Exploring London on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus

10 December 20243 May 2025

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” – Samuel Johnson

Wellington Arch

The sky was overcast and the Hop On/Hop Off bus was scheduled to arrive at the stop in about ten minutes. I would have hardly noticed the young guy in his mid-twenties, except that I could hear the heavy metal music coming through his ear buds. Dressed for the cold weather, he wore black boots, dark skinny jeans and a NorthFace Bubble jacket to match. We were the only two waiting at the stop when the double decker pulled up to the curb.

I boarded the bus, selected a map and headset, taking the stairs to the upper floor. I felt the hipster close on my heels and noticed plenty of bucket seats available as I reached the top of the staircase. Finding the perfect row with an unobstructed view, I prepared myself for the ride, adjusting my headset in preparation for the self-guided tour. As the bus pulled away from the pavement near Trafalgar Square, I heard the mystery man’s voice welcome us aboard the bus, introducing himself as our tour guide, Bobby.

Passing by Hyde Park, Bobby explained that this beautiful piece of land was once the property of Westminster Abbey. Stocked with wild boar, deer and bull, King Henry the VIII acquired the land and converted it into his private hunting ground in 1536.

Several landmarks within Hyde Park are worth a visit, including the Wellington Arch. This beautiful monument was commissioned by King George IV in the 1820s and is located at Hyde Park Corner. Visitors can reach the first floor of the arch to learn more about its history and proceed to the fourth level for spectacular views of London’s skyline.

Statue of Achilles at The Royal Park’s Hyde Park

Stretching from Westminster to Kensington, Hyde Park was opened to the public by King Charles I in the early 1600s. Over the years, the lineage of royal families had made many updates and improvements, including a lighted byway, an artificial lake, several statues and a memorial fountain to the late Princess Diana.

The Achilles statue was the first to be erected in Hyde Park in 1822. Commissioned by the Ladies of England, an upper class society in London, its purpose was to commemorate the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. Reaching a height of eighteen feet, the monument caused quite a controversy when the nude statue was unveiled. With such a reaction, the fig leaf was added shortly after the bronze was installed.

Children rode bikes along the paved path while maintenance workers took advantage of the beautiful weather for a bit of yard work. Pedestrians, bundled up in warm coats with mittens and hats explored the afternoon away from the city, enjoying the fountains, monuments and the colors of early spring.

Hyde Park seemed to stretch for miles as we passed the Joy of Life fountain. In the 1860s, this area, known as Park Lane, was once a Victorian sunken garden, a popular site for locals and guests. Our guide explained that the beautiful bronze Huxley-Jones water feature dates back to 1963, replacing the previous Boy and Dolphin Fountain. The whimsical fount of children playing in the pool sits amidst 60,000 daffodils that bloom in the beauty of springtime.

Within minutes, the bus reached a gorgeous, gated entrance which could only be described as befitting of British royalty. In the distance, the Victoria Memorial stood guard to the entrance of Buckingham Palace and its surrounding gardens. The memorial, made of marble and gilt bronze, was built to commemorate the rule of Queen Victoria. The statuesque monument was designed by Thomas Brock and was unveiled to the public in 1909.

Our tour continued passing the Palace of Westminster before crossing the bridge towards the northern part of the city. The sun was struggling to shine through the cloudy sky, but the cold temperatures continued to rise on this brisk, blustery day, providing much needed warmth for the double decker bus.

The Palace of Westminster dominated the banks of the River Thames and has been the governmental seat of Houses of Parliament (the Lords and the Commons) for over 500 years. The large, gorgeous neo-Gothic structure was once the home of the royal family until a fire in 1834 forced the family to move their home to nearby Whitehall Palace. Westminster Hall and Jewel Tower, dating back to 1097, are what remain of the original palace after the fire.

There is no doubt that Big Ben is the superstar of the Houses of Parliament. Located at the north end of the grand structure, the famous bell resides in the clock tower standing 316 feet tall. While the five bells of the Westminster Chimes strike every fifteen minutes, Big Ben continues its loyal keeping of time, tolling upon the hour.

Royal Courts of Justice

Seeming more like a castle or a cathedral, the Royal Courts of Justice reviews civil matters such as divorce, civil liabilities and libel. Built in the late 1880’s, the sprawling, Victorian Gothic contains one thousand rooms. Standing at the center of this magnificent architectural masterpiece, I admired the spires, rounded turrets and stained glass rosette, attempting to count the number of windows, both great and small. The public are permitted to enter the courtrooms to observe the civil hearings, while criminal cases are decided at the Old Bailey, a short walk east of the Royal Courts.

I have fond memories as a child watching my great grandmother enjoy a cup of Twinings tea. Sarah Hodgson came to the United States from Manchester, England aboard the Caronia in 1921. I enjoyed hearing about her life as a child and loved sharing in her afternoon tea rituals. I was able to hop off at the nearby stop for a visit to Twinings on Strand. It was a memorable experience and an homage to my great grandmother.

The cheery entrance into the Twinings store on Strand reminded me of Christmas with its colorful bulbs flanking the simple, white Romanesque columns on each side. Gorgeous mahogany doors were an added element of elegance to the store made famous for selling some of the best teas in the world. Twinings dates back to 1706 when it was first called the Golden Lion and a long list of poets, writers and artists have graced through its doors.

The overwhelming, sensational scent of tea drew me in and I was captivated by the store’s regal interior. A stunning variety of teas were displayed upon the dark wooded shelves such as Breakfast Blend, Chamomile and the famous Earl Grey tea. I left Twinings with a few souvenirs and a memory I would cherish for a lifetime.

Fleet Street Sculpture

With shopping bags in tow, I came across this most spectacular, sinister dragon, standing upright on Fleet Street. Lurking between the divide of the City of London and Westminster, this Temple Bar Memorial dates back to 1880, replacing the former archway that was designed by architect Christopher Wren.

Many playwrights, publishers and authors began their careers here on Fleet Street after the city’s first printing press was introduced in the late 15^th century. With the increase of publishing, large newspapers set up shop here until the late 1980s, when many of them closed and relocated outside of the city proper.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral was my first glimpse of London when, as a young girl, I awoke early to watch the televised wedding ceremony of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. I remember the train of Lady Diana’s gorgeous gown as she slowly walked down the aisle to recite her marriage vows. Not only was it the wedding of the century, Americans were introduced to the British monarchy, architecture and the belief that fairytales can come true.

The original St. Paul’s Cathedral dates back to 604 AD, but it is Christopher Wren’s English baroque architectural masterpiece built after the Great Fire of London that draws thousands of visitors each year. St. Paul’s impressive triple-built dome is one of the largest in the world, second only to that of St. Peter’s in Rome.

I couldn’t wait to enter St. Paul’s Cathedral and looked forward to the scenic view from its dome. With a total of 528 stairs to reach the top, I was happy to learn that there were three galleries to explore along the way. Within minutes, I had miraculously reached the halfway mark of my journey looking down at the parquet flooring and circular starburst from the Whispering Gallery. With the power of acoustics, even a whisper is said to carry from one side of the dome to the other.

A shorter trek of stairs leads to a platform on the dome’s exterior for a view of the city referred to as the Stone Gallery, but it’s the tight, winding black staircase that reaches an additional outdoor viewing arena with spectacular 365 degree views of the city of London. Referred to as the Golden Gallery, this is the highest point of the dome reaching 365 feet in height.

The wind begins to pick up making it the perfect time to exit the viewing area and make the descent back down to the nave. A group of schoolchildren are gathered under the dome, so I slip out of the exit and wait for the next Hop On/Hop Off bus to transport me back to the north side of the Thames.

I was surprised at how quickly the red double decker bus arrived on Whitehead Street. Earlier that morning I had referenced Rick Steve’s City Walk of Westminster before the Horse Guards had arrived at their post. The horses stand on each side of the arch which leads to the Household Cavalry of the Queen. I had strolled through the courtyard prior to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 11 AM, deciding instead to complete the walk and tour London on the Hop On/Hop Off bus. I was determined to wake early the next morning for the ceremony in all of its pomp and circumstance as the bus arrived to the stop where I first hopped on.

What is your favorite way to explore London? Walking or by bus? I would love to hear about your London favorites and recommendations for places to stay, eat and visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. I have provided the contact information for the British sites I explored on my bus ride. Many thanks for reading about my beautiful day of touring London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hyde Park
London W2 ZUH, UK

Buckingham Palace
Westminster, London, SW1A 1AA UK
Phone: +44 303 123 7300

Admission Fee (Royal Day Out): £45.00 for adults (17 – 59); £24.50 for children ages 6 -16; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+) are £40.00
Hours: Open July to September: Open from 9:30AM to 5:15PM
Amenities: Access to 19 State Rooms, special exhibits, multimedia guide in nine languages; walkthrough of the gardens, royal stables and carriages, local guides
Scenic View: Beautiful gardens and gorgeous staterooms
Length of Visit: 5 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. According to the site, re-admission is free for a year should you treat your ticket as a donation.

Palace of Westminster
Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA UK
Phone: + 44 20 7219 3000

Admission (Houses of Parliament Audio Tour): £18.50 for adults (17 – 59); £7
Hours: Open Wednesday to Friday between December 21 to January 4, 2019 and every Saturday until May 25, 2019
Amenities: Audio tour in 9 languages; access to the Commons Chamber and the Lords Chamber, following footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening and visit Westminster Hall which is over 1000 years old.
Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Royal Courts of Justice
Strand, London, WC2A 2LL, UK

Excursion booked through Strawberry Tours:

Admission Fee: £12
Hours: 9AM to 4PM
Length of Visit: 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The Royal Courts of Justice only deal with civil issues. Additional attractions inside and outside of the court include the Bear Gardens, the Painted Room, the Crypt, the Great Hall, and the sculpture/costume room. Visitors are only permitted to sit in the final two rows of the court room. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts or any revealing clothing, You must bow your head to the judge when both entering and leaving the court room. Do not enter any rooms marked as “In Camera,” “In Private,” or any other rooms with clouded-out windows.

Twinings
216 Strand, London, WC2R 1AP, UK
Phone: +44 207 353 3511

St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD, UK
Phone: +44 20 7246 8350

Admission Fee: £18.00 for adults (19 – 59); £8 for children ages 6 -17; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+) are £16.00
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, last admission at 4 for sightseeing and 4:15 for the galleries;
Amenities: multimedia guides and guided tours; dome accessibility
Scenic View: Amazing views from the gallery and the dome
Length of Visit: 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you enter the dome; photography is limited and not permitted inside of the Cathedral.

Horse Guards
Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX, UK

Where to Stay:

The Clarence
53 Whitehall
London, SW1A 2HP, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7930 4808

Where to Eat:

Boyd’s Grill & Wine Bar
8 Northumberland Avenue
London, WC2N 5BY, UK
Telephone: + 44 20 7808 3344

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and I started out with the Heritage Tomato Salad of buffalo mozzarella, tomato powder and basil oil. For my entree, I could not pass up the Beer Battered Fish with triple cooked chips, crushed peas and tartar sauce. Malt vinegar was provided at the table.

What to Eat:

Fish and Chips – fried fish and French fries
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – usually eaten from noon to five on Sundays
Full English Breakfast – includes eggs, sausages, potatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, tomatoes and toast
Pie and Mash – typically a simple steak and kidney pie or pork pies, this is a classic British comfort food served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Bangers and Mash – which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Cockles – a small type of clam
Eton Mess – a dessert made of merengue, cream and strawberries
Sticky Toffee Pudding – a moist sponge cake baked with dates or raisins and smothered in toffee sauce served with custard or ice cream
Afternoon tea – with teacakes, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as champagne and tea
Beef Wellington – filet steak covered with pate and wrapped in puff pastry

Where to Drink:

Eclipse Bar
158 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington, London, SW5 0BA England
Telephone: +44 20 7259 2577

What to Read:

The Light Over London, by Julia Kelly
London: The Biography, by Peter Ackroyd
The Five, by Hallie Rubenhold
London: A Travel Guide Through Time, by Dr. Matthew Green
The Diaries of Samuel Pepys

Photo Guide to London:

Inside the Natural History Museum
Oxford Street and Regent Street – lovely street photos
Neal’s Yard – colorful surroundings
Notting Hill and Ladbroke Square- upscale architecture
Portobello Street and Hillgate Place – pastel colored flats
Leadenhall Market
Peggy Porschen Cakes
Coppa Club
Churchill Arms Pub
Tower Bridge
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Millennium Bridge

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Walking Tour of the Victoria and Albert Harbor

4 August 202222 September 2024

Filled with adrenaline from having swam with the Great Whites at Gansbaai, I was excited to explore the scenic coast of Cape Town before hopping a plane for Johannesburg. With a couple of days ahead of me, I planned to explore the coast, sample the local wines and study the fascinating life of Nelson Mandela.

Grabbing my backpack, I exited the Protea Hotel in Sea Point and began my forty-five minute trek towards the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Known as the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, this lively neighborhood is where I will be catching the jetty over to Robben Island in the afternoon.

Navigating through one of the most affluent suburbs of Cape Town, I quickly reached the coast. I had arrived in August, the start of South Africa’s winter, greeted with mild temperatures and overcast skies. The colorful high rises were a welcome site against the gray backdrop and foggy start of my day.

Mounds of seaweed covered the manicured beaches as small whitecaps made their way towards the water’s edge. The sun was rising and casting a glow on the concrete landscape where locals slowly filled the promenade. The briny smell of the sea continued to grow stronger as warmer temperatures began to rise. My walk continued northeast away from Sea Point towards indigenous gardens, passing the Green Point Lighthouse with a glimpse of the Cape Town Stadium.

Gazing toward the barren mountains in the distance, the palm tree-lined avenue brought me closer to the V&A Waterfront. Posted signs served as a reminder of Cape Town’s water shortage which was at its peak during my visit.

Within minutes, the landscape grew more beautiful with gardens of purple salvia and elegantly laid brick stretching for miles. Tall, clusters of palm trees rose from the rocky cliffs sloping down towards the bay. The V&A Waterfront, a part of Cape Town’s Big 6, includes the Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstensbosch Gardens, Robben Island, Cape Point and Constantia Vineyards.

In the midst of the spectacular countryside was built a beautiful tribute to Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, known by locals as the V&A Waterfront. The venue has become one of South Africa’s most visited historical and cultural destinations.

From the second story of the waterfront’s shopping plaza I noticed the boats moored in South Africa’s oldest working harbor, over 450 shops and restaurants lining the streets and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Signal Hill. I had purchased a ticket to visit Robben Island and would return to the dock after lunch to board the Robben Island jetty.

Too early for lunch, I strolled the harbor where boats were tied up alongside the dock bringing in the catch of the day and taking out passengers for tours of the coast. Many of the stores and restaurants would soon open, so I strolled the quiet site and found The Harbor House where I decided to dine for lunch.

Starting out with a local Chenin Blanc from Beaumont Wines, I scanned over the menu in hopes of finding a local seafood dish or a platter of sushi for lunch. The wine was crisp with the flavors of tart apples and melon, chilled perfectly. Sitting on the second level of the restaurant, the sun was struggling to push its way past the cloudy sky, but its warmth was pressing in.

With each sip, I weighed my options and finally decided on the Tuna Rainbow Roll and Ultimate Rainbow Roll. Decadent and full of flavor, I slowly enjoyed each bite as I finished my glass of wine. The weight staff were exceptional and the restaurant views, spectacular.

As I strolled the waterfront with its colorful monuments and museums, I heard the bark of a Cape Fur Seal. Following the sound, I came upon this beautiful mammal tucked in a concrete corner finding a place to rest near the first stop on my self-guided tour, Cape Town’s Clock Tower.

Built in 1882, the Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was once the office of the Port Captain, who managed the schedule of ships coming in and out of the docks. The clock tower, originally painted yellow, is the oldest building along the waterfront. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the red-and-gray tower was refurbished in 1997 and is the home to several Cape Fur Seals.

Located at the base of the Swing Bridge, the African Trading Port is a shop focused on selling local African Art to include sculptures, ceramics, pottery and artifacts. Drawing works from all over the country, this workshop first opened in Zimbabwe in 1978 with additional shops such as the one in Cape Town, opening in 2001.

Looking out across the port, the location where I am standing is Alfred Basin, where the original docks were built at the port of Cape Town. In the distance are the picturesque Signal Hill and Table Mountain.

One of my favorite experiences was finding the beautifully painted rhinos placed along the waterfront, part of a program to bring awareness to these endangered species. Poachers have been hunting the rhinoceros for their tusks, bringing about their near extinction since the 1950s. TRAC, which stands for “The Rhinos are Coming” is raising money to stop this practice throughout Africa. From February 1^st to March 31^st of 2017, one hundred decorated rhinos were strategically placed throughout Cape Town as an outdoor art exhibit, which remained on display.

The V&A Market is now home to the former Pumphouse. A vibrant marketplace with over forty vendors offering fresh food and produce as well as gourmet meals and local beer and wine. I couldn’t resist stopping by The Knysna Oyster Company for a half a dozen oysters on the half shell.

A few steps from the market is Nobel Square, another impressive artistic installation, which opened in December of 2005. The four statues represent Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, four of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Checking my watch, I realized the ferry would soon be leaving for Robben Island. Eager to explore the history of this island prison, I was also curious to learn more about Nelson Mandela’s experience here as a political prisoner.

Have you visited the Victoria and Albert’s Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa? What was your favorite part of your visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cape Town and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay;

Where to Eat:

What to Eat:

What to Read:

Photo Guide to Capetown:

A Morning Stroll Through Venice, Italy

4 August 202019 September 2024

The early morning hours are the perfect time to explore a city like Venice for a number of reasons. With my camera in hand, I couldn’t wait to capture the amazing sunrise from San Marco and explore Venice before the crowds began to fill the square.

It was a perfect crisp morning in the City of Lions with hardly a cloud in the sky. The soft light of the golden hour was perfect for photographing the piazza, the campanile and the islands beyond.

Reflections and shadows rushed the square while vibrant hues of pink and orange saturated the sky. The piazza glowed with a luminous shine as the sun began to rise. With a coolness in the air and a growing flock of seagulls searching for an early morning breakfast, I was ready to return to the hotel to prepare for the beautiful day ahead.

The Hotel Centauro (Centaur Hotel) offered a European breakfast so I fueled up on a lite meal of coffee, meats and cheese. The Rialto Market was a six minute walk from the hotel, so I ventured out following the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. Crossing the bridge, there were spectacular views of Venice’s main waterway with its pretty pink palazzos and private boats tied up along its banks.

Along the Grand Canal were over 170 structures dating between the 13^th and 18^th centuries. Cafes spilled out onto the widening walkways with tables and chairs for outdoor seating. The historical homes along the waterway were once owned by some of the most rich and influential merchants of Venice and have been passed down for generation. Others have been restored as art galleries and boutique hotels.

Arriving at the 600-year-old Rialto Market, vendors were setting up their stalls of meat, fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers. The Pescaria is the section of the market designated for fish, offering tuna, shrimp and anchovies. Taking pleasure in the colorful marketplace, I watched as merchants wrapped up the daily catch and bagged vegetables for their customers.

I set out to lose myself in the maze of straits, creating my own route, enjoying the smells of homemade pasta and fresh foccacia. While the Grand Canal is the central waterway of Venice, there are smaller and more intimate channels that connect the city’s backyard passageways with their own network of private homes, boutique shops and popular restaurants.

I found myself at Naranzaria, a local wine bar along the Grand Canal. With outdoor seating and extensive wine list, I lost myself in the bliss of polenta and Prosecco.

By early afternoon, I was ready to return to the hotel and had miraculously found my way back to the Manin monument honoring Daniele Manin, an Italian Unification revolutionist.

I had registered for an afternoon excursion, so the timing was perfect for picking up my ticket from the hotel and making my way back to St. Mark’s Square. I left early enough to leisurely wander through Venice to window shop, people watch and pick up a few souvenirs. The scenic views captivated me at every turn and my upcoming behind-the-scenes tour of the Torre dell’Orologio was just around the bend.

Have you visited the city of Venice? I would love to hear what mesmerized you most about the city if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about Venice and I wish you a lifetime of Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, 30100
Venezia VE, Italy

Rialto Market
Campo della Pescheria, 30125
San Polo, Venezia, VE, Italy

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041.5225832

Where to Eat:

Naranzaria
San Polo 130, 30125 Venice
Telephone: +39 041 7241035
Website: http://www.naranzaria.it/

I ordered a glass of Prosecco and the Mozzarella “in carozza” (sandwich) deep fried in polenta crust with anchovies and cooked pork.

Ristorante Rosa Rossa
Sestiere San Marco 3709
30122, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041 523 4605

I could not eat enough of their caprese salad.

What to Eat:

Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
Vegetables from the Rialto Market
Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta. Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions. Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read:

Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice:

The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen. The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset; Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.

Exploring Venice in Vegas at the Venetian

29 January 201921 September 2024

Italy is well represented in Las Vegas with its themed hotels. You have Caesar’s Palace from Rome, the Bellagio from The Lakes Region and the Venetian from none other than the beautiful city of Venice. It’s only obvious that Venice would come to Vegas with its history of hosting the first casino. And you can’t forget about Venice’s past reputation for secrets and scandals.

We could not believe the view from our suite with a full size view of the glittering Trump Tower. The gorgeous staterooms decorated in leather and cherry were comfortable and expansive and I would have been happy to have stayed in and ordered their decadent room service.

The Venetian Hotel replaced the Sands which was made famous by the Rat Pack and the filming of the movie “Ocean’s Eleven”. After it was imploded in the mid-1990’s, the area was ready for a new hotel in town! In came the Venetian and a bit of Venice was brought to Vegas! With a stroll over the Rialto, a view of the Campanile (Bell Tower) from the Doge’s Palace and of course, the canals that provide gondola rides. As you stroll through the Palazzo, you will continue to catch glimpses of other Venetian attractions such as the clock tower that have a strong resemblance to Italy’s Venice.

But it’s the Palazzo that is the main attraction as the canals meander through the shopping area. Bridges cross over throughout the galleria and provide a network for the gondolas to pass under as lover’s kiss in hopes of good luck in their relationship. Such a romantic tradition! So as you watch the gondolas or decide to float along the canals for yourself, the setting will help you feel like you are truly in the city of Venice.

So what about all of the celebrity sighting you hear about in Las Vegas? If you came here looking for stars, search no further than the Venetian as this venue hosts the famous London-based wax museum, Madame Tussaud’s. Whether it’s sports, television or music, you can see today’s superstars such as Miley Cyrus, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tiger Woods and George Clooney all waxed up and looking real. It will feel like going to an A-list party!

You may need to take a break from all of that celebrity action and re-energize at one of the restaurants at the Venetian. Make your way over to the Taqueria Canonita and enjoy a taste of Mexican Soul Food. And if you happen on Happy Hour (3PM to 6PM and later starting at 9PM to close), you may want to order a $5 margarita. There is plenty of seating, but if you want to relax along the canal and watch the gondoliers cautiously paddle their passengers through the waterways, the restaurant recommends that you book a table in advance.

SUSHISAMBA is a colorful restaurant that provides a unique dining experience, with an eclectic assortment of dishes and a generous happy hour of $6 caipirinhas which starts at 4PM to 7PM from Sunday to Friday. Choose from exotic sushi rolls, sushi or other exclusive fish made with a Peruvian, Brazilian flare. My favorite dishes are the Yellowtail Sashimi Ceviche and the Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass, Roasted Organic Vegetables and Oshinko! And of course I cannot break myself away from ordering the Classic Mojito!

There is a wide, diverse selection of restaurants that are located near or within the Venetian. On Restaurant Row, one can find Aquaknox (Seafood), B&B Ristorante (Italian), Cafe Presse (Coffee and Pastries), db Brasserie (French), Delmonico Steakhouse (Steak) and Public House (Gastropub).

Restaurants are also located at the Grand Canal Shoppes for a scenic view of the gondolas. These eateries include Buddy V’s for American-Italian cuisine, Canaletto for Italian, Carlo’s Bakery, Casanova for Mediterranean, Grimaldi’s for NY-style pizza, i (heart) burgers, Mercato della Pescheria for Italian Seafood, French restaurant Paris Baguette, Table 10 (New American), Tintoretto Restaurant & Bakery, Trattoria Reggiano and Zeffrino for Italian Seafood.

After spending the afternoon at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, check out Canyon Ranch Cafe or Canyon Ranch Grill. Or if you are having a difficult time breaking away from the casino, there are several options available here as well, such as CUT (Modern American), Hong Kong Cafe (Asian), and JuiceFarm (Organic)

The Food Court is another option for fast, quick culinary offerings or B&B Burger and Beer, Lagasse’s Stadium (American), Noodles Asia, OTTO Enoteca Pizzeria, and Rockhouse (American) while more upscale dining locations include Carnevino (Steak), Grand Lux Cafe (Global Cuisine) with two locations in the Venetian and the Palazzo, LAVO (Italian), Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro. TAO Asian Bistro and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. The Venezia Tower includes French Restaurant Bouchon on the 10th floor.

Poolside one can order from two of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant’s such as Riva at the Venetian Pool Deck and Solaro at the Palazzo Pool.

There is an exorbitant number of night clubs, bars and lounges in Las Vegas, so should one choose to stay within the properties of the Venetian, there are certainly a great number of options, some which are open 24 hours such as Bellini Bar and Fusion Latin Mixology Bar. Double Helix Wine Bar, Laguna Champagne Bar, LAVO Restaurant Lounge, Rockhouse, and The Lounge at SUSHISAMBA have set hours of operation as well as the TAO NightClub and LAVO Casino Club.

With Venice, all the world is a stage as you cross the Rialto or glimpse through the architecture of the Doge’s Palace, you never know where it may take you. So keep your eyes wide open and you may even catch a glimpse of your Cassanova.

What has been your experience visiting The Venetian in Venice? I would love to hear about your trip to Las Vegas if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section. List your favorite restaurants, hotels, casinos and more! Many thanks for reading about my visit to The Venetian and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Bridgetown, Barbados Walking Tour

9 April 20184 January 2025

Setting off towards the island capitol of Barbados, I left the cruise port and found a walking path reaching the heart of the city. Bridgetown is the island’s hub and only city that sits on the harbor of Carlisle Bay. The shaded trail followed along the outlying beaches where sailboats and fishing vessels were anchored.

Within minutes of walking along Prince Alice Highway, I arrived at a fishing complex which included the Jolly Roger Tavern and a few exhibits. The small plaza was connected to a boardwalk where catamarans, sailboats and speedboats were available for rent. There was a tour prepared to sail out for the day, so I watched the passengers board and continued on with my walk towards town.

Approaching the heart of town, I continued my stroll towards the Charles Duncan O’Neale Bridge, a cute little drawbridge that continued into another section of Bridgetown. The bridge is named for O’Neale, a Bajan national hero, credited as one of the founding fathers of democracy for Barbados. At the end of the bridge, an archway overlooks the Waterfront Café and displays the country’s crest. Flanked by the symbol of the Triton, the pelican and fish are etched into the stone pillars on each side.

I climbed the stairs to the Waterfront Café to watch the fishing boats come into the sound. Contemplating the rest of my afternoon, I ordered a Banks Caribbean Lager, a local beer from Barbados and a flying-fish sandwich, a Bajan delicacy.

I had the perfect view of the Parliament Buildings from the café. The original building had burned in the Bridgetown fire of 1668 and in 1971, the west wing was added, followed by an east wing three years later. Under British parliament, the Senate and House of Assembly meet here. Stained glass windows of British Kings and Queens begin with James the First and ending with the reign of Queen Victoria. Visitors can attend Parliament sessions which meets on most Tuesdays, but make sure to dress in business casual.

I settled my bill and decided to cross over to the other side to explore Independence Square, which had recently been renovated as a park. In the square stood a large statue of one of Barbados’ national heroes, The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, who was the country’s first Prime Minister.

There are several other notable attractions inside of the square including the Dolphin Fountain which was built in 1861. Within walking distance is a Cenotaph which honors the Bajan heroes that died while serving in World Wars I and II.

The statue of Lord Nelson made its appearance at the National Heroes Square. Formerly known as Trafalgar Square, this sprawling was renamed in 1999. While the statue is similar to the one in London’s Trafalgar, it is not an exact replica which was erected in 1813, about 35 years before the one in London.

I had a few hours to spend in Barbados and decided to negotiate a great deal on a two hour island tour of the west end. For $50, I saw the island’s oldest church, rode by the homes of Rihanna and Tiger Woods and enjoyed a spectacular view from St. Nicholas Abbey. Read more about my adventure in my Barbados blog post “Barbados Taxi Tour: West Side of the Island”. Exploring Barbados for a day from a cruise ship gives you the opportunity to visit some of the highlights of the islands. I’m sure this short day will leave you coming back for more.

When you visit cruise ship ports, are you more likely to stay close to the harbor towns or venture out? What has been your favorite adventure? I would be so happy to hear about your travel experiences if you leave your responses in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day in Barbados and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Parliament Buildings
Bridgetown, St. Michaels,
Barbados
Telephone: 246 310 5400

Admission Fee: $10 for Adults
Hours: Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10AM to 4PM. Open Saturday from 10AM to 3PM.
Amenities: Guided tours are subject to availability and visitors can attend debates, tour the buildings and see the Clock Tower.
Length of Visit: 1.5 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Please note that attendance to debates is subject to the approval of the Clerk of Parliament and the Speaker of the House. Dress appropriately in business casual dress.

National Heroes Square
The Wharf Road
Bridgetown, St. Michael
Barbados

Where to Eat:

Jolly Roger Tavern
Carlisle House
Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 436 2885

We enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the Jolly Roger, and it was located along the waterfront, great for people watching.

Waterfront Cafe
The Careennage
Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies
Telephone: 246 427 0093

Drink the local beer, Banks Caribbean lager and order a flying-fish sandwich!

What to Eat:

Flying Fish – the national dish of Barbados
Fish Cakes – salted cod or whitefish
Pepperpot – meat with Bajan spices and hot peppers
JugJug – guinea corn flour, pigeon peas, salted beef brisket, ham or other salted meats, pork or chicken, onions, and other herbs and spices
Pudding and Souse – steamed sweet potatoes made with onions, salt and pepper and souse is a picked pork dish
Roti – island burrito

What to Read: