The post Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>Milan is a popular destination for travelers who are into fashion and design. But there’s a lot of history and culture here too. The city was both the former capital of the Western Roman Empire and influential during the Italian Renaissance. I consider it a must-visit stop on any trip around Italy.
As the country’s second largest city (over 6 million people live here), where you stay during your visit will have a big impact on your trip. While it’s pretty easy to get around the city, you don’t want to spend all your time in transit. Instead, you’ll want to pick an area that’s close to where you want to spend the majority of your time.
To help you do just that, here’s my list of the best neighborhoods in Milan for travelers:
Milan’s historic center boasts architectural gems like the Gothic Duomo, the 15th-century Sforza Castle, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (a 19th-century shopping arcade). You’ll find plenty of art here too, from the huge Palazzo Reale (an 18th-century palace turned art museum) to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper).
The area is extremely walkable and filled with enchanting streets, quaint cafés, bustling piazzas, and fashionable boutiques (head to the subdistrict Quadrilatero d’Oro for the best luxury shopping). It’s the ideal place to stay if it’s your first time in Milan.
Best places to stay in Centro Storico:
While technically part of Centro Storico, Brera is a neighborhood that has a completely different feel than the more touristy area around the Duomo. Known for its artistic vibe, it was once a bohemian haven for Italian writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, and intellectuals in the 1960s (they all gathered at the legendary Bar Jamaica, which is still around). The neighborhood’s narrow cobblestone streets are filled with art galleries and studios, antique shops, boutiques, and trendy cafés. It’s also great for food (though what place in Italy isn’t?), with a diverse selection of eateries serving both traditional Milanese cuisine and innovative dishes from around the world.
While a lot of the charm of staying here lies in wandering these picturesque, pedestrianized streets, there are also attractions like the Pinacoteca di Brera, the city’s best art museum; and the tranquil, 18th-century Brera Botanical Gardens. Plus, the neighborhood is just a short walk from Milan’s most famous sights in Centro Storico.
Best places to stay in Brera:
While Venice is famous for its canals, Milan has several beautiful ones of its own. Picturesque bars and restaurants line the canals of Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, the heart of the city’s nightlife and the best place in town to enjoy aperitivo, the Italian answer to happy hour (a buffet of small bites that come included in the price of a drink at many bars). It’s also a great neighborhood for foodies, as there are many trattorias serving up delicious Italian cuisine, including traditional Milanese dishes, fresh seafood, and artisanal pizza and pasta.
Staying in Navigli offers a unique atmosphere that’s still within easy access to Centro Storico (it’s just a quick tram ride or 30-minute walk away).
Best places to stay in Navigli:
Historically, Isola was a working-class district, with factories and warehouses dominating the landscape. In recent years though, it has undergone a significant transformation, becoming one of Milan’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Today, the area is a hub for artists, designers, and creatives. There’s much colorful street art here, and the industrial spaces have been repurposed into galleries, studios, and creative workspaces. The neighborhood has a bohemian atmosphere, with boutique shops, vintage stores, third-wave coffee shops, and artisanal markets, including the covered Mercato Comunale di Isola, featuring fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local gourmet products.
Best places to stay in Isola:
Milan blends historical grandeur and contemporary chic. But there’s a lot more to the city too, whether you want to explore the street art scene or enjoy the energetic nightlife. By choosing one of the neighborhoods and accommodations above, you’ll be sure to have a fun stay in Italy’s fashion capital.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
Rome has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions.
Want More Information on Milan?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Venice for even more planning tips!
The post Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The 6 Best Hotels in Prague appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>Prague is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Ever since my first visit in 2006, I’ve loved coming here. The winding cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and spacious squares give the city an unrivaled historic allure.
Since my first visit, the city has skyrocketed in popularity. It gets crowded in the summer and there are now tons of hotels to choose from. I’ve stayed in a bunch of them over the years, so to help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Prague:
This four-star hotel is located in a historic building right near the Old Town Square. The rooms are bright, spacious, and airy, with a lot of natural light. The décor is a little dated, but the rooms feature light colors and distinct touches, such as exposed beams or unique tiles. Rooms also include a flatscreen TV, minibar, desk, and coffee maker. The bathrooms look a little dated but they are super spacious. A tasty breakfast with eggs, meat, and fresh bread can be included (though it’s located in a nearby building so you have to walk a couple minutes to access it).
What makes this hotel an excellent choice, aside from the convenient location, is that there is a beer spa on-site. Guests can soak in a wooden tub filled with beer while also enjoying unlimited beer to drink. It doesn’t get more Czech than this!
This three-star hotel is part hotel, part hostel, so there are both private rooms and dorms here. It’s a solid no-frills choice that’s more social than your average hotel, with free walking tours and a lively on-site bar where it’s easy to meet people. The breakfast buffet is filling and has a lot of variety (it’s affordable too). There’s also a well-equipped kitchen in case you want to cook your own meals.
The décor is rustic, with lots of exposed brick throughout. The private rooms are colorful but simple, with lots of natural light that contrasts with the darker colors and furniture. Some rooms even have hardwood or parquet floors. Rooms include a TV, coffee/tea maker, and desk. It’s also just a one-minute walk to the city center. Overall, it’s an inexpensive choice for budget travelers who want a central location.
Set in a still-working monastery from the Middle Ages, this posh five-star property has 100 large rooms spread out over seven buildings. There’s a luxurious spa on site as well as a 24/7 fitness center with a sauna and steam room. Each room is large and airy, with lots of natural light. Rooms feature stylish furniture, including sofas or armchairs, and historic touches like exposed beams. The beds are super comfy, and rooms also include a flatscreen TV, minibar, and coffee/tea maker. The bathrooms are large and elegant, with beautiful tilework, great water pressure, and even a bidet.
There’s a beautiful courtyard on-site as well as a delicious breakfast (though it’s not cheap). What really sets this hotel apart though is that the basement bar serves homemade beer brewed from the recipe of the monks who live in an adjacent building.
Located in Karlin, a popular foodie neighborhood, this four-star hotel is chic and minimalist, with an eco-friendly focus. The recently renovated rooms feature lots of light wood, soft colors, and large windows that invite in lots of natural light. The rooms are spacious too, and include a flatscreen smart TV, desk, minifridge, Nespresso machine, and complimentary bottled water. The bathrooms, which are also spacious and modern, include organic bath products as well as rain showers with great pressure.
There’s both a fitness center and a restaurant on-site that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. They also serve an excellent buffet breakfast each morning that has a ton of variety (including plenty of gluten-free and vegan options).
This arty property is located near the National Gallery. The avant-garde hotel has its own collection of Czech modern art too. Each boutique room has unique art and stylish décor featuring lots of neutral tones and wooden furniture. The rooms are really big and have large windows that bring in lots of natural light. They also include comfy beds, desks, flatscreen TVs, minibars, and coffee/tea makers. The bathrooms are simple but have excellent water pressure. The breakfast has decent variety too, though the veg options are a bit limited.
This hotel is a good choice for travelers looking to indulge in the city’s nightlife, as the hotel is located in Vršovice, a popular neighborhood for bar hopping that gets busy on the weekends.
This is the most unique hotel in Prague. A four-star property, it’s set in a dynamic Frank Gehry-designed building that offers views of Prague Castle and the Old Town (the iconic building looks like it’s moving, hence the name). The upscale rooms are elegant and minimalist, featuring stylish neutral tones. The beds are super comfy, and rooms also include a flatscreen TV, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, desk, minibar, and excellent soundproofing so you can get a decent sleep. The bathrooms are large and include complimentary toiletries, a bidet, and showers with detachable showerheads and excellent water pressure.
The breakfast has a lot of variety, including lots of fresh fruit, and there’s both a bar and restaurant on-site. The hotel is located in Naplavka, a neighborhood situated right by the river that’s brimming with bars and restaurants. This is the perfect choice for travelers who want a unique and memorable stay (it’s surprisingly affordable too).
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. That means the city is super popular, with a ton of hotels to choose from. Pick one from the list above and you’ll be guaranteed to have an amazing visit to this postcard-perfect city, no matter your budget.
My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Prague?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Prague for even more planning tips!
The post The 6 Best Hotels in Prague appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The 6 Best Hotels in Budapest appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>I didn’t know what to expect when I first visited Budapest. I thought it would a drab, bland city, owing to its Communist past.
Fortunately, I was wrong.
Once under the radar, Budapest has been growing in popularity thanks to its affordability and its lively nightlife. The city also has photogenic architecture and layers of interesting history, making it a well-rounded choice for anyone visiting Europe.
I’ve been visiting the city for over a decade and always have an amazing time. I love the city so much I used to run tours here!
Naturally, I’ve stayed at countless hotels over the years. Here’s my list of the best hotels in Budapest:
Staying here feels like you’re staying in an art gallery. This four-star hotel has a very retro design. I especially love the art in the lounge and rooms (there are lots of unique photos and murals). The hotel is right near the river too, as well as the popular Váci utca pedestrian shopping street.
The beds here are comfy and the rooms have plenty of outlets, as well as an electric kettle, AC, minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The rooms aren’t huge, but they feature lots of natural light from the large windows. The breakfast is great and has lots of options (including a freshly squeezed orange juice machine) and the showers are super powerful too. Overall, it’s a solid midrange choice in the heart of the city.
Centrally located in the popular District V, this luxe five-star hotel looks like a palace. The ornate Belle Epoque complex boasts an expansive breakfast spread, a large gym, a sauna and multiple restaurants. There’s even a nightclub on-site too. It’s a massive property and you’ll feel like royalty staying here.
The rooms are lavish, blending historic charm with modern design. There are stylish chairs and plush velvet sofas, comfy beds with thick mattresses, and a large bathroom with beautiful tiles. Rooms embrace light and neutral tones and also have AC, flatscreen TVs, desks, and coffee/tea makers. If you want to splash out, this hotel will not disappoint.
Located in a 300-year-old abbey, this four-star hotel features original exposed brick and stone walls in many of its rooms (as well as in the restaurant area, which looks really cool). The décor is simple and minimalist, with a relaxing light palette. The breakfast is delicious, featuring fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurt, eggs, veggies, and lots of fresh bread. The hotel is right near Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill too, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
The beds here are comfy and the rooms are bright and airy, with lots of natural light. The bathrooms are spacious, with towel warmers and showers with good water pressure. There are desks, electric kettles, and flatscreen TVs in each room too. Overall, it’s an elegant property in a convenient location with a price that won’t break the bank.
Located in District VI on the Pest side of town, this four-star hotel is housed in a massive, regal 19th-century mansion. The rooms may feel a bit dated, but they’re clean, spacious, and the beds are comfortable. Rooms also have a desk, flatscreen TV, and electric kettle and the water pressure in the showers is good too. There’s a simple free breakfast of bread, coffee, and cereals each morning as well. It’s not fancy, but it is included in the price, which I appreciate.
The hotel also offers holistic healing programs, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture. The main draw, however, is how close this hotel is to Széchenyi, the most popular thermal spa in Budapest. It’s just a short 7-minute walk away.
Located in the Jewish Quarter, this modern apart-hotel features spacious rooms with balconies and kitchens, perfect for families or travelers who want to cook their own meals. There are sofas and flatscreen TVs (with Netflix), a dinner table if you want to eat in, and a washing machine. The rooms have comfy beds and the overall design is stylish but minimal, featuring lots of light tones with splashes of color. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but they are clean and the showers have good water pressure. There’s a simple breakfast offered each morning too (with veg options). Overall, it’s a comfortable, no-frills spot near the must-visit Dohany Street Synagogue.
This is an immensely lavish five-star hotel. It has an opulent interior and palatial lobby, featuring massive ornate pillars and a lofty ceiling that looks like it belongs in Versailles. The property has an indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, and large fitness center. I especially love the hotel’s historic 20th-century café (it’s a gorgeous coffee house). As a guest, you can enjoy an extraordinary breakfast spread here before the café opens to the public each day. There’s also an elegant bar, which has live piano music and serves excellent drinks.
The rooms are huge and airy, with lots of dark colors and sleek, stately décor. Each room has super comfy beds, desks and sofas, a minibar, and a flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are also huge, with gorgeous tiles and marble, massive bathtubs, and a separate walk-in shower. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious hotel in the city.
Budapest is an eclectic, lively city with amazing ruin bars, stunning architecture, and growing foodie scene. Just make sure to pick one of the hotels above for your stay. Do that, and you’ll ensure you have an amazing visit, regardless of whether you’re on a budget or looking to splash out.
My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Budapest?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Budapest for even more planning tips!
The post The 6 Best Hotels in Budapest appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The 6 Best Hotels in Milan appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>Italy’s second-largest city is best known as the fashion and design capital of the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. There’s also a ton of history here too (the city used to be the capital of the Western Roman Empire). And, shortly, Milan will take center-stage on the world’s arena as host city to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
But no matter what brings you to Milan, it’s important to pick a good hotel while you are here. I’ve been visiting the city for years and have stayed in a ton of different places.
To help you find a hotel that suits your needs and budget, here’s my list of the best hotels in Milan:
This three-star hotel is in a perfect location in the heart of Brera, only a 10-minute walk from the famous Duomo (cathedral). There are just a few rooms at this newly renovated boutique property, which is stylish and modern. Each room has soundproof windows, a mini fridge, a desk, and a flatscreen TV. The rooms are decorated in calming, neutral tones, and even have chromotherapy lights that you can turn different colors (each color has different purported healing properties, but it’s also just fun too).
The bathrooms are spacious with a walk-in shower and bidet. The staff is very friendly too. It’s a nice and quiet place that’s still central to everything. Just note that, while it’s called a B&B, it does not actually offer breakfast.
This three-star hotel in Centro Storico offers simple rooms with large-scale photographs of Milan on the walls. The bright and airy rooms are a pretty good size and have lots of natural light thanks to the large windows. The beds are really comfortable, and all rooms have a desk, flatscreen TV, and wardrobe. The bathrooms are on the smaller side but have walk-in showers and bidets.
I especially love the fact that the breakfast buffet is quite varied and includes lots of pastries as well as fresh orange juice (it costs 9.50 EUR though). There’s also a rooftop terrace with great views as well as a little snack bar downstairs if you want to grab some late-night munchies but not leave the hotel. Overall, the hotel offers great value for first-time visitors who want to stay somewhere central but not spend an arm and a leg.
This four-star hotel is full of art (walking down the halls, it almost feels like you’re in a modern art museum). The hotel also has a wellness center with a small gym, sauna, and steam room. I love the expansive breakfast buffet too. It starts early (7am) and there’s a nice spread with eggs, meat, fresh pastries, and seasonal fruit. You can even make your own fresh juice with the juice maker.
The rooms are a bit dated, but they’re spacious and each has a flatscreen TV, minibar, electric kettle, and Nespresso machine. The showers are a bit small and dated as well, though they have great water pressure. It’s a unique place to stay that’s just steps from one of the Navigli’s beautiful canals.
This five-star hotel continues the tradition of the perfume factory in which it is housed, with a perfume laboratory on site and calming scents throughout the property. The entire property features soft tones and has modern art everywhere. There’s an excellent complimentary buffet breakfast, rooftop bar, wine lounge, and a wellness center with a steam room and gym.
Each of the hotel’s 68 spacious suites has its own unique scent, which have also inspired the unique artwork created by local artists adorning the walls. All suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and comfy beds (you can even choose your pillow from a pillow menu). Every suite includes a desk, flatscreen TV, minibar, and leather chaise longue to relax in. The luxurious bathrooms are huge and entirely made of marble, with bespoke toiletries that are (of course) uniquely scented. Overall, this hotel is the perfect option for travelers looking for a luxurious retreat that’s still close to the Navigli canals with its great bars and restaurants.
Located in the street-art-filled neighborhood of Isola, this aparthotel offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes. Each apartment includes a cooktop, dishwasher, and electric kettle. There’s a little supermarket right underneath the apartments too, making this the ideal choice if you want to prepare your own meals (there’s no breakfast offered).
The apartments are minimally decorated but have lots of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and closets to store your stuff in. The bathrooms are spacious too, with a bidet, walk-in shower, towel warmers, and complimentary toiletries. This is a great choice for long-term travelers who want the full functionality of an apartment a bit away from the touristy Duomo area.
Housed within an 18th-century palazzo in Brera, this five-star boutique hotel is run by the fashion house of the same name. The Bulgari Hotel boasts lavish interiors crafted by renowned Italian architect Antonio Citterio, featuring exquisite marble, rich woods, and sleek furnishings. It’s right next to the botanical gardens, and the hotel has a huge private garden of its own, complete with a garden bar/restaurant. Another one of the hotel’s restaurants, The Bulgari Bar, serves breakfast 24/7. There’s a tranquil indoor swimming pool and spa too.
The hotel’s rooms are spacious and decorated with elegant Bulgari furnishings and wooden accenting. All rooms feature comfy beds, desks, walk-in closets, and minibars. The bathrooms are huge, with deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and complimentary bath products. If you want to spend some money, this is the hotel to do it at!
Whether you’re visiting for fashion, design, history, or art, choosing a great hotel is paramount. As the city draws so many tourists, there are a lot of hotels in Milan. But not all of them are worth staying at. Choose from one of the list above and enjoy your visit to Italy’s second-largest city!
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
Rome has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions.
Want More Information on Milan?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Venice for even more planning tips!
The post The 6 Best Hotels in Milan appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The Best Walking Tours in Florence appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>Florence is one of the most popular cities in Italy. Its stunning Renaissance architecture gives it an iconic look, and the abundance of art could keep any traveler busy for weeks. There’s the Galleria de Uffizi, which holds some of the world’s most important Renaissance pieces; Michelangelo’s David, one of the most recognizable works in the world; and the towering Duomo, a Gothic cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To see it all and learn about this beautiful destination, I always like to take a walking tour (or three!) while I’m here. I think walking tours are a great way to learn about a place and see some non-touristy sites.
And Florence has a lot of them! From introductory free tours to in-depth history and food tours, here’s my list of the best walking tours in Florence.
Take Walks is my go-to tour company in Italy, offering access to places that no other gets and featuring incredibly knowledgeable guides. I always have fun and learn a ton on these tours. I can’t recommend them enough.
Their VIP David & Duomo tour offers exclusive access before or after all the other tours, providing a unique, skip-the-line experience without the crowds. They also have a Best of Florence tour that covers all the city’s highlights over a fun and educational three hours.
This is the best (and most popular) free tour in town. Its main offering is a solid introduction to Florence lasting two hours and covering all the highlights. It’s a great way to kick-start your trip if you’re on a budget.
For something more unique, there’s also a free tour that focuses on the city’s darker side, including some of the more eerie myths and legends from the past. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
While those may be the best free and paid tours in town, Florence as a lot more to offer. Here are four other insightful and educational tours:
Devour is my favorite food tour company. Its offerings are always super informative and delicious. In Florence, Devour runs a few different ones, so there’s something for everyone.
If you love wine like I do, the Oltrarno at Sunset tour is the best choice for you. An evening tour, it lasts over three hours and includes stops at five family-run businesses, where you’ll sample aperitivi, dinner (including a taste of the famed Florentine steak), and desserts.
Devour also runs a filling 3.5-hour Tastes and Traditions tour that includes a visit to Sant’Ambrogio Market, as well as wine, espresso, and some unforgettable eats. On both tours, you’ll end up full and learn a ton.
Tours start at 79 EUR.
If you want to learn more about the Duomo, the massive cathedral that pokes up from the picturesque skyline, Italy Pass Tours runs an excellent short tour that serves as the perfect primer. You’ll get skip-the-line access and be able to tour the beautiful cathedral while learning about its history and how it intertwines with the famous Medici family that helped put Florence on the map. It’s an educational, affordable tour that goes into more detail than the standard free one, without being too long or overly academic.
Tours start at 13 EUR.
If you want to explore the home of some of the world’s best Renaissance art, Tours and Tours runs a 90-minute skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery tour. You’ll get to marvel at world-famous works by masters like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci while avoiding the massive lines. They also run a short but insightful skip-the-line tour of Brunelleschi’s Dome. It’s a masterwork of engineering and offers amazing views over the city.
Tours start at 41 EUR.
If you want to get off the beaten path and learn about Florence’s dark side, Global Experiences runs a bar crawl/ghost tour, which lasts three hours and takes you around town, showing you the sights while bouncing between cool bars. It also illuminates some of the more scandalous stories from the past, as well as darker and more mysterious tales. Overall, it’s a fun tour to take after a day of seeing the highlights.
The company also runs a more traditional food tour on which you’ll get to sample traditional Florentine steak, Tuscan meatballs, almond biscotti, gelato, and more!
Tours start at 60 EUR.
Florence is one of the most popular cities in Europe. It’s a gorgeous, energetic place that is bursting at the seams with amazing museums and galleries, UNESCO-worthy sights, and tons of history. By taking one of the walking tours above, you’ll be sure to have a fun, informative, and authentic visit to this Italian metropolis.
My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Italy?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Italy for even more planning tips!
The post The Best Walking Tours in Florence appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>I think Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic core of the city is a massive UNESCO Heritage Site brimming with incredible museums, beautiful galleries, and sprawling Baroque palaces.
The city is a history buff’s dream and there’s a lot more to see and do here. There’s an incredible café culture, a nearby wine region, tons of amazing eateries, awesome live music (including world-class opera), and much more.
I’ve been coming here for years and I never get tired of visiting. (I love the city so much I used to run tours here!)
Naturally, I’ve stayed at countless hotels during my visits. Here’s my list of the best hotels in Vienna:
This two-star hotel is one of the few affordable lodgings in the city center. It has simple but bright rooms that feature comfortable beds, plenty of space, and large windows that let in a lot of natural light. The design is a bit dated (the carpeted rooms don’t look particularly stylish) but everything is clean and functional. Rooms include basic amenities like a flatscreen TV, desk, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are pretty small, but they’re clean and the showers have good water pressure. The hotel offers a hearty continental breakfast and the owner is friendly and welcoming. If you’re on a tight budget, there are small, no-frills single rooms with a shared bathroom available as well.
This boutique four-star hotel has small, clean rooms with décor that makes you feel like you’re back in Vienna’s imperial past. The rooms have plenty of light and lots of antique touches, such as wooden desks and tables, and upholstered armchairs. Rooms also have free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, and a coffee/tea maker. The bathrooms, while not particularly fashionable (the tiles are kind of ugly), are very spacious and the showers have excellent water pressure. The breakfast, which can be included in the price, has tons of variety, including lots of different fresh breads and cheeses.
Located in the city center, I think this is one of the best value places to stay if you want to be in the center of it all.
One of the few hotels in the Rossau neighborhood (just northwest of the city center), this budget-friendly three-star hotel boasts large rooms with lots of natural light. Rooms are spacious and decorated in light colors and feature hardwood or parquet floors. There are lots of other wooden touches too, such as desks/tables, and large wooden headboards. Free Wi-Fi is included, as is a flatscreen TV and AC (a must if you’re visiting in the summer). Some rooms include coffee machines. The hotel boasts a filling breakfast spread each morning with lots of fresh fruit and pastries. There’s also a bar on-site and the staff are always happy to share their tips and advice too.
Located in the Wieden neighborhood, this stylish four-star hotel is named after the eponymous 19th-century Austrian composer. The hotel is set in a historic Art Nouveau building that’s been entirely renovated, with rooms that have lots of natural light and a soft, welcoming color palette. Rooms include a flatscreen TV, minibar, coffee/tea maker, desk, and sofa. I really like that there’s a lot of art around the property, including in the rooms (naturally, much of the art is music centered). The tiled bathrooms are huge, with lots of light and great water pressure. I especially like that the breakfast buffet is enormous and features a lot of variety. The staff is exceptionally friendly too and happy to help you make the most of your stay.
Located in Landstrasse near the iconic Belvedere Palace, this luxe four-star hotel feels more like a five-star property. It has a chic lobby and large, bright rooms with super comfy beds. Everything is fashionable and trendy, with lots of rich colors from a darker palette. The large bathrooms are bedecked with dark tiles and are well lit, featuring plush bathrobes and relaxing rain showers. Rooms also include a flatscreen TV, desk, and coffee/tea maker. The breakfast buffet is huge and has a lot of options, but I especially love that the on-site restaurant has a Michelin star (it does amazing modern takes on traditional Austrian dishes).
The hotel is a perfect choice for travelers who want some luxury without breaking the bank.
This is arguably the fanciest hotel in town. A five-star property right in the heart of the city, this hotel is spread across four historic palaces (yes, actual palaces). While the hotel feels palatial, it has understated décor with a chic minimalist design (think lots of white space with touches of color or artwork). The marble bathrooms are huge and the showers have perfect water pressure. The rooms are also massive and have big, comfy beds (as well as desks, AC, sofas, and electric kettles).
There’s also a gigantic breakfast buffet offered each morning and a free glass of champagne when you check in. The hotel also has a pool that plays music underwater, a fitness center, sauna, steam room, and three different spas on-site. In short, it’s the pinnacle of luxury in the city and the best choice for travelers looking to splurge on an elegant stay.
Vienna is a beautiful city. I always love coming here. While it can be expensive, by staying in one of the hotels above, you’ll be sure to get great value, whether you’re looking to keep to a budget or splash out on a luxury stay.
My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Vienna?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Vienna for even more planning tips!
The post The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The following guest post is by my friends Adam from the website Getting Stamped. He and his wife are long time residents of Milwaukee and, since I’ve never been, I’ve invited him on to share some tips about visiting the city.
Milwaukee is underrated, in my opinion. I love it!
The largest city in Wisconsin and only 1.5 hours north of Chicago, it is the perfect size: not too small not too big. It offers tasty food and drinks, great sports teams, and fun festivals. Plus, it’s affordable. And don’t forget the friendly locals!
I have lived here my whole life, and my wife has lived here for 20 years. We’ve traveled around the world many times, and when it came time to plant roots and start a family, we could have gone anywhere. But we choose to come home to Milwaukee, which has so much to offer.
If you want to know how to experience it like a local, here are my insider tips:
I highly recommend staying downtown or the Third Ward. This is where most of the popular attractions are located. The hotels might be slightly more expensive than elsewhere, but you’ll save on transportation costs since everything is walkable.
These are two hotels I love:
Milwaukee does not have a subway system, but it does have an amazing free streetcar service called the Hop, with numerous stops downtown and around the Third Ward area. Simply hop on and off — no tickets or reservations are needed! The Hop runs every 15 minutes during peak times and every 20 minutes off-peak and weekends. Click here for the map and schedule.
Insider tip: If you are heading to a sporting event, many bars and restaurants offer free shuttles to American Family Field for Brewer baseball games and concerts, Summerfest Grounds for festivals and concerts, Fiserv Forum for Bucks basketball games, and other events around town.
You might think Milwaukee’s all beer and cheese (and there is no shortage of those), but the food scene has a lot more to offer. Milwaukee has its own (sometimes quirky) food traditions and staples, like ButterBurgers and frozen custard.
It also has some incredible markets, where you can enjoy some of the city’s best food from many vendors, all in one place and in a fun and affordable food-hall atmosphere. These are two of my favorites:
There are a few foods that you need to try that you (maybe for good reason) will not find many other places. They are unique, tasty, and overall pretty affordable!
In this list, we have only focused on the Milwaukee favorites, but foodies who want to delve deeper into the culinary scene may also want to check out our full list of the best restaurants in Milwaukee.
While microbreweries aren’t exactly a new trend, Milwaukee has been brewing since before it was cool. At one time, it brewed more beer than any city in the world. That history is evident all around town in breweries, restaurants, and pubs.
Lakefront Brewery offers probably the best brewery tour in the city. It’s a lot more fun than just looking at shiny tanks and sniffing a pungent jar filled with hops. The tour guides are hilarious (some are literally comedians from a local club), and your tour will include four beer samples. This is by far the best value and our personal favorite tour — plus, the beer hall is a lot of fun. The tours are super popular and sell out on the weekends, so it is advised to purchase tickets in advance.
If you want to keep sampling local beers, make sure to check out a few other of my favorite Milwaukee breweries:
Milwaukee has way more to do than we could squeeze onto this page, but we’ve narrowed it down, focusing on must-do and budget-friendly options (some are even free!):
After you’ve scoured this guide, if you need to fill any blank spots in your itinerary, we have an in-depth list covering all of the things to do in Milwaukee.
Some of Milwaukee’s top attractions welcome visitors for free on certain days. Watching the calendar can score you free tickets that otherwise would set your group back hundreds.
For better or worse, the people of Milwaukee enjoy their fun times intertwined with a beer or three. To kick off an exciting night in Milwaukee, head to where the locals go: find a good happy hour, or go to a budget-friendly dive bar.
Many places around town have large-scale public art displays that you can visit for free. Most of these pieces are in some of the most fun and trendy areas. These are a couple of our favorites:
From food to free days and bratwurst to beer, Milwaukee has a ton of things to do and see on a budget. Hopefully this list will give you a good idea of where to start!
Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz are full-time travel writers and run the travel website Getting Stamped, which is dedicated to firsthand guides to their favorite places around the world. When they aren’t traveling the world, Milwaukee is where you’ll find them, and they cover their hometown in-depth on the website Milwaukee Insider. You can follow their adventures on Instagram and social media @gettingstamped.
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
The post How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>Singapore is one of my favorite cities in the world. It has an iconic skyline of futuristic skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and is one of the best foodie hubs in the region. The markets here are brimming with cheap hawker stalls, including stalls offering some of the most affordable Michelin-starred meals in the world.
But Singapore is expensive. It’s easy to blow your budget here. While you can get cheap meals, accommodation will eat away at your budget.
Over the years, I’ve stayed at countless hotels in Singapore, so today I want to share my list of the best hotels in Singapore:
This award-winning four-star hotel is in Chinatown, my favorite area of the city. It’s spread across restored 19th-century shophouses and an Art Deco building from the 1920s (you can’t miss its distinctive red façade). The inside is bright and bold, with rich colors and plush furnishings. The hotel also boasts a rooftop restaurant and bar, an outdoor hot tub, a gym, and a French patisserie where you can get fresh pastries in the mornings.
The stylish rooms are uniquely designed with avant-garde décor like colorful velvet chaise longues and unique headboards. The bathrooms are spacious, the beds are comfy, and you can even choose your pillow from a custom pillow menu. All rooms offer flatscreen TVs, work desks, complimentary minibars, luxurious bathrobes, and tea/coffee-making appliances. If you want a more mid-range option in Chinatown, stay here.
Capsule hotels are something you’ve got to experience at least once in Asia. Think of them a bit like an elevated hostel. KINN is one of a handful of capsule hotels in the Quays area. This hotel is minimally designed, everything is super clean, and you’ll get a small free breakfast (a sandwich and fruit) in the mornings. There’s also a pantry with free snacks, coffee and tea, a shared lounge, a laundry facility, and a rooftop terrace with a beautiful view. I especially like that guests get free access to fitness classes at a nearby gym, as well as discounts on a co-working space a couple of blocks away.
The capsules have AC and feature comfortable bedding, a foldable shelf and mirror, integrated lighting, blackout privacy blinds, and power outlets. You’ll also get a personal locker to secure your stuff. The shared bathrooms have large showers with good pressure. There are free toiletries too. If you want a bit more privacy than a capsule, you can choose to stay in a private room with its own bathroom. This place is a great option if you’re looking to save money but you don’t want to stay in a hostel.
This luxury five-star hotel has been featured in a ton of international publications thanks to its focus on sustainability. They harvest rainwater, have solar panels for energy generation, and use green roofs to minimize heat absorption and grow produce. There are also beautiful gardens and lush living walls everywhere. On the scenic garden skywalk, you can take free classes (yoga, meditation, Zumba). There’s also an outdoor pool and a gym, as well as several restaurants. While the breakfast buffet isn’t included, it is fantastic, with a huge and varied spread. The hotel is right next to an MRT station too.
Rooms here are spacious and feature a contemporary design with light wood paneling, a neutral color palette, and large windows. All rooms come with a spacious work desk with an ergonomic chair, a flatscreen TV, a minibar, plush bathrobes, and nightstands with universal electrical outlets. The bathrooms are also large and feature a standing shower with excellent pressure as well as a deep soaking tub. There’s even a separate faucet for filtered drinking water, which I think is a nice touch. Stay here for a unique and luxurious stay in the heart of Chinatown.
This three-star hotel is on East Coast Road and not far from Joo Chiat, an area of town with lots of street art, independent stores, and cafés. The rooms are compact and simple but include a complimentary minibar, a flatscreen TV, and a desk. Bathrooms are good sized and feature a bidet and either a walk-in shower or shower/tub combo. There are a variety of room types to choose from, and some even have balconies or a skylight.
The hotel has a beautiful infinity pool and rooftop terrace for taking in the view, as well as its own restaurant and bar. There’s no breakfast offered on-site, but there are plenty of places nearby. This is a great choice for a no-frills stay in a more off-the-beaten-path area of the city.
This four-star hotel is located just off Orchard Road, famous for its many stores and shopping malls that line the street from beginning to end. York Hotel has a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant that serves an expansive breakfast buffet every day (there’s even an omelet station).
The rooms and bathrooms are both a bit dated but are quite spacious, which is rare in a city as compact as Singapore. Rooms feature a minibar, coffee/tea maker, armchairs, a desk, and plush bathrobes and slippers. While this hotel isn’t anything groundbreaking, most of the hotels in the area are quite pricey. I think you get an excellent value here. It’s a great option for those that want to be in a central location for a decent price.
Singapore is a captivating city. I always love coming here. While the city can be expensive, by staying in one of the hotels above you’ll be getting a great value, whether you’re looking to keep to a budget or splash out on a luxury stay.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. These are my favorite hostels in Singapore.
If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re wondering where to stay, check out my neighborhood guide.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Singapore?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Singapore for even more planning tips!
The post The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The 8 Best Hotels in Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s a city I’ve visited countless times, I lived there, I’ve run tours there. I’m one of those people who thinks it lives up to all the hype.
But, it’s also a huge, sprawling city with 20 different neighborhoods and hundreds of hotels (here’s my neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of the city).
I field a lot of questions on what area of the city to stay in (answered in the above post).
But, in this post, I want to talk about my favorite hotels. I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels in Paris. Some good, some really terrible. To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Paris:
I love the location of this hotel: it’s literally right across from the Bastille. A three-star boutique hotel, the sleek rooms have modern and minimalist décor, but they’re not super large. They are really well designed though, using the space efficiently so you won’t feel cramped. They also have excellent soundproofing, lots of natural light thanks to the large windows, as well as flatscreen TVs, AC, a kettle, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while small, have great water pressure.
I think this is one of the best value places in the area. It has a bar on the ground floor that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. It also serves a delicious breakfast spread, with lots of variety (including fresh bread and croissants, pancakes, eggs, and cheese).
Located near Notre Dame and the Sorbonne, this three-star hotel is housed inside a historic 1864 Haussmannian building complete with flowered balconies. The historic interior features exposed stone walls, visible wood beams, and original artwork throughout. I really like the excellent breakfast spread each morning (for an additional cost) that includes lots of cheese, meats, and fresh fruit.
The recently refurbished rooms are small but comfortable and include common perks like a flatscreen TV, desk, AC, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while also small, are pristine and have rainfall showers with excellent water pressure. The rooms are well soundproofed too, though the hotel is on a quieter street so there’s little traffic noise. I think this is the best budget choice for travelers who want something affordable but prefer not to stay in a hostel.
Pavillon de la Reine is a five-star hotel in the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful and oldest squares in the world. The hotel used to be the residence of Queen Anne of Austria. The vine-covered 17th-century building is gorgeous, with a beautiful inner courtyard garden and a spa featuring a hammam, hot tub, and fitness center.
The rooms are all uniquely and lavishly decorated, with aristocratic furnishings like elaborate chandeliers and fine art on the fabric-coated walls. All rooms are comfortable and quiet, and while they aren’t huge, they offer lots of natural light from the enormous windows. Each room has AC, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are spacious and feature elegant tiles as well as upscale bath products. Breakfast isn’t included, and while it’s not cheap it is exceptional (the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant is worth a visit if you want to splash out). Paris has some luxury places and I think this is one of the best if you’re looking to spend some dough.
This cute four-star hotel is on a quiet street in Montmartre, one of my favorite areas of the city. The rooms have a rustic charm, with exposed beams and vintage furniture. They also feature soft pastel colors and floral fabrics, creating a relaxing atmosphere for your stay. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and while it’s not included in the price, it is served in a really cozy vaulted cellar below the hotel.
Like most hotels in Paris, the rooms here aren’t huge, but they are colorful and bright. They also include free Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea maker, minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are a bit dated, but everything is clean and the water pressure is great. The hotel is just a three-minute walk to the Moulin Rouge too, so you really can’t beat this location. It’s also one of the most affordable hotels in the area, especially for the class of service you get.
This boutique three-star hotel is super stylish. Each air-conditioned room is decorated with bright pops of color, such as colorful duvets or bright murals on the walls (some rooms even have colored lights). There’s a distinct arty flair to the décor. It’s just a short walk to the Pantheon and Notre Dame, and there’s a simple continental breakfast with fresh daily croissants available (for an additional charge, although it’s a pretty good value).
Rooms feature a flatscreen TV, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi. They’re not huge, but they are well-designed and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Some rooms also have balconies. The bathrooms, while also small, have modern fixtures and colorful tiles. The showers have good water pressure too.
This four-star hotel sits in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. You literally can’t stay much closer than this (some rooms even have balconies looking out at the tower). The hotel is modern and minimalist, and everything is sleek and spotless. There’s a stylish restaurant on-site (where you can get breakfast in the mornings), as well as a wine bar. Both feature lots of greenery and plants that really brighten up the space. The hotel has a fitness center too (open 24/7).
Decorated in a contemporary style, rooms feature comfy beds, a desk, flatscreen TVs with Chromecast, Nespresso machines, Alexa docking stations, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are large, with roomy walk-in rain showers that have excellent water pressure. If you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower, stay here.
This four-star boutique hotel is in a restored 18th-century building in central Paris. A family-run business, the hotel is cozy and welcoming (the staff really go above and beyond). I appreciate the hotel’s attention to sustainability, the stylish decor, and the incredible breakfast. It features an awesome selection of freshly baked pastries, artisanal cheeses, fruit, eggs, and yogurt.
The rooms are compact (but that’s to be expected in such a central location) and feature classy décor with unique artwork curated by the owners. All rooms include a desk, Bluetooth speakers, flatscreen TV with Chromecast, a minibar, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are also quite small, but they’re sparkling clean with walk-in showers and luxury bath products. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to stay in the city.
This five-star hotel is also in a historic building in central Paris (it’s literally across the street from the Louvre). It’s a Hyatt property (use points if you can) and was recently renovated. The lobby is stately and grand, with marble floors and high ceilings. There’s a traditional brasserie on-site that serves an excellent breakfast in the mornings too. There’s also a chic cocktail lounge that serves botanical drinks and seasonal dishes under a beautiful glass roof. Twice a week, there’s live jazz here as well (a big plus in my book).
The rooms are stylishly decorated and bright and airy thanks to the large windows. They’re well insulated too so you don’t hear a lot of noise from the street. All rooms have a mini fridge, a minibar, flatscreen TV, electric kettle and Nespresso machine, and a desk. The bathrooms are huge with luxury bath products, robes, and slippers. This is a really nice choice for a higher-end stay in the heart of the city.
Paris is meant to be unraveled, to be explored at a leisurely pace as you meander its winding streets. But it’s also a large, sprawling city with tons of places to stay. By choosing from one of the hotels above, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable trip in the City of Lights.
For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Paris.
And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Need a guide?
Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company.
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Paris?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Paris for even more planning tips!
The post The 8 Best Hotels in Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>The post The 7 Best Hotels in New York City appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
]]>New York City is the most iconic and most visited city in the United States. With its distinctive skyline, diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, incredible Broadway productions, and melting pot of cultures, NYC attracts millions of visitors each year. (It’s also the place I call home.)
New York City is huge. I mean ten million people live here. Where do you stay when you’re here? There’s so many hotels to choose from.
To help you plan your visit and narrow down your options, here’s my list of the best hotels in NYC:
Located in the East Village, my absolute favorite neighborhood in NYC, this boutique apart-hotel is run more like an Airbnb than a traditional hotel. You get sent a code before arrival to check in and there’s no staff or restaurant on site (though an outpost of The Bean, a popular NYC café, is right downstairs). The studio apartments are designed to reflect the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit, with contemporary artistic décor, beautiful exposed brick walls, and lots of natural light. The kitchenettes include a stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and silverware.
Rooms include comfy pillowtop beds, showers with good water pressure, a flatscreen TV, and complimentary bath products. Everything is pretty compact, but in an area with few hotels, this is one of the best value spots. Stay here if you want to be in a central location with tons of great restaurants and bars at your fingertips.
Originally built in 1900, this historic boutique hotel in Greenwich Village has been home to many of the area’s bohemian set, including one of my favorite writers, Jack Kerouac (he even penned a few novellas here). I like that the hotel’s extensive renovations still kept its classic aesthetic. The beautiful interior has a stately feel, with ornate moldings, herringbone parquet floors, and vintage furnishings like brass light fixtures, ornate rugs, and custom-made furniture. The staff are super friendly too.
The rooms are pretty small, but well designed to make use of the space. They come with flatscreen TVs, comfy beds with plush bedding, wardrobes, minibars, and marble bathrooms. The Marlton is also home to an excellent bar that serves incredible cocktails, and there’s a complimentary breakfast available too. I think it’s the best value for your money in the area.
This three-star hotel is in a 19th-century brownstone in the Upper East Side, the neighborhood I live in (if you see me, say hi!). The rooms here are simple, but the hotel has some great perks, like a free 24-hour espresso bar and a standard late checkout time (12pm). The restaurant is currently being renovated so there’s no breakfast available on-site, but there are tons of places just steps away.
The rooms are decorated in a minimal (but cozy) style, with white-painted chandeliers and cute original art. All rooms come with large TVs and comfy pillow-top mattresses, while their larger rooms come with a desk and easy chair. Everything is newly renovated, and the glass-enclosed showers have excellent pressure. The location is great too as it’s on a quiet, leafy street close to Central Park and Museum Mile.
This four-star hotel is dedicated to supporting local street art and artists, and you’ll see plenty of their work throughout the building. The rooftop bar, Mr. Purple, is a favorite among locals for fancy cocktails, and on the weekends, the area turns into an upscale club. (Because of that, it’s a 21+ hotel). There’s even a heated pool on the rooftop too.
The rooms boast hardwood floors, bold artwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows with impressive views over the city. All rooms also include Keurig machines, desks, and a minibar (for which you get a $20 USD credit). The bathrooms are large, beautifully tiled, and feature rainfall shower heads. While there’s no breakfast served on site, you’re just steps away from tons of great eateries open at all hours. Overall, I think this hotel is the best place to stay if you want to experience NYC’s legendary nightlife.
The Standard is one of the best hotels in the city (I think this East Side location is even better than the one in the Meatpacking district). The bar serves some of the best drinks in town and is usually always packed with NY’s fashionable set. There’s a café where you can get breakfast in the mornings too.
The recently renovated rooms are gorgeous, decorated in a minimal design with bright pops of color and lots of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. They’re pretty big too, especially by NYC standards. All rooms at this four-star hotel feature plush beds, fluffy down pillows, huge flatscreen TVs, Bluetooth speakers, cozy bathrobes, work desks, and stocked minibars. The bathrooms are spacious, with tiled walk-in showers and organic designer toiletries. You’ll also get complimentary access to the nearby Crunch gym (in case you want to work off all the delicious food from the plethora of nearby restaurants).
Everything at this four-star hotel is book related. Each of the ten floors has a different theme, and all of the 60 rooms have dozens of books that fit within that theme (the hotel has a collection of over 6,000 books!). There’s also a Reading Room lounge with work desks, cozy nooks for reading or writing, and 24/7 coffee, tea, snacks, and drinks.
Guest rooms are a good size (for NYC) and feature rich wood furnishings in a sleek, contemporary design, with plush bedding, minibars, flatscreen TVs, desks, and luxury bath products. There’s also free breakfast, a rooftop terrace with a bar that serves literary themed drinks, and really helpful staff. It’s a quiet respite from an otherwise busy and loud neighborhood. Stay here for a unique experience that’s close to major tourist sites like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Grand Central Station.
Located on Fifth Avenue right across from Central Park, this ornate five-star hotel is housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts building. The lobby boasts vaulted, painted ceilings, custom-made chandeliers, and the elevator even has a white-gloved operator, just to highlight how upscale this property is. The property’s Italian restaurant serves breakfast in the mornings and there’s a fitness center available too.
The spacious rooms are elegantly decorated, with mahogany desks, tasteful art on the walls, and large marble bathrooms. All rooms include flatscreen TVs, luxury bath products, complimentary soda, mineral water, and chocolates, and daily newspaper delivery. This is the place to stay if you want to splash out on a classy and timeless NYC hotel experience.
New York City is a massive city that offers something for everyone. With tons of hotels to choose from here, the ones I recommend above are really good and will help you save hours of research time. Choose one from the list above and have a great trip!
For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more budget places to stay, here is my complete list of my favorite hostels the city. Additionally, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood guide to NYC!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
New York has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
Want More Information on NYC?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on NYC for even more planning tips.
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