Bern, Switzerland: 15 Best Things to See and Do in 2026

TL;DRBern, Switzerland’s federal capital since 1848, is packed with things to do, and this guide narrows it down to fifteen highlights. Top of the list are the medieval Zytglogge clock tower, the Gothic Münster cathedral with its 344-step tower climb, and a swim in the turquoise Aare river at the free Marzilibad lido. Set aside at least two days, ideally three if you want to fit in a trip to Lake Blausee, about forty minutes away. June to September is best for swimming and festivals, while November and December bring the famous Zibelemärit onion market and the Christmas market on Münsterplatz. One big perk: guests staying at an official hotel get a free Bern Ticket, covering unlimited travel on the city’s public transport, including the Marzilibahn and Gurtenbahn funiculars.

Switzerland is a country full of surprises, and one of the biggest ones concerns its very capital. De iure, Switzerland actually has no capital city at all, even though Bern has served as the so-called federal city since 1848. The government and parliament are based here, and the whole of Bern, Switzerland has this peculiar ability to slow you down within the first ten minutes — and you won’t mind one bit.

Unlike bustling Zurich or business-minded Geneva, locals here really know how to savour life to the fullest. The medieval lanes listed by UNESCO flow seamlessly into kilometres of picturesque arcades, hiding cosy little cafés and luxury boutiques beneath them. The ever-present turquoise River Aare adds an incredible charm to the place, and in summer it turns into one enormous natural swimming pool.

So what’s in store for you? Fifteen tips on the very best Bern has to offer — from the medieval clock tower to swimming in the river, plus a genius trick for riding public transport for free. And also where to stay so it makes sense for your wallet, too.

TL;DR

  • Free transport: With every official overnight stay you get a Bern Ticket for free travel on city public transport, including selected funiculars.
  • Best views: For the perfect photo, head to the Rosengarten flower garden or climb the 344 steps up the tower of the Gothic Münster cathedral.
  • River swimming: A beloved local summer tradition is drifting along the current of the clean River Aare and relaxing at the free Marzilibad area.
  • History and science: Don’t miss a tour of the medieval Zytglogge clock tower and visit the old flat where Albert Einstein dreamed up his theory of relativity.
  • Local food: Try the Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant ZOE or the legendary self-service paradise tibits near the station.

When to visit Bern

Bern works wonderfully all year round, but depending on when you arrive you’ll experience a completely different city. If you love warm weather and want to taste a proper Swiss summer, go between June and September. These are the months when the swimming season in the River Aare is in full swing, every outdoor terrace is packed, and in July a big music festival takes place on the Gurten hill.

Spring and autumn, on the other hand, are ideal for a more relaxed exploration of the sights without big crowds. Traditional farmers’ markets run all year, but autumn has one huge draw in the form of the famous onion market, Zibelemärit. It always takes place on the fourth Monday in November, which in 2026 falls on 23 November, and it’s an utterly quirky folk festival.

Winter then brings a magical Advent atmosphere. Bern’s Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Switzerland, with the main one on Münsterplatz running from late November all the way to Christmas Eve. In the winter months you should expect the occasional fog and temperatures around freezing, but the historic arcades will reliably shield you from rain and snow.

Where to stay in Bern

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We love searching for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation policies. Tickets, trips and activities are then worth comparing and booking through GetYourGuide.

Choosing the right hotel in Bern will save you a lot of money and hassle. The city has a wonderful rule whereby every guest staying in an official establishment gets a so-called Bern Ticket for free. This app lets you use all public transport in zones 100 and 101 free of charge, including the journey from Belp airport and rides on selected funiculars. You’ll get this perk at all the hotels listed below.

If you’re after pure luxury for a special occasion, book a room at the five-star Bellevue Palace. It’s the official residence for guests of the Swiss government, with a gorgeous terrace and views of the Alps. Another excellent premium choice is the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern, located right opposite the main station and offering a fantastic rooftop spa.

For solid mid-range, I recommend the Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz, a dependable Swiss classic right next to the parliament building. The Hotel Goldener Schlüssel also has enormous charm — it’s the oldest hotel in the city, just a few steps from the famous clock tower. A great location at a reasonable price is guaranteed here.

Travellers on a smaller budget will appreciate Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke, which offers affordable accommodation right in the heart of the old town. If you’re looking for a quieter, budget-friendly base, check out Hotel Marthahaus, a very pleasant and inexpensive guesthouse in a quiet neighbourhood across the river. You can comfortably browse and book all of these places on the popular Booking portal.

Where to eat well in Bern

Finding great food in Switzerland is no problem, but Bern also has an utterly unique culinary scene that will please both lovers of traditional Alpine cuisine and those after modern plant-based fare. Whether you fancy a cheese fondue or you’re craving something lighter after a full day of sightseeing, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

For lovers of Swiss classics, here’s one great tip straight away. If you’re planning to try a classic Swiss cheese fondue, you don’t need any meat for it and the experience will be tremendous. Traditional fondue is done beautifully in Bern at Restaurant Lötschberg, where you can even sit inside a retired cable-car cabin. Excellent traditional Swiss rösti is then served at the Altes Tramdepot brewery, which you’ll find right next to the bear park in an old tram shed. They even brew their own beer there, which always hits the spot after a long afternoon.

At the same time, Bern is a huge paradise for vegetarians. A complete safe bet and a real legend is the self-service restaurant tibits on Bahnhofplatz. It’s been running since 2003 and offers a vast buffet with dozens of fresh meat-free dishes that you pile onto your plate and simply pay for by total weight. If, on the other hand, you’re after an exceptional gastronomic experience, definitely visit the restaurant ZOE on Münstergasse. This is vegetarian fine dining boasting not only a classic Michelin star but also the green one for outstanding sustainability.

And a little tip for a sweet finish: if you want to taste the renowned Swiss chocolate, stop by Confiserie Tschirren on the Kramgasse lane. This family chocolaterie has been running since 1919 and their champagne-flavoured truffles are utterly famous all over the country.

15 best things to see and do in Bern

So, what’s really worth doing in Bern? Here are my fifteen tips, roughly ordered by location so you don’t have to crisscross the whole city unnecessarily.

1. The UNESCO-listed old town

Bern’s historic centre got its UNESCO stamp back in 1983 — and honestly, once you walk through it, that comes as no surprise. The entire old town has kept its original medieval layout from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries. Most of the buildings are made of the typical greenish sandstone, which gives the lanes a completely unique and unified character.

A huge advantage is the fact that most of the old town is a car-free pedestrian zone. You can stroll calmly over the old cobbles, admire the historic towers and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. This entire peninsula is wrapped on three sides by the River Aare, so whichever way you head, you’ll eventually reach some beautiful bridge with a view over the water.

💡 Tip: Definitely bring comfortable flat-soled shoes for the centre. The historic cobbles look lovely in photos, but a full day of walking in heels would turn into a fair bit of suffering here.

2. The Lauben and shopping under the arcades

One of Bern’s most iconic features are the so-called Lauben. These are an incredible six kilometres of covered historic arcades, thanks to which Bern holds the title of the longest covered shopping promenade in all of Europe. It’s an absolutely genius piece of architecture, because even when it’s pouring with rain or snowing outside, you can still stroll from one shop to the next in the dry.

Under these arcades you’ll find everything from small family boutiques to luxury brands. A great Bern speciality are also the original vaulted cellars called Kellergewölbe. These spaces below street level originally served as goods stores, since back then valuable commodities needed protecting from the weather and from fires. Today they house very stylish bars, independent theatres and cosy cafés, reached down steep wooden stairs.

3. The Zytglogge and a clock-tower tour

The Zytglogge clock tower once served as the main western gate to the city and today it’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Switzerland. Since its founding in the twelfth century the structure has gone through many changes, survived a devastating fire in 1405, and gradually lost its defensive function as the city expanded further west. Today its most important part is the beautiful astronomical dial and figure mechanism from 1530. Around four minutes before every full hour a crowd gathers in front of the tower to watch the mechanical figures spring into motion.

The view from the outside is lovely, but the real magic is hidden inside. You can only get in on an official guided tour, which lasts about an hour and takes you right up to the historic machinery itself. You’ll see the massive cogwheels in action and learn fascinating details about how time was measured in the Middle Ages.

This tour is hugely popular with visitors and at weekends it’s often sold out. You can arrange tickets through the official tourist centre, or simply book the tour online. The GetYourGuide portal works great for this, with various ticket options to choose from.

💡 Tip: The price for a tour of the clock tower’s interior is around 25 CHF (about £22), but I’d recommend checking the exact figures on the bern.com tourist board website before you travel.

4. The Münster cathedral and the tallest tower

Bern’s Münster is a stunning late-Gothic cathedral whose construction began as early as 1421. Building took place in several phases and lasted more than a hundred and fifty years before the main nave was completely finished. The architects were clearly inspired by French cathedrals, which shows in the buttress system and the richly decorated stained-glass windows. Right at the main entrance you’ll be wowed by the massive portal depicting the Last Judgement, made up of over two hundred and thirty intricately crafted sculptures and figures. Entry to the cathedral’s main nave is completely free for all visitors.

The main draw, however, is the climb up the church tower, which at 100.6 metres is the tallest in all of Switzerland. There’s no lift, so you’ll have to honestly tackle the 344 stone steps. Your reward will be an absolutely fantastic panoramic view of the red roofs of the old town and, in the distance, the snowy peaks of the Bernese Alps.

The admission for the viewing platform is very reasonable. Adults pay 6 CHF (around £5), students get in for 4 CHF and children up to sixteen pay just 3 CHF. No advance booking is needed — you simply buy tickets at the entrance before you start the climb.

💡 Tip: The tower actually has two viewing platforms. Most people stop at the first one after about 250 steps, but I definitely recommend gathering your strength and going all the way up to the second one, where there’s far more room for photos.

5. The Bundeshaus and a parliament tour

Since Bern is the political centre of the whole of Switzerland, you can’t miss the Federal Palace, which locals call the Bundeshaus. This imposing building with its green domes was completed at the start of the twentieth century, and more than thirty Swiss artists and craftsmen worked on its decoration, tasked with representing the wealth of the entire country. The dominant complex offers free guided tours for the public. They run in several languages including English, last sixty minutes, and take place from Tuesday to Saturday outside parliamentary sessions.

Interest in these tours is enormous and capacity for a single slot is limited to just thirty places. You have to book online up to 180 days in advance on the official website of the Swiss parliament. Don’t forget to bring a valid passport or ID card, as there’s a fairly strict security check at the entrance.

In front of the building stretches Bundesplatz, famous for its water feature. Exactly 26 water fountains spurt from the paving, symbolising the individual Swiss cantons. On hot summer days the square turns into one big playground where local children dash gleefully between the jets of water.

💡 Tip: If you don’t manage to snag a spot for the interior tour, walk around behind the parliament building. There’s a spacious terrace there with a gorgeous view of the River Aare and the luxury Bellevue Palace hotel.

6. BärenPark with live bears

The bear has been a proud symbol of Bern ever since its founding. According to an old legend, Duke Berchtold V named his new city after the first animal he hunted in the local forests. Bears have been kept in the city for many centuries, but in 2009 a brand-new, modern BärenPark was created for them on a steep slope right above the River Aare.

This spacious natural enclosure adjoins the original historic bear pit and gives the bears plenty of room for bathing, climbing and resting. The whole area is completely free and open round the clock all year long. The paths around the enclosure are also fully accessible, so you can easily get here with a pushchair too.

You’ll get the best view of the playing bears from the nearby Nydeggbrücke bridge. Feel free to stop here for a good while and watch the animals catch fish in their private little pool or rest in the shade of the big trees.

💡 Tip: From the bear park there’s a very pleasant trail running right along the bank of the River Aare, which leads you back to the centre from a completely different perspective. It’s a great shortcut for a peaceful walk.

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Lukáš and Lucie recommend
Where to stay in Bern
6 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

7. The Rosengarten for the perfect photo

When you head about ten minutes up the steep hill from the bear park, you’ll reach one of the most beautiful spots in all of Bern. The Rosengarten is a sprawling flower garden that requires no admission and is freely open to the wider public. You’ll find over two hundred different rose varieties here, spreading an incredible fragrance all around.

The main reason everyone heads here, though, is the absolutely iconic panoramic view of the old town. It’s from here that you’ll see that famous loop of the River Aare hugging the historic centre tightly on three sides. The tower of the Münster cathedral rises proudly above the red roofs of the houses, creating an utterly perfect composition for your photos.

The garden also includes a very pleasant restaurant of the same name with a large outdoor terrace. You can have a coffee here and gaze at the city below — you won’t find a better view with a coffee in hand anywhere in Bern.

💡 Tip: The walk up to the Rosengarten is short but fairly steep. If you’d rather not go on foot, you can take bus number 10, which carries you from the centre straight to the main entrance of the garden.

8. Swimming in the River Aare and Marzilibad

If you visit Bern in summer, you’ll witness an absolutely unique sight that is even listed among Switzerland’s living traditions. On hot days locals throw themselves into the turquoise waters of the River Aare and let the fairly strong current carry them across the city. They often bring waterproof bags called Aarebooli, in which they carry dry clothes and valuables.

The centre of this summer fun is the city pool Marzilibad, which lies right beneath the parliament building. And now the best part – entry to this enormous area is completely free. You’ll find a fifty-metre swimming pool, paddling pools for children and ten thousand square metres of lawns for perfect relaxation. The season runs roughly from mid-May to mid-September.

Swimming in the river is a huge experience, but it demands great respect. The water has a really strong pull and is only suitable for very strong swimmers. Before entering the water, always study the exit points marked with red poles and ladders, and never get into the river under the influence of alcohol.

💡 Tip: You can reach the Marzili district from the city centre on the Marzilibahn funicular. It’s only 105 metres long, which makes it the shortest public funicular in Europe, and with your Bern Ticket you ride it for free.

9. Einsteinhaus on Kramgasse

Few people know that one of the most important physics theories in human history was born right in the historic lanes of Bern. Albert Einstein lived with his wife Mileva from 1903 to 1905 in a flat at Kramgasse 49. Einstein lived fairly modestly here, because the monthly rent at the time wasn’t exactly low and his job at the patent office gave the family the stable income it needed. It was during his time here that the so-called miracle year of 1905 arrived, when he worked out his famous special theory of relativity.

Today this unassuming house under the arcades is home to a small but immensely captivating museum. Admission for adults is 7 CHF (about £6), students and seniors pay two francs less, and children up to fifteen pay 4 CHF. The flat is furnished with period furniture and faithfully evokes the atmosphere of the early twentieth century. The building has survived the centuries almost unchanged, so climbing the old stairs really does make you feel as if you’re back at the start of the twentieth century.

You’ll see Einstein’s desk, historic photographs and family documents. The space isn’t large, so half an hour is plenty for a visit; it’s open every day from ten to five.

💡 Tip: If Einstein’s life fascinates you and you want to learn more about his scientific work, also visit the more extensive Einstein Museum, which is part of the Bern Historical Museum on the other side of the river.

10. Zentrum Paul Klee

On the eastern edge of the city you’ll find an architectural gem that no lover of modern art should miss. Zentrum Paul Klee was designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano and the building takes the form of three giant steel waves that blend seamlessly into the surrounding rolling landscape. Even just the view from outside is a tremendous experience.

Inside is hidden the largest collection of works by the painter Paul Klee in the world. This famous native of the Bern area left behind an enormous quantity of paintings, drawings and sketches, which the museum rotates regularly in themed exhibitions. Admission to the gallery costs an adult 20 CHF (around £18).

Families with children will be pleased that on Sundays children and young people up to sixteen get into the gallery completely free. The museum is also very easy to reach from the city centre on bus number 12, and if you arrive by public transport you get a ten percent discount on admission at the ticket desk.

💡 Tip: Always check the current opening hours and the programme of ongoing exhibitions in advance on the official website of the Zentrum Paul Klee, so an unexpected change doesn’t catch you out.

11. Kunstmuseum Bern and the old masters

Speaking of fine art, we mustn’t forget the Kunstmuseum Bern. It’s the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection, numbering more than fifty thousand works of art. You’ll find everything here from medieval Gothic to works by Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Hodler or the very same Paul Klee.

The museum sits in a beautiful historic building a stone’s throw from the main station, and if you get caught in the rain in Bern, this is exactly the right place to head. A basic adult ticket costs 24 CHF (about £21), seniors pay 20 CHF and students get a reduced entry for 12 CHF. The good news is that children up to sixteen get in free all year round.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and on Tuesdays it stays open until eight in the evening, which is handy if you want to head outdoors during the day and save the culture for the afternoon.

💡 Tip: The collection really is massive and a detailed visit can easily take you three hours. Pick up a plan at the entrance and focus only on the artistic periods that genuinely interest you most.

12. Fountains with allegorical figures

As you stroll through Bern’s old town you’ll soon notice a huge number of historic fountains. In total there are around a hundred of them across the city, but the most attention is drawn by the eleven Renaissance column fountains with colourful allegorical figures. Most of them were created in the mid-sixteenth century by the sculptor Hans Gieng and today they give the lanes a unique character.

An absolute one-of-a-kind that sends a chill down your spine is the Kindlifresserbrunnen on Kornhausplatz. Its name translates as “child eater”, and the statue depicts a terrifying ogre stuffing a crying little child into his mouth, while he has more children ready in his pocket. Exactly why this bizarre statue was created remains a bit of a historical mystery, but be sure not to miss photographing it.

Other famous fountains include, for example, the Zähringerbrunnen with a bear in full armour or the Mosesbrunnen with the figure of Moses. A huge advantage for all travellers is the fact that the water in all of Bern’s fountains is drinkable and perfectly clean.

💡 Tip: Don’t buy overpriced bottled water in the supermarkets. Bring your own bottle from home and refill it throughout the day straight from the historic fountains, completely free.

13. Gurten hill and views over the city

Every proper Swiss city has its own hill, and for Bern it’s clearly Gurten, rising to 858 metres above sea level. City residents love coming here for sport, picnics or simply for an afternoon coffee with the family. A regular funicular called the Gurtenbahn runs to the top, departing from the Wabern district roughly every fifteen minutes.

A return ticket on the funicular normally costs an adult 12.60 CHF (around £11). But here comes the huge bonus of your accommodation – if you have a valid Bern Ticket, the ride up Gurten is included and you pay nothing at all. The funicular runs from seven in the morning, and the last descent leaves at half past eleven at night from Monday to Saturday.

At the top awaits a spacious green park with a wooden lookout tower, a large children’s playground and a fantastic view over the whole city on one side and the snowy Alpine peaks on the other. In winter there’s even a small toboggan slope here.

💡 Tip: In mid-July the Gurtenfestival is regularly held on this hill. It’s one of the biggest and most popular open-air music festivals in Switzerland, so if you’re planning a summer trip, expect it to be very lively here.

14. Markets and the famous Zibelemärit

Bern lives for its markets, and it would be a real shame to come and miss them all. The traditional farmers’ markets take place all year round every Tuesday and Saturday on Bärenplatz and the adjoining Münstergasse. You’ll find stalls with fresh vegetables, fragrant local cheeses, artisan bread and a flood of colourful flowers.

A genuine phenomenon, though, is the autumn onion market called Zibelemärit. It takes place only once a year, always on the fourth Monday in November. In 2026 the date falls on 23 November, and believe me, you won’t experience an atmosphere like it anywhere else. The market begins as early as four in the morning, when the city fills with stalls selling artistically braided onion plaits and garlic wreaths.

During this day confetti is thrown about the streets, the scent of hot mulled wine (Glühwein) is everywhere and people pin onion badges to their coats. It’s one of the city’s oldest folk festivals and the locals throw themselves into it with enormous enthusiasm.

💡 Tip: During the Zibelemärit festival, expect the city centre to be extremely crowded. If you want to enjoy the atmosphere and admire the beautifully crafted onion wreaths in peace, head out ideally before six in the morning.

15. Christmas markets full of magic

If you plan your trip to Bern for the Advent season, a true winter fairy tale awaits you. The historic backdrop of the old town gives the Christmas markets an incredibly romantic touch. You’ll find the main and most beautiful market on Münsterplatz, right in the shadow of the mighty cathedral. In 2026 it will run from 28 November all the way to Christmas Eve.

This market focuses above all on traditional Swiss crafts. You can buy hand-carved wooden toys, beautiful ceramics, woollen jumpers and plenty of original gifts. The ever-present scent of roasted almonds, cinnamon and baked chestnuts will quickly put you in the right Christmas mood.

The second major market is located on Waisenhausplatz and begins a day earlier, on 27 November 2026. This market even runs after Christmas until 3 January 2027, which is great news for those heading to Switzerland over the New Year. The range here is a touch more ordinary, but thanks to the festive lighting the atmosphere is still gorgeous.

💡 Tip: Before you head to the markets, take a look at the bernerweihnachtsmarkt.ch website, where you’ll find exact opening hours for individual days of the week, as they can vary slightly at weekends.

Where to go next from Bern

Bern has a strategic location in the very heart of the country, so it works as an ideal base for further exploring. Around the city you’ll find stunning nature, and from here you can easily reach every corner of Switzerland by train.

  • Fairy-tale Blausee: This beautifully blue little lake in the middle of the Kandergrund nature park is about forty minutes from Bern by train and bus. Admission varies by day of the week, but a ride in a glass-bottomed boat, described on the nature park website, is definitely worth it.
  • Glacial Oeschinensee: A breathtaking high-mountain lake listed by UNESCO. From Bern you can reach Kandersteg by train in an hour. The cable car will cost you roughly 36 to 40 CHF depending on the season. Watch out for a new rule for 2026, when the popular Berner Oberland Pass no longer applies to this cable car.
  • Switzerland holiday: where to go, what to see and when : read our comprehensive guide to the whole country.
  • Lucerne: 14 things to see : discover another gorgeous city with a wooden bridge and a beautiful lake.
  • Zermatt and the Matterhorn: what to see and do : head south to Europe’s most famous mountain.
  • Zurich: what to see and do : explore Switzerland’s financial capital full of modern art.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip and still have a few practical little things nagging at you? You’re not alone. I’ve gathered the answers to the most common questions that come up around a visit to Bern.

From the tricky business of its capital-city status to the real safety of that famous swimming in the River Aare. Here you have everything important clearly in one place, so you can set off with a completely clear head.

Is Bern the capital of Switzerland?

From a legal perspective, no, because Switzerland has no official capital city according to its constitution. However, since 1848, Bern has functioned as the so-called “Bundesstadt” or federal city, where the government and parliament are located. It was chosen as a political compromise to prevent all power from being concentrated in wealthy Zurich.

How many days should you set aside for a visit?

200000

You can comfortably explore the main historical sights in the old town in one very packed day. However, two days are ideal so you have time for museums, a trip to Gurten, and swimming in the river. Three days will then allow you to take a fantastic excursion to Lake Blausee.

Can you really swim safely in the Aare River?

Yes, during the summer months this is the most popular local activity and even an official Swiss “living tradition”. However, the water has a strong current, so swimming is only suitable for confident swimmers. Make sure to check out the exit points beforehand and if needed, use the freely accessible pools in the Marzilibad area.

What exactly does the Bern Ticket include?

It’s a tourist card that you get for free with every official accommodation in the city. It allows you to use all public transport in zones 100 and 101 free of charge throughout your stay. It’s also valid for trips to Belp Airport and for rides on the Marzilibahn and Gurtenbahn funiculars.

How long does the trip from Zurich take?

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The train connection is incredibly fast and convenient. The fastest direct trains cover the route from Zurich to Bern in just 56 minutes, and there are roughly ninety connections running daily. Plus, the station is located right on the edge of the old town, so you can head straight out to explore the sights.
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Where can you get a good meat-free meal in the center?

Bern has an amazing vegetarian scene. A sure bet is the self-service chain tibits right by the station, which has been operating here since 2003 and offers a huge buffet. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, book a table at restaurant ZOE, which boasts a Michelin star for its meat-free menu.

Is a trip to Bern worth it even in winter?

Definitely yes. While you’ll miss out on swimming in the river, the city offers beautiful Christmas markets at Münsterplatz and Waisenhausplatz. Plus, in November there’s the unique onion market Zibelemärit. You’ll be reliably protected from bad weather by six kilometers of historic arcades called Lauben.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

How to Save on Car Rental: 15 Tips for Cheaper Car Hire in 2026

TL;DRYou can save serious money on car hire by combining three tricks: book through a comparison site (DiscoverCars, for instance, covers over 160 countries and 50,000 pick-up locations), sort your own excess insurance in advance rather than getting stung at the counter, and skip airport pick-up, which typically adds 10 to 30% to the price. There are 15 practical tips here, including picking the car up in town instead of at the airport, going for the “full-to-full” fuel policy, using your own offline maps instead of paying $15 a day for GPS, and photographing the car at both pick-up and drop-off. If you’re driving on a UK licence, make sure you’ve got a physical credit card in the main driver’s name and separate excess insurance sorted, since standard travel insurance usually won’t cover damage to a hired car. In Iceland, bear in mind that standard cover won’t pay out for damage from gravel, sand or volcanic ash either.

There we were, Lukáš and I, standing at the rental desk at Keflavík airport, a classic Nordic autumn gale howling outside, and the chap behind the counter giving us a sympathetic look. It was autumn 2018 and we were just collecting a little black Suzuki SUV for our two-week loop around Iceland. Within five minutes, the rental agent had laid out a list of potential disasters, from doors ripped off in the wind to a wrecked chassis, and offered us insurance that cost almost as much as the rental itself. That moment taught us everything we now know about saving on car rental.

At that point I felt a strange mix of pure excitement about the road trip ahead and mild panic about our travel budget. That was when it really hit me that with a rental car you can save money, but you can also lose a fortune. And the worst thing you can possibly do is sort all this out exhausted after a flight, right there at the desk, where you’re holding the short end of the stick.

Since then, Lukáš and I have hired cars in plenty of other countries and we’ve gradually fine-tuned our whole process. 😁 We started relying on comparison sites, specifically our favourite DiscoverCars.com, which has made our lives so much easier. If you’re sitting at home right now, planning a trip and Googling how to save on car rental or how to hire a car cheaply, pour yourself a glass of wine and read on. I’ll give you 15 specific, tried-and-tested tips that mean no rental company will ever catch you out again.

TL;DR

  • Always book through a comparison site: The same car from the same company costs different amounts on different websites — we use the DiscoverCars aggregator.
  • Sort out insurance in advance: Never buy overpriced insurance at the desk — get excess (CDW top-up) cover online.
  • Book early with free cancellation: Keep an eye on prices and if they drop, cancel the booking and make a new one.
  • Pick up away from the airport: Airport surcharges can bump the price up by tens of percent.
  • Pay with the right card: You need a physical credit card in the main driver’s name.
  • Watch the fuel policy: Always choose “full-to-full” so you don’t pay for overpriced petrol.
  • Decline pointless add-ons: Your own phone with an offline map beats an expensive rental GPS.
  • Photograph everything: When you collect and return the car, take detailed photos and video — it’s your only defence.

Why a comparison site matters (and what DiscoverCars is)

You might think the best move is to go straight to the source and book directly on a specific rental company’s website. Logic suggests that cutting out the middleman gives you the lowest price. In the real world of car rental, though, it works completely differently and the same car on the same dates has a totally different price tag across different platforms. Big booking systems have wholesale rates negotiated with the rental companies — rates you simply can’t reach as an ordinary punter walking in off the street.

1. Compare across a comparison site, not on a single rental company’s site

When you open up a comparison site, within seconds it scans the huge multinational brands like Hertz, Avis or Sixt, as well as smaller local firms you’d otherwise never even hear of. You get an instant overview of the market in one place. Local companies often have far friendlier prices, and thanks to the reviews on the comparison site you can immediately see whether they can be trusted. The platforms themselves quote savings of tens of percent, and from our experience that easily adds up to hundreds of pounds saved on a single holiday.

2. Why we bet on DiscoverCars

When I’m planning a car for our next trip, my first move is automatically over to DiscoverCars.com. It’s not a rental company itself, but an independent aggregator that, according to SimilarWeb data (2026), is the most-visited standalone car rental comparison site in the world. It covers over 160 countries, an incredible 50,000 pick-up locations and connects more than a thousand providers. For us, though, the most important thing is how easy it is to use.

I really like that the whole site works in English and shows prices straight in pounds, so I don’t have to faff about converting exchange rates. On top of that there’s 24/7 support and free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, which gives you huge freedom. On Trustpilot it holds a 4.6 out of 5 from more than a quarter of a million reviews, which is a small miracle in this industry. I won’t claim they’re always the absolute cheapest down to the last penny, but the overall combination of clarity, good reviews and great-value insurance makes them our clear choice.

When and where to pick up the car so you pay less

Choosing the right car is only the beginning. How far in advance and where you collect the keys has a massive impact on the final price too. The rules of the game keep changing, and what was true five years ago may not work today. Whoever plays around with dates and pick-up location saves the most, and a bit of smart planning can easily put a few extra pounds back in your budget for some good dinners.

3. Book early, but with free cancellation (and watch the price)

Opinions on the ideal booking window vary, and even the experts at NerdWallet have different data on the best time. My personal approach is to book the car as early as possible, the moment I know my flight dates, but always on condition of free cancellation. Then roughly every few weeks I make a coffee, sit down at the computer and check current prices. If a cheaper offer pops up, I simply cancel the original booking and make a new one — a perfectly legal, common trick that genuinely pays off. There are even services like AutoSlash that track price drops for you and let you know automatically.

4. Pick up the car away from the airport

It’s terribly tempting to land, walk a few metres into the hall with your suitcase and drive straight off. The trouble is, airports charge so-called concession fees for this luxury, typically adding 10 to 30% to the rental price. On longer road trips it often pays to hop on a bus or train into the city centre and pick up the car from a downtown branch instead. For a family on a weekend getaway it doesn’t make sense — you’ll lose time and pay for public transport — but on a two-week trip you’ll really notice the difference.

5. Play with the rental length (a week is often cheaper than five days)

This sounds completely illogical, but booking systems often work with weekend or weekly packages. So you get the bizarre situation where the system charges a lower amount for a weekly rate than for five individual daily rates added together. If you need a car for five and a half days, try entering a full seven days into the search. You’ll be surprised that a longer period can occasionally generate a lower total price — you just hand the car back a bit earlier.

6. Take the smallest category (and let them offer you a free upgrade)

When the two of us travel, we always go for the smallest car category available. Not only is it the cheapest option for the rental itself, but a small car also uses less fuel and is far easier to park in the narrow lanes of historic towns. There’s one nice thing that happens, especially in peak summer season: rental companies often run out of the smallest cars, and in that case they have to give you a free upgrade to a higher class. It’s not guaranteed, of course, but it’s a lovely bonus.

Insurance: where you’ll save (or lose) the most

We’ve arrived at the single most important point of this whole article. Insurance is exactly the area where a cheap car for a few quid turns into a nightmare costing thousands. The key is understanding the difference between basic insurance (CDW), which is usually already included in the price, and the so-called excess. The excess on an accident can easily be £900 to £1,800 or more, and the rental company will place a deposit (a hold) for this amount on your card. If you scratch the car, the company simply deducts the relevant sum from that blocked deposit.

7. Never buy excess insurance at the desk

Get yourself insured in advance, because insurance at the desk tends to be hugely overpriced. The agents earn commission on it, and for rental companies it’s one of the main ways to make money on you through upselling. As even the UK regulator the CMA warns, desk tactics can be very aggressive. They’ll insist that without their insurance you’re risking enormous debts. Don’t let yourself be manipulated by fear — breathe deeply and decline with a smile if you already have your own cover.

8. Get your own excess insurance in advance (Full Coverage)

Here’s an important point for us travellers from the UK. Standard UK travel insurance usually won’t cover damage to a hire car, and most UK credit cards don’t offer excess cover automatically the way some US cards do. That’s why standalone excess insurance is essentially a necessity, not a luxury. We handle this by always adding “Full Coverage” directly through the comparison site.

This insurance, when you book through DiscoverCars, tends to be far cheaper than the desk version, costing only around £8 a day. MoneySavingExpert has long advised buying excess insurance separately, because at the desk you’ll pay several times over for the same cover. The great thing about it is that it covers the excess for both accidents and theft, and on top of that it includes the things basic insurance excludes — glass, tyres, chassis, roof, mirrors, lost keys and towing. It works as a reimbursement. At the desk they’ll still place the deposit and, in the event of damage, you pay the rental company first, but DiscoverCars refunds you the money once you submit the documents, with claims processed within 28 days.

9. Pay with a credit card in the main driver’s name

It sounds trivial, but I’ve seen more than one traveller in tears because of it. To pick up the car you need a physical credit card issued in exactly the name of the main driver on the booking. A debit card will often be refused at the desk with a smile, or they’ll block an absurdly high amount for an absurdly long time. Prepaid cards like Revolut usually aren’t accepted at all. And one extra tip: when paying or having a hold placed at the terminal, always choose the local currency, never pounds, otherwise you’ll fall victim to so-called dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and the exchange rate will cost you dearly.

Hidden car hire fees to watch out for

Rental companies are masters at dreaming up all sorts of surcharges. If you’re not careful, that originally tempting price will balloon before your eyes, easily by a third or more. Some fees are easy to avoid, others you just have to grit your teeth and accept, but it’s good to know about them in advance so you can work out the real cost. I’ve put together a little table of the most common ones.

ItemTypical extra costOur tip
Airport surcharge10–30% of the pricePick up the car in the city instead
Full-to-empty fuelHidden margin per litre of fuelAlways insist on full-to-full
GPS navigation~£12 / dayUse your own phone with an offline map
Child seat£8–12 / dayAirlines often carry yours for free
Second driver£9–13 / dayIf you don’t need to swap, just one of you drives
Young driver (under 25)£5–35 / dayCan’t be avoided — budget for it
Driver 70+Various surcharges / restrictionsCheck the rules of the specific country
Motorway vignetteDepends on country (e.g. Austria €12.40)Better to buy it yourself at the border
Cross-border travel£35–55 one-offAlways declare it in advance and request permission

10. Fuel: always “full-to-full”

The fairest way to handle fuel is the full-tank-on-pick-up, full-tank-on-return system. Some rental companies will try to lure you into a prepaid fuel option (full-to-empty), where you pay for a whole tank up front and return the car empty. It sounds convenient, but any fuel you don’t use isn’t refunded, and especially in the US the rental company’s refuelling rate tends to be several times higher than at a normal petrol station. Fill up yourself and keep the receipt from the last station carefully.

11. Decline GPS, child seats and other add-ons (bring your own)

At the desk they’ll cheerfully offer you sat-nav for around £12 a day. In the age of smartphones, that’s money thrown away for nothing. Lukáš and I always download offline maps to our phones at home and they get us absolutely everywhere. The same goes for a child seat, which costs another £8 to £12 a day, when plenty of airlines let you check in your own child car seat completely free.

12. Watch out for driver fees (young, 70+, second driver)

If you’re under 25, be prepared to pay a young driver surcharge, which in Europe commonly runs at £5 to £35 a day. It can be similar for drivers over 70, and in countries like Greece or Portugal there are even upper age limits. Another popular trap is charging for a second driver. Never let anyone drive who isn’t explicitly named on the agreement, because in the event of an accident your insurance would instantly be void and you’d be paying for the damage entirely out of your own pocket.

13. Sort out vignettes and cross-border travel yourself

When you hire a car registered in the country you’re in, it usually already has the local motorway vignette. But if you’re heading to a neighbouring country, it’s better to buy the vignette yourself once you’re across the border. In Austria, for example, a ten-day one costs around €12.40, which is incomparably cheaper than an add-on package from the rental company. And watch out for the border crossing itself. In some places you’ll pay a fee — in the Balkans even £35 to £55 — but most importantly you must declare that you’re leaving the country and have written permission. Without it you risk seriously hefty penalties.

On our Iceland road trip we ran into one more huge quirk you won’t experience many other places. Standard insurance there doesn’t cover damage from gravel and flying stones on unpaved roads, and certainly not damage caused by sand or volcanic ash. These are arranged separately, and trips into the interior involving river crossings are often strictly forbidden in many cars.

How to fight a bill for damage you didn’t cause

I keep coming across this on travel forums. Loads of people discover after their holiday that they’ve been billed for damage they had no idea about, or they feel they paid for something that was on the car long before they got it. Surveys back this up: being charged for damage you didn’t cause is far from a rarity. The best defence is to be meticulous and behave a little like a detective.

14. Photograph and film the car at pick-up and return

This is your absolute number one defence in any potential dispute, and Lukáš and I take it deadly seriously. Before we drive off the rental car park, I get out my phone and film a smooth video all around the car. I take detailed photos of scratches, the chassis, wheels and glass, including the number plate and ideally the rental company sign in the background. I also photograph the fuel gauge and odometer reading.

When returning the car, I repeat the whole process. Some big rental companies are even rolling out AI scanners these days, which you drive the car through on return and they automatically flag any new marks. But if you spot a defect at pick-up, don’t be lazy about going back to the desk and insist that every scratch is noted in the printed handover report. Back up your photos to the cloud straight away, too, because a damage dispute can land a good month after you’ve returned home.

15. Read reviews of the specific supplier, not just the price

When comparing offers, don’t be dazzled by just that big bold price glowing at the top. On comparison sites you can see each rental company’s customer rating too. We personally steer clear of suppliers with a low rating, even if they’re offering the car for half the price. As a rule, budget brands tend to have far more complaints about fake damage and rude staff than established firms. Those few pounds saved simply aren’t worth the stress on holiday.

Where to go next

If Iceland tempts you as much as it does us, take a look at these two more articles. In one I describe driving and hiring a car on the island itself, and the other will advise you when to actually go. You’ll also find plenty more of our itineraries and road trips on the blog:

Frequently asked questions

Is DiscoverCars Worth It?

From our personal experience, it’s absolutely worth it. The system works by searching offers from both large and small rental companies and finds you options that would otherwise be hard to click through to. We like to compare prices on DiscoverCars.com because it saves us time, the website is in Czech, and we often come across much better prices than when searching directly.

Is DiscoverCars safe and trustworthy?

Definitely yes, on Trustpilot they have 4.6 out of 5 from more than a quarter of a million real reviews. On top of that, they offer 24/7 support and free cancellation up to 48 hours before picking up the car, which works reliably and without any hidden catches.

When is it cheapest to book a car?

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The best strategy is to book your car as soon as you have your flights booked, but make sure you have free cancellation. Then keep monitoring the price developments. If you come across a lower rate, simply cancel your original reservation and make a new one for a better price.
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Do I need excess insurance as a Czech?

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Yes, this is quite specific for us. Our standard Czech travel insurance typically doesn’t cover damage to rental vehicles, and Czech credit cards usually don’t offer this benefit either. Separate excess insurance is thus the only way to avoid losing a high deposit in case of an accident or scratch.
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Is a debit card enough to rent a car?

In most cases, a regular debit card won’t be enough. Rental companies require a classic physical credit card issued in the name of the main driver, on which they’ll block a deposit, which is usually around a thousand dollars, approximately €920. With a debit card, you risk that they won’t give you the car at all or they’ll force you to buy the most expensive insurance possible at the counter.

What is full-to-full fuel?

It’s the fairest fuel policy. It means you pick up the car with a full tank and return it to the rental company with a full tank as well. This way, you only pay for the petrol or diesel you actually used on your trips, and you avoid hidden margins and refueling handling fees.

How to defend against fake damage claims?

The key is to take photos and videos. When picking up the car, make a detailed record from all sides, don’t skip the roof, wheels and windows. Every time, photograph the fuel gauge and mileage. Anything that seems off to you, have it immediately recorded by the rental company employee in the paper handover protocol. Do the same when returning.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

Nomad eSIM Review: Why Choose This Travel eSIM Provider?

TL;DRNomad eSIM is a virtual data SIM covering more than 190 countries, with prices from $3.50 per 1 GB, easy QR code activation, and a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot (28,000+ reviews). It’s a solid pick if you’re heading to Asia, the US or Europe and want cheap, fast connectivity (5G/LTE averaging 75 Mbps) without needing a physical SIM or calling — voice only works in the US, Canada and the UK. Nomad offers regional bundles (Europe covering 36 countries, global plans spanning 81–113 countries) and frequent discounts of up to 50%, though the app is English only and loyalty points expire after 6 months. For round-the-clock support or hotspot use, users rate Nomad as one of the most reliable options out there.

If you’re planning a trip abroad and want to stay online without the hassle of hunting down local SIM cards, the Nomad travel eSIM could be exactly what you’re looking for. This provider has quickly earned travellers’ trust thanks to its simple setup, reliable connection and competitive prices. In this review, we’ll look at everything Nomad eSIM offers and whether it’s worth a try.

  • What is Nomad eSIM: A virtual SIM card for internet abroad with no physical card required
  • Coverage: More than 190 countries, with regional and global packages
  • Prices: From $3.50 per 1 GB, often with discounts of up to 50%
  • Installation: Easy activation via QR code in just a few minutes
  • Speed: 5G/LTE connection with an average speed of 75 Mbps
  • Support: 24/7 live chat in English, response within 24 hours
  • Pros: Low prices, easy to use, hotspot capability, frequent deals
  • Cons: Data only (no calls/SMS), app in English only, points expire after 6 months
  • Rating: 4.5/5 on Trustpilot (28,000+ reviews)
  • Best for: Travellers to Asia, the USA and Europe looking for cheap data

Read also: Maya Mobile eSIM Review

What is Nomad eSIM and how does it work?

Nomad is a virtual eSIM provider that has been around since 2020. There’s no physical SIM card required – you simply buy a data package online, scan a QR code, and within a few minutes you can be connected to the internet in more than 190 countries around the world.

The whole process is designed to be as simple as possible. After buying a package you receive a QR code, which you scan in your phone’s settings. The eSIM activates automatically once you land in your destination country, or manually via the app depending on the type of package. There’s no complicated setup needed – your phone connects to the local network on its own.

Who is Nomad eSIM for?

Nomad eSIM will appeal above all to:

  • digital nomads and frequent travellers who need a reliable connection across different countries,
  • tourists who don’t want to deal with physical SIM cards in every country,
  • business travellers who need to stay online for emails, video calls and work apps,
  • anyone who wants to save on expensive roaming outside the EU.

Thanks to its wide range of packages and a straightforward app, even those who have never used an eSIM before will get on just fine with Nomad.

Coverage and availability

Nomad offers coverage in more than 190 countries and regions. Alongside individual countries, you can also choose regional packages – for example for Europe (36 countries), Asia, North America or the Middle East. There are also global plans that work in 81 to 113 countries, making this one of the best eSIM options for international travel.

A big advantage is that both the website and the app show you not only the list of supported countries, but also which mobile network you’ll connect to and what speed you can expect (5G or 4G/LTE).

Data packages and prices

Nomad offers data packages ranging from 1 GB up to 50 GB, and in selected countries even unlimited data. Most packages are valid for 7 to 30 days, with the occasional annual plan available too.

Example prices:

  • USA: 1 GB for 7 days at around $4
  • Europe (36 countries): 5 GB for 30 days at around $12
  • Thailand: 1 GB for 7 days at $3.50
  • Global package (81 countries): 20 GB for 365 days at $32

Prices are generally very competitive, especially for Asia, North America and Australia. On top of that, Nomad frequently offers discounts of up to 50%, which you can see right on the homepage or in the app.

TIP: With some packages you can top up extra data on an eSIM you’ve already installed, which also extends its validity without having to reinstall anything.

You might also like: Holafly eSIM

Nomad eSIM pros and cons

Wondering what drawbacks the Nomad eSIM has?

✅ Pros

  • Easy setup: Activation via QR code takes just a few minutes.
  • Clear app: Works on both iOS and Android, and makes it easy to track data usage.
  • Competitive prices: Often cheaper than other providers such as Airalo.
  • Hotspot support: You can share your internet with other devices.
  • Fast connection: 5G and LTE in many destinations, with average speeds of around 75 Mbps.
  • Wide range: A big choice of packages for individual countries and regions.
  • Frequent discounts: Bonus deals with up to 50% off.

❌ Cons

  • Data only: Nomad eSIM doesn’t provide a phone number for calls and SMS (with the exception of the USA, Canada and the UK).
  • App in English only: This can be trickier for those who aren’t confident in English.
  • Limited regional plans: Some areas, such as the Balkans, are missing from the European package.
  • Loyalty points expire: Credits you collect are only valid for 6 months.
  • Activation time limit: You must activate the eSIM within 30 days of purchase.
  • Weaker coverage in rural areas: The network can be less stable in more remote spots.

User experiences

Nomad has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on more than 28,000 reviews. Users most often praise:

  • Easy installation and quick activation after landing.
  • A reliable connection in Europe, the USA, Asia and other destinations.
  • Good internet speeds (5G where available).
  • Reasonable prices compared with the competition.
  • Fast customer support (typically within 24 hours).

Occasional negative comments include dropouts in more remote areas or technical issues during installation, though customer support usually resolved these quickly.

Reviews on Trustpilot, the App Store and travel forums reveal these recurring patterns:

What people praise:

  • Fast activation – the eSIM kicks in within a few minutes of landing.
  • A clear app with high ratings in the app stores.
  • A stable connection in developed countries thanks to strong partner operators.
  • Good value for money on larger packages and less aggressive throttling.

What they complain about:

  • A weaker connection in some countries (Japan comes up repeatedly), depending on the local operator.
  • Inaccurate usage tracking – the data meter sometimes “freezes”.
  • Slower problem-solving from support (friendly in tone, but resolution takes time).
  • Strict refund conditions and impractical top-ups on some plans.

💡 Tip: People recommend Nomad mainly for working online and hotspot use, where stability is valued. For low-key or budget trips, cheaper competitors are often mentioned.

Customer support

Nomad eSIM offers 24/7 live chat, where a chatbot answers you first. If it can’t solve your problem, it passes the request to a real agent. Responses tend to be quick – within a few minutes during working hours, and within a few hours outside them. Support communicates in English, which may be a limitation for some.

Loyalty programme

Nomad eSIM has a loyalty points system, where you earn credits for completing your profile (50 points = $0.50) or referring a friend (500 points = $5). For purchases you receive cashback in the form of additional points.

Heads-up: The points you collect expire after 6 months, which can be a downside for those who don’t travel often.

Travel eSIM comparison with the competition

For a quick overview, we’ve put Nomad side by side with its most common rivals. This is a rough comparison – prices vary by destination and current deals.

ServiceCoverageData typePrice from (approx.)HotspotUK-based support
Nomad200+ countriesData packages (no unlimited)~$3.50/GBYes❌ No
Airalo200+ countriesData packages~€3.50/GBYes❌ No
Holafly200+ countriesMainly unlimited dataHigher (unlimited)Limited❌ No
Saily (NordVPN)200+ countriesData packages~$3.99/GBYes✅ English app
lk-sim.com (ours)200+ countriesData packagesfrom €3Yes✅ Yes
A rough comparison of eSIM providers. Always check current prices in the relevant app.

Compared with other providers such as Airalo, Holafly or Saily:

  • Price: Nomad eSIM often works out cheaper, especially when you make use of the discounts.
  • Speed: Comparable to, or better than, the competition.
  • App: Clear and intuitive, similar to Airalo’s.
  • Coverage: Slightly smaller than Airalo’s, but still very wide.
  • Regional packages: A more limited offering than some competitors.

TIP: Yesim eSIM Review

How to get started with Nomad eSIM?

  1. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+ and others).
  2. Choose a package: Pick your country and a suitable data plan on the website or in the app.
  3. Pay: By card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
  4. Install the eSIM: Scan the QR code or enter the details manually.
  5. Activate: Usually automatically once you arrive in your destination country.

Final verdict

Nomad eSIM is a reliable and affordable way to stay online while travelling. You’ll especially appreciate its simple operation, wide coverage and frequent discount deals. While it has a few small drawbacks, such as the English-only app or time-limited loyalty points, overall it’s a quality service we’re happy to recommend.

Who Nomad is ideal for: Travellers heading to Asia, North America or Europe who are looking for fast data at a reasonable price.

When to choose a different service: If you need a phone number for calls, longer-term packages or more comprehensive regional coverage.

Prices, coverage and conditions for eSIM services change frequently. The figures in this article are approximate and were verified in June 2026 – always check the current offer directly in the provider’s app before buying.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nomad eSIM?

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Nomad eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to connect to the internet abroad without needing to change your physical SIM card. It works as a digital alternative to a classic SIM and is activated by simply scanning a QR code.
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Is Nomad eSIM a trustworthy provider?

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Yes, Nomad is legitimate and reliable, founded in 2020 by LotusFlare. It has a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot with over 28,000 reviews and is one of the most popular eSIM providers for travelers.
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Which countries does Nomad eSIM work in?

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Nomad offers coverage in more than 190 countries and regions worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Australia and the Middle East. Local, regional and global packages are available.
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How is Nomad eSIM activated?

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Most packages activate automatically upon arrival in the destination country as soon as your phone connects to the local network. Some packages require manual activation in the Nomad app. Validity begins from the moment of activation.
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Can I make phone calls and send text messages with Nomad eSIM?

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Nomad eSIM is primarily designed for data connection. Voice calls and SMS are not supported in most countries. The exceptions are the USA, Canada, and Great Britain, where packages including SMS are available.
“`

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

Scotland Holiday: 30 Best Places to Visit in 2026

TL;DRA 2025 Scotland trip has 30 tips covering Edinburgh and Glasgow, the wild Highlands with Glencoe and Ben Nevis, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the 830-kilometre NC500 route north. May and September are the best months, with pleasant weather and fewer midges biting; 5 to 7 days covers Edinburgh and a taste of the countryside, while a proper road trip needs 10 to 14 days. From 2 April 2025, UK visitors need an electronic UK ETA costing £20. Key spots include Luskentyre beach in the Outer Hebrides, Eilean Donan Castle, the Glenfinnan Viaduct with the Jacobite Steam Train, and the neolithic sites on Orkney.

Scotland is exactly the kind of destination that looks absolutely unbelievable in photos, but the moment you start digging deeper, you realise reality is even a touch more dramatic. A land of rugged Highlands, deep lochs and ancient castles, it draws travellers from all over the world, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. You’ll find everything here, from vibrant cities with an amazing food scene to deserted islands where your only company is sheep and seagulls.

If you’re thinking of heading up to the north of the United Kingdom, I have to flag one crucial thing right at the start, and that’s the weather. Be prepared to experience all four seasons in a single day, so a good waterproof jacket will become your best friend. Always keep a jumper, a t-shirt and ideally a warmer layer on hand, because the weather changes from one minute to the next. Your reward, though, will be views of mist-shrouded mountains and valleys that inspired the makers of films like Harry Potter and James Bond.

So I’ve put together a neat 30 tips on what to see and do, from Edinburgh through the wild Highlands all the way to the northernmost tips where the wind howls and the air smells of the sea. I’ll also throw in advice on how to survive the midges, how to cope with driving on the left, and where to stay so you don’t end up sleeping in a ditch.

TL;DR

  • Entry requirement: Since 2 April 2025, EU and many other nationals need a UK ETA electronic travel authorisation to enter the UK; it costs £16 and you apply online via the official app.
  • When to go: The best months are May and September, when the weather is pleasant and you’ll dodge the worst of the dreaded midges.
  • Getting around: To explore the Highlands and the islands, hiring a car is practically essential — just remember you drive on the left and rural areas have narrow single-track roads.
  • How long to stay: The minimum for Edinburgh plus a slice of nature is 5 to 7 days, but for a proper road trip set aside ideally 10 to 14 days.
  • Book accommodation early: The Isle of Skye and the NC500 route in particular tend to sell out in summer half a year to a year in advance.
  • Tickets in advance: Seats on the famous Jacobite Steam Train or Loch Ness cruises are worth booking well ahead, easily through GetYourGuide.

When to Visit Scotland and How to Survive the Midges

The weather up north is unpredictable all year round, but if you want the best shot at fine days, the best months to travel are May and September. By then the days are pleasantly long, there are slightly fewer tourists than during the school holidays, and crucially you’ll dodge the worst onslaught of annoying insects. In summer, temperatures do climb to a comfortable 20 degrees and there’s daylight for a good 17 hours a day around late June, but the price you pay is full car parks and ever-present midges 😅.

Those tiny biting flies, the so-called midges, are a nightmare for many travellers. Their season starts in late May and runs into early September, with the absolute peak in July and August, mainly along the west coast and on the islands. They attack most at dawn and dusk, they love damp, still conditions, but fortunately they don’t fly at all once the wind picks up to more than 10 kilometres an hour.

If you travel in summer, you definitely won’t manage without a good local repellent. Standard sprays from home simply don’t work on them, so grab a bottle of Smidge as soon as you arrive, or go for the legendary local tip — Avon Skin So Soft body oil. If you plan to camp or spend most of your time outdoors near the lochs, consider buying a special head net too. It might sound a bit over the top, but pack some light, long-sleeved clothing just in case, because once you live through your first proper midge attack, you’ll be unbelievably grateful for that protection.

How to Get There and Getting Around

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK, getting to Scotland couldn’t be simpler. Direct flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow run from cities like London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham with airlines such as British Airways, easyJet and Jet2, and from London the hop takes barely 90 minutes. Outside peak season you can grab return fares from as little as £40 to £90 if you keep an eye on a search engine like Kiwi.com. A handy trick is to book a so-called open-jaw ticket, flying into one city and out of the other, since they’re only about an hour apart by train. If you’d rather go by rail, the LNER and Avanti West Coast trains from London reach Edinburgh and Glasgow in around 4.5 to 5 hours.

You absolutely don’t need a car for getting around the cities, but for exploring the Highlands, the islands and remote beaches, hiring a car is practically essential. The easiest way is to compare all the rental deals and pick the car up right at the airport.

Rental prices for a smaller car hover around £16 to £25 a day, but bear in mind you drive on the left and petrol comes to roughly £1.59 a litre. Out in the countryside you’ll also hit so-called single-track roads, narrow lanes for one car with passing places, where it’s good manners to give way and always thank the other driver with a wave ☺️. Remember that passing places are strictly for letting vehicles past — never use them to park or to take photos of the scenery.

If you don’t fancy driving on the left, you can make use of Scotland’s rather decent ScotRail network, which will carry you through some of the most beautiful scenery. To reach the islands you’ll take the reliable CalMac ferries, though it’s essential to book a car space well in advance. Cheaper Citylink buses run between the cities too, you just need to accept the journey takes noticeably longer.

Key Update: The Mandatory UK ETA

If you’re a UK resident travelling within Britain, this section won’t apply to you, but it’s worth knowing if you’re inviting friends or family from abroad. Since 2 April 2025, a new requirement applies to all EU citizens and many other nationalities. To enter the United Kingdom, a valid passport is no longer enough — they must arrange an electronic travel authorisation called the UK ETA in advance. It’s not a classic visa, more of a security registration that you may already know from the United States or Canada.

The authorisation costs a fee of £16 and is valid for a full two years, or until the passport expires. During that time the holder can travel to Britain repeatedly, with each visit not exceeding six months. Apply ideally at least three working days before departure, and only through the official UK ETA app or on the gov.uk website.

Be very wary of the various scam sites that try to charge much higher amounts for so-called “processing”. The only correct place is the official UK government website or app. Every single traveller must hold the authorisation, including small children and infants, so don’t forget about this when planning a family trip. Approval itself usually comes through within a few minutes.

Where to Stay in Scotland

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We love searching for places to stay on Booking.com, where the cancellation terms tend to be the best. For tickets, tours and activities, it’s worth comparing and booking through GetYourGuide.

The country is too vast to tour from a single hotel, so you’ll need to split your accommodation into several logical legs. I strongly recommend not leaving bookings to the last minute, because popular regions like the Isle of Skye, Glencoe valley or the NC500 route tend to sell out in the summer months half a year ahead. Book through Booking with free cancellation if you can, so you’ve got a back door if plans change.

If you head for the popular Isle of Skye, the harbour town of Portree makes a great base for day trips. For couples after gorgeous views, the Victorian The Cuillin Hills Hotel is ideal, while sauna and pretty-garden lovers will appreciate the more upmarket The Marmalade Hotel. If you’d rather sleep inland near the mountains, a legendary Highland base with its own brewery is the historic Sligachan Hotel.

In the dramatic Glencoe valley and around Fort William, you can treat yourself to real luxury at the special Glencoe House, which offers huge suites with breathtaking views. Another excellent choice is The Lime Tree in Fort William, home to an award-winning restaurant and gallery, or the conveniently located Highland Home, just a short hop from the famous steam train.

On the iconic Loch Lomond, a pampering night at Cameron House is on offer for special occasions — a vast Gothic mansion right on the shore with its own spa and golf course. Near Inverness you can try the traditional Loch Ness Country House Hotel, and if you set off on the northern NC500 loop, bag a room at the lovely The Castle Hotel in Dornoch or the intimate Mackay’s Rooms in the far north at Durness.

What to Eat in Scotland (Vegetarians Included)

Scottish cuisine doesn’t do much PR for itself and, honestly, at first glance it doesn’t look all that tempting. But then you tuck into a proper haggis with tatties and neeps and suddenly you understand how people survive the winter here. The absolute staple is, of course, the famous haggis — sheep’s offal cooked with oats inside a stomach lining — but if you don’t eat meat, there’s no need to despair. Vegetarian haggis is completely standard here, you can buy it in an ordinary supermarket, and restaurants serve it with traditional mashed neeps and tatties.

Glasgow is even often dubbed the vegan capital of all Britain, so plant-based food lovers are in for a treat here. Definitely try the cult vegan bar attached to a record shop, Mono, the brilliant gastropub Stereo, or the celebrated bistro Picnic. In Edinburgh, don’t miss the legendary Henderson’s, the more upscale David Bann, or the cosy Harmonium in the Leith district.

Among the classic specialities that contain meat or fish, menus often feature the smoked-fish soup Cullen skink, prized Scottish salmon or Aberdeen Angus steaks. On the meat-free sweet side, treats you can happily indulge in include shortbread butter biscuits, the unbelievably sweet confection tablet, or the traditional dessert cranachan, which blends cream, oats, raspberries and a good slug of whisky. And don’t forget to wash it all down with the luridly orange soft drink Irn-Bru 😁.

Cities and the Lowlands: 6 Tips on What to See and Do

Let’s take a look together at the southern part of the country, home to the biggest cities and plenty of historic sites. This area is ideal for those travelling without a car, because you can move between the various spots quickly and effortlessly by comfortable trains. The Lowlands are also generally friendlier when it comes to weather, and you’ll only run into pesky midges as a rare exception.

1. Edinburgh: the Capital Steeped in History

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, and its historic centre with the castle rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the famous Royal Mile, which links the majestic Edinburgh Castle with the royal palace, and don’t miss the hike up the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, where you’ll have the whole city laid out at your feet. Be sure to take a quick detour to photogenic Victoria Street, whose colourful shop fronts selling wizarding souvenirs reportedly inspired J. K. Rowling when she created the famous Diagon Alley.

💡 Tip: If you come in August, the city buzzes with the enormous Fringe festival, but expect accommodation to vanish at lightning speed. Definitely buy castle tickets online in advance. You’ll find more details in our article Edinburgh: 31 Tips on What to See and Do.

2. Glasgow: UNESCO City of Music and Design

Scotland’s biggest city has a completely different vibe from historic Edinburgh — far more industrial, and it boasts the title of UNESCO City of Music with more than 130 gigs a week. The famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born here, and you’ll spot his influence on many buildings, although the renowned Glasgow School of Art is sadly still under reconstruction after a devastating fire.

Don’t miss a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the most-visited British museum outside London, with free entry. Inside this imposing Victorian building you’ll find, among other things, an original painting by Salvador Dalí. You can also visit the transport-themed Riverside Museum or the historic sailing ship Glenlee free of charge. In the evening I recommend dropping by the King Tut’s club, where the band Oasis signed their deal, or simply wandering the streets — the city is also easy to explore on the local subway.

3. Stirling: Key Castles and Battlefields

Stirling is often nicknamed the “gateway to the Highlands”, and some of the most important battles in Scottish history played out here, including William Wallace’s famous victory in 1297. The landmark is the gorgeous Stirling Castle. A ticket costs £18.50, £11 for children, and in summer it opens at 9:30. But for the money, it’s genuinely worth it.

Another big highlight is the National Wallace Monument, a tall tower on a hill that you reach by climbing 246 steps. Entry costs £12.20 and on a clear day you can spot a full seven historic battlefields from the top. If you’re keen on history in depth, stop by the modern visitor centre at the Bannockburn battlefield too, where £11 buys you an interactive 3D recreation of the famous battle.

4. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Just beyond Glasgow lies Scotland’s first national park, founded in 2002, home to Loch Lomond, the largest loch by surface area in all of Britain. Entry to the whole national park is completely free; you only pay for any activities, such as the sightseeing cruises from the town of Balloch or a ride on a historic steamer on neighbouring Loch Katrine.

You can get here from Glasgow on a direct train to Balloch station in under 50 minutes, so you don’t even need your own car. 💡 Tip: If you enjoy hiking, definitely climb Conic Hill above the little village of Balmaha. The walk takes about two to three hours there and back and rewards you with possibly the best panoramic views of the entire loch, dotted with little islands.

5. The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel

Just off the route between Edinburgh and Glasgow you’ll find two utterly unique modern structures that are well worth a quick stop. The Kelpies are two enormous, 30-metre-high steel horse heads that represent mythical water spirits and are the largest equine sculptures in the world. The Helix Park where they stand is free to enter; the only paid bit is a tour inside the sculptures for £8.50.

Just a few kilometres away sits the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift in the world, elegantly connecting two canals with an enormous difference in height. You can walk around the site for free, but if you want to experience the rotation itself aboard a boat, a ticket for the roughly hour-long ride costs £17.95. Both spots are at their most photogenic in the early evening, when they’re beautifully lit.

6. St Andrews: the Home of Golf and a University

The picturesque university town on the coast of the Fife bay is world-famous as the absolute home of golf. A round on the legendary Old Course costs £355 in peak season, but if you don’t play golf you can walk the course on a Sunday, when it’s closed to play and serves as a public park, completely free of charge — including the obligatory photo on the famous Swilcan Bridge.

Beyond golf, you’ll find Scotland’s oldest university, dating from 1413, where, incidentally, Prince William and Kate met, plus the ruins of St Andrews Castle with admission of £11. The castle sits right on a coastal cliff and conceals a unique historic mine tunnel you can even venture into. The lovely sandy West Sands beach, which you might recognise from the opening scene of the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, is also worth a walk. From Edinburgh you can reach St Andrews by train to Leuchars station and a short bus ride after, taking about an hour and a half.

Highlands and Lochs: 11 Tips for Nature Lovers

Here you enter a landscape where the roads hug the water for so long you stop counting the miles, and where every bend reveals a view that forces you to stop and just stare. In this part you’ll find it pretty hard to get around without a car, but in return you’ll experience the real, untamed Scottish wilderness you’ve been looking forward to all along.

7. Pitlochry and Perthshire

The little town of Pitlochry serves as a popular gateway to the central Highlands and sits in the wooded region of Perthshire, known in autumn as Big Tree Country. Be sure to stop at the Queen’s View lookout for the iconic vista over Loch Tummel, and take a short walk along the dramatic Killiecrankie gorge, the scene of yet another bloody battle in the past.

This area is also a great place for your first introduction to whisky-making, because right around Pitlochry you’ll find the traditional Blair Athol distillery and also Edradour, which boasts the title of one of the smallest distilleries in all of Scotland. The town is also beautifully accessible by train on the main route from Edinburgh heading north, so you can make a stop here even when travelling without a car.

8. Glencoe — the Most Dramatic Valley

If you only had time to see one single spot in Scotland, the Glencoe valley would be a hot favourite, because the sheer majesty of the mountains along the A82 road simply blows you away. The best-known scene is the massif called the Three Sisters, beneath which lurks a dark history, because it was right here, in 1692, that the infamous massacre of the MacDonald clan took place. The entire valley, meanwhile, is completely free to access.

For hiking lovers, the roughly four-kilometre trek to the so-called Hidden Valley, or Lost Valley, is an absolute must — it was once a hiding place for stolen cattle. Expect the walk to take about three hours, with occasional scrambling using your hands and a small river crossing along the way. 💡 Tip: Arrive as early in the morning as you can, and you’ll dodge not only the crowds but often also catch that gorgeous morning mist that gives the place its proper atmosphere.

9. Fort William and Climbing Ben Nevis

The town of Fort William sits on the shore of a sea loch and rightly claims the title of the UK’s outdoor capital, serving as the starting point for the famous long-distance West Highland Way. The main draw, though, is the highest mountain in the whole kingdom, the majestic Ben Nevis, which rises to 1,345 metres above sea level and attracts thousands of eager walkers every year.

The ascent follows the so-called Mountain Track, a roughly 16.5-kilometre round trip with 1,300 metres of elevation gain that will take you a solid 8 to 9 hours. It’s a physically very demanding route, with freezing temperatures and mist common at the summit even in midsummer, so mountain gear is an absolute necessity. Stick to the path religiously, because the summit plateau is trickier than it looks in poor visibility.

10. Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite Steam Train

Who doesn’t know the famous bridge the Hogwarts Express thunders across every year in the Harry Potter films? This 21-arch viaduct from 1901 spans the valley above Loch Shiel, and in summer the historic Jacobite steam train crosses it twice a day, running the route from Fort William to the port of Mallaig. From the viewpoint below the bridge you can photograph the whole spectacle completely free — you only pay £3.50 for parking.

If you want to ride the historic train itself, a standard return ticket costs £76, with first class at £116 and a child ticket at £43. Only return tickets are sold and, thanks to the enormous demand, booking is essential as much as 12 weeks ahead, because the train sells out at lightning speed. 💡 Tip: Ordinary ScotRail trains run the exact same route with identical views for a fraction of the price — you just won’t get that stylish puff of steam from the chimney 😅.

11. West Highland Line: the Most Beautiful Rail Journey

Since we’re on the subject of trains, the West Highland Line regularly ranks among the most beautiful railway lines in the entire world. This line begins in Glasgow and stretches across wild Rannoch Moor to the west coast, splitting at one point — one branch ends at the port of Oban, the other runs through the Glencoe valley and the Glenfinnan viaduct all the way to Mallaig.

It’s an absolutely fantastic alternative to hiring a car, letting you soak up the scenery without the stress of narrow lanes. The journey from Glasgow to coastal Mallaig takes about five and a half hours, and you can buy a ticket with ScotRail from £45.70, while the shorter option to Oban starts at £32.20. Along the way you can also feast your eyes on pristine nature that no road can reach.

12. Loch Ness and the Ruins of Urquhart Castle

Scotland’s most famous loch, Loch Ness, may not be the most beautiful, but it holds by far the most water of any British loch — up to 230 metres deep — and was, of course, made famous by the legend of the mythical monster Nessie. Right on the shore stands the romantic ruin of Urquhart Castle, where a ticket bought online costs £14, while on the day you’ll pay two pounds more.

A very popular way to see the loch is on a boat trip, with the best-known being the Jacobite Freedom cruise at £33, which includes two hours on the water and entry to the castle itself. If you’re interested in the history of hunting for the monster, the nearby town of Drumnadrochit hosts the modern Loch Ness Centre exhibition, with admission at £17, where a gripping multimedia tour walks you through the history of the searches and mysteries. You can even see the equipment scientists used to scan the loch bed. 💡 Tip: Arrive at the castle right at opening time, because from eleven o’clock the place fills with coach tours from Edinburgh.

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Where to Stay in Scotland
6 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

13. Inverness

Inverness sits at the northern end of Loch Ness and serves as the cultural and administrative centre of the whole Highlands region. It’s a perfect, surprisingly calm base for exploring northern Scotland, and also the official start and finish point of the famous NC500 route. The River Ness flows through the city and you’ll find plenty of pleasant cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops.

A big draw will be the newly refurbished Inverness Castle, whose huge interior exhibition reopens to travellers on 10 December 2025 after a multi-year break. The city also has excellent transport links with the rest of the country — a direct train from Edinburgh gets you here in about three and a half hours, and roughly three from Glasgow.

14. Culloden: a Battlefield Full of Emotion

Just beyond the edge of Inverness lies one of the most important and saddest places in Scottish history, the ominous Culloden moor. It was right here, in 1746, that the last battle on British soil took place, marking the definitive and bloody end of the entire Jacobite rising. For fans of the popular series Outlander, this place is an absolute must.

Today you’ll find a deeply atmospheric battlefield you can walk through, and a modern visitor centre run by the National Trust. The interactive exhibition tour helps you grasp the complex story of the clans and the politics of the time, while the place itself leaves you with a hard-to-describe but very powerful impression.

15. Cairngorms National Park and Wild Reindeer

While most tourists head for Loch Ness or the west coast, the enormous Cairngorms National Park offers a completely different type of landscape. It’s the largest national park in the entire United Kingdom, covering over 4,500 square kilometres, home to remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest and dozens of mountains topping three thousand feet, the so-called Munros.

The great news is that since 27 February 2025 the Cairngorm Funicular mountain railway is running again after a long closure, whisking you up to Britain’s highest restaurant at an altitude of 1,097 metres for £17.95. Don’t miss a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd either, the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the isles. A special expedition to see them costs £20, but you can’t book in advance, so you’ll need to arrive early enough in the morning.

16. The Speyside Malt Whisky Trail

Scotland and whisky go hand in hand, and the Moray Speyside region east of Inverness is home to more than half of all the working distilleries in the country. You’ll find here the only signposted distillery trail in the world, the so-called Malt Whisky Trail, which runs for around 100 kilometres and links nine unique sites rich in history and fragrant warehouses full of casks.

Among the best known is a tour of the family-run Glenfiddich distillery, where the basic tour costs £30, while the visitor centre with its exhibition is free. If you’re after luxury, you can pre-book a tour of the architecturally stunning The Macallan building, where prices hover around £250. 💡 Tip: If you’re driving, never get behind the wheel after a tasting — distilleries are prepared for this and will happily pack drivers a so-called “driver’s pack” with samples to take away for the evening.

17. Eilean Donan Castle: the Fairytale Castle from the Films

Travelling from central Scotland towards the Isle of Skye, about 15 minutes before the bridge you’ll hit a spot you simply can’t drive past. Eilean Donan is probably the castle you know from a thousand Pinterest photos, even if you don’t realise it. It sits on a tiny island in Loch Duich, linked to the mainland by a romantic stone bridge. It has starred in films like Highlander and the Bond film The World Is Not Enough.

Entry to the interior exhibitions costs £13 for an adult and tickets can only be bought on site, so there’s no online presale. If you want to save money and time, though, the most beautiful photos are taken from outside, from the shores of the loch — which is, of course, completely free. The best light tends to be at dusk, and at high tide the castle looks as though it’s floating right on the water.

Isle of Skye and Other Islands: 8 Day-Trip Tips

Scotland’s west coast is lined with hundreds of islands, some deserted, others offering the most iconic natural wonders in all of Europe. If you have the time, definitely build at least one of them into your itinerary. Just remember that apart from the Isle of Skye, reached by a free bridge, you have to hop between all the others by ferry, which tends to be very busy.

18. Isle of Skye: the Magical Old Man of Storr

The Isle of Skye is without doubt the biggest star among Scotland’s islands, and a visit is simply a sure bet. Its absolute landmark is the Old Man of Storr, a roughly 50-metre-high rock pinnacle rising on the Trotternish peninsula and watching over the surrounding area. You reach the island, by the way, across the Skye Bridge completely free, since the old toll was scrapped back in 2004.

The walk to the rock and back is just under 4 kilometres, and the climb, including photos, will take you about two to three hours, so brace yourself for fairly steep steps and elevation gain. The car park beneath the hill is paid, costing £6 for six hours, and in peak season it fills up by around 9:30 in the morning, so be sure to get up early so you don’t have to park kilometres away on a narrow verge.

19. Isle of Skye: Quiraing, Neist Point and Portree

A little north of the Storr you’ll find the Quiraing, a spectacular landslip full of needles, cliffs and hidden plateaus. The full loop is almost 7 kilometres, takes up to four hours and involves some light scrambling, so only set off here in genuinely good, clear weather. At the opposite, westernmost tip of the island sits Neist Point with its lighthouse from 1909, hands down the best spot for watching the sunset.

The ideal base for all these excursions is the picturesque harbour of Portree, with just under 2,300 residents, recognisable by the row of colourful houses lining the bay. You’ll find a large supermarket, a petrol station and plenty of great cafés where you can warm up nicely after a demanding day on the windswept cliffs.

20. Isle of Skye: Swimming in the Fairy Pools

If you don’t mind a bit of icy water, head to the south of the island beneath the majestic Cuillins into Glen Brittle. The Fairy Pools are cascades of gorgeous blue-green pools and little waterfalls on a mountain stream, practically begging you to take a wild swim, which is very popular here and completely free. The route from the car park to the pools is about 2.4 kilometres and it’s an easy walk suitable even for families with kids.

Parking at the Fairy Pools costs £6 for the whole day, and overall, to explore all the island’s wonders, set aside ideally two to three full days. The attractions are scattered at opposite ends of the island and getting around on the local single-track roads is fairly slow. If you’d rather not take the bridge, you can also reach the island by ferry from Mallaig to the port of Armadale for £13.25 per car, but booking is an absolute must.

21. Oban: the Bustling Gateway to the Islands

The town of Oban on the mainland serves as the main transport hub for those heading to the Hebrides, and the atmosphere here is incredibly lively. The town’s landmark is the curious circular structure McCaig’s Tower, which looks a little like Rome’s Colosseum and offers wonderful views over the whole bay. Be sure to stroll along the harbour and soak up that typical seafaring bustle.

From the harbour, the large yellow-and-black CalMac ferries sail daily, carrying tourists and locals alike to the surrounding islands. Oban is a great overnight stop if you’ve got an early-morning ferry ticket for the next day, and it’s also easily reached on the gorgeous West Highland Line directly from Glasgow.

22. Isle of Mull, Sacred Iona and the Cave on Staffa

This trio of so-called Inner Hebrides makes for a fantastic full-day trip from Oban that you can manage even without a car. Mull welcomes you with the colourful harbour of Tobermory and wild nature, while tiny Iona is the cradle of Scottish Christianity, home to the famous Iona Abbey with admission of £10. What’s more, ordinary tourists’ cars aren’t allowed on Iona at all, so a perfect calm reigns there.

The real jewel, though, is the uninhabited island of Staffa with its iconic Fingal’s Cave, formed by perfect hexagonal basalt columns that once inspired the composer Mendelssohn. Boat trips from the port of Fionnphort cost around £45 and the whole season runs from roughly April to the end of October. 💡 Tip: If you can, don’t plan your Staffa trip for the very last day of your holiday, because the boats are often cancelled at the last minute due to high waves.

23. The Outer Hebrides and Luskentyre Beach

If you long for total isolation and beaches that look Caribbean — until the water temperature quickly reminds you that you’re still in Britain — head for the Outer Hebrides. The twin island of Lewis and Harris offers completely unspoilt nature and is home to Luskentyre beach, which regularly ranks among the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white sand and turquoise water are free.

This area is also the origin of the famous protected woollen cloth Harris Tweed, which you’ll recognise by its Orb trademark, and where you can pick up the very finest souvenir. You can reach the Outer Hebrides by ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye or from Ullapool in the north, with the crossing taking from just under two to two and a half hours. A curiosity is the neighbouring island of Barra, home to the only commercial airport in the world where planes land directly on the beach.

24. Orkney: a Journey into the Neolithic

The Orkney archipelago at the very north of the country is a paradise for all lovers of ancient history, because you’ll find some of the oldest prehistoric monuments in all of Europe. The main draw is the UNESCO-listed group of sites known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which includes the five-thousand-year-old village of Skara Brae, older than the Egyptian pyramids, with an online ticket costing £14.

A huge bonus is that the famous stone circles Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness can be visited completely free and with no opening hours. From the mainland you can get here by ferry from Scrabster, or the cheaper option from Gills Bay, taking about an hour and a half. I recommend setting aside at least two days to explore the islands, and if you want perfect photos, head to the stone circles early in the morning at sunrise.

25. Isle of Arran: Scotland in Miniature

The Isle of Arran lies just off the west coast near Glasgow and is often nicknamed “Scotland in miniature”, because in a small area you’ll find absolutely everything. In the north rise rugged mountain peaks crowned by the highest summit, Goat Fell, while in the south you can stroll along quiet sandy beaches. It’s an ideal destination if you don’t have time to go all the way up to the far north but still want to experience an island vibe.

The main attractions include the beautiful Brodick Castle with its sprawling gardens and also the local Arran Distillery. Getting to the island is very easy — just travel to the port of Ardrossan (easily by direct train from Glasgow) and hop on the ferry, which carries you to the village of Brodick in under an hour.

The North Coast and NC500: 5 Tips for an Epic Road Trip

The northern edge of Britain was overlooked for a long time, but with the arrival of the NC500 route it has become a massive hit. This area is wild, windy, almost treeless and unbelievably beautiful. Definitely don’t head up here, though, unless you’ve got enough time, because rushing along the narrow lanes without stopping would be a tremendous shame.

26. NC500 (North Coast 500): the Scottish Route 66

The official tourist route named the North Coast 500 measures exactly 516 miles, around 830 kilometres, and runs around the entire northern coast. This loop starts and finishes in the city of Inverness and takes you through the most remote regions like Wester Ross, Assynt and Sutherland. You’ll see enormous cliffs, the deep sea cave of Smoo Cave and the northernmost point of the mainland, John o’ Groats.

If you want to drive the route at a truly relaxed pace, I recommend setting aside at least 5 to 7 full days and not trying to break any speed records. The best months for this expedition are April, May or September, when there are fewer campervans on the narrow roads and the biting midges give you a miss. Locals recommend driving the whole loop clockwise.

27. Bealach na Bà and Applecross

Right at the start of the NC500 route a genuine driving test awaits you, the mountain pass of Bealach na Bà. It’s the steepest road climb in all of Great Britain, rising from sea level to an altitude of 626 metres, via wild single-track hairpins that resemble Alpine roads more than British ones.

The road brings you to the remote Applecross peninsula, from where, on a clear day, there are gorgeous views all the way to the Isle of Skye. A stern warning applies to drivers of large motorhomes and caravans, for whom this road is officially not recommended, because they could easily get stuck in the sharp bends. If you want to enjoy the drive without the nerves, set off early in the morning before the convoy of other tourists hits the road.

28. Dunrobin Castle: a Fairytale on the East Coast

While most castles in Scotland feel fairly rugged and defensive, Dunrobin Castle in the Sutherland region looks as though it dropped in straight from France. This incredibly photogenic castle boasts hundreds of rooms, white turrets and gorgeous symmetrical gardens inspired by Versailles, which slope right down to the sea coast.

The castle sits right on the NC500 route and besides a stroll through the interiors, it offers fantastic summer falconry displays on the lawns. It’s a pleasant and very elegant stop before you plunge back into the wild, untamed nature of the north coast.

29. Dunnottar Castle and Dramatic Cliffs

If you travel along the east coast towards Aberdeen, definitely make a stop near the town of Stonehaven, home to one of the most striking ruins in the country. Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic fortress built on a rocky headland about 50 metres above the churning sea, where, incidentally, the Scottish crown jewels were hidden in the 17th century, and the castle also featured in the 1990 film Hamlet.

Entry to this private castle costs £13.50 and it’s open from April to the end of September, nine to six, but beware, in strong winds the site closes for safety reasons. From nearby Stonehaven you can walk here in about forty-five minutes along a gorgeous cliff path, from which, by the way, you’ll capture the best and most dramatic silhouette of the castle for your photos.

30. Aberdeen and Royal Balmoral in the Deeside Region

Scotland’s third-largest city, Aberdeen, is often called the “Granite City”, because most of its historic buildings are built from the typically grey stone that sparkles beautifully in the sun. Just outside the city begins the picturesque Royal Deeside valley, beloved by Queen Victoria and home to Balmoral Castle, which to this day serves as the summer residence of the British royal family and where Elizabeth II died in 2022.

The beautiful gardens are open to the public in season from 28 March to 9 August 2026, with admission at £18.50. An absolute novelty since last year are the limited tours of the castle’s interior rooms themselves, costing £110 per person, running in groups of no more than twelve people and selling out practically the moment they go on sale, so if you’re interested, you’ll have to be very quick.

Where to Go Next from Scotland

If you’re planning a wider trip around Great Britain and looking for inspiration for an exact schedule, definitely take a look at our detailed article Scotland Road Trip: a 7–10 Day Itinerary, where you’ll find the whole route laid out step by step. For the journey back south, I warmly recommend a stop in the capital, which the guide London: 56+ Tips on What to See and Do + Map will help you with.

And if you want to spend more time exploring the Scottish capital itself, which definitely deserves more than a single afternoon, you’ll uncover all the useful info and hidden corners in the article Edinburgh: 31 Tips on What to See and Do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your trip and still puzzling over a few practical things? Here I’ve gathered answers to the most common questions, which will definitely help you prepare for your Scottish adventure.

What is a UK ETA and will I need one?

Yes, from April 2, 2025, all EU citizens need an electronic travel authorization called UK ETA to enter the UK. The application costs £20 (approximately €23), is processed exclusively through the official app, and the authorization is valid for two years for multiple entries. You must apply at least three working days in advance, and the requirement applies to small children as well. It’s therefore worth sorting everything out well in advance, even a few weeks before your planned departure, to avoid unnecessary stress.

When is the best time to visit in terms of midges?

Midges are most active from late May to early September, with the absolute peak in July and August on the west coast and islands. If you want to avoid them while still having a chance of nice weather, May or September are ideal months. Buy Smidge repellent or Avon Skin So Soft oil as soon as you arrive.

Do I absolutely need a car for traveling around Scotland?

Do big cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and even places like Pitlochry or Inverness you can comfortably get by reliable trains. But if you want to explore the wild nature, remote islands like Skye or drive the northern NC500 route, renting your own car is practically essential.

Is driving on the left side challenging in Scotland?

The first few hours require great concentration and ideally a navigator in the passenger seat, but you’ll get used to it surprisingly quickly. In the countryside, a special feature are the so-called single-track roads, meaning single-lane roads with passing places, where the courtesy rule is to give way and say thank you. Never park in passing places and don’t leave your car there overnight. Local police fine this very strictly and, most importantly, you’ll be blocking the way for farmers with tractors and ambulances. And remember that right of way is handled a bit differently here – at roundabouts you always give way to vehicles already on the roundabout coming from the right.

Do I need to book attractions and accommodation in advance?

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During the main summer season, absolutely essential. Accommodation on the Isle of Skye or along the NC500 route tends to be sold out six to twelve months in advance. Similarly, tickets for the famous Jacobite steam train or cruises on Loch Ness disappear months ahead. I highly recommend buying popular tours online in advance and booking accommodation through Booking with free cancellation option.
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What to pack for the trip?

The key is layering. Even in the middle of summer, you’ll appreciate quality functional underwear, a fleece jacket, and especially a waterproof jacket and trousers. Better leave your umbrella at home, as it’ll be useless in the strong Scottish wind. Don’t forget sturdy, ideally ankle-high waterproof boots for nature hikes and a British-type plug adapter so you can charge all your devices.

What should vegetarians eat in Scotland?

You definitely won’t go hungry, because even in the smallest villages they cater for meat-free options. Traditional haggis is nowadays quite commonly made in a vegetarian version and you’ll find it on many menus. Moreover, the city of Glasgow is considered the vegan capital of Britain with establishments like Mono or Stereo.

Do I need euros in Scotland, or do I have to exchange money?

The pound is what you’ll need in Scotland, as British pounds (£) are the official currency. Scottish banks also print their own banknotes, which are valid throughout the United Kingdom, though they’re sometimes accepted rather reluctantly in England. Fortunately, these days you can pay for the vast majority of things from petrol to coffee without any problems using a payment card or Apple Pay.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

When to Visit Egypt? Weather and Sea Temperature Month by Month

TL;DRThe best months for swimming in Egypt are June to November, when the Red Sea stays above 26°C, peaking in August at 28–30°C (up to 30°C in Marsa Alam). For sightseeing at Luxor, the Valley of the Kings or Cairo, November to March is ideal, with air temperatures dropping to a manageable 22–26°C so the heat won’t ruin a full day out. April, plus the stretch from October to mid-November, strikes the best balance between warmth and comfortable sightseeing. The sea is coldest in February and March (around 21°C), while in winter the warmest water (23–24°C) is down south in Marsa Alam, as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh tend to be cooler and windier. Flights are cheapest in May, June and autumn outside public holidays, and priciest in July, August and over Christmas.

Picture that wonderful moment when, after just a few hours in the air, you step out at an Egyptian airport and that typical hot, dry air hits your face — the kind that simply smells like holiday. Egypt is honestly one of the few destinations worth visiting at literally any time of year, but it’s hugely important to know what to realistically expect from each month. While some people head here in August full of excitement for water that feels more like a warm broth in a bathtub, others happily escape the biting British winter in January to wander among the breathtaking ancient pyramids in peace and without the crazy crowds. And another traveller enjoys the absolutely perfect compromise in April, when it’s pleasantly warm — just right for lounging on the beach with a book and for full-day trips around the area.

Every season here has its own unmistakable charm, but you’ll also run into a few little pitfalls that the glossy holiday brochures conveniently forget to mention. The main rule is actually quite simple, and trust me, it’s well worth sticking to: summer and autumn are made for swimming, winter is absolutely ideal for relaxed history sightseeing and romantic desert wanders, while spring and autumn are probably the best possible compromise for the indecisive among us.

There are also major differences between the resorts themselves, something a lot of people forget in the excitement of booking. Especially in the winter months, the sea in the more southerly Marsa Alam is a few degrees warmer than in the more northern Hurghada, which you’ll really notice during a morning dip. In this little guide I’ll break down Egypt’s weather month by month, we’ll look at exact air and sea temperatures together, and I’ll happily advise you on the best time to go for the most beautiful snorkelling, when to visit the monuments, and when you’ll grab your dream holiday for the very best price.

TL;DR

  • Egypt works all year round: Warm sunshine and dry weather are a near-certainty here, because it really only rains very rarely, and even then mostly in the north near Cairo.
  • Peak swimming season: For proper swimming and long, fascinating snorkelling, the absolute best period is from June to November, when the sea is steadily above 26 degrees, with the water reaching its warmest in scorching August.
  • Time for the monuments: For relaxed sightseeing — Cairo, magical Luxor, or adventurous desert trips — it’s ideal to go from November to March, when the otherwise relentless heat won’t finish you off in the sun.
  • The golden middle ground: Probably the best overall weather comes in April and then from October to mid-November, when you’ll enjoy lovely warmth and beautifully heated water while still managing a few bearable trips.
  • Winter swimming: In winter the warmest sea is clearly in Marsa Alam (around 23 to 24 °C), while Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are noticeably cooler and unpleasantly windier.
  • Temperature extremes: The absolute hottest air awaits you in July and August (commonly 37 to 38 °C), the coldest in January (a still very pleasant 22 °C during the day).
  • What to watch out for: Definitely factor in the treacherous spring wind called khamsin, and also the jellyfish season, which runs roughly from mid-March to early June — so keep your eyes peeled.
  • When you’ll save: The most expensive times are, of course, the popular summer holidays and Christmas, while it’s cheapest in May, June and autumn outside public holidays, when you can snag genuinely lovely prices.

Egypt Weather Month by Month: 12 Faces of a Desert Paradise

The following detailed figures and temperatures apply primarily to well-known Hurghada, which serves as the main reference point for most British visitors. It’s worth remembering, though, that the slightly more southern Marsa Alam is generally a bit warmer and the water temperature there is especially higher in winter, which swimming lovers will definitely appreciate. The hugely popular Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, meanwhile, is the hottest in summer, but thanks to its clever location in a bay, it’s far less windy — so you’ll warm up nicely there. All the values below represent long-term averages of daytime air temperatures in the shade and average sea temperatures, so you get the most accurate picture possible.

1. January: Ideal Time for the Pyramids and Escaping the Cold

January in Egypt is exactly the month when people don’t fly here primarily for wild tropical swimming, but rather to warm up in the sunshine and heat that we so desperately lack back home in rainy Europe. The average daytime air temperature hovers around 22 °C, which feels incredibly pleasant — rather like a really lovely, sunny spring day back home. The sun still has plenty of strength, too, so if you stretch out on a poolside lounger at midday, you’ll catch a beautiful tan without any trouble.

The big turning point, though, comes at sunset, which in January sadly falls quite early — and trust me, you’ll notice it the moment the sun goes down. The evenings and nights can be unexpectedly chilly, with temperatures easily dropping to 10–12 °C. A warm hoodie and long trousers are therefore an absolute must for evening strolls around a sprawling resort, because without them you’ll be genuinely cold and, instead of romance, you’ll just be chattering your teeth 😅

The Red Sea temperature in January slowly drops to around 22 °C, which is no big problem for hardier swimmers, but for that wonderful hour-long snorkelling session it’s simply not enough without a wetsuit. On top of that, Hurghada often gets a colder wind in this period, which mercilessly lowers the feels-like temperature once you climb out of the water — so you’ll want to wrap yourself in a towel as fast as possible.

On the other hand, this month is absolutely perfect for exploring history and wandering among the monuments. So if you’ve always secretly dreamed of visiting the mysterious Valley of the Kings in Luxor or the majestic pyramids of Giza, January is exactly the right time to go — there’s no risk of heatstroke anywhere, you won’t be swimming in your own sweat, and you’ll easily manage a full day out in the open. 💡 Tip: Choose your resort really carefully, because in January it’s absolutely key that your dream hotel has a heated pool — otherwise, thanks to the night-time chill, you almost certainly won’t get into it at all, which would be a real shame.

2. February: The Coolest Sea, but Beautiful Sunshine

February’s weather doesn’t differ much from January’s, but for us swimming lovers it brings one rather crucial change: February is when the sea in Egypt is at its coldest of the whole year. While the air warms up nicely to a very pleasant 23 °C during the day, the water temperature in popular Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh drops to 21 °C, which you really do notice.

This is simply a temperature that most of us honestly don’t fancy staying in for very long. If a warm sea is an absolute priority for you and you’d still like to travel in February, trust me, the only sensible choice is Marsa Alam. Thanks to its location deep in the south, the sea there still holds around 23 °C, which makes a genuinely noticeable difference in the water — and you won’t be shivering.

February days are otherwise beautifully sunny and the sky is almost cloudless, so if you’re not planning to just lie on the beach, it’s a fantastic time for a more active holiday. Head out on quad bikes into the desert, visit a traditional Bedouin village, or take that longed-for trip to Cairo without baking to a crisp.

Just as in January, it still holds that evenings call for warmer clothing, so definitely don’t leave that jumper or light jacket at home. In restaurants outside the enclosed hotel complexes it can also get a bit chilly after dark, because locals simply aren’t set up to heat indoor spaces. 💡 Tip: February is often exactly the month when you can grab the very cheapest last-minute deals to Egypt. If you don’t mind slightly cooler water and you’re mainly going to relax with a good book in the sun, you can easily save a fair bit of money.

3. March: The Arrival of Spring and the Treacherous Khamsin Wind

With March, real, sunny spring arrives in Egypt and temperatures start climbing fairly quickly. By day the air now reaches a great 26 °C, which is absolutely ideal for lazy lounging on the beach. The evenings gradually warm up too, but you’d still better toss that light jumper for evening strolls into your suitcase.

The sea, sadly, warms up much more slowly than the land, so the water is still around a cooler 21–22 °C, making swimming more of a refreshing than a relaxing affair. March is also rather treacherous because of an entirely different phenomenon — the hot desert wind called khamsin, which it’s good to prepare for in advance.

This wind carries fine sand from the desert, can blow for several days in a row, and occasionally turns the sky a rather strange yellowish shade. It’s probably not something that would utterly ruin your whole holiday, but it can be a bit unpleasant while relaxing on the beach, and in Hurghada this wind also tends to whip up bigger waves 😅

Another thing to brace yourself for in March is the start of jellyfish season. As the water slowly wakes up to warmer life, the first transparent visitors appear along the coast — ones I personally never welcome with much joy. 💡 Tip: If you’re flying in March and want to avoid the worst of the wind, choose hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh instead. Its bays are sheltered by the mighty mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, so you won’t feel that annoying khamsin nearly as much there.

4. April: The Golden Middle, with a Risk of Jellyfish

April is considered by many travellers to be one of the very best months to visit Egypt, simply because the weather is absolutely fairy-tale. Daytime temperatures already climb towards 30 °C, the sun warms your back beautifully, but luckily it’s not yet that gruelling, utterly exhausting summer heat where you find yourself praying for a scrap of shade.

The sea is finally starting to wake up and warm, so with an average of 22–23 °C, swimming is far more pleasant and you’ll last considerably longer snorkelling over those gorgeous corals. April is, quite simply, the perfect time when you can still manage a trip to Luxor without collapsing, while already enjoying a full-blown beach holiday with all the trimmings.

There is, however, one little catch I have to be honest about. April is historically regarded as the absolute peak of jellyfish season in Egyptian waters, and as the sea warms up nicely, these little critters naturally move closer to the shore and into those beautiful shallow lagoons.

Most species in the Red Sea are luckily fairly harmless to humans and their sting is more of an unpleasant burning, but for the more sensitive among us or for small children it can be a needlessly stressful experience that nobody wants to deal with on holiday. 💡 Tip: Pack a small bottle of ordinary vinegar in your travel first-aid kit. If a jellyfish stings you, vinegar instantly neutralises the venom and relieves that nasty burning far better than rinsing with fresh water, which actually makes the pain worse.

5. May: The Last Easy Breath Before Summer

In May, the local spring definitively gives way to real, hot summer, so the sun burns with enormous intensity and the daytime air temperature commonly reaches 34 °C. The evenings, luckily, are now beautifully warm, so you can leave the hoodies at home with a clear conscience and enjoy long night-time strolls in just a T-shirt or a favourite light dress.

What’s probably most important for many of us, though, is that the sea finally reaches a fantastic 24–25 °C. That’s a temperature even us true warmth-lovers can appreciate, and trust me, snorkelling over the coral reefs in Marsa Alam or off Giftun Island in Hurghada in May is simply pure bliss.

May is also exactly the month when that pesky jellyfish season finally winds down and the sea cleans up beautifully again. It’s also the period just before the summer school holidays kick off across Europe in full force, which means hotels are still relatively quiet and not packed with crowds of families and children — so you’ll enjoy a bit of romance too.

On the other hand, I have to be honest and warn you that sightseeing trips are already getting fairly demanding in May. Walking around the Valley of the Kings in 35-degree heat without a single patch of shade requires really good fitness and literally litres of drinking water, so think carefully before taking on a similar adventure. 💡 Tip: May is the absolute best month for snapping up bargain holidays right before the main summer season. Tour operators try to fill last-minute capacity ahead of the holidays, so you’ll often find luxurious five-star resorts at a fraction of the usual price.

6. June: The Real Tropics Begin

With June, real, genuine summer hellfire arrives in Egypt — something probably only die-hard lovers of extreme heat will appreciate. The air steadily exceeds 36 °C in the shade, and trust me, in direct sunlight that feeling is multiplied, so all hotel life smoothly shifts to just the pool’s surface, the shade beneath a parasol, and the cooling embrace of air-conditioned rooms.

In June the Red Sea starts to resemble the warmest of bathtubs, because the water temperature reaches a gorgeous 26 °C, which beautifully guarantees you can splash about for hours without a single goosebump ☺️. For all passionate divers and keen explorers with mask and snorkel, the very best season kicks off, because in water this warm the underwater world is incredibly alive and beautifully colourful.

As for long sightseeing trips to the inland monuments, better forget them entirely in June, because a walk around Cairo or Luxor in this heat turns into a fight for bare survival, with heatstroke lurking behind literally every stone. If you do crave adventure, definitely book boat trips out to the open sea, where at least a hint of that longed-for fresh breeze will cool you down.

June, of course, also means the approaching end of the school year, so families with children slowly start rolling into the resorts, entertainment programmes ramp up to full speed, and the slides in the hotel water parks don’t get a moment’s rest.

💡 Tip: The June sun really shows no mercy, so don’t forget to pack factor 50 sun cream and, above all, get yourself a special UV-protection swim shirt — you’ll burn your back watching the fish before you even realise you’re roasting.

7. July: Extreme Heat and Peak Season

July is, without exaggeration, one of the harshest months of the whole year, when the air literally shimmers like over a sizzling grill and daytime temperatures regularly hit 37 °C — and deep in the south, in Marsa Alam or near the desert, they’ll easily lick forty. Even at night the mercury rarely dips below 28 °C, so I’ll tell you straight: better make your peace with the fact that without a humming air-con in your room, you simply won’t get a wink of sleep 😅.

The sea, on the other hand, resembles a giant heated spa, because it’s a wonderful 27 °C and in those cute shallow lagoons by the hotel it sometimes reaches thirty. This means one thing only: an absolute paradise for little rascals, who can paddle at the water’s edge from morning till night without the slightest fear of goosebumps or catching a cold.

This period is simply reserved for the purest beach romance, when all your physical activities are very wisely limited to the cooler early mornings or lazy late afternoons. During the worst of the midday sun even the locals prudently hide under awnings and in the shade of the palms, so the resort streets look a little like a ghost town.

I also mustn’t forget to mention that July is the absolute peak of the tourist season for families with children from all corners of Europe, so expect the best hotels to vanish months in advance, the occasional little queue for your favourite dessert at dinner, and holiday prices climbing to their annual maximum.

💡 Tip: If the thought of crowds around the central pool makes you a little queasy, try filtering for hotels that hide rooms with a shared pool in their offer. You’ll get far more peace, can toss your towel on a lounger whenever you fancy, and it’s just a step to the water across a sun-drenched terrace.

8. August: Swimming in Hot Broth

If July seemed like proper madness, then August is the true embodiment of a blazing furnace 😁 The air averages 38 °C, but you should definitely add a degree or two by the sea, and even though the desert wind occasionally tickles you, don’t expect any saving cool from it — it’s more like the hot air when you blast a hairdryer at full power in the bathroom.

On the other hand, the sea itself will absolutely amaze you, because the water temperature reaches a record 28 °C, and in my beloved Marsa Alam in the south the mercury easily tips towards thirty. In places it genuinely feels like a vast thermal spa where the water no longer refreshes you much, but swimming becomes the most beautiful form of slow, endless relaxation.

For all those shivery types who otherwise dip no more than a big toe before dashing for a towel, August in Egypt is an absolute dream come true, because you can float on the surface for four hours straight watching the majestic turtles without your chin even slightly trembling from cold.

Just like the previous month, though, I have to warn you that traipsing around among ancient temples is sheer madness, and unfortunately holiday prices are jacked up because of the school holidays as high as they can go. In August, simply prepare for your only daily concern to be gracefully moving from a soft lounger into the warm sea and back to the beach bar for another chilled drink.

💡 Tip: Even if you feel you’re not thirsty in water as warm as afternoon tea, make sure to stay constantly hydrated, because in August you sweat like mad even just resting under a parasol. Carry bottled water everywhere, drink it by the litre, and go easy on those overly sweet, colourful all-inclusive cocktails so you don’t feel rough in your room that evening.

9. September: Warm Sea and Falling Prices

September finally brings that magical time when the whole coast starts to breathe a sigh of relief from the most brutal heat and the biggest crush of eager holidaymakers — the kids dutifully head back to school, the poolside walkways calm down, and the air starts dropping to a more bearable 35 °C.

But the best part of it all is that, after a whole summer, the sea is so fantastically warmed through that it easily holds a luxurious 27 °C, giving you an absolutely dreamy combination where the sun no longer saps your energy during the day, yet in the water you still feel like you’re at a wellness spa.

That’s exactly why September is a little secret treasure of all seasoned travellers, because the whole atmosphere in the complexes suddenly slows down, you’ll easily snag the nicest table with a view at dinner, and you can even tell from the smiling staff that the biggest August stress has lifted from their shoulders 🙂.

The second half of the month, in particular, finally opens the door to a few less demanding trips, so you can set off by boat to explore the nearby reefs with a clear conscience, or ride quad bikes into the desert after dark — all without feeling like someone’s locked you in a roasting oven.

💡 Tip: Holiday prices finally start dropping pleasantly with the start of the school year, so if you have the freedom and aren’t tied to school holidays, definitely plan it for the second half of September — you’ll get a hearty dose of perfect summer weather for far more agreeable off-season prices.

10. October: The Absolute Best Month of the Year

If you asked anyone who flies to Egypt with clockwork regularity, they’d probably blurt out a single word: October. This month is simply the absolute peak of the Egyptian season when it comes to ideal conditions for the most relaxing holiday possible.

By day the air is an absolutely perfect 32 °C, exactly that gentle warmth in which you catch a gorgeous tan but don’t feel faint by the pool, and the evenings are just right — mild and incredibly pleasant — so you can sit out on the terrace with a shisha in total peace.

The sea at this time is still like the best morning coffee and holds a fantastic 26–27 °C, so you can splash about in the waves from dawn till dusk. At the same time, the air temperatures have dropped to a level where, after the gruelling summer break, you can finally take on full-day trips again, because Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Cairo are bearable in October once more — and honestly fascinating.

Probably the only downside of October is that quite a lot of people know about its sheer perfection, so hotels tend to be decently full, and at the end of the month, during the UK school half-term, prices fly up rather steeply for those few days 😅 💡 Tip: Given October’s huge popularity, really don’t leave booking until the last minute, because quality, well-rated hotels with beautiful reefs are often hopelessly sold out for this month many months in advance.

11. November: The Last Chance for Warm Swimming

For me, November is that lovely transitional month between warm autumn and chillier winter, but luckily it still leans more towards autumn. The air drops to a pleasant 28 °C, which for many of us is the most comfortable temperature of all — one where you don’t start sweating a second after stepping out of an air-conditioned hotel room.

The biggest miracle, though, is still the sea, because the water cools far more slowly than the air, so the sea still holds a lovely 25 °C. That makes November an incredibly versatile month, when you can head out to the monuments first thing in the morning, comfortably swim in the sea in the afternoon without your teeth chattering, and enjoy a quiet, romantic stroll in the evening.

As the end of the month nears, however, the days get noticeably shorter, the sun sadly sets early, and the evenings now simply call for a lighter jacket or a chunkier jumper. The wind may also pick up a little more often, which fairly lowers the feels-like temperature on the beach.

Either way, November is an absolutely great choice for anyone wanting to escape our dreary British autumn but who doesn’t want to fork out a fortune for summer or holiday dates, because prices are very reasonable and the resorts themselves are nicely, soothingly calm. 💡 Tip: In November, really pay attention to exactly where you’re flying. If you plan to swim and snorkel a lot, start favouring Marsa Alam over Hurghada, because by late November in Hurghada it can be quite cold after climbing out of the water due to the wind.

12. December: Christmas Under the Palms

December in Egypt is quite a specific affair, and for a lot of people it’s the perfect month to come and spend a slightly unconventional Christmas. Instead of snow and biting frost, you’ll find tall palm trees and daytime temperatures around 24 °C — during the day it’s still lovely and warm in the sun, and the poolside loungers tend to be cheerfully full ☺️

The sea, though, has noticeably cooled by this time and the temperature drops towards 23 °C, which is certainly enough for a quick dip or shorter snorkelling session, but for long water fun you’ll need a bit of hardiness. The days are also very short, and on the stroke of four in the afternoon the sun loses its strength and it cools down outside fairly quickly.

On the other hand, December is once again fantastic for sightseeing trips and Nile cruises, because in Luxor and bustling Cairo it’s extremely pleasant during the day — feeling roughly like the end of summer back home in the UK.

While the start of December is among the very cheapest dates of the whole year, as soon as Christmas and New Year’s Eve strike, the situation changes dramatically. Christmas dates are sold out long in advance and prices soar to fairly astronomical heights. 💡 Tip: If you’re flying to Egypt for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, remember that hotels usually require a mandatory surcharge for the festive gala dinner — which tends to be a grand event with lots of good food and entertainment, but you’ll often pay an extra few hundred pounds on top of the original holiday price.

Sea Temperature in Egypt and Its Quirks

Trust me, for a huge number of people heading to Egyptian resorts, the water temperature actually matters far more than the air temperature. And here the Red Sea has a very clear and beautifully predictable curve, with comfortably warm water above 26 degrees lasting roughly from June to November.

The sea temperature peaks in August, when in the shallow, warmed-through bays of Marsa Alam it can climb to an incredible 30 °C. The Red Sea is also hugely specific in being one of the saltiest seas in the world, which in practice means the water will buoy you up beautifully, making snorkelling far easier because you simply don’t have to work as hard to stay on the surface.

Conversely, the sea is coldest in February and early March, when in the more northern resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh it drops to 21 degrees. That’s certainly not icy water, but if you’re spoilt by thermal baths or love a hot summer bath, long lounging in the waves will start to feel a bit unpleasant after a while.

There’s one big “but”, though, that a lot of people don’t know about. The water temperature also varies depending on what kind of sea access your hotel has. If the resort has a gentle entry through a sandy lagoon, the water there warms up much faster from the sun and can easily be two degrees warmer than the open sea. But if you enter the sea from a long jetty straight into the deep by the reef, prepare for noticeably cooler currents.

Hurghada vs. Marsa Alam vs. Sharm in Winter: Where Is It Warmest?

In the summer months it probably doesn’t matter which specific destination in Egypt you end up choosing, because proper heat and beautifully warmed water await you everywhere — but trust me, in the winter months your choice of resort matters enormously. The daytime air is very similar everywhere, but the huge differences in sea temperature and wind intensity can catch you out rather unpleasantly.

Marsa Alam lies deep in the south, roughly three hundred kilometres further south than famous Hurghada, and is simply much closer to the equator — which plays an absolutely huge role for your comfort in winter. It offers you steadily the warmest water of all the resorts, because even in the coldest months it holds its pleasant 23–24 degrees. So if you’re planning to go in January or February primarily for swimming and endless snorkelling, Marsa Alam is the clear — and really the only logical — choice for you.

By contrast, Hurghada is huge, wonderfully bustling and the most affordable, but in winter the water is considerably cooler and it’s without question the windiest resort in Egypt. That ever-present wind mercilessly drives the feels-like temperature down, so once you climb out of the slightly cooler sea onto a blustery beach in February, you’ll probably wrap yourself in a fluffy towel pretty fast 😅. On the other hand, I have to admit these specific weather conditions make it an absolute paradise for keen kitesurfers from all over the world.

And then there’s Sharm el-Sheikh, which has roughly the same cool winter water as Hurghada, but boasts one enormous advantage in the landscape itself. This whole popular resort lies on the Sinai Peninsula, and many hotels are located in sheltered bays that are also beautifully protected by mighty mountains. Thanks to this, it’s nowhere near as windy there in winter, and even an ordinary day on the beach in January feels far more pleasant and warmer than out on the exposed, windy plain of Hurghada.

What to Watch Out for in Egypt

Although typical Egyptian weather is mostly beautifully gentle and perfectly predictable, there are a few small natural phenomena that can slightly spoil that longed-for moment of rest if you don’t know about them well in advance.

The spring khamsin wind: This hot, very dry wind usually strikes in spring, from March to May, and can whip up sand and dust from the desert so fine that it turns the whole sky a strange yellow and noticeably reduces visibility. It can occasionally blow for several days in a row, and although it’s not dangerous to you in any way, expect to find that tiny sand pretty much everywhere after a day on the beach — even between your teeth 😁.

Jellyfish season: This is a topic a lot of you ask about very often, and I don’t blame you at all. The traditional jellyfish season lasts roughly from mid-March to early June, with the biggest invasion usually arriving in April, when the water tips over towards higher temperatures. Most species found in the Egyptian Red Sea are luckily completely harmless, and if you happen to bump into one of the stinging critters, the sensation is more like a mild nettle burn. In the warm summer and autumn, jellyfish practically don’t appear near the beaches at all, so you can relax.

Ever-present wind and red flags: Especially in windier Hurghada, or at some hotels in Marsa Alam with direct access to the open sea, it tends to be quite windy all year round. That’s wonderful sometime in August, when this breeze pleasantly cools you, but a minor problem arises at hotels whose only sea access is via a really long jetty. When the wind picks up and bigger waves rise, the lifeguards waste no time, hoist the red flag and uncompromisingly ban entry from the jetty into the deep. Please, this really isn’t worth the risk, even if it’s a great shame that you won’t get to your favourite reef for two days running.

The Ramadan period: The sacred Islamic month of Ramadan is one of those typical movable feasts, which in 2026 falls roughly between 19 February and 20 March, and in 2027 shifts to February and early March. For you as a tourist tucked away in a beautiful seaside resort, practically nothing changes, and food and drink flow cheerfully on, but you should be a little understanding and bear in mind that hotel staff fast faithfully during the day and don’t even drink plain water — so by evening the lads may be visibly tired. Outside the resorts, take care, because small local cafés and restaurants may have quite limited opening hours during the day, and some famous monuments close a little earlier.

When Egypt Is Cheapest and When You’ll Pay More

Egypt is simply a classic holiday destination, which is why the prices of package holidays and flights faithfully and precisely track the UK school holidays and just about every bank holiday. Whenever children are off school, tour operators logically crank prices up nicely, and you’ll sadly pay more for that longed-for rest.

When it’s by far the most expensive: The absolute peak is the classic summer holidays — July and August — which, ironically, are also the very hottest months, when you’ll literally bake. Another huge price extreme is the magical period of Christmas and the boisterous New Year, when Egypt becomes a very popular winter escape to warm sunshine, and we certainly mustn’t forget the spring and Easter holidays.

When you’ll book cheapest: If you’d like to save a bit of money and aren’t tied to the school year, you have two golden windows in the calendar. The first is the lovely period of May and June — just before the real summer madness breaks out. From my point of view, though, the very best and most cost-effective time of the whole year is probably the second half of September and all of October, with the single exception of the half-term break at the very end of the month. During autumn the weather and the warmed-through water are absolutely fantastic, yet holiday prices fall steeply because demand from families with children has dropped sharply — and you can enjoy peace and luxury for a fraction of the price ☺️.

💡 Tip: Before you even pull your card out of your wallet and buy that dream holiday, definitely take a look at our smart comparison of holidays to Egypt. Our AI carefully compares the most up-to-date offers from various operators on the exact same hotels and dates every single day, and in a single second it’ll show you where you can get the very same stay for hundreds of pounds less. And if you’re a slightly more adventurous type who prefers to travel independently without an operator, don’t forget to compare flight prices, which our system cleverly updates every twenty minutes across every existing airline.

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Where Next: Read More Articles About Egypt

So, are you clear on when you’ll set off for the sunshine? Then it’s high time to start planning a specific destination and calmly think about what to actually pack, so you’re not stressing at the last minute. Here I’ve put together more articles from the blog that will definitely help with those pre-departure preparations:

  • Where to Holiday in Egypt: My big, honest guide that compares the individual resorts in detail, neatly explains the differences between them and, above all, advises exactly where to go for the best experiences, colourful reefs, or lively nightlife.
  • Marsa Alam: 13 Tips: The deep south, absolutely divine peace, magical sea turtles, adorable dugongs, and the very warmest sea in winter. Definitely read up on everything you can see and experience in this paradise for all divers.
  • Hurghada: 13 Tips: The very biggest, busiest and most affordable resort, from which it’s perfectly easy to take trips to Luxor. Come and find out which little beaches are worth a visit and where to shop well for souvenirs.
  • What to Pack for a Holiday in Egypt: A very clear, practical and detailed list of things you mustn’t forget before flying off to the desert and sea, including my honest tips on which medicines and clothing to pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is actually the best time to go to Egypt?

Here, I always say that it purely depends on what you actually expect from your vacation. For all-day swimming and that kind of long, joyful snorkeling, the absolute best period is from June to November, when the sea is already beautifully warm. However, if your main goal is more about exploring ancient Cairo, Luxor, and desert trips, it’s ideal to go from November to March, when the unbearable heat won’t destroy you outside. The best compromise for both beach and excursions is then offered by April and the months from October to mid-November.

What is the sea temperature in Egypt?

The water is genuinely comfortably warm, consistently staying above 26 degrees, roughly from June until the end of November. The sea reaches its absolute peak in August, when it regularly hits 28 to 30 degrees and feels more like heated thermal baths. The coldest period, on the other hand, is in February and March, when in northern resorts it drops to around 21 degrees, which is a bit of a test of courage for us warmth-lovers 😅. During the winter months, the warmest water is definitely in the sun-soaked southern Marsa Alam.

Can you fly to Egypt in winter too?

Definitely yes, because winter there is fantastic for escaping our Czech damp weather and absolutely perfect for wandering around monuments. During the day, the air warms up to a pleasant 22 to 24 degrees, but evenings are noticeably cooler and definitely require a warm hoodie. The sea water is logically colder, so if you want to primarily swim and splash around in winter, definitely choose Marsa Alam, which has the warmest sea of all the resorts.

What’s the weather like in Egypt in summer?

In the summer months from June to August, Egypt experiences truly extreme heat. The air in the shade regularly reaches 37 to 38 degrees and the sea warms up to an incredible 28 degrees. While this is absolutely perfect for spending all day on the beach and in the water, this weather is extreme for trips inland and, quite frankly, downright dangerous. Please also bear in mind that this is the main family season with the absolute highest package holiday prices.

When exactly do jellyfish appear in Egypt?

The main jellyfish season in the Red Sea lasts roughly from mid-March to early June, with the absolute peak usually coming in April, when the water temperature starts to rise. However, occurrence varies from year to year and depends heavily on ocean currents, but trust me, it’s good to know that the vast majority of species in Egypt are completely harmless to humans. During the hot summer and autumn, jellyfish are then usually not found near the coast at all.

When will a holiday in Egypt be the cheapest for me?

The most advantageous and cheapest travel dates are usually in May, early June, and then in the second half of September through October, so logically always outside our Czech school holidays. The most expensive, on the other hand, are the summer holidays and of course the peak period around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In my opinion, the autumn months, and especially October, offer you the absolute best combination of price, divine peace and quiet, and fantastic weather.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

Lake Como: Guide to Towns, Boat Transport & Tips (2026)

TL;DRLake Como is a gorgeous Italian lake shaped like an upside-down fork, one of the deepest in Europe, hemmed in by steep slopes and snow-capped Alps. Along its shores you’ll find grand villas, romantic towns like Bellagio, Varenna and Como, and scenic walking paths. The best way to explore is by ferry between the towns. This guide covers the prettiest towns, how the ferries work, and where to find the best views. April to October is the best time to come.

When Lukáš and I first laid eyes on Lake Como, we were standing on the platform in Varenna, completely speechless. Turquoise water, snow-capped Alpine peaks behind it, and colourful little towns clinging to steep hillsides all around. I remember thinking it couldn’t possibly be real. But it absolutely is. 😊

This Italian lake, shaped like an upside-down fork, covers an area of 146 km² and ranks among the deepest lakes in Europe (up to 410 metres!). Along its shores you’ll find lavish billionaire villas, medieval castles, romantic harbours, and hiking trails with jaw-dropping views.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most beautiful towns around Lake Como, explain how boat transport on Lake Como works, and share practical tips we’ve tested first-hand. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Milan or a week-long Lake Como holiday — this is the guide you need.

Views in Varenna
Views in Varenna

TIP: Check out our article on the 10 most beautiful places in the Italian Alps.

Why Visit Lake Como

Lake Como isn’t just another Italian lake. It’s a place where Alpine wildness meets Italian elegance — and that contrast is absolutely captivating. Within an hour, you can travel from cosmopolitan Milan to a lakeside town where time seems to slow right down.

The lake has so much to offer that you’d need weeks to see absolutely everything. Grand villas with botanical gardens, medieval castles, cable cars soaring into the clouds, water sports, and perfect Italian cuisine — all in one place. And best of all: Lake Como is still a touch quieter than the overcrowded Lake Garda. 😉

Varenna — a town on Lake Como
Varenna — a town on Lake Como

Best Time to Visit Lake Como

You can visit Lake Como year-round, but the most pleasant period runs from April to October. We visited in February and had lovely weather, though some villas and gardens were closed for the season.

The best Lake Como weather with warm temperatures and sunny days stretches from March to November. Peak season (June–September) means more tourists, but also more boat connections and longer opening hours. If you’re into winter sports, head out in January or February — there are several ski resorts in the surrounding mountains.

💡 TIP: The sweetest months are May and September — pleasant temperatures, blooming gardens, and far fewer crowds than July and August.

How to Get to Lake Como

There are several ways to reach Lake Como. It all depends on where exactly you’re heading and how much you want to see.

From the UK, the easiest option is to fly into Milan. Budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways operate regular flights to Lake Como‘s nearest airports — Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Milan Bergamo (BGY) — from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other UK cities. From there, it’s a short onward journey by train or car.

By Train from Milan

The train is the most comfortable and cheapest option. From Milano Centrale station, direct Trenord trains run to Como San Giovanni — the journey takes around 40 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 5–7 €. If you’re heading straight to Varenna, take the route via Lecco (approx. 1 hour).

Check specific connections at trenitalia.com or in the Trenord app.

By Car — Parking and Tips

A hire car is arguably the best choice if you want to explore the entire lake and the surrounding mountain villages. Bear in mind you’ll need to pay motorway tolls (Telepass or payment at toll booths) and expect limited parking in Como and Bellagio.

💡 TIP: The ferry search and price comparison tool Ferryscanner comes in handy if you’re planning a car ferry crossing.

Your best bet is to park at a park-and-ride on the outskirts (e.g. Autosilo Valmulini in Como, around 15 €/day) and continue by boat. Parking is easier in Varenna — there’s a public car park above the train station.

Organised Day Trips from Milan

If you’d rather not worry about transport, you can join an organised day trip from Milan. Most include visits to Bellagio, Varenna, and a cruise on the lake. You’ll find plenty of options on GetYourGuide:

Lake Como
Lake Como

Towns Around Lake Como

Lake Como is enormous and surrounded by dozens of beautiful towns. Each has its own character — from bustling Como to elegant Bellagio and peaceful Varenna. Here’s an overview of the most interesting ones.

Visiting Varenna
Visiting Varenna

Varenna — A Romantic Gem

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting picturesque Varenna — it’ll take your breath away the moment you step off the train. Varenna sits on the eastern shore and is easily accessible by train from Milan or by ferry from Bellagio and Menaggio. It’s nicknamed “The Town of a Thousand Opportunities” — and honestly, it’s hard to disagree. 😊

It’s perfect for romantic strolls, relaxing by the lake, swimming, or exploring local landmarks. You’ll find Castello di Vezio, Villa Monastero, and Villa Cipressi here. One fascinating feature is the Fiumelatte river — just 250 metres long, white thanks to its high limestone content, and mysteriously drying up from October to March.

For hiking, you can tackle the ancient Sentiero del Viandante trail, which follows the eastern shore of the lake.

Varenna
Varenna

Bellagio — The Pearl of Lake Como

Bellagio sits right where the lake splits into its two branches, offering panoramic views in both directions. The historic centre is a maze of narrow cobbled lanes climbing uphill from the harbour — known as salita Serbelloni. It’s no wonder Bellagio is called “the pearl of Lake Como”.

What to see in Bellagio:

  • Villa Melzi Gardens — admission around 8 €, stunning in spring (azaleas, rhododendrons)
  • Punta Spartivento — a public park on the tip of the peninsula, the best spot for sunset (free entry)
  • Villa Serbelloni — guided garden tour (booking required)

💡 FOOD TIP: Avoid the restaurants right by the harbour. You’ll find much better value a few streets up — try Bilacus or Trattoria San Giacomo.

Bellagio
Bellagio

Como — The Gateway to the Lake

At the southwestern tip of the lake you’ll find the town of Como itself. It’s the capital of the Como province and where most tourists arrive first — the train station is right in the centre. Como boasts a rich cultural scene, beautiful architecture, and a brilliant food scene.

Top things to see in Como:

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta — an imposing Gothic building right in the centre
  • Silk Museum — Como was once the silk capital of Europe
  • Basilica of Sant’Abbondio — a Romanesque gem from the 11th century
  • Como–Brunate funicular — 7 minutes to the clouds (one-way 3 €, return 5 €)

The town of Como is an excellent base for exploring other towns around the lake.

The town of Como
The town of Como

Menaggio — A Base for Day Trips

Menaggio is a charming town on the western shore of Lake Como. It’s strategically located in the middle of the lake, making it easy to reach Bellagio and Varenna by ferry. Nearby you’ll find the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club.

Menaggio also makes a superb base for hiking in the surrounding mountains and for exploring the western shore without the tourist crowds.

Menaggio
Menaggio

Lecco — The Quieter Eastern Shore

Lecco sits at the foot of Mt. Grigna and Resegone and is an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding hills and mountains offer fantastic hiking with stunning views of Lake Como and the Alpine peaks.

Lecco is also a popular destination for water sports — windsurfing and sailing. And unlike touristy Bellagio or Varenna, you’ll mostly encounter locals here.

Lecco
Lecco

Tremezzo and Tremezzina — Villas and Gardens

On the western shore lies Tremezzo (now part of the municipality of Tremezzina). The main attractions are Villa Carlotta with its breathtaking botanical garden and the famous Villa del Balbianello on the peninsula near Lenno.

Villa del Balbianello is arguably the most photogenic spot on the entire lake — you may recognise it from Star Wars: Episode II or Casino Royale. Admission 2026: around 12 € (garden) or 22 € (garden + interior). You can reach it by boat from Lenno (5 minutes, about 7 € return).

💡 TIP: Arrive at Villa del Balbianello first thing in the morning when it opens — queues start building after 11 am.

Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo

Other Towns Worth a Stop

Cernobbio

Cernobbio is known for its gorgeous architecture and exceptional views. The historic centre is full of narrow lanes and traditional Italian restaurants. One of the most famous spots is Villa d’Este — a luxury Renaissance palace and hotel surrounded by sprawling gardens.

Cernobbio
Cernobbio

Argegno

Argegno is a small town that draws visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views. From the harbour you can hop on a boat trip, and nearby there’s a cable car up to Pigra with panoramic views of the lake and the Alps.

Argegno
Argegno

Nesso

On the eastern shore you’ll find Nesso, famous for its twin waterfalls — Orrido di Nesso. It’s a small, peaceful, and incredibly photogenic town that’s well worth a stop.

Nesso
Nesso

Careno

Careno is an authentic lakeside town on the eastern shore. Narrow lanes with traditional Italian houses and the Church of San Martino towering above the lake — only those in the know come here.

Careno
Careno

Mandello del Lario

Mandello del Lario is famous for its ties to motorcycle culture — this is where Moto Guzzi has its headquarters, and you can visit their museum. Otherwise, it’s a tranquil town with beautiful surroundings.

Mandello del Lario
Mandello del Lario

Gravedona ed Uniti

Gravedona ed Uniti sits on the northern tip of the lake. The Italian physicist Alessandro Volta spent time here in his youth (you know, the man behind the voltaic pile — the first electrical battery 😊). The standout landmark is the Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, unique in the region.

Gravedona ed Uniti
Gravedona ed Uniti

Pescallo

Just a few minutes from Bellagio you’ll find the fishing village of Pescallo — known for its peaceful atmosphere and blissful emptiness. You can hire kayaks and water skis here.

Pescallo
Pescallo

Boat Transport on Lake Como

Boat transport is the heart of getting around Lake Como. It’s operated by Navigazione Laghi (navigazionelaghi.it) and is arguably the most beautiful way to explore the lake. Cruising between towns with the Alps as your backdrop — that’s something you simply can’t experience from a car.

Types of Boats

You’ll encounter three types of vessels on the lake:

  • Battello (slow steamer) — the cheapest option, stopping at every port. Ideal if you want to see as many towns as possible.
  • Aliscafo (fast hydrofoil) — more expensive but twice as fast. Great for longer journeys.
  • Traghetto (car ferry) — carries vehicles too! Only operates in the central part of the lake on the Bellagio–Menaggio–Varenna–Cadenabbia route.

Prices and Timetables 2026

A one-way ticket from Bellagio to Como costs around 12–15 €. The ferry between Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio runs at 4–6 €. If you’re planning to explore the lake over several days, it’s worth getting a day pass (biglietto giornaliero, around 30 €) or a three-day pass.

During peak season (June–September), boats run every 30–60 minutes on the main routes. Outside the season, services are less frequent — always check the current timetable at navigazionelaghi.it.

💡 TIP: The car ferry (traghetto) between Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio is a genius shortcut — the crossing takes just 15 minutes and saves you driving all the way around the lake.

Lake Como is absolutely stunning.
Lake Como is absolutely stunning.

Where to Stay on Lake Como

Accommodation around Lake Como can get pricey, especially during peak season. You’ll find more affordable Lake Como hotels in Varenna, Como, or smaller towns like Menaggio. Another option is staying in Milan — it’s less than an hour by train to the lake.

In Varenna, I recommend Villa Varenna. In Bellagio, Hotel Centrale Bellagio offers excellent accommodation, and in Como you can opt for Como Luxury Rooms.

Accommodation in Varenna
Accommodation in Varenna
lukas a lucka
Lukáš and Lucie recommend
Where to stay at Lago di Como
4 accommodations — hotels and other lodging options

Best Viewpoints and Attractions on Lake Como

Lake Como is packed with spots that’ll make your jaw drop. Here are the best viewpoints and landmarks you shouldn’t miss.

Villas on Lake Como

The towns around Lake Como are surrounded by magnificent villas with blooming gardens. Several of them are open to visitors:

Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero
  • Villa Olmo (Como) — stunning architecture and expansive gardens, free entry to the park.
  • Villa Monastero (Varenna) — originally a 16th-century monastery, now a museum and botanical garden with lake views.
  • Villa Cipressi (Varenna) — dating from the 16th century, now a luxury hotel. A popular wedding venue.
  • Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) — one of the most important cultural landmarks on the lake. Features a museum and art gallery.
  • Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio) — an imposing villa where Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy once stayed.
  • Villa Melzi (Bellagio) — 19th-century villa with beautiful azalea gardens.
  • Villa Bernasconi (Cernobbio) — built for a silk merchant, now a cultural centre.
  • Villa Erba (Cernobbio) — featured in the 2004 film Ocean’s Twelve.
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Castello di Vezio

On the hill above Varenna you’ll find Castello di Vezio, a castle steeped in medieval history. It’s open to the public today and offers gorgeous views over the lake and the whole of Varenna. The walk up takes about 20 minutes, and it’s worth every step.

Como–Brunate Funicular

From the town of Como, you can ride the funicular up to the village of Brunate and enjoy one of the finest views over the southern arm of the lake. The funicular runs every half hour from 6 am to 10:30 pm. A one-way ticket costs 3 €, return 5 €.

Piani d’Erna Cable Car

In Lecco, you can take the cable car up to 1,375 metres and soak in spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.

View from the Piani d'Erna cable car
View from the Piani d’Erna cable car

Isola Comacina

The only island on Lake Como — the popular Isola Comacina. The island measures about 350 metres in length and has been inhabited since Roman times. It was destroyed in the 12th century during a conflict between Como and Milan. Today it’s a popular destination for day-trippers — you can reach it by boat.

Isola Comacina
Isola Comacina

Punta Spartivento

Punta Spartivento is the furthest tip of the Bellagio peninsula, featuring a lovely park and panoramic lake views. Entry is free, and it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

Monte Sighignola

If you’re travelling by car, don’t miss the summit of Monte Sighignola on the Swiss-Italian border. Breathtaking views from 1,320 metres above sea level — it’s aptly nicknamed the “Balcony of Italy”.

Things to Do on Lake Como

Swimming and Beaches on Lake Como

Swimming in Lake Como is a truly special experience. How often do you get the chance to swim in a warm Alpine lake while gazing at snow-capped peaks? The water heats up to 24 °C in summer.

Check out some of the local beaches:

  • Lido di Villa Olmo (Como) — right in town, easy access.
  • Lido di Bellagio — a lido with views of both arms of the lake.
  • Lido di Varenna — a small beach right below the town.
  • Lido di Lenno — a beach complex near Villa del Balbianello.
  • Lido di Menaggio — a public beach with sun and refreshing swimming.
Swimming in Varenna
Swimming in Varenna

Hiking

Lake Como and its surroundings offer fantastic hiking opportunities. The most popular trails include the Sentiero del Viandante (along the eastern shore from Lecco to Colico) and the Greenway del Lago di Como (a 10 km walk along the western shore between Colonno and Cadenabbia).

Sentiero del Viandante
Sentiero del Viandante

Water Sports

Lake Como is a hub for water sports. You can try windsurfing, kitesurfing, or water skiing. Equipment hire is available in most larger towns — Lecco and Domaso are the most popular spots for water sports.

Extreme Cycling

Cyclists will love the loop from Varenna via Esino Lario and Parlasco, where a roughly three-hour ride takes you through 1,500 metres of elevation gain. The area around the lake is a paradise for both road and mountain biking.

Winter Sports

Lake Como has plenty to offer in winter too. You can head to one of the local ski resorts:

  • Pian di Bobbio,
  • Monte Sighignola,
  • Valchiavenna.

Practical Tips for Visiting Lake Como

How Many Days to Plan

On a day trip from Milan, you can squeeze in one or two towns (typically Como + Bellagio, or Varenna + Bellagio). But honestly? Lake Como deserves a slower pace. I’d recommend at least 2–3 nights so you have time to explore more towns, cruise by boat, and truly soak up the atmosphere.

Travel Insurance

I’d recommend having good travel insurance for any trip to Italy. You never know what might happen — whether it’s a cancelled flight or an injury during a mountain hike. While your EHIC/GHIC card covers basic healthcare in EU countries, comprehensive travel insurance will protect you against a much wider range of mishaps.

Fun Facts About Lake Como

Lake Como is an utterly captivating lake, and here are some interesting facts about it:

  • The water is surprisingly warm — despite its glacial origins, it heats up to 24 °C in summer.
  • Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe (maximum depth: 410 m).
  • The lake is teeming with fish — local restaurants serve fresh lavarello (whitefish) and missoltini (dried sardines).
  • It sits at an elevation of 198 metres above sea level.
  • George Clooney owns a villa (Villa Oleandra) in the town of Laglio on the western shore. And apparently, he’s completely down to earth. 😁
  • Villa del Balbianello featured in Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale — making it a must-see for Lake Como Star Wars fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What towns are around Lake Como?

Dozens of picturesque towns are scattered around the lake. The most visited include Bellagio (the pearl of the lake at the junction of its two branches), Varenna (a romantic gem on the eastern shore), Como (the provincial capital and gateway to the lake), Menaggio (a great base on the western shore), and Lecco (a paradise for outdoor activities). Other interesting towns include Tremezzo, Cernobbio, Argegno, and Nesso.

How do I get to Lake Como?

From the UK, fly to Milan (Malpensa or Bergamo) with airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, or British Airways. From Milano Centrale station, direct Trenord trains run to Como San Giovanni (40 minutes, 5–7 €) or to Lecco/Varenna (about 1 hour). By car, expect motorway tolls and limited parking. The nearest international airport is Milano Malpensa.

How does boat transport work on Lake Como?

Boat services are operated by Navigazione Laghi. Three types of vessels run on the lake: battello (slow steamer), aliscafo (fast hydrofoil), and traghetto (car ferry). The car ferry connects Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia. A one-way ticket from Bellagio to Como costs around 12–15 €, while a day pass is about 30 €.

Where is the best place to stay on Lake Como?

It depends on your style. Bellagio is the most beautiful but priciest. Varenna offers a romantic atmosphere at more affordable rates. Como is practical as a base with direct train links to Milan. Menaggio is a quieter alternative on the western shore. Book well in advance during peak season.

How many days should I plan for Lake Como?

On a day trip from Milan, you can visit 1–2 towns. For a relaxed exploration of the lake, I’d recommend at least 2–3 nights. With a full week, you can see most of the highlights including villas, funiculars, and hiking trails.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

Brno, Czech Republic: Best Things to Do and See

TL;DRBrno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, offers a historic centre that can easily be explored in just a few hours. Highlights include Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul on Petrov hill, the functionalist Villa Tugendhat listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Old Town Hall with its legendary Brno dragon. Nearby you’ll also find the Brno Reservoir, the Pálava region and the Slavkov battlefield (site of the Battle of Austerlitz). The city centre is anchored by the bustling Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) and the historic Cabbage Market (Zelný trh).

Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, offers many interesting sights, monuments, and attractions worth seeing and experiencing. In this guide I will share with you Brno, Czech Republic: Best Things to Do and See. A tour of the historic part of the city can be done in a few hours, and you can also visit some of the nearby landmarks and natural beauties of the Moravian metropolis. We have compiled 20 tips for you on what to see and do in Brno.

Where to Stay in Brno

You can’t go wrong with any accommodation in Brno city center:

TIP: What to do in Pálava: 15 tips for trips in the area.

Brno, Czech Republic: Best Things to Do and See

Among the city’s most famous symbols is the Brno dragon in the Old Town Hall. The area around Brno also offers many other interesting places to visit, such as the functionalist UNESCO monument Villa Tugendhat, castles, chateaus, and monasteries, as well as the Brno Dam or the Slavkov battlefield.

It may already be clear to you that you definitely won’t be bored in Brno, we have compiled 20 tips for you on what to see and do in Brno.

Historical Sights

Brno was founded in the 13th century , and offers visitors the opportunity to delve into its history through many preserved buildings and cultural monuments. Among the most significant historical sights are, for example, the majestic Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, or the Capuchin Crypt.

Špilberk Castle

Špilberk is a significant historical monument in Brno and a dominant structure on a hill in the city center. It was founded in the 13th century and served as a defensive stronghold and residence for Moravian margraves. Later, it was rebuilt into a fortress and was known in its time as “Austria’s toughest prison”. Today, the castle is open to the public.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul at Petrov

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, also known as Petrov, is one of the most significant cultural and spiritual monuments in Brno. The original Romanesque church was founded in the 12th century, and the cathedral’s current Neo-Gothic appearance dates back to the 19th century. From the cathedral tower, there is a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Villa Tugendhat

Villa Tugendhat is one of Brno’s architectural gems and is inscribed on the UNESCO list. It was built in 1930 according to the design of the famous German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the Tugendhat family. The villa is a unique blend of functionalist architecture and luxurious living, with a remarkable view of Brno. Today, it is open to the public for tours and cultural events.

Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall, located in the very heart of Brno, is the oldest preserved building on Freedom Square. It was built in the 13th century and later underwent several reconstructions. It is famous for its Gothic tower and stone arcaded corridor adorned with sculptures and coats of arms. The tower also houses a well-known symbol of Brno, a dragon hanging from the ceiling. The Old Town Hall is now home to an information center and tourist attractions.

Freedom Square

An iconic place in the center of Brno is Freedom Square, a bustling square full of shops, cafes, and historic buildings, where various cultural events and markets are held. The dominant feature of the square is a modern astronomical clock, which attracts the attention of both tourists and locals.

Zelný Trh

Zelný trh is Brno’s marketplace with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, where visitors can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and regional products.

Museums and Galleries

In Brno, you can visit a number of interesting museums and galleries that will delight all lovers of history, culture, and art.

Moravian Museum

The Moravian Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Moravia, focusing on the research and presentation of Moravia’s cultural heritage. It features exhibitions dedicated to archaeology, ethnography, art history, and natural sciences.

Moravian Gallery

The Moravian Gallery is the second largest art museum in the Czech Republic, specializing in visual arts, design, and architecture. The gallery hosts permanent exhibitions and temporary displays of various art movements and periods.

Mendel Museum

The Mendel Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Gregor J. Mendel, the founder of genetics. In the museum, you will learn about his research on plants, especially peas, and how his discoveries influenced modern science.

Technical Museum

The Technical Museum is dedicated to the development of technology and techniques in the Czech Republic. In the museum, you will find collections of older and modern machines, means of transport, weapons, and many other technical devices that demonstrate progress and innovation over time.

Nature and other Activities

Brno also offers many opportunities for nature lovers and active holidays. For example, nature reserves and parks, such as Lužánky or the popular Špilberk Park, provide an ideal place for relaxation and sports activities.

Brno Dam

The Brno Dam is a popular spot for sports activities, recreation, and relaxation. It offers opportunities for swimming, water sports like yachting or windsurfing, as well as walks and picnics in the surrounding nature. Nearby, you will also find the magnificent Veveří Castle, which is also worth a visit.

Brno Zoo

If you have children, we definitely recommend visiting the local zoo. Brno Zoo is home to many animal species, from mammals to birds and reptiles. It is an ideal place for families with children or animal lovers. The zoo regularly organizes various exhibitions and social events.

Kraví Hora

Kraví hora is a beautiful park that offers a natural oasis in the middle of the city and is also a very popular place for all those who want to exercise, relax, or simply meet friends. You will also find the Brno Observatory and Planetarium here, which are an excellent choice for curious visitors who want to learn more about space research or astronomy.

Observation Towers

In the city and its surroundings, there are several observation towers that offer breathtaking views of the landscape and Brno city center. For example, the observation tower on Holedná or on Babí lom are worth a visit.

Festivals and Theatres

Brno is also known for its rich theatre scene and diverse festival offerings.

Brno City Theatre

Brno City Theatre is among the most famous theatres in Brno and offers a wide range of genres, from drama to operetta and musical. The theatre’s artistic ensemble consists of talented actors, singers, and dancers. For audiences interested in theatre-related activities, Brno City Theatre annually organizes festivals focused on various genres.

The scientific community can look forward to festivals such as Science Mundi, which presents the latest scientific knowledge and research. Brno City Theatre also organizes events as part of the project Brno — City in the Heart of Europe, which supports intercultural dialogue and interaction among individual European countries.

HaDivadlo

HaDivadlo is another important part of Brno’s theatre scene. It is known for its unconventional productions and experimental approach to theatrical art. Performances are staged here that are not afraid to discuss sensitive social topics and open new horizons for audiences.

This theatre also regularly hosts the Brno Lunapark festival, or theatre with coffee, which offers theatrical performances in cafes throughout the city. HaDivadlo also frequently participates in Degeneration NEXT, a festival focused on young and new theatre creators.

Other Points of Interest

Finally, we have a few more Brno attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

Capuchin Crypt

The Capuchin Crypt is one of the most interesting places in Brno. Located in the heart of the city, near Zelný trh, it is known for its mysterious atmosphere and history. This Baroque crypt served as a burial place for members of the Capuchin order and important figures of the city. Thanks to specific conditions and burial methods, the bodies of the deceased naturally mummified here, which gives the crypt its special and mysterious atmosphere. Visitors can see not only the friars but also coffins with richly decorated inscriptions and symbols in the crypt.

Monastery of St. James

Brno is rich in monasteries. One of them is Monastery of St. James , located near the Church of St. James and the Ossuary of St. James. The monastery was founded in the 13th century and for centuries served as a center of spiritual life and education. Throughout its history, it underwent many architectural modifications that gave it its current form.

Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in Brno is one of the city’s most significant sacred buildings. It is located on Mendel Square and is part of the former Cistercian monastery. This impressive Gothic structure was completed in the 14th century, and its majestic architecture with high vaults and rich decoration continues to fascinate visitors today. The basilica’s interior is adorned with magnificent frescoes, altars, and stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.

Labyrinth under Zelný Trh

One of the most mysterious and interesting places in Brno is the Labyrinth under Zelný trh. This mysterious underground maze of the oldest cellar spaces in Brno will take you into the city’s history and all its secrets. Explore the minter’s cellars, enjoy the atmosphere of past times, and discover the treasures hidden in this unusual place.

FAQ

What are the main tourist attractions in Brno?

The main tourist attractions include Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Freedom Square, Zelný trh, the Capuchin Crypt, Villa Tugendhat, and the Brno underground.

Where can I find the best view of the city?

The best view of the city is offered by the tower of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the observation tower at Špilberk Castle, and Kraví hora.

Which museums are worth visiting?

We recommend visiting the Moravian Museum, the Technical Museum in Brno, the Museum of Romani Culture, and the Brno City Museum at Špilberk.

What to do with children in Brno?

For families with children, we recommend visiting the zoo, the Vida! science center, or taking a walk in Lužánky Park. Another great place is the Brno underground.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

Poland: 9 Best Places for Your Holiday

TL;DRPoland is packed with modern theme parks and water parks, which makes it a brilliant choice for a family holiday with kids — and plenty of them sit close to the border, perfect for a weekend break. This guide rounds up 9 of the best theme parks and water parks in Poland, from ride-packed adventure parks to sprawling indoor water worlds. For each one, we’ll tell you what age group it suits and what you can expect once you’re there. You can visit all year round, since the indoor water parks keep running through winter too.

Poland has become a popular destination for family vacations in recent years, mainly due to the growing number of modern amusement parks and water parks. Our northern neighbors offer excellent facilities for an active vacation with children, which takes place not only by the sea or in the mountains, but also in thematic parks full of attractions. Moreover, many of them are located relatively close to the Czech borders, making them an ideal destination even for weekend trips.

In this guide, I will share with you the Poland: 9 Best Places for Your Holiday where you can go with your family for an unforgettable experience.

TL;DR

  • Poland offers a number of modern amusement parks and water parks with excellent value for money
  • The best time to visit is May to September, fewer people outside the main season (July-August)
  • Energylandia is the largest amusement park in Poland (120+ attractions) with sections for different age groups
  • Legendia is the oldest Polish amusement park, ideal for families with children aged 4-12
  • Majaland (Kownaty and Warsaw) are parks themed around Maya the Bee, suitable for children aged 5-10
  • Zatorland and JuraPark Krasiejów combine entertainment with education (dinosaurs, mythology)
  • Suntago Wodny Świat is the largest indoor water park in Europe
  • Aqua Park Reda offers a unique experience – swimming with sharks
  • Most parks are easily accessible by car from the Czech Republic (especially Energylandia and Legendia from Ostrava)
  • Ticket prices range around 99-179 PLN for adults (560-1000 CZK)
  • Family or multi-day tickets are often available, which are more advantageous
  • Most parks also offer dining and accommodation options nearby or directly on site (we recommend Holiday Park Zator or Green Village w Aquapark Reda)

When to Visit Polish Amusement Parks

Most Polish amusement parks are open from spring to autumn, with the main season running from June to September. During this period, all attractions are fully operational and visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities and water attractions. However, especially during the summer holidays, it is necessary to expect higher visitor numbers and longer queues at popular attractions.

If you want to visit amusement parks without crowds of tourists, we recommend going in May, June, or September, when the weather is still pleasant, but visitor numbers are lower. For water parks, any time of year is ideal, as most of them offer both indoor and outdoor attractions.

💡You might also be interested in: Vacation in Poland by the sea

Poland: 9 Best Places for Your Holiday

We have compiled a list of the best amusement parks in Poland for you.

Energylandia – the Largest Amusement Park in Poland

Energylandia in Zator (near Krakow) is undoubtedly the star among Polish amusement parks. Since its opening in 2014, it has been constantly expanding and now offers over 120 attractions on an area of more than 70 hectares. The park is divided into several thematic zones adapted for different age groups.

For children under 6, there is the Bajkolandia zone with approximately 20 attractions. Families with children will appreciate the Strefa Familijna zone with 14 attractions, while older children and adults can test their courage in the extreme Strefa Ekstremalna zone, where they will find, for example:

  • Hyperion – one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in Europe (142 km/h)
  • Zadra – an impressive wooden roller coaster full of twists and turns
  • Formuła – a modern steel coaster with loops and acrobatic elements

The complex also includes a water park with pools and slides, making Energylandia an ideal place for a full-day or even multi-day visit. An adult ticket costs approximately 179 PLN (about 1000 CZK), a reduced ticket for a child under 140 cm and seniors over 65 is 129 PLN (about 730 CZK). Discounted two-day tickets are also available.

🏠Accommodation TIP: Holiday Park Zator

Legendia – the Oldest Amusement Park in Poland

Legendia in Chorzow near Katowice has a long history dating back to 1959. In recent years, it has undergone extensive reconstruction and modernization, thanks to which it now offers modern attractions in a pleasant environment.

The main attractions of the park are:

  • Lech Coaster – a modern roller coaster with a thematic focus on Slavic mythology
  • Bazyliszek – an interactive attraction combining a ride and laser shooting
  • Górnicza Kolejka – a historical ride in an underground world inspired by mining

The park is ideal for families with children aged 4 to 12, but also offers attractions for older children and adults. Standard admission for adults is around 159 PLN, for children 149 PLN, and children under 2 years pay a symbolic 10 PLN.

🏠Accommodation TIP: Hotel Diament Arsenal Palace

Majaland Kownaty and Majaland Warsaw

Majaland is a network of amusement parks inspired by popular children’s characters, such as Maya the Bee. In Poland, we can find two – Majaland Kownaty near the German border and Majaland Warsaw near Warsaw.

Both parks are primarily aimed at families with younger children (approximately 5-10 years old) and offer a range of attractions such as:

  • Family roller coasters with gentle turns
  • Water attractions and slides
  • Carousels and various themed rides
  • Interactive playgrounds

Tickets range from 115-145 PLN for visitors over 1 meter tall, children pay half price, and the smallest ones (under 85 cm) have free entry. Don’t forget that parking is paid separately (around 17-18 PLN).

🏠Accommodation TIP: Hotel Port

Zatorland and JuraPark Krasiejów

For families who want to combine entertainment with education, the thematic parks Zatorland and JuraPark Krasiejów are ideal.

Zatorland in Zator offers four thematic zones:

  • Park of moving dinosaurs with over 100 life-size models
  • Mythology Park with characters from Greek mythology
  • Insect Park with giant models of various insect species
  • Lunapark with traditional fairground attractions

JuraPark Krasiejów focuses on paleontology and prehistory. Visitors can admire over 200 life-size dinosaur models, visit a time tunnel, or pavilions with fossils. The park also offers educational programs where children can try out excavations.

Prices in these parks are favorable – an adult pays around 99 PLN, children from 91 cm also 99 PLN, and family or two-day tickets are available, which can be more advantageous.

💡Read also: Best wellness hotels in Poland

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6 accommodations — resorts, hotels and other lodging options

Best Water Parks in Poland

If you are looking for water adventures, then we have selected the best water parks in Poland for you.

Suntago Wodny Świat – the Largest Indoor Water Park in Europe

Suntago Wodny Świat in Wręcza near Warsaw is the largest indoor water park in Europe. It is divided into several thematic zones:

  • Jamango Water Jungle – tropical zone with slides and pools
  • Relax Zone – quiet zone with thermal pools
  • Saunaria – sauna world with various types of saunas and wellness procedures

The water park is a perfect place for a year-round visit, as thanks to the indoor attractions, you can enjoy it even in winter or bad weather.

🏠Accommodation TIP: Suntago Village

Aqua Park Wodny Krakow

One of the largest water parks in Poland offers not only pools but also an artificial river and several unusual slides. There are five outdoor slides available: Kongo, the multimedia TWISTER, the fiery SPEED FIRE, the extremely fast NITRO, and the indoor MAMBA.

For children, there are special attractions such as the Rainbow slide or the “family” of crocodile slides. There is also a water climbing wall, Rainbow Path, water polo, and a basketball court. Children will certainly appreciate the pirate island with a pirate ship and water cannons.

🏠Accommodation TIP: Hotel Swing

Aqua Park Reda – Swimming with Sharks

A unique water park on the Baltic Sea coast is Aqua Park Reda, which combines an aquarium with a water park. On an area of 7000 m², you will find 500 meters of water slides, 500 pontoons, and… 15 sharks! Yes, in this water park you can actually swim with sharks.

🏠Accommodation TIP: Green Village w Aquapark Reda

Aqua Park Zakopane

The Aquapark in the mountain resort of Zakopane offers both indoor and outdoor pools. Children will find recreational pools with geysers, a paddling pool with warm water, five different slides, and a wild river.

An interesting feature is the possibility of swimming in thermal water outdoors during the summer season with a magnificent view of the Tatras. There is also a whirlpool, a sauna world, a 5-lane bowling alley, and several refreshment stands.

🏠Accommodation TIP: Domki Krupa Chochołów

Aqua Park Wroclaw

In the capital of Lower Silesia, you will find a water park offering a wave pool, a lazy river, jacuzzis, and children’s pools. The youngest visitors can use the zone called Children’s Bay, which is also adapted for children from 4 months.

Older children and adults will appreciate the multimedia slides, the High-Fly ski jump, or the turbo slide. The complex also includes a recreational pool, a salt pool with geysers and showers, a sauna, fitness, and refreshments.

🏠Accommodation TIP: Campanile Wroclaw Centrum

Amusement Parks in Poland: Practical Tips for your Visit

Finally, we have compiled some practical tips for your visit.

How to get to Polish Amusement Parks

Most amusement parks in Poland are easily accessible by car. Parking lots are usually spacious and located in the immediate vicinity of the park entrances. Some parks, such as Energylandia, also offer bus transport from larger cities like Krakow or Katowice.

For visitors from the Czech Republic, the most convenient way to travel is by car, especially if you are heading to parks in southern Poland:

  • Energylandia in Zator is approximately a 2-hour drive from Ostrava
  • Legendia in Chorzow is even closer to the Czech border, about an hour and a half drive from Ostrava
  • Majaland Kownaty is further away, but still accessible from the Liberec and Ústí nad Labem regions (approx. 3 hours drive)

Accommodation near the Parks

If you are planning a longer visit, it is a good idea to consider accommodation near the park. Energylandia offers its own resort with themed rooms, while a wide range of hotels and guesthouses are available around Legendia and Majaland Kownaty. We recommend, for example, Hotel Port.

For families, it may be advantageous to choose accommodation with half board or full board so that they do not have to worry about meals during a demanding day at the amusement park.

Dining in Amusement Parks

Most amusement parks have a wide range of dining facilities where you can enjoy various types of food – from fast food to classic restaurants. Some parks, such as Energylandia, also offer themed restaurants that complement the overall experience of visiting the park.

Prices in restaurants inside the parks tend to be higher, so it’s a good idea to bring at least some snacks and drinks with you, if the park rules allow it.

Tips for Visiting with Children

  • Plan your visit outside the main season, if possible, to avoid long queues.
  • Check the restrictions for individual attractions in advance – some have minimum height or age requirements.
  • Take advantage of discounted family tickets or two-day tickets if you are planning a longer stay.
  • Arrive right at the park’s opening to have enough time and avoid the biggest queues.
  • Bring your swimwear to amusement parks too – many of them also have water attractions.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat in the summer months.

Conclusion

In recent years, Poland has become a true paradise for lovers of amusement parks and water parks. Thanks to an attractive combination of modern attractions, favorable prices, and good accessibility from the Czech Republic, it represents an ideal destination for a family vacation or an extended weekend.

From the largest amusement park Energylandia, through the educational JuraPark Krasiejów, to the largest indoor water park in Europe, Suntago Wodny Świat – Polish amusement parks have something to offer visitors of all ages. And with new attractions and parks being added every year, we have a lot to look forward to in the future.

So, if you are looking for fun, adrenaline, and experiences for the whole family, consider visiting one of the Polish amusement parks – you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal age for children to visit Polish amusement parks?

Most Polish amusement parks offer attractions for children of all ages. Majaland is ideal for children aged 5 to 10, Energylandia has zones for all age groups, and parks like Zatorland or JuraPark Krasiejów are suitable for school children and preschoolers.

Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?

Especially during the main season, it is recommended to buy tickets online, as it saves time and often offers better prices. Some parks have a limited daily number of visitors, so prior booking is more secure.

What is the price difference between Polish and Czech amusement parks?

Polish amusement parks often offer better value for money than Czech parks. For a similar or lower price, they offer more attractions and more modern facilities. For example, admission to Energylandia costs approximately 1000 CZK for an adult, which is comparable to larger Czech parks, but the scope and quality of attractions are significantly higher.

Is it possible to pay with euros or cards in Polish amusement parks?

In Polish amusement parks, it is usually possible to pay with payment cards. Cash is accepted in Polish zlotys (PLN), not euros. Therefore, we recommend having Polish currency or a payment card with you.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

Greece: 5 Best Places for Your Holiday

TL;DRWhich Greek islands are the most beautiful? Out of thousands, only a handful really stand out, and no single one suits everyone. This guide helps you pick the right island for what you’re after: crystal-clear sea, family-friendly resorts, or those postcard-perfect white houses with blue roofs. We go through the loveliest islands one by one, with what makes each of them special. The best time to visit is May to October. Go find your dream Greek island.

Which island in Greece is the most beautiful? There are thousands of Greek islands, but some of them stand out. Each of the Greek islands mentioned below is rightfully one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, but they won’t always be the right choice for everyone. Luckily, we have information to help you choose!

It always depends whether you want perfectly clean sea, perfect facilities for families with children or you want perfect photos of white houses with blue roofs. Let’s take a look at each island in detail.

What are the greenest and most beautiful islands in Greece?

While it’s clear which is the largest island in Greece, some will probably quibble with us when it comes to the ones we call the most beautiful island in Greece or the greenest island in Greece. 😁

It doesn’t matter, we all have different tastes and the most beautiful Greek island might be different for everyone. Nevertheless, we hope that this list of the most beautiful islands in Greece will help someone in choosing a holiday. Read carefully so you know what to expect from each island.

The greenest island in Greece – Zakynthos

Among the greatest pearls of Greece are Zakynthos often described as the greenest island in Greece, known for its lush vegetation and beautiful beaches.

With more than 850,000 visitors a year, this island attracts tourists for its sandy beaches, Caretta Caretta turtles and crystal clear water. Zakynthos is suitable for both holidays for two and family holidays with smaller children.

In Zakynthos you can go on a number of boat trips, snorkelling and caving. The beaches of Zakynthos are perfect. However, there are not as many activities for hiking enthusiasts as in Crete.

Best hotels in Zakynthos: Where to stay

Zakynthos is one of the smaller but highly sought after destinations, so the best accommodation tends to be gone very quickly if you are lucky enough to still have availability in Viatzo Villas , definitely don’t hesitate

For families with smaller children, an all-inclusive hotel is a good choice ; our favourites include the Bitzaro Grande Hotel & Suites. You can’t usually get one at the last minute, but maybe you’ll get lucky.

Tip: Read our detailedarticle about holidays in Zakynthos.

The most beautiful island of Greece – Santorini

Santorini is often considered the most beautiful island in Greece, at least it is the most popular among influencers for its whitewashed, blue-roofed houses and breathtaking sunsets.

But if you’re after white sand or pebble beaches, Santorini is not the ideal choice. Santorini’s beaches are black and red sand, so it ‘s more likely to be for sunsets over white villages with blue roofs. Santorini is more suitable for a romantic holiday for two than for a holiday with children.

Where to stay in Santorini to make sense

Santorini is worth the extra cost, if still available, we recommend AVAL All Suite Hotel . This hotel has absolutely gorgeous apartments where you can book a room with a veranda. You’ll find it in Messaria, in the middle of the island, which is just an absolutely perfect location for exploring the island.

The most beautiful island of Greece – Corfu

Now that we’ve named Santorini as the most beautiful, we can give Corfu the title of the most beautiful. 😁 Why not? Forbid me to… It’s such a nice island that doesn’t play games and you can still experience the authentic Greek atmosphere even in the midst of the tourism.

Lukas and I are extremely keen to return to Corfu as we find it absolutely perfect for a peaceful holiday at great prices.

In Corfu you have absolutely everything you need for a perfect active and leisurely holiday. You won’t be bored here whether you’re 10 years old or 70. There is something for everyone. We wrote more about Corfu Here.

Best hotel: where to stay in Corfu

If you’re lucky enough to get a free room, we definitely recommend staying at Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa.

The largest island of Greece – Crete

Greece’s largest island is also the most visited of all Greek destinations (over 4.7 million tourists visit it annually). And no wonder.

The island offers stunning beaches, archaeological excavations, mysterious stories of the Minoan civilization and plenty of activities for children in the form of snorkeling and kayaking trips in the footsteps of pirates.

If you haven’t been to Crete yet and are thinking about where to go in Greece, I would probably choose Crete. Especially if you are going to Greece for the first time and you don’t know what you want from a Greek holiday. In Crete you have everything.

Tip: Read our detailed article on Crete .

Where to stay in Crete? Tips for the best resorts

For families with children there is Stella Village Seaside Hotel which offers both on-site slides and an all-inclusive package. Which is a guaranteed recipe for a peaceful holiday, even for those who have small or bigger pets at home.

If you’re unlucky and it’s already full, check out Arina Beach Resortwhich has a great location and water slides for the kids. ☺️

The southernmost island of Greece – Rhodes

Rhodes is rightfully one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, as evidenced by the statistic that over 2.5 million tourists visit it every year. Rhodes is also known as one of the warmest islands in Greece, so people start coming here for swimming and sun in May and the season stretches into October.

The biggest tourist attraction is probably the Valley of the Butterflies, but Rhodes is also known for a very diverse range of historical sites such as the medieval Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, a rare example of Gothic architecture in Greece, the Archaeological Museum located in the Great Hospital of the Johanites, or the Clock Tower in Rhodes Town.

Rhodes also has beautiful beaches and you can go on boat trips and snorkelling again. However, there is not as much on offer as in Crete or Zakynthos.

Tip: Read the detailed article about Rhodes .

Hotel tips: where to stay in Rhodes

Most of the resorts are located in the northern and eastern part of the island, where there are also the best facilities for families with children. For example, try an all-inclusive hotel Atlantica Dreams Resort .

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Lukáš and Lucie recommend
Where to stay on Greek islands
6 accommodations — resorts, wellness hotels and other lodging options

Where to next?

Are none of the above mentioned Greek islands appealing to you or have you already visited them all? Never mind, we have an article for you: 29 tips on where to go on holiday in Greece.

If you disagree with us and have other favourites among the Greek islands, be sure to let us know in the comments. And don’t be mad at us. We all have different tastes and everyone liked the most somewhere a little different. 😁

Where to buy tours to Greece

After you have chosen the most beautiful island of Greece to your liking, it’s a good idea to decide whether you want to go to Greece on your own or with a tour operator. I have done both and everything has its advantages and disadvantages.

If you’re travelling on your own, book your accommodation early and often you can’t do without a car – unless you just want to lounge around in a hotel (not a bad thing either, if you enjoy it, don’t let it talk you out of it 😁). Book a car through DiscoverCars.

If you fly on your own, be sure to check out our article, on how to get cheap flights.

And where to look for tours? I recommend checking out the portal Invia, because there are probably all the tours offered by Czech travel agencies, so there is a choice from 150 Czech travel agencies that are verified by this portal so you can be sure that they are trustworthy. There won’t be any small local travel agencies, but I would be afraid of that. 😁

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly to Greece on my ID?

Yes, you just need an ID card or passport.

Which Greek island is the most beautiful?

The most beautiful Greek island is Santorini, but it doesn’t have the most beautiful beaches.

When to go on holiday to the sea in Greece?

Flights to Greece are most common from June to September, and to the Greek island of Rhodes from May to October.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!

Spain Holiday: 17 Best Places to Visit in Spain

TL;DRSpain serves up sunshine, beaches and a friendly buzz, and there’s something here for everyone. The guide rounds up 17 ideas for your holiday: swimming spots in Andalusia, the Costa Brava, or the Balearics and Canaries, historic cities like Barcelona, Seville and Granada, and active breaks that mix surfing with mountain hikes. Head there between June and September for the beaches, while spring and autumn are best for the cities. We’ll help you pick the right spot for you.

When you think of a holiday in Spain, sunshine, beaches and the laid-back charm of the Spanish way of life immediately spring to mind. Although we personally love Andalusia the most — we go back almost every year — there are so many incredible destinations and best places to visit in Spain that it’s hard to narrow them down.

Whether you prefer lounging by the sea, exploring historic sites, or want an active holiday filled with surfing or mountain adventures, Spain has something for everyone.

Spain Holiday: 17 Best Places to Visit in Spain
Spain Holiday: 17 Best Places to Visit in Spain

Weather in Spain: When to Visit

If you’re after a beach holiday, you’ll want to head to Spain between June and September. However, if you’d rather explore the stunning sights of Andalusia, visit Madrid or Barcelona, you can count on pleasant weather from March to October. You can even visit Andalusia for sightseeing as early as February — we’ve been there and enjoyed sunshine and a lovely 20°C.

Flights to Spain: Finding Cheap Deals

From the UK, there are plenty of affordable options for getting to Spain. Budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 offer direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other major UK airports to destinations across Spain. If you’re not sure how to bag cheap flights, check out our guide to finding the best airfares.

17 Best Places to Visit in Spain

Spain offers an almost endless number of destinations to explore. Every corner of the country is a little different, every island has its own charm, and ultimately you’ll have to decide for yourself which spot you love the most.

If you asked us for our top pick of the best places to visit in Spain, we’d probably send you to Andalusia, which really has a bit of everything. But let’s take a look at 17 of the most popular destinations for a holiday in Spain.

Malaga – Beach Holiday on the Costa del Sol

Looking for a beach holiday in Spain? Malaga is one of the most beautiful cities on Spain’s southern coast, sitting right on the stunning Costa del Sol. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who wants a relaxing seaside break while also exploring the beauty of Andalusia.

Costa del Sol – one of the best places to visit in Spain
Beach holiday in Spain? How about the Costa del Sol!

Some of the most popular beaches in Malaga include:

  • Playa de La Malagueta
  • Playa de La Caleta
  • Playa de La Misericordia

Beyond the beaches, the city boasts impressive historical landmarks and a rich cultural scene. Make sure to visit places like:

  • Alcazaba – an 11th-century Moorish fortress.
  • Malaga Cathedral – a striking 16th-century building.
  • Pablo Picasso’s Birthplace – where you can see works by the famous painter and get a glimpse into his life.

Where to Stay in Malaga

A highly-rated option is ESTUDIO EN TORREMOLINOS CENTRO and B&B Casa Rubí.

Ibiza – Surfing, Nightlife and Active Holidays

Ibiza is one of Spain’s most famous islands, renowned for its gorgeous beaches, dance clubs and vibrant nightlife. While Ibiza is well known for its party scene and beaches, there’s actually much more to it than that. You can enjoy surfing as well as a chilled-out beach holiday.

Visit Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ibiza Town. This historic centre is surrounded by medieval walls, and its narrow streets and ancient buildings reveal the island’s rich history. You can also visit the Santa Maria Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum.

Spain Holiday: Ibiza
Beach holiday in Spain? For an active seaside break, head to Ibiza.

The Ses Salines area, also a UNESCO site, is famous for its salt flats and is home to many bird species, including flamingos.

Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Spanish dishes on Ibiza, which are built around fresh fish and seafood. A typical Spanish dish on Ibiza is “bullit de peix”, a fish stew served with potatoes and a traditional fish sauce. Also be sure to sample local liqueurs like Hierbas Ibicencas.

Check out the local markets too, such as Las Dalias, where you’ll find handmade jewellery, clothing and artwork.

Fancy a more active holiday? Ibiza has beautiful hiking trails and cycling routes. Explore Cala d’Hort for stunning views of the mystical island of Es Vedrà, or head to protected areas like Parc Natural de ses Salines.

Best Hotels in Ibiza: Where to Stay

Among the best hotels is definitely Hotel Rural & Spa Can Curreu, though it’s often fully booked during peak season. Another great choice is Hotel Rural Xereca.

Mallorca

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, offers a wonderful mix of beautiful beaches and historic sites — perfect for anyone looking for sun, sea and culture all in one trip.

The cuisine on Mallorca is exceptional, and along the coast you’ll find countless restaurants with sea views. Try local specialities like “sobrassada” (a spicy soft sausage) and “ensaïmada” (a sweet pastry), and enjoy fresh fish and seafood at seaside restaurants, paired with local wines.

Mallorca – one of the best places to visit in Spain
Mallorca is a brilliant island for couples and families with small children alike

Be sure to visit Mallorca’s capital — Palma. Check out the La Seu Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Almudaina and the Arab Baths.

For the more adventurous, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views and stunning hiking trails.

Where to Stay in Mallorca: Best Hotels

Among the best hotels on Mallorca is Grupotel Parc Natural & Spa. If you’re travelling without children, consider Hipotels Bahia Cala Millor – Adults Only.

Menorca

Menorca is often considered the quieter sibling of its neighbour, Mallorca. This smaller island is ideal for cycling holidays and exploring historic towns like Ciutadella and Mahón.

It’s perfect for those seeking a laid-back holiday, with gorgeous beaches and a rich history stretching back to prehistoric times. Menorca is famous for its talayots — ancient stone structures that offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s distant past.

Menorca – a beach holiday in Spain
Beach holiday in Spain: Menorca

Make sure to try the local Mahón cheese, which has Protected Designation of Origin status, and the traditional pastry Ensaimada. Local restaurants also serve fresh fish and seafood, an essential part of the island’s culinary experience.

The island is home to several nature reserves and offers stunning hiking trails through picturesque landscapes. Popular spots include the S’Albufera des Grau natural park.

Where to Stay in Menorca

One of the best beachfront hotels is Villa Forte. If you’re travelling without children or with kids over 12, take a look at Hotel Villa Chiquita – Adults Only – Over 12.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, also known as the “Islands of Eternal Spring”, are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, beloved for their year-round pleasant weather, diverse landscapes and rich culture. Some of our friends spend Christmas there, or even the entire winter.

Canary Islands

Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is home to the imposing El Teide volcano — the highest point in Spain. The island offers stunning beaches, popular family-friendly resorts and a lively nightlife scene.

Accommodation tip: Apartamentos Vista Sur

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is known for its incredible diversity — from the sand dunes of Maspalomas to lush green mountain valleys. The island is ideal for travellers looking for a combination of beach relaxation and outdoor activities. Don’t miss the capital Las Palmas, where you can dive into the local culture and history.

Resort tip: Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria

Lanzarote

Lanzarote, known for its unique volcanic landscape, is home to Timanfaya National Park. This island is perfect for those who want an active holiday exploring unusual natural scenery. Also visit the Jardín de Cactus and discover the work of local artist César Manrique.

Beachfront accommodation tip: Canaryislandshost l The Secret Suites

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is paradise for water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island boasts endless white-sand beaches that are ideal for relaxation and sunbathing. Corralejo and Jandía are popular areas for tourists seeking both relaxation and entertainment.

Beachfront accommodation tip: INNSiDE by Meliá Fuerteventura – Adults Only

La Palma

La Palma, often called “La Isla Bonita” (The Beautiful Island), is ideal for hiking and discovering natural wonders. The island features dense forests, dramatic rock formations and is perfect for stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution.

Romantic accommodation tip for couples: Hotel Hacienda de Abajo-Adults Only-Lujo

La Gomera and El Hierro

For those seeking peace and quiet far from the main tourist crowds, La Gomera and El Hierro are ideal. These smaller islands are perfect for hiking, nature watching and experiencing authentic Canarian culture.

Bilbao

Bilbao is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and we visited it in February on our way to Portugal. It’s located in the Basque Country in northern Spain. The city is best known as the home of the Guggenheim Museum of modern art, but trust me — you’ll fall in love with it even if art isn’t really your thing.

Long weekend in Spain? How about Bilbao!
Long weekend in Spain? How about Bilbao!

You absolutely shouldn’t miss the Guggenheim Museum — this iconic building houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry.

Bilbao also has a beautiful old town, and if you’re there, don’t forget to visit the local market: Mercado de la Ribera. This large traditional market is the perfect place to sample authentic Basque food and discover local culinary traditions.

Where to Stay in Bilbao

If it’s not fully booked, check out the Bilder Boutique Hotel.

San Sebastián – For Foodies and Surfers

San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in Basque, is a stunning city on Spain’s northern coast, sitting on the Atlantic shoreline in the Basque Country.

San Sebastián is one of the world’s most important gastronomic destinations, particularly famous for its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. The city is regarded as a foodie paradise and offers some of the best culinary experiences in Spain — and indeed the world.

An amazing café in San Sebastián
An amazing café in San Sebastián

Visit, for example, Arzak, a family-run restaurant led by chef Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena, or Mugaritz, headed by chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, which holds two Michelin stars.

One of San Sebastián’s main attractions is La Concha beach, famous for its fine white sand. The city itself is also stunning — make sure to visit the Basilica of Saint Vincent and Plaza de la Constitución.

San Sebastián

For the best views of the city and surrounding landscape, take a trip up Monte Igueldo. A funicular takes you to the top of the hill, where you can soak in the panoramic views.

San Sebastián isn’t just about beaches and food — the city also offers plenty of options for surf lovers.

Where to Stay in San Sebastián

One of the finest hotels in San Sebastián is the Villa Eugenia Boutique Hotel.

Barcelona – Long Weekend in Spain

Barcelona is the ideal destination for a long weekend in Spain. One of Barcelona’s biggest draws is its architecture. The city is home to the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, known for his remarkable buildings such as Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló.

We’d highly recommend buying tickets in advance — even outside peak season — through GetYourGuide. While you can buy tickets on the spot, the queues can be horrendous. Our relatives ignored this advice and ended up not getting into Sagrada Familia at all.

Beyond history and architecture, Barcelona is also famous for its beautiful beaches stretching along the coastline.

Art lovers will find plenty of galleries and museums to explore. The local art and culture scene is incredibly vibrant, and there’s always something going on. Visiting places like the Museu Picasso or Fundació Joan Miró is an absolute must.

For more details, read our article on things to do in Barcelona.

Spain Holiday – best places to visit in Spain
Spain Holiday: Barcelona is ideal for a long weekend break in Spain

Where to Stay in Barcelona

If you’re on a tight budget, a great hostel is Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia. For good-quality accommodation that won’t break the bank, try Hotel Granvia, which is housed in a gorgeous 19th-century building.

We drove to Barcelona by car with our dogs, so our options were limited. We ended up choosing Hotel Gaudí, which has a breathtaking rooftop view of Palau Güell. The rooms themselves are quite small though, and the hotel has seen better days. 😁

Madrid

Madrid is Spain’s most visited city, and a large number of visitors come here for the football.

Football in Madrid is more than just a sport — it’s a passion that runs through the very heart of this vibrant city. Two world-famous clubs, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, call this city home, each with its own unique history and fiercely loyal fanbase. Real Madrid, based at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium, is one of the most successful football clubs in history, known for its star players and record-breaking trophy haul.

Spain Holiday: Madrid
Spain Holiday: Madrid

On the other side of the city, Atlético Madrid plays at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium and is known for its cohesive team play and strong fighting spirit.

Visiting Madrid during the football season is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any football fan.

If football isn’t your thing, no worries — you can visit the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) or the Moorish-influenced architecture. Art lovers will find the Museo del Prado, where you can admire works by famous Spanish painters.

Beyond its historical landmarks, Madrid is also a hub for Spanish culture, with regular cultural events taking place throughout the year. Key venues include the City Hall and the National Theatre.

Where to Stay in Madrid

One of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Madrid is the Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid, right in the city centre. Another excellent central option is Plaza Mayor Suites & Apartments. Near the stadium, you’ll find Oasis urbano en el corazón financiero / Castellana.

Seville – Andalusia

Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia and the capital of the region. The city is known for its rich history, architectural gems and, of course, as the birthplace of flamenco.

Seville is also famous for its gorgeous gardens and parks. When we’re in the city, we love simply strolling along the orange tree-lined promenades. There’s so much worth seeing in Seville, and it’s also a brilliant base for exploring the rest of Andalusia.

Spain Holiday: Best places to visit in Spain

Where to Stay in Seville

In Seville, stay at Apartamentos Reyes Catolicos if it’s available. Looking for something truly luxurious? Try Hotel Colón Gran Meliá.

Granada – Andalusia

Granada is one of Spain’s most beautiful and beloved historic cities, located in the enchanting region of Andalusia. Millions of tourists from around the world visit every year for its history, stunning architecture and unique art. Here are a few places you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Granada:

  • Alhambra: Without doubt the city’s most famous and precious landmark, this Moorish palace is a true treasure of history and art.
  • Historic Centre: Granada’s amazing streets are packed with shops, restaurants and bars where you can try traditional tapas or enjoy a glass of sangria.
  • Generalife: This palace and its gardens are part of the Alhambra complex and were built as a summer residence for the Moorish rulers. The Generalife is known for its beautiful fountains, gardens and terraces, offering gorgeous views of the city.
  • Granada Cathedral: Built on the site of a former mosque, this is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. Construction began in 1523 and took over 180 years to complete.
Spain Holiday: Granada
Spain Holiday: Granada

Where to Stay in Granada?

An affordable yet lovely option is Hotel Macià Real De La Alhambra. For something more upscale, check out Boutique Hotel Luna Granada Centro.

Valencia

Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city, located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and modern architecture — making it a fantastic destination for a holiday in Spain.

Visit the Old Town, where you’ll find the Cathedral, La Lonja de la Seda (the former Silk Exchange) and Mercado Central (the Central Market). Don’t miss the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias complex either, which houses various museums, theatres and an aquarium.

Valencia – one of the best places to visit in Spain
Best places to visit in Spain? How about Valencia!

While in Valencia, you simply must try the quintessential Spanish dish — paella — which originates from right here.

The beaches in Valencia are gorgeous and enjoyable for all ages. Among the most beautiful are:

  • Playa de la Malvarrosa
  • Playa de las Arenas
  • Playa Patacona

Valencia is a city where sports play a big role. You can enjoy sailing, diving or golf here. Beyond water sports, it’s worth mentioning the local football team Valencia CF, which ranks among the top Spanish and European clubs.

Where to Stay in Valencia?

Among the most beautiful accommodation options are Palau Apartments Valencia, or check whether the Soho Valencia hotel has availability.

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Lukáš and Lucie recommend
Where to stay in Spain
6 accommodations — resorts, wellness hotels and other lodging options

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most beautiful Spanish islands?

The most beautiful Spanish islands are Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca.

Which is the most beautiful Canary Island?

La Palma is often considered the most beautiful Canary Island, but it really depends on what you want to see and experience.

Where to go in Spain in winter?

In winter, head to the Canary Islands, where the weather is pleasant all year round.

Where are the best beaches in Spain?

Some of the best beaches in Spain can be found around Malaga.

Where to go in Spain with kids?

For a family holiday, head to Malaga on the Costa del Sol or to Mallorca.

Where to surf in Spain?

San Sebastián in the Basque Country is one of Spain’s top surfing destinations.

Where to fly to in Spain?

Fly to Barcelona or Madrid for a long weekend. For a beach holiday, fly to Malaga or Ibiza. From the UK, there are direct flights with easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2.

Best family destinations in Spain?

Take the kids to Mallorca or Malaga — both are perfect for families.

What are the beaches like in Spain?

Spain mostly has sandy beaches, though you’ll also find pebbly stretches depending on the location.

What is the sea like in Spain?

The sea in Spain is clean and warm during summer.

Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation

Don’t Overpay for Flights

Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.

Book Your Accommodation Smartly

The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.

Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).

Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.

Find the Best Experiences

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!