need help with planning your trip to Puerto Galera? Here’s our diy PUERTO GALERA travel guide with suggestions on how to get there from Manila or Batangas Port, ferry schedules, and hotel and trip recommendations. We also added a sample PUERTO GALERA schedule that you may use!

If one would condense my growth as a beach chaser into the life span of a butterfly, Puerto Galera would be somewhere in the caterpillar stage. back when I was not yet capable of flying, when Boracay, Palawan and the Maldives filled my flights of fancy, I had my eyes on places that was a little bit much more realistic. First, I wanted to just hit the beach, a nearby beach, any beach. Then, I wanted to go farther, ride a boat, and set foot in an island. I always had a destination in mind — Puerto Galera.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING PUERTO GALERA
WHERE TO stay IN PUERTO GALERATOP PUERTO GALERA RESORTS
Search for much more Hotels!

HOW TO get TO PUERTO GALERAMANILA TO BATANGAS BUS SCHEDULE
BATANGAS PIER TO PUERTO GALERA SCHEDULE

HOW TO get around PUERTO GALERABy Tricycle
By Motorcycle
By Boat

THINGS TO do in PUERTO GALERAIsland Hopping Tour
Land Tour
Diving Courses
White beach and Nightlife
Water Sports

SAMPLE PUERTO GALERA ITINERARY
More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

UNDERSTANDING PUERTO GALERA

Even before the colonial era, Puerto Galera has always been a busy port area because it is a good natural shelter for ships and boats. In 1570, the Spaniards arrived in Batangas and later crossed the Verde Island passage to this coastal settlement. They named it Puerto Galera or Port of Galleons.

Photo by Pycan Leynes
Today, Puerto Galera is a first class municipality in Oriental Mindoro, about 130 km south of Manila. Although occupying the northernmost suggestion of another island (Mindoro Island), it can be easily reached from Luzon. This accessibility from the capital and CALABARZON, the country’s many populous region, made it one of the most popular beach destination for decades.

Puerto Galera faces the Verde Island Passage, which is described by a 2007 Smithsonian Institute study as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity citing the high concentration of marine species. In 1973, it was declared a UNESCO man and Biosphere Reserve.

Here are much more helpful bits about Puerto Galera.

Location: Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.

Languages: Iraya and Tagalog. but many residents, especially tourism workers, can communicate in English too.

Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 is around USD 1.90, EUR 1.69, SGD 2.57 (as of may 2019).

Modes of payment: CASH, primarily. Some establishments accept credit report cards, but bring cash to be safe.

WHERE TO stay IN PUERTO GALERA

Puerto Galera’s jagged coastline is hemmed by over a dozen fair-sand-filled coves. Of all these beaches, these three are the most optimal places to stay for tourists:

White Beach. Puerto Galera’s many popular beach. This is Galera’s answer to Boracay’s White Beach. (And yep, they bear the same name.) This is where many of the tourism action happens. You’ll find a broad range of lodging and dining options here. Nightlife is also here.

Aninuan Beach. located just next to White beach but this is much much more tamed and quiet. This is a good place to stay if you’re after a much more unwinding stay but want easy access to White Beach.

Sabang Beach. A little bit detached from the first two coves, but it also harbors lots of accommodations. This is a terrific base for divers because of the number of dive resorts.

TOP PUERTO GALERA RESORTS

Here are the top-rated resorts in Puerto Galera as scored by Agoda reviewers.

Image courtesy of Agoda

Edgewater Dive & medspa Resort. check rates & Availability!

Bamboo house beach Lodge & Restaurant. check rates & Availability!

Ara beach Resort. check rates & Availability!

Utopia resort & Spa. check rates & Availability!

Jalyns resort Apartments & Restaurant. check rates & Availability!

Veronica Inn. check rates & Availability!

Sunset at Aninuan beach Resort. check rates & Availability!

Steps garden Resort. check rates & Availability!

Tribal Hills mountain Resort. check rates & Availability!

Search for much more Hotels!

HOW TO get TO PUERTO GALERA

The most affordable and many typical way to reach Puerto Galera from Manila is through Batangas. From Batangas Pier, you will need to catch a ferry to either of the two ports in Puerto Galera. Balatero Port is closer to White beach and Aninuan Beach, while Muelle Port is closer to Sabang.

Head to a JAM liner bus terminal. There’s one in Cubao and another in LRT Buendia area.

Catch a bus bound for Batangas Pier. Some buses pass through and make several stops in Sto. Tomas and Tanauan. If you want a quick journey, board a bus with the CALABARZON sign. This implies that the bus will be taking the star Tollway, which bypasses many towns and cities betweenSLEX and Batangas City. travel time is 2-3 hours. Fare is P197 if you’re coming from Buendia or P207 from Cubao. See bus schedule in the next section below.

Get off at Batangas Pier. You can also tell the conductor that you plan to go to Puerto Galera so he knows where to drop you off.

Upon arrival at Batangas Pier, head straight to the ticket counters. You may be approached by touts saying that there are no public ferries to Puerto Galera that day. DON’T believe THEM. They’re just trying to get you to charter an expensive private boat. walk straight to the ticketing counters.

Purchase tickets to Puerto Galera. You may choose a roro or a fastcraft. You can find the schedule as of April 2019 here. Fare: P300.

Pay the Batangas Pier terminal fee. P30 per person.

Board your booked ferry. travel time: 55-100 minutes, depending on the type of vessel.

At Balatero or Muelle Port, pay the environmental fee. P50 per person. Balatero Pier also collects an additional P20 terminal fee.

Ride a tricycle to your resort. If your resort is within short distance, fare is P200 per trip or P50 per person (if you’re a group).

MANILA TO BATANGAS BUS SCHEDULE

Here’s the schedule of Jam liner buses as of may 2019.

BATANGAS PIER TO PUERTO GALERA SCHEDULE

You can board a roro, a semi-fastcraft, or a fastcraft to Muelle Port or Balatero Port.

There used to be outrigger boats that carry passengers straight to White beach or Sabang Beach. but during our last trip to Puerto Galera, we didn’t see any outrigger boats to Puerto Galera. The Maritime industry Authority (MARINA) had plans of phasing out wooden-hulled boats last year, but I’m not sure if they have implemented this already.

For the schedule of authorized ferries, you may refer to this: BATANGAS-PUERTO GALERA TIMETABLE.

HOW TO get around PUERTO GALERA

By Tricycle

The jeepney is the most affordable mode of transportation in Puerto Galera. However, as in any other place in the country, jeepneys follow a fixed route and tentative schedules. If you want better control of your time, the tricycle is better.

For short distances, many tricycle chauffeurs charge P150-200 per ride (good for 3 pax). If you’re a group, that’s fine, but it’s a pain on the pockets if you’re traveling solo. A pal said that this is the traveler rate and that it is much lower for locals. I don’t know what the local rate is. However, for budgeting purposes, you can assume that it’s P200 per trip so you won’t go under.

You can also charter a tricycle to take you on a trip and see inland attractions like Tamaraw Falls, Virgin Beach, Mangyan Village, Infinity farm and others for P800 (good for 3 pax).

By Motorcycle

If you have a driver’s license and you know how to drive a motorcycle, you can rent one and explore the town freely on your own. rates vary depending on the type of motorcycle and the shop, but the conventional rate is P400 per day.

If you choose to travel on two wheels, take extra care. always wear a helmet even if numerous of the locals you see don’t.

By Boat

To get to some islands and other coves, chartering a boat is the way to go. here are the boat rates for trips from Muelle Port as of may 2019. A boat can typically accommodate up to 6 pax.

DAY RATES

Sandbar: P200 one-way, P400 round trip

Buri Beach: P200 one-way, P400 round trip

San Antonio: P230 one-way, P460 round trip

Fridays: P250 one-way, P500 round trip

Coco Beach: P250 one-way, P500 round trip

Big La Laguna: P300 one-way, P600 round trip

Small La Laguna: P350 one-way, P700 round trip

Coral Garden: P400 one-way, P800 round trip

Sabang Beach: P400 one-way, P800 round trip

Long Beach: P500 one-way, P1000 round trip

Haligi Beach: P500 one-way, P1000 round trip

Bayanan Beach: P500 one-way, P1000 round trip

Tamaraw Beach: P700 one-way, P1400 round trip

White Beach: P1000 one-way, P2000 round trip

Talipanan Beach: P1200 one-way, P2400 round trip

You can also ask the boatman to trip you around. You may choose three destinations and they will show you around for around P2000.

NIGHT RATES:
Night rates are double the prices noted above.

THINGS TO do in PUERTO GALERA

Island Hopping Tour

Most island hopping trips will take you to the following attractions:

Haligi Beach

Bayanan Beach

Sandbar (sometimes replaced by Maniknik Beach)

Coral garden (snorkeling site)

You can also replace a site with another. check out the list of beaches in the previous section above (HOW TO get AROUND: BY BOAT) and pick 3 from that list.

The boat trip costs P1800-P2000 per boat, good for 6-8 passengers. An additional P200 fee is collected per person for the smaller paddle boat that will take you to the snorkeling site.

If you want to make the most of your trip, you may check out the following sites:

San Antonio Island’s underwater cave

Giant clams site

Coral garden

Prepare to pay an extra P600 per person to see all three additional attractions.

Land Tour

Another way to explore Puerto Galera is by joining a tricycle tour, which will take you to some natural attractions that are easily available by land. A tricycle trip typically makes a stop at the following:

Tamaraw Falls

Virgin Beach

Mangyan Village

You will also be stopping at some lookout spots along the way.

The trip costs P800 per tricycle, maximum of 3 passengers. The price excludes entrance fees and other fees per site including the following:

Tamaraw Falls swimming area fee: P30 per person

Umbrella kiosk rental fee: P140

Barbeque grill rental fee: P50

Table rental fee: P30

Tamaraw Falls table rental and cooking fee: P150 per table

Virgin beach entrance fee: P30 per person

If tricycle is not your preferred mode of transportation, you may also charter a multi-cab or jeepney for P2000+ per vehicle. This will allow you to see other attractions including:

Lantuyan Water Curtain

Infinity Farm

Turukan Falls

Hanging Bridge

Additional fees may apply.

Diving Courses

Puerto Galera’s coast is lapped by the waves of the Verde Island Passage, which is described by a 2007 Smithsonian Institute study as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity citing the high concentration of marine species.

Home to over 40 recognized dive sites, it is one of the top diving destinations in the country. If you haven’t tried scuba diving before, Puerto Galera is also an optimal place to discover your love for the deep. There’s a lot of dive shops and resorts here and rates vary. but fun Dives start at P1500 per dive. You can also find PADI introductory courses for around P3500 (1-2 hours, 1 dive).

White beach and Nightlife

Photo by Pycan Leynes
White beach is Puerto Galera’s answer to Boracay. It is the most popular stretch of sand in the area and the most commercialized. You’ll find plenty of activities to delight in here even at night. On weekends and holidays, there’s no running short of bars, booze, live bands, and fire dancers.

Water Sports

If you want an adrenaline rush, try some of these water rides. best delighted in as part of a group. here are the rates:

Unicorn: P2,500, good for 10 pax

King Cobra: P2,500, good for 10 pax

Flying Saucer: P2,000, good for 6 pax

Fly Fish: P1,500, goof for 3 pax

Jetski: P2,000 per 15 minutes

SAMPLE PUERTO GALERA ITINERARY

Below is a sample overnight Puerto Galera schedule with breakdown of expenses. This schedule assumes you’re a group of 3, splitting some expenses and staying at a resort in White beach or Aninuan Beach. feel totally free to make required adjustments to match your schedule, needs, or preferences.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL, ISLAND TOUR
05:00 am – Bus to Batangas Pier, P197
07:30 am – Arrival at Batangas Pier
07:45 am – purchase ticket, P300
08:00 am – Pay terminal fee, P30
08:30 am – Board ferry to Puerto Galera
10:00 am – Arrival, Pay environmental fee, P50
10:15 am – Tricycle to resort, P50
10:30 am – check in or drop bags
11:00 am – Lunch, P100
12:00 pm – Island hopping, P600 (P1800/3pax) + P600
05:30 pm – Back to resort, freshen up
06:30 pm – Tricycle to White Beach, P50
07:00 pm – Dinner, P200
08:00 pm – White beach nightlife
10:00 pm – Back to resort, P50

DAY 2 – LAND TOUR, DEPARTURE
06:00 am – Land Tour, P267 (P800/3pax)
06:30 am – drop by public market, purchase food, P200
07:00 am – continue land tour, entrance fees: P60
10:30 am – Brunch at Tamaraw Falls, Grill: P50, Table: P30
12:00 pm – check out
12:30 pm – Tricycle to Port, P50
12:40 pm – purchase ticket to Batangas, P300
12:50 pm – Pay terminal fee, P20; exit fee: P10
01:30 pm – Board ferry
03:00 pm – Arrival at Batangas pier
03:30 pm – Board bus to Manila, P197

If you spend P600 per night per person on accommodation, this schedule will cost you around P4200 (USD 80, EUR 71, SGD 110) per person, with a small allowance for incidental expenses but excluding suggestions and shopping budget.

There are numerous ways to bring the cost down. If you’re part of a bigger group, you can drastically decrease the trip expenses. This schedule assumes you’re a group of 3 but a common boat can accommodate

The Gili’s are a trio of tiny islands situated to the east of Bali in Indonesia. A tropical paradise offering crystal clear warm waters, chalky beaches and rainbow coloured reefs. Each island has its own vibe and all are a haven for travellers looking to live the island life!

Gili Trawangan is known for its party atmosphere, Gili Meno offers a secluded retreat popular with couples, whilst Gili Air blends a perfect mixture of the two!

With so many things to do it’s hard to know where to begin, but after spending nearly a month island hopping between the three, we’ve put together the ultimate Gili to-do list.

Go under the sea

Whether you choose to try your hand at scuba diving or you prefer to stay closer to the surface and snorkel, the Gili islands are renowned for having some of the best dive sites in the world!

Set sail to Turtle City for an up and close experience with turtles, Manta point for rays and a colourful array of fish, and Shark point for the more daring of divers! (This isn’t the most daring thing we’ve done mind you, we took on the Worlds Deadliest Trail…)

These tiny islands have it all and its waters are known as some of the best in the world to start your PADI Open Water course at a price of $428. The Gilis have a fixed price agreement to ensure that all dive shops charge the same for the qualification, meaning that you can shop around for the dive center that floats your boat!

Forget the glass bottom boats it’s all about the see-through kayak

If you prefer to stay dry but still want to see what’s going on beneath the surface, we’d recommend ditching the busy, overpriced glass bottom boats and opting for a see-through kayak instead – for as little as $15 for 2 hours.

Paddle out to your favourite parts of the island and avoid the overcrowded tourists spots consumed by boats.

Chill out on one of the island beach clubs

Beach clubs in the Gilis come in all shapes and sizes and are really the only way to enjoy the dreamy, paradisiacal lifestyle you would expect of tropical island life.

Cocktail in hand, music blaring, sun blazing, life’s a beach!

You really are spoilt for choice on Gili Trawangan. You’ll find beach clubs a plenty along the main strip offering good food, classic and Gili style cocktails, chill out zones, table tennis and even swimming pools.

Over on Gili Meno, travellers looking for a more quiet, secluded escape can find beach clubs dotted around the island’s shores. Take your pick!

Watch the sunset

A more obvious one, but there is a different way to enjoy sunset for every single night you have the pleasure of being on one of the three islands.

From a beach club lounger to secluded sands or a bbq seafood restaurant, the golden glow from a Gili sunset is like no other. We even climbed the lighthouse located on Gili Trawangan for the best seats in the house for sunset. Yes, while traveling, we still know how to keep the romance alive!

Kayak between the islands

The calm, warm waters of the Gilis are perfect for kayaking and it is perfectly safe, not to mention fun, to kayak between the islands. We rented a kayak one afternoon from a beach bar called Lava on the main strip of Trawangan for approximately $15 and rowed across to Gili Meno.

As Charlie got the kayak into shore, Charlotte got the beers in at the beach bar so we could kick back and enjoy a change of scenery for the afternoon. Bliss!

Play beer pong

Exactly what it says on the tin! Play. Beer. Pong. In true USA fashion, this has become most popular on Gili Trawangan with travellers looking to get into the party spirit of the island.

Choose your side, choose your drink and get necking your losses! You may even want to play your neighbour and do your nation proud. We had fun getting to know other travellers this way and trust us, one round will definitely not be enough. It will almost certainly be best of three, best of five, best of… You get the picture!

Ride a bike around the island

Without the need for automobiles or scooters on the islands (they are actually banned), one of the best ways to get by and explore is to rent a bike for as little as $5 a day.

You can bike the 7 mile circumference of Gili Trawangan in just under 3 hours, but you will surely want to stop off as you discover hidden beaches, quiet and quaint little restaurants, beach clubs and hammocks along the way.

For those interested in seeing how the locals thrive on the island, you don’t have to bike far inland for a real insight into their way of life.

Eat BBQ fish

Catch of the day… never has the saying been so apt! head out into the night and look no further than the hearty and plentiful seafood BBQ’s served around the island.

Freshly caught that day from the Java Sea, restaurants cook your selected dish to perfection on the BBQ. Savor the taste, it doesn’t get much fresher than this.

One of our favourite restaurants located on both Trawangan and Air was Scallywags. A outstanding seafront restaurant that served as our final supper on the Gili islands.

Watch the locals battle it out in a stick fighting competition

When we were invited to watch a stick fighting contest, we slightly underestimated the fighting part. hugely popular with the locals, arenas are packed to the rafters as Balinese lads battle it out with bamboo sticks and shields to win over a judging panel, or ultimately draw blood from their opponent.

As brutal as this sounds, and believe us some of the strikes are indeed BRUTAL, the fighters love what they do, love to win and love their adoring audience. put $5 in the ring and be entertained!

Visit the famous swings

You’ve seen the pictures, now get down to the beach and capture those perfect Instagram worthy shots. dotted at locations around each island, many opt to capture the moment as the sun goes down, where you will merely be cast as a silhouette amongst the orange haze of the sunset and the backdrop of the Java Sea.

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With so much going on here, it’s important to figure out where to stay in new Orleans. early birds and light sleepers will want to avoid the madness of Bourbon Street, while party animals will feel right at home there. 

I fell in love with new Orleans right away on my first visit. The energy of the city is just amazing— it really sucks you in. After a 2nd trip there, I’m already planning a third. There’s just no shortage of fun things to do in new Orleans!

The good news is that there are plenty of excellent choices when it comes to places to stay in new Orleans.

In this post, I’ll provide a detailed look at the best areas in the city for tourists, along with a few hotel recommendations for each.

Table of Contents
The French Quarter
Bourbon Street
Garden District
Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
Central business district (CBD)
Now You know Where To stay in new Orleans!

The French Quarter

The French Quarter is where to stay in new Orleans if it’s your first time in the city — the location to everything is perfect.

Here you’ll find:

Historic Buildings

Boutique Hotels

Mississippi River Views

Famous Restaurants

Vibrant Nightlife

If it’s your first check out and you’re wondering where to stay in new Orleans, you can’t go wrong with the French Quarter. It’s also known as Vieux Carré, which actually translates to “Old Square.” 

If you’re planning a short trip to the city, then you’ll most likely want to stay in the French Quarter. This is the historic heart of the city and is even known as the “Crown jewel of new Orleans.”

Although it’s called the French Quarter, much of the architecture you see is actually Spanish. That’s because the area was ravaged by fire and was later rebuilt during the brief period of Spanish rule.

The French Quarter is also the center of tourism in NOLA. It’s home to a vast array of hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars, making it a convenient base to explore the city. You’ll never be hungry or bored in this part of the city!

Located right on the Mississippi River, the French Quarter is a very scenic place to stay.

There are a few riverside parks that make for a nice stroll. The area is also home to the historic Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. If you enjoy discovering a city on foot, then the French Quarter is one of the best places to stay in new Orleans.

Best hotels in the French Quarter

Here are a few of the best new Orleans hotels located in the French Quarter:

1. Omni Royal

Location: 621 St. Louis Street

Rating on Booking.com: 8.7/10

See the latest price here

This place consistently comes up when you search for where to stay in new Orleans, and for good reason. It’s a historic hotel that dates all the way back to 1838.

Fun fact: gumbo, one of the most famous dishes from new Orleans, was invented here! You can try this and other classic new Orleans cuisine in their award-winning Rib Room. 

This excellent hotel also boasts a heated rooftop pool and a nice fitness center for when you need to work off those extra calories! Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

2. W new Orleans French Quarter

Location: 316 Charles Street

Rating on Booking.com: 8.4/10

See the latest price here

The courtyard-style architecture of this hotel makes it one of the coolest places to stay in new Orleans. It’s located right in the heart of the French Quarter, just a short walk from both Jackson Square and Bourbon Street.

After a big day of exploring Crescent City, it’s terrific to return here to lounge by the pool in the courtyard. Some rooms even come equipped with their own private hot tub and patio for extra relaxation!

If you’re in town on a weekend, this is a terrific place to stay. Their “Legs and Eggs” Sunday brunch at the on-site SoBu features a burlesque show and is tons of fun. Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

3. hotel Monteleone

Location: 214 royal Street

Rating on Booking.com: 9/10

See the latest price here

This charming hotel is located close enough to Bourbon street to be near the action but far away enough to not deal with the noise. It’s a terrific choice if you want to party there but also want to get some decent sleep afterward.

One of the best things about staying here is the Carousel Bar. It’s not just a clever name as the bar is centered around an actual carousel.

It’s definitely one of the best bars in new Orleans to grab a drink at! Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

Bourbon Street

Bourbon street is the best place to stay if you’re looking to party and be right in the action.

Here you’ll find:

Raucous Nightlife

Mardi Gras Celebrations

LGBT-Friendly Bars

Center of Tourism

While it’s technically a part of the French Quarter, Bourbon street deserves its own section in this guide on where to stay in new Orleans.

Famous for its raucous nightlife, epic Mardi Gras celebrations and other fun festivals, this is a pretty wild place to stay.

Many of the hotels on Bourbon street are literally right on top of the party, so this isn’t the place to stay if you want some peace and quiet on your trip. It’s better to stick with one of the French Quarter hotels mentioned above.

Click here for an in-depth look at staying on Bourbon Street. This post goes into detail about the layout and history of the street. There are recommendations for 10 different hotels to choose from as well.

Best places to stay By Bourbon Street

Here are a few of the top hotels on Bourbon Street.

1. royal Sonesta

Location: 300 Bourbon Street

Rating on Booking.com: 8.3/10

See the latest price here

This is definitely one of the top places to stay in new Orleans. It’s actually more like a resort than a hotel, with several on-site restaurants and bars. 

Many rooms feature wrought-iron balconies overlooking Bourbon street — the perfect spot for some people watching. If you can snag one of these for Mardi Gras you’ll be right in the thick of all the action.

It’s hard to think of all the chaos of Bourbon street is just outside when you’re sitting in the tranquil courtyard here. It’s an oasis in the middle of the substantial party that’s raging just beyond the hotel walls. Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

2. Lafitte’s guest House

Location: 1003 Bourbon Street

Rating on Booking.com: 8.7/10

See the latest price here

Whereas the royal Sonesta is a enormous hotel with some 500 rooms, this place feels more like staying in someone’s home. After all, this boutique hotel is actually set in a restored house. With only 14 rooms, it certainly has a homey vibe.

If you’re not a fan of the typical Bourbon street bars with their offensively loud music, you’ll enjoy staying here.

It’s right next door to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar & Shop, which is the oldest, and one of the best bars in new Orleans. It’s still candle-lit to this day. Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

3. hotel Mazarin

Location: 730 Bienville Street

Rating on Booking.com: 9/10

See the latest price here

Ok, so this hotel isn’t technically on Bourbon Street, but it’s just right around the corner. You’re still within stumbling distance from the party if you stay here! 

Before you hit the party on Bourbon, make sure you grab a drink in their 21st Amendment Bar. This Prohibition Era-inspired speakeasy is the perfect spot to kick off a night out in NOLA with a cocktail or two.

As far as the rooms here, they’re definitely pretty fancy. We’re talking crystal chandeliers and gold leaf accents! Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

Garden District

The garden district is where to stay in new Orleans if you’re looking for a peaceful, laidback experience in NOLA. This is also one of the most stunning areas of new Orleans. 

Here you’ll find:

Antebellum Mansions

Oak-Lined Streets

Fine Dining

Boutique Shops

If the over-the-top party vibe of Bourbon street is too much for you, then the garden district is a solid choice. This is one of the most scenic and serene places to stay in new Orleans.

When it was first developed, there were only a few homes per block here. The extra space allowed for large gardens, hence the name given to the area.

Thanks to development, there aren’t that many actual gardens here anymore. these days there are some pretty incredible mansions here, many of which are owned by celebrities. 

Staying in the garden district is a good choice for those who are looking for a more laidback experience in new Orleans. There are still plenty of choices for accommodation, dining, and shopping here, but it’s not overly touristy. 

Best places to stay in the garden District

Here are a few top hotel choices.

1. hotel Indigo

Location: 2203 St. Charles Avenue

Rating on Booking.com: 8.2/10

See the latest price here

Rooms at this garden district hotel are well-appointed with elegant decor. They have several options ranging from conventional rooms to substantial suites. 

Those looking to squeeze a workout in will be happy to hear that there’s a nice fitness center here. There’s also a business center if you actually need to get some work done on your trip.

Getting to andfrom the French Quarter is easy as this hotel is located right across from a streetcar stop. Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

2. Parisian Courtyard Inn

Location: 1726 Prytania Street

Rating on Booking.com: 9.1/10

Price: rooms from $188

This is a proper B&B and a stunning place to stay. As the name would suggest, a delicious breakfast is included when you stay at the Parisian Courtyard Inn.

Guests who have stayed here rave about the remarkable staff. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in new Orleans where you’ll have a more personalized experience, this is a terrific choice.

There are only 10 rooms here, all featuring hardwood floors and antique furniture. Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

3. garden district Bed and Breakfast

Location: 2418 magazine Street

Rating on Booking.com: 9.7/10

See the latest price here

There’s no doubt that this is one of the most gorgeous places to stay in new Orleans. This beautifully restored 1860’s Victorian home is locally owned and operated. 

Even the decorations in the rooms just yell new Orleans here, with stunning antique decor and balconies.

Rooms here include a private bathroom, 12-foot ceilings, air-conditioning/heat, queen bed, wifi, and more. There’s also free street vehicle parking if you’re driving. Click here to see the latest price from Booking.com.

Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

This neighbourhood is where to stay in NOLA for a more local experience in the city. 

Here you’ll find:

Bohemian Atmosphere

Live Music

Affordable Restaurants

Artsy Vibe

Just east of the French Quarter along the river is the small neighborhood of Faubourg Marigny. known by locals simply as “The Marigny,” this is one of the oldest ‘hoods in the big Easy.

When the city of new Orleans began to grow, some plantation owners decided to break up their land to develop residential property.

Bernard Marigny was one of the first to do this in the early 1800s and the neighborhood still has his name. 

The Marigny has gone through lots of changes over the years. One significant development occurred on Frenchmen Street, which grew to become the premier location for live music in the city.

There are tons of music clubs as well as roaming marching bands, making this one of the best places to stay in new Orleans for music lovers.

The adjacent Bywater has become somewhat of a hipster haven in recent years. This began in the 1980s when real estate speculation and profiteering led many residents to move downriver to the Marigny and Bywater areas.

The artistic community once found in the French Quarter is now largely based here. In the Bywater, you’ll find the new Orleans center for the creative Arts — a school that’s training the next generation of Crescent City artists and creatives.

Staying in either the Marigny or Bywater is a terrific choice if you want a more local perspective on your trip to new Orleans.

The best places To stay in Marigny and Bywater

Here are a few terrific hotel options in the area.

1. royal Frenchmen hotel & Bar

Location: 700 Frenchmen St #1614

Rating on Booking.com: 8.9/10

See the latest price here

Set in a 19th-century Creole home, this boutique hotel is the perfect place to stay for bar-hopping on Frenchmen Street. rooms here feature elegant furnishings and neighborhood views, some from private balconies overlooking the famous street.

Before hitting the town, hang out in their scenic courtyard or at the royal Bar. even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth it to drop by for the $3 martinis during their happy hour from 4-8 PM. Click here to see the latest price from Bo

Over the past decades, air travel has become increasingly popular. and there’s really no surprise there. It is the most efficient mode of getting from point A to point B. It’s fast and gets cheaper every year.

Despite that, many still prefer a good old road trip for many reasons. First, you have full control of the vehicle. You don’t need to be concerned about delays and get hassled by multiple security checks. Second, you have a little bit of privacy. There is no annoying kid constantly kicking the back of your seat or be worried if your voice gets loud a bit. but the best reason of all, it allows you to enjoy not just points A and B, but also all the stops in between. stop and get off any time. and if you’re traveling with friends or family, the long drive means more time to bond and enjoy each other’s company.

Yet, if you’re not careful, road trips can turn ugly in an instant. If you’re going on a road trip with the people you love anytime soon, here are some tried-and-tested ways to survive even the most challenging long-term land journeys.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

1. two drivers are better than one.
2. Take breaks. Seriously.
3. Bring entertainment with you.
4. pack in the good things.
5. Make yourselves at home.

More tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

1. two drivers are better than one.

CC0 Public domain / Pixabay
Ideally, there should be two people in your group who know how to control a car. drivers often look relaxed behind the wheel, but the truth is, driving can be exhausting and physically demanding. having two drivers enable you to alternate between the drivers. Drowsiness while driving is a real threat, and it’s one of those things you can easily avoid if you’re not overworking the driver. This way, everyone also gets the chance to be part of the backseat party.

2. Take breaks. Seriously.

CC0 Public domain / Pixabay
For whatever reason, you’d have to stop at some point or another. Take this opportunity to step out your car and stretch for around five minutes or take in the sights. If you can, identify your pitstops even before the trip. It will give you something to look forward to every couple of hours. It’s healthy for both your mind and body.

3. Bring entertainment with you.

CC0 Public domain / Pixabay
These could be via fine-tuning the music you’re going to be listening to ahead of time. If you’re not the one driving, packing in a book or reading material that you can learn from can help you make travel time more productive. other travelers even listen to audiobooks en route or simply pack in media-loaded iPads; entertainment while driving will keep you awake and interested in the task ahead. check out these JustFly app reviews to read about travel apps that can guide and help you when you’re on a road trip.

4. pack in the good things.

CC0 Public domain / Pixabay
From good food – either take-outs or home-cooked meals- to cozy blankets and pillows, the little time you’ll spend thinking hard about what to pack will pay off in the long run. You’ll be spending hours inside your car, with miles stretched out ahead of you, and every little thing counts when the yearning for comfort creeps in. This is why roadtrippers should plan ahead and load their vehicles with the things that’ll make them enjoy the ride.

5. Make yourselves at home.

CC0 Public domain / Pixabay
Riding in cars with a group can deviate so much from airplane rides. If you’re not the designated driver, road trips give you plenty of time to catch up on sleep. join in the conversation and funny banters. Or you can get more comfortable and calmly view the stunning scenery passing by the car window during “downtimes”. sleep through parts of the trip. (Again, if you’re not driving!)

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What can you say about our JustFly reviews 5 excellent ways to survive a road Trip? If you have anything to add, feel free to leave your comments here below!

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If you’re a music lover, then a trip to Nashville is absolutely in order. known as music City, the capital of Tennessee is one of the most fun cities to visit in the US. There are plenty of exciting things to do in Nashville, and we’ll cover some of the best in this post.

Of course, experiencing the music culture of the city is a must. With plenty of museums, record stores, venues, and festivals to choose from, you could easily plan your whole trip in Nashville around music. 

That’s not all there is to do in Nashville, though. here you can also visit the Tennessee Capitol, a replica of the Parthenon, and the former home of a president. There are plenty of Nashville attractions to keep you busy during the day before the show starts!

I don’t know about you, but I plan a lot of my trips around eating and drinking.

Nashville absolutely crushes it when it pertains to wining and dining. Whether it’s some fiery hot chicken or some good ol’ southern BBQ, your tastebuds are in for a treat here. The city is also home to plenty of breweries, wineries, and distilleries when you want to wet your whistle. 

I spent half a year living down the road in Murfreesboro and have traveled to Nashville several times in recent years. It’s absolutely one of my favorite cities and a place I’m always delighted to return to.

Based on my experience there and the recommendations of local friends, I’ve put together this solid list of the best things to do in Nashville. 

Table of Contents
1. listen to live Music
2. Take a walking Tour
3. visit the country music Hall of Fame
4. check Out The Tennessee state Capitol and Museum
5. eat hot Chicken
6. excursion a Distillery
7. visit The Grand Ole Opry
8. visit The Ryman Auditorium
9. check Out Centennial Park
10. visit The Belle Meade Plantation
11. visit The Johnny cash Museum
12. wander around music Row
13. cheer For The home Team
14. Go Honky-Tonking on Broadway
15. visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Bonus! visit homes of The Stars
Ready for Nashville?

1. listen to live Music

Naturally, our list of what to do in Nashville begins with live music. While it’s popular for being the “Country music capital of the World,” there’s a lot a lot more to the music scene these days. On any given night out, you’re just as likely to find rock, pop, or electronic shows going on.

It doesn’t matter what night of the week it is. There’s always live music going on here in Nashville! The city is home to venues of all sizes hosting music of all genres. From dive bars with local bands trying to make it, to arenas packed full of adoring fans for popular pop singers, Nashville has it all.

Some of the best places to catch live music in Nashville include the Ryman Auditorium, Ascend Amphitheater, the station Inn, The Basement, and Marathon music Works. As I said, there’s music every night of the week here. check this calendar of events to see what’s playing.

Short in a timely manner in Nashville?

One of the best ways to get around to all of the things to do in Nashville when you’re short in a timely manner is to join the Hop-On-Hop-Off double-decker. In just one hour, you’ll see:

The Court of Flags, Nissan Stadium, the Parthenon at Centennial Park, back by the state Capitol and down lower Broadway. Some other sights you’ll see include the country music Hall of Fame, the Vanderbilt University, a lively farmers market, and the Grammy museum Gallery. learn a lot more here.

2. Take a walking Tour

One of the best things to do in Nashville is taking a walking tour. In my opinion, there’s no better way to get to know a city than by exploring it on your own two feet!

You have a few different options for seeing Nashville on foot. If you like a diy approach, click here to download a PDF that has two different routes for self-guided walking excursions of music City. Both excursions begin at Bridgestone Arena and cover 20 different sights. Whichever one you choose, you’ll get an exceptional introduction to the city.

If you’d rather opt for a guide and a group, check out complimentary excursions Nashville. They run excursions from Wednesday to Sunday at both 9 AM and noon. The 90-minute excursion hits lots of of the highlights of music City, and you’ll also get some useful recommendations from your local guide.

3. visit the country music Hall of Fame

The country music Hall of fame is absolutely one of the top Nashville attractions. It’s located ideal downtown and is a must-see when checking out music City. 

There are always new exhibits pertaining to the museum, but their core permanent exhibit, Sing Me Back Home, tells the complete history of country music.

Before or after your visit to the museum, be sure to check out the music City walk of fame Park ideal across the street. It’s a bit of Hollywood in Nashville, with star-studded plaques honoring music legends. 

The museum is open daily from 9 AM-5 PM. general admission tickets cost $25.95 for adults and $15.95 for children ages 6-12. There are also several options for add-ons, such as a excursion of historic studio B and show tickets for the CMA Theater. Click here to book your skip-the-line tickets.

4. check Out The Tennessee state Capitol and Museum

Nashville isn’t just the country music capital of the World. It’s also the capital of the state of Tennessee. As such, you can add a stop at the Tennessee state museum to your list of things to do in Nashville. 

There are several informative exhibits here, ranging from the Civil war and Reconstruction to Tennessee Transforms. The latter covers the modern history of the state beginning after world war II.

Temporary exhibitions are always changing, with current ones on the history of food and the musical heritage of Tennessee. check their web site to read all about what’s on at the moment.

The museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It stays open until 8 PM on Thursday and is only open from 1-5 on Sunday. best of all, it’s absolutely complimentary to visit! Click here to get directions.

The staff of the museum also uses complimentary guided excursions of the historic state Capitol building. These take place Monday to Friday at 9, 10, 11, 1, 2, and 3. opened back in 1859, it was created by the distinguished architect William Strickland. Tragically, he passed away during construction. as per his wishes, he was buried in the north facade of the building. 

5. eat hot Chicken

There are certain dishes you just have to try when checking out American cities. A slice of pizza in new York, a hot pet dog in Chicago, jambalaya in new Orleans, and hot chicken in Nashville. 

Just a word of alerting for you not familiar with hot chicken — when I say hot, I indicate hot! I’m talking seriously spicy. some of the best places to sample Nashville hot chicken include Prince’s and Hattie B’s.

I need to say I’m partial to the latter. Be careful here, as even ordering the medium can set your taste buds ablaze. If you’re crazy, choose their highest level of heat, which is humorously called “Shut the Cluck Up!” 

There are a few Hattie B’s locations in Nashville, including one ideal near music Row. supplied you don’t overdo it on the spice level, eating hot chicken is absolutely one of the tastiest things to do in Nashville!

Looking for a lot more foodie fun? check out this highly rated food excursion of Nashville and take pleasure in the tasty treats on offer. 

6. excursion a Distillery

Just as one need to eat hot chicken when in Nashville, trying some real deal Tennessee whiskey or moonshine is also a necessity. There are plenty of exceptional distilleries that you can visit to sample some fine local booze.

One solid choice is the Corsair Distillery. They actually have two locations in Nashville, both using excursions and tasting rooms. At their headquarters, you can sign up for a 30-minute excursion with five tastings for just $13.

Tours run every day except for Monday. Head to their web site to check out time available times and book your spot.

While it’s not my personal favorite, there’s no doubt that Jack Daniel’s is the most popular Tennessee whiskey. Their distillery is located about an hour and a half outside of Nashville in Lynchburg.

You can sign up for a full-day excursion that includes transportation, so you can take pleasure in all the whiskey you want! 

Other good options in the city include Nashville Craft Distillery and Pennington Distilling Co. 

7. visit The Grand Ole Opry

A trip to the Grand Ole Opry is absolutely one of the top things to do in Nashville. known as the “home of American music” and “the show that made country music famous,” this is the longest-running radio broadcast in the country. It started back in 1925 as a one-hour “barn dance” and has been an crucial part of the city’s culture ever since.

These days, the show broadcasts from the Grand Ole Opry House. shows take place every Friday and Saturday night, with additional performances on Tuesdays from December to March. 

In addition to catching a show, you can also sign up for a excursion of the Opry. There are daytime backstage excursions as well as post-show backstage tours. Or, just get tickets to the show. check out ticket prices here.

When it pertains to Nashville attractions, it’s hard to top the Grand Ole Opry.  

8. visit The Ryman Auditorium

For 30 years, the Grand Ole Opry had its home at the historic Ryman Auditorium. When they announced plans to step the Opry to a new home, the auditorium was slated for demolition. A push to save the Ryman began and lasted for several years. While it was successful, the building sat dormant for lots of years and soon began to deteriorate.

Renovations began in 1993 to bring it back to its rightful place as a world-class music venue. things came full circle with the return of the Grand Ole Opry to the Ryman for a benefit show in 1998. These days, the legendary auditorium hosts the Opry shows from November to January.

The Ryman is open daily from 9AM to 4PM. You can take a self-guided excursion for $25.95, or add an extra $5 to go backstage for a short guided excursion as well. Click here to book your tickets online. You can find the Ryman on the map and get directions here.

9. check Out Centennial Park

In addition to music City, another one of Nashville’s nicknames is “The Athens of the South.” It seems a bit odd until you venture over to Centennial Park, where you’ll find a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. 

Originally a farm, this land has also been the state fairgrounds and a racetrack. It then became the site of the state’s Centennial Exposition in 1897 and transformed into a public park shortly thereafter. The Parthenon replica was originally indicated to be temporary, but over a century later it remains.

In addition to seeing a bit of Greece in middle Tennessee, you can also take pleasure in walking trails, Lake Watauga, a sunken garden, historical monuments, and much more. Click here to get directions.

10. visit The Belle Meade Plantation

One of the most interesting things to do in Nashville is paying a visit to the Belle Meade Plantation. This historic plantation dates back to 1807, when John Harding purchased the land and a cabin. He soon began to develop a plantation here, which he named Belle Meade — the beautiful Meadow.

Harding relied on slave labor to run his various services here, which included a cotton gin, sawmill, and blacksmith shop. When horse-racing became popular, he added thoroughbred housing and breeding to the list of services.

His kid William Giles Harding eventually inherited the property. He would go on to be very successful in this new venture, expanding the plantation and the crew of slaves.

After the Civil war ended and slavery was banned, some of the former slaves returned to work for pay. but the Panic of 1893 and resulting financial problems led the family to sell the plantation. half a century later, the state of Tennessee purchased it and transformed it into a museum.

The Belle Meade Plantation is open from Thursday to Tuesday from 9AM to 5PM. excursions cost $24 for adults during the week and $28 on the weekend. These even include a complimentary white wine tasting! It’s a bit far out of the city center so your best bet is renting a car or joining a excursion if you want to visit. Click here to get directions.

11. visit The Johnny cash Museum

After that interesting look into the history of Nashville, let’s get back to the music. one of the top things to do in Nashville is checking out the Johnny cash Museum.

To say that Johnny cash is a legend is an understatement. one of the best-selling artists of all time, he was inducted into three different music halls of fame! here you’ll find a huge collection of memorabilia and artifacts to get the whole life story of “The man in Black.”

The museum is open daily f