“The architecture here is beautiful, the streets are very clean, and the squares are beautifully designed with the most intricate of details.”
1. Let’s start with the basics. Take a stroll through old town. It’s my first recommendation in most European cities. Most cities have one, and they are typically full of narrow, quaint cobblestone streets, lovely monuments, colorful buildings, and a main square.
Salzburg is no different. The architecture here is beautiful, the streets are very clean, and the squares are beautifully designed with the most intricate of details. Most of the main attractions in Salzburg can be found either in the old town or by walking through the old town. There are a lot of cute little restaurants and cafés as well to stop at for coffee or plenty of shops for a little shopping trip. You could easily spend all day just wandering around the old town.
The best way to truly see everything is by walking around a city. This is a great start to your trip in the old town. Make sure to wander down Getreidegasse, the famous pedestrian street, for shopping. The buildings along this street are adorable, colorful, and charming.
2. When walking to old town – depending where you stay – walk over the Love Lock Bridge. This is the same idea as Paris. The bridge is full of locks on fence squares where people have devoted their love to one another and thrown away the key. The view is lovely, and this is also a great spot for some photos.
“Hotel Imlauer Pitter Salzburg, is a gorgeous hotel right in old town, across from Mirabell Palace and Gardens.”
3. Stay at one of the best hotels in Salzburg like I did. Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg, is a gorgeous hotel right in old town, across from Mirabell Palace and Gardens. It has a great rooftop bar and restaurant. The drinks are as fabulous, as are the panoramic views over the old town and historic sites. You don’t get a better hotel view than this in Salzburg.
The rooms in Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg were very modern and clean, and the bathroom was huge and immaculate with amazing toiletries. They also serve a pretty amazing breakfast buffet up there, with everything you could want, including a live omelet and waffle station. There is also a cozy and authentic bar in the downstairs, called the “Pitter Keller” that has Austrian décor, and a great selection of beers.
The fitness area and sauna, at Imlauer Hotel Pitter are on the rooftop, which is great for a little workout session and sauna after. I loved this hotel, because the rooms were huge, beautiful, and had great views over the fortress. They had great toiletries and a huge bathtub. The staff were attentive and great with making restaurant recommendations. The rooftop bar and views alone really make this the spot to choose in Salzburg.
4. Do the Sound of Music tour. Even if you didn’t see or like the movie, the views on the tour are insanely spectacular. Let me just tell you, that you will feel as though you are in a real-life Bob Ross painting when you see the mountains. You can follow the Trapp family’s filming locations all over Salzburg and its surroundings. You can even visit the original film sets and pretend to be back in the making of one of the highest grossing movies of all time that truly has grown a cult following.
“Let me just tell you, that you will feel as though you are in a real-life Bob Ross painting when you see the mountains.”
5. Visit the Salzburg Fortress. It’s also known as Hohensalzburg Castle. It sits on top of Festungsberg Hill and has breathtaking views on both sides of the castle of Salzburg and the surrounding mountains.
There is so much to explore up here, so many views to take in, and even a restaurant with great Austrian food where you can have a glass of wine in the sun while enjoying the scenery.
This fortress played a leading role to rulers of Salzburg for hundreds of years. The walk uphill can become incredibly tiresome, so there is a cable car that can take you up and down. Unless you just want the exercise, that is. And the walk is well worth it. There are some really lovely things to see on the way up the fortress.
I would say this is one of the top attractions to see, and the photos of it from other viewports also make incredible photos like one from Hotel Imlauer and from the bridges.
“It’s one of the finest palaces and gardens in Austria. As an added bonus, if you stay at Hotel Imlauer Pitter, it’s right across the street. ”
6. Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens. During the spring and summer, this place is gorgeous and full of life with colorful and lush greenery in lovely flowerbed designs. The garden is quite romantic.
The palace inside has been home to many concerts. Mirabell was one of the most breathtaking concert halls I have ever been to with marble for days.
The view from the garden is also spectacular. I suggest walking through here on your way to the city. It’s also a place for magical photos. It’s one of the finest palaces and gardens in Austria. As an added bonus, if you stay at Hotel Imlauer Pitter, it’s right across the street.
7. Trivia question. What famous composer was born in Salzburg? Mozart was! I had no idea I was visiting his birthplace. Once I arrived, I saw just how much of the city is dedicated to him and his work. His influence is alive and thriving all over.
One great way to get your fill of all things Mozart is to take a visit the fantastic museum in honor of him. You can also visit the house he was born and raised. The house has been reconstructed as close to his as possible. It’s called “Mozart’s Wohnhaus” in Makart-platz. If you’re a true Mozart fan, then you must check out this museum filled with incredible memorabilia, photos, and biographies of the family. I would even stop in Mozart Café for a coffee.
While you’re at it, be sure to stop in a souvenir shop and buy a little dangling Mozart bobblehead puppet. You will see them in all the shop windows with their adorable heads bobbing up and down.
If you truly want to be immersed in his music, I highly recommend attending a Mozart concert. The venue also serves dinner, so it’s an all-around great experience. There are different packages available on websites if you have a chance to look, or you can ask your hotel concierge for the best package and price. It’s a good excuse to get dressed up and have a fancy night in Salzburg.
8. Go sit in Mozartplatz in the center of old town. It’s a charming square with beautiful statues, horse carriages, and various museums and cafés. It’s a lovely atmosphere to just sit and people-watch. Afterwards, you can wander down to squares around the corners, the Residenplaz and the Domplaz.
“Don’t let the simple and humble exterior fool you. The interior of the cathedral will be more than you ever expected after seeing the outside. Go inside, or you’re simply missing out. ”
9. Visit the Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey. Both are fine examples of Baroque style, and they’re located in a lovely historic square. The cathedral has been rebuilt several times since its original birth. Don’t let the simple and humble exterior fool you. The interior of the cathedral will be more than you ever expected after seeing the outside. Go inside, or you’re simply missing out.
St. Abbey’s Cathedral is so enchanting on the inside with its gold and marble decorations. Even the ceiling is jaw dropping. The details are so beautifully intricate. There are also catacombs and a graveyard to explore when visiting the Abbey, along with what’s known as “The Long Gallery,” which includes many large, beautiful paintings. There’s a library filled with thousands and thousands of books. The library is only accessible with certain guides, so if this part is something you’re interested in, you should ask your hotel to help set that up. I didn’t get set up for this tour, but I’ve heard it’s very impressive and even inspiring.
10. If you want to get out of the historic city, check out the Eagles Nest, which was a third Reich-era building in the mountains that was originally used as a getaway. The nest is only accessible by walking and is about a 2-hour hike, but the views of the Bavarian Mountains are amazing. Once you get to the top, you get to relax on the top of the mountain, eat at the restaurant, and have a few drinks. The history and beauty here are well worth making a day trip from Salzburg. If you don’t want to go so far but enjoy the outdoors and hiking, I would recommend visiting Gaisberg Mountain. You can get here by car or bus outside of the Mirabell Palace. You can hike here, paraglide, ride bikes, and just truly enjoy some beautiful views of the mountains and the outdoors. It’s a little bit of a change to wandering the city.
“ It has its own charm, character, and so much history. You won’t be disappointed visiting this stunning city in the mountains of Austria.”
Salzburg is truly stunning. It’s a city that feels quaint and not so big. You can see everything in a couple days if you get on it. The locals are lovely and the views are incredible all around. It’s a romantic, cute city everyone should visit while trekking through Europe. It has its own charm, character, and so much history. You won’t be disappointed visiting this stunning city in the mountains of Austria.
There are museums full of history as well to check out if you have time.
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Hi everyone! Ok, so surely, I can’t just say, “trust me, it’s so beautiful”, and you take my word for it?
“I saw the photo of Bled, and was like “Omg, where is that? I need to visit”?”
Ok, ok, fine. I’ll explain. I was first attracted to Lake Bled a few years ago, when I saw a photo on Instagram, before then, I didn’t even know it existed, nor did I know anything about Slovenia. I saw the photo of Bled, and was like “Omg, where is that? I need to visit”? After looking at the hashtags, and seeing #Slovenia, I thought, “what the heck? This beautiful place is in some random country”? and then I realized, that Slovenia is a stunning country and I was ignorant to the fact, that so many “not as common places”, hold so much secret or not so secret beauty. I had to visit Lake Bled, and so I planned the trip to take the train down from Bratislava, on my way to the cute capitol Ljubljana. Pronounced like Lube-ee-ana.
Views from my hotel room balcony at Hotel Triglav.
“Everything had a beautiful untouched blanket of white snow, and the cold and fog was in the air. It looked frozen and enchanting.”
I arrived at Bled at 6am, and it was freezing and it had freshly snowed. I couldn’t help to think just how magical this place was, even though it was -6 and I was shivering. I got a taxi to my hotel, Hotel Triglav, where they were nice enough to make Ashli and I breakfast, even though breakfast didn’t begin for another hour. Can I just say the view from Hotel Triglav must be one of the best hotel views in Bled, if not the best? You are sitting right there eating a lovely home-made Slovenian breakfast, and staring across the lake at Bled island and the historic Church. I was truly in heaven. I know it sounds cheesy, but it reminded me of that Disney Film Frozen. Everything had a beautiful untouched blanket of white snow, and the cold and fog was in the air. It looked frozen and enchanting. I was so excited to discover this small town and the beauty it was filled with.
“Triglav really felt authentic and as if I took a step back into the beautiful history of Bled. ”
I chose to stay at Hotel Triglav, because it’s authentic Slovenian. As mentioned above, it seemed to have the best views over the lake. It is a small boutique hotel, that feels more like you’re staying in a family owned mansion. It dates back to 1906, which is also the name of the restaurant upstairs that has delicious food. It’s right next to the train station, which is also handy. Triglav really felt authentic and as if I took a step back into the beautiful history of Bled. There is also a spa, indoor pool, wine cellar and wine room, as well as room views over the lake. The staff were wonderful and treated you like family and because it’s a smaller hotel, there is more detail and care with clients.
You can walk the entire lake from here, which Ashli and I did. Walking around the lake is a great way to see everything. You get so many unique and different views of Bled and the lake. There are boat rental places, which we also did. Ash rowed, as I am a wimp so make sure if you go on your own boat, one of you knows how to row properly. It’s quite a work out. We took the boat to Bled island, to walk around and explore the few sites there. There are also tour boats that go every hour as well, but those are packed with tourists. I enjoyed just having our own little boat, so we could decide when we wanted to go, at our own pace, and we could get loads of photos.
Just chilling, while poor Ash is killing her arms rowing to the little island in Lake Bled.
Once you get to the island, an hour is more than enough time. You can visit the church, but it does cost to go inside. You can get great photos of the surrounding mountains of Bled from the island, but to me, the best photos were on the mainland, that included the island in them. Either way you need to go over and explore it, as it’s a true part of Bled. The history dates back years.
If you are someone who isn’t into nature or if your husband or boyfriend gets bored taking in the beauty. (I don’t know how you could, but in case) There is a casino you can send him to, in hopes he keeps himself entertained and wins you some shopping money.
Another thing to do if you have time, is walk up through the trees to the Bled Castle. When I was there, it had scaffolding on it, which was a little frustrating and again, it cost to enter, so I didn’t. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it, I’ve just been to 70 countries and seen castles in about half of them, so to me, I wasn’t that bothered. It was cool enough just to hike up and see it and check out the great view over Lake Bled. Make sure to have comfortable shoes for the hike up. It’s not a difficult hike, just need decent walking shoes.
On the way up to the castle, if walking around the lake, you can also have a peak into the beautiful St. Martin’s church. It’s lovely inside and there is a great coffee shop next to it.
Another fun thing to do for the whole family, is checking out Straza Ski slope. In the summer, you can go down a man-made bob sled roller coaster track. In the winter, it’s a great ski resort. It’s walkable from the lake, and there are plenty of posted signs directing you there.
“Another place to visit, which I sadly couldn’t because the time of year is Vintgar Gorge. It’s a 2 hour walk and truly magical. It’s a gorge that extends up over a waterfall.”
Hiking from Bled is amazing. There are three main hikes that most people do, which is Triglav, Mt. Stol, and Pokljuka. I would say beginners should try Pokljuka, while more advanced hikers and adventure seekers should do Triglav. Another place to visit, which I sadly couldn’t because the time of year is Vintgar Gorge. It’s a 2 hour walk and truly magical. It’s a gorge that extends up over a waterfall. Check out the photos and you’ll see why I recommend it. It’s true tranquility and peace and great for any nature lover. Again, be sure to bring the appropriate clothing and shoes, but enjoy getting away from civilization for a bit. Don’t worry cell phones work here I’m told, so you won’t be stranded like the beginning of some horror camping film. Ha.
I would say Triglav National Park, is truly something you can’t bypass, especially if you’re here in spring or summer. There is such great hiking, waterfalls, caves, and some true natural beauty to see. You can also go water rafting here and horseback riding. It is something to spend the day doing and can be very romantic.
The restaurants I ate at, were 1906 in Hotel Triglav, which was amazing and then we had a beautiful lunch at Sova Bled. The presentation was lovely, as was the food, and it’s right on the lake. Both meals were amazing. There is also a great vegan spot called Public and Vegan kitchen. A restaurant with great views is Grajska Plaza Restaurant, and a good romantic spot is the first two mentioned with the addition of Ostarija Peglez’n. While in Bled, you must try the famous Kremšnita cake. You will see signs of this cake everywhere. It’s amazing and was birthed here. There are many places to get it, but I was told to get it at the hotel to the right of Hotel Triglav. Ah! I’ve forgotten the name but you can ask your very helpful and lovely staff at Hotel Triglav their recommendations as they gave me the real scoop of places to go and not just the touristy ones.
“While in Bled, you must try the famous Kremšnita cake. You will see signs of this cake everywhere. It’s amazing and was birthed here.”
“What a great trip. It truly looks like somewhere from a Disney movie.”
Bled is a beautiful place. There isn’t a ton of things to see and do, but it’s a great place to spend 3 days in nature and peace. I would love to come back here one day with a significant other. It’s just so romantic here. The best thing I did honestly, was just walking around the lake, hiking, and getting a row boat out to bled island. What a great trip. It truly looks like somewhere from a Disney movie. Enjoy!
“Zurich is a stunning and magical city filled with the beautiful Swiss Alps.”
If you haven’t visited Zurich, then there is your first mistake. Zurich is a stunning and magical city filled with the beautiful Swiss Alps. I used an Eurail pass to travel within Switzerland and it was the best value for getting around and very easy to use.
I spent 3 lovely days in Zurich. What a vibrant, colorful, and beautiful city. It was very clean and sophisticated. I loved walking around the old town in Zurich and exploring down the narrow cobblestone streets. There were adorable cafes and restaurants. It’s an expensive city, but it’s worth it. In Switzerland, you use The Swiss Franc which is somewhere between the Euro and US dollar in value. Even the money is very vibrant and colorful.
In Zurich, I chose to stay at Atlantis by Giardino. Atlantis is an urban retreat right in foot of the Uetliberg mountain. It is a bit outside of Zurich, but boasts breathtaking views of the city and mountains from the hotel balconies and from the lookout point ten minutes from the hotel. You can take the train to and walk up. It’s incredible and so worth the walk up. The best way to get here is to take the S10 Train from Zurich’s main station, then you exit at “Schweighof” and either walk up to the hotel, or get a taxi, it’s a ten minute walk, but if you have a lot of bags, perhaps pre book a taxi before or have the hotel arrange a pick up, as there won’t just be taxi’s there waiting because it’s a small station.
The hotel is stunning! Wow, how did I get so lucky? I had no idea before choosing this hotel that it would become one of my favorite hotels of the year and mission thus far. It is true perfection. If perfection could be defined by one hotel, then Atlantis would surely take it for the win. The hotel is beaming with a beautiful color selection of golds and turquoises. The spiral staircases and wood and marble make it exquisite.
The check in was quick. My friend Ashli and I were welcomed with hot towels and welcome drinks. The staff throughout our stay always said our names when addressing us, which is a huge detail of impeccable service and attention to details.
“If perfection would be defined by one hotel, then Atlantis would surely take it for the win. ”
The room was very large and beautiful with great color choices. A very large bathroom awaited us with a rainfall shower. There was also a huge balcony overlooking the mountains. They sent us an adorable chocolate high heeled shoe, and chocolates which was such a sweet gesture. It was so gorgeous I didn’t even want to eat it, but I also didn’t have the willpower to sit there and stare at all that chocolate. It was truly delicious.
We ate both nights in the hotel and the food was delicious. The second night they even opened “Ecco”, their 2 Michelin Starred restaurant for some of us guests, and it was the best meal I’ve ever had in my entire life. Truly. It was about 7 courses and the presentation, flavor, and authenticity was astounding. The chef, Stephan at Ecco really has a true talent for the whole culinary experience. We even met him at the end and thanked him for such a beautiful and delicious meal. He was lovely. I took so many photos of our meal. It was serious food envy for any foodie when I posted it on my social media channels.
In the mornings, we would have brunch at The Hide and Seek restaurant, which was again, amazing. There was so much variety to the breakfast, and the quality was amazing as well. The server there, Kevin, really went above and beyond for Ashli and I, and always made sure we were happy and had everything we wanted. He even made me my own beautiful cheese board in the morning, as I’m a little fussy with certain cheeses. Thank you, Kevin, you were a delight and are a true asset to Atlantis! That being said, the staff as a whole was amazing. The manager was also incredible and very hospitable.
Atlantis truly got it right in so many ways. The property is beautiful. They have an amazing spa with a lovely indoor pool that looks out onto a waterfall over rocks. It has a great selection of treatments and saunas. There is also a huge and beautiful outdoor pool you can really enjoy in the summer and soak up the sun!
Now back to the food. The breakfast as stated above at Hide And Seek is fab as is the lunch. They do a cool Sunday brunch that locals even come to that has a great vibe. We sadly missed this, but the photos look like it’s quite the experience. There is also a swanky and sophisticated bar inside Atlantis, which hosts live music on certain nights. The drinks at the bar are also awesome and the bartender is very engaging and sweet.
“Atlantis has the biggest suite in Europe. It is 50,000 euro per night and takes up the entire top floor.”
One thing I haven’t mentioned, is that Atlantis has the biggest suite in Europe. It is 50,000 euro per night and takes up the entire top floor. It was made with the finest materials and even has real gold fixtures in the bathrooms. It has Middle Eastern design and is gorgeous and huge. Ash and I had a tour and couldn’t believe just how big it was. There are multiple rooms, bathrooms, seating areas, and balconies. It’s bigger than most people’s houses. I thought it was so awesome to be able to say I’ve been in the most expensive suite in Europe.
The hotel partners with brands like Hublot, Landover, Samsung etc. so you will see these names and products throughout the hotel. It is true luxury.
“It is true luxury at its finest and is truly a hotel everyone should add to their hotel bucket list”
Atlantis first arrived in Zurich in the late 60’s and hosted stars like Frank Zappa and Freddy Mercury. It has true glamour and history to it and now being redone and newly reopened in the last couple years it is the best accommodation in Zurich in my opinion. You just can’t go wrong staying here. There are just so many details here that aren’t always provided in other hotels. Another detail I loved is the turn down service and the pillow menu. There were about ten different pillow choices you can have a butler bring to you free of charge. I chose the anti-stress option and it was a great sleep with a fluffy pillow that smelled of lavender.
Atlantis is a true urban retreat right outside of Zurich. It is true luxury at its finest and is truly a hotel everyone should add to their hotel bucket list. Check this hotel out and enjoy Zurich and all it has to offer. It’s truly stunning! My advice it to just walk around Zurich and get lost. It’s such a cute city.
A Grand Stay at the Grand Hotel River Park in Bratislava, Slovakia
Down the Danube from Vienna, and a train ride away from Budapest, in Slovakia, is a lovely little city called Bratislava. The capitol of Slovakia. I didn’t know what to expect from the city that hosts so many stag do and hen parties, aka bachelor and bachelorette parties, but I was excited. Bratislava, known to be a great night out and extremely cheap, was a place I had to visit and see what it had to offer, and I’m happy I did. I came in on a train from Poland and went right to the hotel to check in and then explore the hotel, and the cute little city!
“The plush bed and beautiful décor inside the room, along with an extra-large marble bathroom immaculately set up and clean, made me feel like I was truly living large.”
I stayed at the beautiful Grand Hotel River Park. The property is exquisite and truly Grand. The name fits the description very well. I do love Marriott Bonvoy properties and this one is just another Marriott Bonvoy loyalty hotel that has done it right. It’s centrally located, and a 10-15 min walk into town. It has lovely views of the Danube and “Most SNP” or (UFO bridge) and the rooms and interior are just divine! I stayed in a huge suite that felt like a room in a palace. The plush bed and beautiful décor inside the room, along with an extra-large marble bathroom immaculately set up and clean, made me feel like I was truly living large. “Aren’t we lucky people?” I thought, as my friends and I enjoyed complimentary chocolate and champagne, in the massive suite.
The beds were so lush and comfortable, and the view we had over the Danube was stunning. I knew it was going to be a great stay no matter what, just by being able to stay at that hotel. The staff were amazing as well, with providing us with so many options, to knowing our names, and making sure every detail of our stay was up to expectations.
The beds were so amazing! I loved our rooms here!
The buffet breakfast and Sunday brunch is very special and one of the best I’ve ever had. I couldn’t stop with the photos. The vibe here on Sunday is also great with hotel guests and locals alike enjoying the drinks, music, and hospitality. The fitness center was truly the biggest I’ve seen in a hotel, and the spa was beautiful. The pool in the evening with its lights were incredible. This is truly the very best place to stay in Bratislava. Like I said, you won’t need taxis into town either, as it’s a lovely short stroll down the river walk.
As for what to do in Bratislava? Well, it’s a smaller city compared to some other European capitals, so there isn’t a ton to see and do, but just enough to enjoy while also enjoying the relaxation of staying in The Grand Hotel.
You can take a walk up to Bratislava Castle, (although you can also get incredible photos from the river walk). I suggest walking by it during the night and then, in the day time. It’s a beautiful baroque castle, originally built in the 9th century, and then reconstructed in the late 60’s. It’s a castle and museum and shows of Bratislava and Slovakia’s history. There are great views from the top and you don’t need too much time exploring it.
Devin Castle is another castle outside of Bratislava that is mostly castle ruins. The architecture on that was of gothic style and to me looks more castle like. You can take a cab or bus to this one, as it’s just a 20-min ride and offers history and more great views of the Danube. In the summer I’m told you can do wine tours, and that it truly has the best view of the Danube River.
While walking into town from The Grand Hotel, you will pass by “Most SNP” which is a bridge with a UFO looking dome at the top that holds a great restaurant and bar that offers the best views of the city. You can call it UFO Bridge and the locals will know what you mean.
“It’s an adorable blue church that looks like a wedding cake. Weird, right? It’s blue and white and the decoration reminds you of a cake.”
My favorite part of Bratislava was Church of St. Elizabeth. It’s an adorable blue church that looks like a wedding cake. Weird, right? It’s blue and white and the decoration reminds you of a cake. Check the photos and you can see what I mean. Some people call it blue church here, but it’s worth taking a peek and getting a nice photo. The inside is just as adorable. Very quaint, but so cute.
Another very popular site for photos, is the “man at work” statue. It’s a little bronze man in the road looking like he’s peeking out of working in the sewer. It’s a great spot for a nice photo and really popular among visitors.
Other sites to see in Bratislava are Primate’s Palace, Michael’s Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Roland Fountain, Grassalkovich Palace (very pretty), and a handful of museums.
“There are a lot of cute little statues to get photos with. There is also cool artwork and sculptures on the river walk near the hotel. ”
The old town is adorable to walk though, very pretty, colorful, and doesn’t take too much time. I feel you could really see most everything in one full day of site seeing. Maybe two if you don’t want to be rushed and like to just enjoy a place. There are a bunch of cute coffee shops and cafes for lunch in the old town. There is also a really good ramen spot that all the locals love. It was amazing. I really enjoyed just walking around the city because when I was there, it was obviously winter, so it was pretty chilly, but I loved that I had the place to myself a bit more than other tourist crammed places. There are a lot of cute little statues to get photos with. There is also cool artwork and sculptures on the river walk near the hotel.
If you love nightlife, this is also an amazing city as the drinks are super cheap, the clubs go late, and the people here are very friendly and very open. You can come, and have the best time letting your hair down, without worry or judgement. It’s an adult playground going bar and club hoping. Below is a list of the bars, clubs, and restaurants I would recommend. By the way, don’t fear what some clubs look like on the outside, many are in basements, but this is normal. Also, try the orange wine and some Slovakian beer. Have some cash with you as well, as most places don’t accept cards, but not to worry most staff can speak English and can let you know where an ATM is if needed.
Bratislava Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants to choose from;
Drink in Gallery Andy, Sub club, (an old military bunker), Lemon Tree and Sky Bar, Vinimka, UFO Bar, (best views), Beer Palace, Ucerta, Obyvacka, Casa del Havana, (Cuban themed bar), Café Restaurant, The Loft, Great Club and Restaurant. Some of the best restaurants would be UFO, Riverbank Restaurant, Liviano, Bratislavsky Mestiansky Pivovar, Dunajsky Pivovar (bar on a boat on the river).
If you’re going on a solo adventure this summer, then it doesn’t get any better than exploring Quito, Ecuador. Traveling Quito is considered safe for female travelers, and its majestic beauty is something everyone should experience at some point in their lifetime! When visiting Ecuador, many tourists intend to visit the Galapagos Islands and Cloud Forests, but there is so much more to experience, and I’m here to be your guide!
“Quito is an embodiment of history, culture, influential architectural work, and it has an inviting element to it that widely appeals to someone who travels to seek adventure.”
Quito is known as the capital of Ecuador; however, it has become a point of interest for tourists to explore the volcanoes and viewpoints that surround the small city. The minimalistic structure of the city appeals to people across the globe. Quito is located at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,350 feet), and it is surrounded by a vast number of dormant volcanoes. Altitude sickness is common, and I certainly experienced it for the short time I was there! Drink cocoa tea to subside the symptoms.
Quito is an embodiment of history, culture, influential architectural work, and it has an inviting element to it that widely appeals to someone who travels to seek adventure. If Quito is on your must-visit list, then you should consider visiting the following places to experience an unforgettable journey.
“Get photos of all the colonial style buildings. So colorful and cute!”
1. Visit Quito Old Town
If you truly want to experience the cultural aspect of Quito then, you should consider visiting the Quito Old Town. It is regarded as one of the oldest districts of the city, and it has gained popularity for becoming a part of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. The old town features restaurants and shops that are built using an antiquated approach, and it features a multitude of attractive architecture alongside the cobblestone streets. Get photos of all the colonial style buildings. So colorful and cute!
Here, you should ask your guide to take you to the Plaza Grande, which leads to the Presidential Palace. The site is specifically built for the pedestrians to explore the ventures of the city on foot. You can further your journey by discovering the churches and museums of Quito.
Wandering the streets of Old Town Quito.
“My favorite church and the most amazing was Basilica del Voto Nacional. You can even climb to the very top for photos”
2. Visit Quito Churches
The outdated and antiquated churches in Quito have become a site of attraction, and each church is constructed in its own unique way. The churches are located within the hindsight of the old town, and you can start your journey from Plaza Grande to the 17thcentury La Compania de Jesus for exploring the indescribable charm of the churches.
From Plaza de San Francisco, you can head towards the 16th-century Roman Catholic San Francisco Church, where you will be introduced to the most stunning and eye-catching artwork released from the Quito School of Art. You can capture the exterior of the churches; however, you should refrain from capturing the interior of the churches, and allow yourself to immerse in the beauty of the churches.
My favorite church and the most amazing was Basilica del Voto Nacional. You can even climb to the very top for photos. It is scary, but cool once you get up there. If you have a fear of heights, forget it, as it’s just a ladder crawling up. I also recommend not wearing a dress as I did, and a few people got a free show! It was humiliating, to say the least.
3. Ride the Quito cable car
When visiting Quito this summer, you should absolutely add riding the Quito cable car to your list, as it would truly introduce you to the beauty of the city. The Quito cable car goes up to a height of 4,000 meters, and it allows the tourists to explore the indescribable beauty of the city up high from their rides. It would allow you to sightsee the ancient volcanoes that surround the city. There are many stopping points and I did not go all the way as it would have been far too cold for the attire I was wearing, even on a hot day. When you go to elevation that high, you must have warm clothing and a hat and gloves. I stopped at the first point which has stunning views, a café, and a cool swing set you can swing on and feel as though you are swinging in the clouds. You can see the entire city from here. This was a highlight of my trip. There are also loads of animals up here you can pet, ride, and take photos with for very cheap. It will cost you about 1 dollar USD.
If you decide to hike to the top then you can explore the Pichincha Volcano, and study its nature in detail and in-depth. The temperature at this point is beyond freezing, so it is better to grab a coffee cup from the cafes built up on the peak point. You can sit down and explore the panoramic viewpoints from a distance and capture images for preserving the moment for an eternity.
“You will truly learn more about the prestigious cultural importance of Quito here. ”
4. Take a stroll along Quito La Ronda:
There is only so much that you can do at Quito; however, it doesn’t get more memorable than taking a stroll along the famous Calle de La Ronda. Also known as Quito La Rona, the cobblestone street located in the old town allows the tourists to explore the cafes, arts, bars, restaurants, and so much more. You will truly learn more about the prestigious cultural importance of Quito here. It is a great way to also people watch. It’s random, but I saw so many Ecuadorians walking their dogs and their dogs wearing shoes, clothes, and even backpacks. It was quite funny to see. I could understand the shoes because the ground is very hot due to the proximity to the equator, but hats and backpacks were a bit funny. There are also people selling all kinds of goods. Remember, if you buy something there is room to haggle, but don’t go too low or you risk being offensive. Some of these people have nothing and selling these things puts food in their mouths. One thing I was impressed with also is the tricks people do at intersections to make a few bucks. I saw a fire breather, a tight rope walker, and a juggler. The people here that can’t make ends meet really go above and beyond to get cash and I found it ambitious and impressive. Some of the homeless Americans could learn a thing or two from the work ethic of the Ecuadorians.
A man getting his shoes shined for cheap in Old Town.
“Then you can say you have been in both the North and South hemisphere at the same time. Talk about bragging rights and a cool story!
”
Standing at the middle of the world.
5. Stand at the equator:
Have you ever thought that how fascinating it would be to stand at the middle of the world? Or, is it even possible to do so? You may have heard people talk about visiting the “equator” of the world but, you may have brushed it off as an absurd idea.
But, the truth is—now that you are in Quito, you are few miles away from visiting the equator of the earth. By taking a short ride by a bus, or private taxi which is also cheap, you can visit Mitad del Mundo, which is known as the monument responsible for benchmarking the equator of the world. Here, you can capture images or, what’s even better—have your passport stamped as evidence for your trip. This is technically no longer the real equator line as that’s some distance away but this is the mark, and is a must visit spot while in Quito. It’s great for photos and a nice lunch. The locals also do a little dance around the equator line. I would get a cool photo straddling or laying across the equator line. Then you can say you have been in both the North and South hemisphere at the same time. Talk about bragging rights and a cool story!
6. Visit a Quito Market:
Quito features an abundance of local markets and cafes, for instance, visiting the famous Mercado Central on the outskirts of the old town would take you to a place where you can find delicious and affordable snacks to satisfy your appetite. There is local food that is fresh and very cheap. You can find beautiful flowers for also very cheap. If you can’t make it to the market, strolling on all the streets you will find many delicious food items and have a chance to get gorgeous flowers for cheap. Quito produces so much, so you will have no problem finding fresh fruits, juices, and lovely flowers.
7. Watch the Quito ceremony:
If you are spending another Monday morning in Quito then you can visit the Plaza Grande for witnessing the formal ceremony that commemorates the changing of the guards. The act is an embodiment of patriotism and loyalty, and you will witness horses and marching bands commemorating the guards’ change in Quito. I didn’t do this as I wasn’t here on a Monday but my girlfriend who stayed did and said it was interesting to see. It’s super fast as well, so you can stroll by before brunch.
“ Quito is so gorgeous. There is so much green everywhere and it’s just such a charming, colorful, and adorable city. It really did exceed my expectations. ”
8. Plan a day trip from Quito:
If you want to visit the outskirts of Quito then, it doesn’t get better than starting your journey in the day time. You can join a local group to embark on a journey to Galapagos or the Amazon, or you can learn more about the places that you can visit throughout the day and then come back to Quito when the sun sets. There are so many amazing places in Ecuador. I would really try to plan it where you can spend a day or two in the Amazon, and a day or two in the Galapagos’. There are also some pretty great national parks and cloud forests you can visit nearby that are worth it. You can see all of Quito in three days, so leaving some days after for trips outside Quito is important to make the most of your trip to Ecuador. I know I will come back to Ecuador just to do those, as my trip was sadly much shorter than I anticipated. Quito is so gorgeous. There is so much green everywhere and it’s just such a charming, colorful, and adorable city. It really did exceed my expectations.
So much of the beauty of Ecuador is outside of the city! There are many amazing day trips from Quito!
9. Hotels to stay:
If you are looking for a great place to stay, there are a few options depending on what you want. I stayed at two hotels to get a vibe of both areas of the city. My first hotel was Hotel Mama Cuchara. This hotel was perfectly located in Old town and minuets walk from many of the tourist sites. It is an old Spanish colonial house that was remodeled into a hotel. It is a charming and pristine boutique hotel with an amazing rooftop. The views alone, from the rooftop are incredible! There is also a rooftop bar that has great cocktails and great for lounging during the day. This hotel was great and I’m happy I stayed here. My only complaint was that I had a room next to the staircase so it was quite loud and you could hear people walking up and down them, this is an easy fix and I think they were sound proofing the rooms. My other hotel was JW Marriott Quito. This hotel was huge and hosted a pool, large room, and bathroom, and on-site restaurants. The sushi and cocktails here were great. This hotel is great if you are someone who likes to stay in bigger, more commercial places. The hotel was nice. I must say I preferred the location of Mama Cuchara more since it was in the old historical area, but JW Marriott is walking distance to the touristy bars and restaurants, so you need to decide what you want more or do like me, and stay two nights in each.
“Ecuador is a country rich in so much culture and beauty, and in my opinion is a little untouched and unspoiled. So, go before the secret is out and everyone is flocking to Ecuador!
”
10. Visit The Virgin of El Panecillo
Take a taxi up to The Virgin of El Panecillo. It is the monument of Quito, and can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. The hotel MAMA CUCHARA has a great view of it from their rooftop. It is a nice statue, and when you get up there, you get yet another amazing view of the city from a different angle of the city. Taxi’s up there are cheap. One thing I advise is to ask your taxi to wait 10-15 mins for you for an extra few dollars. Once you’re up there, it’s harder to call a cab or Uber. There aren’t many up there just waiting. At least when I went, there were none.
Have the best time in Quito. You can find cheap flights here and I can’t say enough how green and beautiful the country is. The land just seems so preserved and fresh. The people here are so special and nice. I had a really great experience in Quito and I know you will also. Ecuador is a country rich in so much culture and beauty, and in my opinion is a little untouched and unspoiled. So, go before the secret is out and everyone is flocking to Ecuador
Some other various things to see and do in Quito;
Visit La Floresta Walk and hang with the hipster of Quito.
Go barhopping around Plaza Foch.
Visit Ecological Refuge Molinuco for nature walks and camping.
See a well-known Opera at the Teatro Sucre if you love Opera.
Visit the Quito Botanical Gardens for a stroll with beautiful plants and flowers.
Have a picnic or stroll through Parque La Carolina, or buy some art in Parque El Ejido.
Visit Cotopaxi National Park on a day excursion from Quito.
Hike up one of the many volcanos in the area, just pack proper warm attire.
If you love chocolate, then do a chocolate tasting for authentic Ecuadorian chocolate.
Walk around the famous Museo Templo del Sol.
Visit some cute and cuddly bears at the Andean Nature Reserve.
Check out the Museum of the City which is exhibited in an old hospital.
Some great bars and restaurants to visit while in Quito.
Zinc is perfect for cozy and casual American food, and great cocktails.
Strawberry Fields Bar, for fun décor and good mixed drinks.
Café Mosaico, for best views and the best coffee of your life.
La Cuchara de San Marcos, for veggie options and a great jazz night. (check the night prior)
Vista Hermosa Café Mirador, for amazing views and a romantic vibe.
For luxury and lavish, dine at La Belle Époque. French and Opera. Wow!
Theatrum Restaurant is on the second floor of the National Theatre, and is great Mediterranean.
For a local spot with craft beer, check out Abysmo.
One of Quito’s most famous, is El Pobre Diablo for music, art, and fun in one place.
Rosita’s, if you’re dying of a hangover and need a boost back up with herbs and fruits.
La Gloria, for late night eating and an eclectic vibe in the boho chic Las Flores district.
Check out Sur if you love cocktails and steak. Also try the “Beergarita” if you go!
Flora cocktail bar, is great for the ladies and gin lover’s a like. Try the chocolate margarita.
For day cocktails with a view, check out Pim’s and get a British inspired Pimm’s.
For a great place to eat and stay afterhours, visit Café Cuápula. Meg Ryan and Russel Crowe were seen here once.
For eccentric décor and random Knick knacks staring at you, visit Café Dios No Muere. Although a gruesome past, this place is cool to look at, and has great craft beers and red wines. Enjoy.
When I was looking for a beach vacation from LA that didn’t require a long flight and layovers, I considered Cabo right away. I had been there twice before more than a decade ago but this third time would be a time I’ll never forget. I didn’t remember too much, as I only went for the weekend, but I remembered how beautiful it was, and how easy it was to get to. If you’re looking to plan your next beach vacation for the year, full of sun, activities, and a great social scene, then let me tell you everything there is to know about Cabo San Lucas and why it should top your list.
We had such an amazing trip! Cabo is as amazing as I remembered.
For those of you travelling to México for the first time, let me assure you that despite all the negative media attention and what Tomi Lahren says, it is a very safe country for tourists. Mexicans are very friendly people and they’re welcoming towards visitors. Tourism is a major factor for the economy.
I could get used to the beaches in Mexico and always having a cocktail in hand.
If you stay in the resorts and touristy areas, then you’ll be fine as the locals don’t really come in those areas and they are closely watched by security and federal police. The violence is mainly gang and cartel related, and they target one another, they don’t target tourists. I felt safe walking around Cabo day and night as honestly, Hollywood Blvd or downtown LA would scare me more. There is crime everywhere, you just must be smart. Anyways, here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting gorgeous Cabo San Lucas.
“Mexicans are very friendly people and they’re welcoming towards visitors. Tourism is a major factor for the economy. ”
Fresh oyster bar at The Sheraton Grand Los Cabos.
Firstly, upon arrival you’ll have your passport stamp. Standard procedure I know, but in México you will also be given a small tear off slip from the immigration form you filled out. DO NOT LOSE THIS! When you leave, you’ll be asked for the slip, and if you don’t have it, you’ll be fined. Yikes. I just kept it in my passport, but make sure you leave it somewhere you know is safe and won’t get lost.
When walking through the airport, do not stop for anyone. The timeshare people are on point here and will do anything to get you signed up for a tour, and that means offering you free cabs, breakfasts, and tours. It’s not worth your time and headache unless you are really on the market for a timeshare. Just keep walking until the exit. Trust me.
The beaches in Cabo are gorgeous!
There is one booth where you pay for transport. Go there and exit. While waiting for your shuttle or cab, you can stop at the cute new bar outside the airport. This will be the start of your amazing vacation.
Not stop photo ops here in Cabo.
Secondly, the Mexican currency is pesos, not dollars. For some reason, a lot of tourists think that tourist areas will accept dollars. Some do, and I felt like they liked having dollars more than pesos, but they may jack up the return so be careful and check online what the exchange rate is and then negotiate it. I would for sure have pesos on you as well, as some places just will not take dollars. Your credit card will work at most places as well. We exchanged our dollars for pesos at the airport before coming, but you can also do it at your local bank before leaving for a better rate.
I look so rich in Pesos.
Thirdly, and sort of a funny one, the official language of México is Spanish. (obviously) The Spanish word for women is “mujeres.” So, gents, if you’re looking for the little boys’ room, don’t go into the door marked with an M! It’s the women’s restroom! Instead find the door marked H for hombres or C for caballeros.
We did so much pool lounging at The Sheraton Grand.
Now for those of you that don’t know (I certainly didn’t) Los Cabos is made up of two towns: San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. I decided to go in the middle of the two, but more towards Cabo San Lucas because I was absolutely captivated by the photos of the beaches I saw on Google. Seriously, go look. And that doesn’t even give you the full experience of seeing it in person. Cabo San Lucas is the more touristy area with all the clubs and most of the hotels. It’s a younger crowd. If you are looking to just relax in a resort then San Jose Del Cabo may be better for you.
The Sheraton Grand Los Cabos is truly grand.
Lounging in one of the many pools with a Piña in hand!
The Sheraton Grand Los Cabos is where my boyfriend and I stayed for my birthday in April, and I’m so happy we chose this hotel. There are so many to choose from, but I really feel like we hit the jackpot with this one! It’s 30 minutes from the airport, and about 10 minutes from town. We took a shared shuttle from the airport because it’s much cheaper than a cab, and we ended up being the first stop on the shuttle so it’s totally worth it. I think the shuttle was around 27 USD per person, whereas a private was going to charge us 85 USD. So, I would recommend the shared shuttle as you will be the first or second stop. Uber operates in Cabo and we used this for every trip minus from the airport, as Uber is not yet allowed to pick people up from the airport, but they can take you to the airport for much cheaper than a cab will, so download the Uber app beforehand. It’s cheap and safe.
“ I have been to many Sheratons in my life, but this one was special and really screamed luxury.”
Now, back to The Sheraton Grand Los Cabos. It was such a stunning beach front property. The colors of the buildings are beautiful tones of red, golden, and yellow with the traditional Mexican hacienda architecture. The grounds are superbly maintained with the landscaping looking pristine and well kept. It looks very luxurious. I have been to many Sheratons in my life, but this one was special and really screamed luxury. We had an amazing ocean and pool view room which I highly recommend. The room was very big, as was the bathroom. The maids did a great job and our first day, there was even a sculpture of The Arches made out of chocolate for us. I thought this was a very sweet and thoughtful detail.
How cute is my Arches sculpture made of chocolates?
The landscaping is so dreamy. Photos do no justice.
Wearing my new Free People outfit around The Sheraton Grand.
The sushi bar at The Sheraton, was so fresh and so so good!
I met the Easter Bunny.
The pool area hosts a great infinity pool, and multiple other side pools that are nice to lounge at. There are 5 pools in total. There is a huge bar in the middle by the pool you can order food and drinks from for cheap, as well as a fine dining restaurant called De Cortez, which was amazing. We also had some awesome and fresh sushi at the sushi bar one night. The Sheraton also does themed dinner nights which is really cool. We did the Mexican fiesta night and had a blast. I must also note the breakfast, because it was the best one I’ve had in ages. It literally had everything you could ever want. I’m all about big buffet breakfasts. I would get it included in your room price to save a little bit as you won’t regret it. It includes Mimosas and bloody Mary’s. One day it even had a fresh oyster bar! Yum! Did I mention it was Easter Sunday while we were there? We had an amazing Easter brunch, there was an egg hunt, and they brought a bunch of the cutest little baby bunnies to play with. I wanted to take one home with me but my boyfriend wasn’t keen on the idea!
Only one pic of all the amazing food we had at our breakfast.
All you can drink Mimosas!
Relaxing on our balcony after a big brunch.
“We did have dinner at De Cortez in the resort, and it was amazing. The oysters were so wonderful and fresh and the scallops were also a beautiful choice.”
Billy and I also went out on the beach in front of the hotel to relax, and it was about as perfect as you could ever imagine. While on the sand, we ordered drinks from the hotel staff and had them set us up with chairs and umbrellas. We relaxed and had some Coronas and got a nice tan. It was quieter there than the pool, and more relaxing, but you will get people walking around selling things. You can buy something cheap and haggle with them or you can pass and tell them “maybe later”. I bought 2 hats and a shark tooth necklace because I like to support the locals, as they do work hard in the heat, walking up and down the beaches with all their stuff. They are all so sweet as well. The property has everything you need, and honestly you wouldn’t have to leave it if you didn’t want to, but we chose to go into town and visit other restaurants nearby which I’ll list later. We did have dinner at De Cortez in the resort, and it was amazing. The oysters were so wonderful and fresh and the scallops were also a perfect choice. So glad we went there. I really was so happy with our stay at The Sheraton Grand. The staff was so lovely and so attentive in customer service.
There is the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a rock formation that I’m sure you would recognize from any other travel blog or Instagram feed. Then there is Lovers Beach with it’s beautiful blue waters and soft sands. You can even go snorkeling and have a look at México’s stunning sea life! Playa El Medano is the main beach in Cabo San Lucas and features many different outdoor restaurants and bars. It’s very touristy but there is loads to do there. If you need a boat to The Arch’s then I would just walk around the marina and find someone and haggle a price with them. There are men all over looking for people to take in their boats. You can get them cheap out there.
Boats to the Arches. Make sure to haggle prices.
6am headed to dive…..don’t judge us. haha!
And speaking of the restaurants, let me just tell you how unreal authentic Mexican cuisine is. Because of its proximity to the ocean, most of Cabo San Lucas traditional fair features a variety of seafood. If you’ve ever heard of Baja fish tacos, those come from the same region! Cabo is in the Baja California peninsula, so that is where the name comes from. You must try the fish tacos. They are to die for. Another favorite local dish is Chocolate Clams or almejas chocolatas in Spanish. Might sound a bit strange, but those clams were probably the best I’ve ever had. Locals cook them on hot stone beds and cover them in romerito, an herb that grows all over the Baja region. Delicioso! Solomon’s Landing is one of my favorite spots, we ate in the marina for Baja fish tacos so try to go there, it’s also inexpensive and has cheap margaritas that are huge! Captain Tony’s is also an iconic spot right next to Solomon’s, but it’s more for the seafood lover. They also have a thing where you can literally bring in a fish you caught, and have them cook it for you! Also have the Class Azul Tequila. It’s one of the best in Mexico and the bottles are so cool looking.
Try Clasé Azul. If you love smooth tequila, you’ll love it.
“Because of its proximity to the ocean, most of Cabo San Lucas traditional fair, features a variety of seafood. If you’ve ever heard of Baja fish tacos, those come from the same region!”
The nightlife in Cabo San Lucas is incredible. You could party in the beach bars or cantinas by the sea, but the dance clubs in the downtown district are where it’s really at. The Nowhere Bar and El Squid Roe have become landmark icons of Cabo San Lucas, and it was some of the most vibrant, contagious, and just downright outrageous party scene I had ever been to in the area, but it was so much fun. The club has not one, not two, but three stories of dance floors and tequila filled spray tanks. It’s very young and college spring break vibes, but honestly, it’s still a good time and fun for at least one night.
El Squid Roe. This is a crazy spot to party. It’s very spring break vibes.
The calm before the storm at Nowhere Bar. This place is packed at night.
Mexican fiesta night was a hit!
If you want a more sophisticated vibe for dinner and drinks then I would highly recommend El Fallaron. It’s a stunning venue with even more stunning views. It’s a great spot to go and be seen by the Cabo Elite and get great photos for the gram. It’s pricier but very good. If you are looking for another place with amazing views to share a romantic meal then Sunset Mona Lisa is perfect. It has views of the arches and is just downright beautiful! Mi Casa is a bit cheaper on the tab and fun and offers a real authentic Mexican vibe. The Office is a must visit spot for a nice lunch on the beach. It’s a cute and casual spot to sip on a few Modelos and enjoy listening to the waves from the sea. Sur beach lounge is also a cool spot for younger people to have cocktails on the beach and some food. If you are looking for a charming place and a great colorful IG photo then Edith’s is the place to visit! You will get amazing seafood with all sorts of flavors from the Baja region. Flora Farms is another must visit that we missed and I’m still gutted about it. It has local farmed foods and there is so much land with many different culinary options. You can also take a cooking class here or shop at the very cute rustic market on the property. This is the perfect rustic chic get away. I would absolutely stop here. My boyfriend and I went to Toro and it was so good. The decor and fountains outside are stunning! The food and drinks were amazing and highly recommended.
Just remember the little tip I told you above about the bathroom signs as my boyfriend went into the “M” posted bathroom in this restaurant and was shocked when there were ladies in there. Poor thing had a real embarrassing moment, he was lucky the older ladies thought he was very handsome and so they just laughed.
Outside of Toro. Such an amazing spot.
There are so many cool activities to do in Cabo. The main thing you should do, is visit the Arches like I said before. There are cool beaches there and the rocks make a great backdrop for a photo.
Bill got this photo of a Mako shark while doing a free swim shark dive.
My Boyfriend and I chose to go shark diving with Cabo Shark Dives and it was cool. It was a bit pricey at 200 USD per person but he enjoyed it. I couldn’t get in the water because the waves were insane and I’m not a strong swimmer so I felt the price was a bit steep, as I thought because they told me not to go in for safety reasons, I should at least get some type of discount, but apparently, they don’t offer discounts. They also don’t offer you a refund if you don’t see sharks so I’m not sure how I feel about this tour. I hate being negative, but I also value the trust of my readers and will never recommend something if I didn’t mean it. I suppose if you are ok with spending the money and taking the risk of not seeing sharks then go for it. My boyfriend did see two Mako sharks and got some cool photos so for him it was well worth it. We did have a sea lion jump on our boat a few times, so that was cool! We even got to feed him while he straggled along on the boat for a few mins.
Here is our “hitchhiker”.
“My boyfriend did see two Mako sharks and got some cool photos so for him it was well worth it.”
Other activities that are fun include a sunset cruise, but opt for a smaller one and not the huge yachts that they cram as many people as possibly on, as these are just not fun. Horseback riding can be a romantic activity if your man is into it and you aren’t afraid of horses. You can go parasailing, although I’ve heard horror stories of the safety doing this in Mexico so I wouldn’t do it unless you find a company that has great reviews and no incidents. I did this in Hawaii where I felt much safer, and so I had no desire to do it in Mexico, but again, I’ve also had friends do it and have an amazing time! The Sea of Cortez has some of the most amazing sea creatures, so snorkeling is fantastic here, and if you come from December to April when the whales are migrating you may very well see some whales swimming.
The next time I visit Cabo, I think I will go to La Paz and do the swimming with Whale Shark tour, as I’ve heard great things about it and the photos look so awesome! I know whale shark sounds scary, but don’t worry, they don’t eat meat. Haha. Now back to snorkeling, if you do snorkel or any other activity that requires you to get in the water then I very much recommend you bring sunscreen that is biodegradable so you don’t jeopardize the sea life. The Sea of Cortez is really protected by the Mexican government and it really boasts so much beauty and so many creatures, some endangered, so let’s protect them as much as possible.
The goggles gave us duck lips!
“There is so much good diving all around the area in the Sea of Cortez. The sea life is so vibrant and unique. ”
If you’re looking to get out of the beach areas and want to explore other parts of Baja then there are cool activities like 4x4s, jeeps, ATVs in the desert, a camel and outback safari that makes you feel like you’re in Dubai or Morocco, and a city tour of the charming and historic La Paz, which I mentioned earlier is where you can do the whale shark diving. There is also a beautiful Santo Island expedition. Again, there is so much good diving here all around the area in the Sea of Cortez. The sea life is so vibrant and unique.
One HUGE thing that I didn’t mention above. There are MAJOR rip currents in Cabo and most of the hotel beaches are there for relaxing, not swimming. You can swim at your own risk, but I would not recommend. There are signs posted at most beaches saying to not swim and they warn you of the risks and how dangerous it is even for very strong swimmers. My boyfriend is a very strong swimmer and he even was knocked down a few times. There are more drownings in Mexico than many other parts of the world, so let this be a warning. I won’t even tell you the statistics. Just please take my advice. Medano beach is the one beach you can safely enter the water without much risk, but it is very crowded, especially when cruise ships come in. forget about it. It becomes a zoo and is not at all pleasurable. So, I would avoid Medano beach when cruise ships come in, or take hiding in the beach bars like Billy and I did. That being said, the hotel pools are made to be exquisite for that very reason. Enjoy them. The infinity at The Sheraton was epic. I got such dope photos from their pools.
“There are MAJOR rip currents in Cabo, and most of the hotel beaches are there for relaxing, not swimming. You can swim at your own risk, but I would not recommend it.”
The last tip I will give you that you may already know, is do not drink the tap water. Always drink bottled water in Mexico and opt out of ice in your drinks unless the ice is made from filtered water. I recommend also using bottled water to brush your teeth. You can get an upset stomach from drinking tap water so I wouldn’t advise it.
I hope this helps you plan your next visit to Cabo! I really can’t say enough great things about Mexico and Cabo! It’s so beautiful and so convenient from LA, but even the rest of the US. Cabo and Tulum are just gorgeous and truly destinations I will always return to. When you make your visit, you will see why!
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the amazing Piña Coladas and Margaritas!
