On my second solo trip ever, I slept on top of a cliff in Malta, overlooking the Mediterranean Ocean. I got to know the beauty of Wardija Punic Temple. If you want to have that same experience, keep reading.
If you’re ever in Malta, you really should consider giving Wardija a visit and maybe even sleeping there, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and feeling the wind on your skin.
Disclaimer: since I took the photos in this post with my smartphone when I was visiting Malta in 2017, the quality won’t be great. I’m sorry about that, but there’s really not much I can do about it until I go back to Wardija.
Today, I’ll go over everything you need to know to experience this for yourself. How to get there, what to do, and why you should do it.
Let’s start with the basics.
The thing is, I’m not quite sure.
According to Wikipedia, Wardija Punic Temple – also known as Ras il-Wardija among the locals – is a promontory on the southeast coast of Gozo.
If you’re not sure what that means, that’s okay. Neither am I. I’d describe Wardija as a temple, a cave, an archaeological site – anything but a promontory. But that might just be because English is not my first language.
When my Airbnb host, Daniel (who’s now running a successful co-working space in Valletta, by the way), told me about this place, I was instantly sold to the idea.
Bonus: sign up to Airbnb through this link and get up to $40 of travel credit for your first booking!
He told me that someone who stayed in his Airbnb a few weeks before I did had discovered this place and had spent the night there. And so, Daniel told me everything I needed to know before sleeping at Wardija.
Now, I’m here to pass on my knowledge to you.
Make sure you bring some kind of blanket and something to sleep on, like a towel.
Here we go.
On the map below, you can see the exact location of Wardija Punic Temple. While this can be useful in and of itself, I’d also like to give you a little bit of explanation about how I got there, and how you can get there, too.
Arriving at this place is substantially easier if you have a rental car – or, better yet, if you’re from Malta and you have your own car available.
If you don’t, scroll down just a little bit and read more about getting there with public transport.
If you do, here’s what you want to do, supposing you’re coming from Malta’s capital, Valletta.
Preface: I would recommend departing from Valletta in the early afternoon if you want to be able to see the sunset. Not only that, but the last part of your journey would be quite dangerous without any sunlight.
That being said, you should look up when the sun sets on the day of your big adventure and leave at least four hours before that.
Side note: I’m aware that it’s a 40 minute walk, but it’s worth it. Trust me on this one.
Before starting your big trek from the Dwejra bus stop, you may want to consider doing a few things.
Firstly, take a look at the old site of the Azure Window. The steep rocks, the crystal blue water and the sharp cliffs in the background all look amazing and are worth some time.
You’ll be able to see this site from up above when you’ve arrived at Wardija, but it’s that much more impressive up close.
Secondly, have some dinner at the Azure Window restaurant. Unless you brought your own food, this is going to be your last meal until you get back to the civilised world tomorrow morning. (I had the pepperoni pizza and it was great)
To be honest, there’s not a whole lot to do here.
But there are some pretty great things that you can do here, and not in a lot of other places.
First of all, admire the views. Since there’s not much to do around you anyway, why not take some time to really take in the landscape around you?
I’ll just let the pictures do the talking here.
The photo above is the view from down below, looking at what used to be the Azure Window. Although it collapsed in a storm in 2017, it’s still gorgeous.
Aside from the actual image quality, this is one of my favourite shots I’ve ever taken. And that’s only partly because I have some very fond memories when looking back at this.
Next up: watch the sunset.
Just outside the temple, there are a few places where you can sit down, unwind, and enjoy the view of the sun setting over the ocean.
After the sun has set, now it’s time to really start doing things you’ve never done before.
Put on some good music and dance. Sing and dance like nobody’s watching.
You’re 40 minutes away from the nearest bus stop, so, chances are, nobody IS watching.
Finally, once you’ve danced your heart out – or once your phone battery dies, like mine did – it’s time to go to sleep.
When I was at Wardija, it took me about an hour to fall asleep. I had noticed beetles crawling out of a crack in the wall, and that unsettled me a bit. But if I can sleep through that, I’m sure you can, too.
I woke up around 6 am, and then again around 7 and around 8. I finally decided to get up around 8:30, and while I was brushing my teeth, a Spanish man and his daughter were hiking around. We talked for a little while and they were on their way.
Finally, I got back to my Airbnb by following the same route in reverse.
And that, dear friends, is the story of how I slept in a temple on top of a Maltese cliff (and how you can do the exact same thing).
Some more things to keep in mind:
Disclaimer: I tried to contact Mr Spiteri to ask for permission to post this article, but he hasn’t responded so far. If he does end up responding and doesn’t give me permission, I’ll delete this post.
Would you ever do something like this? If you wouldn’t, what do you feel is stopping you?
Thanks for reading!
-S
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There’s a reason it’s called the comfort zone.
I know.
The problem is, nothing will change if you stay where you are. And, on the off chance that you’re completely, irrevocably, absolutely satisfied with your life, that’s fine. You can stop reading now.
I won’t blame you. I truly am happy to see you thrive and live your best life.
But you’re not satisfied, are you? You wouldn’t be reading anymore if you were. You’re not living your best life.
Something has to change for you to truly feel like you’re getting the most out of life. And yes, I know that’s a tough pill to swallow.
But you have to realise that you want something to change before you can start working on it.
So. Let’s go through this process together. You and I. Starting right now, we’re going to make a change for the better.
I promise.
I’m sure everyone reading this is familiar with the concept, but just in case you’re not, here’s a quick explanation.
There are three psychological states. The comfort zone, the optimal performance zone and the danger zone. (Hello there, Kenny Loggins)
In the first zone, you feel familiar and comfortable and you’re in control. Your performance is steady.
In the second zone, also known as the growth zone, you can push your boundaries. Your performance is in an equilibrium with your anxiety and stress levels.
In the third zone, your performance suffers greatly, thanks to strong feelings of anxiety and discomfort.
You need to aim for the optimal performance zone. Obviously.
But the thing is, when people first make an effort to push their boundaries and leave their comfort zone, they overcompensate.
They go too far and get right into the danger zone.
And then they end up never trying to do something different again.
You don’t want to end up like that.
Some people surpass themselves by travelling the world with anxiety. I don’t have much to say about anxiety, as I don’t have any first-hand experience. So I’ll let my friend Lauren from Never Ending Footsteps explain how she overcame anxiety by travelling.
When you’re trying to push your travel boundaries, it’s important to remember to take baby steps.
Otherwise, your leap of faith could turn to a leap in the dark. And that’s when you get dangerously close to the danger zone.
If you’re afraid of heights, jumping out of an airplane might give you the strength you need to conquer your fear. Or it might push you over the edge and make you never want to step foot into an airplane again.
In the end, you know yourself better than anyone else ever could. You need to make the consideration whether or not it’s worth it to face your fears head-on.
It might be simpler than that. You might not feel comfortable in a situation where you don’t know the language and you have to get around.
My point is, I can’t make the decision for you. You have to choose for yourself:
Now, let’s say that you want to be liberated. You want to break out of your boundaries and you want to leave the comfort zone.
Only, you have no idea how to do it.
Here’s an idea.
Travel.
Travel far and wide, immerse yourself in foreign cultures, eat unfamiliar food and see and experience everything the world has to offer.
After all, travelling changes your life.
Stop spending money on material things and start spending money on experiences.
Do yourself the favour of investing in stories that you can tell your grandchildren when you’re old and wrinkled.
Make them wish they turn out like you when they are old and wrinkled.
And if you’re already old and wrinkled …
Better late than never.
It’s not too late to change your life.
Take the leap. You never know what you will come across. Even if you don’t like travelling or your trip was a bust, at least you know now.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
So try to find yours.
When did you realise that you wanted to leave your comfort zone? How did you do it? Let me know in a comment!
Thanks for reading!
-S
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I know. Layovers aren’t the most exciting thing in the world. But who said layovers can’t be fun? In this guide, I show you how to rock a layover in Singapore, including information about visas, where to stay, where to eat and an example of a 12-hour itinerary for Singapore.
In this post:
Why don’t you start off by watching this short video of how I experienced my layover in Singapore last summer?
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Ars Currendi!
Question: Do I need a visa for a stopover in Singapore?
You probably don’t. Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter Singapore. If you’re from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or most European countries, you can enter Singapore without a visa.
If you’re not from any of the aforementioned countries, it’s a good idea to check the government’s website to see if you need a visa to get into Singapore.
Question: Can I leave Changi Airport during transit?
Again, if you’re from one of the countries mentioned above, you can leave the airport without a visa.
If you’re from a visa-requiring country, you should apply for a visa to leave Singapore Airport during transit before flying to Singapore. Check with your embassy if you’re not sure how to do this.
Now that we’ve got the visa information out of the way, let’s take a look at some basic travel facts about Singapore.
Singapore is an island city-state located just south of Malaysia. It’s one of the smallest, but most densely populated countries in the world and it’s mostly known as a global hub for education, finance and entertainment.
It really all depends on how much time you have, as with any layover.
Singapore is one of the best countries for a layover, because the city is not too big, everything is easily accessible through public transport and there are a lot of things to do in a relatively small area.
And even if you have a lot of time, you might want to take it easy after a long-haul flight.
But still, there are quite a few things to do in Singapore when you’re short on time. Here are a few of my personal favourites if you are leaving the airport. (More detailed information in the Singapore itinerary below)
The airport of Singapore has consistently been named one of the top airports in the world. It consists of three interconnected terminals (T1, T2 and T3) and one separate terminal (T4).
Here are some things to do during a layover in Singapore airport:
If you follow this itinerary, you’ll be able to see all Singapore highlights in just 12 hours.
You could even do it more quickly, if you’re a fast traveller. Or if you’re travelling alone.
There are many things you can do in Singapore in one day. Here’s a useful overview of what you could fit into your one-day layover to get the most out of your stay.
Breakfast is the most important meal on a day. Even when you’re on a layover in a foreign country.
Here are some options for breakfast in Singapore.
For this suggested Singapore layover itinerary, you’ll be exploring some of the city’s neighbourhoods in the morning. On the menu: Little India and Chinatown.
What I would recommend is that you simply walk around these neighbourhoods, get lost in the narrow streets and take in the atmosphere.
I suggest you start your morning in Little India.
If you don’t want to stroll around without a goal, check out some things to do in Little India.
Next, move to Chinatown using Singapore’s very efficient train system, the MRT.
You could buy a Singapore Tourist Pass, but since you’re only here for a short layover, it’s cheaper to just buy tickets for single trips. You can buy tickets at any upgraded General Ticketing Machine at MRT stations.
Again, if you don’t feel like aimlessly wandering around Chinatown, check out these things to do in Chinatown.
Although Singapore is literally the most expensive city on earth, you can still get lunch on a budget.
Below are some options for lunch in Singapore:
With a belly full of delicious food, it’s time to continue exploring Singapore.
Next up are cultural heritage, nature, and some bad ass light shows. Let’s go!
From wherever you had lunch, make your way to Katong, a residential neighbourhood where you’ll find remnants of Peranakan heritage – like the houses below.
Stroll along vibrant shophouses, narrow backstreets and small boutique shops.
There are also plenty of cafés, coffeeshops, bars and ethnic restaurants in this area. Take your pick if you’re in need of a small break.
Next, we’re going to Gardens By The Bay.
If you’ve ever seen any pictures of Singapore, chances are you’ve seen the Supertree Grove, which is located in Gardens By The Bay. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that.
We’ll start off our visit to Gardens By The Bay by checking out the Cloud Forest observatory. This is an indoor tropical plant garden with a 30-metre waterfall as cherry on top.
You can spend as long as you like in the Cloud Forest. It’s definitely interesting enough to keep you busy for a few hours, but you could leave after 30 minutes, too.
Moving on: the Flower Dome. This is the world’s largest glass greenhouse and it could be described as a magnificent botanical garden. Same story here: you could stay here for hours, but you don’t have to.
The last thing you’re visiting before dinner is the Supertree Grove. Admission to the Grove is free.
The supertrees are up to 50 metres (which is equivalent to 16 storeys) high.
If you want to, you can walk on the skyway that runs through the supertrees at 22 metres high. Admission for this skyway is $8 for adults.
Don’t spend too much time here – you’ll come back after dinner to experience the supertrees at night.
Singapore is well-known throughout the world for its top class cuisine. What follows is a list of great restaurants in Singapore for an affordable price.
On many holidays, the day is over after you’ve had dinner. Not here.
You’ve still got two amazing light shows ahead of you. Oh, and did I mention they’re both free?
Here are the two shows you’ll want to attend:
The Garden Rhapsody show runs daily at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm and it lasts for 15 minutes.
The Spectra show runs daily at 8 pm and 9 pm and it also lasts for 15 minutes.
I saw Garden Rhapsody (7:45 pm) first and then made my way to Marina Bay Sands for Spectra (9 pm). You could do it the other way around if you wanted to.
If your Singapore layover lasts for longer than just a few hours, you might just need a place to stay.
Here are some options for stopover accommodation in Singapore.
Hostels in Singapore
Airbnb in Singapore
As in all major cities around the world, there are many Airbnb listings in Singapore for people looking for the ‘home’ feel.
Bonus: sign up for Airbnb through this link and get up to $40 of travel credit off your first booking!
Couchsurfing in Singapore
And if you’re on a really tight budget, why not sleep for free – and make new friends in the process?
Use websites like Couchsurfing to stay with a local for free and have them show you around town.
There you have it. My 12-hour Singapore layover guide. Is there anything I missed? Let me know in a comment down below.
Thanks for reading!
-S
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: solo travel is amazing. But if you’ve never done it before, planning a solo trip can be intimidating. The thing is, it doesn’t have to be. After reading this blog post, you’ll know exactly how to plan your first solo trip and become the confident solo traveller you’ve always dreamt of.
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Ars Currendi!
So here it is. You’ve never travelled solo but you want to give it a try. You might think that solo travel is lonely, or expensive… Or both. Let me tell you: if you don’t want it to be, it won’t.
When you can follow a few simple steps, planning a solo trip isn’t nearly as difficult as many people make it out to be. Here are some tips to help you organise your first solo trip.
Making a budget for your first solo trip is easier than you might think, as my friend Eric from Wandering Ravens explains.
The article above talks about making a monthly budget to get by day-to-day, but it can be applied to a travel budget perfectly.
It’s easy to travel solo on the cheap if you’ve set a budget beforehand and if you know what you’re willing to spend.
If there’s one thing that will impact the rest of this whole process, it’s your choice of destination.
There’s a whole lot of destinations for solo travellers out there, and, while you need to keep safety in mind, it really all comes down to personal preference.
Read more: The best solo travel destinations in Europe
And that’s the beauty of solo travel. Because you can do whatever you want. So do it.
Related: Why I visited an abandoned children’s hospital in Berlin
As for the date, that’s a bit more complicated. You’ll probably get the best weather during peak season, but you’ll also get the most tourists around you.
Don’t want to be surrounded by fellow travellers and don’t want to travel when it’s so cold that a cold shower feels warm? There’s a solution.
Shoulder season.
Prices are down, the weather is still okay and there won’t be as many tourists around you. It’s a win-win-win.
As a general rule of thumb: many countries have shoulder seasons in autumn and spring.
Once you know which budget to stick to, where you’re going and when you’re going there, it’s time to actually start booking some things.
First on the list: transport.
Whether it be long-haul flights, shorter flights, trains, buses or something else entirely: many aspects of your first solo trip depend on this.
Related: How to survive a long-haul flight
Where to find the best flights
Every travel blogger has their favourite tips to find the best flights, and I’m no different. Here are some useful tricks to help you find the cheapest flights:
Cheap trains and buses
If you’re not going to fly to your destination, you’ll still need a way to get there. Finding cheap trains and buses is easier than you might think. These tips will help you:
But, of course, planning a solo trip is more than booking flights. You need somewhere to sleep, don’t you?
My two favourite options for solo accommodation are hostels and Airbnbs.
How to find the best hostels
I always start my hostel search on Hostelworld, simply because it’s the best hostel platform out there. It has over 30,000 hostels and other budget accommodation on offer in 180 countries.
And, although you might not want to spend too much, it’s best not to be too frugal about your accommodation spending. Being a budget traveller doesn’t mean you have to pick the cheapest possible option for everything.
The cheapest hostels often are not the best choices. The main reason for this is that they tend to be unclean, uncomfortable, unwelcoming and not worth the few dollars you’d save.
Some other tips to make sure that your hostel of choice ends up being the best choice you could have made:
Airbnb for solo travellers
Admittedly, Airbnb is a less evident option for solo accommodation. The reason for that is the simple fact that it tends to be more expensive than other accommodation options.
Sign up to Airbnb here and get up to $45 of travel credit for your next adventure!
However, Airbnb for solo travellers is still viable. You can rent a room in someone’s house or apartment and make new friends with the owner.
And if you look closely, you might be able to strike a bargain and find some really unique lodging options.
After booking flights and accommodation, it’s time to start looking for more specific information about your first solo trip.
Which attractions seem interesting? What do you want to visit?
Making a travel itinerary is not difficult, and I’m here to prove it. Here’s how to make the perfect itinerary for your first solo trip, in just a few simple steps.
Research, research, research
Don’t overplan
Especially if you’re planning a solo trip, it’s a good idea not to overplan everything. You need some room for impromptu drinks with new friends or spontaneous exploring sessions.
If you’ve planned everything down to the hour, you’ll find yourself trapped by your itinerary and you might miss out on awesome opportunities to meet new people.
Are you still wondering how to prepare for your first solo trip?
If so, keep reading.
Planning a solo trip is easy, and you’ve already done the majority of the work if you’ve been following along.
Here are some more tips to make sure that you’re actually ready to take the leap.
Table for one
The most intimidating part about solo travel for me was dining alone.
The first time I stepped into a restaurant and said ‘Table for one, please’ to the waiter, it felt off. Because it felt like I was doing something that I wasn’t supposed to do.
But here we are, three years later.
If the thought of dining by yourself terrifies you, here are some tips to make it less intimidating:
Travel apps for solo travellers
There are a few very useful travel apps that can help you out when you’re on the road by yourself. So, while planning a solo trip, you might want to consider installing the following apps:
How to pack light
When you’re planning a solo trip, you need to keep in mind that you’re the only one who can carry your bags.
For that reason, being able to pack light is very important for solo travellers.
Here are a few packing tips to help you keep your bags as light as possible:
The biggest difference between solo travel and ‘regular’ travel is – obviously – the fact that you’re alone.
This means that staying safe is not as easy as it would be if you were travelling with family or friends.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe as a solo traveller.
The fact that you’re reading this blog post with the intention of planning your first solo trip means that you realise that solo travel is not a bad thing.
If you want to travel alone, you won’t be lonely.
But I get that you might be hesitant and need some tips on how to fight loneliness as a solo traveller.
Here are some of my best tips that I could have used on my first solo trip to Dublin:
If you’ve already travelled solo, is there anything I missed? Do you have any tips for people planning their first solo trip? Let me know in a comment!
Thanks for reading!
-S
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While Ireland is by no means a cheap country to visit, it is possible to visit Dublin on a shoestring budget. The Irish capital was the first destination I ever visited solo, and this comprehensive solo travel guide will give you the best Dublin travel tips to make your trip there the adventure of a lifetime.
If you’re planning your first solo trip and you’re considering Dublin as a destination, you’ve already made a great call. I know how you feel and I know how scary it can be. But I strongly believe that travelling alone can change your life.
My first solo trip was in Dublin, and I made a lot of mistakes while I was there. But still, I believe these mistakes were more due to my lack of experience than to the destination’s welcoming.
Because solo travel in Ireland is amazing.
These Dublin travel tips are here to show you why that is and to make sure that you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Check out the embedded map below for everything that is mentioned in this blog post (or click here if the map doesn’t load correctly):
This Dublin travel guide for solo travellers will consist of the following sections (click through if you’re only interested in a specific topic!):
Dublin Airport is located about 10 km north of the city centre. When you arrive at the airport, you have four main options to get you to the city itself:
Airlink / 747 (express public bus)
Airlink, also known by its route number (747), is an express public bus service operated by Dublin Bus. It’s one of the fastest ways to get from Dublin airport to the city. Buses between the airport and the city centre run up to every 10 minutes. Airlink has main stops at Busaras, O’Connell Street and Heuston.
The fare is covered by the Leap Visitor Card (see below). But if you don’t have that card, a return fare will set you back €10. You can purchase Airlink tickets online, at information desks at the airport, at vending machines outside the bus terminal or in cash, on board the bus.
Aircoach (express private coach)
Aircoach (bus line 700) is an express private coach service that runs between Dublin airport and the city centre. This service tends to be a bit faster than Airlink, but it’s also more expensive. Buses between the airport and the city run every 15 minutes.
Aircoach fares are not covered by the Leap Visitor Card. Tickets for a return trip cost €12 and can be purchased online, at the Aircoach departure desk at Dublin Airport or in cash, on board the bus.
Check the official website for Aircoach timetables.
Dublin Bus (public bus)
This is the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre, as a single fare will only cost you €3,30. There are two high-frequency buses (running every 10-30 minutes) from the airport to the city: bus 41 bound for Lower Abbey Street and bus 16 bound for Ballinteer.
The Leap Visitor Card covers this bus, but if you have one, you might as well opt for the Airlink, which has fewer stops along the way. But keep in mind: if you’re taking the Dublin Bus and you’re paying in cash, make sure you have the exact coins! The bus driver is unable to give you any change.
Taxi
If you don’t feel comfortable on a public bus, there’s also this option. Taking a private, metered taxi from Dublin airport to the city costs about €25-30. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re on a budget, but if you feel like splurging, be my guest. Taxis queue up just outside Terminal 1, Arrivals level.
Although Dublin is the biggest and most populous city of Ireland, it’s still very walkable. Especially if you’re travelling alone and you don’t really have anything else to do, you might as well take a walk.
If you don’t have much time in Dublin – when you’re only there for a layover, for example – it’s a good idea to take a walking tour to explore the city’s main sights. Take a self-guided walking tour of Dublin with this article as a guide, or take a free (tip-based) guided walking tour.
Looking for something more active than walking around the city? Why not rent a bicycle?
The most popular rental bike scheme in Dublin is Dublinbikes. There are 115 docking stations spread around the city, with a maximum capacity of 15 bikes each. Every docking station also comes with a payment terminal, where you can purchase a 3 day ticket.
In order to use the system, you’ll need to take out a subscription. Don’t worry, it sounds more serious than it actually is: a 3-day subscription only costs €5. The first 30 minutes of each journey are free, and a service charge applies after that.
Check Dublinbikes’ official website for more information.
But of course, not everyone wants to walk or feels comfortable walking alone in a foreign city. For those people, there are three main options for public transport in Dublin.
As for payment for the buses, trams and DART in Dublin, there are also three options:
It’s true: the Irish are infamous among Europeans for their drinking culture. Many drinks, like stout (e.g. Guinness) and whiskey (e.g. Jameson) are produced in Ireland, and the Irish are notoriously good at enjoying a drink every now and then.
For that reason, here’s a list of the top pubs in Dublin to have a drink at as a solo traveller. Because what would a list of Dublin travel tips be without drinking recommendations?
Although it’s often been called a tourist trap, I truly believe that the OG Temple Bar is an iconic place to visit when you’re travelling to Dublin. It has a strong reputation for its great atmosphere and live music. And, more importantly, you won’t have any problems striking up a conversation with a stranger as a solo traveller. Just keep an eye on your tab, since staff tend to increase the price of your drinks over time.
Founded in the 12th century, The Brazen Head has a reputation as Ireland’s oldest pub. Live music is played here regularly, so check the website to find out if anyone’s playing when you’re there. Beside their extensive collection of Irish whiskies, gins and vodkas, traditional Irish dishes like beef & Guinness stew and smoked cod are also served at the Brazen Head.
As they describe themselves, Token is a restaurant, bar, retro arcade, pinball parlour and event space – all in one. Obvious highlights here are the retro game machines and pinball lounge in the basement. You can come here for a drink and some games without reservations, but just don’t forget to try some food (check out the extensive vegan and gluten-free options!).
Not to be confused with the Long Hall at Trinity College, the Long Hall pub has been one of Dublin’s best loved pubs since 1766. Often described as ‘an actual traditional Irish pub’, this place is definitely worth some time to enjoy a cold pint of Guinness.
P.Macs (also P’Macs and P.Mac’s) is one of Dublin’s newest pubs, but that doesn’t take away from its appeal. Some keywords here: friendly staff, soft rock, craft beers and candlelit tables. Need I say more?
The Bernard Shaw is more than just another bar – it’s an art space, pizza bus, beer gardens, event space and so much more. Whenever you’re in Dublin, something is on at Bernard Shaw. Not to mention the drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and hip.
Of course, a big part of travelling is finding places to eat. Here’s an overview of the best places to eat in Dublin, sorted by category.
Note: all of these suggestions are great for solo travellers, and they won’t dent your food budget too much.
Here are a few tips on where to stay in Dublin as a solo traveller.
One of my most important Dublin travel tips: don’t stay in Temple Bar.
While many online articles and blog posts will try to convince you that Temple Bar is a great neighbourhood to stay, it’s not true. Especially not for solo travellers. And while these neighbourhoods will likely stay popular among tourists, you can be smarter than that.
For starters, staying in a neighbourhood that is literally the city centre will be expensive. You’ll be paying more than what you’d pay in a neighbourhood that was located slightly outside the city centre.
Secondly, good luck trying to fall asleep to the sound of drunk twenty-somethings and smashing glasses.
If you want to stay in a central location without paying too much, look for places around the canals (Grand Canal to the south, Royal Canal to the north).
This way, you’ll still be at a walkable distance to the centre, but you won’t have any of the drawbacks – like the high prices and the noise.
And, of course, hostels are still a very popular accommodation option for budget solo travellers.
Here’s an overview of some of the best Dublin hostels, keeping in mind the fact that you’re travelling alone and that you’re on a budget.
Although Airbnb might not be the best option for solo travellers – especially not in Dublin, since the tax authorities have been taking note of addresses – you might still be lucky and strike a bargain.
New to Airbnb? Sign up here for up to €30 off your first booking!
It’s definitely still worth checking out the website. Take a look at the following neighbourhoods. They’re a little further outside the centre, but they’re still easy walking distances.
Arguably the most significant Dublin travel tips I could give you are these: how to fill your days in the Irish capital as a shoe string solo traveller.
Here’s an overview of the best museums and tours in Dublin to visit as a solo traveller:
Don’t forget to check the official websites to make sure the museum is open when you want to visit, since many of them are closed on Monday.
But the museums I mentioned above are not the only free things to do in Dublin. There are some other free activities in Dublin worth checking out:
Because a city trip to a place like Dublin can feel quite overwhelming at times, you might need some time to take a breath and unwind. These places are perfect for that:
Don’t visit Dublin around Christmas. Chances are that stores and attractions will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day (26 December), New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
For the best weather, you’ll want to be in Dublin anywhere between May and September, with July and August as the best – but also the most expensive – months.
Now that you know where to stay, where to eat, where to drink, what to do and when to visit Dublin, it’s time for some miscellaneous travel tips about Dublin to make your next adventure that much more unforgettable.
Bring a reusable tote bag. If you intend to do any shopping at all, make sure you have a reusable bag with you. There is a plastic bag levy in Dublin and most retailers only provide heavy-duty bags, which cost a lot.
Let your pint of Guinness settle. If there’s one way that Dubliners pick up outsiders, it’s this. There’s a whole science to pouring the perfect pint of Guinness, and the two-minute settle time (well, 199.5 seconds, actually) is an essential part of it.
Tip 10% in restaurants. Tipping is not as compulsory as it is in places like the United States, but a 10% is expected. If the service you received was exceptional, you could tip 20% or even more.
Take a day trip to Howth. If you’ve still got one day left in your travel itinerary that you have no idea how to fill in, consider a day trip to this nearby fishing village. There are plenty of things to do in Howth!
Check out Guinness’ secret brewery. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Guinness operates a ‘secret’ brewery, called Open Gate Brewery, at St. James Gate. Brewers get to experiment with different beer types, ingredients and flavours, and you can also get some food there. You do have to book tickets in advance, though. (Entry ticket + tasting paddle with 4 beer samples: €9)
Now you know why Dublin has been one of my favourite places to travel solo in Europe ever since I stepped foot in the Irish capital.
Are there any Dublin travel tips I missed? Would you add anything else to a Dublin itinerary? Let me know in a comment down below.
Thanks for reading!
-S
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