نویسنده: AliBina

Planning a Tennis Trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open
If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll know that my mom and I are on a mission to attend all four tennis majors—the Grand Slam events in England, New York, Paris and Melbourne—as well as the other 1000 and 500 WTA and ATP tournaments. This year’s big event for us was the Australian Open, and tickets for the 2026 AO (Jan. 12-Feb. 1) are officially on sale.

If you’re finding this post via Google, I’ll cut to the chase: I spent a ridiculous amount of time taking notes and making spreadsheets for the Australian Open and am sharing everything I learned while planning our trip to Melbourne.

Before you read any further, you may be wondering: Is the Australian Open worth attending? Simply put, YES. Is it also the best Grand Slam I’ve attended? Yes yes yes.

My mom and I loved this tournament and how approachable it is. Here’s why.

What is the Australian Open?

The first of the four annual Grand Slams, the Australian Open takes place each January during the peak of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, which means plenty of heat, sunshine and a city positively buzzing with international visitors who are just as tennis-obsessed as I am. It’s warm on some days, sneakily chilly on others, so you best go prepared.

The Australian Open is one of two hard court Slams and is in the middle of the Aussie swing, which means you can catch some smaller tournaments like Hobart, Brisbane and Adelaide if you want to extend your trip Down Under—or even pair it with a week in New Zealand as there’s an Auckland 250 event before the AO that serves as a warm-up for players. Following the Australian Open, there’s the Middle East swing (also hard court), then we go into clay season in Europe capped off with Roland Garros in Paris in May and June.

From there, it’s grass season with the majority of tournaments in the UK and Germany leading up to Wimbledon in late-June and July. Then, back to hard court season and North America with the U.S. Open taking place in New York over two weeks in August and September, followed by the Asia swing and the WTA and ATP finals. After attending multiple U.S. Opens and the French Open just last year, planning a trip to the Aussie Open was our next big feat.

How to get tickets for the Australian Open

Tickets to the Australian Open go on pre-sale in September with the general sale going on now in October; exact date varies year to year. The official ticketing partner is Ticketmaster Australia, and we had no problem going on the app and getting tickets, versus Roland-Garros where it felt akin to getting Taylor Swift Eras tour tickets and we resorted to a lot of expensive resale tickets.

Day session tickets allow you into Melbourne Park beginning at 10am, while all night session tickets allow you into the grounds at 5pm. If you have day session passes, you can stay on the grounds until they close and enjoy the matches on the outdoor courts, you just won’t be able to access night matches in the two ticketed arenas if you don’t have a night session pass.

Which tickets should I get for the Australian Open?

The park has multiple venues where the Australian Open matches take place. Rod Laver Arena is the largest venue with a capacity of 15,000, while John Cain Arena seats 10,500 and Margaret Court Arena seats 7,500. Like Roland-Garros and other tennis majors, there are two main types of tickets.

Ground passes

Ground passes are available for every day session from qualies throughout the entire tournament; there’s even a seven-day grounds pass available for $99, an excellent deal. Prices for single-day grounds passes start at $10 per person and give you access to the outer courts and all the atmosphere of Melbourne Park from 10am until the grounds close.

Grounds passes will not get you into the main stadiums, Rod Laver or Margaret Court, or the reserved section at John Cain Area. But if you’re going during the opening week, there are plenty of matches—including popular players like Ben Shelton, Emma Raducanu and Frances Tiafoe—held on the outside courts all day every day.

Ground passes give you the freedom to wander, sample the food and drinks, and see a mix of big names and rising stars on the side courts. But if you’re hoping to see Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz or any of the other tennis greats, spring for a stadium ticket instead.

Stadium tickets

Stadium tickets mean you have a dedicated seat to one of the three main arenas: Rod Laver, Margaret Court or John Cain for the marquee matches. Buying tickets this far out, you’re kind of gambling on the arena since you won’t know the schedule until day of, which is why I bought a mix of tickets and visited all of them throughout our four days at the Australian Open.

Rod Laver Arena

The largest stadium of the AO, Rod Laver Arena is truly electric. We saw several matches in Rod Laver, including night matches featuring fan favorite (and our favorite!) Coco and home country hero Alex de Minaur, as well as the annual Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day. Because the stadium is small by U.S. standards–for perspective, my college football stadium is seven times the size of Rod Laver Arena–there truly is no bad seat in the house. We went YOLO and got fourth and fifth row for night sessions because they were surprisingly affordable.

Prices for seats in Rod Laver Arena start at $75 a ticket for day sessions and $89 for night sessions. Rod Laver is covered by a retractable roof, so matches take place even when it’s raining. A ticket to Rod Laver Arena will not get you into Margaret Court Arena. It will get you into all outside courts and the non-reserved seats at John Cain Arena assuming they aren’t operating under a “one-in, one-out” approach as they did for some of the bigger matches while we were there.

Margaret Court Arena

Margaret Court Arena is the third largest tennis stadium in Melbourne Park, but second to Rod Laver in terms of getting the big-name matches. It’s attached to Rod Laver via covered concourse.

Prices for seats in Margaret Court Arena start at $79 a ticket for day sessions and $69 for night sessions. Margaret Court has a retractable roof, so match play can continue during rain and extreme heat. A ticket to Margaret Court Arena will not get you into Rod Laver. It will get you into all outside courts and the non-reserved seats at John Cain Arena.

John Cain Arena

John Cain Arena is half-reserved seating, half-unreserved seating. Depending on the match, especially in the earlier rounds, your other stadium tickets or grounds passes will get you into the reserved side.

Prices for reserved seats in John Cain Arena start at $79 a ticket for day sessions and $65 for night sessions.

The AO Hilltop

More casual fans or budget travelers can still enjoy the fun via the big screens at the AO Hilltop, a non-ticketed area that is open the entirety of the two-week main draw. It’s free to visit, and there are brands and activations on site, as well as great views of the Melbourne skyline.

Getting to the Australian Open

The hardest part of getting to the Australian Open from America was obviously the flight, though we flew into Melbourne Airport and found it a very seamless travel experience. As the second largest airport in Australia, Melbourne Airport (MEL) is serviced by many nonstop flights daily from major international hubs; we arrived direct from Singapore.

We cashed in points from this credit card to fly business class on Singapore Airlines there and in QSuites on Qatar Airways on the way back, paying just the cost of taxes. If you’re based in the US and have not started playing the credit card points game, let me convince you it’s worth it to fund your tennis trips along. I’ve got a full post on how to get started with credit card points here.

From Melbourne Airport to our vacation rental was just 20 minutes by Uber.Once you’re in Melbourne, it is extremely easy to get to the Australian Open. We took Ubers everywhere and never paid more than $10 a trip, even during surge pricing times. The location of the Australian Open is so convenient that you can also walk if you’re staying centrally, or alternately, take an Uber to the central core and walk the rest of the way.

But there’s also a free tram in Melbourne to the Australian Open. From Flinders Street Station, you can hop on a tram straight to Melbourne Park or walk across the Tanderrum Bridge through Birrarung Marr to reach the Garden Square entrance. Richmond Station also offers an easy walk along Olympic Boulevard to the Grand Slam entrance, while Jolimont Station provides another convenient option just a short stroll through Yarra Park.

Where to stay in Melbourne for the Australian Open

You can stay anywhere in Melbourne and easily reach the Australian Open grounds. Since there were six of us traveling, we opted for a four-bedroom vacation rental in South Melbourne, which was such a fun location to be in both for exploring the city and getting to and from the tennis.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Melbourne instead, Melbourne Park is sandwiched among the Central Business District (CBD), East Melbourne, Southbank and Richmond. All of these hotels are close to the tennis:

What it cost us to go to the Australian Open in 2025

Cost is obviously going to vary based on where you’re coming from and also your exchange rate. In 2025, the U.S. dollar was strong compared to the AUD, so we came out on top. We also used points for flights, so just paid $100 or so in taxes and fees. Here’s what everything else cost us (in USD):
- Grounds passes to the AO: $32 per person
- Margaret Court day session: $159 per person for seventh row
- Rod Laver arena night session: $206 per person for fifth row
- Vacation rental in South Melbourne: $78 per person per night
- Uber to the tennis: $8-12 each way
If you’re using credit cards abroad, make sure you use a card without foreign transaction fees (most of the big travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the CapitalOne Venture X and the AmEx Platinum do not have FTCs). Of all the Grand Slam and ATP/WTA 1000 events I’ve attended, this was by far the most afforable.

The AO experience

The tagline is “the AO hits different,” and they’re not wrong: Everything about “the tennis” (what Aussies call the Australian Open) was just plain fun. It truly felt like summer Down Under, and from the Bondi Sands sunscreen stations to the various brand activations, I was in love with this tournament from the second we stepped foot onto the grounds.

The food and drink at Melbourne Park were great, with plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dining options. Because Melbourne is such an international city, a lot of the vendor booths are eclectic in food offerings. One of my favorite bites were the Bao buns inside the food concourse at the arenas, and I also had my share of Aperol Spritzes, as Aperol is one of the tournament’s big sponsors.

I think the grounds were the most fun part for our non-tennis fan travel buddies, so be sure and take time to explore Melbourne Park.

What can you bring into the Australian Open?

In terms of what you can bring into a Grand Slam event, the Australian Open was the most lax. There is no clear bag policy, so I took a small backpack from Lululemon that held my hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, wallet with my government ID and other necessities.

If you’re new to tennis tournaments, I recommend always carrying these items no matter where you’re traveling:
- Meds — I love this supplement case for storing my Tylenol, allergy medicine, etc.
- Eyedrops and chapstick — it can get dusty no matter the court
- Battery charger for my phone — I prefer this power bank for my iPhone
- Visor for blocking the sun — I have several of these for both tennis and spectating
- Sunscreen stick for reapplication — this is my ride or die as it doesn’t melt in my bag
- Long-sleeve T-shirt or light jacket — because even in Australia in the summer, it can get cool at night
The rain did come out to play one afternoon, and so did our Roland-Garros ponchos. You can get a small, reusable one like this poncho to throw in your back if getting wet is a concern and you don’t want to take up valuable space with a rain jacket.

Because this is Australia and they’re serious about conservation, there were water refill stations everywhere, so pack your reusable water bottle and take advantage of them.

FAQs about the Australian Open

Here are some of the top questions I was asked about planning a trip to the Australian Open. Feel free to add anymore in the comments, and I’ll answer as I read them.

If I have a ticket to Rod Laver, can I get into Margaret Court Arena?

No. Each pass is a separate ticket. There are 33 hard courts in use during the Australian Open. Any of the arena tickets will get you into all the outdoor courts, including Show Courts 2 and 3, each of which hold 3,000 fans, but not to the other arena (the exception being the non-reserved section in John Cain Arena).

How reliable is the Australian Open app?

While my data service worked fine during day hours at the AO, the app was not great for keeping up with matches in real time, which could have been due the data lag with so many cell phones pinging the same towers. I kept up with other matches via Google’s homepage instead as the game scores update in real time.

How can I stream the Australian Open in Australia?

If you’re from the U.S. and want to watch the AO when you’re not on site, you’ll need a VPN to log into your streaming service back home. I use NordVPN when traveling, and I’ve had no issues accessing Tennis Channel Plus or ESPN+ when abroad.

If you have a TV in your hotel or vacation rental, 9News and 9Now both broadcast the Australian Open, but I found they did not have all matches, so the VPN avenue was the best route for me as a super fan who wanted to catch up on every match I missed.

Getting between stadiums at Australian Open

Margaret Court and Rod Laver arenas are attached by a covered concourse, so if you happen to have tickets to both, it’s easy to bop between them. John Cain Arena is a bit further away, but not too far, and the outer courts are pretty spread out so study the map and allot ample time if you’re trying to make a specific match.

That said, we found the flow of the Australian Open a lot easier to navigate than Roland-Garros with a lot more room to move around between courts.

Buying merch at Australian Open

The Australian Open had some great merch. My favorite store was the main AO store next to Court 3 at the base of Margaret Court Arena, and we loaded up on T-shirts and AO hoodies, as well as gifts for the kids. All the other brands like Ralph Lauren had their own pop-up stores, but we mostly found them overprice and the merch not as cute as the main store.

There are also merch stands in the concourse of the main arenas that sell some of the primary AO designs and other accessories like visors and stuffed animals.

Queuing to get into the courts

The only time we ran into an issue in getting into an outside court with the general ticket (i.e. not an assigned stadium seat) was when Emma Raducanu played Ekaterina Alexandrova in a lengthy first-round match on Court 3 just before Gael Monfils went up against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. It was a double whammy of big names, and many fans arrived early for Monfils, thus taking up seats for the Raducanu match.

Because this court is one of the larger non-arena courts just outside of Rod Laver and Margaret Court, it was packed. My mom and I arrived during the women’s match so we easily got seats, but the rest of our crew arrived mid-match and waited an hour to be seated since it was one in, one out. So if you don’t have an assigned seat and really want to see a big name on an outside court like this one, plan to arrive before the match starts (or even during the match prior).
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07/10/2025
How to Plan a Trip to Ridgeland, Mississippi for Couples

When Scott and I travel, we’re always on the lookout for places that strike a balance with outdoor adventure and plenty of good food and cocktails—if there’s an arts scene, that’s a huge bonus. Ridgeland, Mississippi offers of all that. From paddling the Barnett Reservoir to wandering the boutiques of Renaissance at Colony Park, there are so many things to do in Ridgeland as a couple that we had no problem filling our days on our recent weekend in Mississippi.

This project is in partnership with Explore Ridgeland. All opinions are our own.

Why you should go to Ridgeland, Mississippi

Home to roughly 25,000 people, Ridgeland is just 20 minutes north of Jackson and located at the crossroads of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Anchored by the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, or “The Rez” to locals, it’s got 16 parks, 22 boat launches and 18 miles of paved walkways. In other words? It’s an outdoor lover’s playground and also a great fit for a couples weekend in Mississippi.

Outside of the Reservoir, one of the other main things to do in Ridgeland is visit the Old Town Railroad District, a mixed-use neighborhood comprising restaurants, fitness studios and other small businesses like a plant store. The newer part of Ridgeland is the ever-expanding Renaissance at Colony Park, a high-end pedestrian mall that’s a mix of national retail chains (e.g. Anthropologie, Apple, Athleta) and local boutiques.

Bars and restaurants in Ridgeland, Mississippi

Where to eat in the Railroad District

Undoubtedly the most unique place to eat in Ridgeland is the Lily Pad Café in the Railroad District. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday—plus one Saturday a month—the nonprofit’s mission extends beyond serving meals: It also provides meaningful employment and hands-on training in the hospitality industry for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a way to help their employees gain skills and confidence for future opportunities, the Lily Pad is one of only two restaurants in the nation that follows this model (the other being Hugs Café in Texas).

By dining here, you won’t just enjoy good food—I loved the flatbread while Scott devoured the chicken salad sandwich—but also support a community effort to create inclusion and independence. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are encouraged, especially for parties larger than four.

For dinner in the Railroad District, Ely’s Restaurant & Bar serves six cuts of aged steaks with add-on options like blue cheese, crab or shrimp. Seafood highlights include tuna, chili-glazed salmon and Gulf redfish, complemented by an extensive wine cellar and a robust bourbon, rye and scotch selection—all the makings of a perfect date night in Ridgeland.

Where to eat in Renaissance at Colony Park

Renaissance at Colony Park has no shortage of lunch spots, but Aplos tops the list. The Jackson-born Mediterranean restaurant serves wraps like chicken shawarma, ribeye steak and gyros, along with larger plates that come with pita, hummus, rice and a Greek salad. The menu has inventive pizzas, sides like roasted veggies and Greek fries, plus beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails and frozen drinks.

Another favorite lunch spot in Ridgeland is Zea Rotisserie & Bar. With locations across Mississippi and Louisiana, Zea’s sandwiches feature fun combinations like the pepper jelly chicken salad and my go-to, the Sedona chicken panini loaded with rotisserie chicken, caramelized onion, roasted garlic, cheeses and chipotle aioli. To top it off, Zea pours craft beers and premium spirits.

For dinner, there are plenty of options like the brand-new Taste Italian Kitchen, which has a surprisingly diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegan meatball that Scott can vouch for personally, arancini, vegan steak and a collection of salads. Expect Italian classics like steak, chicken and fish while their pasta menu runs the show from gnocchi to ravioli to lasagna to eggplant parmigiana among the options available.

Local 463, a Ridgeland staple from Chef Derek Emerson, highlights local and regional ingredients in a blend of Southern, Gulf Coast and Cajun flavors. Standouts include Florida rock shrimp and fried green tomato flatbread, lump crabmeat dishes, Kung Pao popcorn shrimp, and tamales topped with sweet corn sauce, pico de gallo and chipotle-lime sour cream.

Another Emerson restaurant, Caet brings a classic seafood and oyster bar to Ridgeland with blue crab bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, scallops, tuna, catfish and raw oyster samplers. The menu also extends to steak, pork chops, a wagyu burger and elevated sides. For steak, Koestler Prime at Renaissance at Colony Park has been a local favorite for more than 25 years.

One thing to note is that the restaurants were hopping while we we visited, so for dinner in particular, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

Ridgeland also offers fast-casual spots like Soulshine Pizza Factory and Another Broken Egg, ideal for travelers who prefer a spontaneous, quick bite over advance reservations.

Where to eat near Barnett Reservoir

On the way to Barnett Reservoir is the coolest restaurant in Ridgeland: Dogmud Tavern. This whimsical pub is a little bit Harry Potter, a little bit Hobbit and a whole lot of fun. Custom-made for fantasy fan and gamers alike, the shelves are stocked with everything from Monopoly and Scrabble to more strategy-centric favorites—all of which pair well with a pint or cocktail with hours of entertainment.

The menu spans New York–style hot dogs, taco trios, wings, burgers, and pizza (with cauliflower crust available for gluten-free diners). Cocktails include playful, game-inspired options like an adult version of Butterbeer, and there’s even a dice game where guests roll for shots. Regular trivia nights, themed events and fundraisers make the tavern a lively spot to meet friends or add something fun to a couples’ trip to Ridgeland.

There are also a few casual, boat-up spots like Shaggy’s On the Rez the at overlook Barrett’s Reservoir, perfect for buckets of beer with plenty of patio seating. Pelican Cove Grill is another favorite Ridgeland restaurant for waterfront views and a stop along Explore Ridgeland’s Cocktail Trail.

Exploring the Mississippi arts scene

One of our favorite things to do in Ridgeland is visit the 20,000-square-foot Bill Waller Craft Center, home to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. For more than 15 years, this nonprofit has showcased regional folk, traditional and contemporary crafts inside a sleek midcentury modern building—named for former governor and guild president Bill Waller—that’s a work of art in itself.

The guild includes more than 400 artists from Mississippi and neighboring states, many of whom sell their work in the gift shop, open daily. Admission is free, making it a worthwhile stop anytime you’re in Ridgeland.

An added bonus: The Craft Center sits just off the Natchez Trace, with a boardwalk through shady woods leading to its back entrance. Those same woods are also home to thousands of synchronous fireflies, whose rare, twinkling display lasts only a couple of weeks each year.

For a creative date night in Ridgeland, the Craft Center offers seasonal workshops and classes—think Valentine’s or Christmas—taught by guild members skilled in everything from woodworking and weaving to stained glass and beadwork.

Other things to do as a couple in Ridgeland, Mississippi

But Ridgeland has plenty of things for couples to do beyond food, drinks and the arts. Whether you prefer the outdoors or a cozy indoor escape, here are additional ways Scott and I like to spend an afternoon together in Ridgeland.

Biking around Ridgeland

I love riding bikes and being outside, but I also like having a destination in mind. The Ridgeland bike share program was an amalgamation of our interests as we could borrow bikes for free with the use of the Koloni app then bike from coffee shop to boutiques, then onto lunch and the wildflower fields.

You can pick up bikes at two locations in Ridgeland: Old Town Crossing and the Ridgeland Visitors Center at Renaissance at Colony Park.

Serious cyclists can tackle sections of the Natchez Trace Parkway or the 10-mile Chisha Foka Trail, a paved path through historic Choctaw homelands lined with trees, wildflowers and wildlife.

A head spa treatment at Patina Hair Studio

As a long-haired girl, I love a good head massage—but I’d never had a true scalp treatment until discovering Patina Hair Studio. The service begins with a stylist using a camera wand to examine and analyze your scalp, then moves into a series of exfoliating and detoxifying cleanses to remove buildup. The best part? It all ends with a blissful head massage.

To top it off, the head spa treatment ends with a blowout, so my hair felt cleaner than ever and I walked out with bouncy waves. Scott loved his treatment, too—but if your partner isn’t into the idea, Ridgeland has plenty of day spas offering massages and other ways to unwind.

Afternoon tea at CW Organics Tea Room

I can never resist an afternoon tea—the pomp, the ritual, the snacks. So when we discovered a tea room just minutes from the head spa, it was the perfect way to continue our relaxing afternoon in Ridgeland.

CW Organics Tea Room is more than just an afternoon tea service; it’s a full-on tea emporium. The menu features loose-leaf teas brewed to showcase their natural flavors, warm scones with clotted cream and seasonal preserves, and rotating sandwiches and pastries.

I ordered the Tea Tier for One and Scott chose his own tea brew, and after chatting with owner Caroline Warner, I also picked up a custom blend for gut health—her Stomach Aid remedy—along with marshmallow root to add to my fall and winter tea routine.

Date night at TopGolf Ridgeland

For a fun date night in Ridgeland, we met friends at Mississippi’s first Topgolf just 15 minutes from Jackson.. Even if you’ve never swung a club, it’s more about the experience than the game: climate-controlled bays with TVs, high-tech targets that track your shots and plenty of laughs over each other’s swings.

If you want to mix things up, there’s also a 9-hole mini golf course, plus a full restaurant and bar downstairs—or you can order food and drinks right from your bay so you never have to take a break from your game.

For other ideas for travel to Mississippi, check out our guide to the outdoors in Ridgeland and adventures along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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02/10/2025
Discussing 5 Most Beautiful Towns

Lake Garda is the largest and arguably most beautiful lake in Italy. Located in the northern part of the country, on the border of the Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto regions, the lake is surrounded by a variety of mountain ranges, beautiful rolling hills and many little towns, one more beautiful than the next. But although charming, not all these towns make a good base for exploring the lake. So if you wonder where to stay when visiting Lake Garda, here are 5 towns that we found not only lovely but also very convenient to stay.

Where to stay in Lake Garda

Where to Stay When Visiting Lake Garda

All towns mentioned in this post are situated on the shoreline and feature picturesque scenery, colorful houses, historic landmarks and stunning water views. They are also small enough to be explored on foot and have pedestrian centers and paths that go along the shore. But they are not all alike, each one having its one appeal, cultural identity and traditions.

Charming scenery in Lake Garda

Malcesine

Situated at the northern end of the lake, Malcesine is our top choice for staying in Lake Garda. This vibrant medieval town provides the perfect combination of natural beauty and vintage charm. It is also wonderful for outdoor enthusiasts who like to hike up the mountain or do water sports.

Images from Malcesine

Pros:

• Good Ferry Connections. The great advantage of staying here is that you’ll have good ferry connections, which makes it easy to reach other towns around the lake.

Ferry in the port of Malcesine

• Good Transportation Hub. While there is no train station in Malcesine, the town has excellent bus connections that allow you to reach other towns on the lake.

• Good Parking. Malcesine has two paid parking areas one of which is the large, two-level covered car park at the cable car station. This makes it a very convenient home base for those traveling by car.

Parking in Malcesine

• Beautiful Scenery. Malcesine is pressed between the lake’s waters, at the base of the towering Monte Baldo. This creates a picturesque setting with a combination of lake and mountain scenery.

Beautiful scenery of Lake Garda

• Interesting Attractions. The town is an attraction in itself, with its narrow cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, souvenir shops and lively cafés.

The most interesting attraction in Malcesine is Scaligero Castle, a medieval fortress that was initially built by the Lombards in the 6th century AD. Over the centuries the castle was destroyed by the Franks and subsequently rebuilt by the Scaliger Family who gave the castle its current name.

Aerial view of the Scalier Castle in Malcesine (photo credit Laszlo Galffy)

Another beautiful landmark is Palazzo dei Capitani which served as the residence of the captains of Lake Garda. Its Gothic-Venetian architecture, well preserved interior and beautiful waterfront garden are also worth a short visit.

Palazzo dei Capitani

There is also a cable car that takes visitors up to Monte Baldo, from where they get to admire some stunning panoramic views of the lake and the area around.

• Lively Atmosphere. Malcesine is known for its lively and “Italian” feeling. This is especially obvious in its many restaurants and cafés that offer a variety of cuisines as well as traditional Italian dishes.

• Beautiful Beaches. Malcesine has several public (or “free”) beaches. These include the popular Baia di Val di Sogno and Posterna beach, which is located directly below the castle.

Posterna Beach in Malcesine

Cons:

• Can Be Overcrowded. Because of its compact layout as well as its many attractions, Malcesine tends to become very busy, attracting many day trippers who arrive here by ferry.

• Not Very Quiet. Compared to some other lakeside towns, Malcesine can feel more noisy. That’s partly due to the presence of bars, restaurants and clubs, but also to the general activity of a bustling town.

Riva del Garda

The second on our list is Riva del Garda. Located on the northern tip of Lake Garda with the dramatic mountain drop of Garda Mountains at its back, the town has a lot of historic charm. The old town’s center is a delight to explore, with its cobbled streets, colorful pastel buildings, and attractive piazzas.

Riva del Garda

Pros:

• Accessibility. Riva del Garda is generally flat and offers more space than other towns around the lake, which makes it a good choice for those with mobility challenges. Being a larger town, it has good public transportation. It also has a mix of free and paid parking options, which is a big convenience for those traveling by car.

• Excellent Hiking Options to Scenic Viewpoints. It offers many trails with spectacular views. Like the path to the Bastione, an old fortress overlooking the town, or the climb to the Santa Barbara Chapel.

Views of the lake from Santa Barbara Chapel

• Dynamic Atmosphere. The town is both a vibrant and laid back at the same time, which creates a dynamic and varied atmosphere. The mood and activities differ depending on the time of day and location.

The port area in Riva

• Hub for Water Sports. Riva del Garda is famous for is excellent access to numerous outdoor activities, especially water sports. So if you like windsurfing, this is your best bet for places to stay in Lake Garda. Consistent and strong winds in this region create the ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

• Lakeside Promenade. The town has a picturesque “lungolago” waterfront lined with cafés and beautiful villas offers visitors a place to stroll and relax.

Riva promenade

• Rich History and Culture. Riva’s old town is a delight to explore, with its cobbled streets, colorful pastel buildings, and attractive piazzas.

Colorful buildings in Riva

The town’s landmark is Torre Apponale, a 13th-century clock tower in Piazza III Novembre famous for the stunning 360-degree views of the harbor and surrounding area.

Tore Apponale

Another attraction is the medieval fortress of Roca di Riva, dating back to the 12th century.

Roca di Riva

For those who love hiking, the Varone Waterfall Cave Park, just a short distance away from Riva, offer an incredible waterfall and stream.

Varone Waterfall

Good Ferry Service. Regular ferry connections make it easy to visit other charming lakeside towns like Limone sul Garda and Malcesine.

Cons:

• Too Dark. This is just my opinion, but I think Riva gets dark too dark. The sun disappears behind the mountains in the early afternoon leaving the entire town in the shade. Besides, you won’t be able to see the sunset from here.

• A Little Out of the Way. Riva feels somewhat isolated from the other towns along the lake. It also takes much longer to reach the ones further south. The advantage of being more isolated is that you’ll see less crowds in Riva, than in Malcesine or Limone.

• More Windy. Because it’s located under the mountain, Riva gets more wind than other towns around Lake Garda.

Limone sul Garda

The colorful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, traditional lemon groves and breathtaking views of the lake and mountains earned Limone the reputation of being the most picturesque town in the region. The combination of its unique setting, cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere make it a very desirable place to stay in Lake Garda for some people. However, there are a few things you should consider before deciding if Limone is the ideal place for you.

Limone sul Garda

Pros:

• Stunning Natural Beauty. The town is famous for its picturesque landscapes, with dramatic cliffs, beautiful lake views, and nearby mountains.

• Historic Charm. Limone’s historic narrow alleys, traditional lemon houses (Limonaie) and the overall unique atmosphere make it a very appealing place for visitors. The town offers a peaceful and relaxed vibe, especially outside the peak tourist season.

Limone sul Garda

• Excellent Italian Cuisine. Visitors can savor authentic Italian food at local restaurants and enjoy delicious meals with stunning lake views.

• Family-Friendly. Limone sul Garda is good place for family vacations, offering playgrounds, wide beaches, and hotels with pools.

• Long Promenade. One of the town’s big attractions is the beautiful waterfront, which often hosts an open market. There is also the remarkable elevated Ciclovia del Garda, a spectacular 3 km-long cycle path suspended above the water.

Limone sul Garda Promenade

• Romantic sunsets. Unlike Riva that sits in the shade of the mountain, in Limone you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets. You definitely need to watch a sunset when visiting Lake Garda!

Cons:

• Hilly and Steep. Limone sits on a very hilly terrain and most of its streets are extremely steep and hard to navigate. That can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility or those who prefer less strenuous walks.

Steep streets in Limone

• Difficult Parking. Parking is a significant challenge in Limone. Because of the steep terrain there are very limited and expensive parking options available.

• Harder to Reach. Because of its location on the western side of the like, it is generally more difficult to drive to Limone because of the winding, narrow roads, tunnels and steep lakeside drop-offs.

• Quiet Nightlife. If you enjoy late-night bars and entertainment, you might prefer a different base town. Limone is lively during the day, but not so at night.

• Not Ideal in Bad Weather. There is not a great deal to do in Limone if the weather is bad. There are no museums, spas, or wine tasting rooms, like in Riva, Malcesine, or Sirmione.

• Can Be Overcrowded. During peak season, Limone can become very crowded with day-trippers. This leads to cramped conditions both on the streets, but especially on ferries. Not everyone may be able to get on the next departure.

Garda Town

Garda is an excellent base to explore Lake Garda and the surrounding area, including Verona. The town is spread along a wide horseshoe bay lined with cafés, shops and restaurants. Just pick one, have a drink and watch the sun go down.

Garda Town

Pros:

• Authentic Italian Experience. Garda Town maintains a classic Italian charm. The narrow winding streets of the old town are filled with shops and authentic Italian restaurants.

• Convenient Location and Accessibility. The town is in a central position on Lake Garda, making it an ideal base for visiting other towns and attractions. It also has excellent ferry connections to many larger and smaller towns around the lake.

• Lively Atmosphere: It is particularly well-suited for families, couples, and visitors who prefer a lively resort setting with easy access to amenities and attractions.

The lively town of Garda

• Proximity to Theme Parks. Because it is just a short drive away from popular amusement parks like Gardaland and Movieland, Garda is an ideal home base for families with children.

• Nearby Wineries. Garda Town is also close to Bardolino, which is also a beautiful town and it’s famous known for its excellent local wines.

• Beaches and nature. There are many beautiful beaches around, including the private Mermaids’ Bay (Baia delle Sirene) at Punta San Vigilio, known for its romantic and scenic setting.

Garda Beach

• Natural Beauty. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find beautiful landscapes in Garda, with tall palm trees and colorful flowers. And if you want some panoramic views, you can go up to the Oka Dearda viewpoint, or climb the nearby hills.

Cons:

• Heavy Tourism: Garda can become very busy, especially during the summer months. That means crowded streets and an atmosphere that can feel overwhelming.

• Limited Direct Lake Views. Due to the town’s layout, it can be challenging to find accommodations with direct, unobstructed views of the lake.

• Limited Bus Service. Garda is not a major bus hub, which means that you won’t find a good network of routes connecting you with the rest of the region. This makes it difficult to travel to northern parts of the lake.

• Evening Chills. Because of the town’s position the sun sets behind it, which can make the evenings feel chilly. This also means there’s less sunlight during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Sirmione

We loved Sirmione! Located at the tip of a long, narrow peninsula that juts into the southern part of Lake Garda, the town is simply idyllic. If you are into medieval village vibes and looking for a small, scenic place to explore, you will probably fall in love with Sirmione. It definitely makes a great day trip, but as much as we liked it, we don’t think it makes an ideal base for visiting the other towns around Lake Garda.

Aerial view of Sirmione (photo credit Laszlo Galffy)

Consider Sirmione If:

• You have a car and you don’t mind longer drives. Sirmione is located at the tip of a long, narrow peninsula that juts into the southern part of Lake Garda. Its location on a peninsula makes access to the train line difficult for exploring other areas like the north of the lake. Therefore visiting towns like Riva, Limone, or Malcesine will require driving a car.

• You plan to stay primarily in the southern parts of the lake. Public transportation to Sirmione is rather difficult. There is no train or direct bus from the other towns around the lake. There are however direct ferry lines to/from various towns on the southern end of the lake, such as Lazise, Desenzano, and Peschiera del Garda.

• You want to experience a “magical” and picturesque town: with historic sites like a castle and Roman ruins, especially in the evenings and mornings after day-trippers leave.

The picturesque town of Sirmione

• You are a single woman and prefer to stay in a smaller, self-contained area. Sirmione feels super safe. If you are a woman traveling alone in Italy, Sirmione is a peaceful and secure choice.

Sirmione feels super safe

Attractions in Sirmione

The landmark of Sirmione is the Scaligero Castle, a fortification built after the middle of the 14th century on the waters of the lake.

Sirmione Castle

The other interesting thing to visit in Sirmione is the extensive Roman villa ruins at the Grottoes of Catullus dating back to the 2nd century AD.

Grottoes of Catullus

This is a very interesting archeological site. Initially the ruins were mistaken for natural caves or grottoes, because they were overgrown with vegetation. It was only after the excavations began that archeologists realized they were in front of a Roman villa.

There is also the unique Jamaica Beach, located below the Grottoes of Catullus. The beach is famous for its flat, white, rocky shelves.

Jamaica Beach

If you have time, you should also visit the Aquaria Thermal Spa which features sulfurous hot springs.

Don’t Use Sirmione as a Home Base If:

• You do not have a car. Like I previously explained, the only way to reach the towns in the north is by car. And even if you have a car, it’s a long drive from Sirmione to any of these towns. Besides, there is a speed limit when driving the roads around Lake Garda, which will prevent you from getting anywhere in a timely manner.

• You you are looking for lots to do and want to stay busy for several days. Sirmione is small (although very beautiful!), but there is not enough to do there.

• You want a lively scene. Sirmione feels a little too quiet. There is not much nightlife, so if you are looking for bars, music, or lively restaurants, this probably is not the best fit.

A Final Thought

I hope that after reading this guide you’ll have a better idea what to expect when visiting Lake Garda and thus make a more informed decision about where to stay. Because there are quite a few beautiful places to visit in Lake Garda, you should plan on spending at least 4-5 here. We visited the lake in summer, as part of a bigger European itinerary and truly loved our time here. We hope to return someday.

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02/10/2025
Top things to do in Piraeus
Most travellers think of Piraeus as the main port of Athens, with ferries plying back and forth to the Greek islands, or cruise ships visitors taking a quick tour of the Acropolis. Once described as gritty and rundown, Piraeus has smartened up in recent years, with seafood restaurants, bustling harbours, cultural highlights and stylish hangouts that may tempt you to stay longer.

We’ve combined the top things to do in Piraeus into a 1 day itinerary, that can be walked in a day. It’s ideal for cruise visitors or anyone with some time to spare between ferries. But our itinerary can easily be extended if you want to slow down and explore Piraeus over a couple of days.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Where is Piraeus?

Piraeus is the port city closest to Athens, located 12km to the south-west of Athens. It takes around 30-60 minutes to drive from central Athens and around 60 minutes by bus or train.

Piraeus is also the gateway to the Athenian Riviera, the coastal area south of Athens, which extends through Glyfada and Voulagmieni to the Cape of Sounion.

At the end of this article, you’ll also find an interactive map of all the places to see in Piraeus that we recommend in this article. We also have a FREE downloadable 1 page guide to accompany this article, for you to follow on your mobile or print before you visit.
Top 10 things to do in Piraeus

If you only have one day, here’s a quick overview of the top things to see in Piraeus.

Admire the glass roofed 1920s station and visit the delightful Electric Railway Museum (free)

Wander the atmospheric streets of the Old Market area, with traditional food shops like Mandragoras

Go shopping around Sotiros Diros – we loved the Greek made natural body creams at Laouta

Relax in an outdoor cafe on Paleologou overlooking the tree shaded Terpsithius Square

Explore the Archaeological Museum – cool marble discoveries from Ancient Greece

Walk around the circular port of Pasalimani, admiring the super-yachts in Marina Zea

Relax on Votsalakia beach, the main beach in Piraeus

Head to the charming marina of Mikrolimeni for a seafood lunch overlooking the sailing boats

Climb the Kastella hill for views over sea and city

Stroll by the Rocks of Piraeus at sunset and dine in the seafood restaurants of Piraiki
View from Kastella over Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Start at the Old Railway Station

Our walk starts at the railway station, built in the 1920s, when the railway was developed between Athens and the port of Piraeus. This is where the Overground Line 1 (green) starts and ends, but if coming on the Line 3 Metro (Blue) you’ll need to come up to street level. Take a moment to admire the elegant glass roof of the train hall and the atmospheric ticket hall.

Train Station Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Electric Railway Museum

Within the station is the small Electric Railway Museum, which is free and staffed by railway enthusiasts. If open it’s well worth a quick look, and you can borrow an English language guide to all the exhibits at the entrance.

Electric Railway Museum Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

We enjoyed a look at an original wooden railway carriage that has been restored, as well as old photos and railway memorabilia, relating to the development of the railway in Athens since the 1920s. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed within the museum, but it’s worth taking a look.

Piraeus Port

Piraeus main port is just across the busy main road from the station. If you haven’t already come from there, you might like to walk up onto the pedestrian bridge by the station, to have a look at the ferries coming and going to various Greek Islands.

Piraeus Port Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Mandragoras – the food shops of Old Piraeus

Make your way a few blocks from the station to the main road of Dim. Gounari and cross over to discover the lovely traditional grocers of Mandragoras.

Mandragoras Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

It’s a fine example of the type of shops that were to be found in this area of the old municipal market, which was demolished in 1969 to make way for the Piraeus tower that overlooks the port.

Walk down the pedestrianised Nikita Street, and other nearby streets, for a flavour of some of the food businesses that still remain in the area.

Old Market area Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Rakadiki Stoa Kouvelou

Turn the corner onto Karaoli ke Dimitriou street to discover the attractive covered arcade of Rakadiko Stoa Kouvelou, with traditional kafenion (coffee shops) and tavernas, where the old Greek men love to gather for a chat with their friends.

Rakadiki Stoa Kouvelou Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Built in 1890, this was originally an inn, and the airy space with its glazed roof entwined with vines, has been nicely restored with original tiles for a feel of Old Piraeus. All the businesses were closed for holidays when we passed by, but it looked like a good place to try a Greek coffee or traditional lunch.

Agia Triada – Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

On the edge of this neighbourhood, you’ll probably notice the imposing Agia Triada, the cathedral of Piraeus, which faces the port. An original church on this spot was constructed in 1839, but was destroyed by a bomb in WW2.

The church building we see today was reconstructed in the 1950s in Byzantine style, using beautiful painted iconography and incorporating whatever remained of the older church.

Agia Triada Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Dimotiko Theatro Square

Now walk around 10 minutes to Dimotiko Theatro Square, where there’s a Metro stop, the final stop for Metro Line 3 (Blue) from Athens. It’s an alternative place to get off if you are coming from central Athens, but is a little further from the port area.

Dimotiko Theatro Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

The square above the metro is a green and pleasant place to watch the world go by, with a view of the renovated neo-classical Municipal theatre that gives the square its name.

When we were there on a Saturday, there was a craft and farmer’s market in full swing on Korai Square, with local honey and other specialties on sale.

Market in Korai Square Piraeus © Heatheronhertravels.com

Sotiros Dios – shopping in Piraeus

Continue through Korai Square for a couple of blocks, until you cross Sotiros Dios. This pedestrian street is considered the heart of the shopping district in Piraeus, so you may want to check out some of the stores here.

I enjoyed window-shopping in some of the independent fashion boutiques, and treated myself to some body cream and soap at Laouta (Kountouriotou 153). Their sustainable skincare, sun-care and soap products are made in Greece, using herb extracts and virgin olive oil, and they smelled gorgeous!

Laouta in Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Plateia Terpsitheas – a coffee stop overlooking a green square

Just a few blocks from the shopping district, you may come across Plateia Terpsitheas, a square that’s separated into four separate parks by the roads that run through the middle. These four squares offer a shady oasis, with trees and paved areas, and along one side we discovered the pedestrianised street of Paleologou.

Plaka Terpsitheus Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

This seemed to be where most of the coffee shops were located, with terraces where you can sit overlooking the park. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee, as you can take your pick from numerous different cafes, from the more traditional like Liberty (Paleologou 5) to trendy coffee spots like East Coast Concept Store (Paleologou 9) and Coffee Tales (Paleologou 7).

Coffee in Piraeus © Heatheronhertravels.com

Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

After coffee, we walked 10 minutes to reach the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, one of the city’s highlights. It’s housed in an imposing neo-classical style building, next to the archaeological remains of the Ancient Theatre of Zea.

Archaeological Museum Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

The museum on two floors is full of cool marble statues, funeral monuments, plaques telling stories from Greek mythology, and painted ceramic vases and jars. The highlights for us were;
- Interesting weights and measures at the entrance, illustrating how Piraeus was such an important trading hub.
- The lion of Piraeus, a copy of statues that stood at the entrance to Piraeus port until the 17th century, until they were looted and taken to Venice, where they remain today.
- Larger than life bronze statues of the Goddess Athena and Artemis, with their spookily realistic eyes.
- A bronze theatrical tragedy mask with curly hair and beard.
- Mycenean amphora, with their elegant painted scenes from daily life.
Archaeological Museum Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

The museum costs €10 entrance (cash only) and is a good way to see some of the ancient archaeological finds of the coastal area around Athens, without the crowds of some of the larger museums in Athens.

Hellenic Maritime Museum

We would have liked to have visited the Hellenic Maritime Museum, located near the Pasalimani Port, but it was not open at the time of our visit. The museum showcases collections relating to the Maritime History of Greece, from ancient times until the present day. If you only have a day or less to explore Piraeus, you may not have time to visit both museums, so choose according to your interests.

Pasalimani port and Marina Zea

Next walk the short distance to Pasalimani, also known as Zea, the circular natural harbour that was used by the ancient Athenians as a naval base and centre for shipbuilding. The area around the harbour is heavily developed and Marina Zea provides plenty of mooring for larger super yachts.

Marina Zea Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

If you follow the promenade around the harbour, you’ll arrive at the small square of Plateia Kanari. Look out for the clock of PIraeus, a local landmark and meeting place, that’s lit up at night.

Around this square are a number of cafes, and we enjoyed a coffee stop at Belle Amie, with its pretty vintage style terrace and elegant neo-classical interiors.

Belle Amie Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

There are plenty more restaurants, bars and tavernas around Marina Zea, most with terraces on the pavement overlooking the water. However we pressed on to the smaller Mikrolimani harbour, which we thought was a more attractive lunch spot.

Restaurants at Marina Zea Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Votsalakia Beach

Continuing past the mouth of Pasalimani, we followed the coastal promenade above Votsalakia Beach, the main ‘organised’ beach of Piraeus, meaning it has facilities like sunbeds, cafes and toilets.

While we didn’t venture down to the beach, we could see there was plenty going on, with sports pitches, swimming pool and an outdoor summer cinema as well as a beach cafe. If all you want is a day to swim and relax by the sea, this is your best option in Piraeus.

Votsalakia Beach Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Mikrolimano Marina

Passing the beach we arrived at the smallest of the ports in Piraeus at Mikrolimano. While the bigger expensive yachts tend to moor in Marina Zea, Mikrolimano seemed more of a place for the smaller sailing craft and fishing boats.

Mikrolimano Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

The road running around the port is lined with restaurant terraces, and we decided to stop here for lunch, with a nice view of the water.

Mikrolimano Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Seafood Lunch in Mikrolimano Marina

We made a couple of passes along the boardwalk in front of the restaurants before deciding which to choose, as they all looked nice. Eventually we settled on a table at Ammos, a pleasant restaurant specialising in seafood and small plates, where we ordered some grilled sardines, kalamari and a Greek salad.

Ammos in Mikrolimano Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

For something with more of a trendy cafe feel, you might try Istioploikos, at one end of the marina and a view over the water, while for Michelin star fine dining, a well known spot is Varoulko Seaside restaurant.

I got the impression that these mainstream seafood restaurants in Mikrolimano do well from the tourist trade, offering decent food at medium prices.

However, the seafood tavernas with the best reputation that locals favour, are more often tucked away in the backstreets, or the neighbourhoods of Piraeus like Pireiki that are a little less easy to reach.

Kastella – views over the marina

After our seafood lunch at Mikrolimano, we made the relatively easy climb up through the Kastella neighbourhood, to the top of the hill for views over the marina.

Mikrolimano Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

It was easy to find the steps up the hill behind the restaurants and make our way up through narrow residential streets, past pretty neo-classical houses. It’s not too arduous a climb, but in hot weather, take your time and pause every so often to look back and admire the sea views.

Kastella in Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Kastella – views over Piraeus city

On reaching the top of the hill (there’s a well known seafood restaurant with lovely views called Panorama) we skirted around the outdoor Veakio Municipal Theatre. Walking up to the Church of the Prophet Elias, we saw guests heading in for a christening, so didn’t get a chance to look inside.

View from Kastella over Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Continuing on through the small wooded park, named the Grove of the Prophet Elias, we came to the other side of the hilltop. The city of Piraeus spread before us, with the main port just visible in the distance.

View from Kastella over Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

A walk back to Dimotiko Theatro

From the hilltop, it was easy to follow the steps down the hill, in a straight line past the University of Piraeus and in 20 minutes we were back at Dimotiko Theatro Metro station.

This was a convenient place for us to end our day in Piraeus, but of course if you are heading to the port, you can take the Metro Line 3 one stop from Dimotiko Theatro to Piraeus, or just walk a further 10 minutes to arrive in the Port area.

Dimotiko Theatro Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

Where to go for dinner in Piraeus

Piraeus is well known for its lively nightlife scene, and if you still have more time we have a few suggestions for dinner. We didn’t eat in Piraeus in the evening, but it would be a pleasant way to end the day, after following the route that we’ve covered above.

Che – we heard good things about Che, a colourful Latin American restaurant, with a pretty garden terrace. (151 Karaiskou) It’s centrally located close to Terpsitheus Square, where we recommended having coffee earlier.

Seafood Taverns of Piraiki

While it was a bit far to include in our walking itinerary, if you fancy dinner overlooking the sea, you could jump in a taxi and head to the Piraiki neighbourhood, which is known for its seafood tavernas.

It would be lovely place to stroll at sunset along the seafront promenade, past the rocky shoreline known as the “Rocks of Piraeus” and the inlet at Limanakia Strand. Along this coastal road, there are numerous seafood restaurants with views of the sea.

We heard good things about fish taverna Margaro (Leof. Chatzikiriakou 126), but other than this I’d pick any taverna that seems popular with the locals and has good online reviews. The 904 bus runs along the coast road and back to the port area.

Tip: Be aware that the fish tavernas of Piraiki are very popular with local Athenians at the weekend, so may be crowded if you go at that time.

Where to stay in Piraeus

If coming or going by ferry, you’ll want to be close to the port, however for a leisure break it’s better to be located close to the beach and marinas, and away from the bustle of the port.

Tip: Prices can fluctuate a lot, so compare prices between similar level hotels for your specific dates.

Here are our recommendations on where to stay in Piraeus. Our favourites are marked *

Budget

Twinn Downtown Piraeus * – Budget boutique hotel from the same owners as The Alex, located in the downtown Piraeus area, with breakfast included.

Piraeus City Hotel – Contemporary style hotel, close to the port.

Mid Range

Phideas Piraeus Hotel * – Colourful and stylish hotel with breakfast included, close to Pasalimani harbour / Marina Zea

Port Tower Piraeus Hotel – Comfortable, contemporary hotel close to the port.

Luxury / Boutique

Mitsis N’U Piraeus * – Luxurious and stylish hotel with restaurant and roof terrace, close to the port.

The Alex, Monte Kastella – Boutique hotel with rooftop restaurant close to Mikrolimano – best for a leisure break away from the busy port area.

Interactive Map of Piraeus

Click on this link or on the image below to access the interactive Google Map, showing all the places mentioned in this article. We’ve also marked our recommend walking route for a 1 day itinerary of Piraeus, taking in the city highlights.

Map of Piraeus and our 1 day walking itinerary © Heatheronhertravels.com

Leaving your baggage in Piraeus

If you arrive in Piraeus port and want to leave your luggage to enable you to look around the town, you could leave it at In-Town Check-in, who have a left luggage service in their terminal by Gate E3 of the port.

There are also other left luggage services you can find on-line or signposted around Piraeus, where you leave your luggage at a local business, making the booking via an app or website.

How to get to Piraeus

Due to its busy port, Piraeus is well connected to central Athens.

Train – You can take either Overground train Line 1 (green) to Piraeus station or Metro Line 3 (blue) which stops at both Piraeus station and Dimotiko Theatro.

Tram – If visiting the coastal strip south of Piraeus, known as the Athenian Riviera, the T7 tram line runs along the coast to Piraeus.

Bus – The X80 express bus runs directly from Syntagma square to Piraeus, and the X96 bus runs from Athens airport to Piraeus.

Ath.ena ticket Piraeus Greece © Heatheronhertravels.com

If you are in Athens for a few days, we highly recommend buying an Ath.ena travel ticket from the machines at any metro station. The benefit is unlimited travel on train, bus and metro within the Athens network.

There are different types of Ath.ena cards and tickets, but we bought the 5 day Ath.ena ticket, which was a bargain at only €8.20 for 5 days unlimited travel. You can also use your debit card to tap on and off for single journeys.

How to get around in Piraeus

We found that much of Piraeus was very walkable, especially the promenade along the coast past the two marinas.

However, if you are tired of walking, the best option is to order a taxi via Uber or Bolt, or hale one of the yellow cabs that drive around the city. We also used Google maps to work out which buses operate around the city of Piraeus.

Read Next

Read all our tips for visiting the Acropolis in Athens

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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
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01/10/2025
The Bondi to Coogee walk
Sydney has numerous beautiful coastal trails, but one of the most popular is the Bondi to Coogee walk, between two of Sydney’s most popular Eastern beaches. The route skirts the clifftop and rocky shoreline, passing a string of lovely beaches, with stunning views as each bay unfolds. It’s a chance to enjoy the scenery with numerous opportunities for a swim or coffee along the way.

Bondi to Clovelly walk, Sydney, Australia

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: The trail gets especially busy at weekends when the weather is good. If you prefer to avoid the weekend crowds, try to walk on a weekday, or in the cooler months, or otherwise choose one of the many other lovely but less known coastal paths around Sydney for a walk.

Essentials of the Bondi to Coogee walk
- A scenic coastal walk between two of Sydney’s most popular Eastern beaches
- Takes around 1.5-2 hours to walk one way with no stops. However allow 2-3 hours to include swims, cafe stops and photos along the way.
- Length (Bondi to Coogee) is around 6 km / 3.7 miles
- It can be walked in either direction, but most people start in Bondi beach
- You can return on the same coastal path, or take a bus back to the start via Bondi junction (allow 1 hr)
- There are numerous public toilets, water fountains and cafes along the route – you won’t go more than 30 mins without finding these facilities at a beach or park.
- In hot weather make sure you carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen.
- The walk can be reached by bus from most places in Sydney – but if you want to stay on Bondi Beach, check out these accommodation options
Map of the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Below is a map of the Bondi to Coogee walk, showing the key places you’ll visit. At the end of this article there’s also a more detailed interactive map that can be viewed in Google Maps, showing beaches, cafes and bus stops.

Start the walk at Bondi Beach

Most visitors will start the walk at Bondi, although it’s totally possible to do it in the opposite direction. A few highlights of Bondi beach that you might want to enjoy, either at the beginning or end of the walk include;

Swim between the flags – Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Chill out, sunbathe, swim and people watch on the broad expanse of sand at Bondi Beach. Be aware of the strength of the waves (this is a popular surfer’s beach) and only swim between the red and yellow flags that are surveyed by lifeguards.
- Swim at Icebergs – Bondi’s famous ocean pool is located at the south end of the beach and is a good place to swim if you find the crashing surf a little too challenging.
- Visit the Pavillion – this seafront pavilion from the 1930s has been fully renovated as a cafe, arts and community hub.
- Brunch on Bondi beach – Australians love coffee culture and brunch is an art form. To brunch like a local, head to Speedo’s or The Depot, both at the north end of the beach, or hang out in the beach cafes at the pavilion (Glory Days and Surfish)
Cafes at The Pavilion on Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Check out the murals along the beach – The wall backing the south end of the beach promenade has a series of murals, many with a beach theme.
- Shopping around Campbell Parade – Many top swimwear and fashion brands have branches at Bondi Beach.
Lifeguard mosaics Campbells Parade, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Hang out at the Bondi weekend market – it’s held at Bondi Beach Public School, with Saturday for food stalls and farmer’s market and Sunday for crafts and vintage.
- If you plan to stay in Bondi beach for a few days, check out these accommodation options. I’d look for places in the residential streets behind Campbell’s Parade, and at the north end of the beach.
Bondi Beach Murals, Sydney, Australia

Read my Sydney one-day itinerary for first-time visitors

Icebergs Pool

Having spent a while enjoying Bondi Beach, head to the southern end of the beach at the Icebergs Pool. The seawater pool is named after the Icebergs swimming club who swim each Sunday, whatever the weather.

The pool is also open to the public (cost is 10 AUD / around £5 or $6 ) and you’ll also get some great views of the surfers from this viewpoint. Follow the walkway running above the pool for a photo viewpoint, then continue southwards for the start of the walk.

Icebergs, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia © Heatheronhertravels.com

Bondi Icebergs to Tamarama Bay

The Bondi to Coogee walk now takes you down to the rocky shore, following the line of Squid Bay then up again to the grassy headland at St Mark’s Park.

Tamaramara Point – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

On the edge of the cliff is the Mackenzie Point Lookout, which is a favourite spot for whale watching. Between May and July the humpback whales can be seen hugging the shore, as they make their northern migration. There’s a sculpture “An Epic Journey” with an explanation of the migration patterns near the viewpoint.

Mackenzie Point Lookout – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney

As the path skirts the headland, it follows Mackenzies Bay and brings you round to Tamarama Point. This is a great spot for photos, overlooking the surfers on Tamarama Beach below and admiring the rugged shoreline to the south. Tamarama Beach offers rolling surf, with a stretch of sand backed by grass and a cafe tucked into the southern sea wall.

Timings: Bondi Iceberg Pool to Tamarama Beach – 30 mins

Tamarama Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

Bronte Beach

While you may be tempted to take a break at Tamarama Beach, my recommendation is that you continue to Bronte Beach, which is the next bay on the walk. A few reasons that you might want to take a break here include;

Read about: 3 days in Sydney, Australia – things to do and places to eat

Bronte Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com
- A broad sandy bay at Bronte Beach, with plenty of space to sunbathe, although remember to only swim between the flags where there are lifeguards.
- Behind the beach is the large green space of Bronte Park, an ideal place for a picnic with wooden picnic booths and shady areas under the trees. There’s a beach kiosk serving drinks and a children’s playground.
- As the surf can be a bit intimidating, have a swim in the large Bronte rockpool at the southern end of the beach, or the Bronte Baths, an outdoor seawater swimming pool, which is free to use.
Bronte Beach rockpool – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com
- If you’re ready for brunch or lunch, head to the row of cafes and restaurants on Bronte Road.
- There’s a walk through Bronte Park, under the trees along Bronte Gully to a small cascade, which was part of the ornamental gardens of Bronte House Estate.
Bronte Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com
- On the slopes above the gully is Bronte House, a gothic style country house built in the 1840s, which is now used as a private residence and can only be visited on certain heritage open days. You can just catch a glimpse of it from the road.
Timings: Tamara Beach to Bronte Beach – 15 mins

Waverley Cemetery

Continuing the walk from the southern end of Bronte Beach, the path follows the road for a short distance with the views obscured by rocks. Soon you reach the Calga Reserve where the coastal boardwalk zig zags along the edge of the cliff.

Read about: Take a road trip on the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Waverley Cemetery – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

It’s an incongruous sight to pass the large Waverley Cemetery set on the clifftop, where many of Sydney’s notable residents have been buried since the 19th century. If you want to take a short detour, you can wander through the cemetery among the gravestones to admire some of the ornate marble monuments.

Timings: Bronte Beach to Waverley Cemetery lookout – 10 mins

Clovelly Bay

After passing the cemetery, the path flattens out past Clovelly Bowling Club and brings to to a viewpoint looking down over Clovelly Bay. The bay forms a deep inlet into the coastline, which makes it a good spot for sea swimming, since a large part of inlet is protected from the surf.

Clovelly Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

The sides of the inlet are re-enforced by flat concrete where swimmers like to sunbathe, although there is also a small sandy beach. A pleasant restaurant Seasalt Clovelly perches on the side of the cliff overlooking the bay, and there’s an ocean swimming pool.

Timings: Waverley Cemetery lookout to Clovelly Beach – 15 mins

Clovelly Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

Gordon’s Bay

After passing the cafe and car park on the south side of Clovelly Bay, the path now brings you around the headland and skirts around Gordon’s Bay. There’s only a small area of sand here, but many people like to sunbathe and swim from the rocks, as the sea is clear and protected.

Gordons Bay – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

Continue out of Gordon’s Bay through a grassy park until you come onto the headland overlooking Coogee Bay. It’s one of the largest and most popular Sydney beaches in the Eastern Suburbs.

Gordons Bay – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

The water here tends to be calmer than Bondi beach, due to the protection from Wedding Cake Island in the bay. Our walk ends here, but there’s plenty enjoy before you make the return trip to Bondi or central Sydney.

Timings: Clovelly Beach to Coogee Beach – 20-30 mins

Coogee Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

Coogee Beach

Things to enjoy on Coogee Beach include;

A broad stretch of sand for sunbathing and calm water for swimming, although remember to swim in the areas between the flags surveyed by lifeguards.

Giles Baths at Coogee Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney

There are a number of more protected seawater swimming pools. At the northern headland is Giles Baths, while on the southern side of the bay are the Ross Jones Rockpool (by the Life Saving Club), McIver’s Ladies Baths (Women and children only) and Wylie’s Baths. These pools are next to the sea and fed by seawater, so in bad weather they may be too rough to swim.

Coogee Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

If you fancy brunch or other refreshments, there are some nice restaurants and cafes in and around the Coogee Pavilion on the north end of the beach, or around Arden St / Beach St on the southern end of the bay.

Brunch on Coogee Beach – Bondi to Coogee walk Sydney © Heatheronhertravels.com

The bus stops to return to Bondi Junction are on Arden Street, right behind Coogee Beach.

If you want to extend your walk by another hour or two, you can continue your coastal walk south to Maroubra Beach.

Detailed Map of the Sydney – Bondi to Coogee Walk

Click on this link or on the image below to access the interactive Google Map, showing all the places mentioned in this article.

Staying in Bondi Beach

If you plan to stay in Bondi beach for a few days, check out these accommodation options. There aren’t too many hotel options, so I’d look for apartments in the residential streets behind Campbell’s Parade, and at the North Bondi end of the beach.

Getting to Bondi Beach

Bondi Junction is a major transport hub with bus connections to the Eastern beaches such as Bondi, Clovelly and Coogee, as well as into the centre of Sydney. Note that Bondi Junction is 15-20 mins by bus from Bondi Beach (they are not the same place!)

Bus to Bondi Beach: From central Sydney (Circular Quay or Martin Place) take the 333 bus all the way to Bondi Beach. Journey time around 40 mins.

Train + Bus to Bondi Beach: From central Sydney (Martin Place, Town Hall or Central stations) take the T4 train line to Bondi Junction. From Bondi Junction bus station (right above the train station) take the 333 or 380 bus to Bondi Beach. Journey time 45-60 mins.

North Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Transport to / from other Eastern beaches

Buses from the Eastern beaches connect via Bondi Junction and from there you can change to a bus / train to Sydney centre or to Bondi Beach. If you get stuck, the best bet is to call a taxi via the Uber app.

Bronte Beach – The 379 runs regularly between Bronte Beach Terminus and Bondi Junction bus station.

Clovelly Beach – Take the 339 bus and change at Clovelly Rd opp Knox St stop to pick up the 350 bus to Bondi Junction.

Coogee Beach – The 350 bus runs regularly between Coogee and Bondi Junction.

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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
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23/09/2025
Best Things to Do in San Marino, Europe’s Oldest Republic

Not many people have heard about the Republic of San Marino, but believe me, this tiny state of only 61 km² (23.5 square miles) is truly worth visiting! Being surrounded by Italy on all sides, San Marino is often confused with just another Italian city. Nonetheless, this small country has stubbornly clung to its independence for over 1700 years. San Marino may be small and often disregarded by tourists, but it has quite a few interesting things to see and do, so be sure you make it part of your European itinerary.

Guaita Fortress seen from above

A Brief History of San Marino

The Republic of San Marino claims to have been founded back in 301 A.D., when a stonemason named Marinus fled religious persecution to establish a community on Mount Titano. This makes it the world’s oldest continuous republic and a living testament to ancient republican ideals and democratic self-rule. A legacy that has endured for over 1,700 years!

The factors that contributed to it’s long-enduring independence are however multiple. On one hand, the country’s geographic location atop Monte Titano in Italy’s Apennine Mountains made it difficult to conquer.

View of Guaita Fortress in San Marino historic center

Over the centuries, the republic maintained a policy of neutrality, especially during major conflicts and unification movements, in order to avoid becoming a target.

In 1797, Napoleon protected San Marino’s independence and even offered to expand its territory, a gesture rooted in a friendship cultivated by one of its regents.

But the one that saved San Marino from being incorporated into the new Italian state was Giuseppe Garibaldi. During the 19th-century Italian unification, Garibaldi and his revolutionaries found refuge here, so in gratitude he helped ensure San Marino’s independence.

San Marino Flag

Top Things to Do in San Marino

San Marino is a small place, so you don’t need a lot of time to explore its attractions. However, if you have the time to visit it you’ll discover there are quite a few unique things to visit here.

Climb the Three Towers

Definitely the most important attraction in San Marino are the Three Towers – Guaita, Cesta and Montale – which are located at the very top of Monte Titano. The towers are a symbol of San Marino and thus also appear on the country’s flag as well as the Coat of Arms.

Guaita Tower seen from above

Guaita Tower

The oldest of the three towers Is Guaita (or Rocca) which is built directly on the stone of the mountain without any foundations. This tower dates back to the XI century and is among the oldest fortresses in Italy. There are two rings of walls where people were sheltering during sieges.

Images from inside the Guaita Tower

You can reach the tower by climbing a very narrow and steep staircase, but the effort is worth it. From the top you’ll get a beautiful view of the entire valley.

Cesta Tower

The second tower known as Cesta (or Fratta) sits a little farther away, on another peak of Mount Titan. This is the highest one, rising at 756 meters above sea level. Built at the end of the 11th century, the Second Tower was the seat of the guardhouse and also housed some prison cells.

Cesta Tower seen from above

Inside Cesta Tower

Today the tower houses the Museum of Ancient Arms, which includes firearms, bows, crossbows, and armor all dating from various periods between the Middle Ages and the end of the 19th century.

Museum of Ancient Arms, one of the best things to do in San Marino

From the top you can look back toward the Guaita and see the third tower as well.

Montale Tower

The third tower called Montale is not open to the public because it is difficult to access. However, you can still walk all the way to it. The walk takes about 10 minutes from the second tower along a scenic path on the mountain ridge.

Montale Tower in San Marino

This tower dates back to the late 13th century and is the smallest in size. Nonetheless, it played a strategic role in the country’s defense because it sits in the best position for lookout. It also functioned as a prison during the 14th century.

Walk the Passo delle Steghe (Witches’ Path)

One of the nicest things to do in San Marino is walk along the Witches’ Path (Passo delle Steghe), which connects the first and the second tower. This shaded paved pass carved in stone on the ridge of Mount Titano has earned its name from a local legend. The story says that the path was a gathering place for witches to performe mysterious rituals around large fires.

Passo delle Steghe (Witches’ Path) in San Marino

This is definitely one of the most photogenic spots in San Marino that offers stunning views of Castello della Cesta and the Adriatic Sea.

Visit Piazza della Liberta

Piazza della Liberta is the most popular public square in San Marino. This historic place serves as the center of government and a symbol of the Republic’s independence. Here you’ll find the Palazzo Pubblico – the government seat– and the Statue of Liberty, a marble sculpture that symbolizes the country’s freedom.

Piazza della Liberta

The piazza is a hub for local events and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are a number of shops in the square and places to eat. You can even see the changing of the guard here.

Take a Tour of the Palazzo Pubblico

Palazzo Pubblico (the Public Palace) is actually the town hall of the City of San Marino as well as its official Government Building. This is the seat of the Republic’s main administrative bodies: the Captains Regent, the Grand and General Council and the Congress of State. Here is also where official State ceremonies take place.

Palazzo Pubblico

The palace is open to the public at specific times throughout the year, but it’s closed on certain holidays and during official ceremonies. To visit Palazzo Pubblico you’ll need to purchase a ticket, but if you buy San Marino Pass the entrance is included.

Palazzo Pubblico

Step Inside the Basilica of San Marino

The large cathedral in the center of the City of San Marino is the country’s main church and a significant landmark. Located in Piazza Domus Plebis, the cathedral is a site of deep spiritual significance as it houses the relics of Saint Marinus, the founder and patron saint of San Marino.

Basilica of San Marino

The interior features three naves and two side aisles which create a spacious and traditional basilica layout. Besides the main altar adorned with a statue of the saint, there are also several marble altars, as well as beautiful paintings, stain glass and frescos.

The main nave of Basilica di San Marino

Wander the Streets of the Historic Center

Walking is the best way to experience the historic center of San Marino. Most of the Old Town is exclusively for pedestrians, allowing you to explore freely. You can wander the narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets, climb the staircases and check out the souvenir shops. Walking around is a great way to find unexpected viewpoints and interesting corners. And don’t worry about getting lost because this is a very compact area.

Contrada de la Porta Nova

Get a San Marino Stamp in Your Passport

One of the nicest things to do in San Marino is visit the San Marino Tourism Office and have them stamp your passport for you. While you don’t need a visa to get into San Marino, many tourists love having their passports stamped when visiting this tiny country.

The stamps costs only €5 and that money goes towards promoting the tourism of San Marino.

How to Get to San Marino

San Marino is only accessible by bus or by car, as there is no train station or airport nearby. The closest city is Rimini, which is around 20 km away. In Rimini there is a bus connection which takes around 1 hour to San Marino and vice versa. There are frequent connections by a Bonelli Shuttle and Bus Benedettini every 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs €6. You can check the Bonelli Bus schedule here.

We came by car as we were on a bigger tour of Italy and didn’t have any issues reaching it. We could also find parking, which is generally a problem in Europe.

Parking in San Marino is available throughout the city and is relatively inexpensive. You may choose to leave your car down the hill in Borgo Maggiore and use the funicular (Funivia din San Marino) to reach the historic center. Or you can drive to it, if you don’t mind driving the uphill winding roads of Mount Titano. There are some parking places in the historic center, but they fill up very quickly during the summer months.

Other Interesting Things to Know Before Visiting San Marino

Culture and Traditions

While San Marino is heavily influenced by its Italian surroundings, it maintains a strong national identity and is very proud of its history. The country has a rich and unique culture, with distinct traditions. Such is the Feast of San Marino on September 3rd when the Sammarinese commemorate the founding of their republic. If you are lucky to be here for that feast, you’ll witness parades, concerts, military displays, and medieval reenactments.

The Feast of San Marino Celebration

There is also the Anniversary of the Arengo on March 25th, when they commemorate the 1906 meeting that restored direct democratic elections and ended over three centuries of oligarchic rule by the Grand and General Council.

Medieval Days Festival

Other traditions include the Feast of Saint Agatha and Medieval Days (Jouat Medioeva) a festival that transforms the city into a medieval setting with armored guards and traditional costumes.

Language

Although the official language is Italian, the Sammarinese also use a dialect of Emiliano-Romagnolo which incorporates local phrases into their everyday conversation.

One interesting thing to notice is that although it uses Euro as its official currency, San Marino is not part of the European Union.

San Marino Government

The Republic of San Marino does not have a presidential system per se. Instead, it has two heads of state known as the Captains Regent. This system dates back to the 13th century.

Captains Regent of San Marino

The two Captains Regent serve as heads of state and government for a six-month term. This tradition dating back to the 13th century ensures a balance of power. The two heads of state are typically elected from opposing parties. And not only that. San Marino has a long history of female leadership. Over the centuries, at least 20 women served as Captains Regent.

How to Explore San Marino

The historic center of San Marino is a very tiny place which can easily be explored on foot and without any guidance. Don’t be afraid of getting lost on its narrow alleyways because eventually you’ll end up where you started. There is no way to completely loose your way.

In terms of time necessary to visit San Marino, we only had one full day and a night and thought that was enough. That’s not to say that you would run out of things to do if you had more time, but if you only want to visit the main attractions, 1-2 days should be enough.

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20/09/2025
Choose Your Own Adventure in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Growing up in a small town south of Nashville, we ventured out to Murfreesboro regularly: for summer camps, doctor appointments, shopping, you name it. What felt like a small town then, the home to Middle Tennessee State University now boasts 165,000 residents and has expanded at a rapid race, thanks to its central location. It’s also the state’s largest hub for youth sports. So if you’re headed our way for a soccer game, tennis tournament or just to see what Rutherford County is all about, here’s how to spend a weekend in Murfreesboro: with your family, with a loved one or even by yourself.

This post is in partnership with Visit Rutherford. All opinions are our own.

A family’s guide to Murfreesboro

Countless families find themselves on a weekend in Rutherford County for sports—among other major tournaments, the city hosts the majority of TSSAA state championships, earning it the nickname of “Sports Capital of Tennessee”—but there’s plenty to do in Murfreesboro with kids off the field.

Families can start their trip at General Bragg Trailhead, where open space offers ample opportunity for littles to run around. There’s fishing, a playground, a dog park, paved paths for running and biking, and even a 1.5-mile spur trail to the Stones River National Battlefield.

Murfreesboro’s greenway system is one of its attributes that makes the city so livable and enjoyable as a visitor—you’re never far from a trailhead. Stretching more than 17 miles, the greenway winds along the Stones River, its 16 trailheads connecting parks with neighborhoods and historic sites. The Manson Pike Trailhead is a popular area for families in Murfreesboro thanks to facilities made for hiking, running, biking, skating, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking—you name it.

If you’re looking for more leisurely play, there are plenty of other family-friendly spots around Rutherford County like McKnight Park, Barfield Crescent Park and Old Fort Park, which has a Kids’ Castle Playground, skate park and pump track.

From Manson Pike Trailhead, it’s less than two miles to Cannonsburgh Village, a must for all families visiting Rutherford County. This recreated 19th-century pioneer village is free to visit and aims to showcase what life here might have looked like from the 1830s to the 1930s. With more than 20 structures—ranging from a gristmill and blacksmith’s shop to a schoolhouse and a chapel—strewn throughout the grounds, families can wander the grounds, watch demonstrations and mentally teleport to another era. Fun fact: Cannonsburgh Village is also home to the world’s largest cedar bucket.

For hands-on learning and discovery, the Discovery Center at Murfreesboro is three minutes down the road and provides engaging exhibits that encourage curiosity and creativity, making it a perfect stop for children of all ages. My nephew, Mac (5), wanted to interact with every single station within the two-floor complex, while my niece Charlotte (7) got to work building things in the STEM corner.

The center attaches to the Murfree Spring Wetlands, a 25-acre park with boardwalks that wind through native habitat, putting the spotlight on birds, turtles and other native species. Beyond being a pleasant park to explore on a pretty day, Murfree Spring is a restored ecosystem that protects local species while teaching visitors why wetlands matter.

For kids who are more active and have energy to burn, Murfreesboro’s trampoline parks are the perfect place to head from Murfree Spring. We love Sky Zone for the many slides, obstacle courses and areas to bounce around, but Urban Air Adventure Park also gets two thumbs up from the kids in our life.

For dinner, BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse is extremely kid-friendly with its outdoor playground and regular happenings like an on-site balloon artist. And then there’s, of course, the favorite activity of most kids (and this adult): a sweet treat at the end of the day. Murfreesboro has the Soda Bar by Van Horns Cookies, the brick-and-mortar stop of the food truck behind the gooey cookie ice cream sandwiches, while the downtown square is home to both Hattie Jane’s Creamery and the decadent creations of Simply Pure Sweets, whose menu ranges from homemade oatmeal cream pies to French macarons.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a family

Right off the Murfreesboro square, Carriage Lane Inn is family-friendly with spacious suites and historic guesthouses that offer a variety of guest configurations. The inn features shared courtyards, porches, and easy access to local restaurants and shops, and its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring Stones River National Battlefield, Discovery Center and other nearby attractions.

A couple’s guide to Murfreesboro

A weekend in Murfreesboro is great for the couple who wants diversity: You can spend a morning outdoors, an afternoon at a brewery, and an evening hopping between cocktail lounges and live music venues—all within a compact, easy-to-navigate area. My husband and I, a childless married couple, love a night out in Murfreesboro bopping around the speakeasies and wine bars on the courthouse square.

While you could easily spend an entire evening at Hop Springs, which holds regular live music and festivals on its sprawling campus, we’re fans of the intimacy of Cedar Glade Brews, which makes delicious craft beer and also features rotating taps from other breweries. Open every day but Mondays, Cedar Glade Brews has weekday hoppy hours and nightly gatherings like Singo or trivia.

If you’re looking for something new and trendy, head to the Velvet Room, the sexy speakeasy lounge dripping in red accents that mixes up the best cocktails in town, or One of 19, a which blends high-end drinks with modern bar bites (think: tuna tartare, oysters, whipped feta, crab cocktail). For a more low-key afternoon bite, the restaurants scattered around the square like Jack Brown’s and Puckett’s are perfect for a casual meal.

Main Street Murfreesboro has events throughout the year that make for great date nights like the annual Taste of Rutherford at Oaklands Mansion every July and the annual Christmas celebration and lighting of the tree on the first Friday of December.

In the warmer months, we love to do our weekly shopping at the Saturday morning farmers’ market, as well as Friday Night Live once a month from June through September. The square is closed off for pedestrians, live music and a whole lot of dancing. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the community as a whole.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a couple

The Loft at Bloomsbury Farm puts guests right in the middle of a working organic farm, with a private cottage that blends modern comfort and pastoral views. Guests have access to walking trails, seasonal produce, and a quiet patio overlooking the fields. Just 10 minutes from downtown Smyrna, this retreat balances seclusion with easy urban access.

An outdoor lover’s guide to Murfreesboro

One of the most impressive things about Murfreesboro is its expansive greenway system and park space. No matter where you are in the city, you can access one of the seven segments of greenway or find somewhere to stretch your legs or take a quick bike ride. The Overall Street Trailhead is a convenient jumping-off point to explore more of the greenway system. From there, you can walk, run or ride for miles without ever needing to get off and dodge cars.

If you’re traveling with bikes, the Manson Pike Trailhead is ideal for scenic rides with its wide, tree-lined trails, while the nearby Greenway Bridge and waterfalls offer a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and snap memorable family photos. Down the way, the Greenway Bridge and the small waterfalls below it are a great place to cool off in warmer months.

Murfreesboro has easy access to the Stones River with three public launches along the Greenway, perfect for kayaks, canoes or paddleboards. The calm waters are primed for scenic floats through thick groves of trees and limestone bluffs, with flyfishing another popular pursuit thanks to the shallows banks and thriving fish population.

Nearby, Old Fort Golf Club is a city-owned, 18-hole public course along the Stones River, next to historic Fortress Rosecrans and the Adams Tennis Complex. At 7,086 yards from the tips, it’s one of Tennessee’s top public courses and a frequent host of championship events, including Korn Ferry Tour qualifiers. Murfreesboro has several other top golf courses like Indian Hills Golf Course and Cedar Crest Golf Club that are open to public play.

If racquet sports are more your forte, Rutherford County has plenty of tennis and pickleball facilities. Host of the TSSAA high school tennis championships, Adams Tennis Complex has both indoor and outdoor facilities that anyone can book for a small fee—not to mention, regular mixers and rec league play—while the town of Smyrna has more than a dozen tennis courts and pickleball facilities scattered throughout the city.

History buffs will appreciate the battlefield trails at Stones River National Battlefield; not everywhere seamlessly pairs history with the outdoors. The park has roughly seven miles of walking and biking trails that weave through open fields, cedar glades and forested stretches where the bloody Civil War battle unfolded. Some paths are short loops that make for quick strolls; others feed into longer routes like the Stones River Greenway should you want to extend your walk. It’s flat and easy terrain making it a great option regardless of age or mobility.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as an outdoors lover

On the southern shores of Percy Priest Lake just past La Vergne, Four Corners Marina is a dream for outdoors lovers who want to make the most of their weekend in Rutherford County. Located 25 minutes from the Nashville airport (BNA), it’s an ideal base for both water recreation and access to all of Murfreesboro’s top attractions. A convenient spot on Percy Priest Lake, Four Corners Resort & Marina offers RV sites, cabin rentals, and full marina services, including boat slips and fuel. Visitors can rent pontoons, paddleboards or fishing boats directly from the dock, and the on-site restaurant delivers with casual dining and lake views.

A foodie’s guide to Murfreesboro

As Nashville’s radius expands, Murfreesboro’s dining scene becomes more and more impressive, the further south the chefs go. You can start your day in Murfreesboro is at Brass Horn Coffee, a roastery that serves hearty brunch items like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, bagels and Nutella banana toast. Moving onto mid-morning breakfast or brunch, Joanie’s never disappoints: I take visiting friends there for a big brunch spread as they serve their full menu (crepes, waffles, pancakes) all day long.

For lunch, Murfreesboro Kabob is our choice 10 times out of 10. We love Mediterranean and Persian food, and the kabob plates are simply unbeatable. For a more sit-down meal in downtown Murfreesboro, Five on Black Kitchen and Spirit House pairs elevated gastropub cuisine—house eggrolls, a deep well of burgers, the best Brussels sprouts in town—with spirit-forward cocktails and extensive selection of bourbons, whiskeys and tequilas. Other fine-dining options include long-time Murfreesboro icon, the Alley on Main, and perhaps my favorite date night in Murfreesboro: Five Senses.

On any weekend in Murfreesboro from May through the end of October, the Saturday Market on the courthouse square is a must. Every Saturday from late-spring through mid-fall, the square brims with farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and artisan crafts from 8am to noon. Off Medical Center Parkway, Williamson Family Farm‘s 240 acres comprise apple trees, you-pick berry bushes, sunflower fields and much more; the family-run farm is open regularly to the public, plus hosts seasonal food-focused events like its annual strawberry festival every May.

If you want to spend an evening out in Eagleville instead, the Grindstone Cowboy is a restaurant, bar, coffee shop and music venue rolled into one with live entertainment nearly every Friday and Saturday evening and some weeknights, too.

Rutherford County has so many restaurants, it would be physically impossible to cram them into a single weekend. So if you’re traveling like we do and planning a full-on progressive dinner tour of restaurants in Murfreesboro—after all, you do want to taste as much as possible!—it may be wise to break up your days by area. Here are some of our favorite places to eat by neighborhood:

Downtown Murfreesboro / Memorial Boulevard:
- Alley on Main
- Boro Bowls
- Brass Horn Coffee Roasters
- The Clay Pit
- Five on Black Kitchen and Spirit House
- Jack Brown’s
- Joanie’s
- Marina’s on the Square
- Murfreesboro Kabob
- Primrose Table
Old Fort Parkway:
- Sandwich Factory
- Maru Sushi & Grill
- TailGate Brewery Murfreesboro
Medical Center Parkway / Thompson Lane:
- Cava
- Drake’s
- The Goat Murfreesboro
- Jonathan’s
- Maple Street Biscuit Company
- PennePazze
- Tandoor
- West 22 Tacos
Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a foodies

Rutherford County is home to more than 50 hotels. If you’re visiting Murfreesboro to take advantage of the food scene, make your base at a Rutherford County hotel that’s most central to the places you plan to visit.

A history enthusiast’s guide to Murfreesboro

Rutherford County’s Civil War history runs deep: The Battle of Stones River was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war and a turning point for Union control in Middle Tennessee. Today, you can walk those same fields at Stones River National Battlefield, where monuments, trails, and a well-done visitor center tell the story of the soldiers who fought and the civilians who endured.

Right outside of town in Smyrna, the Sam Davis Home & Plantation shares the story of a Confederate soldier, offering both a glimpse into 19th-century plantation life and a sobering reminder of the era’s complexities. From February through December, you can tour the Greek Revival home and the grounds. The Sam Davis Home also hosts annual holiday events like a Christmas after dark tour and Nutcracker afternoon tea.

In downtown Murfreesboro, landmarks like the Oaklands Mansion and the Bradley Academy Museum add more context to the city’s complicated wartime past, making Murfreesboro one of the most compelling places in Tennessee to connect with Civil War history. For something a little different by way of history, head into downtown Murfreesboro and spend an afternoon at Cannonsburgh Village, a collection of recreated 19th-century buildings that give you a peek into Tennessee’s past. Strolling the grounds almost feels like stepping into a quieter time—without ever leaving the middle of town.

For aviation buffs, there’s no better time to spend a weekend in Murfreesboro than during the annual Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna. For one weekend in June, the Great Tennessee Air Show lands at the Smyrna Airport, giving all in attendance a front-row seat to some of the best pilots in the country. The lineup often highlights the U.S. Navy Blue Angels alongside solo pilots and aerobatic teams, giving spectators a close-up look at some of the coolest aircraft and aerial performances in the country.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a history lover

If you’re visiting Murfreesboro to see the historic sites, you’ll likely be spending much of your time near Stones River Battlefield or Smyrna. Pick a Rutherford County hotel off of Medical Center Parkway like the Hyatt Place, Courtyard Marriott, Embassy Suites or Hilton Garden Inn as a home base for your weekend of history in Tennessee.

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17/09/2025
How to Make the Most of the Outdoors in Ridgeland, Mississippi

If you’ve ever road-tripped the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ve likely breezed right past Ridgeland, Mississippi without realizing this vibrant city is one of the Trace’s best-kept secrets. Situated just north of Jackson along I-55, Ridgeland really leans into its outdoors scene: kayaking on the Barnett Reservoir, biking the local multi-use trail, picking flowers in the community wildflower fields. So if you’re visiting Mississippi, here’s how to experience the outdoors in Ridgeland so you don’t waste a single moment.

This project is in partnership with Explore Ridgeland. All opinions are our own.

Getting outdoors in Ridgeland

Over the past few years, we’ve visited Ridgeland a handful of times en route to or from other Mississippi cities like Tupelo, Jackson, Natchez. We’ve come to find that Ridgeland is more than just a stop along the Trace—it’s a stand-alone destination in its own right. The first time we ever visited during the South’s dreamy, temperate fall weather, we were immediately smitten with all the green space Ridgeland offered, not to mention the fact that everyone seemed to move around by bike.

Cycling in Ridgeland

Ridgeland, which has long been designated an official Tree City, is an ideal weekend getaway for anyone looking to get around by two wheels, whether to hit the Retail Trail, skirt the edge of Mississippi’s largest reservoir, observe the region’s many wildlife habitats or simply log a bit of exercise.

With eight different access points spread throughout the city, the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors in Ridgeland. You can start near the Natchez Trace Parkway and pedal past the wildflower fields, grab a cold drink or seafood platter at one of the waterfront restaurants like Pelican Cove Grill, then take a break to browse Mississippi-made art at the Bill Waller Craft Center.

The trail winds along the Barnett Reservoir, where overlooks and parks offer plenty of stops for resting, picnicking or a round of disc golf. In Ridgeland proper, the Railroad District is a more urban biking destination where you can grab lunch or shop local boutiques before hopping back on the path.

If you’re not traveling with your own bike, you can make use of Explore Ridgeland’s free bikeshare program. Simply download the Koloni app before you go, create a free account, then pick up a bike at either the Ridgeland Bikeshare at The Bike Crossing or the Ridgeland Visitors Center in the Renaissance at Colony Park. Helmets are required and included with the rentals.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Ridgeland has one of the most convenient and scenic access points to the Natchez Trace Parkway, making it a natural hub for travelers exploring the historic 444-mile route that launches in Nashville and terminates in Natchez, Mississippi. The Parkway literally runs through the city, so you can easily hop on and off whether you’re driving the whole byway or just enjoying a shorter day trip.

From Ridgeland, you can head north toward Tupelo and Nashville or south toward Natchez, and the stretch around town is especially appealing thanks to multi-use trails that parallel the Parkway. Cyclists, runners, and walkers love this section because of its paved paths, water views, and easy access to Barnett Reservoir (“The Rez”), which borders the Trace here.

In short: Ridgeland is both a practical and scenic gateway to the Parkway: It’s the only city in Mississippi where you’ll find direct access combined with a strong visitor infrastructure—lodging, dining, shopping, trailheads—directly off the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Ross Barnett Reservoir

Arriving from the north, your first glimpse of Ridgeland will be an expanse of mirror-blue water that stretches out over 33,000 acres. Not only is Barnett Reservoir a peaceful respite, but it’s popular for cardio enthusiasts who jog, walk or hike the trails, many with dog companion in tow.

You could easily rent a waterfront home and spend the entirety of your weekend in Ridgeland making use of Barnett Reservoir’s many facilities. The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, known to locals as “The Rez,” boasts five campgrounds, 16 parks, 22 boat launches, handicapped accessible trails and 18 miles of paved walkways. In other words? It’s a water enthusiast’s playground.

One of our favorite places in Ridgeland is Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area, an area adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway that’s alive with native flora and fauna. Just past the Trace before you cross the bridge, there’s also a bird-viewing station where you can admire the various waterfowl that inhabit the marsh from close up.

On our weekends in Ridgeland, we have returned to this refuge on multiple occasions to enjoy the fresh air and get our bird-watching. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, too: We spotted quite a few lurking just beneath the water’s surface!

Ridgeland Wildflower Fields

Closer to the heart of the city are the Ridgeland Wildflower Fields started many years ago by the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and Keep Ridgeland Beautiful as a local beautification effort and way to provide residents and visitors alike with a joyful experience. To find them, map to the Seabrook Paint Company right off Interstate 55 and park in the back parking spaces by the fields.

This time of year, you’ll catch the tail end of wildflower season before the zinnias and other multi-colored blooms start to materialize.

But even in the between seasons when the fields aren’t awash in color, they’re still fun and interesting to visit—and, did I mention, free?—as they feature walking paths adorned with whimsical sculptures created from recycled and upcycled metal. Every time we’ve visited, more 3D art has been added, and you know we love a good public art installation!

TopGolf

If you want to be outdoors in Ridgeland without expending too much energy, the city is home to Mississippi’s first Topgolf venue. If you’ve never played a round, you’re in for a treat. Topgolf Ridgeland isn’t your typical driving range—it’s an all-out experience where you can tee off from climate-controlled bays outfitted with TVs while aiming at colorful, high-tech targets that track your shots. Or mix it up with a round of 9-hole mini golf course that’s great for families and groups.

Add in a menu of food, beer and craft cocktails, and you’ve got the recipe for an easy night out in Ridgeland whether you’re working on your swing or just there for the social side of things.

Where to stay in Ridgeland, Mississippi

The area engulfing the Township at Colony Park is where the majority of hotels in Ridgeland are located. We have stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites, as well as the SpringHill Suites, which has an outdoor pool that is very refreshing in the summer months. The nice thing about the Colony Park area of town is its walkability, as well as proximity to the bulk of Ridgeland’s restaurants and retail.

There are plenty of shops and eateries—like Taste Italian Kitchen, Local 463, Caet, Anjou—at Renaissance at Colony Park so you can easily navigate the neighborhood by foot or bicycles. If you aren’t traveling with your own set of two wheels, the free bikes available at the Ridgeland Visitors Center make it convenient for exploring if you want to ditch your car for the day.

One thing is for sure, no matter where you wind up for dinner, the after-party is at the Renaissance every night without fail: The fountain in front of the Malco Renaissance theatre lights up in a Vegas-style show marrying light and audio on the hour from 6 to 9pm nightly.

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10/09/2025
Understanding the Civil War in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Over the past couple years, we’ve worked on tourism projects with cities large and small across Tennessee, unearthing just how pivotal a role places like Franklin played in the Civil War. We’ve already covered a bit of Civil War history in Franklin but thought the Battle of Stones River and some of the lesser-known Civil War sites in Middle Tennessee also deserved a deep dive.

This post was last updated in August 2025.

The Civil War in Murfreesboro and beyond

It’s impossible to understand the geography and psychology of the American Civil War without including Tennessee—Rutherford County, in particular, had a front-row seat to the most devastating war in the history of our country. Armies on both sides, hundreds of thousands of men, marched across the centerline of the Volunteer State in the early 1860s, setting up bulwarks and camps, conquering strategic locations and suffering crippling losses—until almost the bitter end.

Situated in the heartland of the United States and at the crossroads of civilization in North America, Tennessee was an epicenter and busy intersection of opposing forces during the conflict, with only the great state of Virginia taking the questionable lead in the number of individual battles fought throughout. A strategic prize that both sides valued because of its major rivers, abundant resources and crisscrossing rail lines and turnpikes, Middle Tennessee became a superhighway of marching troops and supplies for the entire four years of the war.

Artifacts of warfare are still buried across the region among the soybean, wheat and cornfield landscapes, which were transformed into an angry battle of ideals and property rights. The countryside is infused with the legacy of the War Between the States, and while it’s easy to breeze through the area on Interstate 24 in search of country music or a scenic waterfall, these monuments to the struggles of our ancestors are beautifully appropriate places to pay some respect.

The battles that raged across the flatlands of this area range from skirmishes to all-out war, and Rutherford County was no stranger to bloodshed and spent ammunition; the Battle of Stones River alone resulted in 24,000 casualties, one of the worst of the entire conflict.

Key Civil War sites in Middle Tennessee

If you’re wanting to understand more of Murfreesboro’s Civil War history, here are some of the sites of fights that happened more than 2,900 times on the soil of Tennessee throughout the span of a few years.

Battle of Milton / Vaught’s Hill

A small skirmish that, nevertheless, resulted in the deaths of hundreds, this battle was waged just north of Readyville and east of Murfreesboro. Besides being an attack by the Confederate army that failed to overrun the Union soldiers on Vaught’s Hill, it also solidified the strength of an organized cavalry, with Colonel John T. Wilder’s “Lightning Brigade” being among the defenders that repelled a larger force.

Battle of Hoover’s Gap

Once again employing Colonel Wilder’s fast-moving brigade with a high degree of effectiveness, General William Rosecrans sent these mounted troops, followed by the regular army, in a big push to control this critical section of the war zone in 1863. Soldiers from both sides of the conflict were spread out from Wartrace to McMinnville and across Rutherford County before converging on areas near Beechgrove, right on Interstate 24 where the road narrows. Spencer Repeating Rifles, a favored firearm for Wilder’s troops, were a fairly new introduction to the Union Army, and had devastating effect.

map by Hal Jespersen, www.cwmaps.com

This battle, and subsequent engagement in Tullahoma, forced the entire Confederate army to retreat to Chattanooga, setting the stage for the Battle of Chickamauga, Battles for Chattanooga, and eventually a clear path for General Sherman’s army to conquer Atlanta and the remainder of the deep South.

Battle of the Cedars / Third Battle of Murfreesboro

General John Bell Hood, in a desperate attempt to force the Union’s hand in the Southern Theater and halt Sherman’s march from Atlanta to Savannah, led a series of assaults up and down the Middle Tennessee corridor in late-1864. The Battle of Franklin was the most notorious of these engagements due to massive casualties, but the Third Battle of Murfreesboro, led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, was a raid intended to reinforce the Franklin-Nashville campaign by cutting off rail service between Nashville and Murfreesboro.

map by Hal Jespersen, www.cwmaps.com

While Forrest had some success in destroying tracks and depots, the stage had inevitably been set for the end of the war, and his efforts were some of the last battles of the Confederates in Tennessee before the war concluded the following year.

Battle of Stones River

Mustering more than 76,000 troops on both sides, Union and Confederate armies closed ranks in late-1862 for this battle, viciously fighting for control of Middle Tennessee. The federal army, commanded by General William Rosecrans, was positioned along the banks of the Stones River near Murfreesboro on the eve of the year, awaiting an attack from the Army of Tennessee, commanded by the erratic general, Braxton Bragg.

What followed was wholesale slaughter—on both sides—that ended in a draw. Bragg later retreated and regrouped in Tullahoma while federal forces claimed victory, despite the staggering number of dead and injured, estimated to be more than 25,000 over the course of three days.

Tullahoma Campaign

When General Braxton Bragg made his headquarters in Tullahoma following a retreat from Rutherford County, he was actively fighting with his subordinate commanders; Nathan Bedford Forrest, a brigadier general under his command, in particular, had threatened to kill him. While the rain poured down, turning the area into a sludge pool, Rosencrans gathered his forces in Murfreesboro in preparation for an assault down the sharply-terraced and well-defended spline of Middle Tennessee.

In late June 1863 when the machinery of war started rumbling up again, nearly 100,000 men on both sides were stationed at various points across Columbia, Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Manchester and McMinnville. The Duck River Line, formed by the Confederates, couldn’t hold as the Union side made a series of feints and smashed through critical choke points, such as Hoover’s Gap and Liberty Gap, both times heavily armed with the Spencer rifle, which proved absolutely deadly against regimental charges. The Confederate Army of Tennessee—at that point diminished by infighting and miscommunications between commanders yet still lethal—attempted to set up a command in Decherd before retiring across the Tennessee River to the Chattanooga area, setting the stage for the next phase of the conflict.

This is just a sampler of the numerous battles that took place on Tennessee soil, and if you’re interested in reading further, I recommend starting your education with this three-volume set by late historian Shelby Foote.

If you’re planning to visit Middle Tennessee soon, here are a few sites that will start your deep-dive into the Civil War history of the region:
- Stones River National Battlefield
- Fortress Rosecrans
- McFadden Farm
- General Bragg Headquarters Monument
- Evergreen Cemetery
- Hazen Brigade Monument
- Artillery Monument
- Rutherford County’s Historic Cemeteries
- Sam Davis Home & Plantation
- Oaklands Mansion
- Maplewood Cemetery
- Bell Buckle
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20/08/2025
Where to Stay in Franklin, Tennessee: the Harpeth Hotel

One of my favorite weekends getaways is Franklin, Tennessee. It’s just an hour from where we live, but sometimes it feels necessary to break up your routine and reset your mental battery for a weekend—the closer, the better. And with the opening of the Harpeth Hotel a few years back, we love to stay in Franklin and ditch our cars for a weekend getaway that is walkable and brimming with good food and even better cocktails.

This post was last updated in August 2025.

So if you’re coming to Williamson County for a week, a weekend or just a night, here’s what to expect with a stay at the Harpeth Hotel.

Staying in Downtown Franklin

The Harpeth Hotel is the place to stay in downtown Franklin, and it’s also the city’s premier boutique hotel option. With 119 guest rooms spread throughout the four-story hotel, it embodies the look and feel of Williamson County, which is to say: upscale, yet approachable; historic in honoring Franklin’s roots while simultaneously contemporary in design and offerings.

Check rates for the Harpeth Hotel here

What I love the most about the location is how walkable it is. You can check your car into the valet and explore Franklin on foot for the majority of the weekend, no car needed. Everywhere on Main Street is walkable from the Harpeth, as is the Factory at Franklin, the Franklin Farmers Market, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and so much more.

What to know about Franklin

But first, if you’re new to this area of the South, you need to know a bit about Franklin’s backstory. Fiercely fought over throughout its history as a Western settlement, Franklin and the surrounding counties suffered losses of American life that are gut-wrenching to contemplate. The steamrollers of war spared quite a few architectural treasures in this part of the world that you can tour and a network of interlinked cultural sites illustrate with excruciating detail how the thousands of acres of graveyards scattered on the countryside were populated with the bodies of men. Some of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War happened in this well-preserved Tennessee town, a fact that’s easy to forget unless you visit the battlefields and museums, which we must insist you do.

The hotel is part of a greater development project that fuses 150 residential spaces with commercial concepts; you’ll find everything from the Bakehouse to the NOW Massage day spa in Harpeth Square, just minutes outside of your door. The square also has its own restaurants like Culaccino and Culamar, plus an olive oil shop to boot.

Named after the river that snakes its way through town, the Harpeth Hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so it meets the brand’s standards while still being completely unique. This means that you can accrue Hilton Honors points if you’re a member and also use the Hilton Keyless App if you prefer.

The Harpeth has a couple of different lodging options, including standard and accessible rooms, as well as various suites: junior, king and presidential. Many rooms have balconies with seating areas, a definite plus in warmer months.

Oh, and did I mention that the Harpeth Hotel is pet-friendly, too? This seamlessly ties into Franklin’s pet-friendly approach to welcome dogs into the town’s various spaces: the shops, the cafes, the restaurant patios, the galleries.

The hotel also boasts some really gorgeous event spaces; if you have a group of 250 or less, the Harpeth is the perfect place in Franklin in which to host your meeting, conference or other event.

For more Franklin hotels, check availability here

Drinking and dining at the Harpeth Hotel

What I love the most about the Harpeth Hotel is that it truly lives up to its motto of being “Franklin’s living room.” When I’m staying in a plush boutique like this one, I prefer to spend time physically in the hotel, but not necessarily inside the confines of my room, which is why the Harpeth is the perfect place to stay in Franklin for me.

There are nooks and vignettes all over the hotel that lend themselves well to grabbing a cup of coffee (or if you’re us, a cocktail) and settling in for a long chat with a friend or an afternoon with your laptop if you’re always working on the road.

The Library also hosts a daily whiskey tasting for guests at 4:45pm, in which a skilled connoisseur will guide you through a sampling of a special whiskey, some from the area and others hand-picked from destinations across the world.

There’s a courtyard right smack in the middle of the hotel that connects to the lobby bar and the Riverside Ballroom with staircases leading up to the second level of the hotel, in addition to ample seating for those who prefer to lounge in the open air. In the summer, there’s live music in the courtyard several nights a week, but no matter the season, you’ll find someone taking the mic in the Harpeth’s 1799 bar on every weekend as the singer-songwriter industry is at the core of Franklin’s culture.

In fact, there are even Gibson guitars hanging in the lobby that guests can check out for free to play!

Eating and drinking at the Harpeth Hotel in Franklin

The centerpiece of the hotel’s lobby is the chef-driven 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room, which is as visually striking as it is delicious. Built around the abstract deconstruction of the inside of a whiskey barrel, with large, circular nook booths encased in the restaurant’s staves, this corner of the hotel is incredibly pleasing to the eye with all of its lines and symmetry.

The homage to the colors and texture of whiskey beer mash inside of the oak is stunning, and surprisingly the design limitations of working in the round appear to have only enhanced the experience of dining with companions because we could actually hear each other speak, an essential quality that unfortunately has been forgotten all too often if you’re breaking bread with others.

The menu trends to high-end French and Italian, with locally sourced ingredients for menu items like the trout, pork roast, leg of lamb and steak. Brunch is also spun up as an option and includes all the usual suspects like crab Benedict, chicken and waffles, and flank steak, among other choices for a lazy weekend meal.

There’s also a bar in the central lobby area that carries local spirits like Leiper’s Fork Distillery, as well as craft beer from Jackalope, Wiseacre and other Tennessee breweries. No big surprise that this is where we made our base during the length of our stay!

And if you’re looking for a more casual grab-and-go option, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions is the place for you. Tucked in the corner of the building right along Main Street, this bistro has specialty coffee drinks, beer, cocktails, fresh pastries, handmade ice cream and a selection of lunch items. We loved it so much, we’ve now been for lunch at McGavock’s three times in less than two weeks; SVV always gets the bahn mi, while the roast beef sandwich is my go-to.

Whether you are staying in downtown Franklin or are just passing through, lunch at McGavock’s and/or a meal at 1799 should definitely be on your to-eat list in a city crowded with culinary delights.

Around the Harpeth Hotel

Of course, the hotel is right on Main Street, meaning there’s plenty to do, see and eat beyond its walls. So many of my favorite shops in Franklin are located within blocks’ of the Harpeth, including Emmaline, Tin Cottage, Hester & Cook, White’s Mercantile and Rooted by Yarrow Acres, a plant store with the most gorgeous greenery.

If you’ve already eaten at 1799, there are plenty of whiskey stops—like Stable Reserve, OBJ and Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s House of Spirits—along Main Street, as well as plenty of places to eat within walking distance from the Harpeth Hotel. A few of my favorite downtown Franklin restaurants include: Gray’s on Main, Red Pony, Cork & Cow, 55 South and Biscuit Love.

And while McGavock’s is divine for a cup of joe, downtown Franklin also houses an outpost of one of my favorite regional coffee brands: Frothy Monkey. You can also walk to the Factory at Franklin, a beloved spot of both SVV’s and mine thanks to the artisan-backed shops and eateries that populate this old textile mill just outside of downtown.

I suggest staying in downtown Franklin a three-day weekend so you can make the most of the area’s Civil War history, as well as hitting up the Masters & Makers trail, Leiper’s Fork and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Franklin is also a great base for exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway, which travels right through the heart of the county.

When to visit Franklin

Like most of Tennessee, Franklin’s most popular months are often April and May and September and October, though the height of summer promises greenery in spade. That said, it depends on the year, as our winters are getting shorter, meaning it’s warmer through late November and starts to thaw by March. That also means you shouldn’t discount the holiday season, though. In fact, at the moment, it’s mid-60s and prices are lower, but yuletide spirit is high!

Franklin has a few banner events, my go-tos being Pilgrimage Music Festival every September and Dickens of a Christmas in mid-December. Both are located in or adjacent to downtown Franklin and walkable from the hotel.

Looking for more Franklin travel tips? Start here:

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19/08/2025