Complete Guide: 7 Things to Do in Amed, Bali and Why You Should Visit

Amed is a wonderful destination in Indonesia, found on the far east coast of Bali! It’s a quiet little patch of paradise and an amazing place to visit if you appreciate the beauty of Bali but feel like getting a little peace from the crowds of tourists. If you’re planning a vacation there soon, you’re in luck! This complete guide contains all the best things to do in Amed, as well as where to stay, where to eat, how to get there and more. Scroll down to find out more!

Bali remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, the fishing village of Amed isn’t really known for bustling crowds of tourists. Instead, it’s an oasis of relaxation and a great scuba diving spot! In fact, most people come here only for diving, but what they don’t know is that there’s so much more to Amed than that. If you’re like me, then you won’t mind avoiding the large crowds and Instagrammable beaches for a couple of days off the beaten track.

Don’t get me wrong, Bali is absolutely beautiful, but Amed offers a bit more adventure and exploration than the busy beaches on the western coast! That’s why I recommend staying overnight and spending a couple of days in Amed.

That being said, let’s dive right into it:

First of all, is Amed worth visiting?

The short answer, if you ask me, is yes. And not just for a couple of hours! If you want me to expand on the subject, I will gladly do so, as this place is totally worth it. Amed is a place for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the super popular tourist destinations in Bali. It’s also an excellent spot for divers, as well as people that want to chill on black sand beaches. In fact, Amed is for everyone from romantic getaways to families with children and solo travellers as well.

Amed is actually larger than you think, a 14 km-long area that encompasses several charming fishing villages; Amed, Banyuning, Jemeluk, Selang, Bunutan, Lipah and more. You’ll find recommendations scattered all along the Amed coastal area in this article, as they all have one or more special attractions.

7 Best Things to do in Amed, Bali

What to do in Amed, you might ask? Although you might not expect it, there are quite some exciting things to do in Amed and in East Bali in general! From scuba diving among shipwrecks to watching the sunset from the cliffside, below is my complete list of recommended things to do in Amed:

1 – Dive Sites

Surely one of the best things to do in Amed, so I just had to start with it. Diving is SUCH a popular activity around here, that some people even call Amed the “diving capital” of Bali. The cool thing is that you won’t have any problems trying it even if you’re not a diving expert (yet!). Amed is actually world-famous for scuba diving and there’s also the possibility to do night diving and freediving here, which I think is SO cool! Many divers love the fact that there are calm currents here and lots of marine life to explore, including bioluminescent plankton.

And here’s another cool perk: Amed has some incredible (and affordable!) freediving schools that can help you figure out how to move through the water and check out the incredible scenery and marine life this paradise has to offer.

If you’re eager to try it, here are some exciting, unmissable spots for diving in Amed:

USAT LIBERTY WRECK

This is a super popular sunken ship and dive site to check out while you have your head underwater! The ship is close to the beach in Tulamben (30 km away from Amed). This is also a great place to go snorkelling for a couple of hours. Oh, and might I say that the USAT Liberty Wreck is considered the best diving site in the country (and sometimes the world as well)? Yep, it’s no joke! Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera too!

JAPANESE SHIPWRECK

This one often gets overlooked for the more popular USAT Liberty Shipwreck – but if you’re in Amed for diving, this site is another cool spot well-worth visiting! You’ll find it in Banyuning Bay, along with a couple of places where you can buy snacks and rent snorkelling gear. And what makes everything even more mysterious is that there isn’t much info on this shipwreck, unfortunately. It’s unclear how it got to Bali and how it sank. In fact, there isn’t even that much evidence to support the claim that it’s Japanese, haha! If you need a guide, here’s a cool guided snorkelling trip to this site.

JEMELUK UNDERWATER GALLERY

An underwater gallery? Where do I sign up?! No, really, this is a very cool local project: several popular diving spots in Indonesia, like Amed and Lombok, were “updated” with underwater statues such as mailboxes, pyramids, statues of people, mermaids, bicycles, and… a baby head! Yes, you can see these under the waters of Amed. This project is not a pretty tourist scam at all – it actually aims to stimulate coral growth and spread awareness. From the corals and sea life I saw on my trip, it seems to be working great!

In case you’re not ready to try diving and want to stick to snorkelling instead, I have found this amazing full-day snorkelling tour in Amed with lunch included that will take you to all the cool spots!

And if you’re looking for some great diving schools in Amed, I can help with that as well. Personally, we went with Adventure Divers Bali. We had a blast! They gave us a super fun experience, along with being very patient and professional, so I can definitely recommend them as my top pick. Some other good alternatives are Amed Scuba Tauchzentrum and No Fear Diving.

2 – Jemeluk Bay

There are many tourists that are excited about diving in Bali, but Jemeluk Bay is also a good place for those who prefer to remain on the surface! Great for snorkellers, Jemeluk Bay is a family-friendly area too with lots of shops and restaurants.

If you’re feeling active, there are places to rent stand-up paddleboards for a couple of hours or the day – or you can arrange the rental with your accommodation. By the way, you should consider taking a sunset SUP, it’s such an awesome thing to do here as the sunsets over the bay are fantastic!

If you’re travelling with children that are eager to see some marine life, Jemeluk Bay is a great, well-known spot to start. Jemeluk Beach is actually made of volcanic black sand, but the area is considered to be one of the most serene places in Amed.

TIP: Another good place for snorkelling and admiring the local coral reefs is Lipah Beach. For something a bit more adventurous, the Japanese shipwreck in Banyuning Bay is another great snorkeling option as the wreck is so close to the water’s surface.

3 – Jemeluk Viewpoint / Sunset Point

Sunset Point used to be the best sunset spot in Amed, with incredible panoramic views over Amed Beach. However – recently the land directly in front of the viewpoint was bought and the start of a hotel build popped up. Rumour has it that the owners didn’t have the correct building permits to complete it, so building has stopped and a large, half built construction site now sits in the middle of this view. Nope – not ideal.

Either way, it’s easy for you to check the spot out for yourself. Amed consists of one coastal road, which is where you will find all the restaurants, shops and this viewpoint Sunset point (at the highest point of road). You can’t miss it.

MY ADVICE: Personally, I would skip Sunset Point altogether and go grab a cheeky bintang or sunset coconut at one of the cliffside warungs across the road from the viewpoint. My top pick would be See You Again for sunset drinks. With no view obstructions, this locally owned warung is the perfect spot to end your day – watching the sunset beside Mount Agung and over Amed Beach. They serve great food and drinks here too, the family who own the place are lovely and they offer the best view over the bay.

4 – Amed Beach

You may already know about the black sand beaches in Bali, but Amed Beach is probably the most special of them all! No, really, the sand here is really, really black – which makes for incredible photo opportunities. And to top everything off, you can also get a gorgeous view of Mount Agung while you’re here.

TIP: The black sand can get super hot during the day, so make sure you bring some flip flops or sandals. And don’t forget the sunscreen too – highly recommended!

5 – Take a scooter and explore the rice terraces

I told you Amed is more than just diving and snorkelling! If you want to get away from the beach for a bit and explore the countryside, one of the best ideas is to rent a scooter (they’re cheap, I’m talking more about them below in the “How to get around” section) and drive for 10-20 minutes until you reach the hillside rice terraces. There are multiple tracks that you can take and all of them will lead to beautiful sceneries around Mount Agung, you just need to be a bit adventurous!

If you ask me, travelling is all about discovering the hidden gems of each place and not just sticking to the world-famous attractions. And, luckily for us, Amed is here to cater. Getting lost (not literally, ofc!) in the rice fields might just be the highlight of your Amed vacation.

6 – Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace

A former palace and a very special place for a day trip. What you’ll find if you travel to Tirta Gangga (“Water from the Ganges” in English) are fountains, statues, ancient carvings and more. It’s an amazing place to experience old Bali and to take some beautiful pictures with the pools and the stepping stones. And the best part? Tirta Gangga is only a 30-minute drive away from Amed, so it can easily be done in half a day!

TIP: You can also visit Tirta Gangga on your way to Amed from Canggu if you want to save some time and break up your journey.

7 – Visit Lempuyang Luhur / Pura Lempuyang

Here’s another incredible trip suggestion for you near Amed, this time to one of the most famous photo spots in all of Bali: Lempuyang Luhur! Many, many people come here to take a photo of Mount Agung framed by the temple gates. It’s pretty impressive, although I’ve heard it can get overcrowded very quickly. In order to avoid this, I recommend visiting very early in the morning, preferably at sunrise!
And, in all honesty, the views of Mount Agung are simply gorgeous, I must admit!

NOTE: You might have seen hundreds of pictures of this place online and in most of them there’s something resembling a reflection pool or a lake at its base. Well, sorry to disappoint, but there is NO actual reflection pool at the gates – just some locals with a mirror looking to make some extra rupiah by helping you get ‘that spot’. Eh, it is what it is! And let’s be honest, it does look cool.

If you’re interested, you can read more about this popular “scam” here.

Where to stay in Amed, Bali

blue moon villas resort in amed bali — We stayed at Blue Moon Villas Resort

When it comes to picking a place to stay in Amed, you will be spoiled with plenty of options: you can choose from resorts, villas, mid-range hotels and even homestays – something for every pocket! Depending on your budget, you’ll find cute accommodations on the beach or further inland.

TIP: Oftentimes, dive schools will provide accommodation if you sign up for a course or package, so make sure to double-check when you book if you’re interested.

Here are my hand-picked recommendations for an excellent stay in Amed, Bali:

SPLURGE: Mathis Lodge Amed

MID-RANGE HOTEL: Blue Moon Villas Resort – this is where we stayed!

BUDGET HOMESTAY: Aquaterrace Amed

HOSTEL: Pondok Aldi Hostel

ENTIRE VILLAS: The Kampung

More places to stay in Amed

Where to eat in Amed

Do I need to say that NO trip to Bali or Indonesia, in general, is complete without some incredible food tasting? Yes, sir, Amed is no exception when it comes to healthy, flavourful traditional dishes and colourful Buddha bowls. Here are the best places and restaurants in Amed, in my opinion. Beware, the list is long and full of flavours!

LOCAL FOOD: Warung Enak and Warung Pantai
LOCAL SEAFOOD: Amed Seaview Warung
BRUNCH & SWEET TREATS: Rimba
ITALIAN: Gusto
INTERNATIONAL DISHES: Organik Cafe
BEST BRUNCH: The Green Leaf Café
VEGETARIAN & VEGAN: Galanga
FANCY: Sails
FOR SUNSET VIEWS: Blue Earth Cafe. By the way, Blue Earth Cafe is more than just a food place; they also have an on-site yoga studio and a dive pool!

How to get to Amed, Bali

As I mentioned before, Amed is located on the Eastern coast of Bali, a bit off the beaten path. There are several ways of getting there, depending on where you’re coming from and your means of transportation. The most popular choice is a taxi or a private driver.

Another convenient, inexpensive choice is scooter rental. This is great if you want to take your time to explore and admire the scenery and maybe even make some stops along the way – But I only recommend this option if you’re an experienced scooter driver!

As for prices, a private driver costs around 600.000 IDR/day (42 US$) and a scooter rental is around 60.000 IDR/day (4.20 US$).

OVERVIEW:

Here’s a short overview of the distances and times from the most popular destinations in Indonesia to Amed:

DENPASAR TO AMED: 86 km, 2h30’

CANGGU TO AMED: 94 km, 2h30’

UBUD TO AMED: 77 km, 2h10’

ULUWATU TO AMED: 119 km, 3h

SANUR TO AMED: 85 km, 2h

GILI TO AMED: The only option, in this case, is to take a ferry – the ride will take around 3 hours.

How to get around Amed, Bali

getting around in bali by scooter rental

The easiest way of travelling around Amed (and Bali in general) is either by renting a scooter that you can drive yourself or hiring a car and driver to take you around the island. Both have their own advantages. A scooter gives you complete freedom to adventure, while a driver provides comfort and relaxation.

You can rent scooters everywhere in Amed, from hotels to scooter rental shops and stalls. The price is between 50.000 to 70.000 IDR per day (3.50 to 5 US$). Don’t forget to negotiate and always check the bike!

TIP: For more advice on renting scooters while in Bali, I recommend reading this post – How to Rent a Scooter in Bali, which will tell you all you need to consider when renting.

This was my complete guide to Amed, full of exciting things to do other than just laying on the beach and going for a dive to see a wreck! I have also given you many hand-picked recommendations for hotels, restaurants, warungs and lots of information about how to get to Amed and how to get around as well. You’ll find everything you need here!

There’s so much to see and do in Amed that only one day won’t be enough if you ask me. It’s well worth staying for a while, especially if you want to completely relax and unwind. And this little guide is here to help you make the best out of your time on your trip to Bali and the entire Amed area.

If you want to travel to more places in Indonesia, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in this incredible country, including places such as Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, Nusa Islands, Gili Islands and more!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Indonesia?

Check out all my Indonesia Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Indonesia so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

7 reasons Amed Bali should be on your bucket list

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Ultimate Foodie Guide: Best Restaurants in Singapore and What to Eat

Except for its world-renowned attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Island, Singapore has an excellent gastronomy that every foodie must experience at least once in their lifetime!

In case you’re planning a trip to Singapore soon and want to know all about the BEST places to eat in Singapore as well as THE most unique dishes to try, my complete foodie guide is here to help.

Scroll down to find my curated list of 21 must-try dishes in Singapore as well as my list of the best restaurants in Singapore for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and everything else in-between!

What to eat in Singapore – 21 Must-try dishes

I know, I know, I have prepared quite a HUGE list for you. 21 dishes is a lot and you’ll need at least 5 days in Singapore in order to experience everything once. But food is such an essential element of Singaporean culture (which is actually a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influence) that I really believe it’s important to taste at least some of the items in my list below. Trust me, you’ll be mind-blown by the mix of spices, tastes and unique ingredients in Singaporean gastronomy.

Now, without further ado, let’s find out all about the best food in Singapore:

1 – Nasi Lemak

In case you’re wondering what to eat for lunch in Singapore, a plate of nasi lemak is your answer! Nasi Lemak is a Malay-inspired rice dish that comes in various combinations. If you’re expecting a plain rice dish, you’re in the wrong this time and you’re in for a world of flavors! The rice is first cooked in coconut milk, it is then combined with fried anchovies (bilis), eggs, peanuts and chili paste (sambal). And all Singaporeans know that a Nasi Lemak is as good as the quality of the sambal used! Most vendors have their own version of Nasi Lemak and they sometimes add fried chicken or fish in the combo as well.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR NASI LEMAK: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak or Changi Nasi Lemak

PRICE: 4-5 SGD (3.00 – 3.70 US$)

2 – Bak Kut Teh / Pork Ribs Soup

best hainanese chicken rice in singapore

This is a Chinese dish that has become super popular in Singapore over the years. Bak Kut Teh is similar to a hearty soup and it’s made by boiling pork ribs in an aromatic water with garlic, salt and pepper (and sometimes star anise too). It’s boiled for so long that the meat becomes super tender and the liquid acquires a strong garlicky aroma. The soup is served with a bowl of rice and other small side dishes, depending on the restaurant.

The literal translation of Bak Kut Teh is “pork bone tea” because it is usually consumed with a cup of strong, hot Chinese tea. A must!

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR BAK KUT TEH: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh in Clarke Quay.

PRICE: 7-8 SGD (5.20 – 6.00 US$)

3 – Laksa

Regardless of which type of laksa you choose (asam laksa or curry laksa), you’re in for a treat! Laksa is a Chinese-Malay dish made of fish, broth and noodles. You’ll see that Curry Laksa is more popular in Singapore and it’s usually made with thin rice noodles, coconut milk, fish (optional: shrimp and cockles) and some sort of curry sauce or gravy. But although the curry version is super good, the true Singaporean Laksa is Katong Laksa, its unique treat being the fact that the noodles are cut into short strings.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR LAKSA: Sungei Road Laksa, a hawker food stall best known for this exact dish.

PRICE: 4-6 SGD (3.00 – 4.50 US$)

4 – Nasi Biryani

You may have heard of Biryani before, a popular rice dish of Indian origins. Well, you’ll be happy to know that this dish is super popular in Singapore too! Nasi Biryani is basically a mixed rice with flavorful saffron and a protein (either chicken, beef, fish) on the side. The rice is also combined with different spices when cooked such as nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra kick. Vegetarian options are available as well.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR NASI BIRYANI: IMAM Banana Leaf Restaurant

PRICE: 6-7 SGD (4.50 to 5.20 US$)

5 – Chicken Rice

Simple, but super delicious! Chicken rice (also called Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore) is exactly what you expect it to be – a comforting dish made of rice cooked in a delicious stock with ginger and garlic, plus tender chicken (make sure to request it de-boned). There’s also a sauce involved, sometimes a spicy chili sauce, other times a dark soy sauce – it all depends on the hawker stall you choose!

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR CHICKEN RICE: There are countless hawker stalls serving it; I recommend Tian Tian Chicken Rice or Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle – the only Michelin-star chicken rice stand? Yep, only in Singapore!

PRICE: 4-5 SGD (3.00 – 3.70 US$)

6 – Char Kway Teow

If you like stir-fry dishes, you’ll love this one! Char Kway Teow, although hard to pronounce, is an excellent, spicy Singaporean dish made of chunky, flat rice noodles stir-fried in a hot pan with eggs, soy sauce, chili, Chinese sausages, pork lard and shrimp paste or whole shrimps too. Sometimes you’ll also find a cockle or two in your char kway teow, especially if you serve it from a stall near the port.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR CHAR KWAY TEOW: Hai Kee Teochew Char Kway Teow or Hill Street Char Kway Teow

PRICE: 3-5 SGD (2.20 to 3.70 US$)

7 – Fried Carrot Cake / Chai Tow Kway

Nope, it’s not a dessert and it has nothing in common with the carrot cake we all know! Chai Tow Kway is a traditional Singaporean dish found everywhere in the city, made of rice flour, shredded daikon radish and eggs. The composition is then shaped like rice cakes and it’s fried in lots of oil. Yep, it can be a bit heavy!

There are two fried carrot cake variations in Singapore: a ‘black’ one, fried with dark soy sauce, and a ‘white’ one, fried with eggs only.

What’s with the name, though? I know, this dish has no carrots at all, so it may all sound like a lie, but the name is actually given by the daikon radish used in the recipe which can also mean “carrot” in Chinese.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR FRIED CARROT CAKE: Song Zhou Luo Bo Gao

PRICE: 2.50 – 4 SGD (1.80 to 3 US$)

8 – Dim Sum / Dian Xin

This Chinese-Hong-Kong-inspired dish is actually a set of several small dishes, with the intention to be shared (similar to tapas). From pork buns in BBQ sauce, chee cheong fun (dumplings), xiao long bao (cute little steamed buns) and more.

BEST DIM SUM IN SINGAPORE: Hua Ting Restaurant or Din Tai Fung

PRICE: 10-20 SGD (7.50 to 15 US$) for an entire dim sum set or dim sum buffet

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Singapore – 7 Best Areas and Handpicked Hotels

9 – Wanton Mee

You’ll find the super popular noodle-based dish called Wanton Mee everywhere in Singapore at hawker centres. This dish consists of fresh egg noodles, vegetables, wanton (minced pork) dumplings and Chinese BBQ pork slices. It’s said to be inspired by Hong Kong gastronomy and it’s super flavorful and delicious! In Singapore, Wanton Mee is usually served with a tiny bowl of soup as a side and it comes in two different versions: spicy and non-spicy.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR WANTON MEE: Guangzhou Mian Shi Wanton Noodle

PRICE: 3-4 SGD (2.2o to 3 US$)

10 – Chili Crab & Black Pepper Crab

Let’s talk about one of the national dishes of Singapore, my friends! Chili crab is a super famous dish in Singapore and there are two different ways of cooking it: chili crab and black pepper crab. Both of them are extra flavorful, the “chili” one being made of a spicy chili sauce. This is, in fact, a complex dish, as the crab meat is first boiled then fried, then combined with the sticky, yummy sauce.

Both versions are usually served with a side of fresh buns and dipping them in the chili or black pepper sauce is an absolute must!

WHERE TO EAT CRAB IN SINGAPORE: Long Beach Seafood Restaurant

PRICE: 100 SGD (75 US$). It’s not cheap, but it’s such a special dish to try in Singapore!

11 – BBQ Sambal Stingray

In case you’re wondering what to eat for dinner in Singapore, this is my suggestion to end your day with trying something new! This dish is true to its name – it’s a combination of stingray and sambal (chili paste) and it’s super delicious! The traditional way of serving the stingray is cut into small bites and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled and eaten with some freshly squeezed lemon juice on top and sometimes even fresh shallots as well. It’s super flavourful!

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR SAMBAL STINGRAY: Chomp Chomp BBQ

PRICE: 10-12 SGD (7.50 to 9 US$)

12 – Fish Bee Hoon

Yep, another yummy noodle dish! And if you’re a fish fan, you’ll surely love this one. Fish Bee Hoon are rice noodles boiled in a flavorful fish broth with fish bones, served with veggies, herbs and evaporated milk as well. The dish was originally made of fish heads (waaaaaay back when Singapore was a poor country), but nowadays it’s usually made with fish chunks.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR FISH BEE HOON: Jing Hua Sliced Fish Bee Hoon

PRICE: 5-6 SGD (3.70 to 4.50 US$)

13 – Bak Chor Mee

Bak Chor Mee is a popular dish in all of Southeast Asia and you can find some amazing combinations in Singapore as well. The traditional dish is usually made with noodles, minced pork, meatballs, fishballs, fisk cake and liver – so yes, it’s super hearty! There’s also a sour sauce involved and when it comes to the egg noodles, you can choose from thick ones (mee pok) or thin ones (mee kia).

Bak Chor Mee is usually served “dry”, so it’s not a soup, but it has plenty of sauce instead and it sometimes even comes with a small bowl of soup on the side.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR BAK CHOR MEE: Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles or Lai Heng Mushroom Minced Meat Mee

PRICE: 5-8 SGD (3.70 to 6 US$)

14 – Fish Head Curry

If you’re not into extreme flavors or if you don’t like seeing a fish head on your plate, keep scrolling! But it would be such a shame, as the Singaporean fish head curry is actually pretty delicious. This dish has Indian origins and it’s made with red snapper head, curry and a mix of Asian veggies. There’s also a Chinese version which is milder, while the Indian one is richer in spices and it has a stronger taste. Both of them are worth trying if you’re up for a gastronomical adventure!

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR FISH HEAD CURRY: Samy’s Curry

PRICE: 20-35 SGD (15 to 26 US$)

15 – Orh Luak / Oyster Omelette

Oyster omelette is popular all around Asia and you HAVE to try it while you’re in Singapore. Orh Luak is a type of omelet made of a mix of potato starch and eggs, fried until crispy. Then the resulting omelet is mixed with bean sprouts and raw oyster and it’s served with a sour, vinegar chili sauce. The taste is rather strange and it may not appeal to all tastes and preferences, but I recommend trying it at least once in your lifetime.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR OYSTER OMELETTE: Lim’s Fried Oyster

PRICE: 5-8 SGD (3.70 to 6 US$)

16 – Satay

This is another dish widely available in different parts of Southeast Asia. Satay is skewers with marinated meat, grilled over charcoal. You can find Satay in most hawker stalls around Singapore and you can choose from chicken, beef or pork satay. The skewers are usually served with a peanut sauce and a side of fresh cucumbers, onions and rice cakes.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR SATAY: Alhambra Satay

PRICE: 5-6 SGD (3.70 to 4.50 US$) for a mix of 10 satays

17 – Rojak

If you love sweet and salty dishes, get ready for a real Singaporean delicacy! Rojak literally translates to “mixture” and it’s a different dish depending on where they’re serving it. There’s Chinese rojak made of pineapple, dough fritters, bean sprouts, all mixed with a shrimp paste and crushed peanuts. Then there’s Indian rojak made of potato pieces, dough fritters, veggies and fruit, usually served with a spicy-savoury sauce.

In short, regardless of which type of Rojak you’ll try in Singapore, get ready for a unique mix of flavors!

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR ROJAK: KS Fruit Rojak or Toa Payoh Rojak

PRICE: 3-4 SGD (2.20 to 3 US$)

18 – Coffee, Kaya Toast & Soft Boiled Egg

classic singapore breakfast coffee kaya toast soft boiled egg

Wondering what to eat for breakfast in Singapore? Heh, here’s your answer: kaya toast, a soft boiled egg and some coffee! This typical Singaporean breakfast has Malay-Chinese influences and it’s the best excuse to relax and catch up with friends over a cup of coffee. Kaya Toast is made of kaya (a traditional jam with coconut milk and sugar) spread on a piece of toast. You can also choose a soft boiled egg for breakfast, usually eaten with soy sauce and pepper. It may sound unexpected, but it’s the most popular breakfast combo in Singapore!

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR KAYA TOAST: Tong Ah Eating House or Chin Mee Chin

PRICE: A serving of Kaya Toast is usually 1 SGD (0.75 US$) and an entire breakfast can be around 3 SGD (2.20 US$).

19 – Tau Huay

Enough with the noodle dishes and grilled meats, it’s time for dessert! Tau Huay is one of the best Singaporean desserts and it’s made of beancurd tofu and sugar syrup. It’s creamy and flavorful, sometimes with soy milk added as well or different flavors such as mango or, a favourite of mine, sesame. You can either consume it hot or cold!

BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE FOR TAU HUAY: 3S Beancurd City or Rochor Beancurd

PRICE: 1.50 – 2.50 SGD (1.10 to 1.80 US$)

20 – Ice Kacang

I’m sure you’ve heard about shaved ice before and yes, it’s a popular dessert in Singapore as well. Ice Kacang is basically a tiny mountain of crushed or shaved ice served in a cup with different syrups of your choice, condensed milk and rose syrup on top. You can find it everywhere in the city, at numerous hawker centres!

BEST PLACE IN SINGAPORE FOR ICE KACANG: Berseh Food Centre or Jin Jin Dessert

PRICE: 1.50 SGD (1.13 US$)

21 – Last but not least: durian!

I’m leaving this one at the end of my list as it’s not really a dish, but a fruit. Durian is something you have to taste at least once in your lifetime, I swear! Many Singaporeans love it and it’s even called the “king of fruits”. Well, that must mean something!

Durian is a big, spiky, interesting-looking fruit but it’s mostly known for… being extremely smelly! Yes, durian is only for the fearless! Some say it has a strong smelly socks aroma, but if you ignore the initial wiff, you’ll discover a wonderful world of flavour! It’s sweet, very creamy… really, there are simply no words to describe its taste – I guess you’ll just have to taste it and see for yourself… if you dare!

FUN FACT: Even though most durian in Singapore is grown in Malaysia, they still consider it to be their national fruit!

NOTE: This fruit is SO smelly that it is actually banned from being taken on public transport or entering many hotels and buildings. Best to find an outdoor vendor for this one!

Best restaurants in Singapore

Okay, now that you know all about the good food in Singapore that you just HAVE to taste during your trip, let me share with you my list of amazing restaurants that should be on your list. I know I’ve given you one or two recommendations for renowned good restaurants in Singapore for each of the 21 dishes above, but I have some more places for you! Let’s see:

Best Hawker centres in Singapore

If you’re looking for cheap and good restaurants in Singapore where you can taste every street food available, be it Indian, Chinese or Malay-inspired, I have one answer for you: hawker centres!

A hawker centre is an open-air food complex where you’ll find numerous stalls serving all kinds of street food dishes for VERY, I repeat, VERY good prices. Most of them are located in the most famous spots in the city that are usually frequented by tourists and locals as well and they’re an important part of Singaporean culture.

Here are some of the best hawker centres in Singapore:

Old Airport Road Food Centre
Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre (Telok Ayer Market)
Chinatown Food Street – this is where you need to go if you’re looking for the best Chinese restaurant in Singapore – you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!
Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre
Tekka Centre

Where to eat breakfast in Singapore

In case you’re looking for some cool spots to eat some nice food in Singapore (maybe some Kaya Toast and a soft boiled egg?) and to start your day properly, check out my list below:

Ng Ah Sio Bak Kuh Teh – if you want to start your day with a big bowl of pork ribs soup;
Heap Seng Leong – traditional spot for kaya toast open in the 50s;
YY Kafei Dian – famous coffee shop for breakfast, their soft, crunchy kaya toast is a must;
Group Therapy – amazing pancakes and coffee;
Zion 91 An Shun Fish Soup – if you prefer a hearty Singaporean fish soup to begin your day with.

Best brunch places in Singapore

Brunch is hands-down my favorite time of the day! If you love brunch time as much as I do and you’re wondering where to eat in Singapore for the best avocado-rich dishes and colourful smoothies, check out the following places:

Brawn & Brains – for tender eggs and avocado bowls. Also good for breakfast too!
Tolido’s Espresso Nook – all-day brunch menu with pancakes, avo toast, scrambled eggs and everything in-between. This one is high on my list of nice restaurants in Singapore!
Symmetry – everything eggs!
Publico Ristorante – if you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant in Singapore that also has a brunch menu with açai bowls and avo toast, this one’s for you. The decor is also super beautiful!
Daizu Cafe – an excellent Western-Japanese fusion restaurant that serves anything from pasta to eggs Benedict.

Where to eat lunch in Singapore

Okay, you have more than enough options for an authentic Singaporean lunch in my list of must-try dishes above. But what if you’re craving some sashimi? Or pizza? Or a coconut Thai soup or maybe a juicy steak? No worries, I got you:

Omoté – if you’re craving some fresh sushi or a comforting bowl of noodles, you must be looking for the best Japanese restaurant in Singapore, right? Omoté is my recommendation!
PizzaFace – for the best pizza in Singapore or anywhere in Asia, really;
Opus Bar & Grill – definitely the best steak in Singapore for all meat lovers out there;
The Coconut Club – best nasi lemak outside of hawker centres;
Jai Thai – best Thai food in Singapore with affordable prices – such a nice combo!

Where to eat dinner in Singapore

After all the eating during the day, what can you do in the evening? Eat again, of course! Dinner is just as important as brunch, my friends, and if you’re wondering where to go for dinner in Singapore, I got you all covered. Below you’ll find my hand-picked list of dinner places in Singapore:

Chang Restaurant – for the BEST Korean BBQ in Singapore!
Restaurant Ibid – simply amazing, both the atmosphere and the food, but be sure to reserve in advance!
Avenue 87 – very good food and reasonable prices;
Buona Terra – excellent choice for a romantic dinner;
Zafferano – a very good choice for the best dinner in Singapore with amazing views of Marina Bay.
Olivia – This is one of my favourites for fantastic cocktails, a great vibe and delicious food;
Burnt Ends – this BBQ restaurant was voted one of the world’s top 50 restaurants.

Fine dining in Singapore

After all these hawker stalls and street food, you might be willing to try some fine dining as well for a change, am I right? Well, you’re in the right place, as there are many top restaurants in Singapore that have world-class service and unique menus, perfect for special occasions! Here are my recommendations:

Akira Back – for modern, unique Japanese dishes;
Odette – one of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore with French cuisine made by a world-renowned chef;
Spago – bayfront restaurant with classy dishes;
Saint Pierre – 2-star Michelin restaurant that serves elegant French dishes.

Where to eat in Singapore at night

Let’s say you get hungry in the middle of the night (or after a night out). Is there a solution? Of course there is, I told you that Singapore has it all! Here’s my list of great Singapore food places where you can eat at night:

The Ramen House – an excellent ramen restaurant that’s open 24/7 and my top option if you’re wondering where to eat in Chinatown Singapore!
Aromas of India – If you’re asking yourself where to eat in Little India Singapore at insane hours after the sun sets, this one’s for you!
Cafeela – for late-night Singaporean dishes. Open 24/7!
Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak – for a yummy nasi lemak up until 3:30 AM;
My Awesome Cafe – coffee until 12 AM? I’m in!

BONUS: Where to eat in Sentosa

If you’re staying on Sentosa Island, you might be looking for some very good food places close to your hotel, so you won’t have to take a taxi to Singapore city centre. If that’s the case, the following list will be helpful for you:

Tanjong Beach Club – fresh food served right next to the pool and a super fun vibe on Sundays;
Trapizza – this is Shangri-La Sentosa’s beachfront restaurant and they serve amazing wood-fired pizza;
The Cliff – for fine dining on Sentosa Island;
Blue Lotus – another fine dining restaurant at Sentosa Cove. Their crab and their Wagyu beef is a must!
Feng Shui Inn – modern Chinese dishes with a twist;
The Kitchen Table – for an unforgettable brunch in Sentosa!

RELATED READ: Things to do on Sentosa Island, Singapore

Phew! This was quite a journey, but you have finally reached the end of my ultimate foodie guide for Singapore! In the article above I have told you literally everything you need to know to eat your way across Singapore.

I’ve included 21 must-try dishes while you’re in Singapore, as well as where to eat each of them. I’ve also given you my hand-picked recommendations for amazing restaurants for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and fine dining as well. Is there anything I missed? I highly doubt it!

In case you’re planning a trip to Singapore and you need more inspiration for things to do while there and where to stay, I recommend clicking here to find ALL my articles about this incredible city-country. Apart from that, have fun! Singapore is simply unforgettable!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Singapore?

Check out all my Singapore Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Singapore so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Where to Stay in Singapore – 7 Best Areas and Handpicked Hotels

Planning a trip to Singapore soon? That’s amazing news! You must be searching for where to stay in Singapore right now, am I right? In all honesty, finding the perfect place to stay in this city-state is a real challenge. There are SO many good areas and accommodation options, all catering to different needs and budgets. But that’s why I’m here to help!

In this article, I have given you my hand-picked hotel recommendations, grouped by the 7 most popular tourist areas in Singapore. Whatever you may be looking for, you’ll surely find it here. That’s a promise!

Singapore is an amazing destination with unique neighbourhoods and LOTS of things to do. From the world-famous Marina Bay and the Colonial District to the culture-rich Chinatown and Little India, there are so many good places to set up here. And let’s not forget about Sentosa Island, of course!

Luxury hotels, resorts, hostels, apartments and villas – scroll down to find my complete list of recommendations!

Where is the best area to stay in Singapore by type of traveller

I know, I know, Singapore is divided into numerous iconic neighbourhoods. But which one of them is the BEST for you and your travel plans? It’s a hard choice, I must admit, but I’ve made everything easier for you by creating the list below. It will quickly help you decide where to stay depending on your travel style and budget:

Where to stay in Singapore for the first time – Marina Bay or the Colonial District
Where to stay in Singapore on a budget – Little India
Where to stay in Singapore for luxury – Marina Bay
Where to stay in Singapore for foodies – Chinatown
Where to stay in Singapore for nightlife – Singapore River
Where to stay in Singapore with kids – Sentosa Island
Where to stay in Singapore for shopping – Orchard Road
Where to stay in Singapore for couples – Singapore River

Find a place to stay in Singapore

Now that everything’s a bit clearer for you, let’s dive right into it and find my best recommendations for the perfect stay in Singapore:

Marina Bay

Ah, yes, how could I not begin this list with the world-famous Marina Bay? I’m sure you heard about the Marina Bay Sands hotel before, about the Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion Statue and the Botanic Gardens as well. They all have one thing in common (except the fact they’re pretty much iconic): they’re all located in the Marina Bay area!

Marina Bay is THE place to take a walk if you want to understand just how luxurious Singapore can be. I’m talking about sleek, modern architecture, fountains, iconic landmarks, amazing restaurants and bars – and more. There’s so much to do and see in Marina Bay, especially in the evening when everything is beautifully lit up! There’s the Singapore Flyer and the ArtScience Museum, as well as the Singapore River nearby. If you want to be close to the big sites, Marina Bay is the place to be! Plus, here’s a piece of insider info: most luxury hotels here offer striking views of the city and the bay – how awesome is that?

RELATED READ: By the way, if you want to learn more about the attractions here plus other fun stuff to do in Singapore, I recommend checking out my complete guide to the city.

Although the superb, award-winning Marina Bay Sands hotel complex with its Observation Deck and rooftop infinity pool is the most popular hotel in this area (and in all of Southeast Asia, if I think about it), it’s not your only option.

Also, beware! The prices here can be a bit over the line and the entire area is quite luxurious per se, so please keep that in mind when choosing this area:

ICONIC: Marina Bay Sands

BIG SPLURGE #1: The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

BIG SPLURGE #2: Pan Pacific Singapore

BIG SPLURGE #3: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

APARTMENT: Ascott Raffles Place Singapore

Find more hotels in Marina Bay area

Colonial District / Historic District

Although the Marina Bay area is nothing short of iconic, some of the most interesting attractions in Singapore are actually in the Colonial District, also known as the Historic District. This is the heart of the city or “Downtown” and it’s extremely well connected to all the other neighbourhoods in the city. If you choose the Colonial District for your stay in Singapore, you can rest assured that you’ll be within walking distance to a lot of the sites!

Some notable attractions here include the National Museum and National Gallery, Bugis Street Market, the iconic Raffles Hotel, Fort Canning Park, St. Andrew’s Cathedral and more. This area is also full of beautiful colonial buildings, amazing restaurants and interesting bars too. It’s absolutely impossible to get bored here! Plus, you’ll be within walking distance to the Quay area, Little India, Orchard Road and, of course, Marina Bay with its Gardens by the Bay!

Here are the best places to stay in the Colonial District:

BIG SPLURGE: InterContinental Singapore

LUXURY HOTEL: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore

MID-RANGE HOTEL: Somerset Bencoolen Singapore

BUDGET HOTEL: Summer View Hotel

APARTMENT: Heritage Collection on Seah

Find more hotels in Downtown Singapore

Orchard Road

If you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore for shopping, Orchard Road is YOUR place to stay! Orchard Road is the ultimate shopping destination in Singapore with more than 20 (!!!) interconnected mega shopping mall options. There are countless designer shops, high street brands and budget-friendly stalls where you can literally shop til you drop!

Orchard Road is also lined with some amazing luxury hotels, anything from modern to colonial-style, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, cool cafes, rooftop bars and affordable food stalls. Staying in Orchard Road means you’ll be extremely well-connected to the rest of the city as well, as it’s MRT station is a great hub that takes you to all the most important attractions in the city such as Marina Bay Sands.

If you feel that Orchard Road is your neighbourhood, I recommend the hotels below:

BIG SPLURGE: Mandarin Orchard Singapore

BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Royal Plaza on Scotts

MID-RANGE HOTEL: YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road

BUDGET HOTEL: Lloyd’s Inn

APARTMENT: Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard

Find more hotels in Orchard Road

Singapore River / The Quays

The Riverside area in Singapore, also known as the Quays is the nightclubbing heart of the city! So if during your trip to Singapore you want to dance the night away and enjoy a drink with a view, there’s no need to search further.

The three Quays of Singapore are located between the CBD (Central Business District) and the Colonial District. They’re connected by the Singapore River (hence the name) and they’re the main entertainment spot in the city. You’ll find lots of clubs, bars and late-night eateries here, as well as boutique hotels and apartments. One of the best things about this area is that you’ll only be a short walk away from the Downtown area, as well as Marina Bay Sands and Chinatown. And the rest of the areas are easily connected by the MRT system.

Here are the 3 quays explained below:

Clarke Quay – the most popular of the three, both in terms of accommodation and the number of tourists wandering around. You’ll find it scattered with tons of restaurants, clubs and hotels;
Boat Quay – posh and touristy, full of riverside restaurants and fancy bars;
Robertson Quay – you won’t find the hustle and bustle of Clarke Quay here. Instead, this place is more laid-back but still has lots of world-class restaurants and wine bars.

If you’re interested in staying in the lively Quays (especially Clarke Quay), here are my hotel recommendations:

BIG SPLURGE: Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore

BOUTIQUE OPTION: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

MID-RANGE HOTEL: The Quay Hotel

BUDGET HOTEL: Champion Hotel City

HOSTEL: Vintage Inn @ Clarke Quay

APARTMENT: Cayden Riverfront Residences

Find more hotels in the Riverside area

Chinatown

Chinatowns are interesting all around the world, but the Chinatown in Singapore is simply so special! Chinatown consists of charming, narrow streets full of colourful temples, cafes, traditional eateries and michelin star street food stalls (especially on Ann Siang Rd), souvenir shops, and everything else in-between. Even if you don’t decide to stay here, taking a walk around Chinatown is a must!

And if you do decide to book a room here, except for a couple of luxury hotels, expect plenty of affordable accommodations such as capsule hotels and hostels, which is excellent if you’re looking for a budget deal in Singapore! Chinatown is probably one of Singapore’s most authentic neighbourhoods, with colourful, vibrant buildings and a rich history. You’ll find the Chinatown Night Market here, as well as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple and Thian Hock Keng Temple.

And here are the best hotels in Chinatown for all budgets:

BIG SPLURGE: Carlton City Hotel Singapore

BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection

MID-RANGE HOTEL: Hotel Soloha @ Chinatown

BUDGET HOTEL: ST Signature Chinatown

HOSTEL: Wink Capsule Hostel @ Chinatown

Find more hotels in Chinatown

Little India

Little India is located right near Kampong Glam and the Colonial District, which means it’s one of the best places to stay in Singapore if you want to be only a short walking distance away from all the important landmarks and attractions! Little India is a very special place full of temples, mosques, amazing street food courts selling traditional dishes (hint: search for the “banana leaf restaurants”!) and cute cafes. If you’re all about culture and delicious food, Little India in Singapore is for you!

In terms of accommodation, Little India is way more affordable than, let’s say, Orchard Road or Marina Bay Sands. You’ll find various boutique hotels, guesthouses and hostels here, catering for all needs and pockets. While you’re here, make sure you visit Serangoon Road and the Tekka Centre for some shopping and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

So, in short, if you want to get away from glitzy, modern Singapore, Little India is your place to be. I recommend choosing from the hotels below:

LUXURY HOTEL: Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood

MID-RANGE HOTEL: Citadines Rochor

BUDGET HOTEL: ST Signature Jalan Besar

HOSTEL: 7 Wonders Hostel @ Upper Dickson

SHORT-TERM HOTEL: ST Signature Jalan Besar

Find more hotels in Little India

Sentosa Island

Universal Studios, theme parks, beaches, resorts and water sports… Wondering where to stay in Singapore with your family and children? You have scrolled to the right place! I left Sentosa Island for the end of my list because, even though it’s an immensely exciting place, it’s quite separate from Singapore island-city-state. Sentosa Island is a separate, teeny-weeny resort island with lots of activities for both adults and children alike.

This is where you’ll find Universal Studios Singapore, one of the main attractions on the island. There are also golf courses, artificial white sand beaches and fancy beach clubs, as well as theme parks and water sports. Resorts World Sentosa is where you’ll find, of course, lots of world-class resorts with amazing facilities as well as special rooms for families with children.

NOTE: It takes around 15-30 minutes to get from Singapore City to Sentosa Island. You can either walk across the pedestrian bridge (I do not recommend this though with the heat and humidity!), take the cable car or the Sentosa Express Monorail. Tip: the cable car is the most popular option for tourists, but the monorail is the most efficient. Either way, if you stay here you can rest assured that you won’t be too disconnected from Downtown at all!

That being said, here’s my selection of Sentosa hotels for an excellent stay:

BIG SPLURGE: Capella Singapore

LUXURY RESORT: Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa

BOUTIQUE HOTEL: The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

MID-RANGE HOTEL: ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove Singapore

Find more hotels on Sentosa Island

Where to stay in Singapore – Other notable areas to consider

All 7 areas above are very popular among tourists for an excellent stay in Singapore, close to the main attractions and exciting activities. But there are other equally good neighbourhoods that are worth mentioning. Here are my honourable, underrated mentions:

Bugis & Kampong Glam – Also known as “Arab Street”, Kampong Glam and Bugis are two tiny areas right near Little India, very central and excellent for their nightlife scene. While you’re in Kampong Glam, you can walk on Haji Lane and join a live concert, eat at the numerous restaurants or simply admire the street art pieces. Or visit Kwan Im Thong hood Cho Temple or Sultan Mosque! Here you’ll find a perfect mix of boutique hotels and budget hostels!
Tiong Bahru – Located west of Chinatown, Tiong Bahru is a very cool, hip place with lots of art deco apartments and hotels in Singapore. I think this neighbourhood is a great choice if you want a laid-back area while still being close to the main attractions in the city.
Bukit Timah – Luxurious, fancy and located right near Orchard Road – Bukit Timah caters for everyone looking for world-class hotels, restaurants and bars! It’s also a popular spot among business travellers and there are many things to do and see here.
Changi Airport – Okay, spoiler alert: this is not just an airport, my friends. In fact, Changi Airport is an attraction per se and it’s considered to be one of the world’s best airports! Changi Airport area is outside of the city centre and it has nearby beaches, lots of amazing on-site restaurants and more. The accommodations are pretty varied as well and you can find something for every budget.
Geylang – Truly underrated, Geylang is an awesome place to stay. This was once the Red Light District of Singapore, but things have turned around and Geylang is now a place to witness a more authentic side of the city. Plus, it’s scattered with budget-friendly accommodations!
Civic District – Centrally located, the Civic District is notable thanks to its numerous museums and parks. It’s a popular place to stay for business tourists, but I also recommend it if you want to stay in the centre without paying a fortune for accommodation. You’ll be a quick walk away from Clarke Quay, Marina Bay and other popular areas in Singapore!

Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Sentosa and more – there are SO many cool areas in this city, it was a challenge to only choose 7! This complete guide on Singapore accommodation contains everything you need to know about the best neighbourhoods in Singapore, as well as my hand-picked hotel recommendations, grouped by budget. I did everything I could to make your choice easier and I’m sure you’ll find this article useful.

If you’re heading to Singapore soon and want to read ALL about the best things to do and see there, I recommend checking out my dedicated post: Your Best Singapore Travel Guide.

And if you want to discover more of Singapore, in this section you’ll find all my articles on this unique city.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Singapore?

Check out all my Singapore Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Singapore so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Singapore Travel Guide – 12 Best Things to Do, Top Hotels, Restaurants and More

There’s NO place like Singapore! Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world! In case you’re planning a trip there soon, this Singapore travel guide is here to help. It contains my selection of the 12 best things to do in Singapore, as well as the best places to stay, where and what to eat, which tours to take, how to get around the city. And, if you can believe it, lots of personal extras too!

There are so many places to visit in Singapore, you won’t even believe it – from the incredible michelin star food stalls and charming, authentic neighbourhoods to the world-famous Gardens by the Bay and stunning Marina Bay Sands. There is a LOT of fun to be had. I truly believe it is worth it to stay for at least 3 days in Singapore in order to tick all the big sites off your bucket list. And after reading my Singapore guide, you will surely be tempted to stay an additional 3 days more!

Let’s go!

First of all, where is Singapore and why should I go?

Singapore is located right on the southern tip of Malaysia and close to Indonesia. It incorporates one main island and several other smaller islets. Singapore is a place of rich culture and history, with a vibrant nightlife, killer shopping scene and lots of world-renowned attractions. Plus an unbelievable skyline!

Just think about it: who hasn’t heard of the Marina Bay Sans at least once before? Who hasn’t seen at least one picture of the Gardens by the Bay? Singapore, also known as the “Lion City” (you’ll see why below) awaits with loads of iconic landmarks and exciting adventures to be had.

In short, there’s a lot to see, do and eat in Singapore. I actually spent 6 years growing up here as a kid, so I know a LOT about this awesome little country. And I absolutely love it. With my insider knowledge, let’s get you convinced too! Keep reading to find out everything there is to know in my complete Singapore travel guide:

Singapore Travel Guide – 12 Best things to do in Singapore

There is so much to see and do in Singapore. Heck, I even found an article on the web with 150 (!!!) things to do in Singapore – how can you even manage that? Where do you even start? No worries, in order to make your life easier, I have made a list with 12 of the BEST tourist spots out there. Only the Creme de la creme, trust me.

1 – Gardens by the Bay

D’uh, of course I’m starting the list with the best place in Singapore for allllll tourists out there! I’m sure everyone has heard about it and, in my humble opinion, although this spot is super touristy, there is no denying that it’s pretty darn cool.

The Gardens by the Bay, located in the Marina Bay area, is a super modern green space made of “Supertrees”, as they call them – the Supertree Grove. These are metal structures resembling colourful trees at 25 to 50 m tall, covered in lush plants and flowers. It’s basically an urban garden in the heart of the city. There are also two conservatories here – the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome (the biggest glass greenhouse in the world!), both of them are completely worth visiting and great for photos. After all, you can’t go to Singapore and not see its main landmark, right? Simply mind blowing!

PRICE: 20 SGD (15 USD) for one conservatory and 28 SGD (21 USD) for two conservatories on the official website. 8 SGD (6 USD) for the OCBC Skyway (an elevated alley between the Supertrees). BUT! I have found a combo 1-day ticket that includes all conservatories for 20 SGD on GetYourGuide here. It is strongly advised to book your ticket online and in advance.

TIP: I recommend visiting TWICE. Yep, twice. Once in the morning to see the flowers and do the canopy walk, and again in the evening so you can catch the free light show at 7.45 or 8.45 PM daily.

TIP #2: If you’re planning on visiting both the Gardens and Marina Bay Sands Skypark, I found this ticket on Klook for 32 SGD (24 USD) altogether (20% discount).

Buy your combo ticket

2 – Marina Bay

Ah, yes, another world-renowned attraction in Singapore! Marina Bay is a beautiful, luxurious bay in the centre of Singapore and it hosts plenty of stylish attractions. No visit here can be boring, especially if you tick the following off your list:

MARINA BAY SANDS SKYPARK AND HOTEL

Probably the most awe-inspiring and sought-after accommodation in all Singapore! This is truly an iconic resort located right on the bayfront, with three towers and a huge terrace. Unfortunately, you cannot visit the hotel or the Skypark (its superb infinity pool) unless you’re staying there (I know, bummer!), but you can go to the Observation Deck, which is pretty impressive as well. Which brings me to my next point…

MARINA BAY SANDS OBSERVATION DECK

There’s a nice observation deck at the 57th level of the hotel where you can see some pretty incredible 360-views of the city! Entrance fee is 23 SGD (17 USD) and there’s no time limit to stay here. BUT! I have found a better offer on Klook here for 22 SGD entrance with milk tea included.

TIP: If you don’t want to pay the ticket just to sit there, alternatively, you can go to CÉ LA VI (also on the 57th floor) and take in the view with a drink in hand, but there may be a minimum spend for seated tables. I recommend making a reservation on their website beforehand or maybe send them an email for updated info.

MARINA BAY WATERFRONT PROMENADE

A beautiful 3.5 kilometer-long promenade on the Bayfront. It’s the best place in Singapore to take a walk and admire the impressive architecture, as well as people-watch. There are also public events happening here from time to time!

3 – Singapore Botanic Gardens

52 hectares of lush greenery in the city – can you believe it? Although Singapore is strongly urbanised, it’s still the greenest city in Asia – and the Botanic Gardens, the first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city, are an excellent example. The Botanic Gardens are 162 years old and a beautiful place to check out the local flora and fauna, stroll by the lake or chill out under the shade of a tembusu tree.

One of the highlights of this place is the National Orchid Garden where you’ll find more than 1.000 species of orchids.

PRICE: Free to visit the Gardens in general. It’s 5 SGD (3.70 USD) for the Orchid Garden. You can also book a walking tour of the Orchid Garden if you want to be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.

Book a walking tour

4 – Explore the Quays

The quays, located along the Singapore river, are some well-known spots for eating, enjoying a drink, dancing in a nightclub or simply walking the riverside. There are three of them, as explained below:

BOAT QUAY: Lots of cool International restaurants and pubs and the perfect place to relax and unwind after a full day of exploring the city.

CLARKE QUAY: The best nightlife hotspot after the sun sets. Also the most popular of the 3, as there are always tourists and locals roaming around here.

ROBERTSON QUAY: A bit more elegant than quirky Clarke quay, this is the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the people passing by.

5 – Sentosa Island and Universal Studios

universal studios at sentosa island in singapore

Needless to say that my Singapore travel guide would be incomplete without mentioning Sentosa Island! Sentosa Island is a full day of fun in itself and it’s a must-do for anyone that visits Singapore. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, eateries and bars on this resort-style island, as well as Universal Studios Singapore – one of the top things to do in Singapore with kids! There are also 4D cinemas here, as well as museums, aquariums, parks, watersports and more.

You can get to the island either by walking and bicycling (for free) or by using the island’s Express train – a one-way trip is 4 S$ (3 US$).

PRICE: Entrance to Universal Studios is 81 S$ (60 US$) for adults and 61 S$ (45 US$) for kids. BUT! I have found cheaper adult tickets on Klook for 77 S$.

RELATED READ: This was just a short introduction about this unique place. For more information, I recommend reading my dedicated post: Things to do on Sentosa Island, Singapore.

Get your Universal Studios ticket

6 – Merlion Park

The “merlion” is an imaginary creature famous in Singapore. It’s actually its mascot! The statue has a lion head and the body of a fish and it was created by a Singaporean sculptor called Lim Nang Seng. The original one can be seen in none other than the Merlion Park in the Marina Bay area, right on the waterfront.

There’s also a larger statue on Sentosa Island so, regardless of which one you spot, it’s a must see during your trip, and a great free attraction to enjoy!

PRICE: Free

7 – Go on a food tour

If you ask me, I’d say that no Singapore travel guide is complete without at least one food tour. Yes, the gastronomy in Singapore is incredible and you MUST try the local dishes. Whenever I travel back to Singapore, I’m always most excited for the food!

As you explore the city, you’ll surely stop at different restaurants and hawker stalls to enjoy Singapore’s insanely good gastronomy. Or, even better (especially if you’re short on time), you can book a food tour. This way you’ll ensure that you don’t miss anything important and that you tick all the most popular eateries around town. A local guide will take you around the city and explain each dish while you munch. I say it’s a win-win situation!

Here are some pretty cool food tours I can recommend:

Private Guided Food Tour with Tastings (244 S$, 10 tastings included from 3 different cultures, just you and your guide!)
Chinatown Food Tasting & Walking Tour (45 S$)
Hands-On Cooking Class (99 S$)

Book a Chinatown food tour

8 – Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

A huge zoo with more than 3.600 animals set in a rainforest! Singapore Zoo is one of the most well-organised in the entire world and visiting it is a nice activity for both adults and children alike. But the coolest thing you can do here is to join a Night Safari. This activity takes place from Thursday to Sunday as well as on public holidays, starting at 6.30 PM and ending at 12 AM. It’s the first safari park for nocturnal animals and it’s adjacent to the main zoo. There’s also a River Safari near it as well.

PRICE: 41 SGD (30.5 US$) for Singapore Zoo at the gate, 32.80 SGD if you buy it online on the official website. 53 SGD (39.5 US$) for Night Safari at the gate, 37.10 SGD if you buy it online on their official website.

TIP: If you want to see both the zoo and the Night Safari, I recommend getting a combo 2-Park Admission for 74.10 SGD. More information here.

9 – Singapore Flyer

Just like in many other cities in the world, Singapore has its own ferris wheel as well. It’s called the Singapore Flyer, it’s located in the Marina Bay area and it’s the largest one in Asia. The views from up there are pretty stunning!

You can either take a classic ride or one that includes the local cocktail (Singapore Sling) or champagne. I think it’s up there as one of the most romantic things to do in Singapore for couples!

PRICE: 33 SGD (24.50 US$) for the standard flight that takes 30 minutes – you can buy it here. The premium beverage combo is 60 SGD (44.60 US$) for Singapore Sling and 70 SGD (52 US$) for champagne and you can buy your tickets here. There’s also the option of sky dining for 150 SGD/person (111 US$).

Buy a standard ticket

10 – Drink Singapore’s signature cocktail at Raffles Hotel

singapore sling signature cocktail at the raffles hotel

I mentioned the Singapore Sling above and now it’s time to tell you a little bit about it. The Singapore Sling is Singapore’s signature cocktail, a gin-based drink dating back to 1915. The original one was first served at Raffles Hotel (Long Bar) and is THE place to try one, especially if you visit Singapore for the first time! A visit to the Raffles Hotel is well-welcomed as well, as it’s one of the iconic colonial buildings in Singapore.

PRICE: 30 S$ (22 US$).

FUN FACT: The cocktail was created especially for ladies in the colonial era in Singapore. During those times, gentlemen were frequently sipping on alcoholic drinks, but ladies were not allowed to do so (boo!) – they could only drink fruit juices or teas. So Ngiam Tong Boon, Raffles’ bartender, created the Singapore Sling which looks like a juice but it actually has gin in it, as well as pineapple and lime juice, grenadine, curaçao, Bénédictine and cherry liqueur. Yummy!

11 – Do some shopping on Orchard Road

Singapore is a well-known shopping hub and one of the best places to shop ‘til you drop is Orchard Road. This is a 2 kilometer-long shopping street right in the city centre where you’ll find anything from luxury shops to fun activities (VR computer games anyone?) to upscale dining options and bars. Even if you don’t have the desire or budget to buy anything fancy, I recommend you to at least take a walk down Orchard Road to truly understand how much of a shopping mecca Singapore actually is!

TIP #1: All the malls along Orchard Road are interconnected by underground walkways, so there is no need to go outside into the heat and humidity.

TIP #2: If you’re lucky enough to visit Singapore during the “Great Singapore Sale”, you’ll benefit from tons of discounts in various shops! This is a well-known annual sale season that takes place all over the city, usually in June and July.

12 – Sri Mariamman Temple and Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the BEST neighbourhoods in Singapore to visit if you want to truly understand the mix of cultures found in this city-state. Chinatown is two square kilometers wide and it’s the place where you’ll find Chinese temples, souvenir shops, street food stalls and more. You simply cannot set foot in Chinatown without trying some authentic food – especially as the hawker stalls here are so cheap and SO good! Many of the food stalls have even been awarded michelin stars! The Chinatown Complex and Maxwell Food Centre are great places for this.

While you’re there, make sure you check out Sri Mariamman Temple, a super colourful Hindu temple dating from 1827. It’s dedicated to Mariamman goddess and, just like you’d expect, it’s full of intricate carvings and built in the Dravidian style. Plus, it’s THE oldest Hindu temple in Singapore!

For more highlights of Chinatown, be sure to check out the Buddha Tooth Relic and Thian Hock Keng Temple.

PRICE: Free

BONUS: Extra things to do in Singapore

Singapore is considered to be one of the best cities in Asia for its landmarks, posh activities, rooftop views and incredible promenades. If you have more time to spend in the city (lucky you!), I have created the following list which includes some extra activities to do in Singapore that didn’t make it to my top 12. Not because they’re not worth it, but rather because there’s never enough time to do and see everything here! Check out the list below and mix & match anything that sounds interesting for your itinerary:

ArtScience Museum – There are regular museums in the world and then there’s the ArtScience Museum in Singapore. It’s set in a lotus-shaped building (it’s impossible not to notice it!) and it hosts numerous interactive exhibits. One of them is the “Future World” exhibition, which I totally recommend for an immersive experience! The price is 18 SGD for one exhibition, 25 for two and 32 SGD for all-access. You can only buy individual tickets for 1 exhibition on their official website, but I found a cheaper option on Klook for 16 SGD. The all-access tickets are available at the gate.
Little India – Just like Chinatown, you MUST visit Little India as well if you have the time. Little India is really charming and it’s a great neighbourhood for traditional dishes and souvenirs – make sure to try the roti prata!
Jurong Bird Park – Biggest wildlife park in Asia (over 20 hectares). This is where you’ll find over 5.000 birds, so it’s a paradise on earth for all nature lovers. Tickets are 34 SGD on the official website, but I found cheaper tickets for 30.60 SGD on Klook here. You can also get the ParkHopper ticket (Zoo, Night Safari, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park) for 90 SGD on the official website.
Haji Lane – cool neighbourhood with vibrant, colourful buildings. This is a photographer’s heaven and a great place for restaurants, bars and indie shops.
Thian Hock Keng Temple – Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple and one of the most beautiful traditional buildings in town. It was built in 1840 and it was declared a national monument in 1973. One of the best places to visit in Singapore for free.
S.E.A. Aquarium – One of the best things to do in Sentosa! This aquarium has more than 100.000 marine animals from 45 different habitats and it’s quite impressive. It is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance – 41 S$/person (30.50 US$) on the official website but I, of course, searched for a better deal. There are cheaper tickets on Klook for 37 S$.
National Gallery Singapore – One of the biggest collections of modern art in Southeast Asia; they have different exhibitions in two different buildings. Tickets are 20 SGD/person (15 US$) but I found a cheaper option on Klook here for 14 SGD. A good save! They also offer free guided introductory tours. More information here.
National Museum of Singapore – The best place if you want to learn more about Singapore’s history and culture, anything from food, fashion, film and more. Tickets are 15 S$ (11 US$) on the official website but I found cheaper tickets on Klook for 13.60 S$. More information here.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Continuing with my list of Singapore attractions for nature lovers, here’s Bukit Timah. It’s set in a rainforest and you can see all sorts of animals here, from squirrels to flying lemurs. And the best part? Entrance is completely free!
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) – Set in Chinatown, this is one of the best things to visit if you’re interested in Buddhist temples. This 4-story building hosts a 2 meters-high solid gold relic! Entrance is free of charge (but donations are encouraged) and they also organise guided tours.
Haw Par Villa – A unique, bizarre outdoor park created by the Tiger Balm founder (Aw Boon Haw). The park is full with more than 1.000 odd-looking statues that picture Chinese morals. Free entrance.

Best Singapore tours by type of traveller

I know, I know, my list of fun activities in Singapore is quite massive! If you’re feeling a bit lost and you don’t really know how to organise your itinerary, I’m here to help! I recommend booking some organised tours, especially if you’re low on time and keen to see it all. These will take you to the most popular attractions and a local guide will tell you share their knowledge about each of them. There are also Singapore sightseeing buses, food tours and more. Find my personalised recommendations below:

Singapore Hop On Hop Off Bus – The best idea if you’re planning on visiting multiple landmarks. You can hop off the bus at your desired stop and then hop on again when you’re done. Available on 6 routes for one full day;
Singapore: Marina Bay 2-Hour Mini Segway Tour – if you want to discover the Marina Bay area in a different way;
Sentosa Island Segway Guided Tour – in case you want to explore the island and its main highlights in a quick and easy way;
Chinatown Food Tasting & Singapore Walking Tour – for all my foodies out there;
Hidden Treasures and Local Secrets Private Tour – a private tour during which you’ll discover the city like a local, without all the touristy fluff;
4-hour Kayak Fishing Tour – if you’re tired of walking and just want a different experience.

Find more Singapore tours

TIP: If you know you’ll be visiting a lot of things around the city, you may consider getting a Go Singapore Explorer Pass. You can buy it for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions and you’ll get a better total price. Just be sure to make your calculations before buying!

Where to stay in Singapore

In case you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore, this hotel section is for you. Luckily for us travellers of the world, Singapore has countless accommodation options for all preferences and budgets. After all, choosing the best place to stay is a crucial element of your trip to Singapore!

The best areas to stay in Singapore are: Marina Bay, Little India, Chinatown and the Quays. By the way, this section is just a short round-up, but I recommend checking out my dedicated accommodation guide here: Where to Stay in Singapore.

And here are my recommended accommodation options, sorted by price range:

BIG SPLURGE. Marina Bay Sands

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Raffles Singapore

MID-RANGE. Hotel Soloha @ Chinatown

BUDGET HOTEL. ST Signature Tanjong Pagar

HOSTEL. Spacepod@SG

APARTMENT. Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road

More accommodation options

Where to eat in Singapore and what dishes to try

I know I mentioned about the food in Singapore before and how good it is, but I just can’t help it! Whenever you travel to Singapore, regardless if it’s your first or 10th time here, you’ll definitely love the gastronomy and its exotic influences. Here are some yummy dishes to eat while you’re in town, at the hawkers centres (street food stalls) or at different eateries around the city:

CHILI CRAB

This one’s considered to be the national dish of Singapore and it’s a must try regardless if you’re visiting Singapore for the first or third time! you’ll find it served at both street food stalls and in restaurants as well. It’s a crab dish made with an insanely good, flavourful sauce, either chili or black pepper.
You can try it at Long Beach Seafood Restaurant.

CHICKEN RICE

You simply have to try Singapore’s chicken rice! I know it sounds like a pretty simple combination, but this is one of the most popular dishes to eat here. You can find it served at (almost) any hawker hall, you won’t need to search the streets for too long. Or just go directly to Tian Tian Chicken Rice.

BAK KUT TEH

Pork bone tea. Sounds weird? A bit. But it’s actually a super delicious soup with pork ribs and garlic, usually consumed with a bowl of plain rice. One of the best places for this is Song Fa Bak Kut Teh in Clarke Quay.

LAKSA

A blend of Malay and Chinese cuisines, having a bowl of either curry laksa or asam laksa is a must in Singapore. It’s a delicious soup with thin noodles, coconut milk, fresh spices and more. I recommend going to Sungei Road Laksa, a hawker food stall best known for this exact dish.

CHAR KWAY TEOW

Stir fried noodles with egg, soy sauce, chili and some sort of meat. Simple and extremely delicious. You’ll find this dish everywhere, but one of the best places that serves it is Hill Street Char Kway Teow.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE:

Hawker Centers – I know, this is not a restaurant, but the name of the street food stalls in Singapore. I truly believe that the best way of trying Singapore’s delicious dishes is to go out and indulge in the local food courts. You can find is all at the hawker centres, scattered all around the city. Plus, it’s a great way to save some money, as the food here is WAY more affordable than in restaurants (ranging from 2 to 10 SGD on average – 1.50 to 7.50 US$). Try: Maxwell Hawker Centre, Newton Circus, China Town Complex
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle – A Michelin-star chicken rice stand? Yep, only in Singapore! No, I’m not joking!
Alley on 25 – Wondering where to eat breakfast in Singapore? This place is perfect for a fabulous breakfast and brunch!
Siri House – for delicious modern Asian dishes.
PS. Cafe – Brunch, lunch, truffle fries! The one located in Dempsey is best for date night.
Rang Mahal – fine dining and a combo of Indian and Western dishes.

RELATED READ: If you’re interested in this delicious subject, I recommend checking out my dedicated guide: Singapore Foodie Guide – What Dishes to Try and Where to Eat.

How to get around in Singapore

Singapore is one of the easiest cities to navigate in Asia, which is a great bonus for us tourists! The public transport options are plenty and they work smoothly and on schedule. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple names and abbreviations, as I’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting around in Singapore below:

MRT

This is Singapore’s local underground train (Mass Rapid Transit), also known as the fastest and most convenient public transport option for both tourists and locals. There’s at least one MRT station close to all the main attractions. The cost for one trip is around 4 S$ (3 US$).

You can also get a Singapore Tourist Pass for 1 to 3 days if you plan on using the MRT system a lot. The cost for this one is 10 S$ for one day, 16 S$ for two days and 20 S$ for three days. It’s the best way to save some money while discovering the city!

BUS

Just as good as the MRT system, although a bit slower. The cost for one trip ranges from 1.40 to 2.50 S$ and you buy it on the bus, but you’ll need the exact change. The good news is that the Singapore Tourist Pass works on buses too!

Oh, and I’d also recommend getting a SIM card with Mobile Data at the airport so you can use Google Maps, especially if you’re using the bus often.

TAXI

Quick, comfy but the least pocket-friendly. The good thing is that all taxis are metered in this country, so no need to negotiate the price before starting the ride like in other places in Asia. The starting cost is 3 S$ and it increases by 0.22 S$ for every 400 meters. Also, please note that there are surcharges if you’re taking a taxi late at night, sometimes even 50% more than the metered sum!

There’s also Grab available here, which is the Asian version of Uber.

GETTING FROM CHANGI AIRPORT TO THE CENTRE

You can do so by taking the SMRT (subway) – travel time 45 minutes, 2.40 S$. Or the airport shuttle (9 S$, 1 hour), public bus (2.50 S$, 1 hour) or a taxi (20-40 S$ or 60 S$ for a Maxi Cab – perfect for a bigger group). In case you don’t want to waste time and search for the best way to reach the centre from Changi Airport, you can also book a private airport transfer beforehand. I recommend this one, which is around 32 S$ per vehicle.

BONUS: My top travel tips for Singapore

Of course I couldn’t let you leave this post without offering you my best travel tips to know before going to Singapore! Singapore is one of the most interesting destinations in Asia and I’m sure you want to be fully prepared before visiting. Here we go:

Best time to visit Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s best destinations to visit all year round. The weather here is hot (26 to 28°C) and humid (over 80% at all times) all year round. But you might want to avoid the rain/monsoon season, which is from November to January.

How many days to spend in Singapore?

I’ll say it again, even if I already said it so many times in this article, there are endless things to do in Singapore! You can eat your way through the hawker centres, enjoy the main landmarks, explore the national parks and way more. If you want to make sure you see all the main tourist spots, I recommend spending at least 4 days in Singapore.

Is it safe to visit Singapore?

Yes, Singapore is a very, very safe country, regardless if you’re travelling in a group or as a solo traveller. It’s one of the safest countries in the world!

Yay, you have reached the end of my Singapore guide! In this post I combined all the unmissable, fun places to go in Singapore, especially during your first time to the city. I have also offered you personalised recommendations for the best hotels, tours and eateries in the city, as well as precious info about getting around and my top travel tips for Singapore. In short, you’ll find everything you need to know about Singapore here!

If you’re a tourist planning a trip to Singapore, this guide is here to help you regardless of your budget, itinerary or travel style. I only hope you’re staying for more than one night! 😉

In case you want to read more about Singapore, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this incredible country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Singapore?

Check out all my Singapore Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Singapore so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Taghazout Travel Guide: 8 Best Things To Do in Taghazout, Morocco

Are you planning a surf trip to the town of Taghazout in Morocco? Amazing, I’m here to help! Taghazout is a small fishing village on the coast of Morocco, close to the city of Agadir and, although surfing is the most popular activity here, there are some other cool activities to be done around town that should be on your list.

And you’ll find out about each of them in my Taghazout travel guide below!

First of all, where is Taghazout and why visit?

Taghazout is located 20 km from Agadir and 150 km from Essaouira, on the Western side of the High Atlas Mountains. The map below will clarify its exact location if you’re curious to find out:

WHY VISIT TAGHAZOUT?

Good question. Multiple answers. First, there’s world-class surfing with incredible waves and lots of all-inclusive surf camps and surf houses. Both beginner AND advanced surfers are welcome here! Then, the town itself is super cute as well, scattered with pastel buildings, narrow streets, charming cafes and indie shops. We also have yoga, hiking, shopping and some easy day trips as well!

Taghazout (also known as Taghazout Surf Village) is an excellent place if you want to relax and unwind away from the huge crowds of tourists usually found in the more popular destinations in Morocco. And, if you want to follow the “surf, eat, sleep, repeat” mantra, this place is for you! 🙂

Now let’s find out what to do in Taghazout Morocco:

Taghazout Travel Guide: 8 Things to do in Taghazout, Morocco

I’ll start with surfing, of course, but I promise there are some other cool activities to do in this little town besides riding the waves! Here are some unmissable things to do that I had to add to my guide to Taghazout:

1 – Surf, eat, sleep, repeat

Let’s find out all about surfing in Taghazout! There are numerous surf beaches, surf houses and surf schools in this little fishing village. In fact, there are so many cool surf spots that I made a list of the best ones below for you, sorted by experience level:

Devil’s Rock (beginner) – probably the most popular spot for beginner surfers and also a super fun, chill spot for intermediates too! Probably my fav spot.
Panoramas Beach and Panoramas Point (beginner and intermediate)
Banana Beach and Banana Point (beginner and intermediate)
Crocodile/Crocs Beach (beginner)
K17 Beach (beginner)
Hash Point (intermediate)
Mysteries (intermediate)
Killer Point (advanced)
Anchor Point (advanced)
Boilers (advanced)

By the way, most surf houses / surf camps in Taghazout offer surfing lessons in their stay packages as well. So if you’ve never surfed but want to give it a try here, this is the perfect opportunity!

RELATED READ: Complete Guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do

2 – Lay on the beach under the sun

Melissa in the Taghazout beach with sunset

In case you’re not the adventurous type and don’t feel like taking on the surf, just laying on the beach and vibing is a pretty popular activity as well around here!

Although some beaches are a bit rocky and “unfriendly” to tanners, if you walk along the coastline you’ll surely find an ideal spot to lay down your towel.
For example, avoid Taghazout Beach (the main beach of the village) as it’s rocky and not at all sunbathing-friendly, as it’s mostly a fishing beach. Instead, I’d recommend Panorama Beach – you can rent a lounge chair + umbrella for around 30 Moroccan Dirham (3.30 US$) on its large stretch of golden sand.

3 – Sip a smoothie or some mint tea at a beachfront cafe

What better way to start your morning than at a beachfront cafe to grab a coffee, fruit smoothie or some mint tea? Here are some cool cafes with ocean views to check out during your trip (some of them are located on the cliff, how awesome is that?!), great for breakfast or lunch:

TIP: Obviously you can also go to a cliff or beachfront cafe for lunch or sunset, it’s not just a morning thing! The ocean views are beautiful anytime of day!

4 – Do some yoga in Taghazout

Yep, yoga is a pretty popular activity around here and most Taghazout surf hostels and camps offer it in their all-inclusive packages. After all, what could be better than a little bit of stretching after a full day of surfing? All while admiring the sunset, why not?!

In case your chosen accommodation doesn’t offer this, you can join the yoga classes at other hotels. Or, even better, I recommend the classes at Amouage or at Surf Paradise Morocco – they take place on their rooftop overlooking the ocean – what could be a more beautiful way to end the day than this?

The price for 1 yoga lesson is around 100 DH (11 US$).

5 – Explore the town

As I mentioned before, Taghazout village is really cute, full of colourful, whitewashed buildings and winding streets that all seem to end up at the beach. A walk around town is an excellent idea if you want to soak up some Moroccan culture and just enjoy the chilled local vibe of the place. Wander around, admire the ocean views, stop for a coffee in a cute cafe, head up to the skate park and watch the local riders do their thing – there’s a lot to see and do here, I promise!

6 – Go shopping

While wandering on the narrow streets of Taghazout, you’ll be pleased to find numerous small shops full of authentic Moroccan items. I’m talking about everything from rugs, bags, clothes, jewellery and, of course, lots of surf-related items! While you’re there, you’re sure to find some souvenirs to bring back home as well.

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Marrakech, Morocco – Best Areas, Hotels and Riads

7 – Go on a trip to Paradise Valley

paradise valley day trip from taghazout morocco

Have some time to spare? An awesome idea would be to visit Paradise Valley, also known as one of the most popular day trips from Taghazout for both tourists and locals! You probably have no idea what to expect here, but Paradise Valley is a true hidden gem, trust me! Paradise Valley is 30 minutes away from Taghazout by car, then you can hike around the valley, do some cliff jumping or just relax at the stunning natural pools. Pretty awesome, eh?!

Most accommodations can arrange this kind of excursion for you; some even organise group trips to Paradise Valley once a week for their guests. If your hotel doesn’t offer them, you can ask if they know another group that you can join. If not, Surf Paradise always has these trips going!

Alternatively, you can get a taxi from Taghazout town centre or if you have a rented car, you can drive there yourself, just follow Google Maps.

Another option, you can book this organised excursion online here. They offer pick-up and drop-off.

TIP: Make sure you bring LOTS of water with you, your SPF (the valley is pretty hot and sunny, trust me) and an underwater camera if you want to do some cliff jumping.

8 – Day trip to the longest wave in Imsouane

This was by far my favourite day trip! An hour north up the coast, you’ll find a charming, sleepy fishing village called Imsouane. I imagine that it resembles what Taghazout was like 10 years ago, with only a few hostels, fresh seafood food stalls and surf rental shops. Even though the vibe here is super relaxed, the secret is out… Imsouane is home to the longest wave in Africa! Longboarders will love this mellow right-hander that stretches for 800m! It’s a point break, so there is hardly any paddle out to get to the line-up. Just a walk down the beach back to the break to take the ride all over again!

You can book your shuttle bus from Taghazout to Imsouane right here. Prices start at 12 US$ for the one-way trip.

Best organised tours to and from Taghazout

Although most activities and tours in the city can and usually are organised by your accommodation, I have still chosen some tours for you to choose from, regardless if you want to visit Taghazout as a day trip or do some of the fun activities around it:

Private Surf Lesson in Taghazout
Sand Dune Trip with Lunch – you’ll have to reach Agadir for this one, 13km away from Taghazout; but the sandboarding is definitely worth it. It’s like snowboarding, but on the sand!
From Agadir: Sunset Camel Ride
Taghazout Horse Trekking
Paradise Valley Trip
Half-day tour to explore the amazing village of Taghazout – in case you want to explore Taghazout as a day trip from Agadir
Agadir city tour from Taghazout

Find more tours

Taghazout accommodation

When it comes to accommodation in Taghazout, you have various good choices. You can choose between a surf camp/hostel or a normal hotel. I’ll explain everything you need to know about where to stay in Taghazout below:

TAGHAZOUT SURF CAMPS

Personally, I think dedicated surf accommodations (hostel or camp) are a great idea, especially if you want to spend chilled days in town, on the beach and you’re all about catching some waves. Most of them offer complete packages that include accommodation, meals, yoga classes, surfboard rental and lessons as well, plus transportation to and from the beach spots. I mean… how easy is that? Plus, most of them organise day trips to Paradise Valley at least once a week.

NOTE: Some of these camps also offer accommodation only as well if you want to ditch the surfing part, just check with them beforehand.

There are various accommodations like this, all different from each other in terms of style and budget. Here are my top recommended ones:

Search for more camps

TAGHAZOUT HOTELS

Of course, there are also regular hotels in town that don’t offer surf packages. Here are some of my hand-picked recommendations:

LUXURY. Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay

MID-RANGE. Apparthotel Eden Beach

BUDGET. Sun House Morocco

APARTMENT. Aftas House Apartments

Find more hotels

Where to eat in Taghazout, Morocco

In case your hotel package doesn’t include meals, I’ve made a list of good places to go for breakfast, lunch and dinner! And even if your accommodation does offer meals, I still advise you to go out for dinner on some days, there are some very good food places around. And yes, the local food is SO good! Here are some notable restaurants to check out:

L’Auberge – One of the best restaurants around, with very good food and friendly staff. Perfect for a romantic date, right on Taghazout Beach;
Cafe La Paix – for Moroccan dishes and a great laid-back vibe;
Le Spot – awesome pizza and huge pasta portions;
Sunset – The place to go in Taghazout for burgers;
Dar Josephine – Great menu and fairy lights make it perfect for a date night;
World of Waves – amazing breakfast bowls and a very Instagrammable place overall;
Windy Bay Cafe – smoothies, burgers, pizzas and more.

How to get to Taghazout, Morocco

Even though it may seem complicated at first, trust me, getting to Taghazout is very easy!

I’ll explain your options below:

BY PLANE

The closest airport to Taghazout is Adagir. Then you can reach the town after a 40-minute drive by shuttle bus. Or you can take a taxi for around 300 DH (33.50 US$).

There’s also the option to fly into Essaouira, but it’s a bit further away from Taghazout (142 km, travel time 2 hours 20’ by private car or taxi). Or Marrakech Airport (the main international airport of the country), but this one is even further away – 274km, travel time 3 hours and a half by car or taxi. But if these two airports are your only options, rest assured that it’s totally doable, you’ll just spend a little more time on the road.

I recommend you to search for flights to and from the nearby airports on Skyscanner.

BY SHUTTLE BUS

From the airport (or if you’re already somewhere in Morocco), I recommend using the Souk to Surf bus. The minibuses will take you to and from Taghazout and the surrounding cities and airports. Check out their website for up-to-date price options and available routes. They’ll transport your luggage free of charge and the drivers speak very good English.

BY CAR

The most convenient way to travel in Morocco is by renting a private car. This will offer you endless opportunities to plan your itinerary, especially if you want to spend some more time in this country. This way you won’t need to struggle with finding a taxi or shuttle bus to get you to Taghazout or other places on your route. I recommend checking for the latest prices and offers for rental cars here.

WAIT – Doesn’t everyone get sick in Taghazout?

You might have heard that a lot of people get sick when they visit Taghazout. Sadly, I have to warn you that this is completely true. When we first arrived in Taghazout, both Guga and I got really sick. At first, we thought it was food poisoning, but the more people we met, it seemed that EVERYONE was suffering from the same sickness. At least 90% of the people we met said they suffered from symptoms similar to food poisoning (vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness), lasting anywhere from 1-3 days. Personally, I recovered quickly after a day, but Guga was bed-bound for 3 days. This left us asking, what the hell is it that is making everyone so sick?

After a bit of research, we learnt that Taghazout has a serious sewage problem. Raw sewage is dumped directly into the ocean and depending on the tide, it can wash up to the surrounding beaches. Seriously, I can’t stress this enough, DO NOT SWIM IN THE BEACHES FOUND DIRECTLY IN TOWN. This is a serious health issue that desperately needs to be properly looked into.

FAQs & My travel tips for visiting Taghazout

Now that you know all there is to do, see and taste in Taghazout, it’s time for some practical info and tips that will help you when visiting the city:

Why is Taghazout so popular for surfing?

First of all, because this coastline town has AMAZING waves and perfect weather. But probably the one thing that made Taghazout a top surf spot is the fact that the peak surfing season here takes place during European winter. So it has become an excellent place to switch the cold for the Moroccan warmth!

Taghazout weather

Taghazout has pleasant weather all year round – from 20 to 25°C. The hottest month is August with an average of 32-33°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 19°C. Which is still pretty good! And because the village has a semi-arid climate, it also means you won’t get much rain.

Best time to surf in Taghazout/Morocco

The surf season in Taghazout takes place from September to April, with November and December being the peak months for this activity – so this is the most recommended time to travel to this place. Outside of the season (aka during the European summer), you won’t get any big waves, unfortunately. And you’ll also find the town to be quite crowded with tourists.

Is Taghazout safe?

Yes, Taghazout is safe, but I’d always recommend being streetwise (avoiding dark alleys at night, for example). Crime and theft CAN happen. But if you’re careful about it and you don’t leave your belongings unattended while you travel, you’ll find this destination to be very tourist-friendly. After all, most of the village’s economy is based around tourism, so you’ll find the locals are very welcoming to travellers. If you’re a solo female traveller, you might encounter some uncomfortable cat calling at times. This is easily avoided by dressing modestly.

My most important travel tips for Taghazout

Taghazout doesn’t have any ATMs. Nope, not even one! Because of this, I recommend taking cash with you. Otherwise, you’ll have to drive 5min to Aourir, also known as Banana Village, where the closest ATM is located.
If you book a surfing package with rooms, meals, transportation, yoga and equipment included, you won’t need to spend much money on much else, making Taghazout a not-so-expensive travel destination in Morocco.
For example, the cost of a 7-nights surfing package for beginners with breakfast and lunch included as well as equipment and coaching can be around 420 to 470 US$ depending on your chosen hostel or camp.
Alcohol – There’s not much alcohol to be found around town unless you’re staying in a surfhouse that has a license to sell it (Surf Maroc, Sol House and DFrost are some examples). Morocco is a Muslim country so alcohol licenses are limited and public drinking frowned upon.
Don’t stress TOO much about what you’re going to wear. Although Taghazout is Muslim, the locals are used to seeing tourists in their beachwear. You can wear shorts, sunbathe in a bikini, etc, with no problems, just make sure you don’t wear only that when you’re going to a restaurant in the town centre, for example!

This was my complete guide to Taghazout, Morocco! In this post, I have told you everything you need to know about this amazing place, from the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, find the best surf and lots of precious information about how to get here from the nearby airports. In short, you should have everything you need for planning your trip here, and more!

People from all around the world travel to Taghazout for surfing, making it one of the best water sports destinations in all of Morocco. If you’re one of them, I wish you lots of fun during your Taghazout holidays, I’m sure you’re gonna love it!

And if you’re planning to travel to more destinations in Morocco (totally recommended!) such as Marrakech, for example, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this wonderful country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Taghazout?

Check out all my Taghazout Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your boat to get to the Islands? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Taghazout so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin it for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Where to Stay in Marrakech, Morocco – Best Areas, Hotels and Riads

Are you wondering where to stay in Marrakech? That’s a legit question with multiple answers, all depending on your preferences, budget and itinerary. There are multiple Marrakech neighborhoods and each of them has its own advantages and vibes, as well as disadvantages. Luckily for you, this article will tell you everything you need to know in order to decide on the perfect area and hotel or riad for you!

Marrakech is a vibrant city and a wonderful vacation destination catering to all types of travellers. It’s a place of culture, history, exotic gastronomy and stunning buildings everywhere you look.

Let’s go!

Accommodation options in Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is the third-largest city in Morocco and it’s divided into two main parts: the old city where the historic centre is located (Medina) and the more developed, modern district with European influences. If you want to make the best out of your time in Marrakech, you HAVE to visit both sides!

Regardless of the part you’ll pick, you’ll have a plethora of accommodation options to choose from – luxurious hotels, resorts, traditional riads, hostels, villas and even self-catered apartments. Your choice, of course, depends on your travel style and budget. But to truly experience Marrakech, I recommend booking a room in a riad.

What is a riad?

I’m pretty sure you’ve seen THE pictures before. Beautiful Moroccan houses with an interior garden full of colourful ceramic tiles, lush plants and usually a tiny pool in the middle as well. Yep, that’s a Marrakech riad, my friends.

To be more precise, a riad is a type of traditional Morrocan accommodation (usually guesthouses and hotels) that has private rooms and a superb common area where you can relax and unwind. They’re usually hosted in restored traditional Moroccan mansions, so they can be pretty impressive.

Most riads in Marrakech are located in Medina, which is the historical centre of the city. This brings me to a couple of… let’s say downsides that it’s better to keep in mind before you go. In case you decide to stay in a traditional riad (read: not that luxurious), you might encounter some plumbing issues, you might see a cockroach in the bathroom and you will most definitely be woken up in the morning by the prayer call. The call to prayer happens 5 times a day and the first one is at 6 AM in the morning. This is something to keep in mind regardless of your chosen accommodation type!

This being said, I really believe a riad is the most awesome type of accommodation in Marrakech. Sure, you can find luxurious hotels and resorts everywhere around the world, but Morocco is world-renowned for its beautiful riads. So why not take on the opportunity?

TIP: Riads are extremely popular and they usually have fewer rooms than “normal” hotels, so if you’ve found one you love, I strongly recommend you book your spot in advance!

6 Best areas to stay in Marrakech, Morocco

Souks, museums, riads, spas, restaurants and more. As I mentioned before, each neighbourhood in Marrakech has different advantages and unique attractions. But which are the best areas in Marrakech for you? I’ve created a personalised list of recommendations by type of traveller below:

Where to stay in Marrakech for the first time – Medina
Where to stay in Marrakech on a budget – Agdal
Where to stay in Marrakech for nightlife – Hivernage & Gueliz
Where to stay in Marrakech for luxury – Hivernage

Book a place in Marrakech

1 – Medina

The historical medina is hands-down the BEST area to stay in Marrakech for first-timers. This neighbourhood is known to be the heart of Marrakech and it’s clearly delimited from the rest of the city by a brick wall that used to defend it. Oh, did I mention it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

What makes Medina one of the most important areas in Marrakech for tourists is the fact that this is where you’ll find all the most important attractions. I’m talking about places such as Jemaa El Fna (the central square of the city), Bahia Palace, Marrakech Museum and more. This is where the world-famous souks are located as well – traditional Moroccan markets where you can find various items from spices to rugs, shoes, handmade bags, scarves and more.

Except for the amazing points of interest within the medina, one of the best things to do here is to take a walk on the streets, search for cosy cafes and just take in the unique vibe of this ancient neighbourhood. And admire Koutoubia Mosque from above while you’re there too!

An awesome advantage of staying within the medina is the fact that it’s extremely walkable and you can reach the most important highlights by foot in a 10-minute walk. If you want to visit things outside of the historical centre, you can easily take a taxi and you’re good to go.

RELATED READ: Complete Guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do and Reasons to Visit

And here are the best places to stay in Medina Marrakech for you to choose from:

SPLURGE. La Maison Arabe Hotel, Spa & Cooking Workshops – This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Marrakech, close to Jemaa El Fnaa square! It has a swimming pool, a spa and everything else you can wish for!

LUXURY RIAD. Royal Mansour Marrakech – Definitely one of the best places to stay in town with traditional Moroccan designs; some rooms even have a pool view!

MID-RANGE. Riad Spa Sindibad – A good value riad with excellent prices and an awesome location close to Jemaa El Fnaa and not far from Bahia Palace and other local sights either. The roof terrace is just a bonus!

BUDGET. Riad les 2 Portes – This is one of the most affordable riads in the medina, very close to Jemaa El Fna square (no more than 5 minutes away!).

HOSTEL. Mosaic Hostel – This beautiful hostel has a strong local vibe and it’s close to all the main sights in Marrakech!

APARTMENT. BnB MEDINA – One of the best places to stay if you’re looking for an apartment in the medina!

Book a place in medina

2 – Kasbah

Kasbah is technically inside the medina, but I still wanted to present it as a special separate neighbourhood. It’s basically located in south medina, near the south gate, also known as the “Royal kasbah entrance”. Of course, Kasbah is way smaller than Medina, being just a tiny part of it, so the accommodation options will be a bit limited. But the charming vibe will be just the same!

The most important attraction in Kasbah is the Saadian Tombs – historical tombs made of marble and gold, dating from the days when the Saadian dynasty was ruling the area. It’s a real proof of opulence and a unique thing to see in Morocco, if I may add! And many riads in Kasbah are clustered around the Saadian Tombs, which is a nice perk. Another highlight of the area is El Badii Palace and the Moulay El-Yazid Mosque.

You’ll also have some pretty nice restaurant options in Kasbah and you’ll be within walking distance to the main attractions in the city center. And there are lots of cute cafes and spas around! As for the prices, I’d say they’re pretty much average – not too high, not too low.

Here are the best accommodation options in Kasbah for a comfortable stay in Marrakech:

SPLURGE. Almaha Marrakech Restaurant & SPA – Hands-down one of the best places to stay in Marrakech for a complete splurge! This insane 5-star hotel has a swimming pool, a spa and it’s super close to all the important sights.

LUXURY RIAD. Riad Kasbah & Spa – This is a gorgeous place to stay in the heart of Marrakech that has a roof terrace and two pool options! The building has been restored in an authentic, local Moroccan style, as you would expect in the medina.

MID-RANGE. Ksar Kasbah & Spa – Here’s a nice riad in the medina that offers very good value for money. Plus, the view of the indoor swimming pool is just incredible!

BUDGET. Riad Loudaya – A cosy budget riad in the medina, close to the main sights! The on-site restaurant is a nice advantage as well.

HOSTEL. Kasbah Red Castel Hostel – A beautiful, colourful hostel close to the heart of medina, only a 10-minute walk to all the important attractions in Marrakech. The buffet breakfast with local dishes is pretty good as well!

VILLA. Villa with 6 bedrooms in Marrakesh – This cool villa can host up to 12 people, so it’s pretty perfect if you’re travelling with a big group of friends. 2km from El Fna square too!

Book a place in Kasbah

3 – Hivernage

If you want to stay in one of the coolest parts of Marrakech, Hivernage is for you! This is also the neighbourhood where you’ll find some of the best luxury hotels in the city, as well as world-class restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Splurgin’ in Morocco in style!

Hivernage has a cool European flair to it and, although you won’t find as many traditional buildings with Moroccan design here compared to the medina, you can enjoy plenty of international restaurants, luxury hotels and lots of green spaces such as Lalla Hasna Park and Cyber Park. But at night? That’s when the magic happens! Hivernage is well-known for its vibrant nightlife so you might want to add it in your itinerary for a fun end of the day. There are so many cool nightclubs and bars here, it will be hard to get bored – or to go to bed early.

Another cool thing about this neighbourhood is it’s located very close to the city center (including Jemaa El Fna square) and it’s also well-connected to the rest of the Red City by public transport.

And if you think that’s exactly what you need from your Marrakech neighbourhood, here are the best hotels and riads in Hivernage below:

SPLURGE. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech – This hotel is definitely a top place to stay in Marrakech! It offers a plunge pool, a spa, beautiful views of the garden from the balcony and some romantic rooms too!

LUXURY RIAD. Hivernage Secret Suites & Garden – A turquoise swimming pool, a very good restaurant, a terrace, a shared lounge – this is what you’ll find at this luxurious riad and more!

MID-RANGE. The Red House – This mid-range bed and breakfast located in a palace in the heart of Hivernage awaits with an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi and awesome amenities!

BUDGET. Amani Hotel Suites & Spa – This budget hotel in Marrakech has very good prices and beautiful rooms decorated in a local, Moroccan style. They also have a cafe and a panoramic restaurant which I think is pretty cool!

APARTMENT. Sunshine Apartment Marrakech – An 84 sqm apartment good for up to 4 people. It has a private pool and room service, so you’ll feel spoiled just like in a luxury hotel!

Book a place in Hivernage

4 – Agdal

Wondering where to stay in Marrakech on a budget? Agdal is definitely your answer! Agdal is a neighbourhood located a bit south of the city center and, although it doesn’t have as many Moroccan buildings with traditional design as the medina, it has its own charm. And it has TONS of accommodation options for all pockets and preferences! Affordable riads, hostels and good value hotels as well.

If you decide to stay here, you won’t be very far from the centre – let’s say about a 20-minute drive. And there are plenty of public transportation options here that will make your travelling hassle-free. You’ll also have plenty of options for restaurants, cafes and bars. And a few nightclubs too!

I recommend Agdal to all travellers that want to stay in a very nice accommodation that doesn’t have sky-high prices and to those that want to be close to the historical heart of the city, but without the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. You’ll be close to Jardins de l’Agdal / Agdal Gardens (a superb botanical garden) dating from the 12th century and the Royal Palace as well.

If you feel like Agdal is THE place for you, here’s my list of hand-picked hotels and best riads in this beautiful neighbourhood:

SPLURGE. Kenzi Menara Palace & Resort All Inclusive – This is a cool 5-star all-inclusive resort that offers not one swimming pool, but three! It also has a restaurant, a spa and it’s walking distance to all the main attractions in the neighborhood.

LUXURY RIAD. Al Fassia Aguedal – An upscale riad decorated in a traditional Moroccan style with cosy rooms and an awesome swimming pool! Make sure you don’t forget to try their restaurant with the same name, too.

MID-RANGE. Kech Boutique Hotel & Spa – If you’re looking for beautiful, good value hotels with family-friendly rooms, this one’s for you. And if you get a room with a pool view from the balcony, you’re golden!

BUDGET. Jnane Leila – Beautiful, traditional rooms, good prices and great amenities – this is how I would describe this B&B. The on-site luxury garden is a pretty cool bonus too!

APARTMENT. Prestigia 16 – A spacious apartment (103 sqm) fit for a family or group of friends. Each room has a modern, minimalist decor and the fully equipped kitchen is a big advantage as well!

VILLA. Villa Prestige – Huge, beautiful villa in Marrakech, perfect to enjoy all the fun you want together with your friends or family. Private pool and sun terrace included!

Book a place in Agdal

5 – Gueliz

Guéliz, located west of medina, is somehow similar to Hivernage because it has a cool European vibe that appeals to youngsters especially. Because of this, it’s often called the “European Quarter”! Gueliz is a beautiful place that caters for various types of tourists. Regardless if you’re looking for an upscale hotel, a fun nightclub or music venue or a cute cafe, you’ll find all of these and more in Gueliz.

Some highlights of this area include Parc El Harti where you’ll find many world-class restaurant options and charming cafes as well – plus lots of upscale shops as well. Here’s where you’ll find the MACMA Museum of Marrakech (contemporary art museum) and lots of art galleries as well (Matisse Art Gallery, David Bloch Gallery etc.). Another unmissable point of interest here is Jardin Majorelle / Majorelle Gardens – a peaceful oasis full of beautiful plants in the middle of the city!

As for the accommodation options, you’ll have no shortage of those here. There are numerous self-catered apartments and beautiful luxury hotels in Gueliz, as well as superb riads – and they’re not as expensive as in Hivernage. Plus, you’ll be very well connected to the rest of the city thanks to the numerous public transportation options.

That being said, here are the best Marrakech hotels in Gueliz:

SPLURGE. Radisson Blu Marrakech, Carré Eden – This 5-star luxury hotel is THE way to go if you want to enjoy the city of Marrakech in style! All rooms have beautiful decor and a balcony from where you can admire the city.

LUXURY HOTEL. 2Ciels Boutique Hôtel – This is one of the most stylish hotels in Gueliz! The rooms are simply superb and the accommodation also has an on-site spa, an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and more.

MID-RANGE. Hôtel Ibn Batouta – If you’re looking for a good value hotel in Marrakech that has beautiful, family-friendly rooms and good proximity to the main attractions, this one’s for you!

BUDGET. Marrakech Inn Appart-hotel & Pool – An affordable accommodation in Gueliz, close to Majorelle Garden. Each room is clean, decorated in a modern style!

APARTMENTS. AiM HOUSE – This beautiful, modern apartment close to the heart of Marrakech city is an excellent choice! One of the best perks is the terrace, for sure – just imagine sipping a coffee while admiring the sunrise from there!

Book a place in Gueliz

6 – Palmeraie

Are you wondering where to stay in Marrakech for a dose of adventure without going out of the city? Heh, Palmeraie is for you then! Yes, this neighbourhood is an excellent spot if you’ve had enough of Marrakech medina, traditional buildings and sipping mint tea in a cafe. Here’s where you can ride camels, go on a quad bike adventure, play some golf and more – all without travelling to the desert.

Palmeraie is tucked away between palm trees on the banks of Tensift River and it’s a superb spot for relaxing and splurging in an upscale hotel. It’s quiet and laid-back but you’ll also have enough nightclub options to keep you busy until the morning. Palmeraie has the best of both worlds!

There are many accommodation options here, from 5-star hotels to resorts and apartments. Most of them offer an excellent service but don’t expect low prices, especially around Jardins de la Palmeraie.

If you think Palmeraie will cater to your needs, here’s my list of chosen hotels for you to pick from:

SPLURGE. Palais Ronsard Relais & Chateaux – Trust me, it simply doesn’t get better than this! Book a room here if you want the most luxurious stay in Marrakech during which you’ll enjoy an outdoor pool, a spa, a romantic room and more.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa – This is among the most charming boutique hotels in the city! It has a spa, superb rooms, a terrace, and an on-site restaurant with delicious dishes.

LUXURY RIAD. Maison Ayda – Yes, I have found a riad (more like a holiday home) in Palmeraie that offers beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains! It also has a garden and BBQ facilities, so that’s pretty neat too.

MID-RANGE. Villa Le Perroquet Bleu – This beautiful villa offers different types of rooms depending on your preferences and budget. It’s located in a lush location, 10 km away from the main attractions in the city of Marrakech.

BUDGET APARTMENT. Palmeraie Village – There aren’t many budget hotels in Palmeraie, but I have found you this affordable apartment with two rooms instead. Perfect for a convenient, pocket-friendly stay in the city of Marrakech!

Book a place in Palmeraie

BONUS: Other good areas to stay in Marrakech

Bab Doukkala – technically located inside of the medina, only 15 minutes away by foot from Jemaa El Fna square. This is where Bab Doukkala mosque is located;
Mellah – the old Jewish district of Marrakech that has tons of beautiful rooftop terrace options. Good if you want to sip a coffee and admire a view over Jemaa El Fna square in the heart of the city!
Kennaria – technically located inside the medina. It’s a very good place to explore the authentic side of the city;
Chrifia – family-friendly neighbourhood located south of medina. A very laid-back area to stay in Marrakech!

Find more hotels in Marrakesh

RELATED READ: 8 Best Things To Do in Taghazout, Morocco

Did you find the perfect place to stay in Marrakech for your trip yet? I hope so, as the article above has every recommendation you might need! I have talked about the 6 best areas to stay in Marrakech and given you my hand-picked options for excellent hotels, riads, hostels, apartments and villas as well. What more could you wish for?

In case you’re planning a trip to Marrakech soon and want to read more about the city and all the cool things you can do there, I recommend this article > Complete guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do and Reasons to Visit. And here are all my articles about Morocco!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Marrakesh?

Check out all my Marrakesh Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your boat to get to the Islands? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Marrakesh so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin it for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Complete Guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do and Reasons to Visit

Marrakesh is one of the most popular and stylish cities in Morocco and with good reason: it’s a wonderful city full of colours, history and culture. If you’re planning a trip there soon, you’re in luck! This complete travel guide to Marrakesh includes the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and everything else in-between.

Scroll down to find my complete Marrakesh travel guide!

It is said that Marrakesh is one of the most unforgettable destinations to visit in the world. Once you step foot in Marrakesh and see the superb streets and medina walls… that’s it, it’s in your heart forever! If I think about it, I can say that Marrakesh is a city of senses: strong smells from the spices, beautiful colours, the chatter of people making trades in the souks. It can feel frantic and overbearing, but there is nowhere in the world quite like it. Yep, it’s safe to say that I like it a lot.

That being said, let’s what out why Marrakesh is worth a spot on your bucket list.

First of all, why visit Marrakesh?

In case you’re not convinced yet, I have some pretty strong arguments for you. First of all, it’s a city full of history – after all, it’s almost 1.000 years old! Second, you can never truly get bored there. There’s shopping, there’s food tasting and there are beautiful buildings everywhere you look, from palaces to mosques. They have riads (local guesthouses), souks (markets) and hammams (public baths). And let’s not forget about the mint tea served in the local cafes, long walks in lush gardens and the red sandstone walls that gave Marrakech its nickname – the Red City.

Marrakesh is “divided” into two different parts: the traditional, ancient half where the ‘medina’ is (Old City) and the colonial half (Ville Nouvelle). In order to truly understand Marrakesh, you’ll need to visit both sides!

Oh, and is it Marrakech or Marrakesh? To be honest, it doesn’t really matter, as both versions are equally accepted. So, you’ll find both of them used in this article. You know, to keep you on your toes.

Guide to Marrakesh: Top 10 things to do in Marrakech

1 – Explore the medina and Jemaa el Fna Square

The Medina is the name of the old town in Marrakesh and it’s located inside the red sandstone walls. Yes, this is the reason why Marrakech is called the “Red City” or the “Ochre City”! This part of the city is made up of a maze of ancient narrow streets and alleyways and lots of markets, as well as some iconic buildings. If you want to experience authentic Marrakech, this is the first place to add to your itinerary!

Here are some unmissable spots to visit in the heart of the city:

JEMAA EL FNA SQUARE

This is a famous spot, considered to be the heart of the city and one of the best things to do in Marrakesh (think of it as Morocco’s version of Time Square). Jemaa El Fna is a big open square and a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find snake charmers, food stalls, henna artists, street theatre performances and everything else in-between.

SOUKS

Souks are basically market ensembles found in Morocco where you can find anything you can imagine from spices to colourful carpets, scarves, leather items, hand-carved trinkets and more. And trust me, you HAVE TO visit the souks in order to taste authentic Marrakesh! Let’s be honest, they are impossible to miss. You can find them if you walk north from Jemaa el Fna Square. Some notable souks are:

Souk Semmarine – you can find everything here!
Souk Place des Épices – open-air souk with spices
Souk des Teinturiers – where you can see locals dying and drying cloths, very interesting!

TIP: Don’t forget about haggling! Sometimes walking away from a sale is the best way to drive down the tourist prices. If you’re looking for a souk tour, I recommend this colourful souks tour.

If you want to discover this part of Marrakech with a guide, I recommend this tour. Or this night tour!

2 – El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace (Palais el-Badi), literally translating to “The Incomparable”, is both a narcissistic and a… pretty accurate name. This palace dating from the end of the 16th century was once a place of luxury with no less than 300 gold and crystal rooms – Present day, we only have some ruins left of the ceremonial part of the palace complex. But it’s enough to soak in the grandeur of it all! Once you step inside, you’ll find lush gardens and a beautiful pool. I’m pretty sure El Badi will show you just how powerful and opulent Morocco’s old dynasties were.

El Badi Palace entrance fee: 70 Moroccan dirham/person (7.80 US$).

3 – Bahia Palace

If you’re a fan of Islamic architecture or if you want to learn more about Marrakesh’s history while taking some incredible pictures, this is THE place for you! Bahia Palace (roughly translating to “beautiful”) is a 19th-century palace that now hosts the Moroccan Ministry of Cultural Affairs. But, of course, you can visit it – and I strongly advise you do!

This superb place is full of colourful mosaics (you’ll hear me say this a lot all through this article!), intricately painted ceilings and impressive engravings and woodwork and, I kid you not, it was once known as the most luxurious palace in Morocco! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the gardens and the courtyard as well, they’re very pretty!

Entrance fee: 70 DH/person (7.80 US$).

TIP: If you want to visit Bahia, El Badi and the Saadian Tombs altogether with a professional guide, I recommend this one (entrance fees not included).

4 – Ben Youssef Mosque

Next on our list of impressive buildings in Marrakesh is Ben Youssef Mosque (Medersa Ben Youssef) – the most important mosque in the entire city! It is also the oldest one so yeah, it makes sense. It’s actually a former Islamic/Koran school founded in the 14th century that has recently received a gorgeous renovation. You can admire the outside architecture but also visit the inside to see all the traditional elements, including the old dormitories!

Ben Youssef Mosque entrance fee: 40 Moroccan dirham (4.50 US$).

5 – Jardon Majorelle

No less than 12 acres of lush greenery and flowers (and birds!) make these gardens a true highlight of the city in the Ville Nouvelle part of the city. And because we’re in Morocco, we need a pop of colour to complete the picture – some Art Deco cobalt blue walls, of course, right in the centre of it all.

The gardens, built by a French painter called Jacques Majorelle, are an excellent place to relax and unwind after walking through the city all day. Plus, the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech is also located here and it’s worth a combined visit.

TIP #1: Make sure you visit this botanical oasis very early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. Trust me, there ARE crowds here, all looking for the same thing: the perfect Instagram picture.

TIP #2: If you have the time, you can visit Menara Gardens as well – it’s less crowded but just as gorgeous.

Entrance fee: 70 DH (7.80 US$). The ticket for the garden + museum is 100 DH (around 11 US$). Or you can take this guided tour that includes a Palmeraie camel ride.

6 – Saadian Tombs

This has to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums in the entire world! This is Saadian Sultan Ahmed al Mansour ed-Dahbi’s resting place and a laid-back spot, perfect for some relaxation away from the crowds of tourists.

Just like the palaces I was talking about before, this place is SO luxurious, you can’t even imagine. Think Italian marble, gold, mosaic and any other expensive material you can imagine. You name it and you’ll find it at the tombs. Gorgeous!

Saadian Tombs entrance fee: 70 DH (7.80 US$).

7 – Musée Yves Saint Laurent

Surprised? I thought so! In fact, it’s well known that Yves Saint Laurent loved Marrakesh so much, he even bought the Majorelle Gardens and opened a museum right next to them in 2017. And yes, it showcases exactly what you’re expecting: iconic clothes from the designer’s collections, created over the course of his 40 year-long career. You don’t even need to love fashion to visit it, it’s simply impressive in any way you may look at it. There’s also a cute cafe there, as well as a bookshop, so you might want to check these out as well.

TIP: If you’re super passionate about the subject, I recommend this Yves Saint Laurent tour.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum entrance fee: 100 DH (around 11 US$).

8 – Go shopping

Do I STILL need to say it? I thought it was as obvious as daylight: you simply cannot go to Morocco (and Marrakesh especially) without buying something. Anything! Shopping their style is so unique and their craft is so intricate that it’s hard to not fall in love with their ceramics, rugs or clothes. And don’t even get me started on their handmade leather bags – to die for!

The best place to go for some authentic shopping and haggling is, of course, at the souks in the Old City. Alternatively, you can try the Ensemble Artisanal as well – a small mall with fixed prices.

9 – Go to a spa or hammam

They say nothing compares to taking a bath in a local hammam or spa while you’re in Marrakech. And I must admit, you kinda have to tick this off your bucket list!

But first, what’s a hammam? Well, that’s the Arabic name for a steam bath spa. And just like everything in Morocco, even this term has a long and complex history. In short, hammams were once the only place where locals could take a bath, as private bathrooms were considered to be complete luxuries way back when.

Nowadays, hammams are still everywhere in Morocco, although they’re more developed now: you can choose from luxury ones or public ones which are more traditional. If you choose a public one, you should know that you have to bring your own soap, towel, shampoo and all that jazz, but the entrance fee will be very cheap – 10 DH (1.10 US$), as well as the treatments (a scrub is around 20 DH/2 US$). For the private ones, the entrance can be from 300 to 500 DH (33 to 55 US$) and they offer professional treatments as well such as scrubs and massages.

Two of the best hammams in Marrakesh I can recommend are Hammam de la Rose and La Mamounia. But you MUST reserve your spot in advance, so keep that in mind!

TIP: You can book a hammam experience in advance here.

10 – Grab a bite and drink some mint tea

Marrakesh and Morocco in general are often associated with a strong tea culture – and that is completely true! You’ll find people offering sweet mint tea all over the city and there are also some renowned places where you can experience a classic high tea. One such example is La Mamounia (add it to your list people!).

As for the food… it’s simply incredible and bursting with amazing flavours. Keep reading to find my complete list of must-try dishes while you’re in Marrakesh, as well as some of the best places to grab a bite.

BONUS: Extra things to do in Marrakech, Morocco

In case you have some more time to spare on the streets of Marrakesh, here’s a list of some extra activities and things to see:

Maison de la Photographie / Museum of Photography – the place to go if you want to admire some vintage Moroccan photography. There are more than 4.500 photos there, the oldest ones dating from around 1870. And yes, you can even buy your favourites if you want! The entrance fee is 50 DH (5.50 US$).
Miara Cemetery – this is a big Jewish cemetery dating from the 16th century and an excellent place if you want a dose of history. It’s located in the Jewish quarter, which I recommend visiting afterwards!
Marrakesh Museum – for those looking forward to seeing lots of Moroccan paintings and sculptures.
Take some time off in a park – from Yves Saint Laurent’s garden near the museum to Jadin el Harti, there are many beautiful green spaces in the city to choose from. The Agdal Garden is a cute choice as well!
Menara Botanical Gardens – this is a very old one, founded in 1130 AD, and it’s pretty impressive too! The best part is that the entrance is completely free.
Learn how to cook Moroccan food at Marrakesh Culinary Arts Museum – this awesome museum holds fun 2-hour cooking classes twice a day during which you’ll learn how to make Moroccan and Jewish dishes. The price is around 500 DH (55.50 US$) per class. The entrance fee to the museum (only if you want to explore it) is 40 DH (4.40 US$). Alternatively, you can book this cooking class with a local.
Musée des Confluences – a superb building in the centre of the old city. Go there to admire the intricate architecture and to sip on a coffee in their cafe – Bacha Coffee House.
Musée de Mouassine – if you’re lucky enough to visit Marrakesh from October to May, you’ll be pleased to know that this museum organises Moroccan music concerts every Monday and Friday. Otherwise, the museum is worth a visit at least for its beautiful architecture.
Climb the Atlas Mountains – you can reach the highest point in North Africa departing from Toubkal National Park in the city of Imlil. Only for experienced hikers!

Best Marrakesh tours by type of traveller

I know, Marrakech is exciting. It’s unique. But it’s also full of unmissable activities, so creating the perfect itinerary might feel like a tedious task. So why spend precious time trying to organise everything when you can hire some help instead? And I’m talking about organised tours, of course. With professional guides and transportation included as well. Here are some of my best suggestions:

CITY TOURS & UNIQUE ACTIVITIES:

3-Hour Tour with an Expert Guide – if you want to see the highlights of the city quick and easy;
3.5-Hour Food Tour and Dinner – for all my foodies out there;
3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour – in case you don’t want to get lost inside the numerous souks;
Marrakech: Classic Ballooning Flight & Optional Camel Ride – if you want to transform your trip to Marrakech into an unforgettable memory;
Agafay Desert Dinner – for a romantic dinner in the desert;
Marrakech Quad Bike Experience: Desert and Palmeraie – for those of you looking for a little bit of adventure.

Find more Marrakech tours

DAY TRIPS

If you’re looking for the best things to do around Marrakech, I got you covered with a selection of some of the most popular day trips:

Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech – a coastal town perfect for beaches, surfing and complete relaxation!
Ouzoud Waterfalls Full-Day Trip with Boat Ride – one of the most beautiful waterfalls around;
Atlas Mountains & 5 Valleys Day Tour – visit the 5 different valleys that make the region famous
Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains Day Tour – for some proper sightseeing;
Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou – two of Morocco’s most beautiful deserts;
Berber Villages & 3 Valleys Atlas Mountains Day Trip – an exciting adventure to the Berber settlements of the High Atlas Mountains.

RELATED READ: 8 Best Things To Do in Taghazout, Morocco

Where to stay in Marrakesh

RELATED READ: Where to stay in Marrakesh, Morocco

Prepare to be spoiled for choice, my friends! Although there are plenty of accommodation options in the city, I recommend booking a room in a riad (local guesthouse) if you want an authentic experience while you’re in Marrakech.

The main area where you want to look for your hotel is inside the medina – Marrakech city centre. There are countless options there, from hostels to traditional riads (local guesthouses). Guéliz is another good choice if you’re looking for mid-range hotels located close to the train station. Last but not least, Hivernage is a modern neighbourhood in the Ville Nouvelle part of the city where you’ll find numerous luxury resorts and hotels.

That being said, here are my hand-picked accommodation recommendations in Marrakesh:

SPLURGE. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Hotel La Maison Arabe

MID-RANGE RIAD. Riad Palais Calipau

BUDGET RIAD. Riad les 2 Portes

HOSTEL. Mosaic Hostel

ENTIRE APARTMENT. Sweet Jacob’s Appartment Gueliz

Find a place in Marrakesh

Best restaurants in Marrakesh and what to eat

Ah, the food of Morocco… simply incredible! Of course, you have to try some traditional dishes while you’re in Marrakesh, there’s no discussion here. Below you will find my list of recommended dishes, as well as the best places to try each of them:

TAGINE

THE most traditional dish of Marrakech by far! This type of food is what made the city so special in Morocco. Tanjia is basically jugged meat (beef or lamb). You can find it served at various street food stalls in the city centre as well as in more luxurious restaurants. “Tanjia” actually means the jug in which the meat is cooked and the traditional method is pretty interesting to know too: in the old times, people would take their “tagine” to the butcher to buy the meat and the proper spices. Then, they would take their jug to the hammam where it was cooked in a furnace – for hours. Meal: done! I recommend going to Mechoui Alley in the medina for a simple yet delicious tagine experience.

SNAIL SOUP / BABBOUCHE

Yes, it’s a white snail soup and it’s pretty good! You can eat it at the street food stalls in Jemaa el Fna square but not many tourists are brave enough to try it!

B’STILLA

A traditional type of pie in Marrakech (it’s a Fes original, actually, but let’s not get stuck on these minor details now). It’s made with pastry, pigeon meat, eggs, spices and almonds as well. A must-try! From the street stalls, of course. Alternatively, you can go to Al Fassia.

HARIRA

Chickpea-lentil soup which is usually served for breakfast during Ramadan, but you can also find it in several places around the city all year round. Served in cute tiny bowls! I recommend Cafe Caravan for this one.

ORANGE JUICE

I know, I know – it may sound a bit… underwhelming, but the oranges in Morocco are famous all over the world – and with good reason! So it’s a no-brainer to try some fresh orange juice from the food stalls in the old city square, right? Works perfectly as a refreshment while you’re making your way around the city!

CHEBAKIA

Super sweet and super yummy sesame cookies with honey. From the street food stalls, of course. You find these during Ramadan especially.

Some other amazing restaurants that serve a delicious blend of Moroccan and European dishes are El Fenn Riad, Le Marocain at La Mamounia and Atay Cafe Food. And, of course, let’s not forget about Café de la Poste – one of the most famous and beautiful cafes in the city, with superb architecture and delicious French dishes!

TIP: If you want to make sure you’re not missing out on any traditional Marrakech dish, I recommend taking a food tour such as this 3.5-Hour Food Tour and Dinner at the souks during which you’ll get to taste several dishes and find out interesting information from your guide as well! Alternatively, if you want to take it a step further, you can try this Tagine cookery class with a local.

How to get around Marrakesh

Although Marrakech is not that small, it’s really easy to navigate – lucky us, the tourists! You can either walk, rent a scooter or take a bus or taxi.

WALKING. If you choose walking, I recommend having a local SIM card with data so you can have an online connection for Google Maps – very much needed and very useful with the winding streets! Or you can download offline maps – that’s always a good idea.

ALSA BUS. Buses are very affordable – a single ride is around 2 to 5 DH (0.20 to 0.50 US$) and they run from 6 AM to 10 PM. Very convenient!

SCOOTER RENTAL. It’s not a bad idea to rent a scooter or motorcycle while you’re in Marrakech, especially if you’re already experienced riding them. Prices are around 180 DH (18.50 US$) for half a day. You can rent them in the old city centre.

TAXI. Pretty affordable too – their base price is 7 DH and then they charge you 4 DH/km. But please make sure you ask the driver to start the meter when you enter the taxi and be prepared to pay the exact number shown.

Supratours buses are a valid option too if you’re planning on organising some day trips yourself. You can check out their routes and buy your online ticket here.

HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CENTRE. You have different options here as well, for all pockets. You can either take a taxi for around 80 to 100 DH (8 to 10 US$). You can try to negotiate the price before starting the ride, though! There’s also an express airport bus that costs 30 DH one-way (3.30 US$). Or you can arrange for a private car transfer beforehand, which you can book online here.

BONUS: My travel tips for visiting Marrakesh

As usual, I couldn’t let you go without offering you some precious travel tips to get you ready! Here’s what you should keep in mind before your trip:

INTERACT WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND.

In Moroccan culture, the left hand is usually considered to be unclean and the right one cleaner, so keep in mind to use your right hand when interacting with the local people (sorry, lefties!).

FRIDAYS ARE HOLY DAYS.

Don’t be surprised to find that some places are closed on Fridays because of this reason.

VISIT DURING THE RIGHT TIMES.

March, April, May, September, October and November are the months when it’s ideal to book your trip. The temperatures are just right (not so hot that you’ll be sweating the entire time).

TAKE RAMADAN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Ramadan is their most important holiday and it takes places during the 9th month in the Muslim calendar. Ramadan is 30 days long and you won’t see any local people eating or drinking during the day then. Plus, some restaurants and other places might have a shorter schedule.

BEWARE OF SCAMS.

It’s common practice in Marrakech and in Morocco in general for locals to insist on inviting you into their shop and offering you mint tea. Although that seems pretty nice and hospitable, you might be “forced” to buy something in return, even if you don’t want it. So it’s best to avoid it! The same thing applies to locals that insist on offering you directions on the street – they almost always ask you for money in return. No, thank you, I have my Google Maps!

DRESS APPROPRIATELY.

Especially as a woman, it’s best to cover yourself – be warned, bare knees and shoulders will have locals gawking at you. Remember that this is a cultural thing, you’re visiting their country and it’s important to be respectful and most importantly, safe.

BE STREET SMART AND SAFE.

Please, please, please – if you are a solo female traveller, be careful and vigilant. The culture towards women in Morocco is very different to the western world. You will meet many people who are incredible, welcoming and polite. However, as a solo western woman you WILL generate a lot of unwanted attention. Be very stern with men who are bothering you and it might be best to avoid walking the medina alone at night. Sadly with these things, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Aaand that’s about everything I had to say in my complete guide to Marrakech! I tried to cover everything I could think of for a perfect trip to the city – from the best things to do to where to stay, what and where to eat, how to get around and everything else in-between. I hope this information was useful to you and I wish you an excellent time in Marrakesh!

If you have big travel plans and you’re planning on heading to other cities in Morocco as well during your trip, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in this wonderful country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Marrakesh?

Check out all my Marrakesh Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your boat to get to the Islands? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Marrakesh so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin it for later!

Things to Know Before Travelling to Marrakesh Morocco

A Complete Guide to Visiting Marrakesh Morocco

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Da Nang Marble Mountain, Vietnam – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Are you planning a trip to the Da Nang Marble Mountain in Vietnam? That’s an amazing idea, as this is a unique destination and one of the highlights of the entire country! In case you’re wondering when to go, how to properly organise your trip and which tours to choose from all the options out there, I’m here to help. Scroll down to find my complete Marble Mountain guide!

A visit to the Marble Mountains is one of the most popular day trip ideas, especially if you’re in Hoi An.

But let’s start with the beginning:

Where are the Marble Mountains?

The world-famous Marble Mountains are a cluster of 5 limestone and marble hills 7 km south of Da Nang in Vietnam, in Ngũ Hành Sơn District. They’re located in central Vietnam, right on the coast.

Here’s a Marble Mountain map, so you can clearly understand their location in the country:

Why visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang?

The mountains are named after the elements: Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), Tho (earth) and Kim (metal). As I mentioned in the introduction, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang have become one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam over the years!

But what’s so special about them? Well, on one hand, the site is famous for its importance in the crafts of stone sculpting, but it’s also an important place of worship for Buddhists; some statues there are more than 400 years old. Needless to say that this place has big cultural importance and a rich history as well!

What can you see there?

Even though you might be expecting just a simple mountain, there’s quite a lot to see here! You can spend around half a day on-site (let’s say around 3-4 hours), just walking around and exploring the numerous caves, tunnels, pagodas, temples and a beautiful summit. There are even some bullet holes dating back to the Vietnam War!

Thuy Son Mountain

As said before, there are a total of five Marble Mountains. The only mountain available for tourists to explore is the ‘Water’ Mountain (named Thuy Son), where you can find caves that lead to beautifully built pagodas, a few viewpoints, lots of outdoors temples and constructions, and so much more! The best part? Thuy Son Mountain also has the highest summit of them all, so you’ll have a unique, panoramic view of the other mountains and the entire coast as well.

You’ll find a little stall at the entrance where you can pay for your entrance ticket, and then you can choose whether you want to take the stairs or the elevator. The hike to the summit consists of 156 rather steep marble steps. It’s not really a breeze, but it’s not that hard either! But, in all honesty, the elevator is so cheap that I wouldn’t blame you if you chose to shorten the ride.

Non Nuoc Village

Underneath the Marble Mountains, you can find the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc. The village is a part of Da Nang city and it has been a stone carving hub since the 17th century. There are over 600 families around the village producing statues, jewellery and artwork using the marble collected from the mountains. The stone itself and the products made from it have been exported to many countries and they’re quite popular!

Ticket prices

To enter the mountain and its tourist attractions, Hòn Thủy Sơn, you must pay a small entrance fee. There is an additional fee for those who would rather go up the mountain using the elevator, but you can avoid that fee by taking the stairs instead.

Marble Mountain Da Nang entrance fee: 40.000 VND (1.80 US$)

Elevator fee: 15.000 VND (0.65 US$)

How to get to the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are located around 10km from the city of Da Nang, on the Southeast side. Because of its prime location, it is quite easy to get to this destination, no matter if you’re visiting from Da Nang or Hoi An.

You have two options here: you can either join an organised tour, where a professional guide will take care of everything, including roundtrip transportation – or you can take a taxi if you want to visit on your own. You can order a taxi on-demand using the Grab app, which is basically the Vietnamese version of Uber. They have lower fees than regular Vietnamese taxis and your trip will be stress-free.

FROM HOI AN

A Grab from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains should cost around 250.000 VND to 350.000 each way (11 to 15 US$). There is around 20km between the two points and the ride should not take more than half an hour.

FROM DA NANG

From Da Nang to the Marble Mountain, the Grab costs around 100.000 VND each way (4.30 US$). The ride takes around 5 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’re in Da Nang already, you can also hire a scooter for the day of your visit – this way you can also go and explore other places as well. The cost is around 5 US$ for the entire day and the scooter parking at the Mountains is 3.000 VND (0,15 US$).

Best tours of Da Nang Marble Mountains

If you’re looking for that extra bit of information about the mountains and that extra insight on the Buddhist culture from a local guide that knows what he/she’s talking about, taking a tour would be ideal for you. Plus, the tours are excellent if you want to squeeze in some other close-by destinations such as My Son Sanctuary or Son Tra Peninsula. There are numerous tours from different travel agencies you can take, but they will all offer a similar experience.

Here are the best options I have selected for you. All of them offer different itineraries and activities, so you can pick your Marble Mountain tour depending on your preferences:

TOURS FROM DA NANG:

Small-Group My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountain Tour – pick-up from Hoi An available as well!
Marble Mountains and Hoi An City Tour
Marble Mountains & Son Tra Peninsula Tour from Da Nang

TOURS FROM HOI AN:

Find more Marble Mountain tours

When to visit the Marble Mountains

Unlike most tourist sites in Southeast Asia, the crowds didn’t seem to be an issue at the Marble Mountains. Instead, you will be battling the heat and sweat of the midday sun! For that reason, I would recommend avoiding the midday heat (if you can’t, please bring a hat and lots of water) and visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

What about cloudy weather? Well, that isn’t necessarily bad either – unless it actually rains! But, in fact, a less sunny day will make your experience a lot nicer, as it won’t be that hot. Now I know it sounds like I really hate summer right now, but I actually don’t. I love it. BUT. Trust me, the heat in Vietnam during summer is… something else!

Marble Mountains opening hours: 7.00 AM – 5.30 PM, open year-round

My experience

Truth be told, I didn’t have very high expectations of the Marble Mountains when we visited. It seemed like a huge tourist trap to me. But, when we got there, I realised that the site is actually much more than a few souvenir shops and an elevator that leads to a viewpoint. On. The. Contrary!

The Marble Mountains actually have a lot to offer! The map at the entrance helped us a lot to figure out where we were and what was available for us to see, so don’t forget to take a copy after you buy your ticket. After that, we just walked around and explored the countless temples and pagodas in the mountains. The more I think about it, the more I realise that the Da Nang mountain surprised me a lot. For a (very) small entrance fee, you’ll get an activity that fill at least half a day, and you’ll learn a lot about Buddhist culture and architecture. The only negative I have is that we visited a bit later in the morning – so we really ended up feeling the heat! Sweating our way around the site wasn’t what I had in mind when planning the visit, but we still had a great time. So be wiser than us and visit early in the morning!

BONUS: What to pack for your visit to the Marble Mountain

Packing list for Da Nang Marble Mountain

I won’t mention the heat again. Heh, I’m sure you already know all about it now. So if you really can’t avoid visiting in the middle of the day, here’s what you HAVE TO bring with you to survive:

Water – lots of it;
A hat, cap or scarf to cover your head from the sun;
Sunscreen – very important, people!
Comfortable shoes – after all, you’ll be walking for more or less 4 hours;
A torch – if you want to be fully prepared when exploring those interesting darker caves.

Marble Mountain Da Nang dress code: there’s no dress code for visiting unless you’re entering the temples. If you want to enter the temples (and you will want to!), it’s advised to cover your shoulders and knees. Don’t worry if you have nothing that fits the bill – so you can simply bring a scarf along for this.

And here we are! This was my complete guide to one of the most popular mountains of Vietnam – the Marble Mountains in Da Nang! In this post I have collected all the information you may need before you visit, such as when to go, how to visit (by yourself or with a guide), how much it will cost and everything else in-between.

The Marble Mountains are a very interesting destination that I totally recommend adding to your Vietnam itinerary in case you’re in the mood for some history, culture and awe-inspiring views of the coast.

In case you want to find out more about other exciting places in Vietnam, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in this country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Pin me for later!

Guide to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

10 Unmissable Da Nang Tourist Attractions – A Complete Guide To The City

Are you planning a trip to Da Nang, Vietnam? I hope you’re ready to have an amazing time! If you’re wondering about the top Da Nang tourist attractions, scroll down to find my complete list, together with some hand-picked hotel recommendations, as well as what to eat (and where to eat it) and how to get around the city!

Da Nang? What’s that?

In case you never heard of this city, you have no idea what you’re missing out on! I think it’s such a shame that Da Nang (also spelled Danang) is often omitted in most Vietnam itineraries, although the city has SO much to offer! A trip to Da Nang can be as exciting as one to Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, trust me!

Where is Da Nang in Vietnam?

To which I answer: on the coast! It’s actually halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and it’s the third-largest city in the country. Which means Da Nang is an excellent destination if you want to soak up some sun on the beach and enjoy both the modern and traditional side of Vietnam.

This being said, let’s find out about the best things to see in Da Nang city:

10 Best things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam

There are SO many things to see and do in Da Nang! Although it’s hard to choose, here are the 10 top things to do in this city:

1 – Linh Ung Pagoda

D’uhhhh, of course I’m recommending a pagoda as the first thing on this list – after all, we’re in Vietnam! No, really, this is actually one of the main attractions in Da Nang, located at Son Tra Peninsula / Son Tra Mountain (more info below). The Linh Ung Pagoda is nationally famous for its Lady Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam. Enter through the giant Buddha, only to find… more buddha statues! The courtyard is filled with beautiful bonsai trees and you’ll find references to the Buddhist religion in the architecture, gates, stairways, and more.

2 – Son Tra Peninsula / Son Tra Mountain

Da Nang Son Tra Peninsula : Son Tra Mountain

The Son Tra Peninsula (which translates to the ‘Monkey Peninsula’ or ‘Monkey Mountain’ in English) is part of Da Nang National Park. The Peninsula has an altitude of around 600 meters above sea level, which means you’ll find some great hikes up here, along with stunning viewpoints. And the name wasn’t randomly chosen. No, sir! The peninsula is the habitat of a rare species of red monkey – the macaques.

TIP: Sadly, tourists have taken to feeding these monkeys over the years and there have been reports that they can get a bit aggressive with humans. Be careful and keep your distance unless you want to be chased off the peninsula!

3 – Da Nang Fresco Village

Created to promote tourism to Danang, it was only recently (March 2018) that the Da Nang Fresco Village project was opened. A local area of alleyways was painted with murals of traditionally Vietnamese scenes to create a kind of ‘street art treasure hunt’. These bright, colourful murals took three months to complete and feature the work of fifty different artists.

You’ll find rice pickers tending their fields in the countryside, a crowd cheering on a coconut boat race, two young ladies sitting in a flower field and much more on this cultural experience through art and time.

4 – Bac My An Market

The Bac My An Market is a great place to come for a wander, check out the goods on sale and try a few local snacks from some of the food vendors. You’ll find all sorts on sale here from fake designer watches to sunglasses, fresh fruits and live frogs. Heh, trust me, exploring the market is a real experience! You’ll also find many street food stalls here where you can try some local dishes such as bahn xeo (savoury egg pancakes), pho (noodle soup), oc len xao dua (stir-fried snails). Often for cheap prices, too!

TIP #1: My favourite, which I recommend you all to try, is the avocado ice cream! They mix fresh, pureed avocado with frozen coconut ice cream. Yes, it sounds a bit bizarre and not very appetising, but trust me, it is delicious!

TIP #2: Alternatively, you can also go to Con Market, which is just as good.

5 – Dragon Bridge

There is no way you can miss the Golden Dragon bridge on your trip, as it’s one of the top places to visit in Da Nang city. You will probably cross it many times when travelling between the different attractions across town.

On Saturday and Sunday, walk down to the waterfront at 9.00 PM to see the light show. The dragon changes colour while breathing fire, before changing to spurt water from its mouth. In short, this bridge is one of the most exciting things to see in Danang!

FUN FACT: The dragon is a symbol of good luck in Vietnam and the gold colour represents wealth, prosperity, royalty, happiness and change.

TIP: If you want to see the Dragon Bridge show while sippin’ on a beer, I recommend reserving a table at 7 Bridges Brewery – it offers an amazing view of the bridge!

6 – Love Lock Bridge

This cute little bridge, lined with love-heart lamp posts and home to many couples’ declarations of love padlocks, isn’t actually a bridge… at all. It’s more of a short jetty, as it doesn’t connect the two sides of the river. It’s the perfect place to get a good view of the Dragon Bridge for a more parallel perspective and one of the greatest spots to watch the weekend light show in Danang as well.

7 – Marble Mountains

Here’s a fun fact: the Marble Mountains are a cluster of five hills made of limestone, named after the elements wood, metal, water, fire and earth. The hills were once the main place of exportation of marble. They now are a famous tourist spot where you can find several Hindu and Buddhist Sanctuaries and a viewpoint guaranteeing a fantastic view of Da Nang! One of the best places to visit if you’re into photography for sure!

8 – My Khe Beach

Looking for some beautiful beaches in the city of Da Nang? I got you! Running from the Son Tra Peninsula down to the Marble Mountains, this 20-mile stretch of silky white sand is the reason that Da Nang is such a well-known destination for international and domestic tourists alike! For the active traveller, there are excellent surf opportunities here from September to March, along with numerous beach clubs and spas along the coast for those who prefer a leisurely pace in need of pampering. The seafood restaurants found on the waterfront are a bit more pricey than the ones you find in town, but the fish is fresh and you get panoramic views of the ocean!

TIP #1: If you want to take some surfing lessons while you’re at it, I recommend this Surfing Lesson by Surf Shack in Da Nang.

TIP #2: Alternatively, another beautiful beach in Da Nang is Non Nuoc Beach, located less than half an hour by car from Da Nang centre.

9 – Ba Na Hills / Golden Bridge

The Ba Na Hills is one of the most popular Da Nang attractions due to the fact that they home the Insta-famous Golden Bridge, a fabulous place for the snap-happy to visit year round. Two Hands erupt from the mountainside, holding up the bridge, which passes through the hills. It’s definitely an impressive sight, but it’s not 100% the authentic experience it’s portrayed to be.

GOOD TO KNOW: To access the bridge you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 750,000 VND (around 36$) into a kinda kitschy theme park (Ba Na Hill Fantasy Park) and then take a cable car up to the summit. By the way, the cable car up to the summit has the world record for being the LONGEST cable car ride (non-stop, single track)!

To save you time and hassle, my recommendation is to visit this attraction with an organised day trip such as this one – Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour.

10 – My Son Ruins

My Son Ruins, also known as My Son Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the most important sanctuaries of the My Son civilisation – a civilisation that existed in coastal Vietnam from the 4th to the 13th centuries. These sanctuaries were the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom and feature many references to the Hindu religion. They also showcase some of the Cham engineering, religious and political advancement.

TIP: You can visit the ruins with an organised tour with a guide, which ends up being quite cheap, or by yourself if you want to explore it on your own.

BONUS: Extra things to do in Da Nang if you have more time

In case this is not your first time in the city or if you have some more days on your hands to fully experience and understand Da Nang, rest assured that you simply cannot run out of things to do here! So in case you’re bored of lying on the beach, here are some more activities in Da Nang that are definitely worth trying:

Phap Lam Pagoda – another beautiful pagoda in Danang, full of many Buddha statues and a perfect place to explore and chill;
Da Nang Cathedral – a gorgeous pastel-pink cathedral and one of the most famous catholic churches in the country. It is also known as the “Rooster Church” among locals, which translates to Con Ga;
Cham Sculpture Museum – a very nice museum opened during the French colonial times. The Museum of Cham Sculpture is indeed a great idea if you want to find out more about the Cham people in the country;
Da Nang Museum – visit this museum if you want to find out more about the history and culture of Danang;
Hai Van Pass – known to be the highest pass in Vietnam, this is one of the best places to go if you want to see Da Nang from above. This place is also called “Sea of Clouds”, which I think it’s super cute!
Pham Van Dong Beach – I talked about My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach before, but these are not the only good beaches in Danang! Another gorgeous one is Pham Van Dong, ideal for a barefoot walk after a full day of exploring Danang;
Fifth Military Division Museum – an informative museum, recommended in case you’re interested in the history of Vietnam and the Vietnam War especially;
Han River Bridge – another famous bridge in Da Nang is Han River Bridge, considered to be the first cable-stayed swing bridge in Vietnam. After all, Da Nang is not known as the City of Bridges for nothing!
Sun World Da Nang Wonders – one of the best things to do in Da Nang with kids and home of the Golden Bridge (mentioned above).

Best tours of Da Nang by type of traveller

Da Nang is a complex destination that offers plenty of things to do for all tourists out there. In case your bucket list is getting longer and longer and you find yourself unable to fit everything into your itinerary or if you simply want to make the best out of your given time, I have a suggestion. You can book some organised tours with professional guides! This is a great idea if you want to truly experience Danang and learn about its history and culture. And an excellent way to save some precious time as well, why not?

Here are my recommended tours for different types of needs and travel styles:

City, Scenery, and Attractions Tour by Jeep – for tourists that want to see everything in a short time;
Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour – If you want to go to Ba Na Hills with no hassle;
Da Nang Local Food Tour – if you want to taste everything there is to taste in Danang;
Basket Boat and Cooking class – for all foodies that want to learn how to make some authentic Vietnamese dishes as well;
River cruise with dinner included – if you want to explore Da Nang from a different perspective.

Find more Da Nang tours

Organised day trips from Da Nang

When you’ll organise your itinerary for Danang, you’ll quickly realise that some of the top attractions here such as the Marble Mountains, My Son Sanctuary and the Monkey Mountain are not located inside the city, but a bit outside of it. This means you’ll have to either go there by yourself, or you’ll have to take some organised day trips. I totally recommend going for the organised tours, as this means no stress and hassle from your side! Tours usually have transportation included, so you just need to wake up in the morning and get ready for a day of exploration!

Here are the BEST day trips options (with great prices!) I have selected for you:

Marble Mountains
My Son Ruins
My Son Ruins and Marble Mountains – why choose, after all?
Scooter Adventure on Monkey Mountain
Cham Island – Cham Island is an amazing place for snorkeling!
Bach Ma National Park
Imperial city of Hue

Find more day trips

Where to stay in Da Nang, Vietnam

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about the absolute best hotels in Danang and the best areas where tourists can stay in Da Nang, make sure to check out this article before your visit: Where to stay in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Of course, the best area to stay in the city if you want to explore all the main attractions in Danang is the city centre (or Hai Chau District). Or you can choose to stay as close to the beach as possible if you want a vacation of relaxation under the sun.

Here’s my recommended accommodation, hand-picked for all types of travellers:

LUXURY: Pullman Danang Beach Resort – if you want the absolute best in the city.

MID-RANGE: Danang Boutique Hotel – if you prefer to be in the centre of Danang but also not far from the beach;

BUDGET: Danang Beach 2 Hotel – this one’s located close to My Khe Beach;

HOSTEL: Rom Casa Hostel Da Nang – located between Han River and the beach;

ENTIRE APARTMENT: Minh Tran Apartment and Hotel – in case you’re dreaming of an apartment with an outdoor swimming pool;

Book your accommodation in Da Nang

What to eat in Da Nang & Best restaurants in the city

Of course, you simply cannot visit Da Nang without indulging in some traditional food, am I right? Vietnam is known for its ah-mazing cuisine and unique dishes, and Da Nang is a special place full of local dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s my list of unmissable dishes to try during your visit, as well as the BEST places in Danang to taste each of them:

MI QUANG

Beefy broth, rice noodles and different types and meats. Surprisingly enough, this is what people in Da Nang eat for breakfast! Some of the best bowls of Mi Quang are served at Mi Quang Ba Mua.

CHAO TOM

This is a dish consisting of prawn and garlic paste, wrapped on a sugarcane, usually served as an appetiser, grilled to deliciousness. Quan Com Hue Ngon is a good place to go for this dish, as well as traditional Vietnamese BBQ.

BUN CHA CA

This is basically a fish ball noodle soup with rice noodles, veggies, pineapple (yes, it’s delicious!) and shrimp paste. And fish balls as well, of course. It’s funky and super delicious! Go to 109 Nguyễn Chí Thanh for one of the most flavourful versions of this dish.

BANH XEO

You can find this dish, together with the famous Banh Mi sandwich and Pho soup, all around Vietnam. Banh Xeo is a sizzling savoury pancake made of rice flour, filled with veggies, pork, shrimp and crunchy bean sprouts. The best Da Nang restaurant for this dish is Banh xeo Ba Duong.

BANH BO

Butter cakes! These are pretty similar to little round, fried doughnuts, only they’re a bit savoury as well and they’re served with chili sauce. Exciting and so yummy! I recommend going to Quán Bánh Bơ for the most delicious ones.

TIP: In case you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, I recommend opting for this Da Nang Local Food Tour.

Getting around Da Nang

Getting around Da Nang is, as you will find, not a hard task at all! There are multiple ways of travelling around town and its surroundings and I have listed them all below:

TAXI

Taxis are probably the best way to explore Danang, as they’re easy to find and pretty cheap as well. Fares start at 0,50$ and you’ll be charged around 0,65$ per kilometer. The most reliable taxi companies in Danang are Mai Linh Taxi (green), Vinasun Taxi (white) and Tien Sa Taxi (yellow). Alternatively, you can get a Grab – the equivalent of Uber in Vietnam.

MOTORCYCLE TAXI / XE OM

A famous means of transportation in Vietnam, these are very similar to taxis, only they’re motorcycles – I bet you weren’t expecting that! The advantage here is that they’re faster, as they can successfully avoid hectic traffic, unlike cars.

BUS

Although this is a valid option (and a super cheap one as well, as a ride only costs about 0,20$), it’s not that convenient, as buses are usually super slow and kind of crowded as well.

RENT A MOTORBIKE

This option is excellent for adventurous travellers that want to go everywhere by themselves. Riding a motorbike through Da Nang is exciting and not that expensive either – the price is about 6$ per day (130,000 VND). A good place to rent your motorbike is at The Motorbike Station.

HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY

Luckily for travellers, Da Nang International Airport is located extremely close to the city center (around 2.5 km away). For your convenience, you can look for private airport transfers such as this one if you want to travel hassle-free to your hotel. It’s pretty cheap as well!

TIP: Before booking your airport transfer, please check with your hotel – some of them can arrange free pick-up for their guests!

Phew, this was my complete Da Nang travel guide in Vietnam! This is one of the best tourist spots in the country if you’re planning an adventurous, culture-rich vacation. Danang is a famous beach destination and, regardless if you’re going to do some sunbathing, admire the best view over Danang from the top of Hai Van Pass, explore the wonderful Ba Na Hills, visit some pagodas or taste some authentic food, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed.

I hope this guide will be useful for your upcoming visit! In case you want to further explore the country of Vietnam, I recommend reading all about my adventures here in this section.

xoxo,

Melissa

Pin me for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Travel Guide to Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself

Cu Chi Tunnels are a huge tunnel system spawning over 121 km near Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), in the Cu Chi District. They’re one of the most popular tourist destinations in HCMC and in all of Vietnam and an important symbol of the American War… which is why I won’t be at all surprised if you have them on your travel itinerary as well. These tunnels are a must-visit, regardless if you’re passionate about history or not!

In case you’re planning a trip there soon, this complete travel guide to Cu Chi Tunnels will tell you everything you must know before your visit!

Let’s go:

Quick info and a bit of Cu Chi Tunnels history

If you want to symbolize the determined spirit of the Vietnamese people, no other site can be as symbolic as the Cu Chi Tunnels. This 75-mile (121km) immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has turned into a war memorial park and is now a popular tourist destination in Asia.

The construction of the tunnels began in the late 1940s during the war against the French, to provide a way to communicate between villages and to evade French army sweeps of the area. It took over 25 years to build the entire underground network that stretched up to the Cambodian border, with repairs to the old tunnels and extensions taking place in the 1960s.

The tunnels’ great significance to the Viet Cong came about in their confrontation with American forces, playing a major role in their surviving (and eventual overcoming of) the Vietnam War. The tunnels were utilized by Viet Cong soldiers as a hiding place during the war. They also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon stocks, and living quarters for countless Vietnamese guerillas. The tunnel network, sections of which were several stories deep, incorporated numerous trapdoors, constructed living areas, storage provisions, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres, and kitchens.

Now you can see very little evidence of the fighting and bombing that shuddered Cu Chi during the war. In the late 1960s, America carpet-bombed the whole place and destroyed most of the tunnels and everything around. In spite of the tunnels’ destruction, they served their purpose and played a key role in North Vietnam winning the war.

So I guess it’s needless to say that Cu Chi tunnels are one of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh City and they should definitely be on your itinerary for the city, regardless if you’re passionate about the Vietnam War or history in general.

Now let’s find out everything tourists need to know before visiting the Cu Chi tunnel system in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):

Where are the Cu Chi Tunnels located?

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located around 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, in southern Vietnam. It takes around 1h30min to get there from HCMC by car and 2 hours by bus.

Cu Chi Tunnels address: Đ. Tỉnh Lộ 15, Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 733814, Vietnam. Find it on Google Maps here.
Co-ordinates: 11.142680, 106.462304

Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee

If you are visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels with a tour, your entrance price will be covered in the tour price. If you are making your own way to the underground tunnels, you can easily buy your tickets on arrival.

Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc have different entrance fees:

Ben Dinh entrance Fee: 110.000 VND (4.80 USD) per person
Ben Duoc entrance Fee: 90.000 VND (3.90 USD) per person

There’s also a shooting range at Cu Chi where you can try your hand at real shooting just like the soldiers, for separate prices. You can choose your desired gun which will come with a 10-bullet set. If this interests you, below are the prices for 1 bullet:

AK 47: 40.000 VND
M16: 35.000 VND
M30: 30.000 VND
M60: 40.000 VND
and more

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Which site should I visit: Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc

There are two tunnel display sites that you can choose to visit: Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc.

Personally, I would recommend visiting Ben Duoc, as it contains part of the earliest, authentic tunnel system used by the Viet Cong and provides a more authentic experience. However, if you’d prefer a more comfortable visit, Ben Dinh has been altered for tourists with tunnel recreations and repairs to make tunnels more spacious to accommodate travellers. Great for families too!

In terms of distance, Ben Dinh is closer to Ho Chi Minh, while Ben Duoc is a bit further away.

In both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, low-power lights have been used in the tunnels to make travelling through them easier, and both sites display the different types of booby traps that were utilised during the war, so when it comes to safety and information, both sites have you covered. Plus, another nice thing while you’re there is that you can also enjoy a very simple meal similar to what Viet Cong guerillas would have eaten in those days. Interesting!

TOP TIP: If you’re a history buff, make sure you go to the War Remnant Museum as well. There’s also a pretty beautiful temple at Ben Duoc, built in the memory of all Vietnamese people that were killed at Cu Chi – worth a quick glance as well!

Best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels opening hours:

Sunday – Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM
Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM

If you are going there with a tour, you can choose from a morning one that usually starts at 8 AM or an afternoon tour from 12:30 PM. Make sure you reserve around 2 hours to explore the site and 4 to 5 hours in total for the trip with transportation included. More details and recommendations below!

If you want to visit by yourself, early morning would be the best idea in order to beat the crowds. As close to the opening time as possible!

As for the season, it’s generally considered that the Cu Chi Tunnels are best visited during the dry season, from October to April. You can visit during the rainy season (May to November) as well and there will be no flooding inside the tunnels, but it will be a less comfortable experience as the grounds are mainly outdoors. Extra humidity and muddy, so be prepared!

How to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

There are plenty of travel agencies in District 1 that provide half or full day trip options to the Cu Chi tunnels. Morning tours generally go from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM, while afternoon tours are from 12:30 PM to 6:40 PM.

Most of these tours include pick up and drop off at centrally located hotels in District 1, an English-speaking tour guide, tapioca, hot tea, and bottled water. The best part about guided tours is that a knowledgeable local guide will tell you heaps of interesting information and underground stories about the tunnel system, booby traps, “tunnel rats” soldiers and more. And for an extra fee, some tours also take you to the Cu Chi shooting range where you can try shooting an AK 47 or other guns. Real bullet experience, guys!

Costs start from 200.000 VND (8.70 USD) and can reach up to 2.000.000 VND (86.80 USD) according to the transportation and facilities provided during the trip.

Here are some hand-picked tour options that you can book in advance. Scroll down to find out how to travel to Cu Chi Tunnels by yourself in case you don’t want to join a local tour:

a) Organised tours

GROUP TOURS:

Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning or Afternoon Guided Tour – my top recommendation for a half-day tour to the tunnels!
Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour
Full-Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour
Cu Chi Tunnels Guided VIP Tour with Transfers by Limousine
Cu Chi and Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour with Airport Transfers – if you don’t want to squeeze the two into a one day tour, this one is great because everything happens in two days: the tunnels on the first day and Mekong Delta on the second day.

PRIVATE TOURS:

Find more tours

b) How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels by yourself

The most challenging part about visiting the Cu Chi tunnel complex by yourself is getting there. In order to help you out, I have noted the most popular options below:

BY BUS

The cheapest transport to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels is by public bus. From the Central Bus terminal at 23-9 Park in District 1, take bus 13 headed to Cu Chi bus station. From Cu Chi bus station (the last stop on bus 13), switch to bus 79 headed to Ben Duoc Tunnel. You can walk to the tunnel entrance from there.

The total travel time is around 2 hours and it will cost 16.000 VND one-way (0.70 USD). Keep in mind that the final bus back from the Ben Duoc bus stop leaves at around 5:30 PM.

BY BOAT

If you enjoy waterways then a boat tour could be the ideal travel option for you to explore Cu Chi tunnels. There are several boat tour companies offering services to the Cu Chi Tunnels such as the Saigon River Tour Company and Les Rives. My recommendation is to book this VIP speedboat tour online.

BY TAXI

If you are travelling with a small group or family, hiring a taxi to Cu Chi tunnels is probably your best option. Ma Linh and Vinasun are two popular taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh City where you can book your trip to the tunnels in advance. The price should be around 500.000 to 600.000 VND (21.70 to 26 USD). Booking a Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) is also a good, cheaper option.

BONUS: My top tips for Cu Chi Tunnels

Now that you know all the most precious, practical information about exploring both Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh sites at Cu Chi, I couldn’t let you leave without sharing some of the best tips I learned while I was there!

Claustrophobic? High blood pressure? You can still see the grounds and learn about the tunnels function without having to go into the underground tunnels themselves.
Please note that there are sometimes bats inside the tunnels at Ben Duoc;
Though there is no dress code for the tunnels, wear clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty.
Make sure you wear a comfortable pair of shoes, as there is a lot of walking.
Remember to bring; water bottle, sun-block, bug spray, and insect repellent.
Careful about pickpockets – just to be safe, make sure you keep an eye on your belongings at all times!
There’s a shooting range nearby, so if you’re afraid you’ll be bothered by the loud firing noises, make sure you bring some earplugs with you.

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for Ho Chi Minh

Picture of canon camera on a deck in nature.

Here’s our camera gear that we take all around with us as we travel, perfect for your Vietnam trip and the tunnels too. It has everything you’ll ever need!

CAMERA: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

EVERYDAY LENS: Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens

WIDE ANGLE LENS: Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 EX DC

PORTRAIT LENS: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG

GOPRO: GoPro HERO8 Black

TRIPOD: Benro Mach3 Tripod Ser 2 Alum 4 Sect

NV FILTER: Hoya 82mm Variable Density Screw-in Filter

CAMERA BAG: Manfrotto MB MA-BP-BFR Advanced Befree Camera Backpack

HARD DRIVE: LaCie 4 TB

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about our photography gear, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: What’s in my Camera Bag – All My Travel Blogging Gear

This was my complete guide for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh). I have gathered all the most important information in this post – a bit of history about the Vietnam War tunnels, entrance prices, recommended tours, what you should expect to see there, plus some precious tips. In short, you have everything you could need to know here before your trip to this famous complex in Southern Vietnam!

In case you need more helpful tips and information for your trip to Ho Chi Minh, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts and stories about this wonderful place. And here you can find all my articles about Vietnam!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Vietnam?

Check out all my Vietnam Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Want to have to have A complete travel guide to the City? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Vietnam so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

First of all, is Amed worth visiting?

7 Best Things to do in Amed, Bali

1 – Dive Sites

USAT LIBERTY WRECK

JAPANESE SHIPWRECK

JEMELUK UNDERWATER GALLERY

2 – Jemeluk Bay

3 – Jemeluk Viewpoint / Sunset Point

4 – Amed Beach

5 – Take a scooter and explore the rice terraces

6 – Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace

7 – Visit Lempuyang Luhur / Pura Lempuyang

Where to stay in Amed, Bali

Where to eat in Amed

How to get to Amed, Bali

OVERVIEW:

How to get around Amed, Bali

Want to know more about travelling to Indonesia?

Pin me for later!

Sign up for my newsletter!

What to eat in Singapore – 21 Must-try dishes

1 – Nasi Lemak

2 – Bak Kut Teh / Pork Ribs Soup

3 – Laksa

4 – Nasi Biryani

5 – Chicken Rice

6 – Char Kway Teow

7 – Fried Carrot Cake / Chai Tow Kway

8 – Dim Sum / Dian Xin

9 – Wanton Mee

10 – Chili Crab & Black Pepper Crab

11 – BBQ Sambal Stingray

12 – Fish Bee Hoon

13 – Bak Chor Mee

14 – Fish Head Curry

15 – Orh Luak / Oyster Omelette

16 – Satay

17 – Rojak

18 – Coffee, Kaya Toast & Soft Boiled Egg

19 – Tau Huay

20 – Ice Kacang

21 – Last but not least: durian!

Best restaurants in Singapore

Best Hawker centres in Singapore

Where to eat breakfast in Singapore

Best brunch places in Singapore

Where to eat lunch in Singapore

Where to eat dinner in Singapore

Fine dining in Singapore

Where to eat in Singapore at night

BONUS: Where to eat in Sentosa

Want to know more about travelling to Singapore?

Pin me for later!

Sign up for my newsletter!

Where is the best area to stay in Singapore by type of traveller

Marina Bay

Colonial District / Historic District

Orchard Road

Singapore River / The Quays

Chinatown

Little India

Sentosa Island

Where to stay in Singapore – Other notable areas to consider

Want to know more about travelling to Singapore?

Pin me for later!

Sign up for my newsletter!

First of all, where is Singapore and why should I go?

Singapore Travel Guide – 12 Best things to do in Singapore

1 – Gardens by the Bay

2 – Marina Bay

MARINA BAY SANDS SKYPARK AND HOTEL

MARINA BAY SANDS OBSERVATION DECK

MARINA BAY WATERFRONT PROMENADE

3 – Singapore Botanic Gardens

4 – Explore the Quays

5 – Sentosa Island and Universal Studios

6 – Merlion Park

7 – Go on a food tour

8 – Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

9 – Singapore Flyer