The New York Times has called Galway Ireland’s “most charming city.”

In last week's travel piece ’36 Hours in Galway, Ireland,’ the city, which is located on Ireland's stunning west coast, is described as “compact, walkable and filled to the brim with independent shops and restaurants that walk the fine line between cool and kitsch.”

“Cozy, old-fashioned pubs showcase the city’s ever-growing selection of craft beers, chefs serve up west-of-Ireland ingredients in creative new ways, and almost every building housing a modern cafe or new atelier has a centuries-old story behind it. It’s not a city in which to hustle; rather, it’s one in which to enjoy a locally brewed pint, relish the excellent seafood and get your fill of views of the rushing River Corrib as it sweeps out to Galway Bay.”

The article, illustrated with beautiful photographs of Galway's sites, suggests the things to see and do over a three-day weekend in the city. The piece also recommend lodgings for your stay (House Hotel and Park House Hotel).

The 36-hour itinerary starts on Friday afternoon with a visit to Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, an Anglican church dating back to 1320. Some coffee and a look at some shops, followed by a fish and chips dinner at McDonagh’s and then a few pints at Tigh Neachtain’s to listen to a traditional Irish music session.

Saturday kicks off with brunch at Ard Bia and then a visit to the Galway City Museum near the Spanish Arch, a local landmark that is part of the medieval city walls. A walk over Bridge Street to Nuns Island and a stop at Galway Cathedral is followed by a sample of Galway’s craft beers. The Salthouse Bar, owned by Galway Bay Brewery is suggested as “the perfect place to sample a midafternoon pint or two.”

And make sure you only have one or two, because the next suggested activity is to rent a bike from one of the 16 Coca-Cola Zero stations and cycle down the promenade out to Salthill to take in the coastal scenery. If you stick around Salthill until evening, stop in a O'Connor's, a pub dating back to 1875.

For dinner, the Michelin star restaurant Loam is recommended for its six-course tasting menu that is “always an amalgamation of west-of-Ireland products, from Connemara air-dried lamb to West Cork cheese.” Finish off the night at Roísín Dubh’s, a “lively and eclectic” nightlife venue.

On Sunday, spend the morning taking in Shop Street, including a stop by the 14th century Lynch’s Castle and a visit to Aunty Nellie’s Sweet Shop. End the weekend at Moran’s Oyster Cottage, located a 25-minute drive southeast of the city center and serving “Irish lobster, seafood chowder and legendary oysters.”

The full New York Times article can be found here.