Of all the major cities I've been able to see around the world, Seoul is one of my favorites.

What can I say? The Korean capital has it all - compelling culture, a killer dining scene, friendly residents, and insanely good looks to match.

If you're planning a trip, prepare to be wowed by all that this cosmopolitan metropolis has to offer.

Keep reading for a 3-day itinerary to make the most of a trip to Seoul, including when to visit, how to get around, and what to do once you're there.

***

Day 1: Take a walking history lesson (Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung, Insadong)

Seoul is one of the most fascinating cities on the globe. Spend your first day exploring some of the sites that comprise its rich and captivating history (which dates back to 18 BC, btw!)

First up? Bukchon Hanok Village. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and spend your morning wandering this traditional Korean village nestled in the hills.

Once the residential area to high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon Hanok Village is at once sleepy and charming. Preserving cultural elements from nearly 600 years ago, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Wander amongst the tranquil homes (many of which are privately owned, so it's important to be respectful), and peruse the public shops. Duck into a traditional teahouse for some Korean coffee or grapefruit tea and one seriously zen experience.

In the afternoon, head over to one of the city's icons: Gyeongbokgung.

You could spend multiple trips exploring the sprawling grounds of Seoul’s flagship palace, what with its visual wonderland of pagodas, bridges, gates, and gardens. The royal grounds date back to the 14th century, when the Kings and government of the Joseon Dynasty resided there. Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the Dynasty’s Five Grand Palaces (not to mention, the most popular one to visit.)

Set against a panorama of lush green mountains, you’ll have happy, wandering feet for hours. A must-see is the changing of the guard, which happens at 10AM and 2PM outside Gwanghwamun, the main palace gate.

Gyeongbokgung is open year-round except on Tuesdays, with actual operating hours varying based on season. Admission is 3,000 won for adults (just under USD$3) / 1,500 won for children.

After you've gotten your palace fix, finish up your day with a visit to Insadong for some retail therapy. The lively, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is your one-stop-shop for all kinds of cultural and traditional souvenirs.

Whether you're in the market for ceramics, calligraphy supplies or hanbok, the vendors, galleries, and shops lining Insadong have you covered. Add to that its cozy teahouses, restaurants, and cafes and you'll see for yourself what makes this neighborhood so lovely.

Day 2: Explore the beauty of Seoul (Changdeokgung / Secret Garden, N Seoul Tower)

While your first day was spent exploring the historical and cultural sides of Seoul, your second day will be all about indulging in its beauty (while, okay, still getting to enjoy some history and culture, too!)

First order of business? Changdeokgung, an ornate palace second only in beauty to Gyeongbokgung (and even that's subjective.)

Built in 1405, Changdeokgung was designed to blend in with, and thus preserve, its original topography. While the palace itself is stunning, the real draw is the Secret Garden.

This massive source of eye candy takes up about 60% of the real estate at Seoul’s second royal villa – and was even allegedly the home of tigers centuries ago! It features lotus ponds, ornate pavilions, and peaceful quarters built over hills and valleys, and will have you charmed instantly.

Changdeokgung is open year-round except on Mondays, with actual operating hours varying based on season. Admission is 3,000 won for adults / 1,500 for children. Access to the Secret Garden is only available via guided tour, which requires a separate ticket (5,000 won for adults / 2,500 for children; this ticket includes admission into the palace.)

English-speaking tours of the Secret Garden occur daily at 10:30AM, 11:30AM and 2:30PM, with an additional 3:30PM time slot from June-August. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and are limited to 100 people, so be sure to book in advance online or at the palace ticket office.

In the afternoon, make your way to the very top of Seoul by visiting the N Seoul Tower - and definitely stay for sunset.

Positioned strategically at the height of Seoul atop Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul Tower provides unreal views over the glittering, gargantuan expanse of the city. We’re talking rolling mountains, miles of buildings blanketing the landscape, and the distant beacon of the even more massive Lotte World Tower (the 5th tallest building in the world!)

I'm not saying you'll feel like you have all of Seoul at your fingertips, especially as the sun sinks behind the horizon and sets the city aglow...but also, that's exactly what I'm saying.

N Seoul Tower is open daily year-round, starting at 10AM. Entrance into the observatory at the top of the tower is available via timed tickets (10,000 won per adult / 8,000 per child.)

You can access Seoul Tower Plaza at the foot of the tower via cable-car (operating from 10AM-11PM daily; roundtrip tickets cost 8,500 won for adults / 5,500 for children) or via foot.

It’s important to note that N Seoul Tower is a Disneyland-esque experience; allot plenty of time to get up to the Tower, explore its various attractions, and get back into the city – and expect lots of lines. Seoul Tower Plaza has plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to feed your cravings, but most of them are pretty commercial (Starbucks, chain restaurants, etc.).

Once you've descended back into the city, end the night by reveling in Korea's infamous nightlife scene. Whether it's karaoke bars you seek, lavish lounges, or simply a place to throw back soju with friends, you'll find it in Seoul.

If the words 'bougie' and 'bottle service' sum up your scene, check out the Gangnam neighborhood. If you're looking to hang where the university kids do, try Hongdae. For a night out around the world, hit up international Itaewon.

Day 3: Indulge in Seoul's modern side (Cheonggyecheon, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun Design Plaza)

On your last day in Seoul, explore the cool technology, sleek architecture, and downright quirks behind its modern side.

Spend your morning at one (or several) of Korea's infamous and quirky cafes - from meerkats to cartoons, and every LINE Friends theme in between. Grab some coffee, boba or both and stay for a while.

In the afternoon, you can't miss a walk along Cheonggyecheon.

This modern result of a $900 million urban renewal project saw the restoration of Cheonggye Stream through downtown Seoul. Take a walk through the park running alongside the stream, offering benches, art installations, live entertainment, stone bridges, and other peaceful elements to help escape the urban chaos above.

As the afternoon melts into evening, venture over to the shopping haven of Myeongdong.

It’s like the Times Square of Seoul – just exponentially better than Times Square. Whether you’re a Korean skincare junkie, a street food fiend, or simply a shopaholic, the flashy vibes of Myeongdong will have your heart alight.

The streets themselves are narrow, crowded, and fighting with one another to catch and hold your attention. From the Kbeauty flagship stores (Innisfree, Laneige, Skinfood, Dr. Jart+, etc.) to the dozens of clothing havens (H&M, Zara, UNIQLO, et al), to the (for lack of a better description) downright cool patrons surrounding you on all sides, the central neighborhood is candy for the senses – and an experience that must be explored at some point when visiting Seoul, touristy stereotypes be damned.

A final must-see spot to enjoy the cutting-edge delights of modern Seoul lies within the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Located in the city’s fashion hub, it evokes notions of power, grandiosity, and beauty, while celebrating cultural and historic aspects of the Korean capital.

Whether it’s the series of futuristic buildings and exhibition spaces, the LED rose garden, or the restored walls of the Seoul fortress, the DDP is fascinating - and an amazing spot to get lost in for a while as your trip comes to a close.

Where to stay

I recommend Myeongdong. Though it's touristy, you simply can't beat the location. Not only is it safe and well-connected to public transit, but Myeongdong is close to pretty much everything you could want - notably, good nightlife, great restaurants, and even better shopping.

On top of that, there's no shortage of excellent accommodations, ranging from the budget-friendly Grid Inn to the posh Lotte Hotel Seoul.

Where to eat

Uh, pretty much anywhere. And everywhere. All of it. Maybe at once. Point is, there is no mistake when it comes to Seoul and its food. (Is that where the phrase 'soul food' originated?)

When planning your trip, keep in mind that most restaurants in Seoul close at 9:30pm. Coffee shops and Korean barbecue stay open late.

When to go

There are a few things to take into consideration:

Spring: The skies are clear and blue, the birds are starting to sing again, and there's a feeling of renewal in the air. The days are getting longer, and hitting the streets for an adventure just feels like a good idea, you know?

Summer: Have you ever spent a summer in New York? Think similar vibes in Seoul - hot, sticky, and overrun with tourists.

Fall: Moderate temps, lower hotel rates, a decrease in crowds, the chance to show off your sick new sweater you bought in Myeongdong...not to mention, the stunning colors on the trees as the leaves start to turn. Have you booked your plane ticket yet?

Winter: It's freezing, possibly snowing. The frigid temps make it hard to enjoy much of anything outdoors, which is disappointing because so much of the city's beauty lies there. But hey, hotels are cheap and you won't be battling too many other visitors, which is always a plus.

*Views from the train ride into Seoul from ICN*

Getting into the city

From Incheon International Airport (ICN):

By train: The Airport Express Line train (AREX) connects directly from ICN to the heart of Seoul at Seoul Station for 8,000 won (~USD$7.15.) The journey takes 43 minutes, and the assigned-seating train is spacious and comfortable. Look for the automatic ticket machines outside the train platform. These machines accept won or debit and credit cards using pin.

Alternately, the All-stop Commuter Line will also get you to Seoul Station for around 4,000 won. The journey stops at 10 separate subway stations, and takes about an hour.

By taxi/rideshare: A taxi into central Seoul takes around an hour (depending on traffic and where in the city you're staying) and will run between 55,000 and 100,000 won. The cost will run cheaper if you choose to take an international taxi versus a standard cab (another pro being that your driver will be English speaking.) You can call either kind from the taxi stands located outside the arrivals hall.

UberBlack is the only version of Uber currently available at the airport. The journey will take the same amount of time as a taxi, but will cost between 103,000 and 134,000 won.

From Gimpo International Airport (GMP)

By train: The All-stop Commuter Line connects directly to Seoul Station for around 1,000 won. The journey stops at 4 separate subway stations, and takes about 20 minutes.

By taxi/rideshare: A taxi into central Seoul takes around 18 minutes (depending on traffic and where in the city you're staying) and will run between 24,000 and 30,000 won. You can call a taxi from the stands located outside the arrivals hall.

UberBlack is the only version of Uber currently available at the airport. The journey will take the same amount of time as a taxi, but will cost between 40,000 and 51,000 won.

Getting around the city

Seoul has an easy, extremely clean public transit system. I highly recommend purchasing a T-Money card and loading/reloading it throughout it your visit. The card costs 4,000 won and can easily be reloaded using vending machines at subway stations.

Uber is also available, and is pretty cheap for rides within city limits. Alternately, you can see much of the city by foot.

However you choose to explore, I recommend downloading the app Citymapper. It gives you exact directions, costs, and estimated journey durations for all methods of transit - and, yeah, basically saves lives.

Things to Note

Currency: Korean won

Tipping culture? No

Don't forget to pack: Good walking shoes, extra space in your bags for lots of shopping!!

* * * *