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The Ultimate List of Historical Things to do in Boston

Boston is an excellent place for history buffs. As the site of such famous events like the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s midnight ride, and the first American Revolutionary War battle, it’s no wonder that many of the things on our historical Boston bucket list revolve around historical events. Walking around the city will bring stories and characters to life. When deciding things to do in Boston, the most critical question is how to incorporate everything into your schedule!

1. Talk a Stroll on the Boston Freedom Trail

One of the first things on your historical Boston bucket list has to be walking the Boston Freedom Trail. It is best to do this at the beginning of your trip since it will take you past some of the most important historical sites in the city. It’s also a great way to get your bearings at the start of your trip.

The Freedom Trail starts in Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill on the river. The trail is 2.5 miles (4km) long and takes you past 16 markers on the Freedom Trail. Red bricks mark the way, and copper plates indicate the locations of historical sites.

Boston Freedom Trail - one of the best things to do in Boston

A bronze plaque of a historic stop on the Freedom Trail

A walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail is likely to take a full day, as it includes visits to many historical sites. Once you reach the end of the Freedom Trail, you can head back to the city on foot or via the Charlestown Water Shuttle.

You can walk the Independence Trail on your own, or take one of the Independence Trail trips. Your guide might even wear 18th-century costumes and explain everyday life using historical information and stories.

Stops on the Boston Freedom Trail

Along the Freedom Trail, you will encounter 16 stops. We recommend finishing the trail in one day and then spending more time doing other things to do in Boston later.

Boston Common – The Freedom Trail begins in America’s oldest park, which has a rich history and, to this day, is a popular meeting place for locals.
Massachusetts State House – The Governor of Massachusetts still conducts his work in this historic building. The dome of the building was originally built by Paul Revere out of bronze and was later covered with gold.
Park Street Church – This landmark was founded by orthodox Trinitarians in 1809 and is still an active Boston church.
Granary Burying Ground – In this cemetery, you’ll be able to visit the final resting place of famous Boston residents like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Mary Goose (mother goose).
King’s Chapel and Burying Ground – This was the first Anglican church to be built in the colonies.
Benjamin Franklin statue and the Boston Latin School – Take a photo with Mr. Franklin and visit the first public school in the USA.
Old Corner Bookstore – literary greats such as Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow used this bookstore as a gathering place during revolutionary times.
Old South Meeting House – Many revolutionary leaders attended the religious services here, but it’s more famously known as the place where they organized the Boston Tea Party.
Old State House – Built in 1713, this is one of the oldest buildings in America. The Declaration of Independence was first read to the crowd from the balcony of this historic building.
Site of the Boston Massacre – Often cited as the triggering event for the American Revolution, this was the site where British troops killed five unarmed colonists during the fighting.
Faneuil Hall – The Faneuil Hall is in itself on of the things on our historical Boston bucket list. It’s a famous market for food, boutiques, and street performers.
Paul Revere’s House – Visit the colonial home of the great American Revolutionary figure.
Old North Church – A place where the famous lamps that signaled “one by land, two by sea” were hung to warn the colonists.
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground – A resting place for many early settlers in Boston.
USS Constitution – A historic naval ship that can be viewed and toured today. The vessel saw the war on both American and British shores during the War of 1812.
Bunker Hill Monument – The site of the great American Revolutionary battle on June 17, 1775.

2. Spend Time at the historic Faneuil Hall Market

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a group of buildings that include Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market.

It is a great place to try the traditional food available in the Boston market. Throughout Faneuil Hall, you will find first-class restaurants and small shops along the Quincy Market Colonnade. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists and one of the best places for street shows in the world.

Boston Faneuil Hall Marketplace Things to do in Boston

There is much to discover near Boston Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall is called “Cradle of Liberty” because of the many important speeches made here. At Faneuil Hall, James Otis declared “no taxation without representation” against British rulers. You can also take a tour to learn more about the history of Faneuil Hall.

A widespread curiosity and one of the best things to do in Boston is to see the Faneuil Hall Weathervane and its famous Gold Grasshopper. This icon has been in the Boston market since 1742. The Grasshopper has watched over the birth of the nation and centuries of American history. There is even a time capsule in the body of the Grasshopper that contains historical newspaper debates, coins, and letters.

3. Relax at the Boston Common park

Boston Common is a beautiful city park and one of the places in Boston where locals love to hang out. This vast green space is America’s oldest public park and was founded in 1634.

Boston Common is one of the top things to do in Boston

Boston Common is a green oasis in the city center

In the early days, it served as a training ground for colonial troops, until British troops took over in 1768. Throughout history, many protests and celebrations have taken place at Boston Common.

Boston’s main attraction is usually the Frog Pool. In hot weather, it becomes a water fountain and is a great place for children to stay cool during the humid summer months. During the winter, the Frog Pong freezes over, and ice skating here is one of the best things to do in Boston during winter.

4. Immerse yourself in art and culture in the Museum of Fine Arts

The world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has an extensive collection that ranges from Egyptian artifacts to Contemporary Art. Visiting this museum is one of the best historical bucket list activities for Boston.

They have an impressive collection of French impressionist paintings and frescoes. The most famous fresco on display at the Museum of Fine Arts was acquired from the Villa des Contrado Bottaro in Pompeii, Italy. You can even see samples of Paul Revere’s silver work. Before he was an art historian, he was a worker in silversmith by profession.

A visit here can be one of the best things to do in Winter when the weather is too cold to do much else. The museum is large, but fortunately, if you have a ticket to the museum, you have a full day of entry plus free entry for another visit within ten days. The museum opens its doors free of charge after 4 pm Wednesday and some public holidays.

5. Walk around Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden. The garden has a Victorian flair with a lake and meandering paths, and many locals consider Boston Gardens to be their favorite place in the city.

Boston Gardens is home to more than 80 plant species from the region, as well as many imported species. It also includes a 4-hectare lagoon. And while you’re at it, let’s add taking a ride on the swan boats to our Boston historical bucket list. These famous and vintage boats have been in use for over 100 years.

6. Stroll along the waterfront at Boston Harbor

Boston is surrounded by water, with a beautiful harbor and plenty of water-based tourism opportunities.

Boston skyline as seen from Boston Harbor

Take a tour of the floating museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party. The museum does a beautiful job of bringing these historical events and characters to life. There are examples of former tea boats and interactive displays, making Boston Harbor one of the most obvious activities on your historical Boston bucket list. You can even throw tea overboard and join the ranks of revolutionaries.

Another unique activity would be a harbor cruise in Boston or a ride on one of the Duck Boats. From the water, you get a different view of Boston. To get the best deal, check in advance on sites like can check the prices Get Your Guide and Tiqets, two websites of which work directly with local operators. While you’re at it, you might as well check for other activities and skip the line tickets for things to do in Boston.

7. Tour the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library

This museum is located on the coast overlooking Boston and offers a beautiful view of the city center. The location of the museum was a deliberate decision because of how much Kennedy loved his city of Boston.

The memorial is dedicated to John F. Kennedy and includes research, collections, and exhibitions on the life of the late president. The building is an attraction in itself and was designed by the famous architect I. M. Pei.

Anyone interested in fashion will also love to see some of Jackie Kennedy’s iconic outfits on display.

8. Dive into the history of the Old North Church

The old North Church is the oldest church still standing in Boston. The famous lamps, which signaled “one by land, two by sea,” were hung on the bell tower of this historic Boston church.

You can take a tour of the church and learn all about the history from a resident historian. The tour is free, but donations are always welcome to help maintain this historic building.

9. Tour Fenway Park (or attend a game!)

Fenway’s historical park is almost synonymous with Boston. The stadium is the oldest stadium of the Major Leagues.

Boston’s historic baseball stadium in Fenway Park

With a little bit of planning ahead, you can add watching a baseball game at Fenway Park to your historical Boston bucket list. Doing so is undoubtedly one of the most quintessential things to do in Boston. Or visit the historic stadium and visit the Bleacher Bar at the stadium level. On game days, tours begin 3 hours before the game, and you can see the players while they warm up on the field. On non-game days, you can take a one-hour tour anytime from 9 am to 5 pm.

10. Take a beer tour at a local brewery

One fun thing to do in Boston is to visit a local brewery. Historically, beer has been a big part of the city of Boston, and visitors have the chance to visit historical and massive points of interest like the historical Sam Adams brewery, along with smaller modern microbreweries.

How to get around in Boston

Fortunately, the city’s historic center is very small and very accessible. Many of the most popular things to do in Boston are only 20 minutes from downtown. Public transport is easy to find, so a car is not required. The public transport system is called the MBTA and is well-managed with good connectors throughout the city.

Boston also has a public bike service called Blue Bikes, which is a great way to get around the city. To use a bike or car-sharing service, all you have to do is sign up for an account in advance. Once you have an account, it is straightforward to use.

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to add to your historical Boston bucket list. Enjoy your time at the center of American history!

May 5, 2025

5 Days in Malta – A Guide to See it All

Perfect Itineraries

Malta is an oft-overlooked vacation destination in Europe. But if you can find an affordable flight, it usually offers warmer weather than the rest of the continent and can make for a perfect 5-day trip.

Read on to see our recommended things to see during 5 days in Malta. In order to see it all, we’d really recommend staying 2 days near Valetta, and 3 days on the island of Gozo, which we found to be even more charming than the larger island. We hope you have a great time!

Arriving in Malta

Malta is small, and the airport is very close to everywhere you might need to go. We landed in the evening and decided to take a cab to our hotel, the Grand Excelsior, just outside the city walls of Valetta. Cabs are generally reliable in Malta, it should be a flat rate to get from the airport to anywhere near Valetta.

Valetta

The colorful balconies of Malta

We spent the first 2 days near Valetta, and we found 2 days to be plenty of time. Honestly, Valetta is so small that you can’t go wrong. Take some time to just wander around the streets. You’ll find it easy to get your bearings and there’s no way you can get lost. We loved wandering around and admiring the different colors of the gallarija – the distinctive Maltese balconies that you’ll see all over the island. Here are some other things you can do in Valetta.

Upper and Lower Barakka Gardens

The Upper Barakka Gardens in Valetta

Well-maintained park giving you a great view over the harbors.

Valetta Harbor Tour

Malta’s historical significance primarily comes from the fact that it can be used as one huge harbor in the middle of the Mediterranean. There are tons of other cities that have popped up around Valetta which each have their own character. Taking a harbor tour will give you the best view of Valetta from the water, and is the best way to take in the cities around the huge harbor. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with us and our tour was cancelled and refunded, so we’ll just have to go back one day!

Skip it! Hop-on, Hop-off bus

We decided to do this, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Outside of Valetta, the highlight of Malta is the walled city of Mdina, so you would be better off either taking a bus or car directly there. The rest of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off bus seemed like tourist traps to me.

Plus, nearly everyone got off at Mdina to spend a few hours, which means everyone wanted to re-board from Mdina all at once at the end of the day. We ended up waiting HOURS to get back on the hop-on hop-off bus, since there were just too many people. You would probably be better served getting a tour that takes you directly to the highlights. I found one on Get Your Guide that takes you to Mdina, Rabat, and the San Anton Gardens.

Mdina

Discover the enchanting courtyards in the city of Mdina

If you are smart enough to avoid the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, Mdina itself is well-worth a visit when you’re in Malta for 5 days. It’s the original capital of the island, and sits atop a hill giving it stunning views across the island of Malta and over the sea. Our favorite part of Mdina was just wandering the maze of alleyways, discovering charming courtyards. Plan to have lunch there and pop into the Mdina Cathedral with its brightly colored floor tiles.

Gozo

We ended up splitting our trip between staying near Valetta, and staying in Xlendi on the island of Gozo. There is a passenger and car ferry that runs regularly between Malta and Gozo which departs at Ċirkewwa. I personally preferred our time on Gozo better. We had a rental car, which made it easy to explore Gozo in 2-3 days. If you don’t have a rental car, you can book a jeep day tour that will take you to all the highlights on Gozo.

Gozo is a little less crowded and a little more untouched than Malta. It’s easy to get around Gozo as well since it’s so small. You can do Gozo as a day trip from Malta, but we liked staying overnight on the island to really soak in the atmosphere. Here’s what we did:

Xlendi Tower

We were lucky enough to be staying in Xlendi, making this an easy walk. But even if you are staying elsewhere on Gozo, I’d recommend visiting the tower. Not only will you see a great view of the coast, but there are ancient salt pans, where inhabitants of the island harvested sea salt. From Xlendi Tower, you can walk along the coast where you’ll see even more amazing views.

Ggantija

Ggantija Temples near Xaghra on the island of Gozo

The Neolithic Temple is well-worth a visit. It’s a little hard to find, google maps will lead you astray – just follow the signs posted around town. It’s 3600-year old temple that is even older than the pyramids! The incredible thing is that it’s made up of massive limestone pieces that were somehow transported from the coast. Even today, archaeologists aren’t sure about how the ancient people accomplished this amazing feat.

Victoria on Gozo

Malta is known for having a strong Easter tradition, and we were lucky enough to be in Malta for Holy Week. Throughout the week, there are processions, prayers, art exhibits, and more. We ended up going to Victoria for the Easter Sunday parade. The streets leading up to the cathedral were filled with people and the locals paraded around a statue of Jesus, along with traditional music. It was very cool to feel a part of the tradition!

Ramla Beach

Ramla Beach is a large stretch of sand flanked by cliffs. We hung out on the beach for a while, be sure to bring food with you since the restaurants are not the greatest. Before we went to the sand, we took a small detour and hung out at the abandoned Ulysees Lodge in the hills above Ramla Beach. It’s an old hotel and villa that has since been abandoned, but still has a stunning view over the coastline. Just enter at your own risk since the building is not maintained.

Fungus Rock and Dwejra Bay

We spent an afternoon exploring and hiking around Fungus Rock, and took a dip in the waters in the Dwejra Bay. Highly recommended as a half-day trip!

Food in Malta

During our 5 days in Malta, we ate like kings. We found some delicious food in Valetta. Our favorites were Aaron’s Kitchen, where we tried some traditional Maltese dishes. Be sure to show up before the dinner rush, or call for a reservation since they tend to fill up. Another great restaurant was the Old Bakery’s Pizza. It’s a smaller hole-in-the-wall gem that is near the restaurant and bar scene in Valetta.

In Gozo, we basically hopped around different seafood restaurants, and we were never disappointed. In most restaurants, you can pick out the fish you want from their catch of the day. It’s usually prepared with boiled vegetables and fries. We always left stuffed and satisfied!

5 Days in Malta – our Takeaway

For us, 5 days in Malta was more than enough time to do all of the things we wanted to do in both Malta and Gozo. The benefit of being such a tiny country, is that it’s very easy to navigate and get your bearings! If you’re brainstorming your next vacation destination, I’d definitely recommend adding Malta to your list!

April 20, 2025

The Best Day Trips from Palma de Mallorca

Off the Beaten Path, Perfect Itineraries

Take a step into the Balearics by visiting the gorgeous city of Palma, Mallorca. This is the largest city in the archipelago; and while the Balearic Islands are more commonly known for their beautiful beaches and nightlife, Palma de Mallorca is a gorgeous city with so much to offer.

Palma Cathedral is otherworldly, and tapas bars and boutique stores line the streets. It’s the perfect historic city for sitting outside and enjoying an ice-cold drink in the afternoon.

But if you’re based in Mallorca’s capital for a trip, you might be interested in some of the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca. While it’s situated in the south of the island, excellent transport links mean that it’s great for day trips to see some of the best of the Mallorcan countryside and engage in authentic Balearic culture.

If you’re interested in the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca, read on!

Soller and Port de Soller

Port De Soller – A perfect day trip from Palma de Mallorca

This day trip from Palma de Mallorca is extra special because you’re going to use an incredible method of transport to get there!

A historic train from the 1920s links Palma with Soller. This train winds through the Tramuntana Mountains, stopping off on the way to enjoy one of the best vistas on the island.

The journey to Soller aboard the historic train

Eventually, it reaches Soller. This is a small town most famous for its imposing cathedral, which stands out amongst the rows of terraced shops.

From Soller, you can hop in a tram and head to Port de Soller. This is a gorgeous beach destination, which only opened up to tourists in around the 1980s when a tunnel gave it road access. This means that it avoided the mass tourism of the 1960s/ 1970s that you’ll see throughout the rest of Mallorca, and today it has more of a local feel!

Take a walk up to a viewpoint to look out over the scenery, wander the backstreets and enjoy a fresh baguette, or simply sit by the beach and watch the world go by. Port de Soller is quite a sleepy town, but it’s lovely.

Once you’ve finished in Port de Soller, you can take a tram back to Soller and then transfer to a train. The trains operate all throughout the year, so it’s a great day trip even if you’re visiting Mallorca in winter!

Pollenca

Pollenca is a beautiful town situated in the north of the island. Basking in centuries of history, Pollenca is an ancient town with a history of being conquered frequently throughout its past.

You can take in all of the city’s best sights by walking around, enjoying places like the “Pont Roma”, which is a Roman Bridge on the outskirts of town.

Don’t miss the Placa Mayor and the 18th-century church too!

There’s also an immense viewpoint over the island at El Calvari, which is set up 365 steps and is lined by cypresses on either side. As you go up, you can take in impressive views of the island, each a little better than the last – which will give you the motivation to hike the whole way to the top! From the summit, enjoy views spanning to Port de Pollenca.

Port de Pollenca is also worth visiting as a day trip from Palma de Mallorca. Ideal in the summer months, it’s a blue flag beach with looming views of the Mallorcan mountains in the background. The white sand beaches are incredibly inviting on a hot summer’s day when you’ve been road-tripping all over the island!

Valdemossa

A view of Valldemossa from the Miranda dels Lledoners

Serene Valdemossa is so close to Palma, it’s hard to call it a day trip – but you’ll feel world’s away as you drive to this village in the Traumatana Mountains!

The highest town in Mallorca, Valdemossa is located on a hilltop, with surrounding views of vineyards.

Attractions include the Real Cartuja, otherwise known as the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where you can find cloisters, a beautiful church, and King Sancho’s Palace which was gifted to Carthusian Monks.

The Chopin Museum is a great spot to visit to discover the village’s history, plus there are wonderful walks in the surrounding countryside.

Valdemossa also has great importance amongst Mallorcans. It’s the birthplace of the only Mallorcan saint, Santa Catalina Thomas!

Sa Dragonera Island

The distinctive shape of Dragonera off the coast of Mallorca

The distinctive shape of Sa Dragonera off the coast of Mallorca

Sa Dragonera Island is a tiny island just off the coast of Mallorca.

It’s easy to visit on a boat day trip from Palma; here, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the island including its history of being a pirate’s residence, see wildlife like the native lizards and take in glorious walks such as the local lighthouse.

It’s the perfect day trip from Palma de Mallorca for the summer months!

Cabrera National Park

Explore Cabrera National Park by boat or by hike, or both!

The Cabrera Islands are a small archipelago just off the coast of Mallorca. You can enjoy them by taking a boat trip to the Cabrera National Park; hike around the island and take in the immense Mediterranean views and white-sand beaches.

It’s the largest national park reserve in Spain, so there’s so much to see here, including the Blue Cave which is renowned for its incredible colour effects, and the Castle of Cabrera.

Nowadays, the islands are uninhabited, but they have a fascinating history spanning centuries, and you’ll learn all about them on the guided tour of Cabrera National Park!

Hike Puig de Massanella

The rolling peaks of Puig de Massanella

Puig de Massanella is the highest hikeable peak in Mallorca (Puig Major is the highest, but it’s a military area that tourists can’t access). From the summit, you’ll see a surreal view of the island!

The total hiking distance (there and back) is about 12km, and you’ll gain 700 metres. You’ll feel on top of the world – or at least on top of the island – when you summit it, and as long as you go on a clear day, you should be able to enjoy some of the best views in the Balearics!

This hike is doable in a day, but it’s not easy – you’ll need a good level of fitness and some orienteering experience. You can start the hike from a trailhead by Restaurant Ca’n Gallet which is an hour’s drive from Palma, making it a perfect day trip. Public transport can be a bit tricky in this area, but you could take the T1/ T2/ T3 bus to Inca and transfer to the 312, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

Aqualand

If you’re visiting Mallorca with children, Aqualand is a must! Located in S’Arenal, this water park boasts something for all ages, with high-adrenaline rides like the whirlpool ride “tornado”, rapids and the flume “the devil’s tail” for adults and teens and more relaxed, smaller slides for children! There are also plenty of pools to splash about and relax in.

This is one of the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca because it’s so easy to access! Reach it on the number 23 bus which connects with the capital. Adult tickets are only 30,00€ if you buy them in advance!

Visit the wineries

Sample delicious local wines during a day trip from Palma de Mallorca

Have you ever had Mallorcan wine? While varieties from mainland Spain are more famous, there are lots of wineries throughout the Balearic island as well. One of the best day trips that you can do in Mallorca is to see as many as possible!

One of the best is Vins Nadal Winery in Binissalem. It’s an indoor winery with the option to go out and explore the vineyards, and you can sample some reds, whites and rose wines, try some Mallorcan snacks and see the wine cellars.
Alternatively, visit Can Ribas. This winery has a long history spanning all the way back to 1776. You’ll be able to enjoy a historic courtyard as you sample some of their delectable wines, with packages available for all budgets.
Or, head to Bodegas Angel. This winery is close to Palma, but you’ll feel as if you’re in the heart of nature as you sip on red, white and rose wines while looking at the Tramuntana Mountain view!

You can make your own wine tour by choosing a few of the best Mallorca wineries and organizing transport in between them.

However, you can also do a wine tour from Palma and take in some of the best vineyards on the island!

Ibiza

Visit vibrant Ibiza as a day trip from Palma de Mallorca

With useful boat and flight links, you can actually take a day trip from Mallorca all the way to Ibiza!

Ibiza is known for its nightlife and superclubs, but it’s actually a gorgeous island with lots of hidden coves and spectacular viewpoints.

Visit Ibiza town and smaller villages like San Juan, or simply road trip around all of the best beaches, like Cala Carbó or local favourite Pou des Lleó.

To make the most of a day trip to Ibiza, I’d recommend either taking your car on the boat, or flying over and renting a car when you’re there. Boats take about two hours and leave from Palma.

Menorca

Visit Menorca – the smallest of the Balearics, yet full of coves and beaches

The smallest of all the Balearic Islands, Menorca is a great day trip from Palma de Mallorca.

You’ll need to either fly or drive to Alcúdia (around 45 minutes from Palma) and take the ferry (which is 2.5 hours). While Menorca is the smallest main Balearic Island, it actually has the same number of beaches as Ibiza and Mallorca combined!

Dive in the perfectly blue waters of Cala Macarelleta or go snorkelling off Cala Pregonda. Road tripping around Menorca is an absolute dream, but thanks to its small size, it’s very feasible to do in a day.

Again, it’s best to have a car here – you can either take yours with you (if you take the boat) or hire a car from the airport.

How to take these day trips from Palma de Mallorca

Most people fly into Mallorca. If you do, you can rent a car from the airport. It’s probably the easiest way to see these incredible day trip locations, and the roads around Mallorca are fairly easy to drive on.

If you can’t drive or don’t want to rent a car, many of these Palma de Mallorca day trips are connected by bus or rail (in the case of Soller and Port de Soller!). There are also plenty of organized tours leaving from the capital, most of which are bookable on Get Your Guide.

These day trips from Palma de Mallorca are incredible ways to see more of the island – and all of the Balearics! By basing yourself in Palma, you’ll be able to access plenty of amenities, but you’re also in an excellent position to see the rest of the island. Mallorca is a dream destination for many, and this guide will help you make the most of your trip there!

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April 6, 2025

Top Things To Do In The French Alps

Perfect Itineraries

The French Alps are spectacular at any time of the year and the region is fantastic for tourists who want to ski, relax, or just take in the incredible scenery. As the largest mountain range in Europe, the Alps spans an impressive 750 miles and borders eight countries: France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Germany, and Slovenia. When it comes to holidaying in the French Alps, there are lots of things for visitors to see and do. Here are our picks of the best things to do in the French Alps.

Sightsee in Haute-Savoie

Like a lot of tourist spots in the French Alps, this region in the east of France has many resorts for skiing and snowboarding. But there is a lot more to Haute-Savoie than just winter sports.

Aiguille du Midi offers awe-inspiring panoramic views and is home to the mountaineering capital of Chamonix. As well as breathtaking mountain views, Chamonix has Europe’s highest cable car.

View of Chamonix Valley from La Flégère in the French Alps

For visitors interested in art and culture, Flaine is a resort to the north of the region that features open-air sculptures by Pablo Picasso and Jean Dubuffet.

To the southeast is the picturesque town of Annecy, which looks straight out of a chocolate box. This pretty little town, considered to be the Alps’ own ‘Little Venice’ overlooks Lake Annecy and the Thiou River and is famous for its canals, cobbled streets, and pastel-coloured buildings. There is also an art and natural history museum in the Chateau d’Annecy, the historic home of Genevan counts.

Annency – the Venice of the Alps

Ski in Tignes

You can’t visit the French Alps and not try skiing at least once. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a complete beginner, our top pick of the pistes is Tignes. This high-altitude commune in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps is situated near the Italian border and boasts the longest ski season in Europe.

Tignes consists of a collection of little villages, all varying in what they offer in terms of skiing facilities. Whilst the rough terrain further up the resort valley is more suited to experienced skiers, the main town has lots of options for beginners and those of intermediate level.

A Tignes resort town nestled in the stunning French Alps

There are easier runs further down the valley towards Tignes-Les-Brevieres and the area benefits from the installation of chair lifts and good ease of access links.

However, before you book a resort in the area, it’s a good idea to have a good look at a Tignes piste map to establish exactly where in the valley is most suited to your skiing skills.

Regardless of where you go in Tignes though, there’s one thing you can certainly be sure of – there is lots to keep you entertained after a long day on the slopes. Tignes has some of the best après-ski nightlife in the Alps, with its lively bars and clubs, many of which are open until the early hours.

Relax at the Lakes

If you need some relaxation after a day on the pistes, or you just want to be pampered, then the French Alps are abundant with spas and thermal pools.

Lake Geneva, which borders France and Switzerland, has some of the most serene and luxury spas to indulge in. On the shores of this stunning lake is the spa town of Evian-les-Bains, which is world-famous for its natural springs of mineral water.

View of Lake Geneva from the Lavaux

Just over the Swiss border is Leukerbad, another spa town renowned for its hot springs. The history of Leukerbad’s springs and their therapeutic effect on the body dates back to Roman times. Today, the town’s mineral waters are enjoyed in public baths, private spa hotels, wellbeing and rehabilitation centres, and more.

Enjoy the thermal pools of Leukerbad nestled in the Alps

Conclusion

With its striking scenery, ski slopes, picturesque towns, and therapeutic thermal springs, there are so many things to do in the French Alps. If you’re taking a holiday there, be sure to check out the places we’ve recommended.

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March 24, 2025

The Best Regions to Explore in Portugal

Perfect Itineraries, Travel Advice

Portugal offers a wonderful Mediterranean climate and a diverse array of regions, each with its unique charm and attractions. If you’re looking to experience the rich tapestry of Portugal’s landscapes for yourself, we’re highlighting five must-visit destinations for travellers who are considering Portugal for their next getaway.

1. Lisbon and Surrounding Areas

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s vibrant capital and largest city, Lisbon is known for its historic neighbourhoods that offer an almost village-like feel, boasting picture-perfect cobbled alleyways lined with colourful buildings.

The city is also a cultural hub with a vast array of museums and galleries, where you can delve into Lisbon’s rich history, such as the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga – Portugal’s answer to France’s Louvre.

When staying in Lisbon, you’ll also want to make time to visit nearby attractions like the fairytale town of Sintra and the coastal beauty of Cascais that are not to be missed.

2. The Algarve

Cliffs and coast in the Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and is widely celebrated for its stunning beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and an array of villas that offer luxurious accommodation.

The region’s natural beauty lends itself wonderfully to a whole host of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, snorkelling and exploring breathtaking caves.

The Algarve is also a foodie’s paradise, and best-known for culinary delights, such as fresh seafood dishes, and Frango da Guia – or Piri-Piri chicken. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s also Doces finos do Algarve – ornate, shaped sweets made from marzipan, as well as traditional cakes made with popular Portuguese ingredients like almonds and figs for a delectable sticky sweetness.

3. Porto and the Douro Valley

The Douro Wine Valley

Wine lovers will want to head to the coastal city of Porto, famed for its port wine production. From here, it’s easy to explore the breathtaking delights of the beautiful Douro Valley which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With steep, terraced vineyards, tranquil river cruises and historic wineries to explore, this stunning region should be on every travellers must-visit list.

4. The Alentejo

Alentejo Landscape

The Alentejo is known for its rolling plains, the fortified town of Évora, and the area’s rich cultural heritage.

For those looking for a tranquil getaway, sleepy market towns, such as Estremoz provide the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle. The town square – the Rossio Marquês de Pombal, holds one of Portugal’s finest markets every Saturday, but beware – it starts early and is soon over, so not one for the late-risers!

Estremoz also has an annual festival, held the first weekend in September, and the Feira Internacional de Agricultura e Pecuária – an agricultural celebration in April, which combines cattle shows, live music and traditional crafts, with mouthwatering local cuisine.

5. The Azores and Madeira

Sao Miguel Azores

Venture into Portugal’s autonomous regions by visiting the Portuguese archipelagos of Azores and Madeira. Here, you can find unique landscapes, from volcanic craters and hot springs to lush forests and levada walks.

Madeira is the livelier of the two destinations, famed for its vibrant towns and fado music, while The Azores are slightly more laidback, with a focus on outdoor activities and the chance to spot wildlife like whales and dolphins, and take-in the islands’ dramatic scenery.

December 8, 2024