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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii (Updated 2025)

When I was growing up, I wanted to be an archeologist. I loved history (and still do), and the thought of uncovering temples and tombs in jungles excited me. I used to read books on Greek and Roman history and have discussions with my history teacher, even as young as 13. In short, I was a huge geek from the get-go.

Being such a huge history geek, visiting Pompeii, the city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, has always been high on my list of things to do.

When the volcano erupted, the falling ash came so quickly that it preserved the city just as it was, burying Pompeii in 4–6 meters (13–20 feet) of ash. It’s a city frozen in time.

The earliest settlements in the area date to the 8th century BCE, though most people know Pompeii as the Roman city that it was at the time of its demise. The rich agricultural land combined with its location on important trading routes meant that, over time, Pompeii became a wealthy provincial city. it had a population of over 20,000 people.

The city was also a regional cultural center, with a large amphitheater, forum, public baths, various temples, and an extensive aqueduct system providing clean water. Many of these buildings, including expansive private villas in the surrounding countryside, were buried during Vesuvius’s eruption.

The eruption itself lasted over two days, with the first phase of falling ash and pumice lasting over 18 hours. While the 1,150 bodies discovered is significant, it was only a fraction of the overall population. Most inhabitants likely had a chance to escape during this initial eruptive phase, though the final casualty count remains unknown.

While the eruption was the biggest tragedy of its time, the falling ash also kept the buildings, frescoes streets, pots, and bodies incredibly well preserved. And while there was some looting after the eruption, eventually Pompeii’s location was lost with the passage of time.

It wasn’t until the rediscovery of the nearby town of Herculaneum (buried in the same Vesuvius eruption) that interest was renewed in the area. The first excavations at Pompeii occurred in 1748, with archaeological work continuing to this day. There is still a significant portion of the site that remains unexcavated so who knows what they will discover here in the future!

I’ve traveled the world for a while and have seen plenty of marvelous ruins over the years. But this is one of the best. Even though a lack of upkeep has taken its toll on the site, I still found it a fascinating place to spend the day. My only hope is that the Italian government will get its act together to keep this site from falling into further disrepair.

Located near Naples in Italy, Pompeii takes a full day to see. If you truly want to indulge your inner Indiana Jones and visit every building here, schedule an extra half day. At over 160 acres, it’s a huge site and you could easily spend even more time than that.

I saw a lot on my full day, but there was a lot that I missed. To help you make the most of your visit, here is everything you need to know to visit Pompeii:

The Top 12 Attractions in Pompeii

1. The Brothel

The ancient lupanar (brothel) is a tiny house with stone beds and scenes of the acts customers might pay for. It’s essentially ancient porn, though whether the frescoes served a practical purpose or were merely decoration is unclear.

Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most visited houses in all of Pompeii (it was probably just as popular before the eruption — no pun intended — too). It’s the largest of the pleasure houses uncovered in Pompeii (so far) and so historians think it was the city’s main brothel. After all, the Romans did enjoy their…rest and relaxation.

2. The Forum Baths

Located near the forum (the main public space), these baths are incredibly well preserved. You can peek inside the wall to see how they heated the baths back when they were still in use. Their innovation is incredibly impressive, and it’s not hard to picture the baths as they were.

While the forum baths are the smallest of the various bath ruins in Pompeii, they are arguably the most elegant. There were separate areas for men and women, including separate entrances. The bath not only had hot baths but cold and tepid baths as well.

3. The Villa of the Mysteries

Located outside the main area, the frescoes here are amazingly well preserved in their full vibrant color. In fact, they’re some of the best examples of 1st-century Roman painting. The frescoes seem to depict a woman entering into the initiations for a Greco-Roman mystery cult, hence the name the villa is known by today.

The villa, which is on the outskirts of Pompeii proper, was excavated long after the rest of the city (excavation of the villa began in 1909). Since it’s a bit of a walk, not many people come here either, giving you the place virtually to yourself.

4. The Forum

The most crowded place in Pompeii, the forum is located right near the main gate. It was the main center of life in Pompeii, the cultural and civic nerve of the city. Any significant religious or commercial events would occur here; it was essentially the main square and heart of the city. When you wander around here, you can really get a sense for what life in Pompeii was like.

5. The Stabian Baths

Another well-preserved bath, this one is the oldest in Pompeii. It also has a slightly bigger chamber and sees a whole lot fewer crowds. You can also see some preserved bodies here, which is unsettling (though you’ll get used to it the more you wander the ruins).

The bath area also had a gym and workout area (for wrestling, as well) and a large, almost Olympic-sized, swimming pool.

6. House of the Small Fountain

A beautiful house with a large back room, wonderful frescoes, and a beautiful mosaic fountain. Almost all of the rooms lead to the central atrium and you can see that the house was owned by someone who was wealthy.

The sloped roof was used to collect rainwater and doubled as a fountain, a great example of innovation at the time.

7. House of the Faun

This is the biggest house in Pompeii and gets its name from the statue in the front courtyard. Built in the 2nd century BCE, there’s a large courtyard in the back where you can also find a very detailed mosaic of a battle scene.

It’s one of the most complete surviving examples of a wealthy and luxurious private residence from the time — even better preserved than many sites in Rome itself!

8. Garden of the Fugitives

Located in the back of Pompeii, this old vineyard has preserved casts of people who didn’t make it out of the city alive. There are 13 bodies in the garden, frozen in a grotesque and agonizing tableau that reflects the horrible final moments of the city. It’s both incredibly interesting and unsettling at the same time.

9. House of Venus in the Shell

Another place located far away from the crowds, this house has a colorful fresco to the goddess Venus. There are also a few gardens here and a detailed statue of Mars.

The house was actually under renovation when Vesuvius erupted and was also damaged during the bombing in World War II (though it was restored in the 1950s).

10. The Amphitheater

This huge amphitheater is where the citizens of Pompeii held the ancient games that entertained them. It’s a quiet place to walk around and given its position at the far end of Pompeii, you’ll see very few people there, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours.

Built in 70 BCE, it was one of the first amphitheaters to be built of stone. Today, it is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater in existence.

11. Great Palestra

Right next to the amphitheater, the “great palace” was an exercise park and place for youth groups. It was used for sports and games, and there was also a swimming pool here as well.

It’s another a great place to escape the crowds as not so many tourists make it here.

12. House of Sallustio

This is one of the oldest houses in Pompeii, with sections dating to the 4th century BCE. It was most likely an elite residence, owing to its location and size. The upper floors may have even been used as an inn at some point in its history.

There’s a small garden and covered porch in the back, a fresco of the goddess Diana, a bakery, and even a little food shop in the front. During World War II, a bomb partially destroyed the back walls, though these were restored in the 1970s.

12 Tips for Visiting Pompeii

Here are 10 super important things to remember when visiting Pompeii:

1. Watch out for closings – Not all the attractions are open, even if they say they are. I found a number of places you were supposed to be able to get into closed. They even started closing one while I was looking around. Check the hours when you arrive, since information online might not be accurate.

2. Start in the back – To avoid the crowds, move from the farthest temples toward the front. The majority of people stick to the center of Pompeii, and you can visit the main area when the crowds have gone by late afternoon.

3. Don’t do the audio guide – I bought the audio tour and found it to be a waste of time. The free book they give you includes enough information. The audio guide doesn’t explain much more.

4. Limited time? Do a guided tour – I listened to a number of guided tours while I was walking around and I was impressed with their knowledge. Plus, I like being able to ask questions that can further explain things. The guided tours simply take you to the highlights, unless you do a personal tour.

5. Bring lots of water – During the summer, it gets scorchingly hot. Bring lots of water and some sunscreen to avoid getting burnt. A hat is a good idea too.

6. Pack snacks – There are a few cafes and snack bars here, but if you wander far into the ruins, you might not be near them for a while. It’s best to bring some food with you for the day’s explorations.

7. Take the train – This is the easiest way to visit. Just make sure you go to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri station as the main Pompeii station only takes you to the modern city.

8. Watch out for scams and pickpockets – As Pompeii is such a popular attraction (over 2.5 million people visit each year), there are many people who try to take advantage of visitors. Common scams include trying to sell fake (or overpriced) train and bus tickets or saying that the entrance is closed (but they can get you in). Also watch out for pickpockets around the entrances and train station.

9. Don’t bring a large backpack – Security likely won’t let you bring in a large rucksack, so only come with a smaller purse or day bag.

10. Choose your tour carefully – If you’re going to do a tour, do an official tour from inside the gate. There are plenty of tours offered outside of the gate, but they are much larger and not as good (though they are cheaper). I suggest going with Take Walks. I always learn a ton on their tours.

11. Wear sturdy footwear – The ruins are actually quite spread out and you’ll be on your feet all day. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes (no flip flops).

12. Buy tickets in advance – To beat the line, buy your tickets online in advance. Pompeii can get super busy, meaning long lines when they open. Avoid the hassle and get your tickets ahead of time.

How to Get to Pompeii

The train is the best way to get to Pompeii if you’re coming from Naples. To get here, catch the Sorrento Circumvesuviana train from Naples and get off at Pompeii. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs around 3.50 EUR. The site is just 5 minutes from the train station.

If you’re coming by car, it’s about a 30-minute drive. Note that there is no free parking lot for the site, though there are many paid municipal and private parking lots nearby.

Starting in 2025, the site has put restrictions on daily visitors to help preserve the site:

From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, a maximum of 15,000 admissions (subdivided into 12,000 for Pompeii express and 3,000 for Pompei +)

From 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm, a maximum of 5,000 admissions?(subdivided into 3,000 for Pompeii express and 2,000 for Pompei +)

From April 1st to October 31st, the entire site is open from 9am-7pm (last entrance at 5:30pm). From November 1-March 31, the site is open from 9am-5pm (last entry at 3:30pm). However, each individual attraction has its own opening and closing times, with last entrances starting 1-1.5 hours before closing time of the entire site. For updated hours, check pompeiisites.org.

FAQ on Visiting Pompeii

How long do you need in Pompeii?
You’ll want to spend a full day here if you want to see everything. If you just want to see the main sites, 3–4 hours will suffice.

Do you have to pay to visit Pompeii?
Yes! Tickets are 18 EUR per person for the basic ticket (this gets you the main sites) and 22 EUR for the comprehensive, all access ticket.

Should I book a guided tour?
If you don’t have a guidebook or if you want a deeper, more insightful visit then getting a guide is a good idea. There is minimal signage here so you’ll get much more from your visit if you have a guide.

You can either book a guide on arrival (you’ll see a bunch hanging around the entrance) or go with a reputable company like Take Walks. They have a comprehensive and informative 3-hour tour of the site as well as a full-day tour that includes Pompeii and a drive along the Amalfi Coast. Tickets are 59 EUR for the three-hour tour and 189 EUR for the full-day tour (including tickets that let you skip the line).

Do you need to book tickets in advance for Pompeii?
Tickets can be bought online in advance, which includes access to Pompeii, Oplontis, and Boscoreale. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or public holiday, you must book online in advance.

How many tourists visit Pompeii each year?
Pompeii is one of the most popular attractions in Italy, bringing in over 2.5 million tourists each year. It gets busy!

When should I visit Pompeii?
The summer offers the best weather, but it is also incredibly hot and busy. Consider visiting in the shoulder season (May or October) in order to beat the crowds and also have cooler weather. But if you are going to visit in the summer, bring sunscreen as the site is very exposed to the sun.

***

In the time I was there, I barely scratched the surface of Pompeii — and I filled a whole day! One day, I’d love to go back and visit all the buildings I missed. But then again, I’m a history geek and could spend days upon days among ruins. If you don’t live and breathe history as I do, one day would be enough to see the highlights.

Make sure you move away from the city center to see some of the lesser-known and less crowded sites. Walking among the ruins is an eerie but beautiful feeling.

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

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Book Your Trip to Italy: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out Agorà Hostel Deluxe.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a guide?
Take Walks runs my favorite paid tour. Their Complete Pompeii Experience: Skip the Line Tour & Archaeologist Guide will give you an incredible behind-the-scenes and historical Pompeii experience. If you want a tour, take that one!

Want More Information on Italy?
Be sure to visit my robust destination guide on Italy for even more planning tips!

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22/04/2025
What Living in Abu Dhabi as an Expat is Really Like

Today, the Living Abroad series takes us to the United Arab Emirates where we meet Jay, a Canadian expat who lives in Abu Dhabi with her husband, Joe, and their two children. Here, we talk about the challenges of learning Arabic, popular snack foods (ever hear of luqaimat?), and how living in Abu Dhabi has challenged her initial assumptions about the Middle East.

Jay’s background: We moved to Abu Dhabi in August of 2016. from Stavanger, Norway. Prior to that, we had been in Norway and Gabon. These days, I’m a full-time mom. But back in the day, I was a teacher. I majored in English and taught middle school. With my youngest now entering school, I’m working on my next steps and hoping to pursue some creative ambitions.

After living in Norway, Abu Dhabi was a relatively easy transition. The service industry thrives here and the population is 90% expatriates. Culturally, it has been really interesting experiencing the Middle East and it has challenged and changed many of my preconceived notions.

On the cost of living: The UAE is more expensive than the US in most regards. This is the place to make money (there’s no income tax) but it’s also the place to spend money.

On learning Arabic: I find Arabic incredibly difficult. My son learns it in school and remote learning has really put me to the test. Most everyone speaks English here so there is rarely a time where we are not understood but I’ve picked up a few common Arabic phrases – khallas [“enough”], inshallah [“God willing”], as-salamu alaykum [“peace be with you”], and alhamdulillah [“praise be to God”].

On Emirati food: Because the vast majority of residents are expatriates and most of the restaurants are international, Emirati food is not particularly common. The origins of many Middle Eastern dishes are often up for great debate but biryani (a rice dish), hummus, and kebabs are common and if you’re looking for something interesting, you can track down a camel burger. Sweet shops and coffee places are abundant and often full of locals at all hours of the day. I like the luqaimat, a deep-fried ball of dough drizzled with date syrup.

On smoking hookah: It’s actually called shisha here! I think we did once when we had a friend visiting but it’s not something we seek out. There are many shisha bars and cafes though and it’s certainly easy to find.

On the local fashion: Local women in Abu Dhabi usually wear an abaya, often black but not always, with a shayla, a thin headscarf. Fancy handbags and shoes are the norm. Men wear a long white robe called a kandora often with a white ghotra, a scarf-like fabric, on the head.

In Abu Dhabi, I generally dress more conservatively than I would at home. I try to keep my shoulders and knees covered when I’m out in the city. As you spend time here you realize where it’s more accepted to dress down (international hotels, certain housing complexes) and where it’s better to be more conservative (the post office, government buildings, schools). That said, things have changed a lot in the five years I’ve been here. I see women dress in all sorts of manners and it’s more accepted than it was when we first arrived.

On raising kids in Abu Dhabi: It is interesting being a mom in Abu Dhabi because we live amongst so many different cultures. My children’s school has over 60 nationalities represented so we see a wide variety of families and values. The biggest contrast to other places we’ve lived is the amount of help and staff people employ here. We are one of the few families I know that do not employ a full-time nanny. When I take my kids to the playground in our community, I’m often the only mom amongst the nannies. Also, kids stay out very late here! It’s not uncommon to see small children strolling the mall or in a restaurant at 10 pm.

On safety: Rules are strict in Abu Dhabi; it is such a safe place. We joke that you can leave your wallet on a table and come back the next day and it would still be sitting there. Street harassment is not a concern. I have never been harassed nor really felt unsafe (not including driving) in my five years here.

On living in Abu Dhabi during Covid-19: It has been interesting and occasionally frustrating. Rules come hard and fast and you don’t dare break them or criticize them. Abu Dhabi itself has become a bubble even within the UAE. Other emirates, including Dubai, have taken a different approach and we now have a permanent border between Abu Dhabi and the rest of the country where you must show a recent PCR to cross back into the capital. The UAE had the second-fastest vaccine rollout in the world – I was fully vaccinated by the end of February – and has relied heavily on extensive testing. I’ve been tested nearly 15 times just because it’s necessary to enter buildings or return to Abu Dhabi. Certainly, there are times where rules don’t make sense or I wished restrictions would lessen slightly but it has also felt very safe.

On missing home: We’ve been gone for over 11 years now so there is not much, materialistically speaking, that we miss anymore. But certainly, in light of the pandemic, we miss our family. We haven’t been home in two years and it’s hard not knowing when we’ll be able to visit. I also miss fresh air. The heat, humidity, and the sand of the desert just don’t bring the crisp, clean air.

On the best part about living in Abu Dhabi: I love the call to prayer. I love that I can get absolutely anything delivered. I love valet parking everywhere and beautiful hotels and restaurants.

On the worst part: It can be hard to reconcile that many of the things I love about living here come at a cost in terms of the service and manual labor. People are not treated equally here. Also, the summer heat – it literally feels like living in an oven.

On living in Abu Dhabi long-term: We’ve been in Abu Dhabi for five years and feel fairly settled and comfortable. I’d be okay staying for another year or two but my husband is starting to get itchy feet! Covid has definitely changed the game though so it seems like everything from borders to opportunities are all a lot more difficult.

Thanks, Jay! Your photos are gorgeous.

P.S. The full Living Abroad series and What Living as an Expat in France is Really Like.

(Family photos courtesy of Luma Photography.)

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22/04/2025
The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: A Southern Gem

There were surprisingly a lot of things to do in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge has a lot of history and personally was creepier than going to New Orleans. It was such a breathtaking location to experience the real Louisiana. We’re diving into the heart of the South—Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t New Orleans the place to be in Louisiana?” Well, sure, NOLA is fantastic, but let’s not overlook its charming neighbor, Baton Rouge. This city is a blend of Southern hospitality, rich history, and vibrant culture that you won’t want to miss. So grab your sweet tea, and let’s get started with the best things to do in Baton Rouge.

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Why Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital city, and it’s teeming with life. From the mighty Mississippi River to the lively music scene, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking to have a good time, Baton Rouge has got you covered.

The Best Time to Visit Baton Rouge

The best time to visit is during the fall or spring when the weather is just perfect—not too hot, not too cold. Plus, you’ll get to experience some of the city’s best festivals.

Getting Around Baton Rouge

The city is pretty easy to navigate. You can rent a car, but if you’re staying downtown, walking or biking is a great way to soak in the local atmosphere. There’s also a convenient bus system and ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft.

Things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

With its rich history, vibrant arts scene, mouthwatering cuisine, and toe-tapping music, this city offers a unique blend of experiences that you won’t want to miss. So grab your sense of adventure (and maybe a beignet or two), and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the United States!

Louisiana State University Campus (LSU)

Let’s just say that the state of Louisiana is very proud of its university. Geaux Tigers! They take pride in their school and their team. Many alumni will still continue to see an LSU game whenever they can.

Even if you’re not a student or an alum, a visit to this iconic campus is an absolute must when you’re in Baton Rouge. Picture sprawling green lawns, majestic oak trees, and grand Georgian-style architecture. It’s like stepping into a different era but with a modern twist, thanks to the vibrant student life that infuses the campus with energy and excitement.

First things first, you’ve got to check out LSU Tiger Stadium, or as locals call it, “Death Valley.” Whether it’s football season or not, the sheer size and atmosphere of this place are awe-inspiring. If you happen to be there during a game, prepare for an electrifying experience; the crowd’s spirit is contagious! It’s a great place for sports lovers.

Meet Mike the Tiger at LSU

When you’re at LSU, you can’t miss the chance to meet this majestic creature who embodies the spirit of the university like no other. Mike is not just a tiger; he’s a living symbol of LSU’s pride, strength, and resilience. This is a must-see for things to do in Baton Route.

Located near Tiger Stadium, Mike’s habitat is more than just an enclosure; it’s a state-of-the-art sanctuary that provides him with a comfortable and enriching environment. As you approach, you’ll see a glass barrier that allows you to peer into his world while ensuring his safety and well-being.

Getting a glimpse of Mike is a treat in itself, but if you’re lucky, you might catch him in a playful mood or even lounging in the shade. Keep your camera ready because capturing a moment with this magnificent creature is a memory you’ll treasure.

The best part? Mike’s enclosure is designed with his needs in mind, ensuring that he has ample space to roam, a pool to cool off in, and plenty of opportunities for enrichment. LSU takes great care of Mike, ensuring that he leads a healthy and happy life.

Louisiana State Museum

Just a short walk from the Capitol is the Louisiana State Museum. Dive into the state’s rich history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Don’t forget to check out the Mardi Gras exhibit!

Live Oaks Plantation Houe

Live oaks plantation is a very beautiful plantation with a weird and spooky vibe. In the attic, you will see this creepy wedding gown in the middle on a mannequin. This was probably one of my favorite things to do in Baton Rouge – I’m a California girl, so learning about the history of these places is an important part of US history.

This historic plantation nestled in Baton Rouge exudes the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the antebellum South. As you stroll beneath the sprawling canopy of ancient oak trees, their majestic branches adorned with Spanish moss, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility and nostalgia.

The plantation’s architecture reflects the opulence of the past, with its ornate details and classic Southern design. Whether you’re drawn to the captivating stories of the past, the architectural beauty, or simply the serene ambiance, Live Oaks Plantation offers a glimpse into history that’s both captivating and unforgettable.

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

Why not take the chance and opportunity to visit the Louisiana state capitol building? One of my goals when visiting each state is to visit the state capitol. The buildings created for the state capitol always seem to be large and extravagant buildings.

The old Louisiana state capitol is the tallest capitol building in the U.S. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. It’s a great way to get your bearings and snap some Insta-worthy pics.

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Welcome to a piece of history that’s as captivating as it is awe-inspiring—the Old State Capitol Museum in Baton Rouge. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to the city’s rich past and serves as a gateway to a world of stories and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

As you approach the Old State Capitol, you’ll be struck by its striking Gothic architecture, resembling a medieval castle that seems to have been plucked from a fairytale. But this isn’t just a castle; it’s a place that has witnessed pivotal moments in Louisiana’s history, from political debates to social change.

One of the highlights of the museum is the breathtaking stained glass dome that bathes the interior in a warm, ethereal light. It’s a sight to behold and a reminder that history is not just about facts and figures; it’s about the human stories that have left an indelible mark on the world.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

This 103-acre haven is a must-visit for nature lovers. With its well-marked trails, you can easily find yourself lost in the beauty of cypress-tupelo swamps, hardwood forests, and even a sparkling lake. Keep your eyes peeled, because you might just spot some of the local residents like armadillos, deer, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you see it), an alligator basking in the sun.

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a photographer looking for that perfect shot, or just someone who wants to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center offers a tranquil and educational experience that’ll make you fall in love with Louisiana’s unique landscapes all over again. If you want outdoor activities, it is the perfect spot for the whole family.

There are so many different types of birds and creatures here. Unfortunately, the milk thistle was making me sneeze like crazy – be sure to bring your allergy medication. We found one gator while out there.

Magnolia Mound Plantation

Magnolia Mound Plantation—a true gem that transports you to the heart of Louisiana’s colonial history. Nestled in Baton Rouge, this meticulously restored plantation offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture, lush gardens, and fascinating stories.

As you explore the historic buildings, from the main house to the slave cabins, you’ll be immersed in the lives of the people who once called this place home. The beautiful French Creole-style architecture, complete with its distinctive roof and galleries, is a testament to the cultural influences that shaped the region.

Wander through the lush gardens adorned with vibrant flowers and fragrant herbs, and you’ll understand why this plantation is a haven for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Whether you’re drawn to the historic insights, architectural beauty, or the serenity of the surroundings, Magnolia Mound Plantation offers an enriching experience that captures the essence of Louisiana’s past.

Atchafalaya Basin

This place is like stepping into a different world, a magical realm where nature reigns supreme. The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in the U.S., stretching over 140 miles and covering almost one million acres. It’s a labyrinth of bayous, swamps, and lakes, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The basin also holds cultural significance, especially for the Cajun people who have lived off this land for generations. You’ll find charming fishing villages where life moves at a slower pace, and you might even get to hear some authentic Cajun music if you’re lucky.

What a gorgeous view it was to be around here. The water felt like it never ended, the view was breathtaking. What is cool about this area is that there are many rivers that meet here and lead out into the ocean. It was a great way to end the evening with a view of the sunset.

The Old Arsenal Powder Magazine Museum

Step into Baton Rouge’s past at the Old Arsenal Powder Magazine Museum—an intriguing window into the city’s military history. This historical gem, originally a storage facility for gunpowder in the 1800s, now stands as a meticulously preserved museum showcasing artifacts, uniforms, and documents that offer insights into the lives of soldiers and the evolution of weaponry.

The museum’s original architecture and immersive exhibits create an atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era, where stories of courage and sacrifice come to life. For those intrigued by the past’s echoes, the Old Arsenal Powder Magazine Museum is a must-visit destination that bridges the gap between history and the present.

USS KIDD Veterans Museum

If you are interested in history, this is one of the things to do in Baton Rouge you shouldn’t miss.

Step aboard history at the USS KIDD Veterans Museum, an iconic tribute to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Permanently docked in Baton Rouge, this floating museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the USS KIDD, a Fletcher-class destroyer that played a vital role in World War II and beyond. As you step onto the deck, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by the ship’s historic architecture and artifacts.

From the well-preserved living quarters to the mighty guns that once defended our nation, every corner of the USS KIDD tells a story of bravery and sacrifice. You can walk through the engine rooms, peer into the ship’s communication center, and even explore the captain’s quarters, gaining insight into life aboard a warship during some of history’s most critical moments.

Things to do in Baton Rouge with Kids

Baton Rouge Gallery

This place celebrates contemporary art in all its forms. As you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by the vibrant energy that emanates from the artwork adorning the walls. From thought-provoking paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge multimedia installations, the gallery showcases a diverse range of works from both local and national artists.

Baton Rouge Zoo

Embark on a wild adventure at the Baton Rouge Zoo, where the wonders of the animal kingdom come to life. Nestled in the heart of Baton Rouge, this family-friendly destination offers a captivating blend of education and entertainment. As you explore the zoo’s diverse natural habitats, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of creatures from all corners of the globe. From playful primates to majestic big cats, each exhibit is thoughtfully designed to provide a natural and enriching environment for the animals.

One of the highlights of the Baton Rouge Zoo is its commitment to conservation and education. Through interactive experiences, informative displays, and engaging presentations, visitors of all ages can learn about the importance of wildlife preservation and the role zoos play in protecting endangered species.

Blue Bayou Water Park

Dive into a world of splashes, thrills, and endless fun at Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge. This aquatic wonderland is the ultimate escape from the heat, offering a variety of exhilarating water rides and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. This is one of the best summer activities and things to do in Baton Rouge.

From heart-pounding slides that send you spiraling down to lazy rivers where you can relax and soak up the sun, Blue Bayou Water Park has it all. If you’re up for a challenge, test your courage on the towering water slides that will get your heart racing.

For a more leisurely experience, grab an inner tube and float along the lazy river, letting the gentle currents carry you away. With its vibrant atmosphere, vibrant pools, and interactive play areas, this water park is a family-friendly paradise where memories are made and laughter echoes through the air.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to cool off and unwind, Blue Bayou Water Park promises a day of excitement and aquatic adventures that will leave you with unforgettable moments and a big smile.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

The museum’s exhibits are a blend of education and play, encouraging children to learn through hands-on experiences. From a mini cityscape where kids can role-play as doctors, chefs, and more, to a backyard filled with outdoor adventures, every area is designed to spark creativity and foster a love for learning.

Whether it’s building structures, creating art, or solving puzzles, the Knock Knock Children’s Museum offers a wide range of activities that cater to various interests and age groups. With each exhibit, kids are encouraged to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and discover new concepts in a fun and engaging way. This is a great museum to take your child if you are looking for things to do in Baton Rouge with kids.

Where to eat in Baton Rouge

Chimes Restaurant

Get ready to indulge your taste buds at Chimes Restaurant, a beloved Baton Rouge dining institution that’s all about good food, great vibes, and Southern hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the city, Chimes is more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place where locals and visitors alike come together to savor the flavors of Louisiana.

I suggest you try the Boudin Balls, Crawfish Ettoufee, Gumbo, and Raw Oysters.

Have a Crawfish Boil at a local’s home

Crawfish Boils are a thing to do in Louisiana, but the best part is doing all of these with locals. The crawfish are a big deal in Louisiana and the boils are a big family thing to do with drinking beer, eating good food, spending time with family, and of course eating Crawfish, Corn, and Potatoes from the boil.

Must have Drinks

Grab a Daquiri in a drive-thru

This was probably one of the most interesting things to do in Baton Rouge for someone not from the South. However, it is illegal to drink these in the car while it is moving, but it’s weird because it’s technically an open container. Not sure what to say about that, but they were freaking delicious! Hands down the best Bloody Mary I ever tried hands down and definitely refreshing.

Have you been to Baton Rouge, Louisiana? What are your favorite things to do in Baton Rouge?

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22/04/2025
Peak Design Camera Straps Review
I’ve used many camera setups through my years as a professional photographer. However, one thing that has remained the same for a long time across multiple camera setups is the camera strap system I’ve been using. In this guide, I’m going to be reviewing all the Peak Design camera straps to help you decide which is best for you.

Since I first bought my Peak Design Slide and Clutch camera straps in 2015, Jess and I have been pretty much exclusively using the Peak Design strap system across all our DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

Over the years, I’ve tried and tested pretty much every Peak Design camera strap that they make.

I’ve taken them all around the world, from far below zero temperatures photographing the northern lights to the hot and humid jungles of Uganda on gorilla trekking and birdwatching trips.

My Peak Design camera straps have been rained on, snowed on, covered in mud, stuffed in a camera bag, and generally been through the wringer.

One has even been chewed on by a fox (more on that later!).

After all that, I thought it was about time I put together a review of the Peak Design camera straps, based on my experiences actually using them.

I’ll cover the good, the bad, my experience with Peak Design’s customer service, who the straps are for, the options available, and lots more.

Peak Design make a variety of straps for a range of uses and camera sizes. By the end of this review, you should have a good idea of whether or not this strap system is a good option for your camera setup, as well as which specific model might be right for you. Let’s start with a quick introduction to Peak Design.

Who is Peak Design?

Peak Design is a U.S. based company, founded in 2010 by Peter Dering. The company launched its first product in 2011, a camera clip system called Capture, which is still available today.

Peak Design primarily creates products which are designed to help people organize, protect, pack, and use their photography gear. These include camera straps and clips, camera bags, tripods, etc.

Given their popularity, they have also introduced some more general products designs for travelers and commuters, including packing cubes, wash bags, commuter backpacks, and mobile phone cases.

They aim to create products which look good and last a long time. They come with a lifetime warranty as standard.

Peak Design is known for their innovative and stylish designs. Many of their products are also designed to work well together, so for example you can use the strap to carry the tripod bag as well as a camera.

They also have solid environmental credentials, being fully carbon neutral, a registered B Corp, and they also donate 1% of all their revenue to environmental nonprofits.

You can buy Peak Design products directly on their website here, or you can buy them from Amazon here.

What is so special about Peak Design camera straps?

Peak Design started when its founder, Peter Dering, was looking for a more comfortable camera strap system after a long trip back in 2010.

The company’s first products were their innovative camera clips and straps, and it was these products that initially made them popular among photographers.

The standout features of their straps, which I will cover in more depth, are their comfort, durability, attachment system, materials and warranty.

Peak Design now make lots of different products and I think get a lot of buzz for their bags. I do own several other Peak Design products. For example, I currently have a Peak Design camera backpack, some camera packing cubes, and a Peak Design travel tripod.

I also own all the Peak Design straps that they’ve made to date, as well as the original Peak Design Capture clip.

While I have liked many of their other products I have tried, I think that their camera strap system remains their hero products for many photographers such as myself.

I first bought a Peak Design Slide strap back in 2015 and have never used another camera strap system since. I now own three of their Slide straps as well as a number of their other straps and continue to recommend them to other photographers based on my experience with them.

The main straps Jess and I use on a day-to-day basis are the Slide straps and the Clutch strap. However, we have experience with all the straps and they all work well.

In this review I am going to focus on the Peak Design camera straps and go over the various straps available and share my personal review and experiences with them.

Peak Design Camera Strap Choices

Peak Design make a variety of straps, with the main differences being the size of the strap (width, weight and length), as well as how the strap is designed to be worn.

These differences make the various strap models suitable for different purposes, with some straps being more suited to larger camera models and others suiting more compact camera models for example.

Some straps are also well suited to other purposes beyond being as camera strap, such as for binoculars or as a strap for your tripod or camera bag.

Some Peak Design camera straps are designed as a full body strap to be worn over a shoulder, around the neck, or as a sling, whilst other straps are designed as wrist or hand straps.

The main camera straps that Peak Design offer are as follows.

Peak Design Slide Strap

This is the main strap that Jess and I use for our cameras, we currently own three of these straps. They have had slight tweaks over the years but the main design is the same.

The strap is designed so you can wear it in three ways, as a neck strap, a shoulder strap and a sling strap. My personal favorite is wearing it as a sling strap.

The strap is made out of a strong nylon webbing material, which is honestly quite like a seatbelt strap in texture and feel. The majority of the strap is smooth and slides easily.

The area which sits around your neck or shoulder (depending on how you wear it) is padded internally for comfort. It also has a gripped surface on one side to prevent the strap from sliding around.

The strap is adjustable, with a quick release handle that lets you quickly and easily adjust how long the strap is. The maximum length is 57″ (145cm) and the minimum length is 39″ (99cm).

The strap comes with an anchor mount, four anchor connectors, a hex wrench and a microfiber pouch. It can handle gear up to 200lbs.

This is the strap I would generally recommend for carrying a larger setup such as a bigger mirrorless or DSLR camera as well as larger telephoto lenses. It’s also a good choice if you just prefer a wider strap as the weight is distributed more evenly.

See more about the Peak Design Slide strap here.

Peak Design Slide Lite Strap

The Slide Lite is honestly very similar to the Slide, it’s just a bit thinner. However, it can handle the same weight load and has the same features.

So you still get the anchor point system, comfortable smooth nylon webbing with padding and a grippy side, and adjustability. You also get all the same products in the box.

However, the strap is 1.3″ wide (32mm) compared to the 1.8″ (45mm) of the original Slide. So if you feel the Slide is a bit chunky for your tastes, then the Slide Lite might be for you. It still has the same maximum length of 57″ (145cm) and minimum length of 39″ (99cm).

It can also support the same weight, but I’d recommend it for slightly smaller mirrorless cameras, bridge cameras, and binoculars rather than the largest of devices.

This isn’t because it can’t take the weight, but rather is more to do with comfort over long periods of wearing the strap.

A slightly thinner strap means the weight isn’t distributed over as much area, so over time the Slide is likely to be more comfortable with particularly heavy setups.

We really like the Slide Lite though, we think it looks very stylish and is a great alternative to the Slide if you want all the functionality in a slightly slimmer design.

See more about the Peak Design Slide Lite strap here.

Peak Design Leash

If you’re a minimalist but you still want a high performing camera strap, then the Peak Design Leash is likely the strap for you.

This is the thinnest regular strap that Peak Design offers. As with the Slide and Slide Light, it can be configured as a sling, neck or shoulder strap. It includes the anchor link system but does not have a grippy section or padded area as the Slide straps do.

There are some other differences with Leash compared to the Slide straps. First, Leash is only 0.75″(19mm) wide. The max length of 57″ is the same, but you can actually make Leash shorter, down to 32.6″ (83cm).

Leash also comes with a mounting system so you can attach the camera either to the tripod plate, or to the side or top mounting points that many smaller cameras have.

On our Sony RX100 for example, there are small mounting points on either side of the camera body. The Leash strap comes with the hardware to set these mount points up with anchor links.

It actually makes more sense in my opinion to mount the Leash strap on the sides of the camera like this. The mounting plate for the tripod screw that comes with the Leash is a mini version, but even so it is likely to block your cameras SD / battery slot (it does on our RX100).

So that sort of negates the benefits of the easy access system if you have to remove the anchor plate when you want to change battery or memory card!

I think Leash is a good option if you want a really minimalist camera strap. I’d recommend it for smaller camera setups, such as compact cameras. This is especially the case if you plan to carry them around for a prolonged period of time.

I wouldn’t recommend Leash for a larger mirrorless or DSLR camera setup as whilst it can support the weight, the comfort wouldn’t be there.

See more about the Peak Design Leash strap here.

Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap

Not everyone wants a long camera strap that goes around their whole body, and if you are one of those people, Peak Design has you covered with a number of options. The first of these is Cuff.

Cuff is a wrist strap which, as the name suggests, lets you put your camera on a strap which you secure around your wrist. And I do mean secure, as there’s an adjustable locking slider which lets you cinch Cuff around your wrist so it can’t slip off over your hand.

Of course, you don’t have to do that, but it’s probably a good idea if you do.

In terms of the strap itself, it is made of the same nylon webbing as Peak Design’s other straps. There’s no grip but there is a highlight area which goes around your wrist, which is available in either leather or a material called Hypalon which is vegan. Width wise it’s the same as Leash, at 0.75″ (19mm).

The strap also has a magnetic clasp, which cleverly lets you wear it as a bracelet when not in use as a camera wrist strap, which is pretty neat for when you are out and about.

In terms of what it can carry, because it uses the same material and anchor link system as the other straps, it can handle up to 200lbs (90kg) of gear as well.

So, if you don’t like to wear a big strap but still want to keep your gear safe when it’s in your hands, Cuff is an excellent option.

I’d say it’s better for folks who tend to put a camera away in a bag and take it out again regularly rather than wearing a camera over their body all the time.

We really like Cuff for our smaller compact camera

See more about the Peak Design Cuff strap here.

Peak Design Clutch Strap

Clutch is Peak Design’s hand strap. It’s basically designed to sit on the side of your camera and goes around your hand when you are gripping your camera.

This gives you more peace of mind when holding your camera, especially if you are using a heavier camera without a strap around you.

Clutch uses the same anchor link design at one end as their other straps, which attaches to the camera’s base using the included tripod compatible base plate.

I’ve had my Clutch for the same amount of time as I’ve had my Slide straps. I will admit that it took a bit of time to adjust to using it on my camera as initially my hand wasn’t used to having a strap around the outside of it when holding my camera.

However, I quickly got used to it, and then I found using a camera body without it felt odd!

I’ve actually had two versions of Clutch. The first version I had for a long time, but the strap where it attached to the camera wore through from friction over the years.

I contacted Peak Design and they sent me the newer version which replaced the version I bought. This features a different type of material at the point mine failed which I am pleased to report has not suffered from this issue.

Overall, I would say if you are looking for a hand strap for a larger camera, definitely consider Clutch. It’s a little large for smaller cameras, but obviously Peak Design has a solution for that issue in the form of the next product in this list!

See more about the Peak Design Clutch strap here.

Peak Design Micro Clutch

Micro Clutch is basically a smaller version of the Clutch strap. It’s designed specifically for smaller mirrorless camera systems, with the idea being that instead of putting your whole hand in it, you only use it with between two and four fingers.

This results in a small and unobtrusive strap that still gives you the security of a hand strap.

This one doesn’t actually come with the anchor link system, however the base plate does have loop attachment points so you can use the supplied base plate with other Peak Design straps if you want to mix and match.

Overall, Micro Clutch is a good idea if you want a really small strap for your camera. Note that it’s not compatible with every camera. Helpfully, Peak Design has a camera compatibility guide for micro clutch which you can see here.

You can see more about the Peak Design Micro Clutch strap here.

Peak Design Clutch next to Micro Clutch

Peak Design Strap Features

As you can see, there are a number of Peak Design straps to choose from. Now I’m going to go through the key features of the straps.

Anchor Link System

The anchor link system is, in my opinion, what makes the Peak Design straps so unique and versatile.

The anchor link is the way that the majority of Peak Designs straps attach to your camera, binoculars, bag, or whatever else you want to carry. Once you have used it with your gear it’s honestly hard to imagine using any other system.

The anchor link is a quick release strap system which is made up of two parts.

The first part is the quick connector which is attached to the strap. Peak Designs straps all come with the quick connector already attached, but you can also buy them to attach to any existing camera strap you own.

The second part of the system is the anchor connector. This is a small round tab with a nylon loop. These are designed to easily attach to a range of products, including cameras, bags, and the Peak Design quick release tripod plate, which is how I attach them to my cameras.

Despite their diminutive size, the anchor system is rated to support 200lbs (90kg) of weight, which should be more than enough for even the heaviest camera setup. I’ve used mine for years and never had a failure.

Peak Design Anchor Connectors

Peak Design Tripod Plate on base of cameras (and also on lens tripod mounting collar on left camera)

Camera on Peak Design Tripod with strap still attached

Using the Anchor link system on existing strap holders

Smooth Nylon Webbing

Most of Peak Design’s straps are made from a strong nylon webbing, which is similar in texture and feel to a seatbelt strap. Seatbelt straps are obviously incredibly strong, given their intended purpose, and Peak Design straps are also incredibly strong.

What I really like about them is that they don’t seem to lose structural integrity if you happen to damage them slightly.

As an example, I was shooting at sunset in cemetery in Glasgow, Scotland one evening, and a curious fox came over to see what I was up to.

I put one of my cameras down on the ground and started taking pictures of the fox, at which point he decided he wanted to steal my camera in case it was edible. He did this by grabbing the Peak Design strap in his teeth and dragging my camera away.

Obviously, I stopped him, but not before he’d put some nice sharp teeth holes in my strap!

I’ve continued to own and use that strap for years since the fox incident, and the hole hasn’t impacted performance or gotten any bigger. It’s just a neat reminder of a cool encounter I had once!

Now, obviously I wouldn’t encourage anyone to damage their strap to see how it performs. But my experience has shown that the straps continue to perform well even after extended use, and some rather unusual damage!

The webbing on most of the straps also have a very grippy section which stops the straps from sliding around on your body as you move around.

Lifetime Warranty

Peak Design offers a lifetime warranty for their products against manufacturing defects, and failures or breakages that render part or all of your product to become non-functional.

This doesn’t cover cosmetic blemishes, scratches, stains, or wear & tear. Nor does it cover failures or breakages due to misuse, neglect, or intentional damage.

In my case, I’m not sure the fox encounter would be covered, although given that the strap works great, that’s not been an issue.

I have had two occasions to use the lifetime warranty, and in both cases Peak Design honored it. The first was to replace my Clutch which wore through, and as I said, they had already identified and addressed this problem with the newer version. You can see the wear in the image below.

The other issue I had was with a limited edition red colored version of the Peak Design Slide.

This one had a different type of grip material to other versions I’ve owned, which was a sort of rubber compound.

This worked great until I took it trekking in the Ugandan jungle looking for gorillas. Unfortunately, a combination of heat and humidity, coupled with a lot of movement, caused the rubber to essentially melt all over my shirt.

The strap became a sticky mess (although it obviously still worked fine as a strap). You can see how this ended up in the image below.

Strap damaged due to heat, replaced with newer model that has resolved this issue under lifetime warranty

I contacted Peak Design about this, and they dispatched a replacement strap to me free of charge. They also let me know that they had since changed the material used for the grip area, so this problem wouldn’t happen again.

I’ve been using the replacement strap for a couple of years now and I can confirm it has held up well with no meltdowns yet, and the grip material is indeed totally different.

Adjustability

Obviously, everyone is built differently, so having a one size fits all strap isn’t going to work for everyone.

Peak Design’s straps can be adjusted. The exact mechanism and range of adjustment varies slightly depending on the strap model, but the main thing is that they can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the individual user.

Peak Design Slide adjustment

Strap Colors

Peak Design offer their straps in a variety of colors. Colors vary depending on the product.

In the case of Slide for example, you currently have a choice of classic black, sage green, midnight blue, ash grey, and coyote brown. They also occasionally do special edition straps of different colors.

Depending on the type of photography you do, you might prefer a different strap color.

For example, wildlife photographers will probably like the coyote brown color as it blends in nicely with camo style and natural colors. Black is a great color that work great for those that just want something that will go with everything and matches most camera bodies.

Peak Design Camera Strap Review

I’ll now go into some more detail regarding my personal experience using the Peak Design camera straps, including what I like, and areas I feel could be improved.

What I Like About Peak Design Straps

The thing I love most about my Peak Design straps is the anchor link system. I think it’s really clever, and it makes attaching and removing straps super easy.

Let me explain why I like it so much for my personal setup.

The way Jess and I typically wear our Peak Design straps is crossbody, like a sling. The strap attaches to the underside of the camera, where the tripod thread hole is.

This is a fairly common design feature for sling straps, where the camera is inverted around your midsection area.

I find this to be a comfortable way to wear a camera for a prolonged period of time, certainly way more comfortable and practical than having it bouncing around on a neck strap.

The problem with many sling style camera straps that use the camera’s tripod mount point is that they require you to put an attachment into the camera’s tripod mount hole to attach the strap to.

This means you can’t attach it to a tripod without fully removing the strap system.

The thing is, I always have a quick release tripod plate attached to my camera bodies and telephoto lens collars. I use a tripod a lot (see my reasons why you need a tripod here for why), and for ease of use I exclusively use tripods which have a quick release plate system.

This means that I attach a special tripod plate to the base of the camera, which means I can attach my camera to a tripod very easily without having to screw or unscrew things.

So you can see the conundrum. I want a strap system I can leave on all the time, that uses the tripod mount point on my camera, but also lets me use a quick release tripod plate system.

Thankfully, the Peak Design system does just that. By using the tripod compatible Peak Design mounting plate on my camera, I can attach my camera to any Arca compatible tripod head (Manfrotto compatible plates are also available) without having to remove the strap system. It’s seamless and easy to use.

The flexibility and ease of use of the quick release system is also great. For example, I also have a pair of large telephoto lenses, where I prefer to attach the strap to the tripod collar rather than the body of the camera, as it is more balanced that way when I carry the camera.

With the quick release anchor system, I just need to have anchor connectors on the lenses tripod collar.

When I switch lenses from a wide angle to a telephoto, I can quickly move my Peak Design strap from the camera body anchor connectors to the telephoto anchor connectors. I can even use a seperate strap, and just carry the telephoto lens over my other shoulder if I want.

Of course, the flexibility continues. You can have anchor points on the camera’s top strap connector hooks if you want. Pretty much every camera out there has standard strap connecting points on the upper body of the camera where the standard strap that comes with the camera attaches.

So if you put anchor connections here, you can go from carrying your camera sling style, to carrying it the more traditional way around your neck, or over your shoulder.

Ok, that was a lot about the Peak Design anchor system. What else do I love about the Peak Design straps?

Well, obviously they are really comfortable. The padded section of the strap is comfortable, and I have literally worn mine for many hours on long hikes without feeling uncomfortable or like it’s rubbing in any way.

If I’m shooting events, or any other situation where I want easy access to a couple of lenses at the same time, I usually wear two straps, crossbody. This gives me easy access to a camera on each hip, cutting out the time needed to change lenses, which could be time where I’m missing a shot. That’s also incredibly comfortable.

I also like that the straps are easy to adjust, and that they just work. My experience with customer service has also been great when I needed it.

Obviously, no-one wants a product to have issues, but for a company to rise to the occasion and solve the problem as they have done every time, speaks volumes in my book.

How Could Peak Design Improve their Straps?

What I like about Peak Design is that they are always improving on their products based on customer feedback. For the most part, the new version of the product replaces the old version of the product.

Most upgrades are iterative, so you don’t necessarily need to upgrade if you already own the product.

However, if you are a new user, you can be confident knowing that you are getting the best version of the product to date. With my example of the strap that melted into my shirt, that problem was addressed with a new material.

However, not all the changes are necessarily upgrades.

As an example, when I first bought my Peak Design Slide straps, they came with a tripod compatible plate. This meant that I could attach them to my camera and use them with a tripod straight away.

Unfortunately, the majority of their straps now only come with an anchor mount which is not compatible with tripod quick release plates. So, you have to buy that part separately, with both an Arca compatible plate and a Manfrotto RC2 compatible plate available.

Now, if you happen to buy a Peak Design travel tripod, this does come with the necessary plate. So maybe now that Peak Design also make tripods, they feel it makes more sense to bundle the tripod plate with the tripod. Additionally, as they can’t tell what kind of tripod plate the end-user requires, sending them an incompatible plate isn’t a great customer experience.

Still, I liked it when I got my Arca compatible plate when I first bought my Peak Design Slide strap as it let me use the strap directly with the tripod I had at the time without needing to fork out for more accessories. So I would like to see it as an option perhaps at checkout for a small upgrade cost even if it’s not included again.

Another area that has concerned some users of Peak Design straps is that the adjustment mechanism is a metal loop, and I have seen reports that these can scratch a camera body when packed in a bag. Personally, I’ve not had this problem, but my camera bodies get pretty banged up anyway!

However, if this is a concern, you might want to pack the strap separately.

Finally, in terms of improvements, it might be nice to see a system for carrying two cameras that doesn’t involve just having a “X” shape of straps across my body. Some camera strap systems offer a dual carry system which is more like a body harness, and I’d be interested to see if that’s something Peak Design could offer.

That’s just an idea rather than a criticism though as I’ve honestly been comfortable wearing the two straps crossbody.

Other than the above, I’ve not got much else to say about the Peak Design strap system that needs improvement! Obviously, they are relatively expensive as straps go, but I do feel you are getting a well-made and quality product that will last a long time.

How to Choose the Best Sized Camera Strap for You and Your Camera

You may be wondering which Peak Design camera strap to buy for your camera. This decision will largely come down to the size and weight of your camera setup.

I’d say if you have a heavy camera setup, especially if you are going to use telephoto lenses, to go for the Peak Design Slide.

For most camera setups except the heaviest, I would say the Slide Lite would be my recommended option. It has all the features of the Slide in a slightly narrower, more lightweight package. This makes it easier to pack and carry. This is also a great option for most binoculars.

For the smallest cameras and very light set ups, I would also consider the Leash. Just note that the narrow strap can be uncomfortable with heavier setups but perfect for lightweight compact cameras. This strap is easier to fit into a purse or smaller bag.

Although I do highly recommend everyone keep a neck strap on their cameras for the best protection, not everyone loves a strap around their neck or shoulders.

If you prefer a less obtrusive setup and don’t want a neck strap, consider the Cuff wrist strap, which offers security in a minimal package. This can work well for lighter mirrorless setups, bridge cameras, action cameras, and point and shoot cameras.

Finally, if you want more security and stability when gripping your camera, you may consider also getting a hand strap such as the Clutch or Micro Clutch. I’d say Clutch works for larger cameras and personally I’d recommend the Micro Clutch for smaller cameras.

Honestly, I think whichever product you choose you will be happy with its performance, build quality, and longevity.

Peak Design Camera Strap Review Summary

As I said at the start of this review, I have been using the Peak Design straps for many years, across multiple camera bodies and lenses. In all that time they have kept my gear safe, which is the main purpose of the strap.

I also find them incredibly comfortable to wear even for long periods of time.

I think they offer one of the best strap systems on the market, with straps that are comfortable and secure. Their lifetime warranty is also something they stand by. So I am definitely happy to recommend the Peak Design camera strap system for your camera!

Where to Buy Peak Design products

If you are interested in purchasing Peak Design products, or just looking to see what they have on offer, you have a few options.

First, you can buy Peak Design products online directly on their website here. Peak Design sells globally through their official website and can ship products worldwide to over 100 countries.

Alternatively, you can buy them online from Amazon here. Peak Design has their own store on Amazon so you can be sure you are getting legitimate products. Prime members will probably appreciate the free and fast shipping if choosing Amazon.

Finally, you can also of course buy products in person if you live near a store selling Peak Design products. Peak Design has three of its own store locations: two in the USA (NYC and San Francisco) and one in Tokyo, Japan.

Further Reading

That’s it for my review of the Peak Design strap system – I hope you found it helpful. Before you go, I wanted to share some of our other content which we think you will find useful.
- I have a detailed review of the Peak Design travel tripod
- Our review of the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB tripod after three years of regular use.
- A review of the Vanguard VEO 2Go 265HCBM, the VEO 3+ 263AB and the VEO 3T+ 264CB.
- We have a guide to why you need a tripod, a guide to choosing a travel tripod, and a round-up of our favorite travel tripods
- We have a guide to how to use a compact camera, how to use a DSLR camera, and how to use a mirrorless camera. We also have a guide to how a DSLR works
- Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key photography skill. See our guide to composition in photography for lots of tips on this subject
- We have a guide to what depth of field is and when you would want to use it.
- We are big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and do to that you will need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to RAW in photography to understand what RAW is, and why you should switch to RAW as soon as you can if your camera supports it.
- You’re going to need something to run your photo editing software on. See our guide to the best laptops for photo editing for some tips on what to look for.
- If you’re looking for more advice on specific tips for different scenarios, we also have you covered. See our guide to Northern Lights photography, long exposure photography, fireworks photography, tips for taking photos of stars, and cold weather photography.
- If you’re looking for a great gift for a photography loving friend or family member (or yourself!), take a look at our photography gift guide,
- If you’re in the market for a new camera, we have a detailed guide to the best travel cameras, as well as specific guides for the best cameras for hiking and backpacking, the best compact camera, best mirrorless camera and best DSLR camera. We also have a guide to the best camera lenses.
- If you want a camera or lens, but the prices are a bit high, see our guide to where to buy used cameras and camera gear for some budget savings options.
And that’s it! As always, if you have any comments or questions on this post, just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll respond as soon as we can!
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22/04/2025
What Living as an Expat in Versailles, France, is Really Like

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Living Abroad, a series that shows you what expat life is like in cities around the world. Our latest interview features pastry chef Molly, who moved from Dallas to Paris to attend pastry school at the Cordon Bleu. She now lives in Versailles, France, with François, her French partner and their adorable dog, Elliot.

Here’s a peek into her dreamy life in France…

Molly’s background:

Hi! My name is Molly Wilkinson. I’m originally from Dallas, Texas and I teach pastry classes in Versailles! I live in an 18th-century apartment with François, my French partner, and Eliott, our dog.

I moved to attend pastry school at Le Cordon Bleu and really fell in love with the city, particularly the culture around food and the amazing ingredients. I ended up going back to Texas once my visa expired, then I returned and worked at several pâtisseries — and even a château — to gain experience.

On her old-world apartment: Our apartment is about five minutes walk from the Versailles Château in the Saint Louis neighborhood. The building was built in the 18th century and is full of charm. Our apartment is full of light, still has the original parquet floors and huge mirrors on the mantles. I use one of the rooms for teaching my pastry classes. I’ve planted red geraniums in the flower boxes and filled the cabinets with pastry tools and antique cake stands. In the middle of the room is a big antique French farm table where I create.

On moving to Versailles: Versailles is full of history and charm. There is so much more to the city than just the Château. It’s quite expansive and doesn’t have the small windy medieval streets like some of the towns nearby. It’s quiet, traditional, and has beautiful architecture. It’s situated just 30 minutes from Paris by train, so we have the peacefulness of living outside the big city but also the proximity to easily go in whenever we need to. There are two main neighborhoods in Versailles, the Saint Louis Quarter and the Notre Dame Quarter. Both have impressive churches and markets! There’s also the horse carriage museum to explore and even a local flour mill.

On becoming a pastry chef: I’ve been baking since I was very young, but it was all American treats – like my favorite chocolate chip cookies and brownies. It wasn’t until I came to Paris at the age of 26 that I started to learn the art of French pâtisserie. Going to school for the culinary arts is difficult; you’re on your feet all day, and there’s a certain amount of pressure to get things right the first time. I loved it though. I learned more with each creation and got more confident.

After I graduated, I did an internship at a tiny pastry shop in the 10th arrondissement in Paris where I was the only person besides the two women pastry chefs running the place. I learned so much and went on from there to work at several bakeries in both the US and France. The culinary arts is a field where you are constantly learning, which makes it quite interesting.

I focus on pâtisserie. Within pâtisserie, you have several different specialties, like candy, chocolate, and even ice cream. Separate from patisserie is bread-making (boulangerie), and yeasted pastries (viennoiserie), like croissants. In the US, the word pastry often refers to anything sweet that is French, like eclairs and tarts, but croissants as well, whereas they are actually two entirely different fields.

On learning French: I consider myself intermediate level in French. Learning the language when you live in any foreign country is so important. It opens doors but also allows you to experience more of the culture and feel more like you belong. In terms of tips, I’d say to get a French boyfriend and try to surround yourself with French-speaking people. I also work with a tutor on a regular basis. When I lived in Paris, I took French through the Mairie (city hall). This is a GREAT tip for people living there. It’s very inexpensive and a good way to get into learning asap.

On making friends: Joining different activity groups helps, but I’ve even made friends in the area through Instagram! Eliott is quite the mascot and conversation starter too.

On dating: Dating in France is very different than in the US. Essentially there isn’t dating – either you’re together or not! Yes, the first 1-2 dates are trials to see what you think, then pretty soon thereafter, you’re in a relationship. Also, there isn’t “the discussion” aka the “are we boyfriend and girlfriend?”. I once tried to do this with François, and it was pretty hilarious. He was like, well we are together, we’re happy, and that’s what matters – no need to ask or label.

On the cost of living: I find living in Versailles similar to living in Dallas. I shop a lot at the market for fruits and vegetables and they’re so much cheaper than even buying them in the supermarkets here.

On living in France as an American: It’s been great! But it’s also all about how you approach things. I love living here and try to spread that positivity into all areas of my life and maybe they can sense it? Also, I am familiar with the customs after living here for more than six years and speak the language.

Even visiting though, Americans are very much so welcome! Just great people with a “Bonjour” when going into a shop or restaurant, or starting any conversation. That is the best advice. Add “Madame or Monsieur” and you’ll get a smile for your efforts.

On French fashion: Fashion will vary in France from town to town, and of course the different generations. Fashion in Versailles is a lot different than in Paris. In Versailles, it’s pretty traditional, longer skirts, slacks, nice blouses or dresses, in neutral tones or florals. There’s also a thing with red pants here? Seriously. In Paris, it’s very fashion-forward, trendy, and pretty much anything goes. That’s what makes people-watching such fun!

On living in France during Covid-19: It’s been very quiet. During the confinements, especially the first one, we really just stayed inside, did big shops for food and watched a lot of movies. Thankfully we have a bit more space than the 9m2 (100sqft) apartment I had in Paris! The pandemic also forced me to quickly pivot my business model from in-person pastry classes to online classes, and it’s been incredible. I now reach more people than I ever did before, and folks that live all over the world!

On missing home: Besides my family and friends, I miss tacos the most!

On the best part about living in Versailles: I love how I call it home now. I walk down the streets and see people I know. I have my favorite haunts and feel comfortable here. Also, there’s something pretty special about having the Versailles gardens as the place where I walk my dog.

On the worst part about living in Versailles: The bureaucracy is quite daunting. I like to say that France makes you work for it!

On wanting to living in Versaille long-term: Oui!

Merci, Molly!

(Photos by Molly Krystal Kenney, Joann Pai, and Claire Emmaline.)

P.S. What Living as an Expat in France is Really Like and How to Make Friends in a New City.

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22/04/2025
What Living in Morocco as an Expat is Really Like

For this fall’s Living Abroad series, our next stop is Morocco. Sinclair, an American elementary school teacher, lives in Tangier, Morocco’s third-largest city. Here, Sinclair describes Moroccan nut, date, and avocado smoothies, her experience dating in Morocco, and Tangier’s unlikely love for Birkenstocks…

Sinclair’s background: I moved to Morocco in September 2019 and quickly fell in love with the country. Everyone I met was incredibly kind and welcoming; I felt at home shortly after arriving. I liked it so much that I did not want to leave, even when COVID-19 hit Morocco in 2020 and I had the opportunity to return to the US. Even though the past year and a half have been incredibly challenging and stressful, so much good came out of it through friendships and making strides in my career. Morocco has so much to offer and I have been on an incredible adventure, and through it, I found a place I can see myself thriving in. I feel like I am following my heart and living my life to the fullest.

On the natural beauty: Morocco has inspired my photography due to its seemingly effortless beauty. There is something very special about the light in Morocco that helps make it so photogenic, along with its vibrant colors and charming streets. Everywhere I turn I am struck by tiny moments of art from a sweeping archway of a doorway, rooftop views of the city and the ocean to the street cats lounging among food vendors.

On the cost of living: The cost of living in Morocco is very affordable. Rent varies from city to city, but you can find apartments anywhere from $200-$800 a month. In regards to other expenses, it is easy to find a meal that costs anywhere from $2-6. At fancier restaurants, a dinner would cost around $25. This is partly because almost all of the fresh produce is locally sourced and is super cheap as Morocco has a huge farming industry.

On food: Moroccan food is delicious and full of flavor. Fear not if you don’t like spicy food because Moroccans tend not to either, and their traditional foods are rich and full of umami and sweet flavors. Couscous is the obvious favorite of many, but I am fond of the lamb and prune tajine, which is essentially a slow roast and is eaten with fresh bread. Moroccan smoothie and juice bars are my favorite though. You will not find better fresh-squeezed orange juice anywhere else. I love the Moroccan smoothie with nuts, dates, and avocado which is delicious, filling, and perfect for breakfast.

On fashion: You will find that in big cities like Rabat and Casablanca, women dress more freely and in more American styles. Where I live, in the north, it’s much more conservative; people dress more consistently and more similarly. On the street, I notice women wearing long flowy maxi dresses, blouses, high-waisted pants, chunky sneakers, big sunglasses, and a bold red lip. Some women wear headscarves, but a lot don’t as well. There are a lot of young hipsters that dress more similarly to the French art student vibe with jeans, fun prints, and lots of details. Last but not least Birkenstock! They are the shoe of Tangier and I am here for it. There are certain clothing styles that I do not feel comfortable wearing out in public though, like short shorts or crop tops because I would stand out more than I already do as a white woman.

On being an American in Morocco: A lot of Moroccans love America! When they find out that I am American they are excited and want to talk about it and ask me questions, or share a random connection they have with the US. Many Moroccans are tuned into US affairs from politics to TikTok trends. They are often fascinated that I chose to live abroad and are friendly towards me. Some people I’ve met still have the American Dream of making a life for themselves in the land of opportunity. Others do not care about that but find the American mindset very open and are fascinated and curious about our lifestyle.

On the local languages: Morocco has two official languages: Arabic and Amazigh. The majority of Moroccans speak Darija, which is the Moroccan dialect of Arabic. I am learning Darija and know enough to use it in interactions at the market, with taxi drivers, or to say hi to my neighbors. But it is difficult because it is so different from English and there are many sounds that we do not use that I simply cannot pronounce. Amazigh is spoken by the indigenous population of Morocco and is characterized as an Afro-Asiatic language; it uses an entirely different alphabet. Many Moroccans also speak French; it is often used as the language of business and government.

On street harassment: I experience street harassment pretty regularly. On a given day in Tangier walking around, I might go 30 minutes with 8 different remarks or none at all. It’s really random. The saving grace is that however angry or annoyed it makes me at times, and often uncomfortable, I rarely feel unsafe. I might get an “hola, muy guapa” or “bonjour”, or a lot of stares and I have been followed, but it has rarely ever been scary. Sometimes it seems they want to shoot their shot, others are just overly friendly or curious, and some are gross, but I do not feel in most cases that the men have bad intentions. I do my best to be vigilant and aware, but I chose to ignore it. I also walk around with my guy friends which greatly reduces the attention I get. It is not fun but it is manageable.

On dating: Dating in Morocco is interesting to say the least. Dating is far more complicated in Morocco as there are several laws and customs that prevent the mingling of genders. Relationships and dating definitely exist but they are more hidden. Sex before marriage is not allowed, but that never stopped anyone. There is certainly no PDA and forget vacationing with a significant other because unmarried Moroccan couples are unable to stay at hotels and Airbnbs, with the exception of foreigners. Like everywhere else, the younger generations are changing and I see couples around and I know people who date and are in serious relationships but often do not tell their extended family. I notice some people living a Hannah Montana-esque life, one fairly conservative with their family and one more freely with their friends. The lack of freedom forces people to act certain ways so I understand how it can be challenging to maneuver around.

On meeting someone special: I only dated a little and mostly through friends I knew in my first year in Morocco, until I moved to Tangier and was bored and stuck at home for a little while, so I decided to see what Tinder was like there. I was met with a very positive response but because of Covid had little interest in actually going on dates, until I met my now partner of almost one year! I am grateful I did, he has made my experience in Tangier and in Morocco infinitely better. We have encountered some cultural differences and challenges of course, but nothing we could not handle. It is also frustrating to not be able to live as freely in public as we could elsewhere but that has not stopped our happiness.

On missing home: More than anything, I miss my friends and family. Even though I chose to live abroad, that does not make living away from your loved ones easy. I am thankful for Zoom and texting that have kept many of my relationships alive and close despite the physical distance.

On driving: I also miss driving. Although I have rented a car on a few occasions and driven in Morocco I do not drive on a daily basis, and driving in the city is terrifying. I miss nice empty suburban roads and blasting my music with my windows down while driving.

On alcohol: Alcohol is not illegal in Morroco, but it is taboo. That being said, there are liquor stores and some restaurants sell it, though the variety is limited (I miss craft beer and cider!).

But where they lack in beer, Morocco excels in wine. Morocco’s Middle Atlas region has great soil for wine and they produce some very good wine. Morocco makes a unique grey wine that is made with red grapes but in the style of white wine, which produces a light refreshing alternative to rosé, which is a must-try! It’s nice being able to get a good bottle of wine for $9.

On the worst part of living in Morocco: The lack of freedom. I find it frustrating and kind of surprising how many restrictive laws are in place on women especially in Morocco or various traditions that exist that make it difficult to freely express yourself or live openly. I took for granted my rights as an American but I am grateful for them now. I value the ability to take ownership of my life and that I have the freedom to live it how I please. Although, that is not the case for many people in America to this day, and it is certainly far from the truth in Morocco in some ways.

On the best part of living in Morocco: The people. Connecting with new people who have different stories and life experiences is an eye-opening experience. Morocco is such a beautiful country with beautiful people that mean well and have made my experience so rewarding.

Thank you so much, Sinclair!

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22/04/2025
How to Overcome Being Alone & Meet People When You Travel

Before I first went traveling in 2006, I had these expectations in my head based on nothing but my imagination and popular culture.

My trip was going to be a nonstop adventure filled with colorful and exciting people. Crazy things were going to happen to me. I’d make friends everywhere. I’d be talking to strangers on buses. Locals would invite me out for drinks. I’d be sipping a latte, strike up a conversation with my beautiful waitress, and then the next thing I’d know, we’d be at a wine bar, staring into each other’s eyes while she taught me French.

It was going to be just like those articles I’d read or travel movies I saw. One adventurous scene after the next.

Then I went overseas.

There I was in the hostel, on the road, seeing amazing attractions in historic cities. I could do whatever I wanted, when I wanted. I was finally marching to the beat of my own drum.

At first, it was exciting, as I set my daily schedule and did things by myself. I was so busy those first couple of days that I had forgotten I was alone. And that was fine — until it wasn’t.

As the days wore on and my tongue forgot what speech sounded like, that excitement dissipated. I began to crave human interaction and companionship.

Suddenly, I was alone — and in the bad way.

Aloneness had turned to loneliness.

Where were the locals who were supposed to show me around? The cool travelers I’d spend nights out with? Once I ran out of things to do, I could no longer hide my aloneness.

Sure, I could move on to another city, hoping that the magic would happen there, that it was the destination’s fault and not me.

But it was me. Life doesn’t just happen to you — you have to make it happen.

And I wasn’t.

I began to realize the only reason I was alone was because of fear.

As an introvert, it isn’t natural for me to just walk up to strangers and talk to them. That was especially true way back in 2006, when I first started traveling. (Heck, it takes me a lot to overcome that today.)

But that fear was keeping me from living the dreams I had in my head. If I wanted those dreams to happen, I was going to have to make them happen.

A lot of people wonder if traveling alone means they will always be alone. How will they make friends? Is it hard?

It’s a valid concern and, for us to whom socializing doesn’t come naturally, it’s a challenge. But let me tell you: it’s a lot easier than you think.

There are a lot of people traveling solo.

People just like you.

People looking for an adventure.

People who crave interactions with others.

And that other is you.

I overcame being alone when people in my hostel in Prague started talking to me. They were the first ones to reach out, luckily. They broke the barrier I was too afraid to break myself, sitting there, waiting for “something to happen.”

But, after they broke the ice, I realized that it was actually easier and less scary than I thought. Those travelers were like me and looking for a friend.

Things rarely happen unless you make them happen. You need to go out and talk to strangers yourself.

It took the introvert in me a while to learn that truth, but once I did, I had no trouble meeting people. After those travelers said hello and showed me how easy it was, I realized I was making a mountain out of a molehill. There was nothing to be scared of. I just had to say hi.

Because we all start off in the same boat: in a foreign country without any friends, not speaking the language, and looking for people to spend time with. Once you realize that, you also realize how simple and easy it is to make friends…because everyone is just like you.

That’s the big secret. There’s nothing more to overcome being alone than to get over yourself and say “hi.”

The key is to start small and break out of your shell. Talk to the person in your dorm room. Say hello. Ask them about themselves. Trust me, they will respond. They’ll ask you about you, your home, your travel plans, and more.

From there, just do the same to other travelers you see. Look for a group leaving for the bar and ask, “Can I join you?”

Walk over to that pool table in the hostel and ask, “Who’s next?”

People will say yes. Conversation will begin. Friendships will blossom.

And thanks to the sharing economy, there are lots more ways to meet people beyond meeting them at hostels,

For example, I’m sure you have one thing you are passionate about, right? Well, people around the world have that same passion. Use a website like Meetup.com to find local groups that form around that passion. Maybe it’s swing dancing, maybe it’s pickleball or Dungeons & Dragons. Whatever it is, I’m sure there are locals who do it too. Finding local groups with a shared interest is a great way to break the ice because you already have something to talk about, something that creates an instant connection.

Moreover, you can try the website Couchsurfing. It’s not only a place to find accommodation; it also has tons of meet-ups you can attend to find other travelers and like-minded people.

Additionally, there are lots of Facebook groups where you can find people to meet. I know, it sounds sketchy, but I’ve used them a bunch recently and they’ve been great. Some groups worth checking out are Girls Love Travel, Find a Travel Buddy, and Solo Trips and Travelers.

I’ll be honest, at first, I found it hard to speak to others. Conversations stumbled from time to time. But you either sink or swim on the road. My options were to be alone (and risk potentially going home early) or to get over my fear, take the plunge, and talk to people.

I choose the latter.

And on the occasions I was sinking instead of swimming, other travelers came up to me and said hello. They made the first move so I didn’t have to.

Why? Because they were looking to make friends too. Like me, they understood that if they didn’t do something, they too would have been alone.

Travelers are a friendly bunch. They want to meet new people and make new friends.

And one of those friends is you.

For that reason, you are never alone on the road. There are people everywhere who will be constantly talking to you and inviting you out (especially if you’re staying in hostels).

So no, traveling alone doesn’t mean you will be alone.

Take it from this introvert: you’ll meet more people than you’ll know what to do with. (In fact, there will be points when you wished you had some personal “me” time.)

Eventually, you’ll realize there was never a reason to worry in the first place. And you’ll never be alone again.

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

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22/04/2025
The Ultimate Guide to 19 Best Day Tours in Seoul for Every Kind of Traveler

I’ve lived in South Korea for over 3 years and I’m half-Korean I’ve been all over Korea and tested out some of the best tours in Seoul so you can figure out which is the best for you! Now, I don’t need to tell you that Seoul is a city that exudes energy, modernity, and centuries-old traditions, all wrapped in one. But what you might not know is how to see the city’s highlights in the most engaging way. So, grab a notepad (or just open your travel planning app), because I’ve got you covered!

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Day Tours in Seoul for Every Kind of Traveler

Looking for the best way to maximize your time in Seoul? The city offers a range of day tours designed to suit all kinds of interests. Nature lovers can find solace on trips like the Nami Island and Gangchon Rail Bike tour, which offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and physical activity. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Korean Folk Village and Everland Day Tour, combining a deep dive into Korean culture with modern-day thrills. There is so much to see in this beautiful country.

Best Day Tours in Seoul

1. The Traditional Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village

Day Tours in Seoul | Gyeongbokgung Palace

Are you a history buff or just love dressing up? Then this day tour in Seoul is the dream! You get to visit the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace – a UNESCO world heritage site, where you can rent a Hanbok—the traditional Korean outfit—and feel like a royal from the Joseon Dynasty. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony; it’s like stepping into a time capsule! You’ll also get to experience Bukchon Hanok Village – one of Korean’s preserved traditional villages.

This is pretty much one of the most popular tours you can possibly grab. You can easily do this on your own as well, but it helps when you have a tour guide to give you some of the history of this palace and surrounding areas.

2. Korean Culinary Experience: Street Food Tour

Day Tours in Seoul | Korean Street Food Egg Bread

A visit to Seoul is incomplete without indulging in some lip-smacking Korean street food. This tour provides you with local guides and takes you through bustling markets like Myeongdong and Gwangjang, where you’ll get to try local cuisine classics like Tteokbokki, Hotteok, and Kimbap.

To be honest, this is one of my favorite day tours in Seoul. There aren’t a lot of food tours available in other parts of Korea, so this is a great stepping stone to knowing what foods to try and eat in South Korea. Korean food is more than just Korean BBQ! So go out there and try some of my favorite dishes that I grew up with.

EMBARK ON A CAPTIVATING NORYANGJIN FISH MARKET TOUR | In Seoul, where you’ll witness a bustling hub of activity and immerse yourself in the vibrant seafood culture of Korea. Explore rows of stalls brimming with fresh seafood, observe the lively auctions, and indulge in delicious seafood delicacies straight from the market’s numerous restaurants. More details here.

3. Morning Hike to Bukhansan Mountain

If you’re anything like me and love to start your day with a burst of physical activity, then I suggest the Bukhansan Mountain morning hike. You’ll head to Bukhansan National Park and hike one of Korea’s most popular mountains. Get those boots on and enjoy the panoramic views of Seoul from the top. Just don’t forget your camera!

4. Uncover Hidden Gems: Gangnam Walking Tour

And finally, if you’re looking to explore the posh neighborhoods of Seoul, head over to Gangnam. Yes, as in ‘Gangnam Style’. It’s a shopper’s paradise and home to some of the best cafés and boutiques Seoul has to offer. Day tours in Seoul like this are perfect for people wanting to learn more about why Gangnam became so famous.

EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL KOREAN CULTURE: RENT A HANBOK IN SEOUL | Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Korea by renting a hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, in Seoul. Read more details here.

5. Visit K-Drama Shooting Spots

Ready for the scoop? Seoul is not just a bustling metropolis; it’s also the backdrop for many of your beloved K-Dramas. Picture yourself at the Namsan Tower, where countless love confessions have been made. Or imagine strolling down the stylish streets of Garosu-gil. And let’s not forget the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, which has graced the screen in historical dramas. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a history geek, these K-Drama spots in Seoul add an extra layer of magic to your Korean adventure.

6. Seoul Night Tour

Experience the city that never sleeps! From the sparkling Han River to the bustling streets of Myeongdong, the Seoul Night Tour gives you a slice of Korean nightlife. It’s the city under the stars, and you won’t want to miss a moment. This tour is a great one to also experience delicious Korean street food as many Koreans love to stay out late with a good drink and good food. We have a tradition that when we drink, we also need to eat.

7. Seoul Ghost Walking Tour

Ghosts in Seoul? You bet! On this eerie walking tour, you’ll hear legends and stories of Seoul’s haunted past. Wander through dark alleys and learn about the city’s mysteries, myths, and spirits that refuse to rest. This is a great way to get spooked especially during Halloween.

8. Muslim Friendly Tour

Worried about finding Halal options while exploring day tours in Seoul? Worry no more! The Muslim Friendly Tour offers an itinerary that respects Islamic practices, including Halal dining options and prayer spaces. See the sights without the stress!

To be honest, trying to find food tours strictly for Muslims within Korea can be quite difficult, so to see this amazing guided tour being offered and available is amazing. I often get asked what are the options for Muslims in Korea and unfortunately, it’s quite difficult for me to navigate as someone who isn’t. So rely on the experts living in Seoul to provide that information and join this amazing Muslim Tour in Seoul!

9. Cooking Experience + Mangwon Market Tour

This 5 star cooking experience is one that shouldn’t be missed! Unleash your inner chef in this interactive cooking experience! Learn how to make Korean dishes like Kimchi and Bibimbap under the guidance of local experts. It’s a deliciously fun way to immerse yourself in Korean culture. You’ll be able to experience a tour of Mangwon Market as well.

Korean food is no easy task, but this Korean cooking experience will help you learn how to make some of the best and easiest Korean dishes. You’ll be stuffed at the end of this experience and hopefully learn more about Korean food and culture.

10. Seoul Biking Tour

Explore Seoul at your own pace with a biking tour that takes you along the Han River and through some of Seoul’s most scenic parks. You’ll cover more ground and see the city from a unique, up-close perspective. In this tour, you’ll be able to have lunch and experience Korean tea at a traditional tea house. You’ll get to experience iconic sights including Iwha Woman Street, Sinchon, Chungdong Church, Deoksu Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the famous Insadong markets.

Best Day Tours from Seoul

These are some of the best day trips from Seoul that you can take. The best thing about traveling within Korea is that it’s quite easily accessible.

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11. Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of the Morning Calm and Gangchon Rail Bike, Your Nature Escape from Seoul

This is one of the best Seoul day trips that offer you a breath of fresh air—literally! Imagine pedaling down old train tracks with the wind in your hair at Gangchon, surrounded by lush landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a painting. It’s probably one of the most booked tours you can get because of all the popular destinations. The garden of Morning Calm is a beautiful garden, especially during Christmas in Korea. Nami Island is an island where you can literally see all 4 seasons change. One of my favorite things to do in Korea is ride the Gangon Rail Bike, it’s a unique experience that you should try at least once.

And let’s not forget the fairy-tale charm of Nami Island, with its towering tree lanes, romantic walkways, and even ostriches prancing around. It’s as if Mother Nature herself decided to bless this tiny island. Whether you’re traveling with family, your special someone, or just your adventurous self, this combo is a serene yet exciting way to experience the Korean countryside. Nami island is where many K-Drama movies were filmed and is a popular tourist location, especially during autumn in Korea. This should be added to your Seoul itinerary.

12. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping: DMZ Tours

One of the most recommended tours on GetYourGuide is the DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone) tour. It’s an eye-opener that offers a glimpse into the tension between North and South Korea. The DMZ tour includes stops at the 3rd Tunnel, the Freedom Bridge, and the Dora Observatory. A must for anyone interested in geopolitics or history!

This is one of the best things to do in Paju as it has a lot of history. The DMZ has a lot of interesting information and can provide you with some insight into exactly what has happened. Due to the war, many Koreans had escaped from North Korea and a lot of family members in Korea still have family in North Korea that they haven’t been able to see for decades. You can choose between a full day tour or half-day tour. Some tours include the JSA (joint security area) while others do not – this is one thing to consider as it’s definitely an area that shouldn’t be missed.

Suggested DMZ Tours

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13. Pocheon Art Valley and Herb Island

Boulders and blooms, anyone? The Pocheon Art Valley and Herb Island tour is a feast for the eyes and soul. First, you’ll explore the stunning landscapes of Pocheon Art Valley—an abandoned quarry-turned art space. Then, bask in the aromatic bliss of Herb Island, filled with themed gardens and magical evening lights. Nature and art have never blended so beautifully.

Pocheon Art Valley is a beautiful place to check out and you can easily take the tram up to the location and see these beautiful rocky features. Herb Island not too far from Pocheon Art Valley is a great place to see some lights and take photos. Many K-Dramas were filmed here because of the beautifully designed backdrops. During summer, it’s a great place to see the lavender.

14. Korean Folk Village and Everland Day Tour

From the past to the present, experience the full spectrum of Korean culture. Begin your day at the Korean Folk Village, where you can immerse yourself in the traditions and crafts of yesteryears. Then hop over to Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, for some high-adrenaline fun.

Everland is great for older kids as there aren’t as many rides available for younger children, however, there are still a few available and an amazing zoo exclosure to see the different exotic animals. You can get some delicious Korean park food, ride some large wooden rollercoasters, drink beer, and take many photos as well.

15. Suwon Hwaseong Folk Village Tour

Unlock the secrets of the Joseon Dynasty with a visit to Suwon Hwaseong Folk Village. As you walk along the well-preserved Suwon Hwaseong fortress walls, you’ll find artisans demonstrating traditional Korean crafts. It’s history brought to life, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. You’ll also get to experience Gwangmyong cave as well as a rail bike ride.

16. Incheon Day Tour

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Seoul – I lived in Seoul for a year, but Incheon is where my heart and home is. I lived in Incheon for 2 years and it’s where most of my family are located and I just find it to be one of my favorite places to be.

Incheon is more than just Incheon airport, there are a lot of things to do in Incheon despite what a lot of people say. You can discover the historical Chinatown, visit the fairytale-like Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, and don’t miss out on the breathtaking views at Wolmido Island. There are a lot of areas to shop and see in Songdo as well.

17. Legoland Korea Resort

Block off a day, adventurers, because Legoland Korea Resort is a colorful paradise and amusement park where every brick tells a story! Perfect for families, kids-at-heart, or anyone who ever dreamt of stepping into a life-sized Lego world. Located in Chuncheon City in Gangwon-do, a convenient distance from Seoul, this wonderland offers roller coasters, water attractions, and hands-on Lego building experiences. Dive into themed zones like Ninjago World and the magical Lego Castle. It’s more than just a theme park; it’s a creative playground that brings your favorite Lego sets to life.

You’ll want to select the Roundtrip Shuttle Bus option and departure times starts between 8-8:30 from either Hongik University Station or Myeongdong Station.

18. Vivaldi Park SnowyLand

If you are traveling during Winter in Korea, you’ll definitely want to see the snow and visit this beautiful winter wonderland during this time of year. Grab your mittens and your sense of wonder, because Vivaldi Park SnowyLand and ski resort is a winter wonderland you won’t want to miss! Located just a snowball’s throw away from Seoul, this magical resort transforms into a snowy paradise during the winter months.

Whether you’re a pro on the slopes or just there for the snow angels, there’s something for everyone. Think of sledding hills, snow tunnels, and even an ice climbing wall. Plus, the atmosphere is as warm as hot cocoa with bonfires and evening light shows. So if you’re yearning for that perfect blend of exhilaration and coziness, look no further. Get ready to make your winter fantasies a frosty reality!

19. Jeonju Hanok Village, Jangtaesan & Daedunsan Tour from Seoul

If you are traveling during autumn or winter, this is a great Seoul day tour to take especially for nature lovers. It’s also amazing to take outside of those time frames as well, but you’ll really get to see the beauty of Korea during those times of the year.

Your journey starts with Jeonju Hanok Village – one of the best places to visit in Korea, where traditional Korean houses, known as Hanok, line the streets like a scene from a historical drama. But keep those cameras ready, because next up is Jangtaesan—home to luscious forests and eco-friendly attractions. And for the grand finale? Daedunsan, where suspension bridges and cable cars await, offers sweeping views of the mountainous landscape. From history to heights, this tour has it all. You’re not just sightseeing; you’re soul-searching in the heart of Korea.

Thoughts on Best Day Tours in Seoul

And there you have it, my adventure-seeking pals! From historical haunts to culinary quests, from natural wonders to the magic of television brought to life, the best day tours in Seoul offer a tapestry of experiences that are as diverse as they are thrilling. Whether you’ve got a single day or a whole week to explore, these tours are your passport to a deeper understanding of this vibrant city.

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22/04/2025
Visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland
If you’re a fan, as I am, of the Game of Thrones TV show, you should know that you can actually tour the Game of Thrones studio where many scenes from the show were filmed.

The Linen Mill Studios is found in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, just outside Belfast. It is where many iconic scenes from the show were filmed.

The original sets for the Winterfell Great Hall and Castle Black were constructed here and in fact the tour was built around them. In addition to the amazing film sets, you’ll also find props, costumes, artwork, weapons, prosthetics, exhibits, and lots of information on the making of the show.

There is also, of course, a large gift shop filled with Game of Thrones merchandise.

I’ve already written about visiting the main Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland as well as in Iceland, however until now I hadn’t put together a guide to the studio tour. I think it’s well worth a visit for both fans of the show, and those interested in how TV shows are put together in general.

If you are planning on visiting a number of Game of Thrones locations during your visit to Northern Ireland, then I can recommend including the studio, ideally as one of the first locations you visit.

Coming here is going to give you a huge appreciation for the amount of work that went into creating the show. There’s loads of information on display, with details on the filming locations, set design, props, costumes, and lots more!

In this guide I’m going to cover everything you need to know to visit the Game of Thrones studio tour, from how to get here, to buying tickets, to how long to stay, and more. Let’s get started.

Where is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located in the Linen Mill Studios. These are situated just outside the town of Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland.

This is about 25 miles (30 minutes drive) southeast of Belfast, or around 80 miles (80 minutes drive) north of Dublin.

Note that there is no public parking at the Linen Mill Studios. If you are making your own way to the studios by public transport or by car (more on getting here soon), you need to head to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour parking lot.

This is found at the Boulevard shopping center in Banbridge, just off the A1. Here there is free parking and a free shuttle service for ticket holders of the studio tour.

Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour include House of the Dragon & A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

Game of Thrones is not the only TV show set in Westeros. House of the Dragon started airing in 2022, with new show A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms announced in 2024. Both are series created by writer George R. R. Martin.

However, currently the Game of Thrones Studio tour focuses primarily on the Game of Thrones TV show which was filmed between 2009 (pilot episode) and 2018 and aired from 2011 to 2019 on HBO. Much of the filming took place in Northern Ireland.

Whilst some props from House of the Dragon have been put on display, that show is not being filmed at this studio or in Northern Ireland. Instead, it’s being filmed at the Warner Bros Leavesden studio in Watford, England. This is the same studio where you can take the Harry Potter Studio tour.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was announced in 2024 and production is taking place at the Titanic Studios in Belfast, where parts of Game of Thrones was also shot. As the show has only just been announced, there’s no further information as to whether this will be included in the Game of Thrones Studio tour.

Game of Thrones Studio Tour Opening Times

The Game of Thrones Studio tour is typically open from 10am to 6.30pm. It’s open every day with some exceptions for public holidays.

How Much Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Cost?

The tour, which includes parking and shuttle bus from the parking area, currently costs as follows (prices as of June 2024)
- £29.50 for adults (16-65)
- £24 for students with student ID and seniors (66+)
- £12 for teenagers (13-15)
- £5 for children (5 – 12)
- Free for children under age 5
There is also a family ticket which costs £67.25 and which includes two adult admissions and two teen admissions.

You can see the various ticket options and purchase tickets online here.

Game of Thrones Studio Audio Guides

There are audio guides available for the Game of Thrones Studio tour for an additional fee. These contain narration through the tour as well as additional information and details not on display.

You can either get this through the official app for Android or iOS, (must bring your own headphones to use) or you can rent an audio guide handset on site for around £5.

Currently the audio guides (both physical handsets and app) are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Mandarin Chinese.

The audio guide is not necessary for enjoying or understanding the experience as there are a lot of signs and placards you can read along the way. But they do enhance the experience and add extra information. For non-English speakers, they are likely to be very helpful in giving background information about the exhibits as the information is displayed only in English.

You can book a audio guide handset or download the app in advance, or you can wait to do so once you are at the studio. You can get the audio guide handsets from the Information Desk. So you don’t need to decide before your visit, but you do need to decide before you start the tour.

Game of Thrones Studio Afternoon Tea

If you are interested in having a Game of Thrones themed afternoon tea experience, you can pre-book an afternoon tea experience to have before or after your tour.

The afternoon tea includes themed food such as Kings Rocky Road, Hot Pie’s Sausage Rolls, Chocolate Crunch Dragon Eggs, and High Garden Sandwiches. It currently costs £30 per person.

You do need to pre-book the experience in advance of your visit, so you will want to book it along with your admission tickets.

You can book your ticket (and optional transport) with an afternoon tea here.

Is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Kid Friendly?

Although the show itself was not exactly a child friendly show (with quite a lot of violence, gore, sex, and nudity and complicated plots), the studio tour is designed to be a family-friendly experience.

There are no minimum age restrictions although all children age 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult during their visit.

Buggies, pushchairs, and strollers are allowed on the studio tour.

I haven’t visited with kids but when we visited there were several families with children of all ages, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the experience.

Is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Accessible?

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour takes place on one level, so there are no elevators or steps to content with. As such, the tour is fully wheelchair accessible.

For those arriving by car with a wheelchair, the parking situation is the same, and the shuttle bus can take one wheelchair or mobility scooter per trip.

Registered guide dogs are also welcome, identification for the dog will be required.

For other needs, you can read more details about accessibility here. That page also contains contact information where you can enquire about other accessibility needs.

How to Get to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

There are a number of options for getting to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which are as follows.

By Tour Bus

If you do not have your own transport, or would rather just visit the studio with round trip transport from where you are staying, then you can book a tour which includes a coach bus transfer.

Tours depart from both Belfast and Dublin. From Belfast it’s around a 30 minute coach ride, and from Dublin it’s around 90 minutes. You then will have 3 or more hours (depending on shuttle time) to visit the studio on your own.

The visit itself is self-guided and most people spend 2 to 3 hours doing the tour.

You can purchase tickets with round-trip transport from Belfast and Dublin here.

By Public Transport

There is no direct public transport from Belfast or Dublin to the Studio Tour shuttle bus departure location.

It is possible if you are determined, to take a series of 3 buses to get from Belfast to the Boulevard shopping center, but it will take you between 90 minutes and 2 hours each way.

Dublin is a similar story, it is theoretically possible, buy you are looking at a 3 hour trip each way.

We’d suggest instead booking a tour with round-trip transport, it’s going to be a lot less hassle, much quicker, and honestly not much more expensive.

By Car

If you have your own car then you can drive to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Just remember that you can’t drive to Linen Mill Studios where the tour is located.

Instead, drive to the Game of Thrones Studio tour parking location in the Boulevard Shopping Center (it is well sign posted). From here it’s a 10 minute shuttle ride to the studio.

Car parking and the shuttle ride are included as part of your Game of Thrones Studio ticket price.

Bus stop at car park for transfer to studio

Purpose built check-in area for visitors waiting for shuttle

Where to Buy Game of Thrones Studio Tour Tickets

You need to buy your Game of Thrones Studio Tour tickets online in advance of your visit. Entries are timed, and there is a limit to the number of people allowed per timeslot so the attraction does not get overcrowded.

When booking, you can choose whether you just want the entry ticket, or if you want a ticket which includes round trip transport from Dublin or Belfast.

Tickets are available:

Note the official website has a fee if you need to change the date or time of your ticket. Last time we checked, GetYourGuide offered free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit. The price is normally the same so I’d recommend booking there if you can.

Last time we visited, we booked on GetYourGuide which is the site we normally choose to use for tickets, tours and attractions when we travel as we like that tickets are often more flexible than booking direct.

The Game of Thrones Studio tour is also included on the Go City Dublin Pass (see our full review of the Dublin Pass here). However, round-trip transport is not included. So you will either need to have your own vehicle, or you can book a round-trip shuttle bus from Dublin here.

How Long Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour take?

The Game of Thrones Studio tour is self-guided, so you can take as long or as short as you want to complete it. However, most visitors come for two to three hours.

I would make sure to book your timeslot to come at least 3 hours before closing to ensure you have enough time. If you are planning to eat lunch or do an afternoon tea experience, I would add an extra hour.

Where to Stay Near the Game of Thrones Studios

There are a number of hotel options to choose from, both near the studio, and also in major cities within easy driving distance such as Belfast and Dublin.

I’ll share some of these options below.

Hotels in Belfast

If you plan to drive to the Game of Thrones Studio tour yourself, then you will likely want to find accommodation with parking. Many hotels do offer parking but as this is a city center many locations do charge for this option.

If you are taking the coach transfer option, then you might consider staying near where the coach departs from, which is the Visit Belfast visitor information center. This is located on 9 Donegall Square N in the city center.
- Belfast International Youth Hostel – If you are looking for a hostel in Belfast this is a good, well located option, around 14 minutes walk from the coach departure point. It has both shared and private dormitory rooms, an on-site cafe, linens, a communal kitchen, a breakfast menu and self-service laundry. It also has free parking.
  
  Leonardo Hotel 4-star hotel offering good sized rooms, a breakfast buffet, bar, and restaurant. In our experience this hotel chain offers good value for money. 5 minute walk from the coach departure point. Paid parking is available nearby
  
  Ramada – A well-rated 3-star hotel. Has an informal restaurant and bar, 24-hour front desk, and free Wifi. 14 minutes walk from the coach departure point. Paid parking is available nearby.
  
  Bullitt Hotel – Centrally-located 4-star hotel offers a range of room options to suit most budgets. There’s also a bar, a cafe, a restaurant, a rooftop bar area, and 24-hour desk service. It is a 7 minute walk to the coach departure point for the tour. Parking is also available. We spent 4 nights here and can definitely recommend it if you are looking for a central hotel!
  
  The Merchant Hotel – A 5-star historical luxury hotel located in a beautiful 1860 building. This hotel offers all the luxury amenities you would expect, including a restaurant, bar and lounge, spa, hot tub, and a rooftop gymnasium. 11 minutes’ walk from the coach station. Paid parking is available nearby.
For more ideas of where to stay in Belfast, see our guide to things to do in Belfast, which has everything you need to know to plan your visit here.

Hotels in Dublin

Dublin is only around an 80-minute drive from the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, meaning you can easily visit here as a half-day trip. If you have your own car, you could even add in some Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland as well.

If you are planning on taking advantage of the transport coach service from Dublin, this departs from the Busarus bus station in central Dublin. Here are some hotel options to consider.
- Jacob’s Inn Hostel – a good option for those looking for a hostel experience. This hostel is just a 2 minute walk from the coach departure point, and five minutes from the lively Temple Bar area of town. Private and shared accommodation is available and there’s also a bar, restaurant, roof terrace and on-site laundry. There’s no on-site parking but paid public parking is available within a 5 minute walk.
- Moxy Dublin City – this is a very well located mid-range hotel just 7 minutes walk from the coach station. We’ve stayed at a number of Moxy hotels around the world and always appreciated the fun decor and comfortable rooms. Paid parking is available nearby.
- Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street – well rated excellent value mid-range central hotel, a 14-minute walk from the coach departure point. Parking is available nearby for a fee.
- Maldron Hotel Parnell Square – this is a good value mid-range hotel 20 minutes walk from the coach departure point. We’ve stayed here and enjoyed it. Parking is available nearby for a fee.
- Merrion Hotel – a five star luxury property which has everything you could want for a luxury stay in Dublin including a 2* Michelin restaurant, Italian marble bathrooms and a spa. On-site parking is available for a fee, and it’s a 20-minute walk to the coach station.
For more suggestions in Dublin, see our guide to spending three days in Dublin, which has hotel recommendations as well as sightseeing suggestions.

Hotels near the Game of Thrones Studios

If you’d rather stay near the studio itself, then there are also a number of options to choose from, as follows:
- Belmont House Hotel – just 5 minutes drive from the shuttle departure location for the studio tour, this 4* hotel has an on-site restaurant and free parking. It’s definitely the closest option we are aware of for the Studio tour, and the hotel the studio themselves recommend if you want to stay nearby.
- Mourne Country Hotel – found 15 minutes drive south of the studio tour parking near the city of Newry, this quiet 3 star hotel offers free on-site parking, en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant.
Is Food Available at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?

Yes, you can purchase food and drinks at the Studio Tour. There are two options for food and drinks.

First, in the foyer of the tour building before you enter the main tour area there is the Lobby Cafe which serves hot and cold drinks as well as snacks like sausage rolls and cakes.

If you’d prefer a larger meal, or want to take a break part way through your tour, then the Studio Cafe is a good option.

Found just before the halfway point of the experience, this has a menu which includes things like burgers, breakfast items, soups and sandwiches, as well as dessert and drink options. It also has a kids menu.

There is also as mentioned the Game of Thrones afternoon tea experience, but that must be pre-booked before your visit. You can do that here.

Is there a Cloakroom at the Game of Throne Studio Tour?

Yes there is a cloakroom at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. It’s next to the information desk right where you first enter the tour building. You can leave coats and bags here for free, which will save you carrying them through the tour.

I left my coat and small backpack here when we visited which was very convenient.

Game of Thrones Studio Tour Review and Experience

Now I’m going to talk a bit about our experience actually visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, including lots of photos so you can see what it’s actually like inside and what to expect from your visit.

First, we drove from Belfast, which would have taken around half an hour except we got a flat tire on the way! That slight mishap aside, we arrived at the car parking area just after midday. The parking area and shuttle bus stop was very easy to find.

The shuttle ride took around 10 minutes, the bus was comfortable and fairly busy but everyone had a seat. The shuttle is free you just need to have a studio tour ticket.

On arrival, I dropped off my small backpack and coat at the information desk. We then got a coffee and sausage roll at the cafe before entering the experience. Entrances into the actual tour were every 15 minutes or so, and we were told we didn’t have to go in straight away if we wanted to have a coffee or something to eat first, which was nice.

We then joined the line for the actual entrance where we had the option to have our photo taken against a green screen. Photos were then made available for purchase.

The first part of the actual experience is in a movie theatre, where you take a seat and watch a ten minute video which covers the show and its production as well as a bit about the tour. This was really well done and definitely got us excited for the experience ahead.

This was the only part of the studio tour where photography and video were not allowed.

After the video was over, the cinema screen moved aside and a fog filled tunnel was revealed. This was really cool, as it felt like we were stepping into the world of Game of Thrones, specifically walking through The Wall to Wildling and White Walker territory.

Walking through the fog shrouded tunnel led us into the main self-guided tour, where the first sight to greet us were Wildings and White Walkers, as fog tendrils drifted across the floor.

From here the tour was entirely self-guided, with information panels to read and video screens to watch. A nice touch was that the voice over for the video was done by Nathalie Emmanuel, who had the roll of Missandei in the show.

The tour is set up as a journey through the world of Westeros. When we visited the order of exhibits was as follows:

Beyond the Wall

The entrance set piece had statues of the Wildings and Whitewalkers, as well as the Giant Wun Wun.

Fun fact, Wun Wun was so big they had to present him kneeling down so he would fit!

Production Design / Art Department

This part of the tour showed how the production team conceptualized the world of Westeros.

There are incredible artworks, set design concepts, drawing boards, and more which show the amount of time and effort it takes just to design a world for the screen.

Castle Black / Prop Design

The Castle Black part of the tour is home to one of the original sets that was filmed on. This section of the tour includes the Mess Hall, Lord Commanders Quarters, Jail, and Bran’s Chamber.

There’s also information here on how sets were decorated and how the props were made, with lots of props to look at including dragon eggs, books, cookware, and loads more. This area also has as a fun interactive where you can design your very own House shield!

Studio Cafe

Between Castle Black and the Winterfell Crypts is the Studio Cafe, where you can get food and drinks. We didn’t eat here but the menu looked good!

If you want more of a meal, this is definitely where I would recommend coming rather than the cafe in the lobby area.

Note that if you do miss this and decide to return after you exit, just let a team member know and they will escort you back here.

Winterfell Crypts

After the Studio Cafe you will go into the Winterfell Crypts, which is set up to look just like the crypts in the show.

The actual scenes were filmed not too far away in Shane’s Castle on Lough Neagh. There are also statues here of members of the Stark family.

Winterfell Hall

In my opinion, the Winterfell Hall is definitely one of the main attractions in the tour.

This is one of the actual sets from the show (over a hundred sets were built for each season!), which has stayed in the same location since it was built (the tour was built around it).

You can walk around the hall itself, and see key moments that were filmed here recreated with mannequins, such as the knighting of Brienne of Tarth.

Dragonstone

The next area you visit is themed around Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen.

Here you will see rooms set up as the impressive Dragonstone Map Room and the Dragonstone Throne. There are also some enormous dragon skull props here to admire.

Costume shop / Special Effects / Prosthetics Workshop

From Dragonstone you will enter an area which is dedicated to helping you understand how different parts of the production were put together.

The costumes in the show were truly spectacular, and there’s a whole area dedicated to some of these amazing items as well as information on how they were created.

Special effects and visual effects were also a big part of the show, and you can learn about how these were created. There’s also a fun interactive here where you can animate your own Game of Thrones character by moving around.

Finally, this area also has a lot of information on the prosthetics that were used in the show, and how these were made. There’s another interactive experience here where you can virtually apply your own prosthetic!

Hall of Faces

In the show, the hall of faces is a large, pillared hallway, with the pillars home to the faces of the dead. Which is kind of creepy.

The studio tour version looked pretty much the same, except instead of dead people’s faces, the faces of previous visitors are displayed in the pillars. And yes, I made my own face which was added to the Hall of Faces, before hurrying along to somewhere slightly less creepy.

Armory Gallery & Armory Workshop

Game of Thrones was obviously a fairly violent show, and as such it included a lot of weaponry and armor.

These two areas of the tour showcase some of the incredible weapons and armor from the show, including the massive dragon-killing Scorpion artillery weapon.

There are also lots of other well-known weapons from the show on display, including Arya’s needle.

This area also goes into detail as to how the weapons were created, the work involved, and the sheer volume of weaponry that was required for the show. Hint – it was a lot!

Finally, this area also has a really fun game where you can use your own bow and arrow to blow up hordes of the undead on screen. I really enjoyed this game, it was definitely my favourite of all the interactive experiences we tried.

Kings Landing

Towards the end of the tour you come to the Kings Landing themed area. This is actually home to a lot of different areas, so don’t worry, there’s still lots to see.

There’s Tommen’s Chamber, the Small Council Chamber, Map Courtyard, and Red Keep. I thought the Map Courtyard set piece was particularly impressive.

In this area you will also find information on the incredible musical score for the show and how that was put together.

Throne Room

The final set piece in the tour is the Throne Room in Kings Landing, where the Iron Throne sits.

This is set up as it was shown towards the end of Season 8, with much of the room in ruins and snow dusting the floor.

It’s an impressive way to end the tour.

Shop, Throne & Exit

The Throne Room is the final room of the tour. If you feel you missed something, this is the time to turn back as once you exit to the shop you can’t go back inside.

We’d already spent a couple of hours inside by this point so was ready to hit the shop. The gift shop is absolutely full of items from the show, so if there’s anything you need, from clothing to magnets to coasters, they’ve got you covered.

The shop is also where you can actually sit on the Iron Throne! Ok, so it’s a replica and not the actual one from the show. But you can sit on it in front of a green screen, and live your own fantasy of winning the Game of Thrones.

Once you’re done shopping and taking photos, you return to the lobby where you can collect any belongings, refresh with a drink or snack at the cafe, and wait for your shuttle bus or coach transfer.

There’s a helpful screen here which shows all the upcoming departure times. For the return shuttle to the parking lot there’s no specific timeslot, you just get on the next available shuttle when you are ready to leave.

And that’s it!

Overall Thoughts on our Visit to the Game of Thrones Studio

We really enjoyed our visit to the Game of Thrones Studio tour. We learned a lot about how the show was made, and we appreciated all the interactive displays and photo opportunities.

Personally, I think it is a must visit for Game of Thrones fans. However, even if you are not a fan of the show it is really interesting just in learning all the behind the scenes work that goes into make a big tv show like this.

Overall, it reminded us a lot of the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford, If you have done that and enjoyed it, you’ll probably enjoy this experience as well. The bonus is that this doesn’t get as many visitors and isn’t as crowded.

Sitting on the “Glass of Thrones” throne in Belfast

Tips for Visiting the Game of Thrones Studio

If you are planning to visit, here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit and make the visit itself go as smoothly as possible.

Decide how you are going to get there

The first thing you’ll need to do when planning your visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is decide how you are going to get here. Your choices are to drive and take the short shuttle from the parking lot, or to book a ticket with round-trip transport from Dublin or Belfast.

The advantage of driving is that it will let you be more flexible in your timing in terms of how long you stay at the attraction. The round-trip transport coaches obviously have to operate to a timetable, and you don’t want to miss your return coach.

That said, they do allow for enough time for people to have a great time at the studio.

Book your tickets in advance

You need to book your tickets in advance when visiting the studio as you can’t buy tickets at the studio. Tickets have a timed entry slot and you need to show up at the time on your ticket.

If you are driving, make sure you arrive in plenty of time to take the shuttle.

Also note if you are interested in the afternoon tea experience, you need to book that in advance as well.

Decide if you want the audio guide

You should decide if you want the audio guide before you visit. You can either rent this in person and use their handset or you can use your own smartphone and headphones and download the app.

Both options incur a fee, but obviously you will get more out of your visit if you opt for the audio guide. You can hire this on site.

If English is not your first language, then an audioguide will probably really help you make the most of your visit if it is available in your native language.

Personally we didn’t hire the audioguide and we felt that we still had an amazing time. However, if you have plenty of time and really want to nerd out, then it’s probably a good thing to get.

Don’t Rush

The average visitor spends between 2 hours and 3 hours on the studio tour. So I would be sure to allow yourself at least 3 hours here to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. There is a lot to see, read, and do here.

In addition you may also want extra time to explore the gift shop or have a meal. If driving you need to allow for the 10-minute shuttle rides at the beginning and end.

Take Part!

The Game of Thrones Studio tour has a lot of interactive games and experiences you can take part in as you go around. From adding your face to the Hall of Faces to blowing up the undead with a bow and flaming arrow to taking photos on the Iron Throne, these are a lot of fun.

They really add to the experience in my opinion, and as most of them are included in your ticket (with the exception of the photos) you should definitely take advantage of them all!

Further Reading

We’ve been lucky enough to both explore a number of Game of Thrones locations around the world, as well as a lot of Ireland. Based on our experiences, we have a number of other posts we think you will enjoy and find useful for your trip planning.
- If you want to visit the real world filming locations for the show while you are in Northern Ireland, see our guide to the Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland.
- Many of the GoT locations in Northern Ireland can be found along the Causeway Coastal Route – check out our guide to the highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route for more inspiration on what to see on the way.
- We have a detailed 2 day itinerary for Belfast, to help you make the most of the city. We also have a guide to things to do in Belfast.
- We have a detailed guide to visiting the Dark Hedges, one of the more popular GoT locations in Northern Ireland.
- If you are basing yourself in Belfast for a few days, we have a complete guide to the best day trips from Belfast
- If you plan to spend time in Dublin, check out our guides to spending 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin, as well as our tips for taking a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin
- You can save money in Ireland with a Dublin Pass, a Belfast Visitor pass, and a National Trust Touring Pass, depending on what you plan to do and see
- We have an overview of how much it costs to travel in the UK to help you with budget planning
- Our guide to spending 2 weeks in the UK, which includes time in Belfast and Dubin
- A guide to driving in the UK, in case you choose to hire a car and do a road trip
- If you enjoy a road trip, take a look at our guide to some of the best road trips in the world, as well our guide to Scotland’s North Coast 500
- If you are looking for a guidebook, we recommend the Lonely Planet guide to Ireland, the Rick Steves Northern Ireland guide or the DK Eyewitness Ireland Travel Guide
- Game of Thrones fans heading to Iceland will definitely want to check out our guide to Game of Thrones in Iceland. The show was also filmed in Girona, and you can see our guide to Girona here.
And that’s it for our guide to visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland! As always, we’re happy to hear your comments and feedback. Just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
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22/04/2025
What’s Your Favorite U.S. National Park?

Hey, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I don’t think I’ve written a blog post in a year or so. I hope you’re all doing well in these crazy times. As always, thanks for reading.

I have a question: What’s your favorite U.S. National Park?

Over the past two years, I’ve fallen in love with them.

Before the pandemic, I had only visited a handful of them, mostly by accident. But once the pandemic hit, and it was safe enough to road-trip, I drove all around the country visiting them.

Now I’ve seen 15 out of 63. And someday, I’d like to see them all.

First, there was Redwood National Park, with its towering trees and black-sand beaches…

Then Indiana Dunes, with its sprawling views of nuclear reactors…

Then Utah, home to some of the best national parks in the country: I visited Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.

Hiking the Canyons at Zion. I’d love to do it again during the summer!

After Utah, I visited Mammoth Cave (Kentucky) and Hot Springs (Arkansas), on the way to Austin, which is where I live now.

Then there was Big Bend, Texas. The night sky is incredible there! You can see so many stars.

Followed by Petrified Forest in New Mexico…

And most recently, Glacier (Montana) and Grand Teton (Wyoming). Glacier National Park reminded me of Switzerland with its alpine valleys, purple wildflowers, and jagged mountains. I even saw mountain goats.

I feel so lucky that I’ve gotten to see so much of our beautiful country in the past few years.

When I was younger, I focused solely on international travel (this blog isn’t called Ashley Abroad for nothin’). But over the past two years, I’m happy to report that I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for my own backyard.

It turns out you don’t have to fly halfway around the world to go on an adventure.

Camping in Big Bend National Park with my dog, Alfie

As for my favorite? It’s a two-way tie between Redwood and Big Bend.

How many national parks have you visited? Do you have a favorite?

(Here’s a complete list in case you’re curious.)

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22/04/2025