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This trip was hosted by Radisson Blu Aruba who did not review or approve this story.

Home sweet home-style suites

Since opening in April 2021, Radisson Blu Aruba’s 192 residential-style suites (196 by 2027) immediately redefined the standard, establishing itself as one of Palm Beach’s most distinctive luxury stays. Beautifully designed interiors combine Caribbean style with residential comforts, but more importantly, suites intentionally reflect the needs of today’s traveller – space and flexibility.

Ranging from generous one-bedroom retreats to sprawling three-bedroom penthouses, each suite is designed to feel less like a hotel room and more like a private island, condo-inspired residence. Complete with kitchens and kitchenettes, separate living and sleeping areas, dining spaces, and private balconies with island, ocean or pool views, they’re ideal for those who desire and appreciate having room to spread out and recharge after a day of exploring the island.

Fundamentally, Blu offers something in Aruba many resorts don’t: the freedom and familiarity of home, seamlessly elevated by the service and amenities of a luxury hotel. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee while watching the sunrise, or gathering with friends and family for a meal prepared in-suite, Radisson Blu Aruba creates the rare feeling of truly living on the island, not simply visiting it.

Experiential stay

Whether you’re yearning for tranquillity or family fun, Radisson Blu Aruba delivers with two distinct pools: a rooftop, adults-only infinity pool (ideal for sunset viewing), and a spacious, family-friendly courtyard pool. While not beachfront, there is a designated Blu Beach for guests located only minutes away, though the complimentary, open-air, electric shuttle makes getting there with beach essentials effortless. Back at the resort, Verde Renacer Spa offers an extensive selection of restorative treatments, from deep tissue, therapeutic, even lymphatic drainage massages, to hot stone therapy, aromatherapy, and rejuvenating facials.

When it comes to dining, guests can savour Caribbean-inspired flavours and handcrafted cocktails at the rooftop Sunset Bistro, enjoy poolside bites at Acqua Breezee Pool Bar, or stop by The Clover, an inviting cafe serving an extensive selection of coffees and teas, prepared by sommeliers passionate about aromas and botanicals. Don Esteban Gourmet offers refined, Spanish-inspired cuisine, including delicacies such as expertly carved jamón ibérico, while Blue Tap Cider, the Caribbean’s first cider bar, features a rotating selection of craft ciders from New York’s acclaimed South Hill Cider.

Thoughtfully curated signature experiences offer guests a deeper connection to Aruba, celebrating its culture and traditions. Garden Flow and Floating Ritual, both led by Janine Valecillos, founder of NATURA, blends a mindful garden walk, with a guided meditation, and sound bowl healing, leaving guests refreshed and grounded. In collaboration with Aruba Aloe, the resort’s DIY Scrub Workshop invites guests to create their own nourishing body scrub. The Jewellery Making Workshop is another hands-on, creative experience, utilising locally sourced Aruban sea glass to create a meaningful keepsake.

The Paint & Sip Workshop, led by Tito Bolivar, founder of ArtisA, pairs vino with creativity, inspiring guests to connect with Aruba through colour and self- expression. Finally, Bodegas Papiamento, an Aruban artisanal spirits producer, brings the island’s flavours to life with an exclusive onsite chocolate and rum tasting, pairing flavours that reflect Aruba’s rich flavours and traditions.

Sustainability with substance

At Radisson Blu Aruba, sustainability is built into the resort’s DNA and has been woven into the guest experience since the hotel opened in 2021. Recognised by the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association for its environmental stewardship, it’s the first LEED-certified hotel in the country. Behind the scenes, energy-efficient systems, waste reduction practices, solar-powered features, and innovative water-conservation technologies, including repurposing air-conditioning condensation to irrigate the more than 70 species of indigenous plants, work seamlessly to minimise the resort’s environmental footprint without compromising guest comfort.

Leave the hotel & Explore the area

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Palm Beach, Radisson Blu Aruba’s location is steps from shops, nightlife, and seaside strolling. Staff will encourage you to leave the resort and explore the island’s rugged Arikok National Park, discover colourful street art in San Nicolas, or snorkel the heavenly blue Caribbean waters. Small, this One Happy Island is easy to experience at leisure, and because it sits south of the hurricane belt, visitors can rely on calm, sunny weather year-round, making it an ideal destination no matter the season.

Book direct on bluaruba.com to take advantage of special offers. Compare rate to: Expedia | Trivago | TripAdvisor | Kayak

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Document requirements 

Because Malta is a Schengen area country, Canadian, USA, and UK citizens do not require a visa for a short visit. Make sure to check your local government website for specific rules and regulations in case things change. 

Check the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which was planned to begin operations in 2026 but has yet to kick in. ETIAS will introduce a mandatory digital authorisation, linked to your passport, for €20 per adult. ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires.

Getting around Malta 

• Taxi: Take a Malta Taxi, the official taxi company, which has an app.
• Car rentals: Rent a car straight from the airport or ahead of time with Expedia, which offers discounts for bundled services (ie. flight + car).
• Public transit: Take advantage of public transit, which has multiple direct airport routes across the island. Tickets can be purchased on board with cash or a contactless bank card. Winter fair is €2, summer fair is €2.50, you can also pre-purchase ticket packages with the Tallinja App. 
• Rideshare: Uber, Bolt, and Loop operate in Malta. Locals have shared that Bolt has better map accuracy than Uber. Get up to 60% off your first Bolt ride with code: JRLQKU.
• Hotel shuttles: Don’t forget to check if your hotel includes an airport shuttle service.

Valletta Ferry 

The best way to get from Valletta to Sliema or Cospicua is by ferry. In season, the ferry lines can get quite long. Once the ferry is full, you will have to wait for the next one, so budget extra time for the lines. 

Tickets are sold at the ferry terminal, €3.80 day return, cash only. The ticket queue will turn into the ferry queue. Pack water, sunblock, and a head covering because this area is not shaded. An additional €1 will buy you a shuttle from the Valletta ferry to the top of the city, well worth it if you are short on time. 

Valletta ferry schedule

Tours & Excursions in Malta

Between day-long excursions, multi-day tours, and historic attractions, you have a lot of options for activities in Malta. Excursion packages are offered by local tourism associations, residents and third-party organisations, so it is worth comparing rates if you are looking for a deal. 

For convenience, most hotel concierges will arrange all tours for you at no charge. Alternatively, here are a few of the most popular options.   

• Heritage Malta offers a wide range of tickets, passes, and toursi from priority access to boat cruises and special event tickets.  Multisite Pass, for example, includes access to a wide range of tourism sites across Malta and is valid for 30 days from first use (€30.00 – €60.00). 
• iSeeMalta is another locally popular excursion company with access to 35+ Malta attractions, day tours, and multi-day combo passes. Day tours include boat excursions to Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, combinations of the two, and hop-on-hop-off buses. 
• City Sightseeing is a global sightseeing organisation, offering hop-on-hop-off bus tours, leisure passes, cruises, and packages of the two. 
• Third-party booking companies operating in Malta include GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor.  

Blue Lagoon tip: the island is not accessible; to get off the boat and onto the island, you will need to take a zig-zaggy staircase up and follow rocky paths around to the beach and viewing areas. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented by the hour. Beverages can be purchased on site, but you can also pack your own picnic lunch. Pack towels and other sun essentials.

Is Malta safe?

Malta is one of the safer places you can visit in Europe. The main risks are petty theft and rowdy nightlife, not violent crime. The US State Department, Australia’s Smartraveller, and Canada’s travel advisory all put Malta at their lowest risk tier: “exercise normal precautions.” The US Department of State classifies Malta at level 1, the same as Switzerland or Japan. 

Nightlife is the one area to be careful with. Paceville (the St Julian’s clubbing strip) comes up repeatedly as the exception to Malta’s otherwise calm vibe. Beyond petty theft, Paceville sees occasional pickpocketing, drink spiking, and fights late at night, with some poorly lit streets, so it is worth being extra alert there after midnight, especially when travelling solo.

Malta’s beaches 

There are over 50 beaches in Malta, some of which are quite remote, while others can be reached with a short walk within the city. Many of the best ones get very crowded and hot midday in summer, so early morning or late afternoon visits are worth it. Here is a shortlist of best beaches in Malta:

• Blue Lagoon (Comino): The postcard shot of Malta: shallow, brilliantly turquoise water over white sand. Best reached by boat trip and best visited early to beat the day-tripper crowds.
• Golden Bay (Malta): A wide, popular sandy beach on the west coast with good sunset views and plenty of bars/restaurants nearby.
• Ġnejna Bay: Quieter and more low-key than Golden Bay, with orange cliffs framing the sand, a good pick if you want fewer crowds.
• Mellieħa Bay: Malta’s largest sandy beach, shallow and calm, so it’s popular with families.
• Ramla Bay (Gozo): A striking reddish-gold sand beach on Gozo, backed by dunes and countryside, one of the best on the sister island.
• St. Peter’s Pool: Not sand but a rocky swimming spot near Marsaxlokk with clear water for cliff-jumping and snorkelling.
• Exiles Beach, or Baths of Sliema: A small, popular rocky/concrete sunbathing area right on the Sliema coast, with steps and platforms into clear water. It’s not a sandy beach, but it’s convenient if you’re staying in Sliema and want a quick swim without travelling. A nice spot for sunbathing and snorkelling close to shore, especially popular at sunset.

See the complete list of beaches on visitmalta.com.

Exiles Beach, or Baths of Sliema. Photos by Kateryna Topol.

Best time to visit Malta 

Malta benefits from the Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. The yearly daytime average is 23°C (73 °F).

The best time to visit Malta is during the shoulder seasons, April to June or September to October, when the island offers an ideal balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. 

During these months, temperatures typically hover in the comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) range, perfect for exploring without the intense heat and tourist crush of peak summer. Spring months showcase Malta’s countryside in bloom with wildflowers, and autumn offers warm sea temperatures ideal for swimming after the summer rush has faded.

July and August, while sunny and warm, bring scorching temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) along with heavy crowds and higher prices. Winter (November to March) is mild but can be rainy and windy, making it less ideal for beach activities.

Scenes from Valletta, Malta. Photos by Kateryna Topol.

Where to stay in Malta 

Valletta is the best choice if you want to be situated within walking distance of major sights like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Harbour. Valletta offers access to boutique hotels in restored palazzos, next-door museums, restaurants, and the city gates. The trade-off is that Valletta is quieter at night and doesn’t have great beaches nearby, so it suits travellers prioritising culture and history over sun and sand.

Sliema and St. Julian’s form Malta’s modern hub, ideal for travellers who want nightlife, shopping, and waterfront promenades alongside easy transport links. Sliema has a long seafront path, plenty of mid-range and upscale hotels with sea views, and a ferry that shuttles you across the harbour to Valletta in about 15 minutes. St. Julian’s, just next door, is where you’ll find Malta’s liveliest bars and clubs, particularly around Paceville, making it popular with younger travellers and those wanting an active nightlife scene without sacrificing convenience.

See Spend your sunny Malta vacation at the Courtyard Sliema for a boutique hotel recommendation. 

Mellieħa and St. Paul’s Bay, up in the north, are the go-to areas if beaches are your priority. Mellieħa Bay is Malta’s largest sandy beach, and the surrounding town has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with resorts and self-catering apartments well suited to longer stays. It’s also a convenient jumping-off point for day trips to Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon. St. Paul’s Bay offers a similar coastal vibe with a bit more of a local fishing-village atmosphere mixed in with tourist infrastructure.

Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island, will allow you to skip the crowds almost entirely. Known for its rural scenery, dramatic coastline, and slower pace, it is ideal for travellers who’ve already seen the main sights and want a few days of unwinding.

Find accommodations in Malta

Using your phone in Malta 

If using your domestic provider’s international plan is not an option, you can purchase a local physical SIM or an eSIM plan. Local SIMs can be purchased at the Malta International Airport on arrival from major providers like Epic and GO, located in the Arrivals Hall. 

An eSIM can be purchased ahead of time from companies like Airalo, GigSky, Ohayu (get 10% off with code PATHSTOTRAVEL10), or one of many other eSIM companies worldwide. The eSIM will require an app installation from which you can activate your plan, monitor it on the go, and top up as needed. 

Languages spoken in Malta 

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Maltese is the national language, which evolved from Siculo-Arabic with heavy influences from Italian, Sicilian, and English layered in over centuries of foreign rule. 

English is widely spoken as a result of Malta’s history as a British colony until 1964. It’s used in government, business, and education, and pretty much all Maltese people are fluent in it, so travellers rarely encounter a language barrier.

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This guide fixes that. If you only have 48 hours, and most first-timers do, the Porto itinerary below covers the essential sights, the best food, and the neighbourhoods worth wandering, while still leaving room to get wonderfully lost. Two days is enough to fall for the city. It is rarely enough to leave it willingly.

Why Porto belongs on your Portugal itinerary

Lisbon gets the lion’s share of the Portugal conversation, but Porto has something its rival is starting to lose: the feeling that you have discovered it yourself. The old town is compact and walkable, the food is arguably better (the francesinha alone wins that argument), and the wine is made twenty minutes upriver in the Douro Valley.

Porto also has the Douro River along its southern edge, which means almost every old-town viewpoint looks out over water, terracotta rooftops, and the Gaia riverbank beyond. It is one of those rare cities where getting deliberately lost produces views instead of frustration, and that alone reshapes how you think about what to do in Porto.

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São Bento station by Jesus Esteban.

Day 1: Porto’s historic core

Day one is about orientation. You will cover most of the headline Porto attractions on foot, building a mental map of the city as you go.

Morning: São Bento, the Cathedral & the Clérigos Tower

Start at Estação de São Bento, one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations. Arrive early, before the tour groups, and spend fifteen minutes on the 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles that cover the main hall. They are not a decorative background. They are a full pictorial history of Portugal, painted by Jorge Colaço in the early twentieth century.

From São Bento, walk uphill to the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral). The exterior is austere Romanesque; the interior opens into Gothic cloisters lined with 18th-century azulejo panels. The cathedral sits on one of the city’s highest points, so the terrace views are free and well worth the climb.

Continue to the Torre dos Clérigos. The tower is 76 metres tall and 240 steps up, and the panorama from the top gives you the clearest possible picture of how Porto is laid out, which makes everything else on this itinerary easier to navigate.

Late morning: Livraria Lello & the Bonfim backstreets

Livraria Lello, the famous bookshop with the scarlet staircase, requires a timed-entry ticket that you should book in advance. The pre-sale system means it is no longer the crushing scrum it once was, and the space is genuinely beautiful. Buy something while you are there, because the stock is actually good.

Afterwards, resist the pull back toward the tourist circuit and walk east into Bonfim. This neighbourhood has excellent coffee shops, independent ceramics studios, and small restaurants where the daily lunch special costs eight euros and beats most things on an expensive menu. The energy here is closer to how Porto residents actually live.

Afternoon: Ribeira & Crossing to Vila Nova de Gaia

Walk down to Cais da Ribeira, Porto’s riverside heart and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic view, with narrow azulejo-faced houses stacked up the hillside above the waterfront, is as good as the photographs suggest. Grab a riverside terrace for a drink, but for lunch itself, walk one block back from the water: the restaurants directly on the Cais charge tourist prices, while the parallel street behind serves the same food for half the cost.

Cross the lower deck of the Ponte Dom Luís I (pedestrians only) into Vila Nova de Gaia, where all of Portugal’s Port wine is aged and bottled. The hillside is lined with lodges such as Sandeman, Graham’s, Taylor’s, and Ramos Pinto, most offering cellar tours and tastings for €15 to €20. If you only do one, Graham’s Six Grapes is consistently excellent.

Before sunset, take the cable car up to Jardim do Morro, a garden perched above Gaia with one of the best elevated views of Porto’s skyline. It sits beside the 17th-century Serra do Pilar Monastery and is free, always open, and never as crowded as it deserves to be.

As we cover in our guide to the walking tour of Porto, the city’s best moments tend to unfold on foot, and the walk back across the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge at dusk, with the whole Ribeira lit below you, is one of the finest things to do in Porto.

Evening: Francesinha, Porto’s legendary sandwich

Do not leave without eating a Francesinha. This city-specific sandwich could have been designed as a dare: layers of ham, linguiça sausage, and steak, blanketed in melted cheese, drowned in a tomato-beer-brandy sauce, with chips on the side. It sounds like a fever dream and tastes remarkable. Café Santiago on Rua Passos Manuel is the most visited; Bufete Fase in Bonfim is the local favourite. Both are worth the queue.

Day 2: The best of slower Porto

With the headline sights behind you, day two is for markets, tiles, and neighbourhoods, the things to do in Porto that turn a first visit into a return trip.

Morning: Mercado do Bolhão

Mercado do Bolhão, fully restored after a decade-long renovation, is one of the best municipal markets in Portugal. Vendors sell fruit, cheese, charcuterie, flowers, and fresh fish across two iron-gallery levels. Go before 10 AM, when the produce is at its best, and the crowds are thin.

Late morning: Porto’s Azulejo Tile Trail

Porto has a serious relationship with decorative tile. The Igreja do Carmo and the Igreja dos Carmelitas share a party wall, and between them sits the city’s narrowest house, built deliberately to keep nuns and friars apart. The Chapel of Souls on Rua de Santa Catarina wears a blue-and-white façade depicting the life of Saint Francis across 15,947 individual tiles. Look out for the smaller neighbourhood churches around Cedofeita too, where the tilework is just as striking and the crowds far thinner.

Left: Igreja do Carmo by Jure Tufekcic. Right: Porto by Robert Bye.

Afternoon: Shopping on Rua das Flores & Rua Miguel Bombarda

Porto’s best shopping is not in malls. Walk Rua das Flores for concept stores, independent jewellers, and quality Portuguese linen and ceramics; it is also where you will find reclaimed azulejo dealers selling individual tiles by the piece. Rua Miguel Bombarda has a cluster of contemporary galleries and design shops, and on the first Saturday of each month several open together for a gallery walk.

For edible souvenirs, Garrafeira do Carmo stocks excellent Douro wines, A Conga sells beautifully packaged tinned fish, and the Bolhão vendors will vacuum-pack cured cheese and charcuterie if you ask.

Evening: Fado & A final glass of Port

Fado do Porto is distinct from Lisbon’s version: rougher, more melancholic, less polished. Small fado houses in Bonfim and the Baixa perform from around 9 PM. Pair it with a final glass of aged Tawny from a Gaia wine bar, and you have done Porto correctly.

More of the Best Things to Do in Porto

Two days fill quickly, but if you have extra hours, or you are stretching this into three, these are the Porto attractions worth adding:

• Palácio da Bolsa, the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, whose gilded Arabian Hall is one of the most opulent rooms in the country.
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, terraced gardens with peacocks and sweeping Douro views, ideal for a slow morning.
• Foz do Douro, reached on Tram Line 1 along the river to where Porto meets the Atlantic, for seafood and a sea breeze.
• A Douro Valley wine tour, the single best day trip from Porto if you have a third day to spare.
• Serralves, a contemporary art museum, Art Deco villa, and park, a short hop from the centre.

Where to stay in Porto

The best base for a short trip is the historic old town. Staying near São Bento, the Cathedral, Ribeira, and Lello means you can cover most of day one entirely on foot from your room, which is the whole point of a 2-day Porto itinerary.

For somewhere with genuine character, Canto de Luz is a luxury boutique hotel in Porto, occupying a fully restored historic building on Rua do Almada, a quiet street minutes from the main sights. It offers nine rooms and suites, from cosy Maison Suites with city views to the Villa Almada, a two-bedroom villa with a private heated pool. Rooms come with Samsung Art TV, Nespresso, and Rituals amenities.

What sets Canto de Luz apart is the daily organic breakfast, sourced from Porto’s own markets and changing every morning. There is a wine machine pouring Douro Valley wines by the glass, private chef services, and an associated culinary school, Canto Cooking, running market tours, cooking classes, and wine tastings for guests who want to go deeper into Portuguese food culture. The hotel has been featured in Lonely Planet, The Telegraph, El País, and the Michelin Guide. It is neighbourhood-scale, independently run, and genuinely embedded in the city around it.

Canto de Luz is a luxury boutique hotel in Porto, Portugal.

Getting around Porto

The metro covers all the main areas and the airport efficiently. The Andante Card is a rechargeable pass covering metro, bus, and some trams; it saves money over single tickets once you make more than four or five journeys. Tram Line 22 (a circular old-town route) and Tram Line 1 (along the Douro to Foz) are functional services, not tourist novelties. In the historic centre, walking beats any vehicle. The city is compact but vertical, so wear shoes with grip.

Best time to visit Porto

The sweet spot is May to June and September to October: warm, bright, and far less crowded than high summer. Winter is quiet, green, and very affordable; summer is busy and hot. The airport (OPO) connects to the centre via metro Line E in about 40 minutes, the euro is the currency, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though a little Portuguese is always welcome.

Your Porto itinerary, sorted

Two days in Porto gives you the cathedral and the Clérigos panorama, a Gaia Port tasting, a francesinha you will think about for weeks, a morning of tiles and markets, and at least one sunset over the Douro you did not plan for. That is the perfect first-timer’s framework, and Porto has a habit of making people extend the trip anyway. Pack with that in mind.

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Palma works beautifully as a short city break. The historic centre is compact and walkable, you rarely need a taxi, and within twenty minutes you can go from a Gothic cathedral to a sandy beach. Here is exactly what to do in Palma, plus the best beaches, day trips, and where to stay.

Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting?

In a word, yes. Palma is the capital of the Balearic Islands, and around half the island’s population lives here, which gives it a real year-round buzz rather than the seasonal emptiness of a pure resort town. The old town is a maze of honey-coloured stone, shaded squares, and narrow lanes built over Roman and Moorish foundations. Wrapped around it, you will find a working port, a palm-lined seafront, and some genuinely excellent restaurants. It is stylish without being stuffy, and small enough to feel manageable on a first visit.

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Exploring Palma Old Town: Cathedral, palaces and hidden squares

Palma’s old town is where most first visits begin, and the main sights sit within a ten-minute walk of one another, so this part is best done on foot.

Palma Cathedral (La Seu): The city’s must-see landmark

Start at Palma Cathedral, known locally as La Seu. It rises straight out of the old sea walls and is one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Spain, with a vast rose window and an interior partly reimagined by Antoni Gaudí. Go early, before the light gets harsh and the cruise crowds arrive, and walk the seafront promenade in front of it for the postcard view across the reflecting pool.

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Directly beside the cathedral stands La Almudaina, a 13th-century royal palace built on the site of a Moorish fortress and still used for official ceremonies. The gardens and the views back over the bay are worth the short visit, and they set up the layers of history you will keep meeting all over the city.

Left: The Royal Palace of La Almudaina by Federico Di Dio. Right: Palma Cathedral by Lucas Derksen.

The Arab Quarter & The Arab Baths

Behind the cathedral lies the old Arab Quarter, a tangle of quiet lanes, courtyards, and small museums. Seek out the Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths), one of the few surviving traces of Moorish Palma, tucked into a peaceful garden. This is the part of the old town where getting deliberately lost pays off most.

Passeig del Born & The best shopping in Palma

When you are ready for life and shade, head to Passeig del Born, the tree-lined boulevard that acts as Palma’s main artery. For shopping in Palma, the streets around the Born and Carrer Jaume III mix Spanish brands, independent boutiques, and design shops, while the smaller side streets hide ceramics, linen, and the island’s famous woven espadrilles. Stop for a coffee and an ensaïmada, the spiral Mallorcan pastry, before moving on.

Bellver Castle: The best views over Palma

Round off the old-town exploring at Bellver Castle, a rare circular fortress on a wooded hill just west of the centre. It is a short taxi or uphill walk, and the reward is the best panorama in the city: the whole of Palma, the cathedral, and the Bay of Palma laid out below. Time it for late afternoon and the golden light does the rest.

Palma’s markets, beaches & Local food scene

Once you have seen the monuments, turn to the markets, food, and seafront, the things to do in Palma that show how the city actually lives.

Mercat de l’Olivar & The best markets in Palma

Start at Mercat de l’Olivar, the city’s main covered market, for fresh produce, Mallorcan cheese, charcuterie, and a stand-up seafood breakfast. It is one of the most enjoyable free things to do in Palma and a great place to assemble a picnic. If it is a Saturday, the Santa Catalina market nearby is just as lively.

The best beaches in Palma de Mallorca

Palma is one of the few cities where you can walk or cycle to the sand. Playa de Palma is the long, lively stretch east of the centre, backed by bars and promenade. For something closer and more local, Can Pere Antoni beach sits a short walk from the old town, and the pretty fishing quarter of Portixol beyond it is perfect for a seafood lunch by the water. These are the easiest Palma beaches to reach without a car.

Where to eat: The best restaurants in Palma

For dinner, cross into Santa Catalina, the old fishermen’s neighbourhood that has become the city’s food capital. It is home to some of the best restaurants in Palma, from its buzzing market food stalls to modern Mallorcan tasting menus and casual tapas bars. Book ahead at weekends, when locals and visitors fill the terraces.

Palma nightlife: Bars, wine & Live music

Palma nightlife is more grown-up than the island’s resort strips. Santa Catalina and the lanes around La Lonja are full of wine bars, cocktail spots, and live music, while the seafront Paseo Marítimo has the latter clubs. A glass of local wine on a quiet plaça is just as valid a way to end the night.

The best beaches in Mallorca beyond Palma

If you have a third day, the best beaches in Mallorca are an easy drive from the city. Highlights include Es Trenc, a long stretch of white sand and shallow turquoise water in the south; the dramatic cove of Cala Llombards; and the calm, family-friendly bays around Alcúdia in the north. Hire a car early, as parking fills fast in summer.

The best day trips from Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca rewards exploring, and the best day trips from Palma are simple to organise:

• Sóller and the vintage train. The historic Sóller train rattles through the mountains from Palma to the pretty town of Sóller, then a tram continues to the harbour. It is the single most scenic half-day trip on the island.
• Valldemossa and Deià. Two of the prettiest villages in the Tramuntana mountains, full of stone houses, art history, and terraced views down to the sea.
• Cap de Formentor. A spectacular drive north to the island’s wild northern tip and its lighthouse.

Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca: Best areas & Hotels

For a short trip, the old town is the obvious base. Staying near the cathedral, Mercat de l’Olivar, and Passeig del Born means you can cover most of this guide entirely on foot, which is the whole point of a Palma city break.

For genuine character, Casa Roca is a boutique hotel in Palma Old Town, a lovingly restored building in the heart of the Casco Histórico that carries 175 years of heritage alongside modern, design-led comfort. The location is hard to beat for a first visit: Plaça Major is around the corner, the Mercat de l’Olivar is five minutes on foot, and Palma Cathedral, the Arab Baths, and the shopping streets of Calle Jaume III are all an easy stroll. The Pere Antoni beach and the pretty port of Portixol are a short walk along the seafront, so you can sightsee, shop, and swim without ever needing a car.

Inside, the style is part Modernist sanctuary, part Art Deco glamour. Accommodation runs from City Suites with deep soaking tubs to Luxury Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the old-town skyline, larger Retreat Suites, one and two-bedroom Residences with super-king en-suites and private terraces, and a three-bedroom Penthouse crowned by a sunny rooftop terrace. There is a spa, a rooftop, and even a secret speakeasy bar tucked inside, and the whole property can be booked for exclusive occupancy for weddings, milestone celebrations, or group retreats. Recent guests give it a perfect five-star rating, repeatedly singling out the design, the attention to detail, and the warmth of the service.

What really sets Casa Roca apart is its focus on Mallorcan food and wine. It is a dedicated wine hotel, with a collection of more than forty local labels you can pour by the glass using a personal Wine Pass and the hotel’s wine machines, perfectly matched with signature tapas. Guests can go deeper through a programme of experiences run from the in-house Tasting Room, including wine tastings led by fifth-generation island winemaker Tomeu Llabrés, an Olivar Market tour and Mallorcan cooking class, small-group gourmet food tours, and vermouth, gin, and coffee tastings. It is independently run, properly embedded in its neighbourhood, and has been featured by IB3, the BBC, and Diario de Mallorca.

When is the best time to visit Palma? A quick weather guide

Palma’s weather is kind for most of the year. May, June, September, and early October are the sweet spot: warm, bright, and far less crowded than peak summer, with sea temperatures still pleasant. July and August are hot and busy, ideal for a beach-first trip but less comfortable for sightseeing. Winters are mild and quiet, and late January brings the Sant Sebastià festival, when the whole city spills outdoors for street parties and bonfires. Whenever you come, pack for the sun and bring comfortable shoes for the old town’s cobbles.

How to get around Palma de Mallorca

Central Palma is best explored on foot, and the historic alleys can only really be seen that way. The EMT bus network is cheap and reliable for the airport, port, and beaches, and bike lanes run throughout the city, so renting a bike or e-bike is a fun way to reach the coast. You will rarely need a taxi within the centre, and a car is more hindrance than help in the old town, where parking is genuinely difficult.

For more European city break ideas, browse our destination guides.

Final tips for your first trip to Palma de Mallorca

A short break in Palma gives you a golden cathedral, an old town built for wandering, a market breakfast, a beach you walked to, and a long dinner in Santa Catalina. Add a third day for the Sóller train or a southern beach, and you have one of the most complete city breaks in the Mediterranean. Book restaurants ahead in summer, start your sightseeing early to beat the heat and the cruise crowds, and do not be surprised if you leave already planning a longer return trip.

The post The best things to do in Palma de Mallorca for first-time visitors appeared first on Paths to Travel.

The town is located on the shared, traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation, incorporating various authentic Indigenous experiences throughout. Most people come to Whistler to experience nature, but its many museums, art galleries, and cultural experiences will be a great addition to the trip.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
Parts of this trip were hosted by Explore Burnaby and Fairmont Chateau Whistler, who did not review or approve this story.

Whistler origins 

Whistler Village opened as a ski area in December 1980, and at the time, it was the largest ski complex in North America. Six years later, the Vancouver World’s Fair caused an influx of tourism to the Coast Mountains, putting Whistler Village on the global map. Soon after, American landscape artist Eldon Beck was recruited to design the village expansion. Beck decided to defy the classic North American grid built and instead wanted to build a “Village in the forest,” emphasising natural sightlines and sunlight paths across the space. The rest, as they say, is history.

What to do & See in Whistler

There are plenty of things to do in Whistler year-round, even for those who don’t come here for the winter sports. From culture and adventure to scenic gondola rides, your Whistler vacation can easily take on the leisurely pace of your choice. Visitors also have access to a collection of free self-guided tours with the Go Whistler app. There are 11 tours total, ranging from cultural and indigenous walks to craft beer and sweet treat tours. 

Explore Whistler Village Centre & Village North

Whistler Village is divided into three parts: Upper Village (the ski-in area), Village Centre, and Village North, the newest corner of town. The curvy pathways of the village cut through forested areas, along waterways and through a scenic wooden bridge. Nature exists seamlessly between the modern alpine ski chalet-style buildings lining the streets. 

Village Centre is packed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and over 200 retail shops, selling everything from ski essentials to large-scale souvenirs of Canada. Between the shops are art galleries where local artists display and sell paintings, photography, hand-woven baskets, First Nations designs, pottery and much more. Skis and snowboards are propped up in front of shops and restaurants almost year-round, adding a cheerful touch of colour to the scene. Bright yellow Muskoka chairs and loungers are thoughtfully placed around the village, overlooking ponds, rivers, and public squares. 

Village North is home to the Whistler Olympic Plaza, which prominently features the Olympic sign put in place during the 2010 Winter Olympics. A row of covered picnic pods offers more intimate spaces for an afternoon lunch surrounded by a bright patch of green grass behind the Olympic rings. 

Whistler Village, British Columbia. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Art & Culture 

Whistler Village houses quite a few notable museums and art galleries, in addition to the Whistler Museum. Audain Art Museum, which opened in 2016, has one of the world’s finest collections of First Nations masks, an impressive library of Emily Carr paintings, and works by Canada’s most internationally regarded contemporary artists. 

The building is a work of art in itself. Built to withstand the impact from the Fitzsimmons Creek floodplain and the heavy Whistler snowfalls, the structure seemingly floats above ground. Blending into the surrounding evergreen forest vegetation, the museum sits a full storey above ground and has a steeply sloped roof, making it, from some angles, look like a diamond. The building is connected to the main road by a bridge, which leads to an envelope-shaped entry with the forest shadows cutting through the slatted walls. 

Audain Art Museum 
4350 Blackcomb Wy, Whistler, BC V8E 1N3 | Map link
Tickets: Adults $22, seniors $19, young adults (19-15) $15, youth under 18 are free. 

Above and below: Audain Art Museum, Whistler, BC. Image by Kateryna Topol.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre (Squamish Lil’wat) is a first-of-its-kind in Canada world-class cultural centre operated by the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The museum embodies the spirit of partnership between the two First Nations through exhibitions and experiences that celebrate both cultures.

The museum site consists of multiple interior and exterior areas, including the Great Hall and galleries, a traditional Tl’aktaxen Lam (longhouse), and the İstken (pit house). An hourly guided tour is included in the cost of admission and will bring you into the local culture and history with a knowledgeable local. Ground floor Thunderbird Café serves an Indigenous-inspired menu worthy of a visit on its own.  

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre
4584 Blackcomb Wy, Whistler, BC V8E 0Y3 | Map link
Tickets: Adult $25, teens (618) $12, children under 5 free. 

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Maury Young Arts Centre, located closer to Village North, is a community art gallery, theatre, and youth centre. Visitors can pick up art and souvenirs on the ground floor, view exhibitions on the second, or explore classes and entertainment if the schedule allows. The hub is managed by Arts Whistler. 

Take note of the Timeless Circle Sculpture in front of the Maury Young Arts Centre. The sculpture was created by a renowned Coast Salish artist, Susan Point, who created 86 different faces that reflect the diversity of the people who attended the 2010 Olympic Games.

Maury Young Arts Centre
4335 Blackcomb Wy, Whistler, BC V8E 0X4 | Map link
Tickets: Free entry 

Timeless Circle Sculpture, Whistler, BC, Canada. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Blackcomb Mountain Gondola

One of the main attractions in Whistler is Blackcomb Mountain and its newest Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The gondola opened in 2018 and combines Peak 2 Peak and Whistler Village gondolas in a continuous 13.5 km lift system. The gondola goes from the Upper Village to the top of the mountain, where even in May the peaks will be covered with snow. 

Summer Alpine Experience access includes a labyrinth of snow walls that tower above Pika’s Traverse on Whistler Mountain. This unique experience is available for a very limited time, before the seasonal snow melts for the summer. The visitor’s centre at the top has a spacious cafeteria with an outdoor terrace and a seasonal restaurant, Christine’s. 

Blackcomb Mountain Gondola
4553 Blackcomb Wy, Whistler, BC V8E 0Y1 | Map link
Tickets: Spring to fall day passes start at $85 per adult. Seasonal passes are available. 

May on Blackcomb Mountain Gondola. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Hiking & Adventure

Whistler summer activities include hiking, ziplining, mountain biking, wildlife experiences, and water sports.

Hiking in Whistler 

The natural beauty of the mountains is best experienced through their many trails. Alpine hiking on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is accessible by gondola. The trails vary from family-friendly to advanced hikes to lakes, glaciers and alpine meadows. Blackcomb Mountain Ascent Trails, for example, take you all the way up to the summit for epic views and giant trees. Mid-summer’s must-do is the wildflower trail hike, which lasts only two to three weeks. 

Many hiking trails don’t require a gondola ticket, though some BC Parks, including Garibaldi Provincial Park and Joffre Lakes Park, require Day-Use passes, which can be purchased on bcparks.ca. Some of the best hikes in Whistler include the Lost Lake and the Rainbow Falls Loop.

Soft adventure in Whistler

There are five lakes around Whistler offering breathtaking views and a range of activities from canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards to sailing. The lake can be reached with pubic transit from Whistler Village, making this adventure car-free if necessary. Find canoe tours and rentals info on whistler.com. For a birds-eye view of Whistler, hop aboard a seaplane for a Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk 30-minute plane ride.

Wildlife watching is another popular activity in the region. The Alpine trail map is marked with wildlife viewing spots where you can spot deer, squirrels, bears, marmots, birds, and other creatures. Black bear viewing tours are commonly done with a 4×4 safari-style vehicle, comfortably roaming through the mountain terrain. Bear tours operate from May to October.

Afternoon/Evening bear viewing tour

Enjoy one of the premier black bear viewing spots in Whistler. Join a local professional nature guide and photographers on your wilderness luxury Land Rover black bear excursion. 2.5 hours. 

Book

Bear tour with exclusive Olympic Park access

Discover Whistler’s wild side on a guided black bear tour in Olympic Park. Travel in an open 4×4 built for safari-style viewing and observe wild black bears safely with your expert local guide.

Book

Adventure experiences in Whistler 

In the summer, the mountains transform into a custom-built bike park, perfect for progressive mountain bike rides. Bike park passes are available as one-time visits or seasonal passes. Fans of more extreme activities can head out on the Green River for a whitewater rafting adventure, go rock climbing, or reach the sky with Whistler Via Ferrata. Another fun activity is bungee jumping above the glacial-fed Cheakamus River or ziplining above the forest. 

Where to eat & Drink in Whistler

As expected, there are quite a few restaurants, cafes, and bars across Whistler Village, suitable for different moods and appetites. Provisions is a local favourite for breakfast, most notably for the poached egg breakfast sandwich. For lunch, grab a slice of pizza at Fat Tony’s Pizza or head over to the Thunderbird Café for a delicious chowder and a bannock sandwich.

Find a vibrant atmosphere, good cocktails, and shareable bites at Bar Oso, serving contemporary Spanish cuisine, or Balam, focused on Latin American bites. Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a great option for a seafood set course, or an Après happy hour, 3 PM to 4:45 PM.

Some of the best dining experiences in Whistler are naturally offered by upscale hotels, like Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The Wildflower dining room faces Blackcomb Mountain, perfectly lighting the space at golden hour through floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant serves seasonal dishes prepared with hyper-local ingredients.

The menu has a balanced representation of land and sea, and being so close to the source, fresh seafood (Ocean Wise certified) comes highly recommended. From West Coast Oysters served with mint mignonette to Tofino Albacore Crudo and locally caught fish, choosing seafood is easy. Short rib, Fraser Valley duck, chicken and Alberta AAA steaks perfectly balance out the seafood on the menu. 

The Wildflower restaurant at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. West Coast Oysters served over ice with mint mignonette, Hokkaido Scallops perfectly cooked with pork belly and a crispy chicharron, and Dungeness Crab Tagliatelle, decadently flavoured with saffron and chilli butter. Images by Kateryna Topol.

For unique dining experiences, Audain Art Museum hosts seasonal dining events like Art of Wine and Art of the Cocktail. Both Araxi Restaurant and Wild Blue host long table dinners in the summer, and Blackcomb Mountain offers a Mountain Top Summer Feast, among other dining experiences. 

Wellness in Whistler 

There are quite a few wellness facilities in Whistler. The Spa at Whistler, for example, is a spacious public facility with a liquor-licensed area. Whistler Day Spa, The Spa At Nita Lake Lodge, and Vida Spa at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler all come highly recommended.  

Scandinave Spa Whistler, however, is the main spa destination in Whistler. Set among the tall alpine trees, a wooden pathway leads you to the spa from the open parking lot, hash signs preparing you for what’s to come. This is a 25,000-square-foot outdoor sanctuary with four pools, two saunas, two eucalyptus steam rooms, and five distinct relaxation areas. A village in itself, Scandinave Spa Whistler, is ideal for a relaxing afternoon spent coming in and out of sleep between healing rituals. 

Scandinave Spa Whistler
8010 Mons Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 1K7 | Map link
Rates: Starting at $118 per person, robes and towels included 

Scandinave Spa Whistler, images courtesy of the spa.

Where to stay in Whistler

Fairmont Chateau Whistler, situated at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, is a two-Michelin-key property. It is a ski-in ski-out castle with a spa, fitness centre, multiple pools, five restaurants, and three bars. Rooms range from standard king and queens to luxury suites with balconies and sitting rooms.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler is another two-Michelin-key property in Whistler. The hotel is located a short walk from the main village and offers complimentary car service to all guests. Amenities include a spa, wellness centre, outdoor pool, three restaurants, a cafe, and a pool bar. Rooms range from mountain-view balcony king rooms to spacious resort rooms and speciality suites, some of which have a private jacuzzi.

Nita Lake Lodge is a great boutique hotel alternative to the large resorts with one Michelin key. The lodge, located near the Whistler Golf Club, has a spa, fitness centre, kayak rentals, a garden, two restaurants, and a cafe. Rooms range from balcony one bedrooms to six-person suites with a living room. 

Fairmont Chateau Whistler
4599 Chateau Blvd, Whistler, BC V8E 0Z5
Rooms starting at $450 CAD for a king
Book directly on fairmont.com or compare with your favourite booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor

Four Seasons Resort Whistler
4591 Blackcomb Wy, Whistler, BC V8E 0Y4
Rooms starting at $463 CAD for two queens
Book directly on fourseasons.com or compare with your favourite booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Nita Lake Lodge
2131 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0B2
Rooms starting at $239 CAD for a king
Book directly on nitalakelodge.com or compare with your favourite booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Four Seasons Resort Whistler balcony, images by Kateryna Topol.

More hotels & Accomodations in Whistler

Whistler Olympic Plaza. Image by Kateryna Topol.

Getting to & Around Whistler

Whistler is located around two hours from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You can rent a car at the airport or opt for one of the available shuttles. There are multiple options for the Whistler shuttle from the Vancouver airport, departing at different times of day. A few to consider are:

• Whistler Shuttle, with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations
• Epic Rides with non-stop service from Vancouver to Whistler 
• Bus transfer with Skylinx
• Canadian Craft Charters, which offers private Whistler transfer with an option to add scenic stops 
• Vanlimo Limousine Service, private transfer 
• Private transfer with sightseeing stops in Vancouver and Whistler 

Whistler is very walkable, and if you don’t intend to do any day trips, you can easily navigate without a car. Ridesharing is not available in Whistler, but there is a small taxi company, Whistler Taxis. The company has an app that allows you to track the driver online. You can always call +1 (604) 932-3333 to request a ride; the hold time will be spent listening to music, like 50 Cent’s “In da Club”. 

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If you’re wondering where to stay in Lyon, France, you’re in luck because the city punches well above its weight for boutique and design hotels. Here are five of the most distinctive properties, from a 14th-century Radisson in Vieux Lyon to a waterfront eco-hotel at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône. For more Lyon travel ideas, visit our Lyon city guide.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
Cover image: Fourvière Hôtel, Lyon, France. All images courtesy of the hotels.

Cour des Loges

A Radisson Collection Hotel, Cour des Loges, welcomes you with a stunning courtyard that works as a lobby. With only 60 rooms, this property has a lot of unique, antique character, including a 14th-century staircase. Each suite is a unique, loft-style room furnished with period pieces and new age classics. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and spa, a fitness centre, on-site dining options, including Les Loges (Michelin star restaurant), and an EV charging station. It is a Michelin Guide property.

6 rue du Bœuf, Lyon, France | Map link
Rooms starting at $346 CAD
Book directly on radissonhotels.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Trivago

Hôtel de L’Abbaye and L’Artichaut restaurant, Lyon, France.

Hôtel de L’Abbaye

Set next door to the Basilica of St Martin d’Ainay, Hôtel de L’Abbaye is a luxury historic boutique hotel. There are only 21 rooms, each beautifully decorated with vintage and modernist classical pieces. The exterior is historically commanding, while the interior has been carefully renovated, preserving its old-world character. On site is L’Artichaut, a bistronomic Michelin restaurant. Located on the ground floor, this restaurant is a destination on its own, serving an original, creative menu and seasonal wine pairings.

20 rue de l’Abbaye d’Ainay, Lyon, France | Map link
Rooms starting at $433 CAD
Book directly on hotelabbayelyon.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Trivago | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

MiHotel La Tour Rose

The beautifully decorated rooms with colourful furnishings and tropical wallpaper are perhaps the main draw to MiHotel La Tour Rose. But then, there are also the bathtubs, the fireplaces, and living plants under handmade lampshades. This Michelin-recognised hotel consists of high-end suites across six 18th-century apartments, a place you can truly make your own. All suites are unique and come with daily breakfast service, ie., freshly baked pain au chocolat.

22 rue du Bœuf, Lyon, France | Map link
Rooms starting at $202 CAD
Book directly on mihotel.fr to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com

MOB HOTEL Lyon Confluence

An eco-hotel with a stunning outdoor terrace, MOB Lyon Confluence is located in the waterfront district where the Saône and Rhône rivers come together. This noticeably contemporary structure, which resembles large-scale art from a distance, is also Michelin-recognised. The rooms are beautifully decorated with a minimalistic but fun and colourful touch. Hotel patrons have access to yoga classes, live music, pop-up shops, and other one-off events hosted throughout the year. In many ways, MOB Lyon Confluence is a part of the city’s cultural tapestry.

55 quai Rambaud, Lyon, France | Map link
Rooms starting at $318 CAD
Book directly on mobhotel.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Fourvière Hôtel, Lyon, France.

Fourvière Hôtel

Another Michelin Guide property, Fourvière Hôtel, is located in an upscale neighbourhood on a hilltop to the west of Lyon’s old town. It is a 19th-century convent turned 21st-century hotel, built around a large courtyard. Despite its rich history, the rooms are minimally decorated, leaning into the modern styles with black-and-white portraits of local historical figures hung on the walls. Guests have access to a 25-meter heated lap pool, a spa and gardens, and two restaurants, upscale Les Téléphones and the Le Bouchon bistro.

23, rue Roger Radisson, Lyon, France | Map link
Rooms starting at $255
Book directly on fourviere-hotel.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

More hotels & Stays in Lyon

The post Where to stay in Lyon, France: Five unique hotels appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Beyond the borders of the most visited cities like Rome, Athens, and Paris lies a large and beautiful world waiting to be explored. An extra train ride, a short flight, or a countryside drive can lead you to far less crowded places. These cities are just as rich in historic architecture, culture, and culinary experiences, but with fewer queues.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.

Beaune, France. Decorative roof of Hospices de Beaune. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Beaune, France

Beaune is a beautifully preserved walled town at the heart of the Burgundy wine region in eastern France, encircled by the world-famous Côte d’Or vineyards. Compact and highly walkable, the cobblestone centre is lined with excellent restaurants, centuries-old historic sites, and some of the finest wine cellars in France. For anyone exploring the Burgundy region, Beaune is the ideal base.

Top Things to Do in Beaune

The town’s most iconic landmark is the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune), a stunning 15th-century former hospital renowned for its elaborately patterned polychrome slate roof, one of the most photographed buildings in France. Also worth visiting is the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Beaune, a Romanesque collegiate church with remarkable 15th-century tapestries inside. Round out your historic exploration with a walk along the Remparts de Beaune, the town’s remarkably intact 900-year-old medieval city walls.

After dark, Beaune takes on a different character entirely. Les Chemins de Lumières (Paths of Light) is a nightly art projection event that illuminates the town’s most notable buildings, including Notre-Dame, with large-scale mixed-media displays, making an evening stroll through the old town a memorable experience.

Wine experiences in Beaune

Beaune is one of the best places in the world to learn about and taste Burgundy wine. Begin at The Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, an architecturally striking museum dedicated to the history, science, and terroir of Burgundy’s vineyards, with a particular focus on the UNESCO-listed Climat system that makes Burgundy wine unique.

For tastings and cellar visits within the town, strong options include The Best of Burgundy Wines tasting, the Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour and Tasting at one of Burgundy’s oldest négociants, and the Burgundy Wine Tasting at Solstice. For a fuller regional picture, a  Burgundy Day Trip (14 tastings) or a Small Group Full-Day Tour through the Côte d’Or vineyards (2 tastings of 5 wines).

What to Eat & Drink in Beaune

Burgundy has one of France’s most distinctive regional food cultures. Local specialities to seek out include Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails), Burgundy truffles, Dijon mustard, Pain d’épices (Burgundy gingerbread), and the delicate Anis de Flavigny sweets, produced in a nearby village abbey. These are traditionally accompanied by Cassis de Dijon (blackcurrant liqueur) or a glass of Crémant de Bourgogne, the region’s excellent sparkling wine.

For a hands-on food experience, La Moutarderie Fallot is a family-owned working mustard mill founded in 1840, one of the last traditional stone-ground mustard producers in France and well worth a visit even for those with only a passing interest in mustard.

Where to stay in Beaune

For a stay within the historic walls, Hôtel de la Poste and Les Remparts Hôtels et Demeures Historiques are both well-positioned central options with character. If a pool or spa is a priority, Cèdre Beaune (A Beauvallon Hotel & Spa), voco Beaune, and Hotel Les Nomades all offer strong wellness facilities while remaining within easy reach of the town centre.

Best time to visit Beaune

Summer is the warmest and most sociable time to visit, with long evenings ideal for outdoor dining and the Les Chemins de Lumières projections. The shoulder seasons, particularly May and September, offer fewer crowds, more relaxed winery visits, and more competitive hotel rates. November is also worth considering for the famous Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction, held on the third weekend of November each year.

Montreux, Switzerland. Chillon Castle on an overcast day. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Montreux, Switzerland

Located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Montreux is a stunning lakeside town with easy access to the Swiss Alps. The city is remarkably walkable, though it rises steeply up a hillside, so several built-in elevators help you navigate between the lower promenade and upper streets.

Top things to do in Montreux

Start along the iconic lakeside promenade and take a selfie with the statue of Freddie Mercury. Wander through Montreux’s charming Old Town and step inside the Church of St. Vincent, a peaceful historic chapel overlooking the lake.

Set aside at least an hour or two for Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon), one of Switzerland’s most visited historic sites. This remarkably preserved medieval water castle served as the residence of the Counts of Savoy for nearly four centuries, and sits dramatically at the water’s edge just outside the town.

Take the cog railway to Rochers-de-Naye

One of the best day trips from Montreux is the scenic cog railway ride to Rochers-de-Naye, a roughly 45-minute ride. Disembarking at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, you will find yourself at the top of the Swiss Alps with resting stations, hiking and walking trails, and even via ferrata. 

Swiss Alps, Montreux, Switzerland. Images by Kateryna Topol.

What to eat in Montreux

Swiss cuisine in the Vaud region is hearty and deeply satisfying. Try a traditional fondue or raclette, pick up a slice of Birnbrot (Swiss pear bread), or seek out Papet Vaudois, a regional speciality of leek and potato stew served with sausage. For a special occasion, Montreux has several Montreux Michelin Restaurants worth booking in advance. Alternatively, a local food tour is a great way to sample regional delicacies with expert guidance.

Where to stay in Montreux

For a truly grand stay, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is the town’s landmark luxury hotel, while Grand Hotel du Lac, a Relais & Châteaux property, offers an equally elegant experience. For something slightly more understated but still very comfortable, Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic and  Mona Montreux are both strong options.

Best time to visit Montreux

Spring brings wildflower blooms across the hillsides, summer offers warm weather ideal for the promenade and lake swimming, and December is worth the visit for Montreux’s renowned Christmas market, one of the most atmospheric in Switzerland.

Strasbourg, France. Image by Patrick Robert Doyle.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is a picturesque historic city in the Alsace region of northeastern France, situated near the German border. Compact and highly walkable, the city centre is threaded with beautiful squares, half-timbered houses, and canal-lined streets, and in December, it transforms into one of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas market destinations, drawing visitors from across the continent.

Top things to do in Strasbourg

The undisputed centrepiece of the city is Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg), located in the Grande Île neighbourhood, the entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1439, the Gothic cathedral was the tallest building in the world for over two centuries, and remains one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.

From there, make your way to Petite France, the city’s most photogenic quarter, where flower-lined canals meet timber-framed houses and riverside cafés. Next, head to the Neustadt district, Strasbourg’s “new city,” built during the German Imperial era, to visit the Municipal Roman Baths, a working thermal spa open to the public (bring a swimsuit).

Strasbourg Cathedral and rooftops. Images by Olia Bondarenko.

Day trip: The Alsace wine route

Just outside Strasbourg, the Alsace wine region is one of the most scenic and distinctive wine regions in France, known for its Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. It makes an excellent day trip, either self-guided by car or bike, or with a half-day tour or full-day tour if you’d prefer a guide to handle the logistics (half-day tour, full-day tour).

Where to Eat & Drink in Strasbourg

For an authentic taste of Alsatian cuisine, seek out a Winstub, a traditional wine bar and restaurant serving hearty local food and regional Alsace wines in a convivial, wood-panelled setting. Dishes to look out for include Wädele (slow-cooked ham hock), Grumbeerekiechle (crispy potato pancakes), Lewerknepfle (liver dumplings), Presskopf (head cheese), and Bibeleskäs, a fresh soft cheese blended with garlic and herbs, similar to a French fromage blanc.

Where to stay in Strasbourg

For a historic hotel with a spa, Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa is a strong first choice, centrally located on the Grande Île. Hôtel Régent Contades offers elegant four-star accommodation near the Neustadt. For something smaller and more characterful, boutique options like  Hotel Tandem or Hôtel LÉONOR both offer distinctive stays in the heart of the city.

Best time to visit Strasbourg

Spring is lovely for wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, summer brings the warmest weather for exploring on foot, and autumn is ideal for visiting the Alsace vineyards during harvest season. December, however, is when Strasbourg truly comes into its own. The city’s Christmas markets are among the oldest and most atmospheric in Europe, with the main market dating back to 1570.

Split, Croatia, Old City views and Diocletian’s Palace. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Split, Croatia

Croatia may be best known for its beaches and nightlife, but Split stands apart as a beautiful historic city centre and a foody paradise. The Old Town stretches along the Adriatic coastline, where historically dense Roman streets open suddenly onto wide palm-lined promenades. Further out, you’ll find sandy beaches, charming residential neighbourhoods, and even local wineries, making Split one of the most well-rounded cities on the Dalmatian Coast.

Top things to do in Split

The undisputed heart of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 4th century as a retirement residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace complex is still a living, breathing part of the city, home to restaurants, bars, apartments, and some of the most atmospheric squares in Europe. In summer, the central Peristyle square becomes an open-air gathering place, with live music and wine spilling into an informal dancefloor under the stars.

Within the palace walls, visit Saint Domnius Cathedral, built directly inside Diocletian’s mausoleum and one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world, and climb the bell tower for sweeping views over the city and Adriatic. Step down into the palace substructures, a vast network of underground vaulted chambers, and pop into the well-preserved Temple of Jupiter. Make time to pass through all four of the palace’s iconic city gates: the Golden Gate, Silver Gate, Iron Gate, and Bronze Gate.

Split also gained international fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, and most local tour guides will happily point out the key spots used in the show.

Split, Croatia: Waterfront, free performances in the Old City, fine dining. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Where to eat in Split

The Old Town is dense with excellent restaurants, cafés, gelaterias, and the beloved Pazar (Green Market), a lively open-air market selling fresh local produce. Dalmatian coastal cuisine is the main draw: expect fresh Adriatic seafood, Pašticada (a slow-cooked sweet-and-sour beef stew), Crni Rižot (black cuttlefish risotto), and Burek (a flaky savoury pastry filled with cheese or meat).

Whether you opt for one of Split’s Michelin restaurants or a locally favoured neighbourhood spot, reservations are strongly recommended in high season. One standout worth seeking out is PiNKU fish & wine, a much-loved spot with a strong local following. For a guided introduction to the food scene, a food tour is an excellent way to cover a lot of ground quickly.

Where to stay in Split

Split has a strong offering of heritage hotels that make the most of the city’s historic architecture. Heritage Hotel Cardo and Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia are both well-regarded choices within or near the Old Town. For a more intimate stay, boutique room rentals like Procurator 7 Luxury Rooms or Grgur Ninski Rooms offer a characterful alternative to traditional hotels.

Best time to visit Split

July and August are peak season, bringing large crowds and higher prices. The shoulder months — May, June, September, and October — offer a far more relaxed experience with warm weather, quieter streets, and more competitive accommodation rates. May and October in particular are excellent for exploring on foot without the summer heat.

Trier, Germany, Porta Nigra interiors. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Trier, Germany

Trier is a charming small city set along the Moselle River in western Germany. Founded under the Roman Empire, Trier is the oldest city in Germany — and one of the most historically rich destinations in Europe. Roman architecture and ruins are one of the main draws to Trier, followed by its extensive wine culture. 

Top things to do in Trier 

Start your visit at Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate in the ancient world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, Trier Cathedral (Trierer Dom) is the oldest church in Germany and another UNESCO-listed landmark well worth exploring. Take a stroll through the Palastgarten (Palace Gardens), a sweeping green space set in front of a striking French Baroque palace. 

History lovers won’t want to miss Thermen Am Viehmarkt and the  Kaiserthermen (Trier Imperial Baths), two impressive Roman bath ruins that hint at the city’s ancient grandeur. 

The beating heart of Trier is Hauptmarkt, the lively central market square. From March to early November, a rotating seasonal wine stall showcases a different local winery each week. Pull up a seat by the fountain, pick up fresh fruit from local farmers, and soak in the atmosphere.

What to eat & drink in Trier 

Trier’s food culture is deeply tied to the land. Try local specialities like Pellkartoffel mit Quark (potatoes with herb curd) or Kartoffelauflauf (potato casserole), ideally paired with a glass of crisp local Riesling — the signature wine of the Moselle Valley.

Wine experiences in Trier

Wine is central to life in Trier and the wider Mosel region. To make the most of it, consider booking a Guided City Walk with Wine Tasting, visiting Germany’s oldest wine cellar for a private tasting, or embarking on a Wine Tour with a Boat Ride along the Mosel (a 4.5-hour experience).

Where to stay in Trier

For a historic stay, the Romantik Hotel zur Glocke is a characterful choice with a cellar restaurant. The Mercure Hotel Trier Porta Nigra offers rooms with views of the famous city gate. Travellers seeking a hotel with a spa should consider Park Plaza Trier. 

Best time to visit Trier

Summer offers the best weather, but visiting in spring or autumn means fewer crowds and more affordable accommodation. December is worth considering for Trier’s atmospheric Christmas market.

Turin, Italy. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Turin, Italy

Locally known as  Torino, Turin is a large and elegant metropolitan city in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, set alongside the River Po and framed by the western Alps. The city is often overlooked in favour of Rome or Milan, but it rewards visitors with an exceptional range of Roman ruins, grand royal palaces, 300 kilometres of tree-lined boulevards, and one of Italy’s finest regional food cultures.

Top things to do in Turin

Begin your visit at Piazza Castello, the grand central square that anchors the historic centre and serves as the natural starting point for exploring the city. From here, visit the Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale), a former residence of the House of Savoy and part of the UNESCO-listed Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, which includes museums, state apartments, and manicured gardens.

Nearby religious landmarks include the ornate Chiesa di San Lorenzo, the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista (Turin Cathedral), home to the world-famous Turin Shroud (Sindone). Don’t miss the Sindone Chapel and the Basilica of Superga, a Baroque hilltop church with panoramic views over the city and the Alps that makes for an excellent half-day trip.

History enthusiasts will want to spend time at Porta Palatina (the Palatine Gate), one of the best-preserved Roman city gates in the world, and the adjacent Roman Theatre, which remains in active use for public performances today. More Roman history and artefacts can be found at the Palazzo Madama and the Museo di Antichità, both essential stops for anyone interested in Turin’s deep history.

What to eat in Turin

Turin sits at the heart of the Piedmont region, one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary destinations. Regional specialities worth seeking out include Vitello Tonnato (thinly sliced veal with a creamy tuna sauce), Piemonte Fassone tartare (made from a prized local breed of cattle), Tajarin (a thin egg pasta typical of Piedmont), and Agnolotti del Plin (small hand-pinched stuffed pasta). For a convivial shared experience, Bagna Càuda, a warm anchovy and garlic dipping sauce served with seasonal vegetables, is the quintessential Piedmontese communal dish, best enjoyed alongside a glass of Barolo or Barbera.

Turin is also famous throughout Italy for its focaccia bakeries, which are scattered across the city and not to be missed. The city is additionally considered the birthplace of Italian chocolate and vermouth, so leave room for a gelato and an Aperitivo.

Where to stay in Turin

For a sleek, modern stay, Opera 35 Boutique Hotel offers minimalist design with generous space in a central location. For classic Turinese grandeur, Grand Hotel Sitea is a long-established luxury choice in the heart of the city. Travellers prioritising a spa should consider Palazzo Bellezia Luxury Suites & Spa, Principi di Piemonte, and Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa, all of which offer strong wellness facilities alongside central locations.

Best time to visit Turin

Summer brings the warmest weather and is ideal for exploring the city on foot and taking day trips into the Alps. Spring is a particularly rewarding time to visit if you can align with the Torino Jazz Festival, one of the city’s most beloved annual events. Autumn brings vivid foliage across the surrounding hills and marks the beginning of truffle season in the Piedmont region — one of the best reasons to visit in October or November.

A few more European recommendations

For additional inspiration, see complete guides for Thessaloniki, Luxembourg, Bath, Waterford, Lyon, as well as Naples and Monopoly within the Italy road trips itinerary.

The post Europe off the beaten path: Six wonderful lesser-known cities to visit appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Tucked away on Mercer Street, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer feels private and secluded, despite being only a small city block South of King West. This family-owned property is one of many across Canada, all centrally located, beautifully designed boutique hotels around the country. The hotel looks quite unassuming from the outside, but as soon as you enter, a sense of comfortable luxury will reveal itself with tall ceilings and fine finishes.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted by Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercern, which did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

PUNCH Restaurant, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer. Image courtesy of the hotel.

The vibe & Shared spaces 

Due to the location and the architectural structure of the building, the hotel does not get a lot of light, but the dimly lit, moody character of the space is embraced through design. Dark wood, carefully chosen design touches, art and live greenery set an ambience of a secret urban lounge, accompanied by matching atmospheric music. 

The open lobby has a comfortable sitting area that feels like a petite library coupled with a small boutique shop. To the right is the Mercer Lounge, hidden behind the check-in desk. To the left, through a heavy door, is the brand new PUNCH Restaurant.

Your room key gives you access to the hotel amenities like the seasonal terrace and a small but fairly well-equipped gym on the upper floor. On the mezzanine level, which looks over the lounge, are meeting rooms and a special events bar. Quiet now, this area surely comes to life in full colour when in use.

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer lounge, images by Kateryna Topol.

Inside the Suite

There is a total of 118 rooms at the hotel, all tastefully decorated, embracing contemporary design with thoughtful lighting and modern conveniences. All of the La Germain Hotel properties are created with purpose and sustinabailty in-mind, each room has plenty of livable storage, mirrors, usable counter space in the bathroom, and places to open, store, and hide your things.

The walls behind headboards are covered with felt-inspired material made of 95% recycled matter (Svelte) with an art installation above each bed. Commissioned for the hotel, the art pieces are featherweight sculptures made by Canadian artists Ann Bartok and Olena Kassian from BARKAS.

The room lighting is defused for arrival, jazz music softly playing in the background, and chocolate dessert cups accompanied by a personal note are ready to greet the guest. The spa-like oversized bathrooms have glass walls, further opening up the space. Blinds are available for privacy. Small, thoughtful conveniences, like earplugs, water carafes (filled in with turndown service), proper wine glasses, and an interior privacy button, add to the quality of the stay. 

Rooms range from a Classic Queen to various-sized Suites, including the Apartment Suite, with separate dining and living areas, and the Executive Suite with a living room and a fireplace. The regular noon checkout time is perfect for sleeping in after a big night out and enjoying breakfast in the room.

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, images by Kateryna Topol.

Restaurant & Lounge

The most recent addition to the hotel is the two new dining properties: the Mercer Lounge and PUNCH Restaurant.

Mercer Lounge is a classic hotel bar, with casual, comfortable furniture, dim, moody lighting and a signature library wall with a wooden ladder. The lounge opens at 5 PM daily, welcoming locals and hotel guests for a casual catch-up and live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On the bar menu are cocktails, freezer martinis, interesting wines, and a selection of decadent snacks like Gunpowder Pate (pork) and Fried Mozzarella and Caviar (eat it as soon as it hits the table). 

PUNCH Restaurant, on the other hand, has the grandeur of an English ballroom. The white tablecloth, tables and long padded benches are framed by high wood-panelled walls with stained glass windows. At the back is a statement bar with only a handful of barstools where locals gather for nightcaps.

PUNCH is a conceptual restaurant. The name is inspired by the Hindi word pañch, which means “five,” pronounced as “punch”. Punch is known as the world’s first cocktail, made in the 17th century (spirit, sugar, lemon, water, and spiced tea), so here at the hotel, the restaurant welcomes the heritage and the cultural collision of flavours. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Mandar Kulkarni (Le Select Bistro, Don Alfonso 1890, BISHA), who takes inspiration from family recipes. Guests can enjoy a modern take on classic dishes like Mumbai Chat-Slaw and Dum Pukht Chicken Biryani, or delve into world classics like Beef Wellington and Whole Grilled Seabream. Breakfast and brunch are served at the restaurant as well.

Mercer Lounge, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer. Images courtesy of the hotel.

PUNCH Restaurant, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer. Images courtesy of the hotel.

What to do nearby 

Le Germain Mercer is conveniently located a short walk away from the CN Tower, Aquarium, and a few other popular tourist attractions; consider purchasing a CityPASS if you plan to visit more than two. On a nice summer day, you can also walk to the city waterfront for a prolonged, relaxing afternoon.

Within short walking distance are the TIFF Lightbox Cinema and gift shop, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Roy Thomson Hall. In addition to the shows in the permanent city theatres, Candlelight Concerts are hosted in various venues across Toronto. Current offer on Fever is up to 30% select experiences.

Book direct on germainhotels.com to take advantage of special offers (like breakfast package or the PUNCH experience menu package), flexible checkout time, and guaranteed best price. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

Gym at the Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, images by Kateryna Topol.

The post Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer offers a rounded stay in the heart of the city appeared first on Paths to Travel.

You can spend many days driving around Jordan and Beamsville, tasting wines, strolling through vineyards, and enjoying outdoor dining at sunset – a truly wonderful way to spend a weekend. We’ve broken down the story into categories: wineries, breweries, attractions and accommodations. There is no dining-specific section because many wineries offer food, and some have really wonderful dining options you can take advantage of for lunch or dinner.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Wineries:

Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery

Here at Rosewood, they make wine and honey, both of which you can purchase on-site or have home delivered. The vineyard is surrounded by a beautiful view that you can enjoy during an outdoor tasting, sitting back in a Muskoka chair. The indoor space has a shop and a few dining tables; the decor is clean and modern, with a balance of farm chic and a bit of futurism accented by beehive decor. As of this summer, they also serve food, all locally sourced and prepared on-site. This menu is a range of delicious small bites. Throughout the year, Rosewood also host unique wine pairing dinners, follow them on Instagram or join the mailing list to keep up.

Favourite wines: Neptune (Riesling), Night Moves (Gamay Noir), and The Looking Glass (red blend).

Bachelder Wine

A passion project of lifelong winemakers Thomas and Mary Bachelder, who brought their Burgundy wine knowledge to the Niagara escarpment. The production is minimal intervention using wild yeasts and grapes carefully sourced from across the region, often grown specifically for Bachelder. The family works closely with the growers and has deep respect for the land, so the vineyard is always listed on the front label. This is a fairly small production, so tastings are only by reservation for members and mailing list subscribers.

Favourite wines: Les Villages Gamay Noir Niagara, L’il Kirby Gamay Noir, and Whismer-Foxcroft Chardonnay.

Black Bank Hill Winery, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara wine country.

Black Bank Hill

Fairly new, family-owned winery where the winemaker, Jonathna McLean, is also the winegrower. The winery is quite small and very young, but their cellar is an impressively elegant selection of mature and approachable wines. Private tastings are available by reservation or drop-in.

Favourite wines: Liberté (Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne blend), Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.

The Good Earth Food and Wine Co.

This is a stunning property with an on-site restaurant (reserved well in advance), a separate wine-tasting area, and miles of peach orchards and vines surrounding the property. The winery has been open since 1998 and has a reputation for well-made, tasteful wines set against a stunning garden backdrop that many people choose as their wedding venue. The restaurant on the property is a hot destination for locals and winery visitors. Advance reservations are highly recommended (online or over the phone). The dining area in the summer spans from the garden to the backyard, where occasionally there is also live music.

Favourite wines: Riesling, Rosé, and Gamay.

Fielding Estate Winery

Wine Lodge on top of the Beamsville Bench with a lovely view. They have a patio and do seated tastings, which require reservations, but you could get a glass of wine as a walk-in and enjoy it at a picnic table in the backyard. Fielding Estate also make cider. 

Favourite wines: Estate Bottled Riesling

Redstone Winery & Restaurant

Fairly large property with indoor and outdoor dining and a tasting room. Our AirBNB was within walking distance so Redstone was perfect for dinner. The outdoor patio has lots of heating lamps, a fireplace, and a stunning view of the sunset over fields of grapes. The food was quite wonderful, and our server added to the experience with her cheerful attitude. You can get a sample flight of wines or choose by the glass or bottle. 

Favourite wines: Sparkling.  

Featherstone Estate Winery & Vineyard

So this place is super cute: there is an outdoor veranda that they doubled in size this year, you can get a cheese fondue with a tasting of wine, and there is a falconry on the property. You can just pop in to hang out and grab a flight of wines or pre-book one of their fun experiences ahead of time.

Favourite wine: Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay Noir

Kacaba Vineyards

This is a premium small-batch winery located a short drive from Bench Brewing. The owner of the winery, Michael Kacaba, use to work as a lawyer on Bay St., and when that was enough, he took up winemaking and has been doing so since 1997. The property is quite spacious with a nice outdoor area, offering plenty of space to relax and grab a catered snack on the weekend.

Favourite wines: Reserve Riesling, Effervescence Sparkling.

13th Street Winery

Another very popular spot with a great lunch menu and an on-site bakery. This location does get very busy, and people do line up for the bakery, but the meal is worth the wait. The property is an open field with a sculpture garden and an art gallery. Full sit-down tastings are by reservation only, but you can try wine in the garden. 

Favourite wines: June’s Vineyard Riesling, Reserve Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Premier Cuvée Sparkling.

Alvento Winery

This winery is located a bit out of the strip, but it is a fairly short and beautiful drive. The winery barn is located near a nursery and surrounded by a vineyard. Indoor and outdoor tastings are available, and they have a very healthy selection of wines. After the tasting, take a little stroll to get a full view of the building and a peek into the vineyard. 

Favourite wines: Riesling, Sparkling Rosé, North Wind (white blend), Boreas (red blend), and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Westcott Vineyards

Family-owned and operated winery focused on growing cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery building and visitors centre are built from a 200-year-old barn, using locally sourced reclaimed timber frames. The 43-acre site on the Twenty Mile Bench, called Butlers’ Grant Vineyard, has a phenomenal microclimate, allowing them to produce clean and beautiful wines with minimal intervention. The winery has a beautiful on-site outdoor restaurant in a tent overlooking the vines with a phenomenal sunset view of Vinemount Ridge. The seasonal patio restaurant has a fairly extensive menu, all prepared in the outdoor wood-burning oven in front of the guests.

Favourite wines: Traditional Blanc de Blancs sparkling, Reserve Chardonnay, and pretty much any Pinot Noir.

Malivoire Wine Company, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara wine country.

Malivoire Wine Company

Really cool building, partially located inside a banker-like structure. They offer guided tastings by reservation or self-indulgent tastings out in the yard. The grape bushes grow up a hill away from the tasting room, making this location perfect for an intimate stroll with many photo ops. 

Favourite wines: Albert’s Honour Old Vines Foch, Small Lot Gamay, and Estate Grown Chardonnay

Tawse Winery

Sister (father?) winery to Redstone, this winery has a wide selection of wines and spirits, which you can taste on their enclosed, beautiful outdoor garden patio. They also sell some tasty jams and fresh potato chips to go with your wine tastings. 

Favourite wines: Guy Lafleur Cuvee Chardonnay and Spark Riesling – Limestone Ridge

Domaine Queylus Winery

Located on the outskirts of the area, this is a unique and private space in a newly renovated cabin with a tasting room extension. The outdoor terrace has curtained seating areas that feel like cabanas, a view of a field, and a couple of ponds. For a snack, you can get a charcuterie, which comes in a pizza box, thoroughly enjoyed that.

Favourite wines: Reserve du Domain Pinot Noir and Tradition Chardonnay

Hidden Bench Estate Winery

Lovely, quiet spot with a terrace where you can taste a range of wines by the glass. This winery does offer special experience tastings, which you need to book ahead of time. This winery is owned and operated by Harald Thiel and his family and primarily focuses on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling – very common in this region.

Favourite wines: Blanc de Blanc sparkling, need to return to try a few more.

Organized Crime Winery

Second-generation family-owned, small boutique winery with a sloping yard overlooking the nearby vineyard. Their wine selection is quite rich, and in 2019, OCW placed in the top three at the National Wine Awards of Canada. The backyard has plenty of seating with a view, and occasionally, they have daily tasting specials. This is also one of the few wineries that open till 6 pm (but do check their site to be sure).

Breweries:

Bench Brewing Company

Near Redstone is the Bench Brewing Company, which seems like the most popular spot in the area and may be hard to get in, but if you do, make sure to try one of their pretzels! Here you can get flights, samples, full pints, and a hearty meal. A fun fact about this building is it used to be a school, so the architectural transformation is quite interesting. 

Newark Brewing Company

New craft brewery in Beamsville that offers food from Blue Collar Kitchen, beer tastings (Dunkel, Helles, Wit, and Dubbel), and live music on some nights. For the guests in your party who might want or need other options, there is also wine and cider available on the menu.

Attractions & Accommodations:

Twenty Valley does not have a lot of hotels, with most of them located in nearby small towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), St. Catharines, Jordan Station/Lincoln, or Beamsville. Many people opt for private holiday rentals to stay in the valley.

The Juniper Inn in St. Catharines, for example, is a great boutique option with self-check-in. The Inn is operated by self-check-in, which is convenient if you don’t know what time you might be arriving. Each room has a uniquely different decor, ours (Room R) is inspired by the Hollywood-style rock n’ roll. St. Catharines, as one of the biggest cities in the area, also has larger hotel chains like Hampton Inn by Hilton, Staybridge Suites, and Four Points by Sheraton, to name a few. There are a handful of vintage boutique hotels in NOTL, including 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa, The Shaw Club Hotel, Riverbend Inn Vineyard, and the Harbour House. In Jordan Station/Lincoln, you will also find some larger hotel chains like The Jordan Ramada,

Find more hotels in the Niagara wine country

* * *

If you need some early morning adventure, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area has a lot to explore, from old-timy houses to waterfalls and hikes. There are different ways to get to the waterfall; some offer a view from the top, some from the bottom. This entrance is close to the parking lot.

To break up the winery strolls, pop into Prudhomme’s Antique Market and the Jordan Harbour Marina [very last image] and go for a walk to see the abandoned pirate ship, La Grande Hermine.

Regional wine tours

The post A wine lover’s guide to Twenty Valley Niagara wine region appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
This trip was partially hosted by Visit Bath who did not review or approve this story.

Travel tip: A scenic train ride from London will take you directly into the heart of Bath in just over an hour. Book your train journey with GWR or GWR National Rail, £47.50+ one way. Pay attention to the duration of the trip, some trains are faster than others. 

What to see & Do in Bath, England

Take time wandering the streets 

Some time in 60 AD, the Romans found hot springs in this region, and so they stayed and built baths and a temple. Naturally, many different people and cultures resided in the region since, eventually turning the area into a popular spa destination during the Georgian era. The extensive development made during this period is definitive of what Bath looks like today. It is no surprise that quite a few scenes in Bridgerton were filmed in Bath. 

Bath is a very walkable city. With intertwining streets connected by passages, it is easy to get slightly lost, but within that diversion, you will more than likely discover something new to admire. Bath Guildhall Market is one of those connecting passages, packed with over twenty boutique shops and cafes. Make sure to take a stroll through Green Street where independent shops, grocers, and pubs are door to door, setting a vibrant neigbourhood vibe.

Walking from the train station, you will come across, and likely pass through, the infamous Pulteney Bridge. Built by Robert Adam in 1769, it is the only bridge in the world with shops on both sides, making it feel more like a regular city street than a transportation necessity. During the day, walk along the main road to take in the bridge in its full glory from a distance.

One of the most notable structures in the city is the Bath Abbey, or The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. First built in the 7th century, the Abbey has been rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries. Both inside and out, this is a beautiful example of Anglo-Saxon architecture. The main hall is frequently open for live music performances, acoustics there are ideal for classical instruments. Bath Abbey’s Tower, 212 steps above ground, is where one goes for the best view of the city.

Bath Abbey | Map link
Admission:  £9.00 adult, £7.50 student, £5.00 child, infants are free.
Tower admission:  £18 adult, £15 student, £12.00 child.
Tower Tour tickets include a guided tour of the tower, access to the Abbey floor, and the Discovery Museum.

Take the longer walk to the Royal Crescent to witness this phenomenal circular architectural wonder. The structure is 500 feet long and contains 30 terraced houses, overlooking a pristine park. Built in 1767, The Royal Crescent is a UNESCO-recognised iconic structure. The uniformity of the building was enforced on its residents by the Bath City Council. Miss Wellesley-Colley famously defied the rules by painting her front door and windows primrose yellow and even had to defend her colour choice at a public inquiry. While you are there, stop by the No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath for a taste of local history and seasonal immersive exhibitions.

No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath | Map link
Admission:  £16 adult, £14.50 student and seniors, children under 18 are free. The ticket is good for multiple visits.

As an important heritage city, Bath hosts a lot of walking tours. Explore your options on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, or Expedia. Free tours are offered by the Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides. 

Bath Abbey interior. The image in the centre includes a special art piece set up for Remembrance Day. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Roman Baths & Baths to bathe in

Learn about the intricate history of the region at The Roman Baths as you wander through this ancient structure. Before the Romans, the springs were dedicate a goddess named Sulis, locally identified with Minerva. Many myths and legends are tied to these waters. The journey through the Baths is one way, leading you along the water pools and into the museum. The museum contains a beautiful collection of artefacts, some of which were thrown into the spring as offerings to Sulis.

One of the best preserved Roman Sites in the world, this historic centre is a treasure chest of ancient innovation. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Roman Baths still fill with over 1,170,000 litres of natural hot spring water daily.

Roman Baths | Map link
Admission: £23.50 adult, £22.50 student and senior, £16.50 child. Add £3 to each fare for weekend visits. Late evening openings will be back for the summer. Guided tours are available. 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Thermae Bath Spa is what makes Bath a wellness destination today. The four-story spa complex takes advantage of the mineral-rich waters just as the Romans did thousands of years ago. On the lower level is a large thermal pool, while higher up, guests will find steam rooms and other relaxation areas. The main attraction is, of course, the rooftop pool with a view of the Abbey. Thermae also has a cafe with a terrace, and the best spa package includes wine and charcuterie. 

Thermae Bath Spa | Map link 
Admission: Starts at £44 and has a 2-hour limit. Minimum age for the baths is 16.

Explore Bath’s museums & Galleries 

The majority of museums in Bath are quite small, you can check them off your list casually over the course of two days. Famous authors, like Jane Austin and Mary Shelley, have both lived in Bath, so naturally, there are museums dedicated to them. The Jane Austen Centre visit includes a small theatrical introduction and a self-guided tour. The Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is located just next door and is a stark dark contrast to the romantic world of Austen. In the basement of this building, is a room that comes with a warning. An escape room experience, of course, is also available. 

The Jane Austen Centre | Map link 
Admission: £17 adult, £15.50 students and seniors, £9.50 child. 

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein | Map link 
Admission: £16.75 adult, £14 students and seniors, £12.50 child.

Nearby, you will also find the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath World Heritage Centre, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Bath Medical Museum, and a few others. 

Make sure to make time for The Victoria Art Gallery, set at the top of the Pulteney Bridge. The gallery opened in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and houses over 1,500 objects and paintings from classical and modern British artists. The Bath Society of Artists’ 121st Open Exhibition is on till November 2026. The exhibition is an impressively large showcase of work from amateur and professional artists across the country. 

The Victoria Art Gallery | Map link
Admission: Parts of the art gallery are free.
Special exhibitions are £9 adult, £8.50 students and seniors, £4 child.

Breakfast at The Roseate Villa Bath. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Where to eat & Drink in Bath

If you find yourself in Bath in March, make sure to look at the Bath Restaurant Week. One of the main events this week is the Waiter’s Race at the Royal Crescent, a surely comedic annual celebration that many local businesses take part in. 

Restaurants, pubs & Cocktail bars

Michelin Guide recently named Bath one of the top 10 destinations in the world for food. Walking around the city, it is hard to miss the many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and pubs. Michelin Guide includes restaurants across Somerset, from Bath to Bristol, but a few of these notable stops are here in the city. Olive Tree Restaurant holds a star, while Beckford Bottle Shop and The Chequers have a Bib Gourmand. Stars aside, Bath’s culinary range spans many cuisines, from tapas at Pintxo de Bath to Italian at Solina Pasta. And you can always find uniquely local seasonal dishes at Emberwood. New this year, Somerset-based pizza restaurant Pizzarova will open a restaurant in Bath.

Classic English pub fare can be found across the city. The Raven, for example, is a traditional English pub with a maze of rooms and corners serving hearty and delicious pies and stews served with seasonal vegetables and taro chips. Here you will also find a dress cask ale selection, great service and good vibes. The Old Green Tree and Bath Cider House are close local favourites.

In the city centre, you will also find The Dark Horse, a classic cocktail bar. Open late nightly, this is a great spot for expertly made craft cocktails served in a cosy, yet vibrant environment. The beverage team offers in-house creations and classics made with local spirits and ingredients sourced within 15 miles of the bar. Opium Bar, tucked away in the vaults below Grove Street, also came highly recommended. 

If you are limited on time, consider joining a guided food tour, like Local Pubs & Historic Sights, British Wine and Cheese, or one of the multiple tours offered by Savouring Bath. Add an extra day to your itinerary with a day trip to Wells for a Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge tour. 

Left: The Raven pub. Right: Cocktail and one of the seating areas at the Dark Horse cocktail bar. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Don’t skip the classic Afternoon Tea 

Afternoon tea while in Bath is a must. The most notable location for this classic afair is, of course, the Pump Room Restaurant, set near the Abbey in the Roman Baths building. The restaurant offers Morning Bakery and Brunch and Jane Austen Afternoon Tea. Reservations are strongly recommended for both. Hotels like The Roseate Villa Bath and The Royal Crescent also open their doors for the traditional feast, offering two to three-course meals and a glass of bubbly.

Events & Entertainment in Bath 

A wide range of festivals takes place in Bath throughout the year. Some of those include the Bath Literature Festival, Curious Minds, Queer Bath annual festival, Bath Comedy Festival, The Jane Austen Festival, Film Bath, and Bath Christmas Market.

Bath International Music Festival focuses on classical music across a series of five concerts, some held at Bath Abbey. Other local music festivals include Bath Bachfest in February and Bath Mozartfest in November. New this May is the Bath Festival Of Choirs, free to the public.  

Regular programming includes shows at The Theatre Royal Bath, with performances across all genres in a beautiful theatre setting. Fever, a global entertainment company, hosts live performances and the Candelight concert series at the Abbey.  

Where to stay in Bath, England

While larger hotels are often located outside of the city center The Roseate Villa Bath is a short walk across Pulteney Bridge. This beautiful boutique hotel, set in a historic building, can be a destination on its own. The outdoor terrace is great for relaxation, while the on-site restaurant serves delicious, filling breakfast, afternoon tea, and a wonderful nightly dinner.

For a taste of luxury, consider The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Set behind the Roya Crescent half-moon building, this two-Michelin-Key hotel has a private garden and a full-service spa with a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. The on-premises restaurant has a garden terrace, casual bar, afternoon team room, and a beautiful dining room. 

Roseate Villa Bath
Rooms starting at £165 / $285 CAD for a classic double
Henrietta Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6LX, United Kingdom
Book directly on roseatehotels.com to take advantage of special offers. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com |TripAdvisor 

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Rooms starting at £408 / $760 CAD for a classic double
16 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LS, United Kingdom
Book directly on royalcrescent.co.uk or with your favourite booking site Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor 

Roseate Villa Bath hotel. Images by Kateryna Topol.

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