That first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower up close—glorious in the morning light, towering before your eyes—is unforgettable.

And so is your first bite of Paris. Whether it’s steak frites, a banana nutella crepe, a vanilla eclair, or a flaky, buttery croissant, it’s a bite you will not forget.

Walking around, hearing live music wafting through the air from the street musicians around the city, it’s magical. You feel like you’re in a movie. And you might be! (Or at least, where a movie was filmed.)

So many stories were crafted, shot, and dreamt up in Paris. You’ll walk the street where they were pieced together. And suddenly, you’ll realize that yours is being written, right now, in the city of love, art, and food.

This is what awaits you in Paris.

An Honest Opinion About Paris

I arrived in Paris late on a Thursday night in the beginning of May. Seeing the Eiffel Tower from the plane window made my heart leap for joy.

This weekend trip was an early birthday present (from myself to myself). Though I only spent two magical days in Paris, I enjoyed every second.

Honestly, I didn’t think I would love Paris that much. But I did. And I especially loved:

• The colorful, beautiful, woven Rattan chairs! The ones outside every single restaurant. I took pictures of all of them. They’re lovely. I aspire to decorate my backyard dining area with them (someday, when I acquire a backyard dining area).

• Eating outside (in the lovely chairs)! There’s just something magical about eating outside in Paris. Maybe it’s the aforementioned adorable woven chairs. Maybe it’s the vibes of this stunning city. Maybe it’s the fantastic food. Oh wait, it’s most definitely the food—the setting is just the cherry on top.

• The food! Of course, French food is marvelous. Though I could only try a small sampling during my weekend in Paris, everything I tried was fantastic. Paris is a culinary experience.

Paris is chic, girly! romantic, magical. You walk around and feel like you’re in a movie—and that you’re the main character.

Live music plays as you walk across the bridges that curl over the Seine river. People call you mademoiselle (which, I know, makes you immediately want to buy a plane ticket). Everything is artsy—from the ivy that grows perfectly up the buildings to the terrace seating, to the croissants themselves!

Paris is a work of art. And love itself is her muse.

A Short Aside About Why I Ended Up Traveling Solo In The City of Love

Unfortunately, I ended up traveling alone to the city of love.

Obviously, before buying two plane tickets—one for myself, and one for my dear husband, Pedro—I confirmed, with said husband, the date of the trip. Which he forgot and proceeded to book a wedding (he’s a professional saxophone player) that very Saturday.

So, while he was working, I was walking around Paris with my lonesome. Don’t shed any tears for me, it was wonderful.

Of course, I would have loved to go to Paris with Pedro. But as a very introverted, independent woman, I also love being alone—and traveling alone. You get to do whatever you want, eat whatever you want, walk for however long you want (and no one complains!)

So, if you’re travelling alone to the city of love, don’t worry. You don’t need a significant other, a French sneaky link, or even a peor es nada to enjoy this beautiful city. Remember, in Paris, you’re the main character.

Paris herself will shower you with amour.

My Top 3 Paris Best Eats

I ate a lot of food in Paris. Of course, that was the goal of my trip—to try as much French food as possible and enjoy every bite. It was borderline gluttony. (I actually ate so much I had to cancel my dinner reservation the last night.) So yes, you can say I achieved my goal.

Out of everything I ate, these were my top three:

#1 Steak Frites

The Eiffel Tower was cool but the steak frites? Absolutely stunning. This was the meal that made the whole trip worth it.

I savored every single bite. Leave it to the French to take something so simple—medium-rare steak and french fries—and turn it into something intensely elegant and gourmet.

What really sealed the deal was the tangy tarragon sauce that I doused everything in. I’m a sauce girlie, and this sauce was it. Thank you Paris for steak frites. I will never forget them.

#2 Nutella-Banana Crepe

I had eaten crepes before, good crepes. But when I took that first bite of a nutella-banana crepe, I was floored.

This was no normal crepe—it was spectacular. I couldn’t quite figure out if it was the French butter, the hint of saltiness, or the perfect texture of the crepe that made it so unbelievably good, but I loved every ounce of it.

And surprisingly, though it was loaded with bananas, nutella, and powdered sugar, it wasn’t overly sweet. I’ll say it: it was absolutely perfect.

#3 Croque Monsieur

“Croque Monsieur” is just a very fancy way to say ham and cheese sandwich. Of course, it’s not just any ham and cheese sandwich—it’s the best one you’ll ever have.

That’s what happens when high-quality ingredients meet French cooking. You get nostalgic favorites crafted to perfection.

I loved the croque monsieur because it’s intensely cheesy, yet the cheese doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Each bite is a perfect balance of gooey cheese, savory ham, bread, and that cheesy broiled crust. It’s marvellous.

After weeks and weeks of intense research, I found 3 incredible restaurants to eat each of these delicious French dishes. See the restaurants and get my exact foodie itinerary in my Paris, France Foodie Guide.

Get The Paris Foodie Guide

The Food That Surprised Me

I was not a fan of the first macaroon I tried from the famous Pierre Hermé macaroon shop. I thought my flavor choice was solid: salted butter caramel. But when I took that first bite, I was… unimpressed. I guess the “deliciously regressive notes” (as Pierre describes the flavor on his website) just didn’t vibe with me.

Thankfully, I had bought four more—in an adorable Eiffel Tower tin souvenir can—to bring home to Pedro. When we tried them (because of course they weren’t just for him), they were fantastic. Nothing like the first one.

In fact, I’d say they were surprisingly fantastic. It was almost as if they had a delayed flavor effect—the first bite was a bright pop of flavor, then as you kept enjoying it, the underlying flavors came out, transforming the initial bite into something more.

So, my final verdict on macaroons is—flavor matters. Every macaroon shop has quite a few options to choose from, so make sure you try at least five. Or ten. Or all of them.

Am I The Only One?

The French might guillotine me for this one. And I might lose all credibility as a foodie… But I’ll say it anyway: Croissants actually taste better after being smushed in a backpack all day long.

Like, that soft, buttery taste gets all compact, the squishing brings out their essence, and at the end of a long day walking around the city, they just taste even more satisfying.

Just me? Alright, no biggie.

Things to Do In Paris

There is so much to do in Paris. With seemingly endless many museums, parks, and places to choose from, it can be hard to plan a trip. This is what I did during my quick weekend in Paris and highly recommend:

• Do a bike tour around Paris! If there’s one thing I 100% recommend doing, it’s this! I learned so much about Paris and all the most notable spots in this short, 2-hour bike tour. Our guide was great and biking around Paris was a blast.

• See the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night! At the hour (for five minutes), the Eiffel Tower sparkles and lights up the Paris sky in the most spectacular lights show. You must stay up late to see this.

• Visit the Orsay Museum. I love impressionist art, so visiting the Orsay Museum and seeing famous paintings from Monet and Renoir was incredible. Get your entry ticket here.

• Do a 1-hour Seine River cruise. See Paris from the water on this hour-long river cruise. Plus, incredible shots (and selfies) of the Eiffel Tower from the boat!

The Reality of a Weekend Trip

One of my favorite things about living in Spain is having incredible European destinations so close. Places like Paris, Rome, and London are just a cheap flight away.

But as much as I love weekend trips, they don’t let you truly explore a place in a soft, slower, and deeper way.

I tried to see all of Paris that I could. I woke up at 6am, was literally only in my airbnb to sleep and shower, and walked more than 13 miles (21 km) every day. It was (quite literally) a marathon of a trip.

And I caught myself rushing through a city that just can’t be rushed through.

Something about Paris makes you stop, take in the live music, sit by the Seine, lie down on a park bench, and just be.

It’s better to experience Paris’s beauty slowly—to breathe it in until it becomes a part of you, to enjoy every moment, every bite, every flavor.

And while you can see Paris in a weekend, I recommend you don’t.

You’ll want to stay a bit longer. To linger on the woven rattan chairs on the terrace. To gaze up at the Eiffel Tower for a few seconds more. To have stomach space for one more crepe. To walk slowly along the Seine, with nowhere to go.

And you’ll reminisce, before it’s even over. You’ll tear up as you say goodbye to the sparkling Eiffel Tower, knowing you’ll be back, but not knowing when.

That’s what Paris will do to you. At least, that’s what it did to me.

Merci Paris… je t’aime.

Planning a trip to Paris is exhausting. Luckily for you, I did all the research, restaurant planning, and pre-approving for you. So you can skip the stress and jump to the good part: enjoying the best pastries, desserts, and typical French food in this magical city.

In the Paris, France: 2-Day Foodie Itinerary, you’ll get:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• What I ordered at each restaurant—plus prices and honest reviews,

• An organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all the recommended restaurants (plus things to see and do in-between meals),

• Where to eat famous french dishes like steak frites, beef bourguignon, crepes, and croque monsieur.

Get The Paris Foodie Guide

If you’ve started to plan your trip to Paris and you feel overwhelmed, I get it. First off, the city is huge. Second, it’s dang expensive. Third, what even are arrondissements?

With so much to see and do—and so many different restaurant options—planning your trip can feel like a hot mess.

Successfully eating Paris doesn’t just happen.

That’s why I spent weeks that turned into months researching and planning my foodie weekend trip in Paris. And, although it almost brought me to tears, I’m so glad I did. My weekend in Paris was unforgettable.

Now, I’m by no means a Parisian food connoisseur. (After all, I was only there for a weekend.)

But, after a marathon of research, I’m sharing my exact two-day Paris foodie itinerary with you. Why? So you can skip the stress and jump to the good part: enjoying the best pastries, desserts, and typical French food in this magical city.

In this guide, you’ll get:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• What I ordered at each restaurant—plus prices and honest reviews,

• An organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all the recommended restaurants (plus things to see and do in-between meals),

• Where to eat famous french dishes like steak frites, beef bourguignon, crepes, and croque monsieur.

Read more

This was the bite…

The one that shocks your taste buds in a magical, overwhelmingly delicious way. The one that introduces you to new flavors you didn’t even know existed (even when you thought you’d tried it all).

The one that makes the whole trip worth it.

The best dish I ate in Paris, France was a medium-rare, French beef tenderloin with a daringly delicious tarragon sauce.

More commonly known as steak frites, this dish is a French classic you must try when you’re in Paris.

What is Steak Frites?

Steak frites is a traditional French dish that’s stunningly simple. It’s made up of:

• Steak—Typically entrecôte (rib-eye), a premium beef cut that’s very tender and intensely flavorful. It’s cooked rare or medium-rare, which highlights its tenderness.

• Fries—French fries (cause, duh, we’re in France!), but not just any French fries. These are thinly cut fries that are crispy yet soft inside.

• Sauce—Every restaurant’s steak frites sauce is a little different. Often, it’s a variation of a béarnaise sauce (made with butter, egg yolk, and tarragon). I’ve also seen menus that have a dreamy blue cheese sauce (and unfortunately, some menus that don’t have a sauce at all—shame on them).

These three elements combine magically. Yes, it’s simple—but before you think you’ve had steak at home and don’t need to try this… Hear me out: this isn’t just any old steak. This is a must-try dish when you’re in Paris.

And if you try it in the right place, it might just be the best thing you eat during your entire time in France.

How To Decide Where To Eat Steak Frites in Paris

I knew I wanted to try this dish when I was in Paris, so I did a LOT (and I mean A LOT) of research to find the best restaurant for affordable, authentic, and unforgettable steak frites.

There are many options. You’ve probably seen on social media influencers raving about the steak frites from Relais de l’Entrecôte—everyone and their grandma’s dog says this is the “best” place to try this dish—or the super cheap version from Bouillon Chartier.

I considered many places in my search for the perfect place to try my first steak frites:

• Relais de l’Entrecôte—Mentioned above, a 29€ double-service meal (meaning two rounds of steak and fries). But… after seeing a few more honest reviews (and seeing that it often has over 2-hour wait times) I decided it was overhyped and didn’t want to risk it.

• Le Relais de Venise—Very similar to the first option, it also had long lines and wait times for the same 30€ double-service meal. Deemed overhyped, didn’t make the cut.

• Le Bistrot Paul Bert—Recommended by Les Frenchies as one of the most flavorful steak frites dishes. However, after seeing reviews on Google and pictures of a very small steak dish for 48€, I decided it was too much for too little.

• Bistrot Victoires—At 13.90€, this was a very affordable option, but the pictures I saw in Google reviews didn’t have a sauce. No sauce, no go.

The final contenders were:

• Black Angus—A more modern, hip version of the classic steak frites. With drool-worthy photos, great reviews, and at 29€ per plate, this was a very convincing option.

• Brasserie Des Prés—An affordable 20€ steak frites with the option of garlic parsley butter or bearnaise sauce.

• L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille—A 19.90€ lunch menu option of a single-pass steak frites, or a 29€ double-pass version with unlimited fries and the signature house sauce.

And after spending weeks investigating restaurant recommendations, travel guides, and scouring social media, I found it: The perfect way to try authentic steak frites at an affordable price in a cute Parisian restaurant…

Where I Recommend Eating Steak Frites in Paris

I decided on L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille, and I’m so glad I did. This was the most incredible steak frites dish—the meat was perfectly tender, the fries were crispy (and all-you-can-eat!), and the sauce was absolutely mind-blowing.

First, they start you off with slices of French bread. And a fresh salad with oak leaves, radishes, and hazelnuts along with a tangy mustardy sauce that wakes up your taste buds and prepares them for the main dish.

Then, out comes the first glowing dish of steak frites. Four slices of medium-rare meat alongside a pile of fries. And the sauce! The green signature sauce is served in an elegant gravy-boat sauce cup.

The sauce is what really takes this dish to the next level. For me, it had flavors I had never experienced before—the waiter told me the tarragon is what really makes it stand out. But whatever magical secret ingredients they use, it works. The sauce combines magically with the fries and the steak. You’ll want to pick up your plate and gluttonously lick off every last drop.

After you polish off your first dish, your waiter will come around and serve you another round—more perfectly tender, flavorful meat and another pile of crispy French fries. And more sauce, of course.

What to Know About L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille

L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille has four different locations in Paris—I went to the Bastille location. (Besides the fantastic food, the restaurant is also adorable! I fell in love with the Parisian chairs that are all over the city—they’re colorful, woven from rattan, and absolutely charming.)

Things to keep in mind:

• The 19.90€ steak frites lunch option (one pass instead of a double pass) is available from Monday to Friday and not on holidays.

• The double service deal is 29€ and is served with unlimited fries and sauce.

• If you’re traveling with kiddos, they also have a smash burger option (and a chicken option) that might be good for the little ones.

• If you ask for water at restaurants in Paris, they’ll bring you bottled water and you’ll have to pay for it. If you say you don’t want anything to drink, they’ll bring you free tap water.

I also tried the crème brûlée here—and wow—it was great. It had the thinnest layer of glass-like caramelized sugar and the creamiest, vanilla custard base. Also recommend trying that (if you’re not too full).

Steak frites are unforgettable. I enjoyed every single bite. My mouth waters just writing this. I 100% recommend the steak frites from L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille—try it; you will not be disappointed.

This is the meal worth flying to Paris for.

L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille Information*

Address: 21 Bd Beaumarchais, 75004 Paris, France

Website: https://latelierev.com/notre-formule#bastille

Operating Hours: 11:45 am–2:30 pm, 6:30–10:30 pm

Average Cost Per Person: €20-35

*This information (along with the prices mentioned for the other restaurants above) is accurate as of June 2026. Make sure to double-check the website to find the latest details and possible changes.

Planning a trip to Paris?

I know how exhausting that can be. I spent weeks that turned into months finding exactly which restaurants were worth it—specifically for trying French classics like beef bourguignon, crepes, steak frites, and croque monsieur.

And after a ton of research, I curated a fantastic two-day foodie itinerary. You’ll get:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• What I ordered at each restaurant—plus prices and honest reviews,

• And an organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all the recommended restaurants (plus things to see and do in-between meals)...

Get The Paris Foodie Guide

“If you’re a tourist, do NOT eat the street food or in cheap restaurants.”

“Nasty things like e coli and salmonella.”

“Lacking consistent refrigeration and hygiene.”

You’ve heard it before—eating street food in certain countries is DAngERouS. Well, yes, it can be.

I’ve puked my guts out a few times in various locations in beautiful Peru. You live and you learn.

But if you use common sense, street smarts, and know the basics about Peruvian cuisine, you can enjoy some of the most delicious, most authentic, and most affordable food you’ve ever tasted in your life—yes, right in the streets of Peru.

Now, I can’t give you the common sense or street smarts (that’s up to you, my friend), but I can show you the basics of Peruvian street cuisine to help you find not only safe street food—but the best the streets have to offer.

The Safest Peruvian Street Foods: These Won’t Do You Wrong

The majority of the street food you’ll try in Peru is pretty safe. And, each of these costs only about 10 soles (around $2.75 USD) or less. But, of course, you’ll want more than just one!

These are my favorite street eats that can be found on almost every corner.

Anticuchos: Grilled Beef Hearts

Intensely marinated beef hearts sizzle over a fiery grill on a street corner in Trujillo, Peru. These beef hearts have been cubed and marinated in a spicy mixture of traditional Peruvian peppers, both aji panca and aji amarillo, along with garlic, oregano, vinegar, and Peruvian beer.

Then, they hit the grill. They’re brushed with more of that delicious marinade as they cook to juicy, tender perfection. Finally, they’re served with cooked Peruvian potatoes and—of course—spicy sauce.

It’s hard to pick favorites, but anticuchos are definitely in my top 3 favorite Peruvian street foods. Anticuchos are an absolute must-try. Intense flavor, tender texture, and super cheap.

Papa Rellena: Fried Filled Potato

Mashed potatoes are formed into an ovalish ball and filled with cooked, deliciously-seasoned ground beef, a slice of spicy aji amarillo (peruvian pepper), a hard-boiled egg, and an olive—then fried until the outside layer of potatoes is crispy and golden.

Then, your papa rellena is accompanied by zarza criolla: a mix of finely sliced red onions and spicy peppers doused in vinegar and lime juice. And of course, the sauces—Peru is all about the sauces.

Papas rellenas have a delicious flavor combo (and, although Colombia also has its version of papa rellena, Peru takes the W on this one).

Choclo con queso: Peruvian Corn with Cheese

This street food is especially popular in the Andes region of Peru—you can find it in cities like Cajamarca, Cuzco, and Huaraz. The simplicity of this dish is a true testament to the quality of the ingredients in Peru and the rich agriscience that was carefully developed by the Incas centuries ago.

It’s literally just boiled corn with cheese. But it’s Peruvian boiled corn with cheese. And the choclo (corn) in Peru is the best in the world. I don’t even like corn, but I LOVE choclo.

This simple combo is filling and delicious, making it the perfect afternoon snack. Buy some anticuchos to accompany it, and you’re set.

Salchipapa: Fries with Hot Dog Slices

This is the favorite of almost every Peruvian kiddo, and who blames them? It’s comfort food to the max—crispy fries piled with hot dog slices and drizzled in ketchup, mayo, and Peruvian spicy sauces. It’s fantastic.

The perfect late-night snack, you can find this street food all over. There are even restaurants that are dedicated to selling only salchipapa. You can also get variations like salchipollo—fries with hot dog and a piece of fried chicken—or request a fried egg or different types of sausage for your salchipapa.

Oh, and Peru has over 4,000 varieties of potatoes, so the potatoes that you eat with salchipapa are different from the ones used to make papa rellena, and different from the potatoes that accompany your antichuchos.

What can I say? Peruvian chefs know what they’re doing.

Picarones: Peruvian Sweet Potato Donuts

Time for the sweet side of street food.

Picarones are one of the most popular Peruvian treats. Often known as Peruvian donuts, these fried treats are made from sweet potato and squash (yep, that means they’re healthy!). They’re formed into circular, donut-like shapes, then fried until golden brown (okay, maybe not so healthy).

Then, the picarones are doused in a sweet, honey-like sauce with a soft texture and a fantastic flavor.

If you’re in Lima, one of the most popular places to eat this sweet treat is in Parque Kennedy. You’ll find a bunch of different red street food carts making picarones right before your eyes—it doesn’t get fresher than that.

Cachangas: Crispy Fried Peruvian Bread

Another fried treat, cachangas are a mix between a sweet tortilla and a fried flatbread. They’re crispy, sweet, and simple. Eat this with a hot chocolate on a cold day and your soul will thank you.

Mazamorra Morada y Arroz Con Leche: Purple Corn Pudding and Rice Pudding

This is my favorite Peruvian sweet treat—warm rice pudding topped with cinnamon and accompanied with mazamorra morada. Peru’s purple corn has a truly unique flavor (it’s also what they use to make chicha morada, the famous purple Peruvian drink). The creamy, slightly fruity, corn pudding combined with the sweet rice pudding is one of a kind.

One of the best mazamorra morada y arroz con leche I’ve had was one I’d buy from a neighbor in my favorite surf town in Northern Peru.

She’d make them in her house and set up a little stand outside her front door and sell them for 3 soles ($0.80 USD). After surfing in the morning and teaching English online in the afternoon, I’d wander down the street to eat my mazamorra morada y arroz con leche and chat with the kind woman who’d prepare this delicious dish.

Arroz zambito: Brown Sugar Rice Pudding

Arroz zambito is a variation of arroz con leche made with brown sugar and coconut. If you like rice pudding, you must try this delicious treat. Served warm, this treat is a delicious dessert that’s unique to Peru.

Quinoa: A Breakfast Quinoa Drink

All of the street foods previously mentioned are ones you can try in the afternoon / evening. Most of the street vendors spend the morning buying ingredients and preparing the food, then they set up shop and sell in the late afternoon / evening.

But not this one. This is a popular breakfast street food that’s absolutely fantastic—very nutritional, filling, and delicious. Quinoa, native to the Peruvian Andes region, is one of the rare plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids.

Honestly, I’ve yet to find a better way to prepare and eat quinoa than in this delicious Peruvian breakfast drink. Quinoa is boiled with pineapple skins, brown sugar, apple slices, cinnamon, and cloves. Then a gelatinous mixture is added to thicken it up.

This sweet, pineapple-flavored drink is served warm and often with a breakfast sandwich, or a slice of keke: homemade, unfrosted cake.

The Most Delicious Peruvian Street Food: Ceviche (And How to Try It Safely)

Ceviche is, hands-down, the most delicious Peruvian street food—but it’s also the riskiest. Since this popular dish includes raw fish, it’s one of the dishes that, if prepared incorrectly or unhygienically, can send you to the bathroom or even the hospital.

One time, my friend took me to eat a combinado (ceviche, with papa la huancaina, and spaghetti—don’t judge, it’s strangely delicious) in an outdoor market on a hot day. The place looked a little run down—as most street food places do—and the ceviche was pre-made, just chilling out there in a plastic container, under the sun.

It was delicious, but the next day, on a bus to a nearby town, I had sharp stomach pains and actually had to tell the bus to stop and take a taxi back to my place. I almost passed out going up the stairs and miraculously made it to the bathroom in time for the ceviche to leave my body.

So, when you eat ceviche in the street, make sure it has NOT been sitting in the sun for a few hours before it enters your body.

Here’s how you can choose a safe ceviche street food vendor:

• Choose a vendor that makes the ceviche at the moment, rather than one that has it pre-made already. It takes less than five minutes to make ceviche (when the ingredients are precut and ready to go), and most spots do this.

• Look for signs of refrigeration. If there’s a cooler or a mini-refrigerator where the fish is being stored before it’s turned into ceviche, that’s a good sign.

• Only try ceviche in coastal cities like Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Chimbote, and Piura. If you try ceviche on the streets of Andean cities like Cuzco, Cajamarca, or Huaraz, it won’t be as good. (It’s like trying brisket in Ohio, it’s just not the right place.)

• Eat in popular street markets. The best street food ceviche I had was at the Magdalena de Mar market in Lima. Street market vendors usually have larger spots with running water to clean and prepare the food more sanitarily, and if they’re paying for a spot, they’ve probably already proven themselves as a quality chef in the market arena.

More Pro Tips For Eating Street Food While Avoiding Gastrointestinal Infections

The most common cause of sickness when traveling is traveller’s diarrhea, caused by drinking water or eating food that has bacteria, viruses, or parasites. You can get sick by eating in restaurants or by eating street food.

To enjoy eating while traveling, here are a few more pro tips:

• Never drink tap water in Latin America. Unclean water is the common culprit, and sometimes fresh fruit juices are made with water that’s been contaminated. Order soda or bottled water at restaurants. (Chicha morada is usually safe because the cooking process involves boiling the water and purple corn together.)

• Lettuce often contains bacteria, and if it’s not thoroughly washed, it can be dangerous. If lettuce looks sketchy, don’t eat it. After all, it’s just lettuce, you probably don’t even eat it in your home country anyway, so why eat it in Peru? (Unless, of course, it’s the salad that accompanies your pollo a la brasa, then, you should definitely eat it.)

• Choose a vendor with a line. If it’s a local favorite, that’s a good sign. Choose larger street vendors that have a cart and a name for their cart—the ones that are just starting out are sometimes less reliable and not as good.

• Eat when the locals eat. If you arrive at 4pm and get the last bit of ceviche that a street vendor has left after the lunch rush is over, that’s not good. Eat when the locals eat so you can get freshly cooked food that hasn’t been sitting outside in the sun for three hours.

• If it doesn’t look like the pictures, avoid it. Since I’m a Peruvian food connoisseur 💁🏼‍♀️, with just a quick look, I can tell if something looks right or a little off. If it looks funky, move along. There will be better options on the next street corner.

And, listen to your gut. If you get a bad feeling about something, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Spending your vacation in your hotel bathroom isn’t enjoyable (trust me—been there, done that).

Don’t Be Scared of Street Food

Peru has the best street food in the whole world. And it’s safer than most people make it sound. You just have to use some street smarts to find the best vendors. Trust your gut, be adventurous, but don’t be dumb.

Once you try a few of these street food favorites, you’ll be hooked. You’ll walk through the streets of Peru and feel like you’re in heaven—it’s everything your stomach could possibly desire, at your fingertips!

No matter what city you decide to visit in the beautiful country of Peru, there’s so much street food to discover and to fall in love with.

Traveling to Peru soon? Get the complete 4-day foodie itinerary for Lima, Peru. Inside, you’ll find:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• An organized and easy-to-use Google Map with all the restaurant mentioned here (plus a few more I recommend if you have more time),

• And, exactly what to order at each spot so you can enjoy the classics of world-famous Peruvian gastronomy.

Get The Lima Foodie Itinerary

If you love to eat, you’ll love Lima. It’s one of the best cities in Latin America for foodies.

Here, in Peru’s capital city, you can find a huge variety of delicious seafood, incredible chifa delights (a fantastic combination of Chinese and Peruvian food), the best pollo a la brasa, and a few unexpected surprises as well.

But with so many incredible restaurants to choose from in such a huge city, it can be hard to come up with a game plan.

That’s why I put together this four-day foodie itinerary with my favorite, most authentic Peruvian restaurants. You’ll try all the Peruvian classics—in the most delicious spots in the city.

And you’ll never have to wonder where you’ll stop for lunch, and you’ll never waste time walking around looking for somewhere to eat. This guide has all the meals for four entire days planned out—so every single bite on your trip is unforgettable.

In this foodie itinerary, you’ll get:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• An organized and easy-to-use Google Map with all the restaurant mentioned here (plus a few more I recommend if you have more time),

• And, exactly what to order at each spot so you can enjoy the classics of world-famous Peruvian gastronomy.

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The funny thing is, Peruvian gastronomy is internationally renowned… Yet still very much a surprise to many travelers and foodies.

I discovered the magic of Peruvian food in Spain, where I fell in love with pollo a la brasa and arroz chaufa. In fact, I loved it so much I moved to Peru for 6 months (and went back to visit multiple times after that).

Peru is foodie heaven.

Since then, I’ve been a walking, breathing, blond advertisement for this incredible country’s food. And I’ll keep shouting it from the rooftops until the whole world hears: Peru should be the #1 destination on every foodie’s bucket list.

As I preach the Peruvian-food gospel, I often get asked: “What’s your favorite Peruvian dish?” It’s a question I just can’t seem to answer. There are too many incredibly delicious, diverse, and unique dishes—I can’t commit to just one.

That’s why I put together this list of my top 7 Peruvian dishes you MUST try when you visit Peru.

#1 Ceviche

Peruvian ceviche is the O.G. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Sure, Mexico has a shrimp ceviche, Colombia has a “ceviche” (tragically made with mayo and ketchup), Ecuador claims to have invented ceviche—but they are all just copycats (some sadder than others) of the real deal: Peruvian ceviche.

Only in Peru can you enjoy the world’s best, freshest, most authentic ceviche. Now, within Peru, there are many different types of ceviche (but that’s a topic for another day). The most popular and simple version has the following:

• The seafood: Cubed white fish (typically corvina, a fish similar to sea bass, or lenguado, sole fish) is the most common choice for Peruvian ceviche.

• The essentials: The fish is “cooked” in a mixture of citrusy lime juice and aji limo (a spicy Peruvian pepper).

• The liquid base: Known as leche de tigre, ceviche has a liquid base made up of blended fish, celery, onion, and fish soup broth.

• The sides: Served with slices of sweet potato, julienned onions, choclo (Peruvian corn), and canchita (Peruvian toasted corn).

☝🏻Pro tip: Ceviche is eaten with a spoon, not a fork. It should be served in a bowl or dish, and never a plate.

#2 Pollo A La Brasa (Rotisserie Chicken)

The ultimate Peruvian dinner, this chicken dish is unforgettable. This is no Costco rotisserie chicken—this dish is perfectly seasoned, roasted to perfection, with smoky flavors and juicy, tender meat.

Pollo a la brasa is always served with crispy fries, a simple yet delicious green salad with a traditional pollería vinaigrette, and the sauces. (Oh, I drool just thinking about the sauces!) You’ll be served

• A creamy yellow sauce made with spicy Peruvian peppers,

• A darker, orange-y sauce made from a spicier Peruvian pepper.

• A white, vinaigrette sauce that’s technically for the salad, but combines wonderfully with the other sauces and goes great with the fries.

All the sauces are incredible for dipping the fries and chicken, and really make this dish stand out. In fact, the key ingredients Peruvian chefs use to make these sauces are only found in Peru—specifically huacatay, aji amarillo, and rocoto. These are incredible flavors your taste buds will never forget.

#3 Lomo Saltado (Steak Stir Fry)

This dish is one of Peru’s most adored chifa creations. Chifa is a category of Peruvian food with Chinese roots and Peruvian flair. There are many incredible chifa dishes, but lomo saltado is the star of the show. This dish is made up of:

• The meat: Perfectly seared medium-rare steak bites.

• The veggies: Slices of tomato, red onion, and aji amarillo.

• The sides: White rice and crispy fries.

• The flavor: Soy sauce combined with oyster sauce, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and cumin.

When you order lomo saltado, you can’t go wrong.

#4 Pan con Chicharrón (Fried Pork Belly Breakfast Sandwich)

Last year, in September 2025, Peru’s pan con chicharrón won the award for the world’s best breakfast. And it’s no surprise.

This dish is a mouth-watering mixture of crispy fried pork belly, sweet potato, acidic red onions, spicy sauce, and soft bread. Served with a glass of chicha morada, it’s a winner for sure.

You can find this popular breakfast sandwich at street vendor stands, in sanguicherias (sandwich shops), and in most restaurants that are open for breakfast.

#5 Papa a la Huancaína (Potatoes With Creamy Yellow Sauce)

This dish screams Peru—and it’s a must-try. Papa a la huancaína is a side dish that can be served alongside spaghetti dishes and rice plates, as well as on its own as an appetizer.

Boiled potatoes are peeled and sliced into circular pieces, then covered with a creamy yellow sauce made from aji amarillo (spicy peppers native to Peru), red onion, garlic, soda crackers, milk, and cheese.

The sauce is so good, they also serve it as a pasta sauce!

#6 Seco de Cabrito a la Norteña (Goat Stew)

I discovered this dish months after living in Peru. The day I tried it, I had to beg my taste buds for forgiveness for not discovering it sooner.

Check out this magical flavor combo:

• The meat: Incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone goat meat in a delicious and hearty stew sauce.

• The sides: Creamy, buttery beans, white rice, and tender yuca (cassava).

• The flavor: Marinated with traditional chicha de jora (corn beer), this dish is packed with savory, nostalgic flavor.

While this dish is traditionally a norteño (Northern-Peruvian) dish, you can find it in restaurants in Lima and other cities in Spain (and abroad). Do try this dish, it’s truly unforgettable.

#7 Anticuchos (Grilled Beef Hearts)

One of my favorite street foods of all time. The idea of eating a cow’s heart might seem intimidating to some, but this dish is masterfully prepared and packed with flavor. The meat is tender, soft, and covered in a marinade made up of garlic, ají panca (spicy Peruvian peppers), vinegar, and other delicious spices.

It’s typically served with a piece of potato (did you know Peru is home to over 4,000 varieties of potatoes?) and a jaw-dropping spicy sauce.

You can find anticuchos after 6 or 7pm on street corners across the country—they’re one of Peru’s most popular street foods.

This Is Just The Beginning

With these seven delicious Peruvian foods, we’ve only taken a few steps into the Narnia that is Peruvian gastronomy.

There’s so much more.

From drool-worthy street foods and popular drinks to unique desserts and regional favorites, there is so much Peruvian deliciousness for your taste buds to enjoy.

Visiting Lima, Peru soon?

Get the complete, 4-day Lima, Peru foodie itinerary—with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert destinations for each day. Plus, an organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all the recommended restaurants (and things to do in between meals).

With this foodie guide, every bite during your trip to Peru will be delicious, memorable, and 100% worth it.

Get The Lima Foodie Itinerary

Breathtaking sights, rainbow mountains, flavors beyond description. I was anxious to finally visit this truly unique country that I had heard so much about.

I arrived in Peru on January 11, 2022. I’ll always remember that day. Mostly because leaving the airport I felt as if I was having near-death experience after near-death experience driving through Lima. The streets are always full, the faded road markings can hardly be called suggestions, and everyone drives like they’re auditioning for Fast & Furious: Mach Speed in Machu Picchu.

A friend I had met in Spain was visiting her parents in Lima at the time, and she generously invited me to stay with her family in Independencia: my first stop in Lima.

Independencia is on the northern side of Lima, almost on the outskirts of the bustling, overpopulated city. They have steep, dirt streets and unfinished brick houses that blend into the dusty mountainside. Some call it a shanty town.

There, I was introduced to mototaxis, Peru’s version of tuk-tuks.

They quickly became my new favorite thing. What better way to get around a city full of Dom Toretto drivers than in the back of a seatbelt-less, brightly-colored, and uniquely-decorated rickshaw?

From the mototaxis that sped through the unpaved, dusty streets to the yellow chickens that hung in the street markets, these new sights and experiences marked my first week in Peru.

I’ll never forget the first pollo a la brasa I had from La Leña.

My Peruvian friends in Spain always told me that the dishes they made for me in their homes were good, but couldn’t compare to the real ones in their country. The freshness, the quality of the ingredients, the Peruvian sazón is truly one of a kind.

That night before I fell asleep, the taste still lingered on my tongue—and my mouth waters just thinking about it. And it wasn’t the only thing that kept me up at night. Noise filled this rustic part of the city: motorcycles, cats fighting (or doing other things), dogs barking, music at full blast, glass breaking into a thousand pieces, roosters… The sounds of Lima you miss when you leave.

There, in Independencia, Lima, was where my Peruvian love story began.

The People: Generous. Welcoming. Humble. World-Class Examples of Hospitality.

Since my very first day in this generous, unforgettable, and rich country, strangers welcomed me into their homes and shared with me their love for El Peru.

Many have shared with me home cooked meals and treated me like family. I’ve been blessed by countless acts of kindness from beautiful Peruvian people across the country.

I’ve been welcomed into homes, cities, and oceans—and a beautiful culture that has left an irreplaceable mark on my own heart.

The Food: The Best in the World

Peruvian food is simply unbeatable.

It’s the best in the world. Peru is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, and is the 12-year winner of the World’s Leading Culinary Destination.

Peruvian gastronomy is world-renowned, incredibly diverse, and astonishingly delicious.

From the famous pollo a la brasa and ceviche to regional dishes like seco de cabrito and pachamanca, there’s something for everyone. (Stay tuned to get my complete guide to Peruvian food so you’re truly prepared to enjoy everything when you visit.)

The Culture: Rich in History, Language, and Color

A country with over 91 different indigenous languages, including Quechua—one of the most widely spoken in the world—Peru has deep indigenous roots. From centuries of Inca rule to the Spanish conquest and later African, Asian, and Italian influences, Peru has had a rich mezcla (mix) of cultures, history, and influences.

The most predominant is the Inca culture, which can still be recognized in language, traditions, textiles, and religious beliefs, especially in the Andes region.

There’s so much to learn about the culture in this magical country. You could truly spend a lifetime exploring Peruvian culture… and still feel like you’ve only touched the surface.

The Places: Jaw-Dropping, Diverse, and World-Renowned

Machu Picchu. Rainbow mountains. Turquoise lakes. Stunning beaches. Spectacular waterfalls. With almost 2,000 miles of incredible coastline, the world’s longest continental mountain range, a huge portion of the Amazon rainforest, and several stunning deserts, Peru really does have it all.

This country is full of picturesque places and hidden gems—most of them unknown to the casual traveler, and absolutely adored by those of us who love Peru and all it has to offer.

The Magic: Undeniable.

Peru is a destination where you will experience unforgettable and magical moments.

Like listening to a blind Quechuan man play “Maldita Pasion,” musica andina (music from the Andes), and sing “Maldito amor ven un momento / A terminar mis agonías / Y entre tus labios tráeme veneno / Para morir en tu presencia” in Aguas Calientes on my way to Machu Picchu.

Or opening a tent door and seeing a llama chilling there, eating some grass, high in the Andes mountains (llamas are my favorite).

Or surfing the longest wave of my life in one of my favorite places in the whole world—and feeling the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.

Or watching the clouds disappear and reveal a breathtaking Machu Picchu, at almost 8,000 feet—after hiking for 3 days to reach this sought-after destination.

Or taking that first bite of seco de cabrito and wondering how I had ever lived without those flavors and textures and puro sabor (pure flavor) in my life.

Peru is magical, in every sense of the word.

Peru stole my heart, long before I had even arrived. And my heart will always be blanco y rojo, no matter how many other world wonders I visit, passport stamps I acquire, or dishes I enjoy. Peru, you will always be my favorite. I’ll love you forever.

So come visit. Bring your highest expectations. You won’t be disappointed.

When I realized that I would be celebrating my 27th birthday in Spain—the country that stole my heart from the second I stepped foot on her cobblestone streets—I knew it was going to be special.

After all, I’ve always loved the number 27. (Why? I don’t even know, it just feels like the perfect number to me.)

I spent my 27th birthday in Madrid, eating one of my favorite foods: pollo a la brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken) at one of my favorite restaurants: Humo, with my favorite person: my husband Pedro. And it was a good birthday.

But more importantly, 27 was a great year.

It was the year I showed Pedro around California for the first time. My California—Lake Tahoe, where we spent every summer growing up, Mikunis: my favorite sushi place, the school where I went to kindergarten, the parks where I played soccer.

It was the year I scootered along the Amalfi coast, ate pizza in Naples, and had the best gelato of my life in Rome.

It was the year I saw my third world wonder—the Roman Colosseum (though, arguably, Rome herself is a wonderful world of her own).

It was the year I spent Christmas in California with my family for the first time in a long time, with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all my siblings—all together.

It was the year I was reunited with dear friends in Santander, after years of not seeing each other. And it felt like no time had gone by at all.

It was the year I saw the Eiffel Tower sparkle—and had the most incredible steak frites and crepes.

It was the year I started this foodie writing adventure to share places I love to eat around the world with you.

A year full of fun, blessings, growth, and moments I never want to forget.

I’ll only be 27 for a few more days. So, I thought that apart from reflecting on the year it’s been (I’m deeply nostalgic at heart), I’d also share something useful. Well, maybe not useful per se, but at least interesting, if you’re a foodie like me:

My 27 Favorite Foods In My 27th Year Of Life (More or Less, in Order):

1. Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken)

2. Steak Frites—from a specific restaurant in Paris because it’s fresh on the stomach and I need more.

3. Ben & Jerry’s Milk and Cookies Ice Cream—unarguably the greatest flavor of all time. And yes, ice cream is one of my favorite foods.

4. Mikuni’s Sushi—the greatest sushi restaurant of all time. Everything there is incredible.

5. Ceviche (Peruvian ceviche, for the uncultured who think any country can do ceviche)—specifically from Mi Barrunto in Lima.

6. Pasta—everything and anything pasta, this has been my favorite food since I was five years old.

7. Seco de Cabrito—another winning dish from Peru, El Mochica de Doña Fresia does it best.

8. Anticuchos (Grilled beef hearts)—my favorite Peruvian street food of all time.

9. Street tacos—al pastor, carnitas, campechanas, gringas, I’m not picky with this one. Just fill me with tacos.

10. Grandpa’s homemade ice cream—for the nostalgia and the unbeatable texture, especially his Andes mint flavor.

11. Pizza from Giovanni’s—with the dreamy ranch sauce (but, I’ll clarify, this is the only place I eat pizza with ranch, and it’s only because both the pizza and the ranch here are literally perfect.)

12. The Bacon Cheeseburger—You just can’t go wrong with a good bacon cheeseburger.

13. Fried Rice or Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian fried rice).

14. Colombian empanadas—and yes, I’m picky here too, the ones from Colombia are the best.

15. Lomo Saltado (Peruvian steak stir fry with fries and rice)

16. Parmesan cheese—from a block, never bought pre-grated. One year when I was little, I got a hand rotary cheese grater for my birthday (yep, like the ones the waiters bring around in the restaurants) and that’s how I became a parmesan cheese snob.

17. Limonada de coco—The best, creamiest coconut drink in all of Colombia.

18. Pillsbury Canned Orange Rolls—The inner redneck is coming out. But I don’t care, I’m in love with these orange rolls.

19. Goodie Goodie sauce from Wasabi—Yes, just the sauce, it’s so good you could drink it (and all the food at Wasabi is fantastic).

20. Patatas Bravas (Spanish chunky fried potatoes with alioli and spicy paprika sauce)—undoubtedly the best Spanish tapa.

21. Pesto pasta—Yes, I mentioned pasta before, but pesto has made it onto my almost-weekly rotation, and it deserves its own mention.

22. Sfogliatella frolla—This delicious Italian pastry stole my heart.

23. Deditos Colombianos—A deep fried, cheese-and-guava snack that my husband makes best.

24. Mom’s banana bread—And all things banana.

25. Fish and Chips from Sea Pal Cove in Fort Bragg, California—the best fish and chips I’ve ever had.

26. Mercadona Guava Juice—Because it tastes just like the guava juice from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which enamored me the moment I drank it.

27. New York-style cookies from Dolce 27—the best cookies I’ve ever had, IN MY LIFE (unfortunately they’re no longer in business).

Did this turn into a list of nostalgic foods I remember and am now craving? Possibly. But I’m not complaining.

You can learn a lot about someone by just asking them what their favorite food is. (For example, if they don’t have one… watch out. Someone who would put anything in their mouth is not to be trusted.)

Although, if you met me at an airport and I responded with this list of 27 favorite foods, you might think I’m crazy and never talk to me again…

Or, we might become BFFS: best foodie friends.

If you’re looking for a foodie friend to share restaurant recommendations with, talk food, and reminisce about that one meal you ate at that one hole-in-the-wall place 17 years ago, I think you’ll enjoy my drool-worthy corner of the internet.

As my 27th year comes to a close, I’m grateful for a champ of a stomach that’s survived the street food of three Latin American countries, the hard water of Spain, and everything I’ve put it through so far.

I’m grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed me with unforgettably beautiful experiences during my journey here on planet Earth.

And I’m grateful for a year 28, which I hope will be filled with even more delicious eats.

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I almost gave up. My foodie heart got let down time and time again after trying dozens of restaurants that were just “meh.”

It took me a whole year of trial-and-error (and multiple trips to the hospital for severe food poisoning) before I finally found quality restaurants in Santa Marta.

When finding a place to eat on vacation in Colombia, you have to be extra careful. Because it might not just be underwhelming, it could destroy your insides, send you to the emergency room, and ruin your trip.

That’s why I put together this three-day foodie itinerary with my favorite, trusted restaurants that serve authentic Colombian food.

No more guesswork. No more wasting money. No more gastroenteritis.

Just the best restaurants in Santa Marta, Colombia—organized in an easy-to-follow map and planned around fun things to do in between meals. So every bite on your trip is delicious, memorable, and 100% worth it.

In this foodie itinerary, you’ll get:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• An organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all the recommended restaurants,

• Plus, 20 restaurants I trust and whole-heartedly endorse in Santa Marta, Colombia.

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In fact, Santa Marta is known as “la perla de América” (the pearl of America) for its stunning white-sand beaches and the beautiful pearls the Spanish conquerors found inside oysters on the ocean floor.

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, Santa Marta is one of the must-see destinations that will take your trip from great to absolutely unforgettable.

What to Do and See In Santa Marta, Colombia

After living in Santa Marta for a little over two years, I recommend staying in this beautiful city for at least 4 days. Here are a few of my favorite things to do and see in Santa Marta:

#1 Go to the Beach!

Take your pick of Santa Marta’s incredibly beautiful beaches. For calm, warm waters and a skyscraper backdrop, try Rodadero Beach. For a more spacious beach with fewer people (and the same calm bay experience), try Bello Horizonte or Pozos Colorados. If you want to spot dolphins in the morning, hike to Inca Inca Beach. If you prefer to be completely surrounded by lush, green mountains for a nature-centric experience, you’ll love Bahia Concha.

#2 Zip Line over Playa Blanca

This is a must-do for adventurers and adrenaline junkies. Start at Rodadero Beach and take a boat ride to the aquarium. From there, you’ll hike up to your zip line starting point. At the top of the tower, you’ll get an incredible view of beautiful Playa Blanca. Then, you’ll harness in and take that daring jump off the platform—and fly through the sky across the turquoise Caribbean sea.

Hang out for a bit at beautiful Playa Blanca afterwards and have lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach! We booked with Canopy Playa Blanca via WhatsApp for just 50,000 COP ($13.60 USD).

#3 Visit the Rodadero Aquarium

With an impressive dolphin show, an underwater tunnel, and a wide variety of marine species to observe, the Rodadero Aquarium has it all. Visiting this marine life center is a fun activity the whole family will love.

You can visit the Rodadero Aquarium and zip line over Playa Blanca on the same day—in fact, I recommend going to the aquarium early in the morning, zip-lining afterward, and then spending the afternoon at the beach.

For an even more exciting adventure, you can swim with the dolphins at the aquarium!

#4 See the Waterfalls in Minca

Minca is a cute little town situated in the heart of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains, about 40 minutes from the center of the city by car or bus. Minca is known for its cute ecolodges, coffee plantations, and hidden waterfalls. Visiting this laid-back town is a fun escape from the hot weather (and chaos) of Santa Marta.

The most popular waterfall in Minca is Pozo Azul, which is free to visit and just a 20-minute walk from the trailhead. The Marinka Waterfall is taller and more hidden, and it’s a longer hike to get there. Oído del Mundo is another beautiful waterfall you can hike to. (This tour takes you to both the Marinka and Oído del Mundo waterfalls.)

Pro tip! When you visit Minca, make sure to stop at this roadside bakery to try their chocolate-filled bread rolls. They’re incredible.

#5 Snorkel in Bahia Concha

Santa Marta’s warm Caribbean water is perfect for swimming, jet skiing, and snorkeling! Since Bahia Concha is a cleaner, secluded beach without buildings or neighborhoods nearby, it’s a great place to see corals, sea urchins, and colorful fish. You can find cheap day trips to Bahia Concha that include snorkeling from the beach vendors at Rodadero Beach, or try a tour like this one.

Want to scuba dive? There’s also a ton of amazing places to scuba dive in Santa Marta!

#6 Bike Along La Bahia

If you’re really adventurous, you can rent bikes and ride through the historic city center. But let me warn you, this is not a relaxing beach cruiser experience. You’ll have to share the street with cars and motorcycles while swerving around pedestrians, potholes, and puddles.

For a safer, calmer route, ride along La Bahia, where there’s a wider (though typically very crowded) sidewalk. It will definitely be a memorable experience.

#7 Walk Around the Historic City Center

You can also explore Santa Marta’s historic city center on foot. Santa Marta is the second-oldest city in all of South America—and the oldest in Colombia. Historians say it was founded in 1525 by a Spanish conquistador named Rodrigo de Bastidas.

In the city center, you’ll find colonial architecture and colorful antique buildings. Make sure you:

• Stop by Parque de Novios: a very popular square that’s brimming with people, music, and events.

• Get a limonada de coco (coconut limeade) at La Cocoteria.

• Visit La Bahia to take your picture next to the colorful “Santa Marta” letters with the ocean as your backdrop.

If you’re looking for nightlife, the center is where it’s at. Dance the night away to the rhythms of champeta, salsa, African music, and reggaeton. La Brisa Loca, La Puerta, and almost anywhere near Parque de Novios after 9pm are popular spots.

#8 Party on a Chiva Rumbera

For a true Colombian fiesta experience, hop on a chiva rumbera: Santa Marta’s wild party buses. These doorless, colorful buses blast music all night long as they tour you around the city. They’re packed with people dancing and partying; they’re a very popular tourist attraction. You can book a chiva rumbera here or on the beach at Rodadero. Dance the night away, but please don’t fall off the bus.

#9 Hike in Taganga

One of Santa Marta’s most beautiful areas (in my humble opinion) is Taganga, a neighboring fisherman’s town with a beautiful bay surrounded by lush, green mountains. While this beach isn’t great for sunbathing (it’s filled with fishing boats, ropes, and rough sand), it has great beachside restaurants with amazing views.

And, it’s a fantastic place to hike. Just start here next to Hotel Bahia Taganga—you’ll find an unmarked trail (one that begins with a few large steps made out of cement-filled old tires). The trail will take you up a dusty path on the mountainside along the bay and through several other smaller beaches.

This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Santa Marta—Taganga is absolutely stunning. You can stop and swim at the beaches along the way (Playa Grande is a popular one), or keep hiking until you reach Playa Sisiguaca. This little beach is my favorite place to snorkel. It’s got an incredible backdrop, and cute little black-and-yellow striped fish that come right up to you.

#10 Hike to Inca Inca Beach

Another fun hike (yet more challenging) is Inca Inca. Starting here in Rodadero, you’ll hike mostly uphill until you reach the top of a small coastal mountain. From the top, you get an amazing view of the ocean and Rodadero’s Pelican Island.

From there, you’ll descend to Inca Inca beach, a secluded little beach that’s close to the aquarium. In fact, it’s here that the dolphin marine caretakers release the dolphins to play in the open ocean. If you come in the morning, you might see them jumping out of the water and showing off their tricks, not too far from the shore.

Visiting Santa Marta soon? Get my complete, 3-day Santa Marta foodie itinerary—complete with an organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all the recommended restaurants—right here. With this foodie guide, every bite on your trip will be delicious, memorable, and 100% worth it.

Things to Do NEAR Santa Marta, Colombia

#1 Visit Parque Taryona

This is a must-do when you travel to Santa Marta. Parque Tayrona is home to Santa Marta’s most beautiful and impressive beaches. To get to the most famous beach, Cabo San Juan, you’ll hike two hours through the jungle (keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and toucans).

You’ll pass a few other beautiful beaches along the way, but Cabo San Juan is the real prize: two beautiful, sandy bays with turquoise water surrounded by smooth rocks and palm trees.

Enjoy some time at the beach, have a snack, and prepare yourself for the 2-hour hike back. If you don’t like hiking, you can also ride a horse to the famous Cabo San Juan beach. To visit Parque Tayrona from Santa Marta, you can book a day tour like this one, or take an Uber or taxi to the park entrance (about 45-60 minutes from the city).

You can also adventure on your own and take the green-and-white bus from the Mercado Central in the city center (about $3 each way), then hop off near the entrance, and buy your ticket at the gate for around 25$.

#2 Visit the Shakira Statue in Barranquilla

Barranquilla, the city where the famous singer Shakira is from, is just 2 hours (by car) from Santa Marta. Here, you can take your picture next to the Shakira statue, walk along the famous Malecón along the Magdalena River, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, and shop at the ginormous Buenavista shopping center.

#3 Celebrate Carnival in Barranquilla (February Only)

If you’re in Colombia in early February and want to experience a truly wild cultural event, Barranquilla’s Carnival celebration will blow your mind. This event is the 2nd largest carnival in the world, and it was even declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Thousands of people come to watch a huge parade with dancers in colorful and unique costumes, huge floats with music and singers, and a lot of chaos. Parade-watchers come dressed up and bring cornstarch and foam shooters to throw on friends and bystanders alike. For four days, the streets of Barranquilla are filled with street parties, music, and fun.

The saying you’ll hear again and again during Barranquilla’s Carnival is “quien lo vive es quien lo goza,” which means, the one who lives it, enjoys it. It’s the carpe diem of Colombia. Come prepared to go with the flow and party like a true currambero.

#4 Take a Day Trip to Cartagena

If you have time, you’ll definitely want to visit Cartagena. It’s about a four-hour drive from Santa Marta (2 hours from Barranquilla).

This beautiful colonial city has a walled city center that’s one of the most well-preserved fortifications in all of South America. In colonial times, it defended the city from pirate attacks; today, it adds an absolutely enchanting historic touch to beautiful Cartagena.

Cartagena’s colorful streets are bursting with life. Walk around, visit a bull ring that was converted into a shopping mall, and tour a 17th-century castle. If you stay for a few days, visit the beautiful Rosario Islands and swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters.

#5 Surf in Palomino

Now, the truth is, the surf in Palomino is not great. This is no Bali or North Shore. But, it’s the best the Colombian Carribean coast has got. And, it’s always fun to catch a few waves in the warm waters. You can rent a board from the surf shacks right on the beach.

Palomino is a little town that’s very popular among backpackers and tourists. It has a very rustic, hippy vibe. If you like that, you’ll love Palomino.

#6 Tube Down the Palomino River

Another popular activity to do in Palomino is tubing down the Palomino River. You can book a tubing excursion from any of the little shacks along the main street to the beach in Palomino (or, book a tour like this one if you’re starting directly from Santa Marta).

Your “tour guide” will hand you a big, black, inflatable tube and take you on the back of their motorcycle up a bumpy, uphill, dirt road to the starting point (yes, you’ll be carrying your tube in one arm and holding on for dear life with the other).

But don’t worry, after that adrenaline rush, you’ll hop into your tube and float down a relaxing, lazy river until you reach the ocean. It’s memorable, fun, and relaxing (well, at least the second half of the experience).

#7 See the Flamingos in Camarones

North of Palomino, you’ll find a small little town called Camarones. Here, there’s a protected flamingo sanctuary where you can see these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.

You’ll take an artesanal boat through the shallow lagoon to find dozens of bright pink flamingos. While you won’t be able to see them super up-close (since this is a protected nature reserve), you will be able to observe and learn about their natural habitat.

Since this little town is out of the way, I highly recommend booking a tour for this experience or renting a car to get here. (I went on my own and ended up hitchhiking back to Palomino, which I do NOT recommend.)

#8 Visit Rio Piedras

Santa Marta has beautiful rivers that snake through the green jungle. Locals love swimming and hanging out at the river, especially on holidays and weekends. We would spend Saturdays at the river with our friends, enjoying the cool water and of course, sancocho—a traditional Colombian soup. Rio Piedras is our favorite; there are multiple river banks where you can picnic and relax, and there’s even a hidden swing somewhere along the river.

#9 Hike to Pozo Encantado

Another fun hike near Santa Marta is Pozo Encantado. This short hike has a very welcoming and mostly-flat trail that’s easy to follow and leads to a beautiful little lake. From this starting point on the side of the highway, it took us about an hour to make it to the lake, where we swam, jumped off some rocks into the lake, and hung out for a bit.

#10 Trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

If you like backpacking, you’ll definitely want to do the trek to Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City. This is a 3-4 day hiking tour through indigenous land to an ancient city hidden in the Colombian jungle. Some have even called it the Machu Picchu of Colombia!

This trek is about a 30 to 40-mile round-trip hike with a few significant uphill stretches through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Come prepared for an adventure; this is no easy experience, especially since the climate in this region is almost always hot and humid.

You can book through different tour providers in the center of Santa Marta, or try this popular tour on GetYourGuide.com.

Santa Marta Is Waiting.

Santa Marta is an incredible Colombian destination with so many fun things to do. You’ll have an unforgettable trip to this unique coastal city; just make sure you follow my tips for staying safe in Colombia!

For my complete guide of foods you must try on the Colombian Caribbean coast, check out this post here.

From seafood to ice cream to authentic Colombian food, this list has something for every foodie. In a city where finding good restaurants can be a challenge, these ones will not let you down.

#1 Karey: The Best Seafood Spot in Rodadero

The best place for quality seafood is Karey. We would come here at least once a month—and every time family came to visit, this was one of the first places I would take them.

They have a ton of fantastic seafood options. Lobster tail, grilled octopus, fried fish, seafood platters, fantastic paella, coconut shrimp—it’s a seafood-lover’s dream come true. I especially recommend:

• The parrillada de mariscos, a seafood platter with fried calamari, grilled octopus, shrimp, clams, and fried fish. It’s all delicious, and you get to try a little bit of everything.

• The paella is also very authentic, flavorful, and filling. Served with warm bread, this dish is perfectly cooked and packed with seafood.

• For a more traditional Colombian seafood dish, try the mojarra roja, fried fish that comes with coconut rice and fried plantains. This is a costeño favorite (and it’s my husband’s favorite dish).

No matter what you order, promise me you’ll try the limonada de coco. This creamy, frozen coconut-limeade drink defines Santa Marta. And Karey’s is one of the best in the city (and my personal favorite).

Karey is a must-try—in addition to fantastic food, it’s got a prime location right on Rodadero beach. What better way to enjoy seafood than while watching the palm trees sway… and the waves kiss the sand on the beach?

#2 Ouzo: Mediterranean Food in the Center of the City

This place is highly recommended and is both a local and tourist favorite. Smack dab in the middle of the busy historical center of Santa Marta, Ouzo has a fantastic menu of delicious Mediterranean food. They have gyros, pastas, Greek paella, seafood galore, and pizza.

The bruschetta here is the perfect appetizer, and for the main dish, I recommend the Orzo de Mar: delicious, juicy green pesto orzo pasta with octopus, garlic shrimp, pepperoncinis, mussels, and cherry tomatoes piled on top. It’s an explosion of flavor. The perfectly cooked seafood combines fantastically with the risotto.

And the drinks here are divine! We loved the artisanal sodas—a delicious mix of pineapple, strawberry, and basil—and the corozo lemonade (this is a must-try!).

#3 Playa Alta: Burgers With a View

These aren’t just the best burgers in Santa Marta, they’re some of the best burgers in all of Colombia. This place made the winning burger in the 2023 and 2024 Burger Master competition. Playa Alta’s burgers are truly one of a kind. With a unique combination of classic burger ingredients and unique Colombian ingredients, the burgers are surprising, savory, and oh-so delicious.

And, this place has a VIEW. It’s located on a mountainside in Taganga, a small fishing town neighboring Santa Marta, and from this balcony restaurant, you can get a spectacular shot of Taganga bay, the surrounding mountains, and the blue ocean below.

#4 Crepes & Waffles: The Sweet-Treat Favorite

Crepes and Waffles might just be the best chain restaurant in all of Colombia. Their menu is so big you’ll probably need at least 30 minutes to read through it all. With so many fantastic options of both savory and sweet crepes, deciding what to order is a challenge.

These are our favorites:

• Tomatina — This is the best appetizer on the menu. Layers of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and pesto sauce are heated in the oven until soft and warm, then accompanied with arugula salad and balsamic vinaigrette. Uff. Delish.

• Pollo al Curry — If you like curry, you’ll love this crepe-with-chicken-curry combination.

• Camarones Rosario — This crepe is served with chipotle sauce, avocado, and shrimp. It’s got a spicy kick, and it’s a popular favorite.

• Baby Doll — If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is for you. This crepe has banana, chocolate, nuts, and whipped cream. It’s simple but fantastic.

As for ice cream, you really can’t go wrong—we love the lemon, brownie, banana, mint, arequipe, and vanilla flavors best. Seasonal flavors like paraiso tropical—with white chocolate, pineapple, and coconut—are absolutely fantastic too. If you just come for ice cream, I won’t judge (we would come for ice cream here at least once a week).

In Santa Marta, there are now two Crepes & Waffles locations, one in Zazue near Playa Tortuga and the other in the Buenavista shopping center.

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#5 Dealer Taqueria: The Best Mexican Food in the City

If you’re looking for fantastic Mexican food (or if you mistakenly thought tacos were served in all of Latin America) well, you’re in luck because Dealer Taqueria has got you covered.

They’ve got classic meats like birria and al pastor, along with familiar favorites like chicken and brisket to choose from. Their menu has all the best: tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fries, or nachos—or the Chuck Norris or Vato Loco combos to try a variety of items. With the best spicy sauces and comfort food, Dealer is the perfect late-night stop.

They even have birria and chicken ramen, churros, bowls, and brisket burgers. Located right in the historic center of Santa Marta, this is a great option while you’re out on the town after dancing the night away.

#6 Pizza & Pasta Rodadero: Authentic Italian Pizzas in Rodadero

I’m the first to admit that sometimes you just need a quality pepperoni pizza (even on vacation). This place checks all the boxes. I was delightfully surprised to find authentic Italian pizza in a small town on the Colombian coast, but I’m all for it.

Their specialty is thin-crust pizza cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven. My all-time favorite is the Quattro Formaggi, a cheesy blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and blue cheese. (Classic pepperoni with the house’s spicy olive oil drizzled on top is a close second.)

The service here is top-notch, and the pizza is absolutely fantastic. It’s only open for dinner (from 5:30 to 10 pm), and they also have a fast delivery option for almost anywhere in Santa Marta.

#7 Quile: The Meat-Lover’s Favorite

If you’re looking for a steak, go to Quile. They have all sorts of meat cuts, traditional Colombian food, and great limonadas de coco (frozen coconut limeades). Quile has a few different locations in Santa Marta—we would always go to the one on Avenida del Ferrocarril, it’s sports bar style and always has soccer on.

They have beef, pork, and chicken options, normally served with fries, a creamy garlic house sauce, and a salad with a really delicious vinaigrette dressing. And, if you come with a big group, they also have great sharing options—with a lot of meat.

#8 Tranquilandia City: Affordable Colombian Caribbean Coast Food

Tranquilandia City is a local favorite that’s super affordable—I’m talking $6-$8 per person for a generous meal. They serve traditional costeño food like sancocho—a soup with corn, potatoes, meat, yuca, and banana—and mojarra frita: fried fish with coconut rice and fried plantains.

This place is always full of locals, since it’s bueno, bonito y barato (good, pretty, and cheap). It doesn’t have air conditioning, so come prepared or order your food to go (they also have great delivery options).

#9 Mil Carnes: Elegant Dining and Huge Portions

An upscale, elegant version of Quile, this restaurant has all the meats, seafood, rice, pasta, and grilled meat combos. This is where I tried my first bandeja paisa (pictured above) in Colombia. And wow—an impressive presentation, huge portion sizes, and lots of flavor (and it was so much food I had to take half of it home).

A very stylish restaurant, this place has something for everyone. If you’re looking to try costeño food and want to do it with a picture-perfect background (and air conditioning), this place is for you.

#10 La Boliseria Nevada: For the Best Colombian Popsicles

Almost every day in Santa Marta is hot and humid, and La Boliseria Nevada has the perfect refreshing treat for hot days. They sell bolis, traditional frozen popsicles packed into a thin, mini plastic bag. To eat them, you bite off a corner to open the plastic and eat the popsicle through the little hole.

This place makes the best bolis—and there’s a ton of flavors to choose from. If you don’t know which to choose, these are my favorites:

• Coco (coconut)—it’s always super creamy, with real coconut pieces!

• Oreo—it tastes just like a frozen oreo milkshake!

• Kola—this pink boli pictured above is a traditional Colombian flavor that’s hard to describe, it’s milky and sweet and really unique!

Colombian Food and More!

If you’re planning on spending a few days in Santa Marta, Colombia, you’re not going to want to skip these highly reccomended restaurants. These are Santa Marta’s best bites—the ones you’ll go home to tell your friends about.

Get my complete, 3-day Santa Marta foodie itinerary—complete with an organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all the recommended restaurants—right here. With this foodie guide, every bite on your trip will be delicious, memorable, and 100% worth it.

While you’re enjoying the beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring culture in Santa Marta, make sure to try the most famous dishes of the Colombian coast (check out my complete guide to coastal Colombian food here). Enjoy the fresh blend of seafood, tropical fruits, and new flavors during your trip to this unique side of Colombia.

Santa Marta is one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations, and there are a LOT of hotels and hostels to choose from (get this: in Rodadero alone, there are over 1,100 hotels).

When it comes to destinations like Colombia, choosing the right place to stay will make or break your trip.

Despite being a beach town, parts of Santa Marta are chaotic (to say the least). There are certain parts of the city you definitely want to avoid. Before you book a hotel, there are a few important things you must know.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Where you should stay based on your travel style (beach bum vs. party-the-night-away type vs. nature lover),

• The exact 8 hotels I recommend in and near Santa Marta,

• The pros and cons of staying in Taganga during your trip,

• Areas to avoid to stay safe and have a fantastic vacation.

After living in Colombia for more than two years and finding hotels for friends and family (and staying in multiple hotels myself), these are my top recommendations.

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Imagine biting into a juicy, flavor-packed burger with the perfect amount of crunch and a delcious, savory house sauce. You’re sitting on a rooftop balcony, watching the sun set over one of the most stunning bays on the Colombian Caribbean coast.

No, it’s not a dream. While most people would be surprised such a luxury burger dining experience exists in Colombia, this is no joke.

Welcome to Playa Alta, the best burger on the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

Location: Rooftop Balcony With a VIEW.

Playa Alta is perfectly situated on a mountainside in Taganga, a little fishing town right next to Santa Marta. From the rooftop balcony, you get absolutely spectacular views of the green mountains that border the turquoise bay filled with sailing and fishing boats.

Oh, and Santa Marta has the best sunsets in the whole world. Really. So come prepared to snap that perfect photo of your burger, cocktails, and friends with a divine purpley-pink sunset background.

Food: Champion Burgers like La Perla.

The champion of the 2023 Burger Master competition, La Perla is a burger you will dream about—for years to come. On your flight home, you’ll remember this burger and your mouth will water. You’ll book a trip back to Colombia just to eat here one more time.

It’s that good.

Juicy, flavorful, burger meat is just the beginning. This work of art combines Philadelphia cream cheese with crunchy bacon and blue cheese for a creamy base of delicious sabor. Then, it’s topped with sweet uchuva jam—made from exotic yellow-orange cherry fruits. That surprise hit of sweetness combines magically with the salty bacon and meat.

But they didn’t stop there. They added a perfectly toasted parmesan cheese disk to add a little crunch—and then a little more cheese, too. Finally, they topped it off with the special house sauce. That’s a winner—literally.

Oh, and that’s just one of over twenty burgers you can choose from on the menu. All burgers are served with fries. And they’re fantastic too—thick rustic fries with a stunning house sauce that you’ll definitely ask for more of. *drool drips onto keyboard*

Drinks: 10/10

As if creating the perfect burger wasn’t enough, Playa Alta decided to show everyone up with amazing drinks as well. From mocktails to milkshakes, this place has got it all.

I’m particularly keen on the frutos acidos michelada Soda Hatsu. With mango, passion fruit, lime, and spicy tajin, this drink is full of fruity goodness and combines fantastically with any burger.

They also have happy hour from 5-8 pm for their cocktails—get two for 35mil COP, (about $8.00).

Price: Under $40 Dinner for Two

The burgers here all come with fries, and are very reasonably priced, from 30-55 mil COP, or about $7-$13. Add a few drinks and an appetizer or a dessert, and you can easily spend less than $40 for a meal for two.

Playa Alta: Santa Marta’s Best Burger

Now, I know burgers aren’t a traditional dish from the Colombian Caribbean coast. But the combination of uniquely-Colombian ingredients like uchuva jam in La Perla burger, grilled costeño cheese in the Taganga burger, and sweet plantains in the Costeña burger makes this burger joint distinct—and memorable.

Make the trip to Taganga, and after a day of snorkeling, hiking, or relaxing at the beach, this is the burger place you absolutely must enjoy.

But be warned, you might start craving these burgers back and home and have to book a trip back to Colombia just to eat here again.

Make sure you check out the Santa Marta, Colombia: Complete 3-Day Foodie Itinerary before your trip. The guide has:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• An organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all my recommended restaurants,

• And the 20 restaurants that I trust, recommend, and whole-heartedly endorse in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Playa Alta Burger Information*

Address: Vía Sta. Marta - Taganga, Taganga, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia (click here for the exact Google maps location)

Website: https://playaaltaburger.com/

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 6-11pm, Saturday to Sunday 5-11pm

Average Cost Per Person: $ 15-20

*This information is accurate as of May 2026. Make sure to double-check the website to find the latest details and possible changes.

Special thanks to my friends at Playa Alta Burger for sharing their incredible photos with me!

Disclaimer: The first two photos featured in this article are property of Playa Alta Burger and have been reproduced with permission.

It was at least 100 degrees outside (and probably 80% humidity). I was two blocks from the beach. It was the end of July. And yes, I was eating a bowl of steaming-hot soup. Only a small rotating fan brought a half-second of relief every so often.

I’ll be completely honest with you, I was not impressed.

It was my first week in Colombia—specifically, in the coastal city of Santa Marta. And eating soup on a hot summer day wasn’t exactly a gastronomical delight.

First, a disclaimer: I was at a serious disadvantage.

Now, I moved to Colombia after living in Peru and eating like royalty for an entire six months. Peru is God’s gift to gastronomy, an oasis of flavor, and the Eden of all foodies. Anywhere you eat after living in Peru will be sub-par, at best. It’s culinary anhedonia.

So, I was at a disadvantage (and yes, I did mourn the loss of deliciousness for quite a few months). But comparison is the thief of joy. Eventually—while living in Colombia for more than two years—I started to enjoy the flavors of the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

I discovered tropical combinations and unique ingredients that made the typical Colombian plates I’m going to share with you today really stand out.

What is the Colombian Caribbean Coast?

Colombia is a culturally-rich country internationally recognized for its music, coffee, and emeralds (and drugs, but that’s a story for another time). The Colombian Caribbean Coast stretches from Monteria near the Panama border through Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta all the way up to La Guajira, the country’s northernmost department that borders Venezuela. The coastal culture is vibrant, warm, and energetic.

The Colombian people from these regions—called costeños—are proud of their food, their star soccer player Lucho Diaz, their country, and their most important celebration: El Carnaval de Barranquilla, one of the biggest carnival celebrations in the world.

If you know where to go and what to ask for, you’ll enjoy trying many delicious typical foods during your time in Colombia.

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Here are a few things you must try:

Mojarra Roja: Fried Fish with Coconut Rice and Fried Plantains

You can’t travel to the Colombian Coast without trying this traditional dish—in Spanish, mojarra frita con arroz de coco y patacones. You’ll see it at almost every restaurant you enter. It’s a costeño favorite, and for good reason. It’s divine.

The fried fish of choice is mojarra, similar to dolphinfish or mahi-mahi in Hawaii, which can be found in both freshwater and saltwater. While there are different types of mojarra, the red one (which is actually more pink than red) is hands-down the most delicious.

Colombian chefs season the fish with loads of garlic, then fry it to perfection. It’s served with sweet coconut rice and fried plantains—making for a deliciously fresh combination. The mojarra’s tender, white meat combines with the crunchy and flavorful fried fish skin. Doused with fresh lime, it’s a flavor that’s uniquely costeño.

☝🏼Pro tip: Enjoy this plate at a beachfront restaurant—looking out at the turquoise Caribbean, while sipping on your cold drink of choice. Take it all in, because it really doesn’t get much better than that.

Fried Foods, Colombia’s Specialty

If you’re trying to keep your cholesterol levels in check, this is not for you. Fritos, or fried foods, are extremely popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and all the snacks in between). You can find variations of these fried delicacies all over the country, but most will admit that the best fritos are from the coast.

Empanadas

You’ve probably heard of empanadas before, almost every Latin American country has its own variation—but, spoiler alert… Colombia has the best empanadas. A ground corn dough is formed into little tortillas, filled, then formed into a half-moon shape and fried to crispy-golden perfection.

You’ll find empanadas with all types of meat, cheese, and fillings. From corn to potatoes to Hawaiian-pizza styled empanadas, you could eat a different one every day and still find unique surprises.

The best places to buy empanadas are the street vendors. My favorite—of all time—is in Santa Marta in the Libano neighborhood. You can find it most nights close to the intersection of Carrera 35 and Calle 42, under a blue umbrella.

Deditos

Another fried delicacy, deditos are basically fried cheese sticks (if some unsavory, 3-inch frozen cheese sticks came to mind, I get it, but deditos are next level). They come in small (3-inch) and extra large (7- to 10-inch) versions and have soft, sweet dough that melts in your mouth.

My personal favorites are the bocadillo deditos—inside they have a delicious combination of queso costeño (fresh cheese) and melted guava jelly. The sweet and cheesy combo makes for an unforgettable snack.

Arepa de Huevo

Watching someone make an arepa de huevo is impressive in and of itself—and when you take your first bite, you’ll be pleasantly surprised as well. They start by making an arepa out of ground corn, and forming it into a circle a little smaller than a CD (if you remember what size those used to be).

Then, they fry the dough until it’s crispy, take it out of the oil, make a tiny slit, and crack open an egg that slides in there. They seal it up, then fry it some more until the egg inside is cooked.

This is a favorite breakfast frito and is especially popular in Cartagena. And, you can’t have a frito without dipping it in picante, spicy salsa, or suero costeño, a white dip similar to sour cream. My mouth waters just imagining a delicious fried bite with spicy picante.

Carimañolas

This fried food is unique because its dough is made up of yuca, rather than corn. Yuca, the root of the cassava plant (where tapioca comes from), is a starchy vegetable similar to a potato.

To make a carimañola, first you have to cook yuca and mash it up into a dough. Then, you’ll fill it with cheese or meat, form it into a little oval-like shape, and fry it. The result is a frito with a soft, creamy texture and melted cheese that oozes into your mouth.

There are so many more fritos in Colombia—papa rellena, buñuelos, all different types of arepas, kibes, and so much more. In Cartagena they even have the Festival del Frito, a fair where you can try all the fried Colombian treats your heart desires.

Limonada de Coco: The Best Frozen Coconut Limeade (in the World)

If you like coconut drinks, you’re going to love the limonadas de coco. They’re creamy, sweet, and refreshing. I got my nana hooked on these when she came to visit (I think she had at least one every day she was here).

Each place you try it will add its own unique flair to the recipe—some have more of a milkshake texture, some emphasize the coconut flavor and add dried coconut on top, others are more citric-y and really bring out the lime.

If you’re in Santa Marta, you must try the coconut limeades at La Cocoteria—they’re fantastic (and they have a bunch of other coconut-based treats to try as well… and a super cute, vibey shop to take great pictures in).

But my all-time favorite limonada de coco is from Rodadero, Santa Marta’s most touristy beach town. You’ll want to head straight to Karey, take a beachfront seat, and pair your limonada de coco with a delicious seafood plate. You won’t be disappointed.

The perfect breakfast combo: Scrambled eggs with fried plantains, fresh cheese, and corozo juice.

Huevos pericos con patacones, queso costeño, y jugo de corozo. Colombia’s (upleveled) version of scrambled eggs is huevos pericos: eggs combined with a tangy onion-garlic-tomato mix and paired with fried plantains covered in delicious costeño cheese.

Queso costeño is an essential staple in the Colombian Caribbean Coast gastronomy. This white, salty cheese is used to make many other popular dishes, like mote de queso, and is an indispensable topping for dishes like salchipapa, and cayeye.

This delicious breakfast just wouldn’t be complete without jugo de corozo, a delicious juice made from the corozo fruit, a small, purple-red, cherry-like fruit that’s native to Colombia. This exotic tropical fruit drink is one of my all-time favorites!

And Yes, Sancocho—Hot Soup For a Hot Day

The Colombian Caribbean coast is always hot and constantly humid—except for two minutes of cool after it rains, occasionally (if it rains during certain times of the year, sometimes it’s even hotter after it stops raining).

But that doesn’t stop the costeños from cooking up a hot soup to enjoy in the middle of the day. They call it sancocho, and it’s a hearty stew made up of meat, corn, bananas, yuca, ñame (similar to yuca), potatoes, and cilantro. Served alongside a plate of rice and an avocado, this dish will fill you up—and make you sweat (if you weren’t already sweating).

At first, I didn’t understand eating soup in 100-degree weather. But after gathering with friends and family to eat homemade sancocho cooked on a wooden fire down by the river, I got it.

You see, sancocho is a dish made to share. You make it in a huge pot, invite everyone you love, and enjoy not just the soup, but the company too.

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And don’t forget to try…

These popular dishes are a few of my personal favorites—but there are many more. This guide to food on the Colombian coast wouldn’t be complete without mentioning:

• The famous pan de bono—a cheesy, light, and airy Colombian bread that melts in your mouth.

• Butifarra, a spicy little sausage sold by street vendors in Barranquilla, is doused in lime juice and absolutely delicious. This sausage is great for barbeques, salchipapa, and afternoon snacks.

• Bolis! These Colombian popsicles come in all flavors—coconut, lime, corozo, oreo, zapote, cookies, passionfruit, and a unique pink flavor called kola con leche. They’re the perfect cold treat on a hot day (which is every day on the Colombian coast), and only cost about $0.50 a pop. If you’re scared to buy them off the street, check out La Boliseria in Santa Marta—all the flavors are delicious (but coconut is my favorite).

• Tropical fruits like lulo, granadilla, and mamón! There are a ton of fun fruits to try here—some, like lulo, are better as a juice than raw. Mamón was one that surprised me, it’s a little challenging to eat but when it’s fresh and ripe, it’s unforgettable.

From a seemingly endless amount of unique tropical fruits to crazy street food combinations, there are just so many flavors to try on the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

Make sure you check out the Santa Marta, Colombia: Complete 3-Day Foodie Itinerary before your trip. The guide has:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• An organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all my recommended restaurants,

• And the 20 restaurants that I trust, recommend, and whole-heartedly endorse in Santa Marta, Colombia.

There I was, in the middle of a Colombian forest, watching little monkeys play in the trees above me. This was just one of many magical yet unexpected experiences I enjoyed during the two years I spent in Colombia.

Quite honestly, I never imagined I would move to Colombia—let alone teach English in a bilingual school, make incredible friends, fall in love, and get married on a beach in Santa Marta.

In between empanadas and bolis, laughter and tears, beaches and rivers and mountains, work and play, Colombia taught me many beautiful lessons about life.

But first, let’s rewind a bit… How in the world did I end up in Colombia in the first place?

Why I Moved to Santa Marta, Colombia

My aunt practically begged me NOT to move to Colombia. (And I can’t blame her—all we hear from the news and social media about Colombia is drug cartels, kidnappings, and guerilla warfare.)

And yes, parts of Colombia are dangerous. And parts of the United States are dangerous. And parts of England, and Japan, and Timbuktu are dangerous. No country is free of crime, corruption, or perils.

But after living in Spain and meeting so many wonderful people from Colombia, it was pretty high up on my bucket list. So when my time in Peru started to come to a close, I began looking for a job teaching English in Colombia.

Basically, it went like this…

Google search: “best beaches in Colombia.” On my computer screen appear white sand beaches with turquoise water, palm trees, and green coastal mountains. My inner dolphin decides I want to live there. I search for jobs teaching English in the three coastal cities closest to that beautiful beach: Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. A few weeks later, I get an interview to teach second grade in the beautiful coastal city of Santa Marta, Colombia.

The adventure was about to begin.

What To Know Before You Move To Colombia

If you’re thinking about travelling or moving to Colombia, there are some things you should know:

• Stay alert, be careful. In Colombia they say, “no des papaya,” which basically means be careful and don’t be an easy target (aka, don’t be an idiot). If you wave your iPhone 27 around, it will get stolen. If your passport is hanging out of your back pocket, it will disappear. If you wander around dark streets drunk at 3am, bad things will happen. If you’re in Colombia, your street smarts need to be on high alert—at all times.

• Use a dumb phone. When I moved to Latin America, I bought an unattractive, $50 phone that I would use to text and call. Phones are the main thing burglars steal, so be very careful with yours.

• Don’t drink the water. The water in Colombia is NOT safe to drink. Save yourself from stomach problems (or worse) and buy bottled water (but not the Agua Brisa brand—that stuff tastes like straight-up plastic).

• Negotiate prices first. (Or, better yet, use Uber.) Whether you’re taking a taxi or buying an empanada, always ask how much it costs first. Unfortunately, I experienced endless scamming attempts during my time in Colombia (even in an official government notary office). Most common tactics: telling you they don’t have change for a larger bill, jacking up the prices since they can tell you’re a tourist, taking you the long way (when in a taxi) so you have to pay more. It’s incredibly frustrating, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices—and for transportation, use Uber.

• Colombian pesos are in the thousands and millions. When my pan de bono in the airport came out to 12,000 pesos, I was shocked. Until I realized that’s totally normal—everything you buy will be thousands of pesos. 12,000 COP = $3.20.

• Only use ATMs in malls. Many robberies in Colombia occur right outside of ATMs, especially the ones in darker, more secluded areas. I recommend only withdrawing money in ATMs in large shopping centers.

Now, I’m not sharing this to dissuade you from visiting Colombia. Nothing ruins a trip faster than a dumb mistake, so it’s best to come prepared. If you follow these tips, you’ll be much safer and you’ll have a great time.

What I Learned in Colombia

Now that we’ve got those nitty-gritty, street-smart tips out of the way, this is what I really learned in Colombia—the life lessons with a Colombian passport stamp that I’ll carry in my heart forever:

#1 Don’t just learn about the culture, embrace it.

I have always loved learning about culture, especially from people who are willing to share with me what makes their country unique. One of my favorite parts of living in Colombia was meeting friends who energetically shared their culture with me:

• They offered me delicious and unique Colombian foods—like butifarra, salchipapa, mote de queso, and chicha de kola (just to name a few).

• They taught me Colombian sayings, words, and phrases unique to the coastal region we were in (more on that later).

• They showed me the beauty of their favorite places in Colombia—hidden rivers, waterfalls tucked away in the mountains, and warm beaches.

• They opened their homes and hearts to me; soon, they felt like family.

But when you’re living in a different country, learning about the culture isn’t enough—you have to embrace it. That’s why, when my co-workers asked me if I was going to participate in their Carnaval dance group, I said yes.

Carnaval is a huge cultural event in schools, communities, and cities on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Our students (and us teachers!) spent a whole month practicing to dance onstage in front of the whole school. Everyone goes all out with the costumes, make-up, and decorations.

But it’s much more than just dancing, music, and celebration (and espuma). Every dance tells a story—of slaves with chains around their ankles, of African ancestors resisting and rebelling, of defeating death and celebrating life.

Sure, you could read about it in a textbook. But when you embrace it and step onstage to dance, perform, and keep those stories, rhythms, and traditions alive, you’ll get it—and you’ll never forget it.

#2 Santa Marta has the best sunsets.

Almost every single night, God paints the sky over Santa Marta with golden yellows, deep pinks, vibrant reds, and dark purples and blues. The hues drift like watercolor behind the coastal mountains and across the ocean.

I can’t tell you how many sunset pictures I have saved from those two years in Santa Marta. And yes, sometimes I miss those rich sunsets I would watch from my little apartment balcony. The days end quickly in Santa Marta, but they’re sent off with a rousing finale.

#3 Gratitude.

Living in a developing nation will either give you a lot to complain about, or a lot to be grateful for—it’s up to you.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that when there’s suddenly no running water mid-shampoo, gratitude is not often the first thought. But when the running water starts working again (a few days later), your heart overflows with gratitude.

Power outages, flooded streets, insane traffic, water shortages, and crime are all common in Santa Marta, unfortunately. That’s a mental shift that really makes you reflect on what we take for granted each day.

You realize that the little things aren’t so little after all. That there are a lot of people suffering much more than you… and they have a better attitude about it as well. When you choose gratitude, you choose happiness, despite whatever is happening—or not happening—in your life.

#4 Appreciate the beauty in your backyard.

Remember those beautiful beach pictures I mentioned when I was deciding where to live in Santa Marta? That’s Taryona Park, one of Colombia’s most famous protected natural areas. It’s a tropical jungle combined with white-sand beaches with warm, turquoise water.

And, a lot of people from Santa Marta have never been there—despite the fact that it’s just an hour from the city. My husband, who had lived in the city for 8 years (and grew up in a neighboring city) had never been until we went together.

So often, we dream about faraway destinations—but let backyard beauty gather dust. Now, don’t get me wrong, book the flights to Japan, plan your dream trip… But enjoy the beauty around you, too.

During my two years in Santa Marta, I didn’t visit Medellin, or Bogota, or the Cocora Valley like I dreamed of. I got too caught up with the beauty right in Santa Marta. And I regret nothing. There is so much to see, explore, and love about this beautiful coastal city, and I’m glad I could enjoy so much of it.

#5 Love comes when you least expect it.

Ick, I know, so cliche, but it’s true. After being catcalled multiple times on my short route to and from school (while riding by bike in khakis and a collared shirt, mind you) I was disgusted with Colombian men.

I remember thinking to myself, after getting yelled out at again, I will never marry a Colombian. I’m sure God laughed. Because, I did marry a Colombian.

And he’s absolutely nothing like the machista men I was disgusted with. He’s unbelievably kind to everyone, extremely talented, always positive and happy, generous, and loving.

We became friends during my first few weeks in Colombia—we both worked at the school together; he taught music and was all the kids’ favorite teacher. We were dance partners for the teachers Carnaval dance group and later started dating. The rest is history.

So, if you’re waiting for your media naranja (other half, as they say in Spanish), don’t worry too much. Love comes when you least expect it.

#6 Comparison is the thief of joy.

Before moving to Colombia, I lived in Peru—in a gastronomical paradise. I was surrounded by all of my favorite foods, the freshest products, and the most incredible flavors.

When I got to Colombia and tried the food, I was… disappointed. But it wasn’t because Colombian food is bad—in fact, there are a ton of Colombian foods that I absolutely love.

I was stuck in the miserable comparison trap. You can’t enjoy the present if you’re constantly comparing it to the past. Thankfully, I was able to get out of that slump and start enjoying all the unique flavors Colombia has to offer. I found amazing dishes that still make my mouth water when I think about them today.

#7 Little hearts are the biggest hearts.

Teaching second-grade English to seven- and eight-year-olds in Colombia was so much fun. We read stories, sang songs, played soccer, made ice cream, did science experiments, and even did a little math. I taught them about California, and they taught me about Colombia.

I’ll never forget those adorable kiddos and their big hearts. They showed up with creativity, curiosity, and energy. And lots of noise—I had never heard a classroom as loud as my second-grade one the first few months of class.

But despite the challenges, teaching English was an incredible experience. I worked with absolutely amazing teachers who I learned so much from, taught wonderful kiddos, and had an immersive experience in Colombian education.

#8 The planet is ours to protect, or destroy.

I rode my bike to school along a very busy highway almost every day. Along the side of the road, there was a ditch that was filled with trash. All the time, I’d see people throw things out of their car windows, as if our earth was a giant trash can.

Living in such a beautiful beachside city with incredible green landscapes all over, I just didn’t get how people could be so careless. If we want to continue enjoying the beautiful earth we live on, we are the ones who have to protect it.

#9 Colombian sayings are endless.

I learned Spanish in Spain, and when I got to Colombia, I realized I was going to have to re-learn Spanish. The words I knew meant something else—and Colombians had sayings for everything.

But I soon learned a ton of Colombian slang. Here are some costeño essentials to study before your trip to the Colombian Caribbean coast:

• costeño = Colombian person from the Caribbean coast cities (Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Cartagena)

• Bacano = cool

• Para bolas = pay attention

• Eche no jodas = bruh, are you serious? (among other meanings)

• Porque aja = you know what I mean (iykyk kinda thing, this one is very common)

• Mamar gallo = mess around in a joking or teasing manner

• Pelao / Pelaa = young boy or girl

• Calilla = a mischievous or playful person

• Billullu = money

• Liso = adjective to describe someone who embodies the phrase: “give them an inch and they take a mile.”

• Sapo = snitch

• Cantaleta = adjective to describe throwing a fit

• Pupi = preppy or posh, rich kid

• Nombe = No way

And those are just a few.

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#10 Saying goodbye sucks.

The worst part about living in Colombia was leaving. I’ve had my fair share of goodbyes, but it never gets easier. I met so many incredible people that became friends that felt like family. They invited me into their lives and their families and made me feel at home—in a country miles away from my own. I still miss them a lot.

You say goodbye to people, and you also say goodbye to different chapters of life, too.

I loved the life I created in Colombia—I loved my tiny white apartment, I loved swimming laps in the afternoon, I loved laughing with my second-graders, I loved going to the beach and the forever warm weather, I loved going to get ice cream with my boyfriend, then fiancée, then husband.

When you pick up and move you say goodbye to people and places you love. And you also say goodbye to a version of yourself that you also (hopefully) love. And you start over—a new adventure begins.

Hasta Pronto, Colombia

Colombia will always have a special place in my heart. The lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and the places I’ve traveled stay with me.

I will go back, hopefully soon. But that same Colombia, my Colombia, will not be there. It’s locked away in my heart, for only me to remember and hold forever.

Make sure you check out the Santa Marta, Colombia: Complete 3-Day Foodie Itinerary before your trip to Colombia. The guide has:

• A day-by-day eating plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert),

• An organized and easy-to-follow Google Map with all my recommended restaurants,

• And the 20 restaurants that I trust, recommend, and whole-heartedly endorse in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Spain is much more than just paella and tapas. Sure, that’s a good start—and who doesn’t love a good tapas tour? But Spain has many other delicious dishes to offer.

I would describe Spain’s gastronomy in three words: simple, fresh, and nostalgic. Spanish dishes spotlight simple ingredients like tomato, bread, olive oil, and potatoes, combined with staple spices like paprika, garlic, and saffron.

As for nostalgia, most dishes are deeply regional, and many were born out of the scarcity caused by the Spanish Civil War. Here, food is richly intertwined with cultural identity. (Just ask any Spaniard whether onions belong in tortilla de patata or not—and prepare yourself for a lecture.)

But it works. It works because the ingredients are fresh (Spanish tomatoes, oranges, and olives are the best in the world). It works because the dishes are simple, yet filling—and distinctly Spanish.

How Spaniards Actually Eat (So You Can Blend In)

One of the factors that really sets Spanish gastronomy apart is the timing, when they eat their meals:

• Breakfast is from 7-9 am. A typical breakfast includes a tostada (a halved, toasted baguette) with olive oil, jam, or tomato. Tortilla de patata is another popular breakfast favorite (more on that later).

• Lunch is from 2-4 pm, and it’s the biggest meal of the day. It’s very common to serve a fresh salad with olive oil and vinegar and bread with this meal. Seafood is common, especially in coastal areas.

• Dinner is served after 9pm (very late!) and might include favorites like albondigas (meatballs) or homemade croquetas.

If you want to find authentic eats, try to follow the Spanish schedule. And, if you’re looking for next-level authenticity, order regional favorites based on the city you’re in.

What “Authentic” Spanish Cuisine Really Means

Personally, I define authentic cuisine as what the locals eat and cook in their homes. Serving as a missionary in Spain and being invited into people’s homes for meals gave me a unique inside look into what really makes up Spanish food.

The list you’ll find here is filled with things that Spanish abuelas, families, and mothers served me at their dinner tables. They’re authentic; to me, these dishes truly define Spanish gastronomy.

Now, like most countries, authentic Spanish cuisine varies by region and season.

If you’re in Galicia in the north of Spain, you’ll want to try the famous pulpo gallego, Galician octopus and potatoes seasoned with paprika. If you’re in Andalusia in the south, you’ll see gazpacho, a cold tomato and vegetable soup, on a lot of menus.

If you’re near Valencia, make sure you try the refreshing and creamy Spanish drink called horchata, made from tiger nuts. And if you’re in Spain in the spring—specifically in March or April—do try torrijas, Spain’s version of French toast.

You’ll also find unique products from specific regions of Spain—cheeses like queso manchego from Castilla la Mancha and cabrales from Asturias and fruits like nisperos from Spain’s Costa Blanca.

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10 Authentic Spanish Dishes You Must Try

Despite regional and seasonal variations, these 10 dishes stand out and are almost universal across Spain. After living in many different cities in Spain (Alicante, Pamplona, and Santander just to name a few), these are my favorite Spanish dishes you must try when you visit:

#1 Paella: The Iconic Spanish Rice Dish

Paella originated in Valencia, Spain—where it was made with chicken and rabbit (and sometimes snails), rather than seafood. Today, you can find this famous dish in almost every Spanish city (in restaurants in Alicante, they don’t even call it paella, they just call it arroz, or rice).

You can find seafood paellas with shrimp, clams, octopus, and squid, vegetable paellas, chicken and rabbit paellas, or combination of those ingredients. But they all have one secret ingredient: saffron. This very expensive spice gives the dish a vibrant, orangey color and a savory flavor.

This famous dish is made in a large, shallow metal pan called a paellera. Spaniards traditionally make paella for large gatherings or Sunday dinners with family. They eat it with a fresh salad with vinegar and olive oil as dressing alongside fresh bread and alioli—a delicious garlic mayo.

#2 Tortilla de Patata: Potato and Egg Omelette

Another classic, tortilla de patata can be found at almost every authentic Spanish bar. It’s a fried potato-and-egg omelette (often made with onions for extra flavor) that’s served either with ham and cheese, the famous garlic-mayo alioli (my personal favorite), or in a baguette as a sandwich.

This dish can be eaten at any time of day—for breakfast, as a snack, or as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Each restaurant makes it a little different, so try it a few times to see which version you like best.

#3 Patatas Bravas: Chunky Fried Potatoes With Alioli and Bravas Sauce

My favorite tapa of all time, this french-fry-esque dish is crispy, filling, and topped with amazing sauces: creamy garlic alioli and a spicy paprika sauce. It’s on almost every menu, because it’s that good.

The fried potatoes typically come as small cubes, but some places get creative with the shape (like Tapería La Boya in Alicante, Spain that shaped them into thinner, potato-chip-like bites).

#4 Jamón Ibérico: Cured Iberian ham

The first time I tried jamón ibérico, I was not a fan. Later, I realized that there are hundreds of different varieties, styles, and—most importantly—quality levels of this Spanish product.

When I tried expensive, top-level Iberian ham from a small, family-run jamón shop in Alicante, I realized I didn’t dislike jamón ibérico, I just have expensive taste.

My advice: make sure you try quality Iberian ham. It makes all the difference.

This bite is typically served on a platter with cheese and other finger foods. You can also order it in a baguette sandwich. There are stores all over Spain that sell jamón ibérico—and they’re easily recognizable because the pig legs are hanging from the ceiling. Most places will shave off a piece for you and let you try before you buy.

#5 Churros con Chocolate: Fried Churros and Thick, Warm, Chocolate Dipping Sauce

If you visit Spain in the winter, you’ll see food stands selling churros con chocolate on almost every street corner! This famous treat is the perfect dessert to end the night. The churros are crispy and made right on the spot. The chocolate isn’t your typical drinkable hot chocolate—it’s thick, mildly sweet, and meant for dipping the churros.

You can also find other churros variations at the churros stands. Don’t be afraid to try porras (thicker, fluffier churros) or buñuelos (not to be confused with Colombian buñuelos, these are fluffy, airy, dough balls.)

If you’re in Madrid, stop by Chocolatería San Ginés to try churros con chocolate at a cafe that’s been around for over 100 years—and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

#6 Croquetas: Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks (But Creamier and Better)

Another very common Spanish bar food, this snack is made with a creamy béchamel base and either ham, cheese, meat, or fish. It’s coated in eggwash and breadcrumbs then deep fried.

There are many variations of these crispy tapas—every place makes them a little different. Oh, and they’re served flaming hot, so be careful.

#7 Gambas al Ajillo: Sauteed Garlic-and-Lemon Shrimp

Another delicious seafood dish, gambas al ajillo are peeled shrimp in a rich garlic and olive oil sauce. It’s typically served with slices of Spanish bread, and it’s a simple but delicious dish.

#8 Zumo de Naranja: Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

I wouldn’t put orange juice on a list of my favorite, most authentic Spanish dishes if it wasn’t absolutely incredible. So, I’ll tell it like it is: the best orange juice I’ve ever had is Spanish orange juice.

Just walk into your nearest Mercadona (a Spanish chain grocery store), go to the produce section, grab a one-liter plastic bottle, and use their giant juicing machine to try it yourself. It’s simply the best.

#9 Bocadillo de Calamares: Fried Squid Sandwich

Sandwiches made from a crispy, warm baguette are a popular snack. And one of my favorite Spanish sandwiches is the bocadillo de calamares.

Packed with breaded, perfectly juicy fried squid and doused with fresh lemon juice and alioli, this sandwich is the essence of simplicity. It’s one all seafood- and calamari-lovers must try.

My favorite spot to grab one is at La Campana, right outside of Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid.

#10 Alioli: Garlic Mayonnaise

Yes, this deserves its own special mention, because it’s that iconic. Whether you put it on tortilla de patata, your bocadillo de calamares, or just a plain old baguette, it takes your taste buds to a whole new level of delight.

You can buy a ¼ cup of alioli at Mercadona for just a few euros. But nothing beats homemade alioli made by a Spanish abuela. I remember learning how to make this delicious mayonnaise in a narrow kitchen in Terrassa, Spain; Rosario, who was probably 80 years old, was an alioli master.

Common Tourist Mistakes

When it comes to eating right in Spain, I see a lot of people make these common mistakes:

• Searching for “Tapas” Restaurants. Here’s the thing about “tapas” restaurants: if you find one, it’s probably an overpriced tourist trap. The authentic places that serve tapas don’t have the word tapas plastered on the front. They’re just normal restaurants or bars that serve tapas. You see, tapas is a category of Spanish food, not a type of restaurant.

• Ordering Paella for Dinner. Spaniards never have paella for dinner. It’s a lunch dish. Now, you can order paella for dinner, and restaurants will serve it after 5pm, but it’s an immediate give-away that you’re a tourist. (That being said, do what you want—if you’re craving paella, go for it. I’ve done it before, and didn’t get any angry looks.)

• Not checking what time restaurants open. The dining schedule in Spain is different, so make sure you check what time restaurants open. Most authentic Spanish places serve lunch from 12pm - 4pm, and don’t open for dinner until 8pm.

What to Know When Ordering Paella

Ordering paella in Spain can be a little tricky. In most restaurants (at least the ones that aren’t tourist traps), you’ll see prices next to the different types of paellas, and then a note that usually says something like: “precios por persona; mínimo dos personas” (prices per person, minimum two people).

That means that if you want to order paella, you’ve got to buddy up with someone at your table and agree on a paella to share. Most places don’t make individual-sized paellas. The paella comes in one big paella pan, and you scoop the rice onto your plate to eat it.

When the check comes, you’ll see a charge per person for the paella. So, if it costs 20€ and two of you share it, it will be 40€ total. If three people share it, it will be 60€ total.

How to Spot an Authentic Restaurant

When you’re looking for restaurants in Spain, keep these recommendations in mind:

• Skip the restaurants right on rambla streets. You know the ones, they’ve got menus in English with pictures of the food for every menu item, and there’s almost always aggressive waiters/salespeople waving you in to sit down. They’re overpriced and almost always tourist traps.

• Look for locals. If you see a restaurant packed with tourists, it’s either done an amazing social media promo campaign, or it’s not authentic.

• Find restaurants with five-star Google reviews. And reviews in Spanish. This is a good indicator of restaurant quality.

• Don’t be afraid to wander. Often, the authentic restaurants are a little off the beaten path. Want hole-in-the-wall recommendations of the best places to eat in Spain? Subscribe and I’ll share my favorite restaurants with you!

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My Recommendations for Eating Right in Spain

The ten Spanish dishes I’ve shared here are my favorites. They represent Spain well and you can find them easily at many of the restaurants you’ll visit. But there are so many more—and it’s almost impossible to include them all in a quick foodie guide!

In fact, not too long ago, one of my friends here in Spain introduced me to a new Spanish dish that I absolutely loved: tarta de Santiago. This citrusy almond cake was fantastic. I learned that it’s from Santiago de Compostella, a city in the north of Spain, where it was prepared for pilgrims completing the camino de Santiago walk.

During your time in Spain, I hope you discover your own favorite Spanish dishes that aren’t on this list. I hope you enjoy every bite and dive into Spanish gastronomy head-first.

As they say here in Spain, “pan con pan, comida de tontos.” In English, “bread with bread is food for fools.” Variety, contrast, surprise are what makes gastronomy so rich and interesting. So explore, enjoy, and devour all Spain has to offer.

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe for more like it! I write for adventurous, budget-following foodies who want every bite while traveling to be 100% worth the trip.

Right next to Albufereta beach, this cute, small restaurant has more outdoor seating than indoor. It’s always packed with Spaniards and tourists alike, and the tables are so close to each other you have to squeeze around everyone. It’s got cool, hip vibes, and the food comes fast.

Beware: There is no parking. And parking in the area is hard to come by. Be prepared to park far away (10-15 minutes walking) and walk to the restaurant. But with the beach nearby and the hills of Alicante in the distance, it’s a pretty walk.

Tapas for Two: What We Ordered

We came for dinner (just the two of us) so we ordered the classic patatas bravas con salsa secreta—fried potatoes traditionally served with spicy tomato sauce and creamy garlic mayo—and two pulpitos—fried octopus with special sauces.

I saw their hojaldre—a delicious puff pastry treat with a creamy inside—on the menu before we came and I was so disappointed when the waitress told me they didn’t have it that day.

“And what days do they make it?” I asked. Her response was very Spanish: “Depends on the chef, depends on the day.”

First came the patatas bravas. Unlike traditional fried potatoes, these were thinly sliced almost potato-chip-style tapas. They were covered in the special sauce, which was similar to the traditional brava sauce, along with a chimichurri-esque chopped parsley and olive oil dressing as well.

Here’s the thing… I LOVE alioli, that delicious creamy garlic mayonnaise that Spain is known for. So, patatas bravas without the star of the show?!? No-go for me.

If they would have had alioli, they would have been a solid 9/10, but since it was missing, they get a 7/10.

Patatas bravas: 7/10

Now for the octopus. Portion sizes were big, the octopus was cooked wonderfully and it had a very light batter that made it feel just slightly fried. There were two sauces, a creamy red sauce with a little bit of spice and a fresh and fruity purple sauce with an interesting texture.

The octopus was mainly seasoned with paprika… quite a bit of paprika. Since that’s not my favorite seasoning, after a while it became a little overbearing. Overall, it was a yummy dish, but I prefer my pulpito grilled. Another solid 7/10.

Pulpito: 7/10

The Million-Dollar Question: Would you come back?

Dinner for two came out to €43.45 euros. This place is very reasonably priced, we just both ordered one of the most expensive options on the menu: octopus.

Tapería La Boya has a lot of different options on their menu, and since we only tried a couple, I would definetly come back to try other tapas.

I think the best way to experience a tapas restaurant is with a group of 4-6 people, where everyone orders a different menu item and everything is shared.

Next time I go, I’ll have to try the garlic shrimp, the honey eggplant, and some montaditos to top it all off. And hopefully the chef is in a good mood and they have hojaldre that day.

Tapería La Boya Information*

Address: Av. de la Condomina, 19, Albuferta 03016 Alicante, Spain

Website: https://taperialaboya.com/

Operating Hours: Wednesday 12–5 pm, Thursday - Saturday 12–5 pm, 8 pm–1 am, Sunday 12–5 pm

Average Cost Per Person: € 20 – 30

*This information is accurate as of March 2026. Make sure to double-check the website to find the latest details and possible changes.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a hike near Bilbao, Spain that’s famous because of the popular TV show, Game of Thrones. And it’s no wonder they choose this beautiful section of Spain’s northern coast as Daenerys’s home, Dragonstone—it’s imposing yet captivating, just like the mother of dragons herself.

This iconic hike is a must-do for Game of Thrones fans and nature-lovers alike. With incredible views of the beautiful Basque Country, a rugged rocky coastline, and the green forests of the north, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a hike you won’t forget.

My husband Pedro loves Game of Thrones, and he had the best time pointing out all the spots where they filmed—and taking pictures and videos along the way.

I’ve been to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe three times now, and have successfully hiked it twice (the first time, it was a holiday and unfortunately we didn’t know it was going to be closed).

Yet, it never ceases to impress.

Where Exactly Is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small islet on Spain’s Northern coast, near the Basque town of Bakio. It’s about 40 minutes by car from the city of Bilbao. This stunning coastal wonder is something you do not want to miss on your trip to the north of Spain.

How to Get to the Trailhead from Bilbao

If you’re renting a car, it takes about 40 minutes to get to the parking lot where you can start the hike. But, you don’t need to rent a car just to do the hike. Getting to the trailhead by bus is straightforward and affordable.

The bus to the town of Bakio leaves from the Plaza de Federico Moyúa (right in front of the Starbucks). The bus runs hourly Monday-Saturday. It costs just 3.40€ per person and the trip takes about 45 minutes.

Look for the 3518 bus to Bakio (it’s green and white and you’ll see the word “Bakio” at the front of the bus). Pay as soon as you get on the bus, with either cash or card. You’ll get off at the last stop once you reach the town of Bakio.

(There’s also an additional bus that will take you from the Bakio bus stop to the trailhead, but it comes every two hours, so it’s usually quicker just to walk.)

What to Know About The Hike

• You must make an online reservation to hike. If you’re planning on hiking during the summer months (June through September), or weekends or holidays, you will need to reserve a free entrance ticket online. It’s easy and free. Just go to this website to make a reservation.

• There are 241 stairs to the top. Get ready to climb! Once you get to the entrance of the islet, the rest of the way to the top is all stone stairs.

• Hiking distance from Bakio: about 3 km (1.8 miles). The hike to the chapel at the top of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has quite a bit of uphill climbs, but it’s not a long hike.

• Total hiking time: 2-3 hours. At a normal pace, and stopping to take pictures, you’ll be able to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and back in 2-3 hours.

• The north of Spain is very rainy. Bring a raincoat and an umbrella because in the beautiful north of Spain, it’s almost always raining. You can still hike in the rain, just be careful not to slip on the wet stones, especially in the steeper spots.

Best Time of Year To Visit Bilbao, Spain

If you’d like to avoid hiking in the rain, plan your trip for August. Summer months have drier, warmer weather—though the Basque Country gets rain almost year round.

If you’re aiming for fewer crowds, try coming in April, May, September, or October (just make sure you bring a rain jacket). We went in January 2026 and lucked out—the day we hiked San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was the only day of the trip that it didn’t rain!

After living in Santander for six months, the north of Spain will always have a special place in my heart. It’s full of stunning picturesque green landscapes, wonderful people, and delicious culinary creations.

Cities like Bilbao, Santander, and San Sebastian are well worth a visit—especially in the vibrant summer months. If you’re nearby, you might also like to:

• Visit Palacio de la Magdalena in Santander—a free, beautiful green park with amazing coastal views, a small zoo with seals and penguins, and a stunning royal palace (where they filmed my favorite Spanish TV show, Gran Hotel).

• Do a pintxo tour of Bilbao—spend the night bar-hopping and trying unique and flavorful bites. My guide has everything you need to know for an unforgettable foodie pintxo tour.

• Rent a Vespa and explore San Sebastian—This was one of the most memorable activities we did in Spain. Exploring the coast of San Sebastian by motorcycle (and making it to the top of Mount Igueldo) is so much fun.

The Champion’s Burger event put Circo on my radar. If you haven’t heard of The Champion’s Burger, it’s Spain’s greatest contribution to humankind. It’s an ongoing culinary competition where food trucks from burger joints all over Spain travel together to different cities and compete for the title of Spain’s best burger.

Their Santa Trufa burger competed in the Champions Burger event. (However, I didn’t try it there. Here in Alicante we have three different Circo burger locations, so at the event I opted to try burgers from other cities.)

However, I did put Circo Burger on my list of places to try and boy am I glad I did—this places is delicious.

Circo Burger has been around since 2017 and as of March 2026, has different locations in these nine cities in Spain:

• Albacete

• Alicante

• Benidorm

• Cartagena

• Elche

• L’Eliana

• Madrid

• Murcia

• Valencia

We went to Alicante’s San Juan location, just a few minutes from the beautiful San Juan beach. We walked along the beach for a bit, and I just couldn’t resist the urge to take my sandals off and dip my feet in the warm Mediterranean ocean. The sun was setting, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and my stomach was growling… Why do dinner places in Spain not open until 8pm?

I was starving when we got there, but the burgers were worth the wait.

Our total for two burgers and two Coca-Colas was €34.30, not bad at all for burgers on a Friday night. The burgers range from 9€ - 15€ each and they all come with fries.

What We Ordered

We went half and half so we could try two burgers: the Julieta and the burger of the month: Estrella Sin Michelin. All of Circo’s burgers come with half-moon shaped french fries and a delicious house sauce (and you just know I LOVE a good house sauce).

The Julieta burger is two patties of “vaca vieja” (literal translation: old cow, likely translation: aged beef), two slices of havarti cheese, crunchy bacon, a sweet homemade smoked bacon jam, and turron sauce with arugula.

What a combination! The sweet bacon jam combines delightfully with the havarti cheese, and the double meat is absolutely fantastic. The meat was a little well done for my taste and the burger’s presentation and size wasn’t too impressive (although it was filling).

Julieta burger: 7/10

Every month, Circo burger releases a new burger of the month—only available for that month. It’s a great idea that keeps people coming back to try new burgers. But it’s also unfortunate if like me, you fell in love with the burger of the month. Oh, Estrella Sin Michelin burger. Will they ever put you on the menu again? No one knows.

This burger is an elegant (and very Spanish) combination of:

• Aged beef—Also a little well done for my palate, but it was a good amount of meat for the burger.

• Havarti cheese—A fantastic cheese choice, havarti cheese is creamy, buttery, and delicious on hamburgers.

• Chopped up chorizo—Another excellent touch, this gave a lot of extra flavor and a hint of spiciness.

• A fried egg—Of course, with the runny yolk. Not a trend I’m particularly fond of, but luckily this fried egg was inconspicuous and unobtrusive.

• Cabrales cheese—Never heard of it? Me either, until yesterday. It’s blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in Asturias, Spain and it is amazing. From the first bite, this is the high-impact flavor that really sets this burger apart. If you like blue cheese, you’ll love this.

• Torto asturiano—This is a traditional side dish also from Asturias, Spain. It’s a fried corn disk (kind of like an arepa) and it gives the burger a fantastic crunch.

• Brioche bun—Brioche, we love you. And this one was noteworthy.

This burger was great. Unfortunately, I don’t know if my palate will ever be able to enjoy it again, since this was last September’s burger of the month. *sad violin music plays in the background*

Estrella Sin Michelin burger: 9/10

Circo Burger, I need more fries.

My one complaint: there weren’t enough fries. Burger joints, potatoes are cheap. Give me a heaping pile of fries next to my burger, and I will be happy.

On the plus side, Circo’s fries are unique and elegant—they’re delicate little half-moon shaped bites of goodness. But, unfortunately, I was only able to enjoy 15 of them (yes, I counted). I’d like at least double that (ideally triple.)

The Million-Dollar Question: Would you come back?

Heck yes. They’ve got a ton of great burgers on the menu; I was eyeing La Marquesa—packed with smoked bacon chunks, parmesan cheese, and truffle mayo.

Quite honestly, I’ll probably have to check Circo’s instagram and website every month to see what new burgers they release (and cross my fingers the Estrella Sin Michelin and I cross paths again).

Circo Burger Information*

Address: Avinguda de la Costa Blanca, 128, Local 10, 03540 Alicante

Website: https://circorestaurante.com/

Operating Hours: 1-3:45pm, 8-12am

Average Cost Per Person: € 15-20

*This information is accurate as of March 2026. Make sure to double-check the website to find the latest details and possible changes.

A beautiful city known for its architecture, green spaces, and famous soccer team, Madrid is one-of-a-kind. Its rich cultural history makes it a fantastic city to sightsee and walk around almost any time of the year.

With everything from an Egyptian temple to the oldest restaurant in the world, Madrid is full of surprises.

If you’ve only got a few days in Madrid during your European trip or vacation in Spain, here’s a great way to spend two days in Spain’s capital city. You’ll visit the must-see attractions in Madrid and enjoy authentic, unique experiences.

Here’s the TLDR version of your 2-day Madrid itinerary:

Day 1:

📷 See the famous Puerta de Alcalá

🚶🏼‍♀️Stroll through Parque Retiro

🚣🏽 Rowboat in Parque Retiro’s lake

🍴 Try Distrito Burger

🖼️ Enjoy the famous El Prado museum

🍴 Eat fantastic Peruvian food at Humo in Goya

Day 2:

👀 Check out the Debod Temple: an Egyptian temple in the middle of the city

🏛️ Visit the Palacio Real: one of the largest royal palaces in the world

🚶🏼‍♀️ Walk down Gran Via, Madrid’s Broadway

🍴 Try Casa Dani’s award winning tortilla de patata

📷 Take a selfie at the famous Cibeles fountain

🍷 End the night on one of Madrid’s rooftop bars

And if you have more time:

🚶🏼‍♀️ People watch at Plaza Mayor

⚽ Visit Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s Stadium

🍴 Eat at Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world

🚗 Take a stunning day trip to Segovia or Toledo

Now, for the more detailed version:

Day 1: Madrid’s Famous Palaces, Monuments, and Parks

Start your day off at a famous monument: the Puerta de Alcalá. This triumphal arch was built between 1774 and 1778 at the main entrance of the capital city to celebrate the arrival of King Carlos III. It’s historic because it was the first triumphal arch built in Europe since the fall of the Roman Empire.

Then, take a morning walk through Parque Retiro, Madrid’s green oasis. One of the many entrances is right next to the Puerta de Alcala. This huge park is over 350 acres (142 hectares), and filled with lakes, statues, rose gardens, and even a Palacio de Cristal: a beautiful glass conservatory.

For a bit of adventure, go on a rowboat ride through the lake. Or, enjoy a nap in the grass. Listen to the live music that’s almost always sprinkled throughout the park. This is your dose of the real Spanish lifestyle—slow enjoyment in the beautiful outdoors.

How do I schedule a rowboat ride in Parque Retiro’s Lake?

To reserve a rowboat at Retiro Lake, download the “Madrid Movil” app, choose “Estanque del Retiro,” then select “Barcas Estanque del Retiro.” You’ll see a calendar with different availability per day, then below, the times available.

You can NOT book these tickets far in advance. The system only lets you book them a few days before, so make sure you get on the app early in the morning to secure the time you want.

You could also just show up and wait in line to buy your ticket the day of. Sometimes the lines are long, so be prepared to wait if you don’t get there early. The rowboat rentals open at 10am and close at 2:00 for siesta time, then open back up at 3:15pm.

How much does it cost to rent a rowboat in Parque Retiro?

From Monday to Friday, it costs €6 euros for one 45-minute rental. If you go on a weekend or holiday, it’ll cost €8 euros. Children under four are free.

Grab some burgers for lunch at Distrito burger, right next to the park’s Ibiza metro station entrance. Enjoy unlimited fries, juicy burgers, fantastic house sauces, and creamy oreo desserts. They have a great deal with the lunch menu where you get a burger, fries, a drink, and a dessert for about 13 euros.

(Distrito burger has various locations throughout the city. The one I recommend is located at Calle de Ibiza, 16, perfectly situated next to Retiro Park near the Ibiza metro station entrance.)

Spend the afternoon at El Prado, one of Spain’s most important art museums. Here, you’ll find famous works like:

• Las Meninas, by Diego Velázquez

• The Garden of Earthly Delights, by Bosch

• The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest, by El Greco

• And many other works by famous artists like Goya, Dürer, and Rembrandt.

How much are the Prado museum’s entrance tickets?

Tickets cost 15 euros online, or you can visit the museum free from 6pm to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 5pm to 7pm on Sundays and holidays.

Finish off the day with some fantastic Peruvian food at Humo, located on Calle de Hermosilla 73 in Madrid’s Goya district. This restaurant is a luxury upgrade to the traditional Peruvian Pollerias—but without a hefty price tag.

Try their fantastic Peruvian roasted chicken, pollo a la brasa, with mouth wateringly-good spicy sauces, fresh salad, and french fries cooked at the perfect level of crispiness. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, they also have typical peruvian rice—arroz chaufa and aeropuerto—ceviche, or wings. Be sure to try their amazing chicha morada: a typical Peruvian drink made from purple corn.

After eating at Humo, and walking around Madrid all day, you’re almost sure to roll back to your hotel and call it a night.

Day 2: Egyptian Temples, Royal Palaces, and a Rooftop View of Madrid’s Skyline

During your second day in Madrid, visit the Debod Temple, an Egyptian temple that dates back to the 2nd century BC. The temple’s walls are covered with images of kings making offerings to various Egyptian Gods, and it’s surrounded by beautiful green parks and fantastic panoramic views of the city. And, it’s free! (Just make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time and know that it’s closed on Mondays.)

Why is there an Egyptian temple in the center of Madrid?

Over 2,000 years ago, the temple’s original location was in southern Egypt, near the first cataract of the Nile river in Nubia. But, in the 1960s, when the Aswan High Dam was built, it caused serious flooding that almost completely submerged this ancient temple.

Spain was one of the few countries to respond to UNESCO’s cry for help, and Spanish architects helped save the Debod Temple, and other temples in Nubia. As a really cool way to say thank you, Egypt gifted temples to each country that helped.

The Debod Temple was carefully deconstructed and sent, stone by stone, to Madrid, where it was meticulously rebuilt and then opened to the public in 1972.

After you check out the ancient Egyptian temple, head over to the Palacio Real—one of the largest royal palaces in the world. With 3,418 rooms, stunning decorations, royal gardens, and works of art from famous artists like Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, this place is sure to take your breath away.

How much is the entrance fee to Madrid’s Palacio Real?

Tickets cost between 14 and 24 euros (depending on the tour you choose). Make sure to get your tickets early at the official Royal Palace website. Also, if you are a citizen of the European Union, a resident or holder of work permit in that territory, or a Latin American citizen you can visit for free Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm (4pm to 6pm in winter). If you happen to be there on 18 May, International Museum Day, entrance is free.

Grab some lunch at Divorare for authentic Italian focaccias (right next to the Chueca metro station, on Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 20) or Casa Dani (on Calle Ayala, 28 near the Serrano metro station) for an award-winning tortilla de patata and other traditional Spanish dishes.

Then, spend the afternoon shopping on Gran Via, Spain’s version of Broadway. Here, you’ll find luxury hotels, theatres, and shopping galore. Start at the Plaza de Espana metro station, close to the Royal Palace, and walk the entire thing—it’s less than a mile long.

Near Gran Via, you can see:

• The famous Cibeles fountain—a 18th century work of art that shows the Phrygian goddess Cybele on a lion-pulled chariot.

• The Metropolis Building—a famous dome-topped office building at the corner of the Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía.

• Iconic stores like Primark and Zara—great for shopping and getting an inside look at Spanish fashion.

• A one-of-a-kind view of the Madrid skyline, at Riu 360 Rooftop bar (if you’re willing to pay for that fantastic 360 degree view). Get lunch, dinner, or drinks, enjoy the live music, and take your picture with the Madrid skyline as your backdrop.

Is there a better way to finish off a quick trip to Madrid than watching the sunset on a rooftop bar, favorite drink in hand, and live music playing in the background?

More Things to See and Do in Madrid

If you have more time in Madrid or want to turn your two-day Madrid vacation into a longer trip, here are some other activities things to do and see in Spain’s capital city:

• Soak in the history of Madrid’s main market space, Plaza Mayor. Today it’s filled with outdoor seating for restaurants and tourists, but it was once the place where bullfights, games, ceremonies, and even executions occurred.

• Try the famous bocadillo de calamares at Bar La Campana (by Plaza Mayor)—it’s a fried squid sandwich topped with garlic mayo and lemon, and it’s the best one in the city.

• Take a tour of Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s home stadium. Enjoy a panoramic view of the inside of the stadium and a visit to the Real Madrid museum. If that dates line up and you’re in Madrid during game day, don’t miss your chance to watch some futbol at this famous stadium.

• Check out the Chamberí Ghost Station—an abandoned metro station turned museum that gives you an inside look into the spooky history of Madrid’s metro.

• Eat at the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. Founded in 1725, Botín (located nearby the Royal Palace on Calle de Cuchilleros, 17) is backed by 300 years of experience. Here, you’ll find real Madrilenian cuisine.

What are the best day trips from Madrid?

Your two best options are Segovia and Toledo. Both of these beautiful cities have their own unique charm and are full of Spanish history.

• Segovia is a stunning World Heritage City famous for the fairytale castle of Alcázar (Walt Disney supposedly modeled the first Disneyland castle after this beauty). It also is known for a soaring aqueduct that cuts through the middle of the city. Segovia has impressive views and since it’s about an hour drive from Madrid, it’s a great day trip option.

• Toledo is also about an hour from Madrid. This beautiful city has a rich cultural, religious, and architectural history. Make sure to visit the 13th century High Gothic cathedral—one of only three in the country. Its intricate details and stunning architecture make it a true work of art. Fun fact: Here you can find a 10th century mosque, two synagogues, and an 18th century baroque church all in the same city.

Enjoy Exploring Madrid’s Vibrant Streets and Hidden Gems

This two-day Madrid itinerary is a fun blend of must-see attractions and hidden gems. Who would have thought you’d visit a 2nd century Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid?

Whether you’re here for the historical classics, the world-renowned museums, or the trendy new rooftop bars, Madrid has something for everyone—it’s a vibrant city you’re sure to enjoy.

P.S. Check out my five favorite restaurants I come back to again and again whenever we’re in Madrid right here.