You may be familiar with Coney dogs and Detroit-style pizza. Yet those standbys are just the beginning of Detroit’s dining scene, which continues to grow and evolve at a breakneck rate.
The incredible agricultural productivity and diversity of Michigan pushes chefs in the state’s biggest city to get creative – especially through seasonal menus that change all the time. Other factors, too, combine to make the city’s food scene exciting. The city is home to historic Eastern Market, the nation’s largest outdoor farmers market, and hot spot for food trucks. A huge urban-farm network, one of the most extensive in the USA, ensures that produce is as local as it gets. And a growing movement of independent Black-led grocers, including the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op and Neighborhood Grocery, are helping to bring top-notch food to every community in the city.
Here’s just a small taste of what the Motor City has to offer right now.
1. Behold the Big Baby burger at Food Exchange
Corned beef has always been huge in Detroit. And over the years, the staple has inspired unique creations – like the corned beef egg rolls found at Asian Cornedbeef and What’s The Dill’s Yum Yum pickle sandwich. Yet no dish is bolder and beefier than the corned beef burger. For 25 years, it’s been a staple at Food Exchange on the city’s east side, in the form of the Big Baby, a work of love created by the restaurant’s owner, the late Bruce Harvey. On an onion roll, you’ll find a massive hand-shaped patty grilled to perfection and topped with corned beef, two melted cheeses (Swiss and American) plus all the classic burger fixings.
How to get it: The burger takes about 25 minutes to cook, and seating is limited (it’s a takeout-style place). Depending on your hunger level, consider calling ahead or ordering online.
Don’t miss Baobab Fare’s kuku, pan-fried chicken served in a mustard sauce with plantains, beans and rice. Baobab Fare Baobab Fare
2. Crave the kuku at Baobab Fare
Detroit is home to a burgeoning African food scene, with acclaimed restaurants like Maty’s, Saffron De Twah and Yum Village joining the mix over the past decade. Baobab Fare owners Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere – partners in hospitality and in life – came to Detroit as refugees before growing their pop-up into a nationally acclaimed brick-and-mortar serving their native Burundian cuisine in the New Center district. An excellent entry point is the kuku: pan-fried chicken served in a delightfully tangy mustard sauce with soft plantains, earthy yellow beans, and your choice of their spiced rice pilau or coconut rice.
How to get it: Walk on in and wait to be seated. Paid street parking is available along Woodward Ave and West Grand Blvd. It’s also near a bus and Q Line stop.
The sumptuous mole poblano at El Barzon takes days to prepare. Jack Thomas for Lonely Planet Jack Thomas for Lonely Planet
3. Savor the mole at El Barzon
James Beard–honored chef Norberto Garita made his name in Italian kitchens before opening his own restaurant in Southwest Detroit, home to Mexicantown and a long-active Mexican-food scene. At El Barzon, classic Italian dishes Garita has perfected over the years share the menu with sumptuous dishes from his hometown of Puebla, Mexico (arguably Mexico’s culinary capital). Garita’s mole poblano – a family recipe – is a soulful sauce that blends chile seco, tomatillo, anise, bread, banana and chocolate, and which takes days to prepare. Slather it onto enchiladas, pavo (turkey) or pollo (chicken).
How to get it: Reservations are recommended. On-site parking is available through the alley off of Junction. Dress nicely, and have a good answer ready for when your host asks, “What occasion are you celebrating today?”
4. Let Michigan mushroom dumplings blow your mind at Marrow
Marrow is both a restaurant and a butcher shop in the city’s West Village neighborhood. Helmed by 2019 Top Chef finalist Sarah Welch, the James Beard–nominated restaurant aims to operate sustainably, offering seasonal dishes made with Michigan produce and meat the company butchers itself. There’s one dish that will always remain on the menu, however, due to its year-round seasonality: the mushroom dumplings, made with the maitake that can be found growing in forests around Michigan year-round. The delicate dumplings arrived served on a bed of corn butter, and topped with Welch’s signature spicy, savory, sensational Szechuan sauce.
How to get it: The dumplings are available à la carte, and may need to be ordered separately if you’re considering the five-course tasting menu. It’s a good idea to reserve ahead online. Free street parking is available along Kercheval or down one of the side streets.
The team at Alpino specializes in elevated takes on such classics as schnitzel, raclette and fondue. Jess Nosal, via Alpino Jess Nosal, via Alpino
5. Celebrate the cuisine of the mountains at Alpino
A James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2024, Corktown’s Alpino explores the cuisine of what it calls “the backbone of Europe.” With meticulously sourced ingredients, the team here cultivates elevated interpretations of regional dishes found in the Alpine countries of Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Though staples like schnitzel, raclette and fondue remain a constant, a recent addition from Chef Colin Campbell is the pizzoccheri, a hearty and sage-forward pasta dish from Northern Italy. House-made buckwheat pasta, Savoy cabbage and soft potatoes are coated in garlic and sage butter, with soft chunks of nutty Fontina cheese to complete the effect.
How to get it: Reservations are a requirement, and may need to be made in advance to avoid being waitlisted. On-site parking is available.
In the Detroit style, the pizza at Michigan & Trumbull has an airy, focaccia-like crust that’s perfectly crispy on the edges. Jack Thomas for Lonely Planet Jack Thomas for Lonely Planet
6. Munch on modern Detroit-style pizza at Michigan & Trumbull
In the 1940s, Gus Guerrara perfected his pizza recipe – a square pie, with deliciously crunchy crusts and corners – and it soon become famous as his adopted city’s version of the Neapolitan treat. So it’s perhaps ironic that the place serving the best homage to Guerrara’s Detroit-style pizza was founded in Pittsburgh seven years ago – albeit by two Detroit natives, Nathan Peck and Kristen Calverley. In 2020, the two returned to their hometown, bringing Michigan & Trumbull back with them. The pies here have an airy, focaccia-like crust that’s perfectly crispy on the edges, complemented by innovative topping builds like the Long Drive Home (a rich combination of vodka sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, sausage and banana peppers).
How to get it: Walk in, and ask for a table. While this full-service eatery doesn’t have a liquor license, you’re welcome to bring your own drinks. On site-parking is available in the lot off of Lincoln St.
The döner kebab at Balkan House is a savory blend of roasted meats, vegetables and a garlicky, tangy sauce. Jack Thomas for Lonely Planet Jack Thomas for Lonely Planet
7. Devour a Berlin-style Turkish sandwich with Detroit flair at Balkan House
Michigan’s most diverse municipality, Hamtramck is a city of only about 2 square miles almost entirely within the city limits of Detroit. The dense city is home to a flourishing food scene, with a wide assortment of restaurants and bakeries – many Middle Eastern and Eastern European – as well as stylish bars, shops and live venues. An intriguing, semi-recent addition is the Bosnian restaurant Balkan House, credited with bringing the German-style Turkish döner kebab to the Detroit area. The signature sandwich is a mouthwatering mix of vertical-rotisserie lamb, beef, crunchy vegetables and a garlicky yogurt-based döner sauce stuffed in lepinja (Balkan flatbread).
How to get it: Head over to the stand at the back and ask for a table; or get an order to go. Free street parking is available on Caniff.
8. Take on the day with salmon patties at The Clique
Sometimes, the best things to eat right now have been around for years. The Clique, a classic diner on the ground level of the Jefferson Avenue Rivertown Inn & Suites, knows how to do breakfast: it’s been a go-to for Detroiters since 1968. Only open for breakfast and lunch, it’s home to one of the most heartfelt and delicious breakfasts in the city: two flattop-grilled crispy salmon patties, served with eggs your way and your choice of toast or pancakes.
How to get it: The Clique is a walk-in, full-service type of restaurant, though carry-out is also an option. The restaurant is cash only, so be sure to have enough on hand to leave a decent tip. Parking is available in the hotel lot.
A remarkable culinary feat, Chartreuse’s twice-cooked egg is first poached, then deep fried. Chartreuse Chartreuse
9. Start with the twice-cooked egg at Chartreuse
Chartreuse sits at the ground level of the historic Park Shelton building, across from the Detroit Institute of Arts. It’s one of several acclaimed eateries owned by the James Beard–recognized duo of local restaurateur Sandy Levine and executive chef Doug Hewett. Chartreuse’s menu of shareable, farm-to-table dishes changes frequently with the seasons – though one constant is a take on a frisée salad, which stars an egg cooked two different ways. The egg is first poached, then lightly coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep fried to a light golden hue. The runny yolk blends marvelously with the shallot vinaigrette, coating the crispy Brussels sprouts, shredded Locatelli cheese and greens (frisée and arugula) from Werp Farms in northern Michigan.
How to get it: Make a reservation. You’ll have to put your credit card on file – understanding that you may be charged $25 per person for a no-show or a cancellation less than 2 days in advance. Street parking and a structure are available; it’s also located near Q Line and bus stops.
10. For dessert, order a highbrow s’more at Leña
In Detroit’s Brush Park, Leña is a new, hot and happening neighborhood restaurant with a wood-fire grill. It serves seasonal Spanish-inspired small plates with a made-in-Michigan spirit, prepared with ingredients that are often grown or procured within Detroit’s borders. The dessert program, headed by James Beard–recognized Lena Sareini, turns out inventive and pleasing inventions like the Algunas Mas (Spanish for “some more”), a sweet and smoky torched marshmallow topped with chocolate sorbet, cinnamon sugar tuile, whipped cream and crushed almonds.
How to get it: Though walk-ins are sometimes possible, reservations are recommended. Your best bet for parking is the 440 Alfred lot, which can be validated inside, as most of the surrounding street parking is reserved for residents come nighttime.
There is no one best time to visit Malaysia, not least because this country is spread over two separate landmasses that have different local climates. It’s as far from Kuala Lumpur in Peninsular Malaysia to Sandakan in Malaysian Borneo as it is from New York City to Miami.
Even over smaller distances, the climate can vary depending on which coast you are standing on, or even from island to island. It’s only 122km (76 miles) from Langkawi to Penang, but the weather can be different on the same day.
Broadly, Malaysia has two climatic seasons: dry and hot, and wet and hot. Don’t let the term ‘dry season’ fool you – it’s humid in Malaysia year-round and there’s always a chance of rain. The only place where it might feel cold is in upcountry areas such as the Cameron Highlands, where the temperature can veer from lows of 14ºC (58ºF) to highs of 24ºC (76ºF).
What marks out the wet season is buckets of monsoon rain, although the bulk of the precipitation tends to arrive in the afternoon. The eastern side of the peninsula sees its heaviest rainfall during the northeast monsoon from mid-October to March, while the west coast sees more rain during the southwest monsoon from May to October. Borneo gets drenched from November to February.
Tourism never really shuts down in Malaysia, so there’s not really a low season. The busiest times of year tend to coincide with school holidays, which see large numbers of visitors (particularly families) arriving from Europe, the Gulf and neighboring Asian states.
The December–February high season is the best time to visit the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia
The northeast monsoon drenches the east coast of the peninsula from October to March, with the heaviest rainfall from December to February. You’ll find dryer weather on the west coast, which fronts the Andaman Sea. This is a good time to hit the beaches on tropical islands such as Langkawi, or wander the narrow, shophouse-lined alleyways of George Town in Penang. On the flip side, this is the wettest time of year in Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo.
The downside of the good weather in the west is more crowds and higher hotel rates. On the other hand, several major cultural festivals – including the Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival of Thaipusam – occur in late January or early February. If you roam across to Sarawak, hotel rates fall in Kuching, but in the hinterland, good roads become bad and bad roads become mud.
The June–September high season is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur and the east coast
The Northern Hemisphere summer months are the driest time of year in Kuala Lumpur, although ‘dry’ is a relative term in this tropical country. You should always expect humidity to be a factor, especially in Malaysia’s cities, where buildings can block the breezes. The weather is also comparatively dry on the east coast of the peninsula, and in many parts of Borneo.
This season is a popular time for tourism from the Gulf States, and there’s an upturn in visits to dive resorts on the drier east coast as underwater visibility improves. By August, the rains begin to return, building up towards the northeast monsoon.
The March–May shoulder season sees the best weather across (most of) Malaysia
Large areas of Malaysia get a break from the rains (and the worst of the humidity) during the Northern Hemisphere spring from March to May. If you’re coming here for beaches and warm but not sweltering weather, this is as reliable a window as you’ll find. Not coincidentally, this is also a good time for spotting wildlife in Malaysia’s wonderful national parks.
April is a particularly fine time to visit Sabah, as the dryer days sync well with outdoor activities such as diving and hiking to the summit of Mt Kinabalu. But Malaysia’s regional variations come into play; April is one of the wettest months to visit Kuala Lumpur.
The October-November shoulder season is the top time to visit Melaka and the Cameron Highlands
The rains really pick up on the Peninsula from October to November, although they weirdly spare the historical port of Melaka. The start of the northeast monsoon is also a good time to explore the Cameron Highlands, as the upcountry flora bursts into life thanks to all the rainfall.
In other areas of the country, this is a time to look for competitive hotel rates (and an umbrella). However, this is a good season to visit if you’re into malls, museums and other indoor activities; shops will be offering sales and the big cities offer plenty of indoor fun.
January is the time for spectacular religious celebrations
January is peak season in Langkawi and Penang, two of the most popular offshore islands on the west coast of the peninsula. Notable events include Thaipusam, a spectacular Hindu religious procession featuring piercings and ritual mortification, and – depending on the year – the beginning of the Lunar New Year for Malaysia’s Chinese community. But it’s rainy on the east coast and in Borneo (particularly in Sarawak). Key events: Thaipusam, Chinese New Year (can also fall in February), Ponggal
February is a busy time on the west coast islands
In some years, the Chinese Lunar New Year hits in February, bringing heavy demand for transport and hotels. Beyond this, there’s not much difference between January and February in Malaysia in terms of weather. Peak season crowds continue in Langkawi and Penang. Key events: Chinese New Year (can also fall in January), Federal Territory Day
March sees dry skies in the east and rain in the west
March marks the beginning of drier weather on the east coast, though the rain starts to pick up in the west and in Kuala Lumpur. There are fewer crowds, except during the Malaysian school holidays near the end of the month, when families head to resorts. Key events: Birthday of Kuan Yin, Raptor Watch, Le Tour de Langkawi (March or February)
April is beach and trekking weather
One of the best months to take advantage of the dry season weather – a good time for beaches and for all kinds of outdoor activities, particularly mountain trekking. The Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City in 1989 is celebrated annually as a kind of ‘Melaka Day’ in this small state. Key events: Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City (Melaka), Nuzul Al-Quran, Regatta Lepa in Semporna
More dry-ish weather makes May a good time for travelers. Wesak Day is one of the main holidays for Malaysian Buddhists, while Hari Raya Aidilfitri at the end of Ramadan (equivalent to Eid al-Fitr) is a huge event for the majority Muslim population. Look out for special feasts of local delicacies. Key events: Wesak Day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Harvest Festival (Sabah)
June sees bigger tourist crowds
The tourist crowds start swelling around now, as dry weather makes for easy exploring in Kuala Lumpur. The east coast of the peninsula sees dry days and good weather for diving. The Gawai Festival celebrates the culture of the Dayak people of Borneo. Key events: Dragon Boat Festival (Penang), Gawai Festival (Sarawak), Pesta San Pedro (Melaka)
July is hot and crowded, but the cultural calendar is packed
With Malaysia being so close to the equator, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that July gets really hot. Holiday-making family crowds only intensify in the coastal resorts along the peninsula. Major cultural events come to George Town, Sabah and Sarawak. Key events:Sabah International Folklore Festival (Kota Kinabalu), George Town World Heritage City Day (Penang), George Town Festival (Penang), Rainforest World Music Festival (Kuching)
August sees the return of the rain and displays of civic pride
The rain – and the accompanying humidity it brings, even on dry days – picks up by the end of August, which ends with Hari Merdeka, Malaysia’s National Day, marked by parades and patriotic events. This is still a busy time for tourists, with good diving conditions on the east coast. Key events: Hari Merdeka (National Day), Chinese Hungry Ghosts Festival (runs into September)
The rains really start lashing East Malaysia (Borneo) around now. There’s a lingering tourism presence throughout the month, but most vacation-related businesses start prepping for a quieter tourist season. Some big cultural events bring artistic energy to the capital. Key events:Cooler Lumpur Festival (Kuala Lumpur), DiverseCity (Kuala Lumpur)
October is a big time for rain
The Hindu holiday of Diwali/Deepavali hits in October or November, bringing festival color to Malaysia’s Indian enclaves, particularly Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Rainy weather is common on both the east and west coast of the peninsula. Key events: Diwali/Deepavali (can fall in November)
November is quiet and cool – by Malaysian standards at least!
The ‘coldest’ month in Malaysia usually sees lows of around 23ºC (74ºF) and highs of around 29ºC (85ºF), though it’s cooler in the highlands. This is as quiet as the tourism scene gets, with plenty of rain on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and in Borneo. Key events: Diwali/Deepavali (can fall in October), George Town Literary Festival (Penang), Urbanscapes (Kuala Lumpur)
December sees holiday celebrations in Christian hubs
Christmas is an important holiday in parts of the country with large Christian populations, including Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and Melaka. New Year’s Eve is a party throughout the country, though it’s celebrated most enthusiastically in bigger cities. Expect lots of rain in Borneo and on the east coast of the peninsula. Key events: Christmas, New Year’s Eve
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
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Choosing the right hotel means you can immerse yourself in a destination. Beautiful design, events and tours that bring in local culture and amazing food can make you feel less like a tourist and more like a traveler. The best travel credits for hotels can help get you there faster, with plenty of perks to boot.
The best travel credit cards provide exclusive benefits and rewards to cardholders, often elevating you to VIP status when traveling. The perk lists range from early check-in and extended to check-out times, complimentary breakfast and free upgrades, and coveted free nights. Your ascent to VIP has never been easier to obtain with the best hotel credit cards, making getaways that much more enjoyable.
You don’t have to pay a high annual fee to get valuable benefits from a hotel credit card. Annual fees range from $0 to $695, with the best cards often falling in the middle of that range and offering plenty of perks to offset their annual fee. The market is saturated with hotel credit cards, so how do you narrow down the best options? If you’re in the market for a hotel credit card and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with our hand-picked list.
While “the best” card is subjective, we’ve narrowed it down based on criteria that include the card’s welcome bonus, recurring benefits, travel protections and elite status perks. All the cards we chose carry no foreign transaction fees, so you can use them abroad without incurring a 3% fee. Beyond that, each card we chose fits a different traveler and brand loyalist type.
Here’s a look at the best travel credit cards for hotels:
Best travel credit cards for hotels for 2024
Best Hilton card: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*
Best Hilton card: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is hands down the best Hilton credit card – and is arguably the best hotel credit card. The Hilton Aspire is the only hotel credit card offering automatic top-tier elite status, which comes with valuable perks like complimentary food and beverage credit, club lounge access and 100% bonus points on paid stays, to name a few. The card also has a high welcome bonus, which you can swap for up to 30 free nights at Hilton hotels.
Most importantly, the Aspire Card comes packed with several recurring perks that offset the $450 annual fee: A $250 annual Hilton resort credit, up to a $250 airline fee credit, an annual free night award and Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access. The card also earns up to 14 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, making it an excellent way to earn Hilton points.
Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
Rewards: Earn 14X points at Hilton hotels and resorts; 7X points on flights booked with airlines or American Express Travel, 7X points on rental cars booked with rental companies; 7X points on dining at US restaurants; 3X points on all other purchases.
Travel benefits: Automatic Hilton Diamond status, Priority Pass Select membership, annual $250 Hilton resort statement credit and up to $250 in airline fee credit, annual free night award, secondary rental car coverage (excludes certain international destinations), baggage insurance plan.*
World of Hyatt is arguably the most popular hotel rewards program, thanks to a portfolio of unique hotel brands, excellent elite status benefits and reasonable award redemption rates. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent hotel card for earning more Hyatt points and elite status perks. The card’s welcome bonus isn’t the highest, but it can still go a long way since free nights at Hyatt hotels start at 3,500 points.
The card includes an annual free night award valid at Category 1-4 hotels and is easily worth the $95 annual fee. Cardholders receive automatic Hyatt Discoverist status, with the option to earn additional elite night credits through card spending (all the way up to Globalist). Overall, the World of Hyatt Card is excellent for loyalists who want to earn free nights and fast-track to elite status.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Rewards: Earn 4 points per dollar spent on purchases at all Hyatt hotels; 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, as well as fitness club and gym membership; 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Travel benefits: Annual free night award valid at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel; automatic Hyatt Discoverist status, plus 5 annual elite night credits towards the next status tier; two elite night credits for every $5,000 spent; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; baggage delay insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; secondary rental car insurance; no foreign transaction fees.
Best Marriott Card: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
As the world’s largest hotel chain, Marriott offers more hotel credit cards than anyone else. There are currently four personal co-branded credit cards, but the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is the best option for most consumers. The card strikes the perfect balance in offering meaningful benefits at a reasonable annual fee.
Cardholders earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using their new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. Cardholders also receive an annual free night award after spending $15,000 on the card. The free night is valid for hotels requiring 50,000 points or less, which is generous.
The Bonvoy Bevy provides automatic Marriott Gold Elite Status, which normally requires 25 nights. Bonvoy Gold Elite members receive 25% bonus points on paid stays, space-available room upgrades, late checkout, 250-500 points per stay and other perks. The card also comes with 15 elite night credits annually to help you fast-track your way to higher status.
Welcome bonus: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Rewards: Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels; 4X points at US supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, then 2X points); 2X points on all other purchases.
Travel benefits: Automatic Bonvoy Gold Elite Status; 15 annual elite night credits towards the next status tier; annual free night award after spending $15,000 per calendar year (valid on award nights at or under 50,000 points; earn 1,000 bonus points per stay; trip delay insurance; baggage insurance plan; secondary rental car insurance*; No foreign transaction fees.
Best IHG Card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One has three credit cards issued by Chase, but the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card strikes the best balance. The card offers a large welcome bonus and high earnings on travel and everyday spending categories. The annual free night is capped at 40,000 points but can still provide value exceeding the card’s $99 annual fee.
Cardholders can stretch their points further with the fourth night free on award bookings and a 20% discount on IHG point purchases. IHG regularly sells points at 0.5 cents each, so it can make sense to buy points for a specific award redemption.
The IHG One Rewards Premier card rewards credit card spending generously, with up to 10 points per dollar spent and 10,000 bonus points when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year. An automatic upgrade to Platinum elite status will get you valuable perks like 60% bonus points, guaranteed room availability, late check-out and more.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards: Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Travel benefits: Annual free night award (valid on award nights of 40,000 points or less); IHG Platinum status; fourth night free on award night bookings; $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 each calendar year; 20% discount on IHG point purchases; no foreign transaction fees; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; baggage delay insurance.
Best for families: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card Card
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is a great hotel credit card for families. Wyndham makes free night awards attainable, starting at just 7500 points per bedroom. Families can use their points at hotels, vacation home rentals, condos and other family-friendly properties. This versatility is great for families that need multiple rooms since Wyndham provides more space and affordable redemption rates.
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card also provides automatic Platinum elite status, so families can enjoy extra perks during their hotel stays. The card offers up to 4X points on common spending categories, making free nights even more attainable. When you redeem your Wyndham points, you’ll receive a 10% discount to help you stretch your points even further. With a $75 annual fee, this card is a budget-friendly option for families.
Welcome bonus: 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Rewards: Earn 6X points on eligible purchases at Hotels by Wyndham, qualifying gas purchases; 4X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 1X point on all other purchases (excludes Wyndham Timeshare resort down payments).
Travel benefits: Upgrade to Wyndham Rewards Platinum elite status, cardmember booking discount, annual 7,500-point bonus, no foreign transaction fees.
Credit score required: Good to excellent.
Annual fee: $75.
Pros
Large welcome bonus that can be redeemed for up to ten nights at Wyndham hotels.
Points can be stretched further with a 10% rebate on award bookings.
The card offers high bonuses in common spending categories.
With the Platinum status upgrade, families can enjoy useful perks like early check-in and late checkout.
Best for hotel perks at multiple brands: The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you want hotel perks without being tied to a single hotel loyalty program, then The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great choice. The card offers Gold Elite Status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. In addition, cardholders can get elite-type perks at select hotels through a program called American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. Benefits vary by property but generally include free nights, complimentary breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, hotel credits and more.
The Amex Platinum card has a high annual fee but includes multiple statement credits, including $200 annually towards American Express Travel hotel bookings (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay). If you’re not loyal to a single hotel chain and want to earn flexible points, you can transfer your points to Hilton, Marriott or Choice Hotels, then the Amex Platinum is a great choice. The Gold status upgrades are even extended to authorized user on the card.
Welcome bonus: 80,000 points after $8,000 spent within six months of account opening.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel on amextravel.com (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1X); 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel; 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Travel benefits: Hilton and Marriott Gold Elite Status; $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay; up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit; up to $200 annual airline fee credit, up to $200 annual Uber cash distributed in monthly increments; up to $300 annual Equinox credit; $155 Walmart+ Credit; up to $100 annual credit at Saks Fifth Avenue; $199 annual CLEAR® Plus credit; Amex Global Lounge Collection access; elite status with Avis, Hertz and National rental car; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation and interruption insurance*.
Best for flexibility: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those wanting a hotel credit card without being tied to a single currency. The Venture X card earns Capital One miles which can be used towards travel purchases (including hotel stays) at one cent each. Alternatively, miles can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel programs, providing ultimate flexibility. Capital One’s 1:1 hotel transfer partners include Accord, Choice Hotels and Wyndham.
While transferring miles usually results in the best value, redeeming them for hotel bookings is straightforward and simple. If you prefer the latter, you’ll appreciate the Venture X over a co-branded hotel credit card. The card also comes with an annual $300 travel credit that can be applied towards hotel stays booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Rewards: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.
Travel benefits: $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel; 10,000 bonus miles every card anniversary; access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Select membership; up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years; complimentary PRIOR subscription, 6-month Cultivist membership; $300 towards Gravity Haus social club membership; cell phone protection (up to $800); Hertz President’s Circle status; access to Premier Collection hotels for discounts and perks; primary rental coverage; trip cancellation and interruption; trip delay reimbursement; travel accident insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; travel and emergency assistance services.
Anyone who frequently stays in hotels should consider getting a hotel credit card. These cards typically offer rewards such as free nights, bonus points on stays, elite status and hotel credits. They can also provide additional perks like airport lounge access and travel protections. Hotel credit card annual fees range from $0 to $695, so there are options for every budget.
Even if you only book one hotel stay a year, you might benefit from having a hotel credit card.
When choosing the best hotel credit card, it’s important to consider your travel needs and spending habits. If you’re loyal to one hotel chain, it makes sense to get a co-branded hotel credit card and earn points faster. But if you like to stay at a variety of hotel brands, then you might be better off with a non-branded card like the Amex Platinum, which still offers perks at a wide range of hotel brands.
Once you’ve determined that a hotel credit card is a good fit, you should hone in on the hotel chain you most often stay with (IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Wyndham, etc.). Getting a co-branded credit card can enhance your stay and help you achieve elite status faster. When a hotel chain offers multiple credit cards, it’s important to consider the annual fees and benefits to determine which might be the best fit.
Some hotel cards carry high annual fees but offer resort credits and free night awards that can make the fee worthwhile. For example, the Hilton Aspire Card offers top-tier Diamond Elite Status, which usually requires spending 60 nights and spending thousands of dollars. So even though the $450 annual fee seems steep compared to the $95 annual fee of the Hilton Surpass card, it can be worth it.
Hotel credit cards can be worth it depending on how often you stay in hotels and the benefits the card offers. A great hotel credit card will reward you for the categories in which you spend the most money and provide recurring perks like elite status and free nights.
Why is it better to book hotels with a credit card?
Booking hotels with a credit card is beneficial because it offers more protection and security than other payment methods. Credit cards allow you to dispute charges if something goes wrong, such as a hotel overcharging you or not dropping incidental holds. Additionally, many credit cards offer extra benefits such as travel insurance, rewards and travel credits.
Hotels also put incidental holds on your credit card when you check-in. Depending on the hotel, these can range from $50-$100 or more. If you pay with a debit card, that money is subtracted from your account, meaning you can’t access those funds for other purchases. On the other hand, credit card holds are temporary, making it better to book hotels with a credit card.
How much do hotels usually hold on your credit card?
The amount of a hotel credit card hold will vary by property. Generally, hotels will place a hold of up to the total amount of your stay plus an additional amount to cover incidentals.
It depends on the hotel. Some hotels may require a credit card to book a room, while others may accept cash or other forms of payment. It is best to check with the individual hotel before booking.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Lush with hardwood forests that turn a rainbow of colors in spring and fall, splashed wildflowers and striped with autumn leaves, Vermont is made for hikers.
Jump in lakes, ponds or waterfalls to cool off and you’re never far from town at hike’s end. The locavore movement started in Vermont, and the state has more artisan cheesemakers per capita than anywhere else in the US, as well as a vibrant microbrewery and microdistillery scene. In other words, there’s always a tasty reward waiting when you’re out of the woods.
Best thru-hike
272 miles (438km), 5-28 days, easy to challenging
The original thru-hike, the Long Trail is the oldest continuous footpath in the United States and the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail. Meandering along the spine of the Green Mountains, through northern hardwood forests and past alpine tundra, over and sometimes through mountain brooks and streams, the trail extends from Massachusetts to Canada.
Complete the end-to-end hike, and you’ll get bragging rights. But most people do day trips, “section hiking” it over years by hitting the trail for the weekend or even just for an afternoon. More than 166 miles of side trails provide access to the Long Trail and its 70 backcountry campsites.
In southern Vermont, the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail share the same corridor for 100 miles. The trail gets increasingly rugged as it climbs north toward Mt Mansfield and Jay Peak. Some steep inclines in the north have permanent ladders to help hikers scramble up precipitous rock faces.
Every season on the Long Trail has its wonders and its challenges. Carpets of spring flowers can be accompanied by rainy weather and soggy or snowy summits; warmer summer temps can be crowded, humid and buggy. In fall, the weather is once again unpredictable, but the kaleidoscope of autumn leaves is like nothing else you’ll ever witness. Winter on the trail is beautiful and otherworldly but requires the right clothing and navigation skills.
Best hike for views of Mt Mansfield
4.2 miles (6.8km), 3 hours, challenging
For views of Mt Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, from a vantage point in a different mountain range, hike up 3,538ft Mt Hunger. The trailhead is about 45 minutes from Burlington, Vermont’s biggest city, and about 15 minutes from Stowe.
The first mile is mellow, then this out-and-back hike climbs consistently for 2,263ft to the top, and though it’s challenging you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Green Mountain State. Along the way, you’ll step up rocky stairs, traverse under mossy waterfalls, splash in a swimming hole and finally top out on Mt Hunger’s rocky summit, with 360-degree views of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range to the east and the spine of the Green Mountains to the north, south and west.
The last mile is the steepest, but hikers agree that the bird’s-eye view of northern New England is well worth the effort.
Best hike for spotting hawks
1.4-1.9 miles (2.25-3km), 1-1.5 hours, moderate
Champlain Valley, home to Lake Champlain, is called Vermont’s breadbasket for its fertile lowland soils and abundant agriculture. The hike up Mt Philo delivers sweeping views of the Valley, as well as Lake Champlain and New York’s million-acre Adirondack Park. Located in Charlotte (pronounced Shar-lot), 968ft Mt Philo stands proud inside Vermont’s 232-acre Mt Philo State Park.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted trees and built roads, trails, a campground, ranger quarters, a picnic area and a summit lodge on top of this natural viewpoint.
Some hikers prefer to follow the paved road to the summit. Others seek out stretches of trail along the way. The paved road and the park’s trails both give walkers and hikers access to the park’s hardwood forests, a glimpse of Mt Philo’s mid-mountain cliff band and, of course, a summit to take in the surroundings.
It’s one of the best locations to spot hawks in Vermont, particularly at the end of September. Mt Philo has the state record for the largest number of migrating raptors seen in a single day – 3,688. Reserve one of the park’s 10 campsites and drive up the access road, or park at the bottom and pay a fee at the entry gate for day use.
Best hike for recreational opportunities
2.7 miles (4.3 km), 1-1.5 hours, easy
Altitude gain doesn’t define a great hike. Circumnavigate 80-acre Grout Pond, and you only climb 249ft, but you will spot loons, kayakers, wildflowers, mushrooms and mosses while cradled in the heart of the Green Mountains.
Located in the 1,600-acre Grout Pond Recreation Area, Grout Pond is an awesome place to take a dip, cast a line or put in for a paddle. The rec area has 10 miles of multi-use, nonmotorized trails that connect to the Somerset Reservoir trail system, which in winter is home to Vermont’s end-to-end ski trail, the Catamount. The low-lying trails can be wet, so there are boardwalks in sections. There’s also camping, canoeing, kayaking and fishing if you want to mix it up.
Best hike for altitude
5.9 miles (9.5km), 3.5 hours, challenging
If you come to Vermont to hike, don’t leave until you’ve conquered Mt Mansfield. At 4,395ft, Vermont’s highest peak stands sentry over Stowe to the east and Underhill to the west. It’s one of three rocky mountaintops in Vermont where Ice Age alpine tundra still survives.
Legend holds that it was named for its profile, which looks like the forehead, nose, lips, chin and Adam’s apple of a man in repose; the chin is the peak’s summit. There’s also a legend of a mythological deer/wild boar monster that roams Mansfield’s flanks in one direction only. The Wampahoofus is said to have short legs on one side and long ones on the other from traveling through Mansfield’s steep terrain.
There are numerous routes to Mt Mansfield’s summit. Set out from Underhill and hike the open rock ramp called Sunset Ridge, or one of the more challenging trails that parallel it, for the inspiring views. Athletes looking for a challenge should tackle Hell Brook from the Smuggler’s Notch side. The most mellow approach is to drive up the 4.5-mile hairpin-turn Toll Road near the mountain’s “forehead” and traverse to its “chin” (or as far as legs, weather and ambition allow).
6. Mt Abe from Lincoln Gap
Best hike for far-ranging panoramas
5.1 miles (8.2km), 4 hours, challenging
Mt Abraham, dubbed “Mt Abe” by locals, may have been named for former President Abraham Lincoln, but it also may have been named after Revolutionary War hero Benjamin Lincoln, like neighboring Lincoln Peak. Located in Lincoln, Vermont, the peak has also been dubbed Potato Hill and Lincoln Mountain, as well as Mt Abraham Lincoln Mountain.
Whatever you want to call it, the 4,006ft peak is Vermont’s fifth-highest, and the approach to its alpine-tundra-dotted summit ridge is stunning, challenging and breathtakingly beautiful. The most popular trail to the summit follows Vermont’s Long Trail from the summit of Lincoln Gap.
The trail traverses along a rocky path until it hits a lean-to-style shelter with a picnic table and a privy. Then it’s a stout scramble to the summit and one of the best panoramas on the Long Trail. On a clear day, hikers can see New York’s highest peak, Mt Marcy to the west, the slopes of Killington Resort to the south, and 80 miles to the east Mt Washington dominates the skyline of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.
Best hike for mountain lakes and nesting falcons
4.1 miles (6.6 km), 2.75 hours, moderate
In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Lake Willoughby is one of Vermont’s coldest and deepest bodies of water. Glaciers carved the slash of a lake and pushed up peaks on either side. Mt Pisgah forms the east side of Willoughby Gap, and its sister peak, Mt Hor, towers over the lake’s west side.
Start on the South Trail and you’ll hike for a mile to Pulpit Rock, a peregrine-falcon nesting area and one of the mountain’s best panoramas of Lake Willoughby. Hikers who just want a view sometimes turn around here, while others take the side trail to a rocky perch that feels like it overhangs the lake from 650ft above.
Continue on and it’s a moderate-to-challenging dirt path to the summit ridge and more views of northern Vermont and southern Canada as the ridge veers eastward away from the lake.
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
Advertiser Disclosure:This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, the World of Hyatt Credit Card, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, and the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. These cards are not available through Lonely Planet. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Boutique hotels offer a unique and personalized experience that larger hotel chains can’t match. These smaller, independent hotels often have unique decor, amenities and services that make them stand out. Boutique hotels also provide a more intimate atmosphere than traditional hotels. Guests can enjoy a more personalized experience with friendly staff members who are knowledgeable about the local area and attractions. Additionally, many boutique hotels are now part of larger chains, so you can book them with points to save money on your stay.
With locations in some of the world’s most iconic cities, boutique hotels affiliated with major brands provide the best of both worlds. Here are 10 incredible branded hotels that have boutique hotel vibes.
The Vogue Hotel Montreal is a boutique hotel in downtown Montreal’s Golden Square Mile. It offers modern and stylish accommodations with amenities like a fitness center and EV charging stations. The Vogue Hotel Montreal provides easy access to many attractions, such as Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and Mount Royal Park. Its convenient location and comfortable accommodations make it a great choice for travelers looking for a luxurious stay in Montreal.
You can book the Vogue Hotel Montreal starting from 64,000 Hilton points per night.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card*: Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
Hilton Honors American Express Business card*: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 1/8/2025.
Hilton Honors American Express Card*: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel, Curio Collection by Hilton; Iceland
The Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel, a Curio Collection Resort, is a boutique hotel with just 50 rooms, inhabiting the former Thomsen department store. With its unbeatable location one block from the waterfront, the Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel is perfect for those looking for a convenient base to explore Iceland’s capital.
Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with modern amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine and a bar with an extensive selection of local beers and spirits. The authentic Icelandic bathhouse provides a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
This boutique hotel is attainable with just 80,000 Hilton points per night.
The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts; London
The Biltmore Mayfair is a luxurious five-star boutique hotel in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square. The hotel features opulent and modern amenities, such as a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, two restaurants and bars and a cigar lounge. The Biltmore Mayfair also offers several event spaces for corporate functions or special occasions. Guests can enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of many of London’s top attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and the West End theatre district.
The hotel is also part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio, and standard rates get booked up fast. Hilton does make Premium room rewards available, which start at a whopping 259,000 points per night. This gets you into a Deluxe room that typically costs over $700 per night. This isn’t the best use of Hilton points, but at least the hotel’s inclusion in the Hilton Honors program allows you to earn a lot of points and qualify for elite benefits.
The Tommie Hollywood is a chic, modern boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown Hollywood, California. The hotel features stylish rooms that are bright with pops of vibrant color throughout. The hotel’s highlight is the rooftop pool with stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, business center and concierge services. With its convenient location near popular attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Tommie Hollywood Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore all Los Angeles offers.
The Tommie Hollywood is a Category 4 Hyatt hotel requiring 12,000-18,000 points per night.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
The Ksar Char-Bagh is a 14th-century palace in Marrakesh, Morocco, that serves as an impressive example of Islamic architecture. The complex features beautifully landscaped gardens and a large pool surrounded by palm trees, fountains and lush foliage. The property has its own hammam, allowing guests to enjoy an authentic spa experience on-site.
Ksar Char-Bagh is part of Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio. A free night in a standard Ksar Siute Terrace averages 35,000-45,000 points per night.
This pet-friendly boutique hotel inhabits the historic Lafayette Building near Philadelphia’s famous Liberty Bell. Rooms at this property feature eclectic yet cozy decor to make travelers feel at home. Like most boutique hotels, the Hotel Monaco offers guests many freebies, including complimentary bike rentals, in-room yoga mats, coffee and tea service, shoe shine and kids’ scooter rentals.
The Hotel Monaco is part of IHG’s Kimpton portfolio. As such, award night rates will vary by season, but you can generally book a standard room for under 60,000 points per night. Better yet, you’ll get the fourth night free on award bookings if you have a qualifying IHG One Rewards credit card.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel; Porto, Portugal
The Casa da Companhia Porto is a chic boutique hotel in a historic 16th-century building on picturesque Flower Street. This 5-star hotel offers just 40 rooms, featuring elegant decor and modern amenities. Guests can take advantage of multiple onsite restaurants, a gym and a full-service spa with a Turkish bath and a large indoor pool.
Casa da Companhia is part of the IHG One Rewards portfolio, so you can use under 90,000 IHG points to book a free night.
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Marriott; Venice, Italy
The Gritti Palace is a luxury hotel in Venice, Italy. It was built in the 15th century as a private residence and has operated as a boutique hotel starting in 1895. Located on Venice’s famous Grand Canal, the iconic hotel offers stunning views of the Venetian lagoon and is just steps away from St. Mark’s Square. The Gritti Palace features luxurious accommodations with a mix of classic and modern Italian design and dining options featuring local Venetian cuisine. The hotel also offers a range of amenities such as a rooftop jacuzzi, fitness center, spa and private boat tours.
As part of Marriott International’s Luxury Collection, you can book a night at the Gritti Palace starting at 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. You’ll get the fifth free if you book five consecutive award nights.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card*: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 85,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Most people traveling to Boston aren’t looking to spend the night in jail, but the Liberty Boston might be an exception. This Beacon Hill hotel is housed in the former Charles Street Jail and has been declared a National Historic Landmark. The hotel celebrates its history with an aptly named CLINK restaurant, serving traditional New England dishes.
The Liberty Boston is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Boston. It is a Marriott property, so you can book a standard room for as few as 56,000 Marriott points per night.
*Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Pedestrians in Montreal, Grand Rapids and other locations can time-travel thanks to installations that map historical scenes directly onto the cityscapes
If you’re eager to see the world, why hold out for the ideal travel companion? Solo journeys create indelible memories.
Yet while voyaging by yourself can exhilarate, it can also be dauting– especially for female travelers. That’s why we asked a few travel-expert colleagues here at Lonely Planet for ideas that any woman setting out alone should keep in mind.
Here are 20 tips to keep you safe, grounded and ready to set out for the trip of a lifetime. All by yourself.
Akanksha Singh in Portugal
1. Seek out female hosts (ideally with pets)
If I’m booking accommodation online, I tend to opt for women owners (preferably with pets in their host photos!). This is partly psychological – but I’ve also found that women tend to think about things like where to go to avoid crowds or safer alternatives to more touristy places. It’s nice how protective women are of each other, especially when we’re traveling alone.
It can be tempting to throw yourself outside of your comfort zone all at once, but doing things alone – solo traveling, or even just going out to dinner or the movies by yourself – can feel intimidating at first. But it’s a muscle you build up over time. Start with a day trip or an afternoon wandering a museum you’ve always wanted to see but didn’t know who to go with. When I backpacked through Australia and New Zealand, I tacked on extra days at the end of group tours so I had solo time to explore (and decompress!) after nonstop socializing and being “on.” I’d already acclimated to the new-to-me destination while traveling with the group, which meant I had more confidence and knowledge to navigate the streets on my own.
3. Consider hostels for connecting with like-minded people of all ages
Hostels are a great way to meet people, especially fellow solo female travelers. I truly believe you’re never too old for hostels. Many cater to people of various age groups and backgrounds, and offer private rooms for added comfort and privacy. I find it’s easier to meet like-minded people in communal settings – the kind of people who are eager to exchange travel tips and stories with you and who genuinely want you to have a good time. I’ve made lifelong connections with people I’ve met in hostels.
I’m not quite 100% to the point where I’m ready to dive into solo travel, so I like to just carve out a day or an afternoon of Rachy Adventures when I’m traveling with friends or my wife. (Said adventure often involves a croissant and an overpriced latte.) Some of my absolute favorite parts of a trip have been a rainy afternoon spent wandering alone in Boston, or sitting alone with a good book on a largely empty beach, taking in the waves.
– Rachel Lewis, Senior Social Media Manager
Fionnuala McCarthy in Tenerife
5. Book some group activities
If you’re feeling apprehensive about taking a big solo trip, arrange a tour or activity for each day. This way your days will be organized around a preplanned group event. I made connections from all over the world on a solo trip to Australia in my early 20s – and 20 years on, am still in regular touch with a Swedish woman I met on a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
I get my bearings by taking either a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a boat tour. On my first solo trip to Paris, I decided to take a cruise down the Seine – during which I wrote out my plans for the trip and got to know people by offering to snap their photograph. I also find spending time in local bookstores to be a great way to immerse myself in the destination as well as meet fellow travelers and locals who seem very happy to help and offer tips and advice.
I’ve cycled and hiked and taken trains all over the world by myself, and I never did any of it without a book on hand. Waiting on delayed trains, sitting down to meals, relaxing in a bar at the end of the day: all of these situations are improved with a book. Reading can also be a useful way to put off any potential unwanted conversation. A woman on her own can be a magnet for chatterers, and I’m not always in the mood to talk to strangers when traveling.
Look for activities related to what you already like to do at home. For example, I love to thrift-shop, so I’ll often look up secondhand or charity shops in foreign cities: it’s a great way to get a sense for local fashions and find unique souvenirs. I also love to embroider, and I’ve spent hours at textile galleries, oohing over fine needlework and learning about local fiber-art traditions. I couldn’t do that with a bored travel companion.
– Morgan Wegner, Senior Operations Editor
Erin Lenczycki in Morocco
9. Embrace “yes!” – within reason
One of the best things about solo travel is the freedom to make or break plans whenever you want. Some of my favorite travel memories (including meeting my husband!) are because I took a chance and made a plan with new friends over an impromptu drink or meal. Celebrate saying “yes” to things you wouldn’t normally do – but trust the voice in your head at the same time. If the hair on the back of your neck stands up at a turn Google is telling you to make, take a different route. Learn to expand your boundaries – while trusting your intuition.
– Erin Lenczycki, Photo Editor
AnneMarie McCarthy in France
10. Be present
Traveling by yourself is a great opportunity to be mindful. With no need to rush or please anyone else, I find myself doing a lot of thinking and reflecting while traveling alone. I try to limit my interaction with my phone as well to really enjoy the quiet. I find some of my most vivid traveling memories have come from these trips.
For every seven to 10 days of travel, set aside a day to breathe. Sleep in, treat yourself to a nice meal or just give your legs a break. If you can resist the pressure to program every moment of your trip, you won’t feel like you’re “wasting” your time. This is especially true when you’re traveling solo and not on anyone else’s schedule.
12. Use apps to your advantage (and with headphones)
When navigating a new city on foot, plug your destination into a maps app, then listen to the walking directions through headphones. This allows you to avoid pulling out a map – which is equivalent to waving a flag printed with “tourist!” Most importantly, when you’re making your plans, try to resist fear (which is used to manufacture headlines and generate clicks). Language and cultural barriers can raise discomfort, which will make you hyper-aware of your surroundings. But that doesn’t mean said surroundings are unsafe.
– Jessica Lockhart, Destination Editor
Alex Butler in New York City
13. Go on a food tour
One thing that makes a lot of solo travelers apprehensive is the thought of dining alone. But if you join a food tour, you’ll have dining companions for the evening and the opportunity to try out a bunch of new restaurants — all while learning about the local culture. I joined a food tour of Trastevere while traveling solo in Rome: not only did I get to meet fellow travelers, but the tour included a mix of casual street-food spots (excellent for solo travelers) and restaurants. After you check these places out in a group, you may feel more relaxed coming back on your own for a solo-dining experience.
Traveling alone, you will most likely be using your phone more than usual to take photos and videos, and for navigating maps. Even if your phone has a reliable battery, it’s always good to know you have a backup, especially if you’re on your own. There are plenty of small and lightweight power banks that you can purchase to slot into your bag when on the road.
– Zara Sekhavati, Destination Editor
15. Share your location
To ensure peace of mind, I make it a habit to inform at least one person back home of my whereabouts using the Find My Friend app, which allows them to track my location in real time. While it can be reassuring for safety reasons, what I appreciate the most about it is the tangible sense of connection it provides. My family, in particular, loves that they can place me on a map and accompany me virtually on my explorations.
– Sasha Brady
Melissa Yeager in Argentina
16. Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone
For me, traveling solo can be a great way to meet new, like-minded people. Join a tour group like G Adventures or Intrepid for an entire trip, book a day tour with GetYourGuide, find a class for something you’re passionate about like art or cooking, research some of the digital-nomad meetups, find a bar where they show the games of your favorite team…there are lots of ways to forge new friendships on the road.
I’ve traveled solo to places like Hawaii, the Amalfi Coast and the Dominican Republic. When I tell these stories, someone will occasionally say something to me like, “Oh, I want to go there on my honeymoon, so I’m waiting to take that trip.” My advice? Don’t wait. If you want to somewhere, even a place with a reputation as a “romantic” destination or a honeymoon getaway, go anyway. There are so many ways to enjoy a destination and to make your own memories, with or without another person. If resorts or entire destinations cater specifically to couples, you will see a different – and sometimes more interesting – side of it by going solo.
The temptation to share your entire trip via social media can be overwhelming – especially if you’re having a fantastic time. But for safety concerns, it’s best to avoid sharing every movement with every follower until you return home. Not only do real-time posts alert people to where you are during every part of your trip, but they also let folks know you’re not home. Consider sharing your photos and videos from the road just with a close number of friends, or wait until your trip is over to flood your social media.
Dining alone can be the best kind of mini-adventure. You can chat with the bartender – often a wealth of local knowledge – or other patrons. You can play at being an international woman of mystery and hunker down with a book or a notebook and pen. And if you’ve had a long day of sightseeing, sometimes it feels good to just sit at a quiet table and fiddle with your phone. The best part? Solo diners can often glide right to the front of the line at popular and award-winning restaurants, even without a reservation.
– Laura Motta
20. Feel your feelings – and cry when you need to
Especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time. Especially if you’re far away from everything you’ve ever known. Especially if you feel confused or lonely or out of place. I’ve shed tears in more airports than I care to admit. You’re outside your comfort zone, and that’s scary! It’s normal to feel homesick and miss the people, places and routines that feel familiar to you. But you probably embarked on a solo adventure because some part of you craves something new – and any change requires getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, at least for a little bit. It’s OK to go through it.
It’s also massively crowded and often cold, with the propensity to be very expensive (all that holiday cheer can really add up). Since you’ll want to be prepared, so here are some important things to consider before you go to New York for the holidays.
Skip the ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center, which is small, expensive and prone to long queues. Instead, head to Bryant Park, where there’s skating (reservations required) and a holiday market. Further up, you can take to the ice at Central Park’s Wollman Rink (book in advance), then pick up gifts at the Columbus Circle holiday market.
Many New Yorkers find the Midtown bottleneck unenjoyable, to be avoided entirely between Thanksgiving and New Years. Visitors can head pretty much anywhere else for a lower-key, neighborhood-oriented take on the festive season. Looking like something out of a film set, the quaint streets of Greenwich Village offer a solid alternative; be sure to stop by Washington Square Park, which has its own huge tree and caroling on Christmas Eve. The Meatpacking District also stays alight through mid-January.
It depends on what type of show you’re after. In the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights, the houses are all the way over the top on the decorating front. Get there shortly after dusk (residents start turning out the lights anytime between 9pm and 11pm) and act respectfully as you wander these residential streets, taking it all in.
In different corner of the borough, the Jewish festival of lights ignites at Grand Army Plaza with a 32ft-high menorah. It’s lit up on all eight nights of Hanukkah; on the first night there’s a party with live music and hot latkes – good reasons to brave the cold.
For spectacular lights in bucolic surroundings, head to one of the botanic gardens. Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lightscape features more than a million bright lights; the Holiday Train Show returns to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx for its 31st year; and the NYC Winter Lantern Festival shines in Staten Island and Queens, at SIUH Community Park and the Queens County Farm Museum, respectively.
What are some non-touristy holiday things to do in New York City?
New York loves an excuse to party – and there’s no excuse like a major holiday. Themed pop-ups are popular in the run-up to the new year, from Miracle’s Christmasy craft cocktails (at Thief in Williamsburg and the Cabinet in the East Village) to Maccabee Bar’s Hanukkah extravaganza at Ollie in the West Village.
When in doubt, head for a rooftop bar. Crowning the Beekman Tower in Midtown East, the lounge-y Ophelia transforms into a snow globe for the festive season, while the McKittrick Hotel’s Gallow Green channels cozy alpine vibes.
The Apollo puts on its annual Kwanzaa celebration in late December, as does the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, hosting five days of live music, dance, food, art making and more.
What’s the weather like in New York City during the holidays?
Usually, pretty darn cold – though this can fluctuate. Last year, December temperatures ranged from highs of 66°F (18°C) to lows of 27°F (-2°C), averaging 45°F (7°C) for the month. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story, especially in Manhattan, where all those skyscrapers contribute to a wind-tunnel effect that often makes make it feel colder than the weather reports indicate.
Still, you’ll want to check the forecast before you head out (New York Metro Weather is an excellent hyper-local resource) and plan on wearing layers. You might need your warmest coat and thickest sweater for a comfortable walk from one side of the island to the other, or for an hour of ice-skating in Central Park, but you’ll likely be too warm in all that on the subway and in restaurants, shops and museums. Strategize accordingly.
The bus and subway are often your best bet for getting around during the holiday season, though cabs, cars and bikes are all good options too. Uber and Lyft are still the ride-share go-tos, but surge pricing and availability can be issues at peak travel times, especially on the weekends.
If your schedule’s flexible, Lyft’s wait-and-save option might save you a few bucks, or you could avoid the markup altogether and book a ride in a metered taxi. The Curb app saves you the hassle of hailing a cab on the street; if you’ve managed to get lucky and flag one down, it lets you pair your phone and pay the fare from the back seat.
A newcomer on the ride-share scene, Revel has a fleet of distinctive blue vehicles, all electric; even with this appealing environmental benefit, though, the service area is limited to parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and it can often be impossible to snag a ride. The company has a fleet of electric mopeds as well if you prefer traveling under your own steam.
Shared Citi Bikes are as popular as ever, and you might even have an easier time finding a ride when the weather’s chilly. Just be aware that it starts getting dark here early in winter, so make sure you’re visible to drivers if you’re pedaling around town after 4pm or so.
What’s up with the subway these days?
Daily ridership is still down from its pre-pandemic peak, and a recent host of high-profile incidents has raised concerns about subway safety. Although crime statistics are reportedly up since last year, in most categories transit crime is still lower in absolute terms than it was before the pandemic – but with fewer passengers onboard, it’s having more of an impact.
That said, there are precautions you can take for a safe and – fingers crossed – speedy journey. On the platform, stand well back from the edge and keep at least one ear free to listen for announcements (or rowdy fellow travelers). Avoid the empty car on an otherwise packed train. You’ll have more company during the day than late at night.
Check for service alerts before you swipe in at the station; Google Maps shows delays fairly quickly, and the @NYCTSubway Twitter feed has up-to-the-minute information and answers to riders’ questions.
At the turnstiles, MetroCards remain an option, but by the end of 2023, the MTA plans to phase them out entirely in favor of OMNY, a tap-to-pay fare system. In the coming months, OMNY kiosks will begin to replace MetroCard vending machines in stations, so you’ll either want to get used to the new system now or get your last swipes in while you can.
Have you made dinner reservations?
Reservations have always been recommended here for hot-ticket dining destinations, though it did seem easier to snag them in pre-pandemic times. If you have your heart set on a particular spot, don’t mess around and lock it down, particularly around the holidays.
If you can’t manage to book a table, New York has a plenty of restaurants that welcome walk-ins; you’ll have the best luck if you show up early and are open to eating at the bar.
While indoor dining has returned to the city in full force, many of the sidewalk dining sheds that sprung up during the pandemic are still in place and in use. Eating alfresco might not seem like an enticing proposition in winter, yet chances are if service is being offered there, the sheds are usually cozy, with heaters and even blankets to ward off the cold.
There’s a lot more to Moroccan cuisine than couscous and tajines. From cooked vegetable salads and slow-cooked meats to fresh fruits and flaky pastries, the traditional foods of Morocco are mouth-watering.
Midrange restaurant menus can often repeat the same old tajines, so to get more variety you need to feast on street food or dine at one of the growing number of creative fusion restaurants. Home-cooked food is also some of the best in the country, so eating at your riad (guesthouse) can be another good option. Here are the best things to eat and drink in Morocco.
It’s hard to beat the fragrant, slow-cooked flavors of a Moroccan tajine. Getty Images
Find your favorite tajine
The quintessential Moroccan dish is a stew cooked in a conical earthenware pot that keeps the ingredients exceptionally moist and tender. The most common tajines are chicken with preserved lemons and green olives, lamb or beef with prunes, and kefta (spiced meatballs of ground lamb and/or beef) interspersed with eggs in a zesty tomato sauce.
Moroccan kebabs are a firm favorite, rubbed with salt and spices, grilled on a skewer, and served with khobz (flatbread) and harissa (hot chili paste), cumin, and salt. Among the most popular varieties are lamb, chicken, kefta, and the flavorful “mixed meat” (usually lamb or beef plus heart, kidney, and liver).
It can take up to five hours to steam couscous into light, fluffy perfection. Moha El-Jaw / Getty Images
Savor Morocco’s national dish, couscous
Morocco’s national dish – aka seksu – is traditionally served on Fridays; although some restaurants now dish it up every day of the week. The age-old process is time-consuming: durum wheat is ground into fine granules and then rolled by hand. Salted water and flour are added, after which it can take up to five hours to steam to light and fluffy perfection.
Couscous is served with an array of vegetables – seksu bedawi, hailing from Casablanca, includes cabbage, carrots, courgettes, onions, potatoes, pumpkin, and squash – or a mix of meat or chicken and vegetables, all accompanied by a flavorsome broth that soaks into the couscous.
This Marrakesh dish has been dubbed the bachelor’s dish, as it was originally cooked by single men who would put chunks of meat, onions, preserved lemon, garlic, and cumin into a terracotta pot and take it to the local communal oven or hammam to slow cook in the hot coals. Nowadays, it’s a dish that everyone should try in Morocco.
Literally translating to gazelle horns, these small crescent-shaped cookies stuffed with almond paste and laced with orange-flower water are found across Morocco, and best served with a piping-hot cup of “Berber whiskey” otherwise known as mint tea.
Bastilla (sometimes written pastilla) is a flaky, Fassi specialty. Issam Elhafti/Getty Images
Chow down on bastilla
A Fassi specialty, though now found across the country, this savory-sweet pie is made up of wafer-thin warqa (filo-like pastry) traditionally stuffed with pigeon, chicken, or vegetables as well as caramelized onions, lemon, eggs, and toasted sugared almonds – and then dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
This traditional Moroccan dish consists of a whole lamb, marinated with spices and slow-roasted for hours in an underground oven until it falls off the bone and melts in the mouth. Perfect for groups in restaurants, although it’s possible to get a smaller portion from street stalls.
This thick fava bean or broad bean soup is especially popular for breakfast, topped with a generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkling of cumin, and a freshly baked khobz (flatbread). It’s also often a filling, affordable option costing little more than a few dirhams.
There is an art to pouring a cup of mint tea in Morocco to maximize the flavour. Getty Images
Enjoy a refreshing maghrebi mint tea
This refreshing drink, affectionately nicknamed Berber whiskey, is ubiquitous across Morocco. Combining steeped green tea with a handful of fresh nana mint leaves (spearmint) and sugar, you’ll be offered some when you arrive at your riad (guesthouse) or you’re invited as a guest into someone’s home. Small tea shops are often found in the souqs, too.
Despite the camel spleen sausages, sheep’s-head soup, and other nose-to-tail eating options, Morocco offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Dried fruit, nuts, and olives from the souq are solid snack options or grab some goat cheese with just-baked khobz (bread).
If you’re eating and drinking out in Morocco, you can load up on pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit, and fresh-squeezed juice for breakfast. Bissara is a delicious bean soup that’s typically meat-free, but steer clear of bubbling roadside vats – they may contain snails or sheep’s-head soup.
At lunch, try the mezze of salads, which come with fresh bread and may range from delicate cucumbers in orange-blossom water to substantial herbed beets laced with kaffir lime. Vegetarians can sometimes, but not always, order a vegetable tajine or couscous with seven vegetables – call ahead if you can.
Pizza is another widely available and inexpensive vegetarian option, best when topped with local herbs and olives.
Snail soup in Morocco is often flavored with around 15 different spices. Getty Images
Foods worth trying
Nothing goes to waste in Morocco and those with a strong stomach should try these popular dishes, available from markets and food stalls across the country.
Snail soup
Pluck the earthy-tasting snails from their shells and then drink the flavorsome broth or opt for the broth sans snails; this mix of more than 10 spices is reputedly good for your digestive system.
Camel spleen
Think more camel sausage. The spleen is stuffed with camel meat, spices, and hump fat and then baked, sliced, grilled, and served up in a gamey-tasting sandwich.
Sheep’s head
Watching a sheep’s head being charred over hot coals isn’t for the squeamish, but Moroccans have their favorite parts, perhaps a soft chunk of the cheek. The brain is probably bubbling away in a rich sauce nearby.
A year in food
Morocco is the archetypal Slow Food destination, and there’s never a bad time to visit. Its myriad fruits and vegetables are often bound for Europe, but head to any medina market to find local, seasonal produce piled high on market stalls and wooden carts.
Spring (March–May)
It’s time for avocados, apricots, and oranges, as well as strawberries – delicious in fresh juices.
Summer (June–August)
Fruits, such as watermelon, tomatoes, peaches, figs, grapes, and prickly pear have ripened, and mid-June brings the Cherry Festival in Sefrou.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn sees grapes and pomegranates (mentioned in the Quran as being one of the fruits of paradise), along with the date harvest – it’s said that Morocco has more than 100 varieties.
Winter (December–February)
The cooler months bring clementines, onions, beetroots, carrots, and potatoes, as well as omnipresent oranges.
Eating during Ramadan
During Ramadan, most Moroccans observe the fast during the day, eating only before sunrise and after sunset. Dinner is eaten later than usual, and many wake up early for a filling breakfast before dawn.
Although you will not be expected to observe the fast, eating in public is still frowned upon. Hence many restaurants are closed during the day until iftar, the evening meal when the fast is broken – though if you call ahead to restaurants in tourist areas, you may have luck. Plan ahead: load up on snacks in the market to eat indoors, make arrangements for breakfast or lunch in the privacy of your guesthouse and ask locals about a good place to enjoy iftar.
From its snowy ski slopes to its tree-lined hiking trails, it’s no secret that Aspen is a great base for outdoor adventurers.
But this scenic mountain town in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, great shopping, engaging museums and top-notch bars and restaurants, making it a crowd-pleasing vacation destination for just about anyone. Whether you’re visiting for the very first time or you’ve been coming here for years, don’t skip out on these quintessentially Aspen things to do.
Jam out at a concert at Belly Up
Belly Up is an intimate concert venue with a big reputation – it’s been a downtown Aspen staple since 2005 and regularly attracts big-name artists in all sorts of musical genres (B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett, Snoop Dogg are among the many well-known artists that have played here). The Colorado venue’s small size is a major draw: fans can get up close and personal with their favorite musicians. With a diverse lineup and over 300 concert a year, you could attend a gig nearly every night of the week and have a different experience every time.
Drive or bike over Independence Pass
Topping out at 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is a two-lane (and, at times, one-lane) highway that traverses the Continental Divide. It’s a scenic summertime drive, with vibrant orange Indian paintbrushes, lavender Columbines and other abundant wildflowers blooming along the side of the road in July and August. The pass is also popular among road cyclists, though it’s a challenging climb that requires a high level of fitness and constant vigilance for cars. Whether you drive or bike, stop for a break at Independence Ghost Town, where you can wander among restored miners’ cabins and the remains of abandoned buildings from the 1880s.
The Maroon Bells – a pair of 14,000-foot peaks reflecting in an alpine lake near Aspen – are some of the most photographed mountains in North America. Their natural beauty has made them incredibly popular, but you can ditch some of the crowds by waking up before dawn to reach Maroon Lake. Plus, sunrise is a stunning time to photograph the Bells, which become pink and sparkly as the sun hits them. You can also start one of Aspen’s best hikes from there.
Depending on when you go, you may need to make a parking reservation or take a shuttle bus, so be sure to read up on the latest seasonal requirements for visiting the Maroon Bells.
Find the shrines on Aspen Mountain
Keep your eyes peeled while skiing at Aspen Mountain, aka Ajax, and you might suddenly find yourself immersed in a colorful shrine to Jerry Garcia or John Denver. There are dozens of shrines hidden among the trees at Ajax, as well as Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, paying homage to everyone from celebrities to beloved deceased locals; there are even shrines honoring dogs who have crossed the rainbow bridge. Some are somber, others are lighthearted and fun – but they offer a window into Aspen’s unique culture and identity.
Go mountain biking at Snowmass Bike Park
While there are hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, a good place to start is Snowmass Bike Park. In the summer and fall, the snowy ski slopes transform into lush, wildflower-speckled singletrack trails for all skill levels. The bike park makes it easy to spend all of your time going downhill, since you can hop on the Elk Camp Gondola with your bike for the ride up the mountain – no huffing and puffing required (unless you want to ride cross-country!). There are 25 miles of downhill trails spanning nearly 3,000 vertical feet, with terrain for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. If you want to beat the crowds on trails like these, September to November might be the best time to visit Aspen.
If you’re new to the sport, Snowmass Bike Park is also a great place to take a lesson or sign up for a skills clinic; you can rent gear there, too. Beyond that, there are more than 300 miles of mountain bike trails throughout the valley, which has been designated a gold-level ride center – the highest rating possible – by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Enjoy music under the tent at Aspen Music Festival
In the summer, Aspen is brimming with music students and professional musicians from around the world, who travel to the Roaring Fork Valley for the renowned Aspen Music Festival and School (you’ll often hear and see students playing expert-level classical music downtown to make a little extra cash!). Since 1949, students have been able to rehearse and perform alongside principals from major orchestras, attend lectures, participate in masterclasses and listen to panel discussions.
Members of the public, meanwhile, benefit from the hundreds of public performances that students and professionals put on, many of them taking place in the open-air Benedict Music Tent on the Aspen Institute campus. Though the venue seats more than 2,000 people, many concert-goers lounge on the grassy lawn surrounding the tent, with a picnic or a book to read, while listening to the world-class performances.
Stroll through the Aspen Art Museum
Designed like a woven picnic basket, the Aspen Art Museum is a great place to spend an afternoon, no matter the season. The museum, one of the many free things to do in Aspen, hosts rotating exhibitions featuring mostly contemporary art; there’s also a gorgeous, sunny cafe on the third floor that’s perfect for a light lunch or catching up on emails. Expect to spend about an hour here – it’s not a very big museum, but the architecture and building design are also inspiring.
To work up a little sweat while you ski – or “earn your turns,” as some skiers say – try uphilling at Buttermilk, one of Aspen Skiing Company’s four mountains. Uphilling is exactly what it sounds like: skiing uphill. It’s a workout for sure, but also allows you to skip the lift lines and avoid many of the crowds, which can make for a more peaceful, serene experience on the snow.
To uphill, you’ll need some special equipment – chiefly, skins, which are grippy strips that attach to the bottom of your skis to prevent you from sliding backward as you glide uphill. There are special hours for uphilling to avoid getting in the way of fast-moving downhillers, and you’ll need to buy an uphill season pass for $69.
A popular route for uphilling is Tiehack, which climbs 1,600 feet to Buttermilk’s east summit. Once you get to the top, take off your skins, tighten your boots and let it rip to ski back down.
Eat pancakes at Bonnie’s
Take a break from skiing at Ajax to refuel and warm up at Bonnie’s a cozy, mid-mountain spot that’s known for its pancakes and apple strudel. On bluebird days, it’s also a great place to grab a beer and soak up the sun on the deck while skiers and snowboarders cruise by.
Another must-visit on-mountain restaurant is the Sundeck, located a few paces from the top of the Silver Queen Gondola (the main lift from downtown Aspen). It’s a cafeteria-style setup, but this is far from cafeteria food – perfectly cooked burgers, gourmet pizzas, creative sandwiches and other hearty, fresh foods prepared by the top chefs at the Little Nell, one of the most luxurious hotels in Colorado. Even if you’re not hungry, the Sundeck is worth a stop for the views of the surrounding 14,000-foot peaks.
Walk back in time with Aspen Historical Society
Aspen’s active historical society keeps the city’s history alive and relevant with museums and ghost towns. The Aspen Historical Society also offers an array of informative and entertaining walking tours around town, including a Victorian West End walking tour that explores the historical characters and distinctive architecture of the West End neighborhood. The historians are highly knowledgeable and often wear period-appropriate clothing, helping you imagine what Aspen was like decades ago.
Ride an e-bike to Pine Creek Cookhouse
Cycling is a popular sport in Aspen, but the city’s already high starting elevation (8,000 feet) and even higher mountain roads can make it a challenge for visitors, particularly those coming from sea level. Enter the electric bike, or e-bike for short, which will give you a little extra oomph while you pedal and is one of the best ways to get around Aspen.
Rent an e-bike for the day from one of Aspen’s many bike rental shops, then begin the 12.5-mile climb toward Pine Creek Cookhouse, a popular lunch restaurant in a log cabin. Even with the electrical assistance of your bike, this ride is still a challenge, so you’ll be hungry by the time you arrive. The ride back to Aspen, however, is a breeze as it’s all downhill: don’t be afraid to eat every last bite of your massive Castle Creek Knife Burger.
In the winter, you can also cross-country ski or take a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride to the restaurant, which is just up the road from Ashcroft Ghost Town.
Go birding at Hallam Lake
Founded in 1968, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is a beautiful 25-acre environmental learning facility and nature preserve – and one of the best spots to go birding year-round in Aspen. Hallam Lake, located on the center’s grounds along the Roaring Fork River, is home to dozens of species of resident and migratory birds, including colorful waterfowl, delicate warblers and impressive birds of prey.
ACES hosts monthly group birding outings led by naturalist and writer Rebecca Weiss – and there’s even a bird club you can join to help support the center’s work.
The Hotel Jerome has been an Aspen landmark since 1889. For more than 130 years, the stately brick building has stood at the corner of Main and Mill streets, surviving the mining boom, the silver crash, the quiet years, the start of Aspen’s ski area, the Hunter S. Thompson years (when gonzo journalist Thompson ran for sheriff in 1970, he made the hotel’s J-Bar his unofficial office) and, finally, the glitz and glimmer of the present day.
The J-Bar, inside the hotel, was also a very popular hangout spot during Prohibition. According to legend, the bartender would surreptitiously toss a few shots of bourbon into a vanilla milkshake for those who asked for “that Aspen Crud.” The boozy milkshake is still on the menu today – and yes, it’s delicious.
Ride bikes along the Rio Grande Trail
This 42-mile “rails-to-trails” route connects the communities in the Roaring Fork Valley from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. It’s a popular trail for cycling, running, walking, jogging and rollerblading because it’s protected from vehicle traffic (except for a handful of well-marked spots where it intersects with roads) as it meanders through varied scenery along the Roaring Fork River. The trail, which is mostly paved and relatively flat, can also connect you with dozens of other trail systems, which means you can ride to your heart’s content without needing to rely on a car.
Get swept up in a Theatre Aspen show
Head to Hurst Theatre, a unique and elegant enclosed tent structure located right along the Roaring Fork River, to be transported to another time and place during a Theatre Aspen musical or play. The professional theater company puts on Broadway shows like Chicago and Guys and Dolls during its annual summer season.
