Barcelona is a city I know well, I’ve visited four times in total: three trips with my husband Roman (the last one in August 2025 with our daughters), and one trip many years ago with my cousin. After visiting the city as a family, I also wrote a detailed post about Barcelona with kids, including family-friendly tips and experiences.

On one occasion, we combined the visit with a trip to Palma de Mallorca, and on another with a vacation in Costa Brava. Barcelona is a city rich in attractions, excellent restaurants, tapas bars and sangria, diverse shopping stores, green parks, museums, impressive architectural buildings, and vibrant nightlife. It is a city that has everything, culture, cuisine, beaches, and a warm atmosphere. The locals are known for their joy of life and friendly attitude, making the visit especially enjoyable.

The post was last updated in June 2026

⛵ Sailing Trip with Barcelona Sailboats

When the weather is warm and pleasant, one of the nicest things to do in Barcelona is to go on a boat trip and see the city from a completely different perspective, from the sea. We did a short 40-minute sailing trip in the morning, but we found out that Barcelona Sailboats offers a longer 90-minute cruise that includes a glass of traditional Spanish cava as well as snacks and unlimited drinks included.

The trip departs from Port Olímpic and sails along Barcelona’s coastline, with beautiful views of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the way – the Sagrada Família, the W Hotel, the Mapfre Towers, the Agbar Tower, Montjuïc Hill, and Tibidabo. With small groups of up to 11 people, the experience feels relaxed and intimate, and it’s truly a wonderful and unique way to see the city from a new angle.
Next time we visit Barcelona, we’re planning to try this sailing experience ourselves.

Book a sunset sailing trip with Barcelona Sailboats

👜 Atelier Madre Barcelona

If you’re the kind of traveler who believes shopping should feel like discovering a secret, Atelier Madre is your kind of place. In on one of those quiet, charming streets in El Born, Atelier Madre is an atelier-slash-boutique where you can watch premium leather goods being handmade right in front of you. Think beautifully crafted wallets, uniquely shaped handbags, and pieces that you can personalize according to your taste.
Walk in and you’re not just entering a shop, it’s a working atelier. You’ll find leather hides stacked on tables, tools scattered across benches, and the artisans themselves shaping, stitching, and finishing each item by hand. Just traditional craftsmanship with a modern, quiet luxury vibe.

They only use vegetable-tanned leather from Igualada (Spain’s historic tanning city), and every product is designed, made, and sold under the same roof. Where: Carrer del Rec, 20 Hours: Mon–Sun, 11am to 8pm

🏛️ Casa Batlló

If this is your first time in Barcelona and you’re wondering where to start – Casa Batlló is undoubtedly the most iconic choice. Gaudí’s impressive building, located on Passeig de Gràcia, is considered one of his masterpieces and the most accessible jewel of Catalan modernism. In 2021, the visitor experience was completely renewed, and in 2022, the site was even awarded Europe’s Best Immersive Experience – an extraordinary experience worth every moment.

Casa Batlló is the ideal destination for anyone seeking to understand Gaudí’s work and the essence of Catalan Modernism. The building features multiple floors with curved spaces, unique windows, colorful mosaics, and imaginative designs that resemble a fantastical world. The 360-degree interactive cube offers a fascinating journey into the architect’s mind, and the use of innovative technology provides a unique experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

The building is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and its central location makes it very accessible. Children up to 12 years old enter for free, making it ideal for families. Casa Batlló is also an opportunity to experience art, architecture, and history together, an experience recommended for every visitor to Barcelona.

🐰 White Rabbit

If you’re looking for something a little different, White Rabbit is one of the city’s trending attraction. This immersive experience celebrates the traditions, creativity, and culture of Catalonia through a series of interactive art installations designed by local artists.

White Rabbit
White Rabbit

Rather than a traditional museum, White Rabbit takes visitors on a sensory journey through 10 spectacular rooms, each offering a playful and often surprising interpretation of Catalan identity. Expect immersive digital experiences, interactive exhibits, vibrant visuals, and plenty of photo & selfie opportunities along the way.

Located just steps from Casa Batlló, White Rabbit offers a refreshing alternative to Barcelona’s more traditional attractions. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers who want to discover a different side of the city.

You can easily spend an hour or two and this is also a good place for rainy days. The owners offer a 10% discount with the promo code TRVBOX at checkout on their website. While I didn’t visit yet, I see lots of positive mentions online and I hope to try it myself soon to share with my own first hand experience.

🚶 Gaudi Tour

There are many types of free tours based on tips that you can do in Barcelona. We chose the Gaudí tour with Runnerbean Tours. The tour is very interesting and lasts about three hours. It’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Antoni Gaudí was a brilliant and innovative Catalan architect, considered one of the greatest influences on modern architecture in Barcelona and worldwide. His works are characterized by organic lines, use of natural materials, and unique shapes inspired by nature. During the tour, you visit buildings designed by Gaudí like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló, and learn the stories behind them and the unique methods he used.

Usually, when passing these buildings alone, you might not know much about them, but the tour provides in-depth information that helps better understand Gaudí’s huge influence on the cityscape and Catalan culture. The tour also offers insight into his inspirations and the special architectural art he created. We really enjoyed the tour and felt the experience was enriching and fascinating.

🥬 Santa Caterina Market

Santa Caterina Market is a great option for those looking for a local market experience that is calmer and more pleasant than the bustle of La Boqueria Market. It is a small, colorful market within walking distance from our hotel and just a few minutes from the Gothic Quarter. It has stalls with fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, cheeses, seafood, and meats.

After wandering a bit in the market, we sat down at a restaurant located right at its entrance. The place is very nice, with seating outside, at the bar inside, or at tables. The menu is very varied and includes tapas, seafood, meats, pastas, and more.

We ordered grilled calamari with asparagus, which seems to be one of the recommended dishes because we saw many people ordering it. It was amazing. We also ordered pasta with shrimp which was okay but not particularly exciting, and salmon tapas. Of course, we also drank sangria.
Prices in the restaurant are not cheap, and our meal cost 40 euros, but there is no doubt that the calamari dish was worth it. If you are in the area, it’s an excellent place to stop for a tasty lunch with a local atmosphere.

🍭 House of Candy

Traveling with kids or simply young at heart? House of Candy is one of Barcelona’s newest and most playful attractions. As the city’s first large-scale multisensory candy experience, it transforms the world of sweets into an immersive adventure designed to delight visitors of all ages.

House of Candy features 12 themed, Instagram-worthy rooms filled with colorful installations, interactive experiences, and sensory surprises. Every space has its own unique atmosphere, combining sight, sound, scent, texture, and imagination to create a truly engaging experience.

Beyond the immersive exhibits, visitors can also enjoy specialty coffee, matcha, artisanal ice cream, and browse the on-site concept store.

You should plan for a two hours visit and this one is also a good place for rainy days. The owners offer a 10% discount with the promo code TRVBOX at checkout on their website.While I didn’t visit yet, I see lots of positive mentions online and I hope to try it myself soon to share with my own first hand experience.

🌴 La Rambla Boulevard

You can’t visit Barcelona without walking along La Rambla, one of the most iconic and lively streets in the city. It is a wide and bustling boulevard that starts at Plaça de Catalunya and continues down to the port near the Columbus statue. No matter what time you arrive there, you will always find crowds of people, and that is exactly part of its charm.

Along the boulevard, there are countless colorful stalls, souvenir shops, street performances, and local artists. Additionally, there are restaurants and bars on both sides, so you can always stop for a coffee, a drink, or a light meal while strolling.

We walked there a few times, enjoyed the atmosphere, and took photos. It is a great place to soak in the city’s vibe, especially the first time you visit Barcelona.
A little tip for food lovers: The famous La Boqueria Market is located right next to the boulevard, a colorful and tasty experience highly recommended.

🍓 La Boqueria Market

If you are already on La Rambla, visiting La Boqueria Market is almost a must. It is one of the most famous and colorful markets in Europe, and without a doubt one of the main highlights of visiting Barcelona. The market is located adjacent to La Rambla and has been operating since the 13th century, but the current building dates from the 19th century. It offers both a culinary and visual experience.
The market is very large and packed with all kinds of delicacies: local cheeses, sausages, sweets, chocolates, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, seafood, meats, pastries, spices, and freshly squeezed juices. Among the stalls are also small bars and food counters where you can sit and order hot dishes, tapas, drinks, and coffee.

Although prices at the bars and restaurants within the market are not cheap, the quality is very high, and the ingredients are extremely fresh. For those who prefer something lighter or simpler, the market also offers many stalls selling snacks, cut fruit cups, natural juice glasses, and a variety of treats to take away.
A recommended idea is to buy a variety of foods at the market and take them for a picnic in one of the city parks. Barcelona is full of pleasant public gardens suitable for this, such as Ciutadella Park or Montjuïc Hill, where you can enjoy food outdoors.

La Boqueria Market is not just a place to eat but also a place to soak in the local atmosphere, admire the design, smells, colors, and the vibrant rhythm of the city. It’s recommended to arrive in the morning or around noon when it is not too crowded yet.

🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

After breakfast, we went to Plaça Catalunya and boarded the tourist bus. The bus is a convenient and pleasant way to tour the city, especially when the trip time is short. There are three routes in different colors, each stopping at major points of interest. During the ride, you can listen to explanations about the sites in different languages, including Hebrew, through personal headphones. The bus allows you to get on and off at various stops, so you can customize the tour according to your time and interests. Additionally, there are seats on the upper deck where you can enjoy a pleasant breeze and an open view of the city.

Tickets for the bus can be purchased with free cancellation options.

⛪ Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous churches in the world, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and still under construction. The church is an important symbol of Barcelona and one of the main attractions in the city.

Entering the church is highly recommended but it is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially with skip-the-line options, as very long queues can form at the entrance. The interior visit is very impressive, with unique design, stunning stained glass windows, and complex architectural works that reflect Gaudí’s special vision.

During our last visit, we only toured around the church. Previously, on a Gaudí tour, we received a lot of fascinating information about the history and artistic meanings of the church.
The location has very accessible public transportation. There is a tourist bus that passes every five minutes, allowing easy arrival and return. If one bus is full, you can wait calmly for the next one and avoid overcrowding.
Sagrada Familia is an unforgettable experience, both architecturally and in terms of the feeling of visiting a place still being built after more than a hundred years.

Tickets for guided tours with skip-the-line access are available with free cancellation options.

Combo tickets are also available for a guided tour of Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with skip-the-line and free cancellation.

🍷 Tapas and Sangria

In Barcelona, it’s hard to ignore the perfect combination of tapas with a cold glass of sangria. It seems like not a day went by without me drinking sangria, it’s tasty, refreshing, and priced so you want another one. It’s simply part of the local experience.
The city is full of tapas restaurants of every kind, and if you love tasting a variety of small dishes instead of ordering one main course, Barcelona is a culinary paradise. The world of tapas is not just food but away to socialize, drink, share, and feel part of the local culture.

One restaurant I really liked is Cerveseria Catalana, they have a large selection of tapas, a great atmosphere, and the place is always full of locals and tourists alike.
And don’t forget to finish the meal with the classic Catalan dessert, crema catalana, a dessert similar to crème brûlée but with a local twist. Definitely a sweet ending to a delicious meal.

🎨 Park Güell

Park Güell is one of the most iconic and spectacular sites in Barcelona, designed and decorated by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus stops about a 10-minute walk from the main entrance, which is centrally located (there is a map for arrival). Entrance through the main gate costs 7.5 euros for adults. However, there is an option to enter through the second gate, which requires a fairly long climb, and there the entrance is free. Twice we climbed the stairs through this gate, and the last time we entered through the main entrance. The park uniquely combines organic architecture with nature, featuring colorful sculptures, fountains, and terraces with stunning views of the city. Although the park is quite crowded, anyone coming to Barcelona must visit it.

Tickets for guided tours in Park Güell with skip-the-line and free cancellation options are available.

Combo tickets for a guided tour of Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with skip-the-line and free cancellation are also available.

🔬 Science Museum in Barcelona

The CosmoCaixa Barcelona Museum is a huge and diverse museum that can fill an entire day of visiting. It is one of the most impressive science museums around. The museum includes a replica of the Amazon rainforest with a complete ecosystem, consisting of crocodiles, various species of animals, and plants typical to the area. In addition, it features fascinating exhibitions in physics, robots, optical illusions, and more. The place is suitable for all ages, exciting both adults and children.

One of the main attractions in the museum is the Geological Wall, which includes seven sections of real rocks demonstrating different geological structures from around the world. The museum also has the “Room of Interest” — a fascinating journey through the evolution of matter and life on Earth, including interactive experiments, real objects, and living creatures.
Additionally, the planetarium invites visitors on a journey through time and space with special and spectacular projections.

The museum is an excellent activity for families, and we saw many families with children there. It is especially suitable for rainy or very hot days when you want a fun indoor activity. Even if you are not a big fan of museums, this one is likely to leave a positive impression.
We visited the museum for only two and a half hours due to a tight schedule and were disappointed we couldn’t stay longer and explore more.
The museum has a cafeteria where you can eat lunch or drink coffee with snacks. Entrance to the museum requires a fee. Additionally, the museum offers educational workshops for children, making it very attractive for families.

🍽️ Tapas and Drinks Tour

Before arriving in Barcelona, I knew a food tour was a must. The city is famous for its tapas and excellent wine scene, and I wanted to try as many authentic Catalan flavors as possible. I searched for a food tour combined with wine and a local guide and finally found a tour with Adrian. Adrian had excellent reviews, so I just emailed him to join the tour.

On a Saturday afternoon in early September, we started the tour at a meeting point near a metro station with a group of people from different countries. The first stop was a small, hidden local bar where we tasted sparkling wine, Manchego cheese, cold cuts, and for dessert a glass of cava. Throughout the tour, Adrian told us about the history of the food, differences between types of wine and cava, and showed us authentic and hidden spots in the city. We continued tasting patatas bravas, a popular potato dish, and a spicy tapa called bomba, as well as bread with tomato in a special ritual.

The next stops included olives, chorizo, ratatouille, and excellent wine until we finished with rosé wine, tomato salad, anchovies, fried snacks, and spicy sausages. The experience was not only tasty but also immersive, with a relaxed atmosphere and a knowledgeable guide who provided a unique perspective on authentic and magical Barcelona. Detailed post about the tapas tour.

Tickets for the tapas tour with Adrian can be purchased with a free cancellation option

🏘️ Gothic Quarter Tour

We took a free tour through the Gothic Quarter organized by Hotel Catedral, where we stayed on our last visit to Barcelona. There is also an option to do the free Gothic Quarter tour even if you are not staying at the hotel. Many companies offer free tours in the city. The last time we were in Barcelona, we did a Gaudí tour with Runners company, which also offers a Gothic Quarter tour.

The Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest and most spectacular areas in Barcelona. It features narrow, winding alleys, small streets with buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries, and charming lively squares. Here you can find the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral, unique boutique shops, small cafes, and bars with an authentic atmosphere. The quarter is the heart of the city’s historical culture and is full of interesting stories from the past, making visiting it a special experience.

The tour itself is very interesting, and I personally love free tours because they allow you to learn a lot about the history of the destination and discover places worth returning to on your own. Guides always have recommendations for less-known local spots and useful tips. That’s why I always recommend doing at least one tip-based free tour in every destination you visit.

🌳 Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park is one of the greenest and most pleasant places in Barcelona, considered the city’s green lung. It is a huge and well-maintained park suitable for resting, a relaxing walk, a picnic on the grass, or just sitting in the shade and enjoying the atmosphere.

The park includes open spaces, shaded lawns, pleasant walking paths, and even a beautiful lake where you can rent paddle boats and row among the swans. In the park, you will also find the Barcelona Zoo, considered one of its main attractions and especially suitable for families with children. Additionally, there is the Zoological Museum, a magnificent fountain partially designed by the young Gaudí, and small bridges that add to the magical atmosphere.

Entrance to the park is free, and it is suitable to visit at any time of the day. Many local residents come there in the late afternoon and evening to relax from the busy city. If you are looking for a quiet natural corner in the heart of Barcelona, this is the perfect place.

🚠 The Cable Car and the Magic Fountains

One of the beautiful experiences in Barcelona is riding the cable car that leads up to Montjuïc Hill. It is highly recommended to do this during the day to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire city, including the sea, the port, La Rambla, and the Sagrada Familia. The ride itself is short but impressive, and the views are worth every moment.

After finishing the cable car ride, you can continue on foot to the Magic Fountains of Barcelona (update 2025: the fountains are currently not operating) — one of the city’s most beloved attractions. This is a water, light, and music show held in front of the Palau Nacional, not far from Plaça d’Espanya. The fountains change colors, move to the rhythm of the music, and create an exciting and impressive experience for all ages. Each show lasts about 15 minutes, and in the evenings the place fills up with people, both locals and tourists, who come to watch and be amazed.

The fountain’s operating hours vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check in advance on the tourist information center’s website.
You can return down by cable car or walk down through pleasant paths that lead back to the city center. The whole experience combines nature, views, architecture, and art — making it a perfect end to a day of sightseeing in Barcelona.

⚽ Football Match at Camp Nou Stadium

If you happen to visit Barcelona during a Barcelona FC game, don’t miss the chance to watch it at Camp Nou stadium. Even if you’re not a football fan or used to watching games at home, it is a completely different experience. The excitement in the air, the fans’ songs, the crowd’s energy, and the electrifying atmosphere all create an unforgettable evening.
Camp Nou stadium, which was formerly the home of the Barcelona team and is considered one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, holds nearly one hundred thousand seats. Seeing it full of fans, especially during an important game, is an experience that’s hard to put into words. You just have to be there to understand.

We bought our tickets through Barcelona’s official websita

Other Things to Do in Barcelona

Before traveling to Barcelona

Accommodations in Barcelona

During my visits to the city, I stayed in several places:

  1. Catalonia Plaza Hotel – a pleasant hotel with good service and a central location.
  2. Airbnb on a side street off La Rambla – a cozy and quiet apartment, but it is no longer available for rent.
  3. Boutique Hotel Catedral in the Gothic Quarter – a 4-star boutique hotel in an excellent location in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The hotel is about a five-minute walk from La Rambla and approximately 20 minutes on foot from the sea. Public transportation is very accessible from the hotel. Among the services it offers are a rooftop pool, a restaurant-bar, free cheese tasting and a glass of wine for guests, and two guided city tours on Sundays and Wednesdays. I wrote a detailed post about Hotel Catedral.

I wrote a detailed post about recommended hotels in Barcelona, featuring both my personal recommendations and tips from travel bloggers around the world.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

For a relaxed city trip: September-October or May-June
For beaches and parties: Late May until the end of September
For good shopping: January-February (winter sales), July-August (summer sales)

1 to 4 Day Itinerary in Barcelona

If you come to Barcelona for only one day, it is recommended to start at the colorful La Rambla boulevard, enjoy the stalls and street performances, and visit La Boqueria market for tastings of the local cuisine. With two days you can expand and visit Gaudi’s stunning Sagrada Familia church (it is advisable to book tickets in advance), and then continue with a tour of the Gothic Quarter that will take you into the history and atmosphere of the old city. For three days it is recommended to add a visit to Park Güell with the colorful sculptures and panoramic views, as well as a tapas and wine tour that will give you an authentic culinary experience. If you have four days, you can deepen the experience at the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, take a free guided tour following Gaudi’s works, and finish with a boat ride from Barcelona’s port or a relaxed picnic in Ciutadella Park. This way you can enjoy a combination of culture, food, nature, and views in Barcelona according to the length of your stay.

How did we get around the city?

One more great tip I wish I’d known before our trip is to get a Go City Pass. It can save you up to 90Euro on Barcelona’s top attractions and includes entry to places like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and over 100 other sites – all with one pass. It’s a super convenient way to explore as much as possible without worrying about buying individual tickets every time.

Whether it’s your first time in Barcelona or you keep returning, the city always manages to surprise, excite, and leave you wanting more. With a rare combination of breathtaking architecture, colorful markets, sunny beaches, fascinating museums, rich cuisine, and vibrant nightlife — Barcelona offers a complete experience for every type of traveler. From wandering the Gothic Quarter to a Gaudí tour, from a harbor boat ride to tasting tapas and wine, every moment in the city feels like a new discovery. Barcelona is not just a tourist destination, it is an ongoing celebration of culture, flavor, scenery, and people.

I hope my post was helpful. If so, I would love if you could leave a comment here, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments or write to me on the blog’s social media: Facebook and Instagram.

Looking for more information about Spain? I have more posts about Spain on my blog.

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Hoi An is a beautiful, magical city. I recommend to spend a minimum of 3 days, the more the better! If you’re ever in Vietnam, then you shouldn’t miss it, it combines both beauty and leisure and it just feels magical. We took a flight from Hanoi to Danang.

So, you are probably wondering what is there to do! Good thing I wrote you the top 10 things you can see, do, and eat! Enjoy!

Things to do in Hoi An

Sleep in a high standard hotel

Hoi An is the perfect place to stay at a good hotel. In most places in Vietnam we stayed in nice guesthouses that are really cheap, but in Hoi An we spent a little extra cash to stay at a luxurious hotel.

The perfect hotel for us was Truc Huy, and it had a value for money! We paid $25 per night including breakfast. It’s. That. Cheap. It’s not in the ancient city, but they offer free bikes that you can ride with to the city and be there by 10 minutes. Things we loved about this hotel: Great stuff, Awesome pool, beautiful room and good breakfast.

More reviews about Truc Huy

Another hotel that was excellent is La Residencia Hotel &Spa. Its location was in the ancient city, so that was a bit more convenient. The downside was that the pool was indoors!

They offer free shuttles to get to the beach, and it has a nice buffet breakfast. The rooms are nice, large, and clean.

More reviews about La Residencia Hotel & Spa


Go to a Cooking Class

If you’re into cooking classes, I highly recommend checking out Thuan Thun.
It combined going grocery shopping at the market with the instructor, sailing through coconut trees, a short tour that shows how to make rice milk, and lastly a fun and delicious cooking class!

We chose the noon class, and we were literally the only ones! It was a private class and course!
Sailing on the boat was really relaxing, and passing through the coconut trees was surreal. In the class we made 4 courses and each dish was really good and appetizing

 

Visit My Son

My Son is a historical place that has some Hindu temples, that is located in the village Doi Pho. In 1999 My Son was declared as an actual site. It is a beautiful place that is about 40km from Hoi An.

We rented a scooter from the hotel for $5 per day and spend the day there! It was a downhill ride and it was really lovely! Entrance is about $7. You can also take a full day tour, or get there by a taxi.

There are shuttles that take you from one temple to the other. We preferred walking, because the scenery was just beautiful



Relax on the beach

Hoi An is a leisure city, and it includes visiting its beautiful beaches.
You can get to the shore with a taxi, bikes, scooter, or choose walking. There are a few beaches and there are tanning beds in each of them.

If you buy food and drinks, you will most likely get the tanning bed for free. You can also bring a towel and just lay on the sand.
The beaches are not as impressive as they are in Thailand, but they are nice and clean. Besides, what can be so bad with just chilling in the sun?

Sew clothes

Hoi An is a city that is known for having a lot of tailors, and a lot of them can customize your clothes! I got really excited when I heard that idea.

You can sketch your own outfit, show them a picture of something you like, and they will sew the exact same thing and it would be a lot cheaper if you were to buy the original.
You can also pick the fabric and the colors that you like, and the quality is super good. I have clothes that were sewn 4 years ago and they are in perfect condition.

Roman actually got his wedding suit tailor made in Vietnam 🙂
Clothes is actually not the only thing you can get! You can also get shoes, sandals, bags, bathing suits, and belts! So basically you can customize an entire new wardrobe 🙂
I recommend a great tailor named Hien Nguyen, and her shop is called SU. Address:  48 trang hung dao.

Enjoy a Vietnamese buffet

In Vietnam you will find restaurants that also serve buffet.
The price is more expensive than that of a regular meal, but if you have an option of paying $22 for a buffet you shouldn’t think twice.

I recommend going there hungry. You will find all the amazing Vietnamese foods, and you won’t be able to have enough.

They serve soups and seafoods, dumplings and dim sum, and special Vietnamese beef dishes.
We really liked The Market restaurant.



Get a massage

We got a 90 minute massage and it was fantastic.
As amazing as the massage was, the service was excellent as well. They came to pick us up from the hotel and also gave us a ride back.

After the massage we got some delicious tea and cooking. I highly recommend checking out Pandanus Spa

Strolling Around the Ancient City

The ancient city in Hoi An is one of the nicest ones I’ve ever seen, and especially at night!  It is filled with lights, loads of bars, restaurant, fantastic scents of delicious foods, and there is ever a river in the middle of it! It is truly magical and you can spend an entire day.

There are great bars with happy hours. There is also a night market with souvenir and food stands

 

Ride Bikes

One of my favorite things in Hoi An is that you get to ride bikes all the time.

We rode our bikes to the beach, to the ancient city, and just explored with them.
In the area of the hotel Truc Huy there were a lot of beautiful rice fields with great biking or running trails

Eat Cau Lao

Cau Lao is the most famous dish in Hoi An. It is super delicious and also very cheap! .
It was good in every single place that I’ve tried it, so find a place that you like and go for it!

One of our favorite places in Vietnam was Tam Coc. And one of the main reasons for it was the place we stayed in.
Tam Coc is about 2 hours driving from Hanoi.

There is a more touristic part and a non-touristy part. We only visited the touristic area once, but our guesthouse was located 30 minutes walking from the touristic part and we loved it.
It was isolated, but it was easy to reach other places from it. It was peaceful and relaxing. The family who runs the guesthouse is so friendly and nice; though most of them don’t speak English, but we managed to communicate. And, leaving that aside, the view from this guesthouse is breathtaking.

How to arrive to Tam Coc from Hanoi

We took a local bus. There is also a tourist bus bit it’s more expensive and we prefer to experience the local life so we chose the local bus. First we took a bus to Giap bus station.
We navigated all the time using the Moovit app in order to search for a bus and to see where the stop that we needed to get off at was.

From the Giap bus station we took a bus (more like a mini bus) to Ninh Binh. When you arrive in Giap, go straight to the cashier and they will tell you where the bus to Ninh Binh is and you can buy the ticket there. The bus cost about 3usd.
We had to wait a little bit until the minibus was full and then we started our ride. The ride was fine and it was quick.

When we arrived at Ninh Binh we shared a taxi with two girls to our guesthouse. We booked this place in advance because it looked nice, was cheap, and had really good reviews. But when we arrived there we couldn’t imagine it would be so pastoral and incredible.

About Chez-Beo guesthouse in Tam Coc

This guesthouse is located between mountains and a rice field. There are several huts made of bamboo and a little river near them. There are free bikes for the guests to use. At dinner all the guests sit together with the family who runs the guesthouse and they serve great dishes at the center of each table so you can taste all the food. The price for dinner is very cheap; about 2 usd per person and every night they serve other delicious dishes. We met great people there that were from all around the world (Germany, France,England, Estonia Israel, USA ,and more).

When we booked the place we only did so for two nights but after a minute of being there, we told them that we would stay for 3 more nights (we actually wanted more but they were already full).
And aside from all I described, the price was very cheap for this kind of place.

The guesthouse’s name is Chez Beo homestay. I recommend to book it in advance because they are full most of the time. To read more reviews about Chez Beo

Things to do in Tam Coc



Comments about the guesthouse

Tam Coc is super beautiful and really special. I definitely recommend the Chez Beo guesthouse for a unique and local experience.

Hanoi is so awesome. It’s a city of chaos that works somehow and that has all the Vietnamese street food you can imagine. You can spend days after days just wandering around and trying as many dishes as you can.
The nightlife there is awesome because you can drink cheap beer and enjoy the cool atmosphere of the city.

Where to sleep in Hanoi?

If you are looking for a place that will cost you about $14 per night, then I recommend Hanoi Home Hotel.

If you’re traveling with a larger budget and can afford $50 per night, I recommend Romance Hotel.

Free tour in the old quarter

Hanoi Free Tours is a company that offers free tours (based on tips). The guides there are Vietnamese students who work in this company in order to practice their English and to earn some money.

Our guide was an 18-year-old guy that speaker English really well. The tour was for about 3 hours. We were the only ones in this tour (just me and Roman) so it was like a private tour and it was awesome.

Our guide told us about the history of Hanoi and Vietnam in general, he knew a lot of stuff. He shared with us stories about the way he lives. We asked him many questions and he was so nice and answered everything. He even took us to his favorite place to eat sandwiches and to a hidden gem to drink coffee with a view to the lake. He also gave us tips and recommendations.
I really recommend this type of tour. The company offers other tours too, like in the French quarter or a food tour.

Water park inside a mall – Vinpearl Water Park

Update from 2024 : the waterpark closed permanently

A great option for a rainy day. It’s a great way to spend your day. I wrote more about it in the post “Water Park Inside a Mall in Hanoi, Vietnam”. Also, in the mall there are other activities, like 3d movies and ice skating so those are also great options

A Snake meal in the Snake Village

An amazing, exotic, and tasty experience. If you are looking for an adventurous meal this is something you have to try. The whole experience is unforgettable. We went there with an Austrian couple we met in Tam Coc and we had an amazing time. You can read more about it in the post “Exotic and Unforgettable Snake Meal in the Snake Village Hanoi Vietnam”

Wander around the old quarter and try local food

The streets in the Old Quarter of Hanoi are magical. They’re so crowded and with so much noise and everywhere you look there is street food and local restaurants which are the charm of Hanoi. I can’t describe it in words. You have to be there to understand. Some people hate it and think it’s too noisy, but I fell in love with this city the moment my feet stepped on it.

If you love street food you will get lost with all the profusion of options. Just explore the city and try everything you see 🙂

Help the locals practice their English

Another cool thing about Hoan Kiem Lake, is if you sit there, there is a big chance that a local student will approach you and ask if they can practice their English with you. I met a cute girl in high school and we talked for about 20 minutes. I asked her about her life and she asked me about Israel and it was awesome. We took selfies 🙂 She was so nice and very shy and I really liked this opportunity to talk with a local and also to help her with her English.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

A really interesting museum about Vietnamese Women during the years. It’s about the women in the Vietnamese war, about the way they raised their kids, and much more. What we loved about this museum is that you get an audio headphone in the entrance and in each display you can hear in the headphones the story about it. It makes it more realistic and more detailed. Like with a tour guide.

Ticket price: about 2.5 usd including the audio headphones

Address: 36 Lý Thường Kiệt, Hang Bai ward, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening hours: every day 08:00-17:00

Phone: +84 4 3825 9129

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The museum gives information about Vietnam and all its ethnic groups. It has really interesting displays including different houses and buildings in the gardens. The museum offers a real insight into the cultural and family aspects of the Vietnamese people.

Price ticket; about 2 usd

Address: Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Nghĩa Đô, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 08:30-17:30. Closed on Monday

Phone: +84 4 3756 2192

Hoan Kiem Lake

This is the main lake in Hanoi. We really loved to buy cold coffee or a fruit shake for take-away and to go to sit near the lake. It’s so peaceful and beautiful. You can spend hours just sitting there

There are more things to do in Hanoi, many museums, many types of tours and many, many food options. I really recommend to come to this city with an open mind and to focus on the unique experience that you won’t have anywhere else in the world. Just one last tip, when you cross the road, walk fast, straight forward and don’t stop in the middle 🙂

Two years ago, when Roman was in Vietnam, someone that he met in Hanoi recommended him to go to a snake village to eat a snake. The village is about 10 km from Hanoi. Roman loves exotic food, so he decided to follow this recommendation.

When he returned from there he told me that is was one of the best and most unique meals he had ever had.
When we traveled in Vietnam not too long ago, I decided that I wanted to go and try it by myself. Because if it’s so good there wasn’t a chance I was going to miss it.

We met a really awesome Austrian couple in our guesthouse in Tam Coc (Chez Beo guesthouse) and after returning to Hanoi from Tam Coc, we offered them to join us to try the meal.

They agreed 🙂

The four of us took a taxi together to the snake village. It’s called Snake Village because there are several restaurants there that offer a snake meal.
The village was pretty abandoned and we felt like we were in a ghost town. But maybe it was because it was pretty late.

We went to a different restaurant than the one that Roman visited last time, he couldn’t remember the restaurant’s name.
The restaurant that we went to was called Nguyen van duc snake restaurant

Choosing your own snake

When we arrived at the restaurant they first showed us several snakes (alive) and told us to choose the one that we wanted to eat.
We chose a Cobra snake, because it was pretty big and it would be enough for the four of us.

It costs 150 USD. Yes, for Vietnam it’s a lot of money but the price depends on the size of the snake, and also it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience (or twice, like for Roman)

The snake meal

Afterwards they took us to sit upstairs. The restaurant was almost full and everyone was dressed really nicely.
We were the only non-local people and we were dressed like a backpackers.

Everyone stared at us when we entered the room. Not sure if it was because of the clothes or if it was because they were not used to seeing non-local people there.
We received a menu that showed all the dishes that we were going to get. Each dish was made from another organ of the snake. There were nine different dishes.

We also got a wine snake. We drank a shot and the dishes started to arrive.

Snake’s heart still beating

The weirdest thing was that we received at the table was a shot with the snake’s heart still beating in its blood.

Roman drank it last time, so this time he told our friend to drink it. And he did. He said it was ok and I think that the snake wine also helped him.

The experience and the meal itself

Yes, I know, the whole experience sounds pretty gross, but I have to say that except for the beating heart, all the dishes looked appealing and the taste was incredible.

Each dish was cooked differently and each one was really delicious.
If I hadn’t seen the snake before that I wouldn’t have guessed that the meat was from a snake.

It tasted like a combination of beef and chicken.
The whole experience was really unique. We had a great time with our friends from Austria and also the snake wine helped us get into the atmosphere

If you are an exotic food lover or an adventurous person, I really recommend you to try it. It’s worth the money and it’s something you will never forget.
It’s unbelievable.

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Update in 2024 – the water park is permanently closed

During our stay in Hanoi, it rained for several days, so we searched for indoor things that we could do. After being in 2 museums we looked for something else.
After many searches online we found the perfect option.

An underground Water Park inside a mall
Sounds cool, doesn’t it?

We took a local bus (using the moovit app) because it’s really cheap, but you can also take a taxi if you prefer.

Water park in Hanoi

We went there in the middle of the week, because we read that it’s much less crowded and also the ticket price is cheaper.

The ticket costs 5 usd instead of 9 usd and we were about 10 people in the entire place!!! It was awesome.

There were two slides that were closed (because we were only 10 people), but all the other facilities worked and there were several really cool slides anyhow. Tube slide, slide with a mattress, and one very scary slide where you stand inside a capsule and suddenly it opens from the bottom and you fall into the slide. I was so scared that I started to shake in the capsule 🙂 But I did it anyhow and it was great. Roman did it about 10 times.
There‘s also a wave pool and more facilities.

More details about the waterpark in Hanoi

Water park name: Vinpearl Water Park Hanoi

Address

Street, Thuong Dinh Ward, District Floor B1 R3, Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam, 443/72 Nguyễn Trãi, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Phone: +84 1900 6677

Opening hours: every day 09:30-18:30

Ticket price: weekend 9usd, weekday 5 usd

I recommend calling the park before going, because there have been times that it’s been closed for reconstruction.

Ayutthaya was the old capital of Thailand from 1350-1767. It’s located 80 km north from Bangkok.

The city was ruined in one night in 1767 and since then there have been ruins of palaces and temples. The ruins are beautiful and each place has its own magic. The atmosphere in this city is different than in any regular city because of the ruins.

If you are staying in Bangkok, you should consider a visit there and even spend a night or two.

Lodging in Ayutthaya

How to arrive to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

The minivan was the most convenient way for us but the way back by train was a unique local experience. I love to feel the same as the locals and to experience how they live. It’s not always comfortable, but I think it’s the way to experience the country you visit.

Things to do in Ayutthaya

Wander around between the ruins

you can explore the area with bikes, by foot, or by taxi/tuk-tuk. We took the bikes and explored the area with them. We didn’t succeed to see all the ruins but we chose some that we thought would be interesting to see (we read a little bit about them in order to see what would interest us). The bikes were not in the best condition (we took them from our guesthouse), but they did the job. If it’s hot I recommend you to start the exploring as early as you can.

Ayutthaya is so different from Bangkok, the islands, and the north. It’s more relaxing, less touristic and with an ancient atmosphere. We enjoyed it very much. It was so nice to ride with the bikes there and visit the local markets. It felt authentic. The locals there are very friendly and welcoming.

Pai is a town in the Mae Hong Soon Province of northern Thailand. It’s about 3.5 hours ride from Chiang Mai. We highly recommend to visit there while traveling in North Thailand.

Land split and tubes in Pai Thailand

A place that used to be a farm, until one day in 2008 a huge crack in the land appeared which split it in two. The disaster ruined the farm’s crop and the owner decided not to cultivate his land again, but to turn this place into a touristic attraction. The crack itself is quite impressive, but this is not the only reason that we were excited about this place.

When we arrived, the girl who works there welcomed us with a smile and invited us to sit in a nice area. Once we sat, she brought us refreshments of banana chips, hibiscus jam, peanuts, and hibiscus juice. We sat there for quite a long time. The refreshments didn’t cost anything, but the place exists from donations. In the entrance there is a box of donations where you can leave as much as you want.

After the snacks we did something even more fun 🙂 we rented (for a really cheap price of about 2 euro) 2 tubes and took them to the lane nearby. There were about 5 people that were swimming there and we floated with the tubes. It was so relaxing and fun.

You definitely can spend half a day there. We arrived by scooter but you can also take a taxi there. It’s about 7km from Pai’s center.

Map



Hidden hot springs

In all the agencies of Pai they offer a visit to the hot springs, they are very touristic and the entrance price is pretty expensive for Thailand (300 baht). If you want to make a small effort and spend less (20 baht), you can go to the Sai Ngam hot springs

Indeed today they are less hidden than they used to be and more people go there, but they are still much less crowded than the other ones. Especially in the middle of the week.

They are located 16km from Pai’s center. The drive there is pretty twisted, with declines and increases, so if you drive there with a scooter you should be aware of this.

Fermentation workshop

If you are into health and love to learn new stuff about how to improve your wellbeing, this is a workshop that you might enjoy.

We discovered this class unintentionally while we sat in a restaurant called “Goodlife” and I saw a flyer about fermentation. It sounded interesting so we decided to go there.

The workshop is located in a chada. There are two guys that run it Lance and Costantin. The is workshop called Pai love fermentery. It’s designated to three people and more and the cost is around 600 baht per person for a 4 hour workshop.

We were the only ones that day so we paid 1600 baht for the both of us (still a very cheap price for what you get from it).

In the beginning of the workshop we learned about the fermentation process and why it’s good to eat fermented food. Afterwards we learned about kombucha (fermented tea) and Kefir (fermented milk). We learned how to make them and why they are healthy for our body.

During the workshop we snacked on some fermented food, we ate fermented lunch and drank the kombucha. The atmosphere there is the greatest and the guys are super nice.

We learned a lot from it and ever since that workshop we make Kefir in our home every day 🙂

Special workshop that’s very recommended. The workshop is Monday-Saturday 11:00-15:00. Sunday it’s closed. You don’t have to sign-in before; just arrive 10 minutes before it starts.

It’s about 1km from Pai’s center

Map


 Chinese village Viewpoint in Pai

My recommendation is to go to the Chinese village at noon for lunch and then during the sunset to go to the viewpoint to see the sunset. The entrance to the viewpoint costs 20 baht and you also get a green tea.

Drinking tea while watching the sunset is so fun and relaxing. The village is located 5km from Pai’s center.

Map


Recommendation for a guesthouse in Pai

We stayed at the Baan kanoon guesthouse for 7 days. We really liked it.

It’s a beautiful guesthouse. The rooms are cabins and there is a big yard. And in the entrance to each cabin there is a table and chairs. It’s a really relaxing and clean place.

The cost is around 400 baht a night. Located in a great location, about 2 minutes by foot to the night-walking street. There have free coffee and tea in the morning.

Map

Ko Phi Phi is a small, cool island without cars in Thailand; you can explore the entire island by foot, so it’s really fun.
It’s located east from the Phuket and it’s easy to reach it by ferry. In Ko Phi Phi there are many restaurants, cool bars, and beach parties. There are amazing beaches, street food, diving, snorkeling, a 7 islands tour and more recommendation for a lodging: PP Insula– a simple, clean, and nicely located hotel witreasonable prices.
We stayed there for a few nights and were very pleased with it.

In addition to all the great things I mentioned that you can do in Ko Phi Phi, there is also a really nice point view trip that you can do while exploring the island.

Phi-Phi Viewpoints trip

Many people go to the first point view. It’s about 20 minutes climbing many stairs. It’s open every day and costs 30 baht. You will see signs in the island that direct you to the beginning of the stairs.
Climbing up is pretty exhausting, but it’s so worth it.

The view from the point view is breathtaking. You can also sit there and relax to grab a drink from the restaurant and enjoy the amazing view and breeze.

If you want to challenge yourself a little bit more, you can continue the trail in order to reach the other point views and afterwards you can continue on that trail to the other side of the island.

It’s a trail in the forest and it’s really nice and shaded for walking. It’s about 2 hours walking (depends on your speed). From the first point view there are 2 more viewpoints.
The trail itself is non-touristic and you won’t find many people there.


After arriving to the other side of the island you pass through a small village. This village was built after the tsunami by the rescue forces for local residents of Koh Phi Phi and non-Thais.

It’s really cool to see this village, because now only locals live there, but all the signs are in English. Aside from the small villages there are also great beaches and nice restaurants there. So

you can spend a few hours there and have a great time.
In order to go back to your hotel you can walk back the same as before or take a speedboat that will get you back to the other side of Ko Phi Phi. That’s the option that we chose, because it was too late.

There are not a lot of speedboats there (low competition) so the workers allow themselves to charge high prices for 20 minutes. We took the speedboat ride from loh lana bay and after bargaining the price we agreed for 500 baht.

Some tips

I recommend you to start the point view trip early so you will be able to enjoy the other

side of the island too and also to return by foot if you prefer

You can also do this trip the opposite way. Take a speedboat to the other side and then to

do the trail in the forest, point views, and then back to your hotel.

I recommend to do this trip with closed shoes, and not sandals or flip flops. Also to bring water and a hat with you.

During our stay in Northern Thailand (in Chiang Mai), we decided to go and volunteer at a farm that I  discovered while reading a blog post of Thailand.

The farm – Happy healing home–  is about 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai, and it’s ran by an ex-monk named pinan Jim, and his wife pinan Ti.

Pinan Jim was a monk for 16 years, and he quit after he realized that he has nothing more to learn from that lifestyle, and because he wanted to start the farm.

His goal is to teach Buddhism and the rest of his knowledge of the Lana Tribe, which he belongs to, to travelers from around the world in order to continue his legacy and his tribe.

About the farm

The farm is pretty secluded and is surrounded by a forest. It’s constructed of a giant tent that previous volunteers helped to build, and is equipped with a basic kitchen and a sitting area. There is a shed with tools, loads of chickens, one pig and one bull.

There are a few basic wooden-bamboo bungalows that all have a mattress on the floor, and this is where you sleep.

The restroom is a hole in the ground, and you shower using a bucket. There is no electricity. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime-experience.


The schedule at the farm

Our schedule was waking up at 6am, drinking tea or coffee, stretching for half hour, and from there going to the shrine or up the mountain where we would do yoga and meditation. We would go back around 9am and eat the most amazing breakfast that the monk’s wife made us. After breakfast, we’d help washing the dishes and then work at the farm. We would help preparing lunch, mostly cutting veggies.

By the end of it a few volunteers would help do the dishes. There is some free time to take a nap, and when we would wake, we’d go straight back to work. We’d feed the animals and go to the forest to look for some food for the bull.

After a long working day, we’d have dinner and by the end of it we’d  light up a fire and everyone would gather around to listen carefully to Finan Jim’s tales of Buddhism and of the soul.


Up to 13 people can stay at the farm each time. It costs close to nothing, 200 baht per night per person, and it includes the 3 meals that you get every day.

We met people from all around the world (USA, Spain, Germany, Italy, Australia and more).

The food at the farm was amazing, some of our best meals in Thailand for sure! It’s organic and there was a large variety! We met some lovely people from all around the world…

Roman,  built a door and a shelf and added it to our cabin. I made some bricks from mud and built a small wall! We helped with feeding the animals, and preparing the food…

we did a lot of yoga and meditation, learned of Buddhism and enjoyed the simple life out in the forest.