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Best Way to spend a Summer Weekend Getaway in Lake Tahoe
Check out the perfect guide to your next Lake Tahoe Summer Weekend Getaway! We list our favorite things to do, favorite hotel resort to stay at, and the best restaurants with stunning LAKE views! Don’t miss our favorite ice cream spot!
Guide: What to do in Lake Tahoe during Summer
Growing up, we went to Lake Tahoe for a few days almost every summer. Hiking, biking, and swimming were always on the itinerary. I was excited to bring Josh up there for the first time and show him one of my favorite places in California, where I had so many great memories and adventures with my family to share.
Getting to Lake Tahoe
We took a quick hour long Southwest flight, flying out of LAX and into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (watch-out for bears). From there, we rented a car from Hertz at the airport and drove about an hour up through the mountains to the lake!
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
Directions to South Lake Tahoe from the airport: We usually take the 580 S and hop on the 50 W. With no traffic, it takes about an hour. You can also take the 431, but that takes longer sometimes by 15 mins or so, but you have longer lake views. We usually take it on the way back to the airport!
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (watch-out for bears)
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
There are a few hotels at the Stateline and a few at the North shore with AirBnBs between! We like staying at the Stateline because it's more lively and city like, but not far from adventures in the wilderness.
Harvey's Lake Tahoe
Address: Highway 50 at Stateline Avenue, Stateline, NV 89449
Best Rate: Booking.com
Pricing: $$
Since Lake Tahoe is split on the Stateline of Nevada, most hotels have casinos and our favorite place to stay is Harvey's. It's located on the North side of Lake Tahoe Blvd without another hotel obstructing the view. Find the best rate to stay at Harvey’s by reserving your room through Booking.com. It's not bad waking up to this every morning...
The rooms have been recently renovated and are very spacious with spectacular Tahoe lake views. With a casino at the base of the hotel and a bar and restaurant at the top with breathtaking views of the lake, this place is perfect! There are many restaurants and activities that are walking distance, including Heavenly.
HARVEY'S IS ALSO PET FRIENDLY! MEET RICHARD!
What to Do in Lake Tahoe
There are so many different things to do in Tahoe and something for everyone:
Heavenly Summer Adventure - zip-lining, tubing, ropes course, hiking (see more below)
Paddle Wheel Cruise around the lake on Ms Dixie II (see more below)
Visit Squaw Valley - Olympic Park
Hiking trails in state parks and Fallen Leaf Lake - see more in our post of our favorite trails, Tahoe Hikes for the Casual Hiker
Biking along the lake
Kayaking and water sports on the lake
Renting a boat and don’t forget the jet ski's
Paddleboats!
Horseback Riding in the mountains to great heights and great views
Explore Zephyr Cove
Gamble in the casinos
Hike to Eagle Falls
Here are a few of our favorite things to do in detail:
1. Heavenly Lake Tahoe
During winter these Heavenly gondolas take you up for skiing, but during summer, there is a playground. The base is close to the Stateline taking you up a 2.4 mile ride up in the Heavenly Mountain Gondola with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. On the way up, there is a stop at the Observation Deck where we took photos and breathed in that fresh mountain air. For summer 2019, Heavenly opens June 21st! There’s even a YOGA class at the top of the mountain!
At the very top, there are a few adventures you can embark on:
Tubing down a thrilling 500ft-long hill
Zip-line 1,000ft-long zip line at top speeds of 40 MPH
Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster - a single rider coasting down a 3,400' track, descends 300 vertical feet, and accelerate around two lateral loops (SO FUN)
Ropes courses
Price: Ultimate Adventure Pass for only $99 (includes Gondola ride) Buy 3 get the 4th free!
If you have never been to Tahoe, the gondola is a must-do. Because it is a little pricey, I don't think it's something you have to do every time you go, but it was really fun to play like a kid for a day!
The Tamarack Lodge at the top has overpriced average theme park type food, setup commissary style. This ski resort is great, even in the middle of summer!
2. Lake Tour on the Ms Dixie II Paddle Wheel
The Ms Dixie is a large paddlewheel boat that cruises across the lake to Emerald Bay and back. A recording plays throughout the 2 hour tour, giving the history of Lake Tahoe and fun facts. Lunch and complete bar service are available for purchase.
The sites were spectacular! It was nice being on the water and not in the freezing lake. I also learned new things about Tahoe that I never knew! For instance, "The center of the Lake can appear cobalt blue, as blue light is absorbed further, leaving visible violet light as the predominant light color. In shallow areas, the water can appear emerald or turquoise in color since green is the predominant light color at shallow depths." Cool, right?
Within Emerald Bay is the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island, where the lady of Vikingsholm would go to have tea in the afternoon in the little castle built on top. So jealous.
Prices: Ages 12 and Up: $65.00 , Ages 3-11: $33.00
They also offer a Dinner sunset cruise as well.
EMERALD BAY AND FANNETTE ISLAND
3. Explore Emerald Bay
Along the Southwest shore off Route 89, is Emerald Bay. It's about 45 mins (22 miles) from Tahoe City, and we usually park along the highway (or there is a parking lot for $10) and then hike down the Rubicon trail to the Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion that is recognized as some of the best Scandinavian architecture in the US. You can always rent a boat from our friends at Get My Boat (it’s like Airbnb for boats), to get there too!
The architect who built and designed this incredible mansion, was Leonard Palme, who was hired by his aunt Laura Knight. See more info on the CA Parks and Rec site.
We went on some great hikes that were fairly moderate, we don’t hike too often but there is a bit of an incline! See more in our Tahoe Hikes for the Casual Hiker post!
EMERALD BAY LIVING UP TO ITS NAME
4. Visit Squaw Valley - Take the Aerial Tram to Olympic Park!
Address: 1990 Squaw Peak Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Check hours on their website (usually 9a-4p - there’s a winter/summer toggle at the top of their site): Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
Squaw Valley - Olympic Park
Squaw Valley was home to Winter Olympics in 1960. Now during winter, its a winter wonderland with tons of runs to ski or snowboard! We went during summer and there is even a pool and jacuzzi on top. Can’t imagine getting in the water during the winter! Or getting out of the water I should say!
Squaw Valley Aerial Tram to High Camp
The Aerial Tram was $46 to take you to the top and drop off at High Camp. We explored the Olympic Museum, which was free to get into, had some fun standing on the podium and looking at other memorabilia! The clothing and style of the olympians during that era was amazing! You can check out some uniforms, sporting goods such as hockey sticks and pucks, and looking through other commemorative pieces.
There is a bistro restaurant, called Granite Bistro Cafe, complete with stunning views! If you take the last tram, you ride with some of the staff and racks! If you’re looking for a snack, souvenir, water bottle, or sandwich type items, visit the High Camp Marketplace. Check out the cute ice cream cookies they had:
The base of Squaw Valley has residencies, rentals and a large shopping center. We walked through some shops, got a coffee and saw the cutest ice cream shop!
Where to Eat in Lake Tahoe? Restaurants with Lake Views
There are so many delectable restaurants with stunning lake views. Let's start with my favorites, shall we?:
Susie Scoops Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Address: 869 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
Price: $
Specialty: Dessert/ Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt
This cute little ice cream store is located in Incline Village and attached to the toy shop, Village Toys! Inside the walls are pink with ice cream lights and decorations everywhere like an old fashioned ice cream shop. I wanted to live there. ;-)
They offer 28 flavors made locally as well as frozen yogurt, smoothies, shaved ice (18 flavors), shakes & malts (any flavors), floats, hand-dipped waffle cones, specialty sundaes, pints to go, & ice cream cakes! EVERYTHING ICE CREAM! Exceptional flavors: Peppermint, Mud pie and Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.
Edgewood Lake Tahoe - Hotel, Spa, & Golf Course
Address: 100 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449
Edgewood Restaurant
Price: $$$$ Specialty: Seafood / Steaks / Grill Menu: Edgewood Menu Reservations: Opentable.com
Photo provided from the restaurant’s website
With stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and an elegant lodge atmosphere, diners enjoy striking views of mountains, pines, and the glistening sapphire lake while celebrating golden anniversaries and creating diamond memories.
Located on the Edgewood golf course right on the lake, its the perfect spot for dinner at sunset. The filet steaks are delicious!
Brooks Bar and Deck
Price: $$$
Lunch Specialty: American / Sandwiches / Salads
Menu: Brooks Menu
Reservations: Opentable.com
We enjoy burgers, sandwiches and cocktails on the patio at Brooks Bar and Deck for lunch. Make a reservation ahead of time! They are on OpenTable.com
COTTON CANDY @ 19 KITCHEN & BAR
19 Kitchen & Bar - Harvey's Lake Tahoe
Address: 18 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449
Price: $$$$
Specialty: Seafood / Steaks / Grill
Menu: 19 MENU
Reservations: Opentable.com
This restaurant is located atop of the Harvey's Hotel with great steaks and amazing birds eye views of the lake. We usually go right around sunset and request a table by the window. Also, don't miss out on their cotton candy for dessert!
Riva Grill on the Lake
Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Price: $$
Lunch Specialties: Salads / Sandwiches
Menu: Riva Menu
Reservations: Opentable.com
For lunch and cocktails, you must go to Riva Grill on the Lake and try a Wet Woody. Yes, I just said that. They are famous for these rum drinks and these woody's sure pack a punch!
Lunch options are great, ask for a table on the patio.
Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill
Address: Harrah's Hotel - 19-29 Lincoln Hwy, Stateline, NV 89449
Price: $$$$
Specialties: Seafood / Steaks / Grill
Menu: Friday’s Menu
Reservations: Opentable.com
Located on the top floor of Harrah's, this Lake Tahoe fine dining gem features a dramatic entrance, a 1,000-bottle display wine cellar and magnificent views from every table. Favorite meal: Prime Rib with mashed potatoes. Is your mouth watering too?
Address: Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa - 55 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449
Price: $$$$
Specialties: Seafood / Steaks / Grill
Menu: Ciera Menu
Reservations: Opentable.com
I'd put them in the Top 10 best steak dinners I've ever had! This fabulous 4 Diamond Steak and Chophouse has an exquisite variety of steaks and chops to go along with their extensive 300 bottle wine list.
The sides were amazing, we ordered all potatoes (the White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Gratinée were my fave) and the white truffle mac and cheese. These paired well with my mouth watering Cowboy Ribeye.
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Also, check out these great things to do in Tahoe and California!
Hotel Review: Hotel De Chai The Colonial - Chiang Mai, Thailand
We found a great hotel in the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand! Hotel De Chai: The Colonial was affordable, safe and in great walking distance to restaurants, attractions, and nightlife! See our guide to one of the best hotels in Thailand!
Hotel De Chai The Colonial - The best hotel in Chiang Mai
Address: 6/3 Thapae Rd Soi 4, ตำบลช้างคลาน Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Website: http://www.dechaihotel.com/
Hotel de Chai - Chiang Mai
Booking hotels in Thailand is definitely overwhelming. Everything is relatively cheap but is there any place worth staying? I have to say, I LOVED our hotel in Chiang Mai. With a central location, it was easy to get in and out of the city! We even got a free night using one of our credit cards. Find the best rate to visit Chiang Mai by booking your room through Booking.com. Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Hotel De Chai seemed like it was either new or had a facelift! The rooms were very modern with Thai accents. Our room was a great size with a huge bathroom. I could have done cartwheels in there. Could have.
The staff was very accommodating for all of our needs and always gave us water when we asked nicely!
LOBBY
Sawasdee (hello in Thai)! The lobby was small, but no need to be any bigger, really. There were plenty of chairs to wait or hang out in.
Lobby - Hotel de Chai - Chiang Mai, Thailand
As we waited to check-in, we had a seat next to the koi pond and they brought us fancy juice. We sent the Thaismile Connect (pocket wifi) to our hotel and it was there when we arrived! Hooray! It was about $5 USD a day, check them our here: http://www.thaismileconnect.com/
Initially, our room wasn't ready, so we locked our bags with our Luggage Locks and I packed my little crossbody travel bag with a few things and we ready to go out to explore, but the room was suddenly ready for us (isn’t that always the way?)!
Here was the view down to the lobby koi pond from outside our room on the third floor.
HOTEL ROOM
Guest Room - Hotel de Chai - Chiang Mai, Thailand
The bedroom was rather large! We booked a Superior Room which was plenty of room for the 2 of us and had 3 closets. 2 closets had room for our carry-on suitcases and the other one had a mini refrigerator, water bottles, and snacks in it. One day we had Oreos and the next day we had KitKat Bars... It was like Santa came! We'd ask the front desk for fresh water bottles constantly. Don't drink the tap water in Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai is an older city, so there aren't really pretty views, but at least there is a bird’s eye view! However, sunrises make it spectacular!
Views - Hotel de Chai - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Also, it was pretty great when I looked out and saw lanterns floating on New Years Eve!
So I guess you could say the views are great from the De Chai The Colonial Hotel in Chiang Mai!
BATHROOM
The bathroom was large and had plenty of room to spare. It was also covered in wall to wall windows which we kept most of them closed because others could kind of see in. We were up high enough that it probably didn't REALLY matter.
This place felt new. Even if had been renovated, they did a great job at making it feel like everything had been replaced.
RESTAURANT
There was a restaurant off the main entrance of De Chai where we had free breakfast every morning. You could order eggs any style and waffles, pancakes, potatoes, meat (sausage or bacon) fruit, yogurt, etc. were found at the buffet. There was also traditional Thai food - noodles, rice, curry… Great way to start the day!
Restaurant - Hotel de Chai - Chiang Mai, Thailand
They served lunch and dinner as well as a happy hour but we were always out exploring!
POOL & BAR / MASSAGES
There was a very nice pool and a bar but we never really saw anyone there. We were waiting for our pool/beach time for Koh Yao Noi, we had a lot of temples to see in Chiang Mai!
There was also a spa off of the lobby. We didn't use their services since we found options when we were meandering through the city. There are a lot of cheap places to get massages all over Thailand!
Getting Around
It was about 15 minutes from the Chiang Mai Airport and a very inexpensive private taxi cab ride (don’t pay more than 300 baht).
We even were picked up for our Elephant Sanctuary tour from the hotel. See our full Elephant Nature Park post.
See our full post on the Floating Lanterns in Chiang Mai on New Year’s Eve!
I can’t wait to go back to Thailand, we’d stay here again in a heartbeat! Find the best rate to visit Chiang Mai by booking your room through Booking.com.
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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MORE THAILAND POSTS:
6 Days in Aruba - What to do in Aruba and Full Itinerary Included!
Aruba is the perfect place for your next vacation! Not only is the weather perfect, but the hotels along the beaches are beautiful! We stayed in Oranjestad for a few days then moved downtown to see the flamingos! See where to eat and things to do in Aruba!
We spent 6 glorious days in Aruba and it didn’t seem like enough! The island is known as “One Happy Island” and it definitely lives up to it’s name! The people are so nice there, it’s very clean, and you feel very safe. The beaches are gorgeous, full of white sand from coral and white rock weathering away onto the shores.
Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island
There are many activities to do for couples or as families. If you’re bringing kids, teens would enjoy the island more than tiny kids. We were there for 6 days and never bored. Here is all you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Aruba.
UTV Tour - Around Aruba UTV Tours
This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!
DAY 1
Arrival into Aruba
We arrived into Aruba’s Queen Beatrix Airport, right along the water! Arriving was pretty easy, we got off the plane, handed a government agent our declaration card and scanned our passports where our picture was taken by an automated machine. Also, the airport had views of the ocean were gorgeous while walking through!
Pro-tip: Tourism boards are usually parked in the arrivals area with reusable bags filled with coupons and info about Aruba... they are FREE, so take one! We used them all over, around the hotel, threw towels in for our UTV tour, to the beach, etc.
Taxi Drive views of Downtown from the Aruba Airport
It’s a $25 flat rate to get from the airport to the high rise hotels or $18 to get to the Downtown hotels. Here is a link to handy chart for taxi rates for getting around Aruba: Taxi Fares in Aruba
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino
Address: Juan E, J.E. Irausquin Blvd #85, Noord, Aruba
Website: Hyatt Regency Aruba
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino for 4 nights over New Years 2019! Located mid beach of hotel row, it is the perfect place to spend the day at the beach and walking distance to everything! The rooms were so nice, hard wood floors and super spacious! The pool was huge, complete with a water slide, volleyball net and swim up bar to get your drink on!
My favorite part of walking through the resort was looking for wildlife! Parrots, swans, large iguanas, coi fish, and turtles were all over!
Read our full HOTEL REVIEW here: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino
We also stayed at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino so we could visit the flamingos on Renaissance Island’s Flamingo Beach! Read our full review on the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino and Everything you need to know about Flamingo Beach. We’ll get more into that on Day 5 and 6!
Afternoon Beach Time
After we checked into the Hyatt Regency Aruba, we couldn’t wait to go to the beach and grab a bite to eat! There were a bunch of restaurants inland but we wanted to eat by the water. From our room, I could see a restaurant on Pelican Pier and said we should eat there. Reviews on Yelp and Google Maps said The Pelican Nest Seafood & Grill Bar was good, which was good enough for me!
Pelican Pier in Aruba
Restaurant: The Pelican Nest Seafood & Grill Bar
Address: On Pelican Pier, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 237, Noord, Aruba
Website: pelican-aruba.com
Cuisine type: Caribbean, Seafood | Price Range: $20 - $30
We sat down in the bar which was open seating, ordered chicken sandwiches and happy hour beverages since we were there between 4-6pm. We sat at the bar along the walkway and weren’t complaining about the oceanfront views.
Pelican Nest Drinks
Chicken Sandwiches at Pelican Nest
After our meal, not sure if it was lunch or dinner, but walked along the beach to catch a beautiful sunset.
Sunset on Aruba Beach
Watch where you step, you never know what you might find!
Ice Cream in Aruba - Gelatissimo Palm Beach
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 345, Noord, Aruba
Website: Gianni’s Gelatissimo
Pricing: $3-$8
Gelatissimo - Ice Cream in Aruba
We went exploring inland where we saw shops and restaurants on our drive in. Of course we had to find some ice cream and we came across some delicious gelato at Gelatissimo!
I went with a waffle cone trying the Stracciatella (chocolate chip) and Nutella (chocolate hazelnut).
Stracciatella (chocolate chip) and Nutella (chocolate hazelnut)
New Years in Aruba
New Years Fireworks in Aruba
We asked our cab driver where the place to be is at midnight on New Years Eve, to which he said, “right in front of your hotel!” Perfect. He wasn’t wrong, we had a few drinks at the bar and wandered down to the beach around 11p. Fireworks are legal in Aruba so they were going off all day along with these giant firecrackers that people would set up randomly in the streets. We sat and watched as people set off sparklers and small fireworks around us. As soon as midnight hit, a bunch of barges in the water close to the beach shot off fireworks for a good 20 minutes! It was spectacular, the whole beach was lit up from this amazing display!
New Years Fireworks in Aruba
DAY 2
Breakfast in Aruba - Dushi Bagels & Burgers
Address: J. E. Irausquin Blvd #87 Noord, Aruba
Website: http://www.dushibagelsandburgers.com
Cuisine type: Bagels, Breakfast, Burgers, Sandwiches | Price Range: $7-$12
We decided to try a restaurant recommended by a friend, which was walking distance to our hotel called Dushi Bagels. The price was right for our meals and the service was quick. There was a bit of a wait so we just ate at the bar. They also offer to go options if you’re in a hurry! We enjoyed a breakfast burrito with ham, french toast, and delicious hash browns.
UTV Tours - Around Aruba Tours
Website: https://www.aroundarubatours.com/tours-in-aruba/
Or book through Viator tours: Aruba UTV Tour
Booking: We took a 4 hour UTV Tour around the island with Around Aruba Tours. It was $180 for the 2 of us. The Hyatt Regency concierge was able to book the afternoon tour for us. They also offer ATV tours and Jeep tours too! Note: An ATV is for one person, the UTVs hold 2-4 people. The driver should be at least 18 years old with a valid driving license while the minimum age for the passengers is set at 6 years.
What to bring: You will get very dusty, I’d avoid wearing white. You must wear sunglasses or something to protect your eyes. They will provide a souvenir bandana to shield half of your face from the dirt and dust. The tour ends in the Natural Pool, where you can jump in the water if you want to, I’d wear a swimsuit under your clothes because there isn’t a place to change. Also, bring a towel if you’re going in the water! The tour provides small bottles of water that they have in coolers on ice.
Our guide was AB, who was energetic and funny, and he even grew up on the island! He picked us up at our hotel in a school bus around 2pm and took us to Phillip’s Animal Garden to get situated. We paid there (they do take credit cards) and as the tour company was collecting information and payment, we were able to wander and feed the island’s most exotic animals.
Our first stop was the Alto Vista Chapel which was built in 1750. It was renovated in 1950’s and rebuilt by missionaries from Venezuela. It resembles the church in Westworld to me!
Alto Vista Chapel
Alto Vista Chapel
We traveled as a group following single file. Driving from spot to spot was dusty (and very bumpy) but had spectacular views.
Aruba UTV Tour Views
The next stop was the Natural Bridge, where a rock formation created a bridge. Not a whole lot to see but you can walk on top of it (or jump).
Our next stop was the abandoned Bushiribana Gold Mill, which sits on the northern coast. This site once processed ore from mines in the nearby hills during Aruba's gold rush of the nineteenth century. In 1824, gold was found on the island and over 3 million pounds of gold were produced.
Next, we entered the Arikok National Park on Aruba’s east coast. Conchi is a natural ocean pool sheltered by craggy rock formations. Beaches include Boca Prins and Dos Playa, a turtle nesting site.
Some got in the pool while others wandered around. I climbed on rocks and could see crabs and fish in the shallow waters nearby. Josh got in and waved!
Natural Pool
Crabs at the Natural Pool
We were dropped off at our hotel and needed to shower off the dirt! We were starving and wanted to go somewhere close-by that we could walk to…
Dinner at Smokey Joe’s Island Grill
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, Noord, Aruba
Website: http://www.smokeyjoesaruba.com/
Cuisine type: American, International | Price Range: $20 - $30
AB our UTV tour guide recommended Smokey Joe’s and told us they have all you can eat ribs on Tuesday and Thursday claiming they are “the best ribs in the Caribbean.” The ribs were good, and we got some chicken as well. The service was really slow, but we weren’t in a rush, just hungry!
I saw the Pink Iguana drink on the menu and it was everything I wanted. It was like a Miami vice or lava flow, filled with coconut cream, rum and strawberries! For dessert, we HAD to try the Fried Oreos and vanilla ice cream! We didn’t leave anything behind.
We did a quick stroll around the shops to walk off our dinner.
DAY 3
Breakfast at a Dutch Pancake House - Diana’s Pancake Place
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 370, Noord, Aruba
Website: Facebook Page
Cuisine type: Dutch | Price Range: under $15
Diana’s Pancake House is located by hotel row and across from the Hyatt, above the I Love Aruba store. Dutch pancakes are served as one pancake on a large plate with whatever ingredients you desire from the menu. The pancakes were bigger than my face! I went with the Hawaiian (ham, cheese, and pineapple) and Josh had the Apple Cinnamon. They were good, but we weren’t planning on going back every morning.
Diving with Aqua Windies
Address: Dr. Horacio E. Oduber blvd 4, Eagle Beach, Aruba
Website: aquawindies.com
We went diving two days in a row with Aqua Windies! Everyone was super nice, we would get picked up and get our gear at the dive shop before continuing on to the boat. On our first day our crew was Sean, Big Rob, Rob, and Dan. We went out with Sean, who was new to them. He was very nice, but wasn’t privy as to where to look for marine life that frequented certain spots.
We drove out past our hotel to a dock with tons of birds and the prettiest aqua waters.
We had two great dives, checking out some sunken ships and the coral reef that has grown on and around them! We even caught a ray passing through!
Dinner at Salt and Pepper
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 370-A, Noord, Aruba
Website: http://www.saltandpepperaruba.com/
Cuisine type: Spanish, Tapas | Price Range: $10 - $20
Salt and Pepper shakers were everywhere! They had different salt and pepper shakers at every table and the walls inside had shelves and shelves of shakers. They even offer free sangria for those who bring a set for them to keep! After our dives we were so hungry, so we ordered quite a few tapas plates to try:
Meatballs - my fave
Chicken wings - josh fave
Fried Brie - Yum *drool*
Spicy beef - Great!
Chicken pincho - good sauce
Grouper - not a huge fish fan, but it was pretty good!
Chorizo sausage - it was good, but everything else as better
We ordered a beers to go, you can walk around with alcohol (just like Vegas)! We walked down through some of the hotels and played in the casinos, while checking out the pools and properties.
DAY 4
Diving with Aqua Windies - Aruba Scuba Diving
We went out for a second day of diving with Aqua Windies bright and early to check out the airplanes. Our guide’s name was Ed who was from New Jersey and was hilarious! The airplanes were so cool and so large underwater. You could even go right through them! Our second dive was at Harbor Reef where we found lots of giant eels!
One of our favorite dives was the Airplane Wreck (70-90 ft / 24-30 m), a Convair 400 and a Beech craft 18. Both airplanes were sunk on a sloping reef surrounded by soft corals. Check out our Scuba in Aruba video here:
Relaxation
We shared a sandwich at the pool bar and spent the afternoon by the pool and took a long walk along the beach.
Steak Dinner at the Sunset Grille Steakhouse
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 81, Noord, Aruba
Website: Hilton Aruba Resort | Dinner Menu
For our last dinner over by Palm Beach, we decided to be fancy and have a nice steak dinner. We had a reservation at Sunset Grille, located in the Hilton Aruba Resort, which was right next to our hotel and a quick jaunt down the beach.
We sat outside to enjoy the sunset while at the Sunset Grille! I had a mouth watering Filet Mignon and Josh ordered the Cowboy Bone-in Rib Eye. For sides, we tried the Garlic mashed potatoes and Gouda Cheese Croquettes. The croquettes were little balls of cheese and potato heaven. SO GOOD.
For dessert, we had the Chocolate Decadence Cake, rich and sweet, served with fruit on the side. YUM!
DAY 5
Breakfast at Salt and Pepper
American Breakfast | Price Range: $10 - $20
Even though we had already had dinner here, we loved the service and the breakfast menu looked good! I had and omelet that was overloaded with ham (thats a good thing) with amazing hash browns! Their house coffee was great too, came with free refills!
New Hotel Check-in: Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino
Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad, Aruba
Website: Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino
Flamingos on Renaissance Island
Find the best rate to visit these flamingos by booking your room through Booking.com
I had been waiting ALL week to check into this hotel! What I was looking forward to the most for our Aruba trip was meeting the flamingos on Renaissance Island’s Flamingo Beach.
Again, read our full review on the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino and Everything you need to know about Flamingo Beach.
Renaissance Adult Only hotel
There are 2 hotels at the Renaissance property, both right across from each other. The adults only hotel is more inland but still in the marina. It’s also connected to a very fancy, high end mall and casino! We tried to check in, but our room wasn’t ready. We were given passes to get to Renaissance Island to go to Flamingo Beach!
More flamingo pictures here: Everything you need to know about Flamingo Beach.
Dinner Downtown at Driftwood Restaurant
Address: Driftwood Building, Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad, Aruba
Website: driftwoodaruba.com
Cuisine type: Aruban, Caribbean, Seafood | Price Range: $25 - $35
Loved the ambiance! The walls were plastered with driftwood and it felt like a being on a ship with steering wheels as lamps (minus the sea sickness)! Something happened in the kitchen and it took over an hour to get our food. The way they seat you and take orders, we weren’t quite sure who exactly was our waiter. We asked if everything was alright with our order and they apologized for the delay. A round of drinks with mermaid accoutrements came on the house.
I ordered the chicken with tropical citrus sauce and wish I had the recipe for that sauce! Josh tried the Aruban meal - fresh catch of the day with potato and veggies. Although the presentation of the meal was underwhelming, the food quality was spectacular.
For dessert, we ordered the Brownie a la mode and it was perfection!
Brownie a la mode at Driftwood Aruba
After dinner, we walked around the downtown area and played in a few casinos. I was still reeling from my day with the flamingos!
DAY 6
Renaissance Island’s Flamingo Beach & Breakfast
We had to get up early to go to Flamingo Beach one more time so I could feed them! We tried to hop on the 8am boat but because the tide was low, they were boarding outside so we missed it and waited for the next one. The island wasn’t crowded at all! I was able to feed them and get some great pictures of just us!
One more time, read our full review on the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino and Everything you need to know about Flamingo Beach.
Feeding flamingos on Flamingo Beach
We had breakfast over by the Iguana beach and this completed our PERFECT Aruba trip.
Departing from the Aruba Airport
We were warned by a few people to get to the airport at least 3 hours early if you are traveling back to the United States from Aruba. Not only do you pass through Aruba customs, but you also pass through US customs. The benefit here is that you don’t have to hassle with customs when you get to the US, the bad part is you spend a long time in lines at the airport. There were 7 steps to get to the gate, here is why it takes so long to get through the Aruba airport customs:
Step 1
First you have to check-in and check your baggage, which took about 30 mins to get to the counter.
Step 2
Next, you have to clear customs with Aruba. This line was outside and luckily it was a nice breezy day! It took about 15 mins to get to the front of this line.
Step 3
After, we were to take everything through the TSA metal detectors, all electronics must come out of your bags. This line took another 15 mins or so.
We thought we were done since we entered the terminal with duty free shops, but no, we were not done yet.
Step 4
We kept walking until we entered the US customs area where you have to find your bags that you checked in step 1. Some bags were on the carousels and others were lined up by airport staff. We were not allowed to open our bags.
Step 5
After gathering our bags, we lined up for the US customs check. The line takes about 30 minutes or Global Entry had no line.
Step 6
Once we were passed the custom agents, we dropped our bags off, again.
Step 7
Now we had to go through the TSA metal detectors one last time. Luckily there was a separate line for TSA pre-check, but you still have to take your shoes off. This took about 10 minutes.
Finally, we entered the terminal to find our gate! We had time to spare and with our Priority Pass account, we could go into the VIP lounge. It was a small lounge with limited snacks: bagged chips, muffins, sandwiches, and drinks included: wine, rum, whiskey, coffee, beer or soda. We were ok with this, all we wanted to do was sit and grab a bite to eat!
We were exhausted when we got back home, but were ready to go back right away! Let us know what you thought of the post or if you have any questions in the comments below!
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More Aruba Travel Information:
Guide to Aruba: Where to Stay, Where to Eat, Things to Do
A complete guide and everything you need to know about Aruba including things to do, restaurants to try, and the best hotels on this one happy island!
How to spend your days on One Happy Island and everything you need to know! This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!
Best Hotels in Aruba
There are some great places to stay in Aruba, with the options of hotels in the Downtown area, hotel row along the beach or Airbnb. We decided to stay in hotels but a few friends we met while diving, were loving their Airbnb’s, but they weren’t right on the beach like we were! Hotel row had every hotel you could think of at all price points (Hyatt, Hilton, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Holiday Inn) located right on the beach.
All of them had casinos and you could walk from one to another. I’m used to Vegas casinos which you cannot compare to Aruba casinos. The casinos played the American dollar with the options of slots in different denominations as well as tables including 3 card poker, black jack, roulette, etc. There wasn’t a fee to enter or anything, and all the casinos seemed to have a players card option. If you play long enough you can get free drinks! On the slots there was an option to order drinks once you hit the threshold.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino! Located mid beach of hotel row, it is the perfect place to spend your days at the beach and is walking distance to almost everything! The rooms were so nice, hard wood floors and super spacious! The pool was huge, complete with a water slide, volleyball net and swim up bar to get your drink on!
Read our full HOTEL REVIEW here: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino
Renaissance Island - Flamingo Beach
We also stayed at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino so we could visit the flamingos on Renaissance Island’s Flamingo Beach! Read our full review on the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino and Everything you need to know about Flamingo Beach.
Getting To and From the Aruba Airport
TAXI DRIVE VIEWS OF DOWNTOWN FROM THE ARUBA AIRPORT
It’s a $25 flat rate to get a taxi from the Aruba airport to the high rise hotels or $18 to get to the Downtown hotels. Here is a link to a handy chart for taxi rates for getting around Aruba: Taxi Fares in Aruba
Things to do in Aruba
UTV Tour - Around Aruba Tours
Website: https://www.aroundarubatours.com/tours-in-aruba/
Or book through Viator tours: Aruba UTV Tour
Booking: We took a 4 hour UTV Tour around the island with Around Aruba Tours. It was $180 for the 2 of us. The Hyatt Regency concierge was able to book the afternoon tour for us. They also offer ATV tours and Jeep tours too! Note: An ATV is for one person, the UTVs hold 2-4 people. The driver should be at least 18 years old with a valid driving license while the minimum age for the passengers is set at 6 years.
Scuba Diving with Aqua Windies
Address: Dr. Horacio E. Oduber blvd 4, Eagle Beach, Aruba
Website: aquawindies.com
There is so much to see underwater in Aruba! Not only are there shipwrecks to see, but there are also airplanes below! We went with Aqua Windies Dive Shop, which had very experienced divers giving us a chance to see some fish in the most vibrant coral reefs!
You can always rent a boat from our friends at GetMyBoat.com, it’s like Airbnb for boats!
See our Scuba in Aruba Airplane Wreck dive here:
Restaurants and Where to Eat in Aruba
BREAKFAST IN ARUBA
Dushi Bagels & Burgers
Address: J. E. Irausquin Blvd #87 Noord, Aruba
Website: http://www.dushibagelsandburgers.com
Cuisine type: Bagels, Breakfast, Burgers, Sandwiches | Price Range: $7-$12
Looking for the perfect breakfast spot in Aruba? Dushi bagels is your spot! The price was right for our meals and the service was quick. There was a bit of a wait so we just ate at the bar. They also offer to go options if you’re in a hurry! There was an extensive menu of great American breakfast food options, we enjoyed a breakfast burrito with ham, french toast, and delicious hash browns.
Breakfast at a Dutch Pancake House - Diana’s Pancake Place
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 370, Noord, Aruba
Website: Facebook Page
Cuisine type: Dutch | Price Range: under $15
Diana’s Pancake House is located by hotel row and across from the Hyatt, above the I Love Aruba store. Dutch pancakes are served as one pancake on a large plate with whatever ingredients you desire from the menu. The pancakes were bigger than my face! I went with the Hawaiian (ham, cheese, and pineapple) and Josh had the Apple Cinnamon. They were good, but we weren’t planning on going back every morning.
LUNCH/DINNER IN ARUBA
The Pelican Nest Seafood & Grill Bar
Address: On Pelican Pier, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 237, Noord, Aruba
Website: pelican-aruba.com
Cuisine type: Caribbean, Seafood, Sandwiches | Price Range: $20 - $30
The Pelican Nest was built over the water with gorgeous aqua water views one all sides! Most specialty dishes are fish centered. We had a late lunch and had a delicious chicken sandwich and happy hour drinks in the bar!
Smokey Joe’s Island Grill
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, Noord, Aruba
Website: http://www.smokeyjoesaruba.com/
Cuisine type: American, International | Price Range: $20 - $30
On Tuesday and Thursday you can get all you can eat ribs! They claim they are “the best ribs in the Caribbean.” The ribs were actually really good, and we got some chicken wings as well. The service was really slow, but we weren’t in a rush, just hungry! Most of the food was American cuisine and very filling!
I saw the Pink Iguana drink on the menu and it was everything I wanted. It was like a Miami vice or lava flow, filled with coconut cream, rum and strawberries! For dessert, we tried the OREO SURPRISE with fried oreos and vanilla ice cream. Nothing was left behind.
Salt and Pepper
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 370-A, Noord, Aruba
Website: http://www.saltandpepperaruba.com/
Cuisine type: Spanish, Tapas | Price Range: $10 - $20
Salt and Pepper shakers were everywhere! They had different salt and pepper shakers at every table and the walls inside had shelves and shelves of shakers. They even offer free sangria for those who bring a set for them to keep! Spanish tapas were the specialty here, perfect for any amount in your party! We ordered 7 items and ate it all! Our faves: meatballs, chicken wings, fried brie
We also enjoyed a delicious breakfast here with many American breakfast options (coffee was great too).
Sunset Grille at the Hilton Aruba
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 81, Noord, Aruba
Website: Hilton Aruba Resort | Dinner Menu
We made a reservation about a month in advance at Sunset Grille, located in the Hilton Aruba Resort among the various hotels along the beach. We sat outside to enjoy the sunset while at the Sunset Grille! I had a mouth watering Filet Mignon and Josh ordered the Cowboy Bone-in Rib Eye. For sides, we tried the Garlic mashed potatoes and Gouda Cheese Croquettes. The croquettes were little balls of cheese and potato heaven. SO GOOD.
Driftwood Restaurant - Downtown Aruba
Address: Driftwood Building, Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad, Aruba
Website: driftwoodaruba.com
Cuisine type: Aruban, Caribbean, Seafood | Price Range: $25 - $35
This place was so charming! The walls were plastered with driftwood and it felt like a being on a ship with steering wheels as lamps (minus the sea sickness)! I ordered the chicken with tropical citrus sauce and wish I had the recipe for that sauce! Josh tried the Aruban meal - fresh catch of the day with potato and veggies. Although the presentation of the meal was underwhelming, the food quality was spectacular. For dessert, we ordered the Brownie a la mode and it was perfection!
Ice Cream in Aruba - Gelatissimo Palm Beach
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 345, Noord, Aruba
Website: Gianni’s Gelatissimo
Pricing: $3-$8
We went exploring inland where we saw shops and restaurants on our drive in. Of course we had to find some ice cream and we came across some delicious gelato at Gelatissimo! They had any flavor of gelato you could imagine. There was something for everyone to enjoy. I went with a waffle cone trying the Stracciatella (chocolate chip) and Nutella (chocolate hazelnut).
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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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Sleeping in a Sámi Lavvu in Norway: Our Arctic Overnight Near Tromsø
You might think we’re crazy, but sleeping in a tent in Norway was once of the best experiences in our travels! Find out more what this enchanting Lavvu had in store for us and how we found the Northern Lights!
Most Unique Place to Stay in Norway - Sami Lavvu (Norweigian teepee tent)
Most Unique Place to Stay in Norway - Sami Lavvu!
When we were planning our 5-day trip to Norway, our travel agency recommended spending a night in a Sami Lavvu (a Norwegian teepee). My first thought was NO WAY. I had my reasons: It's camping; No bathrooms; It's going to be 20 degrees outside and what are we going to eat? Josh saw it as a good opportunity to do something different. I went camping at a beach with friends once and slept on a hammer (I thought it was a rock), which we had lost when we were building it. I vowed never again to go camping.
After talking with our travel agency Off the Map Travel, Katie highly recommended the lavvu, assuring me the tent would be warm and there were bathrooms. I begrudgingly said yes somehow and had high anxiety when thinking about it.
Arriving at the Teepee in Norway
When we arrived at the Aurora Alps from Tromsø, we were supposed to stay in a cabin the first night, so I had one last night to get used to the idea I would be sleeping in a teepee, in the snow. However, upon arrival, they told us our Itinerary had changed and we were spending that night in the teepee. O.M.G. She made it sound like it was no big deal and that it would be easier for us. I was anxious and nervous inside.
We grabbed our bags and walked towards the Sami Lavvu which was about 50 feet from the house. I looked up a lit path and saw charming white lights strung in front of the most beautiful teepee I had ever seen. HOW ENCHANTING! I then forgot all my fears as we entered the candlelit lavvu, and I loved everything about it, feeling like I was in some sort of fairy tale.
Inside the Lavvu
Inside the Sami Lavvu tent
There was a giant picnic table with food, a bar with hot drinks ready to go, a warm stove with lots of firewood, a comfortable living room setup, and a separate area with sleeping bags. Along with the candles, there were some lights strung along the top of the lavvu giving off plenty of light. I was mesmerized and felt like I was in another world. This was my kind of camping.
Ann Kristin was our host and she brought a hot dinner of reindeer stroganoff along with a special dessert. The bathrooms were connected to the house, complete with shower and wifi. Everything was okay and I was complacent. Josh and I sat and watched the fire for a bit, taking it all in for a bit.
Fireplace inside the tent
Looking for the Northern Lights
In front of our cozy lavuu, were 2 sets of snow shoes. They were cute and I took a picture, but didn't know how to use them. Ann Kristin had advised the Northern Lights would be out that night and we should use the snowshoes to get to the clearing not far from the teepee. We gathered all of our camera gear and Josh helped me get my snow shoes on and off we went. We found the clearing but the sky was cloudy and there was a light rain. We decided to wait a bit and see if the weather would clear up.
Snow shoes
After about 15 minutes, we started to see stars, and the clouds started to dissipate. We thought we were looking for green flashes or some kind of light in the sky but didn't see anything like that. Josh decided to take pictures of the stars while we waited for the aurora borealis to show. After a few pictures, he yelled, "THAT'S IT!" There it was, on his camera screen, green Northern lights! We realized they looked more like glowing clouds to the naked eye! "What about that?! Or that?!" We shot at everything in the sky, taking tons of shots and getting something a little different every time.
Glimpse of the Northern Lights in Norway
After close to 30 minutes, it started to get cloudy again, and we were getting cold. It was time to head back and load pictures to our phones so we could post them on social media with the bathroom wifi.
We slept in a teepee in the snow and found the Northern Lights on our own. I can now change my life status to "Adventurous."
See related post for more Norway and Northern Lights photos: 5-Day Itinerary in Tromsø, Norway
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Hotel Review: InterContinental Hong Kong - China
The Hong Kong InterContinental is the perfect place to stay in Hong Kong, China. A great location with harbor views and walking distance to shops, restaurants and public transportation, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else! See our full review on the blog!
InterContinental Hong Kong on Harbour’s Edge
Address: 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
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For New Years 2018, we went to Hong Kong and toured around Thailand. We love InterContinental hotels and the InterContinental Hong Kong did not disappoint. With spectacular views of the harbor and a prime location to transportation, shopping, and delicious restaurants, we couldn't have asked for a better hotel.
HOTEL ROOM
We used our free nights with our IHG card and were upgraded to a deluxe room. There was plenty of room for the 2 of us! The bed was comfortable and warm, perfect combo of soft and firm. Although it did get a little warm with only a comforter provided. After 16 hours on a plane, I slept like a baby!
The first thing I️ noticed was a spacious walk-in closet which I thought was a bathroom at first! Across from it was a nook that had coffee and tea as well as a fridge in the cabinet.
On the desk they provided a cell phone that we could take around the city and use it as a hotspot for wi-fi or to make local calls. There was a USB outlet next to the TV that had 4 USB plugs to cover all of our electronic needs!
The bathroom was fairly large as well decorated with a beautiful marble and included a tub and stand alone shower.
The amenities were nice including everything from toothbrushes to shower gel. I loved their towels and robes! The towels were large and soft, lacking that hotel starchy feeling. The robes were similar, long and soft, feeling like a warm hug.
Restaurants
There was a great selection of restaurants at the hotel. Most of them are (or have been) Michelin star rated!
Harbourside
For breakfast, we went to the restaurant just below the lobby called Harbourside. We enjoyed their decadent buffet spread filled with anything you could have ever wanted. Egg station, waffles, 5 different kinds of cereal, donuts, croissants, fresh fruit, all sorts of juices, cured meats and cheeses, pot stickers, curry, Chinese dishes, EVERYTHING! They also had a menu that you could order dishes such as omelets and eggs benedict. The best part of the meal was the view of the harbor!
Steak House: Wine Bar & Grill
Steak house Restaurant Harbor views of Hong Kong
For dinner, we went to the Steak House Wine Bar and Grill. This restaurant has been Michelin star rated and I can see why! To start they had an excellent selection of cocktails as well as a savvy wine list. The cheapest wine by the glass here was over $30 but it was delicious.
The restaurant was dimly lit for mood lighting, luckily they provided light up menus to help find the best steak on the list! Our table was set prior to us being seated, which included a salt bar with 8 different rock salts to choose from! We put salt on everything! I like putting salt on the butter for our bread and on our delicious steaks, we ended up trying all 8 kinds!
We ordered the ribeye cap and Japanese wagyu, which is rare to find at home in Los Angeles. Every bite melted in my mouth. Both steaks were perfectly cooked, although if I had to pick one, I'd lean towards the Japanese Wagyu! For sides, I highly recommend the sous vied mashed potatoes and fabulous potatoes au gratin.
LOBBY
Hong Kong Intercontinental Hotel Views - Harbor
The lobby was large and welcoming with tons of seating. The check-in desk was circular and in the middle of the lobby with the Concierge along the wall on the side. The bar off the lobby had a spectacular view of the harbor!
How to Get To and From the Hong Kong Airport
Metro
Paid $100 HKD ($12.80 US dollars) at the station for train tickets took to Tsing Yi to change rails.
The station was right in front of InterContinental Hong Kong! Walking up to our home for the next few days I caught a glimpse of the skyline and Christmas was still being celebrated in the lobby with a gorgeous tree and giant nutcrackers.
Taxi
Our hotel got us a cab which was $270 HK dollars (about $35 US dollars) and at 5am it only took 30 minutes to get to the airport.
To see pricing and book your stay, click here: Booking.com
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Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers? As a lifelong Tahoe local, I’ve updated this guide to include Blue Health alpine resets and multi-gen itineraries for grandparents and kids. Discover the best toddler-friendly spots in South Lake Tahoe, from the East Shore Trail to STEM adventures with local helper trucks. Whether you need easy hikes at Glen Alpine Falls or family dining at Riva Grill, this 2026 guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable mountain escape.