Beacon Main Street and More – Best Things to Do in Beacon NY

Beacon Main Street and More – Best Things to Do in Beacon NY

This post is all about what to do on the famous Beacon Main Street.

Beacon Main Street NY

Beacon Main Street is one of the most charming streets in Hudson Valley.

When I was searching for the best day trips from New York City, Beacon seemed like it offered exactly what we were looking for in our mother-daughter weekend vacation.

If you’re looking for a getaway from the city, the Beacon Main Street is a perfect balance offering that small-town feel, yet offering lots to do.

Lucky for me, I have friends who live in Beacon, so they gave me a list of personal recommendations of the best things to do on Beacon’s Main Street and the surrounding area.

I’ll be honest, you come to Beacon’s Main Street for two things – to shop and eat! But hey there’s nothing wrong with that, right?

Where to Stay in Beacon NY

Beacon Main Street

There’s no shortage of amazing accommodations in Beacon NY. I personally stayed at this Airbnb and it was perfect for us.

$ – Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill (10-minute drive to Beacon Main Street)

$$ – Luxe Studios Airbnb

$$$ – The Roundhouse or The Dutchess Inn

Beacon Main Street Weekend Guide

Here are the absolute best things to do on the iconic Beacon Main Street.

Don’t forget to print out this FREE Beacon NY Checklist so you don’t miss a thing!

Beacon Ny Main Street Checklist

Day 1 – Friday

Beacon Main Street
Wonder Bar on Beacon Main Street

After you’ve arrived at your hotel, get ready for dinner at Melzingah Tap House. Ideally, try to make dinner reservations in advance. If not, still shoot your shot and try to snag a table or spot at the bar top.

After dinner, head to Wonderbar and have a cocktail.

After cocktails, go to Beacon Bread Company for their Friday night-only Karaoke. This local cafe converts from its usual daytime bakery to a crazy dive-style bar on Friday evenings. This was my favorite night out in Beacon… so don’t miss it!

Day 2 – Saturday

After sleeping in (but not too long) from your crazy night of karaoke, head to Yankee Clipper for a classic diner breakfast. Afterward, head to the DIA art museum to marvel at the stunning modern art.

It’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance as they can often be sold out! If you book for certain timeslots, you can also get a free guided tour. We booked the 12 pm Saturday slot and were really happy with our tour guide experience.

Once you’re finished at the DIA, head to the eastern side of Main Street. Start at Roundhouse to take in the spectacular views of the falls. The Roundhouse is also a great spot to have a light lunch or snack before taking on the rest of the day.

After the scenic stop, meander in and out of the shops and galleries on Main Street.

Blackbird Attic, Raven Rose, and Tibet Tree of Life were a few of my favorite shops on the eastern end.

Take a break at Glazed Over Donuts and try one of their famous treats.

For dinner, head to the legendary Max’s on Main for classic comfort food.

To end your Saturday night on Beacon’s Main Street, either stay at Max’s on Main for live music – or check out Towne Crier Cafe to see if they have any live shows going on (they usually do on weekends!)

We opted for a Tom Petty tribute show at Towne Crier and really enjoyed it.

Try one of their cakes during the show. We loved their dessert so much, we came back the next day for round 2!

Day 3 – Sunday

Beacon Main Street

Take some time for your last day in Beacon to explore the areas that you couldn’t quite fit in on Friday or Saturday.

If you didn’t get a chance to explore the western side of Main Street, don’t miss it.

Grab some breakfast at Peaceful Provisions or Beacon Bread Company. If you go to Beacon Bread, be sure to take a photo at the mural located in the parking lot on the side of the building,

Afterward, make your way to Hudson Beach Glass to check out some beautiful pieces. I bought a necklace that I’m obsessed with.

Stop by Blank Square Coffee House for some coffee or hot chocolate.

For lunch, go to Homespun Foods. Their broccoli cheddar soup is life-changing, I swear!

End your final moments in Beacon at Town Crier Cafe for some afternoon dessert, especially if you didn’t get around to it on Saturday.

14 Best Things to do on Beacon’s Main Street

If you’re looking to build your own itinerary, here is a list of the best things to do in Beacon NY.

1. Dinner at Melzingah Tap House

The best dinner I had in Beacon was most definitely at Melzingah Tap house. Their unique spins on comfort food are so dang delicious.

Do yourself a favor and order the brussels sprouts and chicken & dumplings.

2. Cocktails at WonderBar

Sipping a Cocktail inside the gorgeously decorated WonderBar is a must-have Beacon experience.

Wonderbar

3. Friday Night Karaoke at Beacon Bread

Did someone say.. Karaoke at a cafe? That’s right, Beacon Bread company opens 1 night a week and turns into a fabulous karaoke bar. Filled with mostly locals and a few tourists, this was no doubt the spot to hit on a Friday night on Beacon’s main street.

4. Breakfast at Yankee Clipper

I can still taste those fluffy buttermilk pancakes! Yankee Clipper does it right with that classic menu that reminds you of your small-town breakfast joint.

5. Tour the DIA Art Museum

You surely can’t visit Beacon without taking a walk through the DIA Art Museum. Get your tickets in advance here.

The museum is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

On Saturdays and Sundays at 12pm & 1:30pm, free guided tours are offered. I took a tour and learned so much more than I would have if I walked through on my own.

Dia Art Museum Beacon

6. See the Beacon Falls near Roundhouse

Stop by the Roundhouse for a bite or simply just go outside in their courtyard for the views of the Beacon falls.

Roundhouse hotel

7. See ALL the Shops & Galleries

One of the coolest parts of Beacon’s Main Street is the unique boutiques and art galleries. Believe me, I had to have some serious self-control to not buy anything and everything.

A few of my favorite shops are Blackbird Attic, Raven Rose, and Tibet Tree of Life.

8. Have a Treat at Glazed Over Donuts

People come from all over the east coast just to have a donut at Glazed Over. From classic-style donuts to custom toppings, Glazed Over is a donut lovers’ paradise.

9. Max’s on Main

Craving that classic pub food or just looking for a beer?

Max’s on Main is such a staple of Beacon’s main street. After a few nights of fancy dinners on our trip, we were craving something simple and delicious. Nobody cooks up a burger and Bloody Mary quite as well as Max’s on Main.

Max’s also typically has live music on weekend nights.

10. Live Music at Towne Crier

End your epic weekend night by going to a live show at Towne Crier.

Don’t forget to order one of their delicious homemade desserts and cocktails while you sit and watch the show.

11. Hudson Beach Glass

One of my favorite souvenirs from my trip to Beacon is a green glass-blown necklace. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s worth stopping by to marvel at all the beautiful glass treasures.

12. Blank Square Coffee

If you’re a coffee shop enthusiast like myself, you will certainly want to stop by Blank Square and grab a cup of joe or their specialty hot cocoa.

13. Lunch at Homespun

To this day I am STILL thinking about the mouth-watering soup I had at Homespun.

Located right in the middle of Beacon’s main street, it’s a great place to stop for lunch. Expect there to be a bit of a wait, especially on weekends!

14. Take a photo at the Beacon Main Street Mural

Of course, you can’t leave Beacon without snapping a photo of the Beacon mural. The mural is located just on the side of Beacon Bread Co. in the parking lot.

I hope you leave with a full belly, a couple of souvenirs, and wonderful memories!

This post was all about the best things to do on Beacon Main Street.

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An Honest Review of Athens Hub Hostel in Greece

An Honest Review of Athens Hub Hostel in Greece

This post is all about my review of Athens Hub Hostel in Athens Greece.

Looking for the best hostels in Athens?

I research hostels extensively. I live in them, work in them, and thrive in them.

After staying in over a hundred hostels, there are some every now and then that stick out to me – for better or for worse.

Here’s my completely honest, non-sponsored review of Athens Hub Hostel.

Still planning your trip? Don’t forget these 21 bucket list things to do in Athens.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.

Honest Review of Athens Hub Hostel

I arrived at Athens Hub Hostel after weeks of partying on the islands of Ios and Paros.

Completely drained and exhausted, I wanted to stay in a hostel that focused on comfort but still was somewhat social.

Athens Hub Hostel seemed like the place to stay.

Where to book

Typically I prefer to book hostels on hostelworld. Occasionally, if I have points for savings or I’m booking a private room, I use booking.com

Both these booking platforms are simple to use, have upfront cancellation & refund terms, and offer a level of protection that other websites may not offer.


My Hostel Essentials

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Location

Hostel address: Agias Eleousis 7, Athina 105 54, Greece

Located in Psyri, this hostel is literally in the heart of Athens.

I loved being in the center of the city. I felt like the location is a huge advantage because it’s on a quiet side street near the main Psyri strip of bars and restaurants.

Surrounded by the hostel you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants, bars, and easy access to many of the top attractions and tours in Athens.

Athens Hub Hostel

 

Don’t forget your FREE Athens Checklist printable for your trip to Greece.

things to do in Athens

 

The Rooms

Spacious rooms at Athens Hub offer privacy in a way many other hostels miss the mark.

Every dorm features beds with curtains, lockers, hooks, and mirrors.

Here are the different types of rooms you can book at Athens Hub:

6-bed female, 4-bed female

8-bed mixed, 6-bed mixed

Private double, private double with extra bed.

Pictured above: 4-bed female dorm.

Bathrooms at hostels can make or break a stay. The bathrooms here were always kept impeccably clean. The showers are nicer than mine at home – it feels like a luxury spa experience.

hostel in athens greece

Facilities

Some of the perks at Athens Hub are what make this hostel stand out.

Check out the bar/lounge area for a drink or if you need to work remotely. It’s a great place to socialize or work remotely.

They also offer a full (and affordable) breakfast menu in the morning that was tastier than some of the brunch spots I tried.

For a small fee or deposit, Athens Hub also offers laundry, hair dryers, and locks.

Activities & Social Life

Athens Hub Hostel is not a party hostel, but it can be social when you want it to be! I’ve stayed both when it’s bustling with outgoing hostel goers and when it’s quiet.

The biggest party hostel in Athens is Hawks.

Unlike party hostels, Athens Hub is a hostel that has a nice level of social activities available for those who want them but prioritizes cleanliness, safety, and hospitality.

A few activities you can join are happy hour & board games, Pub Crawl, or a Free Walking Tour.

 

Overall, I think Athens Hub Hostel is a wonderful place to stay in the center of Athens. After two long stays, I can confidently say I would recommend this hostel to anyone, especially backpackers ages 18-35.

Book Tours in Athens Below

 

4 Days in New York City (Written by a Local!)

4 Days in New York City (Written by a Local!)

This post is all about how to spend 4 days in New York.

Updated on February 5, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.

So you’re heading to the big apple but ONLY have 4 days? Don’t fret!

4 days in New York City is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of America’s greatest city.

After moving here at the beginning of the year, I’ve received loads of messages asking why I haven’t posted any NYC content on my blog.

The truth is, this city is so big and popular, that I didn’t feel I could confidently write the BEST New York itinerary that ever existed.

Until now.

Here is how to spend an epic 4 days in New York City.

Don’t forget your free NYC Checklist so you don’t miss a thing!

4 Days in New York City – Short Version

Day 1 – Rockefeller Center, St Patricks Cathedral, Grand Central Station, Dinner at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.

Day 2 – Brunch at The Smith. Central Park, Magnolia Bakery, Landmarks Cruise, Walk the High Line at sunset.

Day 3 -Empire State Building, Bryant Park, Times Square, Dinner and Cheesecake at Juniors. Broadway Show.

Day 4 – 9/11 Museum, Little Italy, Lunch at RubiRosa, Visit DUMBO, Drinks at Randolph, Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, Chinatown

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4 Days in New York City Itinerary – Detailed Version

Where to stay:

Budget $- The Hotel at Fifth Avenue

Moderate $$ – The Empire Hotel

Luxury $$$ – Lotte New York Palace

Empire Hotel

Day 1

Travel days are exhausting so let’s keep the first day nice and easy.

After you check into your hotel, kick off your trip by exploring Rockefeller Center, St. Patricks Cathedral, and Grand Central Station.

These are all free activities that are open late and within close proximity to each other. Plus, they are quick historical sites to explore. In under 2 hours, you can see all three of them.

Obviously, for your first night in New York, you must have that classic New York-style pizza! I recommend Grimaldis Pizzeria.

Day 2

Today you’ll spend most of your time exploring the upper west side.

Begin your morning with brunch at The Smith.

Then, take a stroll in the magnificent Central park. If you’d rather ride bikes, there are plenty of rental options in the park.

4 days in new york

After Central Park, grab a cupcake at the famous Magnolia Bakery.

Take a break from the thick of the city and book the 3 pm Landmarks Cruise. I booked with Circle Line and was impressed with all the iconic NYC sites you could see from the water.

4 days in new york
4 days in new york

This tour included stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridges, and so much more.

After the landmarks cruise, you’ll disembark close to the entrance of the High Line which is one of the most unique walking paths in Manhattan.

Day 3

Grab your best walking shoes and prepare to see it all!

Start your day off with tickets to go inside the Empire State Building,

You’ll pass through a fascinating mini-museum on your way up to the top. And of course, you’ll see amazing views of the city when you reach the viewpoint.

4 days in new york
4 days in new york

Next, make your way to Bryant Park and soak in some sun. Bryant Park is filled with cute sitting areas, events, and outdoor cafes. It’s the perfect place to people-watch.

Following your afternoon at the park, head towards Times Square and plan for dinner and famous cheesecake at Juniors. This isn’t a fancy place, but it is an NYC classic. If you’re looking for a fancier option, Becco is a delicious mid-range fine dining Italian restaurant.

After dinner and dessert, enjoy an iconic show on Broadway.

new york city itinerary broadway show

Day 4

On your last day in NYC, you’ll want to get an early start to ensure you check everything off your list.

Begin your morning at the 9/11 Museum & Memorial. This museum is HUGE and you may not have time to see everything. It takes roughly 3 hours to see the main points and 4 hours to see the whole museum.

4 days in new york

After the museum, head to Little Italy and enjoy lunch at RubiRosa. Reservations are a must!

When you’re finished with lunch, walk around Nolita and explore the many boutiques.

Next, it’s time to get a dose of the iconic borough of Brooklyn and head to DUMBO.

It’s not fair to say that DUMBO represents most of Brooklyn, but it is a beautiful area to enjoy.

Walk through the famous DUMBO bridge viewpoint at 39-21 Washington St Brooklyn, NY.

Watch the sunset at Randolph Beer rooftop or at the top of TimeOut Market (free).

End your evening walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and venture into Chinatown.

4 days in new york

Feel free to edit this itinerary to fit your interests. No New York itinerary will look the same. Enjoy your time in the big apple!

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New Orleans Itinerary – 3 Insane Days in the Big Easy

New Orleans Itinerary – 3 Insane Days in the Big Easy

This post is all about the most epic 3 day New Orleans itinerary.

New Orleans Itinerary

New Orleans is an eclectic city that sweeps you into every beat (and beignets!)

I’ve created the best 3-day itinerary for New Orleans to help you have a more successful and less stressful trip. Don’t forget to print your FREE New Orleans Printable Checklist so you don’t miss a thing!

New Orleans Itinerary

So, you’re taking a trip to the Big Easy? Here are the recommendations I swear by to have a fantastic trip in NOLA!

Here is the BEST 3 day New Orleans Itinerary.

3 Day New Orleans Itinerary (the short version)

Day 1 – Check into your hotel. Walk around the French Quarter and have a beignet. Stop by Jackson square and St. Louis Cathedral. Visit Hotel Monteleone and have a drink at the carousel bar.

Day 2 – Explore the Garden District and Magazine Street. Brunch at the Ruby Slipper Cafe. Take a cemetery tour. Dinner and drinks on Frenchmen Street.

Day 3 – Book a fancy jazz brunch. Explore more of Bourbon Street. Dinner at Galeries. See Fritzel’s jazz band. Have a drink at the Dungeon. Enjoy your last night in Nola!

Where to stay in New Orleans:

The Quisby Hostel – $

Ace Hotel – $$

Hotel Monteleone – $$$



Booking.com

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3 Day New Orleans Itinerary (the detailed version)

Day 1

Check into your hotel and get ready to explore the French Quarter.

Stop and have a beignet and cafe au lait. Cafe Beignet on Royal Street is what I recommend over the famous Cafe Du Monde.

Stroll through the beautiful Jackson Square and admire the St. Louis cathedral.

New Orleans Itinerary

Enjoy walking in and out of thrift stores and various shops in the French Quarter. I encourage you to venture beyond bourbon street, as there are so many beautiful and interesting corners of the quarter.

Visit Hotel Monteleone and have a drink at the famous rotating Carousel bar.

New Orleans Itinerary

Day 2

Start your day off on Magazine Street. Have brunch at the Ruby Slipper Cafe and explore the many shops lining Magazine street.

Next, admire the beautiful houses in the Garden District. Some famous houses to see are the home of Anne Rice and the filming location for American Horror Story Coven.

Book a cemetery tour to see the famous cemeteries of New Orleans. Due to the swampy terrain, graves are buried above ground which makes for a unique sight to see.

After you’ve covered the garden district, head on over to Frenchmen street for dinner and drinks.

Day 3

Your last day in NOLA! Begin with a fancy jazz brunch. I recommend Commander’s Palace, Court of Two Sisters, or Broussards. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

New Orleans Itinerary

We opted for Broussards, as it was suggested by a local. It was incredible!

Spend your last day back in the french quarter. Walk Bourbon Street and explore some of the hole-in-the-wall bars. Be sure to have a drink at the Dungeon!

After eating a scrumptious dinner at Gallier’s, go to Fritzel’s Jazz Club for an enchanting performance that captures New Orleans perfectly.

Have an Awesome Time in NOLA!

That concludes the most epic 3-day New Orleans Itinerary covering all the highlights and my personal favorite stops.

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The Best 1 Week Itinerary for Morocco

The Best 1 Week Itinerary for Morocco

Looking for the best 1-week Morocco Itinerary?

The city, beach, and desert all in 7 days make for the BEST 1-week Itinerary for Morocco.

If you are wanting to have the time of your life in Morocco and stay within a budget, this guide is perfect for you.

7 days in Morocco
Just saying “Morocco”, I can nearly smell the mint tea and hear the snake-charming music erupt from Marrakesh’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Morocco is one of the most magical places I have explored.

Planning your trip.

My trip to Morocco is one of my most memorable. However, to make this trip as epic as it was, it took quite a bit of research. If you could take any bit of information from this post, it is these 3 words right here:

MOROCCO IS BIG.

The most common mistake I hear is people get stuck riding in between destinations nearly their entire trip because they didn’t study the distance between them.

Even if you really narrow your trip down, you will likely be riding in a car for a while. This trimmed-down itinerary will have you in the car for about 23 hours total throughout your one-week Morocco trip.

Morocco is safe to travel

I hope hearing this can put your mind at ease. My best friend and I traveled to Morocco together, without a man, and we were both twenty-one. I have felt more unsafe in hostels in London than in the streets of Morocco.

Tips on safe travel in Morocco:

Here are some extra precautions I take while not just traveling in Morocco, but really anywhere.

  • Carry your bag in front of you, and/or secure locks on your bags. Little children are the ones you have to especially look out for in Morocco. They are smart, quick, and incredibly adorable!
  • Men WILL come up and catcall you. Most of the time they are harmless, just annoying.
  • Set yourself a curfew. We actually didn’t do this, some of our Riads enforced an 11 pm curfew.
  • Stay where people can see you. This is my #1 rule when traveling. There are lots of private tours offered in Morocco for cheap prices but perhaps opt for the group tours where you will be surrounded by a few other travelers.
  • Taxi travel. Establish a set price BEFORE you get into the taxi. All of our taxis were pre-booked before our trip. Meaning our Airbnb Riad’s had their own taxi arrangements set up for us, with a reasonable fare we agreed upon beforehand. Additionally, avoid putting your luggage in the trunk as you may not ever get it back.

Now let’s get to the fun part, building the best 1-week Itinerary for Morocco!

Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakesh

Marrakech - 7 days in Morocco
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Where to stay in Marrakesh

Marrakesh is filled with some of the most beautiful accommodations. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan home or palace with an interior courtyard/garden and is most likely what you’ll be staying at during your trip.

Many Riads are very very nice and affordable. A fantastic Riad I stayed at is available on Airbnb here.

When searching for accommodations, I recommend you find one near Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (the main square) and read reviews very thoroughly to be sure you are getting the best value.

Riad in Morocco 7 days in Morocco
the lobby of my Riad in Marrakesh.

Contact your Riad before your arrival, and ask if they can arrange to pick up from the airport.

This is probably the best value in terms of convenience. Most Riads will offer this service to you before arrival. It is up to you to communicate with them in terms of time and airline tickets (they track the arrival).

In my opinion, it was totally worth paying $25 in advance to have a taxi waiting for us. We knew we weren’t getting scammed and that the driver knew exactly where our Riad was.

After you get settled, take time to explore Marrakesh!

Be sure to pin your accommodation on your phone/map, or make sure it comes up on Google Maps. You WILL get lost in the Medina, and you’ll have to find your way back.

Day 2 – Marrakesh

Marrakesh is just one of those places you have to see.

It is both chaotic and beautiful. While I loved my time in Marrakesh, it isn’t somewhere I would want to spend more than a day or two. The main things to do are shop at the markets, get lost in the Medina, and eat some awesome food. Which can all be achieved in 24-48 hours.

Marrakesh 7 days in Morocco
I am actually cringing in this pic because the man literally threw the monkey on me!
Marrakesh 7 days in Morocco
Marrakesh, Morocco

I am always starving after a full day of exploring! Our favorite restaurant in Marrakesh was Nomad. We went during the offseason, so I would recommend making reservations on their website if you can, it was very popular.

Where to eat in Marrakesh – Nomad Restaurant

Nomad was amazing. The atmosphere was relaxing, especially in comparison to the loud streets of Marrakesh.

For dinner, I had the Vegetarian plate, which consisted of chickpea salad, tzatziki, avocado, and barley with celery and sesame seeds. For dessert, I had the Ultra-rich chocolate cake.

Day 3 – Depart on your Sahara Desert Tour

This was the moment we had been waiting for … to ride camels and camp in the Sahara!

Talk about a checkmark off the bucket list!

This tour alone packs in A LOT and deserves its own blog post. If you are considering taking a Sahara tour on your trip, click below to read an extensive breakdown of the tour.

The Ultimate Sahara Desert Tour (3 Days)

The first day of your Desert tour will be a lot of driving, mixed in with stops along the way at the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou, and Dades Valley.

Atlas Mountains 7 days in Morocco
Atlas Mountains
Aït Benhaddou 7 days in Morocco
Aït Benhaddou

Day 4 – Sahara Desert Tour

This will be the second day of your Sahara Desert tour, which will mainly include Dades Valley, Tinghr, and camping in the Sahara. Spending the night in the Sahara Desert was one of the most magical experiences. Dancing to the beat of the drums, stargazing with my best friend, and sledding down the dunes at midnight were just a few of the highlights.

Berber Home - Sahara Desert Tour
Berber Home – Sahara Desert Tour
Sahara Desert Tour 7 days in Morocco
Sahara Desert Tour
Natalie & Camel

Day 5 – Back on the road to Marrakesh

Sadly, this is the last day of the Sahara Desert Tour.

You will be completely exhausted and get back into Marrakesh around 7 pm. At this point, you could get a taxi from Marrakesh and head to the next destination on this itinerary, Essaouira.

Alternatively, you could spend one more night in Marrakesh. Neither option is right or wrong, however, if traffic is bad or something happens to where you don’t make your scheduled taxi to Essaouira that evening, you may be in a bind.

If you could get a taxi for 9 or 10 pm to allow a bit of wiggle room, that may be ideal. We chose to spend one more night in Marrakesh just to be safe, however, we were so exhausted we ordered pizza and stayed in!

Day 6 – Essaouira

This beautiful beach town of Essaouira was something we nearly overlooked, as we read from many other travelers that it was best as a day trip, or not really worth seeing.

We found this to not be true, we LOVED Essaouira. It’s a charming little fishing town, and that was exactly what we needed to relax after the hustle of Marrakesh and the exhaustion of trekking through the desert. The trip to Essaouira is only 2 hours from Marrakesh, and absolutely worth the journey.

Essaouira
Essaouira

How to get from Marrakesh to Essaouira: Med Taxi Essaouira

The Med Taxi transport service was a complete weight lifted off our shoulders. Med Taxi took us to Essaouira and back to Marrakesh airport on our last day.

Med Taxi price is 50 euros each way, in total.

If you choose to not go with Med Taxi and use a different transport service, as always, be sure to confirm the price before getting into the taxi. Also, clarify that it is total and not per person.

Day 7 – Essaouira

Finish your trip by relaxing on the beach or exploring Essaouira’s historic port. Don’t forget to snap a pic of the beautiful blue boats!

Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is such a lovely town that requires it’s own in-depth guides. If you are lucky enough to fit this gem into your Morocco itinerary, you can check out my Essaouira Travel Guide and/or my Essaouira Pocket Guide. WiFi is spotty so I really do recommend downloading the free Pocket Guide to keep on your phone!

That concludes the Best 1-Week Itinerary for Morocco! If you are having any doubts about making the leap to this incredible country, I must urge you to go!

-Essaouira Travel Guide

-The Ultimate Sahara Desert Tour

-15 Photos that will Inspire you to go to Morocco

-Essaouira Pocket Guide

Essaouira Morocco – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Essaouira Morocco – The Ultimate Travel Guide

(updated 1/4/2022)

Essaouira is a fishing town located in the Western region of Morocco. Don’t overlook this charming port village during your time in Morocco, it is truly a gem!

Essaouira Morocco travel guide

Get the FREE Esaouira Pocket Guide HERE

My Essaouira Essentials

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How to get to Essaouira – MED Taxi

There are a few different transport options.

Essaouira does have an airport. Alternatively, you can find transport services from major cities such as Marrakesh. MED Taxi, which was 50 euros each way, is my preferred taxi service.

Med Taxi even lets you stop along the road when you see something totally insane, like this…

Essaouira Morocco
goats in a tree

Where to stay

I booked “Dar Skala Essaouira” Airbnb, which was fantastic. Our host, Jorge, greeted us warmly upon arrival and gave us a map along with tips for the best experience during our time here.

Here are more amazing options on where to stay in Essaouira:

Luxury – Hôtel Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa sea & spa 

Moderate – Riad Raoud Rayhan

Budget – Riad Orange Cannelle

Dar Skala BNB, Essaouira
Dar Skala BNB, Essaouira
Essaouira Morocco travel guide

Where to Eat – Gusto Italia & Triskala

Gusto Italia is not traditional Moroccan food, but offers some delicious Italian, which you may be craving after eating traditional Moroccan dishes all week!

Triskala is another fantastic option. This restaurant is beautifully decorated and offers tasty traditional Moroccan food.

What to do in Essaouira

We visited during December, and there were hardly any tourists. I assume during peak tourism, it’s quite busy during the day with all the day trip tours from Marrakech.

This is why I recommend spending 2 days here, so you get to explore it when it’s quieter in the evenings. Overall, it should be MUCH more low-key than Marrakech.

1. Explore the Port.

Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira, Morocco

Exploring the port is one of the main things you’ll want to during your time in Essaouira. I would even suggest visiting during twice, both during the morning and late evening so you can get a glimpse of the morning craziness and the quiet nighttime.

2. Shop in the Medina.

The Medina of Essaouira is much more manageable than Marrakesh’s gigantic maze. It has a lot of similar things that you’ll find in the Marrakesh markets, only they will be cheaper!

The historical Essaouira Medina is listed as a UNESCO site.

Shopping tip – buy a Moroccan scarf! They are a cheap souvenir that you can pack easily in your luggage.

Essaouira Medina in Morocco

3. Watch the sunset on the beach.

Morocco truly has the most stunning sunsets. Laying on the beach watching the sun go down is the perfect way to end your trip.

Essaouira Morocco beach

Essaouira Beach

4. Get a traditional Hammam & Massage at Azur Spa

Book yourself a massage and traditional hammam to end your busy trip feeling relaxed. A traditional hammam is a classic cleansing technique of Middle Eastern culture.

Azur Spa was so beautiful! You’ll be greeted with delicious mint tea while you gaze at rose petals and fountains decorated throughout the lobby.

That concludes a perfect trip to the beautiful port town of Essaouira!

Essaouira was a stop that was nearly looked over when planning our itinerary. It’s really quite a gem of a town that is entirely different than the rest of Morocco. If you are looking for an experience that is both cultural and relaxing, this is the place for you.

Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira, Morocco

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