Hamilton CBD | A Chilled Stroll Through the Little City

✨ Hamilton’s downtown is tiny—You can loop around it in 30 mins flat. But today, wandering with a friend, I stumbled upon a few quirky little shops that made the stroll feel extra special. Here’s my little diary of the day： 🎪 BEL MERION NZ A hidden gem for cute finds！ This shop is packed with plush dolls, quirky clothing, and cute souvenirs—think mini figurines, vintage-inspired pins, and colorful jewelry. The vibe? Whimsical and nostalgic, like stepping into a storybook. I spent ages admiring the handcrafted stuffed animals—they’d make perfect gifts for kids (or my inner child！). 🎁 SIMPLY GIFTS Just a stone’s throw from BEL MERION, this store is a treasure trove of trinkets！ It’s bigger, with shelves stacked with decorative figurines, handmade crafts, and even a small section of skincare (my pick: P4 soap, an Australian brand with a dreamy lavender scent—divine). Perfect for hunting unique souvenirs or picking up a little “me time” treat. 💖 Strawberry As the name suggests, this shop oozes girly charm！ Think pastel-colored phone cases, sparkly sunglasses, cute makeup (try their lip gloss—they’re shiny！), and piles of friendship bracelets. My friend scored a tiny unicorn keychain here—so Instagrammable！ It’s the kind of place that makes you want to dig through every shelf just to find “the one.” 🎨 Street Art Wall Paintings Don’t miss the street art！ The downtown walls are covered in colorful murals—some playful, some abstract, all full of personality. My friend and I spent ages taking photos (and making silly faces！) against the vibrant backdrops. Pro tip: The best spots are near the corner of Grey Street and Barton Street—sunlight hits the paintings just right in the afternoon！ 🍜 Thai House Express A local friend raved about this Thai spot, so I had to try it. Unfortunately, my Chinese stomach wasn’t feeling it… I ordered the beef green curry, but it was a bit too spicy for my taste (I only managed a few bites！). Still, the decor was cute—tropical plants, wooden carvings, and soft lighting. Maybe I’ll give it another go with a milder dish next time！ 🎨Hamilton’s CBD might be small, but it’s bursting with charm. From quirky shops to street art, it’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan, stumble upon something cute, and leave with a smile. Today was a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the unplanned ones—just grabbing a friend, wandering, and soaking in the little moments. ✨ #HamiltonCBD #HamiltonNZ #CityStroll #LifeFragments #ChilledVibes #SmallTownCharm #HamitonDiary