How to Spend a weekend in San Diego

Sunset at Coronado Beach

If you are thinking about doing a quick weekend getaway to the beautiful city of San Diego you will not be sorry about your decision. Some travel locations might offer limited activities and a lot of down time to relax. And while you can definitely relax in the beautiful weather and gorgeous beaches of San Diego you will be hard pressed to ignore the abundance of activities, restaurants and cultural sights around the city.

Obviously, an article about visiting San Diego cannot start without mentioning two of the most famous attractions in the city, the USS Midway Museum and the San Diego Zoo. The Midway is a real aircraft carrier which has more than twenty military aircrafts displayed on the top “Flight” deck as well as numerous exhibits, simulators and movies about the life aboard the vessel as well as naval and air combat in general. The San Diego Zoo on the other hand is constantly rated as one of the top zoos in the world. It is credited with pioneering inventive exhibits that allow animals to roam in areas that resemble their natural habitats and give the visitors a more accurate account of what the animals are really like. And while both of these attractions will take up a lot your time they are more than worthwhile. Fortunately, they are located in close proximity to more great attractions and wonderful dining opportunities.

The USS Midway Museum is located on the Embarcadero, a pedestrian path that stretches along the water for most of Downtown San Diego. It goes from the San Diego Airport all the way to the San Diego Convention Center. In addition to the USS Midway and offering stunning views of the San Diego Bay you can also find the Maritime Museum of San Diego and Seaport Village along the Embarcadero path.  Seaport Village is an open-air mall with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops right on the water. It is a great place to grab some food or drinks before or after visiting the Midway or taking a break while walking – biking the Embarcadero. The one restaurant that stands out is the San Diego Pier Café which is actually located above the water and has a great seaside vibe and seafood focused menu.

The San Diego Zoo is also a walk away from other great adventures and delicious food options. The zoo is actually located inside Balboa Park, a huge green space that houses a number of museums, theaters, galleries and restaurants. It is a perfect place to take walk through historic architecture and beautifully maintained gardens. The Spanish Village is full of local art and the Japanese Friendship Garden is just one of the many unique gardens in the park bringing a piece of the world to San Diego. Some of the museums which are a walking distance from the zoo include the San Diego Air and Space Museum, Museum of Us, San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum among others. In addition, if you are looking to catch a show in a truly memorable location, The Olde Globe theater is modeled after the original Shakespeare Old Globe theater in London. All of these museums are a must see if you happen to have a rare bad weather day or it is not your first time in San Diego.

As night rolls over the city you want to make your way to the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy neighborhoods. The Gaslamp quarter is in the heart of Downtown San Diego and is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to the Convention Center, Petco Park and a number of the large hotels in town. The neighborhood is full of restaurants, bars and cafes and a great place to have dinner and cocktails. A one stop shop for great food, delicious cocktails and nightly live music is Café Sevilla. The authentic tapas and cocktails are a big draw, but what really brings the crowds is the music. This restaurant does not just have your average live performances, instead it offers unique events that include flamenco and rumba. And if you want something sweet yet still full of alcohol after a night of dancing or a day of exploring make your way to Metl Bar for numerous options of boozy ice cream such as Mezcal PB Cup, Pecan Old Fashioned and Pisco Punch.

Similarly, Little Italy is a small neighborhood packed with lots of fun and dinning for any visitor. Located on a hill near the San Diego Airport you will be able to take some unique photographs of the planes landing as they appear to glide over the rooftops of the city during their final descent. And while the unique pictures of planes right over you might be reason enough to stop by Little Italy the food and beverages will keep you there. San Diego’s most famous brewery Ballast Point has its brew pub and restaurant located on India Street in Little Italy. If you are familiar with the brewery scene, to be the most famous brewery in a city jam packed with world class breweries is saying something. It is obvious that Ballast Point didn’t just rest on their beer reputation as they clearly planed and succeeded in making the food and atmosphere equally exceptional. While the delicious dining options are abundant in this neighborhood the real culinary winner is a place where you start your day off in glory. Morning Glory is the ultimate breakfast and brunch destination in San Diego. Located on the corner of Piazza della Famiglia the cleverly decorated, open air, pink restaurant gives you everything you might desire for breakfast. From Breakfast Dim Sum and German Pancakes to French Omelets, Eggs Benedict, Thick cut bacon and boozy coffee drinks all made to perfection. Just make sure you built in some wait time in your schedule.

Finally, no trip to San Diego is complete without seeing the sunset over the Pacific and visiting the local beaches.  Often overlooked, the Cabrillo National Monument a large park and protected area with spectacular views by day and night. The location has numerous hiking trails, tidepools and the historic Point Loma Lighthouse. It also has views that on a clear day can reach all the way to the southern border and provide for epic pictures of San Diego and the bay. To round out the top destinations in San Diego is the picture-perfect Coronado Beach. Often when one imagines a California beach they think of golden sands stretching for miles, which is exactly what you will experience when you visit this beach. If you have the time it is a great place to spend an entire day from sunbathing in the soft sand to watching the sunset with a cocktail from the historic Hotel del Coronado to roasting some marshmallows on the open fire. It is the ideal San Diego experience.

So, when you are in San Diego remember this is just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t waste any of your precious time… Rise and Find IT!!!

Venice, A City Like No Other

The city of Venice for generations has attracted a vast number of visitors to it shores. Usually for its romantic atmosphere and the reputation of being one of the best places for couples. And while this certainly continues to be true. In many instances you will receive a very strong feedback from fellow travelers as to whether the city was overrated or underrated. This perception likely comes from the expectations that people had for the city. As an example, I would use myself and say that I did not have high expectations for the city but ended up leaving with the longing of the day I could return. And while this debate is real due to perceptions and personal taste, people on both sides of the debate should easily be able to agree that the city and in fact the region is a very special and unique place no matter what anyone’s expectations are.

Venice is made up of numerous islands and most visitors to the city naturally will spend the multitude of their time on the main island and in the sestieri or districts of San Marco, Dorsoduro and San Polo. Therefore, you should move away from the crowd and stay on the Giudecca Island and more precisely at the Hilton Molino Stucky. The Molino Stucky is in what used to be one of Europe’s largest mills in the late eighteen hundreds and early nineteen hundreds. Today the hotel has won numerous awards for its rooms, service and its Bacaromi restaurant.  However most spectacular is the view from the Skyline Rooftop Bar and the rooftop swimming pool. There is nothing better than taking a swim while overlooking all of Venice, jumping out and having a delicious cocktail waiting for you while the only noise that surrounds you is the quiet murmur of boats. Equally important reasons to stay in Giudecca however are the seaside walking paths and the easy transport to the main island. Unlike the main island Giudecca has extensive seaside pedestrian paths with scenic views which are open to the public and lack the labyrinth feel of San Marco or San Polo. There are boats which run regularly between the hotel and San Marco Square. And if you want to avoid bargaining for a gondola ride taking this fifteen-minute trip twice a day will more than satisfy your boating urge.

By far the most popular area in Venice is the San Marco district. Most of the images you would see when googling the city would be of San Marco Square, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Ponte dei Sospiri which are all located in this part of the city. You should strongly consider getting the Venezia City Pass if you would like to explore these top attractions because the wait in line is extensive. If you rather just experience the atmosphere of the city you could easily take pictures in the square and grab some delicious Venetian cuisine with amazing views at Gio’s Restaurant. Venetian cuisine differs significantly from the rest of Northern Italy due to the type of ingredients that are readily available. Most notably the main staple of Venetian cuisine is polenta as opposed to pasta which is featured in most of the other Italian regions.

As mentioned previously most of this part of Venice is structured like a labyrinth but if you could find your way around there are many other locations to visit outside of the square. If you are looking for an Italian shopping spree or purely to window shop two streets that start in Sam Marco Plaza are the best locations in the city to do so, Merceria Orologio and Piazza San Marco. Merceria would also lead you straight to the most famous bridge in the city and one of the most unique location, the Ponte di Rialto. This covered bridge is the oldest spanning over the Grand Canal and connecting San Marco to San Polo.

The Grand Canal is also the best and most famous place to take a gondola ride. The canal is nearly four kilometers long and at one end splits San Marco from Dorsoduro. Widely the most famous and romantic shots of the city have been taken here. The Dorsoduro sestieri is the other tourist heavy district and a great place to take advantage of the city pass. It is home to Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Gallerie dell’Accademia and numerous art galleries.

However if you are looking to get away from the museums and churches but want to do something unique and memorable you should make plans in advance to get tickets for a show at the Teatro La Fenice. The theater which was renovated after a fire is a spectacular venue and one of the most famous locations in Italy to see an opera. If you are unable to get a ticket, tours are also available during the day.

 Finally, if you are lucky enough to spend an extended period in Venice you should make your way to the islands of Lido, Murano and Burano. Lido is most famous for being the site of the Venice Film Festival one of the most prestigious in the world. However, you should make time to visit Alberoni Beach and Dunes which is arguably the best beach in Venice. Murano was the area where Venetian glass was crafted while Burano remains a small fishing island with spectacular colorful houses lining its canals. Either way all three islands make for amazing day trips.

So, if you are considering visiting Venice you should plan your trip with confidence. You will undoubtedly visit a unique city that has loads of activities to offer. A city that is bustling with life and adventure but also allows for peacefulness and relaxation. Truly a city like no other.

N.O.L.A.’s Unique Food, Drink and Music

The city of New Orleans has gained the reputation of one of the biggest party cities on this side of the Atlantic. The Mardi Gras celebrations which occur once a year, usually in February, have built a global perception of the city connected predominately with these events. Moreover, while New Orleans Mardi Gras is a spectacular event many other New Orleans staples get overlooked. After all this city is the birthplace of jazz, cocktails and is one of the must visit foodie destinations in the United States.

A day in New Orleans cannot start without a warm cup of freshly brewed chicory blended coffee and a beignet. Beignet, a deep-fried pastry made with choux pastry dough, is similar to a fritter. The choux pastry causes the beignets to be very light and fluffy which makes them a great item for a light breakfast. Beignets originated from France, however New Orleans has really made them their own by serving them with a large amount of powdered sugar you can use for dipping. By far the most famous location for beignets in the city is Café Du Monde. The coffee shop is located on the banks of the Mississippi River next to Jackson Square in the French Quarter. There are not many things better than starting your day off with coffee and a beignet enjoying the vast outdoor space of the café and looking over the river on one side and the city’s main square on the other. Another location to satisfy your sweet tooth in the morning is Café Beignet on Royal Street. This restaurant however has a full menu and an intimate atmosphere. Often at night there is a life musician adding to the ambience.

If you are looking for somewhere to recover from a late night, you should take the St. Charles Avenue tram and head to the Uptown area of the city. The tram is an experience on its own but also passing the Garden District and the famous Lafayette Cemetery No.1 are an added bonus. At the last stop of the tram on St Charles Avenue is the famous The Camellia Grill. The location opened in the forties and the atmosphere has not changed much since. You might think this is just another diner, but wait to pass judgement until you have their Turkey BLT or one of their famous omelets. All your doubts will disappear.

New Orleans breakfast is delicious, but you should not forget to try some amazing Creole and Soul food for lunch. Creole cuisine in New Orleans is a mix of many different types of styles but most notably French and US southern cooking. There are two restaurants, Willie Mae’s Scotch House and Dooky Chase Restaurant, which are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Willie Mae’s has had its doors open since the fifties and has received the James Beard Award for an American Classic Restaurant.  The restaurant is not very big and the menu is equally as short and straightforward. However, you definitely do not need a large menu or a fancy décor if everything you do prepare comes out amazing. Try the tenders with a cornbread muffin and some sweat tea for the most authentic soul food experience. Dooky Chase on the other hand is a more sit-down type of a restaurant. It has been a staple in the city for decades and it was used as a meeting spot for civil rights activists and musicians. Recently two US Presidents have made it a point to stop in the restaurant and to try the famous Gumbo prepared with the recipe of Leyah Chase, the Queen of Creole Cuisine.

The food scene in New Orleans is always growing and adapting. So, while there are numerous historic locations that have earned high praise through the years there are new location that have diversified the food scene. One such restaurant is Shaya, bringing upscale cuisine from Israel, Bulgaria, Turkey and the rest of the Mediterranean. Most of the food is shareable and the cocktails are excellent as well. The real highlight of this James Beard Award winning restaurant however is the freshly made pitas, which are made to order. Add on some feta, oil and hummus and you will not need much more to satisfy your hunger.

If you thought that, your day was ending once you were done with dinner you must have not realized that you are in New Orleans. The city is also famous for its cocktails of past and present. In fact, Antoine Peychaud invented America’s first cocktail over a century ago in the French Quarter. The Sazerac cocktail includes rye whiskey or cognac mixed with a small amount of Absinthe and bitters. One of the unique places to enjoy this and other cocktails in the city is the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. As the name suggests the main bar rotates and looks like a classic carousel. However if you like some music with your cocktails the place for you is Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub. Fritzel’s is another classic New Orleans location, which is known for being the oldest operated Jazz club in the city. Yet Sazerac is not the only cocktail that brings fame to the city. More recently, the drink of choice for visitors has become the Hurricane. This mix of rum, lemon juice and passion fruit syrup was originally created at Pat O’Briens. To this day Pat O’Briens is the best place to enjoy the cocktail. Whether on the large patio or the piano lounge, which features dueling pianos daily.

Visiting Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a special experience but you should consider staying longer or traveling to the city at other times as well. The city is packed with unique culinary and musical talent that will have you coming back for more.

Adventure and History in Lima, the Culinary Capital of the Americas

The tourism industry in the country of Peru has been very strong for decades and growing ever stronger by the year. With some world class attractions most notably Machu Picchu, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and Lake Titicaca just to name a few. There is something for everyone to enjoy. However often in this natural beauty and ancient history, tourists often forget about the capital of Peru, Lima.

Over the last few years, Lima has developed into a modern metropolis that has unique culture, history and plenty of activities to keep visitors more than entertained. The city has also become famous for its incredible food scene that rivals other famous food lover destinations like Paris and Copenhagen. A clear example of the quality of the food scene are the Central and Maido restaurants, which are ranked, in the top ten in the world. And these two are only the tip of the iceberg because Lima’s food scene thrives on its diversity and freshness of produce. The city has minimum five native types of cuisines, Criole, Chifa, Nikei, Andean and Amazonian. Each representing a different set of people calling Lima home.

Chifa might be the most widespread food in the city. A mix of traditional Peruvian food with Chinese cuisine. It became popular during the large influx of Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. A great place to try Chifa is located near Lima Centro in Barrio Chino. The Chinatown Gate marking the heart of Barrio Chino, is surrounded with numerous restaurants serving Chifa and the area is only a few minutes walk from the central plaza in the city, Plaza De Armas.

Exploring only the area around Plaza De Armas also known as Plaza Mayor will take you a whole day. Surrounding the plaza are the Government Palace of Peru, Archbishops Palace, Cathedral of Lima and Municipal Palace of Lima. The Cathedral of Lima has a beautiful interior and contains the remains of the Francisco Pizarro. He was the Spaniard who conquered Peru. Today Peruvians view him mostly negatively due to his treatment of the indigenous population at the time. On the other side of the plaza is the Government Palace of Peru used as the residence of the president. At noon daily visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard that protect the entrance to the building.

A few steps from the plaza you will find Basilica San Francisco de Lima and Basilica Santo Domingo. Basilica San Francisco is free to enter and explore the interior however; you will need to pay a small fee for the tour that explores the covenant and the very large catacombs beneath the church. The catacombs contain the remains of thousands of people and the guides do a wonderful job explaining the burial rituals of the time. Basilica Santo Domingo on the other hand is easily recognizable due to its pink exterior. Inside you can find some of the most important religious relics in the country. Walking inside the church is free as well, but if you want to explore the grounds and the tower, you will need to hire a guide.

A great walk from the city center is on Jiron de la Union which is the main pedestrian street in the city connecting Plaza De Armas with Plaza San Martin. Make sure to grab a Pisco Sour at the historic hotel located at the plaza, the Gran Hotel Bolivar. Pisco is a type of brandy and Peru’s national liquor and the Pisco Sour is the country’s most famous cocktail. The Gran Hotel is responsible for popularizing the drink during its heyday when many celebrities and diplomats stayed here.

Moving away from the center and heading southwest you will end up in two of the more upscale and touristy neighborhoods in the city Miraflores and San Isidro. San Isisdro is the quieter of the two neighborhoods and provides a great opportunity to escape the bustle of the big city. El Olivar is a large park made up of Olive trees running through San Isidro. It is a great place for a picnic, to read a book or just to find some shade on a sunny day. A short walk from the park you can also visit one of the pre Inca pyramids located in Lima. Huaca Huallamarca is a step pyramid and it highlights different burial traditions from that period.

Miraflores on the other hand is home to most upscale restaurants, local shops, fun activities and amazing views of the Pacific. The coast of Lima is unique due to the enormous cliffs that the city rests on and the separation to the beaches below. However, these cliffs do provide spectacular views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean as well as making Miraflores one of the best places in the world for paragliding. On a windy day, you will see numerous instructors take off with tourists from the seaside parks along the edge of the cliffs in Lima. One such location is the Park of Love, which is also home to the famous El Beso Sculpture. A place where locals in love watch the sunset together. A short walk from the coast in Miraflores you will also find the Hilton Lima and its spectacular local restaurant serving some specialties such as the Octopus and Avocado dish that seafood lovers cannot miss out on. Nearby is also the La Lucha Sandwich chain, which has the best fries you will ever try, and some of the biggest sandwiches as well.

Once the sun sets head towards the Park of the Reserve. It is a large park next to the national stadium containing numerous large fountains that illuminate at the night and are accompanied by different songs based on the season. It is a great place to visit with the family, however if you are looking to dance the night away you must visit the Barranco neighborhood. Barranco is the artsy area of Lima and it’s located immediately south from Miraflores. In the center of the neighborhood, is the famous Bridge of Sighs a perfect location for a night walk listening to street musicians and exploring the hundreds of pieces of street art all over the district. Some of the best cocktails in the city are served at Mayo Bar and you can hear great local live music at La Noche de Barranco.

So when traveling to Peru do not forget about its capital. The natural wonders that the country holds are hard to match, however Lima’s unique culinary scene and local history make it a must visit location if you are thinking of traveling to South America.

A Fast Loop Around Indiana’s Capital City

Indianapolis (or as it is often referred to as Indy) has long been known for being the capital and most populous city in the state of Indiana. However, over the years it has also grown a reputation as a city in love with athletic competitions, and especially the game of basketball, often doing a wonderful job hosting some of the biggest events in American sports. Many visitors have enjoyed this vast array of competitions but might have missed some of the Indy highlights beyond “the big game.”

Like other major Midwestern cities, Indy has experienced strong move towards urbanization over the last decade, nearly doubling its downtown inhabitants. The increased population density and the constant stream of large events hosted by the city have clearly caused a development and appreciation of local businesses, culture and history. Many small restaurants, bars and cafes have popped up in the center of the city to accommodate the growing population as well as to host travelers to the city.

However, before looking at the center of the city you should make time for two must see landmarks near the city center. As mentioned previously, Indianapolis as well as the rest of Indiana are enamored with sports. The city is the headquarters for the NCAA and for three US Olympic organizations. Indy has hosted the NFL Super Bowl, College Basketball’s Final Four, FIBA World Championships as well as the annual Indy 500 race. However, the big love for this city is basketball and this obsession has even received a name, Hoosier Hysteria. And speaking of Hoosiers one of the first locations that you must visit on a trip to Indianapolis is the National Historic Landmark Hinkle Fieldhouse. The fieldhouse is not only home to the Butler University basketball team which has been one of the best in the country recently, but it was also the inspiration and filming location for the famous movie Hoosiers.

West from downtown Indianapolis is situated one of the world’s first automobile racing tracks, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, not only is the track historic for its age, it’s also considered the world’s largest capacity sports venue with more than quarter of a million seats.  Moreover, if you were wondering if they ever need all those seats, well the Indianapolis 500 race, the oldest motor race in the world, routinely sells out the speedway.

Moving back into the center of the city you will discover many more symbols of the love that this city and its citizens have for sports. On the southern part of the city are located Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and Lucas Oil Stadium. It is hard to imagine missing on the opportunity to watch the Indiana Pacers play a home playoff game if you are visiting the city during April or May. The Bankers Life Fieldhouse is seen by the opposition as one of the loudest and hardest venues to play at. Near the arena, you can also take a picture with the unique statue of John Wooden, arguably the greatest college basketball coach of all time.

A short walk away is Lucas Oil Stadium, a venue for many of the most important American football games, as well as home to the Indianapolis Colts. The massive stadium is a top choice for concerts, football and basketball games due to its retractable roof. The stadium has even hosted the college basketball finals in addition to concerts and soccer games. Make sure to stop by the statue of Colts legend Peyton Manning on display at the front of the stadium.

Sports however are not all this city has to offer. On a warmer day in the summer, take your loved ones to the Central Canal. The canal is one of those unexpected treasures you can stumble upon walking aimlessly around a city. The Central Canal was an unfinished project from the 1800s, intended to aid the industry of the city. After sitting unused for decades, the canal was converted into a park enjoyed by the entire community. Trees, street art, kid friendly activities as well as some restaurants line the Canal Walk. And if you and your loved one are looking for some romantic atmosphere or have never had the chance to experience a gondola ride in Venice this might be the next best thing. Old World Gondoliers have authentic Venetian made gondolas in which you could enjoy food and drink while the gondoliers sing Italian songs, and propel you down the canal.

Following the Canal Walk south to White River State Park you will end up by some of the main museums in the city, including Eiteljorg, Indiana State Museums and NCAA Hall of Champions. The Eitelgorg Museum houses numerous Native American and Western American art exhibits. The Indiana State museum on the other hand focuses on all aspects of life in Indiana and contributions that the state has made to different sectors of society. Finally, the NCAA Hall of Champions explores the different sports that the collegiate body presides over. 

If you rather keep exploring the city especially on a beautiful sunny day, you should make your way towards the American Legion Mall. The central part of Downtown Indianapolis is split by a few parks and memorials, which are worth exploring. The large grassy area of the American Legion Mall is a wonderful location for a picnic. The park features multiple war memorials and is surrounded by the beautiful buildings of the American Legion Headquarters and the Indianapolis Public Library. Further south the park continues to Obelisk Square, Indiana World War Memorial, University Square until finally reaching the imposing Soldiers/Sailors Monument.

The Soldiers/ Sailors Monument is the largest open-air memorial in Indiana as it towers more than 284 feet. It is open to visitors and has and observation deck which is free to guests that opt to take the stairs. For others an elevator is provided in return for a small charge. The views from the top of the monument are unmatched however and are well worth the price.

Finally if you want to experience some of the local foodie scene head over to Massachusetts Avenue. The street is full of restaurants, cafes, nightlife and fun street art. One coffee shop stands out among the rest due to its delicious offerings and unique atmosphere. Coat Check Coffee is located in the historic Athenaeum building also housing the local German American organizations. You should definitely try the pistachio mocha- it is like drinking a delicious pastry.

Also on Massachusetts Avenue, you will find the Burnside Inn. While Coat Check will get your day started on the right note, Burnside will end it in a similarly wonderful fashion. A cozy little bar smashed between larger counterparts serving delicious cocktails. Often hosting karaoke and trivia nights with a fun atmosphere.

It is understandable why you would visit Indianapolis for all of its fun athletic events, but be sure to experience some of the culture, parks and atmosphere before or after the big game.

Going Wild for Beautiful Galway

Galway is the fourth biggest city in the Republic of Ireland and the largest city located on the West coast of the country. The city is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way one of the world’s longest coastal routes and near some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the country. And while Dublin is a wonderful diverse international city, Galway is the true heart of the island that has kept all of the Irish tradition, hospitality and culture. It is a place where you will hear locals speak Gaelic or as it is often called here Irish. In recent years the city has gained international acclaim for the food seen and the picturesque scenery in and around the city.

The center of Galway is littered with pubs, restaurants, cafes, artists and adorable small hotels. The main drag is located on Quay Street which is the home of some of the most famous establishments in town. The street is immediately recognizable by the numerous small national flags hanging over the cobblestone walkway. To start off your day stop at the Coffeewerk + Press and enjoy a delicious American style mocha while shopping and enjoying the street art. One of the stores on Quay Street is the Thomas Dillons Claddagh Gold Jewelers which includes the Claddagh Museum featuring the world’s smallest Claddagh ring. In fact the popular ring was invented in Galway a few centuries ago and was named after the small fishing village on the west end of Galway named the Claddagh. Across from the Claddagh is the Long Walk a not so long stretch of riverside path lined with colorful houses that are responsible for the most iconic images of Galway. On the West end of the walk are the Spanish Arch, the Galway City Museum and the Hall of Red Earl. The Spanish Arch is the last remaining part of the city’s outer walls and it protected the fish market where most of the trade in the region took place. Immediately next to the arch is the City Museum which is free and a great place to spend the rainy part of a day. The museum explores the history of the city and the impact of Galway on the Irish Revolution. The Hall of Red Earl located behind the Museum on Druid Lane is a 13th century archeological location discovered a few years ago. The Hall was Galway’s first municipal building. Due to this history and the unique local character Galway has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2020.

At lunch make time to visit Ard Bia at Nimmos next to the Spanish Arch in a historic building on the coast. Its one of the many upscale restaurants which have gained Galway international culinary acclaim. Two restaurants, Loam and Aniar, have even earned Michelin Stars for the quality of their cuisine. However make sure to make a reservation for any of the famous restaurants because they fill up quick and walk-ins are rarely accepted. Following your delicious lunch head towards the Galway Cathedral which is one of the largest buildings in the city. The cathedral is primarily constructed from stone and interestingly contains an art piece of former United States president John F. Kennedy. Finally at the end of a clear warm day take a walk on the Salthill Promenade a two kilometer beach area which has views of Galway and the famous Aran Islands. After walking the entire promenade it is tradition to kick the wall at the far end of the beach.

At night get some dinner at The Dough Bros offering arguably the best pizza in Ireland. The atmosphere is fun and hip with numerous craft brews available as well. Definitely try the special dips with your leftover crust. Follow up your dinner with some Irish ice cream at Murphy’s. They have unique flavors like Brown Bread and Dingle Salt as well as some flavors that have a little alcohol to get your night going on a good note. At this point you will probably be ready to visit one of the most noticeable and iconic pubs in the city. The blue and yellow façade of Tigh Neachtain will catch your eye as soon as you walk by. The cozy atmosphere inside is a great place to get some pints with friends to end an eventful day.

Galway is full of culture, history and dining but its location is another reason that you should find time to spend a few days there. The city has a number of Ireland’s biggest attractions nearby and provides for some amazing day trips in almost every direction you decide to wander. To the south are the Cliffs of Moher. The most famous natural wonder on the isle. Nearby is also the Burren National Park which has unique rock formations and landscape. If you decide to go northwest you will find yourself in Connemara National Park, a place described by Oscar Wilde as “in every way magnificent”. At the edge of the park you can visit the most picturesque mansion you will ever see. Kylemore Abbey and its gardens make for a great venue for a picnic or a formal event. And if you prefer to take a day trip but to avoid the hassle of driving take a boat to the Aran Islands famous for their ancient ruins and their very warm sweaters.

I will suggest when planning your trip in Ireland to leave a few flexible days. Because once you stop in Galway you will find it very hard to leave. And when you finally do you will have Galway on your mind for the rest of your trip.