19 Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco might be a small walkable city, with a seven-mile by seven-mile footprint, but there’s still plenty to see and do inside the city as well as amazing places you can visit on day trips from the city.

From crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to seeing the sea lions of Fisherman’s Wharf, or finding the most Instagrammable Staircase to exist, here are 19 of the best things to do in San Francisco!

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19 Things to do in san Francisco

Take a trip down Lombard Street

Whether you drive or walk down, you must take a trip to Lombard Street.

Personally when I last visited San Fransico, I drove down and found a place to park up at the bottom, so I could take in the view from the bottom of the hill. However, there’s also a path so you can walk down it while staying off the main road.

I’d recommend visiting during the Spring and Summer seasons, as the flowers around the street are out and it looks a lot more beautiful!

Walk, Drive or Cycle down Golden Gate Bridge

You can’t visit the Golden State without going over the Golden Gate Bridge. At just under two miles long, the bride is easily walkable, although is quite fun to drive or cycle down as well!

Once you’re at the other side, stop at the Welcome Center by the Statue of Joseph Strauss (who designed the bridge), and grab your pictures in the famous photo spot.

While you’re there, don’t forget to read the plaques, explaining a bit about the history of the bridge!

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise

For a different view of San Francisco, take the Golden Gate Bay Cruise.

A tour in a boat along San Francisco’s waterfront, pass through San Francisco Bay, head under the Golden Gate Bridge, around the famous Alcatraz Island, and then past Peir 39.

With an audio commentary available in 16 languages, this is a great way to learn more about the city. Check it out here*:

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

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Explore Sausalito

Sausalito is a charming, picturesque city with bright buildings, located both within the hillside and shoreline.

Famous for its stunning views of the Bay Area, hiking and biking trails, and great sailing and kayaking spots around the San Francisco Bay.

Located just 4 miles (6 km) north of the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s a great place to visit from San Francisco.

things to do in san francisco - sausalito

Take a trip to Muir Woods

If you’re heading to Sausalito during your stay in San Francisco, why not take a trip to Muir Woods.

Muir Woods National Monument is in Marin County, home to over 380 different plants and animals.

Explore the giant Redwood trees, some of which are nearly 1,000 years old and reach heights of more than 250 feet.

Depending on how much hiking and exploring you want to do, you could spend anywhere between 1.5 to 5 hours in Muir Woods.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your experience in Muir Woods, why not consider a guided tour:

From San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

From San Francisco: Muir Woods National Monument Guided Tour

Find the Hearts of San Francisco

The Hearts in San Francisco project debuted in 2004, which featured over 13 heart sculptures placed throughout San Francisco. The statues were created by local Bay Area artists, and later auctioned off to raise money for the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

Each year, the tradition is carried on as new hearts are commissioned and auctioned off. The money raised from this goes towards accessible health care within San Francisco.

As well as the ‘heartworks’ being created for a great cause, it’s also super fun to try and visit as many as possible while you’re in San Franisco. Many of them are placed in common tourist areas, so you can’t fail to miss them!

Make sure you use the tag #HeartsinSanFrancisco when posting your pictures with the hearts!

Explore Pier 39

No visit to San Francisco is complete without a trip to Pier 39. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find two levels of restaurants, unique stores and entertainment located on top of the pier – there’s plenty to see and do at Pier 39.

From the pier, you can see views of Alcatraz Island, The Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown.

See the Sea Lions at Fisherman’s Wharf

Head to Pier 39’s K-Dock and you’ll find the home of hundreds of Californian sea lions, who enjoy lounging on the floating wooden docks at Fisherman’s Wharf.

The best time to see the sea lions is late-July until mid-May, with breading season typically occurring between June and July.

During breading season, the sea lions migrate south to the Channel Islands, but a small group stay year-round at PIER 39’s K-Dock – so regardless of when you’re visiting, you’ll still have a decent change to see some sea lions!

Cruise through the city on a cable car

You’re in for one hell of a ride on San Francisco’s cable cars as the trams take the notoriously steep roads.

A fan way to get around, just make sure you hold onto the leather straps so you don’t slip down the seats!

If these cable car’s interest you, why not head to the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, located at 1201 Mason Street.

Find the Most Instagrammable Staircase in San Francisco

In a city with steep hills comes a lot of staircases, but the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in San Francisco is home to one of the most iconic staircases due to its impressive mosaics.

With over 163 tiled stairs, the artwork that spans this particular staircase looks like it begins in the sea, by the time you reach the top, you’re able to see the sunrise.

To find the Mosaic Steps, head to: 16th Avenue, Morga Street, between 15th and 16th Avenue.

San Francisco Things to do - Mosaic Steps

Shop in Union Square

Union Square is the place to be for shopaholics. The area features major department stores such as Macy’s, and big names including Vicotria’s Secret, Urban Outfitters, Tiffany & Co., and many more!

This area looks particularly good during Thanksgiving and Christmas, with department stores creating magical Christmas décor.

China Town

San Fransico’s China Town is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the US.

It’s worth a trip to explore China Town on foot, from the fascinating shops, temples, museums, restaurants, and food markets – there’s so much to see and do!

Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies, also known as The Severn Sisters, are located along the Alamao Square in San Francisco.

These famous houses have been featured in many films and TV series including ‘The Woman in Red’, ‘Full House’, and many more!

These Victorian homes are colourful and stunning. You’ll find them on Steiner Street, near Alamo Square Park.

Definitely worth a visit to snap some pictures from the outside, but keep in mind you can’t simply walk into these buildings, as they are owned by people currently living in there.

However, as of 2021 the homeowner of the blue house, No. 712, has sometimes been offering guided tours, allowing visitors to see the top three floors of the house!

Blue Painted Lady House Tour - Interior Guided Tour by Owner

Explore the hippie town of Haight-Ashbury

Made famous by the hippie movement in the 1960’s

Neighbouring the Golden Gate Park, there’s plenty to see in the area, with a number of funky shops, restaurants, street art, and other cultural and historical activities.

The hippie vibe of Haight-Ashbury is still very much alive and thriving, with a much simpler vibe to the rest of San Francisco!

Ocean Beach

Perhaps San Fracisco isn’t the first Californian city you’d have in mind if you’re looking for beaches, but the 3.5-mile white sand Ocean Beach is still worth a visit!

Although it’s perhaps a bit colder than many beaches, there’s still often a lot going on, as it’s a popular spot for bonfires, flying kites, and windsurfing!

Ocean Beach is the perfect escape when you want a break from the busy city!

Alcatraz

If you don’t already know, Alcatraz (also known as ‘The Rock’), is a famous former prison located on an island which also happens to be called Alcatraz, in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

Some of the USA’s most notorious criminals were jailed there, and despite several attempts, no inmate ever made a successful escape from The Rock.

The Alcatraz prison was closed during the 1960s, but the stories from the prison keep it alive. Nowadays, you can visit the former prison, and it is fascinating!

When visiting, you have the opportunity to do a recorded cell-house tours, allowing you to explore the prison grounds while learning all about Alcatraz.

To take the tour, just get the Alcatraz Cruises ferry from Pier 33. It is recommended to book in advance as this is a really popular tourist activity.

If you aren’t interested in exploring the actual prison, and just want to see it close up from the outside, then you might want to opt for a cruise that goes around the Island.

San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

Take a day trip to the Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the USA. It’s best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, there’s so much to see and do including The Half Dome Summit, El Capitan, the giant sequoia trees, and so much more!

Although some might feel that the 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is long, it is also one of the most scenic drives in the country, full of beautiful views of winding mountain roads and ancient redwoods.

If you’re heading to Yosemite for just one day, you won’t have enough time to see everything it has to offer, but a day trip will still offer you a great amount of time to see some of the beautiful sites that the national park has to offer. Make sure to get up early to maximise the time you have!

If you are planning to organise your own visit to Yosemite and drive yourself, keep in mind that sometimes a reservation is required to visit Yosemite on particular dates and times of the year. Driving through the park may also require a reservation. You can find more information on their website here.

From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

Yosemite National Park – Full Day Tour from San Francisco

Tour the City on the Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

The Big Bus tour can be an effective way to see the main sights of San Francisco if you’re short on time.

The Big Bus Tour is a hop-on-hop-off tour, on a red double-decker bus. Stopping at all the main sights, the big bus tour allows you to squeeze as many sights as possible into your San Fransisco trip. If you’re not hiring a car, this can be a great way to get around the city quickly.

They offer an audio-guided tour, available in multiple languages, but you can still hop on and off at any point you want!

The Big Bus Sightseeing Tour also offers the option for you to add on a group walking guided tour of China Town into your booking!

San Francisco: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Open-top Bus

Hire a GoCar

A totally fun and unique way to explore San Fransico, why not jump in a GPS-guided GoCar as part of a full-day tour of the city! With guided directions form the GoCar, you will explore 49 miles through San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ocean Beach, and more!

The small yellow GoCar’s are easy and fun to drive! There’s no need to worry about navigating, as it’s GPS-guided, so if you’re not familiar with the layout of San Franscico, the GoCar will know where you are, even if you don’t!

While you’ll be the driver, GoCar will instruct you where to turn as it also tells you stories and facts about all the sites you’re seeing!

Note: to do this, you must be at least 21 years of age, with a credit card and a valid driver’s license.

49 Mile GoCar Special - All Day For The Price Of 5 Hours

San Francisco FAQ’s

What is San Francisco most known for?

San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks and attractions such as Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, their Sea Lions and their Cable Cars.

What shouldn’t you miss in San Francisco?

You won’t want to miss a trip down Lombard Street or a drive across Golden Gate Bridge! You’ll want to spend some time at Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf spotting the sea lions, as well as taking the time to do a trip to Alcatraz and Muir Woods!

Is it expensive to visit San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for having a high cost of living, so it can be an expensive place to visit as a tourist. But there are things you can do to reduce the price of your trip such as making the most of public transport, spending time at free attractions and checking to see whether it’s worth purchasing a CityPASS to get reduced prices off transport and tickets for major attractions.

There’s plenty more where that came from…

Three Mistakes to avoid when travelling to Budapest

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Budapest Christmas Markets: A Guide to Budapest at Christmas

After being voted as the Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023; it’s safe to say a trip to Budapest’s Christmas markets should definitely be on your winter bucket list!

Not only are the Christmas markets in Budapest amazing, but they’re also a lot more affordable than some other European alternatives.

Budapest is a great place to visit, particularly for budget travellers. There is so much to see and do in the city without breaking the bank! With great nightlife, great value, and great Christmas markets – what more do you need?

Wondering what exactly are all the festive things you can do in Budapest? Here’s my guide to Budapest at Christmas time, including Christmas Markets and more:

Budapest Christmas Markets: A Guide to Budapest at Christmas time

Elizabeth Square Christmas Market

Head to Elizabeth Square and check out their small Christmas Market. Here you’ll typically find a variety of food stalls, and handmade winter clothing such as jackets, hats, and scarves.

What I loved most about Elizabeth Square was the illuminated Ferris Wheel, which is great fun for all ages and really added something extra fun to the Christmas market there!

In terms of the number of stalls and variety of things for sale, this was my least Christmas market out of the three that I visited while in Budapest – however, it is still worth a look at!

Just don’t expect to spend ages there as it’s a lot smaller than the other main markets in Vorosmarty Square and St Stephen’s Basilica, which are only a short walk away from Elizabeth Square.

Vorosmarty Square Christmas Markets

In Vorosmarty Square you will find the main Christmas tree, as well as the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Markets! In my opinion, the Christmas Markets here are the second best in Budapest and are definitely worth exploring!

Around 100 stalls are set up around the Christmas tree along the main square, from food stalls, to Christmas decorations, to yummy sweets, and ceramic garden ornaments – there’s something for everyone here!

Pick up some Christmas presents to take back for your loved ones, or perhaps pick out a handmade Christmas decoration for your tree!

Pick up some traditional Hungarian Goulash, grab a Mulled Wine, or try a Chimney Cake!

It’s worth pointing out that getting food from the stalls in Budapest can be a lot more expensive than going for food in their local cafes and restaurants when it comes to value for money. I headed to Karavan Street Food when it came to trying some Hungarian Goulash.

Vorosmarty square christmas market budapest

Fashion Street Christmas Lights

Next door to Vorosmarty Square, you’ll find Fashion Street.

Fashion Street and a pedestrian-only street filled with upscale fashion stores, restaurants and bars.

During the festive season, you’ll find Fashion Street lit up with loads of Christmas lights dangling from above, and a large, illuminated Christmas Tree!

Many of the stores down Fashion Street also decorate their buildings, usually the Hugo Boss store does a particularly impressive display.

Make sure to walk down here once the sun as set to see the lights really pop!

Fashion Street Christmas Lights - Hugo Boss

St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market

St Stephen’s Basilica had to be my favourite Christmas market in Budapest, and still one of my favourites in Europe! The Christmas market, also commonly known as Advent Fest, has plenty to do for everyone!

They had the most interesting stalls selling the cutest homemade Christmas decorations, this is also the market that had the best-tasting food on offer!

Here I ended up trying something a bit different from the traditional Hungarian food I’d eaten elsewhere, and instead opted for food such as nachos, loaded fries, and mini pancakes – all of which tasted incredible, albeit more expensive than sitting in cafes, but still nowhere near as expensive as some Christmas markets I’ve been to elsewhere in Europe!

If you’re on a budget, perhaps consider skipping over the food when it comes to the Christmas markets, there’s a lot of café’s nearby – my favourite was Punto Gelato, where I had one of the best hot chocolates I have ever tasted!

There’s also a small ice rink in the centre of the market, which is mainly for children and is great to keep them occupied! Although the ice rink at Városliget is much better for older children and adults!

St Stephen’s Basilica also does a light show which is projected onto the Basilica! During Advent Fest, it happens daily, every 30 minutes, between the hours of 4:30pm and 10pm.

Although I wouldn’t come specifically for the light show, it was cool to take a break from roaming round the Christmas stands and watch the light show for a little while instead!

As far as the stalls go, the Christmas market at St Stephen’s Basilica has the best choice! I spent hours walking through these markets.

They were full of the cutest handmade Christmas decorations I’d ever seen! As well as a variety of candles and wax melts, home and garden decorations, and plenty of cute accessories – I grabbed myself hand crated felt bag for the equivalent of just £5!

St Stephen's Basilica Christmas Market Stall

St Stephen's Basilica Christmas Light Show

St Stephen's Basilica Christmas Kids Ice Rink

The market definitely gets a lot busier towards the evening, if you’re in Budapest for a few days then I’d recommend visiting a couple of times, first look around in the morning – the markets are open, but there are less crowds, meaning its easier and a lot quicker to browse and purchase the things you want.

I’d definitely still come in the evening, just because the atmosphere is a lot better. When I last visited, I came and picked up the bits I wanted in the morning, headed out to explore Budapest during the day, and then headed back to the market in the evening where I grabbed some food from the stalls for my dinner and watched the light show!

Jump on the Winter Sunset Cruise along the Danube River

The River Danube Cruise was my favourite thing I did in Budapest! I would recommend booking for when the sun is setting so you can get the most beautiful view of the golden sky on the way down the river, followed by getting to see the Parliament building lit up as the night draws in on your way back down the river!

This was something that I timed absolutely perfectly on my trip to Budapest, during the Winter Season, the sun sets around 4pm, but it’s worth doing a quick search to find the precise time for the day you’re planning to do a river cruise.

The Danube River Cruise are really popular, and it’s particularly popular to go during sunset and dusk, for this reason, I’d recommend booking online via Get Your Guide.

There are a variety of different cruises that you can book onto, I opted for one where you got given a complimentary glass of prosecco which I thought was great value considering you get an hour long cruise and a drink!

Get Your Guide has multiple different options, depending on the type of river cruise you want to do – check them out here*:

Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink

Budapest: Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco

Budapest: City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

Budapest: Downtown Budapest Unlimited Booze Cruise

Budapest: Boat Party on the River

Budapest: Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer

Budapest: Sunset Cruise with 3 Cocktails

Budapest: Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music

Budapest: Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne

I would recommend getting to your meeting point at least 30 minutes in advance in order to secure a good spot on the boat! These tours are popular and are typically fully booked! I arrived 40 minutes in advance yet there were still other people who had arrived before me!

If you’re here across New Years Eve, you should also consider celebrating the New Year by attending the Fireworks display by the Danube River and Parliament Building while you’re in the area!

Fancy Celebrating New Years Eve on a Danube boat cruise with unlimited drinks?

Budapest: New Year’s Eve Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Városliget City Park and Ice Rink

Városliget City Park is a stunning park in Budapest, which is not only a beautiful place to walk around but is also where you’ll find a huge ice rink during the winter season!

This rink is much bigger than the one at St Stephen’s Basilica, despite it being fairly popular, the rink was so big that there was a lot of space for everyone to skate around!

Opposite the ice rink, you’ll find Városliget Café. This was the perfect place to stop for lunch and some mulled wine!

It offered some beautiful views of the ice rink and Városliget City Park itself. The Christmas decorations in the Café added to the festive vibes even more!

Városliget City Park is also where you’ll find the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, The Hot Air Balloon viewing point, and more – so you won’t want to miss this off your trip to Budapest!

Budapest’s District VI and VII Christmas Decorations

Another way to find some hidden gems during Christmas time at Budapest is just by letting yourself get lost exploring the side streets. I love the decorations particularly in District VI and VII!

I went in a few cafes and restaurants in these areas which are so beautifully decorated in general, but they went to town with the Christmas decorations also!

Budapest Christmas Decorations District VI and VII

Budapest Christmas Market FAQ’s

Is the Christmas market in Budapest worth it?

Yes, visiting Budapest’s Christmas markets are definitely worth it! They are some of the best and most affordable Christmas markets in Europe, with there being plenty to see and do in Budapest on top of that, visiting Budapest during Christmas market season is a great idea!

What dates are the Budapest Christmas markets?

In 2024, Budapest Christmas Markets begin on November 15th and run until December 31st, when New Years Eve celebrations will take place.

Is Budapest nice at Christmas?

Budapest is decorated across the whole city during Christmas time, with there being three Christmas markets, as well as plenty of impressive decorations in places such as Fashion Street – Budapest is a must-see city during the Christmas season!

Which is the best Christmas Market in Budapest?

The best Christmas market in Budapest is located at St Stephen’s Basilica, followed by the Christmas market in Vorosmarty Square, and then the market in Elizabeth Square.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe?

Budapest

After their fourth win, Budapest’s Christmas markets definitely deserve the title of the best Christmas market in Europe, having been chosen in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023!

There’s plenty more where that came from…

Three Mistakes to avoid when travelling to Budapest

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Three mistakes to avoid when travelling to Budapest

Budapest has become one of the most popular European cities to visit recently, and there’s no surprise why. There is SO much to do, it’s pretty easy to get around, and it’s definitely possible to travel there on a budget.

All sounds great? And it is.

But it is still very easy to make some mistakes which could there quickly ruin your trip if you’re not careful.

So before you hop on your flight to Budapest, make sure you keep these things in mind!

1. Validate your tram tickets, without FAIL

Budapest transport can be great. It’s the most affordable way to travel the city with a ticket for a single ticket costing 350 HUF – which is about the equivalent of £1.

You will need to download the Budapest GO app to purchase your ticket. It doesn’t matter where you destination is, a single ticket with no transfer will cost the same price no matter how long you’re planning to be on the tram for.

But here’s the catch – paying for your ticket alone is not enough, you NEED to validate your tram ticket before getting on the tram by scanning a QR code on your app. This then provides you with some kind of image, which should match the image that the ticket attendant will have. Sometimes, they will also ask you to show them a code – once your ticket is validated there should be a button which says something along the lines of ‘show code’ or ‘generate code’, you need to press this and show the code to the ticket attendant otherwise they will still threaten to fine you. Unfortunately if you’re not familiar with the transport in Budapest, the whole process seems a bit complicated.

The issue is the trams don’t stop for long at all, so if you’re travelling in a relatively big group (like I was), then you’re best to split in half and get on at different doors so everyone has chance to scan the code and get on the tram, otherwise you might risk the doors shutting in your face.

Unfortunately for me the 5 other friends that I travelled with, we didn’t do this. Although three of us (including me) all scanned on before we got on, the rest of my friends decided to jump on without validating their tickets since nobody has checked them the entire time we’d been in Budapest.

Unluckily for them, the one time they chose to jump on without validating their ticket – the ticket attendants came down. They also came straight to people who were clearly tourists (I can only assume it was because they knew it was their best chance of making some extra money with the fines). My friends showed they had purchased a ticket, but because it was not validated the ticket attendants didn’t like it. There were actually some QR codes to validate tickets on the inside of the tram we were on, yet for some reason the ticket attendants didn’t let them scan to validate their tickets.

Instead they pushed my 3 friends off at the next stop and got off with them. As my 2 other friends and I tried to get off the tram to go with them, the doors shut in our face (classic – you couldn’t make this up if you tried), and we were then separated (but thankfully in two groups of 3).

Yellow and white tram pulled up at a tram stop in Budapest. On the outside of the tram, two small stickers with QR codes can be seen next to the door to get on the tram. This is where passengers are requested to scan in order to validate their tram tickets.

We got off at the next stop and texted our friends to let them know where we were, so they knew where to go once they had delt with the situation. But I then suddenly got a call – the ticket attendants had taken my friends ID’s off of them and were refusing to give them back until they paid a fine of 8,000 HUF total (about £18.50), and were also threatening to call the police. Unfortunately, none of my friends really brought much cash with them despite my nagging (TIP – ALWAYS BRING AN EMERGENCY SET OF CASH WHEN TRAVELING). Thankfully, I had enough money on me so told them to get on the next tram with the ticket attendants and come to the next stop where I could give them the money.

Once they got to me, suddenly the fine price was changed to 12,000 HUF per person (about £28 each), they also refused to hand over my friends ID’s until they had the money – we even had some lovely local Hungarian residents try to step in to help us out and get the ticket attendants to hand over the ID’s first. But they continued to threaten to call the police.

Thankfully, once I gave them the money, they gave my friends ID’s back. As a group of 6 girls the experience felt quite scary for some people involved and the aggressiveness of the ticket attendants left some of my friends rather shaken up.

This is really common in Budapest – fines can go up as high as 16,000 HUF each. Proof of payment of a ticket will not save you from getting fined. It’s common that many of the ticket officers will even threaten to call the police, sometimes ticket officers have followed through and called the police – to which the police just tell you that it’s best you pay the fine.

They often will target tourists as they know they’re most likely to be caught out, so keep this in mind and don’t let what should be super cheap transport suddenly become very expensive.

Currently as I’m writing this in 2023, Citizens of the European Union countries and Switzerland aged 65 and up can use all public transport lines for free in Budapest. But they have to show a valid ID in order to verify age and nationality if asked by a ticket inspector. If this is appropriate for you, please ensure to research this before travelling to ensure this still remains in place at the time of your travel.

Tip: Remember it’s essential to download the Budapest Go app!

2. Avoid travelling on Lomtalanítás Day

Believe it or not, various districts in Budapest have a day which is dedicated to throwing rubbish out on the side of the roads. When I first heard of it, I thought the concept sounded crazy, but this is something the Hungarian Government has organised for years.

Every district in Budapest has a couple of days during the year where the council will organise garbage trucks go around the Budapest districts and collect unwanted items that have been put out on the streets. They do this completely for free and it gives chance for residents to give unwanted items that they might’ve struggled to get rid of during the rest of the year. It also gives residents the chance to scavenge and find hidden treasures to take away for themselves.

When I was last in Budapest last November, I woke up bright and early for my first full day after our evening flight to find people throwing rubbish out onto the sidewalks, it stretched all the way down our street and several streets after.

After walking so long, there was no more rubbish on the sidewalks. But as we returned to our Airbnb in the evening, the rubbish was piled up so high that you couldn’t walk down the pavements. The only clear space on the pavements being in front of entrances to the various shops, restaurants and bars that remained open. But all I could think about was what is it doing there and why did nobody seem to care that it swamped the streets?

Overnight, it was extremely noisy with removal vans removing all the rubbish. By the following morning the streets were pristine. As someone who was totally unaware that this was a thing, it felt rather bizarre, and all the rubbish piled up high with random screws poking out of the piles and dirty matrasses leaning up against the walls of various stores, it did make me feel a bit uneasy about the safety of the area I was staying in.

We tried searching tried searching for “Budapest Rubbish on Streets” and struggled to find anything, until coming across as random Reddit thread which managed to give us the name ‘Lomtalanítás Day’. As soon as you go to search for that, you can find endless information about the tradition.

With Lomtalanítás Day very roughly translating to “get-rid-of-junk day”, it’s definitely something to keep in mind when planning your trip to Budapest.

Typically, this happens throughout the year as different districts in the city have different set dates, last year it happened between February and November. So if you’re planning a trip make sure to check which districts might be participating in Lomtalanítás Day and try to avoid staying there.

Now I understand what Lomtalanítás Day is, it wouldn’t throw me off witnessing it during my next visit to Budapest, but I’d definitely aim to stay in a district that didn’t have their disposal dates during my visit, purely for noise purposes and getting a decent nights sleep!

In a way, I think Lomtalanítás Day is a pretty cool concept. Imagine having a day each year where all your items that are useless to you are just taken away or taken by other residents who might have a use for them. You wouldn’t have to worry about taking your items to finding new homes for items.

Mistakes to avoid when visiting Budapest Hungary

3. The Bar Bill and the Tourist Menu Scam

The Bar Bill Scam

The Bar Bill Scam has been going on for well over a decade. This scam is primarily targeted at Male travellers and will involve more than one attractive females approaching you, and asking you if you’d like to join them for some drinks. They’ll take you to a bar that ‘they know is great’, and soon enough, a very expensive bill will arrive – typically worth hundreds, and in some cases, people have reported thousands of pounds or dollars’ worth.

The bar will typically have a conveniently placed ATM outside it, and sometimes the barmen that work there will escort you to the bar so you can’t run off.

Most of the places that have been reported to be out to get you, are located in one of the main tourist spots, Váci utca street.

If you walk into a club or bar that conveniently happens to have its own ATM, my advice would be to turn around and go elsewhere.

Keep in mind that it’s not just girls you might get approached by, but Taxi drivers have commonly been involved in the scam too. Do not take suggestions from seemingly friendly Taxi drivers. There have been cases where Taxi drivers have been known to take you to certain bars, because they will earn a commission from the owners that are ready and waiting to charge you an extortionate price.

The Tourist Menu Scam

As for the Tourist Menu scam, this is another kind of scam which has previously occurred in many bars and restaurants, whereby if you are obviously a tourist, the restaurant or bar might swap menus to one with higher prices when you go to pay, or not show you a menu to start with at all. In Budapest, most places will display menu’s in the windows of cafes and restaurants, so if you’re considering checking out somewhere for a bite to eat, or a couple drinks, and you notice they don’t have a menu outside, then it’s best you walk on elsewhere. Again this commonly happens around the Váci utca area, I would aim to avoid this area for food and drinks in the evening – but do keep in mind that these scams could still happen anywhere.

Make sure you always verify the price prior to the purchase and look out for any hidden costs.

Don’t let this put you off Visiting Budapest!

Budapest is a great city to visit, and in my opinion one of the cities in Europe with the most to do. It’s a great city to visit in the Summertime or during Winter, and they have some of the best Christmas markets in Europe!

Truth be told, a lot of this stuff can happen in any major city – I would always advise that you make sure you are aware of your surroundings wherever you are.

It’s always good to keep common scams, and mistakes that are easy to make in mind, so you can be aware what to look out for in Budapest. Although there are a few mistakes you need to make sure you don’t make, it doesn’t take from the fact that Budapest is an incredible place with lots to see and do – I can’t wait to visit again one day!

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The top 10 best things to do in Dublin

Thinking about visiting Dublin?

Great choice, the city is the perfect blend of a busy, bustling city – but still with more rural areas. Dublin has a relaxed and friendly vibe to it, as well as a buzzing nightlife. But what is there to do exactly?

Here’s 10 things to do in Dublin that isn’t just drinking Guinness at Temple Bar!

Visit Dublin Castle and the Castle Gardens

Dublin Castle dates back to the early 13th century, after Ireland achieved its independence from Great Britain, the building became one of the most important in Dublin. This is where the first president of Ireland was inaugurated, and every inauguration ceremony has been held in the building since.

The castle provides a pop of colour with its painted walls, perfect for those Instagrammable pictures for those of you looking to add some colour to your Insta feed!

Dublin Castle is open seven days a week (including bank holidays), from 09.45am to 5.45pm, with last admission at 5.15pm, guided tours are available on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, the castle was in the middle of being refurbished when we went, so we weren’t able to take look inside – but this is something I’m adding to my list for my next visit to Dublin. Saying that, visiting the inside of the castle isn’t necessary for a great visit, we still spent plenty of time walking around the garden (which is free and great fun!)

Go to a concert at Croke Park, Aviva Stadium or the 3Arena

Dublin is great for people who love the music scene, and if there’s one thing about Irish crowds, they’re loud! If you’re a music lover, take a look to see there’s any artists touring, I was lucky enough to get to see Harry Styles play his sold out show at Aviva Stadium for Love on Tour 2022. The Irish crowds were loud, full of energy, dancing along and shouting their famous “Olay, olay, olay” chant.

If big crowds aren’t quite your thing, then you can also catch plenty of great live music around various bars throughout the city centre.

Go for a Guinness… but not at Temple Bar

Yes, Temple Bar is famous and to be honest, have you really gone to Dublin if you haven’t at least taken a snap outside the famous bar? BUT if you’re planning on having a drink, then think about going elsewhere – it costs about €10 for a Guinness at Temple Bar, and it’s a fraction of the price almost anywhere else!

Sure, the atmosphere is great at Temple Bar, but it’s also incredible across the entirety of Dublin (it is the city with the best craic after all!), so save your money and go elsewhere – Cassidy’s is my favourite.

Grab a Coffee and Cake at Bewley’s Oriental on Grafton Street

If you’ve been on your feet all day and want to have a quick pit stop, check out Ireland’s longest established and largest café, Bewley’s Oriental. Located on Grafton Street, this café is elegant yet quirky and not ridiculously expensive.

The entire place is decorated with every detail considered, from the outside of the building all the way to the bathroom. With brilliant service and yummy cake – this is the perfect rest stop and you don’t want to miss it.

Watch the buskers at Grafton Street

Grafton Street definitely had a great vibe to it. It’s famous for its great quality of artists busking, the best thing is you never know who you’ll see – only a few weeks after I came back from my visit, Niall Horan and Lewis Capaldi were seen performing!

Grab a Gelato at Gino’s

Safe to say Gino’s was some of THE BEST gelato’s I’ve ever tired! Gino’s is an Italian chain of gelato and dessert parlours, there are loads spread across Dublin. I’d be surprised if you went to Dublin and didn’t notice them. With the bright hanging lights coming down from the ceiling – it’s got a great fun, friendly and quirky feeling to it!

Gino’s was always bursting with people wanting to try their gelato. Once I tried it for myself, I understood why… it’s delicious, a must try during your visit to Dublin!

St Stephens Green - Things to do in Dublin

Take a Picnic to St Stephen’s Green

St Stephen’s Green provides some peace and quiet in the busy city, don’t get me wrong, the atmosphere was still vibrant and thriving with people looking to sit and take in the views across the park. But it’s a great place to rest and recharge or have a picnic in during the warmer months. My favourite spot was on the pavilion looking over the lake!

Irish Whiskey Museum - Things to do in Dublin

Visit the Irish Whiskey Museum

Although stereotypically the first alcohol everyone associates Dublin with is Guinness, Irish Whiskey is also one of Ireland’s famous drinks. The Irish Whiskey Museum offers guided tours and whiskey tasting as well as opening up as a bar. If you fancy a visit to the bar but whiskey isn’t quite your thing then don’t worry, there will still be something for you, cocktails, gins, Guinness & lager (including Ireland’s own Hop House), is also available.

Tours take place from 10am-6pm every day. If you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening, then you can expect to experience a variety of live traditional music, storytelling and events up until 10.30pm.

Take an evening walk over Ha’Penny Bridge

The Ha’Penny Bridge is Dublin’s oldest pedestrian crossing 43 metres over the River Liffey.

Less busy and arguably offering even more stunning views at night with beautiful illuminations to guide you across during the night.

Ha’Penny Bridge is one of the earliest cast-iron structures of its kind. Previously a toll bridge, you used to have to pay half a penny to cross when it first opened in 1816.

Take part in the famous Guinness Storehouse Expereince

Of course, this one had to be saved until last, The Guinness Storehouse experience is one of Dublin’s most iconic tourist attractions.

Go on the self-guided tour around the Guinness Storehouse, discover it’s history, how it’s made, and learn how to pour a pint of Guinness the proper way!

My favourite part of the Guinness Storehouse experience has to be the taste testing, where you get to not only taste test some Guinness, but also head to the aroma room and smell the Roasted barley, Malted barley, Hops, and Beer esters.

The Guinness Advertising Museum was also amazing, step back in time and take a look at the timeline of Guinness advertising – experience some of their famous interactive displays such as the singing Oyster, or the ‘Fish on a Bicycle’!

For a small additional, fee you can also print a selfie of you or your travel group on the head of your Guinness (this one was super unique!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a visit to The Gravity Bar. Your admission ticket entitles you to a free Guinness or soft drink. What better way to celebrate your trip to Dublin than with a pint of Guinness with a view way above the rooftops of Dublin?

Purchase your tickets for the Guinness Storehouse Experience in advance online to get the best price.

Don’t forget to join the guided taste testing!

Grab your free Guinness at the Gravity Bar!

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Duomo Milan Tickets and Prices: Everything you need to know about visiting The Duomo in Milan

Your ultimate guide to visiting Duomo – Everything you need to know about Duomo Milan

You will most likely fail to miss The Duomo when visiting Milan, with it being the most popular tourist spot in the city. The Duomo in Milan is famous for its gothic-style architecture, it is believed that there are more statues on this cathedral than any other building in the world!

Duomo is a must-do when in Milan. But there’s so much more to Duomo than just standing outside it and snapping a few pictures. You can go inside, and even on the rooftop! If you leave Milan without visiting the rooftop of Duomo, then you’re missing out on arguably the best thing to do there.

From the terrace you will see the breath-taking views across Milan, as well as getting a glimpse of the famous Madonnina Statue up-close, which is a prominent gold-coloured statue of Mary that stands on the cathedral’s highest spire.

So, what do you need to know about visiting Duomo in order to make sure you get to experience everything it has to offer? This guide covers Duomo ticket prices, opening times, what to wear and anything else you might need to know!

Things you need to know about visiting Duomo Milan

Visiting the Terrace

The Duomo consists of 3 levels, the lower terrace, the mid terrace, and the rooftop. You can get to the first terrace by either climbing the stairs or getting the lift. Getting the lift will set you back an extra €5, however the lift will only bring you to the first terrace, from there you will need to climb a short staircase to reach the mid terrace and rooftop.

How many stairs are in Duomo Milan?

You can either choose to go up in the lift or climb the stairs when visiting the terrace roof of Duomo, there are about 250 stairs to climb up when visiting if you don’t want to get the lift.

If you get the lift, you will still need to climb up stairs to get to the next levels of the Duomo rooftop as well as climbing back down approximately 250 step staircase when you go to leave.

Wheelchair Access at Duomo

Wheelchairs will be allowed access only up to the first terrace (only up to the area behind the choir). Unfortunately as you have to climb stairs to get to the second terrace and rooftop, there is no wheelchair access here.

However it’s definitely still worth visiting the first terrace! This is actually the area I spent the most time on and the views are just as good as anywhere else! Wheelchair access is available daily, from 10.00am to 5.00pm, only using the Southern Elevator.

Inside Duomo Milan

When you decide to make your way back down after visiting the rooftop of Duomo, you will find yourself inside the cathedral.

You’ll enter a small section of the cathedral that is cordoned off specifically for people exiting Duomo’s terrace, you will be prompted to make a swift exit unless you have a ticket to see inside of the cathedral – at which point you can show your ticket by the exit and they security will let you inside the main part of the cathedral.

In my opinion, if you’re paying to visit the terrace then it’s also worth visiting the inside of the cathedral. I’m not a particularly religious person but I was still blown away by the beauty of the cathedral. My favourite part was getting to see the stain glass windows up close where you could see the stories in each individual panel.

We didn’t spend as long inside the cathedral as we did on the terrace, but it was definitely a worthwhile visit, and I would’ve regretted not being able to see it.

What Time is best to visit Duomo Milan?

Duomo rooftop is open from 9am until 7 pm, every day with the last admission being at 6:10 pm. If you want to avoid the crowds, then it’s best to go early. However going when the sun begins to set makes the view from the top of Duomo even more stunning.

Duomo cathedral and archaeological area close at 6pm though, so keep this in mind if you are planning an early evening visit.

Having gone at about 2:30pm on a Saturday during Easter Weekend in April, I only waited about 30 minutes in the queue but keep in mind timings can change, especially during the peak season of May-June. The queue times will also vary depending on the type of ticket you get, this is why I suggest getting a fast-track ticket if you have a busy itinerary.

Duomo Tickets

Although tickets can be purchased at the ticket kiosks next to Duomo, there are usually long queues. It’s a pain to queue for a ticket to then have to queue to get into Duomo, so book online to avoid unnecessary wait times.

There are several different ticket choices that vary in price depending on what you want to do, which you can find on Get Your Guide*.

There’s a variety of ticket options, some allow entrance in the cathedral but not on the terrace, some allow you entry to the terrace via stairs or a lift but not into the cathedral, and some tickets offer guided tours.

Personally, I would recommend ‘Milan Cathedral & Terraces by Elevator Fast-Track Options’, which provides you with a fast-track ticket to enter the terrace via elevator, followed by entrance into the cathedral, as well as access to the archaeological area.

If you are wishing to pray or attend mass, then it is free to enter the Duomo and you will not need to purchase a ticket. However this is only valid for entrance into the cathedral, if you wish to visit the terrace then you will still need to purchase a ticket.

Milan: Cathedral and Duomo's Terraces Entrance Ticket

Milan: Milan Cathedral Direct Entrance - Terrace Excluded

Milan: Cathedral & Terraces Private Tour with Fast Track Line

Milan Cathedral: Duomo Terraces Ticket (No Church Access)

Milan: Cathedral, Archeological Area and Museum Ticket

Milan: Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour

Is there a Dress Code for Duomo Milan?

There is a modest dress code is required at Duomo. You must have your shoulders, thighs and midriff covered – please be respectful of the rules, this is extra important in places of faith and worship! You don’t want to be that person that disrespects the culture.

It was pretty warm while I was visiting Milan, although I was walking round in a top with my shoulders exposed during the day, I bought a shirt with me that I could slide on over the top and button up when I entered Duomo.

It’s worth checking the list of excluded clothing items for Duomo, the following things are prohibited:

High-heeled shoes
Shorts
Short skits
Sleeveless shirts
Costumes
See-through clothing
Non-folding strollers
Weapons

How long does it take to visit the Duomo in Milan?

The speed at which you chose to visit Duomo is entirely up to you, whether you want to keep walking just to get straight to the top of the terrace or take some time at each level to admire the view and maybe snap a few pictures.

Keep in mind that there are lines for security checks, as well as queues to climb Duomo regardless of whether you climb the stairs or get the lift. Queues might vary depending on when you go, we waited about 30 minutes in the fast-track queue to get the lift up to the terrace.

Including security checks, we spent about 2.5 hours at The Duomo, which doesn’t include the amount of time we spent standing outside it, snapping pics and admiring its beauty earlier on in the day. This is Milan’s most famous tourist spot, so you’re going to want to dedicate a decent amount of your time to The Duomo during your stay in Milan.

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Day trips from Milan: The four best places to visit for day trips from Milan

The best day trips from Milan

Find yourself with extended time when visiting Milan and not sure what to do? Lucky for you Milan is the perfect place to base while still being able to reach so many incredible places for day trips.

Lake Como

Lake Como is the perfect break to get out of a busy city. Lake Como consists of many towns and villages surrounding all sides of the lake, as well as the city of Como.

There’s so much to do in Lake Como that you won’t be able to go everywhere in a day, but you will still have plenty to see and experience.

There are two ways you can get to Lake Como by train from Milan and the route you chose will dictate your schedule for the day.

Option 1: Get the train from Milan Centrale to Varenna, Lake Como. From here you can take the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio, explore Bellagio, and then make your way over to Varenna and explore Varenna before making your way back to the train station. If you find yourself with extra time, the town of Menaggio is also convenient to visit along with Bellagio and Varenna – but this might make you rushed for time in each town.

Option 2: Get the train from Milan Centrale to Como Camerlata Station.

From here you can either do a quick change to Como Lago Station to reach the lake side, or get off at Como Camerlata and walk towards the lakeside. It’s about an hour walk, but gives you chance to see plenty of Como along the way. Explore Como and the areas by the lakeside, if you feel that you have enough time then you can venture out to other villages and towns surrounding Lake Como. However, the ferry from Como can take 1-3 hours to reach many of the other smaller towns and villages surrounding the lake.

Personally, I would recommend option 1 if you’re only going for a day trip to Lake Como. The train from Milan Centrale to Varenna takes approximately 54 minutes. You will likely be hanging round in a ferry queue in order to board the boat to Bellagio/ Menaggio for a little while so it’s best to leave early.

I would recommend getting the 8:20am train from Milan Centrale to Varenna, but you should still have time to see plenty in Bellagio and Varenna if you get the 9:20am train. Keep in mind if set off a bit later the trains and ferry queues will be busier.

Ferries run until 10pm so make sure you check times in advance. Both train and ferry schedules are subject to change and sometimes run less frequently on a Sunday or during Italian public holidays. Check train timetables and purchase tickets in advance on Trainline. Check ferry timetables and purchase tickets in advance on Navigazione.

Lake Lugano, Switzerland

Fancy ticking another country off your list during your trip to Italy? Lake Lugano in Switzerland is the perfect choice for you!

Board the train at Milan Centrale station and arrive at Lugano station after enjoying the scenic views as the train passes through Lake Como, dropping you in the centre of the Swiss city of Lugano. From the station getting to Lugano Lake is quick and easy, it’s only a short walk away.

The route is only slightly longer than the route to Lake Como, with the train journey taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Lugano.

Lake Lugano tends to be a lot quieter than Lake Como, so can be a great option for you if you want to avoid the crowds but still soak in the beautiful views and enjoy your day by the lakeside.

With great hiking trials, beautiful views across the lake into Switzerland, and the city of Lugano to explore, Lake Lugano makes the perfect day trip from Milan.

Verona

Want your glimpse of one of the most famous Shakespearean novels? Then Verona is the day trip destination for you, famously known as the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, this city has plenty to offer for your day trip from Milan.

To get here, you want to board the train at Milan Centrale, which will take you to your destination of Verona Porta Nuova in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes – perfectly accessible for a day trip!

From here you can enjoy your day exploring the streets, many of Verona’s attractions are close together which gives you the perfect chance to see so much of the city in just one day. Visit Juliet’s House, check out Arena di Verona (Verona Arena), admire the architecture of Verona Cathedral and grab a bite to eat at Piazza Bra.

Lake Garda

Another scenic lake destination to step out of the busy city for the day, Lake Garda offers the perfect opportunity for a day trip from Milan.

Lake Garda is the perfect option if you want an active day of sailing, windsurfing, hiking and swimming. Lake Garda is also known for the large number of amusement parks and waterparks!

There’s several options when it comes to getting from Milan to Lake Garda via train. A direct train from Milan to Peschiera del Garda takes 57 minutes and operates between 06:15 and 23:30. You can also get the direct service from Milan to Desenzano del Garda, which takes anywhere between 51 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes. Check train timetables and book in advance on Trainline.

Which are you adding to your list?

So here are four great places perfect for a day trip from Milan! If your trip to Milan is three days or more then you should definitely have time to do at least one of these day trips! Let me know which one you’re thinking of for your next visit, or if you’ve been to any of these places before!

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