Auckland, New Zealand: Ferry to Devonport

Devonport Ferry
Devonport


After exploring most of the highlights of Auckland’s downtown area and suburbs, I decided to take a ferry over to Mount Victoria. My hotel was located a few blocks away from the harbor, so getting to the ferry was pretty easy. I bought my roundtrip ticket at the kiosk and queued up for the outbound Devonport ferry.

Once you disembark, stay on Victoria Road which will take you past a number of shops, cafes, a visitor’s center, as well as to the base of Mount Victoria. The visitor’s center has maps for some of the self-guided walking tours available on Devonport.

Mount Victoria, like the Domain, is another elevation that was shaped by volcanic activity. It boasts some amazing panoramic views of Auckland from across the bay and other neighboring islands. Prior to being a military lookout—due to its prime vantage point—equipped with concrete bunkers and artillery guns, it was a Maori village and defensive position. Some of the terraces carved into the land for agriculture are still visible. Today, colorful oversized mushrooms decorate a portion of the elevation, which are actually decorative air vent covers for a pump station below.

Next, I headed down to the riverwalk, which runs along King Edward Parade and the harbor, toward Torpedo Bay. It’s an easy walk with historical markers along the way. If you walk to the end of the trail, you will come to the Torpedo Bay Naval Museum.

But before you reach Torpedo Bay, you will come to the Tainui Memorial, a plaque honoring the early inhabitants.

On the trip back down the riverwalk, there are several notable houses and businesses on the opposite side of King Edward Parade. For example, the Elizabeth House, two houses linked together at the front, served as lodging for the Women’s Royal Naval Service.

After grabbing a bite to eat in one of the downtown restaurants, I was able to time my ferry ride back so that I could see the sun setting across the bay as I rode back to Auckland. Admittedly, it was a little blinding at first. But once the sun set behind the harbor’s taller buildings, the colors on the horizon behind the city-scape were magic!

Tainui Memorial

Auckland, New Zealand: City Highlights

Auckland, New Zealand: City Highlights

Jetting over from humid and overcast Tahiti, Auckland was a breath of fresh air! The sun was shining and in comparison to where I had arrived from, it was—dare I say it—chilly. A quick wardrobe change at my hotel and I was off to explore the city.

First stop, Auckland Domain. Shaped by volcanic activity, the Auckland Domain is a crater encompassing 220 acres of parkland. It’s a fantastic use of the natural elevations, where the grassy crater base is home to cricket and other sports fields and scenic vistas from the outer rim. The Wintergardens offer two greenhouses worth of tropical plants and a fish pond in the courtyard surrounded by fountains and statues.

Auckland Domain

In addition to being the city’s oldest park, the grounds are also home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The museum is a neo-classical building located on the rim of the Domain. Inside, the museum comprises a collection of New Zealand Maori and Pacific Islander history, military history, and natural history. There is an entry fee for non-Auckland residents, but if you time your visit to coincide with Anzac Day (April 25th) admission is free.

On the edge of Albert Park, closer in to the city center, is the Auckland Art Gallery. The exterior style of the gallery varies depending on which entrance you choose to enter through. With two distinct styles, on one half of the building is reminiscent of a French chateau, while the other side is a sleek modern construction of glass, stone, and wood. The interior is just as fascinating. With four levels of art displays, the museum offers pieces from the 11th century up to the present day. Collections include pieces by Maori, Pacific Island, New Zealand, and international artists. The gallery is open daily — except Christmas — and there is an entry fee for non-members and international visitors.

From there, you can stroll down to Auckland’s Harbor about a fifteen minute walk away. If you are up for more adventure, catch a ferry to one of the neighboring port stops. Or if you’re winding down for the day, there are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can watch the ferry boats and cruise ships come and go. And plenty of people watching too.

Tahiti, French Polynesia: Vacation on a Budget

Tahiti

Crystal clear water, warm weather, tropical fruit: all the things that come to mind when thinking of Tahiti. And the same could be said for the huge pricetag attached to such a vacation. A trip earmarked for extra special occasions like honeymoons or 30-year wedding anniversaries.

But what is not commonly known is that a reasonable budget can still offer you an enjoyable vacation to the island! Your primary expenses are going to fall into three categories: airfare, lodgings, and food.

Let’s start with food. As Tahiti is an island, most of the food is brought in from other places. This increases the cost of everything you will be eating. To give you a general idea of the prices, my hotel bar charged around $21 for a grilled cheese sandwich. That’s it. Just the sandwich. No side salad or drink included. And the breakfast buffet ran upwards of $60 per person. Not super budget friendly. But if you are willing to venture outside of your hotel, there is an array of more reasonably priced food options. From the restaurants in the downtown area, where a main entree may cost you $12, to the food trucks that can be found lining the harbor area streets, where you can get a main entree, side dish, and drink for under $10. And if you want to stretch your money even further, check out the local grocery marts for bread, cheeses, meats, beverages, etc. The bread will still be more expensive than, say the US mainland, but it’s a whole lot cheaper than ordering something from your hotel.

Lodgings on the island can be another budget buster. The prices range dramatically, so it is also important to take into account what your top priority is for the place you stay. You may want to be close to nightlife, or maybe along the beach, or in the over-water bungalows. One way to cut costs is to book off-season. For Tahiti, that falls between November and late March. Keep in mind that is also when it’s hotter, with plenty of rain and humidity. Also, you don’t have to go the traditional hotel route. There are many other lodging options from the popular Airbnb to the local homestays (pensions).

Airfare runs along the same thread as lodging in that low-season is when you are more likely to find deals. Additionally, some airlines will even offer free two or three-day stays in Tahiti, referred to as stopovers, between Pacific destinations. For example, if you are flying from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand on a Tahitian airline, you may have the opportunity to book a multi-day stopover at a hotel in Tahiti at no extra cost to your bottom-line. The airline gives you a limited list of mid-range hotels to choose from, but it’s FREE! So a trip that could cost $3,000+ per person could be dropped down to the cost of a roundtrip airline ticket from LA to Auckland.

A tropical Tahitian vacation — on a budget — is within reach. Happy hunting!

Bangkok, Thailand: Wats and Grand Palace

Bangkok Thailand

Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Grand Palace are some of the most visited locations in Bangkok. So it is worth getting to the Wats early – if not to beat the crowds, at least to beat the heat!

Wat Pho Bangkok

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is located near the Chao Phraya River and the Grand Palace. In addition to being a temple, Wat Pho housed the first public university in Thailand, established during the reign of King Rama III. The university used pictorial inscriptions in stone installed around the temple complex to cover a range of subjects. The temple was also home to a medical training center. Today, traditional Thai medicine and massage are still practiced on site.

Before you enter the individual chapels, you will need to remove your shoes. There are mini cubby holes  near the chapel entrances for storing footwear. But the back and forth traffic of people dropping off and/or picking up shoes makes the entrances a little difficult to maneuver.

Wat Pho Bangkok

The Reclining Buddha, one of the main allures of Wat Pho, spans 46 meters in length and is covered in gold leaf. If you are attempting to get the entire Buddha in a picture – as I also attempted and failed – it will seem near impossible. The hall is lined with 108 bronze bowls, representing the 108 actions or characters of Buddha. Visitors can purchase a bowl of coins and, starting from one end of the hall, drop a coin in each of the Buddha’s bowls to bring themselves good luck. Even if you don’t get 108 coins to disperse among the bowls, you can still wander the hall admiring the Reclining Buddha and listening to the clink-clink-clink of accumulating good fortune.

Wat Pho Bangkok

Wat Pho Bangkok 

Wat Pho Bangkok

And don’t forget to look up when you are outside! The roofs of the temple buildings are spectacularly colorful, with intricate patterns and spires reaching skyward.

The admission fee is currently 100 Baht for foreign visitors, but will be increased to 200 Baht in 2019.

Wat Pho Bangkok 

Wat Pho Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace. The primary attraction of this wat is the Emerald Buddha, which sits high up on stacked platforms. The Buddha might be smaller than you are expecting – probably because it is displayed so high up – but no less awe-inspiring. Dressed in a cloak denoting the season, the Emerald Buddha’s changing robes ceremony is only performed by Thailand’s King.

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok

The temple buildings and surrounding grounds are adorned with colorful tiles and elaborate statues and murals. Wat Phra Kaew is a great example of the various architectural styles. As the wat was renovated and expanded, the style of the day was incorporated into its design. So now you can admire styles from the late 1700s – onward, all in one place.

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok 

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok 

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok 

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok

And around the corner, sharing the same grounds, is the Grand Palace. While it was used as a royal residence up until 1925, its primary function now is for official events and ceremonies. If you time your visit right, you can catch a Changing of the Guard procession in front of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Grand Palace Bangkok

Grand Palace Bangkok

And don’t forget to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees! (See #5 of Essentials for the City and Beyond.) Otherwise you’ll have to rent appropriate clothing to visit the sites.

Bangkok, Thailand: Essentials for the City and Beyond

Bangkok

 

Bangkok has so much to see and do, it is difficult to know where to start. So, let’s kick it off with essentials.

First and foremost, Bangkok (and Thailand in general) can be stiflingly hot year round. Except in rainy season, when the temperatures are a little cooler. However, the torrential rainstorms of rainy season offset the benefit of the cooler temperature as streets become streams. Therefore, like most tourists, I opted for the non-rainy season and focused on dressing weather/culture appropriate and staying hydrated.

Despite the heat, the Thai people dress modestly. So you may want to leave those tank tops and short shorts at home. I was there in March, and the average high for the week was in the 90s (Fahrenheit). And it was around 87 on my first day in Bangkok. Riding into the city center from the airport, I was surprised to see how people on the street were dressed. I would have thought it was closer to 60 — lots of zipped up jackets, long sleeves, and pants.

Bangkok

Exploring the city on foot can be a little confusing as most of the street signs are not in English. So my navigation took the form of  landmarks — the McDonalds across from a gas station and a convenience mart with the window full of arm waving lucky cats. And while I did not find the streets anywhere near as difficult to cross as they were in China, you will still want to keep an eye out for motorbikes. They yield to oncoming traffic, but do not necessarily remain stopped at red lights.

Bangkok

However, if you are near a BTS train station, getting around is very easy and affordable. Day passes are around $4 (USD). The stations and trains are well lit and very clean. With my pass, I was able to get from my hotel near the Victory Monument station to Bangkok’s riverside area (Saphan Taksin). A complimentary river ferry will take you from the station to the shops and restaurants along the river. At night, the ride along the river is very scenic. Hotels, restaurants and bars along the river’s edge are festively lit. The area really comes alive in the evening, with an extensive night market attracting shoppers as well as diners and bar hoppers.

Compared to goods and services in the US, Thailand is pretty inexpensive. Prices vary depending on how upscale and where you go, but I didn’t spend more than $8 – $10 for dinner most nights. That would include a beverage, soup, entree, and dessert. If you are interested in a more authentic “foodie” experience than restaurant dining, Bangkok has a plethora of street food stalls dishing out food ranging from traditional Thai food to durian smoothies.

Last, but not least, I will dispense a few tips I picked up while in Thailand.

1) Do not touch other people on the head. In Thailand, the head is the most spiritual part of the body, and it is considered extremely rude to touch someone there. I’ve never been one to pat small children on the head, so that was not an issue for me. But if you do, suppress the urge. It’s a big no-no in Thailand.

2) The Thai Greeting – hands pressed together brought up to chest height and head inclined forward, touching nose to fingertips. Most commonly seen in welcomes and thank yous, it is a sign of respect. It will become so ingrained in your interactions with people that by the time you leave Thailand, you’ll still be hand-to-nose bowing to people at home. I miss it just thinking about it!

3) Do not speak ill of the Thai royal family. It is against the law, and you could end up in jail or with a fine.

4) Remove shoes when entering someone’s house or a temple. It’s a sign of respect.

5) Pack a light weight jacket or shawl. If you visit a temple, or wat, you will be required to have your shoulders and legs covered. I wore a lot of maxi dresses with 3/4 length light jackets.

Terlingua, Texas: Southwestern Ghost Town

Terlingua Ghost Town

 

Big Bend National Park is pretty far from any major cities and still a good distance from any large towns. But considering that national parks are established for the purpose of diving in to nature, this is what you want. Therefore, when it comes to lodgings, you have a limited selection to choose from.

Big Bend National Park does have a hotel, as well as RV camping and traditional camping, but they tend to book up fast. I had hoped to get a hotel room at one of the onsite lodgings, but they were booked solid four months before I had even considered my trip. So, if you have your heart set on staying within the park, or any popular U.S. national park, plan ahead, book early!

But that is not to say that I was out of luck. On the contrary, it led me to the charming small town of Terlingua, a ghost town 30 minutes outside of Big Bend.

The term “ghost town” refers to a town/village/settlement that has been abandoned, but the building structures still remain. In the case of Terlingua, it used to be a mining town, mercury specifically. And as the demand for mercury declined, so did the population of Terlingua.

Terlingua Ghost Town Terlingua Ghost Town

Today, the town limits of Terlingua still hold some of the original buildings, like the schoolhouse, a re-purposed cinema theater, and an old cemetery.

Terlingua Ghost Town Terlingua Ghost Town 

Terlingua Ghost Town Terlingua Ghost Town 

Terlingua Ghost Town

Outside the official limits of the ghost town, a small art community has taken root – predominately metallurgy and artists’ galleries. Don’t expect to see any chain restaurants out here. The cafes and mini markets are locally owned and operated. No neon lights or waving inflatables — you’re more likely to see hand painted business signs, natural landscaping, and modest structures, adding to the authentic charm of this southwestern town.

Terlingua Ghost Town Terlingua Ghost Town

The last night of my stay in Terlingua, monsoon rains let loose. It was incredible to watch the arid landscape turn into overflowing streams and rivers. And the rains did an amazing job of power washing my car, removing even the baked on bug splats on my bumper and license plate. Less than an hour later, you would not have known it had rained — everything was dry again. It wasn’t until late that evening, when it was pitch black outside, that I realized all that rain most likely displaced a lot of critters. And I confess, I did not come to this conclusion on my own. You see, there was a small window in my bathroom that looked out at the supports of the tin roof outside. And perched on one of the wooden beams was a pancake-sized tarantula.

No cause for panic you say; it is outside and you are inside…

Well, the cracks and gaps in the doorframe I previously thought were quaint, were now the source of intense dread. I ended up jamming a bath towel into the gap under the door. My hope was that if the mammoth spider found its way to my door, it would be thwarted by the blockade and find another room to visit.

Of course, that did not stop me from having dreams of spiders dancing over my face that night.

 

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park

 

The Big Bend National Park, located along the Texas-Mexico border, encompasses the beauty of rivers, deserts, and mountains all in one location. And the drive to the park is pretty spectacular as well — a two lane highway winding around imposing mesas, climbing and falling with the terrain’s elevation.

Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park

If you are driving yourself to Big Bend, keep in mind that gas stations in western Texas may be few and far between. And this is especially true once you’ve turned off I-10 and are traveling down US-385. The thought of running out of gas and being stranded on the roadside with limited cell service was enough motivation for me to stop for gas any time the gauge was below half a tank.

Once inside Big Bend, and probably even before you get to the entrance gates, you’ll start to see some of the famed local wildlife. And I don’t mean the large predators. Think smaller. Not only do the road runners cross the road, but also the scorpions and tarantulas! Black bears, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions also roam the park, but I did not see any during my trip. And to be honest, I was very thankful for that. It’s one thing to see a predator from the relative safety of your car. But it is something else entirely to stumble upon, or more likely, be stumbled upon by a lion or bear while hiking. However, the park rangers at the visitor centers have plenty of information and guidance for wildlife encounters, to keep you safe.

Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park

If you visit during the summer months, be sure to pack plenty of water. Even in the fall, the desert plains get pretty warm. I made a trip to Big Bend in October, and the temperatures in the park differed dramatically depending on your elevation. Along the river, it was around 90 degrees (fahrenheit), but up in the mountains the temperature dropped by almost 20 degrees. There are plenty of hiking trails throughout the expansive park, as well as scenic lookout points for those who do not wish to trek too far into nature. And, with easy access to the Rio Grande, there is also the option to take in the scenic landscape by water, paddling through the canyons.

Big Bend National Park

While I was stopped at one of the scenic views overlooking the Rio Grande, I noticed a wooden canoe resting along the opposite bank of the river. Looking around the open area I was standing in, I then noticed a small space on the ground dedicated to a variety of palm sized metal sculptures of animals. Only then did it occur to me that perhaps the canoe across the river and the entrepreneurial souvenir stop were connected. And sure enough, when I wandered back to the edge of the cliff to watch the river currents, it was clear that I had been spotted by the owner of the canoe. A distant figure hopped into his canoe and paddled the length to the other bank. Must be an exhausting commute, paddling back and forth all day long.

Big Bend National Park

San Antonio, Texas: Riverwalk and the Alamo

San Antonio Riverwalk

 

While in balmy San Antonio, I stayed along the famed Riverwalk — a section of the Rio Grande that is canaled off into a loop. The river continues to run through the city, but within this built up loop shops, restaurants and open air cafes line the riverside walkways. Water taxis and flat bottom history-touring boats propel up and down the canals. At night, several of the boats are illuminated in brilliant green, blue, and purple stringed lights. And most weekend evenings, live music reverberates up and down the walkways.

San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio Riverwalk

San Antonio Riverwalk

If you come to San Antonio craving Tex-Mex food with a view, the assortment of Riverwalk restaurants and cantinas is a sure bet. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, margaritas, sangria pitchers and much more! Several restaurants along the canalways line-up outdoor seating, paired with colorful umbrellas, adjacent to the calm, lapping waters. Passengers on boats navigating the canal wave to diners. In their wake, small waves ripple down the canal, sending the local ducks bobbing along.

San Antonio Riverwalk

While dining at one of the riverside restaurants, I was amused to find that the ducks who traverse the canals are very accustomed to the presence of humans, eating along the river. So much so that one very brazen duck took to pestering a table of four. With an expectant call for attention, he stood behind two of the chairs waiting for a handout. And when one did not come, he became more insistent — poking his beak at the chairs and nipping at the lady’s purse. A duck shake-down in progress.

In addition to the shops and restaurants, the Briscoe Western Art Museum and McNutt Sculpture Garden are also within the confines of the Riverwalk sidewalks. While there is a fee to visit the Museum, the Sculpture Garden is free to wander through.

San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio Riverwalk

San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio Riverwalk

The Museum and Sculpture Garden are very close to an amphitheater, along the opposite bank, which hosts outdoor concerts.

San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio Riverwalk

San Antonio Riverwalk

A few blocks over from the Riverwalk is the site of the Alamo, as well as part of the Mission Trail. The Alamo is not owned by a private company, but rather by the state and the people of Texas. Touring the Church and the grounds is free, but donations to its upkeep and restoration are encouraged. Self guided audio tours are also available for purchase in the courtyard outside the Church.

San Antonio Alamo San Antonio Alamo

San Antonio Alamo

The tour traces the Alamo from its humble beginnings as a Spanish mission known as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, to an army garrison, to a warehouse, to its present day memorialization. A short video inside the Long Barracks building is also available for viewing, which charts the events leading up to the infamous 90 minute battle for the Alamo. I’d highly recommend stopping by!

San Antonio Alamo

 

San Antonio Alamo San Antonio Alamo

 

What to Expect on a RAM, Electronics Free Flight

electronics free flight

 

If you are like me, and find yourself booked on a flight that is now banned from allowing passengers to carry non-phone electronics on board, you are probably thinking “Great, 7 hours of staring at the reclined seat 5 inches in front of my face…” or something along those lines.

My initial thought was to just cancel the ticket and book the flight on an unbarred airline. And, based on the memo the airline sent out, it seems many people had the exact same idea. But, as the memo pointed out, that would mean incurring a flight change/cancellation fee. So, I prepared for an electronics free flight.

US guidance sent out to affected airlines stated that any electronic device larger than a cell phone would not be allowed in the cabin. However, as of the date of this article (April 2017), Royal Air Maroc does not allow any electronics in the cabin of a flight traveling to the US, unless it is a cell phone or medical device.

Resigned to my electronics free flight, and concerned about how my electronic devices would fare in my luggage, I opted to leave most of my devices at home. So, on my trip back to the US, the only things I had to check in my bag were my fitness tracker, outlet adapter, and phone charger.

Flying out of Casablanca to the US, I was asked at check in if I had any electronics in my carry-on bag. Even my headphones had to be checked. I was convinced they wouldn’t be a problem. Unclear of what would be deemed an “electronic”, I brought a cheap pair of headphones, but apparently they were not small enough. Only the ear bud headphones were allowed to be carried onboard.

At the gate, there was a station for additional checks of carry-on luggage. This is not unusual, as flights to the US typically require extra screening for liquids, etc. However, it did get a little interesting, as passengers coming in on connecting flights also had to be checked for electronics. And it seemed that not all passengers got the memo that electronics would not be allowed in the cabin. While waiting in line to board the plane, a man behind me was on his cellphone complaining about how they took his laptop and made him check it to his destination. Surprise! :-\

Those of us prepared for the electronics free flight displayed our levels of creativeness, while settling in to our seats, about how we would spend the next several hours; From carrying on a physical book (business at airport bookstores must be booming) to browsing through pre-loaded books/apps/music on one’s phone.

For those who had to surrender headphones, there is still the option of getting the free headphones passed out by flight attendants. They are not great, but they are better than nothing.

To my surprise, the airline headphones were collected 30 minutes prior to landing; so wrap up your viewings before then!

Suggestions for traveling with electronics:

  • If it is important to you, consider leaving it at home. Electronics in luggage are not guaranteed to arrive undamaged or at all. After all, luggage gets lost, why not electronics?
  • If you have to travel with electronics, you may want to look into luggage insurance, and ensure it includes a replacement clause for bag contents
  • If it plugs into an outlet or runs on a chargeable battery, it will probably be considered an electronic and potentially liable for checking in bag

*Requirement only applies to flights coming to the US, not departing.

 

Gibraltar: 5 Things To Do In Gibraltar (After Visiting The Caves)

Casemates Square Gibraltar

 

So, you’ve already found your way to St Michael’s caves and explored the tunnels burrowed deep into the Rock of Gibraltar. Now what? There are still a wide range of sights and activities in Gibraltar!

1. Ascend/Descend the Rock of Gibraltar by Cable Car

 

A cable car runs up the mountain, with great views of the harbor below. The topmost point reaches 1,352 feet. Hopping off at the station at the top of the Rock, a cafe and gift shop can be found, in addition to those anticipated vantage points.

A multimedia guide (free with purchase of an adult ticket) is also available at the top station’s terrace, with information about the history of Gibraltar.

2. Visit the Europa Point Lighthouse

Europa Point lighthouse can be found on the southernmost point of Gibraltar. Built in 1841 and still in use today, the lighthouse, now fully automated, serves as a helpful navigation assist for passing vessels.

The original light source was supplied by an oil lamp, with advancements in oil types, lenses, and wicks being implemented through the years to improve intensity. By the mid-1950s, the addition of electricity replaced the use of oil altogether.

3. The Mosque of the Custodian of the Holy Mosques and Shrine of Our Lady of Europe

Within a short distance of each other, the Mosque and Shrine occupy the same location as Europa Point. There is a parking lot centrally located between the sights, along with a public bathroom. The Mosque is open to the public during the day, and you can admire the marble tiles, stained glass windows, decorative wood panels, and brass chandeliers.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, a converted mosque, was established after the Spaniards took control of Gibraltar. The patroness of Gibraltar, the Lady of Europe’s wooden carving has been dated as far back as the late 1400s or early 1500s. Removed from Gibraltar for safe keeping, it was finally returned to Gibraltar in 1864; and in 1967 the carving was returned to the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe.

4. Take in Some Shopping on Main Street

Main Street is a great place to take in some VAT/duty free shopping. The shops lining the street are a combination of designer fashions, local handicrafts, and everything in between. There are also a few of the iconic British telephone booths scattered around, which make a fun photo stop!

Even if you are not much of a shopper, it is a lovely stroll. With cobbled streets and businesses that have stood since Gibraltar was a trading post in the 19th century, it is quite picturesque.

Irish Town, also a bustling commerce street in its heyday, is one street over from Main Street. The Merchant Houses, which typically comprised a store front, storage space, and living area on the ground, first, and second levels, respectively, are now home to cafes, restaurants, and other businesses.

5. Get Lunch at a Local Cafe

Main Street boasts a lively collection of bars, cozy coffeehouses, and a wide array of cuisine choices. Find an outdoor cafe down one of the side streets of Main Street, or head to Casemates Square to relax and people-watch. Or, find a renovated Merchant House for some classic British fare.

Note: The currency in Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Pound, is equal to the GB Pound Sterling; so if you have GB pounds, you don’t have to worry about changing money.