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Hayley on Holiday

19 Free (and Cheap) Things To Do in Vancouver

April 6, 2018 in Canada, North America, Vancouver
Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting the Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here.

I’m back on the Vancouver content train, with today’s guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver. I also include some very cheap options as well and I guarantee you will find something fun on this list. From hikes to free festivals to the best views, I cover all bases.

Somehow it’s been over six months since I left Canada and Vancouver and I still have so much information to spill on Vancouver. If you have any suggestions for what you want to see next, leave them in the comments below. But for now, here are my favourite free things to do in Vancouver.

Table of Contents Show
The best free things to do in Vancouver (plus cheap options too!)
1. Stroll through Stanley Park
2. Do some plane spotting
3. Hike it out
4. Take plenty of photos from lovely Lonsdale Quay
5. Get yourself to Granville Island
6. Enjoy a free culture night
7. Check out Kits
8. See the spectacular view from Queen Elizabeth Park
9. Visit Burnaby Village Museum
10. Go to Gastown
11. Check out a free festival or market
12. Visit Robson Square
13. Hit the beach
14. Visit Jack Poole Plaza
15. Explore Lynn Canyon Park
16. Spot street art
17. Enjoy a free walking tour
18. Do some celebrity stalking
19. Catch an Aquabus
A wrap on the top free (and cheap) things to do in Vancouver

Before we dive in… if you’re looking for accommodation in Vancouver, check out this post. For fellow budget travellers though, I recommend Airbnb and Samesun Backpackers.

The best free things to do in Vancouver (plus cheap options too!)

1. Stroll through Stanley Park

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s very large urban park. It’s connected to the city, so you can easily walk there from downtown. There’s a lot to see and do around Stanley Park. This includes biking or walking the seawall and seeing sights like Brockton Point Lighthouse, the Girl in the Wetsuit statue and Siwash Rock. There’s also Beaver Lake and the Vancouver Aquarium within the park and the beaches on its west side. Stanley Park also looks very good in fall, if you’re visiting in the autumnal months. In summer, Stanley Park hosts free outdoor movie nights too. Basically, if you’re looking for free things to do in Vancouver, head to Stanley Park.

Things to Do in Vancouver: Visit Stanley Park

2. Do some plane spotting

My friend and I only checked out Larry Berg Flight Path Park a couple of months before I left Vancouver. But what a cool spot! It’s directly in line with the airport’s south runway, so you can see planes land and take off. There’s also a massive globe, information about the airport, paper airplane benches (I KNOW) and picnic tables. If you want to do something different but free in Vancouver, check it out.

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting Larry Berg Flight Path Park

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting Larry Berg Flight Path Park.

3. Hike it out

There are too many free hikes and walking trails to enjoy around Vancouver. The most popular include Quarry Rock in Deep Cove, Lighthouse Park, Burnaby Mountain and Whytecliff Park. The seawall also stretches from Stanley Park to Kits, so you could easily pick a section of that to walk or bike along as well. If you want to do the infamous Grouse Grind (a.k.a nature’s stairmaster), you will need money for the gondola ride down the mountain, as you can’t walk back down.

4. Take plenty of photos from lovely Lonsdale Quay

Okay, so this is technically one of the best cheap things to do in Vancouver, because you have to get the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver (if you’re using public transport). BUT, the sunset views from Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards are SO worth it. Check out my post on where to photograph the Vancouver skyline for more photographic evidence. Another option is the view from nearby Waterfront Park as well.

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting North Vancouver for sunset.

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting North Vancouver for sunset.

For more info on how to spend the day in North Vancouver, CLICK HERE

5. Get yourself to Granville Island

Another one of my favourite places in Vancouver is Granville Island and its Public Market. The market houses stalls selling handmade goods, fresh produce, delicious treats and even a food court. Although a certain seagull scarred me for life here when it snatched half my biscuit out of my hand as I was going to take a bite, I still like it. The views from Granville Island – and from Granville and Burrard Bridges if you walk to the island from downtown – are picture perfect.

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting Granville Island Public Market.

6. Enjoy a free culture night

Free nights at museums and art galleries are one of the best free things to do in Vancouver (and any city, really). Vancouver Art Gallery and H.R. Macmillan Space Centre do free evenings each week (Tuesday and Saturday respectively). 

7. Check out Kits

One of my favourite Vancouver walking trails takes you from Granville Island to Kits Beach. On a sunny day, you can get some beautiful photos of the city, mountains, water and Stanley Park. It also connect two excellent free things to do in Vancouver (score!). Kits Beach is always bustling with people in summer and is home to an outdoor swimming pool too. From the beach, you could also walk up to the shops on West 4th Avenue, for a not-so-free thing to do. Otherwise, continue west towards Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach.

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver.

Along the way

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting Kits Beach.

8. See the spectacular view from Queen Elizabeth Park

How I missed visiting Queen Elizabeth Park during my first time living in Vancouver I’ll never know. But it’s a different park compared to Stanley Park. Firstly, it’s Vancouver’s highest elevation, which equals the best city views. Secondly, it has beautiful gardens to check out and is home to Bloedel Conservatory. Thirdly, there’s free disc golf (like frisbee golf?).

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting Queen Elizabeth Park.

Queen Elizabeth Park with skyline views.

Queen Elizabeth Park is just one of the stops listed in my 24-hour guide to Vancouver. CLICK HERE to read all about it!

9. Visit Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum has free admission and takes you back to the 1920s. It resembles a 1920s tram stop community, from the costumed townspeople to the shops. Although I never visited, it sounds like a fun day out, particular for families.

10. Go to Gastown

Gastown will always be my favourite Vancouver neighbourhood. The cobblestones. The twinkly lights. Those brick buildings. Tuesday trivia at The Lamplighter. Fishbowls and birthday treats at Steamworks. TACOFINO. Anyway, it would be a crime if you missed seeing Gastown while visiting Vancouver. Walking through the neighbourhood tops most definitely tops my free things to do in Vancouver list. I personally think it looks better at night too. 

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including visiting Gastown.

Here are even more things to do at night in Vancouver

11. Check out a free festival or market

Particularly in summer, there are so many free festivals and markets happening in Vancouver. My favourites include the Richmond Night Market (a cheap-but-not-free option), Shipyards Night Market, Italian Day on Commercial Drive, Celebration of Light, Khatsahlano and Canada Day celebrations at Canada Place. But there’s also the Vancouver Pride Parade, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival… SO many options. I tell you, summertime in Vancouver is the best!

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including the Richmond Night Market.

12. Visit Robson Square

Robson Square in downtown Vancouver hosts events throughout the year. In winter, there’s free ice skating available. I’m too uncoordinated to take part in such an activity, but if you’re more graceful than me check it out. Robson Square also hosts free Friday and Sunday night dance classes in the summertime (ballroom and salsa respectively).

13. Hit the beach

Vancouver does have some lovely beaches, even if the water is too cold for me. Check out First, Second and Third beaches at Stanley Park (I know, original). There’s also Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver, which has a beautiful beachfront walk. Or Wreck Beach, the largest nudist beach in North America (if that’s more your style).

Vancouver beaches.

14. Visit Jack Poole Plaza

When visiting Vancouver, make sure you check out the Olympic Cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza. It’s located on the waterfront beside the Vancouver Convention Centre, so has beautiful views across to North Vancouver as well. Speaking of Olympics, Olympic Village is a good stop on the seawall for a drink and city views. I am a big fan of Tap & Barrel’s patio.

Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver.

15. Explore Lynn Canyon Park

One of Vancouver’s most popular attractions is Capilano Suspension Bridge. However, it is not a cheap place to visit, so I never actually went. However, Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver has its own suspension bridge. I visited with friends during my first month in Vancouver and it was a fun way to spend an afternoon. There are walking trails and you can swim in the freezing water, if you dare. Bonus: it’s accessible via public transport.

16. Spot street art

I do love to spot street art and Vancouver has some amazing pieces spread around town. Check out this guide I wrote for The Culture Trip, all about the best places to see street art in Vancouver. Your Instagram will thank you.

Vancouver street art.

17. Enjoy a free walking tour

When I first arrived in Vancouver, I did a couple of free walking tours with Tour Guys. It helped me learn more about my new city and see some of the sights. I have spoken A LOT about free tours on this blog, because I basically do them in nearly every city I go to and Vancouver is no exception. Technically though, this would be classified under cheap things to do in Vancouver, as tips are appreciated.

Seaplanes in front of Stanley Park in Vancouver.

18. Do some celebrity stalking

Let’s be honest, my celebrity stalking was abysmal in Vancouver. For the amount of shows that film in the city, I can’t believe the only celebrities I saw were the Supernatural boys (but they’re pretty so that’s okay). When I watch shows filmed in Vancouver, I notice so many distinctive areas, but alas the celebrities dodged me. Anyway, keep your eyes peeled downtown for signs, police cars and big shiny lights.

19. Catch an Aquabus

This is another one of the best cheap things to do in Vancouver. You can take the Aquabus around False Creek and it’s a unique way to see Vancouver from the water. It was one of those things I thought I had to try once and I’m glad I did.

Click for my guide to the best free things to do in Vancouver, including taking an Aquabus.

Hello you cute Aquabus

A wrap on the top free (and cheap) things to do in Vancouver

So there it is, 19 free things to do in Vancouver (and some cheap things to do thrown in for good measure). I hope this comprehensive list helps you decide what to do in my second home. For more Vancouver goodness, check out these posts: where to stay (there are options for all budgets), my 24-hour guide, where to take awesome photos of the skyline and the best things to do at night.

You may also like… my entire North America solo travel itinerary and the best places to visit alone in the US.

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Comments

  1. Marcelle says

    March 25, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    Love this post! I’ve been going to Vancouver for vacations for the past 4 years now and have not heard of Larry Berg Flight Path Park until now! My husband loves watching planes and he always make me go to the McArthur Glen Outlet mall just so that he can have a closer look at the planes. I’m definitely taking him there next time we’re in Vancouver. Thank you for this amazing tip! :)

    Reply
    • Hayley | Hayley on Holiday says

      March 25, 2019 at 10:15 pm

      You’re so welcome, Marcelle. I didn’t know about it either until my friend took me weeks before I left. It’s SO cool!

      Reply

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Hi 👋🏻. I’m Hayley, an Australian who’s been solo travelling around the world for 10 years. 40+ countries and two working holidays in Canada later, Hayley on Holiday is my one-stop resource for solo and budget travel. I hope it inspires you to take the leap and explore this wonderful world we live in.

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Places to visit in Australia: Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania

The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. I’m back with another solo travel-focused post today. This time, we’re talking about my favourite solo travel destinations in Australia for solo weekend getaways. Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Australia alone. My solo travels are not limited to overseas destinations. Yes, I’ve travelled solo across Europe and North America. But I’ve also visited many Australian cities alone as well. Don’t be daunted by solo travel in Australia, because I guarantee you can have a great time Down Under with or without a travel companion. Based on my personal experience (and wishlist), here are the best places to visit in Australia alone. Can you tell I’m a Queenslander? 😂   Note: Australia is a big country and most people will recommend hiring a vehicle to see all the best sights: from cute country towns to cosmopolitan cities. However, I chose these Australian solo travel destinations as you can visit them without hiring a car and still have an unforgettable vacation. The best places to visit in Australia for solo travellers 1. Melbourne Let’s start with my current home, Melbourne. Thanks to the immense amount of things to do and its great public transport network, I believe Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia if travelling alone. However, I would recommend spending more than just a solo weekend here. Some of my favourite things to do in Melbourne include visiting St Kilda, having brunch and a browse of the boutiques in Fitzroy, spotting street art in the CBD and going for walks through the city’s many gardens. You also shouldn’t leave Melbourne without doing a trip along the Great Ocean Road. I did an organised tour a few years ago and thought it was excellent. Where to stay in Melbourne: I have a post on where to stay in Melbourne. But my parents have stayed at the Atlantis – great location, good price and comfortable beds. I also recently stayed at Space Hotel, which has dorms and private rooms. The central hostel is fantastic and has a rooftop deck, lounge and gym. I’ll be back on return visits to Melbourne for sure. Read more: Where to eat in Melbourne, free things to do and general things to do, where to take the best photos and other day trips to check out. 2. Magnetic Island This may be a surprise entry, but I had to include Magnetic Island on this list of solo weekend getaways in Australia. Located a 20-minute ferry ride from my hometown, Townsville, this is where my parents live. It’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Australia because it’s made for tourists. With public buses and two great hostels located in different bays, Magnetic Island is one of the best places to visit in Australia if you’re travelling alone. On Magnetic Island, I recommend doing the Forts Walk, seeing the sunset at Horseshoe Bay, feeding the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and swimming at Alma Bay. You can get to Townsville by flying or taking the Greyhound bus from two other destinations on this list: Cairns and Airlie Beach. The bus even drops you directly at the ferry terminal – now that’s convenience 😉. Where to stay on Magnetic Island: Bungalow Bay or Base are the two hostels I mentioned. Bungalow Bay is probably my favourite though, purely because it’s located in Horseshoe Bay. Read more: Things to do on Magnetic Island, favourite photo locations and where to find koalas. 3. Sydney Ah, Melbourne’s rival and Australia’s biggest city. Sydney is another one of Australia’s best solo travel destinations. Although I think Melbourne has more things to do, Sydney does have the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. However, I found that it takes longer to get places in Sydney when using public transport, so be prepared. You can get the bus to Bondi and do the Bondi to Bronte Walk. Then you can hop on the train to Instagram’s favourite place: The Grounds of Alexandria. Where to stay in Sydney: Can we talk about the epic views from both Bondi Backpackers and Sydney Harbour YHA?! They’re also top-rated on Hostelworld, which is what matters most to me. Read more: Fun things to do in Sydney As you’ll see with these places to visit in Australia, I only recommend hostels for solo travellers. Read this post for my top hostel tips and check out this post for great ways to meet people when travelling alone. 4. Hobart I know Hobart isn’t the first place you think of visiting on a solo weekend getaway in Australia. But if you have the time, it’s a short flight from Melbourne and a totally different city. It’s home to beautiful architecture, Australia’s most unique museum and some delicious food. I recommend visiting Mount Wellington, getting up close to Aussie animals at Bonorong Sanctuary and wandering around Salamanca. Where to stay in Hobart: I stayed at The Pickled Frog and wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else. They offer free day trips to MONA and Mount Wellington, and the hostel is conveniently located in the CBD. Read more: A visit to Mount Wellington, top things to do and where to eat in Hobart. 5. Cairns So Cairns is located a five-hour drive north of Townsville (the two cities have been frenemies forever). Thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the fourth most-visited destination in Australia. Because it’s such a tourist hotspot, Cairns is also one of the best places to visit in Australia when travelling solo. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, and there are plenty of tours available. Top attractions near Cairns include Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Kuranda and Fitzroy Island. You could easily spend a week enjoying Cairns and its surrounds. Where to stay in Cairns: I’ve stayed at Gilligan’s before for a friend’s 21st and it’s […]

Lake Bled, a great day trip from Ljubljana.

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe? Well, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the best cities in Europe for solo travel and my recommendations for the safest places to travel alone in Europe. So far I’ve published posts on the best places to travel alone in Australia and the United States. Hence it’s now time to turn my attention towards Europe. Altogether, I’ve spent approximately six months travelling solo across Europe and in that time I’ve visited (and revisited) many amazing cities. So, from my personal solo travel experience, here are 21 of the best places to travel alone in Europe.  I base whether a city is a good place to visit alone in Europe on a few elements. This includes good public transport and easy navigation, hostel options, a variety of activities you can do alone and friendly locals.  Before we begin, make sure you check out these two informative guides: top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my Europe budget travel tips.  Best places to travel alone in Europe 1. Dublin I flew into Dublin after visiting family in Bristol and my initial thought was, this city is BUSY. But besides the crowds, Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel for multiple reasons. This includes the fact you can easily walk between most attractions or catch public transport. I only caught two buses: one from the airport and the other to the train station. Dublin is also overflowing with hostels and fun things to do. I recommend doing a free walking tour (how unusual), visiting the Chester Beatty Library, having a picnic lunch in St Stephen’s Green and going on a Dublin doors excursion.  Where to stay in Dublin: Abbey Court Hostel, which has pros and cons. Pros: central location and large common area. Cons: small eight-bed dorms and tiny ensuite bathroom. Related Dublin posts: 20 things to do in Dublin and my Ireland/Northern Ireland itinerary for solo travellers. 2. Amsterdam I’ve said this before, but when I first visited Amsterdam at the ripe old age of 18, it was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by the eccentrically-dressed locals, the smell of pot in the air and by our eye-opening adventures into the Red Light District at night. But when I returned 10 years later, it felt like I was visiting a different city entirely. Amsterdam is now firmly one of my favourite European destinations and it also happens to be one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. With friendly locals, good public transport options and many walkable districts, I highly recommend visiting Amsterdam as a solo traveller. Where to stay in Amsterdam: Generator Amsterdam, which again had pros and cons. Pros: modern facilities in a scenic park setting. Cons: expensive and located about a 30-minute walk from the city centre.  Related Amsterdam posts: My three-day guide to Amsterdam and where (and what) to eat in Amsterdam. Omg, that post makes me want a fresh stroopwafel immediately. 3. London Ah, lovely London. I don’t feel the need to live in London like so many fellow Aussies, but it’s one of my favourites cities in Europe to visit. I love that I’ve been there multiple times, yet I still have things to tick off my London bucket list. As one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, spend your time visiting museums, having lunch at its many marketplaces, strolling through its colourful neighbourhoods and shopping along Oxford Street, of course. I also highly suggest seeing a show on the West End. I went to two matinees on my recent visit to London and my row alone was made up of multiple people seeing the musical alone. Where to stay in London: I’ve stayed at Wombats multiple times and it’s fantastic. Good common areas, kitchen facilities, an onsite bar with nightly activities, and modern rooms. I also stayed one night at Astor Victoria because it was close to the Victoria Coach Station, but it had nothing on Wombats. Related London posts: My solo traveller’s guide to London, an Oxford day trip from London and London at Christmas. 4. Copenhagen Copenhagen is definitely one of the most expensive cities to visit alone in Europe. Nevertheless, it’s a great city for solo female travellers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, a long list of things to do and the friendliest locals. From the talkative guy behind the counter in 7/11 to the supermarket clerk, everyone politely switched to English without hesitation.  Where to stay in Copenhagen: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger was expensive, but the dorm rooms were modern and large with plush beds. There’s also a kitchen, multiple common areas and you’re walking distance from many of Copenhagen’s main attractions. Related Copenhagen post: My budget travel guide to Copenhagen and if you’re interested in a Malmö day trip, check out this post. 5. Belfast Belfast may be one of the most surprising cities on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. However, I really enjoyed my weekend in the city. I did a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and spent the following day seeing the sights and joining an eye-opening political walking tour. This is my top pick for things to do in Belfast if you want to learn more about the city’s history.  Belfast isn’t the city that instantly comes to mind when thinking about the safest places to travel alone in Europe. But I felt comfortable walking around the sleepy city centre during the day and along the main street at night to get back to my hostel. I didn’t know what to expect in Belfast as I’d previously heard mixed reviews, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re travelling alone in Europe and the UK. Where to stay in Belfast: Vagabonds, a very […]

Enjoying the view at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia

The Ultimate Bali Solo Travel Guide – What You Need To Know Before You Visit Bali Alone

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. As someone who’s visited Bali, Indonesia on multiple occasions (both with my family and as a solo female traveller), here is my top advice for solo travel in Bali. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in Bali for solo travellers and the top things to do in Bali alone. Hi, my name is Hayley and I miss Bali. But seeing as we can’t travel there right now, the next best thing (for me, anyway) is to write about it. I’ve visited Bali on several occasions and last year I stayed for a whole month (and didn’t get sick 🙌🏻). Bali will always be one of my favourite places and it’s already been the focus of quite a few blog posts. But I thought I would talk about Bali from a solo female traveller’s perspective today. With detailed information on the best places to visit, things to do in Bali alone and general travel tips, this is the only travel guide you’ll need to read before you solo travel in Bali. General solo travel in Bali tips Firstly, I want to direct you to this post, as it covers all of my top Bali travel tips. But here are some additional tips, specifically in regards to solo travel in Bali. Getting around Bali as a solo traveller Arriving at the airport You’ll undoubtedly be arriving in Bali via plane. The airport has gotten a lovely renovation in recent years (I still have fond memories of the previous airport). Nonetheless, once you step outside you will be overwhelmingly greeted by hundreds of locals holding signs that display different names. Most accommodation in Bali will offer to organise airport transport for you. I take them up on the offer as it’s the easiest option, especially when you’re arriving in a foreign country late at night. Alternatively, you can visit the taxi desk at the airport. Day to day transport As for day to day transport, if you feel comfortable renting a scooter, it’s one of the most popular options. There are locals renting scooters everywhere in Bali, which shouldn’t set you back more than 60,000 IRP per day. However, if you want to hire a scooter I recommend organising an international driver’s licence before you leave your home country. Personally, I rely on walking and Blue Bird taxis as a solo traveller in Bali. Blue Bird has an app, but I’d just walk and wait for one to appear on the main road. Once you arrive in Bali you’ll understand what I mean. The Balinese streets are overwhelmingly filled with a lovely combination of scooters, cars and taxis. Now, Blue Bird is the best company because all taxis have meters for the most affordable rate. If you hop into a different taxi, the driver may try to barter with you or “forget” to turn the meter on and no one has time for that. Uber and Grab are also present in Bali, but drivers are prohibited from entering many of the main tourist areas. As for public transport, the only option is the Kura-Kura public shuttle bus service. It travels between Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and destinations. I’ve never used this bus network, but I have seen them travelling around Bali. Travelling around Bali alone On my last solo trip to Bali, I also travelled from Kuta to Ubud and back again. In the first instance, I got my family’s driver to drive me as I wanted to stop at a few different places along the way. He’s fantastic, isn’t pushy like some drivers and speaks great English. If you’d like his details, let me know. On the other hand, from Ubud to Kuta I paid 60,000 IRP to travel on a shuttle bus with other people backpacking Bali alone. I just booked it at the travel desk outside my homestay in Ubud. If you’re a fellow budget traveller, this is a good option.  Money tips When I visit Bali, I travel with my Citibank debit card as I don’t get charged any international fees. I also predominantly use official bank ATMs. If you prefer, you can also bring cash in your local currency and change it at a money exchange. Although a few high-end restaurants have card facilities, cash is king in Bali. Tipping is also always appreciated at both restaurants and spas.  What to pack for solo travel in Bali As luck would have it, I’ve already written a post that highlights the 10 things I highly recommend packing for a trip to Bali. Check it out here. How to avoid Bali Belly on your solo trip to Bali We have to get real for a second because Bali Belly is a menace I am, unfortunately, all too well acquainted with. It’s essentially an upset stomach or travellers’ diarrhea that you can get while travelling around Bali. Predominantly caused by contaminated food and water, stay away from Bali’s tap water as it isn’t potable. Although experts say to not drink the ice in Bali, it’s government-regulated now and safe to drink.  I also take Travelan before lunch and dinner in Bali and it seems to be the magic ingredient. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I was when I travelled around Bali for one month without getting sick. Life goals, friends 😂. If you do inevitably get struck down by Bali Belly, make sure you stay hydrated, take rehydration drinks (available from convenience stores) and stick to a bland diet. Bali Belly is also why I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your solo trip to Bali.  Is Bali safe for solo female travellers? This is probably one of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to solo travel in Bali. In my option, Bali is safe for solo female travellers. Personally, I’ve never felt afraid while walking around Bali alone. On my last trip, I stayed […]

Tower Bridge in London, England

My Complete Solo Traveller’s Guide to Lovely London

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. My latest solo travel guide focuses on lovely London. Keep reading to find out where I stayed in London, solo London travel tips and the best things to do alone in London. It’s about time I wrote a guide on solo travel in London. I’ve spent nearly a month in London overall, so I’m basically a local 💁‍♀️. It’s one of my favourite cities to visit – there’s just so many cool neighbourhoods to visit and attractions to see. It’s also a great city to visit as a solo traveller. So here’s my guide to visiting London by yourself, including the best things to do alone in London. If you’ve ever wondered what to do alone in London, I have you covered. Solo London travel tips First up, here are a couple of travel tips for fellow solo travellers visiting London alone. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings in busy places as there are pickpockets in London (like every other major city in the world). I also found I felt safe walking from the tube back to my hostel at night alone, as it was located on a busier street and there were always people around. However, I only did this on a couple of occasions. As always, do what feels right to you. All of the amazing things to do alone in London listed below are daytime activities anyway. How to get to London alone Hello, my name is Hayley and I am now a pro at travelling to London alone. So far I’ve arrived and departed from London by plane, train and bus. I’ve flown in and out of London from both Vancouver and Australia – check Skyscanner for the best flight deals. I’ve also taken the Eurostar from London to Paris and FlixBus to Bruges. Within the UK, I have taken National Express buses and the train from London as well. So yes, there are plenty of ways to get to and from London. How to get around London Public transport is fantastic in London, so take advantage. I used the tube most days and even caught a few buses. I simply relied on Google Maps to figure out which tube line or bus would take me to my destination. The best hostel in London for solo travellers In my opinion, the best hostel in London for solo travellers is Wombats City Hostel. I’ve now stayed there multiple times in a six-bed female dorm room (with an ensuite). It’s conveniently located 10 minutes from both Tower Bridge and Brick Lane in East London. The hostel is also within walking distance of two tube lines and two grocery stores. I like the large common areas at the hostel and the onsite bar. The bar hosts weekly events as well, which is the perfect place to meet other solo travellers in London. I’ve also stayed overnight at the Astor Victoria as it’s walking distance from Victoria Coach Station. Let’s just say, Wombats is 100 times better. I had to walk up seven flights of narrow stairs to my female dorm, which isn’t the easiest with a nearly 20kg suitcase. I also thought the shared bathrooms weren’t the cleanest and the common areas at Wombats are so much better.  Here are my top hostelling tips & travel essentials for fellow solo travellers Fun things to do alone in London  Here are lots and lots of things to do in London on your own. You won’t be bored in London after reading this list! 1. Walk along the Thames to see the best London attractions If you’re wondering where to go alone in London, here are several ideas. On my first day in London in 2017, I ended up walking from my hostel near Tower Bridge to Oxford Street. It was a lot of steps, but I passed so many beautiful London attractions on the way. Firstly, there’s Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I haven’t been to the Tower of London yet, but I’ve heard it’s worthwhile. Then there’s St Paul’s Cathedral before you make it to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was pretty quiet until I got to Big Ben, which is always overflowing with tourists. Don’t forget Westminster Abbey either. On another day, I walked on the other side of the River Thames to visit some Christmas markets. This is where you’ll find the Shard, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. A final, but nonetheless awesome option, is to take a cruise along the River Thames.  2. See the Queen at Buckingham Palace Can you even say you’ve been to London if you don’t visit Buckingham Palace? It’s fortunately located in central London, so there are other things to see and do nearby. If you happen to visit in autumn like me, don’t miss seeing all the falling leaves in St James’ Park and Green Park. It’s magical! While we’re on the topic, check out my autumn packing list 😉 3. Do a free walking tour Can you believe I’ve never done a free walking tour in London? I’ve done one in like every other country in Europe, but not London. Anyway, don’t be like me and join a free walking tour. It’s one of the best things to do alone in London (and any place for that matter). 4. Go shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets Oxford and Regent Streets are hectic, no matter when you visit. But Oxford Street is home to all of my favourite English stores (a.k.a. Primark), so it’s always on my personal list of things to do alone in London. If you end up visiting London at Christmas, you also must see the Christmas decorations along Oxford and Regent Streets. While you’re in the area, head to Carnaby Street, which has more independent stores. I loved the handmade products and unique London souvenirs inside We Built This City. Here are […]

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