Your Guide To A Philadelphia City Hall Tour

***Please note that this Guide To A Philadelphia City Hall Tour will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the historic district’s most up-to-date dining scene. This guide was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

I have been traveling to Philadelphia (see my recaps of previous visits here and here) ever since I was a kid and have fallen in love with the utter beauty and Baroque architecture of City Hall. Over the years of walking by, through, and all around Philadelphia’s City Hall whether it be via a simple walk-by or to visit the city’s Christmas Village, I had always wondered if there were opportunities for a Philadelphia City Hall Tour. So, on one of my recent visits to the City of Brotherly Love, I stumbled upon City Hall’s Visitor Center and learned that, yes, there are opportunities for a Philadelphia City Hall tour.

In this blog post, I will outline Philadelphia City Hall tour options and what it all entails!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

City Hall Christmas tree

Find Accommodations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia City Hall Tours Guide

Table of Contents

About Philadelphia’s City Hall

Getting There

Admission 

Know Before You Go

Points of Interest

Fun Facts About Philadelphia

About Philadelphia’s City Hall:

City hall - 5

Philadelphia City Hall is the seat of the municipal government of the city of Philadelphia in the U.S. State of Pennsylvania, which means that it houses the chambers of city’s council as well as the office of the city Mayor. Essentially, Philadelphia City Hall is where all-things government in the City of Philadelphia happens. In addition to being a place where a lot of city-policy, governance, and events happen on a regular basis, City Hall has a neat history surrounding its construction, architecture, and stories, which includes it being the tallest building in the world from 1894-1908!

City Hall was constructed in 1871 and took 3 decades to complete with its completion in 1901. Just like the Eisenhower Building in Washington, DC, Philadelphia’s City Hall is built in the unique and ornate French Second Empire style. Architects John MacArthur Jr. and Thomas Ustick Walter led the design of this vast, 548-foot tall, 7-story building consisting of 88 million bricks, 14.5 acres of space, 250 sculptures, and approximately 700 rooms. Within the 30 years that it took to construct and finish City Hall and even post-construction, elevators were installed and light bulbs as well as electricity became widely used in public spaces which meant that the building’s architecture and design had to be adapted to meet the technological advances of the times. Throughout its entire construction, MacArthur Jr. and Walter worked in the basement of what is now Philadelphia City Hall to help make it into what it is today: a beautiful City Hall that people travel from all across the world to see.

Getting There:

Chandelier

Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Noting the address up above, there are several ways to get to City Hall, including:

  • Uber/Lyft – Be sure to confirm/enter in the address up above as your destination.
  • Public Transportation – Septa (Philadelphia’s main transit system) has a 15th/City Hall station which is a stop on the Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line. For more information on navigating public transportation in Philadelphia, then look no further than this resource from the Philadelphia Visitor Center.
  • Bike – There are several bicycle racks available outside of City Hall.
  • Car – While there is no onsite parking at Philadelphia City Hall for visitors, there are nearby parking garages in the area. Please note that rates may vary depending on the parking garage that you choose. 

For more information on the most up-to-date ways to get to City Hall, then look no further than this resource from the Philadelphia City Council’s website.

Admission:

Admission to Philadelphia’s City Hall is free and all visitors must go through security upon entrance inside, however, there are two tours offered:

  • City Hall Tower Tour – Provides visitors with an opportunity see the City of Brotherly Love from the clouds via its panoramic observation deck. See more information and book your tickets here. Tours are offered Monday-Friday at 10am-2:45pm. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
  • City Hall Building Tour – Provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history, architecture, artwork, and government of the City of Philadelphia as well as City Hall – the heart of Philadelphia. See more information and book your tickets here. Tours are offered Monday-Friday at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm.

Please note that both tours depart from the City Hall Visitor Center located in Room 121 in the East Portal. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the Visitor Center in-person.

Know Before You Go:

Press room pose

Here are a few things to keep in mind upon touring City Hall:

  • As previously mentioned, there is a required security checkpoint upon entry into City Hall.
  • City Hall is a working building. There will be working professionals within City Hall during your visit, including the Mayor’s office. Please keep that in mind and show respect to those who may be busy working.
  • Since City Hall is a working building and home to the city’s government, there may be official government events, including press conferences, meetings, and celebrations taking place while you are there. It is worth noting that some parts of City Hall may be closed when you visit due to these events. Please always be mindful, show respect, and ask one of the many security guards onsite before entering any section of City Hall.
  • Photography is allowed but without flash.
  • Public restrooms are available inside City Hall.

Points of Interest:

While touring Philadelphia’s City Hall via the Building Tour, I discovered several points of interest:

  • Sculptures – Go sculpture hunting! There are approximately 250 sculptures designed by Alexander Milne Calder whether it be grand figures to intimate animal details on tables.
  • Architecture – Take in all of the vast ornate, Baroque architecture including chandeliers, tile work, grand staircases, and columns.
  • Government Buildings – Walk by the Office of the Mayor, see where City Council and the courts operate, and potentially take a peak inside the press room where all of the news is reported from.
  • Clock Tower – While not a part of the Building Tour, the City Hall Clock Tower Tour takes visitors up to the Clock Tower to take in panoramic views of Philadelphia from the clouds!
  • Community-focused artwork displays – Look out for displays of artwork made by those living in the Philadelphia community! Artwork is changed every few months. 

Fun Facts About Philadelphia:

Philly skyline

While on my City Hall Building Tour, I learned several fun facts about the city of Philadelphia including:

  • When William Penn started the Colony of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia was the start of what makes the present day state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania was colonized from East-West starting with Philadelphia which is on the eastern end of the state.
  • Philadelphia was the United States capital before the present-day Washington, D.C. When George Washington was President, he and Martha Washington lived there.
  • Philadelphia has the most murals out of any city in the world!
  • The city of Philadelphia’s history makes its tourism and hospitality industry one of its biggest industries.
  • With universities such as Drexel and Temple offering well-known art programs, Philadelphia is a very proud supporter of the arts and strives to preserve and promote arts education.

Wrap-Up:

Columns

Touring Philadelphia’s City Hall was something on my bucket list for a few years now! I’ve grown up very fortunate to have visited Philadelphia on multiple occasions and have admired City Hall each time. I feel so lucky that I’ve been able to learn more about the incredible history, arts, and culture that makes Philadelphia, Philadelphia during my City Hall Building Tour. In the future, I hope to do the City Hall Tower Tour, too! Til next time, Philadelphia!

XOXO – Katie <3 

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Royal Palace of Madrid

Your Guide To Visiting The Royal Palace of Madrid

***Please note that this Guide To Visiting The Royal Palace of Madrid will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date dining scene. This travel guide was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

During our bestie European adventure to Spain and Portugal Shivani and I spent our first leg of it in Madrid, Spain (which I outline our full experiences on more here and where we stayed here!). While there, we visited the well-known and largest royal palace in all of Europe: The Royal Palace of Madrid. Truly, visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid was such an incredible experience and a fun one, too! As someone who proudly calls herself a grand millennial, visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid was a worthy choice for our time in Madrid. 

In this blog post, I will outline how to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, so that your dreams of being in the same place as many Spanish royals in the past do come true. 

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Your Guide To Visiting The Royal Palace of Madrid 

Royal Palace of Madrid entry

Table of Contents

About The Royal Palace of Madrid

Getting There

Opening Hours & Admission

Know Before You Go

Points of Interest

About The Royal Palace of Madrid:

Constructed in 1735, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. Today, it is primarily used for state ceremonies, official receptions, and state dinners but not for royal living quarters. With over 1,450,000 square footage and 3,418 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and one of the largest royal palaces in the world. Annually, the Royal Palace of Madrid receives over 2 million visitors from all across the world who take in its royal baroque and classical architecture style. 

Getting There:

Walking at Royal Palace of Madrid

Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

Although Shivani and I walked due to our hotel’s close proximity to the Royal Palace of Madrid, it is worth noting that there are a few options that visitors have to get there besides walking. Although I won’t outline in-depth the ways in which you can navigate public transportation and getting around Madrid, this excellent resource from the Royal Palace of Madrid’s website has the most up-to-date information on doing so. 

  • Bus 
  • Metro
  • Train 
  • Taxi 
  • Driving 

Opening Hours & Admission:

The Royal Palace of Madrid’s opening hours are as follows:

  • Monday-Saturday (access until 5pm): 10am-6pm
  • Sunday (access until 3pm): 10am-4pm
  • Free entry to the palace is offered Monday-Thursday: 4pm-6pm

**Note: While free entry to the palace is an excellent option for any visitor, it is worth noting that you must get in a line for free entry and arrive 1 hour-90 minutes before free entry begins to ensure you are able to get in and fully enjoy it before it closes. Although we did not do the free entry option for visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, we did do free entry for another museum in Madrid on a free entry day and have learned from other fellow visitors’ experiences that this is typically the case. 

The Royal Palace of Madrid’s adjacent garden’s opening hours are as follows:

  • Daily: 10am-6pm

In addition to free entry Monday-Thursday, there are also multiple ways to get admission to the Royal Palace of Madrid through Get Your Guide which offers skip the line tickets, guided tours, and entry tickets valid throughout the day in which visitors choose to go. In addition to pre-reserved tickets, visitors can purchase tickets onsite upon arrival at the Royal Palace. I do recommend, if traveling during a peak season, to pre-book your tickets in advance to ensure you are able to go. 

In terms of accessibility and accommodations for everyone who visits the Royal Palace of Madrid, feel free refer to this resource from their website to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Know Before You Go:

In front of Royal Palace of Madrid

Before visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best visit possible (from my own personal experience visiting):

  • If you have any larger bags (including Longchamp Le Pilage totes) and/or a backpack, you will be asked to check it into a secure locker onsite.
  • All visitors must go through security before entering into the palace’s interiors.
  • Cameras and phones for pictures are allowed, however, there is no flash photography permitted.
  • Be sure to keep in mind that there may be groups of visitors on guided tours while visiting the interiors of the Royal Palace of Madrid alongside visitors who are choosing a self—paced option. There will likely be multiple occasions in which there are a high volume of people. Hence, you must be prepared for the crowds!

Points of Interest:

Grand Staircase

There are several points of interest throughout the beautiful, opulent interiors of the Royal Palace of Madrid:

  • Main Staircase – The grand place that greets all who enter its doors! A two-level staircase with a statue of King Charles 111.
  • Throne Room – Features historic tapestries, red velvet, and sculptures from centuries’ past.
  • Royal Chapel – A baroque masterpiece that features religiously artwork.
  • Stradivarius Hall – Showcases opulent and exquisite musical instruments by Stradivari.
  • Gala Dining Room – Shows off opulent decor and is used for state banquets.

For more information on all of the highlights and rooms when visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, then look no further than this resource from the Royal Palace of Madrid’s website. Truly, this Spanish royal palace is one-of-a-kind!

Wrap-Up:

Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid

Having the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid was truly a dream come true! As someone who was lucky enough to be able to tour Buckingham Palace in London in July 2018 during Queen Elizabeth 11’s reign, I have found myself falling in love with touring royal palaces all across Europe. And, one thing that reigns true about visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid is that it is, indeed, a bit more underrated than other European palaces, yet it is just as if not even more magnificent than them! If you are in Madrid, Spain, then I highly suggest adding a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid to your itinerary. You will not regret it!

XOXO – Katie <3 

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How To Plan The Perfect Lisbon To Sintra Day Trip Without A Car

***Please note that this Guide To Plan The Perfect Lisbon To Sintra Day Trip Without A Car will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date dining scene. This travel guide was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

When my bestie Shivani and I went on our two-week long trip through Spain and Portugal, the final leg of it was in Lisbon, Portugal. We spent 2 days in Lisbon (which I share more about here!) and knew that we wanted to live out our fairytale dreams by visiting Pena Palace in the nearby town of Sintra, Portugal. That all being said, we found ourselves planning a Lisbon to Sintra day trip without a car, as we navigated our trip via planes and trains and *a few* Ubers!

In this blog post, I will outline how to plan a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, given the options you have as a visitor without a rental car and which option we chose!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Your Guide To Planning The Perfect Lisbon To Sintra Day Trip Without A Car

This guide to planning a Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip Without A Car is split up into the following sections: About Sintra, Portugal, Options for a Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip, and My Personal Verdict.

Friends at Pena Palace

About Sintra, Portugal:

A princess moment at Pena Palace

Sintra is a fairytale-like town home to castles, including the well-known Pena Palace, located on the foothills of the Sintra Mountains within close proximity to Lisbon, Portugal. Sintra has been a long-time sanctuary and retreat for the Portuguese Royals and Nobles, hence the multiple castles – including Pena Palace, The Castle of the Moors, and the National Palace of Sintra – that call it home. Alongside its Lucious terrain and palaces to visit, downtown Sintra is known for its beautiful pastel-colored homes that look as if they’ve been taken out of a painting and brought to life. When in Sintra, not only are the multiple palaces and terrain worthwhile taking all in, but the town is also a wonderful place to enjoy a picturesque stroll, a coffee/glass of wine, and perhaps grab a souvenir for the road home.

For more information on visiting Sintra, Portugal and all that it has to offer, look no further than here.


 

How To Get From Lisbon To Sintra (Car-Free Options):

***It is worth noting that this blog post will focus on car-free options for your Sintra day trip! If renting a car though, Sintra is an excellent stop to add to your Portugal road trip experience. 

Besties at Pena palace

I will note that for Shivani and I’s Lisbon to Sintra day trip, we opted to use a tour group as we didn’t want to have to worry about navigating the public transportation system in Portugal. Full transparency: we were pretty tired on our final leg of our Spanish and Portuguese adventure and wanted to simply show up someplace hassle-free and have them show us around (I realized that I enjoy tour groups on occasion when abroad during my solo trip to Ireland!). I will share more on our tour group experience alongside other outlined options that are at your disposal for your Sintra day trip: 

Option 1: Taking the Train from Rossio or Oriente Stations

About: Starting at 3 Euros one-way, there are direct train options for your Lisbon to Sintra day trip via public transportation. The train ride lasts approximately 40 minutes and departs from either Rossio Station or Oriente Station in downtown Lisbon. This resource from the Portugal Tourism Guide outlines the timetables, schedule, and train ride experience from Lisbon to Sintra in more depth.

Keep in Mind: Like when using public transit in any other city, you will be getting your steps in when you take the train to Sintra. I say this as someone who lives in the Washington, DC area and finds myself navigating the public transportation system back at home on a regular basis! At the same time, the train tickets to/from Sintra are extremely cost-effective and will save you a lot of money. Just be sure to book all tickets to any palaces, including Pena Palace, with a reserved time slot that you want to visit before going or upon arrival and prepare to do LOTS of uphill walking all around Sintra. If you do decide to take the train to Sintra, then be sure to use the 434 Tourist Bus to get from Sintra’s train station to all of the palaces.

Option 2: Taking an Uber or Bolt

About: When I got in my Uber from the Lisbon airport, I had the friendliest Uber driver who shared with me his words of wisdom on Ubering to/from Sintra from Lisbon. He said that he had enjoyed taking visitors around Sintra from Lisbon on many occasions and said it was a wonderful option, too. He also mentioned that visitors can request that their Uber drivers wait X amount of time as they sightsee around Sintra and some of the palaces there. 

Keep in Mind: The drive from Lisbon to Sintra is approximately 30 minutes. Ubers are extremely cheap compared to the United States in both Porto and Lisbon in Portugal. Ubers cost approximately 20-25 Euros one-way from Lisbon to Sintra. Like with taking the train, be sure to book all tickets to any palaces, including Pena Palace, with a reserved time slot that you want to visit before going or upon arrival and prepare to do LOTS of uphill walking all around Sintra. 

Option 3: Joining a Small-Group Tour

About: Several tour groups offer Sintra small group tour day trips from Lisbon. The best part?!?! These small group tours will typically take care of the purchasing of admission tickets to palaces such as Pena Palace and will chauffeur you with a guide throughout the day. We opted to go with a tour through Modern Tours small group tour that offered admission to tour the interiors of Pena Palace, visit downtown Sintra, the coast of Portugal, and have a brief amount of time in Cascais, Portugal. Many tour groups from Lisbon to Sintra offer the option of seeing the coastline of Portugal a bit, including the well-known coastal town of Cascais. 

Keep in Mind: While tour groups will typically take care of the purchasing of admission tickets to palaces such as Pena Palace and other points of interest around Sintra, each tour offered by a tour group will have their own unique itinerary so be sure to look at the different options available to you before making your decision. Unlike taking a train or an Uber, a tour group will run on a schedule and will not be self-paced which if you prefer that, then a train or uber is probably the better option for your Sintra day trip. 

My Personal Verdict:

A royal moment at Pena palace

If I were to take another day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, I would opt to take the train and Uber if needed from downtown Sintra to some of the many palaces that call it home. While I did enjoy the opportunity to show up to Pena Palace and stroll around Sintra briefly before visiting Cascais and some scenic views alongside the Portuguese coastline without any hassle, I’d rather spend my time more self-paced in Sintra and explore more of what the town has to offer. While my first time to Sintra was via a wonderful tour group, I found it to be the perfect first time of hopefully many to Sintra. I definitely got a taste of what Portugal has to offer beyond Lisbon hassle-free. 

At the same time, every person is different. All of us have unique travel preferences that factor into which option we’d choose for our day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. Luckily for all of us, there are multiple options to choose from that can suit us. 

Wrap-Up:

Pena palace in the clouds

Above all else, I truly adored my brief time in Sintra, Portugal. I LOVED getting to live out my fairytale dreams at Pena Palace and take in the beautiful views of the Sintra mountains alongside admire the gorgeous town of Sintra. What I LOVE about Sintra is that there’s so many great ways to get there from Lisbon without needing to rent a car, which can be so daunting. Would I go again?!?! Most definitely!! 

XOXO – Katie <3 

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Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Travel Guide

***Please note that this Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Travel Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This travel guide was most recently updated as of October 2025.***

Ever since I graduated from college, my Papa and dog Rosie and I have made our annual trek out to Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive to enjoy the mountains, leaf peeping, and all-things Fall. Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I share a photo recap of our experiences at Skyline Drive annually. Needless to say, visiting Skyline Drive is an annual Fall tradition that I cherish! And, today, after 5 years of making the trek to Skyline Drive, I will be sharing my *very own* travel guide to Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive to help you plan your next adventure.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Travel Guide

This travel guide will be split into the following sections: About, Getting There, Admission, Navigating Skyline Drive, and Things To Keep in Mind, and Peak Fall Foliage.

About:

Skyline Drive is a 105-mile-long road that runs through the heart of Shenandoah National Park’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It connects to major Virginia highways at four points (which also serve as entrance/exit stations throughout the park) and offers several scenic overlooks and viewpoints, access to hiking trails at all hiking ability levels including accessible trails, recreational activities. Skyline Drive is well-known for wildflowers in the Spring and a stunning Fall foliage in Autumn.

In addition to a variety of hiking trails and mountains and scenic overlooks to enjoy, Shenandoah National Park also offers Visitor Centers, Lodging, and Dining options throughout it. See more information here on all current offerings.

Getting There:

Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive is accessible all across Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also highly suggested that you have a car, in order to visit and get around the park, especially if you are coming from the Washington, DC area or visiting from out of town and may not have one. There are several rental car options to choose from, too.

According to the National Park Service (NPS) website, there are 4 entrances to Skyline Drive:

  • Front Royal Entrance Station (mile 0) by Route 66 and Route 340 located in Front Royal, Virginia.
  • Thornton Gap Entrance Station (mile 31.5) by Route 211 located near Luray, Virginia.
  • Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (mile 65.5) by Route 33 located near Elkton, Virginia.
  • Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (mile 104.6) by Route 64 and Route 250 (and is also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway).

***It is worth noting that all entrances also serve as exits from Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive as well. When planning your trip it is suggested to look at the map and plan to enter on one entrance and exit on another to enjoy a glorious scenic stretch!***

If you are coming from Washington, DC/Northern Virginia/Maryland like myself, then the Front Royal Entrance Station is your closest entrance to Skyline Drive – this is the entrance that we usually enter through. We typically exit through Thornton Gap Entrance Station, which is also the nearest entrance station to the Virginia’s notable Luray Caverns. Thornton Gap Entrance Station is close to Sperryville, Virginia and Washington, Virginia, making it another accessible entrance station to/from the Washington, DC area.

Admission:

Since Skyline Drive is a part of Shenandoah National Park, visitors must have a National Park Pass in order to enter. Admission is per vehicle to Shenandoah National Park, like many other National Parks across the United States. There are a variety of National Park passes to choose from based on you and your group’s needs and preferences. See more here from Shenandoah National Park’s website for the most up-to-date information on admission, fees, and passes.

As for when Skyline Drive is open, it is typically open 24/7 unless there is severe weather conditions. It is also worth noting that all visitors should monitor the current weather conditions when planning their visit to Skyline Drive to ensure they are safe and have a good time. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check out Shenandoah National Park’s website before you go.

Navigating Skyline Drive:

To navigate Skyline Drive, it is helpful to grab a complimentary Shenandoah National Park guide at the park ranger’s welcome station upon entry to the park. Within that guide is a map of Skyline Drive and includes information on mile markers, entrance stations, notable hiking trails and scenic overlooks, and Visitor Centers. It is also worth checking out one of the many Visitors Centers (and gift shops!) for a rest break, restrooms, scenic viewpoints, trails, and Park Rangers to help guide you throughout your visit. Although we primarily stop at the scenic viewpoints, there are several trails easily accessible off of Skyline Drive for those interested in hiking.

Like when driving anywhere, one must always be mindful of traffic, the environment that they are in, other people, and the speed limit. The speed limit at Skyline Drive is 35 miles per hour. It is also worth mentioning that scenic overlooks are an ultra-fun way to essentially stop and smell the roses while taking in some stunning Mountain View’s! Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains are pretty spectacular and are worth admiring while at Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive. When navigating Skyline Drive, there will be some occasions where cars around you will choose to stop at a scenic overlook, get back on the road after visiting one, or you may choose to do the same. Be mindful of incoming traffic throughout your time at Skyline Drive as well as the current weather conditions, other visitors, and nature.

See more on Shenandoah National Park’s website on driving Skyline Drive.

Things To Keep In Mind:

When visiting Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, there are a few things to keep in mind throughout the planning process:

  • Continuously monitor the weather conditions to ensure you have a fun and safe experience.
  • Dogs are welcome, however, they must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • Shenandoah National Park has a leave the park as you left it policy — essentially, all guests must not take anything from the parks with them (unless it’s a guidebook or a souvenir) and they must dispose of all trash (including disposing of dog poop) and take things brought with them back with them and leave the park exactly the way it was before visiting.
  • Be sure to fill up your car with gas before visiting Skyline Drive, as there aren’t a ton of gas stations nearby.
  • Cell service can be spotty alongside some parts of Skyline Drive. This is a reminder to follow the mile markers and truly take in the moments around you.
  • Remember to show kindness and give grace to park rangers and fellow visitors!

Peak Fall Foliage:

As previously mentioned, peak Fall Foliage is a popular time to visit Shenandoah National Park and *of course* Skyline Drive. Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage is a great time to visit Skyline Drive — something I outline and predict in this blog post of mine. If you plan to visit for peak Fall Foliage, then I highly recommend to try visiting on a weekday whether it be a morning or afternoon, as Skyline Drive gets very crowded on the weekends. Leaf peeping at Skyline Drive is a wonderful time!

Wrap-Up:

Visiting Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive is a Fall Foliage tradition that I cherish year-after-year! Although I haven’t spent much time exploring beyond the Thornton Gap Entrance Station and hiking at Shenandoah National Park, I would love to do just that and get to explore more of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. There is so much to love in Virginia aka the state that is for lovers, including Skyline Drive!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide

***Please note that this Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This travel guide was most recently updated as of October 2025.***

As a Preppy fashion enthusiast and grand millennial and proud new Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) member, visiting Colonial Williamsburg has been high on my bucket list! So, when I discovered that Colonial Williamsburg was under 2.5 hours from my home base in Northern Virginia just 150 miles south of Washington, DC, I knew I had to take a day trip and cross this item off of my bucket list. Hence, this Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide will give you all of the insights into planning your own day to this historic Virginia spot!

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide

***Please note that this review is not sponsored. I paid in full for my tickets and experience.***

About Colonial Williamsburg:

A living-history museum and private foundation in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg preserves history by allowing visitors to step back 250+ years back in time. The stories, research, historic preservation, and life there 250 years ago are kept alive at Colonial Williamsburg and have been since 1926. Nevertheless, Colonial Williamsburg prides itself on being a place of living history through bringing past stories to the present-day. Colonial Williamsburg is situated within part of Williamsburg, Virginia’s Historic District alongside the College of William & Mary – a 1693-founded public university – and Merchant’s Square – a popular and charming upscale shopping and dining district. Learn more about Colonial Williamsburg here.

Alongside being a popular Virginia historic attraction, Colonial Williamsburg is also apart of America’s Historic Triangle which also includes Virginia’s Jamestown and Yorktown. Visitors can also plan a trip to both Jamestown and Yorktown when visiting Colonial Williamsburg via a Historic Triangle ticket.

Getting There:

There are several different ways to get to Colonial Williamsburg, whether by car, by train, or by plane. See more information below:

  • By Car: Colonial Williamsburg is located off of I-64, between Richmond and Virginia Beach and 150 miles south of the nation’s capital (approximately 2.5 hours away). As for parking, there are a variety of options, including paid parking per hour at Merchant’s Square which I opted to do and found to be the easiest and most affordable way to do so. There is also free parking at the art museums and Colonial Williamsburg, although further away from Merchant’s Square and other historic attractions.
  • By Train: Williamsburg has its very own Amtrak station offering connecting train routes from Washington, DC just blocks away from Colonial Williamsburg with rental car service.
  • By Plane: The following 3 airports offer 200+ daily flights nearby Colonial Williamsburg – Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) (20 minutes), Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (45 minutes), or Richmond International Airport (RIC) (45 minutes).

Admission:

Tickets: While strolling throughout the vicinity of Colonial Williamsburg is free for all, admission tickets are required to enter buildings and experience programming. It is worth noting that admission tickets do not include parking fees. Get your tickets to Colonial Williamsburg here.

Accessibility: It is also worth noting that Colonial Williamsburg strives to make their attractions accessible to everyone and all service animals are welcome. See more about accessibility here.

Pets: Colonial Williamsburg is a pet-friendly place, and I was happy as a dog-lover and Dog Mom to see several pups enjoying themselves! It is worth noting that pets are not allowed indoors at most shops and restaurants as well as inside buildings and museums. Above all else, Colonial Williamsburg is an excellent place to bring your fury friend on a wonderful and historical walk!

What To Do:

There is a plethora of things to do when visiting Colonial Williamsburg, including:

  • Strolling the historic homes and buildings at Colonial Williamsburg adjacent to Merchant’s Square.

  • Stay at or take in the lobbies of one of the incredible historic hotels nearby.

Wrap-Up:

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg is a Preppy fashion enthusiast and grand millennial’s dream come true! Truly, there is charm at every corner of Colonial Williamsburg. At the same time, I admire how Colonial Williamsburg strives to conserve history and bring lifestyles from 250+ years’ past to life to this very day. Indeed, everyone can learn something from visiting Colonial Williamsburg.

XOXO – Katie <3

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What To Do in Rome, Italy Travel Guide

***Please note that this What To Do in Rome, Italy Travel Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I have been sharing ALL about my 6 days in Rome, Italy! If you have watched the Lizze McQuire movie which takes place in Rome, there is SO much to do in this incredible city as in the movie the characters are sightseeing for two weeks with a jam-packed schedule. Rome, Italy – also known as the Eternal City – is an incredible city with literally an eternal amount of things to do. While it may be overwhelming to decide what to do in Rome, Italy, I decided to put together this travel guide to help you do just that.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

What To Do In Rome, Italy Travel Guide

This What To Do in Rome, Italy Travel Guide will walk you through not only things to do in the Eternal City but also share: About, Getting There (from the United States/Canada), Getting Around, and Where to Eat. That way, when you land in Rome, you will have a plethora of knowledge at your finger tips and be ready for some sightseeing!

But, before I get into all of the things to do in Rome, Italy, feel free to peruse lodging options for your trip!

 

About Rome, Italy:

Rome is the capital city of Italy. It is also the most populated city within Italy and has its home in the country’s Lazio region. Fun fact: Italy is made up of 20 regions, including the very well-known Tuscany alongside Umbria, Lazio (where Rome is!), and Abruzzo. Rome has a vast history, dating back to 753 AD at its establishment as the heart of the then-Roman Empire where much of its ancient ruins and sites remain today and are visited by thousands each year, to a mega center of the Christian faith and Renaissance, and to this day as the capital of a unified Italy since 1870. Rome is also home to Vatican City – an independent nation that ensures the Catholic Church’s autonomy on a global front. Vatican City was established on February 11, 1929 and is where the Pope resides. Today, Rome has left a huge mark and legacy on our world today, being the place where Christianity was established as a major world religion, the modern Western calendar and alphabet were developed, world-renowned artists like Michelangelo practiced and succeed in their artistic talents, and romance languages such as Italian, French, and Spanish were developed and nourished here.

Getting There (from the United States/Canada):

Within Italy, the two cities with major airports are Rome and Milan. The major airport in Rome is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO). FCO has several direct flight options from several major United States cities, including on American Airlines and United Airlines. As a United Loyalty member, I opted to fly a direct flight option round-trip out of Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) aka my home airport. From Washington, DC, I took an overnight flight to Rome that was 8 hours long there and 10 hours long to get home from Italy. As for those beyond the East Coast of the United States and Canada, I know cities such as Los Angeles on the West Coast have flight times of approximately 11-15 hours each way. So many fellow United States tourists that I chatted with in Rome happened to have connecting flight(s), so I felt very lucky to have been able to have a direct flight for my round-trip.

It is also worth noting that upon departure and arrival in/out of FCO airport, all visitors must have their passports ready to go through Italian customs. In addition to Italian customs upon arrival and departure, all visitors must go through the United States/Canadian customs upon arrival within their home country. Within Italy, the Italian customs process can be a bit confusing, however, there are staff members and usually crowds of people to help make it less so.

Getting Around:

While Rome does have its own transit system, I opted to either walk given my hotel’s central location downtown, take Ubers/taxis (you can find taxis on the Uber app in Italy!), or book a Big Bus Tours pass (which I will share more about below in the What To Do section!). From previous experiences, Rome’s transit system gets very crowded very fast, which is something I wanted to avoid in the August heat when I was there this time around. It is also worth downloading the Freenow app, which is essentially a digital platform for hailing taxis at least within Rome. Whatever mode(s) of transportation that you use within Rome, you are for sure to get your steps in!

What To Do:

Before I get into the meat of what to do in Rome, Italy, it is worth mentioning that I primarily used Get Your Guide to book all of my activities and have all of my tickets and vouchers in a central place on my phone. All of my activities were booked via Get Your Guide and you can pretty much find any ticketed item on this app.

Hop on & off of Rome via a Big Bus Tour – It is NO secret that Rome, Italy is notorious like any other big city for all of the walking! One of the best ways to get around Rome is by booking a Big Bus Tour pass. There are several Big Bus Tour options for Rome, including a 24 hour day pass, 48 hour day pass, and 72 hour day pass – all of which you can use the next day as long as it’s within the 24-72 hours in which you book it for – as well as a 3 hour and 1 day pass option. Alongside a Big Bus ticket, pass holders depending on their ticket can book discounted tickets at an additional cost to the Colosseum, The Vatican, and receive a complimentary cup of gelato at participating locations. To limit the amount of walking and Uber fares myself, I booked a 72 hour pass which included a complimentary night tour route to see the Eternal City all lit up! See more on all of the Big Bus Tour options in Rome here.

Take a sunset guided tour of the Colosseum – The Colosseum is a amphitheatre that dates back to the Roman Empire with its construction starting around 72 AD. It is one of the most well-known structures to this day. When I visited Rome back in 2018 as a college student studying abroad in Tuscany and visited the Colosseum, I wanted to learn more about it. At the same time, it was pretty crowded when I went. SO, this time around I decided to book an excellent guided sunset tour of the Colosseum on Get Your Guide. The tour operator is Rome Tours and the tour was excellent and interactive, especially for the kids within my tour group who got to pretend to be gladiators! Since the tour started around 6pm/18:00, the crowds were extremely minimal and allowed for tons of breathing room and cooler golden hour temperatures to enjoy the Colosseum. I highly recommend a guided tour of the Colosseum, especially to learn more about this iconic structure and its history over the centuries! Book the exact tour I booked here.

Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain – Hey now, hey now! This is what dreams are made of!!! You may as well have your Lizzie McGuire moment (if you get my reference!) at the Trevi Fountain and make a wish! It is worth noting that at pretty much all daylight hours, the Trevi Fountain gets pretty crowded, so it’s suggested to avoid the crowds and visit around 6-7am if you want to avoid them. Somehow, I went at 5pm and got a nice photo spot though, so maybe luck will be on your side!

Climb (or just admire!) the Spanish Steps – The Spanish Steps are a famous Baroque monumental stairway in the heart of Rome. There are 135 steps to climb if you so choose to (I did not!). However, if you’re like me, it is worthwhile to admire the Spanish Steps in all of their monumental glory and beauty and indulge in some retail therapy  at one of the many shops nearby while you’re in the area.

Sit in the Papal Audience at The Vatican – One of the neatest experiences of my life was sitting in the Papal Audience at The Vatican! I write my in-depth about my experience, where to find the most up-to-date Papal Audience Schedule, and how to be apart of the Papal Audience yourself here.

Tour The Vatican & Sistine Chapel – Personally, I think that every person who visits Rome should tour The Vatican and Sistine Chapel at least once in their lifetime! I toured The Vatican & Sistine Chapel in July 2018 when I studied abroad in Tuscany and found it to be a super neat experience, however, it was super overwhelming and packed with tourists. The vast amount of magnificent artwork makes it worthwhile to do at least once in your lifetime! I highly suggest booking an early morning entrance (before 8am) if you’re able to to reduce the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience.

Take in city views and learn about Rome’s history at Castel Sant’Angelo – Constructed in 135 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian and situated right alongside the Tiber River, Castel Sant’Angelo also known as Manusoleum of Hadrian, was initially used for Emperor Hadrian and his family. In the following centuries, Castel Sant’Angelo was used as a fortress and castle for the Popes. Today, Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum, showcasing the ancient rooms of Emperor Hadrian, beautiful Renaissance frescoes, and stunning riverfront and city views of the Eternal City. It is worth noting that Castel Sant’Angelo involves a lot of walking on uneven, cobblestone pathways and staircases.

Indulge in some retail therapy – There’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy in Rome! From luxury shopping on Via Condotti and the surrounding streets near the Spanish Steps to vintage shopping and thrifting in the Monti neighborhood, the Eternal City truly has something for every shopper!

Admire sculptures and masterpieces at the crowd-controlled Galleria Borghese – Housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana which was home to the Roman Borghese family, Galleria Borghese is a breathtaking art gallery featuring the Borghese family’s vast collection of Roman sculptures and artwork. At every turn, Galleria Borghese has magnificent pieces of artwork and will leave you in awe! A unique feature of Galleria Borghese is that the museum is crowd-controlled and every visitor only gets 2 hours in the museum to ensure everyone has a crowd-free experience. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance and show up early to your ticket time.

Stroll the magical Villa Borghese – Villa Borghese is a landscape garden in the heart of Rome that is home a several buildings, attractions, and museums including the Galleria Borghese. It is the largest park in central Rome and has close proximity to the Spanish Steps and luxury shopping at Via Condotti. Villa Borghese also has several magical photo opportunities and architectural delights to enjoy, spots to rest and read to book or take it all in, an onsite cafe and cocktail bar, and gorgeous gardens. There are also opportunities to rent a golf cart or bike to enjoy all that Villa Borghese has to offer!

Take in the incredible palace-like interiors and gardens of Colonna Palace – One of the oldest and private homes in Rome, Colonna Palace has belonged to the Colonna family for over 20 generations. Colonna Palace has onsite gardens and Galleria Colonna which showcases authentic Roman Baroque. Truly, Colonna Palace is a hidden gem in the heart of Rome and will leave you with your jaw on the floor! Be sure to reserve your tickets to this Roman jewel as its only open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays and be appointment any other day.

Say a prayer and blessing and tour the museums at Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore – Also known as the Basilica of Saint Mary The Great, the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four Papal basilicas in Rome and one of seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Most notably, the Basilica enshrines the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani which depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary as the health and protector of the Roman people. Additionally, eight Popes are buried within the Basilica, which is also known for its intricate Baroque architecture. Alongside saying a prayer and admiring the baroque architecture within the church from the ceiling to the floors, the Basilica also has an incredible museum with a 360 degrees terrace to take in the Eternal City from up above. The museum is less crowded and showcases some neat facts about the Basilica as well as the Catholic faith, including one of the world’s oldest Nativity sets! If visiting just the Basilica there is free admission with no reservation needed, otherwise reserve your tickets to the museum, terrace, or a guided tour here.

Stroll the Roman Forum and take several moments to learn about Roman history and enjoy the historic sight’s atmosphere – The Roman Forum was the city center of ancient Rome, a key political, civic, religious place. It is a rectangular forum that is surrounded by several ruins of key government buildings of ancient Rome. Ancient Roman citizens referred to this space which was originally a marketplace as Forum Magnum or simply Forum. While an archaeological site in the heart of Rome, the Roman Forum also functions as a historical park containing not only ruins but greenery and is truly a magical place to take in tons of history and scenic views. It is worth noting that tickets must be reserved in advance to visit the Roman Forum. Reserve your tickets here.

Get lost in the magical streets of the Eternal City – Last but not least, Rome offers no shortage of opportunities for LOTS of walking! Why not get lost in the gorgeous and incredible streets of the Eternal City?!?! There’s truly something unique and beautiful at every turn!

Where To Eat:

Before I get into sharing where I ate in Rome, it is worth mentioning that there are several places to dine at across the city. Whether it be an upscale restaurant, wine bar, Gelateria, cafe, pizzeria, or sandwich shop, the Eternal City has eternal dining options! You truly cannot go wrong with any spot!! I will mainly list out where I ate while in Rome, but, as previously mentioned, you can’t go wrong at many different spots!

  • Lunch at Alla Rampa
  • Wine, snacks, & gelato at White Bar & Restaurant
  • Dinner at Angelino “ai Fori” dal 1947
  • Gelato at Gold Ice
  • Dinner at Ristorante Plebiscito
  • Wine at La Bottega del Caffe
  • Gelato at Caffe Roma Gelateria
  • Lunch at Bistro Monti
  • Dinner at Santa Maria Osteria
  • Lunch at Moderno Bar Bakery & Cucina
  • Dinner at Le Bistro Roma
  • Lunch at Alimentari
  • Snacks at Autogrill

Wrap-Up:

When figuring out what to do in Rome, Italy, it is tough to narrow down all that I wanted to do. There is SO MUCH to do in Rome, Italy that you truly cannot go wrong with anything! My biggest piece of advice for deciding what to do in Rome, Italy is to prioritize activities that you and your group are interested in the most and use GetYourGuide to book them so you have your tickets in one central location. GetYourGuide was my central spot for finding out what to do in Rome, Italy but also a place to decide what to do and learn more about all of the incredible sights to see. Indeed, you cannot go wrong with whatever you decide to do in Rome!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Madrid, Spain Travel Guide

After years of trying to plan a bestie trip, my college best friend Shivani and I *finally* made it happen!!! My most recent European trip was an 8-day getaway to Dublin, Ireland (here), and I am SO glad I got to do a trip across the Atlantic with one of my favorite people. We ended up doing a 2 week long European adventure throughout Spain and Portugal via Barcelona, Porto, and Lisbon, spending approximately 3 days (or 72 hours!) in each city that we went to (see what I wore over those 2 weeks here!). Over the next month, I will be sharing my itinerary and recap from each city that we went to in Spain and Portugal. The first stop on our journey that I’m sharing about with y’all today is … 3 days in Madrid, Spain!

Upon landing for our 3 days in Madrid, Spain, I was *in awe* at the unique and gorgeous landscapes from the sky to touchdown. Madrid and Spain as a whole, indeed, has a distinct landscape that I hadn’t seen until visiting! And, that gorgeous landing into Spain made me SOOOO excited for our time in Madrid! While short-lived, it was one for the books and I am grateful to have visited.

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Madrid, Spain Travel Guide

Getting There:

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the biggest flight hub in all of Spain. From my home base of Washington, DC, I had two airline options out of Dulles International Airport (IAD) around the same cost round-trip: take a connecting flight on United Airlines or a direct flight on Iberian Airlines. Given my ongoing loyalty with United Airlines and MileagePlus membership status and Mom’s and Step Dad’s horror stories flying Iberian Airlines on their Spain trip in Winter 2022, I opted to use my United Airlines loyalty and gain more miles and take a connecting flight to Madrid. My choice to fly United was NOT a regret of mine either, as I had peace of mind the entire trip that my luggage would successfully make it to Madrid as well as myself, unlike some of the stories I’ve heard on Instagram and TikTok regarding Iberian Airlines alongside my own family members’ stories. At the end of the day, I am glad I flew United and was able to gain more Miles as a MileagePlus member, too!

As for my connecting flight to Madrid from Washington, DC, I flew first to Brussels Airport (BRU) and went through customs upon arrival and transferring terminals my next flight’s gate. My next flight was on Brussels Airlines, which is apart of the Star Alliance alongside United Airlines. Funny enough, I didn’t realize that I had to check in for my connecting flight to Madrid on Brussels Airlines NOT on the United Airlines app, although I booked my trip through that, until I landed in Brussels – WHOOPS! Immediately upon landing in Brussels, I downloaded the Brussels Airlines app, checked into my flight, and was on my merry way to Madrid upon boarding my flight.

Where To Stay:

We LOVED our home away from home for 72 hours in Madrid, Spain!! We stayed at Motel One Plaza de España (C. del Tutor, 1, Moncloa – Aravaca) – a design hotel in the heart of Madrid. I book ALL of my hotel stays through *none other than* Booking.com! Honestly, upon a search on Booking.com in Madrid on my dates there, I look at the hotels whose vibes *yes, vibes!* I like the best within my budget and book accordingly. For Madrid, I ended up LOVING Motel One Plaza de España‘s vibes THE BEST online and I loved them EVEN MORE once I arrived! Upon arrival, check-in was at the hotel bar, which is already a win in my book (!!!!) and my room was ready a few hours early, which was AMAZING for my exhausted and 12+ hours of traveling-self. The rooms are beautiful and we had a nice street-view room to overlook the gorgeous narrow streets of Madrid. Shivani and I ended up enjoying daily breakfast and evening drinks at the hotel lobby (by way of the front desk bar!!) and chatted with the ultra-kind staff each morning and evening. The staff are ultra-kind and made our stay at Motel One Plaza de España one for the books! I also write a whole hotel review + guide here.

What To Do:

For many activities and things to do for 72 hours in Madrid, Spain, I highly recommend checking out and downloading GetYourGuide for booking and reserving activities. It is suggested that you reserve most activities in advance, especially when traveling during peak season and busy times during the day to guarantee that you get to go.

Shop, stroll, and sightsee at Plaza de España – Marking the end of Gran Via (Madrid’s iconic shopping street), Plaza de España is a popular square with a statue of Don Quixote and beautiful Spanish architecture. Shivani and I would shop and browse at the Zara and Mango located on Plaza de España and stroll here many times during our time in Madrid, given its close proximity to our hotel. Plaza de España is also conveniently located in the heart of downtown Madrid, Spain and a lovely place to visit when in Spain’s capital city!

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid – The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family in the city of Madrid, even though it’s currently now only used for state ceremonies. In Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace with over 135,000 square meters and 3,418 rooms. Shivani and I were in AWE at how magnificent and beautiful the Royal Palace of Madrid is! From the gorgeously opulent state rooms to the elegant hallways and staircases, the Royal Palace of Madrid is totally worth a visit!! Check out my full guide on visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid here.

Note: It takes about 1.5-2 hours to tour the Royal Palace of Madrid on a self-guided tour which we opted to do. It is also worth noting that tickets must be purchased to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid either via walk-in or in advance (which I recommend doing!). Advanced reservation tickets can be purchased on GetYourGuide for under $20/person!

See a Live Flamenco show – Shivani ended up booking us a Live Flamenco Show with food/drink options via GetYourGuide. We opted for tickets with a complimentary drink: Sangria! The Flamenco show was hosted on the lower level of Tablao Torres Bermejas in a BEAUTIFULLY tile-lined lounge. The sangria was amazing alongside the talent of the Flamenco dancers and live musicians. And, we *also* made friends in line and while waiting for the performance to start!

Visit the Cerralbo Museum – One of the National Museums of Spain that is also attached to the Ministry of Culture, the Cerralbo Museum is an art museum in the heart of Madrid that was a former 19th century mansion. It houses the vast artworks and antiques of Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, Marquis of Cerrablo. Today, people from all across the world flock to see these beautiful collections, from the magnificent artworks and hallways to the vast staircase of sheer elegance.

Note: The Cerralbo Museum offers free admission 5-8pm on Thursdays and all day Sundays. Free admission is on a first come, first served basis and visitors line up early. Shivani and I opted to do the free admission on Sundays and got in line around 10am on Sunday and waited for 2+ hours, as the museum is crowd-controlled (which I love and respect so much!!). It was definitely worth the wait, but be prepared to wait for a couple of hours, if you opt to do the free admission. However, if you choose to visit beyond free admission hours, admission is, I believe, around 3 Euros/person.

Climb to the top of the Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena – The Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena was recommended to us by a fellow Washington, DC area-based visitor we met while watching the Flamenco Show and it was SOOO worth it!! Located adjacent to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena is a less crowded with tourists (well compared to the Royal Palace!) place to visit, learn about the Catholic diocese in Spain and specifically in Madrid via an exhibit, and climb to the top of to take in ALL of the Madrid skyline views! It is a Catholic cathedral in Madrid home to the seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid. Admission at the door was around 8 Euros/person and well worth it *even* for the skyline views alone!

Shop on La Gran Via – As previously mentioned up above, La Gran Via is the main shopping street in Madrid. To me, La Gran Via also gives off the vibes of Times Square Spain edition in a much more elegant and less chaotic way! Shivani and I spent a few afternoons and evenings shopping and dining on La Gran Via. Shops that we checked out included H&M, Zara (besides the location we frequented on Plaza de España), and Primark. We also checked out a bookstore whose name I forget that carries primarily books in Spanish, which was SUCH A UNIQUE experience (!!!).

Explore the colorful streets – Madrid, Spain is home to several beautiful and magical colorful streets! One of my biggest pieces of advice for traveling is just to find the opportunity to get lost in the streets. And, Madrid has NO shortage of unique colorful streets to enjoy. Don’t forget to bring your camera/phone to snap some photos!

Next Time: Visit the Prado Museum – Although we didn’t make it to the Prado Museum this time around, it remained (and still does) high on my Madrid bucket list! Situated in the heart of Madrid, the Prado Museum is the National Art Museum of Spain, housing intricate masterpieces from Spanish and European artists.

Where To Dine:

Before I get into where to dine in Madrid, I wanted to share *just* a few observations about dining in Madrid! 1 – dining in Madrid overall is much cheaper than dining in the United States. For the two of us, dinner (including drinks, appetizers, and entrees) costed us under $50. As for the ingredients within the food, it is MUCH fresher than in the United States due to stricter food and drug regulations. Needless to say, a win, win!!

La Tasca de Ventura (C. de Ventura Rodríguez, 9, Moncloa – Aravaca) – Just a block away from my home away from home in Madrid aka Motel One Plaza de España, La Tasca de Ventura is a delicious tapas and wine bar. I ended up going here twice – once solo and once with Shivani. Both times, I ordered the lovely house wine and a variation of octopus and each time was PHENOMENAL!

La Toscana (Gran Vía, 59, Centro) – Located on La Gran Via, Shivani and I stopped into La Toscana for dinner as we were tired from the crowds on the streets – LOLLL! We were, indeed, in for a treat!! La Toscana is an Italian restaurant ANDDD the pastas and garlic bread (which we ordered both by the way!) were delicious.

La Carmen Cerveceria-Taperia (C. Mayor, 88, Centro) – Just across the street from the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena, La Carmen Cerveceria-Taperia was a much-needed and devoured spot for lunch! I ended up ordering lamb shoulder + fries and a glass of red wine and would come back again for more!!

Tapa Tapa (multiple locations) – A tapas restaurant with multiple locations around Madrid, Tapa Tapa blew us AWAY and kept us coming back not once but twice! The tapas at Tapa Tapa are easily shareable or small enough for a light meal on your own.

Espresso Americano (C. de Preciados, 33, Centro) – We ended up stopping at Espresso Americano via getting lost in the streets off of La Gran Via for coffee and it was a lovely pick-me-up on a Monday afternoon filled with walking!!

Wrap-Up:

Truly, I had an incredible time getting to spend 72 hours in Madrid, Spain and hope to go back someday and spend more time museum hopping and getting lost in the city’s beautiful streets. Shivani and I had an incredible time and hope to visit again *very soon*. But for now, if you have any questions/concerns about visiting Madrid, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at Katefrancesthompson@gmail.com. Cheers!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How I Afford to Travel Often

One of the BIGGEST questions I get over on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!) is how I can afford to travel often. Traveling has become one of my biggest passions and favorite things to do – I always have had a passion for learning more about the world around me, whether it be just down the street or across the world. Well, today, I’m going to be spilling ALLL the secrets on how I am able to travel on a regular basis!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Before I get into the meat of this blog post, I want to pre-phase by saying that travel is by all means a privilege. Not everyone is able to even go on a trip. I have seen travel to be one of the biggest blessings, opportunities, and learning experiences in my life. But, not everyone gets the opportunity to do so. Personally, I feel beyond lucky to be able to travel as much as I do, yet have the option to even be able to do so. Remember to count your blessings, including travel.

Travel, as we all know, can be COSTLY. With flights, transport when there, gas, lodging, meals, coffees, activities, and souvenir shopping, and much more, it ALL adds up. Trust me, it’s hard to factor in all of those costs when away from home even for a day. And, depending on where you go, different aspects of travel can add up even more, especially when it comes to getting into an accident, cell phone plan while/if going abroad, needing to see a health care provider in case of an emergency, and many things not even mentioned. Realistically speaking, it is HARD to factor in all of those costs.

Now, for the ways that I afford to travel often:

  • Set aside some money from each paycheck in a travel fund – no MATTER how little it may be, every cent adds up over time!
  • Join a rewards program with an airline of your choosing and/or Amtrak – personally, I have a United Airlines Rewards Membership and an Amtrak membership, as my most frequented cities are Philadelphia and Raleigh to see friends who live there. My favorite Washington, DC area airport – Dulles International Airport – is a United Airlines hub, so it makes it easy to get flights in and out of there at great prices. Hopefully in the new year, I can visit my cousin Sabrina in Boston and score a GREAT flight deal!
  • Travel to cities where you have friends/family that live there and stay with them if you can – that way, ALL you have to pay for is getting there, meals (but probably not as many if you were to stay in a hotel!), and activities. Failing that, do your research and find some options that are cheaper than hotels. You may find hostels or campsites that are ideal for your trip. For example, take a look at Travel Resorts of America reviews for plenty of advice on where to stay as you travel through America.
  • Be strategic with PTO days – I usually choose to take 2 day weekend trips or 3 day weekend trips on long weekends that my company already gives us off, where I don’t need to use any PTO. I feel VERY fortunate to say that I have unlimited PTO as per my company’s policy. Yet, I like to use my PTO accordingly and strategically and within a realistic reason. At the same time, I try to take off one-two weeks to truly unplug and get away, along with a few longer weekends sprinkled in throughout the year where I actually use PTO.
  • Eat a mixture of expensive dining meals and eat in as much as you can – If you stay with a friend/family member, be sure to take advantage of the free meals. The same goes for staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast (that’s something I usually look for, too!). You can ALWAYS eat affordably when traveling to, such as microwaveable items from CVS or a local grocery store or going to a local cafe or even fast food place.
  • Frequently scan flight/train fares – This helps OFTEN! I booked a trip to New York City on Amtrak during Christmas time this year for ~$90 round trip (the average fare is $200+ this time of year). I booked my trip in August, but it was a GREAT deal and I got a great deal on a hotel, too. If I hadn’t randomly scanned New York City at Christmas time train fares on the fly, then I wouldn’t have booked my trip of a lifetime and of my dreams, either!
  • Get a travel rewards credit card – Personally, I use the Capital One Venture credit card which gives 75,000 bonus miles if you spend $4,000 in 3 months on every day essentials, which can be reimbursed for travel along with miles earned regularly when spending!
  • Pick and choose things to do – When traveling, you ALWAYS have to pick and choose where you go, what you do, eat, etc. My biggest piece of advice is to be strategic with it all. Most of the major museums in Washington, DC are free, yet most of the major museums in Paris or New York City usually aren’t. If you choose to do a rather costly activity during the day, then you may want to do something more affordable the next or eat a less pricey meal(s).

Being able to travel has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. I love being able to meet new people along the way, too. When traveling, you always have to be realistic and reasonable, no matter how frequent you do it. But, above all else, HAVE FUN!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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3 Days at The Delaware Beaches

At the end of June, I went to the Delaware beaches to visit my Dad who lives there full time and shared ALL about it over on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!). I brought my best friend Bryn, too, and my Papa and dog Rosie came along as well. Now, I am going to spill ALL the tea on our weekend at the Delaware beaches!

For more of my recent travels, read here:

So, the Delaware beaches consists of (North to South) Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, and Fenwick Island. Ocean City, Maryland is just South of Fenwick Island by about 5-10 minutes. My Dad’s home base is Bethany Beach. I usually visit the Delaware beaches about 3 times a year and usually once in the summer time. Each time I go and visit, I see a different part of the Delaware beaches than before. This time around was Bryn’s first time that she can remember even being in the state of Delaware, so we did some things that were new to her yet not so new to me. I am a BIG believer that a fresh perspective on a place previously travelled to is a new visit all in itself. The same concept goes for going to the same place(s) again, too, even with people who have been there before as well. Read more about my adventures in Lewes and Fenwick Island here:

What We Did

We spent both Friday morning and Saturday evening on the Bethany Beach boardwalk. Friday morning, we grabbed coffee at a local cafe on the boardwalk and dipped our toes in the ocean before starting our working remotely day. Surprisingly enough, the Bethany Beach boardwalk was already pretty packed when we got there just after 9am. So, a quick view of the waves and grab and go coffee did the trick! Meanwhile, Saturday evening, we had dinner with my family at Hideaway – an open-air restaurant super close to the beach that is only around during the Summer season. Its super gorgeous on the interiors and the food and cocktails are AMAZING, despite it being pretty packed. Bryn and I, then, went along the boardwalk and checked out ALL of the shops. Bryn really wanted to get a Bethany Beach hoodie, and I found an ADORABLE little local gift shop (whose name I sadly forgot) that sold some Lilly Pulitzer accessories, along with Scout Bags and Spartina, Simply Southern, and Teleties. I *of course* picked up quite a bit of Lilly Pulitzer – haha!

Friday evening was well spent at The Lighthouse Sound Restaurant located along the Chesapeake Bay in nearby-to-Ocean City, Maryland: Bishopville, Maryland. The views there are impeccable and the food is just as good. Read more about my experiences there here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2022/06/30/the-ocean-city-maryland-restaurant-without-the-crowds/#/

Saturday afternoon, we got lunch at the Ocean View Brewing Company. The Ocean View Brewing Company is located just outside of Bethany Beach in Ocean View, Delaware. It is apart of a chain of restaurants, including Thompson Island in Rehoboth Beach, that brew their own beer in-house. When going to the Ocean View Brewing Company, you can see the beer brewing in-house from the windows on the second floor of the restaurant. They have great seafood, burgers, and much more food-wise. The beer is AMAZING, too, and honestly why we decided to come! And then, after enjoying a delicious lunch with some local beer, we went shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. A fun fact about Delaware is that they have tax-free shopping (!!!). Some of the stores that we checked out at the Tanger Outlets were: Simply Southern, J Crew Factory, Francesca’s, Bath & Body Works, Tory Burch (where I bought my dream pair of pink flats!!!!), Vineyard Vines, and Kate Spade. Needless to say, Bryn and I had A BLAST! Some of the other stores that we didn’t check out at the Tanger Outlets are: Crocs, Old Navy, LOFT, Banana Republic, Express, Coach, Levi’s, and Nike. Plan your visit to the Rehoboth Beach Tanger Outlets here: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/rehoboth

And, before we left Sunday evening, Bryn and I had a much-needed beach day at Cape Henelopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. It was a new-to-me beach, too. It costed us $10 to enter the state park and was $10 well worth it, too. Although it was a bit crowded, we still had a great time at the beach!

The Delaware beaches are a happy place of mine! From the adorable town of Lewes and boardwalks, to the gorgeous beaches at every turn, and the food and shopping all in between, it is definitely worth the visit for me and hopefully for you someday, too.

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Virginia Tulip Farm that Resembles Holland

Spring has more than sprung by the time this blog post has launched on my site – haha! BUT, one thing reigns for sure, many of us seem to LOVE a good tulip farm or even patch during these warmer months. I used to think that I would have to make the trek allll the way out to Holland to see the best tulips of my life in the Spring time to truly know that Spring has sprung, but that is far from the truth! At the end of this past month aka April as seen on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), my good friend from high school Haley and I went to a gorgeous Virginia tulip farm resembles Holland. This tulip farm is known as none other than Burnside Farms!

Burnside Farms is located in Nokesville, Virginia about an hour South of Washington, DC near Manassas, Virginia in Prince William County. What’s unique about Burnside Farms is that they open for the season when the tulips have fully bloomed for the season. And, in order to prevent crowds and crowds and crowds of people from coming in all at once, Burnside Farms requires a ticketed entry that can be reserved in advance on their website. Haley’s and I’s tickets were about $22.50 each including tax and fees. When visiting, Burnside Farms offers a pick your own option for guests to pick their own tulips, daffodils, and even sunflowers at an extra charge with an adorable and gorgeous straw basket to carry them in (Haley and I chose to just admire them!). Not only does Burnside Farms have a tulip farm, but they also have a sunflower patch in the Summer months and a Christmas tree farm in November and December with similar ticketed entry at least for the sunflower patch. Not to mention, Burnside Farms also has an ADORABLE gift shop filled with local goods, including locally sourced jams aka Papa’s favorite!

Haley and I ended up going to Burnside Farms around 5pm aka the good olde Golden Hour! Burnside Farms has a drop dead gorgeous array of rows and rows and rows of tulips. Many of these rows of tulips are empty, too, making it the PERFECT picture opportunity. You truly feel as if you are in Holland without the hassle and high cost of a trip and plane ticket abroad (BUT, I do wish to travel to see the tulips there someday :)!). Haley and I enjoyed simply catching up with one another as we walked through these gorgeous rows and rows and rows of tulips. We also loved the lack of crowds, especially with the ticketed entry to actually get into visit and see the tulip fields which limited them. Going to Burnside Farms truly felt like I was at a tulip farm that resembles Holland!

My tips for planning your visit to Burnside Farms is to keep an eye on both their website and social media platforms for when their tickets open for each season. Seasons are determined by when the tulips/sunflowers are in peak bloom. Tickets are expected to sell out fast for each season, and they open for each week about a week or two in advance. When I purchased tickets for Haley and I, most of the tickets were already sold out.

For more information on Burnside Farms (which will open in July for sunflowers!) and to plan your own future visit look no further than their website: https://www.burnsidefarms.com

XOXO – Katie <3

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