching a few minutes from the outskirts where the guards move in and out from the Wellington Barracks. At the beginning and end, you can also catch them moving along The Mall path to and from St. James Palace as well.
With only 2 days in London, you may want to skip this activity unless it’s high on your bucket list.
Westminster Abbey
With a legacy dating back more than a thousand years, Westminster Abbey’s legacy includes coronations and royal weddings. The present Gothic-style church went up in the 13th century, and a host of famed figured and monarchs are buried or memorialized within its grounds.
Allow at least 90 minutes to tour the inside with an audio guide. The abbey closes by 3 p.m. most days but offers later hours on Wednesdays (for a reduced price). Services and a choral evensong also take place throughout the day.
I definitely recommend checking out Westminster Abbey on your first trip to the city, even if you only have 2 days in London.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
London’s famous clock tower sits at the end of the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament. Tours inside the parliament building are available and you can also watch the debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords. For the best photos of Big Ben, walk across the Westminster Bridge just outside or cross the river to the South Bank.
London Eye
Trafalgar Square
Recognizable for its towering column monument, fountains and lion statues, Trafalgar Square’s central location near museums and shopping makes it perfect for a quick break. Snap a few photos, watch the street performers, and chow down on a sandwich before moving on to one of the nearby museums for the rest of the afternoon.
Read Next: This is How to Spend 4 Days in Paris
National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
This neighboring pair of art museums at Trafalgar Square offers free entry, so you can pop in for a quick look around while in the area. The National Gallery features the likes of Michelangelo and Monet, with works dating back to the 1200s, while the National Portrait Gallery displays paintings and sculptures of monarchs and other famed Brits through the centuries.
British Museum
If you only have time for one museum in London, make it this one. Filled with millions of antiquities, the British Museum displays collections from ancient Greece, the Middle East, and beyond. Allow at least a couple of hours to wander the multiple levels and admire the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, Easter Island statue and Egyptian mummies. Admission is free.
West End
The perfect spot to end the day and start the evening, London’s West End is known for its performance scene and buzzing retail and dining districts. Soho packs in tons of shopping along Oxford, Regent and Carnaby streets, while Covent Garden’s entertainment and pubs surround a pedestrian piazza.
Many of the top London theaters line the roads branching off from neon-lit Piccadilly Circus. Pop by the TKTS counter at Leicester Square a couple blocks away to grab reduced tickets for a show.
Day 2 — City of London History and Kensington Gardens and Museums
For the second part of your 2 days in London, split time between the historic City of London and Southwark just across the river, and the Hyde Park and South Kensington area. There are several options to pick from today, including a pair of viewing platforms and a handful of museums. The hour-by-hour agenda at the end will help you figure out what you have time for in the districts you’ll be visiting.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
With roots to the 7th century, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an institution in the old City of London. The present-day church was built in the 1600s after the Great Fire of London destroyed the previous version.
Inside, ornate designs splashed with gold adorn the sanctuary and dome. With a ticket, you can enter to see the crypt and galleries. The church opens earlier than many attractions at 8:30 a.m., so early risers should have time for a quick interior visit. Otherwise, just stop by to see the steps where Mary Poppins sang to the birds in the famous movie.
Evensong choral services are a chance for a glimpse outside of regular visiting hours if you land here at the end of the day instead. Though you won’t be able to tour the facility, the melodies echoing through the grand hall add a little something to the ambiance. Visiting for part of a choral service is a great way to maximize your 2 days in London.
Tower of London
The storied Tower of London weaves through nearly 1,000 years of British history. It’s housed royals and prisoners and seen many an execution.
Tickets to the tower include access to the Crown Jewels display and the Royal Armouries, as well as educational and humorous tours given by Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters, the castle’s guardians.
Plan for two to three hours here if you want to tour with a Beefeater and see all the highlights.
Tower Bridge
The twin turrets of Tower Bridge make it easy to spot the iconic structure stretching over the River Thames next to the Tower of London. You can stroll across the late 1800s suspension structure to get from one bank to the next, but touring the inside engine rooms or walking on an elevated glass floor feature requires a ticket. Be sure to look out on the water to spot the HMS Belfast, a WWII warship turned museum.
The Shard and Sky Garden
For elevated outlooks of the city, it’s hard to beat the views from these two buildings on opposite sides of the Thames. With just 2 days in London, you may only have time for one of these lookouts.
Sky Garden’s glass dome sits atop a skyscraper in the old city, offering 360-degree vistas as well as eateries and terraces. Designed as a public space, it’s filled with lush plants and perennial blooms. Free tickets are available to book online for timed slots.
Read Next: These are the Best Views and Landmarks in Paris
Borough Market
Located in the Southwark district, Borough Market is the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch. With a legacy spanning 1,000 years or so, this retail food venue features everything from cheese and deli vendors to fresh flower and artisan chocolate stands to global cuisine served up hot.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
A massive green space in the midst of the city, Hyde Park packs in walking and biking paths, outdoor sports like tennis and lawn bowling, a lake with rowboats, and historic sites like the Marble Arch and numerous memorials and monuments.
On the west end is Kensington Gardens, home to the huge Albert Memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria’s husband, the Diana Memorial Playground for kids, and the Serpentine Gallery, one of a pair of art exhibits on either side of the Serpentine lake.
Kensington Palace
This home to young royals for the past few centuries sits on the west side of Kensington Gardens. Built in 1605, Kensington Palace opens its doors for tours of the staterooms and special exhibits centered around regal former residents like Queen Victoria and monarch couple William and Mary, who first acquired the property.
The Kensington Palace Gardens outside doesn’t require a ticket to access the sunken floral display and greenery-covered walking tunnels.
Exhibition Road Museums
Just a couple of blocks from Hyde Park, a few complimentary museums sit along Exhibition Road in South Kensington.
The Victoria and Albert Museum features an art and design theme, with photography, ceramics, decor, textile and fashion displays. Free tours center around topics like performance art or the Renaissance.
At the interactive Natural History Museum, you can examine dinosaur and whale bones as well as geology exhibits and a Mars rock. Outdoors, a Wildlife Garden features native fauna and flora.
The Science Museum is all about invention, engineering, technology and space in a hands-on environment that caters to families. Tickets are required for extras like an IMAX theater and a flight simulator.
Tips for Seeing London in 2 Days
Check Opening Times in Advance
Many attractions only open from 9 or 10 in the morning to 5 or 6 in the afternoon, so save anything available beyond those hours for the evening (e.g. shopping, sit-down meals, shows and entertainment).
Some museums in the city stay open as late as 9 or 10 p.m. weekly or monthly, so check the hours to see if you can squeeze in an extra visit. (Ex. British Museum and National Gallery every Friday, Natural History Museum and V&A monthly Fridays, Science Museum monthly Wednesdays).
Westminster Abbey opens late on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at a discounted price.
Keep Mealtime Short
While eating can be a fun part of vacation, if you only have a short time in London, you don’t want to waste too much of it to long meals. Especially for breakfast and lunch, don’t sit down for an hour-plus dining experience.
London has some great food markets like Borough Market, where you can grab a speedy and delicious meal while also sightseeing. Quick counter service or grab-and-go spots like Pret A Manger stores are everywhere and easy for ready-made food like sandwiches and crisps (plus the meal deals are a bargain).
Book Tickets Ahead of Time
If you already know which attractions you want to visit, book your tickets ahead to save time waiting in line the day of.
Book a Hotel Near a Tube Station
Unless you want to splurge, you might not be able to afford a hotel with a palace or castle view. But that doesn’t mean you have to waste a lot of time traveling each day, either. Just search for accommodations that are close to a tube station so you can hop a ride toward your sightseeing zone each morning. This rail and tube map can help you plan out your routes ahead of time.
Travel Insurance for a London Trip
I recommend reviewing the coverage closely to see what travel and medical benefits you will be eligible for while traveling internationally. Travel medical insurance can save you a lot of money and headaches when things go wrong while you're out of your home country.
Best Places to Stay in London
London Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect 4 Days in London
Looking for a London itinerary that features the best of the city in one compact trip? This guide to spending four days in London includes iconic markets, elegant royal palaces, and intriguing museums and galleries. Plus, you’ll find handy tips for your first visit, like where to stay, what to bring and how to save on your London visit.
This is my favorite way to spend 4 days in London seeing palaces, cathedrals, museums and historic neighborhoods.
Double-decker buses, red phone booths, fish and chips, stone castles, clanging bell towers — endless iconic sights and sounds spring to mind at the mention of England’s capital city. If you’re getting ready to visit and wondering what to see and do with 4 days in London, this itinerary will help you get started.
With so many museums, palaces, parks and markets around the city, and a plethora of day trips a train ride away, it’s impossible to fit everything into a short London itinerary. But you can definitely see plenty of London in 4 days, especially if you plan ahead.
This agenda rounds up the top London landmarks for first-timers, alternating between busy days packed with sightseeing, and more flexible ones that allow for things you really enjoy, be it culture, shopping, sports or Harry Potter. Be sure to scroll down to the tips section for money-saving suggestions, ideas on where to stay, and other useful tidbits.
4 Days in London Itinerary
This 4 day London itinerary starts with a overview walking tour of the city before diving deeper into some of the coolest neighborhoods around the city. If it’s your first time in London, this guide has all the heavy hitters you don’t want to miss.
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Day 1 — London Walking Tour and Highlights
A walking tour around the City of Westminster is the perfect way to start your 4 days in London. You’ll be introduced to all the iconic London landmarks you’ve seen on postcards, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square.
Free walking tours are a great way to do this on a budget and help you get your bearings if you’re a bit overwhelmed, but you can also DIY this approximately 3-mile route with a tourist map. With a full first day, you should have time for an interior tour of a couple of the big sites mentioned below.
Buckingham Palace
Start the morning at Buckingham Palace, so you can try to snap some photos of the iron gates and Victoria Memorial in front before the masses arrive. In summer, you can tour the State Rooms of the monarch’s London residence, built in the early 1700s.
Neighboring Green Park and St. James Park offer a bit of mellow in the midst of the bustle, with a lake and green lawns — the perfect place to start the morning sipping coffee and people-watching from one of the sidewalk benches.
If you want a prime spot to observe the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, you’ll need to be situated along the iron railings or the steps of the Victoria Memorial by around 10 a.m. for the event, which begins an hour later. (Check this calendar for which days the ceremony takes place).
To get just a taste and allow more time for other activities, you can catch some of the action by hanging out around The Mall or Marlborough Road, where the old and new guard march to and from St. James’s Palace, or along Spur Road and Birdcage Walk, where they undergo inspections and switch shifts at Wellington Barracks.
Westminster Abbey
Next up, Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded more than a thousand years ago. The current Gothic structure has hosted coronations for centuries and is a burial place of monarchs and notable figures (think Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Lord Byron).
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
From the abbey, walk across the street toward the River Thames and you’ll bump right into the Palace of Westminster, home of the famous Big Ben. Snap your photos of the clock tower from Westminster Bridge or across the river on the South Bank. Inside the Palace of Westminster, you can tour the Houses of Parliament or catch a debate in the House of Lords or House of Commons.
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Churchill War Rooms
History buffs might want to check out the Churchill War Rooms next, where Winston Churchill and other leaders plotted and sheltered during World War II. The underground bunkers are now open to visitors and a museum about the former prime minister is here as well.
Trafalgar Square
Mosey on down Horse Guards Road toward The Mall, passing 10 Downing Street (the PM’s residence) and the Horse Guards Parade. About a half-mile away, Trafalgar Square’s twin fountains and soaring monument guarded by lion statues await. There are a couple of museums around the square worthy of a visit (scroll to day two for more on those), and lots of street performers and tourists buzzing around.
London Eye and South Bank
A stroll along the South Bank of the river is the perfect way to end your first day in the city and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area to grab dinner before or after.
Day 2 — Culture and Museums
There are dozens and dozens of galleries and museums in London. It would be nearly impossible to see even just the top ones all in a single visit but try to pop into a couple that pique your interest, whether that’s art, natural science, war history, or antiquities.
Many museums in the city run on donations, so you don’t have to waste a huge admission price if you can only afford a couple of hours to look around. And some institutions stay open late one night a week, which is a good way to sneak a peek after other attractions have shuttered. If museums just aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of shopping and dining in this area, too. Or, you can opt for a day trip from London instead.
British Museum
You would be remiss to skip the British Museum, a massive institution with a global collection in the millions spanning regions from Egypt and the Middle East to Greece and Rome. Just a few notable objects on display include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, samurai armor from medieval Japan, and an Easter Island statue. Admission is free, as are tours and talks throughout the week that give culture buffs a deeper look at different areas of the museum.
Soho
If you’re ready for lunch or want to do a little shopping, now’s a good time to veer a couple blocks west from the British Museum to trendy Soho, a bustling retail and dining zone that’s also full of theaters and performance venues. Oxford and Regent streets, two of the big thoroughfares here, pack in tons of stores, but wander past the traffic to Carnaby Street for pedestrian friendly browsing on brick lanes.
National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
Sticking close by, the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square are worthy options to round out museum day. The first packs in famous works from the likes of van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, Botticelli, et al. while the latter is full of paintings, sculptures and photos of noteworthy individuals throughout history. Historic St. Martin-in-the-Fields church across the street offers free lunchtime concerts on certain days and has a cafe hidden down in the crypt.
West End
Stick to the West End this evening to partake in London’s vibrant theater scene. Many of the top venues line the streets shooting off from the busy, neon-ad filled Piccadilly Circus junction, with a concentration along Shaftesbury Avenue (including the Palace and Sondheim theaters). Check the TKTS booth at Leicester Square for discounted tickets. After dark, Soho and the Covent Garden district nearby stay lively, with restaurants, pubs and entertainment for night owls.
Day 3 — Southwark and City of London
The old City of London is the historic core of the metro, dating back to Roman settlement in the 1st century. The Great Fire of London in 1666 desecrated the medieval town, so what you see today is a blend of the reconstruction from that era and the modern buildings of the central business district. Since you can cross the Thames on foot via a few bridges here, it’s easy to explore the nearby Southwark district, too, in one big sightseeing excursion.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern
From the cathedral, cross over Millennium Bridge to the opposite side of the Thames for Shakespeare’s Globe theater and the Tate Modern gallery. The art museum has free entry if you want to pop in for a quick browse, but the theater, which is a replica of a Shakespearean-era playhouse, requires a paid tour.
Borough Market
Just a half-mile away, Borough Market is perfect for a brief brunch break. A sort of urban farmers market, the venue offers everything from fresh-baked bread to fishmongers to an array of ready-to-eat global cuisine. Head back toward the water from the market and you’ll encounter the 800-year-old Southwark Cathedral, where you can pop in for a quick look around.
The Shard
The towering Shard rises from the rooftops, a modern skyscraper with a jagged design resembling a piece of glass. The building’s viewing platform boasts a 40-mile lookout from floor 72. You can book your tickets in advance here.
Tower Bridge
Walk along the Thames on this side to see London Bridge (but not the one from the song), the HMS Belfast warship museum and Tower Bridge, the Victorian-era structure with two turrets seen on many a postcard. It’s free to cross the bottom level by foot, but tickets are needed to see the old engine rooms and walk on the modern glass floors nearly 140-feet above the water.
Tower of London
Monument to the Great Fire of London
About a half-mile from the castle, The Monument to the Great Fire of London offers another chance for elevated views of the city from 311 steps up, for a negligible admission. The monument pays tribute to the devastating 1666 fire and was constructed just after as the City of London was rebuilt.
Sky Garden
For free city views, you don’t want to miss Sky Garden, where a glass dome atop a skyscraper offers three levels of botanicals and panoramic vistas. Timed tickets booked online are required, but there is no admission charge.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market a couple blocks north is perfect for dinnertime. The covered shopping center dates to the 1300s, with a current remodeled Victorian look.
Day 4 — Hyde Park and Kensington
After all the busy sightseeing, consider slowing down for the last of your 4 days in London a little with a visit to one of the city’s incredible green spaces, 250-acre Hyde Park. With classic museums and picturesque neighborhoods in surrounding blocks, you can tailor the day to suit your mood and travel crew — keep it nature-filled with biking and boating, playgrounds and picnicking, or toss in some museum visits on the surrounding blocks.
Hyde Park
Massive Hyde Park packs in everything from monuments and memorials to sports courts to Speakers’ Corner, a historic free-speech space for soapbox orators. If you want to enjoy most of the day outdoors in the park, consider renting a bike to wander along the weaving park trails or a rowboat to explore the Serpentine. The Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre has tennis courts, lawn bowling, a putting course and playgrounds.
Kensington Palace and Gardens
South Kensington Museums
Just outside park bounds is the Royal Albert Hall, which hosts classical concerts and music festivals. The 1871 venue also offers tours during the day. A few blocks beyond along Exhibition Road are a series of free museums — the Victoria and Albert Museum for decorative arts and design, the Natural History Museum with its dinosaur collection, and the Science Museum, full of hands-on learning and family-friendly exhibits.
Harrods
The iconic Harrods department store is also just a couple blocks from Hyde Park. Even if you aren’t into shopping, the food and dining halls here will win you over. Display cases brim with luxury cheeses, breads and charcuterie while a huge chocolate and confectionery area is full of sweet (and pretty) temptations.
Other London Neighborhoods
If you have any extra time, consider hopping on the metro to the Notting Hill neighborhood for pastel row houses and antiques at the Portobello Market, trendy Shoreditch for graffiti art and the Sunday Brick Lane Market, or Camden Town for street food and eclectic shopping.
Tips for Visiting London
Get an Oyster Card
Though you’ll certainly get some walking miles in, using public transit is a must if you’re going to maximize your 4 days in London. Plastic Oyster cards make it super simple to pay for your rides on the bus or Tube with a simple tap instead of having to buy individual tickets every time.
You can purchase a card online ahead of time, but it’s simple to get one on arrival from the ticket machines at underground and rail stations. You can even grab one at Heathrow and ride the tube into central London. You’ll have to make a £5 deposit plus whatever amount you want to prepay on top of that, and when you leave, you can get the balance (including your deposit) back by returning the card.
You can also just tap to pay with a credit card at most underground stations.
Stay Near a Tube Station
If you’re on a budget, you might not be able to afford one of the hotels in prime districts like Chelsea or the West End, but that doesn’t mean getting around to all the sights has to be a hassle.
When you’re searching for accommodations, look for one that is near a tube station, marked on Google maps by a little red circle with a blue line crossing through. If you click on it, you can see which tube routes use the stop, and you can reference this tube and rail map to see which lines you’ll be riding often.
Visit Museums During Late Hours
It can be hard to fit all of the amazing London museums into just a few days, especially when many close as early as 5 p.m. Luckily, some popular museums offer extended hours once a week, typically on Fridays.
The National Gallery, Tate Modern and British Museum are among those that stay open late on Fridays, while the Science Museum offers Lates events for adults monthly on a Wednesday. Westminster Abbey, which ends tours at 3 p.m. most days opens for Wednesday Lates from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for a reduced price.
Buy a London Pass
Passes span one to 10 days, and while the single-day version seems a bit expensive, the price rises in smaller increments as you add more days. Plus, you can plan your agenda to hit the covered attractions in a shorter time span and purchase a pass just for those days.
Dress in Layers
Invest in Travel Insurance
Where to Stay in London
London’s tourist sights are spread out around a few districts, so there’s lots of great places to stay by museums, shopping and dining. Plus, with a massive network of public transit, you can easily hop around no matter where you’re based.
Solo Trip to London: 15 of the Best Things To Do Alone in London
Planning a solo trip to London? This travel guide will help you find fun things to do alone in London, from palace tours and high tea to museums, parks, and more.
Planning a solo trip to London? This travel guide will help you find fun things to do alone in London, from palace tours and high tea to museums, parks, and more.
London is one of my absolute favorite cities to visit – from the iconic palaces and cathedrals to the vibrant theater scene to markets full of delicious food. If you’re planning to solo travel to London, this guide will help you find all the best things to do and offer practical tips for your trip.
I’ve visited the city several times over the years, including solo London trips, and these are the activities I think everyone should consider for their first time in the U.K. capital.
The list below of the best things to do in London solo has a little bit of everything, including free art museums, historic castles and churches, cool shopping districts, and gorgeous skyline views. If you want to squeeze it all in, I recommend spending at least 4 days in London, or a little longer to add on day trips from London.
Things to Know Before Visiting London
Should You Solo Travel to London?
The capital of the UK makes such a great first destination for a solo trip. Since it’s a popular vacation destination, there are always lots of other people around, which makes me feel safer when I’m wandering alone.
London solo female travelers should take the same general precautions as needed anywhere, including keeping someone back home informed of your plans, being cautious and aware of your surroundings (especially at night), getting travel insurance for emergencies, and not oversharing that you’re by yourself.
If you want to make friends during a solo trip to London, you might want to consider staying in a hostel with female dorms, which tend to attract other friendly solo travelers.
The ultimate London bucket list
What is the Best Time to Visit London?
The best time of year to visit London depends on your priorities and expectations. Thanks to the warm weather and school holidays, summer is the most popular season, which also means higher prices on accommodations and more crowds.
Spring and fall are a bit less busy with pleasant weather that typically averages in the 50s for daytime highs. Spring can be rainy, but you also get longer days to spend sightseeing. The end of fall brings Christmas decor and markets around the city.
A winter visit can be fun if you come for the holiday season, while January and February tend to have much lower crowds and cheaper hotel prices thanks to the chilly weather.
How to get around London solo?
The city offers an extensive public transportation network that makes it easy to solo travel in London. The iconic London Underground, often referred to as the Tube offers a network of lines that provide quick and efficient travel across the capital. Even if you’re not used to riding a subway, the color-coded maps are easy to read and you can also use Google maps to help figure out the best route between your destinations.
Additionally, a bus system covers every corner of the city and offers a more scenic way to explore its streets. This can take a little longer to get around than the Tube since you’ll be contending with street traffic, but bus stops are more frequent and the fare is a little cheaper.
And if you prefer, taxis and ride-share services like Uber are widely available.
London Solo Travel Pass
Things To Do in London Solo
London City Tour
One of the best solo things to do in London at the beginning of your trip is to take a tour around the city. This is the perfect way to acclimate yourself to your new surroundings and preview some things that you might want to do later.
If you’re looking to make new friends on your trip, this can also be a chance to meet other tourists.
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the monarch in London, Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 and is a popular attraction for tourists who flock to see the towering gold-tipped gates and the Changing of the Guard.
Outside, St. James Park and Green Park offer a peaceful spot for a stroll around a lake and lawns, with benches to sit and read or people watch.
Watching the Changing of the Guard is also a must for first-timers to London. The ceremony takes place in the morning every couple of days, and you’ll want to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Westminster Abbey
One of the most famous churches around the world, Westminster Abbey was founded more than a thousand years ago. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic building that stands today opened in the 1200s and is used for coronations and royal weddings.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of my favorite spots to people-watch in the city since it always seems to be buzzing with activity. Tourists, street performers, and the occasional protesters gather in the public space notable for its twin fountains and the Nelson’s Column adorned with lions.
The square fronts the National Gallery, which is full of artworks from the 13th to 19th centuries. The Georgian St. Martin-in-the-Fields church is also here and hosts afternoon concerts.
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
One of the most recognizable landmarks in London, the Big Ben clock tower is a must-see while you’re in the city. It’s part of the Palace of Westminster, which hosts the Houses of Parliament. You can take a tour with a guide or sit in a debate in the House of Lords or House of Commons.
The best views of Big Ben, though, are from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank of the River Thames. The bridge can get pretty crowded, so I recommend crossing to the South Bank by foot and heading down to the river walkway opposite the London Eye, where the pedestrians thin out.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
I always love stopping in at St. Paul’s Cathedral during a solo trip to London. The current structure with its towering dome was built in the 17th century after the Great Fire of London, but a church has stood on this site since the 7th century. The steps in front are where Mary Poppins serenades the pigeons in the song “Feed the Birds” from the classic musical movie.
Borough Market
From fresh produce and deli meats to rows of cheese, jams, and breads, the Borough Market overflowers with delicious things to eat. You can pop in to grab a quick snack or eat lunch at one of the hot food stands that dish out global cuisine. The market is one of London’s oldest and largest, dating back about 1,000 years.
Tower Bridge
That elaborate castle-like structure with two turrets over the River Thames – that’s Tower Bridge. Many people mix it up with London Bridge, a rather plain site just to the west.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the classic things to do on your first solo trip to London. The medieval castle on the River Thames was established some 1,000 years ago and has housed and protected royals over the centuries. It’s also home to the Crown Jewels and Royal Armouries.
Theater Scene
Catching a show is one of my favorite things to do in the city, whether I’m traveling in London alone or with friends. The West End near Piccadilly Circus is London’s answer to Broadway, packed with old-timey theaters and award-winning shows.
London Lookouts
Getting a view of the city skyline is one of the best solo things to do in London. There are a few different places you can do this.
London Eye
The giant observation wheel on the River Thames is the London Eye, which opened in 2000 and quickly became a city icon. Pods with windows all around offer 360-degree views of the Westminster district and beyond on a 30-minute ride.
Sky Garden
Dubbed “London’s highest public garden,” Sky Garden is a restaurant and public space in the old city. The skyscraper offers panoramic views and lush greenery from a glass dome at the top of the building. Free tickets can be reserved in advance to secure an entry time.
The Shard
The Shard is one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the city and offers some of the best views in London. At over 1,000 feet tall, it houses offices, restaurants, a hotel, and viewing platforms, including an open-air deck on floor 72 with sweeping panoramas. You need a ticket for the observatories, but restaurants and bars on the upper floors also offer fantastic vistas.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of my favorite outdoorsy things to do in London solo. The massive green space has lawns, walking and biking trails, sports courts, and rowboats on the Serpentine lake.
There are also tons of monuments and fountains to discover as you explore. The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is also held here during the holiday season.
Kensington Palace and Gardens
Located adjacent to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens holds the Serpentine Gallery with free art displays, and the Albert Memorial, a gilded Gothic tribute erected by Queen Victoria.
London Museums
Not only does London offer nearly 200 museums, but many are free. Museum hopping is such a fun thing to do in London alone.
The British Museum
The British Museum is home to an expansive collection of artifacts from across the globe. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, the museum's exhibits span centuries and continents. General admission is free, but it’s best to book a ticket in advance to guarantee entry.
Natural History Museum
The wonders of the natural world are on full display at the Natural History Museum, where you’ll encounter everything from massive dinosaur skeletons to rare gemstones. Outside, the peaceful Wildlife Garden presents a collection of native fauna and flora. Located in South Kensington, the free museum is part of a trio (along with the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum) on Exhibition Road.
Victoria and Albert Museum
A celebration of art, design, and craftsmanship, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a cultural haven in South Kensington with free admission and tours. With a collection of over 2 million objects, the museum houses a diverse array of artifacts, from exquisite textiles and fashion to ceramics and glass. Located in South Kensington near the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial, it’s named after the famous regal pair of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The National Gallery
Located at Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is a treasure trove of timeless masterpieces from Western Europe. With works spanning from the 13th to the 19th century, the gallery offers a chronological journey through the evolution of art, from the grandeur of Van Gogh to the elegance of Da Vinci. Entry is free and you can book admission in advance.
National Portrait Gallery
Capturing a piece of British history through the faces that helped shape it, the National Portrait Gallery stands as a unique tribute to portraiture. Located just off Trafalgar Square near The National Gallery, the museum houses an extensive collection of headshots, ranging from medieval monarchs to modern celebrities. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Tate Modern
Situated along the banks of the River Thames, the Tate Modern is housed in a repurposed power station. The free museum showcases an extensive collection of contemporary and international artworks, from avant-garde installations to groundbreaking sculptures. There’s also a sweeping view of the London skyline from the terrace on the 10th floor.
Shopping
You can’t solo travel to London and not do a bit of shopping! The city’s retail scene packs in everything from high-end department stores to historic covered markets to eclectic boutiques. Below are a few top picks, but I recommend checking out this list of shopping destinations, too.
Leadenhall Market, situated in the heart of the financial district, is a Victorian-era covered market known for its stunning architecture and upscale boutiques. Covent Garden in the West End brims with street performers, upscale restaurants, and the covered Apple Market artisanal stalls. Camden, known for its alternative and edgy vibe, boasts a bustling market where visitors can find unique fashion items, crafts, and eclectic treasures.
For those seeking luxury, Harrods stands as an iconic destination in Knightsbridge, renowned for its opulent displays and exclusive selections. I always love popping in to grab some chocolates or teas when I visit. Fortnum and Mason, with its rich heritage, offers a refined shopping experience, specializing in premium goods.
The bustling zones of Oxford Street and Regent Street, lined with flagship stores and renowned brands, cater to mainstream retail with a blend of street fashion and department stores.
Notting Hill
If you have a few days to solo travel London, I recommend spending an afternoon in Notting Hill. Made famous by the eponymous Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant rom-com, the area is known for its pretty pastel houses and the Portobello Road Market, where you’ll find vintage fashion and antiques.
The annual Notting Hill Carnival in summer nods to the Caribbean roots of the neighborhood with parades, colorful costumes, and calypso music.
25 Best Things to Put on Your Iceland Packing List
Wondering what to wear in Iceland? This Iceland packing list will point you to the best coats, comfiest boots and coziest sweaters to make sure you stay warm and dry during your visit to the Land of Fire and Ice.
This Iceland packing list will help get you ready for your trip with ideas for jackets, boots, and other things you need to add to the suitcase.
Wondering what to wear in Iceland? The question alone makes me want to grab a sweater and some fuzzy socks! In the weeks leading up to my fall trip, I pored over endless Iceland packing lists, weather reports, Instagram photos and jacket reviews to try to nail down exactly what Iceland clothing I would and would not need.
And it was challenging, since I’d see some pictures of people bundled up in heavy parkas and earmuffs and others with just a flannel shirt and some cute boots. A pretty drastic difference!
Here's the thing, Iceland is not as frigid as it sounds. The temperature in the lowlands stays fairly mild throughout the year, topping out in the 50s in summer and mainly dropping below freezing only in winter (which, admittedly, is a very long season in Iceland).
It can feel drastically colder or warmer, though, depending on factors like whether the sun is out, how close you are to the coast, how windy it is, whether it’s raining, whether you're riding a boat on a glacial lagoon, or climbing to the top of an Iceland waterfall. And since all of these variables can change within a day, or even a few minutes, you always need to be prepared to shed and add layers accordingly. It was almost like a game every time we got out of the car to guess which jacket, hat and gloves combo I would need for each site.
I visited in early October and was blessed with scarce rain and several sunny days, which is not always the norm for what's typically considered "early winter." The items on this Iceland packing list should have you covered pretty well, though, whether you're visiting Iceland in spring, summer or fall. Read on for what to wear in Iceland.
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What to Wear in Iceland Packing List
The Iceland packing list below is full of both practical items and outfit inspiration for your trip.
Coats and Jackets for Iceland
I wore my Obermeyer parka a lot more than I anticipated and it was super handy to throw on when we were hopping in and out of the car a lot for photo stops, instead of bundling up with a lot of separate fleece/down/jacket layers. My parka has a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm (which this article helped me to understand) and it kept me dry just fine in the light rain and waterfall mist that we experienced.
Boots for Iceland
Paired with wool socks, they were extremely comfortable and I loved how light they felt on my foot. The side zipper made them really easy to get off and on, but unfortunately made them not completely waterproof either. I still recommend them though if you need something budget-friendly or aren't planning on doing any hiking through water, as they held up just fine in snow, rain and waterfall spray.
Outfits and Sweaters for Iceland
Pajamas and Thermals for Iceland
Accessories for Iceland
Swimwear for Iceland
Extras
The Best Greece Packing List You Need to Use For Your Summer Vacation
This Greece packing list will help you prep for a vacation to Athens, Thessaloniki and the Greek Islands. Before you start loading up the backpack or suitcase, take a look at these tips for what to wear in Greece and this handy packing checklist. We’ll cover what types of activities to pack for, what weather to expect, and what you should never forget to bring. Plus, we’ll give outfit inspiration for all the sightseeing, beach hopping and hiking.
This packing list for Greece includes what to bring on vacation and what to wear in Greece for Athens and the islands.
Trying to figure out how to dress for exploring ruins, sailing around islands, hiking up mountains, and wandering the stone streets of cute villages in Greece? This Greece packing list will help you prep for each scenario.
Determining exactly what to pack for Greece depends a little on what time of year you plan to visit and the route of your Greece itinerary. Will you be road-tripping on the mainland between Athens and Thessaloniki, sailing to Santorini and Mykonos, or island hopping on your own to some less-touristy spots?
Since most vacations here take place around the dry summer season, we’re going to focus on packing for Greece during that time, with tips on what to wear in Greece in May, June, July, August, September and October.
Before you fill up the suitcase, scroll through this guide for photos and inspiration for how to dress in Greece and save the free Greece packing checklist at the bottom so you don’t leave anything behind.
Be sure to read to the end for packing tips like how much luggage to bring, what the weather might be like, and what types of activities to plan for.
Greece Packing List
I made this Greece packing list to help you prepare for your trip after spending two weeks at the tail end of summer exploring Athens, Santorini, Naxos and Milos. The guide for what to pack for Greece includes everything from outfit inspiration to the best type of luggage and which adaptors you’ll need for electronics. Keep reading for things to bring to Greece.
Swimwear
For island-hopping, beach days and sailing trips, you’ll want a couple of swimwear options on your Greece packing list. Also, pack some light coverups to layer on top for when you go to grab a quick bite or walk through town souvenir shopping.
Sightseeing Outfits
Pack a few casual and comfy outfits for brunching, sightseeing in picturesque villages, and touring historic sights. You might want to stick to shorts for exploring ruins and riding around on four-wheelers, but breezy sundresses and rompers are perfect for souvenir shopping in town. Dress in shades of blue to blend with the island vibes, or bright reds and yellows to pop against whitewashed backdrops.
Activewear
You should include at least one activewear outfit on your Greece packing list if you plan to do any hiking or exercising on vacation. You can tackle many trails in shorts and a tank, but a pair of leggings will help shield your skin from the sun and scratchy rocks if you’re climbing uphill.
Evening Outfits
Fancy clothes aren’t a requirement unless you like to dress up for dinner, but bring a couple of outfits to change into in the evening after long, hot days outdoors. If you’re on a cruise, you’ll want to pack formal wear, but otherwise sundresses, skirts or dress pants, and blouses should do just fine for strolling around after sunset. Evenings might be a little cooler and a lot of the islands have breezy, waterfront dining districts, so longer hemlines and a wrap or cardigan come in handy. On popular islands like Santorini, you’ll spot lots of tourists in flowy dresses to capture the perfect Instagram shot.
Footwear
At a minimum, you’ll want a pair of sandals for beaches and a comfy pair of walking shoes for sightseeing. Include supportive sneakers on your Greece packing list if you plan on doing any hiking and a dressier pair of flats or wedges for evenings if you have the space.
Accessories for Greece
If you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget to include a shady hat and sunglasses on your Greece packing checklist. Accessories help mix up outfits for light packers, and a Greece vacation is the perfect chance to break out the fun gold earrings, bangles, arm cuffs and statement necklaces. Keep your itinerary in mind — if you’re spending lots of time outdoors and at beaches in summer, you’ll probably want to keep the jewelry light or save it for dinner outings.
Gear and Extras
From beach gear to electronics, these are a few of the extra items you won’t want to forget to include on your Greece packing list. Many can be purchased in a pinch after you arrive, but things like sunscreen tend to cost more on the islands.
Important documents | Don’t forget your passport, wallet, cash and credit cards, international driver’s license if renting a car, insurance information, and ticket and hotel confirmations.
Greece Packing Tips
These packing tips for Greece include how to dress for the weather, the types of activities you should pack for, and what luggage is best for those old stone streets.
Greece Weather
The season and weather will greatly determine what should go on your Greece packing list. Summer is the hottest and driest season in Greece, with the southern mainland and islands getting next to no rain between June through September.
Athens is one of the warmest destinations in the middle of summer, with average highs peaking around 90 in July and August. The Greek Islands often top out in the 80s thanks to sea breezes, and evening temps typically drop into the 70s.
The shoulder months of May and October will be some 10 degrees cooler on average. In winter, lows can reach the 40s in Athens but don’t drop much below 50 on most islands. Late fall and winter is also the rainy season.
Up north, Thessaloniki sees highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s in the midst of summer. Winters drop to lows in the 30s and highs that average around 50. Spring and fall have pleasant daytime temps in the 60s. The area also sees more rain than down south throughout the year with the same drier season in summer.
This packing list works well for visits between about May through October, though you might want to add a light sweater and long pants or skirts on the outskirts of that time frame. If you’re doing a mainland trip anytime between October and April, you’ll want to ditch the swimwear and pack more jeans, sweaters, and closed-toe shoes. This packing list for Europe has more ideas.
Destinations and Activities in Greece
Where exactly you plan to go and how you opt to spend your time will certainly dictate what to include on your Greece packing list. Consider whether you’ll be visiting any islands or beaches, tackling mountainous hikes, dressing up for fancy dinners each evening, or touring lots of ruins outdoors in the hot sun.
If you’re mostly sticking to the mainland, you might only need a single bathing suit for hotel pools or an afternoon at the beach, while island trips will require at least a couple of swim options to alternate. Sightseeing calls for comfy walking shoes with shorts and t-shirts, while island-hopping suits more breezy sundresses and sandals.
Type of Luggage to Bring
If you plan on traveling between multiple cities or islands in Greece, consider packing on the lighter side. This makes it easier to haul your bags between destinations, plus it might save you baggage fees if you’re using any smaller regional airlines.
Using a large backpack, duffle bag or small suitcase you can easily lift will also help when navigating the narrow alleys and bumpy, stone streets in many island villages. Most Greece travel happens in summer when the weather is warm, which means smaller, lighter clothing for your Greece packing list. Plus, warm outdoors temps make it easy to wash items out in the sink and dry them overnight on your hotel balcony to wear again.
Greece Packing Checklist
This free Greece packing checklist has everything you need to remember to throw in the suitcase. You can save it to your Pinterest to remember what to bring to Greece on vacation.
5 of the Best Unique Places to Stay In Iceland
These cozy cabins and boutique hotels with views of lakes, glaciers and the Northern Lights are some of the most unique places to stay in Iceland. If you’re wondering where to stay in Iceland, these are recommendations we know you’ll love.
Some of the best places to stay in Iceland are out in the wilderness with lakes, waterfalls and the Northern Lights for neighbors.
Lakefront cabins under the Northern Lights, guesthouses on sheep farms, boutique hotels with waterfall views — these are just a few of the many unique places to stay in Iceland.
If you’re planning a road trip around the Nordic island, you may be wondering where to stay in Iceland outside of Reykjavik. While there are a few Icelandic chains like Fosshotel, Icelandair Hotels and Kea Hotels in populated areas, it’s just as common to encounter hostels, family-owned inns and scenic campgrounds, perfect for campervan road trips around the island.
For an October visit to Iceland, we decided to try out a few different styles of accommodations along a route that stretched as far east as Höfn and as far west as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is a little less than halfway around the Ring Road that circles the island. We wanted spots away from light pollution, for the best chance to see the aurora borealis.
Overall, we had positive experiences at each place and can recommend them all for being safe, clean and moderately priced for Iceland. We averaged less than $150 a night for accommodations in the low season. You might pay more in summer.
Check out these five unique places to stay in Iceland and scroll down to the bottom for tips on searching for and booking Iceland accommodations.
Read Next: This Iceland Packing Checklist Will Help You Prep for Your Trip
5 Unique Places to Stay in Iceland
These unique places to stay in Iceland are scattered around the island and include everything from private cottages on a lake to historic hostels.
Arnanes Country Hotel in Höfn
The cozy cabin vibes are strong here, with wood planked walls and minimalist decor, though you’ll still enjoy modern amenities like WIFI and a TV in most spaces. There are several accommodation sizes to choose from with and without private toilets, ideal for everyone from singles to small families. Bathrooms have soap, shampoo and hair dryers, and our room even had extra pillows.
On top of free tea and coffee in the rooms, there’s a complimentary, basic breakfast buffet in the hotel’s intimate seasonal restaurant. Additional places to eat are just a few minutes away in Höfn.
Nearby attractions: Höfn swimming pool (4 miles), Vestrahorn/Stokksnes Peninsula (6 miles), Hoffellsjökull glacier (8 miles), Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (45 miles), Vatnajokull National Park (80 miles, visitors center in Höfn, 4 miles)
Hotel Katla in Vik
The hotel has more than 100 rooms in few different sizes, including large suites for families or groups. In-room amenities include desks, TVs, WIFI, tea kettles and a range of shower supplies (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion and a hairdryer). There are a few buildings on the property with differing room styles. Some have a woodsy cabin look and others are more sleek and modern.
A free breakfast buffet is served in the hotel’s spacious restaurant and features a spread of meats, cheeses, baked goods, waffles and juices. With Vik nearby, you’ll have a handful of eatery options if you don’t want to dine from the hotel’s locally sourced menu, though you’ll definitely want to spend some time on the property soaking in the geothermal hot tub outside.
Nearby attractions: Reynisfjara Beach (10 miles), Dyrhólaey (15 miles), Skogafoss (25 miles), Laufskálavarða (21 miles), Eldhraun Lava Field (30 miles), Fjadrargljufur Canyon (40 miles)
Hotel Hella in Hella
The style of this property is an interesting blend with some sleek and modern areas, and others designed classically with floral wallpaper, sconces and antique-looking furniture. The long, narrow hall lined with bedroom doors even reminded me a bit of the hotel from “The Shining.” You can choose from single, double and triple rooms with WIFI and private baths (soap and shampoo provided but no hairdryer in our room), or book twin rooms with shared baths for a lower-budget option.
The hotel’s dining room serves a free breakfast buffet in the morning with delicious pastries, fresh bread, creamy spreads (like pepper and salmon), cereal and the typical Icelandic selection of meats and cheeses. There’s also a coffee and tea station you can help yourself to throughout the day. The gas station right next door has a dining area and a Quiznos (of all places) plus a selection of quick-fix meals and sandwiches. There’s also a supermarket steps away to stock up on picnic supplies.
Nearby attractions: Kerid crater and the Golden Circle (30 miles), Seljalandsfoss (21 miles), Skogafoss (38 miles), Haifoss (55 miles), Landmannalaugar (62 miles)
Lake Thingvellir Cottages in Thingvallavatn
Sitting on the centerpiece lake of Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir in Icelandic), Lake Thingvellir Cottages have jealousy-inducing views of the water and surrounding mountains. A little deck and wall of windows on each is perfect for soaking up the scenery indoors and out. Plus, with no towns around to provide night pollution, there’s great potential to spot the Northern Lights when they’re active.
Four fully equipped cottages with a tiny-house feel are available with a choice of one or two bedrooms, perfect for families and small groups. Towels and linens are provided, and there are cozy places to lounge and dine in the open and airy living space. Special touches like matching decorations and dishes and a guestbook to sign really put this place over the edge.
Each cabin has a mini kitchen stocked with just about anything you need to cook a toaster oven or stovetop meal. Supplies include everything from pots, cutting boards and can openers to olive oil, spices and hot drinks. If you grab some groceries in Reykjavik on the way here, you can stick them in the fridge and use the property as a home base for exploring the popular Golden Circle.
*Note: This property does not have a reception building, you have to call a phone number to check-in upon arrival.
Nearby attractions: Thingvellir National Park (2 miles), Silfra fissure (5 miles), Geysir (39 miles), Gullfoss (45 miles), Glymur (32 miles), Reykjavik (22 miles)
The Old Post Office Guesthouse in Grundarfjordur
Rooms for one to three people are clean and white, with amenities like desks, TVs and free WIFI. Some have shared baths and other private facilities. Our accommodations had a sink in the room and cute tote bags stuffed with a towel to carry your things back and forth to the shower. Ask for a room facing the ocean if possible.
Breakfast is not included here, but the shared kitchen downstairs is available to cook your own meals. We were definitely tempted to make some new friends when we woke up to the smell of bacon. The little seaside town of Grundarfjordur also has a handful of restaurants plus a grocery store with a hot dog counter (they were delicious).
Nearby attractions: Kirkjufellsfoss (1 mile), Skarðsvík Beach (25 miles), Saxholl Crater (27 miles), Djúpalónssandur Beach (36 miles), Londrangar (36 miles), Búðakirkja (23 miles), Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge (29 miles)
Tips for Where to Stay in Iceland
2. Accommodations tend to be more expensive and book up fast in summer, and you won’t always have a lot of choices in a particular locale. So if you find something you like, reserve it while you can (and pay attention to available cancellation policies in case you find something better).
3. Reception desks won’t be open 24/7 in most locations, so when you book, look for check-in instructions that tell you to arrive before a certain hour or call a number when you get there.
4. All of the unique Iceland accommodations above come with the basics like towels and bedding, but if you opt for a hostel, they might charge you a rental fee for linens.
5. Booking a property with a kitchen or free breakfast will help you save on one of the pricey parts of visiting Iceland — eating out. If you get creative, even just a coffee pot or electric kettle works for basic meals like ramen noodles, mac and cheese in a cup, or oatmeal.
Paris Bucket List: 50 of the Best Things to Do, See and Eat in Paris
From the dancing lights of the Eiffel Tower to famous art museums and Gothic churches, this Paris bucket list packs in 50 of the best landmarks, experience and views. Whether you’re looking for free things to do in Paris or the top luxury shopping districts, it’s all right here.
This Paris bucket list is packed with museums, cathedrals, historic sites and parks in the French City of Lights.
From the dancing lights of the Eiffel Tower to famous art museums and Gothic churches, this Paris bucket list packs in all the best Paris landmarks and experiences. Whether you’re after the best free things to do in Paris or the top luxury shopping districts, it’s all right here!
With 50 of the top things to see, do and eat in Paris, this list will help you design the perfect Paris itinerary for your first visit. We’ve broken it all down into categories, so you can scroll to the Paris activities that interest you the most, whether that’s famous monuments, impressionist art, shops and markets, or epic views.
There’s also a cheaper Paris Museum Pass with admission to dozens of museums and monuments around the city.
Keep reading for the top Paris bucket list landmarks to figure out what should soar to the top of your Paris itinerary!
Read Next: Add These 75 Landmarks and Experiences to Your London Bucket List
Paris Go City Pass
Grab your Paris Go City Pass here.
The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
This Paris bucket list is broken down into categories so you can quickly find the best things to do in Paris to fit your interests.
Paris Landmarks and Experiences
Seine Boat Tours
Sightseeing boat rides and twilight cruises on the Seine are a great way to soak up all the Paris views along the riverfront. Sailings after dark really paint a romantic picture of the City of Lights. A boat ride on the Seine is one of the best things to add to your Paris bucket list!
Eiffel Tower
Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris and around the world. It’s 1,063 feet tall with three levels of observation decks you can access via elevators. Stairs also go to the 2nd floor. The city panoramas from the top are spectacular, but you’ll also want to spend some time in the gardens on either side of the tower enjoying the views of the Iron Lady.
Louvre
Paris’ most famous museum holds one of the most famous paintings in the world — the “Mona Lisa.” Most tourists come here just to see Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, crowding into the room where the small portrait is housed. The rest of the massive art museum holds a wealth of paintings from other European icons, as well as Greek and Egyptian antiquities.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris has been a symbol of Paris since the 13th century. You can admire the Gothic exterior from the courtyard or Square Rene Viviani, on the left bank of the Seine in the Latin Quarter or venture inside to tour the crypt.
Sainte-Chapelle
Near the famous Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle also dates to Gothic days but has a much different appearance inside with 15 windows full of stained glass. More than 1,000 panes display colorful bible scenes that dazzle when the sun shines through.
Arc de Triomphe
One of the most famous monuments in Paris, Arc de Triomphe was built during the early 1800s Napoleon era. The arched structure in the middle of a traffic circle is nearly 165 feet tall and has breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower from a terrace at the top. This one is definitely Paris bucket list worthy.
Sacre-Coeur
The white domes that pop up from the Paris skyline belong to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, which sits high on a hill overlooking the city. Because of its elevation, the courtyard here is a popular place to soak up city views, as you can see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and other landmarks. You can also pop into the church for a look around and climb up into one of the domes for a fee.
Read Next: These London Day Trips Include Castles and Cliffs
Pont Alexandre III
The lavish Pont Alexander III bridge over the Seine draws tourists for both its ornate details and spectacular views toward the Eiffel Tower. It was built at the end of the 19th century and has Art Nouveau lamps, golden statues on carved posts, and an arched structure.
Arts and Culture
Musée Rodin
Fans of French sculptor Auguste Rodin will appreciate the pieces at this museum dedicated to his works. You can walk around a sculpture garden just outside.
Palais Garnier
Dating to 1875, the Palais Garnier opera house hosts music and dance performances in an auditorium adorned with a colorful ceiling and elaborate chandelier. It’s perhaps most famous as the setting for the story of the “Phantom of the Opera,” and on tours of the interior, you can pop by the box reserved for the phantom.
Musée d’Orsay
One of Paris’ top art museums, Musée d’Orsay is known for its impressionist collection from French and other European artists like Renoir, Van Gogh and Monet. It’s located in a former Beaux-Arts train station that was built for the 1900 world’s fair in Paris.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Located near the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement, Musée de l’Orangerie is best known as the home of Monet’s famous “Water Lilies” paintings. The collection here includes impressionist and post-impressionist works.
Petit Palais
One of a pair of palaces built for the 1900 world’s fair in Paris, Petit Palais is stunning from the outside and has a garden courtyard within the walls. It’s also home to a fine arts museum with a collection from the Renaissance through the 1900s.
Dali Paris
As the name implies, Dali Paris holds a permanent collection of about 300 Salvador Dali works, including sculptures and engravings by the Spanish surrealist.
Moulin Rouge
Established in the late 19th century, Moulin Rouge is known for its cabaret performances and the giant windmill that adorns the exterior. Just outside the Montmartre neighborhood, it still puts on lively and colorful music and dance shows for tourists.
Picasso Museum
The art museum dedicated to Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso is located in a 17th-century building in Le Marais. The gallery includes some 5,000 works as well as the artist’s own collection.
Historic Sites
Place de la Concorde
Marking the east end of Champs-Elysees on the border of the 1st and 8th arrondissements, Place de la Concorde is a historic public square dating to the 18th century. Decorated with fountains and a tall Egyptian obelisk, the large square was used as the execution site of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI during the French revolution. It’s now a busy traffic circle and tourist zone.
Conciergerie
Dating to the middle ages, the Conciergerie building has been a palace and prison, but now mostly holds judicial offices and courtrooms. Parts of it are open to the public as a national monument.
Les Invalides
This complex in the 7th arrondissement has museums dedicated to the Army of France, to 20th-century history, and to military models and maps. The Dôme des Invalides, the tallest church in Paris at some 350 feet, is also here and holds the tomb of Napoleon and other notable French military members.
Catacombs
An underground labyrinth of tunnels, the Catacombs of Paris hold the remains of millions of residents in former quarries. This may not be an attraction that appeals to all, but it certainly holds a wealth of Parisian history.
Pantheon
Built in the 18th century, the picturesque Pantheon has Corinthian columns and a huge domed roof. Originally intended as a church, it quickly transitioned into a mausoleum for famous French citizens like Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Even if you don’t have the time or interest in touring the interior, it’s worth pausing at for photos as you wander the 5th Arrondissement.
Musée de Montmartre
This niche museum in the Montmartre neighborhood is housed in a 17th-century building where Renoir and other artists once lived. The collection is full of artworks that preserve the legacy and culture of Montmartre.
Grand Palais
Facing Petit Palais on Avenue Winston Churchill, the Grand Palais was also built for the 1900 world’s fair and later served as a military hospital. Now, it holds exhibition halls and museums and has a jaw-dropping glass roof.
French National Museum of Natural History
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle is the natural history museum of France, located in a complex that includes botanical gardens and a zoological park. Come here for things like rare plants and dino skeletons.
Paris Neighborhoods
Latin Quarter
Located mostly in the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter of Paris is home to the historic Sorbonne university and packs in sidewalk cafes, tiny bookshops and Gothic churches. Boulevard Saint-Michel and Boulevard Saint-Germain contain a busy chunk of the action, but there are also tons of narrow streets and winding alleys to get lost on. Walking around this district is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This neighborhood along Boulevard Saint-Germain is full of antique shops, vintage bookstores and popular cafes. Sipping coffee and people-watching is a pastime here, especially at spots like Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, both known by tourist crowds thanks to their famous former regulars like Hemingway and Picasso.
Canal Saint-Martin
Centered around a canal that connects down to the Seine, the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood in the 10th arrondissement is the perfect spot for a walk or bike ride away from the main tourist hub. Streets on either side of the canal are lined with boutiques and eateries, while the tree-shaded waterfront is perfect for picnicking and people-watching.
Le Marais
Full of 17th-century mansions once occupied by the likes of Victor Hugo and other French authors and aristocrats, Le Marais is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement on the right bank. Here you’ll find green neighborhood squares with fountains and sculptures and trendy boutiques and handicraft shops.
Montmartre
The whole neighborhood of Montmartre belongs on your Paris bucket list! A favorite for its hilltop views and boho vibes, Montmartre in the 18th packs in antique and vintage shops, small theater venues, and street artists performing in cozy squares. The most famous destination here is the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, but you can also visit the Dali Paris museum and Musée de Montmartre.
Paris Food
Macarons from Laduree
The macarons from Laduree are in just about every Paris guidebook, and they are indeed the perfect sampling of the favorite French treat. Laduree has locations all over the city in just about every tourist zone, including on Rue Cler near the Eiffel Tower, along the Champs-Elysees, on Boulevard Haussmann near Galeries Lafayette, and a block from Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
Michelin-Starred Restaurant
With its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris is the perfect place for an evening of fine dining, if you want to pay the hefty price tag. The city has over 100 restaurants with one, two and three-star ratings.
Les Deux Magots
This popular Paris bucket list cafe in Saint-Germain-des-Pres opened in 1885 and is known as the former hangout of arts and literary giants like Picasso and Hemingway. Today, tourists hoping to recapture some of that atmosphere crowd into the sidewalk tables for espresso.
Cafe de Flore
Like its neighbor Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore is one of the oldest in the city, dating to the 1880s. And also like its neighbor, it has long attracted big names in art, literature and philosophy. It still draws crowds today for chats over croissants and coffee.
Crepes, Croissants and Baguettes
Can you visit Paris and not carbo-load? You won’t have trouble spotting a bakery on every corner to grab a flaky pastry each morning and baguettes for picnics. And you can find sweet and savory crepes cooked fresh by street vendors and counter-service cafes all over the city. They make the perfect grab-and-go meal during a busy sightseeing day.
Paris Shopping
Champs-Elysees
The most famous shopping street in Paris, Champs-Elysees draws hoards of tourists curious to wander by the luxury stores along the tree-lined avenue. In addition to pricey outposts for high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier, you’ll also find more attainable retailers including Zara and H&M.
Triangle d'Or
If shopping (or window shopping) for luxury goods is on your bucket list for Paris, you’ll want to stroll the streets in the Triangle d’Or. The haute couture hub near the Champs-Elysees in the 8th centers around Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue Francois 1er. Here you’ll find flagships for names like Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Hermes and so many more.
Boulevard Saint-Germain
The wide Boulevard Saint-Germain runs through the 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissements. The Saint-Germain-des-Pres zone in the 6th is particularly known for antiques, galleries and bookshops.
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Galeries Lafayette and Boulevard Haussman
The upmarket Galeries Lafayette department store has its flagship on Boulevard Haussman in the 9th. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, stop in to see the Art Nouveau building with its central glass and steel dome. You’ll find other lux shops and department stores nearby along Boulevard Haussman.
Rue Cler
A few blocks from the Eiffel Tower in the 7th, Rue Cler has a pedestrian street market where locals and tourists come for fresh produce, flowers and sweets. There are a few cafes tucked along the stone lane, too.
Shakespeare and Company
In the Latin Quarter just across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is housed in a tiny shop that used to be part of a 17th-century monastery. The bookstore is well-known and popular, but that doesn’t take away from its charm. The inside is crammed with stacks of new and used books, and you can wander upstairs to cozy reading nooks.
Parks and Squares
Luxembourg Garden
With a palace, gardens, athletic fields, a museum and historic monuments, Jardin du Luxembourg is packed with activity but also makes a peaceful respite from the city buzz. Spread over about 55 acres in the 6th, it’s perfect for an afternoon stroll on shady paths or a picnic on chairs surrounding a feature pond in front of the Luxembourg Palace.
Place des Vosges
This pretty square in Le Marais is one of the oldest in Paris, dating to the 1600s. Under the shady trees, benches invite parkgoers to sit and enjoy the views of fountains and the surrounding red brick buildings. Victor Hugo lived in an adjacent apartment, which is now a museum dedicated to the author.
Champ de Mars
Tree-lined walking paths and long green lawns mark the Champ de Mars, a public park leading to the Eiffel Tower. This is where you come for a Parisian baguette and cheese picnic in the shadow of the Iron Lady.
Jardin des Plantes
Paris’ riverfront botanical gardens in the 5th have walking paths lush with greenery and trees. The large park includes a bushy labyrinth, flower gardens, 19th-century greenhouses and museums for geology and natural history.
Tuileries Garden
Next to the Louvre along the Seine, Jardin des Tuileries dates to the 17th century. It fills the space between the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel monument and Place de la Concorde square with green lawns, historic statues and reflective ponds.
Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont
This elevated pedestrian path traces an old railway line in the 12th and is akin to the High Line in New York, with lots of leafy greenery along the way. It runs from the Opera Bastille to Bois de Vincennes, a huge suburban park next to a 14th-century castle.
Best Paris Views
Eiffel Tower Decks
Sunsets from the 906-foot-high 3rd-floor deck of the Eiffel Tower paint the city skyline in golden hues, a magical Paris bucket list experience. If you arrive in the late afternoon, you’ll get to admire the panoramic vistas from each level in daylight, too. When it gets dark, head back down to the Champ de Mars lawns to see the Eiffel Tower’s dancing light show from below.
Jardins du Trocadéro
Located on the opposite bank of the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, Jardins du Trocadero is a popular photography spot, thanks to the views of the Iron Lady with greenery, fountains and a carousel in the foreground. The park is surrounded by a complex of museums and has fountains running down the center.
Montparnasse Tower
The city’s highest rooftop viewing terrace, Montparnasse Tower is a great spot to snap photos of the skyline with the Eiffel Tower. The observation deck is 650-feet up. Visit just before sunset to enjoy daylight and twilight vistas.
Seine Riverfront
Walking along the riverfront of the Seine, you’ll find many pretty views of the city and the Eiffel Tower, especially in the 1st and 8th. My favorite spot is by the Pont Alexandre III bridge, where you can photograph the elaborate arched structure with boats gliding by and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Sacre Coeur Courtyard
Thanks to its elevated position a few miles north of the Seine, the courtyard of the Sacre Coeur Basilica features picture-perfect views of the Paris skyline. Since a series of steps lead uphill to the church, you can try different spots along the way to look for the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and other recognizable landmarks.
Top of Notre Dame
Though closed for the next few years, the roof of Notre Dame was once one of the best spots to look out over Paris. With a ticket, guests could climb steps up toward the bell towers and see the gargoyles that adorn the church up close. The sweeping views take in the old rooftops of the Latin Quarter, the Seine riverfront and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Arc de Triomphe Terrace
At the top of the Arc de Triomphe, a viewing deck has panoramic views of the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. You have to climb steps to reach the lookout.
The Best 5 Days in Greece Itinerary for First-Timers
Ancient ruins, postcard-perfect hillside villages, spectacular cyan sea — it’s all on the docket for this 5 days in Greece itinerary. You’ll visit Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, and a Greek island, either popular Santorini for stunning sunsets and caldera cliffs or quiet Milos for breathtaking beaches and rugged adventures. It’s a 5 day Greece vacation you’ll want to repeat every year.
This 5 days in Greece itinerary includes Athens and the Greek islands for a vacation that combines history and culture with breathtaking seaside scenes.
Ancient ruins, picture-perfect hillside villages, spectacular beaches spilling into the cyan sea — it’s all in store on this 5 day Greece itinerary.
You’ll start with a couple of nights in Athens, the storied capital of Greece with a legacy preserved in its timeworn temples and citadels. Located in the southern part of the country, it’s also the perfect launching point for the Greek islands, the next destination on this 5 day Greece itinerary.
I’ve included two island suggestions below that might appeal to different types of travelers. Santorini, a bucket-list buster, is all about the cliffside views, sparkling villa pools, and Instagram-perfect villages that bring hoards of crowds in summer. You can mix things up a bit, though, with boat rides, hiking and some distinct black and red beaches.
Milos, on the other hand, feels much quieter and more authentic than Santorini, thanks to limited cruise ship visits. It’s just as stunning though, with cute fishing hamlets, white stucco towns, and some of the prettiest coastline I’ve ever seen. Among the hoards of Milos beaches are easily accessible sandy ones with tourist amenities and natural rugged landscapes that reward adventurers with a private slice of paradise.
Keep reading for a Greece 5 day itinerary, or if you have a little longer to stay, consider these 7 days in Greece and 10 days in Greece vacation plans to pack in more island hopping.
5 Day Greece Itinerary
Days 1-2: Athens
Days 3-5: Santorini or Milos
Greece Itinerary: 5 Days in Athens and the Greek Islands
Use this 5 days in Greece itinerary to plan out what to see and do in Athens, Santorini and Milos. I’ve included a blend of historic ruins, charming villages and sun-soaked beaches.
Day 1-2 — Athens
One of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is jam-packed with ancient ruins of temples, arenas and markets. With just two days in Athens on a five day Greece itinerary, you can see most of the top historical attractions with time for a couple of museums or some shopping as well.
Most of the ruins listed below are included in a combo pass sold at the accompanying ticket offices. This typically costs less than individual entry during the summer high season.
If your ferry or flight for the islands leaves on day two, you may want to follow our one day in Athens itinerary instead. The tips section at the bottom includes info on traveling around Greece.
Athens Ruins
Perched on a flat hilltop in downtown Athens, the 5th-century BC Acropolis was a hub of ancient Greek art and philosophy and contains such famous landmarks as the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike and Theatre of Dionysus. As perhaps the most famous attraction in the city, the citadel is typically crowded, so visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best experience.
Just below the Acropolis and outside the ticketed area, Areopagus Hill hosted an ancient court and meeting place and is mentioned in the Bible book of Acts. You can climb up the rocky slopes for panoramic views over the city and up toward the Acropolis — both particularly scenic around sunset.
Dating to the 2nd century AD, Hadrian’s Library was constructed by the Roman emperor of the era. The grounds here hosted a courtyard with water features and a building to store scrolls and host meetings. Among the ruins, you’ll find a few original columns, a restored wall from the library, and the stones of old churches built on the grounds through the years. You can enter with the Athens combo pass.
A gathering space and market from around the 1st century, the Roman Agora has ties to such famous names as Julius Caesar and Augustus, who are thought to have funded parts of it. Along with scattered remains, the impressively intact Tower of the Winds still stands — the ancient structure a sort of sundial clock tower with a weather vane. The Athens combo pass is accepted here.
The Ancient Agora of Athens at the base of the Acropolis once was used as a public space for social, political and commercial purposes. The reconstructed Stoa of Attalos served as the marketplace but now holds a museum. The 400s BC Temple of Hephaestus still stands to this day, its column structure among the most well-preserved Greek temples of its kind. The Athens combo ticket includes this site.
Hadrian’s Gate from the 2nd century formed an entryway along an ancient Athenian road to the nearby temple dedicated to Zeus. Today it stands along a busy street between buzzing neighborhoods filled with historic ruins.
The footprint of the supersized Temple of Olympian Zeus can be seen with a few giant columns that still stand or lay on this site. Built in the 2nd century during the Roman era, it was among the largest temples of the day. The Athens combo ticket is accepted here.
Athens Museums
Just next to Acropolis Hill, this accompanying museum holds artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age uncovered at the site. Visitors can also see some of the surrounding ancient neighborhood in excavation areas that have been left uncovered for observation. Tickets for the Acropolis Museum are not included with Acropolis entry.
One of the top museums in the city, the National Archeological Museum displays centuries of Greek treasures. The collection includes some 11,000 or more exhibits from the Stone Age through late antiquity, with pieces including sculptures, statues, glassworks and more.
Athens Sightseeing
The center of a buzzing neighborhood filled with tourist shops, sidewalk eateries, and a flea market, Monastiraki Square sits in the shadow of Acropolis hill to the north. Head to one of the rooftop dining rooms for clear views of the landmark — it’s especially scenic around sunset.
At the northeast base of the Acropolis, Plaka packs jewelry stores, souvenir vendors, boutiques and Greek cafes into scenic streets. The Anafiotika neighborhood here is particularly picture-worthy, with white-painted buildings giving off Greek island village vibes.
Relatively new amongst the ruins of the old city, the Panathenaic Stadium was built on the grounds of an ancient arena and is constructed with local marble to honor its legacy. The site is notable for hosting the first of the modern-era Olympic competitions at the close of the 19th century. With a ticket, tourists can walk on the track and wander the stadium.
Syntagma Square fronts the former Royal Palace, now the Hellenic Parliament headquarters, with its Tomb of the Unknown Soldier attended by the Presidential Guard. The square is open to the public, with welcoming lawns and benches.
Where to Stay in Athens
Day 3-5 — Santorini
Santorini is famed for its stunning white villages like Oia and Fira spilling down high cliffs that sit above a volcanic caldera. The island tops many travelers’ bucket lists, so it pairs nicely with Athens for a 5 day itinerary to Greece.
It is one of the most touristy islands, though, so if you prefer fewer crowds, scroll down to the Milos section to learn about a less-traveled option. This is what we recommend for 3 days in Santorini.
Santorini Villages
One of the most-photographed spots in all of Greece, pretty Oia perches cliffside on the northern end of the caldera coast, its white skyline accented with blue church domes, glistening villa pools, and a windmill.
Most folks come here for the dramatic (but crowded) sunsets or for shopping and dining along the pristine stone streets. This list of things to do in Oia has tons of other ideas though, like hiking volcanic ridges, swimming in a bay and taking a photo tour.
The capital of Santorini, Fira also is the welcome point for cruisers, sitting high above an old dock (you can ride a donkey or take a cable car up from the harbor). The shopping and dining scene here is on point for tourists, but there’s also a collection of cultural highlights, like the Archaeological Museum and Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
Imerovigli lies between the two popular cities above, along the Fira to Oia walking trail that traces the northern end of the caldera coast. It’s a lot quieter than the other villages in this zone, with fewer restaurants and stores, but it still brims with gorgeous views, especially from the tip of Skaros Rock that you can hike out to from town.
Santorini Ruins
Dating to around the 8th or 9th century BC, the remains of Ancient Thera perch on Mesa Vouno Mountain on the east side of the island. With a ticket, you can tour the ruins of the settlement to see old temples, markets and spas.
In the southern half of Santorini, Bronze Age Akrotiri was destroyed by a volcanic eruption centuries ago that froze the buildings and artifacts in time. The covered excavation site is open to tour for a fee.
The 1890s Akrotiri Lighthouse guards the southwestern end of the island. The inside is closed, but you can wander the grounds to see the white-painted beacon high on the cliffs surrounded by sea. Facing west, it’s the perfect spot to watch a sunset.
Santorini Beaches
Santorini’s beaches may not be the spectacularly soft and pale variety like some Greek Islands, but they certainly are one-of-a-kind, especially the picturesque Red Beach. Located on the south coast, it looks just as it sounds — red cliffs tumble straight down into a similarly-hued bayfront that rolls into the cyan sea.
It’s ideal for a unique beach day or for a quick photo stop. Many Santorini boat tours also pop by here for the scenery and swimming.
Black beaches are a common thread along the east coast of Santorini. Look for names like Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos for beach days, as they are equipped with tourist amenities like loungers and umbrella rentals, water sports equipment, and nearby cafes.
Where to Stay in Santorini
This guide to Santorini hotels and neighborhoods will help you pick the perfect locale.
Day 3-5 — Milos
What Milos lacks compared to Santorini in the way of cliffside villages it far makes up for in rugged coastline, a wealth of stunning beaches, and plentiful empty spaces to explore. It also has picture-perfect white villages, so you won’t miss out on any Greek island charm. Plus, it’s way less crowded than its more popular neighbors.
It’s the ideal option for those who like to get off the beaten path a bit without sacrificing creature comforts. These are a few of the top things to do in Milos on a 5 day Greece itinerary.
Milos Villages
Port town Adamas is the commercial hub of the island, with shops and cafes in white-painted buildings lining the harbor on a bay. In the town, you can visit the Milos Mining Museum, check out a couple of churches, and dine at breezy waterfront restaurants. It’s a good base on the island, as island buses and many boat tours depart from here.
Hilltop Plaka has all the pretty Greek island village vibes you could hope for — whitewashed buildings, stone streets and alleys, bougainvillea spilling down awnings and walls. It’s elevated locale also means stunning views of the Milos bay and the sea beyond.
Walk up even higher to the Venetian Plaka castle ruins and you’ll be treated to 360-degree panoramas over the whole island from a little church courtyard. Elsewhere about town, the Archaeological Museum of Milos displays historic artifacts discovered on the island.
The old fishing villages of Klima and Mandrakia front opposite coastlines some 10 minutes apart but share a similar vibe and peaceful atmosphere. Klima once was a bustling harbor on the Milos bay in ancient times, but today is mostly abandoned but for a couple of shops and restaurants.
The boat garages here housed in white buildings are painted with perfectly coordinating vibrant doors and balconies. Mandrakia’s boat houses are splashed with shades of blue, on a small cove on the northern coast. The tiny village is also mostly empty, with a little white church, a cafe and some vacation rentals.
Pollonia on the northeastern tip of the island has a beachfront of golden sand and a handful of restaurants and shops along a bay. It’s a peaceful little zone to stay in on the island, with fishing boats bobbing in the marina and white villas and hotels renting rooms.
Milos Ruins
The Ancient Theater of Milos dates to around the 1st to 4th century, during the Roman occupation. It was made of marble and is well-preserved, perched hillside above the sea overlooking a historic fishing port. Visitors can explore the grounds and auditorium for free, and there are a few plaques to read. A sign on the walkway down to the theater marks the spot where the famous statue “Venus de Milo” was also discovered.
Dating to the 1st century, the Catacombs of Milos are near the theater on the eastern coast of the island’s bay. Back during the Roman occupation, early Christians used the burial site as an underground refuge. Visitors can tour a few of the chambers for a small fee.
Milos Beaches
Milos is packed with stunning beaches and bays, some sandy and others rocky, some easily accessible and others only reached by boat. The south coast, in particular, will have your jaw-dropping with its cliff-backed beaches. Firiplaka boasts pink, yellow and red cliffs that drop down to a wide turquoise bay.
Neighboring Tsigrado on a tiny cove requires a climb down steep rocks to reach the secluded spot. Beaches like Paliochori, Agia Kiriaki and Provatas are a bit easier to reach and offer tourist amenities like rentals and cafes.
For something completely one-of-a-kind, head to Sarakiniko. Known as Moon Beach, the cliffs and rocks on the northern coast here are chalky and white, with smooth wavy surfaces reminiscent of a lunar landscape.
There are also cliffs that drop straight into the sea, natural bridges and caves, and a shipwreck that juts out of the water. Sarakiniko is perfect for a beach day, with places to hop in the water for swimming or snorkeling and lots of ground to explore.
You’ll either need to do some rugged hiking or hop on a boat to get to Kleftiko — we highly recommend the option on the sea. Kleftiko is one of the prettiest spots not only on Milos but in all the Greek islands. Rock tunnels, caves and salt-splashed cliffs fill a little cove of pool-clear turquoise water. Catamaran tours pause here for an hour or two so passengers can snorkel and swim through the different formations.
Another unique formation best reached via sailing tour, Sykia Cave is on the remote western end of the island. The ceiling of this cavern crumbled in, so sunlight fills the emerald lagoon. You have to swim or row in via an opening from the sea as large boats don’t fit, but there are rocks and boulders to rest and lounge on once inside.
Where to Stay in Milos
This guide to where to stay in Milos will help narrow down the best options.
Tips for a 5 Days in Greece Itinerary
Use these tips to plan the best 5 day Greece itinerary this summer. We’ve included tips for the weather, packing, and more.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
Everyone seems to flock to Greece in summer, and it’s understandable given that beating sunshine and pretty water. But, this is the busiest time, and crowds can be heavy in popular places like Athens and Santorini.
If you’re flexible, shoulder months like May, October and even September mean far fewer tourists and weather still warm enough for beach days and boat rides.
Where to Go for 5 Days in Greece
It’s so hard to pick where to go first in Greece, what with all the historic cities and hundreds of islands in the Aegean Sea. If you want to visit the bucket-list toppers first, you can’t go wrong with Athens and Santorini, just be prepared for large crowds in both destinations, especially around summer.
We included less-busy Milos on this itinerary for a worthy change of pace, and we also love Naxos, the largest Cyclades island.
Where to Fly Into for a Greece Trip
At least from the United States, routes to Athens are typically cheaper than flying to one of the islands like Santorini or Mykonos. From the capital city you can hop on ferries or short flights out to the islands.
How to Island Hop in Greece
From Athens to Santorini or Milos, you can book a ferry or a direct flight. Flights take less than an hour while ferries can be as fast as three hours from Athens to Milos and less than five to Santorini. Ferries connect many of the islands in Greece, but flights typically require a layover back in Athens.
What to Pack for Greece
This packing guide for Greece includes info on the weather, seasons, types of activities, and destinations to pack for.
How to Plan the Best One Day in Athens Itinerary This Year
With just one day in Athens Greece, you can see the famous hilltop Acropolis, temple ruins, one-of-a-kind museums, and picturesque Greek neighborhoods. Many of the top sites and oldest ruins in the capital city are concentrated in a walkable area, so with an early start and a plan, you can get a solid overview of Athens in a day. This 1 day in Athens itinerary starts with a breakdown of the most popular things to do and see and suggests a few different ways to visit the ones that interest you most.
This one day in Athens itinerary highlights the best things to do in the ancient city of a quick visit.
Ancient ruins, gorgeous city panoramas, one-of-a-kind museums — it’s possible to see it all with just one day in Athens Greece. From the famous hilltop Acropolis and its temples to the remains of libraries, markets and traditional villages, the Greek capital bursts with historic gems.
While there’s certainly enough to do here to justify a longer stay, you’d be surprised how much you can fit into a day in Athens. Many of the top sites and oldest ruins in the city are concentrated in a walkable area, so with an early start and a plan, you can at least get a solid overview of Athens in a day.
This 1 day in Athens itinerary starts with a breakdown of the most popular things to do and see and then suggests a few different ways to visit the ones that interest you most. Whether you’re really into history and museums, want to sneak in some outdoor adventures and epic views, or prefer casual shopping and sightseeing, you’ll find an Athens one day itinerary below that fits.
And if you’re just swinging by the city on a longer vacation, be sure to check out these itineraries for 10 days in Greece, 7 days in Greece and 5 days in Greece, which include Athens and island hopping!
Read Next: This Free Checklist Will Help You Plan a Trip Abroad
Top Things to See With One Day in Athens
Use this planning guide and map to make the most of your one day in Athens itinerary. I’ve included the best things to do and how long you should plan to spend at each spot. Scroll to the end to see a few different ways to arrange these activities to focus on different interests.
National Archaeological Museum
Thousands of exhibits at the National Archaeological Museum showcase the Stone Age through to late antiquity. The huge collection of Greek artifacts include sculptures, statues, jewelry and vases of metal, terracotta and glass. You’ll see pieces from ancient Troy, the Peloponnese islands, Egypt and more.
There’s an entry fee and hours vary by season and day, so check the website before your visit. This is one of the top museums to visit if you just have one day in Athens. Allow a couple of hours for an overview.
Mount Lycabettus
At nearly 1,000-feet tall, Mount Lycabettus is the highest peak in downtown Athens. There are trails and stairs to the top, where you’ll find a lookout deck, a small white church, and a restaurant.
It typically takes less than an hour to walk up, but you can pay to ride a cable car instead. The platform is popular around sunset, with sweeping views out to the sea. This is one of the best spots to get a view of the city if you only have one day in Athens.
Acropolis
Of all the places to visit with just one day in Athens, the Acropolis should soar to the top of the list. Sitting on a flat-topped rock hill, it’s the centerpiece of downtown Athens, visible from many points in the city.
The citadel dates to the 5th century BC and holds such famous landmarks as the columned Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, honoring the patron goddess of Athens. Other notable structures on top and spilling down the slopes include the Erechtheion temple for Athena and Poseidon, the 6th-century BC Theatre of Dionysus, and the 2nd-century Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheater where concerts still are held.
Allow a couple of hours here and visit either first thing in the morning or at the end of the day to avoid the hoards of crowds and hottest temps. You can skip waiting in the ticket line if you purchase the combo pass for historic sites in Athens from one of the less busy attractions like the Roman Agora or Temple of Olympian Zeus. Scroll down to the tips section for more info on the pass.
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum holds a treasure trove of artifacts discovered on the hill and dating back as far as the Bronze Age. Located at the base of the Acropolis, the grounds include excavation areas of the ancient surrounding neighborhood that visitors can see in a few places.
The entrance fee is not included with Acropolis tickets, so check the details and hours here. This is one of the best museums to include on a short Athens itinerary for 1 day.
Areopagus Hill
Once the meeting site of an ancient court and council in Athens, Areopagus Hill sits in a rocky mount on the northwest foothills of the Acropolis. It’s just a quick stop — you can climb up it for views of the ruins and of the city, and it’s a popular spot to watch the sunset as well.
Plaka
This historic district is located below Acropolis Hill on the northeast side. You’ll likely pass through on your way from one site to the next, but if you want to spend a little more time, you can also shop for souvenirs at the kitschy tourist vendors or stop for lunch or coffee at sidewalk eateries.
The Anafiotika neighborhood here is worth a brief sightseeing diversion with its Greek-island style white cubed buildings.
Roman Agora
Once a public marketplace around the 1st century BC, the Roman Agora would have been filled with vendors around an open courtyard. The remains of the ancient gathering place are open for visitors to wander — there’s a fee but it’s included with the Acropolis combo ticket.
You can actually see much of this site from the perimeter outside the gates though, including the octagon-shaped Tower of the Winds, which had a sundial and weather vane. If you’re ruin-hopping during your one day in Athens, you can keep this one to around 30 minutes.
Hadrian’s Library
Dating to the 2nd century AD, Hadrian’s Library was built by the Roman emperor Hadrian. The grounds featured a courtyard and pool, but all that remains today is a few columns, a restored wall and the ruins of some churches built here in later years.
This ticketed site also comes with the combo pass for Athens and you’ll only need 30 minutes or so to visit on a short one day Athens itinerary.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora is one of the more remarkable collections of ruins remaining in Athens, and you should plan to spend a couple of hours wandering the grounds here. This site has been a central zone of the city since around 3000 BC, holding everything from residential complexes to markets.
The ruins uncovered here outline a public space for religious, social and commercial uses. The Stoa of Attalos, which was a covered market, has been reconstructed to hold a museum. The best-preserved structure, though, is the Temple of Hephaestus from the 400s BC, which still stands in original form.
Entrance to the Agora comes with the Athens combo ticket. Even on a quick one day in Athens itinerary, I would recommend carving out a couple of hours to explore this site.
Monastiraki Square
During the day, Monastiraki Square is full of sightseers, street vendors and a flea market, while the blocks around it pack in tourist shops and open-air restaurants. The neighborhood hardly calms after dark though, so visit here by day or night to revel in the scene.
Since it’s located on the northern side of Acropolis with a clear view toward the hill, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset. A few of the buildings around the square have rooftop terraces and dining rooms where you can grab a coffee or dinner looking out over the buzzing town at the foot of the Acropolis.
To maximize your one day in Athens, you can enjoy the views here by having dinner at one of the restaurants around the square.
Hadrian’s Gate
The Arch of Hadrian sits just outside the Temple of Olympian Zeus along a busy street. It was built of marble during the time of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century over an ancient road. It’s not much more than a brief photo stop while you’re walking around Athens.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Some 15 Corinthian columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus still stand, giving a small glimpse at just how giant this structure was in ancient days. One of the largest temples of its era, it was built in the 2nd century.
You’ll need a ticket to walk around the site, but it’s included in the combo pass you can buy for the Acropolis. This visit can be kept to 30 minutes or less on a tight agenda during a day in Athens.
Panathenaic Stadium
Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium hosted the 1896 Olympics, the first modern-day edition of the contest. Athletic pursuits existed on this site long before though, as the grounds once held an ancient arena.
The current stadium speaks to that legacy, made of local marble as the original would have been. Visitors can run the track and tour the stadium here for an entrance fee.
National Garden
Lush with trees, plants and ponds, the Athens National Garden is a peaceful respite in the middle of the city. Stop here for a picnic lunch, to admire the cypress and palms, or to watch the resident ducks and birds.
If you’re short on time during your one day in Athens, I would probably skip this stop in favor of historic sites, but I included it in case you’re looking for something a little different.
Syntagma Square
With a fountain, benches and green lawns, this public square is a welcome escape in the midst of the old city. It sits in front of the former Royal Palace, now the Hellenic Parliament headquarters, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is watched by the Presidential Guard. On Sundays, you can catch the changing of the guard ceremony at 11 a.m.
This isn’t a place you need to devote much time to during your one day Athens itinerary, but you can walk through it or stop to rest on the benches while you’re sightseeing around town.
1 Day Athens Itinerary and Schedule
All of the schedule suggestions below for an Athens 1 day itinerary include the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, but each has a different focus beyond that — more ruins and sightseeing for the history and culture-obsessed, museums for an indoor escape, or nature to balance out all the city vibes.
The times are based on later sunsets in spring and summer, so you’ll have to end the sightseeing sooner for winter visits. Follow this guide for 2 days in Athens if you have extra time in the city.
Athens Itinerary for Ruins and Sightseeing
8-10 AM: Tour the Acropolis
10 AM-12PM: Acropolis Museum
12-2 PM: Walking tour of Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma Square
2-3 PM: Lunch and Plaka sightseeing
3-4 PM: Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library
4-6 PM: Ancient Agora
Evening: Sunset at Monastiraki Square, shopping and dinner in Monastiraki
Athens Museums and History Itinerary
9-11 AM: Archaeological Museum of Athens
11 AM-12 PM: Bus or metro downtown and walk-by sightseeing of Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library
12-2 PM: Ancient Agora and Museum
2-3 PM: Lunch break in Plaka
3-5 PM: Acropolis Museum
5-7 PM: Acropolis
Evening: Sunset at Areopagus hill, shopping and dinner in Plaka
Athens Itinerary for Nature and Views
8-10 AM: Acropolis and Areopagus hill
10 AM-12 PM: Ancient Agora
12-1 PM: Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library
1-3 PM: Lunch and Plaka
3-5 PM: National Garden, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square
5-6 PM: Bus or metro to Mount Lycabettus
6-8 PM: Mount Lycabettus hike and sunset
Evening: Dinner, shopping, nightlife
Tips for One Day in Athens
1. Start early. You don’t want to waste any time during your one day in Athens. Start sightseeing first thing in the morning and head straight for the Acropolis when it opens at 8 a.m. This way, you’ll miss some of the crowds (which will make the visit quicker and smoother) and the midday heat, which is essential in the very hot summers.
2. Buy a combo ticket. If you plan to visit the Acropolis, Agora and at least one or two other ruins during the high season (April through October) on this 1 day in Athens itinerary, you’ll likely save money buying a combo ticket.
The pass includes most of the ruins on this list and a few others for a discounted price. You can purchase it at any of the ticket offices, but the Acropolis will have the longest lines, so we recommend purchasing it at one of the others even if you’re visiting the Acropolis first.
Buy your combo ticket here
3. Plan ahead. Decide which places you’re going to visit and map out a route ahead of time so you aren’t floundering around wasting time during your one day in Athens itinerary. We included an Athens map above with the attractions pinned so you can see where they all are. Most are within short walking distance.
4. Narrow down your favorites. If you know you move a little slower, want more time for things like eating and shopping, or plan to spend half a day at a museum, you’ll need to cut down the list above. Our top picks for ruins you should spend the most time at are the Acropolis and Ancient Agora of Athens since the others are much smaller and can be seen with a quick walk by.
5. Take a tour. An organized tour is a great way to get around to many of the popular ruins without having to map it all out yourself. It’s a good option if you only have 1 day in Athens to make sure you don’t miss anything important. Plus, you often get the benefit of a knowledgeable guide.
What to Pack for Athens
This Greece packing guide lists out what you’ll want to bring along for an Athens 1 day itinerary. It has useful information like what weather to expect and what types of activities you should pack for on a Greece vacation.
Where to Stay in Athens
If you’re just spending one day in Athens, we recommend picking a hotel either close to the Acropolis for easy access to all the historic sites, or close to the airport or ferry docks for easy ongoing transit.
How to Plan the Best 7 Day Greece Itinerary in the Cyclades Islands
Looking for a 7 day Greece itinerary full of white-washed towns, stunning sandy beaches, and a dose of adventure? This Cyclades island-hopping vacation ticks every box and then some. With a week in Greece, we recommend splitting time between the cliffs and villages of Santorini and the mountains and coast of Naxos so you can experience as much Greek culture and scenery as possible.
This 7 days in Greece itinerary includes two of the best Greek islands you can visit in the Cyclades for crystal clear water and charming seaside towns.
Looking for a 7 day Greece itinerary full of whitewashed villages, stunning beaches, and a dose of adventure? This Cyclades island-hopping vacation ticks every box and then some.
With a week in Greece, I recommend splitting time between two spots so you can experience as much Greek culture and scenery as possible.
This Greece itinerary for 7 days includes Santorini and Naxos — the first uber-popular and seriously gorgeous, with high cliffs on a volcanic caldera, and the second the largest island in the chain, full of mountains, sandy beaches and rolling farmlands.
The pair of islands are just a couple hours apart by ferry, and flights from Athens go to both, so you can do this trip in any order.
If you have more than one week in Greece, be sure to check out this 10-day island-hopping itinerary that squeezes in Milos and Athens, too. For a shorter option, this is how we recommend spending 5 days in Greece.
7 Days in Greece Itinerary and Guide
The 7 days in Greece itinerary below includes the best things to do in Santorini and Naxos, plus info on how to get to each island and where to stay.
Naxos Itinerary
The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos has a mountainous interior and miles of sandy beachfront. Old villages with classic white cube buildings dot the hillsides and ruins of castles, churches, temples and towers from centuries ago can be spotted wherever you roam. The island is primed for everything from chilled beach getaways to adventurous hikes to fun road trips and is must-see while Cyclades island hopping. These are some of the top things to do in Naxos during a 7 day Greece itinerary.
Day 1 — Naxos Beaches and Hiking
There’s no better way to start a 7 day Greece itinerary than with a visit to some of the prettiest beaches in the Cyclades. If you want to mix some adventure in with beach hopping, start the day with a scenic hike up the tallest peak in the island chain. Those gorgeous Naxos beaches will be all the more inviting after a sweaty climb.
Naxos Trails
Perhaps the most epic trail on the island, the path on Mount Zas leads hikers to the peak of the highest point in the Cyclades. At some 3 miles up and down the 3,000-foot mountain, it’s not quite as intimidating as it sounds, but some level of fitness and proper footwear is essential. There are two paths up, but the one from Fontaine d’Aria (a historic spring fountain) passes by the cave where legend says that Zeus was born.
Naxos Beaches
The west side of Naxos is the place to go for gorgeous sandy beaches, some popular and packed with amenities and other quiet and secluded. There are tons to choose from, so pick a couple to see during your 7 days in Greece.
Close to Naxos town, try spots like Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios and Agios Anna for soft sand, chair and umbrella rentals, and breezy beach cafes.
For something a little less crowded, head about 30 miles down the coast toward the beaches of Pyrgaki, with its long stretch of sand to spread out on and Aliko, with little coves and dunes making private spots to swim and sun.
Day 2 — Naxos Villages and Sightseeing
Pretty white villages built into hillsides and rolling farmlands fill the mountainous inland of Naxos. You’ll want to rent a car or hop on an escorted tour to check out this region during your 7 day Greece itinerary. Not counting stops, it’s about a 3-hour drive starting from Naxos town through the middle of the island to seaside Apollonas and back around the coast.
Naxos Ruins
If you’re into ruins, pay a quick visit to the Temple of Demeter on the way. These marble remnants of a 6th-century BC temple have been partly stacked back up in their original form. Demeter was the goddess of the harvest, so this structure was erected in the midst of an agricultural region.
Naxos Villages
For village stops, you’ll want to consider neighboring Filoti and Chalkio — the latter was once the island capital and both have old Byzantine churches and Venetian-era towers.
Apiranthos sits at nearly 2,000 feet elevation in the mountains with alleys winding up and down the slopes and breezy patio cafes offering stunning views. Also among the highest island villages, Koronos once flourished with the prosperity of the surrounding emery mines and still feels rather authentic tucked away in the hills some 20 miles from Chora.
Apollonas is on the northern end of the island, with a secluded beach-resort vibe on a small bay. There’s a sandy beachfront, a little boat harbor and a row of covered, open-air restaurants lining the water. Just outside the town, you can see the Kouros of Apollonas, a giant marble statue left partly finished at an old quarry.
Naxos Town
Naxos town, or Chora, is home to the island’s ferry port and is a must-see during your 7 day Greece itinerary. Along the waterfront, restaurant dining rooms under covered patios dish up fresh-caught seafood and Greek favorites. Stone streets full of clothing boutiques, gift shops and galleries wind uphill toward an old fortress. The most notable attraction is the Apollo Temple ruins from the 500s BC that sit on a little islet connected to the city.
Day 3 — Naxos Boat Trip
Naxos is full of pretty beaches, so you could certainly fill another whole day lounging on one. But, there are also some stunning sites around the island best explored on boat tours of Naxos.
Small Cyclades
Catamaran rides typically head toward the Lesser Cyclades, a little complex of islets southeast of Naxos. Here you can snorkel in perfectly clear water, visit quiet coves and beaches, and spot local sealife like wild dolphins. Excursions can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
Paros
Island-hopping to nearby Paros to see its towns and beaches is another way to spend the day. It’s just a 30 to 45-minute ferry ride away, or you can book small boat tours to get there. Vessels dock at the harbor in Parikia, of Paros town, where you can check out castle ruins and snap photos of the whitewashed buildings. Hop over to the town of Naoussa for some of the best beaches on a wide bay.
Where to Stay in Naxos
Day 4 — Naxos to Santorini
Midway through your 7 days in Greece itinerary, it’s time to transfer to the next island. The travel time between Naxos and Santorini is just a couple of hours, so you can spend the rest of this day on whichever island you want to give a little extra time to. You can easily pass a couple of hours exploring the harbor town in Naxos, but the Santorini dock is pretty small and crowded, so plan to head out of there right away.
Naxos to Santorini Ferry
Naxos to Santorini ferry routes typically run anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on which company you use. Larger boats carry cars while smaller vessels will be passengers only. You can check for times and prices on FerryHopper.com and either book ahead or visit one of the ticket offices by the port.
Ferries dock at the crowded Santorini port at the bottom of the cliffs about 5 miles south of Fira. Options for transit include car rentals and shuttle transfers, which should be booked ahead, the public bus to Fira, or taxis, which can be hard to come by. There are a few cafes by the port in case you need a place to grab a coffee and wait.
Santorini Itinerary
The sweetheart of the Cyclades, Santorini beckons honeymooners, cruisers and seasoned travelers alike. It’s one of the most popular Greek islands, so summers get a bit crowded on the beaches and in some towns, but you can always escape down into the caldera on boat rides or head off on four-wheelers in search of lesser-known villages. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Santorini during your 7 day itinerary in Greece.
Day 5 — Santorini Villages
Santorini’s most famous white villages sit on the northwestern side of the island, where the cliffs rise high above the caldera for epic views. Pop into all three of the towns below if you have the time during your 7 days in Greece, as each has its own flavor despite the similar architecture. Oia attracts the most sunset seekers, but the other two offer swoon-worthy displays of color, too.
Oia
Its blue domes and windmills grace many a postcard, so it’s no surprise that Oia draws crowds seeking the perfect skyline picture of white buildings and windmills built into the island cliffs. It’s located on the northern tip of Santorini, so the coastline views looking back toward Fira are pretty epic, too.
Painted storefronts with souvenirs and boutique jewelry line the stone streets here and cafes boast balconies open to the sea breezes.
You can walk down a long run of steps to Amoudi Bay to swim in the turquoise water and chow on fresh seafood, or pop over to the ruins of a Byzantine castle — one of the top spots to watch the sunset. Or, check out these other things to do in Oia for more inspiration.
Imerovigli
The quieter cousin to Oia — and honestly just as pretty — Imerovigli isn’t packed to the brim with tourist amenities. But, that makes it far less crowded and perfect for wandering around, getting lost along winding alleys and snapping photos of church bell towers.
As the highest village on this end of the island, Imerovigli boasts incredible views, especially from the white-painted hotels and villas built into the cliffs. You can also take in incredible panoramas by hiking out to Skaros Rock from here — a little piece of land poking out from the town has the scattered remains of a medieval fort and a flat-topped rock perfect for climbing.
Fira
Santorini’s capital, Fira bursts with tourist amenities and activities. There are plenty of shopping and dining options, of course, with souvenir stores, boutiques and Greek restaurants lining the city streets.
But, if you want to do something a little different, consider paying a visit to one of the town’s museums. History and culture buffs might enjoy the Archaeological Museum of Thera, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Folklore Museum.
Day 6 — Santorini Sightseeing and Beaches
Sightseeing around the rest of Santorini doesn’t take long as it’s only about a 40-minute drive from end to end of the island. There’s still plenty to see here, though, so you can spend your day exploring ruins, lazing on black beaches or doing a little of both.
Rent a vehicle for the day to get around at your own pace, or consider a guided tour that hits the highlights. Buses also go to many of these spots, but you might have to trim down what you see a bit to fit it all into your 7 day Greece itinerary.
Santorini Beaches
Black beaches of rocks, pebbles and sand line the eastern side of Santorini, where the island flattens down to meet the sea. The most popular beaches here are Perivolos, Kamari and Perissa — all dark-hued spots with tourist amenities like cafes, water sports and lounge-chair rentals.
The south coast of the island has the striking Red Beach, where rust-colored sheer cliffs drop down to a sandy cove. The contrast of the red with the vibrant blue water makes for a picture-perfect setting and unique beach day.
Santorini Ruins
Mesa Vouno mountain juts up along the eastern coast between Kamari and Perissa and holds the ruins of Ancient Thera, a Hellenistic settlement dating to around the 8th century BC. Tourists can wander the site to see the remains of old baths, temples, theaters and markets. It’s even possible to hike up here from the beaches below for a little exercise and some epic coastline views.
Near Red Beach, excavations of the prehistoric Akrotiri village are open to visitors. A volcanic eruption in the Bronze Age both destroyed the settlement and froze it in time for the modern world to witness and study. You can see some of the artifacts uncovered here at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.
If you make it to the far southwestern tip of Santorini — the opposite end from Oia — you’ll wind up at the Akrotiri Lighthouse. From the grounds of the 1800s beacon, you’ll catch stunning views of both coastlines of the island.
Day 7 — Santorini Sailing
A boat excursion in the Santorini caldera is the perfect end to a 7 days in Greece island vacation. You’ll soak up the sun, swim in clear water and catch a picture-perfect sunset.
Santorini Caldera Boat Rides
Full and half-day boat tours from the island sail around the Santorini caldera. From below, you can stare up at the pretty white villages on the cliffs and get up close to some of the other islands in the cone.
The catamaran will pause in different spots for snorkeling and swimming in the clear water. Other highlights typically include visits to colorful beaches, an excursion to the quiet island of Thirassia, and a chance to float around in warm volcanic springs.
If you book a trip that departs later in the day, you’ll also stay out on the water to watch the Santorini sunset streaking the sky in shades of pink and purple.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Tips for a Week in Greece Cyclades Island Hopping
How to Get to Greece and the Islands
It’s typically cheaper to book your international flight into Athens on the mainland instead of aiming for Santorini or one of the islands. From the bigger city, you can take either a short island flight (typically under an hour) or book a ferry out of Piraeus Port. If you have a long enough layover in the Greek capital, check out this guide for how to spend one day in Athens.
Is 7 Days in Greece Enough Time?
Between the historic mainland cities and literally hundreds of islands in Greece, you could spend weeks or months on end here and still not see it all. For your first trip to the country, I would recommend spending at least 7 days in Greece if you are coming from far away.
With a 7 day Greece itinerary, you can either see a couple of islands as we detail above or just visit Athens and one island. I would recommend spending closer to 10 days or two weeks in Greece if you can, but 7 days in Greece is enough to get a first look and have an enjoyable vacation.
Where to Go For 7 Days in Greece
I recommend island hopping during your week in Greece. It’s tempting to veg out on one island during a 7 day Greece itinerary, but unless you’re on a honeymoon and really want to chill, we recommend island hopping during your stay.
Try to make one a quieter destination than Santorini or Mykonos if you can help it. You’ll appreciate the slower pace and fewer crowds when you compare it to the busy ones.
When to Visit the Greek Islands
Summer is a sunny and perfect time to visit Greece, which is why many of the islands in the Cyclades will be packed, especially on small but popular islands like Santorini. If you have a flexible schedule, consider a shoulder season visit around May, September or October, when the weather is still typically balmy enough for beach days.
I visited from late September to early October as the tourist season was wrapping up on the islands. I was still able to catch tours and boat rides while they were open but the crowd levels were much lower than in summer.
What Should I Not Miss During a Greece Itinerary?
I would highly recommend taking a boat ride while you’re in Greece. Unreal turquoise water that’s clear as a pool surrounds the Greek islands, and the best way to enjoy it is on a boat ride that takes you away from crowded beaches to stunning swimming spots. You don’t have to book one on every island, but it’s also not a terrible idea.
What to Pack for the Greek Islands
I recommend packing light for your trip to Greece. Uneven stone streets, hillside villages, and ferry hopping can make it tricky to juggle a lot of luggage while visiting the islands on a Greece 1 week itinerary. Plus, the warm weather means you only need to bring along lighter clothes and beachwear, which fold up small. Consult our Greece packing checklist for what you should bring with you.
