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The Detour

Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. Its name will likely conjure up images of uniquely gothic architecture, ferocious football matches, and sun-soaked sandy beaches.
While it&rsquo;s one of the most visited destinations in Europe, you can&rsquo;t ignore that it&rsquo;s also beginning to appear more frequently in headlines due to the impact of tourism.&nbsp;
Over the years, many of our JFC team have visited Barcelona, and a few have even called it home, so we&rsquo;re in a good place to tell you what&rsquo;s what in the city. While we&rsquo;ll be sharing our own tips along with those from other members who have visited, our aim is to provide you with unbiased information to help you make decisions about your own visit. 
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXft0qZkbLGcrC15ev0zP0lvqWh2Nyw0DkpTmiyo4OY5D74j6kpXrkV7Gnh8YtpF4dReNAr_1y8V3fMbfha_5wbwT8qS8Cko5p1FUkM4UVubyJMoSA4Wm7XFLY71pw30vQSdDDl28A?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="383" height="383" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
A quick note on the links in this guide:&nbsp;we&rsquo;re not affiliated with any external sites we&rsquo;ve chosen to include, so we&rsquo;re not getting any freebies or commission. We&rsquo;ve only included resources we think will genuinely be useful to help you make a decision on whether this destination is for you. 
<div style="background: #f9f9f9 none repeat scroll 0 0; border: 1px solid #aaa; display: table; font-size: 95%; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 20px; width: auto;">
Quick Reference
<ul>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_91728132448191746012977970">Pre-trip preparation</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_69043587276271746014344740">Cash and currency</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_40104367382501746014602254">Barcelona by season</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_18931801887541746014710373">Getting around Barcelona</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_74168563490791746014762544">Internet and cell service in Barcelona</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_75080099893511746014805881">Travel style</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_26392595142371746019307363">Area Guides</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_70297290447181746019584290">Markets in Barcelona</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_89286655052771746023733338">Recommended links</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_13715699555981746023771632">Barcelona food</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_63417743858831746023832209">Festivals and events in Barcelona</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_18322787361731746023870310">Gaud&iacute; buildings in Barcelona</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_96763719164391746023915429">Parks in Barcelona</a></li>
<li style="list-style: outside none none !important;"><a href="jfcs-guide-to-barcelona#h_49319333067281746023984952">Barcelona day trips</a></li>
</ul>
</div>

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_91728132448191746012977970">Pre-trip preparation</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Visas</h3>
Due to being in the Schengen zone, visas here are fairly simple for most travelers:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">If you&rsquo;re travelling on an EU, or Swiss passport, you won&rsquo;t need a visa at all.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">If you&rsquo;re travelling on a UK, US or Canadian passport, you can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period at the time of writing. E-visas will soon be introduced for travelers from these regions (the planned start date is mid-2025), you&rsquo;ll find more info about this on the ETIAS website <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en">here</a>.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">For travelers with any other passports, you can find some more in depth information <a href="https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en#who-needs-to-apply-for-a-schengen-visa">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Vaccines and Medication</h3>
Disclaimer: We aren't medical experts, so always check which medications and vaccines are recommended by your local healthcare service before travelling. Here are a few links to get you started:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">UK: <a href="https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations">NHS Fit for Travel</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">EU: <a href="https://consular-protection.ec.europa.eu/travel-advice_en">Travel Advice for EU citizens</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">USA: <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list">CDC Travelers' Health</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Canada: <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories">Canada.ca Travel Advice</a></li>
</ul>
Most travelers are unlikely to need any vaccinations before heading to Barcelona, but you may want to pack some more general items such as anti-histamines, painkillers etc. just in case they&rsquo;re needed during your trip.

<h3 dir="ltr">Other Essentials&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sunscreen &mdash;&nbsp;In peak summer, you&rsquo;ll experience around <a href="https://thespiritedexplorer.com/summer-in-barcelona-survival-guide/#:~:text=Sun%20protection%20is%20key.">10+ hrs of sunshine per day,</a> with high-level UV rays to match, so you&rsquo;ll need some SPF 50+ to avoid any nasty burns.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mosquito repellent &mdash; A high-level DEET repellent (at least 50%)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Any higher % DEET typically only increases how long it&rsquo;ll be effective for, rather than offering &lsquo;better&rsquo; protection from biting insects. Applying a 50% DEET should last you 10&ndash;12 hours.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">FYI, when you wear sunscreen and DEET repellent together, it can limit the sun protection of your sunscreen, so give it 30 minutes after you&rsquo;ve applied your sunscreen (or until it&rsquo;s fully absorbed) before spraying your repellent.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Clothing&nbsp;</h3>
Barcelona is generally a very relaxed city, where you can dress how you would at home. As with many historical European cities, roads can be steep, uneven, and cobblestoned in places, so you&rsquo;ll need a sturdy pair of shoes. A cross-body bag or waist bag will also be useful for storing metro passes and phones, while discouraging pickpockets. A wrist strap for your phone will also be useful if you need to use your mobile on the go.
On the beach, people wear swimsuits, bikinis, go topless and occasionally ditch clothes altogether. But before you decide to bathe in your birthday suit, make sure to<a href="https://www.foreverbarcelona.com/best-barcelona-city-beaches-area-guide/"> research the beach you're on</a>, as not all are nudist-friendly.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdEpQrdRBeD91zs8pLVIsjt-PRLCyAF1RYjYaaw0DnmCltqs3R5iRuqgG2BCtVeMGSlFVJmdD0vuL8T-3Oszh_X7hACuPyvLl9O9zfW-HNX-h_8KYvhF9teHWwo1Rbko8eTAOCXuA?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="387" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_69043587276271746014344740">Cash and currency</h2>
Local currency: The euro (&euro;)
The majority of bars, caf&eacute;s, restaurants, and shops will all accept both card and cash payments. To avoid the eyes of pickpockets, we&rsquo;d recommend only bringing a limited amount of cash for small purchases and tips, and paying by card for everything else.

<h3 dir="ltr">ATMs</h3>
Although you&rsquo;ll find plenty of ATMs throughout the city, they mostly add pricey fees on top of your withdrawal (a classic trick throughout Europe!). If you need to withdraw cash, try finding an ATM outside the main touristy areas, or ask your hotel for their recommendation. Any Santander customer with an account from any country will be able to get free withdrawals at a Santander ATM. You can read more information on withdrawal fees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monito.com/en/wiki/atms-in-spain#atm-fees">in this ATM guide</a>.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Tipping</h3>
Tipping in Barcelona is not expected, but it would be appreciated if you experience good service and feel inclined to do so. 10% is an appropriate amount, but check your receipt first to see if a service charge has already been included in the final bill, and you don&rsquo;t have a nasty surprise. You can read a more thorough guide to tipping culture in Spain&nbsp;<a href="https://thespaintravelguru.com/do-you-tip-in-spain/">here</a>.

<h2 id="h_40104367382501746014602254">Seasonality</h2>

Barcelona's seasons are what you'd expect from any Mediterranean city &mdash; hot summers, mild-to-cool winters, and it&rsquo;s very rare to need to worry about anything extreme.
Barcelona is popular with tourists year-round, with peak summer (unsurprisingly) being the busiest time. Here&rsquo;s what you can expect from each season to help you make your plans:
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Winter (December-February)</h3>
Winters there are fairly mild, with temperatures averaging around 8&ordm;&ndash;15&ordm; degrees. Snow is very rare, so no need to pack for the white stuff.&nbsp;
There are fewer crowds roaming the streets, and you&rsquo;ll find accommodation and activities quite a bit cheaper than during the summer months. It&rsquo;s also a great time to go see the popular sites because they&rsquo;re not too busy.&nbsp;
But the true highlights of visiting in winter are the festive atmosphere of the <a href="https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/events/christmas/barcelona-christmas-markets.html">Christmas markets</a> in December and the <a href="https://irbarcelona.org/christmas-barcelona/three-kings-day/">Three Kings Parade</a> in January.&nbsp;
And best of all, the food! The city&rsquo;s favorite festive treat, homemade turr&oacute;n, will have hit the shelves (<a href="https://barcelona-top-travel-tips.com/handmade-turron/">here</a>&rsquo;s where you&rsquo;ll find some of the best), and grabbing a warming bowl of <a href="https://www.catalego.net/post/escudella-nadal">escudella i carn d&rsquo;olla</a> (aka, a festive dish of meats and vegetables in a yummy broth) is hard to beat if you ask us.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Spring (March-May)</h3>
At this time of year, it&rsquo;s a little warmer and the flowers are blooming all over the city, so it&rsquo;s a great time to go wandering through the parks and gardens. And towards the end of May, it&rsquo;ll be time to hit the beaches again, ahead of the summer crowds.
You&rsquo;ll also catch some great festivals that happen during these months, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/events/easter/easter-weekend-barcelona.html">annual Easter festivities</a>, and Sant Jordi Day, where the streets are filled with stalls selling books and red roses. It&rsquo;s their version of Valentine&rsquo;s Day!
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeXCx_FaG_xcB2Q-HieA-57Jkgr5qDln1AgvYOMlG1ELYWJClGO8VsgsH3QaVj3wF0J1rfIAoJgvVW73ElKY5trOARLLaAsv-kAwgILoRzXECsqtcSi2WGYa-apb0LR1w_wWrGC-g?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Summer (June-August)</h3>
The hot summer sun comes out, and so do the crowds!
Temperatures can reach upwards of 35℃/85℉ at the height of summer. Luckily, lots of accommodation in the city has air conditioning, but when you&rsquo;re out and about, it&rsquo;s worth carrying a hand fan and stopping off for some icy gelato to cool you down&mdash;we&rsquo;ve heard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g187497-d2703063-r963496904-Farggi-Barcelona_Catalonia.html">Farggi</a> sells some of the best!
As you&rsquo;d expect, this is also an ideal time to take a day trip to one of the smaller cities and towns nearby, which won&rsquo;t have nearly as many tourists visiting at this time compared to Barcelona. You&rsquo;ll find our suggestions below in the &lsquo;Day Trips&rsquo; section.
For some more in depth info, have a look through&nbsp;<a href="https://thespiritedexplorer.com/summer-in-barcelona-survival-guide/">this summer in Barcelona survival guide</a>&mdash;don&rsquo;t worry, it&rsquo;s not as dramatic as it sounds!
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Autumn (September-November)</h3>
The weather is much more comfortable at this time of year, without the summer heat or winter chill.
This is a great time to try nearby hiking routes, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/hiking-montserrat">village of Monserrat</a>, which is surrounded by mountains. Best of all, most of the crowds will have left by October, so you may even have the trails to yourself.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeCQCYysV5Ej2HhS3gsO90Yn1qK1XxwKl_e7hGGr0iXDnFb5jBiaYssLCfusVA5oHx9tD8ZseuPGDF6zSixC8u6pyIOcTNRy0MRe9u56MzxoYEq93u8AJnwGW7jrthgVdXd9IFZzA?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

You&rsquo;ll also see the city&rsquo;s parks and streets taken over by fiery red and orange leaves, and there are lots of places nearby where you can go and see the beautiful colors&mdash;find some of the best spots <a href="https://unexpectedcatalonia.com/autumn-colours-near-barcelona/">here</a>.
And if you&rsquo;re still craving some sea and sand, you&rsquo;ll still be able to squeeze in a few more beach days before the winter truly sets in.
Note: If you&rsquo;d like some more in depth month-by-month info, have a look through <a href="https://www.bcn.travel/barcelona-weather-by-month/">this guide</a> to the city&rsquo;s weather.

<h2 id="h_18931801887541746014710373">Transportation</h2>

<h3>How to get to Barcelona</h3>
You can get to Barcelona by air, sea, train, or car.
&nbsp;
By air
Barcelona&rsquo;s airport (BCN) has over 200 non-stop routes from cities across the world. Here are the JFC stats for cheap flights to Barcelona we&rsquo;ve seen from Europe, UK, the USA and Canada.
From Europe:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price: &euro;60 rtn</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 12+</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: &euro;26 rtn</li>
</ul>
From the UK:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price: &pound;50 rtn</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 12+</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: &pound;26 rtn</li>
</ul>
From the USA:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price: $350 RT</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 10</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: $207 RT</li>
</ul>
From Canada:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price: $710 RT</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 10</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: $548 RT </li>
</ul>

Pro tip: Look out for flights with Iberia from the USA and Ryanair from the UK/Europe, as these airlines offer some of the cheapest fares.

By sea
Barcelona has a major cruise ship port, which docks ships from the UK, Europe, and the USA. There are 7 terminals at the port, and the closest one to La Rambla is a 15-minute walk away. If you arrive at one of the far-away terminals, you can catch the blue cruise shuttle bus for around &euro;3 one way. This will drop you off at the World Trade Centre, which is also a 15-minute walk from La Rambla.
From there, you can easily access the rest of the city with nearby bus stops and the Drassanes metro station.
&nbsp;
By train&nbsp;
High-speed double-decker trains link Paris Gare de Lyon station and Barcelona Sants station&nbsp; multiple times a day and take around 6.5 hours. If you book tickets in advance, they can be as low as &euro;45. Be careful, though, as last-minute tickets can be priced over &euro;100.
Multiple train companies offer direct routes from Madrid to Barcelona throughout the day. On a high-speed service like Ouigo or Iryo, the journey can take as little as 2 hours 30 minutes.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdfuowD91df--GK2imZxhjXMmN4Rwun4CP85ydNd1hvyS2ZsKQhI7Ce3rhZspfSOoyiazRT7vrtUFaXiHx4MmbFP0ho10cEwCsgOsMPA-2QoswzKGU1FT7wQuNxbCuVLF0L4ZgZ?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="387" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Transportation</h3>

From the airport
The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is to jump on the Aerobus. The bus stop outside both terminals is clearly signposted, and you can<a href="https://aerobusbarcelona.es/where-can-i-buy-the-aerobus-ticket/?lang=en"> buy tickets from the driver or online in advance</a>. They&rsquo;ll set you back &euro;7.20 for a single trip or &euro;12.50 for a return, and you can pay by either cash or card. It takes around 30 minutes and stops at 3 places: Plaza de Espanya, Gran Via-Urgell, Plaza de la Universitat. 
The cheapest option to get into the city is to take the metro, which also takes around 30-minutes and costs &euro;5.50. But there isn&rsquo;t a direct line downtown, so you&rsquo;ll need to change at either Torrassa or Collblanc, depending on where you want to go.
You can also catch a yellow taxi to the city center from the taxi rank outside the Arrivals area at both terminals. The price should be around &euro;40.
&nbsp;
Travel cards
There are 2 main travel card options for tourists: the T-Casual card and the HolaBCN card. The T-Casual card is a set price for 10 journeys and can be used on the city metro and buses, but you can&rsquo;t use it to reach the airport. The Hola BCN card is pricier but can be used for an unlimited number of journeys on the metro, buses and to reach the airport. You can<a href="https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/faq/barcelona-card/barcelona-card-vs-t-casual-ticket.html"> read more about both cards here</a>.

Metro
Barcelona has a clean, safe and punctual metro service with 11 lines and plenty of stations across the city. It typically runs between 05:00 AM - midnight, although these hours are extended during peak times such as national holidays. You can find ticket machines at all station entrances, and they accept both cash and card payments. The metro stations are easy to navigate, with many signs displaying the stops along each line. You can also use Google Maps to figure out the quickest route between stations.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdgzHT6W82FJeO7qSbzKQNB4IX7VivTZb7JEWibki9URwOsWcv2UVv6eWFxkhSRrttfa-QmBjVqUkTlH5xCFSdadMrNCvRsD8ZyoEwLvMNVk_REPvL33al-Ww9DMlc_lsLMkZoKSA?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="388" height="388">

Taxis &amp; ride-sharing apps
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are available in Barcelona, but their service is limited.
Licensed taxis are usually the easiest and safest option. You can easily recognize a licensed taxi by:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The yellow and black exterior&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Taxi sign on top of the car</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Identity card of the taxi driver in the front window</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Taxi meter on the dashboard</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Bikes
Cycling is a great way to move around the city, especially during the summer when the metro gets busy and stuffy. There&rsquo;s over 200 kilometres of clearly marked cycle lanes across Barcelona. Most of the paths are fairly flat and easily rideable, although there are steeper areas like Montjuic, in case you are looking for a trickier terrain.
You may notice rows of red bikes dotted around the city, branded with the word &lsquo;Bicing&rsquo;. Sadly, these aren&rsquo;t available to tourists because you need a proof of residency to unlock them. There are, however, plenty of rental shops, like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelonarentabike.com/en/">Barcelona Rent A Bike</a>, which also offers cycle tours of the city.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdcDqs7F4_6hhOTruHViosHvQWTTHHOqmDEFWlTb7E_RjPF3-Krn7bTsE4x_uFhlZQlIAPp1pPIoeNxHW6S2pxAZA_GITFZE4ySjsP8OqzySCURNSQgh_-MkUUVeK2-SApWU3M?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_74168563490791746014762544">Internet and Cell Service</h2>
Wi-Fi and cell service are reliable and fast across Barcelona, including when you&rsquo;re riding most metro lines.
<h3 dir="ltr">Cell service and mobile data</h3>
The main cell service providers are Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. You should be able to get a 4G/5G connection everywhere in the city.
If your phone doesn't support an <a href="https://www.mappingmegan.com/international-esim-card-vs-traditional-sim-cards-for-tourists-comparison/">eSIM</a>, you can buy a physical SIM card from Barcelona airport, supermarkets, electronic/mobile stores and tourist information centers. Orange offers one of the cheapest cards with the most amount of data. Buying one at the airport will likely cost you the most, so if you are able, try to buy one once you are in the city.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Wi-Fi</h3>
Free Wi-Fi is available in several places across the city, such as:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Barcelona Airport</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Public parks</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Libraries</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Shopping malls</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Tourist information centers</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Remote working from Spain</h3>
Barcelona is a very popular city for remote working and digital nomads. You can expect to reach internet speeds of 80-100mb download/13-16mb upload.
You can find <a href="https://thespaces.com/best-barcelona-coworking-spaces/">many stylish co-working spaces</a> dotted around the city, offering everything from hourly passes to monthly memberships. Most caf&eacute;s are also happy to let you work on your laptop for a while, as long as you buy something to eat and drink every so often. It&rsquo;s worth asking at the counter to make sure before you set yourself up.&nbsp;

<h2 id="h_75080099893511746014805881">Travel style</h2>

Barcelona is a safe and easy city to visit, as long as you&rsquo;re mindful of pickpockets and scammers. Its unusual stand-out architecture, engaging museums, city beaches and (usually) pleasant weather, help the city appeal to most people.
In particular, solo travelers will appreciate the easy-to-navigate public transport system, the budget-friendly accommodation options and the&nbsp;<a href="https://freewalkingtoursbarcelona.com/">many social activities you can join</a>, such as walking tours or cooking classes.
It&rsquo;s also relatively easy to keep children entertained with heaps of <a href="https://runnerbeantours.com/barcelona-with-kids-the-complete-guide/#:~:text=Is%20Barcelona%20child%2Dfriendly%3F,get%20grumpy%2C%20tired%20and%20rebel.">child-friendly attractions</a> and exciting family-friendly festivals.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfyAPVfFRau72QcVDpFb50PFhsXoPNsjz0ZZuAC917OGOgI9fOm0FJIuP1HWw4F0c7rVkYcMc4YgcqrSJuJbUmtBHB9H-P4dWMegaaKAz9LhAclPIN97qENArmuIT3-fFM6HNqE0A?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="387" height="387">

<h3 dir="ltr">Getting by</h3>

Barcelona is a very tourist-oriented city, so there are a lot of signs in English pointing visitors in the direction of popular attractions.&nbsp;
Flight Finder Lauren says:
&ldquo;Many locals also speak English and are usually very friendly, so don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask for directions &mdash; I certainly did in my first month here, and everyone I spoke to was very patient and willing to help."
Locals would likely appreciate you learning some keywords in their language, but we should emphasize that Catalan is often preferred over Spanish:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Hello: hola (oh-la)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Goodbye: adeu (ah-dyo)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Good morning: bon die (bon dee-yah)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Please: si us plau (si oos plow), per favor (per fah-vor)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Thank you: merci (mer-si)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">I&rsquo;m sorry: perdo (per-doh)</li>
</ul>
Occasionally, marches have been held in the city center protesting for stricter tourist regulations. Opinions on over-tourism in the city are varied, with a portion seeing the growing number of tourists as a negative. Despite this, many locals still appreciate visitors, so as long as you are respectful, you should not face problems during your stay.
 Travel tip: Shopping local is always the best way to go, rather than putting more money into the big chains. If you look close enough, you&rsquo;ll notice that some of the oldest independent businesses in Barcelona are marked with a commemorative floor plaque outside the shopfront. It makes for a fun treasure hunt to spot them while walking the streets, plus you get the chance to buy some unique souvenirs while supporting local businesses, it&rsquo;s a win-win. One of our favourites has to be <a href="https://www.google.com/maps?q=Cereria+Subir%C3%A0">this stunning candle shop</a> that was founded in 1761!
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXemJyXBlxc5BKGAu_d0LKVfuXXKOIwYB2ka94GluNMOZAEty_2NuSZf0QXQWuRo5UR-Vgl7MX2lAs9ABi10euNxqTe7jWj9u3l1i6KPCH8fqN6ZxdEIFOLprNCHLpjrJ0uN2vpw6w?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="388" height="388" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Pickpockets and common scams</h3>

You&rsquo;ll probably have heard that Barcelona is one of the worst cities in the world for pickpocketing. And there is some truth to it, since it&rsquo;s the most common crime that tourists will experience. But if you keep your wits about you, you can avoid becoming a target. Firstly, keep all valuables out of sight, with your phone/wallet in a secure bag that you can close, and do not leave that bag unattended. If you're wearing a backpack/cross body/shoulder bag, it will be safer to wear it on your front in crowded places such as the metro.&nbsp; 
Alongside solo pickpocketers, criminals often work in organized groups that will use distraction techniques to try to steal from you. This might look like:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A person asking for the time&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A confused &lsquo;tourist&rsquo; asking for directions</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A salesman trying to sell you a tour</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A student doing a survey&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Essentially, be mindful of strangers trying to talk to you on the street. If you do talk to someone, keep your hands on your bag.&nbsp;
The most common areas for pickpocketing are popular tourist spots, like along La Rambla and outside La Sagrada Fam&iacute;lia.
&nbsp;In these areas, you may also notice people dressed up as clowns or mimes. They will regularly attempt to stand in the background of your photos and then persistently ask you for a tip, so try to avoid them if possible. If they begin to hassle you, just say a firm &lsquo;no&rsquo; and walk away.
You may also come across fake tour operators attempting to sell you tickets to popular attractions like Park G&uuml;ell or Sagrada Fam&iacute;lia. Both of these places have a limited number of entries per day and often sell out weeks in advance, so you won&rsquo;t be able to buy valid tickets on the street the day of your visit. Instead, make sure you buy tickets from the official websites early to avoid disappointment.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">LGBTQ+&nbsp;</h3>
Barcelona is a safe and inclusive city for members of the LGBTQ+ community to visit. Public attitudes are more supportive, and you can find many <a href="https://www.queereurope.com/gay-guide-to-barcelona/">LGBTQ bars throughout the city</a> (particularly in the Eixample district, like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/candydarlingbar/?hl=en">Candy Darling</a> pictured below), along with pride parades during the summer. You&rsquo;ll also find a <a href="https://www.barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome/en/activites/discover-barcelona-lgtbi-centre-0">LGBTQI+ centre</a> located in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, which you can visit for support, recommendations and social events.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdFX8_94_8p7NAhL_19laaTZpWWsa58gf4TJR-a3DMzmo7hTPBYPql7Il3Vi3WpMDupDaswEXRfJY-tcXgeut9PYszZxt3swxOns1RCBOrkpR4JBPCRb4m6eOkqyIPgYUZEKI9a?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="387" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Female Solo Travelers</h3>

Thanks to its well-lit, walkable streets, low rate of violent crime, and reliable public transport system, Barcelona is a popular choice for solo female visitors.&nbsp;
In terms of accommodation, we&rsquo;d avoid built-up neighborhoods with narrow alleys, like El Ravel or Born, and instead choose more open areas like Eixample or Gracia. For more advice on visiting the city as a solo female traveler, <a href="https://barcelonauncovered.com/is-barcelona-safe-for-solo-female-travelers/">have a read of this guide</a>. 
Travel tip: <a href="https://almas-libres.org/">A</a><a href="https://almas-libres.org/">lmas Libres</a> is a female-run organization that facilitates events and sporting activities for women in Barcelona. They run various meet-ups every week, which you can join as a one off to learn a new skill and meet other women.

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_26392595142371746019307363">Area Guide</h2>

Barcelona is split up into several districts and neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm, distinct architecture and tasty tapas restaurants. Below, we&rsquo;ve listed our favorite neighborhoods to give you a better idea of where to stay that&rsquo;ll suit you best.

<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://thetravelhack.com/europe/spain/locals-guide-barcelonas-gothic-quarter/">Gothic Quarter</a></h3>
This neighborhood is the oldest, yet still very much beating heart of Barcelona. Every corner you turn through the maze-like cobbled streets, you&rsquo;ll find charming courtyards, quaint churches and medieval architecture.&nbsp;
Your prize for successfully navigating the winding labyrinth is the grand Cathedral de Barcelona, tucked away in the very center. Its cool cloisters provide much-needed relief on hot summer days, but you&rsquo;ll need to <a href="https://tickets.catedralbcn.org/en">book entry tickets</a> in advance. Just steps from the Cathedral, down another unassuming street, you&rsquo;ll come across &lsquo;The World Begins With Every Kiss&rdquo; mural made up of tiny personal photos, pictured below.
Along with being within walking distance of many tourist attractions, the Gothic Quarter is also home to 2 metro stations (Liceu on the green line and Jaume I on the yellow line) giving you easy access to the rest of the city.
Given its central location with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and accommodation options, it&rsquo;s a popular pick for visitors. Hotels do sway on the pricier side here compared to other areas in the city, so if you want to stay in the midst of the action, we&rsquo;d advise booking ASAP to get the best price. And be prepared to share the narrow streets with a lot of other visitors during peak seasons.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXefExiFbWdOEvcKlOlnTGn5r2E9fgcpwE6tT_Cc9zx44rTxYbfJd-LrZ4DIFpUS6YtAOarZuvHTzLjcKxKfxnism-PBHSo_kXn1r5a4mgVCCVrDgMyNYOodATkVKBuvbeMQnfGxGA?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="319" height="422" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://barcelonahacks.com/las-ramblas-barcelona/">La Rambla</a></h3>
Although it&rsquo;s not a neighborhood, we&rsquo;ll highlight this iconic street here, since it borders the above-mentioned Gothic Quarter and El-Ravel (see below).
Arguably the most famous walkway in the city, the tree-lined pedestrian-only boulevard runs 1.2 km from Pla&ccedil;a de Cantalunya all the way to the Christopher Columbus Monument near the waterfront.
Walk from end to end, you&rsquo;ll come across restaurants, big-name hotels, kiosks, artists and street performers&mdash;the quality of which are debatable. Some see the street as one long tourist trap, but for others it&rsquo;s an energetic epicenter of people watching.
Besides the potential for pickpockets, it is actually a safe place to wander around during the daytime. Just be careful at night, when the atmosphere can become a little more unpredictable as the tourist crowds thin out, and the party-goers come out to play.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.tatacheers.com/travel/el-raval/">El Ravel</a></h3>
Walk from the Gothic Quarter directly across La Rambla, and you&rsquo;ll enter the Ravel. If you&rsquo;ve ever seen a photo of long narrow Barcelona streets with high buildings and cute traditional flower-filled balconies, there&rsquo;s a good chance it was taken here. Known for its it&rsquo;international communities and surprisingly cheap accommodation for it&rsquo;s central location, it&rsquo;s a popular choice for budget backpackers.
By day, pay a visit to MACBA&mdash;a modern art museum with an outdoor plaza that&rsquo;s been <a href="https://www.santjordihostels.com/skateboarding-barcelona-a-locals-guide-macba/">adopted by the skateboarding community</a>. Grab a drink from a nearby caf&eacute; and watch on in awe as some of the world&rsquo;s best skateboarders <a href="https://youtu.be/OfRdB9451fE?feature=shared&amp;t=61">fly down human-sized ledges</a> and daunting stairways. As of writing this, the exterior of MACBA is currently undergoing a transformation, so for better or for worse, watch this space.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdEkUNh45QSGX81-xqzIn6pOCVMb6p3Q72OwxOrdJWohP0or7WOHYK86fc3plrLV_Kkkg9pFIbgIJn1tn0F9YDkQAzHLq7dNSSncPjG9boOTY1UNqh0iUOf0NRofXMo5YTkz5Iij0Yp0DVjIMPG6pJ_M72P?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="409" height="340" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

The Ravel is teeming with smaller independent bars, which makes for a memorable night out if you don&rsquo;t feel like clubbing. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigbangbarcelona/?hl=en">Big Bang is a great spot</a> for reasonably priced drinks and has live music most nights.&nbsp;
Pro tip: The narrow streets in El Ravel can make it easier for pickpockets and muggers to target tourists, especially at night. Keep to main, well-lit streets and stay extra vigilant after dark.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://barcelonanavigator.com/barceloneta/">Barceloneta</a></h3>
A short walk from the Columbus statue at the end of La Rambla sits Barceloneta, the closest neighborhood to the beach. Packed full of tasty restaurants (especially seafood!), <a href="https://www.destinationbcn.com/barcelonas-best-chiringuitos/">chiringuitos</a> and <a href="https://www.shadesofsummr.com/honest-w-barcelona-review-is-it-worth-the-money/">iconic hotels</a>, it&rsquo;s a great base if you&rsquo;re planning to spend most of your time by the sea.
You&rsquo;ll find several golden sandy beaches along the seafront, all with plenty of facilities, like caf&eacute;s, toilets, showers, etc. Although they are not technically classed as nudist beaches, it is sometimes practiced at the southern end, towards the W hotel.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdmd0KcyjMRLoisiYbGK5xjPQlonarUN6888AAiWw7ekDgJFpJ2_I2P9KD-LVAMDv-wEN1gZVXa-82VAG01Ub1PnhglEHRV3NsXS39E_8q837ArBfUArFhXClRYYv_xHXJhTXEkVT9wyalnf582WDjYNLV7?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">&nbsp;

Aside from the beach, it&rsquo;s also home to attractions like the Aquarium, Catalunya History Museum, and the Montju&iuml;c cable car (maybe skip the latter if you're scared of heights!).
During the evenings, you may run into a tipsy club-goer from Opium, Pacha, or Shocko, but in general, this is a safe neighborhood.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr"></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.foreverbarcelona.com/neighborhoods-guide-of-eixample-in-barcelona/">Eixample</a></h3>
Probably the most recognizable neighborhood (from an aerial view, that is) is Eixample, thanks to its iconic grid-like streets. It&rsquo;s also home to some of the city&rsquo;s most famous attractions, such as Pla&ccedil;a Catalunya, Passeig de Gr&agrave;cia, La Sagrada Fam&iacute;lia, the Arc de Triomf, Casa Batll&oacute; and Casa Mila.&nbsp;
With so many sights, it&rsquo;s unsurprisingly pretty large, allowing smaller internal districts to form. One of them is Sant Antoni, where Flight Finder Lauren lived for 3 months&hellip;
Lauren: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s one of my favorite areas in the entire city. Picture gorgeous buildings, shady tree-lined avenues and pedestrianized meeting areas at intersections.&rdquo;
Overall, Eixample ticks a lot of boxes. You will find accommodation options to suit most budgets, it&rsquo;s safe, well-connected to the rest of the city, and has a broad mix of touristy and local areas.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.barcelonafoodexperience.com/blog/gracia">Gracia</a></h3>
If you're looking for somewhere central with plenty of amenities, but fewer tourists than Eixample, look just next door to Gracia.
It&rsquo;s full of chilled-out restaurants, art studios, and independent bars. Pla&ccedil;a de Sol is the most popular square, with plenty of caf&eacute;s to grab a coffee and people watch. If you're ever passing through and fancy some reasonably priced tasty tapas, Flight Finder Lauren recommends <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sol+Soler/@41.4015462,2.153769,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x12a4a297c2b16ccd:0x9caad00f5e2811ce!8m2!3d41.4015462!4d2.1563439!16s%2Fg%2F1vg0sr_5?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D">Sol Soler</a>.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfWu_HBFRlnyfXeFy0qPNRSKE-Hi7G2oXjtI5as0_j5JkRosgrbL4T8Z7e_6wHgdSPH3hn3cKw2jyG2RLAh_3A0EI9sTGIOgSDn8vRlo0rueaGmQXofIAItC125vJUKpGV89cZZnC4U12ESVC7j6UTmF4Zz?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

Thanks to its tight-knit community, this neighborhood is considered one of the safest in the city.
Travel tip: To see colorful street decorations, live music and parades, visit over <a href="https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/events/gracia-festival/gracia-festival-barcelona.html">Fiestas de Gracia</a>, a weeklong festival which takes place every August.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_70297290447181746019584290">Markets</h2>

When you think of a traditional Spanish market, you can probably already sense the hustle and bustle of vendors and buyers, as well as those iconic sounds, and sights &mdash; like hams strung up, incredible cheese displays, and tonnes of fresh produce. And that&rsquo;s exactly what you&rsquo;ll find in Barcelona too!&nbsp;
There are a whole bunch of markets in the city that sell all kinds of everything, including food, antiques, and art. Here we&rsquo;re highlighting some of the best and most popular markets in the city, but you can find a complete list of them <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_markets_in_Barcelona">here</a>, depending on what you fancy. Spoiler alert: it&rsquo;s not just La Boqueria!
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">La Boqueria</h3>
Where: La Rambla. Google Maps link <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dq6qjP2eQ4Agsv4C7">here</a>.
When: Monday to Saturday (excl. Bank Holidays). From&nbsp;8 am&ndash;8:30 pm.
Website: <a href="https://www.boqueria.barcelona/home">https://www.boqueria.barcelona</a>
We&rsquo;ll start off strong with the one you&rsquo;ve probably heard of: The Sant Josep Market (or as it&rsquo;s more commonly known, La Boqueria). Right in the center of the city, this place is filled with hundreds of stalls and is definitely the most famous &mdash; for good reason!
With a seemingly endless stock of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and lots of freshly caught seafood, it&rsquo;s easy to see why even the city&rsquo;s top chefs head here for the produce.
But everyone can get something out of this place. As you walk through the market, you&rsquo;ll find plenty of samples on offer for you to try, some smaller caf&eacute;s serving yummy, fresh dishes for lunch, and fruit stands offering freshly squeezed juices and smoothies. For obvious reasons, you should come along with an empty stomach.&nbsp;
Best of all, entry to this market is free!&nbsp;That being said, there are plenty of other comparable markets in the city that have just as good produce, but fewer crowds. You&rsquo;ll find loads of great suggestions <a href="https://www.eater.com/22621306/barcelona-markets-guide-boqueria-where-to-eat">here</a> of alternative places you foodies can try out.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcQ7bsuVUAXFpOum2dYRXDfjqvqn3mxxQIBFSGKFTionS7b9WCcCQHcUkC3wgy86joHZP8EaKYSgfX1CuGjlj1RbfhG4DZkr3W6ULcKmN2GvLk9nj3oqHiV0U2iwWh2XPwqk15u?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="387" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Els Encants</h3>
Where: L&rsquo;Eixample. Google Maps link <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4rTAHCUs9CPNbCMA">here</a>.
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday &amp; Saturday (excl. Bank Holidays). From 9 am-8 pm.
Website:<a href="https://encantsbarcelona.com/en/">https://encantsbarcelona.com/en/</a>
Dating back to around 1300, this flea market is steeped in history and an integral part of Barcelona&rsquo;s culture.
If you were to ask what you can find here, the answer would be everything: lots of things you do need, lots of things you don&rsquo;t need, and a whole bunch of stuff in the middle.&nbsp;
Yep, with stalls filled with all kinds from antiques and art, to bikes and electrical goods, this place is perfect if you fancy rummaging through tonnes of stock&mdash;maybe you&rsquo;ll even find a kitchen sink too :-)
Want to get prepared before you head over there? Look at a list of some of the shops <a href="https://encantsbarcelona.com/en/shopping/">here</a>, with a little bit of info about what you can find in each.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Palo Market Fest</h3>
Where: Sant Mart&iacute;. Google Maps link <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hh5WWwGEWFUVBNTJ9">here</a>.
When: The first weekend of every month, except August (find a full list <a href="https://palomarketfest.com/es/barcelona/calendario">here</a>). From 12pm-10pm.
Website: <a href="https://palomarketfest.com/en">https://palomarketfest.com/en</a>
Held in an old, abandoned factory, this market is definitely one for the hipsters.
The market hosts stalls from all kinds of small businesses based in and around Barcelona, and the line-up changes from week to week. So you can expect to see jewellery, vintage clothes and furniture, antiques, art, and of course, some local food&mdash;we&rsquo;ve heard that the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/shops/barcelona/palo-alto-market#:~:text=Rumor%20has%20it%20that%20the%20pulpo%20(octopus)%20tacos%2C%20freshly%20made%20in%20front%20of%20you%2C%20are%20some%20of%20the%20best%20you%E2%80%99ll%20ever%20taste.">freshly made pulpo (octopus) tacos</a> they sell here are some of the best you&rsquo;ll find around.
But what&rsquo;s really cool about this place is you&rsquo;ll also find food trucks, pop-up beer bars, and live music dotted around, which creates a real festival vibe. So you&rsquo;ll be having a mooch in the stalls, and flicking through vintage clothes, while listening to some great live music and having a boogie. What&rsquo;s not to like!
Note: Entry to the market costs &euro;5.50, and can be purchased online from the Monday before the event. If there is still availability closet to the market, you might be able to get a ticket at the box office.

<h2 id="h_89286655052771746023733338">Recommended links</h2>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://barcelonaexpatlife.com/free-museum-days-in-barcelona/">Guide to free museum days</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/catalannewsacn">Catalan News</a> &mdash; An Instagram page offering the latest Catalan news and highlights upcoming festivals in English. They may also discuss things that will affect your visit, like upcoming protests or attraction closures.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/barcelonafoodguide">Barcelona Foodguide</a> &mdash;&nbsp;this Instagram account gives loads of cool recommendations of places to go and what&rsquo;s good there. Most posts are in Spanish as they&rsquo;re local recs, but they include lots of pictures and videos to help give you a proper idea of what to expect.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://barcelonahacks.com/">Barcelonahacks</a> &mdash;&nbsp;this website has in depth information about pretty much everything, from all the top attractions, transport, discount passes, and a month-by-month guide to the city.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://runnerbeantours.com/where-to-see-human-towers-in-barcelona/#8220castells8221-human-towers:~:text=1-,Human%20Towers%20in%20Barcelona%3A%202025%20calendar%20%5BUPDATED%5D,-This%20information%20was">Castellers Calendar</a> &mdash; An updated calendar of when to see the human towers in the city.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_13715699555981746023771632">Food</h2>

Being the capital of Catalonian cuisine, Barcelona has a diverse range of traditional dishes that are distinctly unique from other regions in Spain. They incorporate local ingredients from the land and the sea with influences from their French, Balearic and Valencian neighbors.
If you're visiting from December to April, you can enjoy <a href="https://food52.com/blog/24076-this-catalonian-spring-tradition-is-the-best-way-to-experience-barcelona?srsltid=AfmBOoqgseSKfIse-AVyKpOvC87XfIXQ8vGXTCcoIDyNYb3am4msHsV9">Cal&ccedil;ot season</a>, AKA the time to harvest and eat huge spring onions.
Travel note: By law, shops in Barcelona aren&rsquo;t allowed to sell alcohol after 11pm. But this doesn&rsquo;t apply to restaurants and bars.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcF4f93aRA5CCPQC5rDFn4owRjCwhT7DMuAmDBIJzkmaH-HNrdCJwFqHU_Eqibm-qxPmcYSgUZQEot8-gif2-lLJcNWnywSB7-xxvDHyuiNjCGlY0t9G-idMg4UyYeqvRbxSNzaOA?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

Here are 3 local dishes to try:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/enjoy/8/the-sacred-principles-of-pa-amb-tomaquet.html">Pa amb Tomaquet</a> - This appetizer may look underwhelming, but you&rsquo;d be surprised just how delicious bread, tomato, garlic and olive oil can taste when combined in the right way.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.eater.com/barcelona/22621281/what-is-fideua-paella-difference-noodles-where-to-eat-barcelona">Fideua</a> - Similar to paella (which originates from Valencia), but with small pasta noodles instead of rice. Plus, it often comes with an array of extra ingredients, like fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a lot of seafood.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.themediterraneandish.com/crema-catalana/">Crema Catalana</a> - Think of this like a lighter (and arguably tastier) version of a cr&egrave;me br&ucirc;l&eacute;e with added citrus and cinnamon.</li>
</ul>
Don&rsquo;t forget to bring your water bottle, as you&rsquo;ll find free (drinkable) water fountains throughout the city.
Pro Tip: If you're visiting during the week, look out for restaurants offering a &lsquo;menu del dia&rsquo;. These are usually 3-course meals (including a drink) served around lunchtime Monday-Friday, costing about &euro;14.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe9ZkgjVrxWFl2OQodjL38Wu3qsC3sEDid8bN224PCWA8Ur_pUFkqGyCMAY3_3NLcdg-FxkVMyCI65qkLI4zg2ruvpF7FhzR45zHg7TeiZufps7VAPA_GgGe2J2W93T_xjajLLPDPCGlhTDu0nS7PsYCE8i?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="506" height="285" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

A note on tourist traps: In among the traditional local eateries, you&rsquo;ll inevitably come across less-authentic establishments who care less about quality and more about getting your money. We&rsquo;d suggest skipping restaurants with:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">An employee on the door trying to enthusiastically lure you in from the street with a menu in hand</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Big English signs outside with pictures of paella and tapas</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A location front and center in a peak tourist area, such as on La Rambla</li>
</ul>
For a good indication that a restaurant is authentic, look out for places with signs only in Spanish or Catalan, menus that are not overly long, and a clientele that seems more local.

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_63417743858831746023832209">Festivals and events</h2>

<h3 dir="ltr">Three Kings&rsquo; Day - Epiphany (5th-6th January)</h3>
Each year on the night before the Epiphany*, there is a <a href="https://irbarcelona.org/christmas-barcelona/three-kings-day/">Three Wise Men parade</a> through the streets of Barcelona, where the men throw gifts and sweets to the children from up on their regally decorated floats.
The parade usually starts in Port Vell, as the men arrive on a boat, and lasts for around 3 hours with an impressive cultural spectacle of elaborate costumes, music, and dancing for the children lining the streets.
&nbsp;Here&rsquo;s a vlog of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQDY3n603Wg">the 2023 parade</a> so you know what to expect!
&nbsp;*ICYMI, The Epiphany is a religious celebration of when the Three Kings went to visit a newly born Jesus &mdash;&nbsp;it&rsquo;s a bigger deal than Christmas in Spain!
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf5f_vQJXVM-FddcUAKdOnshu1oSkWbIOQhsZ2FjJxRl8VBAQqchPDCyXwF1cczv_Kcy6KMjrJ2nidUishbKBsB-4od-RYC0Fz2J6DHtGGgFjLX-Wx3r0_qaiNdFQM0DSzthJ2M?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Sant Jordi - St George&rsquo;s Day (23rd April)</h3>
Books and roses, what more could you want?
In a mix between Valentine&rsquo;s Day and World Book day, for one day in April, stalls pop up all over the city selling roses and books. Traditionally, men receive books, and women roses, but it&rsquo;s 2025 now, it goes either way.&nbsp;
As you walk around, you&rsquo;ll see traditional sardana dancing, which is typical of Catalan culture, <a href="https://www.barcelona.de/en/barcelona-castellers-human-towers.html">Castell human towers</a>, and you&rsquo;ll smell and see roses on every corner.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re lucky, you&rsquo;ll see authors at the stalls who will sign their books, too.
Lots of buildings will be decorated, but for one of the most impressive floral displays, head over to <a href="https://youtu.be/NEeAHDAtM44?feature=shared&amp;t=14">Gaudi&rsquo;s Casa Battl&oacute;</a>, where the balconies and window ledges will be covered in hundreds of roses. Spoiler alert: it looks even more beautiful than usual&hellip;
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeUzl8TwOT9cwPP7VeU1a2xAsOrb7J4RJqYxKYQsrsKTE7oUFP77ihQzxrwhU5Ws1CI4JDfFx_m7mBkEIg9zA34SC2mOczkcSDZzimbTqZ3SDW_jQvltnAp5SQLQEfpD7oz5_iCsTHjsl8-JPhR24Uo7SWL?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="387" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Primavera Sound (May/June)</h3>
Known for its great, and diverse line-ups and picturesque setting along the Barcelona waterfront, it&rsquo;s arguably (well, according to Timeout anyway!) the best music festival in Europe.
What also makes this a popular choice is there are no complicated logistics. It&rsquo;s easily accessible by the Metro line 4 (aka, the yellow line), or by taking one of the shuttle buses that run between the festival and Pla&ccedil;a de Catalunya. 
The slight caveat, is that there aren&rsquo;t any camping facilities on site for the festival, so you will need to fork out for a hotel or Airbnb if you want to stay nearby. Accommodation does sell out quite quickly, but using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/HotelsNear-g187497-d8820333-Primavera_Sound_Barcelona-Barcelona_Catalonia.html">this Tripadvisor page</a> is super useful to see what&rsquo;s still available near the festival site.
But, it&rsquo;s much less likely to rain at Primavera than Glastonbury. So, every cloud, eh?
You can buy your ticket&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primaverasound.com/en/barcelona">here</a>.

<h3 dir="ltr">Formula 1 Grand Prix (May/June)</h3>
In the days leading up to the Grand Prix, Barcelona&rsquo;s Port Vell is usually transformed into an F1 village with lots of motorsport themed activities, such as pit stop challenges, competitions, as well as interviews with F1 personalities. In 2024, the F1 cars sped through the city&rsquo;s streets for a <a href="https://www.circuitcat.com/en/">Roadshow</a> in the iconic Pla&ccedil;a de Catalunya.
The closest town to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.circuitcat.com/en/">Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya</a> is Montmelo, but most fans choose to stay in Barcelona instead since it has plenty more transport and accommodation options.
From Barcelona, it takes around an hour to get to the circuit by taking the bus or the train and walking&mdash;you&rsquo;ll find all the info&nbsp;<a href="https://f1destinations.com/getting-around-spanish-f1-grand-prix/#:~:text=Spanish%20GP%20Packages-,How%20to%20Get%20to%20Circuit%20de%20Barcelona%2DCatalunya,-Take%20the%20train">here</a>. Jumping in a taxi is also an option, but it can get very expensive at peak times, especially just before and after the Sunday race.
You can also choose to stay up in Lloret de Mar in the Costa Brava, and book coach transfers to/from the circuit with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sagales.com/en">Sagales</a>.
&nbsp;Note: The F1 Spanish GP will be moving to Madrid from 2026.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfpeks-5O63uc6sWiT1YpWJa9NrLZX_M5PZnHb9o2MzNs60zm5HQuKy3xNQF-oorPQcr_iCRmsHoiVsDD1GwbN4lW1aBdSre3oMvI329lklMT0p6NbMHmbUtozCdUoyzjVsOhKbZlMu4GR_-Y7yll2aZqk?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="518" height="288" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_18322787361731746023870310">Gaudi</h2>

When you think of Barcelona, Antoni Gaud&iacute; and the image of his distinctly gothic yet whimsical architecture are one of the first things you likely picture. Today, you can find Gaudi&rsquo;s creative flair intertwined throughout Barcelona&rsquo;s busiest areas, from grand buildings to <a href="https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/gaudi/gaudi-lamp-post-placa-reial-barcelona.html">street lights</a>.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Sagrada Fam&iacute;lia</h3>
The pinnacle of Barcelona and all of Gaudi&rsquo;s works is undoubtedly the domineering masterpiece that is the Sagrada Fam&iacute;lia. This towering church began construction in 1882 and work remains ongoing to this day. Officials have confirmed that work should be completed in 2026, so if you prefer to see the finale structure without scaffolding, plan your visit for after 2026. Even in its uncompleted state, it truly is a sight to behold, with an intricately carved facade depicting natural shapes and biblical motifs. 
It&rsquo;s worth taking the time to walk around the outer perimeter of the church, as every angle will reveal something new. Stretching towards the sky are a number of spires, which are the sections still under construction. Inside is equally striking, with columns sprouting from floor to ceiling like tree branches and huge rainbow stained-glass windows.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcJ5cN6AMZherrf08jiw8_iTwiZe4CQnrQJytoTEF5_UTvqROCrqlAE6Jm2MfkoINxe80vB3fKzirDHdyWuIMMTPTGo2AjWk6E9ZPxWTwr4vmncbpGUhjg2EIq5EDru59uKqNvWWA?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="350" height="471">&nbsp;

To go inside, you&rsquo;ll need to <a href="https://sagradafamilia.org/entrada-sagrada-familia">buy your tickets</a> at least a week before your trip, with a general adult entry costing &euro;26. Organize yours as soon as you can, since tickets are known to sell out weeks in advance. These tickets give you access to the main cathedral and an audio guide via their app (but you&rsquo;ll need to bring your own earphones and use your own phone).
&nbsp;You can also buy a <a href="https://sagradafamilia.org/sagrada-familia-i-torre">combined ticket to access to the towers</a> for &euro;36, where you'll see an excellent view of the famous grid streets of Eixample.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Casa Mila</h3>
Originally designed to be used as flats and offices, this distinctly wavy building stands out on Passeig de Gr&agrave;cia. After years of being the private residence to many wealthy occupants (3 of which still live there today), part of the building opened to the public in 1996. <a href="https://www.lapedrera.com/en/visits">General adult entry tickets cost &euro;28</a> and are usually available on the day. However, if you can, either arrive early in the morning or be flexible with your entry time since popular time slots sell out quickly.
For an extra special experience, time your trip with one of the frequent <a href="https://youtu.be/Zl5lwa55uJ4?feature=shared&amp;t=17">rooftop jazz concerts</a> held throughout the summer.
&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Casa Batllo</h3>
Like Casa Mila, Casa Batll&oacute; is also on Paseo de Gracia. Although it was not originally built by Gaudi, he was put in charge of the complete redesign and renovation of the building.
<a href="https://www.casabatllo.es/en/online-tickets/">Tickets cost &euro;29</a>, and you can buy them on the same day as your visit, but popular time slots may sell out early in the day. They also hold evening concerts with various musical genres every evening.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Travel Tip: Visit after 6pm, and you&rsquo;ll be handed a free glass of cava with your ticket.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Park G&uuml;ell</h3>
For the classic postcard view of multicoloured mosaicked terraces overlooking the city, Park G&uuml;ell is where you need to go. When you visit, you&rsquo;ll see natural shapes, textures, and coloured tiles throughout the gardens. Plus, a rather popular salamander.
Located in the Gracia neighbourhood, the closest metro station is Lesseps, which is a 20-min walk from the entrance.
At peak times and on weekends, the park does get fairly busy and tickets often sell out in advance. General entry costs &euro;10, and we&rsquo;d recommend <a href="https://parkguell.barcelona/en/buy-tickets">purchasing your tickets</a> at least a few days before you intend to visit.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfkF5ZPZzPkqEXn8oPSiA_rYqEWKZF_ptoQudEWu2uimu0wV4khcoGxmkt4qPHg_VAPNx_yMG2UjMxW2lTIBemoCm2-hgpWs2DFUxuwyjKz92fm3Uyt51fMpsiJONAjIUBDDGugxQ?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="388" height="388" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h2 id="h_96763719164391746023915429">Parks</h2>

While you&rsquo;re more likely to see narrow, cobbled streets and plazas than sprawling parks, you will find a few unique green spaces among the endless buildings. This is because family and children are very important in Catalonian culture. So, you&rsquo;ll often see small play areas carved out where they fit.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeWWFcWZJEObd7lSs1BBXxpSPmxX8XWk6soEm48CM1NdhOddepZ3cD5RWNB2z84cWeQRygrBucL_lsMc6QU9uUvQNaXynnJ0LQ13riwMFCqjYmK--Z6510vFbHwKGX9P0McqvooVQ?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="355" height="471" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

"One thing that really surprised me when moving to Barcelona was the amount of very tall slides randomly tucked away throughout the city. Like <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Montju%C3%AFc+Slides/@41.3657566,2.1669566,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipOrEEru62_jq_pHxEuH-RLJ6ujlCpPUEEDqAPYR!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOrEEru62_jq_pHxEuH-RLJ6ujlCpPUEEDqAPYR%3Dw150-h150-k-no-p!7i3024!8i4032!4m8!3m7!1s0x12a4a24180f4a701:0x20451f9ee01cf402!8m2!3d41.3657566!4d2.1669566!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2F11g6my6pm2?entry=ttu">these two whippy numbers</a> in Montjuic and <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Drac+de+ferro/@41.3786168,2.141696,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipME6iWcu17_R9icMXc3mgg-EL04Yi_IJGfs_r-h!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipME6iWcu17_R9icMXc3mgg-EL04Yi_IJGfs_r-h%3Dw150-h150-k-no-p!7i3264!8i2448!4m12!1m2!2m1!1sdragon+slide+barcelona!3m8!1s0x12a49880fcc764a9:0x8271ceb886b83916!8m2!3d41.3786168!4d2.141696!9m1!1b1!15sChZkcmFnb24gc2xpZGUgYmFyY2Vsb25hWhgiFmRyYWdvbiBzbGlkZSBiYXJjZWxvbmGSARJ0b3VyaXN0X2F0dHJhY3Rpb26aASRDaGREU1VoTk1HOW5TMFZKUTBGblNVTnlNemw2ZFROQlJSQULgAQA!16s%2Fg%2F11c70jf4bg?entry=ttu">this epic dragon slide</a> by Sants train station. And I can personally confirm both are also adult-friendly!"

Flight Finder Lauren says:

Apart from the iconic Park G&uuml;ell, which you can read about in the Gaudi section, here are 2 more parks worth checking out:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Montjuic - On a green hillside, you&rsquo;ll find a collection of botanical gardens, museums, and even a castle. In the evening, a stroll around its gardens can be peaceful, with most visitors congregating around the Museu Nacional d&rsquo;Art de Catalunya steps for sunset. For a daytime bird's-eye view, you can also ride a cable car.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Citadel Park - Follow the path under the Arc de Triomf, and you&rsquo;ll eventually reach Citadel Park. Filled with sunbathers, performers and picnickers, it&rsquo;s chilled out atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax in the sun. Admire the extravagant fountains, row a boat, or simple throw down a blanket and watch the world go by. Oh, and don&rsquo;t miss <a href="https://voicemap.me/tour/barcelona/barcelona-walking-tour-landmarks-and-legends-of-el-born-and-ciutadella-park/sites/julia-the-woolly-mammoth-instagram-hotspot">Julia the mammoth</a>.</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdiFO7dLErkZpiGQkhg4IelSAb2-08g61kyfXL4oGqNUj5EiBsq75G7rKNdU4Mx8BqMA79HivXOYy0itgQH3OlDi-Dh52_pN2LYJ7UXdHGXeneOPXXE1hP5r1nh1bYO_aHF9ssuRQ?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h2 dir="ltr" id="h_49319333067281746023984952">Day trips</h2>

Since Barcelona is really well-connected by high-speed trains, it&rsquo;s super easy for you to pop into another nearby city for a day or two, and explore some more of Catalonia while you&rsquo;re there.&nbsp;
You can get to from here to loads of other cities across the country by train. But we&rsquo;ve listed below a few of the best day trips that are all between a 30 mins-2 hours train ride away from the city, and won&rsquo;t break the bank.

<h3 dir="ltr">Costa Brava</h3>
Costa Brava runs along the northeastern coast of Spain, from the town Blanes right up to the French border. And with a name that means &lsquo;Wild Coast&rsquo; in English, it won&rsquo;t be too surprising to find out this region is filled with beautiful beaches, pine forests, and rugged rocky cliffs. 
Dotted along the coastline, you&rsquo;ll find plenty of traditional fishing villages, and seaside towns. <a href="https://nourishedbycaroline.ca/lloret-de-mar-guide/">Lloret de Mar</a> is one of the more touristy places, with lots of resorts and hotels, but if you want something a little quieter, then somewhere like the medieval town <a href="https://unexpectedcatalonia.com/tossa-de-mar/">Tossa del Mar</a> is a great alternative.
Lots of people come to this coast for the beaches, but you can also do plenty of water sports like kayaking and snorkelling, as well as heading out on hiking routes, like the <a href="https://www.spain.info/en/hiking-trails/cami-ronda-costa-brava/">Cam&iacute; de Ronda</a> trail
Here&rsquo;s a great&nbsp;<a href="https://goaskalocal.com/blog/travel-guide-to-the-costa-brava-spain">guide to the region</a> from a local&rsquo;s perspective if you need a little more info.

"If you're short on time and can&rsquo;t make it to the Costa Brava, Castelldefels is a great alternative. It&rsquo;s a laid back coastal town just south of Barcelona. It only takes around 25-minutes to reach by train and the fare is included in a HolaBCN and T-Casual card."

Flight Finder Lauren's tip:

<h3 dir="ltr">Girona&nbsp;</h3>
A little further inland from the Costa Brava, this city is much quieter than Barcelona, but with cobblestone streets, towering walls, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://catedraldegirona.cat/en/">centuries-old cathedral</a>, it&rsquo;s just as picturesque. You&rsquo;ll start to see medieval influences as soon as you step foot in the historic center (which is around a 10-minute walk from the train station). 
One of the most iconic spots here is The River Onya. It&rsquo;s lined with colorful houses, which you can cross by walking over the Eiffel Pedestrian Bridge (yes,&nbsp;that Eiffel) to another side of winding, narrow streets.
And if you&rsquo;re a fan of Game of Thrones, there are loads of filming locations from the series&rsquo; 6th season that you can spot. Here&rsquo;s a guide to&nbsp;<a href="https://hotelsultoniagirona.com/en/route-locations-game-of-thrones-girona/">all the best spots</a> with pics of the places in real life and on screen.

<h3 dir="ltr">Zaragoza</h3>
Over in Spain&rsquo;s Aragon region, Zaragoza is known for its Old Town, surrounded cathedrals and museums, as well as for being the home of Ternasco&mdash;this leg of lamb dish is famous all over the country, and lots of people call it a <a href="https://eatcampogrande.com/blogs/kitchen/ternasco-de-aragon-with-potatoes#:~:text=The%20ternasco%20de%20Arag%C3%B3n%20is%20one%20of%20the%20jewels%20of%20Spanish%20cuisine">&lsquo;jewel&rsquo; of Spanish cuisine</a>.
And if you are a foodie, lots of restaurants and bars in the Juepincho area have offers that get you a tapas dish, and water, beer, or wine, for 2 euros! Find a list of some participating spots&nbsp;<a href="https://thewanderingquinn.com/zaragoza-spain-city-guide/#:~:text=On%20Thursday%20evenings%20in%20the%20Juepincho%20area%2C%20a%20lot%20of%20the%20restaurants%20and%20bars%20have%20a%C2%A0%E2%82%AC2.00%20deal%20on%20which%20includes%20a%20small%20drink%20of%20water%2C%20beer%20or%20wine%2C%20plus%201%20Tapas%20which%20I%20would%20really%20recommend%20checking%20out.%20The%20image%20below%20shows%20which%20establishments%20are%20part%20of%20it%20and%20where%20they%20are">here</a>.
For a little natural beauty, you should head to&nbsp;<a href="https://monasteriopiedra.com/?lang=en">Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park</a>. This monastery dates back to the 12th century, and is surrounded by a lush, green park filled with caves, crystal-clear lakes, and beautiful, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Czj06I3MOu3/">fairytale-esque waterfalls</a>.
If you fancy staying in Zaragoza for a little longer than a day, here&rsquo;s an&nbsp;<a href="https://thewanderingquinn.com/zaragoza-spain-48-hour-guide-things-to-do/">example itinerary</a> for a 2-day trip.

<h3 dir="ltr">Sitges</h3>
Stiges is a nearby coastal town and a firm favourite among locals who want to escape Barcelona for the weekend. You&rsquo;ll have your pick of long sandy beaches with calm blue waters that are perfect for families. Its town is split between&nbsp;<a href="https://thewanderingblonde.com/2019/01/08/sitges-travel-guide/">old cobbled streets lined with whitewash building</a> and a modern, lively centre filled with bars and restaurants. It&rsquo;s also considered <a href="https://www.outofoffice.com/en-gb/blog/a-gay-guide-to-sitges/">a prominent gay capital</a>, which hosts numerous LGBTQ+ events throughout the year.
You can reach Sitges by car or catch a train from Sants Station, with both options taking roughly 40 minutes.
Travel tip: Visit in February to watch the streets come alive during Sitges Carnival. It&rsquo;s a 7-day event, full of parades, costumes and live music.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfMCdGm0rQRXjuzm0I6PLTGtX5rW3L1n7Uz54cbMHcfJxYkb8Ft9OQdVbWUf_hpO0Sq2ief1_3lS9Q8oeNbGvD79TvtgRFMzgE_3ZwQDMJG00npjvf-JRZSjkOmX0xVk_IFk9cYZfCO8WgaGV1aty3mZoE?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="350" height="466" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Montserrat</h3>
Montserrat is <a href="https://www.earthtrekkers.com/day-trip-montserrat-barcelona-spain/#Train_and_Cable_Car">a picturesque rocky mountain range</a>, where you can find a Benedictine Monastery nestled between huge, tall rocks. Aside from paying a visit to the abbey, you can also tackle one of the many hiking trails offering panoramic views of the Catalonian countryside.
The easiest way to visit is by train, which takes around an hour from&nbsp;Pla&ccedil;a Espanya to Montserrat town. Then it&rsquo;s just a short cable car and funicular ride up to the top. Or, if you&rsquo;re feeling brave, it&rsquo;s a <a href="https://thewholeworldornothing.com/montserrat-barcelona-hike/">1.5-hour upward hike</a>.
There is a dedicated information booth in Pla&ccedil;a Espa&ntilde;a station, where you can ask for advice and buy the train/cable car tickets. However, if you only want to take the train and plan to hike up to the monastery, it will be cheaper to buy your train ticket from the machines. You need to select a return journey from Zone 4, which costs &euro;12.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfOy06uPVZpHBN7qt-SYdzwXnlD5vP4fM6XdPpsB97y-fBWCQ4mZHqkoszsvxQa2cYm00YkXge4Fmw4wFSRmLOCm1HtuG2V8N4wQ28vtUTlGooqMHNWTDH9zFmEaSrAfzR_aT8r0d5GEm9xRQ04Y61jduk9?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="388" height="388" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">La Molina Ski Resort</h3>
Not only is this Spain&rsquo;s oldest ski resort, it&rsquo;s also one of the most accessible from Barcelona at only 2 hours drive away. Home to over 61 runs of varying difficulty, ski newbies and snow pros can all have fun here.
For &euro;67, you can buy a day-return ticket on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sagales.com/en/trip/68/skibus-to-la-molina-on-saturday-or-sunday">the Sagales Skibus</a> (departing from Nord bus station in Barcelona) and get a day ski pass included in the price.
You can bring your own equipment on the bus, if you happen to have it with you, or rent from the slopes once you're there.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe2mvWFCclO6VmorCYyxRI3LosltyelneS3bqbgbliTdR-yWnbsMCqlwep3m67wosuPGK7O9SAZ7anOG4gHTVH4JM0Y3FLPshUxjvaVzjYB4evsEcnr0xtpeRJL1FRncMhGBYh1?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="440" height="330" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

<h3 dir="ltr">Port Aventura</h3>
You can reach one of Europe's largest theme parks in just over an hour by car from the city. Alternately, you can also catch a train from Sants Station, which takes around an hour and a half. You can only buy your train tickets on the day directly from the station, so it&rsquo;s best to arrive there early, especially during the summer.
You can sometimes find discount codes online that will save you some money off the entry fee. Otherwise, they usually run a 50% off sale on Black Friday.
<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeBtlRV6Acz_Bvf9yYg2wtYxLNxja_-9i8n8HcBRhIO2O-Iq-RNge6jSuXYpRLHPK68EUyiaFq5nUt_PEuaLFOMXOMk4CpU44-tXY5hT-B7Sgtcg2lCGOwYrtUWFij8NqoiwnbJ?key=CWkV_WYRThqICg1sfg8OZg" width="386" height="386" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

JFC's Guide To: Barcelona

I bought plaid. I saw a bear. I line danced with a cowboy.&nbsp;
After my 10-day road trip in the Rockies, I feel somewhat more deserving of my Canadian passport.
It was touch and go for a second, with an email landing in my inbox at 5am to tell me my direct flight to Calgary later that day had been cancelled.
But there&rsquo;s always a silver lining! WestJet offered to reimburse for an overnight stay in Dublin, plus expenses &mdash; a fancy-pants hotel. And naturally, that calls for one thing: room service steak!
Not only that, but since my flight was cancelled last minute, I was also entitled to compensation under EU law (&euro;600). Not too shabby seeing as I only paid &euro;400 for my ticket! But it came with a sacrifice; my knees. Instead of a breezy 8 hours in the air, my trip doubled in length to 16 hours, including a layover in Toronto.&nbsp;
Before boarding, I was hit with another curveball. Because my Irish passport lists my birthplace as Canada, I&rsquo;m required by law to use my Canadian passport, which, in all honesty, could be hiding anywhere &mdash; most likely buried between old receipts in one of my junk drawers.&nbsp;
&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t travel to Canada on an Irish passport unless you apply for an E-visa&rdquo; they casually informed me. And the process? It would usually take 72 hours. Lovely.&nbsp;
Typing like my life depended on it, I uploaded my docs and made a pact with every god under the sun. 7 minutes it took to process. Was it a glitch? Divine intervention? Or just the universe briefly pitying me? I&rsquo;ll never know &mdash; but I will be citing this next time anyone tells me &lsquo;the system is slow.&rsquo;
The flight itself was long and grueling, but thankfully I had two friendly seatmates to liven my spirits. By the time we touched down in Calgary, we were firm friends and I had even more recommendations of places to visit.&nbsp;&ldquo;You have to go to Grassi, look!&rdquo; My new pal whipped out her phone to show me her screensaver, a shimmering lake that looked like something from a watercolour.
Grassi Lakes seems to be a favourite among locals, tourists, and The Detour readers alike (thanks, Tanis)!&nbsp;
Just an hour and a half from Calgary, this short trail from Canmore (a picturesque alpine town with a reputation for luxury living) is an easy hour-long hike. It leads through forest and waterfalls with the most spectacular views of the Rockies, before opening up into two sparkling emerald lakes.&nbsp;

Don&rsquo;t expect to have the views all to yourself, though, it was pretty busy when we went &mdash; and that wasn&rsquo;t even during the peak summer tourist season. Still, strolling around the shores of the small lakes was quite peaceful, with most people soaking in the serenity of the emerald waters and nature&rsquo;s symphony of birds.&nbsp;

Next up on our &ldquo;must-do&rdquo; list was a suggestion from Katelyn, a JFC member from Calgary who spends a lot of her spare time in Golden, B.C.&nbsp;
&ldquo;In Golden, you have to stop at Ethos Caf&eacute;. The sourdough bread, pastries, and coffee is amazing. You can take it to go and stroll down by the river and check out Canada's longest covered timber frame bridge&rdquo;
Bread, coffee? You don&rsquo;t have to tell me twice, Katelyn! We opted to share the Torrija, a Spanish take on French Toast: a slab of sourdough coated in vanilla, cardamom, and zesty orange, and stacked with pecan granola, honey, custard, and fruit!

Afterward, with full bellies, we strolled around Golden&rsquo;s small downtown, eventually leading us towards the <a href="https://www.tourismgolden.com/places/kicking-horse-pedestrian-bridge">Kicking Horse pedestrian bridge</a>. The snow-capped peaks of the Rockies mirrored in the river was a postcard that no camera could ever truly capture.&nbsp;

Before saying goodbye to Golden, we figured it&rsquo;d be downright criminal not to check out the <a href="https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/golden-skybridge/experience/">Golden Skybridge</a>, one of Canada&rsquo;s highest suspension bridges. 
Let&rsquo;s just say, if your idea of a good time doesn&rsquo;t include swaying 426 feet above a canyon, you might wanna give this one a miss. For the rest of us, the vertigo was worth it for these views. 
And if you&rsquo;re wondering whether we took the <a href="https://skybridgegolden.com/Railrider-Mountain-Coaster.html">Railrider mountain roller coaster down</a>&hellip; You betcha!&nbsp;

Katelyn also suggested we check out some hidden hot springs that just so happened to be high on Flight Finder Kristi&rsquo;s list of &ldquo;must-dos&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;South of Invermere, there are some natural hot springs that are a lot more authentic than going to the glorified hot tub pools of Banff and Radium - Lussier Creek! This has gained popularity in the last decade, so it might actually be heaving with people&rdquo;&nbsp;
To our surprise, there were only a handful of people when we arrived, and by the time we dipped our toes in the bubbly sulfur pools, it was just us, the river, and the boundless evergreens.
It was probably something to do with the twisty, gravel road that led there. In some parts, the road clung to the mountainside like an afterthought. Leaning out the window, heart in my throat, I glanced down at the valley below, a dizzying drop where the earth just&hellip; fell away. I won&rsquo;t lie, I wondered if it was worth it.&nbsp;
It was.&nbsp;

JFC member Loralee wrote in and told us we had to check out the hot springs at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hotspringsofbc.ca/st-leon-hot-springs/">St. Leon</a> too:&nbsp;
&ldquo;I highly recommend going to St. Leon. It's south of Revelstoke and requires a ferry ride (free). Then, about 10 minutes on the highway, 10 minutes driving very slow up a logging road &amp; another 10 minutes hike up to the spring. Pack lots of water &amp; food because you'll probably want to stay all day. My hubby and I would set up camp in the forest &amp; stay for a week a few times.
I haven't been there in the past several years, so you may want to verify with locals that it's still accessible. This beautiful spot is maintained by the local community, and usually kept secret. It's the only remaining part of an old mining hotel that burned down a hundred years ago&rdquo;&nbsp;
Sadly, we weren&rsquo;t able to squeeze this one in, but I know I&rsquo;ll be back for Loralee's rec.&nbsp;
The road to Revelstoke was simply breathtaking, even on a cold, rainy day. The valley, swallowed by a low-hanging mist, looked like something out of Twilight.&nbsp;
Carving through the Selkirks, the highway twisted alongside cliffs that dropped off into absolutely nothing. Every so often a truck would barrel past blasting enough spray to make me in the passenger seat wince, muttering a silent prayer that Kristi had the wheel.

But then &mdash; magic. A break in the clouds, a glimpse of emerald forest clinging to the slopes, Kicking Horse River raged below and the mountains looming in the distance.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I could totally live here,&rdquo; I must&rsquo;ve muttered more times than I could count.&nbsp;
But when your travel budget is held together with duct-tape and last month&rsquo;s poor decisions, you don&rsquo;t get boujee mountain lodges to rest your heads in. You get questionable roadside motels. So naturally, we leaned in.&nbsp;
If life was going to stick us in a room that smelled like cigarettes and cat pee, we&rsquo;d turn it into our own murder mystery weekend.&nbsp;

By the time we hit Revelstoke, we had convinced ourselves we were the stars of our own low-budget thriller. Think roadside pit stops where the lobby isn&rsquo;t even a lobby and a partial demolition site.&nbsp;
Ironically, I probably had the best sleep of my life here &mdash; let&rsquo;s not analyze that one.&nbsp;

That night in Revy, we experienced the most spectacular vistas along the Columbia River. Stretched out before us, a shifting mirror of liquidity, broken by the occasional sigh of a breeze.&nbsp;
The mist came in slow, eerie tendrils, slinking between the pines. We didn&rsquo;t speak. There was no need. For a little while, we were just witnesses to somewhere beyond the veil.

And as the fog lifted from the river &mdash; ethereal, translucent, then gone &mdash; I felt the same slow clarity rise in my chest: Though Ireland had raised me, Canada had always been there, waiting in my bones.

Haunts & Hot Springs - a Rockies road trip report

Simon scales fences, evades police and crawls through asbestos. I followed him into the dark to understand what dead places do to the living.&nbsp;
<hr>

A burly man, cloaked in black, waits for me in the deadzone of security cameras. I&rsquo;ve known him for all of half an hour, and now here I sit, teetering atop a 10ft fence, trusting that he&rsquo;ll catch me if I fall. My cotton gloves are useless, offering no protection as the chain links dig into my skin. One foot scrambles for a hold, dangling for a second too long; far below, the ground is a m&eacute;lange of brambles and broken concrete.&nbsp;
Expertly reeling, my mind fires off a million worst-case scenarios: a broken ankle, a dog chase, disappearing off the face of the earth. My phone buzzed in my pocket &mdash; a friend&rsquo;s text from Canada, &ldquo;You alive?&rdquo; as if her panic could bridge an ocean.
I&rsquo;d sent her his Instagram profile earlier: no last name, no identifiable locations, zero posts of sunlight. Just a feed of abandoned nuclear sites. I prayed she&rsquo;d at least pick a flattering thumbnail for the inevitable true-crime podcast.&nbsp;
And yet, there&rsquo;s something entirely too intoxicating about this moment. A forbidden dare, a promise of secret worlds hidden in plain sight. The rush comes before I even hit the ground.&nbsp;

Simon in the ruins of St. Elizabeth&rsquo;s&mdash;once a site of Walter Freeman&rsquo;s experimental lobotomies, now only ghosts and dust remain.
<hr>

This is Urbex &mdash; urban exploration &mdash; the exploration of manmade structures usually off-limits or abandoned; a regular Thursday for my new friend Simon, the man in black.
We connected weeks earlier through a dead Reddit thread, his username half-buried between broken links and breadcrumb co-ordinates. No small talk, no promises &mdash; this wasn&rsquo;t a tour. Just a time he&rsquo;d pick me up and the unspoken rule: &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t slow me down.&rdquo;
Later, I&rsquo;d ask him about the moment he fell in love with Urbex. He thinks for a moment before answering with certainty.&nbsp;
"The atmosphere&hellip; It&rsquo;s like seeing the earth without humans. It&rsquo;s ephemeral, temporary, history and adrenaline all wrapped in one. And photography, of course."
He pauses, a glint of passion in his eyes. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about capturing something that&rsquo;s fading, something that won&rsquo;t be there forever.&rdquo;

Chernobyl&rsquo;s exclusion zone, nuclear bunkers and NYC&rsquo;s legendary TB sanatorium are some of the hundreds of sites featured on Simon&rsquo;s Instagram &mdash; an apocalyptic obsession fuelled by more than a decade of exploration.&nbsp;

Just as hackers, lurking in the shadows of society, bypassing firewalls and cracking code, urbexers chase the thrill of uncovering a backdoor into the supposedly inaccessible.
The son of a photographer, documenting his adventures is essential to him, as is the web of intricate tattoos sprawled across his skin; both ink and images are a blueprint of a life lived on the edge. He&rsquo;s mastered the classic &ldquo;hero shot:&rdquo; a solitary figure, often snapped from behind, half swallowed by shadow and dwarfed by the grandeur of decay.&nbsp;
And yet when he&rsquo;s not scaling walls or sneaking past security, he&rsquo;s behind a screen, crafting code, a master of both domains.&nbsp;

Back in Hungary, en route to the first of two sites Simon has agreed to show me, I launch into question mode. Naturally, I want to know if he&rsquo;s ever been busted, and the probability of being caught today. With his eyes focused on the road, I&rsquo;m speaking mostly to his face tattoo, a leviathan cross on the side of his cheek. Its meaning I can only guess.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Yeah, I got caught sleeping in my hammock at Baikonur.&rdquo; 
Baikonur, I am to learn, is an abandoned military base in the desert of Kazakhstan, a cathedral to the USSR&rsquo;s failed Buran space program, housing two enormous, decrepit Soviet space shuttles.
Simon tells me of his masochistic journey there: A three day, forty kilometer night hike through the desert and a subsequent four days inside a Soviet military prison &mdash; a small price to pay for his SD card.&nbsp;

The ultimate endgame for Urbex explorers. Baikonur is sealed off, locked down, and just waiting for someone to bypass its firewall.
<hr>

Thankfully, battling sandstorms isn&rsquo;t on our agenda today. But we are going to visit another legendary spot in the Urbex community: Kelenfold Power Station.
Following the fence jump, Simon lays his backpack over the twisted snarls of a barbed wire hole I am to climb through. He emphasizes the importance of taking quiet, calculated movements,&nbsp;&ldquo;I once fell through the roof of an abandoned morgue, got stuck between the roof and the glass and cut my arm up real bad.&rdquo;
Despite his broad frame, he slips through with expert ease, a feat that seems almost cruel as I attempt to follow. His boots looked like they&rsquo;d kicked in every door between here and Chernobyl.&nbsp;
Mine? Soft-toed Sketchers with arch support, the kind reviewed by moms visiting Disneyland. Half his size, yet twice as clumsy, I muddle through, my down jacket a caught bird against the steel. The Urbex hierarchy was clear.

Curious about the practical side of his explorations, I ask for tips for anyone looking to dive into Urbex. 
He laughs softly and begins listing off essentials, as if reciting a well-practiced guide:&nbsp;&ldquo;Start in your own area first, get to know the terrain. Always take gloves, good shoes with steel boots, and a hazmat mask, especially for industrial places&mdash;if it&rsquo;s been reconstructed in the 20th century, there&rsquo;s likely asbestos. Dark clothing or green for forests, cream for deserts. And don&rsquo;t forget a good torch. Lighting is key.&rdquo;
As we climb the staircase to the control room, it&rsquo;s clear he&rsquo;s been here many times before. His head darting left and right, he checks for signs of security, averting invisible broken glass and warning me which areas of the floor might fold under my weight. It&rsquo;s the kind of movement that comes from knowing this crumbling world.

You wouldn&rsquo;t think it, but this decaying plant was a Hungarian national treasure and, at the turn of the nineteenth century, one of the most advanced power centers on the continent &mdash; the lungs of the city. Nowadays, there&rsquo;s no air left. Just the faint taste of something metallic and dust.&nbsp;
Here, beneath the roar of wartime fighter jets, engineers orchestrated Hungary&rsquo;s surge into the future. Fine-tuning the flow of electricity to more than 800,000 citizens, feeding the beast required 1,000 tons of coal and 500,000 cubic meters of water per day. Amidst clouds of steam and machinery, dozens of above-ground bomb shelters stand guard, with room for no more than 2 in each space.&nbsp;
The main attraction of the factory is undoubtedly its Art Deco control room, which miraculously remained unscathed during the war. Once a grandiose temple to electricity, it has served as a backdrop to several dystopian films such as Chernobyl Diaries, Spy and Dracula.&nbsp;

Bakelite buttons and iron-clad gauges&mdash;this is how Cold War Budapest kept the lights on.
<hr>

Under the honeyed glow of its stained glass skylight, it&rsquo;s clear that, for architects K&aacute;lm&aacute;n Reichl and Virgil Borb&iacute;r&oacute;, the fusion of technology and design was a love affair.&nbsp;
Now its moss-hued control panels stand frozen in time, their purpose slowly fading into obscurity. A mere shadow of itself, it&rsquo;s mostly a backdrop for selfies now and sees only the occasional visit from a lone fox, which Simon tells me he&rsquo;s spotted several times.&nbsp;
As my eyes trail over the system of brass dials and switches I can&rsquo;t begin to fathom, they settle on a structure looming oppressively under the skylight in the center of the room. Another bomb shelter, a strange feature for such a crucial and exposed space.

Beneath Budapest&rsquo;s Kelenf&ouml;ld Power Plant, a hidden maze of nuclear-proof tunnels winds through the darkness&mdash;some leading to command bunkers, others to mysterious collapsed passages. Did they connect to the city&rsquo;s underground bunker network?
<hr>

The ghostly traces of factory workers linger in the air. How many unsettling glances were cast towards the shelter during their shift? What must it feel like to power a city, not knowing if you&rsquo;d ever see its light tomorrow?
I venture through a crumbling doorway behind the control room, my shoes crunching on broken glass, beer cans and garbage.
Wading my way through the debris, the contrast between urban exploration and homelessness weighs heavily on me. Does it really matter why we&rsquo;re here, or is it just the privilege of being able to leave when we&rsquo;re done?
As quietly as we came, we leave Kelenfold&rsquo;s empty halls, adjusting to the cacophony of the city life once more. In the car, Simon schools me on the true motto of an Urbexer: Take only photographs, leave only footprints.
I nod sheepishly, a wave of regret washing over me as I shove the tiny memento I pocketed deeper, realizing just how much I still have to learn.&nbsp;

Whipping past fields of February&rsquo;s frozen wheat and maize, we&rsquo;re on the road once more toward an undisclosed location. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s important to make sure to tell at least one person where you&rsquo;re going,&rdquo; Simon advises me. But even with these co-ordinates&mdash;shared only with the utmost discretion in the Urbex world &mdash;my friend wouldn&rsquo;t stand a chance of finding me in this next place, a military bunker in the mountains.&nbsp;
Bunkers like this are kept under wraps for good reason. It&rsquo;s rare to uncover one so well-preserved. No vandalism, no pipes stripped of copper, you wouldn&rsquo;t even find it on the handful of websites listing Urbex co-ordinates for a price. Simon tells me these sites are a threat to the Urbex community, simply because arsonists, vandals, thieves, and anyone else with ill intentions could have access to them.
This specific place served as a communications bunker for the Hungarian military during the Cold War, intended to keep lines clear in the event of a nuclear attack.&nbsp;
Arriving at the edge of a forest, I&rsquo;m up for the scramble this time. The excitement of discovery quells any remaining unease and, without hesitation, I leave my rookie gloves in the car.
Beneath the crunch of leaves, the undergrowth is thick. We wander aimlessly, kicking our feet, looking for something, anything, out of place. Finally, an uneven patch of earth draws our attention. A rusted, half-buried entrance pulls us closer. The forest and I hold our breath.&nbsp;

&ldquo;There it is!&rdquo; For a moment we just stare, peering into the abyss, consumed by the thrill of what lies beyond. &ldquo;You good?&rdquo; asks Simon.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m good.
Climbing deeper, I watch as he slides the bunker door open, the rusted hinges protesting with a sharp screech. Cold, stale air rushes out, thick with the scent of decay. The smell drags me back to the corridors of my old primary school in Ireland. With a shared look, a silent agreement, we climb down into the void.&nbsp;

For a moment, the blackness engulfs me. The silence presses in, and I can&rsquo;t shake a thought: If a nuke ever did hit, wouldn&rsquo;t the real nightmare be to survive it?&nbsp;
How long would it take for time to become irrelevant in a place like this? When there&rsquo;s no sun, no sky, just recycled air and the hum of the generator ticking louder than any clock.&nbsp;
And what gnaws worse at the mind: Watching rations dwindle by the day? Or not knowing which is more hellish, the world above or the one unravelling inside your head?
Shuddering, I hurry along the corridor, closing the distance to my comrade&rsquo;s footsteps, recalling his mention of a torch.&nbsp;

Even in the pitch black, Simon&rsquo;s excitement is electric &mdash; bouncing into every shadowed corner, something that almost feels too alive for this place. With a sharp click, the torch beam flares to life, but it struggles to keep up with his energy. Like thunder following a flash.&nbsp;
And at that moment, I got it. We&rsquo;re alike in more ways than I thought. I feel the same thrill he gets from exploring new corners of the world&mdash;he&rsquo;s just doing it underground. While others stick to the familiar, we seek the unknown, drawn to places that pulse with history; the harder to reach, the better. They remind us that we are part of something larger, a thread in the long tapestry of human existence, whose stories continue to shape the world we inhabit.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s modern-day archeology.&nbsp;
The thought brings a question to my mind, &ldquo;Has any place ever completely changed your perspective?&rdquo; I ask. Simon&rsquo;s expression shifts as he recalls a particular location, the weight of the memory clearly heavy. &ldquo;I went to an abandoned asylum east of Belgium,&rdquo; he begins. &ldquo;It was different &mdash; a lot of disarray, but there was something about it. Taking something beautiful out of something awful. It felt like a moment of reconciliation.&rdquo;
But then his eyes darken a little, as if remembering something even more powerful. "I also visited a psychiatric hospital in Washington, DC," he says, his voice dropping slightly.&nbsp;
"I stood in the exact spot where Walter Freeman performed thousands of lobotomies [including Rosemary Kennedy]. It's surreal, standing there, knowing the history of that place &mdash; the lives it altered forever."

Simon's torch slices through the blackness. Light fills my eyes, and the space sharpens into focus. Rusted pipes trace a path across the ceiling, beckoning us further. It&rsquo;s less claustrophobic than I originally thought, with chambers jutting off in a dizzying number of directions.&nbsp;
Bunks stacked three high in rooms barely wide enough for two people side by side, a generator that looks as if it&rsquo;s been abandoned only yesterday, doors marked with weathered paper signs indicating their purpose in Hungarian.

I round the corner and step into a room thick with dust, the kind that threatens to steal any remaining air. All around me, old switchboards line the walls.&nbsp;
Rows of knobs, dials and tangled cords were once the only lifeline to the outside world.&nbsp;
Suddenly, the darkness engulfs me once more, as my only source of light jumps to the next room, leaving me both figuratively and literally in the dust.

Who sat here last. What was the final call they took, and who answered on the other side?&nbsp;
<hr>

I flick on my phone&rsquo;s torch, the last of my battery bleeding out into a dim cone of light. The hall stretches so far that the beam can&rsquo;t even touch the end. Following the faint echo of Simon&rsquo;s slow and deliberate footsteps, I go deeper, heart pounding louder than my soles, praying my light doesn&rsquo;t fall on something I can&rsquo;t unsee. 
The beam drags itself over the concrete, eventually probing the shape of a door. And to my surprise, I&rsquo;m reaching for the handle &mdash; Simon&rsquo;s gutsy antics have carved their mark deep. Its weight feels unnatural, taking all my strength to open, gradually revealing the bones of a radiation shower. It&rsquo;s probably the most pristine thing in here, gleaming coldly &mdash; just a forgotten relic now.&nbsp;

Tearing my gaze away, I turn to move deeper into the bunker, and a hint of light catches my eye ahead. It&rsquo;s not much, but it stands out against the suffocating darkness. I near the entrance and spot Simon&rsquo;s silhouette, crouched down, setting up his camera equipment in the middle of a large room. A faint scent of rot threatens my nostrils.&nbsp;
Inside, desks are arranged in orderly lines, their edges decaying, a thin layer of white mold creeps across their surface. The chairs are anchored curiously to the ground, likely to withstand tremors or a blast, or perhaps a fundamental reminder of the bunker&rsquo;s intent: maintaining rigidity and regime.&nbsp;

Stacks of paper are haphazardly scattered across the desks, revealing faded documents that tell us of a time when the bunker was still operational. It was abandoned in 1997, eight years after the fall of Hungary&rsquo;s communist dictatorship.&nbsp;
My eyes fix on a pair of green rubber boots, neatly lined up as if someone just stepped out of them.
&ldquo;What&rsquo;s the strangest stuff you&rsquo;ve seen while exploring?&rdquo; I ask Simon, my voice cutting through the silence. He doesn&rsquo;t seem to notice I&rsquo;ve been in the room the whole time, too absorbed in his task of setting up his tripod.&nbsp;
He glances up briefly. &ldquo;Oh, probably a toss-up between a human skeleton in a mortuary cabinet or a floating hand in formaldehyde. I also visited a French castle that was filled wall-to-wall with taxidermy. That definitely had a sinister energy.&rdquo;
Hmm. I nudge the boots over with my foot &mdash; suddenly they don&rsquo;t seem all that interesting.&nbsp;
I stare at him for a moment. It&rsquo;s strange how he seems so unaffected by the things he&rsquo;s seen, and I can&rsquo;t decide whether I admire his detachment or if it unsettles me.&nbsp;&nbsp;
How many places would I have to creep through before I stopped bracing for a jump scare?&nbsp;
&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve been doing this for a long time, huh?&rdquo; I ask, hoping to get a glimpse of what makes him tick. &ldquo;Long enough, since I was a teenager.&rdquo; His tone is flat, and I take the hint, leaving him to fine-tune his hero shot.&nbsp;
I drag my shoes across the floor, aiming for the entrance, eager to cut myself loose from this sterile place. I&rsquo;ve been in here too long and the coldness is starting to warp my perspective, seeping into my bones, feeding nihilistic thoughts I&rsquo;d rather not face.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m still not convinced that this is the better of two endings. Ultimately, it&rsquo;s a hole in the ground where, rather than succumbing to radioactive fallout, those deemed worthy of its stale air choose the false comfort of starving to death.

Stepping into the daylight brings a rush of relief. February&rsquo;s frigid air feels welcome on my face, sharp and cleansing, shaking off any lingering dust from my lungs.
The next few hours back to Budapest are mostly quiet. Simon asks if I&rsquo;m cool with music. I nod, psyching myself up for a wall of thrash or metal to shred my senses, something to match his imposing frame and unreadable expression.&nbsp;
But what comes is barely music at all &mdash; a soft ambient lilt drifts through the car like mist, a gentle counterpoint to the questions I let hang in the air. With each quiet pause, the man whose formidable presence had once felt intimidating becomes someone who knows the value of softness and when to speak.&nbsp;
I ask him where he draws the line between trespassing and urban exploring, and he tells me, without hesitation, that for him the boundary is clear: &ldquo;Personally, I draw the line at exploring private residences. Taking photos of people&rsquo;s belongings and property feels like crossing a boundary, and if gaining access requires breaking something, that&rsquo;s a step too far.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Simon documents the haunting Chavalon Power Plant, where Switzerland's last oil-fired turbines fell silent in the turn of the millennium. This concrete beast now offers Urbexers a maze of derelict control rooms and oil-stained floors.&nbsp;
<hr>

I ask if there&rsquo;s any place he regrets not being able to explore, and his answer comes with a hint of nostalgia.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It would be the old Gentbrugge power station in Belgium. Now it&rsquo;s completely scrapped, but when I first started, it was an untouched industrial gem &mdash; two massive rusty turbines, great decay, plants growing everywhere. It was one of the first places I looked for, and I never got to see it in its prime."

This once-grand Italian mental asylum still holds its darkest secrets, including preserved electroshock equipment that whispers of medicine's dark past.&nbsp;
<hr>

Back on the whirring streets of Budapest, we climb out of the car to bid our final farewell. Looking around me, something feels different now. I&rsquo;m noticing the small, subtle details of weathered buildings I would&rsquo;ve otherwise overlooked. I wonder how many house treasures for those fearless enough to investigate.&nbsp;
I hesitate before saying goodbye. The day&rsquo;s adrenaline still hums in my heart, and for a moment, I don&rsquo;t want to let go &mdash; don&rsquo;t want to surrender the version of myself that climbed fences and confidently clutched barbed wire. &ldquo;Where to next?&rdquo; I ask bitter-sweetly.&nbsp;&ldquo;A few more bunkers here and then on to Romania.&rdquo;
Then, with a spark in my eye, I wondered out loud about his dream destination. Without hesitation, he answers: &ldquo;Abandoned submarines. It&rsquo;s the ultimate quest. I tried in Portugal, but I couldn&rsquo;t get inside. It&rsquo;s like chasing a ghost, you know?&rdquo;
He saunters off, walking away without a backward glance. I raise my hands &mdash; cotton gloves more hole than fabric now &mdash; and frame him between my thumbs in the shape of a viewfinder. A lone shadow dissolving into the sepia smear of Budapest's 8th district.&nbsp;
The true hero shot.

Where No Man Roams  —  Lessons From a Professional Trespasser

Tokyo is a massive metropolis (in every sense of the word) &ndash; it&rsquo;s the city with the largest population in the world, in parts a concrete and neon jungle, in others you&rsquo;ll find tiny shrines and quiet backstreets flanked by high-rise apartments.
It has 23 wards, each with its distinct culture and atmosphere. You may have heard of names like Chuo, Shinjuku, Shibuya or Taito, each with their own neighborhoods. It&rsquo;s the kind of city where you could spend weeks on end and not see everything on your list.
I scored a return trip from London via Copenhagen to Tokyo for under &pound;450, and I spent 5 full days traversing the city. Read on for my tips on how to make the most of your time (and where to get the best ramen) in town.&nbsp;
A quick note on the links in this guide: we&rsquo;re not affiliated with any of the external sites included in this guide, so we&rsquo;re not getting any kick-backs or commission. We&rsquo;ve only included resources we think will genuinely be useful to help you decide if this destination is for you.

<h2>Getting there</h2>
Tokyo is a major transport hub, so it&rsquo;s usually easy to find flights from around the world.&nbsp;
Japan has 2 major airlines that fly from Europe and North America to Tokyo: Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Both offer non-stop flights from large hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Stockholm, New York, LA, San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, Boston and Dallas. ZipAir Tokyo is a budget option for non-stop flights from the West Coast of the US.&nbsp;
Most flagship airlines offer non-stop flights to Tokyo as well, like British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, SAS, Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines and United Airlines. However, the cheapest way to get there is usually to take connecting flights, especially via China.

Here&rsquo;s a handy JFC guide on what to expect when booking your flight to Tokyo:
From Europe:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range: &euro;470s-&euro;670s</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 15+</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen:&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/deals/tokyo-in-330s-390s-rtn-from-across-europe">&euro;300 rtn</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
From the UK:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range: &pound;350s-&pound;530s</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 20+</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/deals/free-bag-japan-south-korea-in-320s-340s-rtn-from-london">&pound;338 rtn</a></li>
</ul>
From the USA:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range: $570s-$890s</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 20+</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/deals/la-to-tokyo-at-$257-rt">$257 rtn</a></li>
</ul>
From Canada:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range: $770s-$1200s</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 15+</li>
<li>Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/deals/tokyo-at-678-rt">$678 rtn</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">By train</h3>
If you&rsquo;ve arrived in another city in Japan, you&rsquo;ll likely catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) and/or JR Rail (the national rail service) to Tokyo.&nbsp;
Shinkansen tickets are typically pricey, but they make up for that with exceptional service and speed &ndash; you&rsquo;ll be able to get from Osaka/Kyoto to Tokyo in less than 3 hours. As of 2025, ticket prices are around:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">14,920 JPY from Osaka (approx. $100/&pound;75)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">18,380 JPY from Hiroshima (approx. $125/&pound;95)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">11,500 JPY from Nagoya (approx. $80/&pound;60)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">13,320 JPY from Kyoto (approx. $90/&pound;70)</li>
</ul>
You can buy Shinkansen tickets from major stations in these big cities (via machine or ticket counter), or you can pre-book online <a href="https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php">via the official website</a>.&nbsp;

You&rsquo;ll likely see third-party websites like Klook also selling Shinkansen tickets &ndash; these tend to be a little more expensive (due to their booking fees), so it&rsquo;s better to buy them on the official website or in person at the station.&nbsp;

Larissa's Pro Tip

<h3 dir="ltr">JR Rail pass</h3>
You may be wondering whether it&rsquo;s worth buying a <a href="https://www.jrpass.com/">JR Rail pass</a> (which would give you unlimited travel for a certain number of days), or buy your tickets as you go. Unless you&rsquo;re planning on travelling constantly on Shinkansen trains throughout your trip, it&rsquo;ll likely be cheaper to skip the pass and just book your tickets individually. You can check your individual itinerary <a href="https://www.jrpass.com/farecalculator">here</a>.

<a href="https://boutiquejapan.com/ekiben/">Ekiben</a> are bento boxes that you can buy in stations to eat on the go. You'll find them both before and after ticket gates, but if you're traveling from Tokyo Station, there's plenty of choice in the food court area of Daimaru, a shopping center attached to the station.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Visas</h2>
Depending on which passport you hold, you may need a visa to enter Japan.
At the time of writing (June 2025), travelers from the UK, most of Europe, the USA, and Canada will be granted a 90-day visitor visa on entry, so you don&rsquo;t need to apply before your trip.&nbsp;
All visitors need to fill out a <a href="https://www.customs.go.jp/english/passenger/declaration/declaration_app.html">customs declaration</a> before they arrive &mdash; you can do this on the plane with a paper form, or you can organize it beforehand via <a href="https://www.customs.go.jp/english/passenger/declaration/declaration_app.html">Japan Web</a> and present your QR code on arrival.&nbsp;
The rules for each country are updated regularly, so it&rsquo;s important to check your own government guidelines before traveling.

<h2 dir="ltr">Cash &amp; Currency</h2>
The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY), with $1 USD being equivalent to around 145 JPY. This is about the price it&rsquo;ll cost you to buy a bottle of water or a pastry at the convenience store.&nbsp;
Your accommodation costs will depend on where you want to stay. Dormitory/hostel beds start at 2500-6000 JPY/night, while a standard hotel room costs 10,000&ndash;20,000 JPY/night. Ryokans are traditional Japanese rooms, with tatami mats, paper doors and dinner/breakfast included, and you can book these (usually outside big cities) for around 20,000&ndash;30,000 JPY/night.&nbsp;
Japan is very much still a cash-based country, particularly for touristy stuff like souvenirs, street snacks, and temple charms. Some restaurants will also be cash-only, even in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka.&nbsp;

Thankfully, getting cash is very easy, even with foreign cards. Just head to the nearest 7-11 (there are thousands of stores across the country) and use the 7-11 bank ATM in the shop. These won&rsquo;t charge you any fees to withdraw cash from your bank account.&nbsp;

The majority of hotels, restaurants, and shops will accept card payments though, either with your bank or credit cards. In a particular Japanese quirk, the <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html">public transport IC card</a> you&rsquo;ll be buying to travel on the metro, the bus or the train can also be used at convenience stores and some restaurants. The most popular IC cards are Suica and Iwoca.

<h2 dir="ltr">Seasonality</h2>
Japanese culture is in tune with the changing seasons, with thousands of festivals and celebrations that line up with the calendar.&nbsp;
Depending on where you head in Japan, the intensity of the cold/heat will differ &ndash; in Hokkaido you&rsquo;ll get much cooler summers and frozen winters, versus Okinawa, where the opposite is true. But for central cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, the weather will be similar enough.&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">Spring &mdash; March&ndash;May</h4>
Temperature: 5&ndash;28 C/41&ndash;82 F
The biggest celebration of spring is when the cherry blossoms bloom in March&ndash;April, and it&rsquo;s also a popular time to visit the country. The <a href="https://sakura.weathermap.jp/en.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maps published each year</a> that predict when the blossoms will peak across the country are a handy tool for planning your cherry blossom tour.&nbsp;
During these times, you should expect crowds of Sakura spotters everywhere, and locals will be out taking part in hanami, or picnics under the cherry blossom trees. There will also be lots of Sakura-flavored snacks and treats on offer.&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">Summer &mdash; June&ndash;August</h4>
Temperature: 18&ndash;35 C/64&ndash;95 F
One word: humid. If you visit during these months, the humidity will be above 70%. That means it&rsquo;s worth packing light layers, as well as sunscreen and a hat.&nbsp;
People often travel for summer festivals in cities like Aomori, Sendai, Kochi and Shiranui. But within Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you&rsquo;ll hear the sound of taiko drums, and shrines will be decorated with lanterns and finery.&nbsp;

<h4 dir="ltr">Fall &mdash; September&ndash;November</h4>
Temperature: 10&ndash;20 C/50&ndash;68 F
This time of year is becoming almost as popular as cherry blossom season, with autumn foliage painting the country red. It&rsquo;s also cheaper in general to visit Japan post-summer, which makes it a really nice option if you&rsquo;re looking for discounts on accommodation or flights.&nbsp;
Unsurprisingly, you&rsquo;ve also got <a href="https://www.ana.co.jp/en/gb/japan-travel-planner/japanese-festival-omatsuri/0000007.html">plenty of festivals</a> to celebrate the change in season. At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/mjt5yf/kyoto_autumn_night_illuminations_at_temples_and/">the shrines of Kyoto</a>, there are light shows going into the evening during this time, against a backdrop of autumn leaves.&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">Winter &mdash; December&ndash;February</h4>
Temperature: 4&ndash;15 C/39&ndash;59 F
I visited in February 2025, so I have a particular fondness for this time of year! The majority of my days there were sunny, but I still needed my scarf and a winter coat. We had one day of snow in Kyoto, which was a nice treat, too. It was decent sightseeing weather, but we did have to wrap up at times. 
Our trip also coincided with the&nbsp;<a href="https://hidden-gems-of-kyoto.find-japan.com/plum-blossom-festival-at-kitano-tenmangu/">plum blossom festival</a> in Kyoto &mdash; they&rsquo;re less well-known than cherry blossoms, but equally beautiful. Unfortunately, not many trees had bloomed by the time the festival rolled around on the 25th February, but it was still enjoyable to go to the shrine and have plum tea and dango.

<h2 dir="ltr">Travel Style</h2>
Japan is, on the whole, extremely easy to navigate. You&rsquo;ll find the society there is very orderly (more than back home, at least!), so you can almost guarantee your train will be on time, the streets will be clean, and you&rsquo;ll find signs to get you where you want to go.&nbsp;
Japanese people have, in general, a very welcoming and hospitable approach to foreigners. It&rsquo;s not uncommon for everyone, from the staff in your hotel to a random stranger on the street, to 'go the extra mile' and be willing to help you, even if they&rsquo;re not confident speaking English.&nbsp;
These things combined make it simple to get around big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto without knowing one word of Japanese. Even if you need to order in a restaurant without an English menu, you can point to the pictures of the food you want. Of course, at least a few words of Japanese are appreciated, like:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Konnichiwa &mdash; Hello</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Arigato gozaimasu &mdash; Thank you very much (formal, used for everyone you don&rsquo;t know)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ohayō gozaimasu &mdash; Good morning</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Konbanwa &mdash; Good evening</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Itadakimasu &mdash; Thank you for the meal (said before eating)</li>
<li>Sumimasen &mdash; Excuse me (useful to get the attention of waitstaff)</li>
</ul>
Outside of this, Google Translate (or another translation app which has image-to-text translation) will be your best friend. Almost everything is written down in Japan, with plenty of signs, menus, instructions and so on. You just need to know where to look, and when to whip out your phone to find that hidden ramen restaurant.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Pickpockets (or, not)</h3>
You may know (or have read stories about) someone who has misplaced their valuables while travelling in Japan, only to be reunited with their phone, passport, or wallet down the line. This may lead you to believe that the country is some sort of anti-pickpocket Utopia, where something lost will always find its way back to its rightful owner, and petty theft is the last thing you need to worry about.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s true that Japan is, in general, an extremely safe country to visit on the whole &mdash; not only is violent crime uncommon, but even muggings and theft are nowhere near as prevalent as in Europe. But, this doesn&rsquo;t mean it can&rsquo;t happen to you during your visit.&nbsp;
There are some areas of large cities, like Kabukicho or Roppongi in Tokyo, or Nishinari in Osaka, where there is a higher risk of pickpocketing and general antisocial behavior. So, keep your wits about you regardless.&nbsp;

LGBTQI+ travelers are unlikely to receive any harassment or discrimination from locals &mdash; you will find a higher proportion of LGBTQI+ friendly bars, clubs, and businesses in places like Shinjuku/Ni-chome and Nakano in Tokyo, but you won&rsquo;t find these types of businesses outside big cities.&nbsp;
Many LGBTQI+ travelers visit Japan without any problem, but activities that are both specifically aimed at LGBTQI+ people and welcoming of foreigners can be limited and hard to find. World Nomads has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/queer-travel-in-japan">great guide</a> on visiting as an LGBTQI+ traveler, with specific bar recommendations and sauna etiquette.&nbsp;
Japan is a conservative country and, regardless of your orientation, physical or sexual touch is seen as something to be kept private, so it&rsquo;s worth keeping this in mind.&nbsp;
POC travelers do stand out in Japan, given that it&rsquo;s a largely homogenous society. That being said, foreigners and expats are now extremely common in the big cities, so you&rsquo;re unlikely to experience any discrimination or harassment. <a href="https://www.malikahkelly.com/blog/2024/4/28/is-japan-racist-what-black-travelers-need-to-know-before-booking-their-trip-to-japan">Here&rsquo;s a first-hand account</a> of a Black woman&rsquo;s experience travelling in Japan.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re a solo female traveler, Japan is likely going to feel much safer than some Western countries, due to the absence of violent and petty crime in society. City streets are very well lit, and there are always many people around, no matter when you&rsquo;re out and about.&nbsp;
There have been some reports of sexist and misogynistic behavior against women, but these tend to be targeted towards residents rather than foreigners.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adventurouskate.com/solo-female-travel-japan-safe/">This article</a> talks about what to watch out for if you do decide to travel to Japan alone.

<h2 dir="ltr">Getting around</h2>
Tokyo has one of the most extensive public transport systems you might encounter anywhere in the world &mdash; no surprise when it has to move millions of people a day.&nbsp;
As with all public transport in Japan, there are certain customs which are seen as normal on the metro but may seem strict in comparison to what you experience at home:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">No talking loudly/playing music on the train, and keep your phone on silent</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">There are no rubbish bins in the station (or on the streets), so take your rubbish with you back to the hotel&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">No eating/drinking on the train (unless you&rsquo;re on the Shinkansen)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://metropolisjapan.com/women-only-train-cars-tokyo/">Women-only cars</a> are active during peak hours&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Wait in an orderly line on the platform when waiting for the train (you&rsquo;ll likely see arrows on the ground)&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Keep your bag in your lap, and be aware of your surroundings </li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Metro and suburban trains</h3>
The crowning feature (and the one you&rsquo;ll likely use most often) is the metro. It&rsquo;s extensive, with 142 stations spread across the metropolitan area. The most popular stations include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ginza (Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, Marunouchi Line)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Asakusa (Asakua Line, Ginza Line)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ueno (Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Shibuya (Ginza Line, Fukutoshin Line, Hanzomon Line)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Shinjuku (Shinjuku Line, Marunouchi Line, Oedo Line)</li>
</ul>
It&rsquo;s quick, clean, efficient (the norm in Japan) and runs throughout the day from 5am until around midnight. It&rsquo;s also fairly cheap, with <a href="https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/regular/index.html">a ride typically costing between 180 and 324 JPY</a>, depending on the distance. You can buy tickets from ticket machines at each station&nbsp;(in denominations from 180 JPY to 330 JPY), or use your preloaded IC card. You can put money on your IC card directly in your phone&rsquo;s wallet (if you have the e-version of the card, which is exclusive to Apple phones), or via the ticket machine with cash (or debit/credit card).&nbsp;
Using Google Maps is your best bet for navigating the metro, as it has extremely easy-to-understand way finding features. It&rsquo;ll tell you which exit you&rsquo;ll need to take, which carriage you should travel in, and which color line you&rsquo;re transiting on.&nbsp;
To get to places like the Ghibli Museum or Disneyland, you&rsquo;ll need to jump on a suburban train instead. Functionally, there isn&rsquo;t any difference between this and the metro in terms of your tickets (IC card works across both) or the way you navigate it. The only difference is that you&rsquo;ll have to catch these trains from major stations, like Tokyo Station, and the platforms are usually above ground, instead of underground like the metro platforms.

<h3 dir="ltr">Buses</h3>
Similarly to the metro, the Tokyo bus network is extensive. To use the bus, you find the bus stop and stand in an orderly line behind those who arrived before you. In busy areas, there will be lines on the pavement to direct you.
Once the bus arrives, you jump on through the back door. If you&rsquo;re paying with cash, you&rsquo;ll need to take a ticket from the box near the door; otherwise you&rsquo;re fine to just sit down. The normal rules apply here &mdash; if the bus is too busy, offer your seat to those around you who may need it more than you. If you&rsquo;re standing, hold on to the handrail.&nbsp;
When you reach your stop, press the button and get your payment ready &mdash; you&rsquo;ll pay when you leave the bus (via the front door). You can pay with your IC card by tapping it as you leave (via the front door), or with change. Keep in mind, the driver can&rsquo;t break notes over 1000 JPY.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Food</h2>
A lot of what we now know as &lsquo;Japanese&rsquo; food originated in Tokyo. That, alongside the fact it&rsquo;s Japan&rsquo;s biggest city, means you&rsquo;ll be absolutely spoiled for choice for every single Japanese dish you want to try.&nbsp;
Here are a few that are known to be particularly good in Tokyo:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Curry: served with rice or udon</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Monjayaki: pan-fried batter topped with cabbage, seafood (similar to okonomiyaki)&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Edomae sushi: the &lsquo;typical&rsquo; sushi you&rsquo;re probably familiar with, with raw seafood on rice</li>
<li>Gyu-katsu: deep-fried beef cutlet (usually wagyu beef)</li>
</ul>

I lined up for about 45 minutes one evening to eat at&nbsp;<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/mSwjdSTMpNeP4mSz8">Gyukatsu in Asakusa</a>, and it was well worth it &mdash; you can even grill each piece of beef to your taste. They do have 2 locations within a 5-minute walk of each other, so it&rsquo;s worth scoping out both lines to see which is shorter.

Tokyo also has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, covering not just Japanese cuisine, but also French, Chinese, Spanish and Indian. As with everywhere in Japan, Tabelog is where you should go for restaurant reviews and reservations. Any restaurant above a 3.5 rating should guarantee you a really good meal (these ratings are stricter in Japan than in other countries).&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Street food</h3>
It&rsquo;s worth noting that &lsquo;street food&rsquo; in Japan isn&rsquo;t quite the same as in other countries, as it&rsquo;s considered rude to eat and walk. Because of this, you&rsquo;re more likely to find shopfronts with proper seating, or casual pub-style spots called izakayas. 
Memory Lane in Shinjuku is a place that comes highly recommended by travelers for its atmosphere and&nbsp;yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) shops. Otherwise, Nakamise Street in Asauka, Tsukiji Outer Market and the Takeshita Street in Harajuku have some street food stalls. 
If you're looking for a little more than traditional foods like takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes filled with red bean), and sweet sticky rice sticks called dango across the board, Harajuku is where you&rsquo;ll find the latest viral food crazes as seen on social media.&nbsp;
If you do buy food from a shop with no seating, it&rsquo;s either expected you&rsquo;ll take it away to eat later, or you&rsquo;ll eat it standing directly in front of the store you bought it from.&nbsp;

<h3>Convenience store food</h3>
There's no shortage of convenience stores in the country (7-11, Lawson, and Family Mart are the big three). You'd struggle to find a single street in a major metropolitan area that doesn't have one of these stores on it. Because of this, the food available here has become ubiquitous with a trip to Japan. It's almost a type of pilgrimage, where visitors scope out their favorite foods.&nbsp;
As well as the sheer number of stores, the quality of the food is impressive. You can find the usual snacks and drinks you'd expect anywhere in the world, alongside a surprising variety of baked pastries, hot food and take away meals. I'd recommend trying onigiri, katsu/egg sandwiches, and the melon pan&nbsp;from any of these stores.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Useful links</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-translate/id414706506">Google Translate App</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuicamobile/">Welcome Suica card</a> (<a href="https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/suica-card-guide/">here&rsquo;s</a> how to get it on your phone)&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://tabelog.com/en/">Tabelog</a> - used for restaurant recommendations and booking</li>
</ul>

JFC's Guide to: Tokyo

Mexico City is a sprawling, vibrant metropolis nestled in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude that might make your head spin &mdash; literally, if you&rsquo;re not used to being up high.
It&rsquo;s a city of contrasts: centuries-old architecture stands proudly beside sleek modern buildings, and quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa are just a short ride from the bustling chaos of the Centro Hist&oacute;rico.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Having visited myself, I can say that CDMX (an abbreviation you&rsquo;ll often see for Mexico City) is more than a destination; it&rsquo;s an experience. Whether you&rsquo;re biting into the most perfectly cooked huraches from a street vendor or marveling at Diego Rivera&rsquo;s murals in the Palacio Nacional, there&rsquo;s a rhythm to this city that pulls you in.&nbsp;&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s the kind of place where you&rsquo;ll want to dive into the culture, but might feel the need for a nap after tackling one of its expansive markets. Is it for everyone? That depends on how much you love a city that pulses with life 24/7.&nbsp;&nbsp;
To help you make the decision on whether it deserves a spot on your bucket list, we&rsquo;ve scoured the JFC community and our go-to trusted sources for tips on Mexico City.
A quick note on the links in this guide: We&rsquo;re not affiliated with any external sites we&rsquo;ve chosen to include, so we&rsquo;re not getting any kick-backs or commission. We&rsquo;ve only included resources we think will genuinely be useful to help you make a decision on whether this destination is for you.
<div style="background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #aaa; display: table; font-size: 95%; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 20px; width: auto;">
Quick Reference
<ul style="list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0;">
<li><a href="#getting-there">Getting There</a></li>
<li><a href="#entry">Entry Requirements</a></li>
<li><a href="#vacs-meds">Vaccines and Medications</a></li>
<li><a href="#in-cell">Internet and Cell Service</a></li>
<li><a href="#travel-style">Travel Style</a></li>
<li><a href="#season">Seasonality</a></li>
<li><a href="#getting-around">Getting Around</a></li>
<li><a href="#area-guides">Area Guides</a></li>
<li><a href="#day-trips">Day Trips</a></li>
<li><a href="#worth-note">Worth Noting</a></li>
<li><a href="#food">Food</a></li>
<li><a href="#event">Events</a></li>
<li><a href="#rec-res">Recommended Resources</a></li>
</ul>
</div>

<a id="getting-there" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Getting There</h1>
Flying to Mexico City is relatively straightforward, especially from places like the USA, Canada and Europe. The city&rsquo;s airport is well-connected to major cities around the world.
You can catch non-stop flights from most major hubs in North America, including JFK, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and LAX, as well as bigger airports in Europe, such as Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris.&nbsp;

Here&rsquo;s an idea of what we at JFC tend to see for flights to Mexico City.
From the USA:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average fare: $170s-$270s RT, depending on departure city and airline</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 20</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: $125 RT from San Antonio</li>
</ul>
From Canada:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average fare: $550 RT</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 4</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: We&rsquo;re still waiting to be impressed</li>
</ul>
Note: Canada gets loads of trips to PVR, Cancun, Cabo, and more for under $400 RT
From the UK:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average fare: &pound;460 rtn</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 10</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: &pound;361 rtn from Birmingham</li>
</ul>
From Europe:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average fare: &euro;450 rtn</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 8</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: &euro;305 rtn from Amsterdam </li>
</ul>
For longer adventures, you can link up your Mexico City trip with flights to other spots around Latin America, like Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Bogot&aacute;, Lima, and S&atilde;o Paulo. If you&rsquo;d rather stick to exploring every corner of Mexico, you can grab incredibly <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/explore?tfs=CBwQAxoaKABqBwgBEgNNRVhyDQgEEgkvbS8wYjkwX3IaGigAag0IBBIJL20vMGI5MF9ycgcIARIDTUVYQAFIAXACggELCP___________wGYAQGyAQQYASAB&amp;tfu=GgA">cheap domestic flights</a> all over. 
VivaAerobus is the country&rsquo;s budget carrier, and we&rsquo;ve seen one-way routes from Mexico City as low as $/&pound;/&euro;3 RT. No, that&rsquo;s not a typo.&nbsp;

<a id="entry" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h3 dir="ltr">Entry requirements</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Proof of onward travel: Sometimes, immigration officials will ask for proof that you&rsquo;re leaving the country (a return ticket or a ticket to another destination). It doesn&rsquo;t always happen, but it&rsquo;s good to have just in case.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<a id="vacs-meds" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h3 dir="ltr">Vaccines and medications</h3>
There are no vaccines required for entry to Mexico however many travelers are recommended vaccines for Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Talk to your doctor before travelling to see what&rsquo;s right for you.&nbsp;
Any medication and travel essentials can be found and bought for a reasonable price in Mexico City.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Cash &amp; Currency</h3>
Mexico uses pesos as their main currency, but in touristy areas, American dollars are widely accepted. The only exception is in smaller shops and tiendas, where you can expect to pay in pesos.
Prices in Mexico are displayed in MXN (Mexican pesos) and denoted with the $ symbol, so don&rsquo;t panic if they seem high at first glance.
As a guideline, street tacos may be priced at 20 pesos, which is about $1 USD (or less than &pound;1/&euro;1) or a bottle of tequila 300&ndash;500 pesos, the equivalent of $/&euro;15-$/&euro;20&nbsp; or &pound;12-&pound;16.&nbsp;

You&rsquo;ll want to avoid changing money at the airport, as thieves have been known to target tourists after spotting them at the money exchange. Unfortunately, there&rsquo;s been many incidents of people being targeted by thieves after exchanging money.
You can withdraw cash from ATMs in Mexico for the best exchange rate, or consider using your home bank to exchange money before your trip. To make sure you always get the best rate, you should always choose to be charged in the local currency of the country you&rsquo;re in.
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For travellers from the USA, open a free Schwab checking account. It gives you free ATM access worldwide after rebate, and the exchange rate is 1 to 1. At then end of the month, your ATM fees are reimbursed.&nbsp;
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Akasha's Pro Tip

<h3 dir="ltr">Cash and Card Usage</h3>
In Mexico City, you can rely on using card, so carrying large amounts of cash isn&rsquo;t necessary. However, in small shops, markets and smaller towns or rural areas, cash is king.
<a id="in-cell" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h3 dir="ltr">Internet and Cell Service</h3>
Mexico City has reliable internet and cell service, making it a great destination for digital nomads. SIM cards are easy to find at airports, Oxxo convenience stores, or official carrier stores (Telcel, Movistar, and AT&amp;T Mexico are the main providers). Telcel has the best nationwide coverage.
Wi-Fi is widely available in caf&eacute;s, coworking spaces (like WeWork, Selina, and Impact Hub), and most Airbnb rentals. Some public areas and metro stations also offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary. For uninterrupted work, consider getting a local SIM with a data plan or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Many digital nomads work from neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, where internet speeds are generally fast and caf&eacute;s are laptop-friendly. If you need high-speed internet, check with your accommodation beforehand or opt for a coworking space.

<a id="travel-style" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Travel Style</h1>
Always evolving, buzzy doesn&rsquo;t even begin to describe Mexico City.&nbsp;
First, this place is HUMONGOUS, bigger than you might expect. The city&rsquo;s energy is contagious, but for a first-time traveler or anyone who hasn&rsquo;t been to many cities in Latin America, Mexico City might feel a bit overwhelming. Especially if you&rsquo;re someone that struggles with sensory overload.
But with the right street-smarts and curiosity, it can be a hugely rewarding experience and locals are generally friendly and helpful, especially when you <a href="https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/this-spanish-course-will-prepare-you-for-your-mexican-vacation">try to speak in Spanish</a>. While some people do speak English, more so in touristy areas, being able to ask for directions or order food in Spanish will make your life easier &mdash; and your server&rsquo;s!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve highlighted the importance of keeping your wits about you. Here are some top tips on staying safe:
Pickpocketing: This is the most common issue in crowded places, like the metro or busy markets. Keep your valuables out of sight, split your money between pockets, and maybe even invest in a money belt.
Neighborhood Awareness: Some areas of Mexico City are super safe, like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, but others, especially at night, might be worth avoiding (e.g., Tepito, and certain parts of downtown after dark). Always ask locals or your accommodation about which areas are worth skipping.&nbsp;
Scams: Watch out for overly friendly people offering "too good to be true" deals, and stay sharp if someone asks you for directions or strikes up an odd conversation.&nbsp;

Reddit is also a great place to ask questions about travelling in Mexico City. 
Whenever I plan my travels, I usually type a question into Google followed by the word Reddit, e.g. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=areas+in+mexico+city+to+stay+reddit&amp;oq=areas+in+mexico+city+to+stay+reddit&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yDQgCEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgDEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgEEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyCggFEAAYgAQYogQyCggGEAAYgAQYogQyCggHEAAYgAQYogTSAQg1ODQ5ajBqOagCALACAQ&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Areas in Mexico City to stay Reddit.</a>&rdquo; Google will pull up an entire page full of Reddit discussions of real travelers&rsquo; opinions, instead of biased business pages or pages targeted for SEO.&nbsp;
But what's even better than Reddit? Asking your fellow JFC members! Post any questions you have in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/">Jack's Flight Club Travel Community</a> on Facebook!

<h3 dir="ltr">LGBTQ+</h3>
As the very first major city in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, Mexico City has lots to offer LGBTQ travelers seeking vibrant nightlife, art, and culture. That being said, we&rsquo;ve sadly still seen reports of homophobic hate crimes in certain areas.&nbsp;
The heart of LGBTQ nightlife lies in the area known as Zona Rosa, where you&rsquo;ll find lively bars, clubs, and pride events. But the neighborhoods of Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacan are also home to a growing number of inclusive spaces.

If you&rsquo;re looking for travel tips, community, and recommendations for places to stay for LGBTQ+ travelers, take a look at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.misterbandb.com/">this helpful website</a>!

<h3 dir="ltr">Solo Female Travelers</h3>
As a solo female traveler in Mexico City, you can definitely have a fantastic time. I&rsquo;ve visited Mexico City a handful of times solo, and here are my best tips:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Stay in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Napoles, Coyacan. I wouldn&rsquo;t recommend staying in Zocalo, since it can be a bit dodgy at night.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Don&rsquo;t wear flashy, expensive jewelry. I&rsquo;ve had some weird experiences while on the metro, almost having a family heirloom grabbed from my neck. Thankfully, a kind stranger anticipated what was going to happen and stepped in.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Use Uber or Didi instead of grabbing random taxis, and avoid walking alone late at night.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Catcalls can happen, but just ignore them and keep moving. If someone seems too persistent or makes you uncomfortable, don&rsquo;t hesitate to duck into a shop or caf&eacute; for a bit. If a man stops and asks you for directions, it&rsquo;s usually better to be cautious. It could be harmless, but it could also be a distraction tactic. Just politely say you don&rsquo;t know and keep walking. If you ever feel uncomfortable and need to get out of a situation, try to find another woman nearby, especially someone who looks older or has a child with her. Approaching someone like that can help you feel safer and might discourage any unwanted attention. Trust your instincts and don&rsquo;t hesitate to ask for help if needed.</li>
<li>Stay at well-rated hotels, guest houses, or hostels, and trust your gut when dealing with people.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
There&rsquo;s a solid community of solo female travelers out there, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaletravelersinmexico/">Facebook groups</a> and <a href="https://asinglewomantraveling.com/13-must-have-travel-apps-for-solo-females/">apps</a>.&nbsp;

<a id="season" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Seasonality</h1>
<h3 dir="ltr">March&ndash;May: Ideal for Sunseekers</h3>
This is the start of the city's most idyllic weather, with highs around 26&deg;C/78&deg;F. Be sure to secure your travel plans early, as this is one of the most popular times of year to visit.
<h3 dir="ltr">June&ndash;August, December&ndash;February: Best for budget breaks</h3>
The summer months of June to August are Mexico's rainy season. The weather still hits highs of around 26&deg;C/78&deg;F during the day, but downpours appear nearly every afternoon.&nbsp;
Because it's a slower season, some hotels offer discounted rates. Visitors during these months can breathe easy as the rain clears up some of Mexico City's notoriously bad air pollution. Weather forecasts and pollution indexes are regularly updated <a href="https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/e/about/about-mexico-city/weather-forecasts-pollution-uv/">here</a>.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">September&ndash;November: Best time to experience Mexican festivals</h3>
Fall visits offer the opportunity to experience some of the city's most popular events and cultural activities, like <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/dia-de-muertos-what-to-know">D&iacute;a de los Muertos</a> (Day of the Dead).&nbsp;
Although D&iacute;a de los Muertos takes place at the beginning of November, celebrations kick off at the end of October &mdash; this is <a href="https://blog.vibeadventures.com/dia-de-los-muertos-2025/">an incredibly special time</a> to visit Mexico.&nbsp;

<a id="getting-around" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Getting Around&nbsp;</h1>
Getting around Mexico City will be the least of your worries. There&rsquo;s a sprawling metro system used by millions of people every day. It can get pretty packed during peak times (7am-9am, 5pm-7:30pm) &mdash; no joke, I once even lost a shoe trying to get off at my stop!&nbsp;
Remember to keep a close eye on your belongings and to not wear flashy jewelry, as pick-pocketing can occur, especially during rush-hour when everybody is packed in a subway car like sardines. To avoid overcrowding, passengers are discouraged from bringing large backpacks or suitcases.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s worth noting that the first three carriages of the metro are reserved for women and children only.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Renting a car</h3>
I&rsquo;d advise against renting a car here, as it&rsquo;s one of the world&rsquo;s most congested cities. It&rsquo;s best to avoid travelling by car or taxi during rush hour in particular, unless you want to spend your vacation in a grid-lock.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Rideshare and taxis</h3>
There are official taxis operating across the city, but for extra safety, I always recommend using Uber or DiDi.&nbsp;
Check out <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-mexico-city">this helpful guide</a> from Lonely Planet for more information about transportation in Mexico City.

<h3 dir="ltr">Bus</h3>
If you&rsquo;re travelling around Mexico, it&rsquo;s likely that you&rsquo;ll take a long-distance bus at some point. As the capital city, you can grab an intercity bus to Mexico City from almost anywhere else in the country.&nbsp;
There are a couple of important things to know about coach travel in Mexico. Firstly, you should pay attention to the class of the ticket you buy &mdash; unsurprisingly, executive and deluxe services will be more comfortable, and generally speedier, than 1st class journeys, which again will be more pleasant than 2nd class. Familiarize yourself with <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-mexico">the differences here</a> before booking.&nbsp;
Secondly, different companies operate in different parts of the country. In the south, ADO are one of the better options, while Primera Plus is a good choice in central Mexico.
ETN run connections between major cities along the Pacific, in the north, in the east, and some spots in the south. They&rsquo;re considered pretty luxurious, so while you&rsquo;ll pay a little more, it&rsquo;s worth it for those long journeys.
<a href="https://kittiaroundtheworld.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-travelling-around-mexico-by-bus/">This blog</a> is an excellent guide to the different routes and companies available, and how to plan for bus travel to and from Mexico City and other destinations around the country. Certain companies offer 10% discount if you book online in advance.

Don't forget Mexico City Benito Ju&aacute;rez International Airport (MEX) is a major hub for domestic flights in Mexico.
It serves as the primary hub for Aerom&eacute;xico, the country's flag carrier, and offers a wide network of domestic routes, including connections to other cities in Mexico (with budget friendly options with the airline Viva.&nbsp;

<a id="area-guides" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Area Guides</h1>
<h3 dir="ltr">Centro Hist&oacute;rico</h3>
The historic heart of Mexico City, Centro is filled with colonial-era architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks. The majestic Z&oacute;calo, one of the largest city squares in the world, is surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. While the Z&oacute;calo is a must-visit with its historic charm and lively atmosphere, it's important to be extra vigilant at night due to occasional petty crime&mdash;keep an eye on your belongings and stick to well-lit, crowded areas.
Vibe: Bustling, historic, and culturally rich. It&rsquo;s always lively with tourists and locals!
Key Attractions: Z&oacute;calo (main square), Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes.&nbsp;
Roma Norte/Roma Sur
Stately Art Deco mansions, tree-lined boulevards, trendy caf&eacute;s, Roma is super popular with young professionals and digital nomads.&nbsp;
Artsy types will particularly enjoy the art galleries that line the streets of Roma Norte/Sur.
You can find street art murals adorning many of the buildings, adding to the creative energy of the area.
Vibe: Hip and artsy.&nbsp;
Key Attractions: Mercado Roma, Parque M&eacute;xico, art galleries, numerous caf&eacute;s, and restaurants.

<h3 dir="ltr">Condesa</h3>
Condesa&rsquo;s energy screams trendy. Artisanal dog treat bakeries, waiters in leather aprons, and more avocado toast than you&rsquo;ll know what to do with. It also happens to have some of the best parks in the city &mdash; you&rsquo;ll probably find more dogs than people here.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll find it hard to believe you&rsquo;re in a city of 22 million people as you wander through it&rsquo;s leaf lined boulevards and stunning Art Deco houses!
Vibe: Bohemian and fashionable.
Key Attractions: Parque Espa&ntilde;a, Parque M&eacute;xico, Avenida Amsterdam, a variety of restaurants and bars.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Polanco</h3>
Polanco is where the city's elite converge, drawn by its blend of modern skyscrapers and historic mansions.&nbsp;
The area is a culinary paradise, so you&rsquo;ll likely end up here if you&rsquo;re into a spot of fine dining, or you&rsquo;re celebrating a special occasion.&nbsp; Cultural landmarks like the Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex also attract art lovers from around the world.
Vibe: Elegant, sophisticated, and exclusive.
Key Attractions: Museo Soumaya, Museo Jumex, Chapultepec Park, high-end boutiques on Avenida Presidente Masaryk.

<h3 dir="ltr">Coyoac&aacute;n</h3>
Coyoac&aacute;n feels like a village within the city, with cobblestone streets and plazas and colonial plazas packed with artists, performers and of course, mariachi bands. The neighborhood's artistic roots are plain to see at the Frida Kahlo Museum, <a href="https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en">Casa Azul</a> (make sure to book your tickets in advance!) and the Leon Trotsky Museum. But even just browsing the&nbsp; Coyoac&aacute;n Market will give you a glimpse of the local creative talent!&nbsp;
Vibe: Historical, artistic, and laid-back.
Key Attractions: Frida Kahlo Museum, Leon Trotsky Museum, Coyoac&aacute;n Market, Plaza Hidalgo.
<h3 dir="ltr">Ju&aacute;rez</h3>
Once forsaken after the 1986 earthquake, Ju&aacute;rez has seen a shift towards gentrification in recent years. Divided by Avenida Insurgentes, Ju&aacute;rez has two completely different energies on its east and west sides.
On the west side, you'll find an interesting mix of Korean-owned businesses, run-down souvenir shops, bookstores, and sports bars, as well as the lively Zona Rosa, filled with campy discos, sex shops and strip clubs. On the east side, Marsella Street tends more towards concept stores, vinyl shops, local designer shops, and natural wine boutiques.&nbsp;
Vibe: Energetic, eclectic, and artistic.
Key Attractions: Reforma Avenue, Zona Rosa, Marsella Street, contemporary art galleries, hip caf&eacute;s, and vibrant nightlife.

<a id="day-trips" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Day Trips&nbsp;</h1>
<h3 dir="ltr">Valle de Bravo&nbsp;</h3>
For those in the know, Valle de Bravo is a welcome relief from the madness of Mexico City. Only <a href="https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Mexico-City/Valle-de-Bravo">a two-hour drive</a> and you&rsquo;re smack in the middle of a pine-clad valley, overlooking Lago Avandaro. Seamlessly woven into the town&rsquo;s architecture and art, you&rsquo;ll find a curious fusion of both Aztec and colonial influences.&nbsp;
The lake traditionally lures in affluent chilangos (residents of Mexico City) looking for a weekend escape. Luckily, you don&rsquo;t have to be a Telenovela star to enjoy everything on offer here; it&rsquo;s still relatively inexpensive compared to some spots in Mexico.&nbsp;
Nature is king here, especially if you&rsquo;re into water sports like kayaking, sailing, and water-skiing.&nbsp;
The hiking trails are endless, with more than their fair share of waterfalls and beautiful views, and if you&rsquo;ve ever wanted to try paragliding, there&rsquo;s no better place. In January, paragliders from all over the world flock to compete in the Monarca Open.
In winter, hike or horseback ride to <a href="https://owlovertheworld.com/visit-piedra-herrada-monarch-butterfly-sanctuary/">Piedra Herradura Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary</a>. You&rsquo;ll witness thousands of monarch butterflies making their annual migration from Canada to Mexico &mdash; it&rsquo;s truly magical.
To get here, you can rent a car and drive 2 hours, or take a 3hr bus ride from Terminal Poniente in Mexico City.

<h3 dir="ltr">Teotihuac&aacute;n</h3>
The ancient pyramids of Teotihuac&aacute;n are one of the most popular day trips from Mexico City, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country.&nbsp;
Teotihuac&aacute;n means "The Place Where Gods Were Born," and dates back to around 100 AD. It was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world.&nbsp;
The site&rsquo;s two main pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, dominate the landscape. At about 216 ft tall, the epic views of the valley are worth the brisk climb to the top. Better yet,<a href="https://thehappyjetlagger.com/en/teotihuacan-mexiko-city/"> book a sunrise hot air balloon ride</a> if you&rsquo;ve got the cash to spend, it&rsquo;ll put you back about $/&euro;100 or &pound;80, but it&rsquo;s definitely worth it.&nbsp; 
Reaching Teotihuac&aacute;n from Mexico City by bus is simple and far cheaper than booking onto a tour, plus you&rsquo;ll beat the crowds of tourists if you can go earlier in the morning. The bus departs from Autobuses del Norte terminal.&nbsp;
At the bus station, find the booth that says &ldquo;Piramides&rdquo; to buy your tickets. Expect to pay around $52 pesos (approx. $/&euro;2.60 or &pound;2) each way. Departures are every 20 minutes. Otherwise, you can rent a car and be there in under an hour.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Puebla&nbsp;</h3>
Puebla is renowned for its stunning historical center, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The city boasts some incredible colonial architecture, like the ornate Puebla Cathedral and the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, dating all the way back to 1646 it&rsquo;s the oldest library in the Americas. The city is also famous for its Talavera pottery&mdash;colorful, hand-painted ceramics that make for fantastic souvenirs.
Foodies will love Puebla&rsquo;s renowned culinary scene, especially its famous mole poblano, a rich, spicy-sweet sauce often served over chicken. And don&rsquo;t leave without trying a cemita, a tasty sandwich piled high with meat, cheese, and avocado.
A short drive from Puebla will bring you to Atlixco, a picturesque town known for its lovely gardens and pleasant climate and beautiful flower markets.&nbsp;
Further on, you&rsquo;ll find the town of Cholula with its impressive Great Pyramid. This ancient structure, the largest pyramid by volume in the world, is mostly hidden beneath a hill but topped with the beautiful Nuestra Se&ntilde;ora de los Remedios church. Climbing up offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and nearby volcanoes.
That leads us to Popocat&eacute;petl or Popo as it&rsquo;s affectionately called, the enormous volcano dominating the skyline of Puebla and its surroundings.
Standing at nearly 18,000 feet, this active volcano offers a challenging trek starting from the town of Amecameca, with routes often beginning at the historical Paso de Cort&eacute;s.&nbsp;
The climb is demanding due to its high altitude and changing weather conditions, so it&rsquo;s crucial to check current access restrictions and be well-prepared with proper gear and local guides.&nbsp;
On clear days, the summit rewards climbers with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the neighboring Iztacc&iacute;huatl Volcano, making the strenuous hike truly worth the effort.
Renting a car is a convenient way to explore these destinations at your pace, or you can catch a bus from Terminal Central del Sur in Mexico City. Departures leave hourly and tickets cost anywhere between 250-400 pesos depending on the bus class and company, and are often cheaper when booked ahead of time.
Puebla is a 2hr drive by car and 2.5 by bus, with Atlixco and Cholula 25-30mins from Puebla.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Tepoztlan</h3>
A mystical mountainous town Tepoztlan (not to be mistaken for Tepotzotl&aacute;n) has been long under the spell of the pyramid El Tepozteco. No wonder it&rsquo;s considered to be one of Mexico&rsquo;s Pueblo Magicos (magic towns).&nbsp;
The pyramid was built by the Aztecs in honor of Tepoztecatl, the god of pulque (a traditional fermented drink in Mexico). It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley, making it a popular spot for both history enthusiasts and hikers.&nbsp;
The town itself has long been associated with spiritual practices and local legends. It&rsquo;s often regarded as a place of energy and healing, with visitors flocking from across the country to consult its indigenous healers.&nbsp;
To get here is pretty straightforward. Rent a car and you&rsquo;ll arrive in 1.5hrs or hop on a bus from Terminal Tazqueno in Mexico City.
You&rsquo;ll want to head straight for the OCC counter where a one-way ticket will run you $130 pesos ($/&euro;7 USD or &pound;5.50), keep in mind though the bus drops you about a mile from the town center.

<a id="worth-note" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Worth Noting</h1>
<h3 dir="ltr">Language</h3>
Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Mexico, but the government also recognizes 68 other languages spoken in the country. Most hotels and tourism-related services offer at least some level of English.

<h3 dir="ltr">Altitude Sickness</h3>
Mexico City sits pretty high up, about 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, so some visitors might feel a bit off when they first arrive. You could experience things like headaches, dizziness, or just feeling exhausted. It&rsquo;s usually nothing serious, and most people adjust in a day or two.&nbsp;
To help with it, drink plenty of water, take it easy on alcohol, and rest up when you get there. If the symptoms stick around or get worse, it's a good idea to check in with a doctor, but most people feel better after a little time.

<h3 dir="ltr">Food Hygiene&nbsp;</h3>
It&rsquo;s hardly a secret that Mexico has some of the best food on the planet. Unfortunately, though, food poisoning is a real issue, and during my time living in Mexico, I suffered from it more times than I can count. In some instances, it was nothing more than an upset stomach for a few days. But other times, it got so bad I even required hospitalization on several occasions &mdash; thanks parasites!
I won&rsquo;t go too into detail, but here are my best tips to avoid getting sick while travelling in Mexico:
<h3 dir="ltr">Water</h3>
Sadly, in Mexico, millions of people lack access to clean water due to pollution, lack of infrastructure and corporate corruption. And one of the biggest culprits of food poisoning that travelers encounter? Contaminated water.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Never drink the tap water. That goes for brushing your teeth too, use filtered water and don&rsquo;t even think about opening your mouth in the shower.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Never eat food washed with tap water or that contains high levels of water, e.g., that salad on your plate, forget about it.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Use dry glasses/dishware only. If somebody gives you a glass for your drink that looks like it&rsquo;s just been washed, avoid. This is because the harmful bacteria are water-born, so they&rsquo;ll die off once something has been left to dry.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Don&rsquo;t drink fruit juices unless they are freshly squeezed, as they might be reconstituted with tap water.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">If you&rsquo;re cooking at your accommodation, use filtered water to wash your vegetables. Pick up a bottle of <a href="https://kathleeniscookinginmexico.wordpress.com/tag/microdyn/">Microdyn</a> at any convenience store and add it to the water to disinfect your vegetables and fruit. Do not skip this step; fruit and vegetables are irrigated in waste-water in Mexico.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">You can buy 20L jugs of treated water from most grocery or convenience stores. These are known as garraf&oacute;ns and are the most convenient way of keeping a supply of clean water around. Most Airbnbs will have have 1&ndash;2 garraf&oacute;ns for you to use, but always make sure they are sealed. The same goes for bottled water in a restaurant. Some establishments may offer you conveniently pre-opened bottles of &ldquo;purified&rdquo; water, but usually they&rsquo;re trying to reuse bottles by refilling them with unclean water. Always ask for &ldquo;bebidas selladas,&rdquo; meaning &ldquo;sealed drinks&rdquo;.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Add some drops of Microdyn to your bottle as well, and avoid using the brand Bonafont &mdash; many locals have told me the water quality is questionable.&nbsp;

<a id="food" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Food</h1>
Mexico City&rsquo;s food scene is a delicious blend of tradition and innovation, with something for every craving. Here are some standout dishes&mdash;and the best spots to try them:
<h3 dir="ltr">Dishes to Try</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Huaraches &ndash; Thick, sandal-shaped masa bases loaded with beans, cheese, and toppings like tinga or nopales (cactus).</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sopa de Hongos &ndash; A comforting wild mushroom soup, often flavored with epazote and garlic.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mixiotes &ndash; Tender lamb or chicken steamed in maguey leaves with pasilla chiles&mdash;super aromatic and juicy.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Escamoles &ndash; Buttery, nutty ant larvae (Mexico&rsquo;s "caviar"), best enjoyed in tacos or with eggs.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Chiles en Nogada &ndash; Poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo, draped in walnut cream and pomegranate seeds&mdash;a patriotic favorite.</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Where to Eat</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150800-d814867-Reviews-Restaurante_El_Cardenal-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html">El Cardenal</a> &ndash; A classic for chiles en nogada and mixiotes, plus incredible pan dulce and hot chocolate.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g150800-d2640717-Reviews-Azul_Historico-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html">Azul Hist&oacute;rico</a> &ndash; Stunning courtyard setting and refined Mexican dishes like sopa de hongos and cochinita pibil.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150800-d7347504-Reviews-Taqueria_Los_Cocuyos-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html">Los Cocuyos</a> &ndash; A legendary late-night taquer&iacute;a where Anthony Bourdain ate, famous for suadero and tacos de ojo (yes, eyeball tacos).</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g150800-d800423-Reviews-Pujol-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html">Pujol</a><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g150800-d800423-Reviews-Pujol-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html"> </a>&ndash; Enrique Olvera&rsquo;s world-famous spot for next-level Mexican cuisine (try the mole madre tasting menu).</li>
</ul>
Eating in Mexico City is a fantastic experience, especially if you take advantage of the "Men&uacute; del D&iacute;a" (Menu of the Day), a budget-friendly and delicious way to enjoy a full meal. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
<h3 dir="ltr">Men&uacute; del D&iacute;a</h3>
Eating in Mexico City is a fantastic experience, especially if you take advantage of the "Men&uacute; del D&iacute;a" (Menu of the Day), a budget-friendly and delicious way to enjoy a full meal. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
Typically includes:
<ul>
<li>Sopa o pasta (soup or pasta)</li>
<li>Arroz o frijoles (rice or beans)</li>
<li>Guisado principal (main dish &ndash; meat, chicken, fish, or vegetarian)</li>
<li>Agua fresca (flavored water)</li>
<li>Sometimes dessert or coffee</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Best Places to Find Men&uacute; del D&iacute;a</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Fondas &amp; Cocinas Econ&oacute;micas &ndash; Small, family-run spots with home-style cooking.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Local Markets &ndash; Many markets (e.g., Mercado San Juan, Mercado Roma) have food stalls offering men&uacute; del d&iacute;a.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Traditional Restaurants &ndash; Look for places with a chalkboard or sign saying "Men&uacute; Ejecutivo" (executive lunch).</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">When to Go</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lunchtime (2&ndash;5 PM) &ndash; Mexicans eat lunch late, so the best men&uacute;s are served in the afternoon.</li>
<li>Avoid peak hours (around 3 PM) if you want a seat quickly.</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Street Food</h3>
Avoid or Indulge? That&rsquo;s the hot question.
Avoiding street food in Mexico means missing out on a cultural experience integral to the country&rsquo;s culinary roots. It&rsquo;s not just about the flavors; it&rsquo;s about the atmosphere, the community, and the stories behind each dish.&nbsp;
That being said, there are a few things to look out for if you want to have the best experience:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Eat at stands that locals are lining up for. If nobody is lining up at a certain stand, there&rsquo;s probably a reason for it. But remember, locals will have a different level of immunity than travelers.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bypass the stands that vendors are handling raw meat and vegetables simultaneously, or are handling food and money. And if you see a stand where raw meat sits in the open sun for extended periods of time? Keep walking.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h3>Food Poisoning &amp; Parasites: Prevention &amp; Remedies</h3>
Unfortunately, you can&rsquo;t always protect yourself from food poisoning or parasites. I&rsquo;ve had memorable adventures with these nasty illnesses, and despite western medication from my doctor (which is readily available in Mexico City), I found that there were some local remedies that also helped my symptoms. 
I&rsquo;m not a doctor, though, so definitely do your own research and check with a medical professional to make sure whatever you take doesn&rsquo;t contradict your existing medication.&nbsp; 
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Charcoal Tablets: Activated charcoal acts like a sponge for toxins, binding to harmful substances in your digestive system. It helps alleviate gas, bloating, and even hangovers. Just remember to time it right with any medications!</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Probiotics: Think kefir, sauerkraut, and tepache as your gut&rsquo;s personal cheerleaders! These fermented foods are rich in beneficial bacteria that restore balance in your digestive system.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Chaparro Amargoso: Known for its bitter flavor, this herb is often used to tackle digestive issues and parasites. Its cleansing properties can help flush out unwanted guests from your gut.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Grapefruit Seed Extract: A potent ally with antimicrobial properties, grapefruit seed extract can combat bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Just a few drops in water can bolster your body&rsquo;s defenses and aid digestion.</li>
</ul>

If your Spanish is decent, head for Mercado de Sonora, Mexico City&rsquo;s witch-market. Here you&rsquo;ll find tons of stalls selling indigenous herbs and remedies. Ask them for Chinchawa and thank me later!&nbsp;

<a id="event" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Events</h1>
<h3 dir="ltr">SEMANA SANTA</h3>
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Mexico is a huge cultural and religious celebration leading up to Easter. In Mexico City, it&rsquo;s marked by solemn processions, dramatic reenactments, and deep traditions. One of the most famous events is the Passion Play in Iztapalapa, where locals reenact the crucifixion in an intense and detailed performance. Churches hold special services, and processions wind through the streets with statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.&nbsp;
Even if you're not religious, it&rsquo;s an amazing way to experience Mexico&rsquo;s blend of faith, history, and culture.&nbsp;
It is one of the busiest times to travel for Mexican families, so if you&rsquo;re more of an introvert, you&rsquo;ll probably want to avoid planning your trip for this time of year.
<h3 dir="ltr">INDEPENDENCE DAY (D&Iacute;A DE LA INDEPENDENCIA)</h3>
Forget Cinco de Mayo&mdash;September 16 is the real deal. The entire country bursts into life with music, fireworks, and an electric atmosphere, all to commemorate the start of Mexico&rsquo;s fight for independence from Spain in 1810.
The heart of the action is in Z&oacute;calo, Mexico City&rsquo;s main square. On the night of September 15th, thousands of people gather to witness "El Grito de Dolores" (The Cry of Dolores), a reenactment of the moment when Miguel Hidalgo, a priest, rang the church bell and rallied the people to rise up. The President of Mexico steps out onto the National Palace balcony, waves the Mexican flag, and shouts &ldquo;&iexcl;Viva M&eacute;xico!&rdquo; three times. The crowd roars back, the sky explodes with fireworks, and the party kicks into full gear.
The next day, September 16th, the streets fill with parades&mdash;expect to see everything from military processions to folkloric dancers twirling in traditional dresses. Bands play lively mariachi tunes, and the air is thick with the smell of street food like elotes (grilled corn) and tacos al pastor.

<h3 dir="ltr">DAY OF THE DEAD (DIA DE MUERTOS)</h3>
D&iacute;a de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico is one of the most visually stunning and heartfelt celebrations you&rsquo;ll ever witness. Taking place on November 1st and 2nd, it&rsquo;s not about mourning&mdash;it's a joyful, colorful tribute to loved ones who&rsquo;ve passed, celebrating their lives with food, music, and elaborate altars.
The most iconic part of the celebration is the ofrendas&mdash;altars set up in homes, streets, and public spaces. These are adorned with photos, marigold flowers (known as cempas&uacute;chil), candles, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods of the departed, inviting them to return and celebrate with the living. You'll find incredible public displays, especially at places like the Z&oacute;calo, where large-scale altars and installations are on full display.
Mexico City also hosts a massive D&iacute;a de Muertos parade, complete with giant skeleton floats, performers in full calavera (skull) makeup, and traditional dancers.
It&rsquo;s not all about the spectacle, though&mdash;there&rsquo;s a deep sense of reverence in the air. People visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, spending time with their ancestors in a beautiful blend of celebration and remembrance. Even if you're just a visitor, the warmth of this tradition will draw you in, and you'll leave with a more profound understanding of how Mexicans view life, death, and the unbreakable connection between the two.
<h3 dir="ltr">THE DAY OF THE RACE (D&Iacute;A DE LA RAZA)</h3>
D&iacute;a de la Raza in Mexico City is a unique mix of history, culture, and modern-day reflection. It&rsquo;s celebrated on October 12th, marking the day in 1492 when Columbus first landed in the Americas. But in Mexico, it&rsquo;s less about celebrating Columbus and more about honoring the rich indigenous cultures that existed long before European colonization.
In Mexico City, the day kicks off with vibrant parades, where you&rsquo;ll see people dressed in colorful indigenous costumes, dancing to traditional music. These events are all about reclaiming and celebrating the pre-Hispanic roots that are so integral to Mexico&rsquo;s identity.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also a day for reflection. You'll notice many gatherings and speeches dedicated to social issues, particularly around indigenous rights and the legacy of colonization. It&rsquo;s a blend of celebration and a reminder of the struggles that indigenous communities still face today.

<a id="rec-res" style="position: relative; top: -100px; display: block;"></a>
<h1 dir="ltr">Recommended Resources</h1>
<h3 dir="ltr">Coworking &amp; Digital Nomads</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.wework.com/mx/en/l/mexico-city">WeWork Mexico City</a> &ndash; Coworking spaces across the city.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://nomadlist.com/mexico-city">Nomad List (Mexico City)</a> &ndash; Digital nomad tips and reviews.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Transportation &amp; Ride-Sharing</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.uber.com/">Uber</a> &ndash; Most popular ride-hailing app.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.didi.mx/">Didi</a> &ndash; A cheaper alternative to Uber.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://cabify.com/">Cabify</a> &ndash; Another reliable ride-hailing option.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.ecobici.cdmx.gob.mx/">Ecobici</a> &ndash; Bike-sharing system (requires registration).</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://metro.cdmx.gob.mx/">Metro CDMX</a> &ndash; Official metro website with maps and updates.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Public Transit &amp; Navigation</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://moovitapp.com/">Moovit</a> &ndash; Best app for metro, bus, and transit routes.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://citymapper.com/mexico-city">Citymapper</a> &ndash; Great for real-time transit directions.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Safety &amp; Emergency Info</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/">U.S. Embassy Mexico City</a> &ndash; Travel alerts and emergency assistance.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.gob.mx/sectur">SECTUR (Mexican Tourism Board)</a> &ndash; Official tourism info and safety tips.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.locatel.cdmx.gob.mx/">Locatel</a> &ndash; CDMX emergency &amp; assistance hotline (dial 5658-1111).</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Food &amp; Dining</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://eater.com/maps/best-mexico-city-restaurants-38">Eater Mexico City</a> &ndash; Best restaurants &amp; food guides.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://resy.com/cities/mex/mexico-city">Resy</a> &ndash; Book tables at top restaurants (like Pujol).</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.opentable.com/mexico-city-restaurants">OpenTable</a> &ndash; More restaurant reservations.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.eltenedor.com.mx/">Tenedor</a> &ndash; Discounts at restaurants.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;Travel Communities &amp; Blogs</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/MexicoCity/">Mexico City Subreddit</a> &ndash; Real-time traveler Q&amp;A.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mexicocityexpats/">CDMX Travel Facebook Groups</a> &ndash; Immigrants/digital nomads.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">&nbsp;Culture, Events &amp; Tickets</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.tiqets.com/en/mexico-city-l147634/">Tiqets</a> &ndash; Skip-the-line tickets for museums (Frida Kahlo, Anthropology Museum).</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/">Ticketmaster MX</a> &ndash; Concerts, sports, and events.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.timeout.com/mexico-city">Time Out Mexico City</a> &ndash; Events, nightlife, and pop-up experiences.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.meetup.com/cities/mx/mexico_city/">Meetup</a> &ndash; Find expat/digital nomad events.</li>
</ul>

JFC's Guide To: Mexico City

A while back, the team at JFC began to hear whispers of a new airline emerging on the horizon. It&rsquo;s safe to say that it sparked the interest of all of our aviation-obsessed Flight Finders, especially when it came with such an intriguing backstory &mdash; a world record-breaking, multi-millionaire, who decided to buy up a couple of ex-China Southern Airbus A380s (the double-decker planes) and take to the skies with the desire to return to the &ldquo;golden age of air travel&rdquo;.
And when tickets for two inaugural flights from Glasgow and Manchester to New York were finally released a few years after we&rsquo;d first heard about Global Airlines, it raised some eyebrows among our fellow JFC-ers as well.

Jump forward to just over a week before the first flight took off, and our attention was grabbed once again by a surprise discount code dropping economy fares from &pound;788 return down to &pound;380 return &mdash; checked bag and all. At that price, curiosity got the best of me and Flight Finder Fran, and we secured our spot.

<h3 dir="ltr">Booking</h3>
This process was a little unusual, to say the least, and probably contributed to the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/09/travel/global-airlines-a380-superjumbos-fleet-launch">public uncertainty</a> in the run-up. The flights did technically appear on Google Flights. However, they were listed under Euroairlines, and we weren&rsquo;t able to click through to purchase them.
Instead, we needed to go to a separate website (ga.flights) where we could select one of only two possible date combinations from the calendar and complete our booking. It&rsquo;s worth noting that we were unable to pay with American Express, but other debit/credit cards were accepted.
After booking, we received a confirmation email with a rather basic PDF attachment listing our names and travel itinerary. There was no &lsquo;manage booking&rsquo; option on the website, so the confirmation email was all we had until we reached the airport on our departure day.

<h3 dir="ltr">Check-in</h3>
Upon arrival at Glasgow airport, spirits were high. We headed to the check-in desk and were met with a fancy balloon display and complimentary cupcakes. James Asquith (the founder) along with other prominent members of the GA team were mingling with passengers and speaking to reporters.
We chatted with a few fellow passengers in the line; some were unbiased customers, some were aviation enthusiasts, and others were competition winners. Some even managed to bag a spontaneous biz class upgrade at the check-in counter. But everyone was curious to see how this would go.
In general, the initial check-in process for us did take a while, but this was extremely smooth on the return flight.

<h3 dir="ltr">Flight and aircraft details</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">GLA-JFK: A380 (8 first class, 70 biz class, 428 economy seats)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">JFK-GLA: A380 (8 first class, 70 biz class, 428 economy seats)</li>
</ul>

👍 -&nbsp; Upon entering, the aircraft felt roomy and spacious. The economy seats had been reupholstered from China Southern blue to Global Airlines beige. This did look smart, but may pose future staining issues since the fabric was so light in the colour. The seats felt very comfy with plenty of legroom. We appreciated the additional in-built wall storage box underneath the window on the upper deck &mdash; a feature of all A380s.
👎 -&nbsp; There&rsquo;s no denying the onboard hardware was a little dated. During the flight, we noticed another passenger's head rest detach from the seat and another&rsquo;s arm rest separated from the seat frame. There was also no USB charging port available in economy seats, although cabin crew were more than happy to take your phone and charge it at one of the ports in another section of the plane. The most glaring con of the aircraft during our flight, though, was the TVs. Not only did they look a little bulky and old, but they did not turn on. We were able to scan a QR code to access a library of films from our own devices, but we were unable to play them.

<h3 dir="ltr">General Facilities</h3>
👍 - Waiting at our seat for us was a pillow and a thick, cosy blanket. However, the star of the show was an unexpectedly full amenity kit, stuffed to the brim with branded goodies. We're talking, perfume, a hairbrush, night cream, hand cream, a pen, socks, a mirror and more! Honestly, this offering felt even more generous than what you&rsquo;d expect from a typical business class. I was thoroughly impressed.

👎 - Apart from the lack of working screens, there wasn&rsquo;t an option to purchase Wi-Fi on board. This is something you&rsquo;d expect from most airlines nowadays, especially ones that market themselves as a luxury experience. As expected, considering the previous two points, there were also no complimentary headphones offered.

<h3 dir="ltr">Food</h3>
👍 - Wow, wow, wow. I can confidently say that we were both completely blown away by the food served by Global Airlines in economy. First off, we were given a unique menu, personalised with the date and flight route. It listed three options of starters and main courses for a lunch service and another for a dinner service. Yes, just to confirm, that&rsquo;s two three-course meals for a 6-ish hour flight. Including a surprise full-size snack offering &mdash; I took a family sized pack of bonbons for myself that I&rsquo;m still working through a week later.

In terms of the quality of food served, it was out of this world. I know I must sound biased, but honestly, it was the best food I&rsquo;ve ever eaten on a plane. The fish fell apart perfectly in my mouth, and the lemon tart was a zesty explosion.
Drinks were also offered frequently throughout the flight, with a range of both soft and alcoholic on offer.

👎 -&nbsp;Listening to other passengers onboard, we did overhear some say that their food was served lukewarm, but all of our meals felt the expected temperature. The other onboard rumour we heard floating around (which was later confirmed) was the fact that business class passengers were only served one out of their two scheduled meals. Obviously, this would be a huge dealbreaker if we&rsquo;d paid the premium fare, but luckily this mishap did not affect us. Our only other meal-related gripe was the excessive amount of plastic involved. Many of the small pots were wrapped in cellophane, and the cutlery was, again, all plastic.

<h3 dir="ltr">Entertainment</h3>
Without a working TV or onboard Wi-Fi, there wasn&rsquo;t much to comment on in terms of entertainment.
Although, one particularly fun aspect of our flight was the unusual amount of in-flight socialising. Many passengers struck up conversation with each other, which, in a way, did evoke a certain charm from the &lsquo;golden age of travel&rsquo;, whether you wanted to participate or not.
<h3 dir="ltr">Staff and service</h3>
As of writing this review, Global Airlines does not possess its own Air Operator Certificate. Therefore, Hi Fly Malta operated the two inaugural flights through a <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/10/01/global-airlines-hifly/">wet lease arrangement</a>.

All the staff on the ground during check-in and the onboard cabin crew were extremely friendly, attentive, and professional. Yes, the service may have been a little slow in places, but this is completely understandable considering they were new to the aircraft. There was also a slightly odd order of service, with complimentary champagne being served before take off and hot towels passed around much later on into the journey.
Aside from that, everyone&rsquo;s uniforms looked fresh and smart, and they all looked very happy to be there.
<h3 dir="ltr">Overall rating&nbsp;</h3>
All in all, we had a lot of fun on both Global Airlines flights. There were clear areas for improvement, most notably the out-of-action TV screens, lack of onboard Wi-Fi and charging stations. However, even if these issues were fixed, the original price of &pound;779 return would still feel a little steep by our JFC standards.&nbsp;
But considering all the extras we received, like a checked bag, huge amenity kit and luxury meals, we would definitely consider the discount code fare of &pound;380 return (or anything under &pound;500 return) a good deal for this non-stop route.

It was an unusual adventure, but in many ways it still felt like an elevated travel experience. And since these are two of the first-ever GA passenger flights, we think it&rsquo;s fair to keep an open mind about the improvements they could make and the snags they could iron out.
Honestly, we&rsquo;re excited to see the future of this airline, and we promise to keep an eye out for more discount codes to share with our members. 
<h3 dir="ltr">Overall rating: 4/5</h3>

<h4 dir="ltr">Bonus business class review</h4>
Despite buying economy class fares both ways, we were given an unexpected biz class upgrade at check-in on the return journey &mdash; along with many other passengers.
The first perk of this came before the flight, since Emirates had allowed Global Airlines business class passengers access to their JFK lounge, so we headed there for a bit of breakfast.
Boarding went fairly smoothly, albeit a tad behind schedule, but we were happy to settle into our new fancy seats.

At first, the configuration felt a little off. All seats faced forward and lacked full division panels to separate you from the rest of the cabin. In a way, the seats felt open but awkwardly placed if you wanted to chat to your travel companions.
The seats themselves, however, were extremely comfy. They felt spacious and luxe, with plenty of legroom. Next to each of us was a wooden side table with a little gold lamp with multiple light settings, along with a charging port. The TVs were a little larger than economy, but still did not turn on. Waiting in our seats was a pair of GA branded PJs, slippers and a slimmed down amenity kit. We think there may have actually been a mix-up with the kits, since our previous economy one was almost double the size.

As someone who has only ever flown in economy before, my first impulse after take-off was, of course, the lie-flat seat button. Mine reclined smoothly all the way to a horizontal position that I could easily sleep in. Fran&rsquo;s, on the other hand, didn&rsquo;t budge an inch. But, after notifying the cabin crew, she was able to switch to a functioning seat.
We also noticed that we were missing an in-flight menu. After questioning this, the cabin crew informed us that this was the case because some meal options on the original menu were no longer available. When it came time to eat, a white cloth was placed over the tables and the meals were served on real plates with metal cutlery. As with the economy service, everything tasted delicious.

Our favourite feature of the biz class experience, though, had to be the onboard Sky Pub. This opened up mid-flight, and staff allowed passengers to stand up and socialise with others around the bar. With everyone chatting away, cocktails in hand, this really did feel like a throwback to the &lsquo;golden age of travel&rsquo;. Although, we're doubtful that this could be a regular occurrence on future, busier flights. It also would have been nice to see a drinks menu, as we were all unsure what was actually on offer.&nbsp;

Overall, flying in business class was a really pleasurable experience. If Global Airlines implement working TV screens and Wi-Fi, they could begin to offer a truly competitive business class service.

JFC Honest Airline Reviews — Global Airlines

Chinese airlines have been serving up the cheapest flights on the market for as long as we can remember. But after disappearing completely during the pandemic, we wondered if we&rsquo;d ever see them again. Cut to 2024, and, oh boy, are they back!&nbsp;
Especially if you&rsquo;re based in Europe, these airlines have consistently undercut their European or Middle Eastern counterparts on price for loooooads of long-haul routes to places like South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This has left lots of members asking, &ldquo;What is it actually like to fly via China, and what can I expect if I book a ticket on one of these airlines?&rdquo;.
After planning to head back home to Sydney for a wedding, Flight Finder Larissa took the plunge and booked a return trip from London with China Southern. Here&rsquo;s her review on what it was like to actually fly with one of these airlines, and what you can expect if you do the same.&nbsp;

<h3>Flight &amp; aircraft details:</h3>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
CZ304 &ndash; London Heathrow (LHR) to Guangzhou (CAN) on a Boeing 787-9&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
CZ325 &ndash; Guangzhou (CAN) to Sydney (SYD) on an Airbus A350
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
CZ302 &ndash; Sydney (SYD) to Guangzhou (CAN) on an Airbus A350
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
CZ303 &ndash; Guangzhou (CAN) to London Heathrow (LHR) on a Boeing 787-9
</li>
</ol>
👎 &ndash;&nbsp; The plane&rsquo;s seats, cabin and the cabin crew&rsquo;s uniforms looked like they were out of the &lsquo;90s, but that&rsquo;s a purely aesthetic point and didn&rsquo;t negatively affect our experience flying on these planes. 
Many flights transiting through China have a looooong layover on at least one of the legs. Ours came on the way home, between Guangzhou and London, where we had to wait a whopping 8 hours in the airport. You can find out more about the delights of Guangzhou Terminal 2 below, but it&rsquo;s safe to say that an extended layover when you just want to get home isn&rsquo;t ideal.&nbsp;
To get around this, I&rsquo;d recommend you pay for an airport hotel (which is usually<a href="https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=airport%20hotels%20guangzhou&amp;g2lb=4814050%2C4874190%2C4893075%2C4965990%2C4969803%2C72277293%2C72302247%2C72317059%2C72406588%2C72414906%2C72421566%2C72471280%2C72472051%2C72473841%2C72481459%2C72485658%2C72536387%2C72601601%2C72602734%2C72614662%2C72616120%2C72619927%2C72628719%2C72647020%2C72648289%2C72658035%2C72671093%2C72686036%2C72729615%2C72749231%2C72754704%2C72757849%2C72766791&amp;hl=en-GB&amp;gl=uk&amp;ssta=1&amp;ts=CAESBgoCCAMQARocEhoSFAoHCOgPEAoYFBIHCOgPEAoYFRgBMgIQACoHCgU6A0dCUA&amp;qs=CAE4BlpcCAEyWKoBVRABKhIiDmFpcnBvcnQgaG90ZWxzKAAyHxABIhuPqYCl0YfFw64sBFZc5Mq5nBXJ4BBCZgNdpzYyHBACIhhhaXJwb3J0IGhvdGVscyBndWFuZ3pob3U&amp;ap=aAE&amp;ictx=111&amp;ved=0CAAQ5JsGahcKEwiwzPCvg5iJAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQDA"> pretty cheap</a> in China). Or, make the most of your stopover and extend it a few days (if you don&rsquo;t mind navigating the tricky rules of the <a href="https://outpostmagazine.com/free-chinese-transit-visa-guide/">Chinese transit visa</a>). Sitting in the airport for your whole layover (the way we did it) is definitely the worst way.&nbsp; 
👍&ndash; The seats and legroom were to the same standard I would expect on any long-haul service, so no nasty surprises there. Despite the cheaper price, it is a full-service airline, so we didn&rsquo;t have to deal with a &lsquo;budget airline&rsquo; experience.
And because Chinese airlines don&rsquo;t have the same restrictions over Russian airspace at the time of writing, the flights between China and Europe are faster than European airlines by about 60&ndash;90 minutes.
<h3>General Facilities&nbsp;</h3>
👍&ndash; You can expect the usual blanket, pillow and headphones trio on your seat when you board. As is common with other airlines flying routes to/from Asia, you&rsquo;ll also be served a piping hot hand towel before and after your meal service.&nbsp;
The seats had adjustable headrests, 2 universal power sockets for every 3 seats, a headphone jack and USB A ports, plus dimmable windows on the 787 and window shades on the A350. The seat-back entertainment screen was nice and big, too. Pretty typical stuff that you would expect on a full-service carrier.
👎&ndash; No complimentary Wi-Fi, unfortunately &mdash; there was a QR code on your seat back where you could go to the website and buy Wi-Fi for your journey. The price was just over &pound;20 for Wi-Fi, and almost &pound;9 for in-flight messaging for what, I assume, is the length of the flight (12 hours to China, or 9.5 hours to Sydney), and you&rsquo;ll have to pay for each leg individually. 
Keep in mind that the Wi-Fi on these planes likely suffers the same geo-blocked restrictions that the Chinese government has put in place on the ground &mdash; that means most of your typical messaging apps will likely not work.&nbsp; Considering some airlines (like Singapore Airlines) now offer Wi-Fi packages for free, this is a mark against China Southern. No amenity kits here, either :-(
<h3>Food</h3>
This is the one category where I feel like I was let down by China Southern. Even 7+ months after my flight, the food is burned into my memory, and not for a good reason.&nbsp;
Let me set the scene: the type of food offered on China Southern (depending on where you&rsquo;re travelling from/to) will be mainly Chinese food. Yep, groundbreaking, we know. And the quality is fine &ndash; it&rsquo;s similar to what you&rsquo;d expect from your local takeaway. But the problem I had with these meals was the lack of variety.&nbsp;
In general, I&rsquo;m a fan of the Chinese food I eat in the UK &ndash; I enjoy the odd takeaway, and I love dumplings and noodle soups. But 2 meals x 4 flights = 8 times, I was offered the same choice: chicken with noodles or beef with rice. And that was it, for over 20 painstaking hours of flight time. Totally fine after the first, second time and even the third time. But on the return journey, I couldn&rsquo;t stomach having the same meal again, so I snacked on my emergency rations of chips and chocolate instead.&nbsp;
So in summary: the food quality was fine, and the dishes were tasty, but very repetitive. If you know you&rsquo;re not going to want noodles for breakfast, pack something else to eat.&nbsp;
They also gave us the choice of the usual selection of soft drinks, juice (the peach juice was my favourite), tea and wine. Their drinks service happened before your meal and then another round during your meal, so more regularly than on some other airlines. You can reserve <a href="https://www.csair.com/us/en/tourguide/flight_service/tour/teshu/">special meals</a> like vegetarian, kosher etc., but to do this it seems you have to call their customer service line &mdash; I don&rsquo;t remember being able to reserve this via their website.&nbsp; 
FWIW: I&rsquo;ve seen other reviews of China Southern showing different meals than the ones I was offered, so this variety may have improved since I flew with the airline in March 2024. &nbsp;
<h3>Entertainment</h3>
When I boarded my first flight at Heathrow on Thursday evening, I was most excited to see what the in-flight entertainment on China Southern had in store for me. Unfortunately, once I sat down and powered it on, I realised my screen was broken, and the home screen was frozen in place. Ouch. It was clearly pure bad luck, since everyone around me had a working screen, and it just meant my phone got a workout with saved episodes of Selling Sunset.&nbsp;
Thankfully, my other 3 flights had a working entertainment system. It was standard for what you&rsquo;d expect on a long-haul flight &mdash; lots of Western blockbusters and popular TV shows, plus a whole category of Chinese-language entertainment too. I have read in the past that the airline heavily censors their entertainment, but I didn&rsquo;t notice this on my flights.&nbsp;
<h3>Cultural Aspects</h3>
If you&rsquo;ve ever flown on a Chinese airline before, you&rsquo;ll be familiar with the security officers who are present on every flight. Flights with China Southern are no different &mdash; you&rsquo;ll usually see this person sitting in the front row of the economy cabin, dressed in a uniform and wearing a body camera. While you may spot them walking up and down the aisle during your flight, to tell you the truth, I don&rsquo;t remember seeing our officer at all during our flight. They&rsquo;re there to discourage antisocial behaviour on the flight and do have the power to arrest passengers who are behaving badly, but they won&rsquo;t bother you unless you&rsquo;re acting up.&nbsp;
The announcements are spoken in Chinese over the PA system before they&rsquo;re repeated in English. Otherwise, there&rsquo;s nothing else on China Southern flights that&rsquo;s particularly different or notable when compared to airlines I&rsquo;ve flown long-haul before, like British Airways, Cathay Pacific or Qatar Airways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Staff and Service</h3>
Overall, the staff were friendly and very efficient with meal and drinks services. They all spoke English, too. Nothing else to really mention on either a positive or negative note.&nbsp;
I have read other passengers online reporting that customer service is a sore point with Chinese airlines/terminals as a whole, particularly if you need help or something goes wrong. We never needed to ask a question of the staff or the airline, so I can&rsquo;t speak to that.&nbsp;
Each of our flights took off on time, and we even landed over an hour early on our flight from Sydney to Guangzhou. I can imagine that if we had a tighter connection, we would have really appreciated that. But in reality, it just meant more time in the airport&hellip;lucky us!&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>In the Airport</h3>
Ah, Guangzhou Terminal 2. Where I spent waaaay too much of my life this year. Let me first start off with the positives:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The airport is modern, clean and has lots of space to relax, with rows and rows of chairs. Some of them were even proper reclined ones, where we parked up for at least 3&ndash;4 hours of our layover.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">There is a Starbucks for anyone who wants a taste of home, plus a really good-looking noodle place and a fun little exhibition space where you can learn a bit about the produce of the area.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Okay, now onto the juicy stuff:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The transit line to get into the terminal once you deplane is buuuuusy. I assume most people flying into Guangzhou are connecting to another flight, but it took us a good 30&ndash;40 min to transit. And once you get through, there&rsquo;s another line for a security check before you&rsquo;re set free, but at least that was quick.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Having to spend 8 hours in any airport isn&rsquo;t fun (except <a href="https://youtu.be/gYi5P16l6eo?si=UVjb-ADzAr2lRSta">Changi</a>, maybe. But that&rsquo;s an outlier). This one is particularly boring &mdash; it&rsquo;s a massive, soulless building with very little to see, very few shops and only a couple of restaurants. So there&rsquo;s really nothing to do but sit. They apparently hold the title of the &lsquo;<a href="https://www.cnbayarea.org.cn/english/News/content/post_1148454.html">world&rsquo;s largest single-building terminal</a>&rsquo;, but with very little to fill all that space.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The lounge was far too expensive for what it (apparently) is. I say apparently because we never stepped foot in there, after being told a lounge pass was in the region of $30-$40 USD/pp per HOUR. Our 8-hour layover would have put the price of lounge access over $500 for 2 people, and from all the reviews I&rsquo;ve seen online about <a href="https://seeingtheworldinsteps.com/2024/05/29/canto-paradise-premium-lounge-guangzhou-baiyun-international-airport-sq-sia-singaporeairlines-staralliancegold-krisflyergold-businessclass-china-pp-lounges-prioritypass-dragonpass-contract-rewards/">this and other lounges in Guangzhou</a>, it definitely wouldn&rsquo;t have been worth it. Considering you can usually get a lounge pass for <a href="https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airports/how-to-access-airport-lounges/">at least a few hours/a day pass </a>for the same amount in other places, there was no incentive for us to pay that money.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">We couldn&rsquo;t access the &lsquo;free&rsquo; Wi-Fi in the terminal :-( The network does show up on your phone, but doesn&rsquo;t work once you connect. Apparently, this is a very common problem for travellers passing through Guangzhou.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The SkyTrax 5-star rated terminal signs were mocking us everywhere we went, and after all we&rsquo;d seen, we were sceptical of how they had earned that rating. If you&rsquo;re not familiar with our thoughts on SkyTrax, read our guide <a href="https://jacksflightclub.com/flight-quick-guides-page#skytrax">here</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Overall Rating &mdash; 3/5&nbsp; ⭐⭐⭐</h3>
My final thoughts: China Southern is great value for money if you get your fares on the cheap. I think I&rsquo;d like to save at least &pound;200 as a general rule for it to be worth it for me to fly them long-haul again. That&rsquo;s not to say they weren&rsquo;t decent &mdash; in most respects they were absolutely fine. But the food issue and the annoying layover were significant enough for me to choose another airline if I could guarantee a better experience for a comparable price.
<h3>TLDR</h3>
🧑🏻&zwj;✈️ Service: Attentive and efficient, but nothing overly positive or negative to note. 
🔌 Facilities: A little dated, but has everything you&rsquo;d expect from full-service airlines.
🍝 Food: Plenty of drinks and food provided, but very little variety. 
⏰ Timing: Can&rsquo;t fault them &mdash; we took off on time on each of our flights. 
💸 Quality VS Price: Definitely worth it if you want a full-service experience on a low budget.
<h3>Bonus: China Eastern</h3>
I am not the only one within the team who has flown on a Chinese airline. Here&rsquo;s Marketing Guru Drew&rsquo;s experience of flying to Japan:&nbsp;
&ldquo;I flew with China Eastern, and the experience was actually alright! The food was genuinely impressive, and I was surprised by that &mdash; they served two proper meals and the portion sizes were good. The staff were also excellent, friendly and attentive the whole time.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Entertainment was where things fell short. The selection was sparse, leaning heavily towards Chinese movies, and only one or two Western options really caught my interest. I was glad I have my own pair of headphones because the airline-provided ones weren&rsquo;t great.&nbsp;
&nbsp;The layover in Shanghai was where things got tricky. My initial three-hour layover was cut down to just one hour because of a delay in London, making for a pretty rushed transit. The terminal is huge, and there&rsquo;s not many signs in English meaning I had trouble finding my gate. And, no WiFi unless you have a local SIM card to get connected. On the flight home, while my layover was longer, it wasn&rsquo;t necessarily smoother because it was the middle of the night so everything was closed. Without WiFi, I only had my downloaded content to pass the time, and I just had to camp up to sleep in the terminal where I could because there were no lounges open.&nbsp;
&nbsp;If I fly through China again, I&rsquo;ll consider buying an eSIM for my phone, just so I can use data during those long layovers. Otherwise, pack some snacks and make sure you&rsquo;ve got enough videos or podcasts downloaded on your device to get you through the journey!&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;Well, it sounds like Shanghai and Guangzhou face similar problems for passengers transiting through China, but it sounds like the food was better with China Eastern and the in-flight entertainment was better with China Southern. Generally, we both experienced the same standard level of service we&rsquo;d expect when flying with any other long-haul airline.

JFC Honest Airline Reviews — China Southern

As a popular beach getaway and iconic Spring Break hub, Miami welcomes a lot of visitors. And we mean a lot &mdash; try <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/miami-s-tourism-sector-is-setting-record-numbers-and-gaining-momentum">27 million a year</a>, for a city with a population of under half a million.
Fortunately, our team lead Allan is part of that half a million! I sat him down for the insider scoop on how to avoid crowds and gnarly weather, how to easily get around town, and more.
So read on to get the most out of your Miami trip!

A quick note on the links in this guide:&nbsp;we&rsquo;re not affiliated with any external sites we&rsquo;ve chosen to include, so we&rsquo;re not getting any kick-backs or commission. We&rsquo;ve only included resources we think will genuinely be useful to help you make a decision on whether this destination is for you.

<h3 dir="ltr">Getting There</h3>
Getting to Miami couldn&rsquo;t be easier. There are two major airports in the area:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Miami International (MIA), about 15 minutes by car from downtown Miami.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ft. Lauderdale International (FLL), which is about a 45 minute drive north of downtown Miami.</li>
</ul>
If you spot a deal elsewhere in Florida, you can arrive in Miami via the new high-speed <a href="https://www.gobrightline.com/">Brightline trains</a>.

Here's about what we expect to see for flights into Miami:
From Europe:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range: &euro;300-&euro;450 RT</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 5-10</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: &euro;213 RT</li>
</ul>
From the UK:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range: &pound;250- &pound;350 RT</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 5-10</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: &pound;239 RT</li>
</ul>
From the USA:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range:$100-$200 RT</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 10+</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: $85 RT</li>
</ul>
From Canada:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expected average price range: $150-$350 RT</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How many cheap flight alerts we&rsquo;d expect in a year: 2-5</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lowest price we&rsquo;ve ever seen: $142 RT</li>
</ul>

<h2 dir="ltr">Visas</h2>
Whether you need a visa to enter the United States depends on your country of citizenship. Visitors from Canada, most European countries, and some Asian countries can visit for up to 90 days without a visa, though you will need an ESTA. Visit the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html">US State Department website</a> for more information.&nbsp;
The state of Florida and the city of Miami have no local requirements for entry.

<h3 dir="ltr">Cash and Currency</h3>
As you&rsquo;d expect, USD is the only accepted currency in Miami. Most places accept both cash and cards.&nbsp;
If you plan to use public transit, bring some back-up cash. Officially, the buses accept contactless cards and digital wallets, but they don&rsquo;t always work correctly. More about transit under &ldquo;Getting Around Town.&rdquo;

<h3 dir="ltr">Getting Around Town</h3>
Miami is car-centric. Fortunately, rideshare apps are pretty cheap and convenient, and should have all your transportation needs covered. If you have time to wait around a while, you can also try <a href="https://ridefreebee.com/">Freebee</a>: Miami&rsquo;s free rideshare service. It works like Uber, but can be hit and miss with wait times.
A rental car will be necessary if you want to visit the Everglades without a tour, but if you plan to stay in the city, you&rsquo;ll be fine without one. More about that in the next section.
Allan also recommends making use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://citibikemiami.com/">Citi Bikes</a>. These are app-based bike rentals found all over the city, and they&rsquo;re especially convenient for getting up and down Miami Beach.

As for public transit, there are buses, the Metrorail, and the Metromover. Buses and rails are $2.25 per ride, and the Metromover is free.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Buses cover the entire county, but can be unreliable and inconvenient. <a href="https://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/system-map-brochure.pdf">This map</a> shows how often each route runs, but don&rsquo;t expect them to follow the schedule.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The Metromover connects a few major areas like Brickell, Downtown, and the MacArthur Causeway (the vehicle bridge to Miami Beach). <a href="https://www.miamidade.gov/transportation-publicworks/movertracker.asp">Here&rsquo;s a map of the Metromover</a>.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The Metrorail is your best bet for <a href="https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/plan-your-trip/transportation/how-to-get-to-downtown-miami-from-the-airport">airport transit</a> because it goes straight into the city from the airport. It&rsquo;s also good for getting into Coconut Grove, South Miami, and Coral Gables. Here&rsquo;s a map of the <a href="https://www.miamidade.gov/transportation-publicworks/metrorail-stations.asp">Metrorail</a>.</li>
</ul>
If you know you&rsquo;ll be using public transit a lot, you can purchase various transit passes <a href="https://transitstore.miamidade.gov/">here</a>.

<h3 dir="ltr">Getting to the Everglades</h3>
Everglades National Park is the biggest Miami attraction that sits outside the main metro area. This massive wetland ecosystem is an incredible place to spot Florida wildlife like manatees, spoonbills, and alligators. If you&rsquo;ve never seen a good old-fashioned swampland before, this is your chance!

Like a lot of National Parks, the Everglades are sprawling, wild, and inaccessible except by car. Drivers can enter through one of three entrances and chart their own course through the park.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-everglades-national-park-8550803">Here&rsquo;s some information</a> to help you start planning.
Alternatively, you could book a tour with pickup in Miami. You&rsquo;ll likely want to take a boat tour through the wetlands anyway, so you can simply shell out a bit more for one that will drive you to and from the park.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm">Here&rsquo;s some tours</a> recommended by the National Park Service.

<h3 dir="ltr">Best Beaches in Miami</h3>
That South Florida coastline is easily the biggest reason people visit Miami, so here&rsquo;s a quick briefing on your options. Note that where there are popular beaches, there&rsquo;s typically also popping nightlife.

<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">South Beach: Famous and full of art deco, but extremely crowded.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mid-Beach and North Beach: Also on the same island as South Beach, but with significantly fewer people.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Key Biscayne: Allan&rsquo;s most recommended beach, about 25&ndash;40 minutes away from Miami Beach by car.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Surfside and Bal Harbor: Upscale areas north of North Beach. Known for its Jewish culture and small town feel.</li>
<li>Matheson Hammock Park: This park has a manmade atoll with shallow, calm water. It&rsquo;s ideal for young children.</li>
</ul>

<h2 dir="ltr">When to Visit</h2>
Timing can make or break your trip to Miami, so here&rsquo;s the rundown!
Pro-Tip:&nbsp;The ocean on Miami&rsquo;s beaches stays warm year-round. Your toes won&rsquo;t freeze even in winter, but don&rsquo;t expect to cool off from the heat by taking a dip.

December-February
Winter is best in Miami, weather-wise! The Florida heat cools to around mid-70s F (or mid-20s C), and the rain is minimal. Unfortunately, a lot of folks know this is the best time, so hotel pricing tends to be surged.
March-May&nbsp;
Lower pricing than peak winter. Temps will be a little toastier (around 80s F, or high 20s/low 30s C), but most of the winter crowds will have died down, with the exception of spring breakers. This is the perfect time to visit, as long as you avoid those weeks &mdash; usually around Easter. And outside of Miami Beach, you&rsquo;re not likely to run into the crowds of drunk students, anyway.

Pro-Tip: If you&rsquo;re coming for spring break, don&rsquo;t set your sights on South Beach. It&rsquo;s overcrowded and can get dangerous. Allan suggests heading up to the beach along 30th Street or higher instead. The popular nightclubs are inland, anyway.
June-August
Absolutely not! Summer in Miami is unbearably hot, humid, rainy, and under hurricane threat. There&rsquo;s a good chance you won&rsquo;t even be able to go to the beach. Unless you feel like walking into a sauna to save a few bucks on hotel fees, these are black-out dates.&nbsp;
September-November
Temps start to cool off, but hurricanes remain a threat and rain stays frequent. It&rsquo;s not ideal, but if you really want those off-season budget rates, late October and November are far better than summer or early fall.

Welcome to your travel library!

Flight Hacking

Travel Guides

Adventurous Escapades

Airline Reviews

The Detour

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JFC's Guide to: Tokyo

JFC's Guide To: Mexico City

JFC Honest Airline Reviews — Global Airlines

JFC Honest Airline Reviews — China Southern

JFC's Guide To: Miami

Surviving Istanbul's Airports

JFC's Guide To: Ho Chi Minh City