Gaudi's Barcelona: A Complete Visitor's Guide for 2019

Updated: 1/5/19 | January 5th, 2018

Updated: 1/5/19 | January 5th, 2018

You can’t visit Barcelona without seeing Gaudi’s influence everywhere you go. He’s the city’s most famous architect helped shape the design of the city during its booming 19th and early 20th century. His influence still shapes the city today.

Born in 1852, Anton Gaudí belonged to the Art Nouveau movement, with his first designs being centered around Gothic and traditional Catalan architectural styles. It wasn’t long until he developed his own style that has set him apart from all others.

Referred to as “God’s Architect” for the religious themes in his work, several of Gaudi’s creations have actually been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. His most famous work, La Sagrada Familia is not only the most popular attraction in Barcelona but the most visited monument in all of Spain.

Gaudi died tragically in 1926 after being hit by a streetcar on his way to church. He was knocked unconscious and, because he didn’t have any identification on him, people assumed he was a beggar and just left him be. He was eventually taken to a hospital where he received basic care. By the time people realized who he was it was too late. He died of his injuries shortly thereafter.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing Gaudi’s work. It will give you insight into the history and growth of the city.  Here is a guide to visiting all of Gaudi’s best sights in Barcelona:

La Sagrada Familia

The most famous of Gaudí’s work….and one that seems to never be finished. The church has been under construction for over than 100 years (the groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030!). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and spent the last 10 years of his life working on this project. The church blends influences of man, nature, and religion in its detailed architecture. The audio guide is worth purchasing as it covers the history of the church in great detail. Try to visit mid-morning to late afternoon so you can witness the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass.

The most famous of Gaudí’s work….and one that seems to never be finished. The church has been under construction for over than 100 years (the groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030!). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and spent the last 10 years of his life working on this project. The church blends influences of man, nature, and religion in its detailed architecture. The audio guide is worth purchasing as it covers the history of the church in great detail. Try to visit mid-morning to late afternoon so you can witness the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass.

Carrer de Mallorca, +34 932-080-414, sagradafamilia.org. The church is open daily from 9am-8pm in the summer, 9am-7pm in the spring/autumn, and 8am-6pm in the winter. Admission is 15 EUR, 22 EUR for a ticket and audio guide, 24 EUR for a guided tour, and 29 EUR for a self-guided tour with an audio guide and access to the tower.

Gaudi Lampposts: Placia Real and Pla del Palau

The first commission that Gaudí received after graduating school was to construct street lamps for the city. At the request of the city council in 1878, he designed lamps with three and six arms and crowned by a winged helmet. They were symbolic of the commercial power of Barcelona, made of cast iron and marble. They’re all gone now except for the ones left in Placia Real and Pla del Palau.

The first commission that Gaudí received after graduating school was to construct street lamps for the city. At the request of the city council in 1878, he designed lamps with three and six arms and crowned by a winged helmet. They were symbolic of the commercial power of Barcelona, made of cast iron and marble. They’re all gone now except for the ones left in Placia Real and Pla del Palau.

Placia Real, just off La Rambla. They are located in a public square so are accessible 24/7 and free.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He spent 2 years on the project completely revamping the exterior, main floor, patio, and roof. With its undulating shape, it’s definitely one of the more eye-catching of his creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, it (like everything Gaudí designed) was heavy influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop. The roof is arched and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings.

Casa Batllo is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He spent 2 years on the project completely revamping the exterior, main floor, patio, and roof. With its undulating shape, it’s definitely one of the more eye-catching of his creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, it (like everything Gaudí designed) was heavy influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop. The roof is arched and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings.

Passeig de Gràcia 43, +34 932-160-306, casabatllo.es. Open daily from 9am-9pm. Tickets are 24.50 EUR if you buy them online or 28.50 EUR in person. Skip the line tickets are available for 29.50 EUR (or 33.50 EUR at the office).

Palau Guell

Located off La Rambla, Palau Guell (Guell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-88, it was designed for one of Gaudi’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests. The main party room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night from the outside to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic to me. One of my favorites too!

Located off La Rambla, Palau Guell (Guell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-88, it was designed for one of Gaudi’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests. The main party room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night from the outside to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic to me. One of my favorites too!

Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5, +34 934-725-775, palauguell.cat. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5:30pm. Admission is 12 EUR, with discounts available for students, seniors, and children.

Park Guell

Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 to 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a World Heritage Site. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Known for incorporating various themes into his work, Gaudí incorporated artistic elements of Catalan nationalism as well as ancient poetry and mysticism into this work. The park is right near La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both. I like how colorful everything in the park is!

Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 to 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a World Heritage Site. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Known for incorporating various themes into his work, Gaudí incorporated artistic elements of Catalan nationalism as well as ancient poetry and mysticism into this work. The park is right near La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both. I like how colorful everything in the park is!

Carrer de Larrard (main entrance), +34 934-091-831, parkguell.cat. Open daily from 8am-9:30pm. Admission is 7.50 EUR, with discounts available. A ticket for La Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s House Museum (in the park) is 24 EUR.

Casa Calvet

Built between 1898-1900, Casa Calvet was built for a textile manufacturer in the Eixample district of Barcelona. This building is the most conventional of his works, partly because it had to be squeezed in between older structures and partly because it’s in one of the nicest sections of Barcelona. The house’s symmetry, balance, and orderly rhythm are unusual for Gaudí’s works. The curves and double gable at the top and the projecting oriel at the entrance are modernist elements. He also incorporated mythological and natural motifs, which helped him win the award for best building in 1900 from the Barcelona City Council.

Built between 1898-1900, Casa Calvet was built for a textile manufacturer in the Eixample district of Barcelona. This building is the most conventional of his works, partly because it had to be squeezed in between older structures and partly because it’s in one of the nicest sections of Barcelona. The house’s symmetry, balance, and orderly rhythm are unusual for Gaudí’s works. The curves and double gable at the top and the projecting oriel at the entrance are modernist elements. He also incorporated mythological and natural motifs, which helped him win the award for best building in 1900 from the Barcelona City Council.

Carrer de Casp 48. You can only stop by to take pictures of the outside of the building as you aren’t allowed into this private residence. 

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first important work. The house was constructed between 1883-1888 and is made of undressed stone, rough red bricks, and colored ceramic tiles in checkerboard and floral patterns. The client was the owner of a brick and tile factory, so the ceramic tiles pay tribute to his employment.  This is one of Gaudi’s works that falls into his “orientalist” period, as his work has more Middle Eastern/Far Eastern influences. It’s very different from his other sites (and often has the shortest line).

Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first important work. The house was constructed between 1883-1888 and is made of undressed stone, rough red bricks, and colored ceramic tiles in checkerboard and floral patterns. The client was the owner of a brick and tile factory, so the ceramic tiles pay tribute to his employment. This is one of Gaudi’s works that falls into his “orientalist” period, as his work has more Middle Eastern/Far Eastern influences. It’s very different from his other sites (and often has the shortest line).

Carrer de les Carolines 20, +34 935-475-980, casavicens.org. Open daily from 10am-8pm. Admission is 16 EUR for adults, with discounts available.

Casa Mila

From 1906 to 1910, Gaudi work on Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol and included many religious elements like an excerpt from the rosary prayer on the cornice and statues of Mary,  St. Michael, and St. Gabriel.  Casa Milà became run down and partially abandoned until it was restored in the late 1980s to its original form.

From 1906 to 1910, Gaudi work on Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol and included many religious elements like an excerpt from the rosary prayer on the cornice and statues of Mary, St. Michael, and St. Gabriel. Casa Milà became run down and partially abandoned until it was restored in the late 1980s to its original form.

Provença 261-265, +34 902-202-138, lapedrera.com/en. Open daily 9am-8:30pm (6:30pm during the winter). Night tours are available from 9pm-11pm. Standard admission (which includes an audio guide) is 22 EUR. A combination ticket for the day tour and a guided night tour is 41 EUR (with discounts available).

Cascada Fountain in Parc de la Ciutadella

Gaudí helped design this while he was still a student. He was responsible for the design of the fountain, the bandstand, and the park’s entrance gate, a project that stretched from 1873 to 1882. Baroque in style, the fountain is massive, intricate, and awe-inspiring. I loved sitting in the park and just staring at it. If you visit most of the sites on this list, you’ll see the evolution of his style and how different this is from his other works.

Gaudí helped design this while he was still a student. He was responsible for the design of the fountain, the bandstand, and the park’s entrance gate, a project that stretched from 1873 to 1882. Baroque in style, the fountain is massive, intricate, and awe-inspiring. I loved sitting in the park and just staring at it. If you visit most of the sites on this list, you’ll see the evolution of his style and how different this is from his other works.

Passeig de Picasso 21. The park is open daily from 10am-10pm. Admission is free.

College of Saint Teresa

The building looks like a fortress, this is a convent school that Gaudí designed for The Order of Saint Teresa of Jesus. The project was already underway when Gaudi became involved, but he made some changes to the plans to better reflect his personal style and vision.

The building looks like a fortress, this is a convent school that Gaudí designed for The Order of Saint Teresa of Jesus. The project was already underway when Gaudi became involved, but he made some changes to the plans to better reflect his personal style and vision.

Carrer de Ganduxer 85-105, +932 123 354. The interior is not open to the public.

Bellesguard Tower

The Bellesguard Tower, also known as Casa Figueras, was built by Gaudí between 1900-1909. It was built as a second house for Figueras and meant to feel like a medieval fortress with sporting towers and battlements. There are some Art Noveaux elements mixed in here that gives it a modernist take on a classic Gothic structure.

The Bellesguard Tower, also known as Casa Figueras, was built by Gaudí between 1900-1909. It was built as a second house for Figueras and meant to feel like a medieval fortress with sporting towers and battlements. There are some Art Noveaux elements mixed in here that gives it a modernist take on a classic Gothic structure.

Carrer de Bellesguard 16-20, +932 504 093, bellesguardgaudi.com. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-3pm. Tickets are 9 EUR and include an audio guide.

***Gaudí was a prolific architect and wandering around Barcelona, you’re sure to bump into many of his major and lesser works. More than that, you’ll see his influence throughout the city as other architects and his students copied his style in their own work. I often look at buildings and go “Ahh that must be by Gaudi too” only to find out it’s not. That’s how strong of an influence he has on Barcelona. If you plan to visit these places, keep in mind many of the houses are closed on Mondays. 

Gaudí was a prolific architect and wandering around Barcelona, you’re sure to bump into many of his major and lesser works. More than that, you’ll see his influence throughout the city as other architects and his students copied his style in their own work. I often look at buildings and go “Ahh that must be by Gaudi too” only to find out it’s not. That’s how strong of an influence he has on Barcelona. If you plan to visit these places, keep in mind many of the houses are closed on Mondays. As I love traveling with a theme , searching out Gadui’s works is a different way and unique to visit Barcelona.

Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Barcelona by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel in Barcelona with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.

Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!

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

 

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A Complete Guide to Attending Oktoberfest 2019

Updated: 1/5/2019 | January 5th, 2019

“How many days are you at the Wiesn (Oktoberfest) for?” the German girl wearing her Bavarian dirndl across the table asked me.

“We’re here for five days,” I replied, putting down my umpteenth stein of beer.

Her face became a mix of shock, disbelief, and horror.

“Five days! That is crazy! You’re a bit insane, huh?” she said. “You only need one day for the Weisen. I hope you survive.”

And she was right. My friends and I were a bit insane to think five days wasn’t that long at Oktoberfest. We quickly learned that most Germans come for a day because that really is “enough time at the Wiesn.”

It’s the tourists who stay longer.

Five days at Oktoberfest was something I wouldn’t do again. It was pure overkill. Even the group I was with, filled with able-bodied, hardened drinkers, was exhausted by day 3 and uninterested by day 5.

By the end, I never wanted to see a beer again.

But I survived the experience – and in the process had a great time, made a lot of new friends, hardened my liver, met some other cool travel bloggers, and learned just how to plan the perfect Oktoberfest trip.

Planning your Oktoberfest visit

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest was one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended. It’s a 16–18-day beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It all began when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese on October 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city, which the locals call “Wies’n” (which means grass, and why Oktoberfest is nicknamed Wiesn in Germany). Ever since then, it has become a major event, especially in the last few decades as more and more international travelers have been attracted to the festival thanks to tours, cheap flights, and better accommodation options. It’s such a big thing that you’ll find Oktoberfest activities in cities around the world (though nothing beats the original).

What to Expect at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a wild, wild time. An estimated 7 million people visit every year, with the majority of those Germans (they represent 85% of attendees)! You’ll see just about everyone dressed up in traditional Bavarian clothes (lederhosen for guys, dirndls for girls), having a good time, and drinking lots and lots of beer. These pictures and video will help paint the scene for you:

You get a lot of people chugging beer….

….and a lot of people who fail at it….

….but no matter what, there’s a lot of singing.

Outside the beer tents, you’ll find a carnival atmosphere. Literally. The grounds contain a carnival with games, rides, and even haunted houses. It is like a theme park in Anywhere, USA. If it wasn’t for people dressed up, you wouldn’t have known you were in Germany. (This is also where you’ll find everyone passed out from too much beer!)

Inside the tents is where you find the traditional Oktoberfest you’ve come for: lots of hearty food, traditional music, large decorated tents, friendly people, large steins of beer, and communal happy atmosphere that breeds friendship and joy! Everyone is here for a good time and in high spirits!

How Much Does Oktoberfest Cost?

All the tents are free to enter. Beer is typically around 11 EUR and most full meals are 12–15 EUR. You can get snacks and small meals for around 5 EUR. You can also buy alcohol outside the tents (but not beer), and the drinks cost around 8 EUR. You’ll also have to put a 2 EUR deposit down on the glass they give you. You’ll find tons of stands everywhere with sausage and wurst for 4 EUR too. Reserving a table is technically free, however, a reservation requires you to order food and drinks. Usually, this is the equivalent to 2 beers and half a chicken (which is around 30 EUR per person). So a table for 10 will be around 300 EUR, depending on the tent.

It’s virtually impossible to do this event on a tight budget. You can buy beer or food outside the event grounds, which will lower your costs (get drunk and full before) but if you’re purchasing anything in the tents, expect to pay!

How to Make Table Reservations at Oktoberfest

All the tents are free throughout the day and all have free tables as well as reserved tables for people eating meals (these are also prime seats in the center of the tent). If you want to eat or guarantee that a table (and not fight for all the free tables), you’ll need to make a reservation. We had a table reservation every day because my friends and I wanted to make sure we had a place to sit. To make a reservation you’ll need to contact the tent directly via email, phone, or fax (yes, they still accept faxes!). This is typically done at the start of the year between January and April. Tables at the best tents fill up quickly.

If you do book at one of the tents, be aware that most tables seat 6-10 people and cost about 300 EUR (about 30 EUR per person). You’re required to book a whole table, so even if it’s just one of you going, you reserve the table as though you are going fill it. While you’re supposed to have a full table when you sit down, we showed up minus a few people and they didn’t seem to care. This reservation includes some beer and food.

Personally, I’m not so sure I’d reserve tables again. It’s nice to know you have a place to sit down, but other than on weekends or at night, it seemed like you could always find an open seat, even if you had to stand for a while. If I booked a table again, I would only do it for the nighttime hours, when tables are harder to get, you’ll want a place to eat, and you might not want to stand around waiting.

Keep in mind weekends, when the Germans aren’t working, are incredibly busy and it’s much harder to get a reservation as well as find free tables. If you don’t have a reservation, get there early!

If you want to take some of the stress off of booking an Oktoberfest trip, Fat Tire Tours has a great Oktoberfest tour that will help you make the most out of your visit. You’ll get a local, experienced guide to take you around, a table reservation with food and beer, and transportation to and from the festival. It’s a great way to enjoy Oktoberfest without having to worry about everything yourself!

A List of the Best Oktoberfest Tents

There are 14 main beer tents at Oktoberfest and each one has its own personality. Some tend to be heavy on Americans, other Australians, others older Germans, other rich celebrities, while others are just everyone under the sun. Here are the fourteen major tents and some information about them:

• Marstall – This tent holds over 3,000 people and is the newest addition to the event. It’s a bit more modern and inventive (you can actually get vegetarian food here) and caters to a younger, hipper crowd.
• Armbrustschützen-Festhalle – This comfortable tent has also been home to a crossbow competition since 1895! It’s one of the most popular.
• Hofbräu Festzelt – This is the most popular tent for international visitors, especially Americans, and is one of the biggest and most famous tents in the faregrounds. It gets busy but I loved it!
• Hacker-Festhalle – This tent is known for it’s painted blue sky and white clouds on the ceiling that can, if the weather is nice, open up to actually show the blue sky above. It’s also one of the more popular tents.
• Schottenhamel – This is the oldest tent at Oktoberfest and hasthe capacity for over 10,000 people. It’s where the party gets started and is very popular with Germans.
• Winzerer Fähndl – This massive tent is the largest at Oktoberfest with room for 11,000 partygoers. You’ll be able to recognize it by the giant rotating beer glass.
• Schützen-Festzelt – This tent is located off the main drag which means you can sometimes beat the crowds by heading here.
• Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke – This tent is known to be a favorite of both local and international celebrities as well as their late night ending time! Lots of people finish their night here.
• Fischer Vroni – If you’re tired of all the pork (the main dish in most tents) then head here for something else: fish!
• Ochsenbraterei – This tent has been around since 1881 and is known for its numerous ox dishes and its big brass band.
• Augustiner-Festhalle – This tent is considered to be the most family-friendly option. It’s also the hardest tent to get a table at as many locals have reserved seats here.
• Pschorr-Bräurosl – The Heide family has been running this tent since 1901 and has their own yodeler.
• Löwenbräu-Festhalle – This tent, which has a giant 15-foot lion at the entrance, has a bit more of an older crowd to it. It’s the favorite of local football players.
• Weinzelt – This tent is another more family-friendly choice, with less traditional offerings like seafood, Thai food, and even wine (something you don’t really see often here).

Booking Accommodation at Oktoberfest

Simply put: Book your Oktoberfest room early. Accommodation fills up incredibly quickly — and some hotels and hostels book out up to a year in advance. The closer you get to the festival grounds, the more expensive beds are and the quicker everything fills up. I booked a room in April and most places were already sold out. That room cost me 120 EUR per night, but it was close to the festival grounds. Hostel dorms often go for 60–80 EUR.

There’s not a lot of budget accommodation around but there are a few options if you don’t want to stay in the city center (or want to save money):

• Stay at The Tent, a hostel (well, really, a massive tent) outside the city for 40 EUR per night.
• Couchsurf (which is hard, because locals get a lot of requests from people looking for a free place to stay) or have friends you can stay with.
• Using Airbnb is another good option as long as you book in advance.

How to Get Your Traditional Oktoberfest Outfit

You can’t go to Oktoberfest without the traditional Bavarian outfit (it just wouldn’t be right or as fun), and those are not cheap. A good lederhosen outfit begins at around 140 EUR. Dirndls, the traditional outfit for girls, begin around 100 EUR. (You can, of course, find cheaper outfits, though, if you aren’t looking for something of quality.) You can order them online before you go or find them in stores throughout the city. Stores just selling outfits spring up just for the festival. We found lederhosen the day we arrived.  You can rent costumes for around 40 EUR per day but that’s only a good option if you are going for a day or two. If you’re going for longer, it’s cheaper to buy an outfit.

General Oktoberfest Survival Tips

It’s a marathon, not a sprint — you’ll be drinking all day, so there’s no need to rush it. Too many people pass out on the lawns by dinnertime. Pace yourself. Those liters of beer are strong.

• Hydrate: Drink a lot of water while you’re there. I had Powerade and water bottles lined up in my room for when I got home and when I woke up.
• Get to the Käfer tent early: Most of the tents close at 10:30pm. Käfer is the only one open until 1am, so everyone rushes there after the others shut down. Get there a bit before 10:30pm so you have a spot. Otherwise, you simply won’t be able to get in or get served.
• Get a table early: No reservation? Just winging it? If you aren’t there by midday, your chances of finding a table shrink greatly. Try to avoid the times when they switch reservations. All the people that got kicked out are now looking for a free table, and competition is fierce.
• Eat outside the event area: While all the tents have amazing rotisserie chicken, the food inside is simply expensive. Just walk outside, buy a cheap sausage for a few Euros, and save your money for the overpriced liters of beer.
• Set a meet-up point: The grounds are huge. If you’re there with friends, set a meeting point in case you get separated (which is inevitable).
• The tents don’t really matter: While everyone tent will offer a unique experience, the differences won’t be that drastic. Every tent will offer up a great time, so there’s no need to be picky. Find a tent you like and just stay there!
• Bring cash: Keep your life (and the life of your server) simple and just stick to cash.
• Keep your stuff safe: Pickpockets aren’t too much of a problem but you might get drunk and lose stuff. Only bring the essentials of what you need and be sure to keep them safe in a zipped poach so they don’t get wet and ruined!

How to Visit Oktoberfest in 2019

Oktoberfest begins on Saturday, September 22nd with the opening ceremony at the Schottenhamel tent. At noon, Munich’s Mayor will tap the first keg and kick off the celebration. The festival will go until October 7th.

Oktoberfest Hours
Opening day: 12:00 – 10:30pm
Weekdays: 10:00am – 10:30pm
Weekends and Holidays: 9:00am – 10:30pm
Tents Open late: Käfers and Weinzelt open until 1:00am

Getting to Munich is easy as it’s accessible by rail from all major points in Europe and has its own major, international airports.

Oktoberfest takes place on Theresienwiese. It walkable from the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof) and the closest U-Bahn is, aptly called, Theresienwiese. Just follow the mass of crowds to the grounds. You can’t miss it!

***
Oktoberfest only happens once a year, and though it sort of busted my European budget, I don’t regret any of the money I spent. I’m really glad after years of false starts that I finally got to visit and celebrate Oktoberfest. My friends and I are already considering returning next year (though maybe not for five days again).

Book Your Trip to Munich: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Munich by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.

Book Your Accommodation
For a cheap place to stay, check out The Tent. To book another hostel in Munich, use Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.

Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!

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

Oktoberfest only happens once a year, and though it sort of busted my European budget, I don’t regret any of the money I spent. I’m really glad after years of false starts that I finally got to visit and celebrate Oktoberfest. My friends and I are already considering returning next year (though maybe not for five days again).

Visiting Oxford: A Complete Guide to Seeing the Sights on a Budget

Updated: 11/29/18 | November 29th, 2018

Oxford, founded sometime during the ninth century, expanded during the Middle Ages as a center for learning—first for theology, then medicine, and then law. Over the centuries, the university has added more departments, and now you can study with the best and brightest in any field.

The small city of Oxford is basically one giant school. Every few feet, a new college springs up on you. The spires, ancient buildings, and courtyards make Oxford a beautiful place to stroll through. I spent three days there hosted by someone from Couchsurfing. Like my previous Couchsurfing experiences, this one was a lot of fun and the host was really welcoming. He hosts a new person every week and loves the experience.

Oxford was beautiful, despite it raining every day I was there. I explored the area during small gaps in the storms, but, since this is England, the rain quickly returned and I quickly turned inside. Not always back home though. Often I went exploring inside the colleges, shops, and museums.

I decided to take a guided tour during my visit, and I learned a lot about the university that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. To sum it all up in a nutshell, the Oxford system is very unique.

The university consists of 38 colleges, and each college is separate and in charge of itself. Each does its own hiring, firing, and admissions. The “university” is just an umbrella group run by the government that hands out the degrees. While you may go to New College or Exeter College, you still get an Oxford degree. There aren’t departments like in other universities around the world. Here, each college teaches all the subjects, though there is a separate science and medicine department. In graduate school, curriculums become more specialized.

When you apply to Oxford, you apply to a college. Each college accepts its own applicants, and since they all teach the same thing, a lot of it is a crap shoot and based on reputation.

Each week, students meet with a tutor who helps with their studies. These tutorials are the foundation of the Oxford system and comprise the bulk of a student’s work.

Another interesting fact about the Oxford system is that there aren’t exams. In most universities, when the term finishes, you take a final exam. At Oxford, you may have little tests here and there, but there is no real semester final. Your degree rests on a final examination you have at the end of your time at Oxford. One test. Sick, huh?

I thought the whole Oxford system was overly complex, but that’s the consequence of people starting their own colleges year after year over many centuries and then not wanting to integrate into one system.

Because of the weather, I didn’t get a chance to go punting, which is when you take a sort of gondola ride down the river while drinking, relaxing, and hoping you don’t fall in when it’s your turn to push that pole (punt). Nevertheless here are my recommended things to see and do on your visit.

What to See and Do in Oxford

1. Take a Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to start your visit is with a walking tour. They are a great way to get a feel for the city, the culture, and the history. Plus, you get a local expert who will answer any and all of your questions! Two companies I recommend for free walking tours are Footprints and Strawberry Tours. Just make sure to tip your guides!

2. University of Oxford Botanical Gardens
The Gardens are one of Oxford’s most scenic spots to take in the scenery and slower pace of town. They’re also the oldest botanic gardens in the country, having opened back in 1621. It’s a great place for a quiet stroll, home to over 8,000 different types of plants. There’s a walled section, greenhouses, as well as a section along the river. It’s a nice place to bring a book and relax in the warm summer months.

Rose Lane, +44 1865 286690, botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk. Open daily from 9am-4pm. Admission is 5 GBP.

3. Visit the Covered Market
Located in a building that dates back to the 1770s, this historical market is a great place to walk through and taste the local food. It was built as a way to help clean up the streets and add some organization to the mass of stalls that clogged the streets. These days, there are a lot of homemade meals served here, and it’s the best place to do some cheap shopping for groceries in the city.

Market St, oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk. Open Monday-Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.

4. Bodleian Library
As the main research library of the University of Oxford, the Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It opened in 1602 and was based on the collection of Thomas Bodley. Presently, it has one of the largest collections of books in the world with over 12 million items in the collection. The architecture of the building is very beautiful, making it definitely worth a visit!

Broad Street, +44 1865 277162, bodleian.ox.ac.uk. Open Monday-Friday from 9am-10pm, Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 11am-5pm.

5. Go Punting
During the summer, punting is an ever-popular activity. You can rent a boat or hire someone to take you, and many bring food and wine with them to make for a more interesting day. Rentals cost around 20-25 GBP per hour and can fit up to 5 people. If you’re staying at a hostel or traveling with friends, this is a fun activity to do with a group.

6. Blenheim Palace
This underrated attraction is just eight short miles outside of Oxford. Featured in the movie Hamlet, it’s a magnificent place to check out. Aside from the amazing architecture, the rooms are preserved with their original furniture and the grounds include a beautiful garden and a butterfly house. It was constructed in the English Baroque style, which was a short-lived style that is rare to see these days. It’s also the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill, who lived in the palace as a child.

Woodstock, +44 1993 810530, blenheimpalace.com. Open daily from 9:30am-5pm. Admission is 27 GBP, with discounts available for students, seniors, children, and families.

7. Stroll Around South Park
Located in east Oxford, South Park is the largest park in the city. It offers up a sweeping view of the city, and when the weather is nice, the park is filled with people relaxing, playing sports, or having a picnic. It’s a great place to do some people watching or have your own picnic.

8. Visit the Ashmolean Museum
Founded in 1683, this is actually Britain’s oldest public museum and the world’s first university museum. It’s home to a great collection of Ancient Egyptian art, as well as an impressive Eastern Art collection. Make sure to see the Amarna Princess Fresco as well as the Alfred Jewel before you leave. They’re worth it! They’ve recently opened a new section on 19th-century art, which is also worth checking out!

Beaumont Street, +44 01865 278000, ashmolean.org. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission is free.

9. Explore Blackwell’s Books
If you’re a bookworm, you’ll want to make a stop at Blackwell’s. It’s a 10,000 square-foot bookstore — which makes it the largest bookstore in Europe — that is home to over 250,000 books. Whether you’re looking for a new book or just want to browse, be sure to make time for a stop!

48-51 Broad Street, +44 01865 792792, bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/bookshop/wellcomeshop. Open Monday, Wednesday-Saturday from 9am-6:30pm; Tuesday from 9:30am-6:30pm; and Sunday from 11am-5pm.

10. Take a Day Trip to Windsor Castle or Stonehenge (or both!)
If you’re looking to get out of the city on a day trip, both Stonehenge and Windsor Castle are within about an hour’s drive from the city. You can easily see both on the same day if you have a car or you can take an organized tour (which usually includes a walking tour of Oxford). Tours will cost around 90 GBP per person, so if you have access to a vehicle it will be much cheaper (and faster) to do a self-drive tour of each.

11. Wander Oxford Castle
This castle dates back to the 13th century when the wooden fort was replaced with stone. When the castle’s military value declined they started to use the castle as a prison, which was the case up until 1996! It was then renovated and used as a hotel, though you can still take tours of the castle and prison areas. In the summer, they host theatrical performances in the courtyard, so be sure to check the website to see what’s on!

+44 01865 260666, oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk. Open daily from 10am-5pm (last tour is at 4:20pm). Admission is 11.50 GBP for adults, with discounts avialable for students, kids, and seniors.

12. Explore the University
The best way to visit the university is to take a walking tour. You can take a themed tour that focuses on popular media like Harry Potter (some of the movies were filmed here) or Lord of the Rings (JRR Tolkien studied here) or just a regular tour that covers the history of the university itself, which dates all the way back to 1096. It’s generally considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the second oldest in the world.

+44 01865 686441, experienceoxfordshire.org/oxfordshire-tours. Tour days and times vary, as do prices. Expect to pay around 16-25 GBP per person though. Check the website for the most up-to-date information.

13. Visit Pitt Rivers Museum
This quirky anthropological museum is filled with all sorts of weird and wonderful curios, such as shrunken heads and magical charms. Over 500,000 items call the museum home with the displays changing regularly (not everything is displayed all at once). What makes this extra interesting is that the museum is organized by theme, rather than geographical area, so you can examine some of the common anthropological threads throughout human evolution.

South Parks Road, +44 01865 270927, prm.ox.ac.uk. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-4:30pm and Monday from 12pm-4:30pm. Admission is free.

14. Enjoy the Choral Evensong
Every day during the semester, many of the chapels and churches around Oxford will host a choral event that is free and open to the public. They usually happen between 5:15pm-6:45pm and last 45 minutes. The choir songs are beautiful and are open to everyone (you don’t need to be religious to enjoy them). There are some amazing and angelic voices here, making this a really intimate experience.

Budget Tips for Oxford

To help you save some money during your stay, here are a few helpful budget tips:

• Get cheap food – If you’re going to be eating out, head to the student housing areas for food. A taste of local flavor and an affordable meal make this a good budget option.
• See the student theater – If you’re looking for some entertainment, you can buy tickets to see affordable, top-notch student theater for only a couple of pounds. Performances happen during the school year and the take place at the Burton Taylor theater (which is located near the bus station).
• Walk the city – Oxford is on the smaller side, which means you can just walk everyone. Not only will you save yourself some money but you’ll get a much better feel for the city.
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money on accommodation and get some local insight, consider Couchsurfing. It’s a great way to learn more about the city from the people who actually live there. Just make sure to send your requests in advance since there are not a ton of hosts (remember, it’s a small city!).

How to Get to Oxford

Oxford is located 62 miles from London. Trains leave every 5 minutes from London and the trip takes about one hour. Tickets start at around 20 GBP for a return journey and are normally considerably cheaper if booked in advance. If you want to take the bus, expect to pay 6-17 GBP, with the journey taking around 90 minutes.

***
Oxford is one hour away from

Oxford is one hour away from London and makes for a good overnight trip out of the city. (If you don’t mind being a little rushed, you can also make it a day trip but I don’t recommend it). There’s a lot of history here. With so much to see and do when you visit Oxford, don’t rush it. Enjoy this classic English university town slowly!

And, while there, make sure you go punting for me!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight to Oxford
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation in Oxford
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory for hostels!  If you want to stay somewhere else like at a cheap guesthouse or B&B, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for that kind of accommodation. They are the best! My favorite places to stay in Oxford are:

• Central Backpackers – This hostel is a great place to meet people and a great place to stay if you’re looking to party as there is a club right next door!
• Oxford Backpackers – This is your standard backpacker hostel. It’s cheap, has free breakfast and free towels, and also has free entry to some of the nearby clubs.

Don’t forget travel tnsurance – and protect your trip!
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. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

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 travel – and I think will help you too!

Want more travel tips for Oxford?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Oxford for even more planning tips!

A Complete Visitor's Guide to the Waitomo's Glowworm Caves

Updated: 9/1/2018 | September 1st, 2018

Waitomo is famous for one thing: worms. And not just any ol’ worms but glow worms! Every year thousands of travelers come here to see the famous glow worms that line the ceilings of the nearby caves.

The interesting thing about the glow worms is that they aren’t really worms at all. They’re actually fly larvae that emit a phosphorescent glow that shines from the inside of the caves like a starry night, lighting up the ceiling. So, why do they glow if they’re not glow worms? Well, it’s actually their waste and snot that glows. The larvae developed this glow to attract prey into their sticky threads by making the prey believe they’re outdoors. Since the cave ceiling looks like a starry night, the prey will try to fly upwards and end up stuck in the larvae strands. The hungry larvae will then devour their prey.

While glowing fly larvae may not sound like an amazing activity, as you can see from the photos it’s still incredibly captivating and beautiful.

The caves were discovered in the late 19th century by a local Maori chief. They were opened to the public shortly thereafter, with local Maori acting as guides. While the caves were taken over by the government for many years, they were eventually returned to the Maori. In fact, many of the present-day workers are descendants of the original founders of the caves. The Ruakuri cave, in particular, has significant links to the spiritual traditions of the Maori.

These days, over half a million people visit the caves every year. A huge industry has built up to help people visit the Waitomo glow worm caves, with plenty of options available depending on what you’re looking to do. There’s the three-hour black-water tubing trip, the five-hour trip that includes abseiling and climbing, or if you like it easy, a boat through a bigger cave.

My Glow Worm Experience at Waitomo Caves

Waking up early in the morning, my group headed out to the cold waters of Ruakuri cave. We wetsuited up and practiced jumping into the inner tubes we would ride through the caves. I wasn’t happy that I had to jump off not one, but two small waterfalls. Worse yet, this had to be done backward so I could land in my tube. The waterfalls are only a meter or two high, but I really hate heights. Yet at that moment, realizing a wetsuit doesn’t keep you dry but simply wet, I found something I hated even more.

After our practice jump, we, a crowd of 12 wet-suit-wearing, boot-wearing, helmet-wearing backpackers, marched gingerly towards our destination. After a short walk in the woods, we entered the glow worms’ dominion and were given a quick tutorial about how the next few hours would go. Sadly, it felt like the tutorial lasted longer than the trip—away from the light, surrounded by darkness and the rushing chill of the water, the hours seemed to pass by in minutes. Just as I was adjusting to the experience, the end of the tunnel came and we were topside again.

But the experience in between was amazing. After our instructions, we began to descend into the cave. We walked through tight openings and tunnels and waded through quick-moving and very cold water. Sometimes the water was ankle deep, other times chest height. Eventually, we came to the first milestone: waterfall #1. I met the waterfall with trepidation. My group, knowing my fear, encouraged me to go first, but that wasn’t going to happen. I went third. My fear was that I’d never jump far enough to clear the rocks. I didn’t jump far enough. As my tube landed in the water, my foot lightly touched the bottom rock.

From there, it’s an easy cruise through the cave, where above you, you begin to see glow worms like stars in the sky. They seemed limitless in number. It reminded me of my childhood when I used to put those glow-in-the-dark cosmos stickers on my ceiling and stare at them as they lit up my room.

But the day’s biggest challenge lay ahead: waterfall #2. This waterfall was much higher than the first, and to me, it might as well have been Niagara Falls. I had to make everyone count twice before I was ready to jump. Closing my eyes, I jumped, and this time I jumped far enough. But I hated every minute of it. I still prefer to have my feet on the ground.

Yet from here until the end it was smooth sailing…or tubing in this case. The rest of the way was all glow worms. Leaning back in my tube, I floated down the river, marveling at the beauty of the light show and the tranquility of my surroundings. But the tunnel’s end came too quickly, and I was left wanting to go back and stare upwards just a bit longer.

I can see why the glow worm caves are one of New Zealand’s biggest tourist attractions. They’re beautiful. The caves are peaceful. Overall, it’s an amazing experience. Three hours seemed too short, but five hours might have been a bit too long. I’d go back to see the glow worms again, and, whether you abseil, tube, or simply cruise in a boat, the glow worms are not to be missed.

How to Visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

Waitomo is 200km south of Auckland. By car, it’s around a two and a half hour drive, while by bus it’s closer to 3 hours. Expect to pay around 35 NZD for a one-way bus ticket from Auckland. A bus from Rotorua will cost around 35 NZD each way.

Once you get to Waitomo, here are some suggested companies to visit the glowworm caves with:

Prices will vary depending on the company and time of year but, generally, water tubing is 145 NZD per person, tubing and abseiling is 250 NZD per person, and a simple boat ride is 51 NZD per person.

While the glowworm caves in Waitamo are not a cheap activity, they are definitely one you should make an effort to do. You won’t regret it!

Book Your Trip to Waitomo: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Waitomo by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel in Waitomo with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.

Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!

Want More Information on Waitomo?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Washington, D.C. for even more planning tips!

Photo credits: 1, 2, 4

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Paris Sewers Museum

Updated: 7/14/2018 | July 14th, 2018

NOTE: As of July 2018, the Paris Sewers Museum is closed for renovations. It plans to reopen in 2020.

Paris. It’s one of the most romantic cities in the world. Sipping champagne at the Eiffel Tower, admiring incredible works of art at the Louvre, strolling along the Seine. Paris is a beautiful city, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

You just have to look below the surface.

Literally.

Some of the best sights in Paris are actually found underground. There’s the popular Catacombs of Paris, where you can explore bone-laden passages.

But there’s another place too: The Paris Sewers Museum (Le Musée des Égouts de Paris).

Paris is a gigantic city dating back thousands of years. From its early days as a Roman outpost through modern times, the city has had to deal with the one thing that comes with people: waste.

In ancient times, it wasn’t too big of a problem. The population wasn’t large enough yet to create any real pollution, so everything went into the Seine. Sure, the streets were dirty and smelled, but that was just a fact of life all the way through medieval times.

However, as Paris grew in the Middle Ages, more and more waste went into the Seine, and by the late Middle Ages, the river was too polluted to use anymore. It stank and made people sick. Moreover, the streets were filthy with human and animal waste. People just threw their waste onto the street, where it just sort of stayed. (This was a common practice all over Europe up until the 19th century. In fact, part of the reason women began carrying those little parasols in the late 18th and 19th century was to protect themselves from falling…debris.)

Something needed to be done.

Beginning in 1370, the city started building sewers and drains. The sewers expanded under leaders like Louis XIV and Napoleon, but while the system got bigger and bigger, it still wasn’t effective. Waste still eventually made its way to the Seine, and diseases like typhoid spread. Victor Hugo, who wrote Les Misérables, described the sewers as “fetid, wild, fierce…”

In the 19th century, the city employed an engineer named Eugene Belgrand. He expanded the sewer system (adding over 1,000km of new sewers) and the size of the drains and roads, started a treatment plant, and began to build aqueducts so Paris could pump in drinking water from the surrounding area. As the sewers expanded, disease and pollution declined, leading to decreased mortality rates.

Paris now has over 2,100 km of pipelines that, if stretched out, would reach Istanbul. It’s the biggest system in the world and deals with over 1.2 million cubic meters of wastewater each day.

The sewers opened to tourists during the 1867 World Expo and have been a huge draw ever since. The museum lets you explore part of the sewers and learn how the city copes with all its waste. It’s a very informative exhibit, with most of the signs in French, German, and English. You’ll get to walk through some of the active sewers and can hear the waste flowing to its final destination below you. And it actually doesn’t smell that bad.

The tour can be done in 30 minutes or less. In the beginning, there are some pictures and information on the history of the sewers, as well as some of the old machines they used to clean them. There are a few parts where some of the displays are only in French, but most of the content was in English as well. Keep your eyes peeled for the large metal balls too. They were actually used to clean the sewers, as the water pressure would roll them through the sewers and unblock the debris that had built up.

Everyone comes to Paris to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame. See something different (and not too stinky). The Paris Sewers Museum offers a behind-the-scenes look and unique perspective on how this modern city deals with an age-old problem. It was one of the most unique things I’ve done — and I highly recommend a visit. (Plus, there are no lines.)

Oh, and just make sure to bring some hand sanitizer for when you are done!

How to Visit the Paris Sewers Musuem
The Paris Sewers Museum is near the Alma Marceau metro stop. It’s right across the bridge on your left. It’s open every day except Thursday and Friday 11am-5pm and costs 4.40 EUR for adults, with discounts available. Admission is free with the Paris Museum Pass.

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Paris by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel in Paris with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.

Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!

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

Photo credits: 1-4

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.