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15 Best Things to Do in Nice (France)

Nice’s unofficial anthem is Nissa La Bella, and you can’t help but agree with this sentiment when you visit the French Riviera’s largest city. Nice’s beauty comes from the 19th-century mansions on its promenades and boulevards, from the city’s Italianate old quarter and the rugged natural terrain that provides countless wondrous vantage points.

Artists have always cherished this scenery, rendered even more beautiful by the unique light. So Nice is now also one of the best places to go in Europe for art galleries, with museums dedicated to Chagall and Matisse. Add great cuisine, a perfect climate and more than a dash of Riviera glamour, you’ve got a very special place.

Lets explore the best things to do in Nice :

1. Promenade des Anglais

There are seaside walks, and then there’s the Promenade des Anglais, which is more than just a grand walkway next to the Mediterranean: It’s been an integral part of Nice city life (something the recent attack won’t change) since this embankment was built in the 1820s.

Parades for the ebullient Nice Carnival come by in February, while the rest of the year joggers, couples skateboarders and families pass all day long.

The promenade bends for seven kilometres, and on the eastern side is skirted by regal 19th-century palaces.

You can take a seat on the benches and find shade beneath pergolas and palm trees.

2. Vieille Ville

The oldest part of the city is a change from Nice’s broad boulevards and expansive squares like Place Masséna.

It’s a mesh of alleys with local shops and restaurants, darkened by tall ochre-painted apartment buildings and dominated by the Colline du Château to the east.

Glaciers, crêperies and cafes all flow onto the squares, which are often lively until the early hours.

There’s a strong Italian feel  about the architecture and setting, which is no coincidence as Nice wasn’t French until the Treaty of Turin in 1860.

Recommended tour : Nice: Old Town Treasures Walking Tour

3. Parc de la Colline du Château

In the park at the top of this steep hill on the east side of the city you’ll be presented with some of the French Riviera’s great panoramas.

You can look back over Nice and the azure sea in the Baie des Anges, and it’s a sight you’ll want to pause over for as long as possible.

You can pick out all the landmarks, like Hotel Negresco and the port to the east.

If you’re feeling fit you might reach the top on foot from the Vieille Ville, but there’s also a free elevator, which is recommended in the summer.

4. Musée Marc Chagall

Chagall was so involved in the design of this museum that he decided where each of his works would be placed, configured the layout of the gardens and designed the stained-glass windows in the concert hall.

So in many ways the museum is a coherent work of art by itself.

But the reason it was created was to house Chagall’s series of 17 paintings with biblical themes, divided in to the New and Old Testament.

Among these is the famous Resistance, Resurrection, Liberation triptych, painted before, during and after the Second World War.

5. Nice Cathedral

Located in the Vieille Ville, the exterior of this landmark is rather unprepossessing, apart from its patterned dome.

A casual visitor to the square in front might not even realise that this is the city’s cathedral.

Inside it’s a different story, and the building takes on new domensions once you step through its doors.

It was built in the 17th century with a lavish baroque design, composed of ten highly ornate chapels with sculptures, paintings and gilding.

Once again, it’s the kind of building you’d expect to find in Italy or Spain.

6. Cours Saleya Market

Also in Nice’s old quarter is this lovely flower and fresh produce market, which sets up every day except Monday when it’s replaced by a flea market.

If you’re holidaying in an apartment in Nice then this market is a godsend, selling fresh produce, regional delicacies like socca made on site and flowers sourced from the Provence and Alpes-Maritimes countryside.

Many sellers will tempt you with free samples, which is an effective way of getting your business! The flower stalls stay open the longest, remaining until 17:30, long after the food sellers have packed up.

Beat the tourist rush and get there as early as possible.

7. Musée Masséna

This 19th-century villa on the Promenade des Anglais  was donated to the city by the Duke of Rivoli in 1919 on the condition that it should be opened to the public as a museum of local history.

You have to go to see what it’s like inside one of these Belle Époque mansions, and it has gardens that were designed by Édouard André, also responsible for those at the Monte Carlo Casino.

There’s an intriguing miscellany of curiosities inside, like Napoleon’s death mask and a tiara belonging to his wife, Empress Joséphine, as well as a collection of 19th-century French art on the second floor.

This one city has contributed a lot to French cuisine, and there are a handful of local dishes you can’t leave Nice without trying.

Salade Niçoise is an obvious one to start with: It’s hard-boiled egg, green beans, anchovies, tomatoes and calletier olives, and goes superbly with Bandol’s rosé wines or whites from Bellet.

A more casual street-food is Socca, a kind of cross between flatbread and pancake, made with chickpea flower and sold by vendors in the old quarter.

Ratatouille also comes from this part of the world, and this famous vegetable stew is made with courgettes, aubergine, peppers and tomato.

There’s also fougasse bread, onion tart and Daube Niçoise, a braised beef stew, with bacon, tomatoes and red wine.

Available tour : Nice Food Tour

9. Parc Phoenix

There’s a three Euro fee to get in to this park, but it’s money well-spent considering how much there is crammed into these seven hectares on the western end of the Promenade des Anglais.

Kids go free and, it’s one of the few attractions in Nice that they’re guaranteed to enjoy.

There are 20 themed zones, with 2,500 plant species growing around ponds, in a modern greenhouse (one of Europe’s largest) and in a variety of gardens.

There are also animal enclosures and terrariums, with turtles, otters and tropical spiders, while mandarin ducks, Chilean flamingos and iguanas roam freely in the greenhouse.

10. Beaches

Nice’s beaches are pebbly, and while they’re beautiful to wander past, they may not be to everyone’s taste for sunbathing.

There are private sections providing the comfort of sun loungers, and occasionally even laying sand.

Everywhere else you can still pass a relaxing afternoon in the sun, but the currents might be a bit strong for little ones and the beach shelves quite steeply too.

One beach guaranteed to delight the kids is on the other side of Mont Boron at Villefranche-sur-Mer, where the waters are shallower and screened from the open sea by the headlands at Cap de Nice and Cap-Ferrat.

11. Monastère de Cimiez

This monastery on a rise, north of the centre was established by the Benedictines in the 800s.

You get there along the Boulevard de Cimiez, one of Nice’s most impressive thoroughfares, with extraordinary 19th-century hotels and mansions.

The gothic monastery buildings are from the 14th and 15th centuries, with delicate frescoes from the 1500s.

But most visitors make the climb for one purpose: To see the exquisite gardens, with flower beds, topiaries, geometric lawns, pergolas and a terrace with an unbelievable view of the city.

These gardens are the oldest on the Côte d’Azur, plotted in 1546 and a potager for the monks.

12. More Art Museums

With the Riviera Pass you can get into the Chagall Museum and a host of other attractions on one ticket over a 48-hour or seven-day period.

Here’s a quick overview; The Matisse Museum has one of the world’s biggest collections of this revered impressionist’s works, but perhaps more exciting for fans is that it builds a picture of the artist’s influences and process (with heaps of sketches to see). On Promenade des Anglais there’s the Museum of Asian Art, right behind the Phoenix Park, with a pavilion where you can attend an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.

Then there’s the contemporary art museum, MAMAC, with pieces by Warhol, Lichtenstein and Yves Klein.

13. Cap-Ferrat

A byword for Riviera luxury and old money, Cap-Ferrat is 20 minutes east of Nice, on the panoramic Boulevard Napoléon III. Come to be dazzled by the sensational turn-of-the-century mansions.

One, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, is open to visitors and loaded with precious paintings, sculptures and furniture.

Like the renowned path at Cap d’Antibes, Cap-Ferrat is also bordered by a coastal trail with supreme photo opportunities of the Riviera’s mythic rugged coastline and the Massif de l’Esterel.

The path is also the easiest way to get to some to the cosy beaches on the east side.

14. OGC Nice

From August to May, if you want a break from the cerebral and epicurean attractions of Nice and the French Riviera you could always watch some live football at the new Allianz Riviera stadium, a few minutes west of the city.

OGC Nice enjoyed their best season for many years in 2016, and are managed by the Swiss coach Lucien Favre, respected for his attractive style of football.

Their capacious new 35,000 capacity home is worth the admission too, and was built for EURO 2016. The club is also now owned a wealthy overseas consortium, so might be set for big things in coming years.

15. Mont Boron

Between Nice’s port and Cap-Ferrat is a peak that rises steeply from the water, reaching a height of almost 200 metres.

It’s a rare piece of open terrain left to olive, carob and pine groves.

You can walk to the southwest side where Nice rolls out into the distance next to the Baie des Anges, and even the Colline du Château looks small.

On the other side is a comprehensive view of Cap-Ferrat, while you walk along the ridge back to the Fort du Mont Alban.

This bastion was constructed in the mid-16th century is open to visitors in the summer.

15 Best Things to Do in Nice (France):

• Promenade des Anglais
• Vieille Ville
• Parc de la Colline du Château
• Musée Marc Chagall
• Nice Cathedral
• Cours Saleya Market
• Musée Masséna
• Parc Phoenix
• Monastère de Cimiez
• More Art Museums

• 10 Reasons Why You Should...

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nice At Least Once

Nice is a wonderful place to visit. Situated on the French Riviera, it has everything you need for a great time – stunning beaches, sensational bars and restaurants, amazing views, and wonderful culture. Here are our top 10 reasons to go.

Party at carnival.

Nice’s carnival is one of the biggest in the world and takes place every February. The first carnival was held in 1274 but it didn’t become official until the 19th century. There are lots of events held around town – cold water swims, waiter races and ‘flower battles’ where up to 100,000 flowers are thrown. Dressing up is encouraged and it’s great fun. Up-to-date information is on the official website .

Eat Socca, France’s Chickpea Pancake

Stroll along all 7 miles of the promenade des anglais.

The Promenade des Anglais is one of the most iconic roads in France, starting at the airport in the west and continuing all the way around the Baie des Anges (‘the bay of angels’) to the headland in the east, by the castle. It was the brainchild of English expats in the 19th century, who wanted a promenade and thought it would be a good idea to offer work to all the beggars in the city after a particularly harsh winter. It is full of bars and restaurants, beach clubs and ice-cream stalls. Sit on one of the iconic blue chairs, read a book and watch the world go by.

Celebrate Nice’s Long History with Jazz

Jazz arrived in Nice in the 1920s, along with American expats who made Nice their home. Many, like F. Scott Fitzgerald , hired big houses and threw wild parties, trying to forget the horrors of the First World War. There are lots of jazz clubs in Nice , an amazing jazz festival in July or you can visit the two places that are synonymous with the period – the Hotel Belles Rives , where Fitzgerald wrote or the Hotel du Cap , which he used as inspiration for his classic novel Tender is the Night .

Walk in the Footsteps of the Romans

The Romans founded the city of Cemenelum in the 1st century – the remains of which are now part of the very chic neighbourhood of Cimiez . There was an amphitheatre here and thermal baths, both of which are celebrated in the Museum of Archeology . Walk around the lovely park and have a picnic.

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1. Admire 'La Belle Epoque' Architecture

‘ La Belle Epoque’ (meaning ‘the beautiful age’) was the period of time in French history between the Franco-Prussion War in 1870 and the First World War in 1914. It was when France went through a lot of changes, socially and culturally. It was an incredibly optimistic period, when anything was believed to be possible. The architecture of this period reflects this in the grand boulevards that were laid out and the beautiful houses that were built. Head to Boulevard de Cimiez , the Grand Hotel (built 1908), the Majestic Hotel (the biggest) and Queen Victoria’s favourite, the Excelsior Régina Palace.

View this post on Instagram "Promenons nous dans Cimiez…" 🎶🎶 #splendeur #anneesfolles #annees20 A post shared by FC (@vibeshunter) on Apr 12, 2017 at 2:36am PDT

Lounge in Style on the Beach

Nice has a wonderful selection of public and private beaches . Either head to the public beaches of La Réserve , Coco Beach or Villefranche-sur-Mer along the coast. If you want to lounge around in style, however, head to one of the private beaches where you can order your drink of choice while you recline on a wonderful sun lounger close to the beach. People love the chic Castel Beach or Ruhl Beach , which is great for families.

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Take in the Panoramic Views

There are a couple of places in Nice where you can get some amazing views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Head to Castle Hill in town, where – after climbing the stairs (or taking the lift) – you can relax with a little picnic. If you fancy a hike, head out to Mont Boron where you can walk in the greenery, just outside of town.

Wander Through Cobbled Streets and Wonderful Buildings

Nice is well known for its beautiful cobbled streets of Old Town and by the Old Port (‘ le vieux port’ ). Make a morning of it and wander through the streets, drinking a coffee or two and window shopping.

Lose Yourself in Some Amazing Art

Nice is lucky enough to have been home to some wonderful painters and Matisse and Chagall are up there with the best of them. Head to the Musée Matisse , which is housed in Matisse’s villa. They have a lovely selection of his work and, because it was his home for 50 years, it offers a wonderful insight into the man and his work. Marc Chagall is well known for his work interpreting the Old Testament and this museum is dedicated to that. He did some lovely stained glass windows. The museum also has an amphitheatre where concerts are held.

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Where to Stay in Nice: 10 Best Areas

Located on the near-mythical French Mediterranean, Nice continues to be one of Europe’s most alluring cities. If you are planning a visit to this city probably you will be wondering where to stay in Nice ?

There are a number of recommended areas to stay in Nice, from secluded residential neighborhoods to bustling downtown districts, with plenty of high-end hotel options dotting the iconic Promenade des Anglais . 

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Nice: 10 Best Areas

Here are the most recommended places to stay in Nice , along with their most notable highlights.

1. Le Vieux-Nice, where to stay in Nice for first timers

Vieux Nice refers to the city’s mesmerizing old town , and is one of the most popular places to stay in Nice. 

With its narrow cobblestone streets, niche fountains, idyllic scenery, and irresistible array of shops of all specialties , Le Vieux-Nice offers a romantic and historically fascinating glimpse into the heart of Nice. 

Located just minutes from the beach and main promenade, here is where you will find the majority of Nice’s hotels, ranging from the budget-friendly to impossibly sumptuous. 

A typical walk through the old town will take you through a series of arched pedestrian passages, charming piazzas, and past such landmarks as the 17th century Cathedral of St. Reparata and marble-lined False Gate.

The lush and secluded Parc de la Colline du Château offers some of the most spectacular views of the Riviera , with plenty of secluded promenades and lookout points for the perfect photo op. 

If you’re prepared to ascend the park’s incline, you’ll find multiple historic spots, rich flora & fauna, and even a man made waterfall.

There are no shortage of restaurants, cafes, bars, and street food vendors in Vieux Nice, where visitors and residents alike can feast on a banquet’s worth of mouthwatering delicacies such as fresh seafood, local cheeses and produce, craft beers and of course, some of the best wine in the world . 

The old town’s daily market , located on Cours Saleya, is the perfect spot to stroll and take in the traditional wares, from hand-milled soaps to the delicious Niçoise chickpea crepe speciality, socca.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LE VIEUX-NICE

• ($$$) ABA Luxury B&B – Place Masséna
• ($$) Palais Saleya Boutique hôtel
• ($) Hotel Rossetti

2. Le Port, trendy neighborhood with unique shops and eateries

The Port of Nice is where the tramline from the airport conveniently ends, and has been one of Nice’s most glamorous districts for well over a century. 

Here multi-million Euro yachts bob in the water alongside traditional fishing boats, with plenty of foot traffic and socializing to appease the bustle-loving guest. 

You won’t find better seafood restaurants than around Le Port, with speciality establishments offering freshly caught fish and all-you-can-eat mussels. 

Those with a passion for Italian food can also find a selection of charming and authentic trattorias featuring some of the best homemade pasta dishes across the border. (Nice is less than 2 hours from Genoa by car.)

Monday is when you will find Le Port’s famous antique market , which stretches along the water and contains all manner of gems spanning multiple centuries and regions. 

Make sure to take a walk along Rue Bonaparte , a former residence of Napoleon and now trendy neighborhood with its own unique shops and eateries.

While Le Port is one of the most recognizable places to stay in Nice, hotel prices can run fairly high due to name recognition and waterfront accessibility. It’s advisable to book well in advance and keep an eye out for special online promotions. 

It’s also worth noting that many of Nice’s available hostels come fully equipped and furnished with all the amenities a traveler could need, with private rooms additionally available upon request.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LE PORT

• ($$) L’Abeille – Boutique Apartments
• ($) Hotel du Pin Nice Port
• ($) Hôtel Le G

3. Garibaldi, residential area with easy access to Nice´s main popular attractions 

A large square separating the old town from the port, Garibaldi is largely considered a residential area, albeit with easy tram access to many of Nice’s most popular attractions. 

Constructed by the Italians in 1773, Garibaldi is the oldest of Nice’s main piazzas . The photo-worthy fountain designed by Giuseppe Garibaldi marks the ideal meeting spot, with the 18th century Chapelle du Saint-Sépulcre located directly behind it.

Garibaldi is where locals prefer to go for their afternoon pastis or anise-flavoured apéritif , with the nearby Café de Turin serving some of the best seafood (oysters are a star feature) for over 100 years. 

While hotels are scarce in the piazza, there are several Airbnb-type options and privately rented apartments that make for an especially intimate stay in Nice.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NICE IN GARIBALDI

• ($$) Aparthotel Ammi Vieux Nice
• ($) 26 nice
• ($) Aparthotel Adagio Access Nice Acropolis

4. Jean Médecin (New Town), best place to stay in Nice for shopping

This massive pedestrian-only avenue, that also gives name to the district, is set in the geographic heart of Nice , and is one of the city’s main transport and shopping hubs . 

The high street of Jean Médecin is one of Nice’s most vibrant shopping hotspots, with boutiques, outlets, and malls catering to every budget and style. 

While this busy square isn’t known so much for its sit-down dining establishments, there are plenty of eateries where you can enjoy casual fare such as Neapolitan style pizza, local snacks, and aperitivo refreshments.

While there are lodging options around Jean Médecin, the area’s commercial crowds and nonstop foot traffic may not pose the most ideal setting for a good night’s rest.

For a more relaxed area just a few minutes’ walk from Jean-Médecin, Musiciens quarter contains a welcoming array of restaurants and shops, as well as some of Nice’s most noteworthy palaces and gardens.

Nice’s Musiciens quarter, while mostly a quiet residential area , has become increasingly popular with visitors in recent years thanks to its low-key, friendly atmosphere and growing number of charming private holiday apartments. 

Hotel prices in Jean Médecin typically run high due to the square’s transportation proximity and overall convenience, although inexpensive hostels are available year-round via special online discount rates.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN JEAN MEDECIN

• ($$$) Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa
• ($$) Hotel 66 Nice
• ($) Hôtel Du Centre

5. Carre d’Or, where to stay in Nice for nightlife

Also located in the New Town area and often referred to as Nice’s “golden square, ” the seafront neighborhood of Carre d’Or is more or less a direct line to many of Nice’s most prominent areas. 

Famed for its Belle Epoque buildings and palaces (one of the latter containing a death mask of Napoleon), high-end hotels and casinos , and postcard panoramas of the Riviera, Carre d’Or is where the grandeur of old Nice meets the new and modish.

If you decide to stay in Nice in Carre d´Or you will close to the main tourist attractions, and you will enjoy a great offer of eateries, shopping and nightlife .

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CARRE D´OR

• ($$$) Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
• ($$) Hotel Villa Victoria
• ($) Hotel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo

6. Cimiez, where to stay in Nice for families

This peaceful, leafy neighborhood is perfect for nature-loving couples and families with young children, thanks to its quiet tree-lined streets, public parks and gardens, and notable historic sites. 

While there are several hotels within close proximity, Cimiez has more of a residential atmosphere, and it’s likely that you’ll find mostly privately rented apartments and villas.

If you are looking to live like a local during your stay in Nice, you won’t find a more authentic, picturesque setting.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the Jardin des Arenes, part of which contains a sizable olive grove, followed by a trip to the nearby monastery of Cimiez , which began construction in the early 16th century. 

And if *that* isn’t old enough for history lovers, Cimiez was the former site of an ancient Roman city , whose ruins –including an impressive bath complex–can be viewed today onsite, with additional artifacts on display at the museum. 

Art enthusiasts will no doubt want to visit the Matisse Museum, while those with a keen eye for architecture will appreciate the area’s elegant homes and palatial gardens.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NICE IN CIMIEZ

• ($$) Villa le Nid
• ($) Hotel des Dames
• ($) Hôtel Esprit d’Azur

7. Libération, central area with Belle Epoque and Art Deco architecture

Making up a sizable part of Nice’s central area , the Libération district was formerly known as Saint-Lambert, and was rechristened on August 28, 1944 in honor of fallen resistance fighters. 

This is a popular market spot and gathering point for Niçois inhabitants, thanks to the enormous outdoor market where local farmers, fishers, and artisans display their goods. 

Many locals will attest that the Libération area is one of the best places to pass a morning in Nice, with the fresh air, lively activity , and enticing fare all contributing to the longevity of this special pastime.

The Libération district is widely famed for its Belle Epoque and Art Deco architecture, with many visitors claiming to have felt like they stepped back in time upon entering. 

There are a number of traditional Niçois restaurants to recommend, with additional shops and tranquil parks to satisfy every visitor. 

Libération holds a series of affordable hotels boasting views of the busy square and market, as well as privately-run apartments and Bed & Breakfasts.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NICE IN LIBERATION

• ($) Hotel Villa Rose
• ($) Hôtel Parisien
• ($) Hôtel Monsigny

8. Promenade des Anglais, our favourite place to stay in Nice

The ultimate symbol of Nic e and the Riviera at large, the Promenade Des Anglais has been immortalized by writers, painters, photographers, and filmmakers for nearly two centuries. 

Stretching from the airport to the west to the eastern Quai des États-Unis, a distance of roughly 7 kilometers or 4 miles, here is where one can truly experience Nice at its most iconic. 

Guests can promenade along the glittering Côte d’Azur and relive the glamorous holidays of the jet-set elite, who first began flocking to the French Riviera in the second half of the 18th century. 

Today local inhabitants simply refer to the Promenade des Anglais as “La Pom,” and it’s fair to say on any given day you’ll find the promenade packed with walkers, cyclists, skaters, and ambling sweethearts. 

While you won’t find a scarcity of decadent hotels along the Promenade des Anglais, be prepared to pay similarly luxe prices . That said, the hotels lining the promenade contain awe-inspiring historic significance and celebrity lore, with unmatched views of the sea.

If you are willing to keep your eye on off-season rates or are willing to indulge on accommodations, you won’t find a more perfect place to stay in Nice.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS

• ($$$) Hotel Negresco
• ($$) Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
• ($$) AC Hotel Nice by Marriott

9. Gambetta, where to stay in Nice on a budget

While mostly a residential area , Gambetta is a 20 minute walk from Nice’s old town, with a newly implemented tram station for added mobility. 

Given the Niçois nod for its private beach hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants , the Gambetta neighborhood contains a multitude of architectural styles ranging from late Victorian to Belle Epoque and Art Deco . 

A typical stroll through the area will take you past the Italian Consulate and across Thiers Avenue where Nice’s central railway station, built in 1865, still stands. 

Along the way there are the lovely gardens of Alsace-Lorraine , first created in 1887, where you won’t find a more charming picnic backdrop.

There are quite a few hotels and several hostels around the Gambetta area, as well as privately-run holiday rentals. If you stay away from the beach area you will get very well priced accommodation.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NICE IN GAMBETTA

• ($$) Le Riviera Collection, Signature Collection by Best Western
• ($) Arome Hotel
• ($) Locarno

10. Mont Boron, beautiful spot for hiking

Separating Nice from Villefranche-sur-Mer, Mont Boron is a beautiful spot for hiking enthusiasts , with multiple trails and parks running along the route from Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer to Cap Ferrat. 

While lodgings are limited to a few luxury vacation villas, there is a bus that conveniently runs between downtown Nice and the top of Mont Boron.

BEST PLACES TO STAY CLOSE TO MONT BORON

• ($$) Welcome Hotel
• ($) Hotel Le Saint Paul
• ($) Hôtel La Flore

READ OTHER TRAVEL TIPS

• Where to stay in Paris
• Best things to do in Paris
• Best day trips from Paris
• Where to stay in Bordeaux
• Where to stay in Corsica

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Is Iceland Worth Visiting? Here’s My Honest Opinion

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

You’ve seen all the Instagram photos, and may be starting to consider Iceland for your own bucket list.  But perhaps you have some reservations: isn’t it supposed to be cold up there, and aren’t there volcanos??  Is Iceland really worth visiting if you’re not a super adventurous, risk-taking person?

To be honest, Iceland was not always on my radar to visit.  While I was in college, I saw a former classmate’s Iceland trip on Facebook, and thought it was a bizarre destination choice. Back then, I couldn’t understand why anyone would travel somewhere that wasn’t a beach or Paris .

Oh, how times have changed. I’ve now visited Iceland twice and am completely enchanted by the country. If you are trying to convince yourself or someone else that Iceland is worth visiting, I’m here to help.

Why Iceland is Absolutely Worth Visiting

So, why should you spend your hard-earned money on a visit to this cold, windy island instead of a tropical beach?  From one person who once questioned this very same thing to another, there simply is no other place on earth like Iceland!

Here are the top unique things to do in Iceland that make this country special.

1. Enjoying Reykjavik – the Vibrant Capital

With its low buildings, colorful murals, and brightly painted houses, Reykjavik is such a cozy city full of cheer. The capital’s small size makes it very manageable to explore over a day or two. It’s also the perfect home base for many fun day trips around Iceland.

On our recent visit, my husband and I were comfortably situated in this adorable, well-located hotel , which included a really good breakfast. Like, I looked forward to it every morning. From the hotel, we could easily explore Reykjavik’s many cafes, casual restaurants, and top sights.

Here are some places you can’t miss:

• Hallgrimskirkja Church
• Sun Voyager Sculpture
• Harpa Concert Hall

2. Going Northern Lights Hunting

One of the biggest reasons why travelers head to Iceland is for the chance to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis. It is, in fact, totally possible to see the northern lights in Iceland , and is where my husband and I spotted them for the first time.

That said, a northern lights sighting can never be guaranteed, since cloud cover can obscure even the most majestic of shows. Increase your odds by giving yourself at least four days in Iceland. It also helps to join a tour with an expert guide who knows the best spots for aurora hunting.

If the lights do manage to make an appearance, it will be nothing short of amazing!

3. Spending the Day Road Tripping

Just a single day of road tripping can pack a powerful punch in your Iceland itinerary. You don’t have to go far from Reykjavik to find the likes of volcanos, geysirs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Due to the country’s volcanic nature, there are some areas in Iceland where it seems like the land is literally alive.

The two most popular road trips from Reykjavik are the Golden Circle and South Coast . Both can be done in a single day, and consist of many breathtaking stops. You can either rent a car and do the drive at your own pace, or join a tour.

The best part is that most of these natural sights are completely free to visit. If you are able to rent are car, it’ll greatly help you to see Iceland on a budget .

4. Exploring an Ice Cave

Iceland is covered in ice right? Or maybe that was Greenland.

You might remember the scene in D2 The Mighty Ducks when an Icelandic lady tells Coach Bombay that, contrary to popular belief, Iceland is green and Greenland is ice.  While that’s quite true, Iceland does have its fair share of glaciers, including the largest glacier in Europe. 

A fun perk of Iceland’s glaciers is that they form ice caves every winter. This isn’t something you see every day, so ice caving is a must if you’re visiting Iceland between November and March.

Just be sure to book a guided tour . Ice caves can be hazardous without the proper expertise, and visiting on your own is strongly discouraged.

5. Soaking in a Hot Spring

Surprised that you’ll need to add a swimsuit to your Iceland packing list ? If you’d like to partake in one of Iceland’s most famous activities, soaking in a hot spring, then swimwear is a must.

Iceland powers much of the country with its natural geothermal water, which also keeps these hot springs toasty. You can comfortably soak outdoors at the famous Blue Lagoon or newer Sky Lagoon all year round. However, those are just the most trendy options; you can find an array of hot springs to visit all over Iceland!

Doing any of the five items I mentioned above will show you why Iceland is totally worth visiting asap. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Book a trip and see for yourself why this country rocks!

Can anyone enjoy Iceland?  Or just adventurous outdoorsy types?

Iceland may sound a little intense.  I mean, volcanos? 

Yes, this country does draw serious hikers and adventure-seeking folks looking to climb glaciers and scuba dive between two continents.  However, you don’t have to do any of that to love Iceland. In fact, my husband and I did no serious hiking or climbing on our first trip and loved everything we did.

Hiking is not the only way to enjoy Iceland’s dreamy landscapes.  Road tripping to waterfalls or watching a geyser go off is approachable for all travelers, while still being awe-inspiring.  And don’t forget about the hot springs!  Talk amount minimal effort and pure relaxation…

Bottom line – a visit to Iceland can push you just a tiny bit outside of your comfort zone without being overwhelming. Sometimes getting a little uncomfortable can bring you some of the best travel memories.

Is Iceland worth visiting for four or less days?

Short answer: yes.  I’ve now taken two four-day trips to Iceland , and both times brought unforgettable experiences.

I recommend basing yourself in Reykjavik and making day trips from there.  A single day could be spent visiting the Blue Lagoon, exploring Reykjavik, and doing a northern lights tour. On a second day, tour the Golden Circle. If you have a third day, take a road trip down the South Coast.

No matter how much time you have to spend in Iceland, anything you manage to see will be totally worth the visit. There’s no other place with dramatic landscapes, a cozy capital city, and friendly locals like Iceland has!

Hopefully I have convinced you that Iceland is worth visiting!  This Nordic country has otherworldly beauty and magic that will create awesome memories.  It’s no coincidence that Iceland is the first country I’ve visited twice.

Do you have doubts about whether Iceland is worth a tri p? Share you thoughts below…

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Iceland is so high on our bucket list! It looks like an incredible place 😍 did you see many northern lights?

You must go! We did not see the Northern lights on our first try unfortunately.

2022 Update – on our second try we saw the northern lights on our last night. It was incredible!

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World’s 30 Best Travel Destinations, Ranked

Best places to visit in the world.

The ultimate ranking of travel destinations aims to solve a serious problem: so many places to visit, so little time.

But even in a world with a trillion destinations, some manage to stand out and rise to the top. From the sleek skyscrapers of Dubai to the emerald-green waters of the Bora Bora lagoon, you’re sure to find at least one vacation that piques your interest (and likely several!).

These are the 30 best places to visit in the world. Which ones have you already been to? And which ones stoke your wanderlust most?

30. Argentine Patagonia

In this region of the Andes, you’ll find glaciers, evergreen trees, deep blue lakes and clear skies everywhere you look. For a trip full of adventure and discovery, there are few better destinations on the planet.

No trip is complete without a visit to the craggy Mount Fitz Roy, the historic (and mysterious) Cave of the Hands, the Punta Tombo wildlife preserve, the Peninsula Valdes marine wildlife refuge and the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. Be sure to bring your camera and your sense of wonder.

* Rankings are based on U.S. News & World Report's " World's Best Places to Visit ," traveler ratings as well as our own editorial input.

What to Know Before You Go to Argentine Patagonia

Where to stay: Cyan Soho Neuquen Hotel

Hot tip: Since springtime occurs in the southern hemisphere in October and November, those months are your best bet when planning a trip.

Fun fact: The largest dinosaur fossils ever unearthed were found in Argentine Patagonia. They belong to the largest-known titanosaur, believed to have weighed about 83 tons. 

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

29. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Set in the Sorrentina Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast has long been renowned for its natural beauty and idyllic coastal towns. During the golden age of Hollywood, it was a preferred vacation spot for glamorous movie stars.

Days here are spent eating Italian food, drinking wine and walking around colorful cobblestone streets. You can also expect to drink copious amounts of wine as you look out into the Mediterranean Sea.

The best way to see the coast is to rent a car and then drive to different towns each day.

What to Know Before You Go to the Amalfi Coast

Where to stay: Hotel Marina Riviera

Hot tip:  If you're planning on using a beach chair to work on your tan, make sure you wake up early, as they are usually first come, first served.

Fun fact:  The Amalfi Coast is featured in Sofia Loren's 1995 Film, "Scandal in Sorrento."

28. Cancun, Mexico

For years, Cancun has been the preferred getaway for East Coast Americans (particularly Floridians) who want an international getaway that's still close to home. But despite the droves of tourists, the area has managed to keep the charm that attracted people in the first place.

The city is known mostly for its luxury hotels, wild nightlife and warm beaches. Definitely indulge in all of these — as well as the Mexican food! — but also consider other activities like visiting Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes and snorkeling. One thing is certain: You won't run out of things to do in Cancun .

What to Know Before You Go to Cancun

Where to stay: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Hot tip:  While you're in Cancun, make a plan to visit one of Grupo Xcaret's six eco-tourism parks, with the best ones being Xcaret and Xelha. The Mexican-owned company is credited with starting the eco-tourism trend in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the parks offer incredible and varied local experiences.

Fun fact:  The Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun is located, was the cultural, political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Many locals have Mayan ancestry and Mayan continues to be widely spoken in the area.

27. San Francisco, California

Everyone should visit San Francisco at least once in their lives. Though tech companies grab all the headlines these days, it remains down-to-earth, diverse and packed with things to do.

Where to start? No matter your style, you’ll want to check out the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, see the sunbathing sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, take a tour of the historic prison Alcatraz and relax in one of the city’s many parks, especially Dolores Park for its epic people-watching on the weekends. 

For dinner, treat your tastebuds and make a reservation at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area .

What to Know Before You Go to San Francisco

Where to stay: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Hot tip: Want similarly beautiful landscapes and rich cultural attractions, but at lower prices and with (slightly) fewer crowds? Head to Oakland just across the Bay Bridge, named one of the most exciting places on earth to travel by National Geographic. 

Fun fact: The fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by a Japanese resident. Random!

26. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world . The power with which water storms down cliffs on the border between the United States and Canada has captivated the imagination of humans for centuries. 

This natural wonder is comprised of three awe-inspiring falls. One of the best ways to experience them is on a boat tour.

What to Know Before You Go to Niagara Falls

Where to stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls

Hot tip: There is some debate about which side of the falls is better, but the general verdict is that the Canadian side offers better views. This is because you can (ironically) get a better view of the American Falls as well as get up close to Horseshoe Falls. 

Fun fact:  Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S.

25. Yellowstone National Park

Located mostly in Wyoming as well as Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is America’s first national park and remains one of the most popular in the country, welcoming more than around 3.3 million people in 2022. With unpredictable geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, craggy peaks, shimmering lakes and tons of wildlife — from elk to boars to bison — it’s easy to see why so many people flock here. 

The park makes for an awesome family trip and is well-suited to budget travelers since it offers so many campsites ( over 2,000! ). 

What to Know Before You Go to Yellowstone

Where to stay: Stage Coach Inn

Hot tip: You’ll never fully beat the crowds at this wildly popular park, but April, May, September and November are your best bets for finding some solitude.  

Fun fact: Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.  

24. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

As the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of marine species. This makes it a paradise for scuba diving or snorkeling. 

The reef system is truly gigantic, with over 600 islands and about 2,900 individual reefs. This is one of Australia's greatest prides, but it's also a planetary national treasure. Seeing it with your own two eyes is an experience that is incredible beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to the Great Barrier Reef

Where to stay: Crystalbrook Flynn

Hot tip: Though going underwater to see the reef is a must, we also recommend booking a helicopter tour to experience the magic of it from above.

Fun fact:  Made of corals, which are animals that live in collectives, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet.

23. Santorini, Greece

With its picturesque blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings and colorful beaches, the island of Santorini is a photographer’s paradise. If you want to snap photos to post to Instagram and make everyone back home jealous, this is the place to go. 

Also make sure to experience some of Santorini’s archaeologically significant sites, like Ancient Akrotiri (an ancient city preserved by volcanic ash) and Ancient Thera (where humans lived as early as the 9th century BC). And don’t forget to visit the smaller islands that surround it, including Thirassia, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. 

What to Know Before You Go to Santorini

Where to stay: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Hot tip: To optimize your vacation, visit in September and October or April and May — when the weather is still warm, but there aren’t as many other tourists milling around.

Fun fact: While it’s difficult to prove, locals like to say there’s more wine than water on this island where it hardly rains (and vino abounds).

22. Florence, Italy

For art and history buffs (and anyone who appreciates delicious Italian food), Florence is a must-visit city. 

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s home to some of the most iconic artworks by the world’s premier artists throughout history — Michaelangelo, Brunelleschi and Donatello, just to name a few. In addition to art museums and architectural wonders, Florence is also home to chic shops, quaint cafes and spectacular gardens. 

What to Know Before You Go to Florence

Where to stay:  NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa

Hot tip: Keep Florence in mind if you want to spend your honeymoon in Europe without spending a fortune, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Fun fact: The city’s famed “El Duomo” cathedral took over 140 years to build .

21. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite, one of the most-visited national parks in America with more than 4 million annual guests, encompasses 750,000 acres of wilderness just waiting to be explored.

It’s home to scenic waterfalls, like the 317-foot Vernal Fall and the 617-foot Bridalveil Fall, as well as iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, two popular spots for the world’s best rock climbers to test their mettle.

Not surprisingly, the wildlife here also impresses. Dozens of species of butterflies, marmots, bobcats and mule deer are just some of the animals that call Yosemite home. And keep your eyes peeled for black bears; some 300 to 500 roam the park . 

What to Know Before You Go to Yosemite

Where to stay:  The Ahwahnee

Hot tip: Summer can get really busy here, so if you want to camp, be sure to book a spot early. Want to beat Yosemite’s notoriously bad traffic? Ditch the car and take advantage of the park’s extensive free bus system.

Fun fact: This is one of the only places in the country where you can catch a moonbow — like a rainbow, but created by the light of the moon instead of the sun. 

20. St. Lucia

Whether you’re visiting on a cruise ship or just relaxing at an all-inclusive resort or boutique hotel, stunning St. Lucia is a clear winner. This Caribbean island offers diverse terrain for vacationers, from its pristine beaches to its lush rainforests to its volcanic peaks, the Pitons, that loom over the landscape. 

Adrenaline-junkies love hiking, climbing and zip-lining, while newlyweds (and soon-to-be-married couples) enjoy the romantic mix of fine dining, adults-only resorts and exotic activities. 

What to Know Before You Go to St. Lucia

Where to stay: Rabot Hotel From Hotel Chocolat

Hot tip: Visit when temperatures are moderate, which is typically in May and June.

Fun fact: St. Lucia is the only country named after a woman: Christian martyr Saint Lucia of Syracuse.

19. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Everything is bigger and better in Dubai, home to one of the world’s largest shopping malls, tallest towers, largest man-made marinas — and the list goes on. 

This Las Vegas-like urban center in the United Arab Emirates has an eclectic mix of activities for visitors to enjoy, including beaches, waterparks, tons of shopping and even an indoor ski resort. Outside the skyscraper-filled city, the vast desert awaits, best enjoyed via quad-biking or sandboarding.

What to Know Before You Go to Dubai

Where to stay:  Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Hot tip: Though you’re likely to pay a pretty penny for a trip to Dubai no matter when you visit, you can save a little cash by visiting during the scalding-hot summer months and by booking your hotel room two to three months in advance.

Fun fact: Dubai’s man-made Palm Islands were constructed using enough imported sand to fill up 2.5 Empire State Buildings . 

18. Machu Picchu, Peru

Many travelers describe their visit to Machu Picchu as life-changing. Why? It’s an archaeological wonder, the remains of an ancient Incan city dating back more than 600 years. No wonder this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most-visited attraction in all of Peru. 

Be sure to visit significant sites like Funerary Rock, where it’s believed Incan nobility were mummified, and Temple of the Condor, a rock temple sculpted to look like the impressive bird in its name.  

What to Know Before You Go to Machu Picchu

Where to stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Hot tip: If you’re planning a trip, be sure to get your ticket in advance, as only 2,500 people can visit Machu Picchu each day. (And a lot of people have this destination on their bucket list.)

Fun fact: The site contains more than 100 separate flights of stairs . 

17. Sydney, Australia

With its iconic Opera House and lively Bondi Beach, Sydney is the perfect spot to vacation if you’re looking for a blend of culture, arts, nightlife and relaxation. 

Spend the day on the water at Darling Harbour, then head to the Royal Botanic garden for even more fresh air. Want to travel like a local? Get a ticket to a rugby match and order a Tim Tam, a popular chocolate-covered cookie that pairs well with coffee. 

What to Know Before You Go to Sydney

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Hot tip: You can make your trip more affordable by visiting during Sydney’s shoulder seasons, which are typically September through November and March through May.

Fun fact: In 2007, Bondi Beach was the site of the largest ever swimsuit photoshoot ; 1,010 bikini-clad women participated, enough to earn it a spot in the Guinness World Records book.

16. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is truly massive (277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide!), which helps explain why so many people feel the urge to see it in person. 

In 2022, 4.7 million people visited, making the Grand Canyon the second-most popular national park in the country (behind Great Smoky Mountain Nationals Park). Established in 1919, the park offers activities for all ability levels, whether you want to do an intense hike down into the canyon and sleep under the stars (with a backcountry permit, of course) or simply want to saunter along the South Rim Trail, an easy walking path with views that wow.

What to Know Before You Go to the Grand Canyon

Where to stay:  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Hot tip: If you’ve wanted to visit the Grand Canyon for a while now, this is the year to do it. The park is celebrating its 100th birthday with musical performances, lectures, screenings and other special events.

Fun fact: The most remote community in the continental U.S. can be found in the Grand Canyon. At the base of the canyon, Supai Village — part of the Havasupi Indian Reservation — has a population of 208. It’s inaccessible by road, and mail is delivered by pack mule. Want to see it for yourself? The village houses a collection of campsites , accessible via a hiking trail.

15. Bali, Indonesia

In recent years, Bali has become a popular expat destination, where groups of "digital nomads" work and play. 

But the island hasn't lost its original charm to this added tourism and continues to be an incredible destination. Divide your time between swimming in the beach, hiking active volcanoes, visiting temples and enjoying views of tiered rice terraces.

What to Know Before You Go to Bali

Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach

Hot tip:  Though shoulder season (January to April and October to November) means fewer crowds and cheaper prices, it also means rain. Tons of it. We'd recommend avoiding the rainy season if possible.

Fun fact: On the Saka New Year, Balinese people celebrate Nyepi. This Hindu celebration is a day of silence when everything on the island shuts down and no noise is allowed.

14. New York, New York

As the saying goes, New York City is “the city that never sleeps” — and you won’t want to either when you visit, lest you run out of time to take it all in. 

Be sure to check out newer attractions, like the High Line (an elevated park) and Hudson Yards (a mega-mall along the Hudson River), but also make time for some New York City classics, like catching a Broadway show or standing under the lights of Times Square. 

Foodies will have a hard time choosing where to eat (the city is home to almost 100 Michelin stars !), which is why an extended trip is always a good idea.

What to Know Before You Go to New York City

Where to stay: The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

Hot tip: Yes, January and February get cold here, but this is also the best time to lock in relatively reasonable hotel rates. You can spend your time eating in the city’s restaurants, exploring its fabulous museums and catching its world-class theater shows without needing to spend much time in the chilly outdoors. 

Fun fact: There’s a birth in New York City about every 4.4 minutes — and a death every 9.1 minutes. 

13. Banff National Park, Canada

Some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery and vistas are located in Banff, the tiny Canadian town located at 4,537 feet above sea level inside the national park by the same name. Banff is the highest town in Canada, and Banff National Park was Canada’s first, established in 1885.

Shred some powder at Banff’s three ski resorts in the winter, then come back in the summer for activities like hiking, biking, fishing and scrambling (scaling steep terrain using nothing but your hands).

What to Know Before You Go to Banff

Where to stay: Fairmont Banff Springs

Hot tip: June to August and December to March are the best times to visit if you want to take advantage of summer and winter activities. 

Fun fact: Banff National Park has more than 1,000 glaciers.

12. Maldives

You can look at picture after picture, but you still really need to visit the Maldives to believe its beauty. If rich sunsets, flour-like beaches and vibrant blue waters are your style, this is the destination for you. 

Though it’s somewhat difficult to get to this small island nation southwest of Sri Lanka, that also means it’s incredibly private and secluded, which makes it the perfect spot for a honeymoon or romantic beach getaway. 

And don’t worry about getting bored, either — explore the water by snorkeling or scuba diving, relax in the spa or wander around the bustling Male’ Fish Market.

What to Know Before You Go to Maldives

Where to stay: Velassaru Maldives

Hot tip: May to October is the island-nation’s rainy season — but that also means it’s the best time to go for fewer crowds and better rates.

Fun fact: In 1153 AD, the nation’s people converted to Islam. Today, the Maldives remains the most heavily Muslim country on earth.

11. Barcelona, Spain

Soccer, architecture, shopping, nightlife, world-class food and wine, arts and culture — is there anything Barcelona doesn’t have? If there is, we honestly can't think what it would be. 

This cosmopolitan Spanish city is home to some awe-inspiring architecture, including several buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, so be sure to book tours of his whimsical creations like Park Guell and the yet-to-be-finished Church of the Sacred Family (La Sagrada Familia). 

For nightlife and shopping, Las Ramblas is always bustling; for an enriching arts experience, follow the progression of famed artist Pablo Picasso at Museo Picasso.

What to Know Before You Go to Barcelona

Where to stay:  Hotel Bagues

Hot tip: It can get really humid here, so it's best to plan your trip in May and June before things really heat up.

Fun fact: In preparation for its 1992 hosting of the Olympics, the city flew in sand from as far away as Egypt to make Barceloneta Beach a place where people would want to go. Though largely man-made, the beach remains a wonderful spot for seaside R&R. 

10. Glacier National Park, Montana

The crown jewel of beautiful Montana, Glacier National Park is every outdoors traveler's dream.

Of course, the most defining natural feature of the park are its glaciers, which provide spectacular views as well as a number of pristine lakes. There are hundreds of trails that will take you up peaks, down through valleys and across some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see.

What to Know Before You Go to Glacier National Park

Where to stay: Firebrand Hotel

Hot tip:  Plan to spend a day or two in the nearby town of Whitefish. This gateway to Glacier National Park is one of the best small towns in America and a destination in its own right. 

Fun fact: During your visit, you're very likely to run into mountain goats, which are the official symbols of the park.

9. Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese capital is one of the most exciting cities on the entire planet. It is notoriously fast-paced, with neon lights illuminating the multitudes that are constantly rushing to their next destination. 

But Tokyo is also a city of temples, of taking time to picnic under the cherry blossoms and of making sure you enjoy the abundance of delicious food that can be found on basically every corner.

What to Know Before You Go to Tokyo

Where to stay: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Hot tip: Visit between the months of March and April or September and November for more comfortable temperatures. Of course, spring is when the city's cherry blossoms are famously in full bloom.

Fun fact: Tokyo happens to be the largest metropolitan area in the world, with more than 40 million people calling the greater metro area home.

8. Phuket, Thailand

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that feels luxurious but won’t break the bank, start searching for flights to Phuket now. 

This island in southern Thailand, which is just an hour flight from Bangkok, is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, so white sandy beaches abound. If a stunning sunset is what you’re after, head to Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on the island and a popular spot for photo-ops. For views of the island and beyond, climb to the top of the massive alabaster statue called Big Buddha.

You can even learn something during your vacation by visiting the Soi Dog Foundation, an innovative animal shelter that’s fighting the meat trade and taking care of the thousands of stray cats and dogs in the area.

What to Know Before You Go to Phuket

Where to stay: InterContinental Phuket Resort

Hot tip: Visit between November and April for the best weather — and ideal conditions for beach activities like swimming and boating. 

Fun fact: The island is not pronounced in the rather colorful way it appears to be. The correct way to say it is “poo-ket” or “poo-get.”

7. Rome, Italy

Though Rome’s historic significance cannot be overstated, don’t assume that this Italian city is stuck in the past. On the contrary, you’ll find posh storefronts and luxurious hotels not far from iconic structures like the Pantheon (built in 120 AD) and the Colosseum (built in 80 AD).

And then, of course, there’s the city’s art. Stroll through Rome, and you’ll stumble upon some of the greatest treasures the world has ever seen — an astonishing collection of frescoes, paintings, ceilings and fountains created by icons like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.

After all that exploration, take advantage of ample opportunities to eat and drink, including at several Michelin-starred restaurants. City staples include suppli (deep-fried balls of risotto, mozzarella and ragu meat sauce) and cacio e pepe (a deceptively simple mix of al-dente pasta, pecorino romano and fresh black pepper). 

What to Know Before You Go to Rome

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Ghr Hotel

Hot tip: Tourists congregate here in the summer when temperatures are also sweltering. Go instead between October and April, when there are thinner crowds, better rates and cooler temps. Just make sure to bring a light jacket.

Fun fact: Each year, travelers throw about $1.7 million worth of coins into the Trevi Fountain. The money is donated to Caritas, a Catholic nonprofit that supports charities focused on health, disaster relief, poverty and migration.

6. London, England

English writer Samual Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” 

From live performances of Shakespeare to truly world-class (and free!) museums like the National Gallery, London will enrich your mind and enliven your senses. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace to see the famous stone-faced guards outside and the 19 lavish State Rooms inside (though, unfortunately, you can’t see the queen’s private quarters). Another must-see landmark is the Tower of London, the historic castle on the north side of the River Thames.

What to Know Before You Go to London

Where to stay: Vintry & Mercer

Hot tip: Many U.S. cities now offer direct flights to London, so set a price alert and act fast when you see fares drop.

Fun fact: London’s pubs are worth a visit for their names alone; fanciful monikers include The Case is Altered, The Pyrotechnists Arms, John the Unicorn and The Job Centre. 

5. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Flavorful French cuisine, top-notch resorts, warm waters — need we say more? Though Tahiti can be pricey, travelers say it’s so worth it. 

The largest of the 118 French Polynesian islands, Tahiti is split into two main regions (connected by a land bridge). Tahiti Nui, the larger region, is home to the island’s capital Papeete and surfing hotspot Papenoo Beach, while Tahiti Iti, the smaller region, offers more seclusion and the bright white sands of La Plage de Maui.

What to Know Before You Go to Tahiti

Where to stay: Hilton Hotel Tahiti

Hot tip: Visit between May and October, Tahiti’s winter, when there are less humidity and rain. 

Fun fact: Overcrowding is not a concern here; Hawaii gets more visitors in 10 days than all of French Polynesia does in a year.

4. Maui, Hawaii

If you’re short on time or you just can’t decide which Hawaiian island to visit, Maui is right in the sweet spot: not too big, not too small, but just right.

There are five regions to explore on Maui, including the popular West Maui and South Maui, home to some of the island’s best-known attractions and beaches (Wailea Beach is in South Maui, for example). But don’t overlook East Maui, where you can travel along the Road to Hana, or the Upcountry, where you can explore the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala. 

What to Know Before You Go to Maui

Where to stay:  Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Hot tip: This is Hawaii we’re talking about, so your trip will be on the pricey side. Be sure to budget for add-ons if you need them (think gym access and WiFi at your hotel), and do some research on insurance before you head to the car-rental counter.

Fun fact: How’s this for a selling point? Maui has more beach than any other Hawaiian island — 60 miles of it, with red, white and black sand.

3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Don’t write off the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora just because of its size. Though it’s a little more than 2 miles wide and just 6 miles long, Bora Bora packs in an abundance of natural beauty. To start, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the island’s turquoise lagoon surrounded by lush jungle.

If you’re looking for more than relaxation on your trip, consider hiking or booking a 4X4 tour of Mount Otemanu, part of an extinct volcano that rises 2,400 feet above the lagoon. You can also snorkel among the coral reef of Coral Gardens, where you might catch a glimpse of reef sharks, eels and stingrays.

Because of its remoteness, flying into Bora Bora Airport will be quite a journey, no matter where you're departing from. But you'll forget everything as soon as you see this Polynesian paradise that is beautiful beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to Bora Bora

Where to stay: Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Hot tip: Though Bora Bora can be wildly expensive to visit, you can cut costs by visiting between December and March (though you should avoid the Christmas holiday) and by bringing your own alcohol and sunscreen with you.

Fun fact: Bora Bora is one of the countries that no longer exists . The Kingdom of Bora Bora was an independent state until it was forcefully overtaken and annexed by France in 1888.

2. Paris, France

Paris has it all — incredible cuisine, legendary landmarks and centuries of history. Those are just some of the reasons it’s the second-best place to visit in the world.

Though you’ll want to spend your time hitting up popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d’Orsay, you should also carve out time to explore other parts of Paris — the city’s 20 diverse neighborhoods, called arrondissements, for instance. Standouts include the 2nd arrondissement, which touts covered passages and some of the city’s hippest restaurants, and the romantic 18th arrondissement, with charming squares, cafes and bars, set apart from the city’s more tourist-packed areas.

What to Know Before You Go to Paris

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal

Hot tip: Yes, summer in Paris is busy, but the weather is also ideal — average highs are in the 70s.

Fun fact: Built for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be temporary , and was almost torn down in 1909. Luckily, local officials saw its value as a radiotelegraph station, preserving the future tourist icon for generations to come. 

1. South Island, New Zealand

South Island, the larger but less populated of the two islands that make up New Zealand, earn this top-spot honor for its gorgeous scenery, adrenelin-pumping experiences and affordability.

The 33.5-mile hike on Milford Sound, which is limited to 90 people at a time, is considered one of the world’s best treks, with stops at Lake Te Anau, suspension bridges, a mountain pass and the tallest waterfall in the country, Sutherland Falls.

For a heart-pumping experience, you can jump out of a helicopter while flying over the Harris Mountains with skis on your feet. Still not satisfied? Roam Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, and explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, two of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

What to Know Before You Go to New Zealand

Where to stay: QT Queenstown

Hot tip: Book your trip for the fall, when South Island is temperate, not overcrowded and offers great rates. Bonus: This is also when the island is at its most stunning.

Fun fact: New Zealand natives, called Kiwis, are among the most hospitable you’ll ever meet. The local saying “He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” translates , appropriately, to “What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people.”

Is Naples Worth Visiting? 23 Solid Reasons to Visit Napoli

Is Naples worth visiting? If you are still wondering if you should visit Naples , here you will find over two dozen great reasons (and photos) to visit the capital of Campania, Italy.

An intensely interesting city,  Naples   (Napoli) is where you will experience the real, rough yet soulful side of Italy. Naples, Italy might not be love at first sight, but I can bet that you will miss it after your first visit. Dark gritty Napoli has its ways of seducing. Even if you do not like big cities, Naples’ intoxicating energy is addictive and you end up craving more (at least for more pizza, guaranteed).

Thus, before you venture to the more glamorous places in South Italy (I am referring to the popular Amalfi Coast), I encourage you to take your time experiencing the unfiltered life of the authentic city of Naples, Italy. 

I have been to Napoli several times and it stole my heart. In this post, I share my love for this unique Italian city and show you why is Naples a good place to visit on your trip to South Italy . Nonetheless, I do not sugarcoat that the city is a perfection. Far from it. Thus, I also share some points on why Naples might not be for you.

From pizzas to piazzas, here are 23 solid reasons why it is worth visiting Naples, Italy.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

Is Naples worth visiting?

Assolutamente sì (definitely, yes)! Naples is worth a visit because it is one of a kind city that packs a punch: rich culture, beautiful landscape, great food, friendly people, historical significance, and affordability, to name just a few fantastic reasons. Keep reading to find out more intriguing details about why Napoli is awesome.

Why is Naples, Italy worth visiting: 23 solid reasons to visit Naples

1. naples is the soul of italy.

There is a popular saying that Rome is the heart of Italy but Naples is its soul. A deep complex soul with its darkest corners, yet humble and touching. One of the reasons why visit Naples, Italy is to explore the essence of the city layer by layer.

Naples has its highs and lows, and getting to know its different sides some of which are hidden beyond the rough surface is a rewarding travel experience, and quite different to the one you receive while relaxing on sparkling Italian coasts (although Naples has that too!).

The soul of Italy, Naples reveals itself through a dizzying mix of shockingly contrasting elements: beautiful historical buildings and glorious piazzas with piles of trash on the corner, ancient archeological findings under and above the ground, opulent churches sprayed with graffiti, surreal murals bringing dark walls to life, chaotic narrow streets clearly not made to handle hundreds of people, buzzing scooters and cars crisscrossing simultaneously.

Then we have tiny yet important details such as melting cheese on perfectly soft pizza dough, endless espresso shots, quirky shops, old bookstores, and laundry fluttering in the wind above the “i bassi” apartments. And the more major ones such as golden sunset views of mighty Vesuvius dominating the horizon of the Gulf of Naples, or, Neapolitan music, and the dialect impossible to understand even if you speak a fair share of Italian.

Finally, the secret dark side of Naples, related to crime, poverty, and struggle so expressively described in Elena Ferrante’s novels, remains a bit of a mystery to a regular visitor but it is an undeniable part of the city you won’t be able to avoid noticing.

Plan your visit: How to spend one day in Naples, Italy.

2. Naples is a struggling charismatic city with an impulsive unique character

Nestled under the threatening figure of Vesuvius, Naples is just as boiling as the volcano.

It is one of the poorest cities in Italy, densely populated, noisy, chaotic, yet undeniably charming. Often called dirty and dangerous,  Naples is a city of contrasts and contradictions . Hated or loved, ugly or beautiful, Naples does not leave anyone indifferent. 

The first-time visitor to Naples might easily come to the impression that it is a loud and dodgy town, very chaotic and rude. It is just like that type of person, who is not attractive at first sight. However, once you get to know them, you start to appreciate them and even see them as beautiful and charming.

Naples takes time to get used to. The raw, unpolished, and often misunderstood Napoli is undeniably charismatic. It is a city like no other in Italy, yet very much Italian. Its charm is rough, and you won’t find anything like it anywhere in mainland Italy. The only similarity in terms of beauty and grittiness in one I could think of is Palermo, the capital of Sicily.

Read more: 2 days in Naples- a perfect Naples itinerary.

3. Naples is ancient

One of the answers to “Why is it worth visiting Naples?” is that the city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. Naples Italy has an age’s long history. That said, history buffs and archeology lovers will go crazy in Naples.

Napoli dates back to the antiquity of Greco-Roman times and was first established as a Greek colony in the 1st millennium BC, but the area was inhabited for at least 4000 years . Ever since Napoli (Neapolis) was erected by Greeks in the 6th century BC, the city went through the hands of Romans, then ruled by Goths, Byzantines, Lombards, Normans, and Spanish.

For nearly 600 years Naples served as the capital of The Kingdom of Naples (also known as the Kingdom of Sicily) which was an independent state comprising the territory of South Italy and Sicily.

During the Spanish rule, quickly growing Naples reached its peak and became the largest city in Europe.

However, the modern days of Naples, despite industrialization, were not as successful. The two World Wars hit the city greatly, resulting in unemployment, corruption, and high crime rates. These problems followed the third-largest Italian city all the way to the 21 st century.

Nowadays, Naples is trying to rebuild its reputation, improve its social and economic problems and celebrate its rich history and diverse culture shaped by different civilizations.

If you want to dig deeper, do not miss The Archeology Museum of Naples (National Archaeological Museum (MANN)-Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli) considered one of the best of its kind in Europe.

Also read: The best areas to stay in Naples, Italy.

4. Naples historical center is UNESCO protected

If you are obsessed with historical towns, here is another solid for visiting Napoli. The largest in Italy, and one of the largest in Europe, Naples historical center is UNESCO listed since 1995 .

It is praised for being a center point of culture and arts with many impressive architectural sites such as the Royal Palace of Naples, Santa Chiara Monastery Complex, Castel Nuovo, Duomo di San Genaro, and Piazza del Plebiscito to name just a few.

The area that falls under a UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 10 square kilometers (3.86 square miles). The Centro Storico neighborhood holds the highest concentration of historical monuments that you can easily explore on foot.

5. Naples is artistic- from ancient frescoes to surreal murals

If you love art, it is yet another reason for visiting Napoli. Naples is known for its art scene which ranges from ancient to contemporary.

Continuous excavations unearth incredible tombs decorated with frescoes and mosaics dating back to Greek times.

Moreover, Naples takes pride in being home to the classic artworks of old-world masters such as Caravaggio , with his altarpiece of “The Seven Works of Mercy” that can be seen in the church of Pio Monte della Misericordia. Also, the Veiled Christ is the highlight of the sculpture masterpiece carved out of marble by Giussepe San Martino currently hosted in San Severo Chapel.

And if that is not enough, visit the impressive Capodimonte Palace , which is now a museum displaying a wealth of classics and contemporary artwork (works of Caravaggio and Andy Warhol are under one roof).

Finally, the street art scene covers a significant part of the city . If you, just like me, love murals, you will be delighted to go on a street art hunt. The best findings are located in the neighborhoods of Rione Sanità and Spanish Quarters where you can find the famous Diego Maradona mural.

6. Visit Naples for splendid panoramic views

If you love good city views and stunning panoramas, then you are in luck. Naples Italy is blessed with a perfect location. The city overlooks the sparkling Bay of Naples with mighty Mount Vesuvius on the horizon.

The most popular place to enjoy the views is while walking (or cycling) along the Lungomare Caracciolo with Castel dell’Ovo as its centerpiece. Meanwhile, climbing higher up the hills to the neighborhoods of Vomero or Capodimonte allows for the awe-inspiring panorama with the historical center of Naples under your feet.

For the most striking vistas and atmospheric feel head to Sant’Elmo Castle ( Castel Sant’Elmo ). Here you can enjoy a splendid bird’s eye view of Naples’ historic centre and Mount Vesuvius. Sunset is a perfect time.

Plan your South Italy trip: Tips for renting a car and driving in Naples

7. There is another city of Naples hidden under the ground

Naples is indeed a city of layers, hiding some of the best-kept secrets under the ground. Therefore, when visiting Naples, you can also explore the ancient underground Napoli .

Greeks were the first to dig tuff (a soft volcanic type of rock) to build Neapolis (ancient Naples). Later Romans continue using existing tunnels as aqueducts to supply the city with water. Centuries passed, and the mind-blowing subterranean 450 kilometers (280 miles) network of streets, catacombs, caverns, and chambers was discovered. During World War II those secret tunnels served as shelter for 2 years where over 200000 citizens of Naples were hiding from bombings.

Today you can join many intriguing underground tours in Naples where you will get a chance to glimpse at life under the ground.

Check out the following underground tours in Naples:

• La Napoli Sotterranea underground tour
• Catacombs of San Gennaro

8. Naples neighborhoods are distinct and intriguing

Naples, Italy is known for its characteristic neighborhoods that are steps away from one another. One moment you can admire enchanting churches squeezed on a busy street of Via Tribunali in Centro Storico of Napoli. The next moment you are dodging the scooter in a busy Pigneseca Market in the Spanish Quarter. While finding your way through the narrow alleyways “decorated” with colorful laundry stretched between the balconies, you enjoy an open-air gallery of murals, including the one of Diego Maradona.

And then, in just 10 minutes you are in an open space of the emblematic square of Piazza del Plebiscito. Walk across to the south and you will reach the relaxed Lungomare di Caracciolo waterfront beloved by locals and visitors alike for strolls along the Bay of Naples.

And let’s not forget the fancy shopping experience in upscale Chiaia , magic sunset views opening up from the hill of Vomero, and the off-the-beaten-path Rione Sanità – the most contradictory neighborhood of Naples.

READ MORE: Find out more about the neighborhoods and where is the best area to stay in Naples, Italy .

9. Naples is a street photographer’s playground

Naples is one of the best cities in Italy for street photography. Whether you love photographing architecture, urban landscapes, portraits, or quirky details, you will find your subject in Naples.

There is so much character just on every corner of Naples. The streets of Naples are full of action, textures, colors, and personalities. Every moment offers something exciting and different to be photographed, just keep your camera ready. To me personally, street photography of Napoli is the number one reason for visiting Naples.

And if you are wondering if it is safe to carry around your professional digital camera in the streets of Naples, then you might want to read my post about Safety in Naples, Italy (published soon). But in short, yes, it is safe, as long as you are aware of your surroundings and do not put the camera in the face of a person who does not want to be photographed (most of them do not mind).

10. Naples is less expensive than other Italian cities

Is Naples expensive? You may wonder. If you are looking for an affordable city break, Naples, Italy is a perfect choice. The third largest city in Italy, Naples is significantly cheaper than the capital Rome, Milan, or Florence . In general, south Italy tends to be cheaper than the northern part (except for Amalfi Coast and perhaps some places in Puglia).

In Naples, you can find fantastic accommodation for every budget, and you will be staying within walking distance of the main attractions in town.

Read more: Where to stay in Naples: best areas and accommodations for every budget.

Food is also quite cheap, especially street food. You can fill your stomach with delicious fried pizza just for a couple of euros. Visitors, who love to have a glass of wine alongside their meal or are obsessed with Aperol Spritz (a popular bittersweet drink in Italy), will also be happy to know that it costs just a few euros in Naples, compared to much higher prices in other places in Italy.

11. You can stay in the palace (B&B Palazzo Dello Spagnolo)

Talking about the affordability of Naples, you can even rent accommodation in a palace (the Palazzo) . While the most famous in the city Palazzo Reale di Napoli is an example of royal luxury, you will be delighted to find out that Palazzo dello Spagnolo offers a stay in a bed and breakfast that does not break the bank.

Located in the Rione Sanità neighborhood, Palazzo dello Spagnolo is a fine example of late-baroque style architecture, the palace is known for its elaborate staircase. Palazzo Dello Spagnolo is one of the main sightseeing attractions in Rione Sanità . But more interestingly, it is also a lived-in palace where some of the gorgeous apartments are available for rent which makes it a truly unique experience when staying in Naples.

Palazzo dello Spagnolo – a three-bedroom apartment with a terrace located in the historical palazzo, rooms are air-conditioned, and free private parking (a rarity in Naples!) is also offered by the property

12. Wonderful islands and beach towns are within an hour’s reach

If you want to escape the madness of the city, you can easily jump on a ferry and sail to the nearby islands of Ischia, Procida , and the world-famous Capri. Within an hour you can completely change the scenery from dark busy streets to colorful fishermen’s boats. Located in the Gulf of Naples, Procida is my personal favorite. This candy-colored island is less crowded than Ishcia and especially Capri, but no less beautiful.

Moreover, the Amalfi Coast is also within easy access from Naples , either by boat or by road. Although visiting Amalfi as a day trip is a bit of a stretch, you can certainly sail, drive, or hop on to the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento- the most easily accessible coastal town near Amalfi.

Read More: How to visit Procida island from Naples, Italy.

13. Hiking on Vesuvius

Visiting Naples will appeal if you are an active traveler who doesn’t miss a chance to squeeze in a hike or too into your itinerary. The most prominent natural landmark of Naples is the mighty volcano of Vesuvius which rises above the Bay of Naples. Hiking around the Vesuvius crater is one of the more adventurous reasons to visit Naples. The great news is that the hike is easy and does not require any special trekking skills.

14. Naples is a stone through away from the Pompeii

The mighty volcano of Vesuvius, as beautiful as it is to look at from afar, is a dangerous landmark to live close to. The most evident proof is the Roman city of Pompeii which was destroyed by one of the strongest eruptions of Vesuvius in AD 79. The remains of the ancient city were unearthed and now you can easily visit them as a half-day trip from Naples.

Pompeii is perhaps one of the most famous historical sights in Italy and one of the best day trips from Naples. It should not be missed if you are traveling to the Campania region for the first time.

Great to know: entry to Pompei Archeological Site is free on the first Sunday of every month. 

Check these top-rated tours to Pompeii

• Skip the line guided tour to Pompeii
• Pompei and Vesuvius tour – combine two attractions in one day trip from Naples

15. Visit Naples for the diverse culinary experience

From the street food to the Micheline star dining experience, Naples has it all to be a foodies paradise. Widely known as the capital (or birthplace) of pizza, Naples has very old culinary traditions. Through the long years of history, Neapolitan cuisine has been influenced by different cultures (Romans, Spanish, French, Arabs) and enriched with both popular specialties and more elaborate ones, with a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors.

When visiting Naples, you will appreciate the street food just as much as the fancier dishes in the restaurant.

Talking about street food, make sure you try the traditional Neapolitan pizza, fried pizza, and pizza a portafloglio (wallet pizza). In the restaurants, you will definitely find Neapolitan ragu , locally popular pasta dishes such as linguini alla vongole , eggplant parmigiana , and much more yummy stuff.

The big names in the pastry section are sfogliatella (sea-shell-shaped pastry made of layered crunchy dough filled with ricotta cheese) and baba (a fluffy cake studded with dried fruit and soaked in hot rum syrup). You can find those pastries on every corner in Naples, some better than others (after trying so many you soon become an expert to understand the difference).

For a perfect snack on a south Italy road trip , pick up some taralli crackers- ring-shaped baked crackers that are made in many flavors (olives, cheese, onion, or just salty ones).

16. Pizza alone makes Naples worth a visit, for real

Pizza alone is a solid reason for visiting Napoli, Italy.

Around the 18 th  to 19th century, Naples was already an overpopulated metropolis with many poor laborers who were in need of inexpensive quick food while at work. Therefore, pizza was sold on the streets of Napoli, and in unofficial restaurants.

Although there is a lot of debate about where and when pizza was actually invented, there is no doubt that Naples took the making of pizza to the next level. The flatbread with toppings was known since ancient Egypt, Roman, and Greek times, but the creation of modern days pizza is definitely credited to Naples.

According to the legend, at the end of the 19th century, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita were visiting Naples and decided to go for something more exotic than their usual royal menu. They sampled pizzas at Pizzeria Brandi . The Queen’s favorite flavor was the one with melty mozzarella. That was the birthday of the most famous classic pizza Margherita.

Today, you can find countless pizzerias in Naples, and many of them are even world famous today. When visiting Naples do not miss Pizzeria Antica Port’Alba (considered the oldest pizzeria in the world), Pizzeria da Michelle (where Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts was filmed), Pizzeria de Atillo (for its star-shaped pizzas), just to name a very few great pizza makers.

Trust me, that after trying Neapolitan pizza, it will be hard to settle for a non-Neapolitan one.

17. Gran Café Gambrinus makes the coffee you won’t forget

A no less important reason to visit Naples is the fantastic coffee, the fuel of the nation. Italy is famous for great coffee, but some of the best cafeterias can be found specifically in Napoli. One of the many reasons I am always keen to revisit Naples is the Gran Café Gambrinus .

Located a few steps away from Piazza del Plebiscito, this historic Belle Epoque 19th-century café serves artisan coffee and you might have to wait in a long queue before you order your unforgettable espresso shot. Go for Caffé Gegé – sweet “scrambled” espresso shot. If you prefer something more milky, apart from classic cappuccino, there is an array of other intriguing coffee cocktails. Ah, and did I mention a head-spinning amount of deserts?

18. Pasticeria Popella and heavenly Fioco di Neve

When talking about deserts in Naples, there are a few classic ones I already mentioned. However, it is only Fioco di Neve (a snowflake) that will make your knees bend from pleasure. Made by the one and only Pasticeria Popella, this puffy thin dough pastry is filled with absolutely light and decadent ricotta cream.

Pasticeria Popella is a historical pastry shop operating since the 1920s. There are 3 branches in Naples, but the one with less crowd is located in the Rione Sanita district, in Via Arena della Sanita.

The heavenly Fioco di Neve of such exquisite quality can only be found in Naples at Pasticeria Popella. I must admit that is by far the best pastry I have tried in Italy (and I have extensive pastry sampling experience).

19. Naples has great weather all year round

Naples is located in the south of Italy and has perfect weather all year round. Well, almost perfect. It gets pretty hot in summer (above 30 degrees Celsius), but the rest of the year temperatures are great for being out and about on the streets. The coldest month of January only gets as “cold” as 10 degrees Celsius. That said, you can visit Naples and explore comfortably at least 9 months out of 12 a year.

20. Expressive Neapolitan people

One of the most important components to experience the local culture and get a sense of the city is interaction with its people. Neapolitans are passionate, laud, and proud of their identity, yet friendly and down to earth. They know how to enjoy life despite the hardships that they have to cope with everyday living in this busy chaotic city.

Neapolitans share typical Italian mannerisms just on a more heightened side. They are very expressive and straightforward. People from Napoli seem to be open to all races and colors (as an example, their most celebrated football player Victor Osimhen in 2023 is originally Nigerian).

Before visiting Naples, I read mixed reviews of what people are like in Napoli. Many stories about tourists being ripped off in a taxi or rude waiters at restaurants. That might be true to some extent (just like in any other big city), however, you cannot generalize every single person in Naples as a scammer or rude.

On the contrary, the impression I got about Neapolitans during my multiple visits is that they are very friendly. As a photographer, I encounter different people face to face. Most of the time, people were open to me taking pictures of them. While dining at restaurants or pizzerias, waiters were passionate about recommending their best foods, cheerful, and easy to talk to.

21. Music of Naples is worldwide famous

Dubbed “a capital of world music”, Naples has played a vital role in developing a music style that is recognized today. From the mid-18th century to the 19th century, Napoli was a flourishing metropolis where arts and creativity were also at their peak. Music was always an integral part of city life, from the chorus of the church to street and folk music, and opera. In fact, opera-buffa (a comic opera genre) originated in Naples in the 18 th century.

Did you know that the most famous Italian classic romance song “O Sole Mio” was written in Neapolitan lyrics in 1898 by Giovanni Capurro . Decades later Luciano Pavarotti immortalized the opera version of this song and won a Grammy award for best classic vocal performance.

And there are many more famous songs that originated in Napoli. For example, “Funiculi Funicula” was famously performed by Andrea Bocelli.

Characterized by emotional romantic themes, Canzone Napoletana is a traditional Neapolitan music born in the 19th century. It had an impact on the Italian music scene and is widely performed today.

Meanwhile, Neapolitan Tarantella is a popular upbeat folk music genre accompanied by traditional dances.

22. Naples is crazy about football

If you are a football fanatic, Naples is a place to be to meet like-minded folks. Football (il calcio) is like an unofficial religion in Napoli with Diego Maradona treated like a god of the ball. D10S Umano , the “human God”, is how the legendary player is referred to. Indeed the Argentinian-born (but Neapolitan by roots) Maradona won the most trophies for the club in the history of its existence.

Neapolitans are seriously football-mad. The city’s football club SSC Napoli is not just a football team, it’s a cult. It does not take long to notice the level of devotion Neapolitans have towards football. It is a state of mind, an inseparable part of their everyday life.

You will find all sorts of football-related attributes all around the city. Most of which is homage to Maradona found around the city. Make sure to visit the famous Diego Maradona mural and a shrine-like setup in Quertieri Spagnoli.

During my recent visit, the city was celebrating the big win in 33 years as the first Italian football league. Napoli streets were covered in football team color and bright blue flags, stretched between the balconies. It was a next-level celebration, not sure if any other city could compare.

23. Naples is an overlooked city in Italy

The third largest city in Italy, Napoli almost feels like the off-the-beaten-path destination. Yes, there are tourists visiting the city but not to the extent like Rome, Florence, or Venice. Naples, due to its reputation as being dangerous and dirty, is often skipped by travelers to southern Italy. Undoubtedly, Naples is overlooked and only treated as a jump-off point to the famous Amalfi Coast.

However, I find it as a positive thing, because Naples remains a real living city. Hence, when visiting Naples, you have a sense of being part of this city life, instead of just one of the many tourists roaming around famous landmarks like it is in Rome.

Thus if you are seeking for off-the-beaten-path city in Italy, Naples is the one to visit.

Why you should NOT visit Naples? The bad and ugly side of the city

Naples might not be for everyone. And there are usually two teams of people- those who love Naples and those who absolutely hate it. There is hardly in between. And that is understandable. The following are a few points that make Naples a place to avoid when traveling in South Italy:

• It is dirty.

Unfortunately, Naples is not a clean city. At some point, the trash situation was so bad that it was known as the dirtiest city in Europe. The problem still exists, and you can see piles of trash on the streets. There is still a long way to go to fix this issue.

• It is loud, busy and tiring

Naples is a densely populated city, very crowded, loud, and noisy. You might get tired easily after spending a day on the streets of Naples. I personally do not like big cities as they drag my energy down. Thus, I can easily see why Naples for someone who prefers smaller towns or nature, is not the right choice for vacation. However, to me, Naples is an exception (just like Palermo in Sicily ). Ironically, visiting Napoli even felt like a breath of fresh air, and an energy boost after road-tripping around peaceful and often too quiet south Italian villages .

• Is Naples safe? yes and no

Naples is not the safest city in Italy. It is the hometown of one of the deadliest criminal organizations in Italy known under the name of Camorra (like Mafia in Sicily ). However, those gangs are not interested in tourists. Yet, petty crime like pickpocketing is common in Naples, and distracted tourists are often the targets. Thus, you cannot be completely relaxed when walking on the streets of Naples. The city is so populated that you must be alert to your surroundings. I would say that Naples might not be a good idea for solo traveling for some people. Nonetheless, I personally find Naples safe to visit as a tourist.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Naples, Italy

Based on personal experience and additional research, here are the pros and cons of visiting Naples as a tourist.

Top 5 reasons for visiting Naples Italy

To wrap up here are my top 5 reasons why is Naples Italy worth visiting.

• Naples is the soul of Italy and one of the most unique and authentic cities in the boot-shaped country.
• Naples is the cradle of history and art which will fascinate a culture-savvy traveler.
• Naples is a foodies paradise – the best pizza is not the only specialty you can enjoy eating in Naples. Naples’s cuisine is rich and filled with flavors influenced by different cultures.
• Naples is a perfect city for dynamic and unexpected street photography.
• Naples is one of the most affordable cities in Italy with friendly locals.

Quick links to plan your visit to Naples, Italy

• Rent a car: get the best rates at Discovercars.
• Trains & Buses: use Omio to check schedules and book tickets .
• Ferry: use Ferryhopper to check schedules and book tickets (ferries and hydrofoils to and from Naples, Ischia, and Sorrento).

Recommended places to stay in Naples, Italy

•   Amadomus Luxury Suites -prime location, tasteful luxury, super comfy beds, and fantastic breakfast.
• La Casa sul Nilo – a complex of gorgeous apartments of different sizes. Accommodation is located at the very heart of Naples.
• Real Paggeria – hotel in the Naples Plebiscito area is situated inside a historic renovated building and features stunning bright rooms.
• Sotto Le Stelle ai Decumani -a budget B&B located at the very heart of Naples old town features bright cozy rooms. A superb complimentary buffet breakfast is included.

Top-rated recommended tours in Naples

• La Napoli Sotterranea underground tour – my top pick
• Catacombs of San Gennaro (alternative top pick for Naples underground)
• 2.5-hour Naples tour with a local guide : origins, cults, and legends.
• Naples downtown tour and Veiled Christ entry
• Pompei and Vesuvius day trip from Naples or Sorento.

More Italy travel guides

• Browse all my  blog posts about Italy   HERE .
• Where to stay in Naples” 10 best areas and accommodations.
• Plan your day in Naples with my  1-Day in Naples Itinerary .
• Have more time in Naples? Here is your Perfect 2 days Naples itinerary .
• Guide to Scilla & Chianalea – the most beautiful coastal towns in Calabria, Italy.
• Find out the 10 Best Things to do in Tropea: The Pearl of Calabria, Italy .
• Thinking of renting a car in Naples? Use my  Must-Know Tips for Renting a Car in Naples and Driving in Southern Italy .
• Check these  25 useful travel tips before visiting Calabria, Italy .
• Looking for romantic road trip ideas in Italy? Check my list of  15 Most Romantic Road Trips in Italy.
• Discover  Castelmezzano and Pietrapertossa- the most beautiful towns in Basilicata ,  south Italy.

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Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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21 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime trips will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What's next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it's the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it's the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we've rounded up 21 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won't find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit feels impossible, so the entire country of Italy deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence, followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York, New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty , standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you've seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city's diverse neighborhoods, there's no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan's bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, and some of the world's best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there's something for you in Tokyo.

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you're traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal cities, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

From the whitewashed homes of Santorini to the Ios party scene to the relaxing atmosphere of Milos, there's a perfect Greek Island for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan to spend a couple of days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

T+L Backpack Quiz

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Machu Picchu

Seeing the historic ruins of the Incan Empire set among the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The stunning citadel ruins of Machu Picchu are worth the journey — and for some travelers, that trip, often taken by train or on foot as a multi-day trek , is a big part of the experience. Editor’s note: Machu Picchu is currently closed due to civil unrest in Peru. Visit the  official website  for the latest news and reopening details.

African Safari

Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos in the wild is a dream best accomplished with an African safari . South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations — and in each of those countries, you'll find incredible lodges and tour operators who can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.

Whether you dream of cruising down the famed Nile River, seeing the Pyramids of Giza, or visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt's historic wonders make the destination completely unique (and worthy of a spot on your travel list).

Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow set atop turquoise blue waters is the ultimate getaway that's worth the long-haul flight and oftentimes pricey accommodations.

Antarctica Cruise

Hoping to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have journeys to Antarctica, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your expedition.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a can't-miss for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia's gorgeous coastline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and fuzzy creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to the destination. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this expansive country teeming with natural beauty.

Galapagos Islands

Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make the Galapagos Islands another must-visit for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.

Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has drawn visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train trip aboard the Maharajas' Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take the luxurious train ride will want to fly into Delhi, India's capital territory.

Petra, Jordan

The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-visit for history buffs.

Passing through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks — and that means breathtaking mountain views, too. For adventurous and active travelers, climbing Mount Everest (or at least trekking to Everest Base Camp) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American National Park Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers' lists — and for good reason. The country's incredible national parks , including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.

Great Wall of China

Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike along parts of the wall — some areas are located within driving distance of Beijing, so it's a perfect day trip from the city.

Easter Island

The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have drawn curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the lengthy trip for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures, while also soaking in some incredible coastal views.

Northern Lights Trip

Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights is possible in several destinations close to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these places have incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can see the phenomenon from your bed ), in addition to great, wintry scenery. (The lights are best viewed from late fall through early spring.)

Thailand and Vietnam

A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat.

Home > Spain > Is Valencia Worth Visiting?

Is Valencia, Spain Worth Visiting?

Valencia Is Not for Everyone

Valencia may be Spain's third-largest city, but most tourists barely give it a second chance. Rick Steves, whose European travel guides are read by millions, doesn't even mention it in his 1,000-plus page guidebook on Spain .

Is Valencia worth visiting—a secret stud of a city that's being unfairly overlooked? Or is it a dud of a destination?

Here's what we've learned from living there for three months and how to decide for yourself.

Do you want to visit quintessential Spain?

If so, don't visit Valencia .

Valencia is more practical, modern, and livable than it is dreamy, stylish, and historical.

Sure, Valencia has a bullfighting ring in the center of the city, some beautiful old buildings and squares, and lots of tapas bars, but its streets don't have the same level of charm and character as other Spanish cities.

If you want to add some quintessential, non-touristy destinations to your trip, see our post on How We Stumbled Off the Beaten Path in Spain for inspiration.

Are you looking for a beach holiday?

As underrated as Valencia may be as an overall tourist destination, its beaches are overrated.

The beaches are just ok. They're expansive, blue flag status, and the water's warm. But they're not beautiful and, most importantly, they're not conveniently-located.

Getting to Valencia's beaches from the city center takes a good 15 minutes by car or 40-plus minutes by bike or tram. The beachside restaurants aren't worth their inflated prices and the neighborhoods behind the beach, notably Cabanyal, are worth a wander for maybe an hour but not much more.

Are you looking to escape from tourists?

Keep looking because tourist swarms have found Valencia.

Valencianos aren't telling foreigners to, "Go home!" like Barcelonans are, and tourists don't outnumber locals like in central Seville or San Sebastian, but the city center is already chock-a-block with inauthentic paella restaurants, bike rental outfits, and souvenir shops. It's not an off-the-beaten path Spanish destination anymore.

That said, it's not hard to get away from tourists, as we explain in our Off the Beaten Path Valencia City Guide .

Do you like eating cheap meals?

Valencia's worth visiting for its menu del dias.

These bang-for-your-buck lunch deals are available from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and usually include your choice of drink (wine, beer, water, or soda), bread, a hearty starter (sometimes more than one), an entree, and dessert or coffee (sometimes both). And you get it all for 10 to 15 euros.

You'll find menu del dias all over Spain, but pay more for them. And in some cities, like Seville, very few restaurants offer them anymore.

We list our favorite menu del dias on our Where to Eat in Valencia guide, but here are a few to whet your appetite:

• 64 Restaurant : Our easy #1 pick. For €10.90 you get three starters to share between two people, a main course, a drink, coffee, bread, and dessert. The experimental menu changes weekly.
• El Trovador : The working-class favorite. Watch out for the waiters as they fly around dealing with the hungry hordes who come in every day for their filling €10 menu del dia.
• Forastera : For something a bit fancier, but still casual. La Forastera's €15 menu (drinks not included) serves creative market-to-table dishes that changes daily.

Are you looking for a base to explore Spain from?

If so, don't pick Valencia .

The day trip options from Valencia underwhelm compared to day trips from other cities in Spain you could base yourself in. The towns aren't as historically interesting as elsewhere in Spain, the beaches are over-developed, and natural areas are few and far between.

But that's not to say there's nothing. We found some beautiful places outside Valencia and shared the details in our blog post on our 7 Favorite Day Trips from Valencia .

Do you love rice?

If so, Valencia's worth visiting .

Word is Valencia's locally-grown rice, which comes from the Albufera rice fields 20km south of the city, is exceptionally tasty because of the unique minerality in the water here. Whatever it is that makes the tap water gross to drink also makes rice that's grown and cooked in it delicious to eat.

Paella is the obvious go-to rice dish in Valencia because it was invented here. But if you're nuts about rice you'll want to try other dishes like arroz caldoso , meloso, al horno , and a banda too.

Speaking of nuts…

Do you love almond milk?

I doubt anybody loves almond milk so much that they'd plan a trip around it. But if someone's out there, Valencia's worth visiting to try its almond-milk-like horchata.

Valencian horchata has nothing to do with the typical sweet, cinnamon rice drink from Mexico.

Here, horchata is made from ground tiger nuts, "chufa" in Spanish. (FYI: They aren't actually nuts but tubers.)

Most horchata sold in Valencia is very sugary, but if you go to an actual horchateria— Vida is our favorite —you have the option to try natural, sugar-free stuff that's truly healthy and tastes like an exotic version of almond milk .

Are you a street art aficionado?

If Banksy is your hero and Exit Through the Gift Shop is your favorite movie ever, visiting Valencia is worth it .

Banksy may not have visited Valencia, but he's left his mark on the city's walls all the same. His influence on local artists like Escif, David de Limon, and Julieta XLF is evident in their colorful, creative, and sometimes provocative art that spices up the city's streets, especially around the central El Carmen district.

Valencia street art tours run daily between April and September.

Do you know someone who lives in Valencia?

Then visit Valencia !

This one may seem obvious, but we have to mention it out of frustration at all our friends who made plans to visit nearby Spain or Portugal but didn't feel visiting Valencia was worth including in their itineraries even though we invited them.

Mistake! We could have shown them a way better time than they had getting lost amongst the hordes in Barcelona or Lisbon.

Your friends can do the same for you, too. So don't even think twice about visiting Valencia if you have a host.

Are you visiting Spain in mid-March?

Valencia's worth visiting for Las Fallas.

From the March 15-19, the city explodes into parties, parades, surreal paper mache statues, fireworks, and flames for this UNESCO cultural heritage festival.

Ask anyone who's experienced Las Fallas and they'll give the same response: they'll shake their heads, chuckle, and say, "it's crazy."

Here's the most comprehensive guide on Las Fallas we've seen.

Do you enjoy working out outside or running while traveling?

If so, then Turia Park makes Valencia a must-visit .

The park occupies the 9-kilometer-long, 175-meter-wide strip where the Turia River flowed until 1957, when it was diverted to protect the city from future flooding.

It's an unbroken, 100% car-free park with running and biking paths, outdoor workout areas, open grass, fountains, sports facilities, and playgrounds. It may just be the best urban park we've ever been to.

And why not try an outdoor workout while you're there? Maybe even these partner exercises we filmed at Turia Park.

Are you concerned about safety?

Don't worry because Valencia is super safe.

The petty crime virus that plagues Barcelona has yet to spread south to Valencia. There's got to be some crime in the city but neither we nor anyone we've asked about it has heard about it.

Are you traveling with younger kids?

Visit Valencia .

Valencia's full of kid-friendly things to do and see:

• The crazy architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences will stimulate their imagination.
• Gulliver Park will blow their minds.
• The Valencia Bioparc Zoo is a surefire hit.
• Turia Park is full of kid-friendly parks and bike paths.
• There seems to be a different parade every week .
• The beach is near enough for a fun and easy half-day trip.

Do you like exploring cities by bike?

Valencia's worth visiting because it's very bike-friendly:

• It's as flat as a paella pan. The only "hills" in Valencia are the ramps down to the Turia Park.
• Turia Park is a dream for biking because it is car-free and cuts through the whole city.
• A web of dedicated bike lanes blankets the city's streets.
• Traffic is relaxed and drivers respect cyclists.
• Not as many people steal bikes as in Barcelona, for example.

Tip: Rent a bike for the day ( Rent Bike Virgen 's our go-to) rather than deal with the frustratingly inefficient bikes of the Valenbisi bike-share program.

Do you like being close to nature?

If so, then don't visit Valencia .

Whichever direction you head out of central Valencia you'll have to get past kilometer-after-kilometer of six-to-eight story apartment buildings before seeing open sky. And even then you'll either be amidst tightly-packed farms or at the well-developed beach.

The closest pure nature to Valencia are the short trails and small protected beaches of Albufera Natural Park , which aren't particularly interesting or beautiful.

But if you venture a bit further, you can find some spectacular natural sights. Check out these posts for some recommendations:

The Best Hikes Around Valencia, According to A Local Guide

Valencia Day Trips: Ranking Our 7 Favorite Getaways

Final Verdict

Here's our final answer to the "Is Valencia worth visiting?" question:

If you visit Valencia, you won't regret it.

In every other blog post and forum questioning, "Is Valencia worth visiting?" the consensus is a clear, "YES!"

So evidently just about everyone who visits Valencia enjoys it. And if you go, you probably will too.

If you don't visit Valencia, you won't regret it either.

Few (if any) of those who've visited Valencia will pick it as their favorite in all of Spain. And those who skipped it don't regret it. The country's got A LOT to see.

So if you give Valencia a pass, you won't regret it either.

So that means…

Good news: Whether or not you decide to visit Valencia, you can't go wrong!

Related Guides

Where to Eat in Valencia: Our Favorite Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés

How We Stumbled Off the Beaten Path in Spain

Valencia Off the Beaten Path City Guide

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

29 thoughts on “Is Valencia, Spain Worth Visiting?”

Seems like an odd way to position a travel article…. I’ve traveled all over Europe and valencia is easily one of the coolest cities. And anyone I know whose visited feels the same. You can come up with reasons to not visit any city…uh.. don’t go to San Francisco if you don’t like hills.. don’t go to NY if you don’t like skyscrapers…but seems like an odd angle to take. Oh well. Good luck.

Right. Every city has its pros and cons. My experience is most blogs and guides only list the pros, which they also tend to exaggerate. And most people can't go everywhere, so we've listed our perceived pros and cons to help people with limited time decide whether or not Valencia's a fit for them and their itinerary.

The article is excellent. There's nothing odd at all about it, and it is way more helpful than "I’ve traveled all over Europe and valencia is easily one of the coolest cities".

I was thinking about spending half the year there and this has totally put me off. Apart from the occasional cheap meal, it seems to come with no recommendations!

Hey Jaci. If you can, check it out for yourself to give it a fair shot. We were thinking of living there longer, but changed our mind after 3 months. But some people love we met love it. A lot depends on who you meet.

Maybe this is too late: Valencia maybe not a good place to visit, I agree, it is not over-amazing. But, Valencia is a wonderful place to LIVE. If you're considering spend half a year living in Spain, you probably will live more confortably in Valencia than in Barcelona, Madrid or Seville. It has been ranked in first position among all the cities of the world in expat rankings (The expat insider survey 2020). Note also that the author of this article decided to LIVE in Valencia.

Totally agree! I live about an hour away from Valencia & love it; a day trip is good but overnight is better.

> Do you like being close to nature? If so, then don’t visit Valencia. > Whichever direction you head out of central Valencia you’ll have to get past kilometer-after-kilometer of six-to-eight story apartment buildings before seeing open sky. And even then you’ll either be amidst tightly-packed farms or at the well-developed beach.

Excuse me? 🙂 Valencia has a beautiful Turia park (almost 8 miles), it has a beatiful zoo, and the sky is always seen, have you ever been there? And Valencia is so close to nature like no other major Spanish city, come on…

Hi Nadia, yeah, we love the Turia, too. Mentioned it 7 times in the post. I'm referring not to urban, manicured parks, but more "pure" nature. Level-2 worthy nature from The Nature Pyramid .

I like your approach. It's very hard to find a critical evaluation of places. As you said, every blog or guidebook merely deals with the attractions of a place – the cathedral, the museum, the gallery, blah, blah. You haven't said Valencia is crap – just not a major priority as a destination. I might still go for a change of scene as it's not too far.

OMG I stumbled across this article as I was googling "is Valencia Boring?".

Me and my husband are scouting European cities for our upcoming retirements – and Valencia was high up in our list. I am writing this review while I am sitting at the kitchen table of our downtown airbnb eating manchego and boquerones in olive oil (what a treat!)

We already spent a week here while working remotely and our vacation starts next week. A full week. And I feel we have already seen most of what was worth visiting. Hence my google search….which led me to this article which totally resonated with my experience

The beach – which was described as STUNNING – in many travel guides is just meh and the city feels a tad sedated with a level of energy and excitement certainly below what I would expect from a large Spanish city. It has the feel more of a large town rather than a true metropolitan area. Also day trips seem limited.

This said – the city seems to be very well managed. It is super clean, people are very friendly and go out of their way to help. The Turia gardens are possibly the most beautiful metropolitan park known on earth (certainly better than central park in NYC), downtown is refurbished charming and historical and The ciudad de las artes y de las ciencias architecture is simply mind blowing. I won't even talk about the food with ingredients of incredible quality

All in all we are happy we are visiting. But honestly if we had not we would have been fine. The beach for us was a big let down as we were planning to spend a good chunk of our time roasting on the sand.

Your perspective is much appreciated! Thanks, David. I'd love to hear which city ends up the winner at the end of your scouting tour.

Ridiculous. I lived there. It's a lovely and historical place to visit. A very superficial assessment.

Ha, I'd say your comment is a "very superficial assessment," too! It would help me and other readers if you could you specify what part of what I wrote is ridiculous.

BTW I really like Malaga and think it has loads to offer. How does Valencia compare with Malaga?

I haven't been to Malaga recently enough to say. But now you make me want to go!

I went to Valencia once and i reallly enjoyed the city specially, it was summer time as i remember,food was really good in valencia and they have Tapas really nice and delicous also there is an ageny who rent bikes passed a day with my friends in the city centre it was really nice day and they have cheap prices.

My wife and I just came back from Valencia and had a wonderful time. Our two great friends are moving there and knew the city well , so as you wrote we had a great insider look at the city.

With regards to crime, my wife got her purse stolen off of her chair at one of the beach restaurants in the middle of the day. We chased after the couple and they had already passed the bag to someone else … the waiter said that it happens often at the beach restaurants …

We have been fortunate to have traveled all over the world from Hungary to China, Israel, India and all over Europe, and I found your review on València to be 100% spot on. Nicely done.

I am very fortunate to live very near the city of Valencia and can understand your assessment but like to add for the ones that think reading such a report is the be all guidance and assure you that truly any city in any part of the world is worthy of a visit as its solely down to ones own experience and expectations perceived or not. We are all excited for new experiences and sometimes these are not as high as ones expectations of the journey of getting there.

2023 Update: Valencia has changed (post covid) its no longer a small city with local ideas its outlook has expanded I think not for the good, but I am not the one for chain restaurants or cheap fast food type place's looking to gain the loss of the past years!! . Local independent shops are gone, some due to the way the world has changed, now your’ll find a ‘too many food outlets’ pulling in now many a tourist with the post covid adventure bug – it’s there we feel it. The roads with the bike lanes are/were encouraging for all to pleasantly move round the city but now the ‘scooter’ kids use them without the road sense and courteous obligations that other road user had that seems to go with this new generation of transport. The historical sites are still there the transport system still operates exceptionally, peak times of the day still exists and could quite easily be avoided by finding one of the many quite ‘resting’ places to reflect the day. Come to Valencia with a open mind, its great to read such assessments but this and what you just read is mine or someone else experience, not yours to have…

Thanks, Phil, for the perspective and updates. Sorry to hear scooters are taking over and independent business are struggling. I agree that every city is worth visiting and that we should always visit with an open mind and open expectations. If only we all had the time to visit every city! That's why I wrote this, to help people plan the cities to visit on their trips.

I've got to say, I actually enjoy everything that Valencia has to offer, especially when you consider how packed places like Barcelona and Madrid can get. It feels spacious and more laid-back. But yeah, if it's a full-on beach holiday you're after (or nature for that matter), Spain has better options to offer. All in all, Valencia easily ranks as one of my favorite cities in Spain. Definitely worth visiting!

Thanks for chiming in, Timon! I suppose "is Barcolona/Madrid worth visiting" posts would be worth writing, too. Gotta spend more time there, first. Unless you want to write something for me!

I have 8 hours to spend with my family: Valencia or Tarragona or Salou Anyone can advice where to go?

Harm Done, so I will not waste time in a long review trying to counter review since the effect would be just inexistent., so this is just for you Chris. Valencia is a historic, friendly, sunny and welcoming city that didn´t intend to like you and it definitely does not deserve your superficial, crappy, overpaid and coming-from-the-racist-north tourists like you. Keep yourself at your cloudy dark place and enjoy TV 🙂 and try not to keep drinking that much!

Ouch! I thought you said you're my "Spanish friend from Valencia"? Not very friendly! Well, aside from the suggestion to not drink too much. Not an issue for me, but I appreciate the concern.

Is Rick Steves retarded? I will stop considering anything from him from now on. That's the only possible thing to do.

This felt a bit harsh, it is changing for the better quickly as well. The beaches and boardwalks are so open, large and I think not inaccessible at all. The subway and then tram go right past the sand. The bike paths and electric scooters make it about 15 minutes from Colon and town center to the sand for us. Valencia is perfect because it doesn't try to hard, has open spaces and beaches without fanfair, just well kept.

Fair enough! Most blogs tend to exaggerate the positives and round down the travel times between places. I tried to share my experience as accurately as possible, but everyone's experience differs, so I could very well be an outlier.

I just stumbled onto this while a friend is texting me from Valencia as the guest of a soon to be expat. Just as you suggested one should visit . She waxes poetic. Me, I have over a million airline miles. Grain of salt.

I loved your straight forward opinions, understood the this but not that and the not quites you presented.

What I extrapolated from your post is Valencia would be too white, wholesome, and civilized, with a soupçon of saffron for me. Exactly what so many others are looking for. The qualities one looks for in places to live versus going on holiday are so vastly different, as are the things one looks for at the various different stages of life. Travel blogs are like a box of chocolates …

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

16 Unmissable Places to Visit in Japan in 2024

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Japan is somewhere I think everyone should visit. From futuristic skyscrapers to tranquil bamboo forests and neon arcades to serene temples, it’s like nowhere else on the planet.

The food is incredible, the people are ultra polite, and it has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. We love the combination of ease of travel and glorious bewilderment.

Japan has so much to offer but where should you start? These are our picks for the 10 best places to visit in Japan, perfect for your first or second trip to the country (plus extra suggestions for the repeat visits that are likely to happen!).

I’ve included our favourite things to do in each place, how long to spend there, and where we stayed. At the end of the post you’ll find a map of all these Japan destinations to start planning your route. 

I recommend mixing a few of the popular cities (most people won’t want to miss Tokyo and Kyoto) with some quieter, more rural places in Japan to see a different side of the country and take a break from the crowds.

Video of Japan Must Sees

Top places to visit in japan, more amazing japan destinations, and a few more places to go in japan, best places to visit in japan map, japan travel tips.

Watch our short video for ideas on where to go in Japan for an amazing trip.

Back to Contents

If you only have time for one Japan destination, make it Kyoto.

This is traditional Japan as you imagined it—geisha in brightly coloured kimonos emerging from wooden teahouses, forests of bamboo, temples and shrines in gold and silver and scarlet, raked gravel Zen gardens, intricate feasts served on lacquered plates, graceful tea ceremonies, and markets full of intriguing but unidentifiable ingredients.

The concrete high-rises of downtown Kyoto can be disappointing, so head out towards the mountains to the surrounding neighbourhoods where you’ll find narrow stone streets, old wooden houses, monks in flowing robes, and the sounds of chanting and gongs from the many temples and shrines.

Gion is the place to spot geisha, Higashiyama has many beautiful temples to explore, and Arashiyama, up in the western hills, is one of the most traditional neighbourhoods and home to bamboo groves, quirky temples, and monkeys.

Kyoto is one of the top Japan tourist spots, so try to visit the popular temples early in the morning as they do get crowded.

In Kyoto don’t miss:

• Wandering through the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari shrine.
• Drinking matcha in a traditional tea ceremony. We loved Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple.
• Learning to cook traditional Japanese cuisine in a Kyoto cooking class .
• Taking the train to the village of Kibune and walking across the valley to the beautiful Kurama-dera temple.
• Retreating from the busy streets of Gion to the magical Yasaka-jinja at night.
• Strolling the Philosopher’s Path.
• Experiencing Zen Buddhist cuisine at the Tenryu-ji temple.
• Getting off the beaten track at the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji temple .
• Exploring these magical Kyoto cherry blossom spots  if you visit in late-March or early-April.
• Enjoying the magnificent autumn colours if you visit in mid to late-November (Eikando and Enkoji are our favourite temples in autumn).

How Long to Spend: 3 nights minimum but 5 nights would be better. We’ve spent two months in Kyoto and still haven’t done everything! A longer stay also allows you to avoid the crowds more easily (you have more early mornings available) and take some of these wonderful day trips from Kyoto .

Read: Our post on the many amazing things to do in Kyoto (and how to avoid the crowds) and our guide to Kyoto’s temples and shrines and the best vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto

Where to stay in Kyoto: For a traditional ryokan, we loved our huge room with private bath overlooking the garden at Ryokan Yachiyo near Nanzenji temple (choose a suite not a standard room). At central Sora Niwa Terrace we enjoyed the amazing view from its onsen and rooftop bar. Or in a quiet part of Gion, Hotel The Celestine is stylish and close to temples. Find more accommodation in Kyoto here .

If Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, Tokyo is its ultramodern counterpart.

It’s here you’ll find the skyscrapers, noisy arcades, busy pedestrian crossings, quirky youth fashions, and many many incredibly delicious restaurants.

If all you do in Tokyo is eat, you’ll have an amazing time—even as vegetarians we ate so well.

Tokyo is also home to some of the weirdest activities we’ve ever done. From themed cafes (cats, owls, maids, robots, goats—you name it, Tokyo has it) to sensory-overload shows and arcades to cos-play go-karting.

On my first trip to Tokyo I was overwhelmed by the sprawling city and couldn’t help comparing it unfavourably to Kyoto.

On repeat visits I’ve grown to love the city (the food certainly helped) and while it isn’t as attractive as Kyoto, there is so much to do that you won’t want to skip it.

In Tokyo don’t miss:

• Driving a go-kart on the real roads while dressed as your favourite character. Insanity but so much fun!
• Eating in a tiny restaurant on atmospheric Memory Lane in Shinjuku .
• Gazing at the 360º skyline from the Shibuya Sky observatory (go at sunset for day and night views)
• Walking across the famous Shibuya Crossing.
• Gawping at the outrageous outfits on Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
• Visiting the brilliant DisneySea (our favourite Disney park in the world!) or neighbouring Tokyo Disneyland (or both if you have two days spare).
• Immersing yourself in the colourful digital art museum, TeamLab Planets (and don’t miss Uzu vegan ramen afterwards).
• Watching sumo wrestlers train— we did this morning sumo stable visit and it felt such an honour to see these impressive athletes close up.
• Drinking green tea at the relaxing Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience (the tea course is worth it).
• Exploring the cool neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa for cafes, vintage clothes, and record stores.

How Long to Spend: 3 – 5 nights or longer if you want to take day trips (such as to Nikko, Kawaguchiko or Hakone (for Mt Fuji), and Kamakura). We’ve spent over 6 weeks here on various trips and still find new things to do. If time is limited, I would allocate more time to Kyoto than Tokyo. 

Read: 23 cool things to do in Tokyo and the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo .

Where to stay in Tokyo: Read why I think Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo . My top pick is Hotel Century Southern Tower next to Shinjuku Station—our panoramic king room had an incredible view and was more spacious than most Tokyo hotel rooms. Or splurge on the luxurious Hotel Park Hyatt where the film Lost in Translation was filmed. Search for hotels in Tokyo here .

Top tip: Consider buying a Japan Rail Pass in advance as it’s so easy being able to hop on and off trains all over the country. Read our Japan Rail Pass guide for full details.

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3) Takayama

Takayama is an utterly gorgeous small town on the edge of the Japan Alps and one of the best less-visited places to go in Japan.

I loved wandering the historic centre full of traditional wooden houses, colourful shrines, neatly shaped trees, and bright red bridges over the river.

In Takayama don’t miss:

• Wandering the old town in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
• Buying delicious fruit from the morning markets.
• Snacking on mitarashi-dango (rice balls grilled in soy) from a street stall.
• Seeing the extravagant floats at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
• Visiting the Hida Folk Village to see traditional thatched houses.
• Cycling through the countryside with Satoyama Experience .

How Long to Spend: 2-3 nights. We had 2 nights and wished we’d had longer because there’s lots to do in the surrounding countryside. With a longer stay you could take day trips to the traditional thatched roof houses of Shirakawa-go and go hiking in Kamikochi in the Japan Alps.

Read: 54 Best Things to do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip

Where to stay in Takayama: We stayed at Super Hotel Hida Takayama , a good mid-range business hotel near the train station. Next time I want to stay at Oyado Koto No Yume , a ryokan with onsen which gets excellent reviews. Find more hotels in Takayama here .

Top tip: See our Japan 2 week itinerary for more details on combining these top places in Japan for an amazing trip.

Mount Fuji is on most people’s lists of places to visit in Japan, but this must-see Japan landmark can be rather elusive and is often hidden by clouds.

There are a number of places you can see the mountain from ( Kawaguchiko is another great option), but Hakone is easy to reach from Tokyo and there are lots of other things to do in the area in case you are out of luck with a sighting.

Despite visiting on a cloudy, drizzly day, we were lucky that Mount Fuji emerged from the clouds above Lake Ashi and it was magical!

Hakone is also fun to visit because you can do a loop of the sights on different modes of transport—train, bus, pirate boat (yes, really!), and cable car.

In Hakone don’t miss:

• Buying a Hakone Free Pass so you can hop on and off all the transport options on the Hakone Loop.
• Seeing Mount Fuji from the lake or cable car.
• Eating a black egg cooked in the hot sulphur springs at volcanic Owakudani (not really, we skipped this, but the Japanese love them).
• Soaking in an onsen.
• Staying in a tatami room in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoying an elaborate dinner.
• Wandering the outdoor sculpture gallery at Hakone Open Air Museum .

How Long to Spend: You could visit on a day trip from Tokyo but I recommend 1-2 nights to experience a ryokan and onsen. We had one night and did part of the loop in the afternoon we arrived and the rest in the morning. While it was just enough for the main sights, we wished we’d had longer to enjoy our ryokan.

Where to stay in Hakone: Hotel Musashiya was one of the best places we stayed in Japan. It’s a modern ryokan on the shores of Lake Ashi in Moto Hakone. We loved our comfortable tatami room with lake views, the indoor and outdoor onsen baths (also with lake views), and the delicious vegetarian feast we were served in our room. It was wonderfully relaxing. Find more hotels in Hakone here .

5) Kanazawa

Kanazawa is one of the best cities to visit in Japan, but few foreign tourists make it here.

Consider Kanazawa as a quieter alternative to Kyoto to experience geisha districts with preserved wooden buildings.

There is also one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, a stunning castle, and many art museums to explore.

In Kanazawa don’t miss:

• Wandering Kenroku-en Garden , one of the top three gardens in Japan.
• Exploring the wooden teahouses of the geisha districts Higashi Chaya and the quieter Kazuemachi and Nishi Chaya.
• Experiencing a traditional tea ceremony at the exquisite Gyokusen-en Gardens.

How Long to Spend: 2 nights. 

Where to stay in Kanazawa: We stayed in a standard business hotel in the centre—there are lots of budget options. Find hotels in Kanazawa here .

Nikko is a temple town and UNESCO world heritage site in the mountains a few hours north of Tokyo and makes a cool retreat from the city. The area is famous for its vibrant autumn colours.

The temples and shrines with their vermillion gates and moss-covered stone lanterns are scattered on the wooded hillside.

The main attraction is Toshogu Shrine, a stunning complex with more than a dozen lavishly decorated red and gold buildings amongst huge, ancient cedar trees. The crowds can be overwhelming, so afterwards head to one of the quieter shrines.

In Nikko don’t miss:

• Visiting Toshogu Shrine early to avoid the crowds
• Playing games at atmospheric Futarasan-jinja
• Exploring Taiyuinbyo
• Hiking up the mountain to the peaceful Takino shrine
• Photographing the bright red Shinkyo bridge
• Munching on dango (grilled rice balls on a stick) from a street stall
• Eating sushi at Komekichi Kozushi

How Long to Spend: You could visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo, but it’s worth spending a night or two to explore one of the most beautiful places in Japan including hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs. 

We had one night and wished we’d had two so that we could have visited Toshogu Shrine early on the second day. 

Where to stay in Nikko: We stayed at Nikko Park Lodge Tobu Station , a good budget option conveniently located close to the train stations. For more character, you could stay in a traditional ryokan with views and outdoor onsen baths such as Nikko Hoshino Yado . Find more hotels in Nikko here .

7) Koya-San

Koya-san (Mount Koya) is one of the most interesting places in Japan to experience the traditional side of the country.

This secluded and sacred temple town is located in the forest-covered mountains of Kansai and is one of the best places to get a taste of life as a monk by staying in a shukubo or temple lodging.

After wandering around the otherworldly Okunoin forest cemetery , we checked into our simple tatami room at the temple, soaked in the communal onsen bath, and enjoyed a delicious shojin ryori  vegetarian Buddhist meal.

In the morning we were up early for the chanting and meditation ceremony with the monks.

A temple stay at Koya-san is a fascinating experience and well worth the detour from Osaka or Kyoto.

How Long to Spend: 1 night. 

Read: Sleeping with Monks: A Night in a Japanese Temple in Koya-San

Where to stay in Koya-san: We stayed in Haryo-in, the cheapest temple accommodation, but it’s quite basic and I’d recommend paying more to stay at one of the more traditional temples like 1000-year-old Eko-in which gets superb reviews. Find more temple lodgings here .

Tsumago is a picture-perfect traditional mountain village in the Kiso Valley.

It is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time on the traffic-less streets of beautifully restored wooden inns.

During the Edo period 300 years ago, Tsumago was a stop on the Nakasendo Way between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).

You can hike part of this trail to the village of Magome in about two to three hours. Unfortunately, a typhoon prevented us doing this, but it’s supposed to be a scenic and easy walk.

How Long to Spend: 1-2 nights. If you can arrive early enough on the first day to hike the Nakasendo Way in the afternoon, then 1 night is enough as it’s a tiny village. 

Where to stay in Tsumago: In keeping with the Edo-era atmosphere, stay in a traditional ryokan or minshuku (a simpler family-run inn). We stayed at the basic Minshuku Shimosagaya . Neighbouring Magome has more choice including the budget Chaya Hotel or historic Tajimaya .

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is full of historic treasures including many UNESCO world heritage sites.

It’s one of the top Japan attractions and makes a rewarding day trip from Kyoto to visit the temples and wild deer in Nara Park.

The Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji is the main sight—it’s the largest wooden building in the world and nothing prepares you for the immense sight.

Inside is the 15-metre tall gold and bronze statue of Buddha that dates back to 751.

We also love the forest shrine complex Kasuga Taisha.

How Long to Spend: Most people visit as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. You can see the highlights in half a day but a full day is better.

Where to stay in Nara: The advantages of staying overnight in Nara are avoiding the crowds with an early start and experiencing our favourite ryokan in Japan. Tsukihitei is a small traditional inn with a magical forest setting and delicious meals. It’s only a 15-minute walk to the Nara temples.

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10) hiroshima and miyajima.

Come to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park and stay to explore the modern city that was almost entirely rebuilt after World War II.

Hiroshima is usually combined with a visit to the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima shrine on nearby Miyajima Island.

You’ll also want to try the delicious local speciality okonomiyaki, a thick pancake of batter, vegetables and noodles.

How Long to Spend: 1-2 nights is enough to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Miyajima Island or you could visit as a long day trip from Kyoto, Osaka or Okayama. We spent 1 night in Hiroshima then 1 night on Miyajima.

Read: 14 Best Day Trips from Kyoto .

Where to stay in Hiroshima: The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima was the most spacious Western-style hotel we stayed in in Japan. We really appreciated the king size bed after a few weeks of small Japanese hotels. It’s right next to the station too. Find more hotels in Hiroshima here . Where to stay in Miyajima: While you could visit the island on a day trip, we loved seeing the top sights without the crowds at night and early in the morning. Iwaso Ryokan has the perfect location (secluded but central), beautiful meals, and our room had a view of the torii gate.

There are so many incredible places to explore in Japan. Here are some more destinations that we absolutely loved (and it was hard to leave them off the top 10 list!).

If any of these appeal to you more than the ones above (or fit into your itinerary better), then they will be just as enjoyable. 

Osaka is a Japan must-see for many visitors. We love the neon craziness of Dotonburi, the amazing food ( for vegetarians too ), friendly people, affordable prices, and the scary rides and brilliant Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Japan . 

But, if you have limited time on your first trip to Japan, I would probably say choose Osaka or Tokyo as they are both sprawling modern cities. 

If you are flying into or out of Kansai airport then it makes sense to spend a night or two in Osaka. You could also visit as a day trip from Kyoto. 

In Osaka, we loved staying in Shinsaibashi . The location is ideal—quiet but close to lots of cool shops and restaurants and within walking distance of Dotonburi. Hotel options include the stylish Hotel The Flag .

12) Kinosaki Onsen

On our first Japan trip we were terrified of getting naked in onsens, but on our latest visit we were brave enough to spend a few nights in an onsen town. 

Onsen hopping dressed in a kimono in a traditional hot spring resort is a classic Japanese experience. Kinosaki Onsen is a great place to experience it.

It’s only a few hours from Kyoto or Osaka and the canal-side town is very pretty, especially in cherry blossom season.

We stayed in a traditional tatami mat room at Morizuya Ryokan . It’s ideal for first-timers as they speak English and are very friendly, walking you through everything you need to know. The epic meals served in your room are delicious too.

Read our Kinosaki Onsen guide for all the details including onsen etiquette and how to get over your fears. 

13) Naoshima Island

Contemporary art fans will love Naoshima, a sleepy island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its art galleries and outdoor sculptures. 

We visited on a day trip from Okayama and had a wonderful day cycling around and combining art with beautiful sea views and tiny fishing villages.

Read our Naoshima Island guide for a recommended one day itinerary.

14) Okayama

If you are interested in getting off-the-beaten-track, Okayama is a great place to visit in Japan. 

This modern city is home to one of the best gardens in the country and is especially beautiful in sakura season when you can enjoy the cherry blossoms without the crowds of Kyoto or Tokyo. 

As it’s on a bullet train line, it’s a convenient and affordable base for exploring the area including the historic Kurashiki, Naoshima Island, Himeji Castle, and Hiroshima.

We also did a fantastic bike trip on the Kibiji Bike Trail through rice fields to untouristy temples. 

Our post on the best things to do in Okayama has all our tips.

15) Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the few original castles in Japan (most were destroyed at some point and rebuilt). It’s well worth a visit, especially in cherry blossom season. 

You can easily visit in half a day from Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama (as we did) or on the way to Hiroshima. 

16) Kawaguchiko

For the best views of Mount Fuji, head to Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s especially lovely in cherry blossom or autumn leaf seasons. 

You can enjoy the views by walking or cycling around the lake or taking a trip on a cable car or boat (we hired a panda pedal boat!).

The lake is also home to one of my favourite museums and tea houses in Japan.

Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel is an excellent affordable option here. Unusually for Japan, our room was huge, and it’s close to the lake with Mt Fuji views from some rooms.

See my Lake Kawaguchiko guide for more tips. 

These Japan tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path gems are on our list for our next trip:

• Kamakura – Beaches, Buddhas, hikes and vegetarian-friendly food. You could visit as a day trip from Tokyo.
• The Izu Peninsula – Rugged coastline, mountains, and hot springs not far from Tokyo.
• Shirakawa-go – A village of traditional grass-roofed houses in a scenic setting. You could fit in a visit between Takayama and Kanazawa.
• Takaragawa Onsen – A scenic onsen resort a few hours from Tokyo. It has a large mixed-gender onsen, so unusually you don’t have to be naked.
• Hokkaido – The northernmost island of Japan known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
• Okinawa – A chain of tropical islands in the far south of Japan.

Read our detailed Japan guides for everything you need to know to plan a brilliant trip.

• 54 Best Things to Do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip
• Planning a Trip to Japan: Dos and Don’ts
• Two Weeks in Japan: A Detailed Itinerary
• Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
• Where to Stay in Japan: The Ultimate Guide to Accommodation
• 20 Fascinating Books to Read Before Visiting Japan
• Vegetarian Survival Guide to Japan

More Japan, Direct to your Inbox!

I hope this post has given you some ideas of where to go in Japan. Wherever you decide to visit you are sure to have an amazing trip. 

What are your favourite places in Japan? Leave a comment and let us know so we can add them to our Japan bucket list. 

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61 Comments

thanks for sharing

Reply ↓

First of all – your posts are fantastic and so full of great detail. We are planning our first trip to Japan in November. First draft is 5 days Tokyo – 2 days Hakone – 5 days Kyoto – 3 days Hiroshima – 4 days Tokyo.

I was trying to see how to fit Lake Kawaguchi or Takayama or Kanazawa into the trip but they all seem to require quite the journey time given the other places we have picked. Wondering if it would be better to add some days to the end of the trip and just visit from Tokyo. So maybe do Tokyo to Kanazawa for a couple of days. Not particular keen on 5-6 hour trip from Takayama back to Tokyo so may have to skip that.

Hi Kevin I would do Tokyo – Hakone – Takayama – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Tokyo.

We did Tokyo – Hakone – Takayama – Kanazawa on our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

I prefer Takayama to Kanazawa, especially as you already have lots of big cities on your itinerary. If you really want to fit it in, do so between Takayama and Kyoto.

Lake Kawaguchi is harder to fit in. You could do it as a day trip from Tokyo at the end if you didn’t see Mt Fuji at Hakone (due to clouds) and if you have the energy.

One thing you might also consider is reducing Hiroshima to 2 nights and adding a night on Miyajima Island. We did that last October (one night in each) and really preferred the island after the day trippers had left and early in the morning. You might catch the autumn colour on the island if you are visiting later in November. Again, it changes up the pace from the cities.

If you have big suitcases, you could use a luggage delivery service from Hiroshima to Tokyo and just take a day bag for the overnight (we decided against that but only had a carry on suitcase and laptop bag each).

Good luck with the planning and enjoy Japan!

Erin – Thanks for the advice – good to hear input from someone who has actually experienced it

Apologies for posting the reply so many times – i kept picking the wrong reply option

Awesome guide. Thank you. A lot of the accommodation is around $500aud a night! Extremely expensive. Is that normal around Japan? Me and my partner were wanting to travel around Japan in July this year but if the cost of accommodation us that expensive we might not be able to do the trip. I assume we will be able to find cheap accommodation at most places?

You can definitely find much cheaper accommodation. We did our first few Japan trips on much tighter budgets, but now have the ability to choose more special places to stay.

Your best bet is to look for business hotels in the cities – rooms are usually small but clean and well equipped. Have a browse on Booking.com and you should find plenty of options.

Planning trip(first time ever in Japan) arriving afternoon of December 18th and leaving evening of December 30th. I will be traveling with my 18 and 20 year old boys (privacy should be interesting in the tiny hotel rooms). Planning to stay in Tokyo either 5 nights with day trips to Hakone and either Kamakura or Yokohama OR 4 nights with day trip to either Kamakura or Yokohama and 1 night in Hakone. Is it worth staying the night in Hakone, or just day trip from Tokyo? Then we will spend 3 nights in Kyoto and 3 nights in Osaka (does it matter which order?) with a day trip from each city. One to Nara and one to Hiroshima and Miyajima. My 18 year old wants to have Kobe beef in Kobe, but don’t think it will happen as it’s likely not worth the time away from the other places. I’d love to be able to visit both Kamakura and Yokohama, but don’t think it will work. Likely choosing to go to Kamakura. We will return to Tokyo for the last night and spend the last day (really 1/2 day) in Tokyo before heading to the airport to fly home. Thoughts on the plan? Any specific recommendations?

I think it’s worth spending the night in Hakone if you stay in a ryokan as it will be a unique experience that you won’t get in the cities.

I would probably go to Kyoto before Osaka but it doesn’t make a huge difference. Your day trip choices sound good.

Enjoy Japan!

thank you very much for all the infos and the very beautiful photos!

Hello, Have you been to Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo? We have a lot of nature, local food, and cultures! Tamba black beans are famous local food and also you can experience a pottery making. I hope you will visit here one day;)

We haven’t but we’ll put it on our list for our next trip this autumn! Thank you for the recommendation!

Wow, this is such a great travel guide. Thanks a lot!

Odd how all of the “best places in Japan to visit” are all in central Japan near Tokyo and Kyoto. How disappointing the travels of the writers to these other parts of the country must have been.

Have you been to the Autumn Takayama Festival? 😊

We did not buy plane tickets yet, but we were going to land on Oct 22 to experience the Kurama Fire Festival in Kyoto. We heard about Takayama festival on Oct 9th and wanted to know if it’s worth changing our plans to fly in earlier for it, and if the weather will be horrible or not during that time? Thank you so mochi for your help! I’m so torn!

We haven’t been but it does look cool! I’m not sure it’s worth changing your plans for. Later in October you’ll have more of a chance of seeing fall colours in Kyoto. If you do decide to go, book your accommodation asap as it gets extremely busy during the festival.

What is the best way to get around these places? Train or car?

Train. You might find this post helpful: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/planning-a-trip-to-japan/

very nice good work

Thanks for the detailed post with nice photographs

I forgot to include in early to mid December.

I’ve been to all the tourist sites and a few others. Where would you recommend for an overnight not far from Tokyo?

Have you been to the Izu Peninsula? We haven’t yet but our friend who lives in Tokyo recommends it. The onsens would be nice in the winter.

planning on going japan next year, getting lots of ideas from these blogs

Beppu should be on this list!

Hopefully we’ll make it there next time!

nice one thank you i learn lot of things about this web site

what about Harajuku?

I included it in the Tokyo section :)

It’s definitely worth visiting!

Hello I am relooking at your Japan highlights. I had the most amazing trip in Spring 2020 many thanks to your post which seems now to have gone and been replaced by more posts. The one thing I would like to say is that you put before Miyajama on the one i read and i have to say that this was one of my favourite spots. I totally recommend it. We also did the two walks one of which was the edo trail and the other outside of Kyoto. We stayed in Koyasan too thanks to you. Thank you again.

Hi, I’m thinking of planning a trip for me and my daughter to visit Japan but haven’t any ideas of where to start. I was thinking a two week trip but maybe more time would be needed for the things we would like to do. If staying for longer than two weeks is there visas needed ect. I haven’t a clue where to start I’ve looked at your guide which is very helpful. Would I be better of speaking to a travel agent for help and advice ??? Many thanks Paul Miller.

It depends where you are from but many nationalities (including UK and US) can stay in Japan for 90 days without a visa.

Two weeks would give you a great overview (here’s a suggested itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ ) but if you have more time (and the budget), there’s always more to see.

I think Japan is manageable without a travel agent. See our post on planning a trip for ideas to get started: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/planning-a-trip-to-japan/

We used this page during our six week Japanese adventure and it was brilliantly helpful! Thank you!

I’m glad it helped, Alex. I hope you enjoyed Japan as much as we do.

This page has been very helpful! I am planning a two week trip to Japan next year and this has helped break down each city and what to not miss. Thanks again!

I hope someday, I can visit Japan for some other reasons. As pictures shown, fantastic and very interesting places and educational as well.

Japan has always been a remarkable place for me. I think I missed those places you described about. I hope I can give a shot on my future trip if possible. Btw thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Japanese pachislot, mechanical games,are different from foreign slot machine and popular recently. From 2020 smorking will be prohibited in the pachinko parlors or pachislot parlors. Terefore more and more people will have a good time during playing games. If you come to Japan, you might want to play them.

We keep meaning to try pachinko! That’s good news about the smoking ban!

Hi Great website thanks. We are looking to travel to Japan (arrive Tokyo) in late January for about 14 days. This is our first visit and we don’t mind driving. I would be interested to know what places you could recommend to get a real feel of Japan. Thanks

I don’t recommend driving in Japan. The train system is so efficient and it’ll be less stressful than driving. Here’s our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

Thanks for the guidance. If you were going in November for 6 weeks what would you do with your time Cheers Walter

That’s a great amount of time and you should so some great autumn foliage. You could visit everywhere on this list so it really depends on your interests and what pace of travel you prefer.

On our latest 7 week trip we chose to base ourselves in Kyoto for a month then travel around for a couple of weeks and finish with a week in Tokyo. If you prefer to move at a faster pace you could cover a lot of ground.

Hi Guys, great site. I was wondering why you seem to spend so much time in the large cities? I’m planning my first trip and my initial thoughts were to spend just a few days in Tokyo and Kyoto? Arent the more remote sights more rewarding?

I was also wondering about a cherry blossom visit – when if the best time to see them but to avoid the worst of the crowds??

Thanks! Chris

We love the smaller places in Japan and think the ideal trip includes a mix of them with the big cities. I wouldn’t say they are more rewarding, just different. There’s just so much to see (and eat) in Tokyo and especially Kyoto that we keep returning to them.

If you’re not a big city person a few days in Tokyo would be fine. Kyoto has a lot of history, temples, and traditional architecture (and more tourists), so you’ll only cover some of the highlights in a few days.

The cherry blossom are only in full bloom for about a week so there’s no way of avoiding the crowds in popular spots then. It’ll be slightly less crowded at the beginning or end of the blooming period, but it’s hard to predict exactly when that will be (and it varies by location).

I would focus on visiting places that have cherry blossoms but fewer crowds. We were in Kyoto at the beginning of April when the blooms just started (and it was already quite busy) then moved on to Kinosaki Onsen and Okayama where we enjoyed the blossoms without many people around.

I’ve written more about it here (and will be doing an Okayama post at some point): https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/kyoto-cherry-blossoms/

hi guys really nice blog, could you itemize it, how many days you spent in each city, village? and if you would change something, where to stay maybe longer, where shorter?

regards tomek

That’s a good idea! We’re currently travelling in Japan and will update this post soon so I’ll add that info then. If you’d like to know about a specific place now just let me know. Usually we spend a week or more in Kyoto and Tokyo and only 1-3 nights in the smaller places.

My husband and I are interested in making a second trip to Japan in March with our 5 month old baby. This will be our second trip…we’ve done Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto previously (along with one night in Osaka). We LOVED Takayama for its food and quaintness. We liked Tokyo but got bored after a few days. Kyoto was probably our least favorite – too touristy, What should we do for our second trip??

It’s very difficult to make recommendations without having any idea of what you like to do, how long you plan to visit, or if your baby goes everywhere with you. Given that you liked Takayama, you might consider Kanazawa, Kurashiki, and Nikko. The first two are small cities of about 400,000 that have delightful walking areas and interesting sights in general. Nikko is very small but houses the shrines of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Iemitsu, who were the first and third shoguns of the Tokugawa Shogunate. These are UNESCO World Heritage and incredible.

You didn’t indicate when you visited Japan on your first trip. If you went to Kyoto during fall foliage you would have encountered a lot of tourists, most of whom are Japanese. Kyoto draws tourists because it is a world class city with a very large number of World Heritage sites in addition to spectacular fall color. I don’t want to sound rude regarding your Tokyo comment. I can understand not liking Tokyo because it is a bit overwhelming in size, although that is part of what makes it so enjoyable for us. However, I cannot comprehend getting bored there.

I wish you luck.

It sounds like you enjoy the smaller, more traditional places so I’d recommend Tsumago, Koya-san and Kanazawa (a bigger city but with some lovely traditional neighbourhoods). Nikko is also beautiful but we found it very crowded (it would have been quieter if we’d stayed overnight and arrived early though).

Your website is terrific. I was provided a link to a couple of regions in Italy for a major summer trip. Your comments, photos and recommendations were of such interest that my wife and I decided to completely change the first 10 days of our trip. Then I got so immersed in the various places you have gone, I decided to look at Japan. We spent a month there five years ago, and then we spent another month this December including Christmas. We have been to all but two of your 10 unmissable places in Japan and have used the trains and metros as our primary modes of transport. We would agree that Japan is a great place to visit and the people are terrific.

Since you asked for additions to your bucket list, I would like to suggest the following. Near Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima. This is the site of the great in the water torii gate, which is quite magical. The museum at the Hiroshima Peace Park provides an incredibly moving experience. Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle) is one of the original late 16th century castles and I believe the largest. It is on the route between Hiroshima and Osaka. It has been recently renovated. Osaka Station is beautifully done with some terrific surrounding buildings. The Dotonburi area is neon heaven with street food in abundance. Kyoto, as you stated, is amazing with probably more UNESCO World Heritage locations than anywhere else in the world. South of Kyoto in Uji is Byodo-in, a world heritage temple with a beautiful new museum.

I agree that Kanazawa is a really nice smaller city. Like Kyoto it was not bombed. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is an outstanding piece of architecture, although of primary interest to people steeped in Buddhism, philosophy. The Seisonkaku Villa is a 10,000 foot samurai home located at the edge of Kenrokuen Gardens and is very interesting. There are two places in Takayama you didn’t mention, each of which is very worthwhile. First, next door to the Float Museum and on the same admission ticket is the Sakurayama Nikkokan. This museum contains scale models of the shrines in Nikko. It took 33 master carpenters and 17 years to complete during the first part of the 20th century. It is incredible. Second, the Takayama Museum of Art houses an outstanding (Michelin 3 star) collection of art nouveau and art deco objects. We visited Matsumoto to see the Matsumoto Castle (Black Crow Castle). It is also one of the oldest castles in Japan.

I would also like to suggest Nagoya, which is one of Japan’s largest and most industrial cities. It is home to Toyota. Three recommendations. First, tour the Toyota Factory to get real insight into a truly sophisticated approach to assembly line manufacture. Second, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Science and Technology is phenomenal. Many demonstrations of working textile machines and auto robotics. Third, the Nagoya Palace has been rebuilt (just opened in 2018) to exact specifications of the original palace (early 1600s) including all the screens. Even though it is a replica, it’s incredible.

You covered the shrines in Nikko. I would only add that if one did nothing else but see the Nikko shrines, a trip to Japan is warranted. Finally, Tokyo is to us the most exciting city around. Never ending pleasure of wandering around. There are just too many places to enumerate. One little side note: the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku has a roof garden. You can buy incredible take away food in the basement food halls and take to the roof to eat, if the weather is good. Better than either Harrod’s or Selfridge’s.

Thanks so much for the tips David! We are returning to Japan in a few weeks for two months so we’ll try to visit some of these places.

Hi! Thanks, I am definitely gonna copy your ideas! One question – is it worth to go to Hiroshima instead of Takayama? My husband and I are gonna visit Japan in March 2019 for 9 days. I think it is not enough to fulfil your itinerary and we have to shorten it a bit. Thank you for your blog ;)

Honestly, we preferred Takayama. It’s just so pretty with the traditional Japanese architecture and we like small towns. Hiroshima is more of a big modern city BUT of course, the peace memorial is very moving, so if you really want to see that then choose Hiroshima instead (which is actually what we did on our first trip to Japan).

My husband is wanting to visit , the place that his father served in Japen . He is not sure exactly where that is ?

Hi..!! the blog is very informative.Me and my wife would be visiting Japan in Mar’19 for 8 days.We have opted for a package tour.Based on your recommendations Kyoto & Tokyo seem the 2 top places.Can you please recommend us the third place to visit..??

We are going there on a tour to Himazi with 3 homestays & I want to visit a friend in Miyago. Can we still see Mt Fuji & Kyoto after the tour? Thank you for your wonderful blog. Lynne

If you have time I don’t see why not. You can check train times/distances on the Hyperdia site http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ . Have an amazing trip!

Interesting blog, thank you for sharing your experiences! We will have 9 full days in Japan and hoping to see Tokyo, Mount Fuji ( want to stay two nights there ) Takayama, Kyoto and Hiroshima ( as a one day trip from Kyoto ). We are flying back home from Osaka ( our arrival is at Haneda ).. do you think it is do-able or are we overdoing it? Maybe we should leave out Takayama? but since we are going middle of October we are hoping to see some of autumn there..any recommendations? Thank you!

Hi Nath I think it will be a busy trip but it’s definitely possible to do all that in 9 days. I love Takayama so it’s hard to recommend skipping it. It all depends on your energy levels! If you are up for busy days then go for it! Enjoy! Erin

Wooooow love this post!! I have always dreamed of visiting Japan and seeing real Cherry blossoms.. Though I was able to make one dream a reality – see real cherry blossoms in Atok, Benguet, Philippines (but just a few because we were told that it will took two years for the trees to bloom). They look lovely!! :) I’m still not giving up on the bigger dream which is to go to Japan :D And once I get there, I’d definitely visit Kyoto coz I find their culture very rich.. from geishas to kimonos, to sushi and temples! :) See you soon Japaaaaaaaaan!

Who knew there were cherry blossoms in the Philippines?!

We’re planning to go back to Japan next year for the cherry blossom season, although I’m a little worried the crowds will be crazy. Kyoto is a definite highlight of Japan – I hope you make it there!

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Congress approved a TikTok ban. Why it could still be years before it takes effect.

TikTok’s fate in the U.S. has never been more in doubt after Congress approved a bill that gives its parent company two options: sell it to an approved buyer or see it banned.

President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on Wednesday. 

But it could take years for the TikTok ban to actually go into effect, since its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, is likely to challenge the statute in court. 

And even if it survives a legal challenge, no one is quite sure what would happen next. 

How soon could a potential ban take effect?

It would probably be several years from now.

According to the statute’s language, ByteDance would have nine months to divest and find an American buyer for TikTok once the bill is signed into law. 

On top of that, the president can push back the deadline by an additional 90 days. 

That means, without a sale, the soonest TikTok could shut down in the U.S. would be more than one year from now.  

But it’s more complicated than that. 

If ByteDance sues to block the implementation of the statute — which it has said it would do — the bill will be taken up by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, according to Isaac Boltansky, director of policy for the financial services firm BTIG.

Boltansky said ByteDance would file a suit no later than this fall. And while the case is under judicial review, the “clock” on any ban is effectively paused, he said. 

Once the D.C. court issues its ruling, whichever side loses is likely to request a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

That would forestall the ban by another year — meaning nothing would go into effect until 2026, Boltansky said.

TikTok will argue that the ban is unconstitutional and that it’s also taken steps to protect American users’ data. The app has already launched an aggressive lobbying campaign, featuring a number of small-business owners and influencers who say it's their lifeblood.

“We have got to make enough noise so that they don’t take away our voice,” TikTok user @dadlifejason, who has 13.8 million followers, says in a TikTok ad shared on social media.

What about finding a buyer?

The bill stipulates that TikTok can continue to operate in the U.S. if ByteDance sells the app to a U.S.-approved firm. 

While large U.S. tech companies would love to get their hands on the platform, Boltansky said that Biden administration regulators — not to mention GOP critics of Big Tech firms — have no interest in expanding the power, reach or influence of such companies.  

Some other outside groups might emerge. At least one led by Steve Mnuchin, who was Treasury secretary in the Trump administration, has already sought to make a bid, telling CNBC in March that he was putting together an investor group . The Wall Street Journal has also reported that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was looking for potential buyer partners. While ByteDance, which owns other companies, is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, TikTok would fetch less than that, experts say — especially if it is sold without its powerful recommendation algorithm.  

But Boltansky believes ByteDance is unlikely to agree to any kind of sale. The Chinese government has said as much, arguing that it regards the algorithm as a national security asset. And without that, TikTok becomes much less appealing to potential buyers.    

So is TikTok in the U.S. going away?

It might — but the ultimate impact may be limited. The fact is, most TikTok users already have a presence on other platforms, so the impact on their livelihoods to the extent that they operate businesses on TikTok could be limited.

According to a survey from the financial services group Wedbush, approximately 60% of TikTok user respondents said they’d simply migrate to Instagram (or Facebook) in the event of a sale, while 19% said they’d go to YouTube. 

Analysts with financial services company Bernstein arrived at similar estimates. In a note to clients, they forecast that Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, would take over as much as 60% of TikTok’s U.S. ad revenue, with YouTube gaining 25%. Snapchat would also benefit, they said. 

Why did lawmakers feel they needed to take this drastic step?

Boltansky said many political pundits remain surprised that the bill got over the finish line. But a wave of anxiety about both Chinese influence and the impact of social media on youth converged to get it passed.

“This has been noteworthy,” Boltansky said. “Everyone is so conditioned to D.C. doing nothing or the bare minimum to keep the lights on.”

As tensions with Beijing have grown, congressional lawmakers, along with top law enforcement officials, have warned that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is a national security threat to the United States.

“It screams out with national security concerns,” FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Capitol Hill last year

U.S. officials fear that the Chinese government is using TikTok to access data from, and spy on, its American users, spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories.

It felt like a TikTok ban was moving slowly, then quickly. What happened?

The House passed its standalone TikTok bill on a big bipartisan vote in March. But the Senate appeared in no hurry to take up the measure as Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., drafted her own legislation.

That all changed when Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., working with the White House, rolled out his $95 billion foreign aid supplemental plan last week that included billions of dollars for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 

Included in that sweeping aid package: the House’s TikTok bill, with some minor changes. Johnson pushed the package through his chamber, then sent the House on a recess, forcing the Senate to take it or leave it.

Rather than further delay the critical, long-stalled military and humanitarian aid, the Democratic-controlled Senate is moving to quickly pass the package — including the TikTok bill and other Johnson priorities.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Scott Wong is a senior congressional reporter for NBC News.

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9 things to know before starting Manor Lords

How to get started with this complex city builder

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Manor Lords is complex, fidgety, and more than a little impenetrable. There’s a lot that will be familiar about it if you’re a veteran of city-building games, but Manor Lords has it’s own idiosyncracies even with those. And that makes tips and tricks less important than just general advice and quick explanations of those quirks, so that’s what we’ll focus on for this beginner’s guide.

Below, we’ve got nine things to know before you get started playing Manor Lords with advice on things like building your town, how labor works in the game, keeping your town fed, and managing your resources. If you’re looking for more detailed explainers, we’ve got separate guides for growing your town , increasing Regional Wealth , and setting up your first farm .

Expect more construction than combat

Like the dev said on Steam , Manor Lords is “a citybuilder with battles,” not a grand army simulator. It’s a city and resource management game first. With peaceful settings, it can even be downright cozy.

Don’t make combat your focus going in — and, for that matter, don’t expect combat to be a focus at all, really. Even with aggressive opponents — bandits and other lords — battles are pretty rare. Building up an army means building up a lot of infrastructure — mines, bloomeries, blacksmiths, logging camps, joiners, and more — before anyone even picks up a weapon.

Manor Lords is one of the more infrastructure-intensive city builders out there. For example, let’s say you want to start producing yarn — not even clothes, just yarn. You’ll need a livestock trader, a sheep farm, and a weaver’s workshop at a minimum. But each part of that process requires a family to be assigned to the building(s), and families require burgage plots to live on. That’s a bare minimum of four buildings already, and that doesn’t even touch on keeping the town supplied with food and fuel — which increases the number of buildings you’ll need in place before you can get a single sheep much closer to eight or 10.

That sort of infrastructure interdependency and complexity holds true throughout Manor Lords . Getting a town humming along smoothly takes a lot of planning (and trial and error) to make sure you’ve got everything you need in place.

All of that planning and infrastructure starts with burgage plots

Burgage plots are the basic unit of your town

Think of burgage plots as mixed-used zoning where your town’s families will build houses and workshops. Depending on the size and shape of the burgage plot, there might be room for additional housing (adding a house for a second family to the plot) or an extension (for a garden or a workshop).

Burgage plot extensions are a weird aspect of Manor Lords because they mix together housing and industry. But that industry is often vital to your town. Early on, burgage plots can grow vegetables and collect eggs from backyard chickens. Later, upgraded and extended burgage plots that you turn into workshops are how you’ll make everything from ale to weapons.

There are still single-use buildings you’ll have to build — things like logging camps and sawpits, sheep farms and weaver’s workshops, barley farms and malthouses — but the final step in the supply chain is usually built at a burgage plot.

Those standalone buildings all have to be run by a family that lives in your town because…

Families are the work units in Manor Lords

You don’t have any control over individual people in Manor Lords . Instead, you’ll assign families to buildings and, by extension, assign them to jobs. Think of it like the way surnames and bynames evolved in late Medieval western Europe — people working in a bakery took the last name Baker, sheep herders took the last name Shepherd, etc.

By default (while they’re unassigned), families in Manor Lords do, basically, whatever the town needs. Usually, this is construction — any buildings or upgrades you have happening — or escorting the town’s oxen around to haul timber (usually for construction). They also seem to (but don’t quote me on this — those little people are hard to follow around) pitch in by moving goods to the granary, storehouse, and marketplace.

Once you have a building built, you have to hit the plus button to assign a family to work there. This takes one of the unassigned families and makes them dedicated to working at that building. They still tend the garden or livestock on their burgage plots and, more importantly, if you pause or remove the assignment from the building, they’ll go back to the unassigned pool.

Speaking of tending gardens…

Vegetable gardens are more important than farms

Farms and farmland are a thing you’ll deal with in Manor Lords as your town grows. But, especially starting out, they’re not as important as you might expect. They’re a lot of work for not a lot of reward. And, on top of that, farms require even more infrastructure.

Instead, it’s better to just build the vegetable garden extension onto a burgage plot. For example, if you give your first couple burgage plots huge backyards, you can build two vegetable gardens that will grow enough for an entire game — we have one town with a population of over 200 people that still get their vegetables from those first two vegetable gardens.

Gardens and the other burgage plot extensions cost Regional Wealth to build. And Regional Wealth is a little confusing.

Burgage plots and Regional Wealth are related

Regional Wealth is basically how much cash your town’s families have on hand. Regional Wealth is where the town’s taxes come from. It’s also what your town will use to import goods. Confusingly, it doesn’t have anything to do with your town’s marketplace . Instead, as the name implies, it’s about wealth instead of just money and that wealth comes from either exporting surplus goods or just from upgrading burgage plots.

Upgrading your burgage plots is also how you’ll advance in the game. But upgrading comes with new requirements, so…

Expanding too fast will make villagers unhappy

Development points are a reward you’ll get as your town reaches certain milestones — building five burgage plots, upgrading two of those five to Level 2 burgage plots, and so on. Upgrading burgage plots gives you access to more and better extensions (like backyard workshops — see above), but they also increase the requirements for those plots. For example, you’ll need access to two kinds of food to upgrade a plot from Level 1 to Level 2. We’ve got a whole guide to upgrading your town that walks you through the first few settlement levels.

Once you do start upgrading burgage plots, though, the families on that plot will expect two kinds of food to be available from then on. And if your town can’t supply that, they’ll start to get unhappy, which lowers your approval and slows down your town’s growth as well as makes your militias lose morale.

Keeping your town supplied is as much a exercise in building up a surplus as it is in laying out your town carefully — we’ve got a guide to how marketplaces distribute goods here.

Try to limit yourself to only building as many burgage plots as you need for the next upgrade and development point instead of just expanding your town to get more and more families moved in. Sometimes, this will mean assigning and unassigning families over the course of a year. Which is possible because…

Everything is seasonal

A year in Manor Lords is divided into the typical four seasons — spring (March through May), summer (June through August), autumn (September through November), and winter (December through February). Things happen in the world depending on the season — for example: you can’t gather berries during winter, crops grow during spring and summer and then are harvested (and replanted) in autumn, and your sheep farms don’t produce wool in the winter (the sheep would get cold). The winter’s temperature also means that all of your burgage plots and families consume twice as much fuel to keep warm.

That ebb and flow of resources is how you can get away with having fewer families than available job assignments. You can have a family work on a farm during the autumn, and then swap them to a forager’s hut come spring while the crops grow. Or you can move a family back and forth between a clay mining pit and the clay furnace that turns that clay into rooftiles.

You also have a couple ways to manage renewable resources, like…

Forester’s huts offset logging camps

Logging for timber is a pretty destructive process and you’re going to run out of easily accessible trees pretty quickly. You can move a logging camp for free, but even then you’ll still run out of trees eventually. If you build a forester’s hut (2 timber), though, a family assigned there will plant trees. Those trees take a while to grow — they’re trees, after all — but pairing a forester’s hut with a logging camp can actually provide a steady (if slow) and renewable supply of timber.

You can even switch a single family back and forth between the two jobs if you need to — have them grow trees for a couple years, and then spend the next year cutting them down.

You keep your families healthy by upgrading forager huts

One final upgrade that’s a bit harder to notice is the add a herb garden (25 Regional Wealth, 2 planks) for a forager hut. There’s a mechanic happening in the background where your townsfolk can get sick — all you might see about this is a quick notification. This is probably going to become more obvious and visible as the game continues through its early access.

Sick villagers are less efficient at work, and the way to heal them back up is with herbs . Those herbs come from the garden upgrade to a forager’s shack. Once they’re gathered, they’re stored in the granary and distributed at a marketplace.

• Beginner’s guide
• Burgage Plots
• How to farm
• Marketplaces
• Regional wealth
• Your first town

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