Category: Travel Tips

Rotorua is a city that should be, and often is, on every New Zealand North Island itinerary. It’s home to some of New Zealand’s most impressive geothermal spots, it’s rich in Māori culture and has a reputation for being the North Island’s adrenaline hotspot.

You could easily spend a week in Rotorua exploring and soaking up the best of the area, but if you’re tight on time, this 2-day Rotorua itinerary covers all the must-see spots and unmissable experiences, and also includes a few suggestions of what you can do if you have extra time in the city.

Why Visit Rotorua?

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in New Zealand, but Rotorua has a bit of something for everyone, and has plenty of the highlights you can’t easily find elsewhere on the North Island. Think huge geysers, stunning redwood forests, bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs, rich Māori culture, parks, expansive lakes – yes, plural!– adrenaline-fuelled activities…the list really does goes on! There’s a reason Rotorua is popular with both tourists and kiwis.

Where is Rotorua?

Rotorua’s central location on New Zealand’s North Island makes it a perfect base to explore the region’s thermal attractions and adventure activities. It’s a geothermal wonderland conveniently located to reach from most places on the island, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or a stop on a New Zealand road trip.

Sitting inland on the edge of the Bay of Plenty region, it’s approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland, making it an easy weekend break from the northern city. From the coastal hits of Mount Maunganui and Tauranga, Rotorua is just over an hour’s drive inland, offering a change from the coastal beauty to volcanic landscapes.

And if you’re coming from Wellington, the nation’s capital, you can expect a 6-hour drive or a short 1-hour flight. It is doable to drive from Wellington to Rotorua in a day, but that journey is an experience in itself with the stunning scenery as you pass through and you should factor in an extra day to your weekend trip.

How Long to Spend in Rotorua?

Two days in Rotorua is enough to see the best of the city, but if you can spare extra time then 3 days in Rotorua would be perfect to see even more. If you don’t like to pack up and move around a lot, Rotorua would also be a great place to base yourself to visit nearby hotspots like Taupō and Mount Maunganui, though for the latter I’d definitely recommend spending a few days there too.

Weekend in Rotorua Itinerary

A weekend in Rotorua can be whatever you want it to be, but if you’re making the most of your time and trying to see as much as possible then it’s unlikely to be a relaxing, calming break away. Instead, you’ll want to cram as much in for the time you have, using time in other places with cheaper accommodation to recharge and reset.

Day 1

Welcome to Rotorua, the geothermal city with a slight eggy whiff you’ll likely notice as you start exploring. Will you ever get used to it? Debatable. For your first day in the city, get your first taste of the things that make Rotorua such a popular choice – geothermal highlights, nature and Māori experiences!

Wai-O-Tapu

Wai-O-Tapu, one of Rotorua’s most famous geothermal parks, is a must-visit for its vibrant hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steaming craters. Known as the Thermal Wonderland, highlights include the Champagne Pool, with its striking orange and turquoise colours, the florescent green Devil’s Bath, and the Lady Knox Geyser, which can reach up to 20 metres high. It’s a geyser that is set off daily at 10:15am, making Wai-O-Tapu a great morning activity.

To wander around the various geothermal pools, there are several walking trails that’ll take you between 30 and 90 minutes to wander, depending on which routes you opt for and how often you stop to take photos.

To get the full Wai-O-Tapu experience, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours there.

Redwoods
Visiting the Redwoods in Rotorua – Whakarewarewa Forest – is a must whether you’re a nature lover or not. You’ll find gorgeous scenery, plenty of walking trails, and adventure activities.

The expansive forest is home to huge, towering Californian Redwoods, some of which are over 100 years old. It’s quite a sight to see and has such a peaceful and eerily inviting atmosphere. Harry Potter fans might get some Forbidden Forest vibes…

A highlight of any visit to Whakarewarewa Forest is the Redwoods Treewalk, where visitors can walk along a series of suspension bridges high among the trees, offering a unique perspective both during the day and at night when the forest is beautifully illuminated. It’s become quite the hit on social media, and for good reason!

For the thrill-seekers among us, mountain biking trails catering to all skill levels up to world class wind through the forest.

Entry to the forest is free and there’s plenty of parking available though this may be at a cost – check the signs depending where you park. If you want to enjoy the Redwoods Treewalk, there’s an entrance fee for that, but you can wander around the woods themselves for free if you’re on a budget or not a fan of heights.

Māori Experience

Many visitors to New Zealand want to soak up the Māori culture, see a haka or enjoy a hāngī. There are numerous options in Rotorua, but it’s one of best locations to catch a show or cultural experience. For your first day in Rotorua, ending with one of the many shows is a great way to round the day off and really get stuck into the culture of New Zealand.

Day 2

Kiwi Hatchery
The National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and pretty much anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the elusive kiwi bird. This place offers a rare chance to see New Zealand’s beloved kiwi up close without having to scamper around in the dark, while also contributing to the conservation efforts.

Located at Rainbow Springs, this world-leading conservation facility is dedicated to hatching and raising endangered kiwi chicks before releasing them into the wild. You’ll be able to take a guided tour and learn about the important kiwi conservation efforts, see baby kiwis in specially designed incubation rooms, and, if you’re really lucky, see a newly hatched chick!

The hatchery plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s ‘Operation Nest Egg’ program, which has successfully released hundreds of kiwis back into their natural habitat. You’ll need about an hour for a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery, making it an easy and educational addition to your Rotorua itinerary. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to support kiwi conservation while seeing these iconic birds up close.

Get an Adrenaline Hit!
Rotorua has a reputation as the adrenaline capital of New Zealand’s North Island, and it’s well deserved!

If you’re after a thrill, Rotorua has you covered with plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to get your heart racing! Start with the Skyline Rotorua Luge, where you’ll zoom downhill on a gravity-powered cart with epic views over the city – it’s fun for all ages and surprisingly addictive. For a serious rush, head to Velocity Valley and try the Shweeb Racer, Freefall Xtreme, or even a giant swing that’ll have you flying through the air at wild speeds.

Want to really test your nerves? Zorbing has gained popularity worldwide but was born in New Zealand and is a Rotorua classic – you’ll roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball, laughing – and probably screaming – all the way. Or get wet with a race down the rapids with Rotorua’s whitewater rafting, at one point shooting 7 metres down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall!

With so many options, and not far from the city centre, Rotorua is an adventure playground where you can go full throttle or mix a bit of thrill into your relaxing weekend.

Government Gardens
In the heart of Rotorua, the Government Gardens is a spacious green area where history, culture, and natural beauty all come together. The park sits on the edge of Lake Rotorua and was originally gifted to the Crown by local Māori in the late 1800s. You’ll find manicured lawns, colourful flower beds, and bubbling geothermal spots – the sulphur smell is quite strong around here.

The stunning Bath House building in the grounds once housed therapeutic mineral baths and now holds the Rotorua Museum – currently closed for renovations, but still worth admiring from the outside. Don’t miss the elegant Blue Baths nearby either, it’s a heritage building with its own unique Spanish charm, though also closed due to structural issues.

Whether you’re into gardens, a bit of history, or just a scenic stroll, the Government Gardens is a must-do for a relaxing break between Rotorua’s adrenaline and geothermal adventures.

Polynesian Spa
By this point, you’ll have been on your feet a lot and some down time to just relax and soak up the views is on the cards. The Polynesian Spa is located in Rotorua’s city centre, just next to the lake and is the perfect choice for a late afternoon moment of zen. With 28 mineral-rich pools fed by two natural springs, it offers a unique blend of alkaline and acidic water pools, perfect for soothing muscles, rejuvenating the skin and giving a warm place to just relax.

There are several packages available at the Polynesian Spa, but the general Pavilion Pools package gives you access to 8 soaking pools that are a mix of temperatures and acidic/alkaline, plus a reflexology walk which winds along the lakefront. It’s the most popular and affordable package at the Polynesian Spa,

If you’re looking to really indulge in luxury the Deluxe Lake Spa package offers entry to 5 pools in fancier surroundings than the Pavilion Pools, plus you’ll find heated recliners and will be given a towel and toiletries as part of your entry ticket.

Want to visit both the Pavilion Pools and the Deluxe Lake Spa pools? Lucky for you they have a ‘Double Dipper’ ticket offering a discounted combination ticket for both sets of pools. As well as these, there are family friendly pools, private pools looking out over the lake and a huge range of spa treatments and packages.

Māori Experience
With so many amazing opportunities to experience a bit of Māori culture, if you weren’t able to fit in a show or hāngī dinner yesterday, today is the perfect time to do that…or to check out a different Māori experience!

Got More Time? Here Are Some Other Things to do in Rotorua!

Secret hot tubs
If you’re after a private, relaxing soak surrounded by nature, the Secret Spot Hot Tubs in Rotorua is the place for you. Tucked away in the lush forest near the Redwoods, this ‘hidden gem’ offers cedar hot tubs filled with fresh, spring-fed water. Each tub is tucked into its own little nook for privacy, with views of ferns, trees and even a stream running nearby for that extra level of zen.

You can order drinks straight to your tub – yes, seriously! – making it perfect for a romantic date or chill catch-up with friends. The only complaint? You can’t soak away forever as you’re given a 45-minute slot.

Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park, located in central Rotorua, is a free public garden with geothermal features, offering bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and relaxing foot baths. It’s the only public geothermal park in New Zealand, making it an accessible, and budget friendly, spot to experience Rotorua’s volcanic activity.

You can stroll along boardwalks to view a number of boiling hot springs and craters while enjoying the park’s lush greenery. You’ll also find picnic areas, a playground, and a Saturday morning market with local crafts and food.

Taupō
Just one hour away, Taupō is the perfect day trip from Rotorua. The drive there is scenic, passing a lot of tourist and geothermal hotspots if you want to break up the journey.

A day in Taupō is pure adventure and relaxation rolled into one! Start your morning with a heart-pounding jet boat ride to the base of Huka Falls or a bungee jump. Then, cruise past the stunning Māori rock carvings on a scenic lake boat tour. After a lakeside lunch, unwind with a soothing soak at Wairakei Terraces, where the mineral pools warm you from the inside out and offer the perfect balance to the adrenaline filled morning.

If you’re more of a relaxed traveller, you can view Huka Falls from the comfort of a walkway at the top of the falls, or stop in at the glass blowing exhibition just outside of Taupō.

I personally think a weekend in Taupō is needed to really enjoy the town, but if you can only spare a day then it’s still worth seeing!

Lakes
Aside from Rotorua Lake, there are also a number of other lakes in the area that are perfect to venture out to if you have the time.

Rotorua is surrounded by stunning lakes, each offering something unique. Of course there’s Lake Rotorua, the largest, which is perfect for scenic cruises or lakeside walks. Just 15 minutes away, Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnics, with crystal-clear water and a relaxed vibe. There’s a small car park on the stretch of land between Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) where you can see both lakes within a short walk.

Further down the road, Lake Tarawera is a must for nature lovers, giving you the chance to hike to the natural hot water beach or take a boat cruise. It’s also a great one to visit if you go to the Buried Village museum as it refers to the lake a lot. For a quieter escape, Lake Okareka offers peaceful walking tracks and birdwatching.

You’ll find over a dozen lakes in the region, so Rotorua really is a dream for lake-hopping adventures.

The Buried Village
A 20-minute drive outside of Rotorua, the Buried Village is a small museum with grounds to explore focusing on the landscape-changing eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. The museum is really interesting and informative, covering the experience of people who were living in the area at the time of the eruption and giving a real understanding of what they went through and how it affected the landscape.

The grounds are the second part of the museum experience, and while it’s very peaceful to wander around and see the remains of the various buildings, the scenery is probably more of a highlight. You’re given a map and there’s a trail to follow, and if you have the chance to venture down to the waterfall then you’ll be treated to one of the trail highlights.

Things to Prebook

If there’s anything you’re 100% sure you want to visit, book it in advance. There are usually tickets available on the day for most activities, though maybe not at the time that would suit your schedule. If you book in advance you may also find discounted prices through the bookme website or app. There’s no difference to your experience, it’s just a discounted ticket.

Accommodation across New Zealand is usually available last minute, but Rotorua is one place where you may find that everything is booked up or crazy expensive, especially during peak times. Book as far in advance as you can to make sure you have nice, affordable accommodation for your weekend in Rotorua.

Rotorua on a Budget

Rotorua isn’t the cheapest place to visit in New Zealand. Not only is the accommodation on the pricier side but there are so many activities to do that the costs quickly build up. Don’t worry though, there are a few budget friendly alternatives that mean you don’t have to miss out if you don’t want to rinse your travel budget.

Top tips:

• Book accommodation with free parking or stay outside of the city centre and find a reasonably priced parking option for when you’re in the city centre
• Use the bookme website to find discounted entry tickets for attractions you want to visit
• Go to budget-friendly alternate versions of the big sights

How to Get Around

If you’re visiting the central sights like the lake, Polynesian Spa Pools, city centre and Kuirau park you can easily walk between them. However, if you’re venturing further out around the city then you’ll likely need a car or can jump on the bus.

The bus routes in Rotorua have good coverage, and you can find routes on the Bay Bus website as well as a handy journey planner! If you’ll be in Rotorua for a while you can get a Bee card for cheaper rates (there’s an initial $5 cost for the card) but it’s possible to pay cash for the bus too. If you’ll be getting the bus a lot during the day, ask for a day saver rate.

If you’re exploring by car, parking is readily available at the sights and around the city, just be sure to check for parking restrictions or whether you need to pay. You’ll see these on a blue sign by where you park, and it’ll include a number (how many minutes you can stay) or a dollar sign showing you need to pay to park there.

How to Get to Rotorua

Getting to Rotorua in New Zealand is really easy and convenient with several transport options to suit whichever travel preference you have.

By Car
Driving to Rotorua is probably the easiest way if you already have access to a vehicle. It offers you the greatest flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic countryside en route…there’ll be plenty of places to stop and admire the scenery!

From Auckland to Rotorua the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. If you’re travelling from Mount Maunganui, it’s just over an hour’s drive and from Wellington to Rotorua, the drive takes approximately 6 hours.

By Plane
Rotorua has a regional airport with direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. A flight from Auckland takes around 45 minutes, while Wellington flights take about 1 hour 15 minutes. From Rotorua Airport to the city centre is just 10 minutes with shuttles, taxis, and rental cars readily available.

By Bus
Several bus companies, including InterCity, connect Rotorua to major cities. From Auckland, buses take around 4 hours, offering a comfortable and affordable option if you don’t want to drive. Services also run from Wellington and other North Island locations. Coming in by bus means you’ll have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the passing landscapes.

Kiwi Experience
For backpackers and adventure travellers, Kiwi Experience offers a flexible hop-on-hop-off bus service to Rotorua. This iconic travel network includes stops at key attractions and activities, allowing you to explore geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and thrilling adventures at your own pace. It’s a fun, social way to experience Rotorua and beyond.

Where to Stay in Rotorua

You’ve got a huge range of choice when it comes to accommodation in Rotorua, although you’ll want to book as far in advance as you can as it can get booked up quickly!

Rotorua Accommodation Booking Tips

• Book as far in advance as possible: Accommodation in Rotorua gets booked up quickly and is one of the few places I’ve visited where booking last minute hasn’t always been possible.
• Check the parking situation: If you’re staying in the city centre, some places won’t include free parking with your accommodation and it ends up adding quite a bit to your accommodation costs & daily stress trying to find parking. Be sure to check the small print!
• Explore options outside of the city centre: One of the great things about Rotorua is that a lot of the things you’ll want to see and do are outside of the immediate city centre, so you don’t necessarily need to stay right in the middle of the city.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, affordable stay with hot springs, Terume Hot Spring Resort is the place for you! It’s basic accommodation a short walk from the city centre, but it comes complete with hot springs to relax in after a hard day sightseeing and exploring.

My personal favourite while travelling New Zealand is the Haka House chain of hostels. Haka House Rotorua is well located, with parking at an additional cost, and a range of dorms and private rooms. One of my favourite things about Haka House hostels is that they’re not often ‘party hostels’ and the age range of visitors is quite wide, with families, older visitors, solo travellers and groups of people all choosing to stay in the comfortable accommodation.

Haka House don’t offer social events so if you’re travelling and hoping to meet people, it’s best to opt for a hostel with social events on offer too.

When to Visit Rotorua

The best time to visit Rotorua depends on your interests, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal for an ideal time to spend a weekend in Rotorua. During these months you’ll find milder weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant landscapes. Spring is perfect for enjoying Rotorua’s gardens and parks as flowers bloom, while autumn welcomes the stunning foliage around the lakes and geothermal areas.

Summer (December to February) is the peak tourist season, with warm temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like mountain biking, ziplining, or lake adventures. However, good weather brings the crowds and popular attractions can be busy, so early bookings are recommended to secure tickets and also secure a better deal on accommodation. It is possible to get last minute deals during this time, but you’ll be very limited on what’s available and it’ll cost more than average.

Winter (June to August) offers a quieter, cozy experience. Crisp, colder mornings and steaming geothermal pools create a magical atmosphere, and it’s a great time to enjoy spa treatments or soak in the famous Polynesian Spa.

Regardless of the season, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, cultural experiences, and adventure activities make it a year-round destination so you can’t go far wrong with whenever you choose to visit.

Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, yes! There’s a reason Rotorua is so popular, and whether you’re a New Zealand local or visiting from overseas there are a lot of things to see and do here that you won’t be able to do elsewhere in New Zealand, or do so easily at least! A weekend in Rotorua is the perfect introduction to the city, but you could easily spend longer in the area soaking up the gorgeous scenery at a slower pace.

Solo Travel in Rotorua

I visited Rotorua as a solo traveller, and met other people in the hostel also travelling alone so there’s definitely the chance to meet up with other travellers if you want to. There are a number of hostels with social spaces, but you can also meet people on organised trips to events around Rotorua such as rafting down the river and visiting Māori culture experiences.

However, if you’re like me and happy to just go it alone and see who you meet along the way, then Rotorua is definitely a solo travel friendly city! The people are friendly and in general I felt safe walking around during the day and night, though maybe not at night by myself as the streets can be quite quiet and some areas don’t have a great reputation for safety.

Extend Your Trip – Pair Rotorua With Another City!

If you’ve got the time or are road tripping around New Zealand, there are so many amazing places near to Rotorua to consider pairing up with your trip! The closest and most obvious are Taupō and Tauranga. Taupō is like the quieter, more relaxed version of Rotorua, with a stunning lake complete with mountain backdrop. You’ll find a lovely boardwalk to explore, plus the impressive Huka Falls and Wairakei Terraces. It’s the base most people choose when undertaking the Tongariro Crossing, so there’s a good traveller presence in the town.

Tauranga is an hour-ish away, and a larger city that is home to the gorgeous Mount Maunganui. If you’re after chill beach vibes, want to learn to surf or just watch people splashing about with a board this is the place for you. The sunsets from one side are the perfect way to start the day, and walk a couple of blocks in the other direction to end the day with breathtaking sunsets over the harbour. There’s a real chilled vibe in Mount Maunganui, and a popular walking spot for loops around or to the top of the Mount.

Venturing further afield, you’ll also find Hamilton, the Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland, Napier and Taranaki region. Each of these places have tons to see and do with their own personality and character to keep you interested. And of course, plenty of gorgeous scenery to explore!

There are some European sights that are well known across the world, and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is among the greats that grace the postcards. To be able to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and see it in all its wonky glory is really cool, but you can go one step further and climb to the top of the popular landmark.

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those experiences that’s even more interesting than you initially think. Taking pride of place in the heart of Pisa, this iconic tower’s unique slant gives a quirky twist to every step you take up the spiral staircase.

It’s a mix of history, confusion over climbing stairs but feeling like you’re on the flat, and stunning panoramic views that make climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa truly unforgettable.

History of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa’s famous tower started life back in 1173. Originally designed to be a freestanding bell tower for the adjacent Pisa Cathedral, it quickly became apparent that something wasn’t quite right. By the time they reached the third storey, the ground beneath the tower had started to sink, causing the start of that now-famous lean. They stopped building, and it took 100 years for the land to settle and before work restarted.

Fun fact: Pisa was named in 600BC from the Greek for ‘marshy land’. Explains why the land might not be great for huge towers!

Work on the tower was completed in 1372, and although the tower continued to tilt, it did so at a much slower rate than it had previously. It’s believed that the full weight of the building may have helped, but it got to a point in 1835 where they realised some intervention was required to stabilise the building. The result was a dashing marble base which replaced a lot of the muddy soil that had been sat under the tower.

The new base helped massively, but the government had to yet again request help to stabilise the tower in 1964. In an ever-ongoing challenge, the tower was closed in 1990 as a safety measure before reopening in 2001 after its latest restructuring project.

During this time, the tower, along with the other buildings in Cathedral Square, was declared Patrimony of the Humanity by UNESCO.

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

If you’re tight on time then being able to just see the tower is pretty cool. It’s architecturally gorgeous and feels like a mind bend that it’s structurally safe. But if you have the time and ability to climb the tower, it’s absolutely worth doing!

There’s a very strange feeling when you make your way up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The stairs wind around the inside of the tower, and you’ll find that when you are climbing the stairs going with the lean of the tower it takes very little effort and actually feels like the steps are tiny. When climbing against the lean of the tower the steps feel much steeper than usual and it’s harder to climb than a normal set of stairs.

Once at the top of the tower, you can walk around the rooftop. Again, it feels strange as though you are sometimes walking uphill and other times that you are walking downhill even though in your mind you expect to be flat. Be sure to check out the slant of the bells that you would usually expect to sit centrally in the gaps built for them.

Although the climb and walking around feel a little…wonky…it’s definitely an experience and the views from the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa make the climb very worthwhile. On a clear day you can see for miles, and it’s also very amusing to see all the people on the ground in the iconic push pose as if they are holding up the tower. From the top of the tower though it just looks like hundreds of people lining up waiting for a high five!

If you have mobility issues or aren’t able to climb a lot of steps with minimal breaks, this probably isn’t an activity for you. The staircase wasn’t built for masses of people, hence the timeslots to control capacity, and as such it’s not the easiest climb to just be able to take at your own leisurely pace without affecting other people. The stairs are also worn where they’ve been climbed for hundreds of years, so attention is definitely required as you go up and down.

Buy Tickets

Tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa are allocated to a time slot to control the number of people in the tower at one time. You can buy a ticket for just the tower and cathedral, or for a small amount more buy a combo ticket for all of the 5 main sights in Pisa; the Tower, Baptistery, Cathedral, Cemetery, Opera del Duomo and Sinopie Museum.

It is recommended to buy your ticket in advance to ensure there’s a time slot to climb the tower. All other sites on the ticket can be visited as and when you like in the day. When you buy your ticket, make sure there’s the option to book a time slot at the same time otherwise your ticket isn’t worth much at the tower.

Tickets are available from the ticket office if you haven’t bought them in advance, subject to availability.

Please note: children under 8 are not permitted to climb the tower. Visitors aged 8-18 require an adult to accompany them.

Best Time to Climb the Tower

Pisa is a popular day trip destination, meaning the middle hours of the day are the busiest once all the tour buses and day trippers have arrived. If you’re visiting for the day, it’s best to get to Pisa as early as possible and book the earliest slot to climb the tower. The tower will be quieter at this time, your time slot is less likely to be full because you’ll be there before the day trippers and you’re then free to enjoy the rest of your day without clock watching.

If you can’t get an early slot, then timing your climb with the sun going down is the next best option. The views from the top of the tower are gorgeous over the Tuscan countryside, and seeing that with a beautiful sunset would be just breathtaking.

While early or late slots are preferable to avoid the day tripper crowds, the reality is that you may be visiting Pisa on a day trip and are limited on times. In this case, it’d be best to book the middle of the day slot to avoid any delays you may encounter getting to Pisa – if you miss your slot you may not be able to reschedule.

Take the Iconic Photos

Have you even been to Pisa if you didn’t get a photo of you trying to hold the tower up?

Chances are you’ll easily find where to take these photos due to the crowds, but make your way to Piazza del Duomo (the road just south of the complex) to have a photo as if you’re holding the tower up, or to Via Cardinale Pietro Maffi to take a photo looking like you’re trying to blow the tower over.

Height of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The tower height varies depending which side you measure – y’know, what with the lean and everything – but the 8 floors rise up a maximum height of 55.86m. If you’re planning to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’ll have over 250 steps to tackle before you get to the top.

To put those 250+ steps into context, if you climb the stairs to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, that’s 327 steps. If you’ve just been to Florence and climbed the bell tower there, that’s a staggering 414 steps, so Pisa’s tower will be easy in comparison!

The step count for Pisa’s tower vary depending on who you ask, but that’s because there are the internal staircase stairs, but there are also steps to get into the tower, and additional steps when you get to the top to get out and see the views from the very highest point of the tower. It’s best to expect about 300 steps in total.

What Else to Do in Pisa?

Pisa is a compact city and you can easily see the highlights in a couple of hours. The main sights visitors flock to the city for are all in one square, Piazza dei Miracoli. You’ll find Pisa Cathedral alongside the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Baptistry, Sinopie Museum and the ornate cemetery. They’re easy to see quickly from outside, or combination tickets are available to go inside them all.

Away from the tourist sites in Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa has a number of other spots that are worth checking out. There’s Iglesia de Santa Maria della Spina on the banks of the River Arno, a small church but worth popping by if you’re walking from the train station to Piazza del Miracoli. The view from the river as you cross by the church is also really pretty and worth checking out on a sunny day.

Fans of art will enjoy walking past Tuttomondo, a wall mural by Keith Haring completed in 1989. It’s on the back of a church, yet another to have a look at if you’re a fan of religious buildings.

Aside from these few additional sights, there’s not a huge amount of ‘things to see’ in Pisa, but it’s a lovely city to wander and check out the cafes and charmingly colourful streets.

If you have a full day in Pisa and see everything in the morning, there’s a thermal spa in a town close by that you could spend the afternoon in. You’ll need to catch an additional train to get to Bagni di Pisa, but it’s one of the few thermal spas in Europe, and is housed in a grand hotel. You’ll find multiple spa pools to explore in the sleepy little town, just be sure not to miss the not-so-frequent train running back to Pisa!

Where is the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Would you believe it…Pisa!

Pisa is a small city in Italy, in the gorgeous Tuscany region of the north. It’s about an hour from Florence, but has its own airport and multiple train stations. Once you’re in Pisa, it’s fairly easy to find the tower because it’s usually a case of ‘follow the crowds’ but if you’re lucky enough to miss the crowds then just head for Piazza del Duomo. You’ll spot the tower soon enough once there!

How to Get There

Train: Pisa train station is easily accessible from Florence and Rome, with those cities both being large transport hubs offering access to other cities in Italy. The most popular route by train is Florence to Pisa (Firenze SMN to Pisa Centrale) taking about 1hr 20 minutes.

Organised day trip: Pisa is a popular day trip choice, so you’ll find a wide range of organised day trips. Many will pair Pisa with one or more other cities, and while it can be tempting to squeeze in as much as possible in one day, you’ll want to make sure you have at least a couple of hours in Pisa to see the main sights. If you have all day to spend in Pisa, it’s a lovely city to have a wander and explore the sleepy streets.

Tower of Pisa Links with Galileo

As if the Leaning Tower of Pisa isn’t famous enough, it has links with the Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei. He studied at Padua University, made great strides in Physics and is believed to have held an experiment at the tower to prove his theory that objects of different weights fall at the same speed.

I’ll be honest, this isn’t a science site for a reason but other people do explain the experiment very well. But, it is quite interesting and adds an extra point of interest to the tower, so fun for us non-sciencey people too!

Tucked away in the heart of the Tyrol region in Austria, Innsbruck is a gem of a city perfect for travellers who love to explore smaller cities while being surrounded by jaw-dropping sights of a mountain range. It’s got the charming architecture the region is known for, plenty of nature just a stone’s throw from the city centre and has amazing travel links to nearby European countries.

With just one day in Innsbruck, you can enjoy a morning exploring the city centre highlights, tuck in to lunch by the river before catching the funicular up into the mountains to soak up the stunning panoramic views.

Where is Innsbruck?

Sitting in the western stretch of Austria, Innsbruck is the capital city of the Tyrol region. Despite being surrounded by mountains, it has fantastic travel connections by train to nearby cities in Italy, Germany and Switzerland, as well as having its own airport offering connections to further afield.

Top Things to Do in Innsbruck in One Day

The Innsbruck sightseeing list isn’t super extensive, but this is a city of quality over quantity. With just one day in Innsbruck, you’ll be able to see a lot as you wander around the compact city, but here are a few of the top things to do in Innsbruck, and sights you want to make sure you don’t miss!

Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
This is arguably Innsbruck’s most famous landmark, and it’s a must see for any visitor. There’s a fair bit of history behind the golden roof, but the structure was initially commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to celebrate his second marriage in the 16th century. They would use the balcony under the golden roof when they were in Innsbruck so they could observe festivities and events that would take place in the square out front.

The roof itself is stunning, decked out with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that look golden, hence the name. But the structure under the roof is also well worth checking out, with sculptures and murals covering the front of what was intended as a kind of ‘royal box’.

If you look closely, you might even spot the Emperor who commissioned the structure. He’s on there twice, once with his first wife and again with his second wife whose wedding was the reason for the golden roof being built.

You might notice that the carvings are in excellent condition, especially given that they date back to the 16th Century. These are actually replicas, but you can see the originals in the nearby Tyrolean State Museum.

Old Town
Innsbruck Old Town – the altstadt – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most charming and well-preserved old towns in Europe. It’s an easy tick off for anyone looking to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, and it’s a lovely area of the city to explore with the narrow streets, colourful buildings, and plenty of history.

City Tower
Starting life in 1450 as an observation tower for guards to watch over Innsbruck, announce the time and keep an eye out for danger, the city tower still stands proud in Innsbruck city centre. Gone are the days when the lower levels would be serve as a prison, instead the 51-metre tall tower now gives tourists an opportunity to soak up panoramic views of Innsbruck.

Visitors these days are still able to climb the 148 steps to the viewing deck – it’s an old building, there’s no lift – which has some of, if not the best views in the city. From the narrow viewing deck that wraps around the city tower, you’ll have panoramic views of Innsbruck and the gorgeous mountain range that surrounds the city.

Historic Buildings
Austria has three buildings which are considered to be ‘culturally significant’ and one of them just happens to be in Innsbruck!

The Hofburg, a former imperial palace of the Habsburgs (a big deal family in Austria dating back to 1361!), is a massive complex. It started life in 1460 and was extended and expanded over the following centuries. It includes defensive structures, a giant hall, a chapel…all the usual things you’d find in a home, right? These days it still has pride of place in the centre of Innsbruck and is home to a number of different museums areas that allow visitors to wander through and soak up the history of the building.

Aside from the Hofburg, Innsbruck has a wide range of gorgeous and colourful architecture to admire as you wander around the city. Much of it you’ll see in the old town and along the river banks.

Hungerburgbahn Funicular

Fun to say, fun to ride! This funicular takes you up the side of the mountain to Hungerburg in just 8 minutes, where visitors are treated to stunning, panoramic views of Innsbruck. From Hungerburg, you can also go for a hike in the Nordkette mountains or catch the cable car further up to Nordkette a spot of skiing.

The funicular stations are eye-catching with their modern design, and are recent additions to the line that has been in use since 1906. It had a bit of a revamp and redesign in 2007 which caused a bit of controversy in the city, but still serves as an efficient way for people to get up and down the mountain.

Although the Hungerburgbahn funicular runs from Innsbruck to Hungerburg, it does also stop along the way for anyone wishing to visit the Alpenzoo without having to trek up the mountain. If you’re not mountain-trekking levels of fit, it’s nice to catch the funicular up and walk back down, with a walk of about 45 minutes from Hungerburg to Innsbruck city centre.

Nordkette Mountain
The Nordkette mountains are a great place to go hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the views. There are trails for all levels of experience, and the views from the top are just amazing.

To get to the top of Nordkette, you need to catch the Hungerburgbahn funicular and then the cable car further up to Seegruben and then another to Hafelekar.

Museums
For such a small city, Innsbruck actually has a number of museums to check out. With just one day in Innsbruck though, time is limited so you’ll want to make sure you pick one that aligns most with your interests.

Traditional museums come in the form of the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum. This museum is home to a collection of, you guessed it, traditional Tyrolean folk art! You’ll also be treated to displays of traditional costumes, furniture, and household objects. Innsbruck is also home to the Swarovski museum which is a mix of interesting displays and of course a very sparkly, somewhat pricier version of a gift shop.

For something more modern, check out Experience Tirol or AUDIOVERSUM. They immersive, interactive and just more fun to visit than your standard museum!

Alpenzoo
How often do you get the chance to visit a zoo on the side of a mountain? Alpenzoo has a unique location just outside of Innsbruck on the incline of one of the mountains, accessible either by foot (if you’re a fan of uphill walks) or you can jump on the Hungerburgbahn funicular which stops as the zoo on it’s ascent to Hungerburg.

This zoo is home to over 150 species of animals from the Alps, including bears, wolves, ibex and reptiles. Great for families, it’s an interesting insight into the wildlife of the region.

Bergisel Ski Jump
Just a short 10-minute drive outside Innsbruck city centre, the Bergisel Ski Jump is a popular tourist destination. It was the site of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, and just in case you’re not looking to test out your Olympic skiing skills, it also offers visitors stunning panoramic views of Innsbruck.

Markthalle – Food Market
There’s something about visiting a market when you’re overseas that is just fun. And it’s no different in Innsbruck. If you have time to spare or are looking to pick up a bite for lunch, Markthalle in Innsbruck is an interesting mix of small stalls and farmers market. It’s not huge, but definitely big enough to make it worth a visit.

Innsbruck Cathedral
There are a handful of churches in Innsbruck to check out, but if you’ve got time for just one then it should be Dom St. Jakob. It’s the cathedral in Innsbruck and very centrally located making it easy to pop by for a visit. You won’t find the huge breathtaking size of cathedral that you’d get in large cities, but the modest Dom St. Jakob is still worth a visit for its impressive decor.

Is One Day in Innsbruck Enough?

You can easily spend one day in Innsbruck and see a lot of the city. It’s very compact and if you’re staying elsewhere and want to take a day trip to Innsbruck then it’s the perfect choice!

With such amazing travel connections to other cities and countries, it’s a great choice for anyone city hopping through Europe to spend a short time exploring before leaving and moving on to the next stop.

Ultimately it really comes down to your travel style. If you want to cram in as much as you can to your trip, then one day in Innsbruck is fine. If you have time to spare, then a relaxed couple of days in Innsbruck is the perfect opportunity to recharge and enjoy slow travel before moving on to another city.

Accommodation isn’t cheap in Innsbruck and for budget travellers there aren’t many hostels or cheaper options to stay so arriving in the morning and leaving in the evening would be ideal to stay in a cheaper city. If you’ve got luggage with you there is limited luggage storage in Innsbruck train station, or facilities nearby that cost a little more if the station luggage storage is full.

Innsbruck City Card: Is it Worth it?

If you’re spending just one day in Innsbruck, it might not seem very worthwhile to buy a city card, especially if you’re travelling on a budget. The Innsbruck Card has a few duration options, but the 24-hour card comes in at €69*.

This doesn’t initially seem worth it if you’re visiting Innsbruck on a budget, but to work out if the card is really worth it, you’ll need to see what you plan to do for the day. There are a number of great sights mentioned above included in the card, plus city transport and the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus.

If you plan to take the Hungerberg funicular, visit the city tower, Swarovski museum, Golden Roof (museum, not just the outside) and Bergisel stadium then you’ll be saving money. There’s a handy savings calculator on the Innsbruck Card site to help you work out if it’s worth getting.

How to Get to Innsbruck

By plane: The nearest airport to Innsbruck is…Innsbruck Airport! The airport is well connected across Europe and it’s a short transfer from Innsbruck airport into the city centre with just 5 minutes by taxi or about 10 minutes on the bus.

By train: Travelling by train in the Alps is a stunning experience, with the trains snaking through the mountain range, sometimes even venturing into a tunnel through the mountains themselves. Innsbruck is well connected to other cities in Austria, Germany and Italy, so if you’re within a reasonable travel distance the train is a great and very comfortable choice!

By bus: Innsbruck is covered by the old favourite, Flixbus. As with the other modes of transport, travelling by bus may not be quick in this region but you’ll have gorgeous views (when not in the tunnels…) and you can reach other European countries with relative ease from Innsbruck.

How to Get Around Innsbruck

Being such a compact city, it’s more than easy to get around Innsbruck by foot. If you’re looking to explore a little further around the city or are tight on time, you can hire a bike to get about.

To visit Hungerburg and Nordkette, you’ll likely want to jump on the funicular which gets you from Innsbruck city centre to Hungerburg in about 8 minutes. From there it’s another cable car further up the mountain, but Hungerburg is a great compromise to get panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains while also remembering you have just one day in Innsbruck and giving you enough time to explore the rest of the city.

When to Visit

Innsbruck is a great city to visit year round. While the weather can vary quite a lot, the different seasons show Innsbruck in different ways. Visiting Innsbruck in summer obviously means you’ll have warmer weather, though the chance of a rainy day is higher.

A winter trip in Innsbruck will mean colder weather, but hello cute hat season! Plus, you’ll get to see the mountains in all their snowy glory. There’s less chance of rain in the colder months and you can indulge in the winter sports that the region offers.

Got Longer Than a Day? Pair It!

The beauty of Innsbruck is its amazing location. Not only does it have an airport for easy international access, it is also really conveniently connected by rail. Although part of the journey will cut through the mountains (as in through tunnels) the majority of it does wind through the gorgeous Alps regardless of which direction you travel.

If you’re looking to explore more of Austria, the obvious choices are to jump on a train to Salzburg or Vienna. From Innsbruck to Salzburg by train it’s under 2 hours, while Innsbruck to Vienna by train is about 4 hours 20 mins.

Heading north from Innsbruck, the German city of Munich is an easy choice. It’s just under 2 hours by train from Innsbruck to Munich, and once in Munich there’s plenty to fill a weekend in the city, or you can use it as a hub for travelling further afield as it also has excellent transport connections.

Keeping the international theme, Italy is within easy reach of Innsbruck, and you can jump on a train to my personal favourite, Verona, in 4 hours 45 mins. Verona is a on the east to west trainline that connects Milan and Venice, meaning you can explore both cities, or smaller cities like Padua and Bergamo on day trips from Verona.

There are so many options that you really cannot be blamed for using it as an excuse for a multi-city trip to make the most of the amazing location!

Some cities have certain buildings or landmarks that are instantly recognisable and remind you of certain places. This is certainly the case with the cube houses in Rotterdam, with their unique architecture and signature yellow decor.

Rotterdam is a city that suffered greatly in the Second World War. After most of the historic city centre was flattened in the Rotterdam Blitz, it gave the city the space and opportunity to rebuild and lead the way with modern and interesting architecture. One of the iconic buildings that puts Rotterdam on the map for many are the yellow cube houses.

Built by Piet Blom over thirty years ago, the residential development is similar to one he completed in nearby Helmond. The challenge was to build homes while being economical with the space, leading to the homes being above the usual ground floor level. Inspired by nature, the complex represents a forest, with each structure like a tree.

Primarily a residential community, there are 38 houses and 2 ‘super cubes’. The cube houses drew so much attention from people that Kijk-Kubus opened up as a museum style show-home. Anyone curious enough now has the opportunity to step inside and see for themselves what’s held inside the elusive cube houses.

A Tour Inside the Cube Houses

Ever wondered what it looks like inside the cube houses in Rotterdam?

Stepping in from the street, a steep flight of stairs greets you. This is the ‘tree trunk’ of the house, and also serves as a storage area. Up a tight staircase to the first floor and the main living area opens up, made up of a lounge and kitchen with dining area.

From the outside, you wonder how they manage to fit a whole home in there, but it’s surprisingly spacious inside and the space is well used. The central walls are vertical, while the exterior walls are obviously slanted and it’s interesting to see how the furniture fits.

Heading up another floor, there are more rooms, used in the show home as a bedroom and study. Growing up in a home with square rooms and straight walls, as many of us probably have, it’s interesting to see how the different angles affect the feel of the room.

Another flight of steps up – how are they fitting all these floors in?! – and light floods a small room in the top tip of the cube from the large windows that aren’t present in the rest of the house. It’s a lovely, warm space that feels like a conservatory, and although all of the furniture is somewhat dated, it actually feels futuristic. From here, the views of the other cube houses really gives the feel of being on the treetops.

Cube House Rotterdam Tickets

The tour of the show home is an interesting insight into how these structures can be a home, and worth the small entrance fee. You can buy tickets on the door for €3,50*, and there are discounts for students, 65+, and for holders of the Rotterdam Welcome Card. If you have a Rotterdam Pas, entry is free!

If you’re road tripping around New Zealand’s South Island, chances are you’ll pass by a small coastal village called Moeraki on the east coast. Just a short detour off State Highway 1 lies Koekohe Beach, home to the mysterious and popular Moeraki Boulders. These enormous, perfectly round stones look like giant marbles scattered along the sand, and it’s one of those places where you can’t help but feel a little awestruck and wonder how they even ended up there.

Where Are the Moeraki Boulders?

You’ll find the boulders on Koekohe Beach / Moeraki Beach, on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s on the coast about halfway between Dunedin and Oamaru. If you’re driving between the two, you’ve got the choice of an inland route or the scenic coastal route. This is just one of the sights to stop at as you drive along the coastal route, on SH1 and definitely worth taking the extra time for the drive.

What Are the Moeraki Boulders?

There’s a technical explanation as to what the boulders are: mud, clay, and calcite cemented together over millions of years. They were slowly revealed as the coastline eroded away over the years to be the Moeraki Boulders we see on the beach these days. But in New Zealand, the science is only half the story. According to Māori legend, the boulders are the remains of gourds and food baskets washed ashore from the wreck of the great voyaging canoe, Araiteuru.

Things to Do at Moeraki Beach

Wander the beach and see the boulders
Let’s be honest, this is the reason most of us visit Moeraki Beach, to see the famous Moeraki boulders! At low tide, you can stroll right up to the boulders, touch their smooth surfaces, and even peek inside the ones that have cracked open. Bring a camera—this is one of the most photogenic beaches in New Zealand.

Photography heaven
Sunrise and sunset are especially magical times to visit. The soft golden light makes the boulders glow, and if the tide is just right, you’ll get stunning reflections in the wet sand. As the beach is on the east coast of the South Island, you’ll be able to see the sun rise over the water so it’s the perfect photography spot at that time!

Enjoy a Scenic Pit Stop
After wandering among the boulders, pop into the café perched just above the beach. From its elevated spot you’ll be able to soak up the sweeping coastal views while you sip a flat white or tuck into some food. Keep an eye on the waves, you might spot seals or even dolphins passing by as you relax with something tasty! If it’s a hot day, the deck outside is the perfect choice.

Say Hi To The Llamas
Next to the car park for Moeraki Beach is an enclosure home to llamas, rabbits and sometimes even a deer. You can buy food from the gift shop to feed them, or just say hi through the fence. It’s a fun added perk to visiting, and great for little ones if you’re travelling with your family. Or if you’re a mid 30s traveller like me who enjoys random animals!

Why wouldn’t there be llamas at a beach? Not something I was expecting, but a pleasant surprise for sure!

Peruse the Gift Shop
The small gift shop next to the cafe is the perfect spot to grab any souvenirs of your visit to Moeraki Boulders, along with any New Zealand memorabilia that you can find in many of the tourist gift shops across the country.

Explore Moeraki village
Just a few minutes’ drive away is the charming fishing village of Moeraki. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy coastal views, stroll the jetty, and tuck into some seriously fresh seafood. If you’re enjoying a slow travel tour of the South Island or want to stay in a quiet spot then Moeraki is a great choice.

How to Get There

The Moeraki Boulders sit on Koekohe Beach, also known as Moeraki Beach, just off State Highway 1 on New Zealand’s South Island.

• From Dunedin: It’s about a 75 km (1 hour) drive north.
• From Oamaru: Around 40 km (30 minutes) south.
• From Christchurch: Roughly 3.5 hours south by car, making it a good pit stop if you’re heading down the coast.

There’s a car park and café right by the main access path to the beach. There are a number of steps down to the beach, but if you can climb a couple of flights of stairs you’ll manage just fine.

Where to Stay Nearby

If you’re looking for Moeraki accommodation and want to stay local rather than just making a quick stop, there are a few options:

• Moeraki village: Offers cozy B&Bs and holiday homes, perfect for a quiet seaside retreat.
• Hampden: A small community just a few minutes from the boulders, with a few additional provisions than Moeraki village
• Oamaru: A larger town with more accommodation choices, from budget motels to boutique hotels. It also has the bonus of the Victorian Precinct and a colony of little blue penguins.
• Dunedin: A vibrant university city with plenty of accommodation, dining, and cultural attractions. Dunedin is ideal if you want a mix of nature and city life, or if you’re road tripping and want to spend a few days in a city exploring.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The boulders are best viewed at low tide as that’s when most of them are visible and they’re easily accessible on foot. If you arrive at high tide, many of the boulders will be partially submerged in the sea. If you’re hoping to get some stunning shots of the Moeraki boulders, aim for sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and the crowds are thinner.

Season wise, the boulders are a year-round attraction, but bear in mind that the coastal weather here can be unpredictable. Summer brings warmer days and longer evenings, while winter mornings often deliver dramatic skies and moody waves.

I visited the boulders in the afternoon during late Autumn and it was a glorious day with no need for a jumper and only 4 other people on the beach with me. New Zealand weather is very hard to plan for!

The Moeraki Boulders aren’t just a quick roadside attraction, they’re a reminder of how incredible nature can be. Whether you come for the science, the stories, or simply the scenery, standing among these massive stone spheres is an experience that lingers long after you’ve brushed the sand from your shoes.

If you’ve ever seen a friend post a photo ‘holding up’ a slightly wonky tower, chances are it was taken in Pisa. In fact, it’s famous worldwide for the very popular landmark that seems like it shouldn’t really be open to the public for visiting. But you might find yourself wondering what else is there to do in the city, and is Pisa worth visiting beyond the one gravity-defying tower.

The answer is…well, it depends. Pisa has charm, history, and food that’s certainly worth writing home about, but it’s also compact, very touristy, and not everyone’s cup of espresso. Here’s a balanced look, five reasons to go, and five reasons you might want to save your annual leave for somewhere else.

5 Reasons Pisa is Worth Visiting

The Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa probably the biggest reason for people to not only have heard about the city, but also the biggest reason to visit Pisa. It’s an absolute must see, and a unique architectural monument that is not only worth seeing to try and work out how it stays up, but also to take advantage of the opportunity to climb to the top. It can be quite disorientating to climb the stairs, but the views from the top are just unbeatable.

Top Tip: It’s worth booking your ticket in advance if you want to climb the tower as the slots can fill up quickly in peak seasons. If you can get the first time slot of the day you’ll get to climb the tower before most of the day trip tour buses arrive.

Compact and Walkable

Like all of the best day-trip cities, Pisa is nice and compact making it easy to see the highlights of the city in a short amount of time. If you’re really tight on time, you can easily see the main sights in a couple of hours, leaving you plenty of time to fit in other Tuscan highlights on your trip. Pisa is also fairly flat and has many pedestrian-only streets making it an easy city to explore by foot.

Piazza dei Miracoli

Many visit Pisa to see the famous leaning tower, but there’s a whole complex of amazing, historical sites to explore, not even a stone’s throw from the tower. It’s known as the ‘Square of Miracles’, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that alongside the Leaning Tower of Pisa is home to the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale.

If you’re on a budget or tight on time then you can see these from outside and admire the stunning architecture, but it’s worth buying a combo ticket so you can visit and appreciate the inside too. Tickets are available for entry to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo (Cathedral) or for a little bit more you can also bundle on entry to the other sites too. The ticket bundles are valid for a day so you can explore at your own pace, the only time restraint you have is the time slot for the tower for your climb.

Easy Access from Florence and Overseas

With an airport and a centrally-located train station, Pisa makes an effortless day trip from Tuscany’s capital of Florence and from cities overseas. If you want to fit two cities in to a weekend trip, Florence and Pisa are a great choice as the train between them is just an hour! Easy Peasy!

Book your train tickets in advance or pick them up on the day at the station. Florence train station can get very busy so make sure you have enough time to queue and to find your platform. If you buy your ticket on the day, don’t forget to validate it on the platform!

Tuscan Vibes Without Overcrowding (Mostly)

Once you step away from the tower and Piazza Dei Miracoli, the side streets offer a quieter, more local feel. It’s the perfect town to have a balance of touristy sightseeing and quieter exploration in the rest of the city. If you want to really enjoy the calm vibes of Pisa, book to stay the night and enjoy the city once all of the day trippers have left. You’ll have the Piazza Dei Miracoli pretty much to yourself to explore in peace, and you’ll have easy access to the first climb slot for the tower in the morning.

Pisa is a city full of high quality accommodation, so you’ll be spoiled for choice of somewhere good to stay.

5 Reasons You Might Want to Skip Pisa

It’s Very Touristy
Pisa is a day tripper magnet. Many people arrive on tours from Florence or other nearby big cities and spend a couple of hours popping in and out of the sights before jumping back on the bus to go to the next stop. It can feel like people are there to tick off sights from their holiday checklist rather than visit and appreciate the area. The tower’s fame means peak season can feel like a festival of selfie sticks and a sea of people trying to hold up the tower for their photo.

Limited Attractions
Beyond the Piazza dei Miracoli, there aren’t as many ‘must-see’ sights compared to Florence or Siena. If you want to spend your trip cramming in as much as possible, you could spend a few hours in Pisa then move on to Florence or Siena, but you might find the travel time not worth it for how long you spend in Pisa.

Can Be Done in a Few Hours

To see the highlights of the city, you can easily be done in a couple of hours. If you’re short on time, you might prefer a richer cultural stop with more to see in the same area so you’re not spending time travelling between locations. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys the journey as much as the destination, then you might find that the train journey from Florence offers a great view of the Tuscan countryside as you speed through to Pisa and therefore the couple of hours spent in Pisa isn’t ‘wasted’.

Overpriced Dining Near the Tower

Hey, we all know that the areas around tourist hotspots charge an arm and a leg for food and drinks and it’s no different in Pisa. If you want to enjoy a meal or refreshment with a view of the tower, you’ll pay a premium for it. Stick to side streets if you want authentic, affordable Tuscan food.

Better Tuscany Bases Exist

Yes, the tower is cool to see, but Pisa is expensive to stay in and doesn’t have a huge amount to offer away from the Square of Miracles. If you’ve got limited time in Italy, there are other cities that will give you more experiences for your time and you might be better considering nearby Florence, Lucca or Siena for multi-day stays.

So, Is Pisa Worth Visiting? The Verdict!

If you’re in the region and have time to spare, Pisa makes a fun and photogenic detour, especially for that ‘I held up the tower’ shot. The Square of Miracles is cool to see and climbing the tower is a bit of a unique experience because of the tilt. But if you’re choosing just one or two stops in Tuscany, you might want to spend your time in and focus on cities with more to see and do to make the most of your time in the area.

I have visited Pisa, purely to see the tower. I chose to stay in the city for one night as I was flying out of Pisa airport, and I arrived from Florence in the afternoon, spending time at a nearby thermal spa and seeing a bit of Pisa. The few hours I had the next morning before heading to the airport were spent exploring the Square of Miracles. I had the first tower climb time slot of the day and it was amazing to experience the mind-boggling climb and the views of the square just as people were starting to arrive on their day trips. I wouldn’t go back to Pisa again purely because I’ve seen everything I wanted to, but I’m glad I went.

How Long To Spend In Pisa

If you decide that yes, Pisa is worth visiting, the next question will be: how long to spend in Pisa?

Pisa is a popular day trip from Florence, and it’s definitely possible to see most of Pisa in one day. In fact, if you’re tight on time then you could spend just a few hours in the city to see the top sights before moving on. For the slow travellers out there, a weekend in Pisa will be the epitome of a slow travel weekend. There’ll be plenty of time to visit the main sights in Piazza dei Miracoli before and after the crowds of day trippers are there, plus time to explore the quieter side of Pisa. If you find you’ve got extra time, I’d highly recommend a trip out to Bagni di Pisa, Italy’s answer to thermal hot baths.

Easy answers:

• Tight on time? Half a day is plenty of time to see the Pisa highlights
• Day trip to Pisa allows for time to explore, if you don’t go on an organised day trip then you can enjoy the city before/after the crowds
• A weekend is perfect slow travel, but may be too much time for people who want to cram in as much as possible to their time.

Visiting a new country and seeing the sights is a great passion for many of us, and being able to take a step further and learn about the customs, culture and religious traditions of a country is even better. And luckily for us, Spain has so much culture to learn about!

Semana Santa is just one element of Spanish culture, deeply rooted in religion. In fact, it’s the Holy Week processions that take place across a lot of the country in varying degrees of intensity. In the more religious parts of the country, you won’t be able to escape the parades, while in larger cities like Madrid you could easily miss any hint of Semana Santa and just enjoy a normal week sightseeing.

Having been and experienced Semana Santa in Spain, it’s definitely something I’d recommend that both religious and non-religious people interested in culture should try to see. If it’s not something you’ve heard about or are overly familiar with, then no problemo, this post has you covered!

Semana Santa in Spain

What is Semana Santa?

Semana Santa translates as ‘Holy Week’, and refers to the week-long religious celebrations for and around Easter. The dates change each year according to when Easter falls on the calendar, but it includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Although I was familiar with Good Friday and Easter Sunday growing up, I’d never heard of Maundy Thursday until I was in Spain for Semana Santa, and it’s one of the biggest celebration days there. Don’t be fooled into thinking Semana Santa is just a few days, it’s a whole week of celebrations and parades, peaking from Maundy Thursday onwards.

Semana Santa officially runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. These dates vary each year, but:
Easter 2025: Sunday 13th April – Sunday 20th April
Easter 2026: Sunday 29th March – Sunday 5th April

Where to Go in Spain to Celebrate Semana Santa?

Semana Santa is celebrated in different countries, but in Spain you can find celebrations across the whole country, varying in size from a few floats that pass by in the street to city wide processions that last for hours. For the larger celebrations, it’s best to head to the more religious cities, often found in southern Spain.

Seville, Cadiz and Malaga are known to have some of the biggest Semana Santa celebrations, drawing the crowds in. Be prepared for the streets to be full of people, but also full of some breathtakingly huge parades and floats.

For smaller crowds but still amazing processions, head away from the large cities in the south and venture to some of the smaller/lesser-visited cities. Places like Burgos, Zaragoza, Valladolid aren’t quite as busy, though you’ll still find plenty of crowds and interested observers.

You don’t need to head south to find the processions as cities and towns across the whole of Spain will likely observe Semana Santa to some extent.

Different Elements of the Semana Santa Parades

A parade is a parade, right? Wrong! Semana Santa parades have many different elements, and although you can enjoy the processions without knowing much about them, having that extra bit of knowledge will make you appreciate the celebrations even more.

There are a few things which are present at every procession, regardless of whether it’s a big one or not.

• Drums – the low, slow beat of the drums can be heard before you know there’s a procession coming. It keeps those in the parade in time, and the people carrying the float sway in time with it as they move through the streets. The drums also create such an atmosphere that you can’t help but be drawn in.
• Gowns and hoods – A full length, long-sleeved gown is worn by most members of the procession, who are also known as Nazarenos. Generally the gowns are white, however some groups opt for darker colours like black or navy. These are then tied around the waist with a piece of robe that is the same colour as the hood. The outfit isn’t complete without the hood, which is worn either straight up in a cone shape, or draped behind the head. Those that are worn without the cone shape traditionally symbolise that that group is more devout.
• Floats – Each group of Nazarenos will often carry at least one float, usually with a wooden structure depicting Christ or the virgin Mary. These floats are heavy, and you’ll often see a large number of people carrying it, swaying in time to the drums to ensure everyone is walking at the same pace. For the larger floats, they will often stop to rest or change out the people carrying it.

In the larger processions, women in black follow in a slow walk behind the float. Traditionally it was only men that took part in the Semana Santa parades, but women were welcomed in on the understanding they’d dress in black and walking in mourning and penance. These women will usually be clutching rosary beads, with a black veil draped in front of their face.

There may also be monks and priests joining the parade, as well as representatives from local services such as the police.

Who Takes Part in the Parades?

The parades are made up of different groups of people, identifiable by their different colour hoods. They pass through the parade in their groups, and each group of people will belong to one church or parish.

The parades are made up of all ages and genders, from young children to older members. The floats are usually carried or pushed by adult men due to the weight, but in recent years there have been floats carried solely by women! The drummers are usually also adults due to the weight of the drums and distance they’re carried, especially for such long parades, but sometimes you’ll spot a troop of younger nazarenos with drums.

As a spectator it’s not appropriate to join the parade at any point,
only those who are part of the church or parish take part.

What Happens in La Semana Santa Parades?

The processions through the city can vary in size, from just one group with one float, to all of the participants in one go. As they just walk through the streets, you can find the routes they’ll take online and pick a spot to watch them, or chances are that as you walk around the city you’ll bump into one.

The sound of the drums is a big giveaway that one is close by!

There are certain elements that all parades have, and that is the people in white gowns with hoods on, carrying a float.

When is Semana Santa?

Semana Santa dates 2025: April 13 – April 20

Semana Santa dates 2026: March 29 – April 5

My Semana Santa Experience

I visited Spain at Easter specifically to experience the Semana Santa celebrations. Although I’m not religious, I find a lot of the celebrations of different religions interesting, and this was no different. The original plan had been to visit Seville, but a friend who lives there advised me against it because of the crowds. For a more authentic experience with smaller crowds, Zaragoza seemed to be a good option. After seeing a couple of parades in Madrid, my hopes weren’t high for anything amazing. The Madrid ones had been short, with large crowds.

After arriving in Zaragoza, I found a lot of the city closed. This was the first time I’d even heard of Maundy Thursday; it’s not something a non-religious person in the UK would come across usually. I checked online for the routes the parades would take, and come evening found myself a spot near a church where several parades would be ending at.

It was one of the best introductions to Semana Santa possible.

The crowd was small, and the first sign of any advancing processions was the drums. The slow beat dictates the speed of everyone walking, and as the people came into view I had an unexpected feeling of fear. Fear? That’s not what I’d expected. The sight of people approaching in white gowns with pointed hoods brought to mind images of the KKK. The drums added to the atmosphere, and I had to remember that they had stolen the ‘outfit’ from these parades. Having been taught about the KKK but not about Semana Santa in school, it seems natural but also unfair that that would be the instinctual feeling I had.

After a few minutes the initial unease I felt passed, and I really began to enjoy seeing all the different elements of the parade. I have a couple of friends who explained what the different parts meant, why some had different shape hoods, and that extra knowledge gave me a deeper appreciation of the parades. I’m not religious but it was a real experience to see them and I’d recommend it to anyone who has an interest in it too.

Is it Worth Visiting Semana Santa in Spain?

Absolutely! It’s a unique experience to see the parades moving around the cities, with their different outfits, drums and often extravagant floats that require many people to carry it in a hypnotic swaying fashion. Be prepared for a lot of shops to be closed, so visiting a city that also has a lot of things to see outside will mean you can make the most of your time, but it’s definitely worth going to see!

Being a spectator as the procession passes through a city is more than just watching people walk past carrying something heavy. The sight of all the elements of the parade matched with the low, rhythmic drumming is a real experience. You can’t help but feel the music, and the parade itself is entrancing. Definitely something to experience for yourself.

Is Semana Santa Safe for Solo Travellers?

The parades for Semana Santa take place during the day but also once it gets dark, and there can be large crowds. It’s wise to exercise the usual caution when you’re in a crowd such as keeping valuables and belongings close to you, but I felt safer as a solo female traveller walking around the cities after dark than I usually would because there were so many people out.

Castlepoint, New Zealand is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Wairarapa region of the North Island. It’s a small village tucked away on the east coast, known for its iconic lighthouse, sweeping golden beach and stunning viewpoints.

The area is named after Castle Rock, a towering 162 metre rocky landmark that was noted by Captain James Cook in 1770 for, you guessed it, looking like a castle. So creative! Castlepoint’s stunning landscapes attract visitors year round, on a day trip to explore the area or staying for a longer, more peaceful break away.

Whether you’re hiking to the top of Castle Rock, relaxing on the beach, or soaking in the views from the historic lighthouse, there’s something for everyone in this coastal gem of New Zealand.

Things to Do in Castlepoint

The big charm of the village isn’t in the amount on offer, but in the quality of the few things there are to do in Castelpoint.

Aside from the gorgeous drive through the scenic Wairapapa region to get to Castlepoint, which really does reinforce the saying that it’s about the journey, not just the destination, the scenery in Castlepoint is stunning. With rolling hills to one side, the open ocean on the other and a golden sandy beach in the middle, there’s something for everyone.

One of the top attractions is Castlepoint Lighthouse, one of New Zealand’s last remaining manned lighthouses, which provides stunning panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. It dates back to the early 1900s, and is a fairly easy walk up a slope and steps to get to. There’s a bench halfway if you want to stop and admire the view, but you’ll get to the top in about 5 minutes if you just go straight up.

For the hikers among us – disclaimer, not me! – the Castle Rock Track offers a moderately challenging climb with rewarding views from the summit. The Deliverance Cove Track is another popular option, providing yet more scenic coastal views and a closer look at Castle Rock.

There are some warnings included with these hikes, including not approaching any seals you might spot and keeping out of the reef by the lagoon due to its unpredictable nature and potential for loss of life.

For beach lovers, Castlepoint Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. It’s a long stretch of fine, golden sand that not only has gorgeous views but is also a hotspot for surfing, with those big offshore breezes bringing waves that attract both beginners and experienced surfers.

Fishing in Castlepoint isn’t for the faint hearted, as many people choose to pitch up on the rocks to cast their lines. The rocks and ledges by the lighthouse are high and exposed, and you’ll likely spot a few people there waiting for a catch. Alternatively, the rocks that border the lagoon are also a popular fishing spot, just be aware you might get the odd splash from a rogue wave!

Some parts of the beach are a little more sheltered from the wind, but if you’re coming with the family or just want something a bit less wavy, the lagoon is just a short walk from the beach and offers a far calmer paddling experience. On a windy day the waves can crash over the rocks, but the lagoon is a bit more sheltered from the elements.

If you’re feeling brave or have a sturdy car, you can also park on part of the beach at Castlepoint. Head down to the end by the lagoon and you’ll spot plenty of large vehicles parked up on the sand.

Although the sand is very compact in this area, I didn’t try parking on the beach as my car is just a little runaround model and I didn’t want to risk getting stuck there. Be careful if you’re in a rental car too as some companies don’t permit driving on the beach.

Where to Stay in Castlepoint

Being a compact place, Castlepoint has a limited choice of accommodation. You’ll find stunning holiday homes – what the locals call a bach (pronounced like batch, not like the composer) – and a holiday park in Castlepoint itself, but for more choice you’ll need to look at nearby Whakataki.

If you’re happy to visit Castlepoint for a day trip but still want to have a weekend break in the area, Masterton, Carterton, Greytown and Martinborough are all great choices to base yourself in with a gorgeous drive out to Castlepoint.

Masterton is a bigger town with more choice of accommodation, places to eat etc, but it’s not got the big town vibe. Carterton is a smaller town, with more of a rural vibe while still having all the amenities you need. Greytown is very charming, a personal favourite, and Martinborough is popular for the wineries, a great choice if you want to spend the rest of your weekend cycling between vineyards sampling the wine!

For those travelling in campervans, you’ve got a choice of campsites in and around Castlepoint, but it’s best to check the official guidance depending on the classfication of your campervan.

I stayed in an amazing property – Korimako’s Garden Nest Studio – just outside of Carterton, to then drive out to Castlepoint on a day trip.
It was the perfect balance of nature, comfort and switch-off vibes and I’d recommend a stay there to anyone!

When to Visit Castlepoint

Castlepoint is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (December to February) is the most popular season, with warm temperatures, calmer seas, and the best chance of good conditions for swimming and hiking, making the most of the stunning scenery.

Autumn (March to May) offers cooler weather, less crowds, but it’s more hit and miss whether you can go for a swim or brave the wind for a hike. Winter in Castlepoint (June to August) is perfect for those who enjoy solitude and rugged landscapes, though the weather can be unpredictable. Spring (September to November) brings blooming wildflowers and a hopefully refreshing breeze, making it a great time to explore the region.

One thing to note is that even on the most gorgeous, sunny days, the wind can still whip up as it comes in off the coast. I visited on a gorgeous, warm summer’s day and still felt a chill when the wind picked up, which was so confusing with the blazing sunshine!

Where to Eat in Castlepoint

Put simply, there aren’t any restaurants in Castlepoint itself. There’s the local store which has basic groceries, coffee and fish & chips, but aside from that you’ll be venturing to nearby towns to eat.

If you want to eat in Castlepoint, your best bet is either takeaway from the store or to bring a picnic/groceries with you.

The nearby Whakataki Hotel, just a short 5-minute drive from Castlepoint, is a local favourite known for its hearty pub meals and friendly atmosphere. If you’re heading back to Masterton or the wider Wairarapa region, you’ll find a range of cafes and restaurants offering fresh seafood, local produce, and excellent coffee.

If you’re visiting Castlepoint on a day trip and passing through Carterton, be sure to stop at the
very popular Clareville Bakery. It’s recommended by everyone, for good reason, but not open on a Sunday.

How to Get to Castlepoint

Castlepoint is quite remote, and so the only easy way to get to the town is by car. However, you don’t have to drive the full journey if you’re not comfortable with it.

From Wellington to Castlepoint by car you’re looking at about 3 hours, but this isn’t a drive everyone would want to make as it crosses the Remutaka Range which is a bendy section of road through the mountains. It’s a fast, winding road that is very fun to drive if you’re a confident, experienced driver, but may be a little unnerving for new or inexperienced drivers. The ‘ahh’ part of the road is about 15-20 minutes of the drive, and aside from that the route is very easy.

You absolutely should drive this road at a speed you’re comfortable with (within the limit), and to ensure you’re also being a safe and considerate driver you should stay left when the lane splits in two, or pull over if there’s a queue of cars behind you when safe to do so. Locals will be happy to drive this road much faster than visitors are comfortable with.

If you don’t want to drive the full route from Wellington, you can get the train from Wellington to Masterton which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, and then either get a taxi – about $200NZD – or hire a car in Masterton and drive the hour to Castlepoint. That part of the drive is quite quiet and has plenty of places to pull over to let locals pass who want to speed through.

Visiting Castlepoint As a Solo Traveller

If you’re happy to travel solo and enjoy your own company, I would absolutely recommend Castlepoint as a solo traveller. There’s not a huge amount to do so it’s a perfect day trip to recharge, enjoy the scenery and spend some quality time in your own company.

For those solo travellers seeking out company, Castlepoint probably isn’t the place for it. Aside from there not being a huge population to mingle with, most people visiting Castlepoint will be with friends or family so won’t be looking for other visitors to socialise with. Having said that, kiwis are in general very friendly and you’ll probably find someone to have a chat with as you visit the lighthouse or enjoy one of the hikes.

If you have the choice to visit with someone, this is definitely the kind of place that’d be more fun with someone, but if you’re only option is alone or not at all then I’d still recommend going solo!

A weekend in Tarragona offers visitors a chance to indulge in the Spanish culture, enjoy tapas in the spacious squares and learn about the Roman history of the city. It’s an underrated city for sure, and when you add in the fact it has great transport links and gorgeous beaches just a short walk away, it’s a wonder more people don’t visit.

It is sometimes overlooked in favour of it’s popular neighbour Barcelona, but Tarragona falls in the hidden gem category because it has everything you need for the perfect Spanish weekend city break: history, culture, great food, beaches and gorgeous weather.

Where is Tarragona?

Tarragona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain, sitting in the south of the autonomous region of Catalonia. It’s on the Costa Dorada, known as the ‘golden coast’, looking out on the Mediterranean and about 60 miles (100kms) southwest of Barcelona.

Top Sights to See in Tarragona

• Tarragona Cathedral: The beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedral takes pride of place in the city centre.
• Roman Amphitheatre: An ancient amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD which could seat up to 14,000 spectators. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction, hosting a variety of cultural events and offering stunning coastal views.
• Roman Circus: The Roman Circus is one of the best-preserved examples of a Roman chariot racing stadium in the world. It dates back to the 1st century AD and you can still see parts of the original stadium in the city.
• Mediterranean Balcony: Soak up the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding coastline from this vantage point. It’s the perfect spot for catching the gorgeous sunrise!
• Plaça de la Font: Located in the heart of Tarragona’s old town, this spacious square is surrounded by historic buildings and restaurants, all built on the old foundations of the Roman Circus.

How Long Do I Need in Tarragona?

If you’re tight on time, you could see the highlights of Tarragona in a day, dashing between sights and cramming in as much as possible. However, it’s definitely a city worthy of more time, and even just having 2 days in Tarragona is probably not giving the city enough time to do it justice.

With just one day in Tarragona, I’d recommend following the day one itinerary suggestion below, and if you can spend the night in Tarragona before moving on you’ll get to enjoy the calm Spanish evenings the city enjoys, living life in the street cafes and bars and can also enjoy the sunrise from Mediterranean Balcony before moving on to your next stop.

But if you can, a weekend in Tarragona is the perfect taster for the city.

Spend a Weekend in Tarragona

Day 1 – Explore Tarragona’s Roman History
For your first day in Tarragona, the old town is a great place to focus your time. It’s where most of the highlights of the city are, and you can easily visit Plaça de la Font, Tarragona Cathedral and the Roman ruins in one day. It’s easy to walk between them, and it gives you a real feel for the history of the city at the same time as indulging in the Spanish culture.

Plaça de la Font is a spacious square located in the heart of Tarragona’s Old Town. It’s home to a number of important buildings such as the town hall, and is surrounded by a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. This makes it a real hub for the city, and it’s popular for both locals and visitors.

Plaça de la Font is a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a coffee to just enjoy the atmosphere.

Aside from offering people the perfect place to grab a coffee and people watch, or enjoy a slow meal, Plaça de la Font is also tied in with the Roman history of Tarragona. The ‘square’ is more of a rectangular shape, which in itself isn’t that unique. But the reason behind the shape is that the buildings that line the square are built on the foundations of the old Roman Circus. Pretty cool, right?

If you’d like to really indulge in the Roman history in Tarragona, there are guided historical walking tours available.

Visiting the ruins at the Roman Circus – Circ Roma – will give you a deeper appreciation for the other sights in the city. It’s not far from Plaça de la Font and gives a bit of background to the Roman history of Tarragona. After having a chance to see the old chariot course and learn about the development from the Roman city of Tarraco to the modern day Tarragona, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the city and keep an eye out for the signs of old Tarraco.

Plaça del Fòrum is another square worth visiting while you spend a weekend in Tarragona. Whether you pass through or stop for a while in one of the cafes and bars, you’ll be able to admire the old wall remnants that would have formed part of the impressive Forum. The Forum was the heart of the city and contained all the important buildings like the courts, markets and social spaces.

Located at the highest part of the city, Tarragona Cathedral as it stands today dates back to the 1300s. But it was built on the site of what many believe was an ancient Roman temple when the city was still Tarraco. The site has far more history than just these two buildings, but these days it is known for being one of the biggest cathedrals in Catalonia, yep even bigger than Barcelona Cathedral and Sagrada Familia!

Continuing with the historical theme of the day, a visit to the old city walls in Tarragona should be on your to-see list. As with many old cities, there were once walls surrounding the city to protect it from attacks. Parts of the walls still stand today and you can see them as you walk around the city or you can pay a small entrance fee to wander alongside the walls and learn a bit about Tarragona’s history.

Round off a day of exploring Tarragona’s historical sites with a visit to the Amphitheatre. This is a personal favourite sight to see in Tarragona, and definitely worth a visit. If you’re not that bothered about going in, you can see most of it from Parc del Miracle, the nearby tiered public park.

Day 2
Tarragona is a city that could be seen in a day if you rush from sight to sight. But spending your first day in the city exploring the historical sights at a leisurely pace leaves you free to see more of the city on your second day.

The first stop of the day should be to the Mediterranean balcony. It’s a nice walkway, but the big draw of the place are the views. If you can time it for sunrise, even better! At that time of the morning it’s so calm and peaceful, and the sun rising over the sea and mountains in the distance is the perfect way to start the day.

From the Mediterranean balcony, it’s easy to explore the Rambla Nova, Tarragona’s main street similar to Barcelona’s famous La Rambla. Rambla Nova is lined with shops, and places to grab a bite to eat. If you walk far enough down the street you’ll find several statues including one dedicated to the castellers, Monument als Castellers, a nod to the history of the castellers in Catalonia and in Tarragona itself.

What’s a visit to a new city without stopping in at the local market? Tarragona is no different, and Mercat Central de Tarragona has you covered with the wide array of market stalls on offer in the stunning market building.

Most of the Tarragona historical sites were covered on your first day in the city, but the Colonial forum of Tarraco and the old Roman theatre of Tarraco – not to be confused with the amphitheatre – are both a little further out from the other historic sites and work well to visit them as you’re exploring the rest of the city. The ruins are in two small squares just a few minutes walk from each other, and although there’s nothing as big and intact as the Roman Circus, there are still a few different pieces to check out.

The harbour of Tarragona is worth a little wander down too. It’s a tale of two halves, with the quaint marina being home to smaller boats, lined with bars and restaurants, while the industrial port welcomes in the big ships like cruise liners and commercial shipping barges. You probably wouldn’t want to wander the port side of it, but the marina is worth a visit for a relaxing walk while you window shop for your new boat.

Tarragona’s aqueduct, The Ferreres Aqueduct, is a bit of a way out of the city centre, but the scenic area is popular with people for a wander and picnic spot. It’s recommended to wear ‘proper’ shoes if you venture out to the aqueduct, but you can walk around the aqueduct while you appreciate the Roman history and Catalonian countryside.

If you’re all done sightseeing in Tarragona and find yourself with time for the beach, you’ve made a good choice. When looking for beaches in Tarragona, or specifically the best beaches in Tarragona, you’ll want to head to Playa de Arrabassada, Platja Savinosa or Platja del Miracle, all within easy reach of Tarragona city centre.

Extras to Fit in if There’s Time

If you’re a fan of theme parks, Tarragona is the perfect base to visit Port Aventura, one of Spain’s most popular theme parks. It’s just a short 10 minute train from Tarragona to Port Aventura World. The theme park is well known and the biggest one in Spain, attracting visitors from all over Europe and is the perfect way to have an adrenaline-filled day in Tarragona.

Festivals! Spain is a country that loves to celebrate; history, culture, religion, jobs, people…they seem to have a celebration for everything! And to make it even better, they celebrate so well. Parades, fireworks, community meals, dancing, music, the list could go on. Be sure to check if there’ll be any festivals while you’re in Tarragona, and if you can time it to coincide with a Casteller (human towers) competition you’ll be in for a real heart-in-the-mouth treat.

Make the most of the coastal location of Tarragona and explore the nearby marine life. We’re not talking an aquarium – the nearest aquarium is in Barcelona if that’s what you’re after – but going on a diving excursion. There are options for beginners as well as more experienced divers, so don’t worry if you’re a newbie!

Solo Travel in Tarragona

Some cities just aren’t well suited for solo travel, but the question is: is Tarragona good for solo travellers? I would say absolutely! I visited as a solo female traveller in the early autumn, so the days were still fairly long and the weather was perfect for t-shirt and shorts.

I felt safe the whole time I was in Tarragona, and being in such a Western country there’s no issues with wearing cooler summer clothes. I went out for dinner and drinks once it was dark, and although I wouldn’t have been wandering down any unlit streets, I felt safe in the main city centre. The good thing about Tarragona and Spain in general is that things happen later in the day, so there are plenty of people still milling about late in the evening.

In terms of sightseeing, there was plenty to keep me busy during the day with seeing the city and the sights. I actually enjoyed finding a quiet cafe away from the crowds to enjoy a drink as well as hunting out a coffee or tapas in the main squares.

My Top Tarragona Recommendation!

The Roman Circus and amphitheatre! Quick and to the point there haha!

The main reason I went to Tarragona in the first place was because someone had mentioned to me it had Roman ruins. I’d always connected Roman ruins with Italy, not Spain, so of course I had to go and see it. Let’s just say, I was not disappointed. Not only can you see a lot of the remains, but you can walk around the amphitheatre and walk through the tunnels that the Romans would have used to get to their seats for chariot races.

There’s something about being in the same place that people thousands of years ago would have been, walking the same paths that they did that really blows my mind. I loved the whole city, but this was definitely my favourite thing in Tarragona. Oh, and the tapas…

Is Tarragona Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Tarragona is a city with the perfect balance of history, sights to see, character and beaches. Add to that the delicious food, Catalonian culture and gorgeous weather, it’s a no brainer and definitely worth visiting Tarragona.

Although this is a guide to a weekend in Tarragona, you could easily spend more time here to make the most of the surrounding cities and of course include a trip to Port Aventura, the popular nearby theme park.

Tarragona is often overlooked for a city break due to the popularity of nearby Barcelona, but that just means smaller crowds to explore the things to do in Tarragona.

How to Get to Tarragona

By air: There are two airports nearby, Reus Airport which is a 15-minute drive or 25-minute bus ride away, or Barcelona El Prat Airport which is located in nearby Barcelona.

From Reus Airport to Tarragona there’s a bus that takes about 25 minutes, or you can jump in a taxi. There’s a considerable price difference between getting the bus and taking a taxi for not a lot of time saved, so take that into account when planning your journey.

From Barcelona El Prat Airport to Tarragona, there’s a bus that leaves from the Terminal 2 to Tarragona or you can jump on the Aerobus into Barcelona and catch the train from Barcelona Sants to Tarragona.

By train: One of the most popular routes, Barcelona to Tarragona, is 1hr 20 minutes. The route stretches along the Costa Dorada coastline and is a lovely journey with gorgeous sea views. If you’re coming from Valencia to Tarragona by train, the fast train is 2hr 40 minutes, or you can catch the cheaper regional train that will take 4hr 40 minutes.

Just a heads up -> Camp Tarragona and Tarragona Estació are not the same station. Camp Tarragona is a 30-minute bus from Tarragona city that we’re talking about in this weekend guide, you want to choose the option for Tarragona Estació which is in Tarragona city centre.

By bus: From nearby Barcelona to Tarragona by bus it can take between 1hr 20 mins and 2 hours. Alsa is the national bus provider in Spain for long distance bus travel, and they have a route between the two cities running a few times a day for about €10 one way.

How to Get Around

Compact city centres are a dream for exploring by foot, but one thing to note with Tarragona is that it can be hilly in places. We’re not talking the same kind of hilly streets that you’d find in Lisbon and Porto, but there’s still an incline as you walk around the city.

There’s a bus network in Tarragona that you can use if you don’t feel like walking around, though the old town is fairly restricted to vehicles so you’ll need to walk around there if you want to explore that area.

Hop on hop off buses are a tourist’s dream on a city break for being able to see a lot in a short time. Tarragona is no different, except it’s a road train that’ll take you around the city. The Yellow Train (might not actually be yellow despite the name) covers a large part of the city, and you can jump on the start of the tour at Plaza de la Unesco (near the amphitheatre).

As the city is quite compact, you might like to explore Tarragona on a free walking tour.

Where to Stay

Tarragona isn’t a huge city so you won’t go too far wrong with where you choose in the city, but my personal recommendation would be to base yourself in/near Plaça de la Font. It’s super central in the old town, close to a lot of sights and has plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants nearby to check out. If you’re not staying in the actual square, be sure to check whether the side streets you might be staying on are lit.

New Zealand isn’t a country often associated with huge artists or big global names. Instead, it’s known for it’s natural beauty, friendly people and open mindset, which in turn entices big talent to visit the country, fall in love with it and want to make it their home.

That’s exactly what happened with an Austrian architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. A quirky, highly skilled architect and artist who visited New Zealand, fell in love with the country and brought his quirky architectural styles to the shores.

He documented a lot of his process, his work, his art and his travels, and this can be seen at the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei, New Zealand. The building itself is typical Hundertwasser style, both externally and internally, but inside there’s an art exhibition space and a Hundertwasser exhibition.

It showcases a number of buildings he designed, his home life, his travels on board the boat Regentag and his love affair with nature.

Who was Hundertwasser?

Friedensreich Hundertwasser, born Freidrich Stowasser, lived his early life in Vienna, Austria. It was a very difficult childhood, growing up in a Jewish family in Austria during WWII, but he and his mother were able to survive. As he grew into a young man and the war ended, he studied for a short period in art, traveled a bit and then turned his hand to architecture.

His passion for nature and freedom of expression developed further, he changed his name to Friedensreich Hundertwasser and he found work as an architect, designing famous buildings like Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna but also designing stamps, coins and flags for countries around the world.

The development of his work and life path can be seen at Hundertwasser Art Centre through a short documentary and then the exhibition space. It’s very interesting to see his approach to life and art, and his real passion for including nature in his work.

Where is the Hundertwasser Art Centre?

In the centre of Whangarei, a town in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Auckland and the actual Hundertwasser Art Centre is on the boardwalk next to Hatea River. On a sunny day, the views from the rooftop are lovely with the hills in the background and the boats passing by on the river in front.

Parking: If you’re looking for parking to have easy access to Hundertwasser Art Centre, there is a small amount of parking outside, accessed from Dent Street. Alternatively, a handy car park close by is accessed from John Street/Robert Street. There is a time limit of 3 hours but that’d be plenty of time to visit Hundertwasser Art Centre and have a brief look around the city centre.

The Cafe

Aqua Café-Restaurant is the on-site cafe at Hundertwasser Art Centre, and you can enjoy a drink or something to eat there without having to buy a ticket to the Hundertwasser exhibition! You’ll get to experience a bit of the inside of the building, though all areas that are part of the exhibition are still for ticket holders only, you won’t be able to just nip up to the roof for a quick peek.

However, if you’re having a wander around Whangarei and want to just have a taste of Hundertwasser without committing to the exhibition, enjoying a meal in the cafe-restaurant is a great choice. It’s not the cheapest place to eat, but this is New Zealand…

How Much Time Do I Need?

If you’re just visiting the Hundertwasser exhibition, an hour is plenty enough time. There’s a short video screening downstairs that is an interesting insight, the exhibition space and the rooftop to see. Including time to have a look around at the building, an hour is probably more than enough time to allocate.

If you want to stop in at the cafe too, factor in extra time for that.

Is it Worth Visiting Hundertwasser Art Centre?

The actual Hundertwasser exhibition is interesting, but it’s quite small and if you’ve been to Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna you might be a little underwhelmed. It’s interesting to get the extra information about the man behind all the architecture and see a bit of the quirky character, but if you’re travelling on a budget I don’t think you’ll be disappointed/missing too much if you just see the outside of the building and maybe have a coffee or bite to eat in the cafe.

Hundertwasser Public Toilets

Located in nearby Kawakawa, Hundertwasser public toilets are exactly what the name suggests, public toilets designed by Hundertwasser.

Public toilets are a very common sight in New Zealand, but these have a very unique personality and have been labelled as the most beautiful public toilets in New Zealand. What a title to have!

If you’re passing through or near to Kawakawa, it’s worth stopping off to have a look and see the colourful tiling, the glass bottle wall and the quirky support pillars of Hundertwasser’s toilets.

Hundertwasser in Vienna

I first came across Hundertwasser in Vienna, the city he was born and grew up in. There are some amazing examples of his architectural work in the city, and I felt it had quite a similar expressive vibe as Barcelona’s famous architect Gaudi so instantly fell in love with it.

One of the big sights to see in Vienna, Hundertwasserhaus is a residential building designed by Hundertwasser. Just opposite is a small shopping centre, full of compact, quirky shops and a cafe. Both buildings are designed and decorated in true Hundertwasser fashion: colourful, vibrant and full of life. Literally, full of life. You’ll see trees on the roof and the balconies, the floor flows up and down rather than the traditionally flat pathways that are usually desired for public walkways.

In my opinion, if you visit just one Hundertwasser piece of architecture, it should be the one in Vienna. However, getting to see more of his work in Whangarei and Kawakawa when you’re in New Zealand is a perfect excuse to top up your quirky architecture fill!