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15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France)

It’s no mystery that Tours is a favourite base for people discovering the Loire Valley’s exalted châteaux.

Villandry, Chenonceau and Amboise are moments by car, and with the help of the Loire à Vélo network you can visit them on two wheels with ease.

But you may find that if you delve a little more into Tours’ history and attractions, it could be difficult to leave the city at all.

In the centre are timber houses and renaissance mansions on car-free streets, and museums that draw you into the city’s medieval past.

There are vineyards welcoming inquisitive oenophiles in the countryside and both the waters and banks of the Loire invite you to go wherever your sense of curiosity leads.

Lets explore the best things to do in Tours :

1. Tours Cathedral

Even by the glacial speed of construction in the middle ages, Tours Cathedral took a long time to be completed.

Building began in 1170 and wouldn’t be finished until 1547, but this means we’re met with a perfect summary of the evolution of gothic art.

The ensemble of original 13th-century stained glass windows in the ambulatory chapels and above the choir is one of the finest in France, and seems to generate its own light.

The cathedral has information panels giving you the meaning behind each image.

The marble renaissance tombs of King Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany’s children are also moving, as both died in infancy.

2. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

The riches from Cardinal Richelieu’s 17th-century campaign against the Huguenots and the art seized from abbeys during the Revolution all ended up at Tours’ stellar museum of fine art.

Because of their religious source there’s a good body of Italian gothic primitives from the 14th and 15th centuries, while the two renaissance paintings by Andrea Mentegna are regarded as masterpieces.

You’ve got over a thousand artworks to get through, with sculpture by Rodin, Flemish and Dutch painting by Rembrandt and Rubens, and Impressionism by Monet and Degas.

3. Tours Botanical Garden

The city’s municipal garden has a bit of a troublesome setting, between the Loire and Cher, which made it susceptible to flooding in the past, with two devastating inundations in the mid-19th century that filled the greenhouses with two metres of water.

Even after being hit by bombs in the Second World War there isn’t the slightest hint of a troubled past at these serene gardens.

On your walk you may notice some trees you haven’t seen before, like the Chinese empress tree, ginkgo biloba and the endangered dawn redwood.

The animal park is from 1863 and has farm animals for kids to bond with, as well as more exotic species like wallabies.

4. Le Vieux Tours

Like all the best historic city centres the historic buildings on the pedestrian streets around Place Plumereau aren’t sterile museum pieces but vibrant cornerstones of local life, used as shops, restaurants and bars.

Place de Plumereau is at the nerve centre of one of the largest conservation areas in Europe, with renaissance mansions boasting sculpted reliefs or cantilevered timber houses, going strong for hundreds of years.

If you’re OK with everybody knowing you’re a tourist, jump aboard the little train that departs every hour from Place Plumereau in summer.

5. Musée du Compagnonnage

In the 16th-century Dormitory at the former Abbey of Saint-Julien is a museum devoted to a French workers’ movement that dates back to medieval times.

Roughly, the Compagnons du Tour de France is like a guild of journeymen that preserves historic trades and educates young people about them as part of an apprenticeship.

To complete the apprenticeship and become a “companion” a craftsman had to create a masterpiece for whatever discipline he worked in.

And these dumbfounding creations are presented at the museum, in all kinds of different disciplines, like metalwork, tailoring, shoemaking and woodcarving.

6. Hôtel Goüin

What may be the most beautiful of Tours’ many old building has just come through a long restoration and is open to the public once more.

Hôtel Goüin is an early-renaissance palace on Rue du Commerce, with a balustraded porch and the sort of loggia in which you might expect to see Juliet calling for Romeo.

During the restoration they unearthed fragments of an older building from the 1100s, with four arches and a well, which are on show.

You might just want to stop for a photo of that magnificent facade, but there’s an archaeological museum inside with artefacts from Roman times up to the 1800s.

7. Halles de Tours

Billed as the “Belly of Tours” (ventre de Tours), the city’s indoor market may not be France’s largest, but it’s a gastronome’s idea of heaven.

You may even want to bring your camera or have your phone at the ready, because the cheese, charcuterie, seafood and in-season fruit and vegetable counters are presented with real flair.

If you’re stuck for gift ideas then markets like this tick the box as they’re stocked with all the best from the region.

At Tours that entails wine from the Loire Valley and luxury chocolate.

The city is one of France’s chocolate capitals, and every years holds the Salon du Chocolat de Tours at the Centre de Congrès Vinci.

Come for lunch too: The oyster bar shucks your oyster as you go.

8. Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé

During the French Second Empire from the mid-1800s English-style parks like this one popped up in provincial cities across France.

This was a spot for urban families to take promenades, kids to play and for the city to put on outdoor concerts at the park’s gazebo.

There’s less of the formality of French parterres, as paths weave through tulip flowerbeds and  copses of lime, plane, cedar, chestnut and lofty redwood trees.

So if you could do with a moment of repose take a wander by the pond and pause for a tea or coffee at the kiosk.

On warmer days you could load up on cheese and charcuterie at the market and have the perfect French picnic.

9. Église Saint-Julien de Tours

The predecessors of this  12th-century abbey were wrecked by the Normans in the 9th century and then in a war between the feudal houses of Blois and Anjou in the 10th century.

But miraculously the building that followed has survived everything from the French Revolution to the Second World War.

It was part of a long-gone abbey, and the garden next to the church is where the cloister used to be, while the Musée de Compagnonnage occupies the old dormitory.

10. “Toue” River Cruises

Commercial craft floated along the Loire and Cher since antiquity, hauling people, wine, silk, lumber, salt and all sorts of other cargo up and down these rivers.

Because the waterways can get very shallow they used flat-bottomed sailboats called “toues”, and you can too! Toues can carry between 12 and 30 passengers for hour-long trips, or even romantic dinner cruises in the evening.

Their skippers know these waters and banks like the backs of their hands: And with the deck as your balcony, they’ll shed light on the Tours’ river trade, its many colourful characters and perils.

11. Loire à Vélo

If you had to picture some quintessentially French holiday activities, a bike ride next to the Loire with a backdrop of gentle vine-striped hills and châteaux must be one of the first that comes to mind.

About 150km of the of the Loire à Vélo cycle trail’s totalling 800km are in the Touraine region.

The route is clearly-marked, easy -going because it never leaves the riverside and convenient as there are dozens of hire stations along the way.

You could give yourself set destinations like Amboise or Villandry, which are both reachable in about an hour.

Or make more of an adventure of it by going further afield and spending the night at the inns on the route that are happy to accommodate cyclists.

12. Guinguette sur Loire

On the left bank of the Loire, just by Pont Wilson, is where Tours’ “Guinguette” takes place from May to September.

It isn’t officially summer in Tours until this outdoor café by the river is bustling every evening with locals and tourists at the bar terrace, taking part in dance lessons, enjoying concerts or watching movies at the outdoor cinema.

Tours is a student city so the atmosphere is always warm and energetic.

The location is wonderful, under willow trees and string lights, with the river rolling past.

And every year there Guinguette has something new on the schedule.

13. Wine and Gastronmic Visits

If you’re a wine-lover you’ve come to the right place.

There’s an absurd amount of AOCs nearby: A dozen within an hour, and five bordering the city.

The diversity will make your head spin more than the wine itself, with the reds of Touraine-Chenonceau, the whites of Touraine Sauvignon and rosés made in Touraine noble joué.

When it comes to precious foodstuffs there’s a saffron market in Preuilly-sur-Claise and a seasonal truffle market at Marigny-Marmande.

The local cheese, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is known to all for its cylindrical shape and the straw that pierces it through the centre.

To know more, pay a visit to the dairy at Les Passerelles or the child-friendly goat farm, Cabri au Lait, which makes Sainte-Maure but also has a petting zoo for the little guys and girls.

14. Château de Villandry

It would be criminal to visit Tours and not call in at one of the abundant château in the region.

Tours is touted as a gateway for these sensational pieces of French royal or noble heritage.

You can reach Villandry in 20 minutes, and it’s one of the finest.

The gardens are the showstopper at this château.

They were restored at the turn of the century by the Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo.

He conceived several terraces of renaissance gardens, all with precisely trimmed boxwood hedges in joyous geometric configurations.

There’s a water garden, labyrinth, sun garden, ornamental garden with high hedges, but the most astounding is the formal medieval kitchen garden, all in neat plots.

15. Château d’Amboise

The home of Francis I and most of the French royalty in the 16th century is a 20-minute car or train ride to the east.

The château had its heyday in the renaissance period after Charles VIII turned it from a fortress into the Loire valley’s first Italian-style palace in the late-1400s.

In 1516 Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to live and work in Amboise, and the polymath’s home at Clos Lucé was actually connected to the Château d’Amboise by underground passageways that you can discover today by prior arrangement.

Da Vinci died here in 1519 and is buried at the Chapel of Saint-Hubert at the Château.

The gardens are embellished with spherical topiaries and the views from this spur above the Loire are divine.

15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France):

• Tours Cathedral
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
• Tours Botanical Garden
• Le Vieux Tours
• Musée du Compagnonnage
• Hôtel Goüin
• Halles de Tours
• Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
• Église Saint-Julien de Tours
• "Toue" River Cruises
• Loire à Vélo
• Guinguette sur Loire
• Wine and Gastronmic Visits
• Château de Villandry
• Château d'Amboise

Turn your dream vacation into reality

What To Do in Tours, France (Guide + Map)

• Milena Yordanova
• August 20, 2024

Located just an hour away by train from Paris, Tours is often used as a base for visiting the chateaux of Loire Valley. It is one of the largest cities in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, well connected by public transport to the most famous castles in the area. Indeed, from here, you can easily reach the historic palaces of Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois and Amboise.

Once the capital of France, today Tours is a lively city boasting a beautiful historic centre with half-timbered houses and gourmet bistros. A perfect stop on your way through the Loire Valley!

What to do in Tours, France in one day

Thanks to its central location and excellent public transport connections to the nearby towns, Tours is a great base to discover the chateaux of Loire. This is one of the main cities I’d recommend you to base yourself in, especially if you’re travelling by train.

Besides being an excellent base for touring the historic chateaux, Tours itself is worth at least half a day of exploring. Take a walk along the narrow cobbled streets while admiring the half-timbered houses, the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral and the Renaissance Hotel Gouïn.

Follow my itinerary to discover the best things to do in Tours, France for one day. You’ll also find what are the most famous chateaux to visit near the city and some restaurant recommendations.

At the end of the blog post, you can find a map of this itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

What to do in Tours in one day

Breakfast at l’atelier du talemelier.

• Visit Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours

Tour de l’Horloge and Tour de Charlemagne

• Have a cup of coffee at Place Plumereau
• Admire Hôtel Goüin

Lunch at Les Gens Heureux

• Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Hôtel de Ville de Tours

• Admire the art at Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Take a walk in the Botanical Garden
• Visit the quirky Musée de Compagnonnage

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM Start your one day in Tours with breakfast at L’Atelier du Talemelier or Kat’s Coffee . L’Atelier du Talemelier is a great bakery which offers quality pastries and sandwiches. However, if you prefer to enjoy some delicious cakes with your coffee, head to Kat’s Coffee.

Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours

10:00 AM – 10:25 AM Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours (Basilica of St. Martin) is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the third bishop of Tours. It was built over the traditional burial site of the saint in the 5th century AD. During the centuries, the small basilica was replaced several times with larger structures.

The basilica in a Neo-byzantine style that you see today dates from the 19th century. However, you can still see some of the remains of the older Romanesque edifice – the western clock tower and Tour de Charlemagne (Charlemagne Tower). They are located just a few steps away from the current church.

Inside the crypt, you’ll find the tomb of Saint Martin.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower) and Tour de Charlemagne are the only remnants of the impressive structure of the 11th-century Romanesque Basilica of Saint Martin.

Tour de Charlemagne was built on the site of the tomb of Luitgard, the last wife of Charlemagne. The king was so greatly affected by her death in 800, that he decided that Luitgard would be buried in the Basilica of Saint Martin. In the 19th century, the Charlemagne Tower was converted into a water tower.

Although, it’s not possible to visit the towers, take a few moments and admire their structure. Just imagine the grandeur of the 11th-century Romanesque basilica, of which these towers were part!

Place Plumereau

10:50 AM – 11:05 AM Place Plumereau is the heart of the historic centre of Tours. It is a lively square with bars and restaurants, framed by charming 15th-century half-timbered houses. A popular place to sit and watch the world go by!

The square is named in honour of Charles Plumereau, a municipal councillor of Tours, who bequeathed 3000 francs to the city.

Hôtel Goüin

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM This Renaissance palace served as a private mansion of a family of silk merchants in the 15th century. The façade with its beautiful arches is a real masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. So don’t miss to take a quick look and admire the exterior!

Hôtel Goüin is named after a family of Breton bankers who purchased the building in 1738. And don’t be fooled by the word hotel, this is not an actual hotel, but a museum for temporary art exhibitions.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM For lunch head to Les Gens Heureux . This typical French restaurant offers a small selection of interesting dishes with a unique combination of flavours.

Saint-Gatien Cathedral

02:00 PM – 02:30 PM Tours Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Gatien) is dedicated to the first bishop of Tours – Saint Gatianus. Built between 1170 and 1547, it reflects the development of the Gothic style of architecture. Some of the cathedral’s highlights include the spectacular 13th-14th century stained glass windows and an Italian-style organ.

The cathedral houses the tombs of the children of Anne de Bretagne and Charles VII. Also, you’ll find a chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc. She had met with Charles VII here in Tours, an important meeting which became a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

02:45 PM – 03:00 PM The last stop of this Tours itinerary is the town hall, Hôtel de Ville de Tours. Take your time and enjoy its magnificent Renaissance Revival façade.

The town hall was built between 1896 and 1904 by the famous architect Victor Laloux. It is the same architect who designed the Orsay museum in Paris!

Dinner at La Maison des Halles

Finish your one day in Tours with dinner at La Maison des Halles . The wine list here is great and the menu is excellent (don’t miss the desserts – the best I’ve had during a week in France).

More ideas for your one day in Tours, France

Museum of fine arts.

The Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is housed in the former bishop’s palace. The museum owns a remarkable collection of Italian Primitives from the 14th-15th centuries. Among them are two renaissance paintings by Andrea Mantegna, considered masterpieces. You’ll also find many artworks by Delacroix, Degas, Monet, Rembrandt, Rubens and Rodin.

Don’t miss the staggering cedar tree at the museum entrance, which is over 200 years old!

Castle of Tours

Close to the cathedral, you’ll find the Castle of Tours (Château de Tours). Built in the 11th century, this small chateau served as a residence of the Carolingian dynasty. Today, it houses contemporary exhibitions of paintings and photographs .

Church of Saint Julien

The Church of Saint Julien (Église Saint-Julien de Tours) is a part of a former Benedictine abbey founded in the 6th century. Most of the church is in Romanesque style and dates back to the 13th century.

Tours Botanical Garden

Founded in 1843, the Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Tours) is the oldest city park. It’s a lovely area with lots of wildlife and thematic gardens – greenhouses, orchards, medical gardens, arboretums and many others. There is also a petting zoo with farm animals like donkeys, sheep, rabbits and poultry!

Musée de Compagnonnage

Musée de Compagnonnage occupies the dormitory at the former Abbey of Saint-Julien. This quirky museum is dedicated to the city’s trade guilds. The exhibition represents various objects related to metalwork, tailoring, culinary, shoemaking and woodcarving.

Where to stay in Tours, France

If you intend to use Tours as a base to explore the Loire castles, take a look at my recommendations below on where to stay. You’ll find most of the historic attractions and restaurants in the area between the Loire River and the Central Railway station. So, I’d advise you to look for accommodations in this area, because you’ll be within walking distance of everything.

Perfectly located in the heart of Tours, just a short walk from everything. Also, the hotel features a good bistro-style restaurant and a wellness centre with Spa, hammam and heated indoor pool. Why book – a short walk from the Old Town and Tours train station, heated indoor pool, private parking

Les Trésorières is an excellent choice for an upscale stay in Tours. Central quiet location and bright spacious room. A great wellness area, featuring a hammam, sauna and an indoor pool. Why book – at walking distance to the Old Town and Tours train station, indoor pool, parking nearby

Getting around in Tours, France

Find here a detailed map of this Tours walking itinerary.

The Old Town of Tours is very compact and you can easily explore it by walking in less than an hour.

How to get to Tours, France

Tours is well connected to other major cities in France by train. For example, it’s less than a 2 hours journey from Paris Gare Montparnasse. Tours station (Gare de Tours) is the city’s main railway station. It’s located just a short walk from the Old Town.

Check timetables and book train tickets online at SNCF official website .

Tours is divided into three different types of zones – red, orange and blue. The first two are limited to 3 hours of parking, while the blue one – to 5 hours. However, parking in the Old Town is free on Sundays and Monday – Saturday (between 12 PM – 2 PM and 6:30 PM – 9 AM).

If you’re arriving by car I’d recommend booking a hotel with parking or using any of the paid car parks in the city centre (see a list of all car parks here ).

Day trips from Tours, France

Loire valley chateaux.

The central location of Tours makes it a great base to explore the chateaux of Loire Valley. You’ll find a few of the most popular castles just a short train ride away. For more information, take a look at my guide on how to visit the Loire Valley .

Here are the most famous chateaux you can visit near Tours:

• Château de Chenonceau – known as Château des Dames, it’s the most beautiful Renaissance castle of Loire Valley
• Château de Chambord – this royal residence is one of the largest chateaux in France
• Château de Blois – home to 7 kings and 10 queens of France between the 13th and 17th centuries
• Château d’Amboise – the place where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last years and where he is buried
• Château de Chaumont – a fairytale 10th-century castle, once home to Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers
• Château de Villandry – is known for its beautiful French Gardens, which consist of several terraces of renaissance gardens

Blois is one of the most charming towns in the Loire Valley. The city is known for its royal chateau and the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, a Gothic masterpiece. For more information, take a look at my travel guide on how to spend one day in Blois .

How to get to Blois Take a train from Gare de Tours to Gare de Blois – Chambord (40min journey). From there, it’s a 10min walk to the Old Town and the chateau.

Located just a short train ride away, Angers is a great option for a day trip from Tours. The city is famous for its castle, the ancient seat of the Plantagenet dynasty and the Apocalypse tapestry, the largest medieval tapestry in the world. Find out more in my travel guide to the best things to do in Angers .

How to get to Angers Take a train from Gare de Tours to Gare d’Angers Saint-Laud (50min journey). From the central train station, it’s about a 10min walk to the city centre.

How many days in Tours, France

Is one day in tours enough.

The city of Tours can be easily visited in less than a day. In fact, most of the people come not for sightseeing but to use the city as a base to explore the nearby castles. Still, there is plenty to see, so dedicate at least half a day to this charming town.

Best time to visit Tours, France

If you intend to visit Tours as a part of your Loire Valley trip, do it in the months of May, June or September. Crowds are fewer and the weather is not hot, but nice and warm.

Faqs about visiting Tours, France

Tours is one of the largest cities in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It is worth visiting not only for the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral and the Renaissance Hotel Gouïn, but also for the picturesque half-timbered houses. Thanks to its central location, the city is an excellent base to explore the castles of the Loire Valley.

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About the author

Thank you for the blog which covers Tours in depth. We are travelling On Nov 07th to Blois to see three castles and unfortunately all public transport stops on Nov 05th. We don’t have car. Apart from Taxi any other alternate solution ?

Many Thanks -Yoga

Unfortunately, there is no other option, but a taxi. However, there are still a lot of castles, which are are reachable by train – Château de Chenonceau, Château de Blois, Château de Chaumont, Château d’Amboise, Château d’Angers, Château de Langeais, Château de Saumur, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Loches, Château de Chinon and Château de Meung-sur-Loire.

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Prepare your stay

Activities & Visits

Chateaux & Gardens

Museums & Cultural Sites

Guided tours

Sports & Leisure activites

Boat strolls

Wine & Gastronomy

Indoor activities

Stroll with a Greeter

Where to sleep

Bed & Breakfast

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Excursions & Stays

Half-day excursions

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Stays from 2 to 5 days

Castles & tourist sites

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The unmissables

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In Tours, castles are at the bottom of the garden

In Tours, there's always something to taste

In Tours, we keep an eye on the past

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Duration : 1h30 - Price : 10€ The Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office and the city of Tours offer a thematic tour of the Old Town of Tours, led by a guide. A guided tour of the emblematic Vieux Tours district around Place Plumereau, led by an expert guide.  Medieval half-timbered and stone houses stand side by side with exceptional townhouses. These mansions bear witness to the prosperity of this part of town, which grew up around a huge collegiate church dedicated to Saint Martin. Once home to the saint's body, it was the center of one of the oldest pilgrimages in Christendom. This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Buy your 3-castle Pass to celebrate Christmas in Touraine! Which castle should you visit this winter? Answer: Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Langeais, Loches, and Villandry! From Saturday, November 30, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025, seven of the largest castles in the Loire Valley will celebrate the holiday spirit with fully decorated visitor tours and events: it’s "Christmas in the Land of Castles" in Touraine. To enjoy visiting 3 castles of your choice at special rates and with complete freedom, opt for the Christmas in the Land of Castles Passes! Bonus gift during this festive season: these Passes also give you access to exclusive offers with a selection of local leisure and shopping partners.

Enjoy the destination's must-see attractions: Castle and Gardens of Villandry, Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, Castle of Tours, Centre of Contemporary Creation Olivier Debré, Fine Arts Museum, « Compagnonnage » Museum, Natural History Museum, Saint-Cosme Priory, Psalette Cloister and a guided tour of Tours. This 48h Pass also includes bike hire, access to the little tourist train (available end of March 2024) and exclusive benefits from our partners (e.g. €3 discount per player with Escape Yourself, 10% discount in the pub « Au temps des Rois »)

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. Program: 9.30am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (just in front of the train station). Everybody's here? Let’s start the day! 9:30am: Start in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours, and get into our minivan, off to Chenonceau! Next step is Château de Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at lovely privately owned châteaux but also other must-see castles of Loire Valley such as: Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard... Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this stunning chateau and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Once inside, take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned chateau, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. The kitchens, the Queen bedroom, the Gallery... your tour guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place. Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy a typical French lunch in a lovely private château of Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton! Start with the visit of this unique familly Château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of piece. After the visit, hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere with tasty food and local Loire Valley wine. This experience will make you feel like the owner of the place! More than a chateau, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will tell you everything about the history of the castle, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable! Once inside, your guide will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit: the double helix staircase, the chapel, the terrace...He will also share with you memorable anecdotes and point at hidden details of interest and breathtaking views of the château. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance! After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will advise you some spots to get a impressive view of the chateau. A spectacular day you will never forget. 5.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

Duration : 45mn - Price : from 50 € Come aboard a tuk-tuk for an original tour of the city of Tours! For 45 minutes, Pascal will be delighted to take you to discover the city's most emblematic sites: the old town of Tours, Les Halles, the Quartier des Arts, the Basilica Saint-Martin and, of course, the riverside of the Loire.

Events calendar

Here, events come and go and none is alike other ! The metropolis know how to cultivate its art of living. Numbers of events from traditionnal and old music, to gastronomy or sport are organized throughtout all seasons. This eclectic program also allows to discover some nice historic, or out the ordinary, places.

Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

How to come? What weather in Tours? Where to leave my luggage? Find all practical information here.

The Tourist Office is located: 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours.

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm

For any information, please reach our team +33(0)2 47 70 37 37

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• Tours, Centre-Val de Loire /

Quick Tours Nord

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hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord

9 Rue Arthur Rimbaud, 37100 Tours, France – Great location - show map

hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord Reserve now

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Value for money

You might be eligible for a Genius discount at hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord. To check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates sign in .

Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

This hotel is located 4.8 km from Tours city centre, in the business district. It has a sauna, a fitness centre and en suite guest rooms with flat-screen TV. A continental breakfast is served every morning at the Quick Palace Tours. Free Wi-Fi access is provided in the entire hotel. hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord is just 1.5 km from Tour-Val-de-Loire Airport and 3.3 km from the A10 motorway, L’Aquitaine, exit 20. Free private parking is possible on site. Guests can also discover the famous Châteaux de la Loire, including Langeais Castle 35 km away, Amboise Castle 25 km away and Chambord Castle 60 km away.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Free parking
• Family rooms
• Fitness centre
• Non-smoking rooms
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Very good breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.0)

Free private parking available at the hotel

Loyal customers

끖 There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, hotel surroundings, facilities of hôtel quick palace tours nord.

• Picnic area
• Outdoor furniture
• Bicycle rental Additional charge
• Badminton equipment
• Diving Off-site
• Canoeing Off-site
• Daily housekeeping
• Vending machine (snacks)
• Vending machine (drinks)
• Fax/photocopying
• Express check-in/check-out
• Board games/puzzles
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• Personal trainer

House rules hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord takes special requests - add in the next step!

Child policies.

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 17 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

The fine print Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Reception opening hours:

Monday to Sunday: 17:00 to 21:00.

Guests arriving outside reception opening hours are kindly requested to contact the hotel the day before arrival in order to receive access codes. Contact details can be found on the booking information.

These guests will be able to use the automatic check-in machine. Please note that the credit card used to make the reservation will be required.

Please note that the sauna is available at an additional charge.

FAQs about hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord

How much does it cost to stay at hôtel quick palace tours nord.

The prices at hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

How far is hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord from the centre of Tours?

hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord is 3 miles from the centre of Tours. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What is there to do at hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord?

• Bicycle rental

What are the check-in and check-out times at hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord?

Check-in at hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord is from 17:00, and check-out is until 11:30.

What type of room can I book at hôtel QUICK Palace Tours Nord?

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CERN Accelerating science

Guided tours for families and individual visitors

If you visit on your own, with your family or friends our daily guided tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Connect to our exclusive web app when arriving at Science Gateway to check guided tour availabilites and to register.

Discover CERN’s first accelerator, the synchrocyclotron, installed back in 1957 . Learn about the most important moments of CERN’s history and how the Laboratory became a model for international collaboration. Real objects from a typical workplace reconstruct life at CERN in the late 1950s, when computers and digital cameras didn’t exist.  Wonder at the beautiful 3D video mapping that brings the synchrocyclotron back to life! 

Have you ever heard of the Higgs boson? Its discovery in 2012, at CERN, completed the theory that explains the visible Universe around us, and led to a Nobel prize. Learn more about this fascinating particle, about the research and the people behind its discovery on a guided tour of the control centre of the ATLAS experiment, one of the two experiments at CERN that discovered the Higgs boson . Navigate through an interactive exhibition and look in on physicists who take shifts 24h/7 in the control room. 

Important information on availability

Given very high demand and limited capacity, about only 10% of Science Gateway visitors will get a place in a guided tour or lab workshop. Bookings are available on a first-come, first-served basis, 1 or 2 hours in advance and upon availability. It is advised to come early in the morning to increase your chances to get a booking. More guided tours for families and individual visitors are available during the Summer and on Sundays.

There are no underground visit for families and individual visitors and the underground visits are extremely rare for booked groups. The tunnel of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) cannot be visited.

But we have much more to offer. Check here .

Home  >  Articles  >  Enjoying Oxford > Free Walking Tours

Oxford Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Plan a Visit at Your Own Pace

Oxford is a gem of a town. There’s so much to see, and you can visit practically all of their attractions on foot. This is why walking tours are an excellent option for those coming to Oxford. Some will choose to have a guide, while others might prefer to explore the city, its University museums , and sights at their own rhythm . I have created these maps to help you do exactly that. 

Below, you will find free walking tour maps (you can download them to your phone if you prefer, or use the links to open the tours in your own Google Maps app) to see all that Oxford has to offer. Pubs and restaurants? We got it. Colleges and libraries? Of course! How about a bit of shopping or a Harry Potter-themed adventure? Look no further. 

(Want to see a self-guided walking tour for Oxford Museums only? Check this link ). 

Oxford Basic Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

Download this Image

Let’s start with a quick overview of the town. This walking tour is perfect for those visiting Oxford for just a few hours. It is a leisurely tour that should give you a great idea of what the town is all about. There are two paths I like to do myself when walking around Oxford:

In pink : Start from the train station or bus station and make your way to the centre of the city. This short walk should take about 30 minutes to an hour at a relaxed walking pace – and cover the best attractions in Oxford: Its colleges, churches, museums, and shops.

In purple : If the day is nice and you have an extra 40 minutes, you can also walk down St Aldate’s and into Christ Church meadow, where you will be able to relax in the shade and see the famous Cherwell river. Make your way back north through the Botanic Garden path and enter the city through the east, where you will see some of the oldest colleges of the university. 

Basic Oxford Walking Tour Directions and Stops

Let’s go into a little more detail if you want to do the short (or pink) self-guided walking tour. 

• Arriving at the train or bus station, walk down George Street . If you are already hungry, this is the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, as there are several restaurants and bars here. If not…
• Continue walking until you reach St Michael at the North Gate . This was the city limit when Oxford was surrounded by a wall!
• Turn right and walk down Cornmarket Street , the central commercial vein. Don’t miss 24-26 Cornmarket Street , a house dating back to the 14th century (it’s on the left, right across the tower).
• You can continue walking down the street and check out the Covered Market , or turn left on Market Street and continue down Brasenose Lane , which will eventually lead you to the landmark Radcliffe Camera library. To your right, you will also see the Church of St Mary the Virgin, and to the left, the Bodleian Library .
• Turn left again after you exit, and you’ll see the Sheldonian Theatre and, right across Broad Street , Trinity College .
• Walk up to Corn Steet and turn left again, so you can enjoy a pleasant stroll up Parks Road and see the Natural History Museum and Keble College .
• You can continue until Keble road to close the circuit or turn left on Museum Road to see a secret passage and the most beautiful tree in Oxford!

Here’s a Google map to make the walking tour easier to follow It’s not exactly the same as the image, but it covers the points mentioned above. You can click on this link to open it in your own maps app.

What You Shouldn't Miss in This Self-Guided Walking Tour

(You can click here to see all the historical places you will encounter )

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

The University Church of St Mary The Virgin is the largest church in Oxford and is popular with students, professors, and visitors. The first church here was built in 1086, although the building that can now be seen on the north side of the chancel is from 1320 (when the Univesity was officially founded). The Baroque porch (considered “the most beautiful porch in the world”) was designed by Nicholas Stone, and the tower (also from the 13th century) can be climbed and offers an excellent view of Oxford. 

Radcliffe Camera

This circular  Radcliffe Camera Library is probably considered by most locals and visitors as “ the very center of Oxford .” It was built in 1749 by James Gibbes and has an Edwardian Palladian style. Although it appears to have three stores from the outside, it’s actually one main floor. This floor is divided into different bays separated by Corinthian columns. Today, the Radcliffe Camera holds over 600,000 books. It’s open to students but not to the public. 

Although you also won’t be able to cross the Bridge of Sighs (unless you are a Hertford College student), you can still admire its beauty from the street level. The bridge was built in 914 by Sir Thomas Jackson and received its name because it looks like its homonym in Venice. The geometrical concept is also inspired by Archimedes in the 3rd Century BC (the area of the parabolic segment is 4/3 of an inscribed triangle). 

St John’s College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford, St John’s College was founded in 1555 as a men’s college but turned coeducational later.

Keble College

Keble College is one of the University of Oxford’s constituent colleges. It is located on Parks Road, opposite the University Museum.

Exeter College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university.

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

Brasenose College

Oxford University’s Brasenose College (BNC) was founded in 1509 and is home to one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world.

All Souls College

All Souls College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford. It was founded by Henry VI and it has no undergraduate members.

See all Oxford Colleges >

Oxford Museums

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford is Britain’s first public museum. It was founded in 1683.

Oxford University University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History or OUMNH displays many of the University of Oxford’s natural history specimens.

See all Oxford Museums >

Oxford Libraries

Radcliffe Camera is a neo-classical style building inside Oxford University, built from 1737 to 1749 for the Radcliffe Science Library.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.

See all Oxford Libraries >

Un-Missable Stops in an Oxford Walking Tour

If you’re exploring Oxford on your own, there are a few places you should consider stopping by. This includes colleges (which are normally open to visitors during the day), museums, the Botanic Garden , shops, and definitely, if you can, the Bodleian Library !

Of course, Oxford has something for everyone, so if you’re looking for places to shop or parks to relax, you can see some good options in the list below this section.

However, before you move on, if you’re interested in visiting the best Oxford museums (and combining them with the city walking tour), you can use this map.

Also, here’s the complete guide covering the most popular Oxford Museums .

And the direct link to download the museum walking tour map . 

Best for Shopping in Oxford

There are two – possibly three – shops you should NOT miss if you’re visiting Oxford and doing a self-guided walking tour. These are Alice’s Shop (with tons of Alice in Wonderland memorabilia, all beautifully displayed in a historically-relevant little building!), The Shop of Secrets (more Harry Potter merch than you can dream of), and Blackwell’s Bookshop , founded in 1879.

Of course, as Oxford continues to grow, there re several other places you can visit if you’re looking for unique gifts or just a memorable experience. Below is a more comprehensive list with all of them. 

Blackwell’s Bookshop

Blackwell’s Bookshop first opened its doors in 1879 on Broad Street, Oxford. They have been trading continuously from there ever since.

Alice’s Shop

Alice’s Shop is a little shop placed exactly where Alice Liddell (the “real” Alice that inspired the books) used to buy sweets.

Arcadia Books & Stationary

Arcadia is a popular bookstore in Oxford, offering second-hand books and stationery with a vintage and whimsical vibe.

The Shop of Secrets

The Shop of Secrets is Oxford’s chamber of Harry Potter collectibles and merch. A shopping must-to in the city, this is why you should visit.

Parks and Meadows

Oxford has many beautiful parks and meadows – which make perfect spots for a picnic or a relaxing stop. These parks are large and tend to have exotic plants and students practising sports or reading a book under the shadow of a tree. The best thing about adding a visit to a park during your self-guided walking tour is that you can visit them any time of the year. University Parks , for example, are evergreen and have seats no matter the season. Of course, if you like plants and quietness you should not miss the Botanic Gardens, they are included in the map above and have exotic species, lots of secret corners, and even a pond with fish!

Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

The Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK. It was founded in 1621 and holds unique and important species.

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church meadow is open to the public all year round. This open space in the heart of Oxford is an ideal choice for recreation.

Oxford University Parks

Oxford University Parks (or University Parks) is a large park area northeast of the city. The park is open to the public during the day.

Port Meadow

Port Meadow is a large open space in the north of Oxford. The River Thames flows through its heart and the plains are home to many animals.

Learn More About Oxford

Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum: A Brief History

Oxford College Gardens

Oxford Aerial Map and Guide

Insight Guides Great Breaks Oxford

Organised and specialised walking tours.

Oxford also offers specialized tours for those with particular interests. For example, food tours combine historical exploration with stops at local eateries, allowing you to sample traditional British fare and local delicacies. There are also ghost tours that explore the darker, more mysterious side of Oxford, taking you to sites associated with legends and spooky tales.

Do you want to feature your tours? Check  out our  advertising plans  or use our  contact form to find out  more.

More Free Walking Tours

These tours were designed by me (an Oxford resident) and include maps and detailed descriptions of the key sites, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. I’ve included some options for routes through the historic university colleges, literary trails, walks along the scenic River Thames, museum tours, and more.

Free Self-Guided Oxford Bookshops Tour (New and Antiquarian)

Discover the city’s best independent bookshops, from historical favourites to hidden gems, and immerse yourself in a world of rare finds.

Free Self-Guided Oxen Ford and Grandpont Walking Tour

A short walk around the south of Oxford, exploring the River Thames, the rowing boathouses, and Grandpont, a 13th century Suburb.

Free Self-Guided Tour: Oxford’s Alice in Wonderland

The Ashmolean is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological museums. Plan your visit, what to see, best treasures, and when to go.

Oxford City Centre Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Explore at Your Own Pace

This Oxford City Centre walking tour will allow you to see the city’s highlights. An ideal self-guided tour if you’re in Oxford for just a few hours.

Oxford Neighbourhoods Self-Guided Walking Tour and Map

If you’re moving to Oxford (or within it) and you’re feeling adventurous, here are some walking tours to get familiar with the neighbourhoods.

Things to Do in Oxford

Discover fun and interesting activities in the city of Oxford and its surrounding areas, including sports, entertainment, historic places museums, and much more.

Oxford Victorian Christmas Market

The Oxford Victorian Christmas Market features artisan stalls with handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and captivating street entertainment.

Brown’s Café

Brown’s Café is a well-established spot in the Oxford Covered Market, serving traditional British fare since 1924.

Cardews of Oxford

Cardews of Oxford is a long-established, family-run tea and coffee specialist located in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.

Leys Community Market

The Leys Community Market offers local crafts and food and is held on the last Saturday of every month, 11 am-2 pm, at The Barn.

Wolvercote Farmers’ Market

Wolvercote Farmers’ Market is held Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm at the Primary School. It sells fresh produce, meats, and artisanal products.

Everything about Oxford and its surrounding areas, including places to see, things to do, and information about all the colleges, libraries, and museums. 

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Privacy Overview

Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord

rate per night

Photos of Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord

About Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord

• Hotel Room You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi and Parking for free

Latest deals for Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord

Amenities at hôtel quick palace tours nord.

• Fitness center
• Free parking
• Wi-Fi available in all areas
• Flat-screen TV
• Free toiletries
• Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
• Express check-out
• Increased accessibility
• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke alarms

Things to do

• Bicycle rental
• Board games/puzzles
• Scuba diving

Accessibility and suitability

• Non-smoking rooms available
• Upper floors accessible by stairs
• Toilet paper
• Private bathroom

Parking and transportation

• Private parking
• Terrace/Patio
• Fax/photocopying
• Vending machine (drinks)
• Vending machine (snacks)
• Quiet street view
• Family rooms

Media and entertainment

• Iron and ironing board

Health and safety

• Daily housekeeping

Services and conveniences

Reviews of Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord

• Relaxing after long drive and private bathroom. in 2 reviews
• Clean and good value. in 15 reviews
• We appreciated it and set us up for the journey to Calais in 4 reviews
• Small room no air conditioning. in 24 reviews
• No real hardship for one night. in 3 reviews
• It is cheap and close to the motorway in 2 reviews

Show reviews that mention

The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information. See more

They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.

What are the nearby attractions to the hotel?

The hotel is conveniently located near attractions such as Extravagance, Château de Tours, and Cathedral of St. Gatien, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

Is there free parking available at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel offers free parking, providing convenience and peace of mind for guests traveling by car.

What can I expect from the hotel's breakfast?

Guests can enjoy a good breakfast with a variety of options, providing a satisfying start to the day.

How is the cleanliness of the hotel?

While some guests have mentioned concerns about room and bathroom cleanliness, many have also praised the hotel for being clean and good value, ensuring a comfortable stay.

What is the best time to visit the hotel?

The hotel is an excellent choice for a visit in April during the low season, offering a pleasant experience and good value for money.

Consider Booking a Room with a View

Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.

Take Advantage of the Nearby Attractions

The hotel's proximity to attractions such as Château de Tours and Cathedral of St. Gatien makes it a convenient choice for sightseeing.

Check for Room Amenities

Some guests found the rooms to be small and lacking air conditioning. It's advisable to confirm the room amenities and size before booking, especially if you prefer more spacious accommodations.

Plan Your Visit According to Seasonality

If you prefer lower tourist traffic, consider visiting in April, which is the low season. This can provide a more relaxed experience compared to the high season in September.

Utilize the Express Check-Out Service

The hotel offers express check-out, which can be convenient for guests with tight schedules or early departures.

Take Note of the Self Check-In Option

Guests arriving late at night found the self check-in option convenient. This can be a helpful feature for those with late arrivals.

Inquire About Pet-Friendly Accommodations

The hotel allows pets on request, making it a suitable choice for travelers with furry companions. However, it's advisable to confirm any additional charges that may apply.

Explore Nearby Dining Options

The hotel's proximity to restaurants with added discounts for guests provides an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine at a good value.

Consider the Sauna Facility

If you're looking for relaxation, take advantage of the hotel's sauna facility to unwind after a day of exploring nearby attractions.

Confirm Room Cleanliness

While some guests found the rooms to be clean and good value, others mentioned issues with room and bathroom cleanliness. It's recommended to check recent reviews for insights into the current cleanliness standards.

What's nearby

• Extravagance 0.8 mi
• Château de Tours 2.4 mi
• Cathedral of St. Gatien 2.5 mi
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours 2.6 mi
• Musee du Compagnonnage 2.6 mi
• St. Julien Church 2.6 mi
• Musee du Gemmail 2.8 mi
• Place Plumereau 2.8 mi
• Vinci International Convention Centre 2.8 mi
• Basilica Saint-Martin 2.9 mi
• Tours Station 2.9 mi
• Saint-Pierre-des-Corps Station 3.2 mi

Essential information about Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord

When to book a room at hôtel quick palace tours nord, top tips for your stay at hôtel quick palace tours nord.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in July and September.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord, plan to stay on a Wednesday or Tuesday. The most expensive day is usually Friday.
• The cheapest price a room at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $55, while the most expensive was $55.
• How long should you stay at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 4 days.

FAQs when booking at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord

Where is hôtel quick palace tours nord located.

Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord is located at 9 Rue Arthur Rimbaud, 3.5 miles from the center of Tours. Extravagance is the closest landmark to Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord?

Check-in time is 5:00 PM and check-out time is 11:30 AM at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord.

Does Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord offers free Wi-Fi.

Does Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord offer free parking?

Yes, Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord offers free parking.

How far is Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord from the airport?

Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord is 1.1 miles from Tours St Symphorien. Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord is 42.8 miles from Le Mans Arnage.

How does KAYAK find such great Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord in Tours and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Hôtel Quick Palace Tours Nord.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Most recommended, good to know.

🚀 The 7 Best Kennedy Space Center Tours [2024 Reviews]

If space exploration interests you, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is the best place on Earth to see real-life space vehicles. In this modern facility filled with dozens of interactive attractions, you can learn everything there is to know about space. You can even speak with a veteran of the American Space Program.

However, there are many Kennedy Space Center trips from Orlando. Not every KSC tour guarantees you’ll meet with a real astronaut or see an active launch pad.

To help you decide, we’ve selected the 7 top-rated Orlando Kennedy Space Center adventures and review them below.

Best Tours of Kennedy Space Center

Quick answer: the 7 best rated kennedy space center tours for 2024.

• Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee
• Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport From Orlando
• Kennedy Space Center: Entry Ticket with Explore Bus Tour
• Kennedy Space Center Tour & Chat with an Astronaut
• Kennedy Space Center with KSC Explore Tour
• Kennedy Space Center: Ultimate Space Experience
• Kennedy Space Center: Space Pass Entrance Ticket

Kennedy Space Center Tour Reviews

1. kennedy space center with transport from orlando and kissimmee.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Duration : 11 hours
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, and KSP Visitors’ Complex

This is the best value Kennedy Space Center tour. It enables you to experience everything there is to do and see at the space center. Space enthusiasts will appreciate this full-day experience where you and your family can immerse yourselves in everything space related.

Visit the fascinating exhibit about the Hubble Telescope and then watch the Hubble 3D IMAX movie. This opens your eyes to the distant stars, solar systems, and galaxies we can now view from Earth with the aid of this amazing technology.

Once you’ve seen where humankind is headed, see how we might get there. Enter the amazing Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit where you’ll come face to face with a real-life Space Shuttle that once flew in space and docked with the International Space Station (ISS). This exhibit also reveals the history of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program.

There is so much to see at the Kennedy Space Center, and the bus tour of the Mobile Rocket Launch Platform and Vehicle Assembly Building enables you to appreciate the huge scale of this space-faring endeavor.

With transport from local resorts and full access to all of the Kennedy Space Center’s many exhibits and visitors’ complex, this is the best Kennedy Space Center adventure from Orlando for any space-loving family.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. kennedy space center day trip with transport from orlando.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up available
• Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, and dine with an astronaut

This Orlando Kennedy Space Center trip is ideal for the truly space-obsessed family. It offers the unique opportunity for you to dine with a genuine astronaut!

Have you ever dreamed of speaking with someone who has experienced living and working in a vacuum and without gravity? With this unique “dine with an astronaut”, you can. You and your kids can ask all those questions you always wanted to when you come face-to-face with one of the few people on Earth qualified to give you the answers you seek.

This long-day excursion to the Kennedy Space Center also gives you a behind-the-scenes experience at NASA’s launch headquarters. You’ll see the Space Shuttle launch pads from the vantage of a 4-floor observation deck.

In some of the many exciting exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center, you can take the helm of a Space Shuttle, reenact Neil Armstrong’s famous “giant step for mankind”, and feel what it’s like to float in outer space.

This is the best Kennedy Space Center excursion from Orlando for a fun-packed family adventure that ticks all the space-lover’s boxes. Before you go, make sure you write a list of all the questions you want to ask a space veteran.

3. Kennedy Space Center: Entry Ticket with Explore Bus Tour

• Departure Point : Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Departure Time : 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM
• Duration : 12 hours
• Includes : KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, meet an astronaut

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for anyone who wants the full immersive experience at the KSC. At the Kennedy Space Center, you’ll get to walk beneath the giant Saturn V moon rocket and meet a real-life astronaut.

This is your chance to ask anything you want about space when you meet a person who really knows the answers.

You’ll need all day to take in the many interactive exhibits at the space center. The highlight must be the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. At this unique exhibit, you’ll come face-to-face with a vehicle that entered space no less than 33 times during its 26-year career.

Get your cameras ready for the greatest adventure of your lives. Unless you’re chosen for the first manned mission to Mars, this Orlando space center adventure will be the closest you ever get to space.

4. Kennedy Space Center Tour and Chat with an Astronaut

• Departure Time : 7:30 AM

This is the best Kennedy Space Center trip for people who want to experience what it’s actually like to be an astronaut. The latest interactive technology enables you to become an astronaut aboard a virtual space shuttle.

Arguably, the most thrilling experience is strapping yourself into the shuttle cockpit as you prepare for the countdown to an imminent launch. Feel the trepidation as you listen to the countdown and anticipate the chemical reaction and associated acceleration kick.

Be extremely careful as you pilot the space shuttle during a virtual extravehicular activity and dock your shuttle with the International Space Station. And when your flight is over, you have the arduous and dangerous task of gliding your shuttle to a landing on the re-entry slide.

But this Kennedy Space Center tour isn’t all virtual. You’ll get to speak and eat with a real-life astronaut. What’s more, you’ll see genuine space vehicles on display, including the rockets that took men to the moon and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

This full-day Kennedy Space Center adventure is perfect for families who love everything space-related. There will not be a single dull moment, and you’ll likely want to visit again as soon as possible.

5. Kennedy Space Center With KSC Explore Tour

• Departure Time : 8.45 AM
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Launch Complex 39A bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, and KSP Visitors’ Complex

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for visitors interested in the future of space exploration. This Orlando space excursion includes a visit to the launch pads now used by NASA’s new commercial partners, such as ULA and SpaceX. Witness with your own eyes the place history is made today.

This special space excursion from Orlando begins with an astronaut meet and greet welcome. You’ll get to speak with a real-life astronaut and learn firsthand about their experiences in outer space.

After an orientation tour, you are free to explore the many exciting interactive exhibits around the space center. This includes the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit where you will see a genuine space shuttle posed as it appeared in space with its payload bay doors open and its camera boom extended.

A variety of high-tech simulators enable you to experience many of the more exciting parts of space exploration. Strap yourself in for a takeoff, practice the delicate maneuvers of docking the space shuttle with the International Space Station, and find out how it feels to float in a zero-gravity environment.

With many other exciting exhibits to experience, including 2 IMAX films and the Saturn V Rocket, there’s plenty to do and see during this day-long Florida space adventure. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Kennedy Space Center: Ultimate Space Experience

• Departure Time : 8.30 AM
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Discover KSC bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, and lunch with an astronaut

If you prefer fully guided tours, this is the best Kennedy Space Center trip for you. It features the Discover KSC bus tour. On the Discover KSC bus tour, you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, and your bus accesses areas not seen on the regular launch pads bus tour.

This tour also provides you with the enviable experience of eating with an astronaut. An astronaut from NASA’s space program will join you for a buffet lunch and tell you about their experiences in training and in space. If your kids dream of becoming astronauts, this is their best opportunity to find out what it’s really like from someone who knows.

After the bus tour and lunch, take the time to fully explore the Kennedy Space Center. Walk under the mammoth Saturn V Space Rockets and go to visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. Nowhere else on Earth will you find so many genuine space vehicles on display.

With the latest interactive exhibits to experience, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time. Be an astronaut for the day and maybe prepare yourself to sign up for the first manned mission to Mars.

7. Kennedy Space Center: Space Pass Entrance Ticket

• Departure Point : 1275 NE 79th Street, Miami
• Departure Time : 7:00 AM, 2:00 PM
• Duration : 4 or 8 hours
• Includes : Boat charter, life vest & safety equipment, fishing gear, lures, fishing licenses, and cold bottled water

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for space lovers who like to organize things for themselves. You arrange your own transport to the space center, but your ticket is valid all day so that you don’t need to rush.

The one event you must plan your day around is your buffet meal with an astronaut. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet with a veteran of the American Space Program who can tell you all about their experiences in outer space.

There are over 60 interactive exhibits in the Kennedy Space Center visitors’ center. These fascinating exhibits enable you to see real space vehicles and discover how they work. You’ll also have the chance to touch a rock brought back from the moon.

If you’re thinking of applying to join the first manned mission to Mars, don’t miss out on all the simulations around the center. You can discover what it’s like to blast off into space, experience weightlessness, and learn how to dock a space shuttle to the International Space Station.

The highlight of this Kennedy Space Center trip is the Discover KSC bus tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you around the space center on a 2-hour guided tour. You’ll see areas not covered by the regular space center bus tour as well as seeing the launch pads used by the space shuttles when they were in operation.

Spend all day at Kennedy Space Center and see all you can. When your time is up, you won’t want to leave. And you’ll definitely want to come back again soon.

Orlando, Florida Travel Guide

The kennedy space center.

• Traveling in the Time of COVID

Airports & Entry

Planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations, attractions.

The city of Orlando is famous world-wide. Many who have never stepped foot in the US can point to this fascinating city’s location on a world map. But Orlando isn’t famous because of its history or fine architecture. Instead, it is so well known because of a simple business decision made by the Walt Disney Company in the late 60s to build Walt Disney World in its southern suburbs.

The opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 was followed by the construction of other major theme parks in the area, such as Fun Spot America, Universal Studios Florida, the Holy Land Experience, and Legoland. This makes Orlando the world’s capital for theme park fanatics.

But Orlando isn’t only about theme parks. It is also home to the internationally renowned Kennedy Space Center and a range of other cultural and educational sites. For example, there is Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Gatorland, and Orlando Museum of Art.

Orlando boasts easy access to a broad range of unique natural attractions. For example, it is a great base for exploring the fascinating wilderness areas of the Florida Everglades. You can enjoy a boat safari through this unique environment and admire the waterfowl and amphibians that make it their home.

The city is also surrounded by a near countless number of lakes, many of which are perfect fishing destinations. Florida is the sport-fishing capital of the world, and Central Florida around Orlando boasts the best freshwater bass fishing you can find. Thousands of keen anglers flock to Orlando every year to fish at Clear Lake, Lake Ivanhoe, Sarke Lake, Turkey Lake, Lake Underhill, Lake Tohopekaliga, and other fantastic angling spots.

Cape Canaveral on Florida’s eastern coast is less than an hour’s drive (55 miles) away from the city, making Orlando the best base for visiting the world’s most famous spaceport. Cape Canaveral has hosted space rocket experiments and exploration since 1949 when early rockets were tested here.

Since 1968, the Kennedy Space Center (KSS) has been the main launch site of NASA’s human spaceflight programs. Famous space missions such as the Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Skylab programs were based here. And today KSS is still a launch center for space flights, including the commercial SpaceX launches that so often feature in news reports.

Today, many iconic spacecrafts from NASA’s history are displayed at KSS, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis and a gigantic Saturn V space rocket. KSS also features a wealth of historical artifacts connected with space exploration and interactive attractions designed to entertain and educate the whole family.

Traveling in the time of COVID

Like many other destinations worldwide, some tours and visitor attractions in Miami may have adopted special procedures during the pandemic.

Wearing a mask may be mandatory in some locations, especially in enclosed public areas such as travel hubs and shopping malls. You may be expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter buildings.

It is in your own interest to keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You may be expected to keep your distance inside minibuses and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, the State of Florida welcomes visitors but requires pre-travel testing for Covid-19 for visitors arriving from overseas not more than 3 days before traveling. Visitors must also sign an attestation that their documentation is genuine. Visitors will be required to hand over “covid-free” certification at the airport You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the Florida Health website.

The easiest way to travel to Orlando is by air. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major travel hub for Central Florida. In 2019, MCO handled over 50 million passengers, though this dropped to 21 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Obviously, MCO is extremely busy 24/7. At the time of writing, the new South Terminal Complex is still under construction, which will help to handle the expected surge of visitors after the COVID restrictions are ended. However, even now, MCO has the well-trained staff and facilities to make your arrival and departure as painless as possible.

MCO is packed full of stores and restaurants alongside the other facilities you’d expect in such a busy airport. While many of the stores close by 5 pm and the restaurants by 8 pm, the Main Terminal McDonald’s is open from 5:30 am to 10 pm.

An interesting fact is that Orlando is the world’s biggest rental car market. You’ll find 10 major car rental companies at the airport on the Ground Transportation Level on the A-Side of the Terminal: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. Avis, Budget, and Payless also operate on the B-Side. Given that MCO is only a short 15-minute drive from downtown Orlando and several of the local major attractions, renting a car is an easy option.

Lynx operate an airport bus service from the A-Side of the Main Terminal. Regular Shuttle Bus services operate from both the A-Side and the B-Side. Alternatively, taxis are available on both sides. You should expect taxi fares from MCO of around $45 to downtown Orlando and $65 to Walt Disney World.

If you are taking an international flight into Orlando, you will need your passport as well as authorization and your “covid-free” certification. If you play to stay fewer than 90 days, you will need an ESTA, Electronic System for Travel Authorization . This is a form of visa waiver.

Many people believe Orlando is the same year-round and an easy place to visit. Given that so many tourist-focused attractions are based around this city, this is partially true. However, there are some important facts you should take into consideration.

Here are a few tips. If you have questions about your visit that aren’t covered by this guide or other tips for visitors, leave us a message in the comments.

Tip #1: Go in Spring or the Fall

For fewer crowds and better weather, it is preferable to visit Orlando in the spring or the fall. If you must visit in summer due to your kids’ school holidays, go late in August when local children are back in school.

With 75 million visitors a year, there are always queues in Orlando. You should be prepared for this. Major US holidays should be avoided at any cost unless you want to be stuck in the longest queues at the airport and attractions. Especially avoid Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — unless you have your heart set on seeing the special holiday season events and decorations.

Tip #2: Be Prepared for the Tropical Weather

When you see Orlando attractions on the TV or in films, the weather is always beautiful. There is a lot of truth to this. However, if you visit during the summer, it is important to prepare for the humidity and draining heat. The temperatures can reach as high as 100 0 F and the humidity 100%.

Brief but sharp thunderstorms are common, so light plastic ponchos you can don in a hurry are advisable. Ensure you use plenty of sunblock and consider wide-brimmed hats for added protection from the sun.

Tip #3: Enjoy Day Trip Tours but Book Ahead

With more theme parks and tourist attractions than any other city in the world, there are lots of tours available in Orlando. You might want to take a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center or enjoy a safari in the Florida Everglades. However, with so many tourists pouring into Orlando, you should book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Tip #4: Spend at Least One Day in Nature

If you’re on vacation with your family, it’s tempting to spend all your time at theme parks. There are so many! However, if you do this, you will miss one of Orlando’s greatest benefits.

With the Florida Everglades on its doorstep plus more lakes than any other major destination, Orlando is a wonderful location for nature lovers. Whether you want to go kayaking on a lake, enjoy some quiet time fishing, or see the alligators in the Everglades, there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Orlando.

Tip #5: Allow Plenty of Time at the Theme Parks

When you glance at those colorful park maps online, you might get the impression that you can walk from one ride to the next in a couple of minutes. Don’t be fooled! The Walt Disney World Resort, for example, is spread over an area of 47 square miles. It is not always practical to walk from one ride to the next and walking in the Florida sun can be tiring.

Allow plenty of time in your plans for enjoying all the rides and park attractions that you want to experience. And remember your young kids may become tired quicker than you expect in the tropical weather. Also note some rides and attractions are too scary for young children and some unsuitable for pregnant ladies.

As you can easily imagine, the large number of tourists regularly flocking to Orlando has given rise to a vast range of restaurants offering every kind of food you might want. Within the theme parks, there is a wide choice of fast-food outlets. However, these can be overpriced. Outside the parks, you will find many relatively inexpensive eating outlets.

A great place to visit is Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road. Here you’ll find the greatest range of choices in Orlando. Restaurant Row offers you the chance to sample some of this city’s finest restaurants and its culinary diversity.

Many seasoned Orlando visitors head for the restaurants for breakfast before hitting the theme parks. There are many “eat all you can” buffet-style restaurants that offer fantastic value for money.

In the afternoon and evening, watch out for Early Bird Specials. Because so many visitors stick to the theme parks until late, the restaurants outside the parks offer incentives to attract early diners.

Early Bird Specials are typically served at a la carte restaurants between 4 pm and 6 pm. Note that doggy bags are a norm in Florida a la carte restaurants, so don’t be shy about asking for one if you cannot finish your meal.

Also watch out for meal discount vouchers. You may find these scattered among the tourist leaflets at your hotel or even on display outside the restaurants. With the competition between eateries so intense, discount vouchers are common.

A quick visit to the Tourist Information Center will provide you with information about restaurants offering significant discounts and possibly a physical card that entitles you to discounts at participating restaurants. To encourage repeat visits, some restaurants offer an extra-large discount to returning customers who produce their last bill.

The profusion of theme parks in Orlando has led to an interesting broad range of evening dinner shows. If you ever wanted to attend a medieval banquet in a castle complete with jesters and jugglers, you’re in the right place.

Alternatively, eat with pirates or enjoy live wrestling while you eat. Whatever kind of entertainment you enjoy the most, you can probably find a dinner show in Orlando to suit you and your family’s taste.

Much like with the restaurants, the large number of visitors has given rise to a wide variety of nightlife in and around the city. You’ll find some of American’s top nightclubs, live music venues, and bars waiting to welcome you.

Two especially popular night spots are Disney Springs in Walt Disney World and Universal City Walk in the Universal Orlando Resort. These two locations offer a range of shows, bars, and night clubs to suit all tastes.

If you prefer a quiet evening and enjoy sampling unique craft beers, check out Orlando’s local brewery scene. There are many craft breweries to choose from, including the Crooked Can Brewing Co., Sea Dog Brewing Co., Ocean Sun Brewing, and Dead Lizard Brewing Co.

Due to the large number of visitors and the way the various theme parks are spread widely across the city, public transport is a viable way of getting around in Orlando. In fact, the LYNX bus is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways of traveling within the city.

There are 60 LYNX routes that cost $2 per ride running at either 15-minute, 30-minute, or 1-hour intervals. And LYNX also operates a FREE loop bus service around downtown Orlando running every 5 minutes called LYMMO. Watch out for bus stops marked with a pink bus symbol or paw prints.

Many large Orlando hotels offer free shuttle bus services to the major theme parks and the airport. Check with your hotel before you travel.

If you’re looking for a more personal service from doorstep to doorstep, there are dozens of taxi companies in Orlando. The majority use a meter with a $2.23 standing charge followed by a $1.76 per kilometer rate. Uber is generally cheaper and growing ever more popular in Orlando.

However, as mentioned earlier, car hire is the most popular transport option in Orlando. This is a city designed with cars in mind, so the road network is well-built and maintained and there are ample parking facilities at all the major attractions. Driving yourself around offers the most flexibility and is the most convenient if you’re staying in a rented vacation villa.

Note that you’ll need a US or International Driving License to hire a car in Orlando. There are toll roads in the city, including the routes from the airport to Orlando’s main attractions. And the gas stations closest to the theme parks and the airport charge inflated gas prices.

With more tourists than residents, you’ll find a broad range of accommodation available in Orlando. There are thousands of rental homes close to the theme parks and major attractions, many with luxury amenities like a gym and a swimming pool. And there are over 450 resorts and hotels to choose from.

The best advice we can offer is to first decide what kind of accommodation best suits your family and then shop around. Generally, hotels inside the more popular theme parks will charge premium prices, and you can rent a villa a few miles from the gates for a fraction of the cost.

If you are traveling as part of a large family group, a vacation rental home will usually be your best value choice. But if you are traveling alone or just with your partner, you may find a hotel room more convenient and affordable.

The hotels are mainly clustered in three areas: International Drive, Kissimmee, and Lake Buena Vista.

If you are not hiring a car, International Drive (I-Drive) is your best option. Along the 11-mile length of I-Drive, you’ll find attractions, stores, restaurants, and hotels side by side. These attractions include The Orlando Eye, Aquatica, Sea World, and Universal Studios. Most of the hotels here offer free shuttle services to the major theme parks.

If you prefer somewhere quieter and away from the busy parks and attractions, you’ll like Kissimmee. It is only a short drive from Disney World and International Drive but far enough away to avoid the noise and crowds. You’ll find lots of high-quality vacation rental homes in this area. Kissimmee also makes a great base for exploring other parts of Florida beyond the city, such as the Kennedy Space Center.

If you’ve come to Orlando because you’ve always dreamed of visiting Walt Disney World and intend to spend most of your time there, stay in Lake Buena Vista. It is the most convenient location for reaching all 5 Disney Parks. Lake Buena Vista is also a prime destination for outlet shopping and golfing.

As mentioned earlier, Orlando benefits from fine sunny weather year-round, but there are distinct seasonal variations. Orlando’s weather can be summarized into two seasons: one warm and dry, the other hot and wet.

From mid-October to April, the weather is typically warm and dry, with daily temperature maximums ranging from 70 0 F to 84 0 F and minimums from 49 0 F to 65 0 F. There is little rainfall during this period.

From May to mid-October, the weather tends to be hot but wet. The average daily temperature maximum hovers around 90 0 F and the minimum around 75 0 F. During the summer, there are frequent rainstorms that are short but sharp.

While hurricanes rarely hit Orlando, there is a small risk. The hurricane season occurs toward the end of the summer between mid-August and mid-October. There are often bargain vacation deals offered during this period, but it’s a good idea to check the Orlando weather updates before visiting.

Orlando boasts the world’s best selection of major theme parks and other must-see attractions, such as the Kennedy Space Center, the Holy Land Experience, and Central Florida Zoo.

You can’t possibly see everything during a single visit. Here is a brief selection of highlights.

Walt Disney World

It’s no big secret that the majority of tourists headed for Orlando go there to see the mouse. Walt Disney World is the world’s most visited resort welcoming 58 million guests per year before the pandemic.

Walt Disney World is divided into four parks, of which Magic Kingdom is the best known. That’s where you’ll find Cinderella’s Castle and all your favorite cartoon characters. Epcot Spaceship Earth is where you can visit other countries and experience different cultures.

The Hollywood Studios park offers visitors an insiders view of movie magic. There you can tour movie studios, see stunt people in action, and watch live special effects. If you’re interested in African animals, you’ll love the Kilimanjaro Safari Experience at Animal Kingdom where you can see big game animals running free in their natural habitats.

Universal Studios Florida

Not to be outdone by Disney, Universal Studios offer a combined working movie studio and theme park experience in Orlando designed with the help of Steven Spielberg.

There are 7 themed islands withing Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Each island is dedicated to a major theme franchise, such as the Marvel Superhero Island and the Jurassic Park Island. There you can meet your favorite movie characters and enjoy thrilling themed rides.

Many younger visitors are lured by the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here you’ll find Hogsmeade village, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Orlando Sea World

This world-famous sea life center is renowned for its huge aquariums where you can enjoy whale and dolphin shows. A behind the scenes tour is a great way to learn about marine conservation as well as seeing the baby dolphins at play.

Sea World also features adrenaline-pumping rides including a selection of refreshing water rides. Those who enjoy roller coasters will be eager to ride the Kraken Virtual Reality Coaster, the Manta Coaster, and the Mako Hyper Coaster.

While you’re in Florida, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to get up close and friendly with a whole bunch of crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles. Gatorland features daily shows and demonstrations where you can learn all there is to know about Florida’s most famous animals.

Gatorland also features 2 exciting ziplines: the Gator Gauntlet and the Screamin’ Gator. These ziplines zip you through the air over the crocodile and alligator pens. You might also enjoy the self-guided swamp walk and the Gator Gully Splash Park for younger visitors.

Tour Guides

The Ultimate Space Pass is our Editor's Choice for the best tour of the Kennedy Space Center

Robert Baker

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A Day Trip To Versailles: Complete Guide & Visitor Tips

This article is a guest post written by Abigail Dalton.

Are you wondering if you should take a day trip to Versailles? Well, we just visited this incredible place, and it’s definitely somewhere you should be adding to your Paris itinerary. It’s absolutely mind-blowing.

To be honest, a visit to Versailles Palace was not on our agenda, but the opportunity arose, and we decided to make it the last stop on our road trip before heading home. At the start of our trip, we visited Strasbourg and cruised around Alsaces’s wine region , but it never crossed our minds we would be ending the trip at this gorgeous site.

We’ve been to Paris before but didn’t manage to visit and so on this trip, and since it was our last stop in France , we were keen to make the most of our day out at Versailles Palace. And we did, even though it was rainy and windy.

In this article, I’m going to share everything we learned from our day trip to Versailles so you can plan an incredible visit as well.

Abigail is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure . She focuses on world travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect travel and make the best memories.

Is A Day Trip To The Palace Of Versailles Worth It?

Even though we visited in mid-November on a cloudy and windy day, I genuinely enjoyed our day trip to Versailles. It was an attraction I have wanted to visit for a while now, having heard and read some interesting articles and seen many beautiful photos. 

You’ll find its sheer size quite breathtaking, along with the decor and manicured gardens. It was a lovely visit where we were able to explore the palace and gardens and learn about the French aristocracy. It’s certainly a place which would appeal if you’re looking for a blend of history and grandeur. 

I found the palace stunning, rooms like the Hall of Mirrors and the Apartments of Mesdames being my favourites. These are filled with intricate details, and if you get the audio guide (I recommend you do) you’ll learn a great deal about how daily life for these royals was carried out. 

It’s a destination for anyone who has a love for French culture, architecture and royal history.

For us, the vibe was just fantastic, even in early winter . It was still busy within the palace but not too bad, and although the gardens were not at their prettiest, it was nice to walk around and not be swamped by tourists.

It’s a superb choice for a day trip and promises a mix of awe and enjoyment, and since it’s super easy to get from Paris to Versailles, a visit can easily be added to any Paris itinerary.   

Best Day Trips From Paris To Versailles

Although we didn’t visit from Paris, most people enjoy day trips from the capital. It’s possible to book anything from full-day guided tours and skip-the-line tickets to basic entrance. However, it’s important to pre-book your visit, even in low season. ( Check availabilities here )

With this in mind and since we loved our visit, I wanted to highlight the top three Versailles day trips to help you plan whether you’re coming from Paris or not.

• Skip-the-Line-Tour of Palace & Gardens with Transfer from Paris – see prices here
• Versailles Palace & Garden, Full Access – check availabilities
• From Paris: Skip-the-Line Palace & Bike Tour – see booking info
• Versailles Golf Cart Tour with Palace Entry – check availabilities here

About the Versailles Estate

The Versailles Estate, which is generally what people refer to when discussing Versailles, comprises three main sections:

• the Palace of Versailles
• the Gardens
• & the Trianon Estate

Its history is marked by significant events over the centuries. For instance, the Hall of Mirrors witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, formally concluding World War I – an interesting fact we discovered during our visit.

It’s facts like these we absolutely love learning about, and Versailles is full of them.

The palace, initially a hunting lodge constructed in 1624, underwent a transformation in 1661 under Louis XIV, reflecting the absolute power of the French monarchy.  I previously mentioned its size, but its opulence is also breathtaking…it’s no wonder the French revolted.

Architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect Andre Le Notre, and painter-decorator Charles Le Brun collaborated to bring Louis XIV’s vision to life, completing the palace in 1682.

The 18th century witnessed expansions, including the Petit Trianon (residence of Marie Antoinette) and the Queen’s Hamlet. Yet, it also experienced turbulent times with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. The royal family left Versailles, and the palace underwent various repurposing.

Today, Versailles holds UNESCO World Heritage status , attracting visitors globally. Its rich history, from royal decadence to revolutionary upheavals, adds a layer of intrigue to an iconic site.

Overview: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

Time you should plan for your visit: 6 Hours

Cost: Passport €21.50 (recommended entrance-only ticket option, book here ) + Audio Guide €5

Overall, you can expect to find a lavish and well-kept royal palace turned museum with grand formal gardens. Inside, you’ll wander through rooms filled with centuries-old furniture, stone statues, paintings, intricate objects and historic artefacts. 

Throughout the estate, there are information plaques providing details and usage of each chamber. Whether it be the royal apartments or galleries showcasing the history of the palace. 

When planning your day trip to Versailles, you’ll need to consider a few things. 

• Ensure you allocate enough time to explore the grounds, given the vastness of both the palace and the gardens. We spent a full day walking around. 
• With that said, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be covering a significant amount of ground. (You can book a Golf Cart Tour here )
• Take a look at the timetable for special events like the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens to have the best experience. 
• Consider grabbing a guidebook or selecting an audio guide to get a better understanding of the history that Versailles presents.
• Don’t forget to pick up a map at the entrance!

Dates and Opening Times

• The Palace and the Estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays. 
• The Palace opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Estate of Trianon opens from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. (6:30 pm during high season)
• The Gardens are open daily from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm – (8:30 pm in high season)

High season runs from 1st of April to 31st of October, Low season from 1st of November to 31st of March.

#1 Visit The Palace Of Versailles

The Palace has two accessible levels and although not all areas are open to the public, there is enough on-show to keep you busy for a few hours. Especially if you like to absorb all the information. 

For us, we spent just over two hours inside the Palace . We do enjoy our history and purchased the audio guide, but I will say that towards the end it does become rather repetitive. We are also not huge fans of art, and so moved quicker through the galleries.

There is a route to follow, colour-coded and easy to navigate . I recommend following this route. 

You will start on the ground level in the Dauphin’s Apartment (green) before entering the Gallery of the History of the Palace (purple).

On the second level, you will start at Louis XIV Rooms (orange) before moving on to the Hall of Mirrors (red) and finally, the Gallery of Battles (blue). There are a few other rooms within these sections as well.

I enjoyed the Dauphin’s Apartments, the Apartments of Mesdames and the Hall of Mirrors the most. By the end, we were ready to explore the gardens and get some fresh air.

#2 Explore The Gardens of Versailles

Note: the gardens are free of charge from November to March

The gardens and groves are wonderfully manicured and even in winter were lovely to walk around. 

The Gardens of Versailles are incredibly vast! We didn’t walk around their entirety, as it would take hours, if not days. However, there is a route through them, passing the Grand Canal, to the estate of Trianon.

Most visitors will follow this route however I urge you to explore further, especially around the groves as there are many hidden fountains.

The largest is Neptune Fountain which has fountain shows during the summer alongside the Mirror Pool, Apollo’s Fountain, and Latona’s Fountain among others.

#3 Discover The Estate Of Trianon

The Estate of Trianon is a separate estate which was used as Louis XIV’s retreat to escape the pomp of court . There are three buildings located inside: the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

The whole estate is much more modest in comparison to the palace. Although the Grand Trianon still showcases a pink-marble facade. It served as the meeting place for Louis XIV and his lover Madame de Montespan. 

The Petit Trianon which was later inhabited by Marie Antoinette exudes a more intimate charm. It’s surrounded by English-style gardens, which you can wander around to reach the Queen’s Hamlet.

A surprise for us – it resembles more rustic farmhouse buildings than those fit for royalty.  

The estate therefore offers a glimpse into the private lives of royalty, surrounded by lovely gardens and picturesque lakes.

How To Get To Versailles?

There are many ways of getting to the Palace of Versailles, whether you’re coming from Paris or from another direction.

However, for the purpose of this article, I’m going to discuss getting to the Palace of Versailles from Paris. It’s possible to reach Versailles by train, car, and bus, or you can choose a guided tour. 

If you’re wondering how far the Palace of Versailles is from Paris, it’s between 20 min and 1h hours (by train). However, this can differ depending on where you depart from in Paris. 

#1 Join a Guided Tour

One of the best ways to take a day trip to Versailles is on a guided tour. Booking a tour gives you an easy and informative journey with a knowledgeable guide who will be able to provide historical insights while you explore. Personally, I enjoy these tours when I want a stress-free option.

It’s possible to arrange a guided tour from Paris which will include transport and expenses, or there are options to join tours at the Palace if you’re already in Versailles.

• From Paris: Transfer to Versailles with Skip the Line Tour & Garden Access ( book here )
• From Versailles: Skip the Line Tour of Palace and Garden Acess ( book her e )
• Time Saver: Combine Versailles with the Gardens in Giverny – More Info here

#2 Take the Train from Paris to Versailles

The most popular way to reach Versailles if you choose not to join a tour is to hop on the train. From Paris, it will take about 40 minutes. At most, it will take you 1.5 hours to reach Versailles, depending on where you are traveling from in Paris.

It’s quick and convenient, and that’s why day trips to Versailles from Paris are super popular!

You have three options travelling to Versailles by train: 

• The RER C train line (stops e.g., at the Eiffel Tower, St. Michel and Musée d’Orsay)
• The train line L (starting at Saint Lazare)
• The train line N (starting in the south of Paris at Montparnasse)

You can expect to pay around €7 – 10€ for a round trip. 

#3 Take the bus to Versailles

If you prefer a more scenic route then jumping on a bus might be a good option for you, although it’s not the fastest route. It does, however, provide a relaxed journey, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings and get a glimpse of suburban life outside Paris.

There are regular buses between Paris and Versailles. The most popular starting point is from the Pont de Sèvres bus stop in Paris — RATP bus line 171 which runs every 15–20 minutes — to the Place d’Armes Versailles bus stop and costs €4. 

#4 Drive to Paris in your Car

The fastest road connection between Paris and Versailles is via the N118 and the A86. Departing from the heart of Paris, travel west along the Seine using the D910 until reaching Pont de Sevres. Cross the bridge and stay to the left to proceed onto N118, before continuing on A86.

Simply follow the indicated signage, and in less than 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Palace of Versailles. Just be aware the traveling time can vary depending on rush hours.

#5 Take a Taxi (Uber)

If you are in a group and plan to travel to Versailles for around €60 you can book a taxi to get you there in 40 minutes!

Best Tips On Visiting Versailles

• Grab Your Tickets Early: It’s important to purchase your Versailles tickets in advance if you’re not visiting on a guided tour – the easiest way to book your ticket is here
• Time it Right: Mornings and weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds, although it’s busy throughout the year, winter is quieter. Make sure you check the website and official schedule for opening times.
• Garden Adventures: It’s not only the palace which is stunning, you’ll love exploring the Gardens of Versailles as well. Set aside a couple of hours to wander around the groves and fountains and if you visit in Summer, there are Fountain Shows and Musical Garden events.
• Joyride in a Golf Cart: We didn’t do it, but for €42 for the hour you can rent a golf cart and ride around the estate. It looked like a fun way to visit the Trianon Estate and discover more of the Gardens within the royal estate.
• Comfy Shoes are Key: Versailles is a walking attraction where you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so it’s super important to wear comfy shoes.
• Check for Special Events: Before you book your day trip to Versailles, suss out any exhibitions or events. Temporary exhibits often reveal hidden gems of history or art.
• Take a Packed Lunch: If you’re looking to save a few bucks, then consider taking snacks with you. Most of the restaurants within the estate are rather pricey, although there are a few affordable options.

Where To Eat In Versailles

Since you’ll be spending most of the day at Versailles you’ll be happy to know that there are loads of places to eat within the grounds. Below are a handful of popular restaurants to help you plan your day trip (but there are more!).

Picnic – Free

You can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the park. The gardens are open every day from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm in the high season (April to October) and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in the low season (November to March).

Tip: The Marché Notre Dame in Versailles is a lovely place to stock up on food for your picnic. The market halls are open Tuesday to Sunday. The outside market is open Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.

Restaurant Angelina – Expensive

The restaurant Angelina is located at the end of the palace tour/route on the first floor. It was busy when we passed with a long queue already forming. 

It’s a tearoom which offers sweet and savoury dishes and is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5.30 pm in high season (April to October) and 9:30 am to 5 pm in low season (November to March). Saturday to Sunday, 10 am to 6.30 pm, closed on 1 May, 25 December and 1 January.

La Girandole – Mid-Range

In the heart of the Gardens, La Gironde looked like a nice place for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. It has a terrace overlooking the grounds as well, if you visit on a sunny day and want a delightful view. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, and closed on Monday. (Annual closure from 8 to 28 January 2024).

Le Dauphin – Budget

In the middle of the Groves, we stopped here for a coffee and to rest our tired feet. Le Daupin is a small café in between the Palace and the Estate of Trianon and great for grabbing a sweet or savoury snack and a warm drink. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday. 

La Petite Venise – Expensive 

Tip: Book your table with The Fork and save €10 when signing up with the code 83FDC2B7

For Italian cuisine in a rustic setting, you can enjoy a lounge area and shaded terrace perfect for warm sunny days. It’s between Apollo’s Fountain and the Grand Canal.

Open every day from 11.45 am to 6 pm (closed at 5 pm from November to March).

In Summary: A Day Trip To Versailles Palace

I like to finish with a few final thoughts about our trip to Versailles, the parts we enjoyed the most and those we didn’t enjoy as much. However, overall, I think a day trip to Versailles is a superb idea – it’s a lovely attraction with a lot of history and educational elements. 

The sections we weren’t as keen on as others include the galleries and the Estate of Trianon. But, this is just personnel preference as the galleries, for example, would be stirring for anyone who enjoyed art.

As for the Estate of Trianon, I think had we visited in Spring/Summer it would have been more impressive, but the buildings lacked the same pizazz the Palace exudes and looked rather windswept.

That said, we did enjoy strolling around the grounds spotting mushrooms! And, as for the Queen’s Hamlet, it was a wonderful little rustic area. 

The Gardens and Groves as a whole we loved. The trees were still changing colours so we had some lovely yellow and orange foliage to enjoy, but most of the statues had already been covered up in preparation for winter.

With this in mind, we would like to return in summer, if only to stroll around the gardens again.

The Palace was very impressive and well-organized. I enjoyed my visit, and therefore would recommend a day trip to Versailles to anyone visiting Paris or the surrounding area as a must-do activity. 

You might also like these articles :

• 22 memorable day trips from Paris by Train
• A Day trip to Reims from Paris: Champagne & History
• Monet’s Garden – visit Giverny from Paris (2024)

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Lena is the creator of Salut from Paris, a blog offering practical tips for exploring the city. Originally from Germany, she shares her Paris experiences, from iconic sights to hidden gems. Her blog helps travelers plan with ease, blending must-see attractions and authentic local spots.

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Ellen Greenberg

Ellen Greenberg grew up in the ‘burbs of Philly where she honed her accent (even though she kids people that she doesn’t have one---because she is from the 13 original colonies.) Art has always been her passion ---and it has permeated every part of her life. Her interests and expertise have been fed by interior design, fashion design and production and costume design in her early years to museum touring and unique travel journeys as owner of Quick Culture. Her wanderlust spirit inspires her art-themed journeys to be enjoyed by all --- from the casual traveler to the seasoned explorer. Ellen has been an instructor at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and has guest lectured at UCLA. She holds Docent Program certificates at both The Getty Center and LACMA---and is the author of Inside Chocolate, a pictorial art book published by Abrams Books (formerly Harry N. Abrams) New York. Notables Ellen has toured range from Merrick Garland, United States attorney general, to Max Getty, J. Paul Getty’s great-grandson. Ellen also chronicles her cultural adventures in many other publications. Her studies continue at The Getty Research Institute. 

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Sasha Paperny, Associate Tour Curator for Quick Culture, brings a unique global perspective to our museum tours and travel adventures. Born in Moscow, Russia, and now an American citizen, she has studied the art collections of the greatest artists in both of the famous, esteemed Russian museums: The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow. At both, she researched the artworks of international artists including Russia’s own masters: Andrei Rublev, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall and many more.

Her passion for art history and interest in varied cultures continued in the USA where she joined the staff at The Getty Center and The Getty Villa. Studying there for over 12 years, The Getty museums gave her insightful and invaluable knowledge of their exceptional world-class collection. When asked which artist is your favorite, Sasha exclaims, “That's like asking someone who is your favorite child!"

 Always curious and adventurous, Sasha’s travel experiences range from cultural to extraordinary adventurous ones that include mountain climbing, skydiving and BASE jumping! Her motto is: Anything but boring! Quick Culture is fortunate to have Sasha create and provide private tours that include her entertaining stories and incisive knowledge.

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I traveled with Ellen Greenberg’s Quick Culture on a trip to the south of France and Paris.  It was thoroughly researched, providing historical insights and adventures in regional cuisine as well as spectacular views and luxurious accommodations. Ellen was attentive to individual needs as well as inspiring companionship within the group.  I would happily join another Quick  Culture tour!

In 2011, I was lucky enough to join Ellen on an incredible two week trip to Berlin, Prague, and Budapest! Ellen planned every detail and nothing was left to chance! From the hotel reservations to the private tour guides, and the drivers who chauffeured us from country to country. Ellen has it all covered. I still remember our dinner at the Michelin 2-star restaurant at the Regent Berlin hotel!

I have since gone on other trips planned by Ellen-she never disappoints!

  Ellen's itinerary for this week-long trip to the south of France was thoroughly planned and well thought out.  We stayed at beautiful old hotel in Villeneuve Avignon and had a charming and educated guide every day who told us the history of all areas we visited.  The trip was designed for many of the art history- focused visitors, and we concentrated on seeing places lived in and painted by Picasso, Van Gogh and Cezanne.  Several evening meals and many lunches were included in the cost.  Although most days were chock full of travel to fascinating places and through the Provence countryside, the tour also left some time for shopping and for relaxing in the grounds of the hotel and walking around the towns of Avignon and environs.

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 In 2010, I was part of the Painting in Provence experience, and what an experience it was! There is not a single aspect of it that I would change. Ellen's attention to detail was impeccable, and because of it, everything flowed smoothly...from the insightful pre-flight information/preparation to our arrival to our fabulous accommodations and accompanying cuisine to our art-related excursions (with our amazing guide, Laurence) and, most certainly, to our courtyard painting lessons with our very talented, patient instructor, Bill. I would be remiss if I didn't add the sheer delight it was to conclude the trip by riding the TGV to Paris and spending a few days focusing on the artistic wonders of this beautiful city. Attending a dinner party for artists was an added bonus. How Ellen was able to get our names on the invitation-only list is still a point of amazement for me! Without a doubt, I will always cherish the memories I have from this trip.

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From what we toured every day, to where we ate, to where we shopped…  It was simply extraordinary.  The tour that stands out to me was our lovely English speaking guide who walked us through downtown Florence and shared what it was like to be a woman in Renaissance Florence.  Fascinating!!

I could hardly wait to join Ellen’s tour to Provence.     From staying in an exquisite 5 star revamped/ Monastery, walking distance to Avignon, to a private art class in Van Gogh’s

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Palermo, quick tour of the historic centre

A quick tour downtown in Palermo in which you can see so much in so little time? Of course it’s possible! Step by step …

1st step: Piazza Politeama

Our tour starts from the heart of Palermo: Piazza Politeama . This is not really its name, but the people of Palermo like to call it that because of the magnificent theatre , a splendid late 19th-century neoclassical building designed by the architect Damiani Almeyda.

The “Teatro del Popolo – People’s Theatre” was built in 1874, it has a huge horseshoe-shaped hall with two rows of boxes, dominated by a large gallery. It can hold up to five thousand spectators and currently hosts symphonic music performances , continuing to give us moments of great intensity.

2nd step: Via Ruggiero Settimo

We now enter the main artery that crosses the city from one end to the other, taking the names Via Crocerossa , Viale della Libertà , Via Ruggiero Settimo , Via Maqueda all the way to the Central Station . From the Politeama, Via Ruggiero Settimo (named after the late 19th-century politician) takes us, amidst the shop windows of hundreds of shops and the crowds of Palermitani engaged in shopping or strolling, to the Teatro Massimo . A little shopping ? Why not!

3rd Step: The Teatro Massimo (distance 300 metres)

Europe’s third-largest theatre, after the Opéra National in Paris and Vienna’s Staatsoper , the Teatro Massimo , was designed in neoclassical-eclectic style by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile.

The large anonymous epigraph engraved on the lintel of the portico warns us: L’arte rinnova i popoli e ne rivela la vita. Vano delle scene il diletto ove non miri a preparar l’avvenire. In simple terms, the epigraph invites us not to watch or listen to rubbish because, in the long run, it will simply make you stupid.

Today the Massimo hosts the official seasons of opera, operas and ballets. You can plan a visit , but be aware that if you stumble on the gradino della monachella – the little nun’s step , it’s because you didn’t believe the story of the ghost of the nun in the convent that stood there before the theatre and now wanders its lonely halls at night.

Opposite the theatre, there are two pedestrian streets with unusual names: Via Bara and Via dell’Orologio they take us to Olivella , Palermo’s historic nightlife district, full of small restaurants and craft shops that will entertain and refresh you also during the day. In the square of the Church of Saint Ignazio all’Olivella we also find the impressive Antonio Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum .

4th Step: Via Maqueda

This street, pronounced macheda , continues the directional heading from the Statue to the Station. Founded in the 17th century to make way for the construction of new aristocratic palazzi, it leads us straight to the junction with the street originally known as Vecchio Cassaro (today Corso Vittorio Emanuele ) opening onto the marvellous Quattro Canti .

5th step: Quattro Canti (distance 1.2 km)

Piazza Vigliena , known as the Quattro Canti , is octagonal with four richly decorated and quite striking facades. The “Quattro Canti” divide the old city into four districts or “mandamenti” (the Loggia , the Capo , the Kalsa and the Albergheria ). At this point, going to the right we can climb up to the Cathedral and the Palazzo Reale , taking the left we can go down to the sea, passing the Mercato della Vucciria and the Piazza Marina district, while proceeding straight on, we reach Piazza Pretoria (also called Piazza della Vergogna ), the Martorana and San Cataldo, the streets of the old craftsmen (boilermakers, candlemakers, etc.) and the Ballarò market.

6th step: La Vucciria (distanza 1.2 km)

To the left of the Quattro Canti, we go down the Cassaro ( Corso Vittorio Emanuele ): this is Palermo’s oldest street it dates back to the Phoenicians (about 2,700 years ago). It connects the Palazzo Reale to the sea and, in the section we have chosen to walk, crosses the Vucciria Market .

The Vucciria Market is accessed from some of the many small streets on either side of the Cassaro, just after the intersection with Via Roma . We enter through the main entrance: the steps that from Roma takes us to Piazza Caracciolo . This is a historic market in its heyday, hosted artists and intellectuals. The stalls display fresh fish, fragrant spices, beef and pork. Its charm lies in its bright colours, in the peaceful shouts that accompany the sale of goods, in the dilapidation of its alleyways.

The Vucciria opens northwards onto Piazza San Domenico and its great church. The square opens us to the sun shine on our way out of the narrow alleyways, and a stop in one of its cafés is an ideal opportunity for a refreshing break sampling an artisanal ice cream.

7th step: Piazza Marina (distance 1.2 km)

Continuing along the Cassaro we reach Piazza Marina (on our right). It is a fascinating district, and it is really pleasant to get lost in its alleyways, browsing among the craft shops. Villa Garibaldi occupies the centre of the square, a garden designed by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile (the same architect who designed the Teatro Massimo ) just as the unification of Italy was taking place. Go through the beautiful gates, and you will find yourself in the presence of one of the oldest ficus trees in Italy ; 30 metres high with a trunk 21 metres wide and a crown 50 metres wide. A true gigantic green monument , beautifully green . All around the square, along the pavement, a picturesque vintage market takes place at weekends.

Looking out over the Cassaro we find the Chiesa della Catena – The Church of the Chain , which takes its name from the story that, a few thousand years ago, the chain that closed off the port of Cala was attached to its wall. Among the period buildings surrounding the square are the interesting museum of Palazzo Mirto , the Steri and the Hotel de France . But the whole area is so rich in history and art that it deserves a closer look .

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