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What to See in Warsaw: 45+ Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland
Need a ridiculously long list of things to do in Warsaw or what to see in Warsaw? I got you, my friend. Seriously no need to Google what to do in Warsaw for 12 hours, just print out this post, book a couple outings directly, & call it a day so you can watch Friends on Netflix for the 4,000th time. Travelers can visit Warsaw with family, kids, with friends, alone, or however you to travel.
Warsaw, Poland
If the capital of Poland isn’t already on your travel radar, add it to your travel bucket list immediately. You don't have to ponder long on the top tourist attractions in Poland or what to do in Warsaw. There's TOO much, you won't be able to finish while you're visiting! Expect more crowds in the summer.Picture a colorful, well-preserved Old Town Warsaw rebuilt after it was completely destroyed during World War II. This entire city has a wide range of food options: gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, no matter your desires, there's an option for your dietary needs, making this one of the most foodie-friendly cities I’ve visited in Europe.
View from Warszawa Taras Widokowy in Old Town Warsaw Square. |
About Carmen
As a travel influencer, I'm always looking for my next adventure. On most days, I'm a San Diego food, travel, and lifestyle blogger, but since I work remotely, I can travel & work as long as there's Wi-Fi. I spent some time exploring Porto, Milan, & other bits of Europe! Learn more about me here.Buildings & flowers from the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden. |
What to See in the Polish Capital: Castles & Palaces
Get a feel of Polish history at some of these beautiful places.
Royal Castle - The Royal Castle Warsaw has both permanent & temporary exhibitions. Audio guides & guided tours available. Buy tickets to Skip The Line Royal Castle Guided Tour. Also called plac Zamkowy / Castle Square.
Krasiński Palace - The Baroque architecture & manicured gardens of Krasiński Palace's make it look like the White House in Washington D.C. Ideal Warsaw sightseeing spot for romance, date night, or a solo moment alone.
Kazimierzowski Palace - University of Warsaw is a stunner. Constructed around 1643, Kazimierzowski Palace remains the University of Warsaw's oldest building.
Ujazdowski Castle - Looks like a castle, says it's a castle, but you might also know the castle as Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art. Exhibition & cinema tickets available. Admission free on Thursday.
Presidential Palace - Feel royal at the Presidential palace of Warsaw, the seat of the president of the Republic of Poland. Add the palace to your sightseeing list.
Piłsudski Square - Imagine a big, open cement area with the occasional memorial or sculpture. That's Piłsudski Square. Including Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The nighttime light show at the Multimedia Fountain Park. |
Gardens, Parks, Nature, Best Views
From garden views to music in the park, there's a lot to do in nature. Enjoy the atmosphere, see outdoor exhibitions, or find a community event.
Chopin in the Park - Music lovers will adore this experience. Frédéric François Chopin (born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin) was a famous Polish composer and pianist. There is the Frederic Chopin Monument in Warsaw (Polish: Pomnik Fryderyka Chopina w Warszawie). See a Chopin concert and check the calendar out to browse when they happen!
Multimedia Fountain Park at night - Easy Warsaw sightseeing option with free shows May through September. The fountain changes colors & splish splashes artistically as music plays. One of my favorite free things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Ogród Saski (Saxon Garden) - I was blown away by Warsawa's gardens. Head over to take a look at the fountain at Ogród Saski, also known as Saxon Garden. Perfect for Warsaw sightseeing & free things to do in Warsaw, Poland.
Ogród Saski (Saxon Garden) - I was blown away by Warsawa's gardens. Head over to take a look at the fountain at Ogród Saski, also known as Saxon Garden. Perfect for Warsaw sightseeing & free things to do in Warsaw, Poland.
Vistula River - Big river. Can't miss it. The Vistula River area even has an ecological walking & cycling path. *my personal favorite.
Landing Point - Nice beachy spot by the Vistula River. Play water sports, relax all day.
Landing Point - Nice beachy spot by the Vistula River. Play water sports, relax all day.
Łazienki Park (Lazienki Park or Royal Baths Park) - I walked by Lazienki Park a handful of times. One of the easier city of Warsaw sightseeing options. *my personal favorite.
Travel influencer? Photo lover? Take a photo at the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden. Jeans: Liverpool Jeans in Peyton // Shop these exact Liverpool Jeans here. Shoes: Fila Disruptors // Shop these exact Fila Disruptor sneakers here. |
University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden - Do not miss this rooftop garden, easily one of the best free things to do in Warsaw. As far as what to see in Warsaw, you can savor a lovely view of Poland's capital from various points of the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden. *my personal favorite.
University of Warsaw Botanic Garden (Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego) - I never miss a botanical garden. I love me some nature. Established in 1818 by the distinguished botanist Michał Szubert, the botanic garden stays open April through October. *my personal favorite.
Palace of Culture and Science 30th Floor Viewing Point - The best Warsaw sightseeing option to view the city from above. I talk more about the Palace of Culture and Science down below. *my personal favorite.
Warszawa Taras Widokowy - Awesome view of Old Town Warsaw Square / Old Town Market Place. Super afford Warsaw sightseeing. *my personal favorite.
Palace of Culture and Science 30th Floor Viewing Point - The best Warsaw sightseeing option to view the city from above. I talk more about the Palace of Culture and Science down below. *my personal favorite.
Warszawa Taras Widokowy - Awesome view of Old Town Warsaw Square / Old Town Market Place. Super afford Warsaw sightseeing. *my personal favorite.
The Warsaw Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square with colorful buildings in the background. |
What to See in Warsaw: Sightseeing & Historic Attractions
History buffs will savor the knowledge, museums, and attractions in Warsaw. There are monuments, historical buildings, cultural institutions, and more to explore as you walk around. You're surrounded by life. Discover the sculptures, churches, museums, sights, and stories.
Warsaw Uprising Monument (Polish: pomnik Powstania Warszawskiego)
Old Town Warsaw - As far as what to do in Warsaw, don't leave the bustling city without checking out the magic that is Old Town Square. It's charming, historic, photo-friendly, & beautiful. Definitely one of the tourist attractions in Poland. *my personal favorite. Warsaw Old Town is a must-see. The Historic Centre of Warsaw is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square - Snap a photo at this Instagram hotspot. The mermaid is an iconic symbol of Warsaw. See how many mermaids you count throughout the city. *my personal favorite.
Warsaw Citadel - Built in the early 1800s as a fortress, the Warsaw Citadel houses the Katyn Museum. Take a photo at the Citadel for Warsaw sightseeing & what to see in Warsaw.
Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square - Snap a photo at this Instagram hotspot. The mermaid is an iconic symbol of Warsaw. See how many mermaids you count throughout the city. *my personal favorite.
Warsaw Citadel - Built in the early 1800s as a fortress, the Warsaw Citadel houses the Katyn Museum. Take a photo at the Citadel for Warsaw sightseeing & what to see in Warsaw.
Powązki Cemetery - Weird, but I love walking around cemeteries; it's humbling & reminds me of my own mortality.
St. John’s Archcathedral in Warsaw - A 14th-century Cathedral.
Basilica of the Holy Cross - A baroque church along the Royal Route.
Gdański Bridge - What to see in Warsaw? Stop by the Gdański Bridge, a steel truss bridge worthy of a look. Don't forget to take a photo. One of the easier things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Located within Piłsudski Square, two soldiers always stand guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tourist spot for photos & what to see in Warsaw.
Gdański Bridge - What to see in Warsaw? Stop by the Gdański Bridge, a steel truss bridge worthy of a look. Don't forget to take a photo. One of the easier things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Located within Piłsudski Square, two soldiers always stand guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tourist spot for photos & what to see in Warsaw.
Goofing around outside the Neon Museum. Great for Warsaw sightseeing! |
Interesting Things to Do Warsaw: Education & Museums
Art galleries, museums, and many places to experience in this vibrant city. A great place to find something fun and exciting in Downtown Warsaw and more.
Neon Museum - Bzzzzzz. The sound of neon signs remains etched in my brain. Small, but one of many affordable things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.
Warsaw Rising Museum (Warsaw Uprising Museum) - The Warsaw Rising Museum / Warsaw Uprising Museum is a tribute to Warsaw residents who lost their lives fighting for Poland's independence.
Warsaw Rising Museum (Warsaw Uprising Museum) - The Warsaw Rising Museum / Warsaw Uprising Museum is a tribute to Warsaw residents who lost their lives fighting for Poland's independence.
Royal Łazienki Museum - The Royal Łazienki consists of The Palace on the Isle, The Old Orangery (housing the Royal Sculpture Gallery), as well as Royal Łazienki gardens: the Royal Garden, the Romantic Garden, the Modernist Garden, Chinese Garden. & the Deckchair Leisure Zone. Don't forget Łazienki Park.
National Museum in Warsaw - The National Museum in Warsaw contains over 800,000 pieces of art. Temporary exhibitions on rotation as well as permanent galleries (Faras Gallery, Gallery of Medieval Art, Gallery of Old Masters, Gallery of 19th Century Art, Gallery of 20th and 21st Century Art, Gallery of Polish Design).
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews - The Core Exhibition at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket covers 1,000 years of Polish-Jewish history, paintings, artifacts, & culture with interactive installations, video projections, & reconstructions. Buy your tickets to POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket.
Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów - Why not visit the Wilanów Palace Baroque royal residence as part of your Warsaw sights adventure? Points of interest include the intricate interior of The White Hall, the Statue of Jan III Sobieski, the King's Library, the Queen's Bedroom, the Wilanów Garden, Morysin Nature Reserve, & quite a lot more. Buy tickets to skip the Line Wilanów Palace and Gardens Guided Tour.
Heritage Interpretation Centre - The Heritage Interpretation Center is the starting point of the Cultural Route of Old Town Cellars.
Additional travel reading: Things to do in Oslo: Norway.
Heritage Interpretation Centre - The Heritage Interpretation Center is the starting point of the Cultural Route of Old Town Cellars.
Additional travel reading: Things to do in Oslo: Norway.
Palace of Culture and Science - When my bus arrived in the city of Warsaw at 12 A.M., I spotted the towering Palace of Culture and Science straight away. What to do in Warsaw? The Palace houses a number of theaters, museums, restaurants, cafes, an observation deck, so you could spend all day here! One of the top tourist attractions in Poland.
Praga Museum of Warsaw (Muzeum Warszawskiej Pragi) - Located on Warsaw's right bank, the Praga Museum of Warsaw possesses both core & temporary exhibitions showcasing the story of Praga.
Pawiak Prison Museum - What to see in Warsaw if you're a history buff? The Pawiak Prison Museum used to be a prison from 1835 to 1944 when the Germans blew up nearly the entire prison complex. The museum is positioned in the surviving prison blocks VII & VIII.
Polish Army Museum (Muzeum Wojska Polskiego w Warszawie) - The permanent exhibit at the museum covers Polish military history starting from the 10th century up until the end of World War II.
Copernicus Science Centre - If you need ideas on what to do in Warsaw, spend the day browsing one of 400 exhibits at Copernicus Science Centre / Copernicus Science Center. including a play inside the Robotic Theatre or activities at the Minilabs laboratory. This science museum is one of the best things to do in Warsaw with kids & families!
Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium - Part of the Copernicus Science Centre, Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium allows tourists & residents to enjoy laser shows, live shows, & films about the planet.
PGE Narodowy Stadium - Built for the European Football Championship in 2012, PGE Narodowy Stadium hosts football (soccer) & other sporting events as well as concerts for big-names like The Rolling Stones & Madonna.
Legia Warsaw Marshal Józef Piłsudski Municipal Stadium - Football (soccer) team, Legia Poland, plays their home games at the Legia Warsaw Marshal Józef Piłsudski Municipal Stadium. Legia & PGE Narodowy Stadium are perfect things to do in Warsaw for sports fans.
Fotoplastikon Warszawski - Museum visitors can watch rotating stereoscopic images. They even host lessons about 20th-century Warsaw history.
History Meeting House - History Meeting House stands as the city of Warsaw’s municipal institution of culture, promoting history the history of the capital city through organized exhibitions, discussions, workshops, & other cool things to do in Warsaw.
History Meeting House - History Meeting House stands as the city of Warsaw’s municipal institution of culture, promoting history the history of the capital city through organized exhibitions, discussions, workshops, & other cool things to do in Warsaw.
Warsaw Zoological Garden - Add the Warsaw Zoological Garden to your list of things to do in Warsaw with children & many tourist attractions in Poland.
Lokal Vegan Bistro has delicious vegan spins on authentic Polish dishes. |
Things to Do in the City of Warsaw: Polish Food & Drinks
Hala Koszyki - A food hall with restaurant, grocery, & culinary options.To Lubie (To Lubię) - a small, sweet cafe located in Warsaw's Old Town. Don't leave without trying their Dominican mead. *my personal favorite.
Bar Prasowy (Press Bar) - A classic take on a Polish classic, the milk bar. Milk bars come from the Communist area as a way to make affordable food available to working people.
Bar Gdański (Gdańsk Bar) - Another milk bar.
Lokal Vegan Bistro - Incredible vegan alternatives to some of Poland's most popular authentic dishes. I'm drooling just thinking about the meal I had. *my personal favorite.
You can also opt for a Warsaw food tour.
Things to Do in Warsaw: Shopping
Złote TarasyArkadia Shopping Mall
Galeria Mokotów
Mokotowska shopping street
Mysia street
Szpitalna street
What to see when you visit Warsaw: Another mermaid. There are mermaids all over the city. |
Did I forget anything? Leave me a comment! But don't bust my chops - there is a ridiculous amount of things to do in Warsaw. You'll never have to wonder what to do in Warsaw. There's an endless amount!
After sharing my Warsaw Poland experience with my Instagram family, one of my followers messaged me to say, "I was talking to my boyfriend about what you shared about Warsaw & we are adding to the list of places in Europe we would like to go someday."
It's truly the biggest compliment that is something I experienced & shared from my own perspective influence someone that they wanted to add it to their own list. I feel like I should mention that this type of feedback is so important & heartwarming & seriously makes me smile. Your message or comment can really make a difference!
What to do in Warsaw: Look out on Old Town Warsaw Square from Warszawa Taras Widokowy. |
A City with Heart: Warsaw's Charm
The weather may range depending on the season, but travelers should always be able to find good accommodation. There are sightseeing options for families, couples, solo travelers, & travel influencers alike. The city's charm comes in its mix of historical landmarks, parks, walking along the modern streets, enjoying every morsel of food, sipping coffee, and its beauty.
Catch a concert or learn something at a museum. If you made it all the way to the end of this blog post then you know there's an endless amount of things to do in Warsaw, Poland. You can spend days in Warsaw sightseeing as a travel influencer, a tourist, or if traveling with your friends or family or children! Enjoy your trip to Warsaw.
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Milan Highlights
Milan is known as a fashion mecca, but what are some of the other best known Milan highlights? Located in northern Italy, Milano City is more than a buzzing tourist metropolis. Some of Milan's most well-known points of interest include the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Navigli River, Milan canals, & the Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Consult this Milan highlights list during your travels for classic things to do in Milano city as well as some modern, fun options.
About Carmen
I'm a travel influencer who has worked with tourism boards such as Visit El Paso & the French Ministry of Agriculture. Take a look at my Press + Media page! I hadn't been to Italy since 2010, so my Milan travels were a well-needed reminder of the Italian way of life. The city is a gastronomic hub filled with delicious food (think salted pistachio gelato & fluffy pizza dough). Scroll down to see my Milan highlights.The vertical garden forest known as Appartamento Bosco Verticale in Milano City. |
Appartamento Bosco Verticale (Vertical Gardens)
Breathe in a bit of greenery at the Appartamento Bosco Verticale. This vertical garden/vertical forest is a sustainable residential building meant to absorb CO2 & dust particles while producing oxygen. The Appartamento Bosco Verticale towers are visually pleasing with an array of plants & trees strategically placed throughout the building. *Appartamento Bosco Verticale is one of my personal favorite Milan highlights.The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting, The Last Supper, depicts Jesus & his disciples the moment he announces that one of them will betray him by sunrise. The scene shows the men shocked as they begin to gossip amongst themselves. Find The Last Supper in the refectory (Cenacolo) at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While this might be a popular choice for your Milan travels, you must secure your tickets months in advance during the open pre-sale dates.
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano is obviously a must-see part of the Milan highlights. You can buy tickets to go inside & check out the impressive Milano city views from the rooftop. Beware: the exterior of the Duomo is crawling with tourists, pigeons, & people trying to sell you things (bracelets & pigeon feed). You'll see every Instagram travel influencer posing in front of the Duomo. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time!Sipping on Pico Brew by Navigli at sunset in Milan, Italy. For a similar floral scrunchie, click here. |
Navigli
The views of Milan canals & homes make Navigli another tourist spot but for good reason. You might hear Milano Navigli referred to as a district, neighborhood, area, zone, but it's all the same place. Take a stroll around the canal, people-watch, grab a sunset beer at PicoBrew. One downside is congestion due to tourist pedestrian foot traffic. You can even take a Navigli canal cruise. *Milano Navigli is one of my personal favorite Milan highlights.
Monumental Cemetery Milan should be considered a free art museum because it's majestic, grand, thought-provoking, serene. Oh & there are literal masterpieces & works of art. No big deal. Walk through the massive cemetery as you observe the tombs, sculptures, mosaics, & even the crematorium.
Taking a selfie in the reflection at Fondazione Prada. |
Fondazione Prada
If you're an art museum lover like me, then you must visit Fondazione Prada, a museum with temporary exhibitions, permanent projects, performing art projects, photography exhibitions, cinema virtual reality installations, & a heck of a lot more. You could spend an entire day at Fondazione Prada or at least a half-day. Of course, you can go faster if you're on a time crunch. I oohed & aahed for Wes Anderson & Juman Malouf's exhibition project “Il sarcofago di Spitzmaus e altri tesori” (Spitzmaus Mummy in a Coffin and Other Treasures), available 20 Sep 2019 through 13 Jan 2020.
Yes, I'm talking about Wes Anderson the filmmaker of Moonrise Kingdom, The Darjeeling Limited, The Grand Budapest Hotel, & many more. I felt amused walking through the exhibition knowing that Wes Anderson's vibrant perspective came into play.
The aesthetically-pleasing Wes Anderson's Bar Luce at Fondazione Prada. |
Bar Luce
Designed by Wes Anderson (yes, that Wes Anderson) in 2015 & located within Fondazione Prada, Bar Luce is a hot spot for the food bloggers & travel influencers. The pastel eatery was crowded while I was there; a consistent line to order, a mishmash of people running to hand their order to the food makers, limited seating. One person saved a seat for a "friend" who never arrived while we were there. Fred & I found a little table to stand at while we ate our sandwiches. All this can be avoided if you opt for table service. Note: Bar Luce is closed on Tuesdays.A sculpture at Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery). That lens flare though. |
Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery)
Monumental Cemetery Milan should be considered a free art museum because it's majestic, grand, thought-provoking, serene. Oh & there are literal masterpieces & works of art. No big deal. Walk through the massive cemetery as you observe the tombs, sculptures, mosaics, & even the crematorium.Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle)
I quite enjoyed the remarkable brick facade of Castello Sforzesco but you can admire other pieces of the architecture such as the moats, the Filarete Tower, the Bona Tower, Carmine & Santo Spirito Towers, Castellana and Falconiera Towers, battlements, courtyards, & more.Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center, a fancy mall in Milan. |
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Shopping Center)
Whether you have plans to shop til you drop or not, add Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to your Milan highlights list simply for its beauty. The 150+-year-old shopping mall stirs with people, tourists taking photos spinning on the bull ball mosaic, patrons shopping for their next memento, or someone like me — a wanderer finding my way through Milano City.Maurizio Cattelan's Middle finger sculpture titled, L.O.V.E. |
L.O.V.E by Maurizio Cattelan (Middle Finger Sculpture)
The famous middle finger sculpture is said to be a big eff you to the banking industry. Add this to your city sightseeing Milan list; it's free & out in the open. It's off the beaten path & you can get an edgy photo while you're at it.Salted pistachio gelato & chocolate gelato in a waffle cone from Milan, Italy. |
Food Highlights: Gelato & Pizza
There are many Milan highlights. My own Milan travels showed me the city's culinary opportunity. How can I forget those decadent, fluffy pizza crusts? Each pizza felt like a carefully crafted work of art. My favorite gelato was the 1 scoop of 7 layers of pistachio & 1 scoop of 7 layers of chocolate. Absolutely divine.Where Am I Going After Milan?
After my Milan travels I'm heading to Bergamo, Italy. Of course, there's the curious few who maybe wonder what's after Bergamo? Well, you're the first to know. After Milan, Italy I fly to Warsaw, Poland! I used my own tips to save money on flights to find the cheapest airline tickets available.Hotels in Milan
If you're on the hunt for where to stay in Milan, this map will show you all the available options. Put in the length of your stay & see what accommodations are available. It's that easy.Tourist Information
Official tourism website of Milan, Italy: TurismoMilano
Official tourism website of Bergamo, Italy: Visit Bergamo
Official tourist website of the capital of Poland: Fall in Love with Warsaw
Official tourism website of Bergamo, Italy: Visit Bergamo
Official tourist website of the capital of Poland: Fall in Love with Warsaw
Fondazione Prada in Milan, Italy |
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Best Places to Stay in Porto, Portugal
Porto sounds like seagulls flying overhead. Porto sounds like water lapping as you sit by the Douro River. Porto sounds like a group of Portuguese middle-aged women chatting to each other on the bus. Porto sounds like car tires clickety clacketing as it drives across cobblestone.
Booking.com
After booking my flight from La Rochelle, France, I started to research where to stay in Porto, Portugal. I wanted to know the good, bad, & the ugly with the ultimate goal of finding the best places to stay in Porto. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, affordable hotels, or even Airbnbs, you'll enjoy exploring the seaside city. The best places to stay in Porto are within your fingertips!
The view of Porto, Portugal & the Douro Valley. Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel is the yellow building. This is one of the best places to stay in Porto as far as location! |
About Carmen
Hi, bonjour, bom dia. My name is Carmen. What do I know about travel? I’ve visited 22 countries. I’ve worked as a content producer for TripSavvy, the #4 largest site in the ad-supported Travel Information category. As a blogging coaching & social media consultant, some of my clients are travel influencers, travel companies, tourism boards, & more. Learn more about my blogging & career background. Keep reading to discover the best places to stay in Porto.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a small commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you! Learn more about my disclosure.
Booking.com
Create a list of 10 or more things to do in Porto. How far are you from those things? Ideally, I try to be within a 30-minute transportation ride away from the bulk of my to-do list/what I want to do; the occasional outlier is fine. Ultimately, you don’t want to be commuting for an hour each way every day- that’s a waste of precious time.
Planning Your Trip to Porto
If you’re considering where to stay in Porto, Portugal, first ponder about what you want to do while you’re visiting. Porto tourism continues to grow, so there may be some crowds depending on the time of year.Create a list of 10 or more things to do in Porto. How far are you from those things? Ideally, I try to be within a 30-minute transportation ride away from the bulk of my to-do list/what I want to do; the occasional outlier is fine. Ultimately, you don’t want to be commuting for an hour each way every day- that’s a waste of precious time.
What Are Some of the Best Places to Stay in Porto?
Decide if you’re more of a hotel person or an Airbnb person. Porto tourism means there are plenty of choices. I have options for both, so read them all or scroll down to find what you’re looking for. Based on actual reviews, these are some of the top-rated, best places to stay in Porto.Homes with a view of the Douro River. |
Best Hotels to Stay in Porto
These are some of the top-rated hotels throughout the city of Porto, according to Google reviews, TripAdvisor reviews, and more. Take a look at each hotel & decide where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas – Stare at the beautifully restored interiors. InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas overlooks Liberdade Square. You can find the famous Livraria Lello bookstore & São Bento station within a close walk of the hotel.
Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Pousada & National Monument – Pestana Palácio do Freixo has gorgeous views overlooking the Douro River. The 18th-century palace was built by Nicolau Nasoni. Pestana Palácio do Freixo is part of the "The Leading Hotels of the World." This is easily one of the best places to stay in Porto.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Reviews show that past Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa guests appreciate the hospitality, the rooms, & the amenities (sauna, fitness center, Wi-Fi) but felt as though it might be out of the way for the average tourist. It's modern decor & facilities make it a popular choice.
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel – Eat breakfast with waterfront views of the Douro River at Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel - World Heritage Site. The Pestana hotel building & location date back to the 16th century. This is a seriously stunning area if you're wondering where to stay in Porto, Portugal!
Infante Sagres – The Hotel Infante Sagres is a historic luxury hotel. It underwent renovation & reopened in April 2018. Notable decorative features of the Infante Sagres include ironwork, carved wood detail, & stained glass panels.
Spot Apartments Porto – The hip, cool rooms at Spot Apartments Porto feel homey, unlike your a boring, sterile hotel room. Spot Apartments Porto guests seem to love the location, clean and spacious apartment, & the friendly staff.
There are so many hotels & accommodations in the area. Scroll down to search the map to find where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas – Stare at the beautifully restored interiors. InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas overlooks Liberdade Square. You can find the famous Livraria Lello bookstore & São Bento station within a close walk of the hotel.
Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Pousada & National Monument – Pestana Palácio do Freixo has gorgeous views overlooking the Douro River. The 18th-century palace was built by Nicolau Nasoni. Pestana Palácio do Freixo is part of the "The Leading Hotels of the World." This is easily one of the best places to stay in Porto.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Reviews show that past Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa guests appreciate the hospitality, the rooms, & the amenities (sauna, fitness center, Wi-Fi) but felt as though it might be out of the way for the average tourist. It's modern decor & facilities make it a popular choice.
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel – Eat breakfast with waterfront views of the Douro River at Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel - World Heritage Site. The Pestana hotel building & location date back to the 16th century. This is a seriously stunning area if you're wondering where to stay in Porto, Portugal!
Infante Sagres – The Hotel Infante Sagres is a historic luxury hotel. It underwent renovation & reopened in April 2018. Notable decorative features of the Infante Sagres include ironwork, carved wood detail, & stained glass panels.
Spot Apartments Porto – The hip, cool rooms at Spot Apartments Porto feel homey, unlike your a boring, sterile hotel room. Spot Apartments Porto guests seem to love the location, clean and spacious apartment, & the friendly staff.
There are so many hotels & accommodations in the area. Scroll down to search the map to find where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
Blue & white azulejo tiles in Porto - if you look closely, these are all individually painted tiles! |
Search for Hotels in Porto
Search for where to stay in Porto, Portugal with this handy dandy map. Type in the date of your travel & it'll give you a list of options.
Consult my guide on how to save hundreds of dollars on flight tickets. I paid $350 for roundtrip tickets to London & $420 for roundtrip tickets to Paris! Browse through these tips on how to eat on a budget while traveling abroad without depriving yourself. Scroll down & read comments from readers to learn their tips too.
Visit Porto & the North - News, events, things to do, & information on Porto & the area north of Porto.
Visit Porto - Information on Porto Card transportation, trip planning, entertainment in Porto.
Best places to stay in Porto, Portugal - Hotels, Airbnbs, & other accommodations. |
Airbnb Accommodations
Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. That could be a free night's stay somewhere! I stayed in Airbnbs in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Oslo, Norway; Tijuana, Mexico, & manyyyyy more cities/countries.Other Sources of Information on Porto
Visit Portugal - Information on Porto tourism & Portugal.Visit Porto & the North - News, events, things to do, & information on Porto & the area north of Porto.
Visit Porto - Information on Porto Card transportation, trip planning, entertainment in Porto.
Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Where do you think are the best places to stay in Porto?
Anacapa Island Day Trip: Channel Islands National Park
Magic exists in the natural marvels of Channel Islands National Park. Off the coast of Southern California, you'll find five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, & the smallest island of them all, Anacapa Island. Available by boat only, these other islands are secluded from the buzzing freeways & cell phone chatter of everyday life. You won't find a Wi-Fi signal out here, but you might find yourself. Anacapa Island is 12 miles out to sea. As your boat comes in you might see the sea caves, kelp beds, and arch rock. Seriously the best views for wildlife watching.
Scroll down to learn the answers to: Where is Anacapa Island? How do you get there? Is it part of Channel Islands National Park? What are some things to do on Anacapa Island? Is there camping? Are there hotels in Downtown Oxnard? How can you do an Anacapa Island day trip?
About Carmen
Hello, welcome to my blog! I'm Carmen. I'm a travel writer (also known as a travel blogger or travel influencer). Some of my most popular travel posts are Things to Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, How You Can Visit Central Perk Cafe from Friends, & Your Guide to Oslo, Norway. I prefer black tea over coffee. I've worked with brands & companies such as The French Ministry of Agriculture, KAABOO Del Mar, Queen of the South TV show on USA, OLLY, & more. You can learn more About Me here.Where is Anacapa Island?
Part of the Channel Islands National Park, you can find Anacapa Islands off the coast of Oxnard, California. Oxnard is 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles; 38 miles south of Santa Barbara. Anacapa Island has three islets named East, Middle, & West Anacapa Islands. However, you aren't permitted to explore all three of them.
How do I get to Anacapa Island?
It's not like visitors can walk from one island to the next anyway, that's why you need a boat for transportation. You have to take a boat trip out there. The boat ride over takes about an hour. Visitors can explore the entire island in just half a day. You can't just leave the island when you want, you have to stay there until the boat takes you back later in the afternoon. Perfect excuse to go on an adventure!
Other things to do in California: Go skydiving & wine tasting in Lompoc, California
Travel to Anacapa Island on the Island Packers boat. |
Transportation Around the Islands
I took a majestic boat ride with Island Packers. Arrive at the Oxnard Harbor. Travel time takes about an hour each way. Fred & I downloaded a few episodes of the Dr. Death podcast so we could listen with headphones from our phone. A layer of clouds protected us from the sun & the waves of the ocean. Apparently, the clearer the skies, the choppier the water. The more you know, right?
As we ventured past the Anacapa arch our way back to Oxnard, we saw a pod of dolphins. They swam right next to us. It was a top life experience. Island Packers offers trips to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara Island, whale watching, & other exciting options for visitors.
Once the Island Packers boat docks, adventurers step onto a ladder at Landing Cove then they corral everyone to cover the essential rules of Anacapa Island. After that, get ready for your quads to burn because you have 157 steps to climb.
I felt a bit winded but the view from the top was spectacular, the first time you can see what it looks like from the island. You're really stuck out there on a small blip of land in the middle of the ocean, okay well it's about 10 miles off the coast of Oxnard, California.
Other things to do in California: Beach hopping & meditation in Encinitas, California
Western Gull mama (probably) & cute little spotted chick. |
Marine Life and Animals on Anacapa Island: Western Gulls, California Brown Pelicans, Island Fox, Oh My!
Visit Anacapa Island from April through mid-August & you'll run into some seabirds, particularly the Western gull. An annoyed gull pooped on Fred's backpack as we walked by its nest. If you're not a fan of birds, guano (bird poop), possible bird carcasses, loud squawking (literally anytime you walk by a nest or chicks), questionable smells, then avoid voyaging to the island during this time frame. However, if you want to experience an absolutely remarkable natural phenomenon, then mark your calendar & book a ticket. You might spot California Brown Pelicans, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, western gulls, California sea lions, harbor seals. I saw California Brown Pelicans, Western gulls, sea lions, & dolphins! Just stay on the hiking trails! There is even summer whale watching so you might catch a whale too.Anacapa Island Camping
We only did a day trip on the island, but there are Anacapa Island camping options. We saw several campers already setup from the day before. There were a couple campers who left on the evening boat out for the day. The campsites are "primitive." That's the wording from the National Park Service website, but I'd called them minimal or bare. Anacapa Island provides picnic tables, food storage boxes, & pit toilets for use. But ultimately, you need to take all trash with you as there are no rubbish bins. The island has 7 campsites that fit 4-6 people per site. Reservations are required, so you can't just decide you're having a great time staring at the baby Western Gulls & have a sleepover. Check campsite availability on Recreation.com, the official website to make your Anacapa Island camping reservations.
Is There Food, Drink, & Water on Anacapa Island?
No, make sure to bring everything you need with you. There's no food, drink, or water on the island for visitors to purchase. We brought a couple liters of water, sandwich or pita pockets, chips, fruit, granola bar, & some chocolate in a backpack for our Anacapa Island day trip. You must take all garbage with you; we simply put it in our backpack to throw away once we got back to Oxnard.
Things to Do on Anacapa Island: Hiking, Bird-Watching, Camping. |
Things to Do on Anacapa Island
On our day trip to Anacapa Island, we walked the entire trail around the island, saw the Anacapa Island lighthouse, marveled at the views from Inspiration Point, got pooped on by a Western Gull (well, Fred did at least), picnicked with a panoramic ocean view. Despite the boat full of people we arrived on the island with, we were able to have many private, secluded moments. You can't get super close to the Historic Light house on Anacapa Island but you can definitely get a good photo of it.Activities for Visitors to Do on Anacapa Island
Water Sports
Picnicking
Hiking
Camping
Bird-Watching
Historic & Cultural Site Information Site
Photography
Ranger Station
Snorkeling
Swimming
Small Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing
Water Access
Scuba Diving
Whale-Watching
Our ocean view room from Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard, California. |
Where to Stay (Besides Camping on Anacapa Island): Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort
I stayed at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort with a remarkable ocean view. Our spacious two-room suite Mandalay Beach Hotel is a good option for kids, families, & couples. They have a spa, fitness center, huge pool. I took advantage of Happy Hour by the pool. Just show your wristbands & order your drink. I grabbed the house wine while Fred opted for their beer on tap. We sipped our beverages along with the dozens of other people doing the same thing on a Friday evening. Make sure to eat the made-to-order brekkie at the Coastal Grill in the morning.Hotels in Oxnard
✓ Best Western Oxnard Inn
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard/Ventura
Take a look at some of the hotels in Downtown Oxnard. You can customize what day you'll arrive/leave & how many people in your group. You can even expand your hotel search to include Oxnard & surrounding areas:
Booking.com
Things to Do in Oxnard, CA
You can spend the entire day or weekend admiring nature in Oxnard. There are endless things to do in Oxnard, California as far as strolls by the beach, kayaking, exploring the Channel Islands National Park, & thriving outside. Visit Oxnard has some fabulous suggestions if you need more inspiration for places to stay, where to dine, things to do, & local events in Oxnard. There are other other California National Parks as well.Other Fun Stuff
Pin this image on Pinterest - Day Trip to Anacapa Island. |
Have a question? Comment below & I will answer the best I can. Let me know if you've visited Anacapa Island. Would the birds scare you off? :]
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