Looking for immersive experiences in London? Well, good, because I’m the UK’s biggest independent immersive experience blogger. Whenever an immersive experience launches in London, I’m there no matter how weird it is. I have visited more than 100 so far!
Below are London’s best immersive experiences that I have tried and tested, organised by type. This article gets updated regularly, you’ll find 30+ immersive experiences here at all times.
Something needs updating? Give me a shout in the comments, or on Instagram (@travelwithpau).
🫖 Afternoon Tea /Wizard Afternoon Tea, spellbindingly delicious, with a smoky cauldron on the side.
🛏️ Overnight /Key of Dreams, a luxury 24 hour immersive theatre and fine dining experience you can stay in overnight.
This Month’s Highlight
Peaky Blinders: Underworld
The one everyone’s talking about right now. Set in the historic railway arches by London Bridge, Peaky Blinders: Underworld drops you straight into Thomas Shelby’s world, starting in a full recreation of the Garrison Tavern, where you can grab a drink before finding the hidden door down into the underworld beneath. From there you’re free to explore Garrison Lane, The Bookies, Chinatown, and the Small Heath Fairground, bumping into actors, solving puzzles, and stumbling into surprises along the way. Around an hour, fully immersive, and exactly the kind of world-building the show’s fans have been waiting for. Running 13 August 2026 – 3 January 2027, from around £25.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and one of the most underrated city breaks in the UK. It’s compact, incredibly walkable, and packed with history, culture, and one of the best food and bar scenes I’ve encountered anywhere in the British Isles.
It’s also a city that wears its complex past openly the murals, the Peace Wall, the political taxi tours and that honesty makes it one of the most thought-provoking places I’ve visited. Come with an open mind, and you’ll leave with a genuine understanding of a city that has worked incredibly hard to reinvent itself.
Nowadays Belfast is my second home, as I own short term accommodation properties in the city. I’m constantly advising and engaging tourists so I do dare say I know a lot. So if you are visiting do me a favour and stay in one of them… wink, wink!
GRAND OPERA HOUSE
BELFAST ESSENTIALS
✈️ Getting There / Belfast has two airports, Belfast International (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), most UK flights use City Airport, which is closer to the centre. Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups for a stress-free arrival. Search flights on Skyscanner.
🚗 Getting Around / The city centre is very walkable, with most attractions within a 20 to 30 minute walk of each other. For day trips out to Giant’s Causeway or Hillsborough Castle, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars.
🧳 Luggage Storage / If you’re early for check-in or have time to kill before heading home, no stress, there are luggage storage points all over Belfast. Use this website to find one nearby.
📱 Connect / Stay connected the moment you land with an eSIM. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / Even for a UK trip, it’s worth having cover. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Wonderful Things to Do in Belfast
Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience
The Titanic Belfast museum is, without exaggeration, one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. Built on the exact slipway where the Titanic was constructed, it takes you through the full story of the ship, from Belfast’s industrial history to the night of the sinking and beyond. The building itself is stunning, designed to resemble the prow of a ship.
Book in advance, this sells out, especially on weekends. Book your Titanic Belfast tickets and include the SS Nomadic visit while you’re there.
Spot the Samson & Goliath Cranes
These two giant yellow cranes are Belfast’s most iconic skyline feature, you can see them from almost everywhere in the city. They’re a symbol of the city’s shipbuilding heritage and make for great photos, especially from the Titanic Quarter waterfront.
Visiting Vienna soon, or thinking about it? If the latter, don’t think about it anymore and get tempted with the things you can do in Vienna featured in the list below. I really liked Vienna, I’ve visited twice. It has beautiful architecture and a royal feel, but is relaxed at the same time. My advice is to visit Vienna on a weekend if you live in Europe and for one or two days if you are doing a trip around Europe or Austria. Anyways, these are my bucket list items for Vienna!
🚗 Getting Around / Vienna’s city centre is extremely walkable, and the public transport (U-Bahn, trams, buses) is excellent if you need to cover more ground.
🧳 Luggage Storage / If you’re early for check-in or have time to kill after checkout, no stress, there are luggage storage points all over Vienna. Use this website to find one nearby.
📱 Connect / Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / Things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Vienna Bucket List: 23 Things to Do
1. Take a Walking Tour of Vienna
One of the things I love is to do a walking tour as soon as I arrive to a city to get an idea of its vibe, and what I would want to do with the rest of my time there. If you are also one of those, book this walking tour as soon as you get to Vienna.
2. Grab Lunch at the Naschmarkt
Vienna’s most popular market, the Naschmarkt, is just awesome. Stop here for lunch. There are fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and foods of all world cuisines. The Middle Eastern food on offer is amazing. Plenty of options for veggies and vegans too, like Neni am Naschmarkt.
3. Eat at a Würstelstand
Don’t worry, you’ll see Würstelstands immediately in the city, they are pretty much everywhere in Vienna. They are literally sausage stands that also sell beer (& pretzels!). I recommend the one in front of the Albertina, which you’ll quickly identify as it has a bunny on top.
4. Watch a Show at the Vienna State Opera House
Vienna is all about music. If you stay a few days and meet some locals, you’ll almost certainly end up talking to someone who’s devoted their life to it, that’s just the city. For a budget option, head to the last-minute ticket office at the side entrance and grab a “standing only” ticket for a few euros. If you’d rather plan ahead, book a Mozart concert at the Golden Hall.
5. Walk Along the Danube
On the Vienna walking tour I did, the guide mentioned walking along the Danube was something he recommended. Essentially street artists in Vienna have an implicit agreement with the council where they have a free pass to paint the walls of the Danube’s river banks with the condition that they don’t paint the walls of the rest of the city. And the result is a colourful walk along the river.
6. Try a Pastry from Demel
Hopefully you’re visiting on a cold day, if so, get yourself a hot chocolate and a pastry from Demel, the famous, historical chocolaterie and pastry shop. Order the Anna Torte, layers of orange liqueur-spiked chocolate cream and sponge under chocolate nougat scrolls, it’s the house specialty, named after Anna Demel herself. Their own take on the Sachertorte is also genuinely a rival to Hotel Sacher’s.
7. Admire Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” at the Belvedere
Austria’s most famous painting, an Art Nouveau piece anyone who’s ever loved should see in person, hangs at the Belvedere. Don’t just go to see The Kiss though, hang around for a bit, it’s a great museum in its own right. Go first thing in the morning if you can, it’s genuinely a different museum by 11am once the tour groups descend. Book your entry ticket to skip the line.
8. Eat a Wiener Schnitzel
All non-vegetarians must try this, it’s the dish people picture when you say Vienna, and it earns the reputation. The original Wiener Schnitzel is made of veal, not pork, and eaten with potatoes, don’t let anyone serve you a pork version and call it the real thing.
9. Walk Around the Museumsquartier
The Museumsquartier is one of my favourite pockets of Vienna to just stroll through, even if museums aren’t really your thing, the courtyards alone are worth the visit. If you do want to go inside somewhere, I’d recommend the Leopold Museum. Book a skip-the-line Leopold Museum ticket.
10. Learn About Freud at the Sigmund Freud Museum
A must for psychologists or Freud fans, the Sigmund Freud Museum is where Freud lived for 47 years in Vienna and produced most of his writings.
11. Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
The gorgeous baroque Schönbrunn Palace is really close to Vienna’s city centre and just a lovely visit, relax in the gardens and admire the beautiful rooms. Just don’t leave it for late afternoon, it closes at 17:30 or 18:30 depending on the time of year. The gardens themselves are free to walk, so even if you skip the paid palace interior, climb up to the Gloriette on the hill behind it, the view back over the palace and out across the city is one of the best in Vienna and costs nothing to enjoy from outside. If you’d rather skip the queues and have someone walk you through the state rooms, book a skip-the-line Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens tour.
12. Admire St Stephen’s Cathedral
Probably the most original cathedral I’ve ever seen, mostly down to its ornately patterned, richly coloured roof, a genuinely unique Vienna sight. If you want to climb one of the towers, decide how you feel about stairs first, the South Tower is 343 steps with no lift, while the North Tower has an elevator and gets you to the famous Pummerin bell with a lot less effort.
13. Pass by the Hundertwasserhaus
If you like original, out-of-the-box architecture, the Hundertwasserhaus is an incredibly quirky, colourful, kitsch residential apartment complex built by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser between 1983 and 1986. He genuinely believed straight lines were “godless and immoral,” so there isn’t a single flat floor or matching window in the entire building, the floors ripple and slope on purpose, no two windows are the same shape or size, and around 250 trees and shrubs grow straight out of the rooftops, balconies, and even from inside some of the apartments. It’s still an actual residential building with real tenants, so you can only see the exterior and the public areas, but that’s honestly enough to get why it’s one of Vienna’s most photographed spots.
14. Try the Famous Sachertorte
Probably one of the most touristy things to do in Vienna, yes, but who could say no to chocolate cake? Sachertorte is a dense chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam on top, coated in dark chocolate icing, served with unsweetened whipped cream. Both Demel and Hotel Sacher fight for the title of “the Original Sachertorte”, try both and decide for yourself.
15. Have Coffee in a Kaffeehäuser
Coffee houses have always played a genuinely important role in Viennese culture, the meeting places for musicians, writers, philosophers, and artists for generations. Bring a book if you have one, nobody’s going to rush you out for nursing one coffee for two hours, that’s kind of the whole point. My picks: Café Schwarzenberg, Café Prückel, Café Central, Kleines Café, and Kaffee Alt Wien.
The Hofburg was the winter residence of the Habsburg royal family for over 600 years, and honestly, if you only have time for one palace in Vienna and can’t decide between this and Schönbrunn, this is the one right in the centre, no separate trip needed. Inside you’ll find the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum dedicated to the famously private Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Treasury. Book a skip-the-line Hofburg and Sisi Museum tour.
18. Watch the Lipizzaner Horses at the Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School, right next to the Hofburg, trains the famous white Lipizzaner horses in classical dressage, and it’s one of those things that sounds like a tourist trap on paper but genuinely isn’t, watching a performance in the baroque Winter Riding School, complete with live orchestral music, is unlike anything else on this list. Book Spanish Riding School performance tickets, worth booking 4 to 12 weeks ahead in peak season.
19. Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater
The Wiener Riesenrad, Prater’s Giant Ferris Wheel, has been turning since 1897, making it one of the oldest still-operating Ferris wheels in the world, and there’s something genuinely charming about how unhurried it feels, no fast-track queue-jumping thrill ride, just a slow, enclosed wooden cabin and a proper panoramic view over the city. Time it for just before sunset if you can, one rotation takes about 15 minutes, which is plenty of time to actually enjoy the view rather than just snap a photo and move on. Book Giant Ferris Wheel tickets.
20. Get Delightfully Weirded Out at the Narrenturm
Housed in a former 18th-century insane asylum, the Narrenturm is home to the world’s largest public collection of pathological anatomy exhibits, around 50,000 items in total, syphilitic skulls, a narwhal tusk, and taxidermied specimens included. Genuinely not for the squeamish, but unforgettable if you’re into the strange side of history.
21. Visit the Third Man Museum
Dedicated entirely to the 1949 film noir classic shot on location in Vienna, the Third Man Museum packs a private collection of memorabilia into 16 small rooms, and doubles as a genuinely fascinating window into the city’s grim post-war years. It only opens Saturday afternoons (2–6pm), or by private tour appointment, so plan around it.
22. Wander Spittelberg
Tucked just behind the Museumsquartier, Spittelberg is a pocket of narrow cobbled streets, Biedermeier-era houses, and ivy-covered courtyards, a much quieter, more residential contrast to Vienna’s grander imperial sights. It’s especially lovely (if crowded) during its Christmas market in December.
23. Go Hunting for Vienna’s Flak Towers
Six colossal grey Flak Towers (Flaktürme), built to defend the city against Allied air raids in WWII, still loom over Vienna’s skyline in pairs across three parks, deliberately left standing because they were too solidly built to safely demolish. A slightly macabre but genuinely striking scavenger hunt if you’re up for tracking down all three pairs.
Best Day Trips from Vienna
Wachau Valley
A UNESCO World Heritage stretch of the Danube, Wachau Valley is dotted with medieval castles, quaint villages, and terraced vineyards, about an hour by train from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof or Westbahnhof to Krems or Melk. Visit Melk Abbey, stroll the romantic town of Dürnstein, and taste the region’s crisp white wines in Krems. Book a Wachau Valley day tour covering Krems, Dürnstein, and Melk if you’d rather not sort the train connections yourself.
Hallstatt and Salzburg
Salzburg on its own is generally too far for a comfortable Vienna day trip, a 3-hour drive each way, but a combined day tour that also takes in Hallstatt, the impossibly picturesque lakeside village that’s become an Instagram staple, makes the long day worth it. Book a Hallstatt and Salzburg day tour.
Vienna Woods
Right on the city’s doorstep, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) combine forested hiking country with a genuine curiosity, Seegrotte, Europe’s largest underground lake, plus a stop for local wine tasting. Book a Vienna Woods tour with the underground lake and wine tasting.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Just an hour away by train, or about 75 minutes by high-speed catamaran along the Danube, Bratislava is a completely different country and a genuinely easy add-on, a fascinating mix of medieval charm and communist-era architecture right on the riverbank. Book a 7-hour Bratislava tour by bus and boat.
Where to Stay in Vienna
Stick to the 1st district (Innere Stadt) if you want to walk to everything, it’s the historic centre and home to the Hofburg and St Stephen’s Cathedral, though it’s also the most expensive. The 6th and 7th districts (Mariahilf and Neubau) give you the best balance of location, atmosphere, and price, and that’s exactly where Naschmarkt sits.
I’m going to make quite a statement, but I think this is the best hostel I’ve been in my life, and I don’t usually do hostels, or generally like them, I guess I’m too old for them at least now! But Wombats in Vienna completely exceeded my expectations. It’s really clean, the room and locker both open with a card key, which I found genuinely impressive, and every room has an ensuite bathroom. There’s a nice bar in the hostel where I met a lot of people in about two seconds, and they even give you a free welcome drink. Breakfast is excellent and cheap, and they run a free walking tour of Vienna too. It’s been a while since my own stay, but it’s clearly not a fluke, it’s still sitting at 9.1 on Hostelworld from over 34,000 reviews and ranked in Vienna’s top 12 specialty stays on Tripadvisor, so whatever they’re doing, they’re still doing it right. There’s also a second location, Wombats The Lounge, close to Westbahnhof Train Station. Best for: solo travellers and anyone who wants to actually meet people.
A small, classically styled B&B ranked #1 of 175 B&Bs and inns in Vienna on Tripadvisor, with an overall rating of 9.4/10 across review sites. Each floor has its own decor theme, expect parquet floors and genuinely comfortable beds, and there’s a warm, personal touch, afternoon coffee and cake, and complimentary house concerts with chamber music most weekends. Worth knowing: it’s central for most sights but Schönbrunn Palace itself still needs a short tram or metro ride, it’s not walkable from here despite the name.
The legendary home of the Original Sachertorte, right across from the State Opera House, about as central and iconic as Vienna gets. It opened in 1876, built by Eduard Sacher, son of the pastry chef who invented the Sachertorte, on the site of the old theatre that stood before the Opera itself. It’s still privately owned by the same family today, the Gürtlers, four generations in, one of the last privately-owned luxury hotels left in the world. Currently sits on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list and holds 3 Michelin Keys.
1 to 2 days is enough for a weekend trip if you live in Europe, hits the main sights, a coffee house, and the Sachertorte debate.
3 days is the sweet spot, adds Schönbrunn Palace properly, the Belvedere, and time to just wander without rushing.
4+ days lets you add a day trip, the Wachau Valley or Bratislava are both easy, worthwhile additions.
Getting To & Around Vienna
Within Europe, low-cost flights get you to Vienna very cheaply, search on Skyscanner, and book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups if you’d rather have it sorted in advance. Depending on where you’re coming from, the train can also make sense, both in terms of time and money, especially from nearby cities like Prague or Budapest.
Once you’re here, Vienna’s city centre is extremely walkable, and the public transport network (U-Bahn, trams, buses) is excellent whenever you need to cover more ground.
Best Time to Visit Vienna
The best time to visit Vienna is spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), mild weather and manageable crowds. Summer (June to August) is warm and busy with tourists, while winter brings the famous Christmas markets but genuinely cold temperatures, worth it if that’s your thing.
Vienna FAQs
What is the best time to visit Vienna?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the best weather-to-crowds balance. Winter is worth it for the Christmas markets if you don’t mind the cold.
How many days do I need in Vienna?
A weekend (1 to 2 days) works if you live in Europe, but 3 days is the sweet spot for a proper first visit.
Is Vienna expensive?
Vienna is mid-range by Western European standards, not as pricey as somewhere like Paris or Zurich, but not a budget destination either. Coffee house culture and museum visits add up, but public transport and food markets like the Naschmarkt keep costs reasonable.
What’s the best day trip from Vienna?
The Wachau Valley (castles, vineyards, about an hour by train), Bratislava (a different country entirely, also about an hour), and the Vienna Woods (hiking plus an underground lake) are all genuinely easy and worthwhile on their own. Salzburg alone is too far for a comfortable day trip, a 3-hour drive each way, but a combined tour that pairs it with the lakeside village of Hallstatt makes the long day worth it if you want to tick both off.
Do I need to book museum and palace tickets in advance?
For the big ones, Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere especially, booking ahead is worth it in peak season to skip the queues. Smaller museums like the Sigmund Freud Museum or Leopold Museum are usually fine to just show up.
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Enjoyed this article? Support my work by buying me an oat cappuccino. Otherwise, do me a great favour and leave a comment, and follow me on Instagram (@travelwithpau), feel free to say hello, I don’t bite. And make sure you save the article for later on Pinterest.
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Buenos Aires is my city! I was born and lived 23 years in Buenos Aires before moving to London, and I still visit every year. This is my complete Buenos Aires bucket list, built from a lifetime of actually living here, not a whistle-stop tour.
BUENOS AIRES ESSENTIALS
✈️ Getting There / You can really only get to Buenos Aires by plane, it’s pretty far south compared to almost anywhere else in the world (Uruguay is the exception, you can get to Colonia in about an hour by ferry). Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups for a hassle-free arrival. Search flights on Skyscanner, I’ve flown to Buenos Aires from London at least once a year for the past five years and it consistently finds the best deals.
🚗 Getting Around / Buenos Aires is a bustling, well-connected city with an extensive public transport system, buses (colectivos), the subway (Subte), and trains. You can now tap a contactless credit or debit card, or a phone wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, directly on the Subte and most buses, no need to sort out a SUBE card in advance if you’d rather not. The SUBE card is still worth getting if you want it, buy it at any subway station, kiosk, or Correo Argentino post office and load credit onto it as you go. Uber and Cabify are widely available and usually cheaper than street taxis. I also just enjoy walking, the neighbourhoods are super pedestrian-friendly.
🧳 Luggage Storage / If you’re early for check-in or have time to kill after checkout, no stress, there are luggage storage points all over Buenos Aires, including Recoleta, Palermo, Retiro, and Microcentro. Use this website to find one nearby.
📱 Connect / Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / Things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Hands down my favourite attraction in Buenos Aires is walking around Palermo Soho, named after New York’s own Soho and every bit as cool, cobblestone streets, old Spanish-style houses converted into independent boutiques and art galleries, and some of the best street art in the city covering the walls of Calle Serrano and Calle Honduras. Start from Plaza Armenia and make your way to Plaza Serrano. Stop for brunch at Mark’s Deli, Cocu Boulangerie or Pani. If street art is your thing, book a Palermo graffiti and street art walking tour.
3. Take Colourful Shots at Caminito in La Boca
Caminito is a street in La Boca filled with colourful painted houses, remains of the communal houses built by Italian immigrants in the 19th century. My mum is from La Boca and even lived in a conventillo (a “tenement house”, one of the shared houses these Italian immigrant families divided into single rooms, often with a whole family per room and shared kitchens and bathrooms) when she was a child. Book a La Boca guided walking tour to get the full history.
4. Watch a Boca Juniors Match
Football, or fútbol as we call it, is an obsession for many in Buenos Aires. Boca Juniors’ fans are so intense they’re called “la 12”, the 12th player on the field, and the stadium itself is nicknamed La Bombonera (“the chocolate box”), the story goes the architect’s friend gave him a box of chocolates and he realised the unusual D-shape he’d sketched looked just like it. Book the Boca Juniors match experience, or if there’s no match on, take the stadium tour instead.
5. Visit the MALBA Museum
MALBA, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, is my favourite museum in the city and very worth spending a couple of hours in, its permanent collection holds real Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera pieces alongside the big names of Latin American modernism, and the striking limestone and glass building itself was designed by a competition jury that included Norman Foster.
6. Catch La Bomba del Tiempo or La Grande
Every Monday for over 20 years, La Bomba del Tiempo, a band of more than 17 percussionists, has been delighting locals and foreigners with their beats. Book tickets for La Bomba del Tiempo at Ciudad Cultural Konex. Prefer Tuesdays? La Grande is the one to go for.
7. Spend Your Sunday in San Telmo
Sundays are the best day to visit San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest barrio, dating back to the 1600s and originally home to dockworkers and immigrants whose conventillos are where tango itself really took shape. San Telmo Market is open every day but Plaza Dorrego Flea Market is Sundays only. Book a San Telmo and market guided tour if you want the full story behind it.
8. Try Empanadas
Empanadas are a go-to food item in Argentina, we eat them all the time, with friends, at home, as an appetiser for asado. My picks are La Cocina, La Morada, and De Rosa.
9. Marvel at the Teatro Colón
Teatro Colón is considered one of the ten best opera houses in the world, and National Geographic once ranked its acoustics third on the planet, beaten only by La Scala in Milan and Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, all down to the horseshoe shape of the auditorium. Buy tickets for a performance, or if you’d rather see it in daylight, book a small-group city tour that includes Teatro Colón.
10. Get Lost at Recoleta Cemetery
One of the world’s best cemeteries, you’ll be amazed by the mausoleums, sculptures, and detail of Recoleta Cemetery. It’s also the final resting place of Eva Perón, whose tomb remains one of the most visited spots in the whole city. Book a Recoleta Cemetery guided tour to get the full history behind the names.
11. Take a Tango Lesson
You can’t leave Buenos Aires without trying tango, it grew out of the working-class immigrant barrios in the late 1800s, a blend of African rhythms, Italian and Spanish folk music, and the European waltz, all mixing together in courtyards and general stores. Book Piazzolla Tango, a majestic live music and tango performance inspired by Astor Piazzolla’s work, you get a 30-minute tango class before the show.
12. Have Cocktails at Buenos Aires’ Quirkiest Bars
Go back to Prohibition-era through a telephone box at Frank’s, drink at a steampunk speakeasy at Victoria Brown, sip cocktails in a flower shop at Florería Atlántico, or get your fix in a New York pharmacy you enter through a subway carriage at Uptown.
13. Browse Books at Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, and that’s because it used to be a theatre. It opened in 1919, became one of Buenos Aires’ grandest cinemas in 1929 (the first in Argentina to screen sound films), and only became a bookshop in 2000. Tango legends like Carlos Gardel once performed here, and the original frescoed ceiling, ornate carvings, and crimson stage curtains are all still intact. The old theatre boxes are now cosy reading nooks, and the stage itself, where all those performances once happened, is now a café where you can sit and browse with a coffee under the fresco. Over a million people walk through it every year, so go early if you want photos without the crowds.
14. Eat Argentine Pizza
Our pizza is thick, cheesy to levels you could never have imagined, and it has olives on top, it comes from Genoese focaccia rather than Neapolitan pizza, a La Boca baker’s son is said to have invented “fugazzeta” by slicing a dry focaccia in half and stuffing it with cheese. Try El Güerrin, El Cuartito, Las Cuartetas, or Pirilo.
15. Stroll Through El Rosedal
El Rosedal is a rose garden within Bosques de Palermo, designed in 1914 by French landscaper Charles Thays, whose fingerprints are all over Buenos Aires’ parks, the roses, water fountains, white veranda, and bridge make it a genuinely pretty place for a wander.
16. Have Coffee at Café Tortoni
Café Tortoni is one of the oldest cafés in the city, around since 1858, tango legend Carlos Gardel had his own reserved window table, and writer Jorge Luis Borges was such a regular that there’s now a life-size wax figure of him sitting at his old corner table. Order “cafe con medialunas”, coffee and croissants, or chocolate con churros.
17. Visit La Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo
La Casa Rosada (Pink House) is the main government building in Buenos Aires, nobody agrees on why it’s pink, one story says the original paint was mixed with cow’s blood to weatherproof it against the humidity, another says President Sarmiento blended the red and white of the country’s two rival political parties to symbolise unity. Free guided tours run on weekends.
18. Eat Facturas at a Panadería
Facturas are pastries Argentines love, we buy them by the dozen, and some of the classic names are a lot more subversive than they sound, “vigilante” (the long straight one) is named after a policeman’s baton and “bola de fraile” (the round one) mocks a friar’s tonsure, both dreamed up by striking anarchist bakers in the 1880s poking fun at the police and the church. Try Confitería Dos Escudos, El Galeón, Santa Paula, La Argentina, or Ritz.
19. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes features art from renowned South American painters, as well as Monet, Degas, and Picasso, and it’s free, its 12,000-plus piece collection is the largest in Latin America, and the building itself used to be a pumping station for the city’s waterworks before it became a museum in 1933.
20. Photograph the Obelisco and Stroll Puerto Madero
The Obelisco is the most iconic monument in Buenos Aires, standing at the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest street in the world at 16 lanes. Nearby, Puerto Madero is the refurbished port area, now one of the fanciest parts of the city, don’t miss the Puente de la Mujer (Woman’s Bridge).
21. Indulge in Dulce de Leche, Alfajores and Helado
First, you must try dulce de leche, similar to caramel but better, we eat it with everything. Ask for “panqueques con dulce de leche” or “flan con dulce de leche” for dessert, or grab alfajores (two round cookies with a filling) from any “kiosco”. For ice cream, try Freddo, Volta, Persicco, Rapa Nui, or Cadore.
22. Visit Palacio Barolo
Step into the grandeur of Palacio Barolo, an architectural masterpiece inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, it’s exactly 100 metres tall, one for each canto of the poem, with 22 floors split into Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven as you go up, and a lighthouse at the top that was visible from Montevideo when it opened in 1923 as the tallest building in South America. Book the day guided tour.
23. Explore Buenos Aires Off the Beaten Path
For hidden gems and lesser-known neighbourhoods beyond the usual Palermo/San Telmo/Recoleta circuit, barrios like Villa Crespo, Chacarita, or Colegiales, where locals actually live and hardly any tourists go, book a private off-the-beaten-path tour.
24. Try Yerba Mate
No trip to Argentina is complete without trying yerba mate, the bitter, grassy tea that’s less a drink and more a daily ritual here, shared from a single gourd and metal straw (bombilla) passed round a group. You’ll see it everywhere, in parks, on park benches, at football matches. Any supermarket or kiosco sells starter kits if you want to bring the ritual home.
Best Day Trips from Buenos Aires
Half-Day Trip to the Tigre Delta
Tigre is a riverside town on the Paraná Delta, the second-largest river delta in South America, a maze of waterways and stilt houses only reachable by boat, some of the islands still have no roads or mains electricity at all. It became a fashionable weekend escape for wealthy Buenos Aires families once the railway arrived in 1865, hence the old rowing clubs and grand villas you’ll still spot along the water today. It’s only about an hour from Retiro station, which makes it a lovely, easy half-day escape from the city without much planning needed. Book a Tigre Delta boat trip.
San Antonio de Areco and Estancia Day Tour
Step into the heart of Argentine culture with a visit to San Antonio de Areco, officially recognised by Argentine law as the National Capital of Tradition and still home to working silversmiths producing the same style of gaucho silverware their predecessors have made since the 18th century. Every November the town hosts the Día de la Tradición, one of the country’s biggest gaucho festivals, with horse parades and folk performances filling the streets. This tour includes a visit to a traditional estancia (ranch), a mouthwatering barbecue lunch (asado), and a folklore show. Book the San Antonio de Areco, Estancia and BBQ tour.
Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento
Escape the city with a ferry ride to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. I’ve actually taken this exact trip and loved it. Book a Colonia del Sacramento tour, or if you’d rather sort the ferry crossing yourself and explore independently, Ferryhopper covers the Buenos Aires to Colonia route.
Day Tour to Iguazú Falls
Experience the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls on a day tour from Buenos Aires, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. It’s seriously one of the best trip experiences I’ve ever had. This tour includes flights and transport, so you get to explore the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides in one day. Book the Iguazú Falls day tour.
Explore Campanópolis, the Magical Village
Wine Tasting and Lunch at Bodega Gamboa
Discover the enchanting Campanópolis, a whimsical architectural wonder just outside Buenos Aires, built from recycled materials with fairytale-like buildings and labyrinthine paths. It’s the passion project of one man, businessman Antonio Campana, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness in the 1980s and spent the rest of his life building it by hand with a small group of local masons, no architects, no formal plans, just a self-taught vision of a medieval European village on what used to be a rubbish dump. Wander the 12 forest houses and you’ll find a windmill, a chapel, fountains, bridges, and even an old locomotive tucked among the trees. Book a Campanópolis visit.
Indulge in Argentine wine at Bodega Gamboa, a boutique winery just outside the city, this tour includes a tasting session, a vineyard tour, and lunch surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Book the Bodega Gamboa wine tasting and lunch tour.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
I highly recommend staying in Palermo to make the most of your time in Buenos Aires, there’s an incredible amount of great restaurants, bars, and stores there compared to other areas.
Budget
My Mom’s Airbnb: My mum, who is an artist, recently bought and renovated this studio apartment in Palermo, it’s decorated with her own artwork throughout and it’s genuinely lovely. She’s a great host, and everyone who stays there raves about her hospitality above all else. Self-catering and cheap accommodation in a perfect location. Works well whether it’s just you travelling solo or a couple with a young child, a cot is available if you need one. Best for: budget travellers who want a genuinely central location.
Alfonsina Hostel: Right in Palermo Soho near Plaza Serrano, rated 9.0 on Booking.com from 282 reviews and 5/5 on Tripadvisor. Clean, friendly staff, an outdoor pool, and buffet breakfast included, genuinely impressive for the price. Best for: solo travellers and backpackers who still want a bit of comfort.
Mid-range
CasaSur Palermo Hotel: A chic boutique hotel in Palermo Soho, known for its stylish design, comfortable rooms, and proximity to trendy cafes and shops.
Fierro Hotel Buenos Aires: A boutique hotel with spacious suites, a rooftop pool, and an excellent on-site restaurant in Palermo Hollywood.
Mine Hotel Boutique: A cozy, contemporary boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a garden pool, and a convenient location in Palermo Soho.
Loi Suites Recoleta: A comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, a lovely indoor pool, and an excellent location near Recoleta Cemetery and the neighbourhood’s cultural attractions.
Dazzler by Wyndham Buenos Aires: A modern, affordable hotel with well-appointed rooms and a fitness centre, with multiple locations across the city.
Splurge
Alvear Palace Hotel: A luxurious, historic hotel in the upscale Recoleta district, with opulent rooms, a renowned spa, and impeccable service. It opened in 1932 in full Belle Époque style, French Baroque motifs inside and Second Empire grandeur outside, and it’s been a magnet for the famous ever since, past guests include Walt Disney, Sean Connery, and Antonio Banderas. It’s one of only four Argentine hotels on the Leading Hotels of the World list, and it’s officially a Historical Monument of the City of Buenos Aires. If you’re going to splurge on one hotel in this city, make it this one.
Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires: A five-star gem blending modern luxury with historic charm, spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and an excellent steakhouse.
Buenos Aires as a capital city has the best food and the best restaurants you can find in Argentina, the offer is truly incredible. Rather than list a handful here, I’ve put together running Google Maps lists I keep adding to:
3 days is enough to hit the main highlights, Palermo Soho, San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta Cemetery, and a proper asado dinner.
5 days lets you slow down, explore more neighbourhoods properly, and add one day trip, Tigre or Colonia del Sacramento are both easy half or full days.
7+ days is worth it if you want to add Iguazú Falls (it deserves its own day, ideally more), San Antonio de Areco’s gaucho culture, or Bodega Gamboa for wine, and still have time to just live like a local for a bit.
Getting To & Around Buenos Aires
You can really only get to Buenos Aires by plane, it’s pretty far south compared to almost anywhere else in the world (Uruguay’s the exception, you can reach Colonia in about an hour by ferry). Search flights on Skyscanner, I’ve been flying to Buenos Aires from London at least once a year for the past five years and Skyscanner always finds the best deals. For a reliable, hassle-free arrival, book a private transfer with WelcomePickups.
Once you’re here, Buenos Aires is a bustling and well-connected city with an extensive public transport system, buses (colectivos), the subway (Subte), and trains. You can now tap a contactless credit or debit card, or a phone wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, directly on the Subte and most buses, no need to sort out a SUBE card in advance if you’d rather not. If you’re really trying to cheap out though, get a SUBE card instead, at any subway station, kiosk, or Correo Argentino post office, and load credit onto it as you go, contactless card payments get converted at the official exchange rate, which is worse than what you’d get otherwise. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available, though taxis usually cost more. I very much enjoy walking, the neighbourhoods are super pedestrian-friendly and full of charming streets to explore.
Caminito, Buenos Aires
Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). The weather is pleasant, and the city’s parks and streets are particularly beautiful in these seasons. Remember the seasons are flipped from the northern hemisphere, so December to February is Buenos Aires’ summer and can get properly hot and humid, while June to August is winter, mild by European standards but chillier than most visitors expect from South America.
Buenos Aires FAQs
What is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). The weather is pleasant, and the city’s parks and streets are particularly beautiful during these seasons.
Do I need to speak Spanish in Buenos Aires?
While many locals speak at least some English in tourist areas, it’s helpful to know basic Spanish phrases for getting around, ordering food, and interacting with locals.
Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?
Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always best to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid flashing valuables and be cautious when using ATMs. Stick to well-lit areas at night and use registered taxis or rideshares.
Can I visit Buenos Aires on a budget?
Yes. Buenos Aires is a great destination for budget travellers. Public transport is affordable, and there are many free or inexpensive attractions to explore, such as museums, parks, and historic neighbourhoods.
What’s the best neighbourhood to stay in?
Palermo is where I’d recommend staying to make the most of your time, there’s an incredible amount of great restaurants, bars, and stores there compared to other areas, and it’s well connected to the rest of the city.
How many days do I need in Buenos Aires?
3 days covers the main highlights, but 5 to 7 days lets you slow down, explore properly, and fit in at least one day trip, see How Long to Spend in Buenos Aires above for the full breakdown.
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San Agustin is the calm, grown-up cousin in Gran Canaria’s south coast family. Just a few minutes east of Playa del Ingles, it trades wild nights and party strips for peaceful walks, soft sand, and a slower pace of life. It’s the kind of place where you hear the ocean at night, and where the most stressful decision of the day is choosing between the pool or the beach.
This is a destination for people who want to do less, better. Mornings are for long breakfasts and sun loungers. Afternoons mean coastal walks, maybe a massage, and the occasional lazy sangria. And evenings? Dinner with a view, with the sound of waves in the background.
San Agustin is relaxed, quiet, and low-key, especially compared to nearby Playa del Ingles or Maspalomas. It’s popular with Scandinavian and German visitors (some of whom live here part-time), and it’s definitely not a party town. It’s about sea views, casual walks, good food, and the occasional spa day. You won’t find big shopping streets or all-night bars, instead you get coastal promenades, mellow beaches, and restaurants that don’t rush you. It’s a great fit for couples, solo travellers, families, and anyone who wants to avoid the chaos without being completely isolated.
SAN AGUSTIN ESSENTIALS
✈️ Getting There / You’ll fly into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), about 20 to 25 minutes by taxi from San Agustin. I always use WelcomePickups for all my airport transfers, and San Agustin was no exception. Search flights on Skyscanner.
🚗 Getting Around / San Agustin is very walkable, you can get to the beach, shopping centre, and restaurants on foot. There are local buses that connect you to nearby areas like Maspalomas or Las Palmas, but if you want to properly explore Gran Canaria, renting a car is the best move. The island is small and easy to drive, so day trips from here are genuinely easy. Compare rental cars on DiscoverCars.
📱 Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you’re in Spain, and I always recommend using an eSIM, there’s absolutely no need for a physical one. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads covers adventure activities, emergency medical, and trip cancellation.
Things to Do in San Agustin
1. Spend Time on San Agustin Beach
San Agustin Beach is long, curved, and quieter than others in the south. Black volcanic sand, clear water, and usually calm waves. There are sun loungers for hire (cheap), lifeguards, and a few casual cafes in and behind the beach.
2. Walk to Playa del Ingles
The seafront promenade connects San Agustin to Playa del Ingles in about 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a stunning walk, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens, with plenty of benches and lookout points along the way. I’ll be honest, I found Playa del Ingles itself pretty tacky, cheap-looking restaurants and bars and lots of booze, but if that’s your thing I’m not here to judge. It’s the complete opposite of San Agustin’s vibe.
3. Go on a Catamaran Cruise
This half-day catamaran cruise from Puerto Rico combines laid-back sailing with the chance to try water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boat rides. You’ll cruise along Gran Canaria’s southern coast, stop in a calm bay for swimming or snorkelling, and enjoy a light lunch with drinks on board. It was one of the best boat tours I’ve done, and I’ve done many. Book the catamaran morning cruise with water sports, they pick you up in San Agustin.
4. Explore Gran Canaria with Local Guides
If you’re after a more personal take on the island, this small-group tour is a brilliant way to explore both the must-see highlights and the off-the-beaten-path spots. Guided by two passionate locals, you’ll visit picturesque villages, dramatic viewpoints, and lesser-known corners that reveal the authentic side of Gran Canaria. Book the Gran Canaria highlights and hidden gems tour.
5. Taste Local Rum, Wine and Bananas
For a true flavour of Gran Canaria, this guided tour blends the island’s agricultural traditions with some delicious tastings. You’ll visit local farms and producers, sampling Canarian rum, wines, and fresh bananas while learning how they’re made, a laid-back and tasty way to experience the countryside. Book the rum, wines and banana tour, it offers pickup from San Agustin.
6. Take a Surf Lesson
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your technique, a surf lesson on the beach in San Agustin is a great way to get out on the waves. The session includes all the gear, guidance from certified instructors, and a laid-back, friendly vibe, ideal if you’re keen to try something active without straying far from your hotel.
7. Enjoy a Thalasso Spa
The Thalasso Centre at Gloria Palace is open to the public and offers everything from seawater circuits to deep-tissue massages. The water circuits are pretty unique, and the architecture of the spa and the views are stunning. And for the record, Thalasso means sea water, yes, this spa genuinely uses seawater.
8. Play Mini Golf at the San Agustin Shopping Centre
A fun, low-key activity for families or anyone with a competitive streak. Not flashy, but well-maintained and conveniently located right in the shopping centre. We loved it.
9. See the Origen Dinner Show
For a night out that’s completely different, book a seat at the Origen Dinner Show at Sala Scala. This immersive experience blends Canarian history, dance, music, and acrobatics into one high-energy performance, all while you enjoy a three-course meal. A fun, theatrical way to experience the island’s culture without it feeling like a lecture.
10. Go Dolphin Watching
Head out from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria on a dolphin-watching cruise that’s equal parts relaxing and exciting. You’ll sail along the island’s southwest coast with a chance to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, often swimming right alongside the boat, and if you’re lucky, whales or flying fish too. Book the dolphin watching cruise, pickup available from San Agustin.
11. Ride a Camel Through the Maspalomas Dunes
Experience Gran Canaria’s desert-like landscapes with a guided camel ride through the iconic Maspalomas Dunes. This short but memorable trek offers a unique way to explore the protected nature reserve, with sweeping views of golden sand and distant ocean. Book the Maspalomas camel ride. You’ll need to get yourself to the starting point by bus, taxi, or, if you’re staying at the Gloria Palace, using their free transfer to Maspalomas.
12. Spend a Day at Aqualand Maspalomas
If you’re travelling with kids, or just want to beat the heat in the most fun way possible, head to Aqualand Maspalomas. This large water park has everything from relaxing lazy rivers to high-adrenaline slides like the Kamikaze and Racer Twin Turbulence, with dedicated areas for smaller children, plenty of sunbeds, and food on-site. Book Aqualand Maspalomas admission in advance in high season.
13. Explore Sioux City
Sioux City is a replica Wild West frontier town near San Bartolome de Tirajana, complete with cowboy shows, stunt performances, and a small zoo. It’s deliberately kitsch and knows it, the shows are entertaining and it makes for a solid half-day activity, especially if you’re travelling with children or want something completely different from beach time. Check showtimes and book here.
14. Visit Mundo Aborigen
On the road to Fataga, Mundo Aborigen is an open-air reconstruction of an ancient Canary village, showing how the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches, lived before Spanish colonisation. Life-size figures are set among caves and huts in a dramatic landscape, it’s a bit rough around the edges but genuinely interesting if you want context on the island’s pre-Hispanic history, and it’s usually combined with the drive through the spectacular Barranco de Fataga gorge.
Where to Stay in San Agustin
Accommodation in San Agustin is mostly mid-range, quiet, and close to the beach. These are your best options.
Budget
Apartamentos Buganvilla A good self-catering option. Basic but spotless apartments with kitchens and balconies, ideal if you want a base to explore or cook a few meals yourself. Best for: self-catering on a budget.
Mid-range
Hotel San Agustin Beach Club Right on the beach and ideal for adults who want peace and quiet. Feels a little retro in the best way, think white tablecloths and balconies over the sea. Best for: adults wanting quiet beachfront.
Corallium Beach by Lopesan Hotels(Adults Only) Clean, modern, and extremely chilled. Great pool scene, decent food, and located just steps from the beach promenade. Best for: couples wanting a chilled adults-only stay.
Don Gregory by Dunas(Adults Only) Bright, calm, and very beachfront. Every room has a sea view, and it’s walkable to pretty much everything in San Agustin. Best for: sea views on every room.
Splurge
Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel This is where I stayed and loved it. The biggest and most well-known hotel in the area, with sea views, multiple pools, and a well-rated spa. The rooftop restaurant, Gorbea, is a popular dinner spot even for non-guests. If you’re visiting with kids, they have a kids’ pool and water slides, a mini club, and high chairs all over, and you can select an all-inclusive option to have all your meals sorted. Best for: families and a proper spa stay.
Greek Taverna A cosy, family-run place with fresh Greek flavours, ideal if you want something different after a few days of Spanish food. Grilled meats, salads, and house wine.
Addio Mare Casual Italian with a big terrace. Well-made pizzas, proper pasta, and very consistent, great for a relaxed evening meal.
Il Vespino Vecchio A standout Italian tucked near the shopping centre. Excellent handmade pasta, a solid wine list, and very welcoming staff. Book ahead, it’s not big and it’s popular.
Restaurante Gorbea (Gloria Palace rooftop) Ideal for a special night. Refined food, grilled meats, fresh seafood, plated starters, with rooftop views. Best to reserve a window table.
Loopys Pizzeria A laid-back, modern pizzeria with crisp, stone-baked pizzas and cold beer. Popular with families and big groups, they do takeaway too.
Bar La Riojana A super local bar with great prices and surprisingly good tapas. Simple, unfussy, and often busy with residents, ideal for a quick drink and bite.
Helamore Hands down the best ice cream in San Agustin. Creative flavours, generous scoops, and lovely staff. A must after dinner or mid-afternoon on the beach.
How Long to Spend in San Agustin
3 to 4 days is enough for the beach, a stroll to Playa del Ingles, the catamaran cruise, and a couple of the tours.
7 days is the sweet spot for a holiday, adding Las Palmas, the local guides tour, Aqualand or Sioux City, and enough beach time to genuinely relax.
10+ days is worth considering if you want to explore the whole island thoroughly, combining the south with a couple of nights in Las Palmas.
Getting To & Around San Agustin
You’ll fly into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), about 20 to 25 minutes by taxi from San Agustin. I always use WelcomePickups for all my airport transfers, and San Agustin was no exception. The No. 66 or 90 buses also connect the airport to San Agustin, cheap but not ideal with heavy luggage or for families and big groups. Search flights on Skyscanner.
San Agustin itself is very walkable, especially the beachfront promenade linking the main hotels, shopping centre, and beaches. If you’re heading further, like Maspalomas or Las Palmas, you’ll want a car or to use taxis and buses, although I did actually walk to Maspalomas with the pram once. Renting a car is useful if you want to explore the island properly, otherwise it’s not essential. Compare rental cars on DiscoverCars.
Best Time to Visit San Agustin
Like most of Gran Canaria, San Agustin is a year-round destination. That said:
December to February is peak season for northern European visitors escaping winter. Expect higher prices and busy hotels, but the weather’s still mild and sunny.
March to May is a sweet spot, warm temperatures, quieter resorts, and slightly better deals.
June to August brings hotter weather and more families, but San Agustin stays less crowded than nearby resorts.
September to November offers great weather and fewer crowds, perfect for off-season sun.
San Agustin FAQ
Is San Agustin suitable for families? Yes. It’s one of the quieter resort areas on Gran Canaria, with a laid-back atmosphere, calm beaches, and easy access to restaurants and shops. It’s a great option if you’re travelling with kids and want to avoid the louder nightlife in nearby Playa del Ingles. I actually visited with a 7-month-old baby, and the Gloria Palace San Agustin is perfect if you’re visiting with kids, they have a kids’ pool and water slides, mini club, and high chairs all over. You can also select an all-inclusive option to have all your meals sorted.
Is it walkable? Yes, especially within San Agustin itself. The beachfront promenade links the main hotels, shopping centre, and beaches. If you’re heading further, like Maspalomas or Las Palmas, you’ll want a car or to use taxis and buses, although I did actually walk there with the pram.
Do I need a car? Not necessarily. You can get around locally on foot or by taxi, and there’s a decent bus network for trips further afield. But if you want to explore the island properly, mountains, small towns, hidden beaches, hiring a car is worth it.
How far is San Agustin from the airport? About 20 minutes by car or taxi. There are also airport shuttles and buses, but a private transfer is the quickest and easiest if you’ve got luggage or kids in tow.
Can you swim at the beach here? Yes, San Agustin Beach has gentle waves most of the year, with lifeguards on duty. It’s popular but not usually crowded, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
Is San Agustin good for nightlife? It’s more low-key than neighbouring resorts, think cocktail bars, hotel lounges, and the odd live music night rather than big clubs. For proper nightlife, you’re better off heading to Playa del Ingles (10 minutes away by taxi), although I must warn that Playa del Ingles was god awful in my opinion, very tacky, cheap-looking restaurants and bars, lots of booze. But hey, if that’s your thing I’m not here to judge, Playa del Ingles is definitely not classy, in fact the complete opposite.
When’s the best time to visit? Gran Canaria is a year-round destination, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. For beach weather without the peak-season crowds, aim for spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).
Always travel with insurance, World Nomads has me covered for water sports, hiking, and all the adventure activities the Canaries offer.
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