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Gazing at a million lights shining from the top of the city. Wandering the dark streets learning the spooky history of NYC. Drinking a cocktail under neon lights in a basement speakeasy.  New York City at night is a magical adventure, where the hustle and bustle never stops even when the sun goes down.

Frank Sinatra once sang “​​I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps” and of course, he could only be talking about one place – New York, New York! At night the city comes alive with bright lights, bumping clubs, museums (open late, of course), live shows, excellent restaurants and so much more!

In a place like New York City, where the subway never closes, people are out and about all hours of the night and there is always something to do. You can go hard dancing all night, or just enjoy a lovely slice of NYC pizza. Welcome to New York City at night!

Psst: Planning a trip to New York City? Here are some other posts you may find handy!

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New York City at Night FAQs

If you’re visiting NYC and wandering around at night you may have some questions… Like is New York City at night safe? Should I really take the subway after midnight? Does everyone turn into vampires and zombies in the city after the clock strikes twelve? (No one has ever asked that…). Here are some answers to your questions below!

Is it Safe to Walk around New York City at Night?

The short answer is — yes! Most of New York City at night is safe to walk around, and since the city never sleeps (nor do its residents), you’ll most likely find yourself surrounded by plenty of people at night. The city in general is extremely well-lit, so as long as you stick to the main thoroughfares you shouldn’t find yourself down any dark alleys.

At nighttime, you’ll probably find most activities are in midtown, which is a popular nightlife spot and one of the safer areas for you to explore. Like anywhere else, stay aware of your surroundings and your possessions. There is always a chance of something bad happening anywhere so always stay vigilant.

Can I Take the Subway at Night?

New Yorkers tend to avoid the subway after midnight, since fewer people ride it and it can be a little more sketchy (as well as the trains running more infrequently after 10pm and the routes being slighty changed).

If you are unable to take a ride share late at night (which I would recommend), try to ride in a subway car with other people (who are not acting erratically) and try not to put yourself in a situation where you are alone and vulnerable. Once again, be wary and remember there is safety in numbers.

If you are new to taking the Subway, check out this NYC Subway Guide for a very complete guide.

When’s the Best Time to Visit New York City at Night?

New York is best experienced in warmer weather, so I recommend going in April-June, or September-November. 

NYC in July-August is a hot, sticky, asphalt jungle mess, with sweltering subway trains making it feel like you’re on the express train to hell. While it’s not so hot at night, during the day it will be much warmer, and it’s also high tourist season (locals who can flee the city) which means that everything is more expensive. Basically, you’ll pay more to be miserable!

New York City in Winter is also a great time to visit if you don’t mind the cold and potential snow, and you’ll see way fewer crowds after the holiday season. But of course, a lot of the outdoor activities won’t be as enjoyable, and of course more of it will be “at night” since the sun goes down so early!

Things to do in New York City at Night

Here are some of the best things to do in New York City at Night, from the best restaurants and bars, museums that are open late, shows, city views and more!

See A Broadway Show

One of the most classic New York City at Night activities is visiting the Great White Way, also known as Broadway. Broadway is the name for the 41 theaters in the area that have 500 seats or more. That is the real definition of Broadway, not just the theatres that are actually on the street!

Here you’re going to see the largest, most spectacular shows on Earth, and even if flashy musicals aren’t your thing, they usually have regular plays with some of the best actors in the country gracing the floorboards. 

Below are some of the best shows on Broadway right now, and remember you can view all the shows on the Broadway website:

• Kimberly Akimbo – This show won the Tony Award Winner for Best Musical 2023, and tells the story of a 16-year-old girl with a rare disease that makes her have the body of an old woman. This show isn’t a flashy spectacle like some others but it is witty, funny, and relatable – perfectly expressing the human experience.
• Wicked – Since it opened in 2003, Wicked has remained one of the most well-attended shows on Broadway (and soon to be a movie!), and for good reason. It has spectacle, humor, drama, and explores the story of the Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch’s point of view!
• Sweeny Todd – Sondheim has created some of the best American musicals, and the darkly macabre and humourous Sweeny Todd turns the cutesy Broadway musical on its head. Never has the story of one man’s murderous, revenge rampage been so beautifully operatic.

See A Non-Broadway Show

New York City is more than just Broadway shows, even if they are fantastic! There are plenty of unique theatrical experiences in NYC just waiting for you to discover them. 

• See a live TV Taping – Have you ever wanted to be in a live studio audience? Well, NYC has you covered! You can see your favorite shows live like Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and so many more. Saturday Night Live is the only show that truly tapes at night (many of the “night shows” are taped at 5pm), so it’s your best bet if you want the “nightlife” experience. Check out this excellent guide to score tickets for your favorite shows.
• Lips Drag Queen Show Palace Restaurant & Bar – If you’re looking for a New York at nighttime activity with a bit more glitz and glamour, Lips is the place to be! Here you can see one of NYC’s premier drag shows with gorgeous divas singing, dancing, and putting on an unforgettable show. You can just get drinks from the bar (two-drink minimum) or enjoy a 3-course meal! This is one dinner and a show that will be a drag, in a good way!
• Slipper Room – For even more titillating action, check out the Slipper Room in Lower Manhattan. Here you can find some of the best burlesque, featuring comedy, sideshow, magic, strip tease, circus, and more! The performances are light-hearted and fun, and the staff will make you feel welcome. It’s like stepping back into the days of vaudeville and getting to see a bunch of unique talents!
• Shakespeare in the Park – One of the best free things you can do is check out Shakespeare in the Park in the Summer! Put on by The Public Theater, these shows play in Central Park (but not in 2024 as the theatre is being renovated) and feature traditional versions and colorful adaptations of the Bard’s work. These professional productions make Shaekspeare’s work accessible and understandable even if you weren’t a theatre kid *ahem*. 
• See a Yankees Game – While not a show per se, baseball is kind of a show! You know, there are players, a stage, costumes (er…). Anyway, even if you’re not a huge sports fan going to a big arena game is electric. Fans cheering, home runs, hot dogs, beer – you know, the important parts! 

Get A Fancy Drink

Nighttime and cocktails go hand-in-hand, so why not find your new favorite haunt. There is even a speakeasy tour if you want to find three “secret” spots and learn this history of NYC prohibition!

• Ophelia Lounge – Drinks with a view? This stunning sky lounge is in a 1928 Art Deco building that has sweeping views of the Hudson River, and is a great place to take in the city from above on a chilly night (like the Pepsi Cola sign!). Under the twinkling star lights hanging from the ceiling sip on the Purple Tuxedo, with gin, absinthe, plum bitters, and more which makes it purple, sweet and refreshing as well as the Beekman classic palo santo martini, a gin martini with a smokey twist.
• Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – At this bar, red leather chairs and gilded mirrors line the bar, stained glass windows are illuminated on the walls alongside portraits of Oscar Wilde, and they have plenty of handcrafted cocktails on the menu, many named for Old Hollywood celebrities. Try the Humphrey Bogart with Yellowstone Bourbon, House Smoked Syrup, Angostura & Orange Bitters.This drink is “cedar smoked” and came fully on fire!
• Dante – Dante opened in 1915 is a registered historic landmark where famous faces like Al Pacino, Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, and Bob Dylan have stopped in for a drink or two. You’ll feel very Parisian sitting at the bar surrounded by mint green and white accents, soft lighting and music floating in the background. The bar is famous for Martinis and aperitivo, and from 3 to 5 pm you can enjoy discount martinis during “martini hour”. Try the With A Twist martini with hints of grapefruit, lemon, and lime, and if martinis aren’t your thing, try the Negroni Bianco garnished with little white flowers. 
• Rudy’s Bar & Grill – This hole in the wall in Hell’s Kitchen is easily findable by the statue of a big pig in a red jacket waving out front. Inside you’ll find cheap beer and drinks, and free hot dogs with any purchase! I love this place because it’s a true dive – dark, unpretentious, and inexpensive, something NYC sometimes fails to provide. The music and good and the vibes are right. Be aware Rudy’s is cash only!
• HiLot – This vision in pink in Alphabet City is home to fancy cocktails, with rose gold mirrors, green lamps, and heavy velvet curtains lining the interior. It’s like stepping into a mod, elegant spaceship with gorgeous glassware to match. The drinks are fancy as the interior, like the fuschia Lavender Haze with Bombay London Dry Gin, Hibiscus, Cinnamon, Butterfly Pea Flower, Lemon and Co2. You can make a reservation, but they usually keep tables for walk-ins.
• The Woo Woo – The Woo Woo is an 80s-themed speakeasy bar (yes you read that right) decked out in neon in the basement of a building in Times Square. The ambiance here is top-notch, and you are required to enter through a secret doorway (which is very well-themed – but I won’t spoil it!). They have lots of fun drinks here (I got the Wednesday) and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap after a Broadway show! 

Eat A Delicious Meal

You can’t go wrong eating an amazing meal you can only get in NYC, and these are some of our favorite places in the city:

• Thai Diner – Thai Diner is like if you mixed a Thai restaurant with a Tiki Bar, with whimsical decorations to match. The dishes epitomize Thai with a twist, like the decadent Kaeng Kieow Waan with curry braised beef short ribs with eggplant, shallots, and basil. They also have fun combination drinks, like the Thai-rish coffee, with Jameson whiskey, espresso, and condensed milk whipped cream. 
• Left Bank – Left Bank features simple farm-to-table food that leans into American/Italian fare. The best part is that from 5-7pm Monday-Friday and 4-6pm Saturday & Sunday you can order from their happy hour menu, which includes pasta and a glass of wine, a burger and beer, and two appetizers at a fixed price. For your app, try the the shaved brussel salad or the half dozen East Coast oysters and and for your entree the capricci cacio e pepe (with your choice of wine, of course). Their parmesan fries are also on the happy hour menu, which makes a great additional app if you want something truly decadent.
• Capizzi– This pizzeria was born out of the owner working in his own father’s pizzeria as a child, so this is some ancestral pizza action. The restaurant is intimate and decorated in a cozy, Italian way, with a wood-burning pizza oven which is the sign you’ll be getting some incredible pizza. Start with their Arancini Spinaci which are spinach, garlic & cheese rice balls, that are crispy and so decadent. For your pizza order, I highly recommend the Hot Honey pepperoni pizza if they currently have it on the menu (it seems to rotate), if not the Loaded Pizza with provolone, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, roasted peppers & whole roasted garlic should do the trick.

Enjoy a Night at the Museum

I get it, you’re a brainiac who wants to not only explore the museums during the day but at night too! Here are some of the museums that are regularly open late so you can get your exploration on once the sun goes down. 

• Fotografiska New York: The Contemporary Museum of Photography, Art & Culture –  This museum is for all you photography lovers! Come explore the art of the image in this gorgeous museum, which has new shows constantly rotating through. Be sure to check out the speakeasy-style Chapel Bar for a drink before you head out as well. Fotografiska is open until 9pm every night.
• Museum of Sex – The Museum of Sex is hot, real hot, and explores sex and sexuality from the middle of the century through today! Be sure to check out the Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival for an interactive, neon wonderland that explores the link between sex and the history of carnivals. Stop by the Carnal Carnival Bar to grab a drink to sip while you explore! The museum is open til 10pm most nights, and some nights 12am!
• New York Historical Society Museum & Library – Open until 8pm on Fridays, you can explore 400 years of NY history alongside Tiffany lamps, Picasso works, films, and so much more! It’s easy to spend a fancy Friday night here!
• Whitney Museum of American Art – This museum is not only open until 10pm on Fridays, but free between 5-10pm! Here you’ll see premier contemporary American art, with over 20,000 works in the permanent collection, including pieces by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and many more. You have quite the evening set out for you see as much as you can! Just be sure you reserve advance tickets.
• Brooklyn Museum – The first Saturday of each month the Brooklyn Museum is open until 11pm, and it’s free (just make sure you make a reservation in advance)! This special night includes performances/films and/or activities, making it a truly engaging evening. Explore the museum and have a blast into the night!

Dance the Night Away

Wanna go to the clerb? Well,  NYC’s got you covered for that! So many places to dance, whether you wanna see live DJs, go salsa dancing, or just bop to some Jazz. Here’s what we recommend:

• Swing 46 Jazz & Supper Club – This club is located on historic Restaurant Row in New York City’s Times Square neighborhood and is based on the swinging supper clubs of the 1940s. While you can reserve a table for dinner, no reservation is necessary to show up Tuesday-Sunday for a free dance lesson between 8:30-9pm (there is a cover however). They will teach you the basics of classic dances such as the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Shag, Waltz, Foxtrot, Charleston, and more! So grab a drink and get dancing!
• House of Yes – This colorful club in Bushwick, Brooklyn is home to high-intensity music, performances by acrobats over the dancefloor, and enough energy to keep you going all night. The point of HoY is to participate, which you can do by wearing your craziest club outfit and going along for the ride! Check out their calendar for different themed nights and performances.
• Retroclubnyc – If you’re an elder Millenial like me you may be craving tunes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s specializing in disco and freestyle music. Well, hey, here’s a place! Retroclubnyc is less snooty than other clubs and towns and is musically curated for those who want to dance but maybe also have a bedtime.

Take a Stroll Through the Park

New York is the city that never sleeps, remember? Luckily, if you want to go on a nighttime park stroll you can! That being said, you don’t want to go too late and open yourself up to anything bad happening. Stick to well-lit areas, use the buddy system, and have an idea of where you’re going!

• Central Park – Central Park at nighttime has the allure of your natural surroundings – trees, ponds, sprawling lawns – with the added bonus of skyscrapers glowing right beyond them. It definitely feels like the convergence of natural and manmade, and has the true NYC magic. Some of the best places to stick to at night at the Mall & Literary Walk, the Reservoir, and the Ramble. While Central Park is open until 1am, I’d say 10pm is probably the best cut-off time for you to be wandering the park.
• The High Line – This historic elevated rail line has been transformed into a park in the sky, allowing you to walk past native plants and trees, sit on benches, admire huge murals, sculptures, and performance art, and see NYC shining at nighttime from an entirely different point of view. The High Line is 1.45 miles long and makes for a great stroll for about an hour. The Highline is open until 10pm between April 1- November 30.
• Little Island – Little Island is hard to miss, it looks like little white floating clouds on the Hudson River with a lush, green park on top! It’s beautifully manicured with flowers and grasses, filled with art installations, and has beautiful overviews of the river and city perfect for nighttime shots. It also happens to be right off the High Line! Click here to check the hours, but should be open until 11pm or 12am depending on when you visit.

Do Late Night Shopping (& Eating) at a Night Market

Night markets are electric – people coming together to shop, eat, and listen to music underneath the lights of the city! Luckily NYC has several to choose from!

• Chelsea Market – This 1.2 million sq feet building is one of the most bustling, exciting, and delicious indoor markets in the world (also close to the High Line), and a fabulous place to grab a bite since it is open until 10pm every night (though some stores close early, check the website). Make sure you get to Los Tacos No. 1, a quick-service restaurant that has a limited menu that is all fantastic, like the Adobada pork tacos with pineapple on top is the best taco I’ve ever had in my life (you can find Los Tacos No. 1 all over NYC as well). 
• Uptown Market – On the second Thursday between April and October from 4-10pm you will find the Uptown Market in Harlem, which tous 80+ vendors, food, local musical talent, and celebrates the unique cultural flavors of Harlem! 
• Brooklyn Market – The last Monday of the month between April and October from 4-10pm the Brooklyn Market takes place at Industry City, a hip industrial complex that houses plenty of it’s own shops and eateries. But during the Brooklyn Market you get an additional 60 vendors and music in their beautiful outdoor space overlooking the water beyond!cultural flavors of Harlemunique cultural flavors of Harlem unique cultural flavors of Harle

Explore Chinatown

Chinatown at night is an explosion of color, with red lanterns hanging above, great places to eat, and shopping! While it’s quieter than during the day, it’s very atmospheric to walk around and take in all the culture and history. 

• Take a stroll down Doyers Street – Once known as Bloody Angle due to the Chinese gang violence on the street in the early 1900s, Doyers Street today is the colorful, mural-covered heart of Chinatown. Here you can take in the ambiance, including gazing at the pegasus made entirely of noodles soaring over adjoining Pell Street. This is a great place to start your Chinatown adventure, and then roam Mulberry, Mott, Elizabeth, and Pell Streets.
• Nom Wah Tea Parlor – Also located on Doyers Street is Nom Wah Tea Parlor which opened in the 1920s and is the oldest continuously running restaurant in Chinatown. This incredible dumpling and dim sum joint cannot be missed. Get the pan-fried pork dumplings, chicken soup dumplings, sticky rice with Chinese sausage, and steamed lotus buns. Be aware this place is cash-only (but very affordable), with small dishes perfect for sharing. You may also need to wait outside for a table, but the line generally moves quickly!
• Rooftop93 – Above the Wyndham Garden Chinatown Hotel is Rooftop93, a sophisticated rooftop bar and indoor lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you some of the most stunning views of Manhattan. This is a great place to end your Chinatown exploration and take in the city lights, or start here and watch the gorgeous colors of the sunset over the city. The drinks here are classic, from margaritas to Aperol Spritz to martinis, so take in Chinatown from above!

Bop Around Brooklyn at Night

Brooklyn may not be Manhattan, but it’s right there – and it’s cool! Brooklyn is a great place to check out at night, with plenty of great views, fun activities, and drinking options! 

• Brooklyn Bridge – The Brooklyn Bridge is magical, if not more magical, at night. Fewer crowds, city lights, cool air blowing across the East River – it’s the total NYC experience. After 9pm there are fewer crowds, but still enough people and lighting to be safe. Stroll across the ⅓ mile bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn or do an out-and-back from Brooklyn for unforgettable Manhattan views!
• The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club – I know what you’re thinking: isn’t shuffleboard for retirees in Florida? Well, yes, but if you’re in Brooklyn it’s cool, okay! The ambiance here is Florida flamingo chic and you can rent shuffleboard courts with your friends, while jamming to loud music and getting great beer and cocktails from the bar. Haven’t played? They’ll give you a quick rundown (it’s easy!) and in no time you’ll be shuffling!
• Randolph Beer – For more views of Manhattan, check out Randolph Beer’s Rooftop patio. Randolph Beer is known for its super fun game room (downstairs) and is only one of 5 places in the country with Belgian feather bowling, but the real star is the view of Manhattan, the bridges, and the beer! They have over 20 beers on tap including such delightful flavors as the Orange You Lovely IPA and the Left On Red Wheat Beer. If beer isn’t your thing, they also have some excellent cocktails like the smokey yet refreshing  EL Pepino Fresco with mezcal, St. Germain, lime, cucumber, and Peychaud’s.
• House of Wax Bar – This has to be one of the oddest places to get a drink – a bar… full of waxwork sculptures? Here you can find life-size and realistic displays of anatomy, anthropology, and even death masks of famous folks with some truly horrific sights – we’re talking wax depictions of syphilis, lungs overtaken with tuberculosis, and even realistic birth scenes. This collection was last seen in 1922 in Berlin, where it was packed away for good – until it was purchased in 2016 and put on display in this rendition of an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. So grab a drink, check out the wax oddities, and stay for a movie if you like!
• Nowadays – This is the perfect outdoor summer spot, where you can dance the night away in a garden! They also do cinema nights so you can take a movie under the twinkling lights of the garden. They serve food (Mexican cuisine) and have some great mixed drinks. Really, this place is somewhat out of a fairytale!

Take a New York City Night Tour

New York City at night can be even more exciting with a guide, highlighting the sites and the stories of the city. 

• Greenwich Ghost Tour – A fabulous way to learn about the spooks and stories of the city is on this 2-hour Greenwich Ghost Tour. This tour is not a collection of silly and unverified ghost stories, but rather a collection of true tales in NYC’s history you’ll hear while visiting the sites where they took place. You’ll go past where the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory stood, where one of the deadliest industrial fires in the country where 146 garment workers died, an eerie hanging tree, and stroll through Washington Square Park and more. Our guide Luke had a lot of energy and great storytelling skills – this is not a tour to miss. Also, stop by Bleecker Street Pizza after the tour for an excellent slice of NY pizza!
• Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise – On this 2-hour cruise, you can take in the sparkling lights of the city from the water! You’ll see landmarks like One World Trade Center’s Freedom Tower, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and many more. Besides the stunning views (which are worth the cruise alone), it is the most comprehensive and fun way to learn about the city from one of the fabulous commentators – you’ll learn things like how Manhattan means “land of many hills” in the Lenape language, how Wall Street used to have a literal wall built by the Dutch to keep the English out, and that Brooklyn is almost the size of Chicago. You can also get beer, wine, and cocktails as you learn about the city. This is a must-do activity!
• New York Catacombs by Candlelight – This has to be one of the strangest tours you can take in New York City at night… exploring catacombs, under the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral?? On this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll explore the Basilica in-depth, pun intended, as you dive into the only Catholic catacombs in NYC and even get to wander around the graveyard. While this tour is spooky in essence, it’s not a ghost tour per se so expect to learn a bit more about the history of the church, Catholicism, and spirituality rather than just the ooky spooky bits.

See The City from the Top of the Rock

Seeing New York City at night from above is like nothing else, especially if you get to experience the sunset followed by the lights twinkling on illuminating the city. The scope of the city is hard to take in from below! While there are several observation decks, Top of the Rock takes the cake for the best views and atmosphere.

From the Top of the Rock, you’ll be able to see some iconic spots in NYC including the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center, and Central Park. It’s located right in Midtown and has expansive, 360-degree views from 850ft over Manhattan. It may not be the highest platform in the city, but it has a less expensive admission ticket, fewer crowds, a great location and gorgeous Art Deco architecture.

If you can, try to arrive a little bit before sunset (also keep in mind it takes about 20-30 minutes to actually get up on the deck). This way you can see the city during golden hour and then watch the city light up all around you. There is something so special about seeing millions of twinkling city lights that feels so NYC.

One of the biggest selling points is that there is an outdoor deck, meaning you’ll get stunning pictures and really get to see the city with your own eyes (some observation decks don’t have outdoor space!). There are also several more stairs up to higher platforms than the level you enter from the elevator, so don’t forget to explore those too! Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour on the observation deck. 

Where to stay in New York City at Night

•  citizenM Time Square – Located near Time Square, The citizenM has everything you need – three outdoor terraces, a rooftop bar, and hot & cold breakfast buffet! Not to mention the hotel itself is super cozy and modern rooms where you can control all aspects of the room with an iPad. You’ll be super close to the action of Manhattan and the subway, so this is the perfect place to base yourself!
• Pod Times Square – These “pod” rooms may be on the smaller side, but they are inexpensive and don’t leave out the comfort of staying in a hotel! The hotel itself is stylish and cool with its own bar, and they even have double bunk rooms, which is a great option if traveling with a friend. It’s a few blocks away from Times Square, so super convenient!
• The Standard, High Line – Now if you truly want to stay right on top of the High Line park with some truly gorgeous views of the Hudson River, check out the Standard. This hotel exudes luxury without the price tag of full-blown luxury, with white and wooden accents, and each room features floor-to-ceiling windows and a city or river view. Also, check out the adjoining biergarten under the High Line.

About The Author: Richie Goff is a Louisville, Kentucky native with a great love of the outdoors. When he is not growing flowers for fun, he is the Editor-in-Chief of Practical Wanderlust and Let’s Go Louisville. He has been a friend of Lia’s since high school, and they have taken plenty of their own disaster-prone adventures together!

What are your thoughts on these things to do in New York City at night? Let us know below!

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Picture yourself in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, listening to the birds chirp overhead while lying by the beach in a cabana. A delicious drink appears next to you, rimmed with Tajin and a sweet, crunchy starfruit. You head to a beachfront restaurant for some delicious, fresh ceviche overlooking the ocean, then get a luxurious massage at the spa before taking a relaxing dip in the pool. You left your wallet upstairs in your room, but you won’t need it, because everything is included at your resort.

Now, I have to admit something: I’ve never been an all-inclusive resort person. Historically. I’ve been of a “book whatever’s cheap, you’ll just sleep there” type. And trips were never for relaxing: they were for exploring, adventuring, and doing. Time spent relaxing in a new place felt like time wasted!

Well, then I turned 30, had a baby, and learned to deeply appreciate time spent relaxing. Things change, and priorities change – and while I still love a busy, fun-filled trip full of doing things, I’ve learned that every so often, booking a vacation – as opposed to a trip – is incredibly rejuvenating. Laying on a beach, languishing by the pool, sleeping late while watching the sun come up over Banderas Bay from your private balcony before calling up room service – this is a type of travel that I’ve learned to love and make space for in my life.

So when I was invited to experience Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa, I jumped at the opportunity. Puerto Vallarta offers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxing, because there’s plenty to do outside of the “Hotel Zone” where most resorts are located. My trip included plenty of fun activities, from exploring Old Town to taking a food tour to going whale watching to visiting a private island for a mind-blowing circus show – you can read all about it and plan your own perfectly balanced trip in my Puerto Vallarta itinerary.

In this post, I want to focus on the star of my visit to Puerto Vallarta, the Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa, one of the best Puerto Vallarta resorts for families! If you’re considering making it a base for your trip to Puerto Vallarta (especially if you’ll be bringing kiddos along), read on.

Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Here are a few posts that might help:

All-Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

For a destination like Puerto Vallarta, an all-inclusive resort is the perfect haven. Located in the “Hotel Zone,” conveniently situated between the airport and downtown/Old Town areas, resorts offer the ideal combination of comfort and accessibility.

Of course, not just any resort will do. It’s gotta have beachfront access, a stunning pool, legitimately good food and drinks (all included in your rate, hence “all-inclusive”) and, for bonus points, a really good spa, too.

But unlike many resort destinations, Puerto Vallarta has a LOT to offer in Old Town, so you can balance your resort relaxation with getaways to explore. If you’re like me and get cabin fever easily, that’s a huge advantage. I’m always excited to explore a new place, and Puerto Vallarta is safe, beautiful, and easy to explore.

To get into Old Town from the Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa, you can ask the front desk to book you a taxi or just walk a few feet out to the main street to hop on a public bus. Old Town is just 10 minutes away!

When you’re had your fill of the hustle and bustle of the Zona Romantic, your resort is waiting for you a short ride away, ready to lull you back into a blissful state of relaxation. Honestly, it’s perfect.

What are the rooms like at Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta?

One thing I LOVED at the Fiesta Americana is that every room boasts a private balcony overlooking the pool and ocean, regardless of the price point.

This means everyone, no matter what they’re paying, gets a beautiful ocean view. Every single room faces in the same stunning direction. We love an equitable resort!

Each room includes amenities like a robe and slippers, marble floors, large shower, a coffee maker and small fridge/minibar. And, ya know, a private balcony with jaw-dropping ocean views.

That said, opting for the top three floors – aka the Fiesta Club rooms – enhances your experience.

Sure, the views from up there are incredible, but there are daily happy hours in the lounge, access to a heated adults-only hot tub and pool area, an exclusive restaurant and premium restaurant seating.

Surprisingly. even though my room was located on the top floor, I could still hear the waves crashing on the beach clear as day. This was the perfect soundtrack to fall asleep and wake up to, so I kept my windows open all night long (and not a single bug bothered me during my trip!)

Is there anything better than throwing on a cozy hotel robe and slippers and winding down at night while listening to ocean waves on a nearby shore? There is not.

Another perk with the Fiesta Club Room was having access to the adults-only pool- especially nice when I wanted to escape the larger pool for somewhere smaller and quieter. It’s located on the rooftop of a restaurant overlooking the ocean, so the views are phenomenal. You can relax in a private cabana and order drinks and food poolside, which I took full advantage of.

The premium restaurant seating meant enjoying breakfast each morning on a beachfront patio. And one night during your stay, you’ll get to enjoy a wonderful 4-course dinner on a palapa in the center of the pool at L’Isola Restaurant, only available to Fiesta Club members.

Speaking of restaurants, the food at this resort is INCREDIBLE!

Restaurants at the Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta

When you’ll be eating most of your meals at the resort, the quality of the food can make or break your experience. Well, Fiesta Americana has consistently earned a AAA Four-Diamond award for an impressive 20 years in a row, and the culinary experience at its multiple onsite restaurants is a standout feature.

Yes – there are a LOT of restaurants. So I went to as many as I could. You know, for research!

• La Cevicheria: Casual seafood dining on an open-air beachfront patio. The perfect for a relaxed, casual lunch by the pool and beach. The ceviche is fresh and delicious, and the snack platter offers several filling options.
• El Mexicano: Traditional Mexican cuisine! You’ll find multiple regions of Mexican dishes represented here, and they’re all phenomenal. This is a great spot to try Jalisco specialties like tacos birria!
• The Grill: Open-air BBQ spot located right by the pool and kids area, so when your little one gets hungry and wants a burger, you barely have to move.
• Rosato: Italian/Mediterranean deliciousness. Think perfectly plated pastas and fresh-caught fish.
• L’Isola Restaurant: This restaurant serves an incredible 4-course meal on a palapa overlooking the glowing pool, which Fiesta Club rooms can enjoy once per trip. This was my favorite restaurant and dining experience at the resort!
• Restaurant Asiatico Tiantang: The onsite Asian restaurant includes Hibachi (which is a blast for kiddos to watch) and fresh, delicious sushi. My favorite here was the sushi.
• Chulavista: The all-day buffet, with a beautiful patio overlooking the beach. My favorites at breakfast were the fresh green juice and chilaquiles!
• Bonus – Coffee Shop: The coffee shop has the best coffee in the resort and I stopped there every morning for a cappuccino to go. It’s tucked away through the gift shop in the lobby. There are also delicious fresh pastries – all included, of course.

The incredible food options at Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa made each meal feel special and exciting. And anyone who’s ever met a hungry toddler can agree that with kiddos in tow, there’s nothing better than 24/7 access to a wide variety of options!

Family-Friendly Amenities at Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa

While I didn’t bring my toddler along with me this trip (and thoroughly enjoyed my kid-free time), I felt pangs of longing watching the excited toddlers and families around me. I can’t wait to bring Little Bug back here, y’all!

Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa is really a perfect family-friendly resort and a fantastic way to enjoy an actual vacation (as in, not just parenting with better scenery). Here’s are the family-friendly amenities that made me feel the most excited about returning with my 2-year old:

• There’s a huge pool with a separate wading pool for littles and an island in the center of the pool for kiddos to relax, climb on, and practice jumping off of
• The beach has a natural sandbar buffering the waves, making it the perfect little lagoon for tiny ones
• There’s an awesome on-site playground right by the pool
• A fun rotation of daily kids activities for all ages, which means there’s no shortage of activities for little ones to enjoy while you and your partner switch off who’s out doing stuff or simply relax on the beach or at the pool (while keeping one watchful eye, of course).
• Onsite daycare, so you can hand your kiddo off to a qualified adult and go sit by the pool and enjoy a drink by yourself –or even get a massage, take a tour or explore Old Town Puerto Vallarta for a few hours kid-free while your little one has a blast!
• There’s delicious food available at all hours, prepared by someone else, ready in moments. The Chulavista buffet is open all day long, so you don’t even need to wait when hanger hits.

One concern I initially had was the atmosphere of the resort – would it be dominated by honeymooners or exude an air of pretentiousness? Would kids and families get dirty looks from kid-free groups?

To my delight, the Fiesta Americana struck a perfect balance, feeling both luxurious and approachable, and family-friendly with enough separation of amenities for all groups to feel accommodated.

What truly impressed me was the resort’s versatility, catering seamlessly to families, couples, and even bachelor/ette parties.

Another concern I had was that the abundance of bar service and unlimited, delicious drinks might lead to over-indulgence. But I didn’t see any of that during my trip: guests were responsibly enjoying their time, and drinks were poured on the lighter side (which I appreciated).

Families with toddlers reveled in the amenities, from the kid-friendly pool to the charming playground.

And while I deeply enjoyed my solo adventure, witnessing the family-friendly environment left me excited about returning with my little one and husband in tow!

My stay at the Fiesta Americana was nothing short of exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend making it your home base for an unforgettable Puerto Vallarta getaway.

Do you have questions about my stay at Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta? Drop me a comment below!

Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Here are a few posts that might help:

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Disclaimer: Our trip was hosted by the Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive Resort & Spa. All opinions, bad jokes, overly enthusiastic use of adjectives, and the embarrassing amount of time I spent stalking the peacocks that live at the resort are 100% my own and totally not their fault. BTW, how handsome is this peacock?! Too handsome not to be shoehorned into this post, that’s for sure.

Christmas markets in cobblestone streets, historic sandstone buildings, magical lights, storytellers, a stunning medieval castle and probably the highest concentration of the best whisky in the world to warm you up. Welcome to Edinburgh in the winter!

Scotland’s capital city is a special one. Edinburgh has been the capital since the 15th century and when you walk through the cobblestone streets, you can just feel its history. The sandstone buildings, with their typical sandy color (genius observation right here!), turns to a dark brown when it’s raining (pretty much all the time!), which contributes to the old feel of the place. 

Popular with visitors, Edinburgh can feel really busy in summertime. Especially in some famous spots, like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the museums. Add the festivals and events to that, and this small city can get very crowded. That’s why I like to visit in winter. The atmosphere is magical and mysterious at the same time, you feel like you have the city to yourself, and I’ve always had an amazing time!

Luckily we have our good friend David who knows all about the best things to do in Edinburgh in the winter, so take it away, David!

Psst: Planning a trip to Europe in winter? Here are some other helpful posts:

Oh hey, guess what? We’ve created a printable e-book version of our Two Super Detailed Winter Europe Itineraries (for Two Weeks) post available fo’ free! It’s a solid 30 pages of travel tips, printable packing lists, and all the itinerary details you need to plan your Europe in winter trip. Sign up below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox:

Edinburgh in the Winter FAQs

Convinced? Let’s get you sorted with some useful information to prepare for your trip, and then I’ll share some things you must experience in Edinburgh in the winter (hope you like whisky!).

Does it get cold in Edinburgh in the winter?

Yes, but not uncomfortably cold. The temperatures in Edinburgh in the winter typically range between 33 and 44 degrees F, which is very manageable with warm clothes and boots. It does freeze sometimes, but it’s not very common. A white Christmas is pretty rare, but you can expect snow in January and February.

Not too bad then, to visit in winter? Well, no, but then there’s the rain. It rains a lot in Edinburgh – at any time of year – and the weather changes more often than I change my underwear. So come prepared with at least a good waterproof, warm jacket. Just knowing what to expect really helps.

I f*cking hate rain. I get very grumpy the moment it starts to pour (my friends call me Rain Man). Still, I love Edinburgh, and that shows how incredible this city is!

How to get around in Edinburgh In the Winter

Edinburgh is a pretty small city. Public transport is good, but most places of interest are within walking distance. If you stay in the town center, you can get by with just using the occasional bus – when it’s raining a lot for example and you really need to go somewhere. Otherwise just find a pub and have a drink, like the locals.

The buses run 24 hours a day, which is great if you get stuck in said pub and walking back is not an option anymore. (“Here, try this whisky after the one you’re drinking now.”). There is a tramline with 15 stops that runs between Edinburgh Airport and the New Town. The airport is 8 miles from the city, so this is a very convenient way to get to and from the airport. It runs every 15 minutes, between 6:45 AM and 10:45 PM.

14 Enchanting Things to do in Edinburgh in the Winter

Now you know everything to prepare for your trip, all you need to do is pack, get on a plane, (re-)watch Braveheart and shout “Freedoooommm” from the top of your lungs when you get off in Edinburgh. Here are 14 magical things to do in Edinburgh in the winter.

Get into the spirit at the Christmas markets

The traditional Christmas market is right in the historic center, with 70 stalls and funfair rides spread across the city from East Princes Street Gardens to George Street. Christmas in Edinburgh is magical because you’re surrounded by medieval buildings, with yellow lights reflecting off the cobbled streets, and Edinburgh Castle proudly sitting in the background…it doesn’t get much better than this!

The Christmas market stalls are mostly run by independent, local companies. It is the perfect place to find some original presents to put under the tree. The food is as varied as it is delicious. From hot pies and pulled beef subs, to pad thai and Peruvian empanadas, you won’t be disappointed. 

Sweet treats include churros, waffles and chocolates. To keep warm, there’s mulled wine, local whisky and (non-dairy) hot chocolate. The handmade hot pies from Jarvis Pickle are to die for!

The Christmas market is open from mid-November until early Janaury, from 10:00 AM till 10:00 PM. 

Experience Hogmanay

If you are visiting Edinburgh around New Year’s Eve, you are in for a treat! The New Year’s celebration in Edinburgh is called Hogmanay. It is a festival like I’ve never experienced before, most of all because there’s so much going on. Remember I wrote that Edinburgh is quiet in winter? Well, forget that for Hogmanay, as this is a massive celebration!

Hogmanay starts on December 29th and lasts into the New Year. There are a lot of different ticketed and free events going on. The main events are the torch procession, the New Year’s Eve street party and the concert in the gardens, all with separate tickets. The good thing is that you can opt in or out of events, because Hogmanay can get a bit hectic. 

The torch procession (the medieval fire kind) is a must. Imagine being in a dark medieval city and seeing people dressed up as Shetland Vikings leading a procession of more than 8,500 torches, literally lighting up the city. It’s breathtaking! You can participate by buying a torch for $20 and walking along (some of the proceeds goes towards helping homeless folks), or just watch it from the side. Either way, it will be an experience you will never forget!

Going to one of the street parties to lead in the new year is another event you should attend. Buildings are lit up in colorful lights, there’s music, singing and dancing, while enormous, mysterious creatures tower above the crowds. This all culminates in the countdown, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle.

You’ll find all the information about Hogmanay on the official website.

Loony Dook in the Firth of Forth

The amazing New Year’s event of Hogmanay is immediately followed by another event, which is – in my opinion – completely bonkers. Dook is Scottish for ‘dip’, the Firth of Forth is an estuary with freezing water. You see where this is going, right?

Started in 1986 by a few locals in a pub, who had the brilliant idea to dive in the Firth of Forth as a hangover cure (hard to avoid after Hogmanay!). “If you do it, I’ll do it”. You can imagine, it didn’t take long before everybody joined in, and on January 1st, 1987, the first Loony Dook took place with a small group of people.

Skip forward to now, and the Loony Dook is an enormous event with thousands of Dookers jumping in the Firth of Forth every year, in fancy dress (in costumes to the American readers!). There is a pre-Dook parade that goes to the water, where participants are welcomed by bagpipers and a warm bowl of porridge. 

Since 2023 the Loony Dook has been dropped from the official Hogmanay celebrations, but it’s still a very popular event, just now organized by the local community. At least it’s free now, so you’ll save $20 and can still freeze your ass off.

Rather stay in bed and enjoy your delicious hotel breakfast? Yeah, me too! Want to participate and find out if it really cures your hangover? (I reckon you’ll find out you’re a masochist!) Head here for more information about Loony Dook.

Warm up in a pub

Scottish pubs are lovely places, where you can enjoy some food and a drink, in a homely setting. Pub is short for public house after all (and synonym to drinking loads in Edinburgh). In winter they are even better! With the log fire on, they are warm and cozy refuges where you can meet up with friends and “coorie doon”, Scottish for “snuggle up”. No friends? No problem! The locals are always up for a drink and a laugh (in that order!).

The best pubs in Edinburgh:

• The Jolly Judge – This pub is in a basement and it’s tiny. It’s a no-frills pub, with a brown wooden interior, but there’s something about it. Just a lovely place to bunker down and have a drink by the log fire.
• Sandy Bell’s – This pub has been there for more than 100 years and is popular amongst Scottish folk musicians. What I love is that you can just sit down with a beer or a malt whisky, while musicians get together and play spontaneously. 
• Moonwake Beer Co. – If you like local beers, don’t skip Moonwake. This microbrewery has some excellent beers on offer, as well as sustainable wines, all served in their colorful, industrial taproom. The milk stout is excellent!

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh’s best-known attraction is Edinburgh Castle. The castle is pretty much always visible from the city, as it’s built on the top of Castle Rock, an inactive volcano (you can’t really build a castle on an active one anyway). It was built in 1103. Imagine all the things that happened and the people who lived here in the last 920 years! This place has a lot of stories to tell.

You can visit the castle by yourself. It’s a short and fairly steep walk up the castle, but it’s worth it! The castle itself is very impressive, as you follow the route through Portcullis Gate, Argyle Battery, Lang Stairs, Argyle Tower and various exhibitions. Once you’re on the castle walls, you’re treated to beautiful, wintery panoramas of Edinburgh and its surroundings.

If you have time, I would recommend booking the 2-hour Highlights Tour on Get Your Guide. It gives a lot more depth to your visit, as the guide will tell you lively stories about the castle. The price included a skip-the-line ticket, which is great value and a fantastic experience! 

Climb up Calton Hill

It’s very easy to get amazing winter views of the city from Edinburgh Castle. The only problem is that one significant landmark is missing from the views…the castle! From the top of Calton Hill you’ll get great views of Edinburgh with the castle in the background. The National Monument is also on this hill, which looks a bit like a Greek temple.

Calton Hill, sounds like hard work? It isn’t! There is a staircase from Regent Road that takes you up the south side in five minutes! You can also walk up the north side via Royal Terrace. I like walking up stairs, so I climb up that way, then walk back down the Northside. The best time is around sunset, if you get a dry, not too cloudy day.

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Visit Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace, also known as Holyroodhouse, is right at the bottom of Royal Mile, the main shopping street (I wonder how long that street is?). The Royal Mile is the street that connects Edinburgh Castle at the top, with Holyrood Palace at the bottom, about a mile apart (what?).

Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the King when he’s in Scotland. You can visit it all year round. An entry ticket costs around $23 and gives you access to some of the beautiful rooms (sorry if you’re a fan, not King Charles’ bedroom), collection of art and the lovely gardens.

I love to visit this palace in winter. The whole place is decorated with Christmas trees, lights, wreaths and garlands. It makes it very Christmassy, especially when the grounds are covered in snow.

Hike to Arthur’s Seat

This is the last activity where you have to climb, I promise! Arthur’s Seat is the biggest hill on the eastern edge of Edinburgh, and the views from there are spectacular, especially in winter. You start the walk from Holyroodhouse. It’s a bit of a hike, with a steep, tricky climb at the end. It makes it even harder when it’s raining or freezing (scrap that, just assume the path is always slippery). How hard is it though? Well, I only said “f*ck this, I’m going back” twice, which probably means it’s moderate level for most people.

The problem is that the official path gets icy in winter. To prevent slipping and saying “f*ck this, I’m going back”, it’s better to carry on walking on the grass. Closer to the top, there are some chain-railings to hold on to.

The 360-degree view is absolutely worth it though. You can see the entire city from here, with the castle placed majestically in the middle. The waters of the Firth of Forth behind the city, with the remarkable Forth Bridge. Turn around and you’ll see the beautiful surrounding hills. Climbing Arthur’s seat really feels like you’ve been on a real adventure. And there’s always a whisky to warm up after!

Scotch Whisky Experience

You may have figured out by now that Scotland is famous for its high-quality malt whisky (this is not a typo: whisky produced in Scotland must legally be spelled without the ‘e’). That’s why you can’t miss out on the  Scotch Whisky Experience while you’re in Edinburgh! This museum shows you all about how whisky is made, in an interactive way, with an entertaining guide.

This is a great experience in winter, especially cuddling up in the immersive 180° presentation of Scotland’s dramatic countryside (without the rain!). The museum is warm, but the whisky is what keeps you really warm. It’s very common in Edinburgh to enjoy a dram of whisky on a cold day. It warms you up like nothing else!

You will see a lot of whisky! And I mean thousands of different bottles. Luckily you get to try some too. You’ll notice that there are sweet, smoky and fruity aromas. Perhaps you’ll find your new favorite. Good thing there’s a shop too, where you can buy a bottle to take home. How convenient!

Feast on a full Scottish breakfast

So you’ve found your new favorite drink at the Scotch Whisky Experience, went to a pub after to drink more of the stuff, and now you woke up feeling a bit hungover? (Hey, I don’t blame you at all. These things happen!) You need a full Scottish breakfast. The best hangover cure in the world! Hope you’re hungry.

A full Scottish breakfast is a good old fry up, that tastes even better in winter, as it’s so comforting and filling. This fatty meal is what people needed in the cold, wet winters of Scotland. This is what you get on your plate: a square Lorne sausage, pork sausages, baked beans, fried eggs, fried mushrooms and tomatoes, black pudding (blood sausage), a slice of haggis, tattie (potato) scones and buttered toast. (Yes, that’s a sh*tload of food!)

This is where you can get the best Scottish breakfasts in Edinburgh:

• Butternut Squash – This lovely little café has an all-day breakfast too, with massive portions (you know, just in case a normal full Scottish isn’t enough). Quite a few veggie and vegan options for breakfast too!
• The Urban Fox – Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere and a full breakfast with all the bells and whistles. What else do you need? The portions are huge and the food is delicious. They do a full veggie breakfast too.
• Edinburgh Larder – Winning awards such as “the best cafe in Edinburgh”, this is a wonderful place to pop in for a warm, hearty Full Scottish Breakfast! Located in Old Town, come try their farm fresh food and they even take reservations, so you know you can get in easily!

Celebrate Burns Night & Try Haggis

If you happen to be in Edinburgh on January 25th, you are in luck! This is when the Scottish people celebrate Burns Nights, to celebrate the life of Robert Burns, the author of many famous Scottish poems. His life is still celebrated every year, more than 200 years after his death, when a few friends came together to commemorate him. They had a meal of Haggis and performed his work.

Nowadays, Burns Night hasn’t changed much. It normally starts with a reading of Burns’ “Address to a Haggis”, the haggis is then served on a silver platter, for everyone to enjoy. Officially, a bagpiper plays it in. After the meal, more poems will be read, and there is live music and dance.

Haggis is a Scottish national dish. Even if it’s not on Burns Night, you will have many opportunities to try it. Whether you want to, is a different thing. The first time I tried it was on Burns Night. It was a delicious, meaty meal and I absolutely loved it. I didn’t know what it was made of…

You might want to sit down for this one: Haggis is a mixture of sheep’s liver, lungs and heart, suet, onion, oatmeal, stock and spices. This is all packaged in a sheep’s stomach and cooked. It’s served with neeps and tatties (mashed turnip and potatoes). If you’re not keen on Haggis (which might be the case now), there are other Scottish meals you can try on Burns Night, or perhaps a vegetarian version of Haggis.

Want to celebrate Burns Night? Best way is to book a table at one of the venues, for a three-course Burns supper, poetry and live music. Great venues are Ghillie Dhu, Prestonfield House or Whiski Rooms.

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Wintery walk in Dean Village

Dean Village is an area only a 10-minute walk away from Princes Street. It’s a small, secret oasis along the Water of Leith, used for water milling in the past. You can still see old millstones everywhere. I think this is Edinburgh’s most beautiful neighborhood, especially on a clear winter’s day, when the banks of the Water of Leith are covered in snow. The houses are made of sandstone too, but the roofs are pointy. The way the buildings are clustered together gives it a cozy feel, like you only get in small villages. It really feels like a magical place.

To get to Dean Village, start at the west end of Princes Street. From there, follow Queensferry Road until you see a small, steep road called Bell’s Brae on your left, just before you reach Dean Bridge. Walk down it to get to Well Court, which is the center of Dean Village. Follow the water back in the direction you came from to admire the picturesque Dean Bridge. You can’t miss it, it’s big!

Visit Victoria Street

One street you must see in Edinburgh in the winter is Victoria Street. This winding, cobblestone lane is one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets. It’s also UNESCO World Heritage. You can see why, the moment you get there. The street was designed by Thomas Hamilton, inspired by ancient Greek architecture, and named after Queen Victoria.

The facades are colorful, which contrasts beautifully with the dark skies and wet sandstone buildings of Edinburgh in the winter. The street is well-known for its abundance of independent boutique shops. If you are looking for unique Christmas presents to take home, this is where you’ll find them.

• The Whisky Shop – Need I say more? If you’re looking for a great local whisky – even limited editions, or any other local drinks, this is the shop to go to!
• The Enchanted Galaxy – Are you a Harry Potter fan? (who isn’t!) This shop is full of merchandise and other items that have to do with the wizard. Why have a Harry Potter shop here? Victoria Street was J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley!
• Armchair Books – I love old book shops, even though I hardly ever buy books. They are just beautiful and smell nice. Armchair Books is one of the smallest book shops I’ve ever seen, and it’s absolutely filled from floor to ceiling.

Get spooked in the underground vaults

A city as old as Edinburgh comes with a fascinating history and incredible stories. To make its history come to live, you need a brilliant storyteller. The guides on the Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard tour are amazing!

This sounds like a standard ghost tour, which you can find in pretty much every capital, but it’s not. The tour is more of a history tour, with some spooky stories (hope you don’t mind ghost dogs).  It will take you past some historic and haunted streets, to Greyfriars Graveyard (ok, that is spooky!), and you will go underground to visit the vaults, which are surprisingly warm in winter.

The underground vaults are situated under Old Town, supposedly haunted, and have loads of history. Back in the day, this is where homeless people took refuge. There were illegal gambling taverns, an illegal whisky distillery and apparently bodysnatchers used this underground city to store dead bodies (yeah, nice place!).

We didn’t see or hear any ghosts on this tour, but it’s one of those experiences that I won’t forget. It was so interesting to walk around secret places of the city, to hear the spooky stories. The guide made it so much fun and I’ve learned a lot!

You can book the Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour on Get Your Guide.

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Where to stay in Edinburgh in the winter

Because Edinburgh is such a compact city, it makes sense to stay in the city center to have the best experience. Hotel prices are very reasonable in winter. You can get a double room in a great hotel for less than $100 a night, which is not bad at all for staying in a capital city.

The only choice you have to make is whether to stay in the Old Town or New Town. They are both right in the center of all the sights and activities. “What’s the difference?”, I hear you wonder. Well one is old, and the other is…(ok, I’ll get outta here). 

The Old Town is full of medieval history, with Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile. It has lots of secret alleyways and courtyards to explore. New Town feels more European, with wider streets and squares. This is where you’ll find striking Georgian architecture. It’s also better for restaurants and nightlife, in my humble opinion.

Here are three amazing hotels to stay in Edinburgh in the winter:

• Adagio Aparthotel Royal Mile – If you want the best of both worlds, and stay in a prime location, look no further. The apartments have a bedroom, small lounge and kitchenette. The hotel offers a self-service laundry room (great with all that rain) and serves a delicious breakfast. Double rooms around $100 a night.
• CoDE Pod The Court – Is budget your main driver? This quirky hostel in Old Town has modern dorms with pods. If you just need a good night’s sleep and breakfast –and you’re not claustrophobic!– this is a cheap option. Pods in dorms with shared bathrooms from around $25 a night.
• Roomzzz – This hotel offers spacious studios with a balcony, a little seating area and kitchen. It’s in a great location in New Town, with views of Edinburgh castle. The lobby has a coffee bar and grab & go style shop. Perfect for getting some snacks and drinks on your way out to explore the city. Studios from around $120 a night.

What to Pack for Edinburgh in the Winter

Ever heard that saying, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing?”  In addition to keeping you warm as you explore, weatherproof clothing is especially important if you’re going to do outdoor activities. So, be sure to bundle up in your favorite cozy sweaters, a warm coat, and waterproof winter boots! We’ve got all the details you need.

We recommend wearing a base layer underneath your clothing on cold days during your winter trip – that means that the layer closest to your skin should all be made from merino wool. Merino wool is super warm, incredibly soft (nope, it’s not itchy) and much more lightweight than synthetic fabrics, as well as being naturally antibacterial, which means you can re-wear it without the re-wear funk. If wool isn’t your thing, wear an equally insulating textile like hemp or silk. Avoid non-insulating fabrics like cotton, and remember that natural fibers are pretty much always better than manmade textiles like polyester.

After your base layer, you’ll need to add on at least 1 additional layer before your outerwear, like a pair of pants and a sweater. On REALLY cold days, where the temperatures are below 10 degrees, we recommend adding on another base layer before your clothing layer & outerwear. And if you’re doing winter activities, add a waterproof layer as well, like lined snow pants. For more winter travel packing tips, head over to our Cold Weather Packing Guide.

Here are our tried and true travel essentials for winter travel.

• Merino Wool Base Layer Leggings: These super comfy 100% wool leggings function just like long underwear. They’re made of soft, super-luxurious wool and make your legs feel like they’re being hugged by an extremely soft sheep. Jeremy has this pair. You’ll want to wear these underneath your pants on cold days during your trip.
• Merino Wool Base Layer Undershirt: Laying is crucial when it’s this cold, and you’ll need to start with a layer of insulation on top and bottom. If it’s not terribly cold that day, I can sometimes get away with a short sleeved or even sleeveless wool base layer. I also defintey just wear my long sleeved base layer as a shirt somtimes! This is mine and this is Jeremy’s.
• Wool Socks: Make sure you don’t just have run-of-the-mill acrylic socks for your trip – they won’t keep your feet warm while you’re out in the snow! Instead, bring socks that are primarily made of soft, heat-regulating wool, like these or these.
• Warm Walking Boots: We recommend boots that can withstand ice or snow, are weatherproof and waterproof, and are comfortable enough to walk in for HOURS. Sounds darn near impossible, right? Well, it’s not. We’ve found the best boots for winter, and we’re OBSESSED with them (and yes, we both have the same ones. Because we’re kinda gross like that). They’re cute, they’re insanely comfortable, they’re waterproof leather with warm thermal insoles, and they’re extremely lightweight and foldable so you can stuff them in your bag when you travel. We can’t recommend these boots enough, and they’re the only shoes we bring on cold weather trips. They’re made to last and they’re worth every cent. Here are my boots and Jeremy’s boots. You can read more about them in our round-up of our favorite travel shoes for women or for men.
• Travel Jeans:  My favorite travel jeans have 6 POCKETS. 6!! And 2 of them are zipped and hidden inside other pockets, for extra pickpocket protection. They’re super stretchy and buttery soft, dry quickly even after walking through the snow, and roomy enough to layer over an insulating base layer (or two). They’re cozy enough to wear on a plane, stretchy enough to accommodate that 5 extra pounds of holiday weight I always seem to bring back home with me, and they’re super cute! We’re both obsessed. You can get a pair of men’s or women’s jeans on the Aviator USA website.
• Warm Flannel Shirt: I’m in LOVE with the MerinoLux flannel button-down from Royal Robbins. It’s stretchy, it’s cozy, it’s blended with merino wool (yassss) and most importantly, it’s warm AF and super breathable. It’s also wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking, and has a hidden zip pocket – so basically everything you could ever ask for in a flannel shirt. I’ve been searching for the perfect flannel for YEARS (you know, like one that didn’t give me that annoying button-down boob gap and allowed me to actually cross my arms) and this is The One. I love it! Here’s mine and Jeremy’s.

• Lined Leggings: On very cold days, I add an extra layer of insulating warmth by throwing a pair of lined leggings on over my base layer and under my jeans (I’ve also worn them without extra pants on top of my base layer because leggings are real pants, fight me). I have two pairs of warm lined winter leggings, one lined with merino wool and one lined with fleece.
• Warm Hat: A warm hat is an absolute necessity. It also doubles as a super cute accessory! Did I just rhyme? You want a hat that will stay on your head when it’s windy wind and keep your ears nice and warm – bonus points if it’s lined. Personally I’m a fan of the ones with poofs on top, like this or this. Jeremy is more of a purist, and likes to wear beanies like this one, which is made from earth-friendly recycled wool and nylon.
• Warm Coat: Your jacket is arguably the most important thing you’ll bring on a winter trip other than your shoes. It has a big job – namely, keeping you warm but not sweaty, allowing you to actually move your arms, and letting you explore for hours without feeling heavy or restrictive. Plus, it’s gonna be in almost all of your photos.  I bring this this cozy fleece-lined coat with me, and Jeremy wears a wool-blend coat similar to this one and this one.
• Packable Down Jacket: Jeremy and I each bring two jackets each on our winter trips: our heavy/bulky coats, and a lightweight, travel-friendly packable down jacket. It’s perfect for those days when I want the freedom of not wearing a big heavy coat, and it’s also a fantastic added layer of warmth on super cold days. For this trip, I brought this down jacket and Jeremy brought this down jacket.
• Gloves: Don’t go outside in the winter without gloves on! Jeremy and I both have these wool gloves that work with touchscreens, because let’s face it, I have a hard enough time using my phone without wearing gloves. Over those gloves we layer on a thicker pair that allows us to do things like throw snowballs at each other.
• Scarves:  I LOVE a chunky scarf. They’re my favorite accessory! I love this super soft scarf from Royal Robbins, which is blended with wool and turns into a cute shawl or infinity scarf with a few well-placed buttons. I’m also a big fan of scarves that are big enough to double as blankets, like this one or this one.
• Winter Sports Gear: If you’re planning to go skiing or snowboarding on your trip, bringing a few things can easily be packed in your suitcase will save you cash on rentals. We recommend these goggles and these gloves for snowboarding, and these travel-friendly crampons for snowshoeing.  

Whew! That should keep you warm and toasty. Oh hey, want a printable version? Just sign up below and we’ll send a checklist straight to your inbox.

Printable Winter Packing List

This FREE 3-page printable packing list will help make sure you don’t forget anything for your next winter trip. We’ll also send you our favorite travel tips!

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The Perfect 7-Day Norway Itinerary for an Epic Winter Trip

About The Author: David loves visiting Edinburgh in the winter. His favorite things in Edinburgh are the Christmas market, the unforgettable Hogmanay celebrations and whisky, of course!

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What are you looking forward to doing in Edinburgh in the winter first? Comment below!

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Our Top Travel Tips & Resources

Here are our favorite travel tips & resources for saving money and planning travel logistics! For more tips, check out our travel tips resource page or our guide to planning a trip.

• Booking Flights: To score flight deals, search on Google Flights or Kayak. Money-saving tips: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on only on a budget airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
• Accommodations: We usually stay in budget-friendly vacation rentals, boutique hotels or private rooms in hostels. We use Booking.com to book hotels (we love their flexible cancellation policy) and Hostelworld to book hostels (low deposit, easy change/cancellation, and excellent reviews). For vacation rentals, we prefer to book using VRBO because they’ve got lower fees and better support than Airbnb, and we’re not fans of Airbnb’s unethical track record. You can also book vacation rentals on Expedia and Hotels.com. We also use TrustedHousesitters as both hosts (for our home and our fur-child) and travelers!
• Travel Insurance: We always, always, ALWAYS buy travel insurance for international trips, and we STRONGLY suggest it – visit our Travel Insurance Guide to find out why. We recommend either World Nomads or SafetyWing for international travel insurance. SafetyWing is one of the few policies that covers Covid-19, and they have excellent monthly policies that are perfect for Digital Nomads and long term travelers!
• Travel Credit Card: We book all of our trips on our favorite travel credit card. Not only do we earn cash back that we can spend on more travel, but the card offers fantastic travel perks like travel insurance, trip delay and cancellation coverage, lost baggage reimbursement, and rental car coverage, which helps protect us on our travels. Learn more here.
• Vaccines & Meds: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended medications and vaccines for international trips. We always recommend getting every vaccine recommended by the CDC! You can get them at your primary care doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours: We love booking guided tours, especially food tours and walking tours, to get a local’s perspective and a history lesson while sight-seeing! We book our tours using Viator and GetYourGuide.
• Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to figure out how to get from place to place, and book local transportation online using Bookaway wherever we can. When we book a rental car, we use DiscoverCars to compare rental companies and find the best deal.
• Luggage Storage: Whenever we’re checking out early or taking advantage of a long layover, we use LuggageHero to safely store our luggage while we’re running around. Use the code PRACTICALW for 2 hours of free luggage storage on us.
• VPN Service: A VPN keeps your digital information (like website login details, bank info, etc) safe, even when you’re connected to an unsecured network while traveling. Plus, it lets you use Netflix & other streaming sites abroad! We use NordVPN. Use the code WANDERLUSTPROMO when you sign up!
• What to Pack: Here are the travel essentials that we bring on every trip. We also have packing lists for hot weather, cold weather, and many more. Take a look at all of our packing guides!

As a seasoned traveler, I have embarked on countless adventures that have shaped my life in profound ways. Like a compass guiding me through uncharted territories, solo travel has been my trusted companion, unveiling the compelling benefits that lie beneath the surface.

It is an exhilarating journey of self-discovery and personal growth, where confidence blooms and mental well-being thrives. Join me as we delve into the transformative power of traveling alone, unlocking a world of possibilities and igniting the flames of empowerment within ourselves.

Key Takeaways

• Boosting Confidence and Personal Growth: Solo travel builds confidence in decision-making and problem-solving abilities, strengthens belief in oneself, encourages independence and self-reliance, and fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance.
• Self-Discovery and Personal Growth: Solo travel allows for introspection and self-reflection, helps clarify personal values and aspirations, promotes self-awareness and self-acceptance, and provides space for personal growth and transformation.
• Flexibility and Immersion in Solo Travel: Solo travel allows for fully immersing in new experiences and seizing unexpected opportunities, enables spontaneous decision-making and itinerary changes, provides freedom to explore at one’s own pace, and facilitates immersion in local cultures and traditions.
• Impact on Mental Health and Well-being: Solo travel provides a break from routine and promotes self-reflection and introspection, improves clarity and perspective on life, nurtures mental well-being and personal growth, and reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

Boosting Confidence Through Solo Travel

Solo travel can definitely boost your confidence and help you become more independent. As someone who has embarked on numerous solo adventures, I can attest to the transformative power of traveling alone.

When you navigate unfamiliar territories on your own, you are forced to rely solely on yourself for decision-making and problem-solving. This sense of self-reliance builds confidence in your abilities and strengthens your belief in yourself. It is through facing challenges head-on that you truly discover what you are capable of accomplishing.

Moreover, solo travel provides ample opportunities for personal growth by pushing you out of your comfort zone. Stepping outside familiar surroundings allows you to embrace new experiences, cultures, and people with an open mind. This exposure broadens your perspective, increases empathy, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us. By immersing ourselves in different environments and engaging in meaningful interactions with locals and fellow travelers, we uncover aspects of ourselves we never knew existed.

Transitioning into the subsequent section about ‘uncovering self-discovery while traveling alone’, this newfound self-awareness opens doors to incredible journeys within ourselves that often get overshadowed by our busy lives back home.

Uncovering Self-Discovery While Traveling Alone

While exploring new destinations alone, I have had the opportunity to uncover my true self and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Solo travel has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and experience the world in a way that is uniquely mine. Here are some ways that traveling alone has helped me discover more about myself:

• Embracing solitude: Being alone in a foreign land forces me to confront my own thoughts and emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of who I am.

• Trying new things: Without the influence or expectations of others, I am free to experiment with activities and experiences that truly interest me, helping me discover new passions and interests.

• Meeting new people: Traveling solo pushes me out of my shell and encourages interaction with locals and fellow travelers. These connections often lead to meaningful conversations and valuable insights into different cultures.

Traveling alone has been an incredibly transformative experience for me, allowing me to grow as an individual while gaining a broader perspective on life. It is through this journey of self-discovery that I have learned how important it is to embrace solitude, try new things, and connect with people from all walks of life.

Embracing the Flexibility of Solo Travel

When you embark on a journey of self-discovery through traveling alone, embracing the flexibility of your itinerary allows you to fully immerse yourself in new experiences and seize unexpected opportunities. This freedom to go wherever your heart desires opens doors to endless possibilities.

No longer bound by the constraints of group travel, you can adapt your plans as you see fit, giving yourself the chance to stumble upon hidden gems or follow spontaneous adventures. It is in these moments of spontaneity that true growth occurs, as you learn to trust yourself and embrace uncertainty.

By surrendering control and surrendering to the flow of your solo journey, you will uncover newfound confidence and resilience, preparing you for whatever life may throw at you next.

Now let us explore how this flexibility impacts our mental health.

Transition: As we delve into the impact of solo travel on mental health…

Exploring the Impact of Solo Travel on Mental Health

Experience the freedom to shape your own journey and prioritize your mental well-being through solo travel. As someone who has embarked on numerous solo adventures, I can attest to the profound impact it can have on your mental health.

Here are some ways solo travel can positively affect your well-being:

• A break from routine: Solo travel allows you to escape the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in new experiences, providing a much-needed respite for your mind.

• Self-reflection: Being alone with your thoughts in a new environment promotes self-reflection and introspection, helping you gain clarity and perspective on your life.

• Building resilience: Navigating unfamiliar situations on your own strengthens your problem-solving skills and builds resilience, boosting your confidence in facing challenges.

  

By embracing the transformative power of solo travel, you can nurture not only your wanderlust but also improve your mental health and personal growth.

Catalyzing Personal Growth Through Solo Adventures

Embracing the transformative power of embarking on solo adventures can be a catalyst for profound personal growth. Through my own experiences as a solo traveler, I have discovered that venturing into the unknown alone allows one to step out of their comfort zone and truly connect with themselves.

The solitude offers an opportunity for self-reflection, introspection, and deep soul-searching. It enables us to gain a clearer understanding of our values, strengths, and weaknesses.

Moreover, traveling alone fosters independence and self-reliance. Navigating through unfamiliar territories and immersing oneself in diverse cultures builds resilience and adaptability. It teaches us how to overcome challenges with grace and courage.

By pushing ourselves beyond our limits, we develop not only as individuals but also as compassionate global citizens ready to serve others on their journeys of personal growth.

As I delve into the next section about overcoming challenges and building resilience as a solo traveler…

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience as a Solo Traveler

As a solo traveler, I have faced numerous challenges on my journeys. However, these challenges have not only shaped me into a more resilient individual but also provided valuable life lessons. Here are some of the obstacles I’ve encountered and how they have helped me build resilience:

• Language barriers: Overcoming language barriers has taught me to adapt and find alternative ways to communicate effectively.

• Getting lost: Navigating unfamiliar places alone has empowered me to trust my instincts and problem-solving skills.

• Dealing with uncertainty: Embracing uncertainty has made me more adaptable and open-minded.

Through overcoming these challenges, I have developed a sense of inner strength and belief in myself. Solo travel has shown me that I am capable of handling any situation that comes my way, fostering resilience that extends beyond my adventures into all aspects of my life.

Nurturing Independence and Empowerment Through Solo Journeys

Exploring new destinations on my own has allowed me to discover the power of independence and empowerment. Traveling solo has been a transformative experience, one that has nurtured my sense of self-reliance and inner strength. The freedom to make decisions based solely on my desires and preferences is liberating, empowering me to trust in my own abilities. Through navigating unfamiliar territories, I have learned to rely on myself for problem-solving and decision-making, cultivating a newfound sense of independence.

Solo journeys also offer a unique opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. Without the distractions or influences of others, I have been able to tune into my own thoughts, desires, and aspirations. This introspection has allowed me to gain clarity about who I am as an individual and what truly matters to me.

Furthermore, traveling alone fosters adaptability and resilience. Being solely responsible for every aspect of my journey has taught me how to be flexible when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans. It has strengthened my ability to think quickly on my feet and find creative solutions in unfamiliar situations.

Moreover, solo travel provides ample opportunities for connecting with local communities. By immersing myself in different cultures without the comfort of companionship, I have been pushed outside of my comfort zone. This has enabled me to develop interpersonal skills such as effective communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.

In serving others through volunteer work during solo travels, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact one person can make in the lives of others. The act of giving back not only enriches the lives of those being served but also nourishes our own souls by fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Overall, embarking on solo journeys allows individuals like myself to explore their true potential while gaining valuable life experiences along the way. The independent nature of solo travel empowers us to step out into the world with confidence while embracing new perspectives and fostering personal growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Common Challenges That Solo Travelers Face?

As a solo traveler, I’ve faced challenges such as feeling lonely, navigating unfamiliar places alone, and dealing with unexpected situations without support. However, these challenges have also taught me resilience and independence.

How Can Solo Travel Help Improve Problem-Solving Skills?

Solo travel can improve problem-solving skills by forcing you to navigate unfamiliar situations independently. This builds resilience and adaptability, as you learn to think on your feet and find creative solutions to challenges that arise during your journey.

Is Solo Travel Suitable for Introverted Individuals?

As an introverted individual, I can say that solo travel is definitely suitable. It allows me to recharge in solitude, explore at my own pace, and push myself out of my comfort zone when I’m ready.

What Are Some Safety Tips for Solo Travelers?

As a seasoned solo traveler, I’ve learned that safety is paramount. Some tips include researching your destination, staying alert and aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts when it comes to making decisions.

Can Solo Travel Help Individuals Overcome Their Fears and Insecurities?

Solo travel has the potential to help individuals overcome their fears and insecurities. By venturing out into the unknown alone, we are forced to confront our anxieties head-on, ultimately leading to personal growth and increased self-confidence.