San Francisco Food Tour (And Discount Code!)

Gelato pops at Sixth Course, Mission District Food Tour, San Francisco

Want to know more about taking a San Francisco food tour? They’re the perfect way to explore the city’s buzzing foodie scene… even better when it’s with a local from the uber-cool Mission District! Find out more about my experience. 

I met Sean from Avital Tours outside The Women’s Building in the heart of San Fran’s uber cool Mission District. Incase you didn’t know, it’s the place the hipsters hang out, with trendy bars and boutiques lining the streets, colourful murals adorning the walls, and of course – a top notch foodie scene. That’s what I was MOST interested in.

The Women's Building, Mission District, San Francisco
The Women’s Building, Mission District, San Francisco

On this San Francisco food tour, we’d spent three hours enjoying some of the area’s most unique places to dine, while learning more about the district, the history and the art that makes it one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

There are plenty of different San Francisco food tours, which will introduce you to various parts of the city via its cuisine. You can head to Chinatown for dim sum, explore the Ferry Building, or take a gourmet walk through North Beach.

I’d already explored Chinatown and North Beach (which is primarily Italian), but The Mission had a distinctly Mexican feel with plenty of no-frills taquerias. While many Mexicans had crossed over the border and set up shop, there were plenty more offerings from other cuisines waiting to be discovered.

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Sonoma Valley Wine Tour, California

Larson Family Winery, Sonoma Valley, California

Considering booking a Sonoma Valley wine tour? Find out what to expect on the day, what to take and all about the wineries in this detailed guide.

Wine tasting is a must-do when visiting California. I headed out to the Sonoma Valley to check out some of the stunning wineries and of course, sample a few top wines!

After 2 weeks of fast-paced travel from LA to San Francisco via Yosemite National Park, I was ready for to slow things down with a relaxed day in the countryside. I booked a wine tour of the Sonoma Valley with Green Dream Tours. I picked Sonoma over Napa as many I spoke to said it was less touristy and just as good!

Sonoma County is around an hour from San Francisco and the region is home to more than 900 wineries. A trip here is rated as one of the best things to do in California. It boasts spectacular scenery with olive trees, fruit tree and sweeping hills lined with vines, all set against a bright blue summer sky. If the drive there was anything to go by, we were in for a treat!

Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma Valley, California
Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma Valley, California

Tour guide Mark was enthusiastic and full of jokes as we left the big city behind. After a brief stop for photos at the Golden Gate Bridge, we headed towards Sonoma.

Stopping for a pic at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Stopping for a pic at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

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A Delicious Helsinki Food Tour With Heather’s Helsinki

Helsinki Food Tour

Considering booking a Helsinki food tour? Find out what to expect, the kind of foods you’ll sample and more about why it’s a great way to see the city. 

I’ve said it time and time again on this blog, but my favourite way to get to know a new place? Straight through my stomach! So what better way to understand what makes Helsinki tick than on whistle-stop tour of some culinary hotspots on Heather’s Helsinki Fork In Hand food tour?

We met our Helsinki food tour guide Heather under the Stockmann clock in the centre of the city. Heather’s not a native. Originally from Tasmania, Australia, she’s lived in Helsinki for 15 years. In some ways seeing the city through the eyes of someone who had moved there gave us a better understanding of its quirks. Rather than growing up with them, she’s experienced them as a newbie – making them easier to identify.

Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral

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15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Rotterdam

Checking out Rotterdam's Cube Houses

Cool street art, nightlife, a buzzing foodie scene and futuristic architecture – it’s time to reveal the best photo spots in Rotterdam.

Other than the song by the Beautiful South, I didn’t know a lot about Rotterdam. I’ve visited Amsterdam countless times and loved it! It’s fair to say Rotterdam is Amsterdam’s lesser-visited, modern little sister. As the majority of the city was bombed during the war, it’s become a playground for forward-thinking architects. Along with the uber-cool architecture, there are plenty of fashionable restaurants, a great nightlife scene, top summer festivals and a little something I’d describe as community spirit! The best time to visit? I’d say the Summer. But don’t  just take my word for it, take a look at a few of my top pics from my recent travels.

Check out the video of my trip to Rotterdam and then scroll down to read more.

 

1. The city’s skyline is one of the most unusual I’ve seen in a while. Best place to check it out? From the tallest building – the Euromast, and be sure to visit in the evening as the lights start to illuminate the city. 

View from the Euromast, Rotterdam
View from the Euromast, Rotterdam

2. One of my favourite spots in the city is Markthal. It’s not just the city’s top food market, it’s also another architectural masterpiece!

Exterior of Markthal, Rotterdam
Exterior of Markthal, Rotterdam

3. The crazy ceiling of the Markthal was designed by artist Arno Coenen and features giant fruit and vegetables.

Inside looking out of Markthal, Rotterdam
Inside looking out of Markthal, Rotterdam

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