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Ice Cream Review: Game of Cones at Wanderlust Creamery
Wanderlust Creamery is one of my favorite ice cream shops as they have successfully combined two of my favorite things, travel and ice cream! With the finale of Game of Thrones fast approaching, you must try the seasonal Game of Cones flavors, featuring inspired concoctions from Westeros and beyond!
Wanderlust Creamery - Game of Cones Seasonal Flavors
Locations in Los Angeles, CA: Tarzana, Atwater Village, Venice
Website: Wanderlust Creamery
Wanderlust Creamery is one of my favorite ice cream shops as they have successfully combined two of my favorite things, travel and ice cream! Their unique flavors represent ingredients found around the world, giving you a taste from different countries.
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but this show called Game of Thrones is wrapping up their final season in May. Wanderlust has done it again and has come out with some seasonal Game of Cones flavors, featuring inspired flavors from Westeros and beyond!
Game of Cones Flavors
Winter is Here - Oatmeal ice cream swirled with a housemade honey caramel spiked with 10 year Islay scotch.
WINTER IS HERE
Oatmeal ice cream swirled with a housemade honey caramel spiked with 10 year Islay scotch.
CRÉME OF THE POPPY
We took French coquelicot liqueur, made from wild red poppy flowers, along with grassfed dairy + a sprinkling of poppy seeds to create this "Milk of the Poppy"- inspired flavor.
GROWING STRONG
Our ode to Highgarden: lemon verbena ice cream, speckled with crystalized roses, marigolds, + candied bergamot orange.
DRAGON GLACE
A glassy sorbet of darkest chocolate + Russian imperial stout beer. Vegan & dairy free.
CANDIED PLUMS
DOTHROCKY ROAD - Alderwood smoked sea salt dark chocolate ice cream, with trails of housemade vanilla bean marshmallow creme + smoked almonds.
...from Dorne. Custard ice cream, swirled with housemade spiced plum jam.
A FLAVOR OF ICE & FIRE
An ICY, knee-bending concoction of ‘Fire & Blood’. Sorbet of DRAGONfruit, BLOOD orange, & FIREy ancho chili. Dairy free.
CHILDREN OF THE FOREST FRUITS
Mascarpone ice cream swirled with a housemade jam of blackberry wine, red currants, & wild forest berries.
DOTHROCKY ROAD
Alderwood smoked sea salt dark chocolate ice cream, with trails of housemade vanilla bean marshmallow creme + smoked almonds.
We tried all of them but our favorites were Dothrocky Road and Winter is Here.
The Dothrocky Road has an amazing light and fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow creme ribbon through it. With the sea salt dark chocolate ice cream, that salty sweet combo leaves you wanting more!
Winter is Here had a great caramel mix in with a hint of smooth scotch in the aftertaste!
Hurry in, these flavors are only available through April 1st - May 31st.
*AVAILABLE AT ATWATER VILLAGE, VENICE & TARZANA LOCATIONS. SELECT FLAVORS AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY AT SMORGASBURG LA*
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Need another scoop?
Sweet Review: Milk Bar - Los Angeles
Momofuku’s Milk Bar is open in Los Angeles and people are flocking from all over for these tasty treats! Cookies, cakes, and soft serve will leave you happy and full! Ice cream in LA | Dessert Menu in Los Angeles | Where to go in LA #icecream #losangeles
MILK BAR LOS ANGELES
Location: 7150 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Website: https://milkbarstore.com/
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Milk Bar LA opened on Melrose last September and Angelinos couldn’t be happier! With wait times from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours, Milk Bar treats have proven they are worth the wait! Fortunately, the wait times aren’t as detrimental these days!
With the first Milk Bar location opening in 2008 under the Momofuku Restaurant chain, LA marks #14 with 9 stores in New York, and other locations including Washington, DC, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Toronto.
This award winning bakery was started by Chef Christina Tosi. You may know her as the dessert wizard from the PBS show and can also be found on Netflix, where she creates dreamy desserts along side Chef David Chang. You can even find her as a judge on Masterchef with Gordon Ramsey! She’s all over the place!
MILK BAR MENU
The menu is full of many delicious sweet options, I was kinda glad there was a 35 minute wait to figure out what I wanted.
Milk Bar is built on a world of possibility: we make our cult-favorite treats with unexpected combinations & impossible flavors. We’re on a mission to make the ordinary extraordinary – grab a cookie and come along with us!
Menu
Menu
After hearing their motto, the menu seemed to make more sense. I decided to go with some cookies and ice cream… Soft Serve Ice Cream with Birthday Dough Bites and SPRINKLES! ALWAYS GET SPRINKLES ON TOP! ;-D
Soft Serve Ice Cream
There were only 2 soft serve options: Cereal Milk or Pineapple Fo Sho’ Whip… I dare you to try the twist of those. Supposedly it’s tasty. Right around Valentine’s Day there was a Red Velvet soft serve!
Toppings
All of the cakes looked so good! You can buy a whole cake or just a slice!
We were all completely satisfied with our selections!
MILK BAR CLASSROOM
The classroom is available for individuals to sign up or a great place for a group event!
For about $95, you can make the best cake you’ll ever make in your life!
In our cake classes we’ll show you all the steps for assembling our most popular layer cake flavor combinations (an irresistible balance of cake, spread, frosting, crumbs, and crunch!), and how we transform our cake scraps and turn them into bite sized cake truffles! Or join us in making our signature item, crack pie®, from start to finish with a bonus lesson on turning cake scraps into truffles while your pie is in the oven!
At the end of class all participants take home everything they make, plus recipes and other bonus info! All ages and all levels of expertise welcome.
Classes are offered in our Logan Circle, DC Flagship and Los Angeles flagship locations as well as our Brooklyn HQ
Sign up here: https://milkbarstore.com/events/classes/
SO. MUCH. PINK!!
Don’t have time for a class? Try making treats at home:
And make them in style:
Don’t live in New York or Los Angeles? Goldbely can help and deliver these tasty treats to your door! Check it out here: Milk Bar on Goldbely
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St Patrick's Day Ice Cream & Events in Los Angeles
Happy St Patty’s Day! See how to celebrate with the events in Los Angeles on St Patrick’s this Sunday! Things to do on St Patrick’s Day in LA | Bars for St Patrick’s Day
HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY! Let's celebrate with a wee bit o'ice cream!
O’Venice Sign in Venice Beach
Here are some other great events in Los Angeles to celebrate St Patricks Day in Los Angeles:
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Redondo Beach
Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival Downtown LA
Rock and Reilly’s Annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party West Hollywood
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Original Farmers Market
Flogging Molly at the Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood
Time Out LA’s The best Irish pubs in Los Angeles to raise a pint
Popsicle: St Patrick's Day - Summer is here! Rick's Pool Bar @ Hotel Figueroa
Downtown LA St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl and Beer Garden!
St Patrick’s Day Ice Cream
Salt and Straw features many different unique flavors that you won't find in most ice cream shops.
Monthly, they rotate seasonal flavors relating to the season or a holiday! For instance, see the weirdest flavors we tried last November:
November Menu
The buttered mashed potatoes and gravy was interesting to say the least. For March, they have some of the best flavors I have ever tried!
The real winner here was the classic: Pots of Gold and Rainbows, which has come back every March since 2013.
Pots of Gold and Rainbows
Mixed with chunks of lucky charms, ice cream makers spend over 600 hours this month separating out the Lucky Charms marshmallows from the cereal to create this fabulous edition. They then seep the cereal in cream for the ice cream base and the marshmallows transform into perfect frozen gooey nuggets that are blended into the cereal goodness.
Stop everything that you're doing and get to the nearest Salt and Straw! Locations and local flavors can be found: HERE
The Venice Beach Sign - St Patrick’s Day
The Venice Chamber has been in the holiday spirit, adding elements to the iconic VENICE sign at Pacific St and Windward Ave! The Venice Sign Committee is responsible for the maintenance of the sign and started the Adopt-a-Bulb program.
Venice Beach Sign - O’Venice
At Christmas, there were red and green bulbs, for Valentine's Day they added a heart with purple lights. See more holidays on their website, Venice Sign Committee. For St Patrick's Day they add the "O" and green lights! So cute!
Hope you enjoy your St Patrick's day! :)
5 Days in Tromsø, Norway: A Winter 5-Day Tromsø Itinerary
Planning 5 days in Tromsø, Norway? Follow our real winter itinerary with dog sledding, reindeer, whale watching, Northern Lights, a Sámi lavvu stay and cross-country skiing — plus updated 2026 planning tips.
What is there to do in Tromsø, Norway during winter? PLENTY!
Northern Lights just outside of Tromsø, Norway
Updated October 2026: We took this winter trip to Tromsø nearly a decade ago, and it is still one of our favorite trips we’ve ever taken. Since tours, restaurants and travel logistics can change over time, I’ve updated this guide with current planning information for 2026 while keeping our original experiences and photos throughout. When something has changed since our visit, I’ve noted it below.
If you’re wondering whether five days in Tromsø is enough, we packed an incredible amount into our winter trip. We went dog sledding, rode through the snow behind reindeer, saw wild orcas while whale watching, slept in a traditional lavvu near the Lyngen Alps, tried cross-country skiing and chased the Northern Lights.
We originally planned the trip around seeing the aurora, but because the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, we made sure the rest of our itinerary would be worth traveling to Norway for even if the sky didn’t cooperate. That turned out to be one of the best decisions we made — and it’s still how I would plan a winter trip to Tromsø today.
❄️ Jump to Your Tromsø Adventure
Planning your trip? Skip ahead to the section you need.
❄️ 5-Day Tromsø Itinerary at a Glance
Dog sledding, reindeer, whales, Northern Lights & plenty of Arctic adventure
Our itinerary began in central Tromsø but we spent the latter part of the trip outside the city near the Lyngen Alps, so this is best thought of as a Tromsø-based winter itinerary rather than five days entirely within downtown Tromsø.
How We Planned Our 5 Days in Tromsø
Seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø was the original inspiration for this trip, but we knew there was never a guarantee that we would actually see them. Instead of planning our entire vacation around the aurora, we filled our five days with other winter adventures we would be excited about no matter what the sky decided to do — including dog sledding, reindeer sledding, whale watching and cross-country skiing.
At the time, Josh was working with a producer whose friend had a travel company called Off The Map Travel, which specializes in Arctic trips. After a few emails back and forth, they created a Tromsø itinerary that we could adjust based on the experiences we wanted to include.
One activity I wasn’t immediately sold on? Sleeping overnight in a traditional Sàmi lavvu (teepee) in the snow. Josh thought it sounded amazing. I thought sleeping in a tent above the Arctic Circle sounded slightly insane.
I eventually agreed — and it ended up being one of the most magical parts of the entire trip.
The next steps were to book our flights and purchase warm clothes since this California girl doesn't know what to do in the snow but wants to build a snowman.
🧤 Planning your own winter trip? See my Packing Essentials for Snow Guide and Check-List before you go.
Getting to Tromsø, Norway
For our trip, we were visiting family in Syracuse for Christmas first, so we flew SAS from Newark to Oslo and then Oslo to Tromsø. There were no nonstop flights from New York to Tromsø, so Oslo was our connection before continuing north above the Arctic Circle.
That basic route still makes sense for U.S. travelers today, although there are now more ways to reach Tromsø. Oslo has frequent flights to Tromsø, and the flight north takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Tromsø also has seasonal and year-round nonstop connections from a growing number of European cities, so depending on where you’re traveling from, you may be able to connect elsewhere in Europe instead of Oslo.
Connecting Through Oslo
When we took this trip, we arrived in Oslo, went through customs, collected our luggage and checked it again before continuing to Tromsø.
This is one thing that has changed since our trip. Some international passengers connecting to a domestic Norwegian flight can now use Oslo Airport’s Domestic Transfer service and have checked baggage transferred automatically. Eligibility depends on your airline, itinerary and whether everything is booked on one through-ticket, so check your baggage tag and current Oslo Airport instructions when you travel.
Getting From Tromsø Airport to the City
Tromsø Airport is only about 5 km from the city center, making the final part of the trip surprisingly easy. We had transportation arranged to our hotel, but today travelers can also take an airport bus, local city bus or taxi. The trip between the airport and central Tromsø generally takes about 10–20 minutes.
Once we arrived, we checked into Clarion Hotel The Edge and our five-day Tromsø adventure officially began!
Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø + Evening Dog Sledding
After landing in Tromsø, we headed straight to our hotel in the city center, dropped off our bags and got ready for our first Arctic adventure: dog sledding at night!
Clarion at the Edge - Tromso, Norway
Where We Stayed in Tromsø: Clarion Hotel The Edge
For the first part of our trip, we stayed at Clarion Hotel The Edge, right on the waterfront in central Tromsø.
The location worked really well for us because we could easily walk around downtown and reach several of the meeting points for our tours. The hotel is also only about 10 minutes from Tromsø Airport, so it was an easy place to start our five-day itinerary.
Our room overlooked Tromsø Sound toward the Arctic Cathedral, and the beds were especially welcome after the long trip from the U.S.
Tromsø views
View from our room at the Clarion in Tromso, Norway
Their restaurant on the second floor had good food (and wine). Oh and they had the best sign:
Stressed Spelled Backwards is desserts! YES IT IS!
2026 Update: Clarion Hotel The Edge is still one of the most conveniently located hotels in Tromsø. It sits right on the waterfront in the city center, with airport transportation nearby and easy access to restaurants, sightseeing and many Arctic tour departure points.
Planning Tip: If you want to do several excursions from Tromsø without renting a car, I would stay somewhere in the city center. Many dog-sledding, reindeer and Northern Lights tours include transportation from central meeting points.
Presis had swings as dining room chairs
Dinner in Tromsø Before Dog Sledding
Before our evening dog-sledding tour, we grabbed dinner at Presis Tapas in downtown Tromsø. We shared several small plates before walking over to the Scandic Ishavshotel to meet our tour.
2026 Update: Presis Tapas has since closed, so I wouldn’t build it into a current Tromsø itinerary. If you're following our schedule today, I’d simply plan an early dinner somewhere in the city center before your evening excursion.
Upon entering, the candlelight from the tables gave a cozy and welcoming vibe, and my eyes lit up when I looked over observing that instead of chairs, some of the tables had swings! The four-year-old inside me wanted to run over and sit on one instantly, but instead, the hostess sat us at a table with plain old regular four-legged chairs by the window instead. It was probably for the better because I would have played on the swing and knocked over food, water, or a candle with the potential of lighting the restaurant on fire. So instead, I sat for a quick picture.
The food was delicious. We had their ham, bread with salt and olive oil, potatoes with a garlic aioli sauce, and spicy meatballs. It was the perfect amount of food for the 2 of us, almost too much!
🎿 Click here for our Packing Essentials for Snow Guide and Check-List
Getting acquainted with the dog before my evening dog sledding adventure in Tromsø
Evening Dog Sledding in Tromsø
We didn’t waste much time settling in. That same evening, we walked over to the Scandic Ishavshotel, where a small bus from Arctic Adventure Tours was waiting to take us out to their husky kennel.
The drive took about 30 minutes, and the second we arrived I wanted to run straight over to the dogs. They were bouncing in and out of their little houses, barking and clearly very excited that it was almost time to run.
Before heading out, we were given winter suits, boots, gloves and headlamps and went through a quick orientation on how to handle the sled.
Then the dogs realized it was time to go.
They immediately started barking and jumping with excitement.
Dog sledding pup sleeping
They were chained to little dog houses and jumping in and out of them, excited we were there to visit and give them attention! We were called into a room to suit up and get a winter suit, boots, gloves, and a headlamp for our sledding. It was probably for the better to wear their gear since the dogs were so smelly (but still so cute) it wouldn't stink up our clothes on our first day.
We had a quick orientation and headed to the sleds. The dogs instantly started barking and jumping with excitement when they saw us!
Our sleds and very excited huskies waiting to head out into the snowy Arctic night near Tromsø.
What Dog Sledding Was Actually Like
We rode two people to a sled and took turns riding and driving.
I definitely preferred riding!
Driving a dog sled is much more active than I expected. You aren’t just standing on the back while the dogs do all the work. When you go uphill, you may need to run or push alongside the sled to help the dogs, and you need to pay attention to braking and keeping the right distance from the team in front of you.
Once we started moving, though, it was incredible.
We raced through the dark Arctic landscape beneath a sky full of stars, with almost nothing around us except snow, dogs and the glow from our headlamps.
And then our dogs decided to make the evening a little more interesting.
At one point, our team became completely tangled and refused to keep going. Since we were the last sled, everyone else disappeared ahead of us while we sat there wondering if we had somehow managed to get lost in the Norwegian wilderness on our very first night.
Eventually we saw a headlamp coming back toward us.
We were saved!
Even our instructor had trouble untangling the dogs, but after a few more minutes we were finally back on the trail.
Our total sledding time was around an hour, and despite our little detour, it was easily one of the most memorable ways I could imagine beginning a winter trip to Tromsø.
How could you get mad at a face like this:
After the tour, we changed out of our wet clothes and warmed up with some hot cocoa in this traditional Sami lavvu.
Can You Still Book This Dog-Sledding Tour?
Yes. Arctic Adventure Tours is still operating in Tromsø, although the exact experience may have changed since our visit.
For the 2026–2027 winter season, its current self-drive dog-sledding tour lasts about four hours total, including transportation from Tromsø, with approximately 70–80 minutes of sledding. Guests still meet outside the Scandic Ishavshotel before traveling to the company’s kennel on Kvaløya. Thermal suits, winter boots and mittens are included.
The experience is active — you’ll help the dogs on parts of the trail — so this is not just a sightseeing ride.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. If you’re planning five days in Tromsø in winter, dog sledding would still be near the top of my list.
Reindeer Sledding in Tromso, Norway
Day 2: Reindeer Sledding + Sámi Culture
Our second day in Tromsø started with one of the experiences I was most excited about: reindeer sledding with Tromsø Lapland.
We left Tromsø and traveled out into the snowy countryside, where we met our Sámi guides and their herd of reindeer. Compared with dog sledding the night before, reindeer sledding was much slower and more peaceful — which gave us time to actually take in the incredible Arctic scenery around us.
Feeding Reindeer
Reindeer Sledding Near Tromsø
When we visited, our reindeer-sledding route was about 3 kilometers and lasted around 40 minutes.
We sat bundled together on the sled while the reindeer pulled us through the snow, surrounded by mountains and a seemingly endless white landscape. It felt completely different from anything we had ever done before.
And yes — the reindeer were just as adorable as I hoped they would be.
After the ride, we had the chance to spend more time around the animals and learn about their importance to Sámi culture and reindeer herding traditions.
Learning About Sámi Culture
The experience was about much more than simply riding behind a reindeer.
Our Sámi hosts shared stories about their culture, traditions and connection to the reindeer, giving us a glimpse into life in Northern Norway that we never would have gotten by simply staying in Tromsø.
Reindeer husbandry remains an important part of Sámi culture today, and many winter reindeer experiences around Tromsø combine time with the animals with storytelling, traditional food and an introduction to Sámi history and contemporary life.
This ended up being one of those activities that was both fun and genuinely interesting, and I’m really glad we made room for it in our five-day itinerary.
Reindeer in Norway
Can You Still Go Reindeer Sledding With Tromsø Lapland?
Yes! Tromsø Lapland is still operating, but the experience offered today is a little different from the one we took.
For the current winter season, the reindeer-sledding tour lasts about 4½ hours total, including transportation from Tromsø. The camp is approximately 50 minutes outside the city, and the current itinerary includes:
A roughly 20-minute reindeer sled ride
Feeding the reindeer
A traditional lunch of bidos, a Sámi reindeer stew, with alternative dietary options available
Hot drinks
An introduction to Sámi culture from a Sámi guide
Winter gear including snowsuits, boot covers, hats and mittens
So if you are recreating our itinerary today, don’t expect the exact 40-minute sled ride we experienced. Tour length and sledding conditions can also vary depending on the snow.
Would I still include this in a 5-day Tromsø itinerary? Absolutely. It was completely different from dog sledding and gave us a much deeper connection to the culture and history of Northern Norway.
Explore Tromsø
After returning to the city, we had some time to walk around central Tromsø before our evening plans.
Tromsø is compact enough that you can easily explore much of the downtown area on foot. If I were planning this trip today, I would intentionally leave a few hours open here rather than booking another major excursion.
Use the afternoon to wander the waterfront, browse the shops and cafés around the city center, or simply warm up somewhere before heading back out into the Arctic night.
And after two days packed with dogs, reindeer and snow, a slower afternoon felt pretty nice.
See our full story: Reindeer Rides in Tromsø, Norway
Drinks at Huken
Address: Storgata 39, 9008 Tromsø
That evening, we ate at Huken Pub, a tiny, cozy spot in downtown Tromsø that we loved for its casual atmosphere and hearty pub food.
2026 Update: The original Huken Pub location has since closed, but the Huken concept continues today as Huken Brygg at Storgata 39 in central Tromsø. The current restaurant still serves casual comfort food like burgers, baked potatoes and savory pancakes, along with drinks across its three-floor bar and restaurant space.
Huken Pub in Tromso, Norway
A storm came in so strong that the rain from it turned into icy roads. We were supposed to go out to see the lights but the bus wasn't going to be safe in the icy conditions and we had to cancel our tour.
We weren't surprised, it was still overcast and others who had gone out the night before drove 2 hours to Finland to see the Northern Lights, some weren't able to catch them at all.
Huken Pub brews
Instead, we went to Huken Pub right around the corner of our hotel. We had some time to kill, where we just wanted to sit and have a beer. This was the perfect place. The decor is unique, suitcases as tables and barn chic interior.
Huken Pub Bar
After a couple of drinks, we walked around for a bit and enjoyed the charm of this quaint town.
Streets of Tromso
Tromsø Cathedral glowing on a winter night in the heart of downtown Tromsø.
Tromsø Harbor at night, glowing with colorful lights along the waterfront.
Day 3: Whale Watching + An Overnight Lavvu Stay
Day 3 was a big one. We started the morning searching for wild orcas, checked out of our hotel in Tromsø, traveled toward the Lyngen Alps and ended the night sleeping in a traditional Sámi lavvu beneath the Arctic sky.
And somewhere in between all of that, we finally saw the Northern Lights!
Wild orcas surfaced all around the boats during our winter whale-watching trip near Tromsø.
Whale Watching From Tromsø
Whale watching was one of the experiences we were most excited about on this trip.
We booked our excursion through Off the Map Travel with Arctic Cruise in Norway (ACIN) and boarded the Arctic Princess, a Lagoon 450 catamaran, from Tromsø Harbor.
Because we were heading out on the water in the middle of winter, I was slightly concerned about just how cold we were going to be. Thankfully, warm waterproof suits were provided — although I still recommend wearing plenty of warm layers underneath.
Once we were out on the water, another tour company alerted our captain that they had spotted a pod of orcas.
We headed straight toward them.
And then there they were!
We saw a pod of around 10 wild orcas, surfacing between the boats as they moved through the fjord. Sometimes we could spot their distinctive white patches as they came above the water, while flocks of seabirds circling overhead helped give away where the whales were feeding.
No, they weren't leaping through the air like Free Willy — but seeing orcas in the wild, surrounded by snowy Norwegian mountains, was still incredible.
We watched them for what felt like almost an hour before the cold finally got the best of me. Even with all of my layers, my feet were freezing!
👉 Read our full experience: Whale Watching With Wild Orcas in Norway
Seeing wild orcas surrounded by snowy mountains was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our Tromsø trip
Important 2026 Whale-Watching Update
This is one part of our itinerary that I would plan differently today.
When we visited, the whales were much closer to Tromsø and we were able to take a relatively straightforward boat trip from the harbor.
In recent years, the whales have generally followed the herring farther north toward the Skjervøy and Kvænangen area. Because of that, many whale-watching excursions from Tromsø now take most of the day. Some travel north entirely by boat, while others combine a bus or minibus transfer with a boat excursion from Skjervøy.
Whale-watching season is typically November through January, although the exact timing and location of the whales can change from year to year.
Planning Tip: If whale watching is important to you, I would treat Day 3 as a full whale-watching day when planning a current Tromsø itinerary. Don't schedule another time-sensitive excursion immediately afterward.
And, of course, these are wild animals — sightings are never guaranteed.
Leaving Tromsø for the Lyngen Alps
After whale watching, we returned to Clarion Hotel The Edge, where we had arranged a late checkout so we could shower and change before the next part of our adventure.
Then it was time to leave central Tromsø behind.
Off the Map travel had arranged transportation toward the Lyngen Alps, where we met Ann Kristin from Aurora Alps. This would be our home base for the remainder of the trip.
Our original plan was to sleep in a cabin that first night.
I was relieved.
I had agreed to sleep in a traditional lavvu at some point during this trip, but I was still trying to convince myself that sleeping in a tent in the snow above the Arctic Circle was a good idea.
Then we arrived and learned that our itinerary had changed.
We were sleeping in the lavvu that night.
O.M.G.
The traditional Sámi lavvu where we spent the night, tucked into the snowy forest outside Tromsø.
Sleeping in a Traditional Sámi Lavvu
We grabbed our bags and followed a little illuminated path to the lavvu, which sat only a short distance from the main house.
And almost immediately, all of my worries disappeared.
The whole setup was enchanting.
Inside, candles and string lights gave the lavvu a warm glow. There was a wood-burning stove, plenty of firewood, a table filled with food, hot drinks waiting for us, a cozy sitting area and a separate sleeping space with sleeping bags.
This was definitely my kind of camping.
As long as someone kept that fire going!
Sleeping in the lavvu ended up being one of the experiences I remember most from our entire Norway trip.
👉 Read the full story: Sleeping in a Sámi Lavvu in Norway
2026 Update: Aurora Alps still operates its winter basecamp in Breivikeidet, about 50 minutes outside Tromsø, with activities including dog sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. However, I could not find our exact overnight lavvu experience offered as a current bookable stay, so I would consider this part of our itinerary an experience from our original trip rather than something you can necessarily recreate exactly today.
We strapped on snowshoes and headed into the snow to look for the Northern Lights near our lavvu outside Tromsø.
Snowshoeing Under the Arctic Sky
Sitting outside our lavvu were two pairs of snowshoes.
I thought they looked cute.
I had absolutely no idea how to use them.
Ann Kristin told us conditions might improve enough to see the Northern Lights that night and suggested taking the snowshoes out to a clearing nearby if the sky began to clear.
So we grabbed our camera equipment, Josh helped me get my snowshoes on, and off we went.
At first, the sky was cloudy with a light rain.
We waited.
After about 15 minutes, stars slowly started appearing as the clouds broke apart.
We were expecting the Northern Lights to suddenly appear as obvious bright-green streaks across the sky.
That's not exactly what happened.
Josh started taking pictures of what looked like faint glowing clouds.
Then he looked at his camera screen.
“THAT'S IT!”
There they were.
Green Northern Lights.
Our first Northern Lights sighting
Once we knew what we were looking for, we started pointing our cameras at practically every suspicious-looking glow in the sky.
Some of the aurora was much easier to see through the camera than with our eyes that first night, but we didn't care.
After having our Northern Lights tour canceled the night before because of the weather, we had finally seen the aurora in Norway.
And we still had two nights left to look for more.
Day 4: Dog Sledding + a Northern Lights Chase
After our night in the lavvu, we packed up and left our bags with Aurora Alps, who moved them over to the cabin where we would be staying that night.
Then we headed back toward Tromsø for something that was starting to feel very familiar by this point: more dog sledding!
Daytime Dog Sledding
Yes, we went dog sledding twice on this trip.
After our first nighttime adventure, we felt like pros when we arrived for our second dog-sledding excursion. We suited up, met another very enthusiastic group of huskies and climbed onto our sleds.
This experience ended up feeling completely different from our first one.
Instead of racing through the darkness beneath the stars, we could actually see the snowy landscape around us — although the weather wasn't exactly cooperating. It was rainy, and some parts of the trail had so much water that dog sledding started to feel a little like water skiing!
Eventually water found its way inside my winter suit, and I was wet and freezing.
Thankfully, after the ride we headed inside to warm up with lunch and plenty of hot chocolate.
Would I Go Dog Sledding Twice Today?
We loved both experiences, but if I were planning this 5-day Tromsø itinerary today, I probably wouldn't book two separate dog-sledding tours unless dog sledding was one of the main reasons for the trip.
Our nighttime and daytime tours were surprisingly different, so I don't regret doing both. But with only five days in Tromsø, I would now consider using this time to explore more of Tromsø or try another Arctic activity.
If you've never been dog sledding before, though, I would absolutely include one dog-sledding adventure in your itinerary.
Our daytime dog-sledding adventure near Tromsø gave us a completely different view of the snowy Arctic landscape.
Evening Northern Lights Chase
That evening was the excursion we had been waiting for: a dedicated Northern Lights chase.
We had already gotten our first glimpse of the aurora near our lavvu the night before, but this time we were going out with a guide specifically to find clearer skies.
Our private tour had been arranged through Off the Map Travel, and our guide picked us up directly from our cabin.
Instead of simply driving to one predetermined viewing spot, we looked at the weather and cloud cover and went wherever conditions seemed most promising.
And we drove.
And drove.
At one point, we even crossed the border into Finland in search of clearer skies!
This is one of the biggest things I learned about chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø: sometimes the best place to see them isn't anywhere near Tromsø.
We bundled up in practically every warm item we owned, brought all of our camera gear and made several stops throughout the night as our guide searched for breaks in the clouds.
Eventually, we found them.
The Northern Lights!
Northern Lights in Finland
Seeing the aurora with a guide was completely different from trying to identify faint green clouds on our own the previous evening. We could move with the weather, escape cloud cover and spend the night actively searching for the best conditions.
After several hours of chasing the aurora, we finally headed back to our cabin — cold, tired and very happy.
Do You Need a Northern Lights Tour in Tromsø?
You don't have to take a tour to see the Northern Lights. We actually saw them on our own near our lavvu the night before.
But after doing both, I think a Northern Lights chase is absolutely worth considering, especially if this is your first trip to Tromsø.
Guides monitor weather, cloud cover and aurora conditions and can drive significant distances to find clearer skies. Current Northern Lights chases from Tromsø commonly last around 5–8 hours, and some tours may cross into Finland when conditions are better there.
Important: If your tour may cross the border, bring your passport or national ID with you.
And remember: even with a guide, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. No tour can guarantee that you'll see them.
My Biggest Northern Lights Planning Tip
Don't save your Northern Lights tour for your final night.
Weather in the Arctic changes quickly, and our first scheduled aurora excursion was canceled because of poor conditions. By booking your chase earlier in your trip, you leave yourself another night or two to try again if necessary.
For a five-day Tromsø itinerary, I would plan a dedicated Northern Lights chase around Day 2, 3 or 4 rather than waiting until Day 5.
We checked out of the teepee and stored our bags with Aurora Alps, which they brought them over to the cabin next door later that day. We went back towards Tromsø but stopped just after the bridge for our day dog sledding tour! There were so many cute smelly pups that were so happy to see us!
We felt like pros since we had already gone dog sledding at night in the dark! We put on our suits over our clothes and jumped on our sleds.
It was kinda rainy and it seemed like the path they were taking hadn't had snow in a while. In certain areas it was almost like water skiing which was fun but since it was raining, water had somehow leaked into my suit, and I was wet and very very cold.
We warmed up and had some lunch in the community room (and lots of hot chocolate!).
Winter in Norway
Day 5: Cross-Country Skiing + New Year’s Eve
By Day 5, we were exhausted.
We had packed so much into the previous four days that we finally let ourselves sleep in a little before heading out for one last Arctic activity: cross-country skiing.
Cross country skiing in Norway
Cross-Country Skiing Near Tromsø
This was my first time cross-country skiing, so there were definitely a few falls involved!
Once I got the hang of it, though, it was such a peaceful way to experience the winter landscape. We skied through quiet woods, surrounded by snow, and even spotted moose tracks along the way.
My thighs were definitely sore the next day, but I loved trying something completely new.
Partway through our outing, we stopped at a small cabin tucked away in the woods. There was no electricity, just a cozy fire where we cooked hot dogs and warmed up with hot chocolate from a thermos.
Before leaving, we signed the cabin's guest book and wrote that we hoped we'd return someday.
It was such a simple afternoon compared with some of our bigger adventures — and one of those little moments from the trip that I still remember.
Our cozy cabin near the Lyngen Alps made a peaceful home base for the final days of our Tromsø winter trip.
Can You Still Go Cross-Country Skiing Near Tromsø?
Yes. Aurora Alps still offers cross-country skiing from its Breivikeidet basecamp outside Tromsø, including experiences designed for beginners.
You definitely don't need to be an experienced skier to try it. I certainly wasn't!
If you're looking for a quieter winter activity between dog sledding, whale watching and Northern Lights tours, cross-country skiing is a fun way to slow down and actually enjoy the snowy scenery.
New Year’s Eve in Norway
Our fifth day also happened to be New Year's Eve, which made the final night of our trip even more memorable.
We had dinner in the main hall and then bundled up again around midnight to watch the neighbors set off fireworks.
Fireworks seemed to be coming from every direction, with neighboring areas putting on their own displays across the snowy landscape.
It was such a fun way to ring in the New Year above the Arctic Circle.
2026 Update: Norway currently allows private fireworks on New Year's Eve between 6:00 p.m. on December 31 and 2:00 a.m. on January 1, although local restrictions may apply. So the old 11:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. rule in my original post is no longer accurate.
One Last Northern Lights Show
We thought the fireworks were going to be the grand finale of our trip.
Norway had other plans.
At around 1 a.m., the clouds began clearing and we noticed the Northern Lights glowing directly above us.
Out came the cameras again.
We stood outside watching the sky for a while before eventually heading back inside to warm up and start getting ready for bed.
Then Josh went outside for one more look.
A few moments later, he came running back in.
“Come out! Come out!”
This time, I didn't need a camera to tell me what I was looking at.
Northern Lights in Norway
Bright green streaks were visible across the sky.
One of the glowing bands became brighter and greener and then started moving across the sky.
The Northern Lights were dancing.
After spending the entire trip hoping we would see them — dealing with clouds, rain, icy roads and even a canceled aurora tour — there they were on our final night.
It was the perfect ending to our five days in Tromsø and a pretty incredible way to start a new year.
Even a softer aurora display felt magical against the dark winter sky near Tromsø.
As I was looking in the sky, one of the glowing clouds got brighter and greener and started moving! I turned to Josh and said, "look at that," pointing at the green streak of the aurora borealis!
The Northern Lights finally danced across the sky on our last night in Norway — the perfect ending to our five days in Tromsø.
This green streak only got brighter and brighter and danced across the sky, dazzling different colors of white, green and blue as it moved.
Watching the Northern Lights glow above our cabin near Tromsø was one of the most unforgettable moments of our Norway trip.
One Thing This Trip Taught Me About Seeing the Northern Lights
If seeing the aurora is important to you, give yourself multiple nights in Tromsø.
We didn't see spectacular Northern Lights every night. One tour was canceled because of weather. On another night, the aurora was much easier to see through our cameras than with our eyes.
And then, on our final night, they danced directly above us.
That's exactly why I wouldn't plan a Tromsø trip around one single Northern Lights excursion. Fill your days with experiences you'd love even if the aurora never appears — and give yourself several nights for the sky to cooperate.
Don’t forget to check out our packing list for your next snow adventure!
Would I Plan the Same 5-Day Tromsø Itinerary Today?
Honestly, mostly yes.
We took this trip almost a decade ago, but many of the experiences we loved most are still exactly what I would want from a winter trip to Tromsø today: dog sledding, reindeer sledding and learning about Sámi culture, whale watching in season, chasing the Northern Lights, and spending some time outside the city surrounded by Arctic scenery.
The biggest change I would make is doing only one dog-sledding tour instead of two. Our nighttime and daytime experiences were surprisingly different, so I’m glad we did both, but with only five days in Tromsø, I would probably use that extra half-day to explore more of the city.
I’d leave time to wander downtown Tromsø, walk along the harbor and consider visiting places like the Arctic Cathedral, Fjellheisen cable car or Polaria. We packed our original itinerary so full of excursions that we didn’t spend nearly as much time actually exploring Tromsø itself.
I would also plan whale watching as a full-day activity today. The whales have moved farther north in recent years, so current excursions can take much longer than the trip we experienced.
One thing I definitely wouldn’t change is giving ourselves several nights to look for the Northern Lights. Weather canceled one of our planned excursions, we had subtle aurora sightings on other nights, and then finally watched the lights dance across the sky on our last night.
So if I were planning these five days in Tromsø again, my ideal itinerary would still include:
One dog-sledding adventure
Reindeer sledding + a Sámi cultural experience
Whale watching if traveling during whale season
A dedicated Northern Lights chase
A winter activity like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
Time outside Tromsø to experience the Arctic landscape
At least a few hours to actually explore Tromsø itself
The details may have changed since our trip, but the overall idea hasn’t: fill your days with Arctic experiences you’ll love even if the Northern Lights don’t appear, and give yourself several nights for the sky to surprise you.
That’s still exactly how I would plan five days in Tromsø today.
Tromsø Itinerary FAQs
Is 5 days in Tromsø enough?
Yes. Five days gives you time for several major winter activities while also giving you multiple nights to look for the Northern Lights.
What is the best month for this Tromsø itinerary?
For the closest match to our trip, I’d choose November through January. That gives you the best overlap of winter activities, whale watching, and Northern Lights season.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Yes, but sightings are never guaranteed. Give yourself several nights since cloud cover and weather can change quickly.
Do you need a car in Tromsø?
No. Tromsø is walkable, and many popular winter tours include transportation from central meeting points.
Can you go whale watching in Tromsø year-round?
No. The main whale-watching season is generally November through January, and current tours often travel farther north toward Skjervøy.
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Ice Cream Review: Café Kantary, Cape Kudu Hotel in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
My favorite hotel in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand, had the cutest and most colorful ice cream! See the fabulous Cape Kudu hotel and their food joint, Cafe Kantary. Places to eat in Thailand | Where to go in Thailand | Places to stay in Koh Yao Noi #thailand #icecream #kohyaonoi
Café Kantary in the Cape Kudu Hotel on Koh Yao Noi
Address: Tambon Ko Yao Noi, Chang Wat, Phang Nga, Thailand
Website: Cape Kudu Hotel - Café Kantary
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Scoops
Beach day and ice cream? I think that's all you need in life. Or maybe that's love and ice cream... Anyhoo, when we went to Koh Yao Noi in Thailand and stayed at one of my favorite hotels ever (Cape Kudu Hotel – new blog post coming soon), there was an amazing cafe called Café Kantary that served pizza, pancakes, desserts and ice cream! After all the other food that wasn’t agreeing with me in Thailand, familiar food was super comforting! Make sure you pack your Pepto even if you don’t think you’ll get sick!
Inside this place was adorable! Much like the Cape Kudu hotel that it is connected to, it had an upscale cafe vibe with a splash of seaside decor. A full coffee bar, to die for pastries on the right and 12 ice cream options on the left, the sensory overload made it very difficult to choose my snack!
Koh Yao Noi is a pretty small island! It was hard to research where to go and what to eat. This place was everything I needed! From fruit sorbets to green tea ice cream, there was something for everyone here.
Again, as we saw at Ice Love You Cafe in Chiang Mai, Café Kantary also had a blue mint chip ice cream!
All cones were homemade! Strawberry, chocolate, or plain waffle cones were all superb options. Of course, I simply couldn't turn down a PINK cone! Like geometry, that was a given. As for the ice cream, I tried a few of the local flavors including the green tea ice cream, which tasted like iced tea. I tried a few of their sorbets which were fine, but I was in a chocolate mood so I got a Double Chocolate Chip with a blue Mint Chocolate Chip on top!
It was a perfect sunset snack after our buggy ride around the island! So good that we took it to the pool side and enjoyed the island views (and those comfy lounge chairs)!
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Hotel Review: Cape Kudu - Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Our favorite hotel in Thailand was the Cape Kudu Hotel in Koh Yao Noi. Not only was it elegant, coastal and private, but it was perfectly priced too! We didn’t get the crowds of Phuket and still had the amazing island experience. Where to stay in Thailand | Best Hotel in Thailand #thailand #hotel
After Chiang Mai and quick trip for a dive in Khao Lak we were ready for some relaxation and headed for the islands! We heard how Phuket was overcrowded and that the islands nearby are just as nice! Friends recommended Koh Yao Noi and after some research we decided it would be the perfect spot! The Cape Kudu Hotel sounded nice, had raving reviews on almost all travel websites and was listed at a great price. Everything in Thailand is so cheap!
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I fell in love with the Cape Kudu hotel from our first step into the lobby. Not only are they located on the beach but also the entire hotel is basically my coastal home design dream! *See how to get to and from the hotel at the bottom of the post
Lots of seashells and starfish everywhere - my kind of place! We stayed here the first few days of January and the Christmas tree was still up - just for a little bit!
OUR Cape Kudu HOTEL ROOM
Our host at the front desk guided us to our room and showed us all the fancy features our room had to offer: free waters, tea & coffee, fresh fruit, a refrigerator, room bug repellent, laundry bag, room service book, etc.
Since we had been traveling non-stop for a few days, we were really looking forward to crashing and not having to wake up early. The bed was soft, yet firm, the perfect balance for a restful sleep.
We had a corner room, so we had a nice window behind the seating area! It made the room that much brighter during the day.
The best and cutest Do Not Disturb sign ever! How clever! I was extra excited because we had JUST seen an octopus while diving in Khao Lak that day!
We needed a late night snack so we ordered a brownie with ICE CREAM, of course. YUM!
THE PORCH
The porch to our room was definitely my favorite spot in the mornings! With a swing and ocean views, what more do you need?! Well, could have done with less bugs...
BATHROOM
The bathroom was spacious and gorgeous. The tub and shower were separate, and I liked that the shower had a removable nozzle so I could wash my feet easily at the end of the day.
Also, in the closet Cape Kudu provided lightweight robes, flip-flops, a beach bag and slippers for you to use during your stay. The bathroom amenities were nice, the shampoo reminded me of my shampoo at home! It had a lemongrass sage smell to it.
This laundry bag made me laugh out loud! "Laundry today or naked tomorrow!" Yup, sounds about right!
POOL
The infinity pool was phenomenal! The lounge chairs were bean bag-ish but firmer so that you wiggle your way into your comfy spot.
The water temperature was on the cool side, which was perfect after some sun bathing! With a view like this, there was no motivation to leave!
BEACH AND ACTIVITIES
Across the road from the hotel was a private beach were the hotel sets up lounge chairs and umbrellas to enjoy some sunshine in the sand.
I even found a swing!
The front desk was so helpful in booking activities. We booked a private longtail boat to take us out to the islands and it was worth every penny. With a guide, a driver and just us, we could take our time on the islands and they knew where to take us before it got too crowded.
We also rented a scooter and toured around the Island for a few hours. We also used it to get to dinner one night.
There was room that was like a rec room complete with pool table but also a business office with computers setup.
RESTAURANTS
Hornbill Restaurant
We mainly had breakfast and linner here. That's right I said linner. For breakfast, the most amazing buffet spread you've ever seen is available including an omelette/pancake/waffle bar, where chef will make them any way you'd like!
Thai Roti is a specialty in Thailand and is a wheat flour pan-fried bread with Muslim origins. It is most popularly served as a snack topped with sweetened condensed milk, white sugar and banana or even chocolate. It tasted like a fried pancake!
We'd fill up around 10a or so and definitely not be hungry for lunch. We'd roll over and lounge by the pool after, digesting the eggs, sweets, and bacon!
In the afternoon, we had the most AMAZING hamburger! After thai food not settling with my stomach so great, this was the perfect comfort food! Pro tip: Bring Pepto, no matter how tough you think your stomach is!
Café Kantary
Around the corner from the Hornbill Restaurant was the Café Kantary which served everything including coffee, pizza, pastries, and ice cream!
See more in our Cafe Kantary blog post!
GETTING TO AND FROM CAPE KUDU / KOH YAO NOI
It wasn't easy to get to Cape Kudu, but the hotel made it simple! A large car picked us up from our hotel in Khao Lak and took us to the dock where a speedboat took you to a from the Bang Rong pier to Koh Yao Noi. However, we went diving that day at Richileau Rock and missed the last boat. We paid extra and ended up getting a private longtail boat to the Koh Yao Noi dock.
By the time we left the dock the sun was going down and during our ride it was so dark out, you could see the bioluminescent plankton glowing green in our waves as we were coming in! SO MAGICAL! It took us about an hour to get to the dock on Koh Yao Noi where a car was waiting for us to take us to Cape Kudu.
On the way back to the mainland, we booked it in advance and took the speedboat back to the Bang Rang pier (30-40 mins) where another driver took us to the airport (20 min drive).
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ICE CREAM REVIEW: Coconut Glen's Ice Cream - Maui, Hawaii
If you’re in Maui, you must visit Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream on the Road to Hana! Organic, vegan, delicious ice cream! Don’t let those words scare you, it’s the best ice cream in Maui, Hawaii! #icecream #Maui #hawaii
Coconut Glen's Ice Cream
Maui, Hawaii
Address: Mile Marker 27 1/2 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708
Website: http://coconutglens.com/
Pricing/Value: Good size scoop for the value
Vegan Options?: All vegan options - Ice cream is made of coconuts from the Maui jungles!
Along the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, there is an amazing little ice cream stop, called Coconut Glen's. Check out our full post on the Road to Hana: Click Here. They serve organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream, using coconuts from the jungles of Maui. At first, I was skeptical... Vegan? That's not real ice CREAM.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
FLAVORS OF THE DAY - Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
Since I like coconut, I figured, why not let's see what it's all about. The flavors were all written on a chalkboard and changed regularly. I tried most of them before I made my selection, and all of them tasted like real ice cream. The consistency was nice and not like a sorbet, which I thought it was could to taste like.
I went with the coffee toffee and banana rum raisin, they were delicious! Josh had the vanilla bean and chocolate chocolate. Classics.
“And it is tradition, that the great gong is rung, to announce his ice cream, is the best under the sun.” We hit the gong and it was time to drive back to Lahaina.
Great place! Don't miss out! Make sure you check the operating hours before heading over!
Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream - Look at the cute dog!
Don’t forget to pack these for your trip:
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10 Best Things to Do in Sydney, Australia for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Sydney? Here are 10 of the best things to do in Sydney, Australia, from the Opera House and Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains, wildlife, Taronga Zoo and more.
Updated August 2026
Sydney is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything: beautiful beaches, incredible coastal walks, Australian wildlife, iconic landmarks, great food and one seriously gorgeous harbor.
We spent five days exploring Sydney and packed A LOT into our trip. From touring the Sydney Opera House and walking from Bondi to Coogee to meeting koalas and kangaroos, these were the experiences that stood out the most.
If you're visiting Sydney for the first time, here are 10 of the best things to do in Sydney, Australia—plus a couple of bonus stops we loved!
Planning a longer trip? Check out my 5-Day Sydney, Australia Itinerary for exactly how we fit many of these Sydney attractions into one trip.
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Best Things to Do in Sydney at a Glance
Tour the Sydney Opera House
Walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach
See the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Ride a ferry across Sydney Harbour
Get up close with Australian wildlife at Featherdale
Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains and Scenic World
Visit Taronga Zoo
Explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Play at Luna Park Sydney
Eat gelato—obviously!
1. Take a Tour of the Sydney Opera House
You can't go to Sydney for the first time without seeing the Sydney Opera House, but I highly recommend doing more than just taking a picture of it from the outside.
We took a tour and loved getting to see the building up close and learning more about its history and architecture.
One thing that surprised me was the roof. From a distance, the sails look almost perfectly white, but once you're close you can actually see the individual tiles and the chevron-like pattern they create.
The inside is just as impressive. The Opera House contains multiple performance spaces, including the Concert Hall and its incredible Grand Organ, which has more than 10,200 pipes and is considered the largest known mechanical-action pipe organ in the world.
Even if you don't have time to see a performance, I think taking a tour is one of the best ways to experience this Sydney icon.
2. Get up close with Australian Wildlife at Featherdale
I LOVE animals, so Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park was probably one of my favorite stops of the entire trip.
This is where you can see so many of Australia's animals in one place, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and more.
When we visited, one koala in particular completely stole my heart. I loved him so much that I actually had my mom paint him from one of the photos I took so I could keep looking at that adorable face after we got home!
Featherdale currently offers opportunities to pat a koala and hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons.
If seeing Australian wildlife is high on your bucket list, I would absolutely make time for this.
The easiest way to visit Featherdale from Sydney
Rather than visiting Featherdale by itself, you can combine it with a Blue Mountains day trip, which is essentially what we did. Our tour picked us up, took us out to the mountains and Scenic World, included the wildlife park and handled the transportation for us.
If you're only in Sydney for a few days, combining these attractions makes SO much sense.
🐨 BOOK IT:Blue Mountains, Scenic World + Featherdale Wildlife Park Tour
3. Walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach
This was easily one of the most beautiful things we did in Sydney.
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk stretches about 6 kilometers, or 3.7 miles, along Sydney's coastline and takes roughly two to three hours if you're walking at a leisurely pace.
Along the way you'll pass Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly and eventually Coogee Beach, with ocean views pretty much the entire way.
Just don't underestimate it!
There are stairs, hills and very little escape from the sun in certain sections. We did the walk during summer and, even though we reapplied sunscreen, we still got burned. The Australian sun felt so much stronger than what we were used to in California.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and something to cover your shoulders—especially if you're doing the walk in the middle of summer.
Pro Tip: You don't have to walk the entire route. If you're short on time, even doing part of the walk around Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte will give you some gorgeous coastal views.
Here’s a guided tour: Bondi and coastal walking tours.
4. See the Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another Sydney landmark that you really can't miss—literally. It's right across the harbor from the Opera House and somehow looks different depending on where you see it from.
You can walk across it, sail underneath it, admire it from Circular Quay or, if you're much braver than I am, climb it.
We were also lucky enough to see the bridge during New Year's Eve, when fireworks were shooting off of it. It was an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year!
If you're not visiting for New Year's Eve, don't worry. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge together are still one of the prettiest views in the city.
For a first trip, I'd make sure you see them during both the day and at night.
Want to see the harbor from the water? A Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise is an easy way to get views of both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House without committing to a longer dinner cruise.
🚢 BOOK IT: Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
Under the Sydney Harbor Bridge
You have to check it out on New Years Eve!
Sydney Harbor Bridge Fireworks on New Years Eve
5. Explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
If you're visiting Sydney with kids—or you're a big kid like me—SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is another fun stop.
We visited after scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, so admittedly we had already been spoiled by seeing some pretty incredible marine life in the wild!
But the aquarium still gave us a chance to see creatures we hadn't spotted while diving, and I loved walking through the underwater tunnels with sharks and rays swimming around us.
Today, SEA LIFE Sydney is home to a huge variety of marine life, including multiple shark species, a rescued dugong and a penguin exhibit with king and gentoo penguins.
I probably wouldn't put the aquarium ahead of the Opera House or Bondi if you only have one or two days in Sydney, but it's a great addition if you have more time, are visiting with kids or need an indoor activity.
6. Visit the Blue Mountains and Scenic World
If you have enough time to take one day trip from Sydney, put the Blue Mountains high on your list.
The scenery is completely different from Sydney, and it makes a great break from the city.
One of the most famous viewpoints is the Three Sisters, but my favorite part of the day was Scenic World.
We rode over the eucalyptus forest on the Scenic Skyway, which travels between the cliffs high above the valley. Today, Scenic World's Skyway travels about 270 meters above the ravine, with views toward the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley.
Scenic World also has the Scenic Cableway and the Scenic Railway—the latter is billed as the world's steepest passenger railway.
This is one of those places where I really appreciated being on a tour. We didn't have to worry about driving, parking or figuring out how to fit all of the different stops into one day.
Is a Blue Mountains tour from Sydney worth it?
For us, yes.
If you're comfortable renting a car and want complete flexibility, you can certainly visit independently. But for a first trip to Australia, I loved being able to get picked up in Sydney and let someone else take care of the logistics.
And if you want to visit Featherdale too, a combination tour lets you knock out two of my favorite Sydney-area experiences in one day.
🐨 BOOK IT: Blue Mountains, Scenic World + Featherdale Wildlife Park Tour
7. Visit the Taronga Zoo and Take in the Views!
Yes, there is another animal stop on this list. I told you I love animals!
But Taronga Zoo is completely different from Featherdale.
The zoo is built into the hillside overlooking Sydney Harbour, so you get beautiful views of the city while walking through the zoo. It makes for some pretty amazing photo opportunities.
Taronga is home to both Australian wildlife and animals from around the world, but I think the location is what makes it especially memorable.
And getting there is part of the fun.
You can take a ferry from Circular Quay across the harbor to the zoo, which means this attraction can double as your Sydney Harbour ferry experience.
Pro Tip: Taronga is built on a hill, so plan accordingly when deciding which direction you want to explore the zoo!
8. Visit Olympic Park
The park hosted the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and you can still see pieces of that history today, including the Olympic Cauldron and memorials honoring the athletes who competed.
I wouldn't necessarily prioritize it on a very first visit if you only have a few days in Sydney, which is why I've moved it into the bonus section.
But if you remember watching the Sydney Olympics, it's really fun to see everything in person. They had the torch, the Olympic Cauldron that looks like a spaceship which was where the flame was lit the duration of the games, markers that noted how high someone jumped, who won each sport, and name of everyone who participated.
9. Find the Speakeasy, the Baxter Inn
If you're visiting Sydney without kids and love finding hidden bars, we had so much fun tracking down The Baxter Inn.
Part of the experience is finding it.
We headed down a nondescript alley off Clarence Street, through an unmarked entrance and downstairs into a dark basement bar that felt like we'd stepped into a completely different world.
It's known for its enormous whisky selection, but even if you're not a big whisky drinker, the atmosphere alone made it a memorable stop for us.
This is definitely more of a fun extra than a Sydney must-do, but I loved how completely different it felt from everything else we did during the trip.
Baxter Inn Speakeasy - Sydney, Australia
10. Play at Luna Park
After spending the day sightseeing, we cleaned up and took the ferry over to Luna Park Sydney.
You really can't miss the giant smiling face at the entrance!
Luna Park is an amusement park right on Sydney Harbour, with rides ranging from family-friendly attractions to roller coasters.
But want to know what our highlight was?
The slides in the fun house.
Josh and I raced each other over and over again for probably 30 minutes. We were DEFINITELY the biggest kids in there.
That fun house, Coney Island, is still part of Luna Park today and is actually a heritage-listed attraction. The park also now has newer rides including the Big Dipper roller coaster.
If you have kids, love amusement parks or just want to do something completely different after a day of traditional sightseeing, Luna Park is such a fun addition to a Sydney itinerary.
Plus, those Harbour Bridge views aren't bad either!
Buy tickets ahead of time here through Google Maps: Luna Park Tickets
Eat Gelato in Sydney!
It wouldn't be The Sweetest Escapes if I didn't tell you where to find something sweet.
And in Sydney, that means GELATO.
One of my favorites was Gelato Messina. They have tons of flavors and fun rotating specials, and yes, I think trying it should officially count as sightseeing.
We also loved Gelatissimo.
Did we need multiple gelato stops while we were in Sydney?
Of course we did.
After walking all those hills, coastal trails and zoo paths, I think we earned it!
If you see a Messina while you're exploring Sydney, do yourself a favor and stop.
Messina Ice Cream is my favorite!
Gelato from Gelatissimo is sooo good!
How Many Days Do You Need in Sydney?
I would give yourself at least four to five days in Sydney if you want to experience the city without rushing.
You can see many of the major Sydney attractions in three days, but adding a fourth or fifth day gives you time for the Bondi to Coogee walk, Taronga Zoo and a full-day trip to the Blue Mountains.
We spent five days in Sydney, and I loved having enough time to mix sightseeing with beaches, animals, food and a few completely ridiculous fun stops along the way.
For help putting everything together, head over to my 5-Day Sydney Itinerary next.
What Should You Not Miss on Your First Trip to Sydney?
If I had to narrow this entire list down, my five must-do Sydney experiences would be:
Tour the Sydney Opera House
See the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water
Walk at least part of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains
See Australian wildlife up close
And yes, I would still find room for gelato.
Is Sydney Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
Sydney gave us such a fun mix of city sightseeing, beaches, wildlife and outdoor adventure. I loved that one day we could be touring the Opera House and the next we could be hiking along the coast or hanging out with kangaroos.
Whether you're visiting Australia for the first time or adding Sydney to a bigger Australia itinerary, there is SO much to see and do here.
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ICE CREAM REVIEW: Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco, California
Check out one of the best places to get ice cream in San Francisco: Bi-Rite Creamery! Delicious! Things to do in San Francisco | Places to eat in San Francisco #icecream #sanfrancisco
ICE CREAM REVIEW: Bi-Rite Creamery
San Francisco, California
3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
San Francisco is known for many things and ice cream is definitely one of them. One of the most popular ice cream destinations is Bi-Rite Creamery. Part of the Bi-Rite family, the Bi-Rite Market opened in 1940 and eventually opened their own creamery in 2006. They serve homemade organic ice cream and also have a soft serve window. We went on a warm day in February and the line was about 20 mins long wrapping around the street corner. Go with cool friends, it makes the line go faster.
Once you take a step inside, it's very small, the ice cream freezer case is right there, but the faces behind the counter are warm and friendly! See all flavors here: MENU
They not only make the ice cream in house, they also have a bakery attached and make all brownies, marshmallows, toffee in the ice cream. They also make toppings such as peanut brittle and hot fudge. If you're lactose intolerant, don't worry, you can join in on the fun too, they offer a vegan, dairy-free ice cream daily! SO MANY OPTIONS!
Happiness is definitely one scoop at a time.
I took my delicious coffee toffee, Cookies & Cream, chocolate cone and decided to eat it in the park across the street. I texture had the perfect balance of creamy and soft. My favorite was the cookies and cream. I tried the rose, salted caramel, and a peanut butter fudge type.
Since it was so warm, my friends and I walked across the street and decided to enjoy our ice cream, and the views, from Dolores Park.
Related Post: 10 Hella Cool Things to do in San Francisco
We were definitely a fan of Bi-Rite and will come back next time we are in SF!
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Looking for more things to do in NorCal? Try these:
Indulge in the Hidden Delights of the Museum of Ice Cream: A Sweet Wonderland of Art, History, and Unforgettable Experiences - Los Angeles, California
The Museum of Ice Cream came to LA as a pop-up museum in April of 2017, check out our tour and see what each room looked like! My favorite was the Sprinkle POOL! Museum of Ice Cream Los Angeles | Best Museums in LA | Most instagrammable places in LA #icecream #losangles #sprinkles
Update: Please note as of January 2025, the only locations open are in Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, and Singapore. The location in Los Angeles, California, is no longer open and closed in 2018.
Check out the official Museum of Ice Cream website for current locations and tickets.
We went to my happy place, aka the Museum of Ice Cream, on April 30th, 2017. I loved everything about it since it was slathered in pink and involved ice cream and other sweet novelties. It's an Instagram haven, a social media dream, and a place to play in plastic sprinkles. Did you miss your chance to purchase tickets? I'll give you the grand tour!
Also, check out the best ice cream in Los Angeles ranked with a map: Best Ice Cream in LA
Welcome to the Museum of Ice Cream, where art, history, and unforgettable experiences swirl together in a sweet wonderland. Indulge your senses and embark on a whimsical journey through this delightful institution that celebrates the iconic frozen treat. With its vibrant and interactive exhibits, the Museum of Ice Cream invites visitors of all ages to dive headfirst into a world of pure imagination. Step inside and be greeted by a sensory explosion of colors, flavors, and textures. From a magical candyland, a sprinkle pool filled with joy awaits you, offering the ultimate Instagram-worthy moment. Explore rooms inspired by ice cream flavors like mint chocolate chip, strawberry, and vanilla, each one carefully curated to immerse you in the essence of these tasty treats. Gain a deeper understanding of the history and cultural significance of ice cream through fascinating exhibits that showcase its evolution over the years. Whether you're a die-hard ice cream fan or simply looking for a unique and interactive museum experience, the Museum of Ice Cream promises to deliver a memorable and delightful adventure. Come, indulge your senses, and let the magic of ice cream transport you to a world of pure sugary bliss.
Last summer I saw the Museum of Ice Cream in New York and thought, "I MUST GO, would it be unreasonable to buy a plane ticket just for it?" I didn't end up going and I'm SO GLAD it came out here. I started seeing rumblings on Facebook and my dear friends from all over tagged me in the Museum of Ice Cream post is coming to LA. My next question was, "WHEN/HOW DO I GET TICKETS?!" Luckily, we are platinum American express card holders and I was able to purchase my tickets on presale for $29! I ended up purchasing tickets a month in advance and for the next month anytime someone tagged me in a Museum of Ice Cream post, I simply let them know they were not to worry, tickets were sold out, but I was all set.
Hot Pink Telephones
I sat with my sister the night before picking out the perfect outfit to represent my love and affection for ice cream, saying, "the shirt with popsicles, strawberries, or plain bubblegum pink?" The big decision was the ice cream backpack or my Kate Spade ice cream purse. I feel like I chose wisely.
NOW ENTERING THE MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM!
There was a long line outside, which went relatively fast since they would let 12 people in at a time. You have a guide for the first 2 rooms and then you are on your own. There is a guide in every room to give samples, information, and make sure people are flowing from room to room. The only thing was, once you enter a new room, you can't go back.
We were given our first ice cream tasting of the day, and I was excited it was McConnell's ice cream. The flavor was earl gray and biscuit, it wasn't amazing and kinda disappointing.
There were many rooms, here is a collection of those rooms to get the coolvibe:
VEN-ICE CREAM... I GET IT!
THIS ROOM IS BANANAS.
The next room had banana wallpaper that was banana scented and cute swings!
Hanging yellow and pink Bananas at the Museum of Ice Cream art sculpture
Ice Cream CONE textured WALLpaper TO MATCH MY sweet Ice cream BACKPACK.
Next up, the mint chip room, where they are literally growing mint chip. “A fresh start is always an option. This room is for you.” So true! Also start fresh with the mochi! YUM!
This room had a fun house mirror and an arcade game with sun block. Didn't seem ice cream enough to me but it had lots of PINK!
The Popsicle and Gummy Bear Room
MELTING POPSICLES art exhibit at the Museum of Ice Cream
Trying to pull a popsicle off the wall
I WANT A PINK ONE!
Giant Gummy Bear sculpture Art
MY NEW FRIEND!
In the Gummy Bear Room, there were giant gummy bears, and they give you a sample of gummies! They lady running the room had 3 fun trivia facts about Gummy Bears, and Josh knew the answers to all three questions! When was the Gummy Bear invented? Where? What flavor is the green gummy bear?
IF YOU PRESS THE BUTTON THE LIGHTS ALONG THE WALLS OF THE ROOM CHANGE COLORS RAPIDLY.
RELATED POST: Check out the best ice cream in Los Angeles ranked with a map: Best Ice Cream in LA
Charcoal Ice Cream Exhibit Room
Black Charcoal Ice Cream Sculpture by Abel Bentin
Peruvian Artist Abel Bentin designed this room, expressing the corruption of the world. Pretty dark and depressing for an ice cream museum if you ask me.
Black Charcoal Ice Cream Sculpture by Abel Bentin
In this room, they served cones with charcoal cookie dough. It didn't taste very good. It was warm and the consistency was weird.
THE SPRINKLE POOL
There was about a 10-minute wait for the sprinkle pool, which they let you in 8 at a time. Upon entering the room, you take off your shoes and put your belongings into their lockers on the side. You then have about 3 minutes in the sprinkle pool. They are made of plastic and aren't actual sprinkles!
Sprinkle Pool - PLASTIC SPRINKLE filled pool at the Museum of Ice Cream
Finally we made it to the last room where they serve ice cream sandwiches. Instead of cookies they used pancakes and put vanilla ice cream in between - I Scream for Breakfast.
There was a gift shop at the end that had a few things, but nothing worth buying really. I was hoping for a spot to buy ice cream or a cone, but that didn't exist either. We took pictures of the merchandise instead.
I think I need an Ice Cream Sandwich swing for my porch!
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RELATED POST: Check out the best ice cream in Los Angeles ranked with a map: Best Ice Cream in LA
Need another scoop? Try one of these:
From pumpkin cheesecake and apple cider to maple ice cream sandwiches and Thanksgiving turkey cakes, here are the best fall ice cream flavors to try in 2026—from scoop shops and grocery stores to a few favorite Los Angeles finds.