Writer’s note: This column was inspired by The New York Times’ “36 Hours” travel series. Whether you’re a local or just a passing by, Palo Alto offers something unique for everyone in the span of the day.

8:00 a.m. – Start with Breakfast at Coupa Café

Begin your day in downtown – the center of Palo Alto – with breakfast at Coupa Café. This cozy spot is a favorite among high school students, Stanford University students and techies alike. Try the avocado toast with a strong morning coffee brewed to perfection or a hot chocolate if you’re feeling something sweet. Sit outside and people-watch; you’ll learn about that new start-up, AI gossip or hear high school students frantically stressing about their grades.

9:30 a.m. – Explore Stanford Campus

Walk through the historic Palm Drive gates to reach Stanford University, a must-see destination. Start at the iconic “Oval,” the heart and oldest part of campus, as you are dazzled by the Romanesque and Mission Revival architecture. Make sure not to miss the Hoover Tower and the incredible mosaics of the Stanford Memorial Church.

11:00 a.m. – Wander the Cantor Arts Center

Located on Stanford Campus, the Cantor Arts Center is a treasure trove of culture and history. Spend an hour exploring the extensive global collections, which range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary works. Afterward, step outside to the Rodin Sculpture Garden, which houses an impressive collection of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin’s works, and enjoy pieces like the famous “The Thinker.” If you’re not into museums, you can visit the Stanford Bookstore and walk around Tresidder Memorial Union Square, a primary meeting spot for Stanford students.

12:30 p.m. – Lunch at Zareen’s

Head over to California Avenue for lunch at Zareen’s, a local favorite known for its outstanding Pakistani and Indian cuisine. This spot offers flavorful and satisfying meals with a casual setting and buzzing atmosphere. Make sure to try their thalis (metal round platters with meat), yellow basmati rice and daal. For drinks, order a mango lassi or a hot chai tea. The mix of customary spices and natural ingredients and the extra step Zareen’s takes to grill their meats – something you won’t find at a lot of other places — makes the food worth the extravagant Bay Area prices. Bonus points if you’re visiting on a Sunday – you’ll find an amazing farmers market on Cal Ave. with fresh produce.

2:00 p.m. – Visit the HP Garage

After lunch, take a short drive or bike ride to one of tech’s most historic sites: the Hewlett Packard Garage. Known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” this demure garage is where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard started their company, HP, in 1939. Although you can’t go inside, the outside is worth checking out. A quick stop here will give you a sense of the humble beginnings that led to the tech boom in our own backyard.

3:00 p.m. – Pit stop at Café Venetia

Back in downtown Palo Alto, take a quick break at Café Venetia and unwind from your busy day. This Italian café offers incredible coffee, so it’s the perfect place to recharge before continuing your day.

4:00 p.m. – Hike at the Stanford Dish

Afterward, make your way to the Stanford Dish, a popular hiking spot in the Stanford foothills that has stunning views of Stanford Campus and the south bay. The loop is about 3.7 miles long and lets you take in the natural beauty of the area. You can also spot the titular Dish, a 150-foot diameter radio telescope funded by the United States Air Force to detect Soviet radio signals bouncing off the moon.

5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Pizzeria Delfina

For a post hike dinner that really hits, head to Pizzeria Delfina, a popular spot known for its thin-crust pizzas inspired by the best of Naples and New York. The menu offers seasonal ingredients and a variety of toppings. Pair your pizza with a salad or a side of arancini. The low-key, lively ambiance makes it an amazing place to relax after a long day.

7:00 p.m. – Evening Stroll on University Avenue

After dinner, take a leisurely walk down University Avenue, downtown Palo Alto’s main street. The tree-lined boulevard is charming at night with its twinkling lights and little, bustling cafés. Stopping by for a late-night coffee or simply enjoying the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of one of these cafes is the perfect way to soak in the city’s charm before wrapping up the day.

8:00 p.m. – Catch a movie at the Aquarius Theater

End your day with a movie at the Aquarius Theater, a cozy cinema that screens both smaller films and big-name releases. The theater’s central location on University Avenue and broad film selection makes for the ultimate nightcap.

10:00 p.m. – Late Night Treat at Salt & Straw

If you’re still up for a sweet treat after the movie, head to Salt & Straw, an artisan ice cream shop from Portland, Oreg. known for its (very) creative and seasonal flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic scoop of the “Chocolate Gooey Brownie” or something more adventurous like the “Cinnamon and Honey Fried Chicken,” this Campanile staff favorite has you covered. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in before wrapping up your 24 hours in Palo Alto

Closing

Palo Alto may be known as the heart of Silicon Valley, but it offers so much more than just tech. Whether you’re savoring international cuisine, hiking the scenic Stanford Foothills or immersing yourself in art and history, checking out these places will leave you with a sense of the city’s rich past and its cutting-edge present.