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20+ Yummy Restaurants You Must Try in Melbourne, Florida

by Kayla Smith April 24, 2019

Here’s some of my local favorites in Melbourne, Florida and some restaurants I’m dying to try!

I’ve lived in Melbourne, Florida almost my entire life and never realized how many incredible restaurants there are until recently. Since moving back to Florida, I’ve had the best time trying new places and finding the hidden gems in Melbourne, Florida. If you’re a local, definitely try some of these out and if you aren’t a local, you may want to book a trip ASAP. I’m sharing some of my favorites and a couple others that are next on my list to try. Here are my favorites:

Oh, Biscuit

Address: 846 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935

My mom invited me and a couple other ladies from our church to go get brunch a few weeks ago. This is a tiny, hole in the wall place on the way to Downtown Melbourne Florida. There’s no way I would have ever found this place without someone suggesting it so you’re welcome because it’s delicious! I ordered the fried chicken biscuit and it’s easily one of the BEST biscuits I’ve ever had in my life. It definitely lives up to its name! There’s two things I will mention though that you should know before going to Oh, Biscuit:

There’s not a lot of seating inside the restaurant and if you come with a bigger party like we did, there’s still not a lot of places to sit outside. If you want to go, come as early as you can!
The people are SO nice that work there but, the food does take a while to come out since everything is made to order. It was CRAZY when I went on a Tuesday so I can only imagine how busy it is over the weekend. Make sure to keep that in mind but the food is 100% worth it!

The Burger Place

Address: 811 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901

My husband and I were taking photos downtown for my blog and I fell in love with the aesthetic of this cute retro-style diner. From reading reviews online, it seemed like an incredible place! We drove all the way back a few days later to try it out for ourselves. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and my husband got a cheeseburger. A lot of the standard toppings are free so you can add as much as you would like and only pay for things like extra bacon and cheese. They make all their buns and french fries in house and it definitely shows! They’re DELICIOUS! I’ll admit, I’m a total chicken snob. I’m extremely picky with how meat it cooked and if the texture is off, I won’t finish it but I ate every single bit of our meal. That should tell you have good it was!

Backwater

Address: 1904 Municipal Ln, Melbourne, FL 32901

We ate brunch here when we first moved back to Florida and I want to go back ASAP! I ordered a BLT with home fries and oh my gosh it was soooo good. These are some of the best home fries I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to go back and try some of the other dishes they offer like the Candied Citrus Waffle or Deep Fried French Toast. Also, I know there’s some tables that you can cook your own pancakes which is a fun thing to do for families or with a group of friends.

El Leoncito

Address: 5360 Stadium Pkwy, Rockledge, FL 32955

I grew up in the Viera area which is one of the little towns in Melbourne Florida. This restaurant is some of the best Mexican food in the area. I always order the chicken tacos at lunch time. Taz and I love to go for lunch since it’s a couple dollars cheaper for the same amount of food and there’s less people just for reference!

Pizza Gallery and Grill

Address: 2250 Town Center Ave, Melbourne, FL 32940

I’ve eaten at Pizza Gallery and Grill ever since it opened when I was little. On the walls, they display a bunch of local artist’s work available to purchase which is pretty cool! They have tons of different pizzas and other food options if you’re interested in that. My favorite thing on the menu is an order of their garlic knots. It’s very inexpensive too and I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve taken an order to go right after school. They’re soooo good!

Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

Address: 6075 N US Hwy 1, Melbourne, FL 32940

If you’re looking for some good seafood and a riverfront view this is your place! There’s a location in Melbourne like I have listed, Cape Canaveral and Orlando. This place is a local staple and is great for a quick bite to eat. If you own or rent a boat for a day, there’s a dock in the back that you can tie your boat at and head inside for any meal of the day. Pretty cool, right?

Long Doggers

This is another local “chain,” but it is one of my favorites! It gives all the tropical vibes and is a great spot to get a quick meal. It’s a sit down restaurant but I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than 15 minutes for our food. They’re known for their wings, bowls and signature long dogs. There’s also other baskets and sandwiches on their menu! There’s a ton of locations all over the Melbourne, Florida area so look up which one is the closest to where you are at.

Ice Cream Hut

Address: 829 Barton Blvd, Rockledge, FL 32955

Now, it’s on to dessert! I recently tried Ice Cream Hut for the first time and it did not disappoint. They’re known for their INSANE milkshakes! They are a little on the pricier end ($10 for a massive shake) but it could be fun to try once! We opted for the ice cream sundaes and banana splits.

Del’s Freez

Address: 402 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935

Del’s is a local favorite in Melbourne, Florida! The peanut butter soft serve ice cream is to DIE for! They only have outdoor seating and will only accept cash so keep that in mind before you go.

Surfin’ Turtle Ice Cream

Address: 1210 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

This my go-to ice cream shop in Melbourne, Florida. It’s right by the beach and I LOVE it! If you’ve ever had a dole whip from Disney, think of how it can be 10x better and that’s how Surfin’ Turtle is. I always get the pineapple dole whip twist with vanilla ice cream, but I know the brownie banana split and concrete mixers are also delicious.

Restaurants I Want To Try

These next restaurants are on my list to try. They are all top rated restaurants in the area and became popular when I was off at college so I need to make a trip for sure! Here’s why I want to go:

Charthouse

Address: 2250 Front St, Melbourne, FL 32901

This is hands down my parents’ favorite restaurant EVER! It’s definitely on the higher end of restaurants on this list. Apparently it’s a chain but I’ve read incredible reviews.

The Nomad Cafe

Address: 5449, 2002 S Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901

This place is in downtown Melbourne, Florida and has an eclectic menu with a little bit of everything. If you’re looking to try something classic with a little twist, this place looks amazing.

Coasters

Address: 971 E Eau Gallie Blvd A, Melbourne, FL 32937

From reading reviews, the best burgers and sandwiches in Melbourne, Florida come from The Burger Place like I mentioned above, and Coasters! It has a moodier feel than I normally go for in restaurants but it’s still on my list for those days when you’re really craving a good burger and fries.

River Rocks

Address: 6485 south, US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955

This is another one of the “fancier” options in Melbourne, Florida. There’s an upscale menu with plenty of local seafood and other options. I went to this restaurant before it changed names and never had a chance to go back yet, but I really want to because the pictures look delicious! Here’s a couple things to know before you go: If you’re seated between 4-6 pm you can get the early dining discount. Also, if you have a party of 6 or more, reservations are required!

Sergio’s Tacos

Address: 5470 Murrell Rd, Rockledge, FL 32955

This one is a little random since it is a taco shop inside of a gas station, but this place has been recommended to me the most! My husband is a Mexican food connoisseur and I really want to take him on our next trip back to Melbourne, Florida.

The Fat Donkey

Address: 247 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Beaches and ice cream, is there a better match? I think not! I follow the Fat Donkey on social media and I’m drooling over all their photos. It’s more in the Cocoa Beach area than Melbourne, but I couldn’t resist throwing it into the list.

Mustard’s Last Stand

Address: 415 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901

My husband is so sad that he can’t eat from J Dawg’s in Utah since our move and I have a feeling he would love Mustard’s Last Stand. It’s a similar concept with the array of different hot dogs and toppings. This place has been around FOREVER but I always pass it on the way back from eating lunch somewhere else haha. One of these days we will make a trip there.

28 North Gastropub

Address: 2250 Town Center Ave Suite 101, Melbourne, FL 32940

This restaurant is right next door to Pizza Gallery and owned by the same people. It has an incredible menu filled with ingredients from local vendors and I heard the Saturday brunch is to die for. Chicken and waffles anyone? Sign me up!

Mangia and Bevi

Address: 218 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Apparently, this restaurant in Melbourne, Florida has authentic neapolitan style pizza and I am here for it! The crust, the cheese, the toppings, all of it looks unreal. Check them out on social media and tell me you aren’t drooling by the end. I can’t wait to try it out.

Crush XI

Address: 923 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901

I couldn’t forget this yummy looking place. It’s another restaurant in downtown Melbourne Florida and I stumbled upon this place the same time I took photos at The Burger Place. It has rustic American food and I am dying to try the Strawberry Bacon Biscuit or the Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

Those are my go-to picks for restaurants and what I want to try next. If you have some other amazing finds, please leave those in the comments because I would love to try them. Also, if there’s anything else you would love to know about Florida, let me know so I can get a post put together. Thanks! If you’re interested in other Florida posts click here or here.

XOXO Kayla

April 24, 2019 0 comment

disney trip in front of Cinderella's castle

Lifestyle Travel

10 Must-Have Items For Your Next Disney Trip

by Kayla Smith April 4, 2019

written by Kayla Smith

These are the things we loved and/or wished we had before going on our Disney trip!

For my birthday this year, my parents gifted my husband, Taz and I 4-day tickets to Disney World. He’s never been before so we wanted to make the most of our Disney trip. We spent one day at Hollywood Studios so I could show Taz a sneak peek of Star Wars land and then over to Magic Kingdom because it’s my favorite park! It was a nice break from work and we discovered some of the most delicious food. I made sure to include some of the must-items that changed the game for our Disney trip. I forgot a couple things at home that I wished I had more than anything so I included some of those as well.

#1: Character Ears

I wanted a pair of sparkly Minnie Mouse ears more than anything, but I didn’t want to pay full price. On Amazon, there’s almost an identical pair for more than half off what it would cost in the park. If you’re wanting a cute pair of ears, look on Amazon first! Here’s a couple more of my favorites:

#2: Heavy Duty Ponchos

Usually, Disney only has junky ponchos that are basically glorified trash bags. They rip and don’t breathe really well. I’ve more than one rainy Disney trip in my lifetime so we got a couple ponchos before we went. They’re waterproof and have a drawstring hood which came in handy our first day. It poured rain and cleared out the park so we walked around perfectly dry by ourselves. They fold down really small so it easily fits into a purse or backpack. The one we got is here.

#3: Battery Pack

I can’t stress how much this battery pack has SAVED me! I’m notorious for forgetting to plug in my phone so I have one of these babies on me almost at all times. It charged my phone three times and Taz’s phone twice on our last Disney trip. That’s incredible!!! If you haven’t pulled the trigger on this one, this is the BEST product we’ve ever had for traveling.

#4: Sunscreen

Don’t be like us and forget sunscreen on your Disney trip! *face palm* Taz got VERY burnt and we rushed to Publix to grab a tube as soon as we left the parks. Save yourself the weeks of peeling and weird tan lines and get yourself some sunscreen! I talked about all the different types of sunscreen we use in this post here, however, any will work! It saves you a lot of discomfort in the long run.

#5: Sunglasses

Along with sunscreen, sunglasses will help protect your eyes on those warm sunny days! Be careful when going on rides and hold on tight so they don’t go flying. Here’s a couple of my favorite pairs right here:

#6: Oil Blotting Paper/Makeup Wipes

I know these two things help a lot when I’ve been running around the parks on our Disney trip. I sweat a lot when it’s warm (sorry for the TMI!) so my makeup can run and my face gets oily. That’s why I always have makeup wipes and oil blotting paper on hand. These two things help everything stay in place and help me adjust as needed. If you’ve never tried oil blotting paper before, TRY IT! It’s a game changer!

#7: Waterproof Phone Pouch

Invest in a waterproof phone pouch for all the water rides at Animal Kingdom and of course, Splash Mountain. I know there’s been times I was rained on too and didn’t want to carry anything other than my phone. This is a great way to keep your phone dry but keep it ready for all those photo ops on your Disney trip.

#8: Snacks/Water

Buying snacks and water on our Disney trip quickly added up. There’s tons of yummy things to eat in the parks but don’t forget to pack some other snacks and water so you don’t have to wait for food all day and enjoy the rides instead.

#9: Cooling Towel

This is one of the best items that most people don’t think of for their Disney trip. It’s so hard to cool off while you’re waiting in line on a hot day. Pour a little bit of water on a cooling towel and it works instantly. I never thought this would actually work when I first got one but it helps a TON!

#10: Hand Sanitizer

Rides, doors, everything is covered in germs since there’s sooooo many people visiting the parks every single day. I know Disney tries their best but it’s still super gross to think about. I always pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer to stay clean and avoid getting sick as much as humanly possible.

Those are the 10 must-have items I brought (or should’ve brought haha) on my Disney trip! If you are planning a trip to the parks or go all the time, let me know what you’re bringing because I would love to hear what you guys are obsessed with!

XOXO Kayla

April 4, 2019 0 comment

Lifestyle Travel

10 Unreal Experiences in Venice Italy to Book For Your Vacation

by Kayla Smith January 30, 2019

written by Kayla Smith

Venice Italy is magical! Here’s what you can’t miss!

Out of anywhere in the world, I think Venice Italy is one of my favorites. It seriously feels like I’m on a movie set every time I visit. On my first trip, I went to Venice Italy after my study abroad in the United Kingdom and France. I went backpacking after my study abroad was over and ended in Venice. It was amazing but also SO hot in June. This time, we went in December and it was FREEZING so make sure you know that there are extremes haha. It was definitely worth the trip this time around since my entire family and my husband got to come along. We started our trip in Rome, went on to Cinque Terre, stayed in Florence for a few days and ended our trip in Venice. It’s been a crazy time but it’s been so much fun. We have some incredible experiences in Venice Italy this trip. If you’re planning on a vacation there, you need to add these to your list!

Things to Do in Venice Italy

1. Libreria Acqua Alta

This is a hidden gem I found on Instagram. The pictures make it look bigger than it is but it’s a tiny library down an alley in Venice Italy. It’s a super cool spot stacked with books all outside and inside. If you’re a book nerd, definitely consider find this cool spot. I loved the pictures from it and there’s a gorgeous view of the Grand Canal.

library in venice italy

2. Piazza San Marco

This is the main square in Venice Italy. There’s tons of shops, tourists and endless amounts of pigeons. St. Mark’s Basilica stands on one side with the Campanile di San Marco. You can find delicious food everywhere you turn so pick and choose where you want to go or spend an afternoon eating everything in sight. I won’t judge either way haha.

3. St. Mark’s Basilica

This is one of the most iconic spots in Venice Italy. St. Mark’s Basilica is absolutely breathtaking and one of the coolest spots to go to. Keep in mind that the lines are SUPER long and if you have a backpack, you need to check it by the door. They won’t let you bring it inside. My favorite part about the basilica is the crypt where all the previous bishops are buried. It seems kind of spooky while writing it but it’s an incredible experience.

4. The Campanile di San Marco

This is the tower on the corner of the Piazza San Marco. You can climb to the top and get a gorgeous view of the entire city along with a view of the ocean. It’s one of the best spots in all of Venice Italy! If you get the chance, head here first!

piazza san marco in venice italy

5. The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is right around the corner from San Marco. It’s an infamous bridge that connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms. It’s rumored that when prisoners on death row were taken across the bridge for the last time, they would sigh as they took in the final view. I know it’s a morbid story but the bridge is very spectacular along with the incredible view.

6. Gondola Ride

If you go on vacation to Venice Italy, you HAVE to go on a gondola ride! It’s an experience of a lifetime. We loved going out as an entire family to explore the canals. The best way to travel is by boat and you can see things you normally can’t by foot. We snapped dozens of pictures and had the best time.

gondola ride in venice italy

7. Rialto Bridge

This is the main bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice Italy. There’s a ton of shops lining the bridge along with a view of the whole city. My husband, Taz and I loved exploring the different stores and scoping out the best gelato shops.

rialto bridge in venice italy

8. Murano

Murano is just off the coast of Venice and it’s famous for creating Venetian glass. Since it’s not on the mainland of Venice Italy, you have to book a tour by boat to access Murano. You can see the artists blowing glass in person and purchase some of their handmade creations once you get to the islands. Their pieces are stunning and make great souvenirs to bring home or share with your friends! My mom got a gorgeous vase to remember our trip by.

9. Burano

Burano may sound nearly identical to Murano but it’s known for something different: lace! As an island off the coast of Venice, this tiny town sells intricate handmade lace. Venetian lace is beautiful! I wish I thought to get some but it just gives me a good reason to go back.

10. Venetian Markets

Last but not least, take a chance to go to the venetian markets. Venice Italy is known for its blown glass like I mentioned before, leather, lace and venetian masks. It’s so much fun to explore all the shops and see how creative the artists are. Last time I was in Venice, I bought myself a leather purse and this time we had a blast trying on all the venetian masks. The one in the picture is my favorite but there’s a ton of other ones that I loved.

venetian mask in venice italy

Those are the 10 must-see places in Venice Italy! We had the best trip to Italy and loved being able to spend so much time with my family. We started the journey in Rome and went on to Cinque Terre and Florence before ending our trip in Venice. I’m so sad our trip had to end but the trip was definitely one to remember. If you are planning on booking a trip to Venice Italy, definitely think about doing some of the things from this list. If you want any help looking for hotels or places to eat in Venice Italy, let me know in the comments! I would love to help in any way I can. Good luck!

XOXO Kayla

view of venice italy venice italy canal

January 30, 2019 2 comments

Lifestyle Travel

Things to Do in Florence Italy For Your Next Vacation

by Kayla Smith January 25, 2019

written by Kayla Smith

I have all my favorite things to do, places to eat and where we stayed in Florence Italy.

On our trip through Italy, we started in Rome, went on to Cinque Terre and our next stop was Florence Italy. We didn’t spend a ton of time in Florence and we were sick the majority of the time. However, the food was UNREAL and I loved every single meal we ate there. There’s not a ton to do here compared to the other cities but if you love shopping, this is the place for you. Florence Italy is covered with high end shopping plazas so if you are eyeing some italian leather shoes, you’ll want to come here. Here’s what we did during our stay in Florence Italy.

Florence Italy Restaurants

Osteria dell Olio

I think this is the best restaurant I had in Italy! I had the Spaghetti Arrabiata and it’s to die for. I could tell the chef put a lot of thought into the sauce because of the intense depth and flavor. Since coming home from Italy, I have dreams about it and that’s all I ever want to eat. Before you go, know that there is a service charge of $2-3 a person but I think it’s 100% worth the fee.

pasta arrabbiata in florence italy

La Carraria Gelato

I could cry thinking about this. Florence Italy was SO good to us! I got the Chocolate Orange Gelato and the Chocolate Mousse gelato. Hands down the best gelato/ice cream/dessert/anything I’ve ever had! We tried to go back later that evening to eat it twice in one day but they CLOSED one hour early! Their Google listing doesn’t have accurate hours so keep that in mind before going but it’s worth the risk.

gelato in florence italy

Ristorante Pizzeria il Pinolo

We loved eating here so much we went here two days in a row. Their pasta is seriously UNREAL! Plus, their pricing is very reasonable with how much food you get. It’s a little bit of a walk outside of downtown but it’s totally worth it.

spaghetti in florence italy cacio e pepe in florence italy

Lindt Chocolate Store

While waiting in line at the Duomo, we eyed a Lindt chocolate store across the street. We decided to explore while my parents waited in line and we couldn’t have been happier! They make fresh croissants and stuff them full of chocolate. I know there are Lindt stores all around the world so definitely go to the next one you come across wherever you are.

croissant in Florence Italy

Pizzeria a Taglio

This pizza place is right next to the Duomo as well! It’s nothing fancy but you can get pizza by the slice for a great deal. The people that work there are awesome and there’s tons of different flavors you can choose from in their window.

pizza in florence italy

Things to Do

The David

I knew that the David was in Florence Italy but I never realized how big it is. It’s inside a museum a couple streets away from the Duomo. It’s amazing to see since there are no visible mistakes so it’s technically a “perfect” sculpture. Along the hallway leading up to it, there’s all of Michelangelo’s sculptures lining the walls showing the process behind his iconic sculptures.

The Duomo

This is the most iconic building in Florence Italy. You can climb all the way to the top and get a view of the entire city. We didn’t reserve a ticket before going and the line was too long. If you want to go, reserve a ticket online before making the trip out there.

duomo in florence italy

Florence Italy Hotels

We stayed at the Goldoni hotel in Florence Italy. It’s a cool hotel in the heart of the city. It’s all on one floor of an apartment building which is weird but works. I think we liked the bed here the most but the bathroom was a little weird. It looked like someone had hung onto the shower railing and it was half falling off the wall. However, my parents bathroom was much nicer Overall, this place had a great breakfast and the staff was AMAZING! If you are making a trip to Florence Italy, it’s definitely a hotel to look into.

We had the best time in Florence Italy and I can’t wait until we make a trip back, especially for all the food! Have you ever been? What is your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO Kayla

January 25, 2019 0 comment

kayla throwing up a peace sign in manarola cinque terre, italy

Lifestyle Travel

Why You Should Put Cinque Terre, Italy On Your Bucket List

by Kayla Smith January 18, 2019

written by Kayla Smith

The hidden gems of what to see, eat and things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy and why you need to go there.

I’ve traveled all across Italy from Milan to Rome and Florence to Venice, but nothing quite compares to Cinque Terre, Italy. A lot of the bigger cities crawl with people 24/7 but they dwarf in comparison to the charm and magic of Cinque Terre, Italy. I’ve never been one to be speechless. However, when I was standing on the edge of a cliff over Riomaggiore, I had no words. There’s a magic about Cinque Terre, Italy that doesn’t compare to anywhere else in the world. I’m sharing my favorite parts about each city and where we ate because the food is enough of a reason to go haha!

Things to Do

A big reason Cinque Terre, Italy should be on your bucket list is because there’s something there for everyone. Each one of the cities have their own unique charm. I’ll share some of our favorite things from each of the cities and which ones stood out the most to me.

Riomaggiore

Out of all the cities in Cinque Terre, Italy, I think Riomaggiore is my favorite. On our first day, we spent half of Christmas day exploring the town. There was NO ONE there which I liked since the hustle and bustle of Rome became overwhelming at times. It’s the first city from La Spezia and the train station is very easy to navigate. Some of the other ones are NOT easy (but we will get into that later haha). There’s two sections of the town. We hiked up the first one and once you get up to the overlook, there’s a small pathway that leads down to the marina and some rocks overlooking the ocean. It’s semi-difficult to navigate since the railings are really rusty but the view is so worth it!

From the marina, we hiked up to the city square, All the houses are painted in pastel colors which makes for beautiful pictures. Our pictures here turned out amazing and the sunset was UNREAL! If you need a spot to watch the sunset, pick this city because it’s the prettiest out of all of them.

cliffs of riomaggiore cinque terre, italy overlooking the railing in cinque terre, italy Kayla and Taz overlooking Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy Kayla standing in the square in Riomaggiore Cinque Terre, Italy

throwing up a peace sign in Riomaggiore Cinque Terre, Italy

Manarola

Manarola is the most popular city in Cinque Terre, Italy for good reason. The colorful houses and amazing views are unreal. Add in delicious seafood and you’re set! If you’re a seafood lover, this is the city for you! However, we are not and struggled to find a place that sold anything other than seafood spaghetti. Despite our food trial, the trail leading up to the overlook gave us a 360 degree view of the city. It’s by far the most crowded of any other place but the pictures are worth it! We could’ve spent all night here.

Kayla overlooking Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy sunset in Manarola Cinque Terre, Italy Kayla and Taz in Manarola Cinque Terre, Italy

Corniglia

Corniglia is probably the smallest city in all of Cinque Terre, Italy. This city is the hardest to navigate since the train station spits you out at the bottom of the cliff and you have to climb (A LOT of) stairs to actually get to the city. There’s no other way up so it isn’t the most accessible. However, I appreciated being able to burn off some of my endless amounts of pizza and pasta haha. AND the views are stunning just like the other cities in Cinque Terre, Italy.

overlooking Corniglia Cinque Terre, Italy

Vernazza

I LOVED Vernazza! It’s an adorable fishing town with a marina and tons of grapes everywhere. If you get a chance to go, walk down to the marina and spend the afternoon down by the water. There’s a ton of places to go eat and walk around. We also went on a hike up by the old church. There’s a view of the entire city that’s absolutely breathtaking!

overlooking Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy Kayla overlooking Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the smallest of the cities in Cinque Terre, Italy. We didn’t spend a ton of time there but the beach is so relaxing. There’s a ton of rocks to walk out on and it would be the perfect place to lay out in the summertime. It’s an adorable little town with a lot of spots to fish and swim in Cinque Terre, Italy.

standing on the rocks in Monterrosso al Mare in Cinque Terre, Italy standing on the beach in Monterrosso al Mare in Cinque Terre, Italy

Place to Stay

I wanted to share one of the best Cinque Terre hotels because we loved our hotel so much! Here’s our experience:

Cinque Terre Hotels

My family loved staying at Firenze al Continental. There aren’t a lot of Cinque Terre hotels but this is the BEST place to stay if you are looking to visit Cinque Terre, Italy. It’s the main city of La Spezia where you can take the train to visit all of the five cities of Cinque Terre, Italy. I would recommend staying in La Spezia over any of the Cinque Terre cities because lugging suitcases up the side of a cliff would be absolute misery. We stayed on the third floor and it was by far our favorite hotel on the entire trip. The staff gave us directions and a ton of help and laid out an incredible breakfast on the top floor every morning with a view of the entire city. We all wish we could’ve stayed there the entire trip!

hotel in La Spezia outside of Cinque Terre, Italy

Food to Eat

Cinque Terre Restaurants

La Bottega Del Fritto (chain)

We visited four of the cities in Cinque Terre, Italy. We went to Vernazza and loved the adorable town! You can walk down the entire city and see two other cities from where you are. On our way back to the train station, we got chips (fries) at La Bottega Del Fritto and they were DELICIOUS! They give you your French fries in a little cone with a stick so you can stab them and eat without getting your hands dirty. The fries tasted equal parts crispy on the outside to soft on the inside. I could’ve eaten three more cones!

eating french fries in Vernazza Cinque Terre, Italy

Gelateria Vernazza

After we devoured our fries, we walked across the street to the Gelateria Vernazza. It has some of the best gelato in all of Italy! I got chocolate and stracciatella (chocolate chip) and it came with a little waffle chip on the top. It was a nice treat from all the walking around.

eating gelato in Vernazza Cinque Terre, Italy

Pizzeria Masaniello

I’m almost positive this is the name but it’s in La Spezia right down the street from our hotel. They make incredible neopolitan pizza and it’s absolutely delicious! Beware that the servers only know broken English so make sure to point to what you want on the menu if you don’t speak Italian. My sister asked for a #12 which is a ham and cheese calzone and got a #21 which was a pizza covered in eggplant, artichokes and bacon with a PUMPKIN sauce. A bit of a stretch from a basic calzone! Haha. Taz got the Diavola (pepperoni) and I got margherita which are much safer options.

pizza in la spezia outside of Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy should be on your bucket list if you love adventure, delicious food and traveling off the beaten path. I loved the chance to explore and discover new places that I had never seen before in pictures or posted all over Instagram. I could’ve spent an entire month exploring the coast of Cinque Terre, Italy and I can’t wait to go back one day. If you have any other questions about my trip or some suggestions of what else to do, feel free to reach out!

XOXO Kayla

January 18, 2019 0 comment

standing in front of the colosseum in rome italy

Lifestyle Travel

Rome, Italy: Top 7 Must-See Attractions

by Kayla Smith January 11, 2019

written by Kayla Smith

Here’s everything you need to know before booking your trip to Rome, Italy!

We just got back from spending 10 days traveling throughout Italy! Rome, Italy was our first stop and it is one of my favorite spots. We spent a lot of time exploring the city and eating alllll the food. I wanted to share the best things we did on our trip and break down some of the things you should know before booking your next vacation. Going to such a big city can be overwhelming but I hope this blog post helps relieve some of the stress. I’m talking about the top 10 must-see attractions along with some of the best places to stay in Rome, Italy and our favorite restaurants. Here’s what to know before you go:

Things to Do in Rome, Italy

Colosseum

On our first day in Rome, we went to the Colosseum. My mom reserved our tickets online and that was AMAZING since the line to get tickets would take hours. We decided to go without a tour guide so we could see as much or as little of the Colosseum as possible. Also, if you follow a tour group around, you can get all the same information. We walked along the top, middle and down onto the stage area. There is no access to the catacombs underneath the stage unless you pay more money so we opted out of that.

What To Know Before You Go: When buying a ticket online, the tickets are good for 1-2 days. If you miss your designated time, you can technically get in anytime that day and tickets are good for both the Colosseum and Roman Forum but you can only visit each place one time.

couple at the colosseum in rome italy standing under an arch in rome italy inside the colosseum in rome italy

Roman Forum

I had never been to the Roman Forum before and it’s absolutely HUGE! Walking around the Roman Forum was one of the highlights on our trip because seeing all the architecture is breathtaking. Plus, the road dates to before the birth of Christ. The slight history nerd was FREAKING out I was so excited! I could’ve spent all day here! There’s so much to see and I didn’t even see all of it after 3 hours there.

What to Know Before You Go: Climb to the very top and you’ll see the best view of the entire city of Rome! There’s also running water fountains along the trail with fresh water to drink.

roman forum in rome italy overlooking the roman forum in rome italy standing by a wall in the roman forum in rome italy

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is the oldest running aqueduct in the world! When I first came to Rome, Italy, the Trevi Fountain was under construction. I was devastated that I didn’t get to have my Lizzie McGuire moment. Now, the Trevi Fountain isn’t covered with scaffolding and enough people to fill a small country are gathered around it. There were So. Many. People. It was easily the most crowded area I saw in Rome, Italy besides the Colosseum. If you’re standing looking at the fountain, go all the way to the right hand side against the wall. It’s a more open space to take photos rather than head on.

What to Know Before You Go: A ton of men go around offering to take pictures for you on your phone. This may seem nice but rumor has it they pretend to snap the photo and then take off with your phone. Be aware of the people around you and the risk you run from having a stranger snap your photo. Trade with a friend or another couple nearby. Trust your gut and you should be just fine! Also, I recommend going early in the morning just as the sun rises for optimal lighting and for better pictures with less people.

sitting in front of the trevi fountain in rome italy

Pantheon

The Pantheon is soooo cool! You cannot take pictures inside and I wish I could’ve. The inside is a huge dome with a hole in the middle so when it rains, water pours inside. Weird, right? It’s a former Roman temple turned church so definitely take some time to go see it. Plus, it’s a great photo-op!

pantheon in rome italy

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

This is one of my favorite spots in all of Italy! There’s a gorgeous fountain in the middle of a square. During the first time I went to Rome, Italy, the square filled with artists during the summer sharing their handmade sentiments and oil paintings. During the winter, it is the center for Rome’s Christmas market. There’s chestnuts roasting on each corner, candy shops, windows filled with ornaments and a giant carousel. It’s SO magical! No matter what time of year, it’s a spot you must take some time to stumble upon.

fontana dei fiumi in rome italy

The Vatican

On our second day in Rome, Italy, we went to the Vatican. It was PACKED! I’ve never seen more people in one spot before. We didn’t buy any tickets in advance but we were able to get in fairly quickly. If you want to get in early, I recommend buying them ahead of time. It is so easy to get lost in the Vatican without a tour guide, but when you’re on a tour, you don’t get to see everything. Get a map if you can find one. We didn’t grab one at the beginning and backtracked a lot of the time we were there. My favorite parts of the Vatican are the Egypt exhibits and the Roman sculptures. The Sistine Chapel is incredible but I can’t stay in there long with the sheer amount of people stuffed into the room. (I get very claustrophobic…)

What To Know Before You Go: Your time in the Vatican ends in the Sistine Chapel. There’s an exit that goes straight into St. Peter’s Basilica and the other exit brings you back to the entrance of the Vatican. If you don’t want to wait hours to get into the basilica, take the other exit. We made that mistake and it cost us a lot of valuable time.

view from the vatican in rome italy inside of the vatican in rome italy ceiling in the vatican in rome italy

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of my favorite places in Rome, Italy! It’s 100% free to go and it’s STUNNING! The line is crazy long to get in but if you also have tickets to the Vatican, refer to my tip above. It’s absolutely massive and has some of the best architecture in all of Rome. If you go, don’t forget to go down to the crypt where all the previous popes are buried and apparently St. Peter’s body is down there too along with a spike from the cross of Christ.

standing in line for st peter's basilica in rome italy standing in front of st peter's basilica in rome italy

Place to Stay in Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy Hotels

The Crosti Hotel is one my favorite Rome Italy hotels I’ve ever stayed in. My family loved staying at the Crosti Hotel! It’s really close to the Termini train station, but if you are wanting to be more centralized I recommend going somewhere else. However, the train station also has a subway entrance with many tracks to take you to all the local attractions. Our room was HUGE! We had a queen bed, two toilets, a bidet, a shower and a pull out couch in a separate room. It was nice having all the space and we could’ve easily fit another person (or two) on the pull out couch. The shower is absolutely tiny but that’s pretty much any shower in Europe. Every room included a safe which gave us peace of mind when we went out to explore Rome, Italy.

What to Know Before You Go: Before booking, you should know that there are two different types of rooms: hotel rooms and apartments. Hotel rooms are in the building and the apartments are three blocks away. Taz and I had a hotel room and the rest of my family was in an apartment. It was kind of crazy that they are so far away, but definitely keep that in mind if you’re going with a group. Also, breakfast is only complimentary with hotel rooms and not apartments since the apartments have their own kitchens.

crosti hotel apartment balcony in rome italy

Rome, Italy Restaurants

We ate a TON of yummy food when we went to Rome, Italy and here’s some of my favorite places that we ate during our time there:

Tre Scali Gelato

Dessert is always first, right? This gelato shop is right next to the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. I got the Stracciatella gelato (aka chocolate chip) but there’s a ton of gelato/sorbet flavors. It’s one of the cheaper options I was able to find and they definitely don’t skimp out on how much they give you.

tre scali gelato in rome italy

Vito E Dina

This restaurant was the best one we ate at the entire time we spent in Rome, Italy! The portions were larger and it tasted incredible. We got fresh bread with every plate and my sister said it was the best food she ate on our entire trip. I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese. If you go, order the pasta because you have to taste it!

vito e dina in rome italy fettuccine bolognese at vito e dina in rome italy

Pizzeria del Secolo

We found this place right down the street from our hotel. It’s a pay per slice pizza restaurant which is great if you’re on a budget. It definitely wasn’t the best pizza I had during our entire trip but it was still tasty. My sister and I died over the patate (potato) pizza with the white sauce. It’s DELICIOUS!

Those are all the things to know before going to Rome, Italy! I wrote about all the places to go, hotels to stay in and food to eat. If there’s any other questions you have before booking your vacation to Rome, Italy, don’t hesitate to ask! I would love to answer any and all questions you may have. If you are booking any other trips this year, here’s my post all about my trips to Paris, London, and Edinburgh.

XOXO Kayla

January 11, 2019 1 comment

Dixie Rock is one of the things to do in St. George

Lifestyle Travel

Things to Do in St. George, Utah

by Kayla Smith September 7, 2018

written by Kayla Smith

All the best places to see and things to do in St. George on your next trip!

Taz and I love to visit St. George! I have a good amount of family members that live throughout the city so it is always great when we make a trip to see extended family. Here is a fun fact that not many people know, but my husband Taz Smith was born in St. George. It seems that every time we come to town it keeps getting bigger. It seems to be growing very rapidly with Dixie State expanding the surrounding areas are just exploding with people. However, it’s still a great getaway for everyone that still wants that small-town feel without having to venture very far.

This is a list of my favorite things to do in St. George and spots in Southern Utah. I have broken it down into a handful of main sections “things to do” “food to eat” “places to stay” “low budget” “money is no issue”. These are all topics I have wondered about when planning a trip to St. George. I hope these things help you find things to do in St. George while you visit.

Things to Do

St George is definitely a college town, this means there are lots of fun things to do on the cheap, if not free. This means you can save a lot of money when traveling through St George by exploring some of these great spots. There are so many drop-dead beautiful state and national parks that you can drive to in less than one hour. St George is totally a go-to spot for the outdoor adventure type. These parks are also great for the average jo like me and my husband with plenty of easy walks or hikes making it great for the whole family.

Red Hills Desert Gardens

Red Hills Desert Gardens is by far one of my favorite things to do in St. George! During our move from Utah to Florida on our first night in St. George, it was just about sunset and we wanted to do explore somewhere fun because we had been driving all day. So we decided to check out and walked around the gardens. We took beautiful pictures and hiked around the red rocks. It is perfect for a cute date night or if you have a small family. There are plenty of great spots for pictures that are gorgeous. It is right next to Dixie Rock which is a great little adventure spot especially if you are looking to catch the sunrise. For the gardens, there is a beautiful walk just around the park but you can go down into the carved out walkway which you can see below, it is beautiful and full of lots of fun local art.

The price is free!

the Red Hills Desert Gardens are on the list of things to do in St. George

St. George Temple

The St. George temple is at the center of the city and the white walls against the red rocks take my breath away! This is a religious building for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints and was built in St George over 150 years ago. To go inside the actual temple you need to be a member of the church but they have a great visitor Center that explains how it was built and why temples are important. There’s a beautiful walkway around the grounds with great trees and well-kept flower beds. It is a very peaceful place and great for families to take a walk and picnic if it is a nice day.

The price is free.

Downtown St. George

When we come to St. George, we always like to take walks downtown. We always end up staying pretty close to the downtown area so it makes it pretty easy to go out early before it gets too hot or late afternoons once it has cooled off. There is a lot to see like the St. George tabernacles, dozens of adorable shops and yummy restaurants. Taz and I actually went ring shopping downtown during our first trip down to St. George, but that’s a story for another day haha. Depending on the night there really on the weekends there is normally something going on.

The price is free. (unless you get a snack or buy something local from one of the cute shops)

Snow Canyon State Park

If you want to feel as if you are transported to a different world check out snow canyon. We took the quick trip through the mountains to the Snow Canyon State Park outlook and wow. You can see from the photo below that it is just stunning. I had never been before and now I’m convinced that everyone should put that at the top of their list of things to do in St. George! There’s a ton of places to hike, ride your bike, or there are lookout points if you want to just drive through. it is only a 15-30 minute drive outside of St. George so how can you not! if you can spend at least half a day exploring this park because its amazing.

The basic price just to drive in to spend the day is $10 unless you are a Utah resident then it is $5. Below is the complete price guide from the state park website in case you are interested in camping or group passes.

PARK FEES

Day-use Fees: $10 per vehicle (up to eight people); $5 per vehicle (up to eight people) Seniors 62 and older (Utah residents with UT driver’s license); $5 pedestrian/cyclists (up to eight people); $3 per person commercial use or vehicles with nine or more people

Camping Fees:
Non-hookup sites: $20 per night; Hookup Sites (W&E): $25 per night
Extra vehicle fees (one extra vehicle per site permitted): $15 per night

Group Day Use:
Lower Galoot Day Use Area: $60 (Reservation / Permit required)

Group Overnight Camping:
Cottontail Group Campground: $3 per person + refundable cleaning deposit at the park (25 people min – 35 max – 10 vehicles max)
Quail Group Campground: $4 per person + refundable cleaning deposit at the park (25 people min – 55 max – 20 vehicles max)

Snow Canyon State Park is on the list of things to do in St. George

Food to Eat

The food in St. George is amazing. It has some unique great places that are absolutely delicious. There are of course the regular places you can find in any town across the U.S. Don’t get me wrong I love myself some Chilis chicken crispers but if you are only in St. George for a short time there are so many yummy spots you have to try. I find food and restaurants are one of the easiest ways to dive into the culture of an area and really understand and get a feel for the local people.

George’s Corner

George’s Corner was the first place I ever ate when I came to St. George with Taz. We were in town for a wedding in early summer and it was one of those beautifully hot days in St. George. We were exploring the downtown area and looking for a yummy cold snack. This led us to Georg’s Corner and our waiter recommended the banana split, so we ordered it. LET ME TELL YOU! I was blown away and so was Taz. When they brought it out to our table both of our jaws dropped. It was picture perfect and tasted like it was crafted by angels. Every time we are in town if we have time we stop in for this amazing icecream dish. I’m sure they have good meals too or you can just make the banana split your meal. I’m not judging! I think it costs around $7.00 Dollars.

Frost Top

Since I like putting dessert first, make your way over to Frost Top! If I’m being honest, their menu isn’t my favorite except for their milkshakes. They’re thick and have a TON of different toppings! Taz though really enjoys the old-style fast-food feel of the place. He normally will get their chicken sandwich or burger and fries. Overall if you are in a rush and want to try something new I would recommend this over the usual McDonalds or Wendys but definitely stop in for a yummy milkshake.

Price range $5.00-$15.00

Cafe Rio

Cafe Rio is a Utah “staple” that almost has its own section in Utah’s food pyramid. The first Cafe Rio is actually located in St. George and it is worth a stop! If you end up here, I love the grilled chicken tacos with rice no beans but the dish they are known for is the sweet pork burrito and if this is your first time trying Cafe Rio you should start there. The eternal debate, however, is whether someone prefers Costa Vida or Cafe Rio. They are a very similar type of restaurant so if you can definitely go to both to pick your favorite. If you make it to both let me know which one you prefer, I would love to know your thoughts!

Viva Chicken

My friend suggested Viva Chicken to us on our last trip so we knew we had to try it. It did not disappoint! The chicken is absolutely delicious and the french fries are to die for. If you have a chance to come down to St. George, this place is a MUST!

Viva Chicken is on the list of things to do in St. George, Utah

Zeppes

I wanted to start and end with dessert and Zeppe’s was my favorite place I’ve had while in St. George. The soft-serve custard is mouthwatering. I ate all of mine in minutes and then some of Taz’s too. It was THAT good!

Zeppes is on the list of things to do in St. George, Utah

Places to Stay

My Place St. George

When we go down to St. George, we usually stay with family, but this time we decided to go to a hotel. My Place St. George opened only a few months previously and we wanted to check it out. Every room contained a kitchenette to make your own meals if you were in town for an extended stay, pool, hot tub, and even breakfast in bed! We were definitely spoiled and will definitely be staying there during our future trips to St. George.

My Place St. George is one of the things to do in St. George

Local Airbnb/VRBO

These websites are one of the best ways to find adorable places to stay. With the natural beauty of St George, there are some truly spectacular Airbnb/VRBO. You can find some pretty cheap options as well as very high-end places. so no matter your budget you will be able to sleep very comfortably.

Those are all of my favorite things to do in St. George! If you find any other hidden gems, tell me down in the comments. Also, if you liked this post, here’s a couple of my other favorite things to do in Utah.

XOXO Kayla

September 7, 2018 0 comment

Lifestyle Travel

Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

by Kayla Smith July 10, 2018

written by Kayla Smith

I’m sharing all the things to see, places to stay and amazing things to do in Edinburgh!

I shared a little about the beginning of my three-month study abroad. We began in Paris, moved on to London and then to Scotland with Edinburgh as our first stop. We spent a couple days there and I loved it! It’s such a cool city. I wanted to put together this blog post so you know the best things to do in Edinburgh before you make the trip!

Things to See

Hike

Hiking was one of my favorite things to do in Edinburgh! We hiked over to the Pentland hills which is super close to the city center. It gives a gorgeous view of the city and it’s one of the best spots there.

a hike is one of the many things to do in edinburgh

Royal Mile

After the hike, we went exploring on the Royal Mile through the city. We walked through a cemetary, visited the Museum of Edinburgh and bought trinkets at some tourist shops. The cemetaries there are creepy, but also cool. Definitely stop through a couple when you visit town.

watching the bagpipe player is one of the many things to do in edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

I never went inside the Edinburgh castle since it is definitely pricey to get inside, but it was a fun place to take pictures of! Compared to France and London, Edinburgh is a lot smaller so I enjoyed the “small town” feel. The castle is the center of the city and can be seen for miles around. If you don’t go inside, still make a trip up the Royal Mile to go see it from the outside.

seeing the castle is one of the many things to do in edinburgh

St. Giles Cathedral

This is a super cool cathedral just off of the Royal Mile. (Are you catching a pattern here? 🙂 ) It’s full of gorgeous architecture and unreal stained glass. It’s a good place to escape the rain and admire one of the coolest buildings in Edinburgh.

seeing the St. Giles Cathedral is one of the many things to do in Edinburgh

The Elephant House

This is one of my favorite things to do in Edinburgh! JK Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, first wrote her ideas of the book on some napkins in this little cafe. There’s a cemetary behind it that also has a bunch of the names she used in the book. You can find Tom Riddle, Sirius Black and John Knox who Dumbledore was inspired after. It’s proof that you can find inspiration anywhere!

The Elephant House is one of the many things to do in Edinburgh A cemetery tour is one of the many things to do in Edinburgh

Places to Stay

We stayed at the Smart City Hostel. There’s four bunk beds in each room with two bathrooms. There’s a bar downstairs with delicious food and there’s a 20% discount for students.

Food to Eat

StarBucks

If you need a spot for a hot drink and some WiFi, StarBucks will be your best friend! It was freezing there even in May when I went.

The Baked Potato Shop

The Baked Potato Shop made me so happy! They have baked potatoes the size of footballs! This place is by far one of the most fun things to do in Ediburgh. Baked potatoes are covered in all sorts of toppings, but I decided to go simple with butter, salt, pepper and cheese. If you’re ever in Edinburgh, you can’t miss it!

The Baked Potato Shop is one of the many things to do in Edinburgh

Mexican Food

This sounds crazy, but some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had was in Edinburgh. It may be because I hadn’t had good Mexican food in weeks, but it was so good! I’m kicking myself for not writing down the name, but if you see any Mexican food while in Edinburgh, I guarantee it’s probably the only one.

Travel Tips

I wasn’t there very long, but if you couldn’t tell already, find a place to stay off of the Royal Mile. It’s where the majority of things are located so everything is easily a walking distance away.

Those are all my favorite things to do in Edinburgh! If you ever get a chance to go to England, definitely make the trip over to Scotland too. It’s very underrated and super cool! I loved my time there and I hope you enjoy it too. If you’ve been and I missed something, let me know in the comments and I will add it to the list.

XOXO Kayla

July 10, 2018 0 comment

Lifestyle Travel

My Favorite Leather Backpack for Traveling

by Kayla Smith June 14, 2018

written by Kayla Smith

This leather backpack can fit everything and more!

I wanted to start sharing all my favorite travel items more often. Recently, I got the RosaPak complimentary from Parker Design Co. and I’m blown away with it. I bring it with me everywhere and I’m planning to bring it with me on a big trip in July. It’s unlike any other backpack I’ve used in the past and here’s why:

Quality

This is the best quality leather backpack I’ve ever had. It’s actually vegan leather for all you animal lovers out there and can fit ALL the things! The best part of it all is that it has enough room for a laptop and TWO water bottles inside. My old purses usually become a bottom-less wasteland of gum wrappers, pens and approximately 543987345 tubes of lipgloss. The RosaPack has a pocket for EVERYTHING and the inside is actually waterproof too. It’s the perfect diaper bag, backpack for a girl on the go, or just to have because it’s so dang cute!

What’s In My Bag?

Every once in a while, Taz and I go somewhere that has WiFi so we can get out of the house and work on my blog and he can edit pictures. I always pack the essentials: laptop, chargers, my planner, and treats! Haha, but really I love snacking. The sleeve fits my 15” laptop perfectly and then there’s plenty of room to fit my monsterous planner. (If I don’t write something down, it NEVER happens.) I keep one inside pocket open for cords and then the other holds my favorite water bottle. Also, I have some of my go-to lipglosses and some other odds and ends depending on the day.

I can’t wait to bring this leather backpack with us on our adventures through this year and into next year. We are hoping to do a quick getaway next month and this is more than big enough to put all your clothes and toiletries for that amount of time as well. Check out their website and let me know if you have any questions. I can’t wait to see how you style it!

XOXO Kayla

June 14, 2018 0 comment

Lifestyle Travel

London Travel Guide: Places to See + Things to Do in London, England

by Kayla Smith June 8, 2018

written by Kayla Smith

Here’s the ultimate list of things to do in London to help you navigate this city and the rest of the United Kingdom!

Three years ago, I went to London three times in one summer. Thankfully, I documented my travels and I thought I would share all my tips and tricks for getting around London. I put together this London Travel Guide to share the best things to do and places to see!

Things to Do in London

Shepherd’s Bush Market

My flat for BYU was right on the outskirts of the Shepherd’s Bush Market. There’s everything you could possibly imagine at the market! They had adorable purses for only 7 euros, but I never had a chance to go back and get one.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

This is an awesome place to go! I don’t think I fully appreciated it until I saw Sherlock, but I loved it! If you’re a fan, you’ll love this place. The Beatles Museum and Rock n’ Roll shop are on the same strip as well.

the sherlock holmes museum is one of the many things to do in london

British Museum

I went to the British Museum with my study abroad class. At first, I was underwhelmed, but I enjoyed it. If you’re a history buff, don’t forget to come here!

the british museum is one of the many things to do in london

Big Ben

There wasn’t a better moment than when I saw Big Ben for the first time! It’s my favorite place to take pictures in London. There’s iconic phone booths lining the entire road for the perfect photo op.

big ben is one of the many things to do in london

The Eye

The Eye is pretty close by to Big Ben. I didn’t have a chance to go inside because it’s 21 euros. It’s a really iconic place to go and I hope on my next trip that I’ll be able to go up. That’s my one regret from going to London.

the eye is one of the many things to do in london

Burough Market

This is one of my favorite things to do in London!This is a place under a bridge that sells groceries and delicious fresh food. I bought a tomato basil focaccia and a chocolate cheesecake on my trip there. There’s a ton of places to get samples too. I tried lots of yummy things such as spinach ricotta ravioli with pesto, balsamic vinegar, basil olive oil, and lime gelato which was delicious!

the burough market is one of the many things to do in london

National Gallery

This museum has my mom’s favorite painting, the water lillies by Monet. There’s a bunch of gorgeous art pieces there and was by far my favorite museum in London.

the national gallery is one of the many things to do in london

Phantom of the Opera

If I can suggest anything in this London Travel Guide, go to a play if you get a chance! I saw Phantom of the Opera and it was amazing. The seating wasn’t my favorite so make sure to look at available seating before purchasing your ticket or else you may have a pole in your view like I did.

seeing a play is one of the many things to do in london

Hampton Court

This is the castle where King Henry VIII lived. They handed each of us a scratch and sniff map which is both delicious and disgusting. We went through the castle fairly quickly and then spent the rest of the afternoon lounging in the gardens. It’s a gorgeous estate and would be an awesome place to do a day trip and pack a picnic.

hampton court is one of the many things to do in london

Tower Bridge

This is one of my favorite spots to take pictures and one of the best things to do in London. It’s a gorgeous spot and it’s fun to walk across.

the tower bridge is one of the many things to do in london

King’s Cross Station

I loved going here! You can find Platform 9 ¾ from Harry Potter. I’m a total Harry Potter junkie so this is definitely a must on this London Travel Guide. It’s such a cute spot for a photo-op.

king's cross station is one of the many things to do in london

Double Decker Bus

If you get the chance, hop on to a double decker bus and get a tour of the city. You can hop on and off as many times as you want with a pass. I got on at King’s Cross Station and then went around town there. I got a little car sick since mine was SO hot, but depending on the time of year, I’m sure it isn’t too bad.

Harry Potter Movie Set

When I went to London, I had the opportunity to go on the set of where Warner Brothers filmed Harry Potter. My inner nerd was freaking out… but I was kind of underwhelmed. I live near Harry Potter World in Florida which feels like I’m immersed in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. However, on the set, it’s put together more like a museum than an actual place. I think if I hadn’t already been to Harry Potter World, I would like it, but I still don’t think the experience was worth 50 pounds plus the 30 pounds it took to get there outside of London.

harry potter set is one of the many things to do in london

Stone Henge

Stone Henge is an incredible place! It’s not in London itself but it’s definitely worth the trip if you have a chance. I have no clue how those people built this landmark but it’s amazing! Definitely in the tops things to do in London (even though it is technically outside 🙂 )

stone henge is one of the many things to do in london

Food to Eat

Pub Food

If you go to London, you can’t go without getting fish and chips! They have fries with malt vinegar which sounds disgusting, but sometimes I crave it since coming home. Pubs have the best food in all of London!

Supermarket

I found that it is cheaper to get fresh fruit and pastries at the supermarket for breakfast and sometimes lunch. They have a ton of options. Just be aware that bags usually cost extra.

Pastries

London is pretty comparable to Paris for how delicious their pastries are. Definitely take advantage of these amazing bites while you can.

Kinder Surprise

This is my favorite candy I ate on the entire trip. It brought out the child in me. It’s in the shape of an egg with milk chocolate on the outside and white chocolate on the inside. When you crack it open, there’s a toy inside. They’re either really cute or super weird. It’s just a fun thing to experience while in Europe. Every country has different toys so when you travel, make sure to get some wherever you go!

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

If you get to try any of the restaurants on this list of things to do in London, go here! It’s the oldest pub in all of London. It was built in 1667 and people came here to get food including Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. Plus, the food is to die for! I ate food just before I went but I got some chips and a delicious chocolate mousse with orange blossom ice cream.

ye olde cheshire cheese is one of the many things to do in london

Places to Stay

Thankfully, BYU has flats that are available for rent. Each one had a place to wash and dry our clothes before moving on to Ireland. The washing machines are super tiny there and are actually a washer and dryer in one. They don’t dry really well so I recommend hanging clothes up to dry if at all possible. I found that renting flats can be much cheaper than finding hotel rooms.

Travel Tips

Eurail Pass

I came to London from Paris so we took the train that goes underwater. It was terrifying but really cool at the same time. I heard it is more expensive than when I went but I’m fairly certain that you can get discounted tickets for students and/or a group. Make sure to double check before scheduling your trip if you want to hit up Paris too.

Blow Dryer vs. Converter

There’s a tiny sticker on converters that say not to plug a blow dryer into it. I didn’t see it and my converter blew only a few days into my trip. So I am warning you before you make the same mistake haha.

Apple Products

iPhones are dual voltage so they don’t need a converter. If you are only bringing your phone and no other electronics, I would recommend not buying a converter. They are super heavy and hard to lug around.

Oyster Card

The London Tube is the cleanest train I’ve been on the entire time I was in Europe. It was my main form of transportation to get around the city and I would recommend to get an Oyster Card if you’re in the city for an extended period of time.

Those are all the things to do in London. Let me know if there’s any other must-see places you go to on your trip there and I’ll be sure to add it to my list. If you liked this travel guide, here’s one from when I went to Paris! Also, if you don’t know what to pack before heading out, refer to my ultimate packing list for ideas.

XOXO Kayla

June 8, 2018 0 comment