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August 21, 2016 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Copenhagen is a beautiful city. But expensive. Is it worth a visit? Yes. But here are some things you should know about Copenhagen.
Which would you like to hear first? The good or the bad news? The bad ones? Ok, well here they are:
The Københavener. They are way too good looking. Even if you’re a Heidi Klum or Brad Pitt look-alike, compared to the Copenhageners you just look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The Traffic. Crossing a street in Copenhagen is quite similar to committing suicide. No car or bicycle would stop for a pedestrian. If you dare to cross the street at red light it’s about 99% sure you gonna be killed.
The Weather. Summer is just like a summer breeze. The same moment when you notice it it’s already gone. If it’s a good winter you have one hour sun a day. And it’s cold cold cold.
Nightlife. Everything is damn expensive. For a beer you have to pay about 6 Euro. A café latte costs up to 8 Euro. Dinner for two persons with one not so good bottle of wine will be from 50 Euro.
Shopping. You see all these cool clothes and wanna buy something? Besides the fact that it’s also quite expensive you have to hurry cause shops are already closing at about 6 p.m..
You still wanna visit Copenhagen? Good choice! Cause here are 5 things that you’ll really love about Copenhagen.
The Københavener. Besides that everyone is really good looking (and who doesn’t like to look at pretty people?) they are very friendly and humorous.
The Traffic. Copenhagen is a city you can easily explore by foot. The public transportation is also very good and using the very modern subway, busses and water taxis will bring you all-around the city for about 3 Euro. Special Tip: ride a bike.
The Weather. If the sun is shining (and not only then) it’s such a beautiful city. And even when it’s not shining and it’s really freezing cold outside the Danish still sit outside the bars, drinking and partying all night long. (BIG PLUS: so you don’t have to care what to wear under your jacket -> saves time, ladies!)
Nightlife. If the Danes do know one thing then it’s how to party. The nightlife in Copenhagen is full of opportunities. Concerts, parties, dinner-shows, fancy cocktail-bars and cool design restaurants.
Shopping. If you wanna look as fancy as the Copenhageners you can buy really cool clothes in the designer-shops all over town. Speaking about Danish design… yes, if you love design you have to own at least one piece of a Danish designer.
What do you think about Copenhagen? Do you like it or not?Read more
August 16, 2016 in Czech Republic ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
HOW TO SPEND FOUR DAYS IN PRAGUE
Prague is a destination that always seems to be in vogue. It’s been on the tourist map for a long time, and the crowds show no signs of abating.
Prague is a gorgeous, well-preserved medieval city coupled with a rich history, expansive parks, Vegas-style nightlife, and a hint of romance. The city holds a special place in my heart: it was the first city I backpacked through on my round-the-world trip in 2006. It was where I stayed at my first genuine hostel, the first place I was on my own, and the first place I went to where signs weren’t in English. I grew as a traveler here.
After many years away, I was happy to come back not once, but twice this year. A lot has changed — there are more tourists, prices are higher, the food is more international, and more foreigners live in the city. But the city’s essence — all the cliché stuff (cobblestone streets, quaint medieval houses, incredible charm) that makes Prague Prague — is still there, and I was happy to reconnect with the city.
After spending weeks roaming the city, today’s blog post puts the best Prague has to offer into a manageable four-day itinerary. If you are looking for a way to organize your trip, this itinerary, like previous ones I’ve put together, will help you do so.
Day 1
Take a free walking tour
Walking tours are a smart way to orient yourself to a new city, learn some history, and hear about the main attractions. There are a TON of free walking tours in Prague, so you’ll have plenty of options. All the tour companies meet near the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square at 10 a.m. and last about three hours. They will give you an overview of the main sites like the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and more.
My favorite company is New Europe. They operate free tours around Europe and tend to have upbeat guides and lots of historically accurate information.
Visit Prague Castle
The famous Prague Castle is the next logical place to visit, since all the walking tours end near this popular sight. The castle, which lords over the city, consists of multiple sections: St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, The Story of Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, the Powder Tower, and Rosenberg Palace. You can buy a ticket to any or all of these sights from the box office. The most famous structure is St. Vitus Cathedral — this is the large building you see when you look up at the castle from outside the city walls.
Walk around Petrín Park
Petrín Park is the city’s biggest and most beautiful park, with sweeping views of Prague. You’ll find a garden, a maze, and a lookout tower that looks like the Eiffel Tower. What I love about this expansive park is how easy it is to get lost among the trees. Paths meander throughout, and it’s a relaxing contrast to the crowds of the historic center. Keep in mind that this park is on a big hill and walking to the top can be strenuous. There is a funicular that can take you down (and up) the hill if you don’t feel like making the trek.
Visit the John Lennon Wall
After Pet?ín Park, head down towards Kampa, a neighborhood by the river, and visit the John Lennon Wall. Toward the end of Communism in the 1980s, students started writing John Lennon lyrics on this wall as a way to air their grievances. Today, the wall represents love and peace. Tourists are allowed to write or paint on it too.
Day 2
Explore the Old Town Square
Though you got an overview of the Old Town Square during your walking tour, today you can savor the square’s attractions in detail. Some of the highlights include:
Hanging out in the square — The people-watching is unbeatable as tourists, families, students, and touts pass through the square. Sit on one of the benches, eat a sandwich, and enjoy! Moreover, there are a number of talented musicians — ranging from jazz musicians to Scottish bagpipe players, and everything in between — that perform in the square.
Astronomical Clock — Watch the most overhyped attraction in all of Prague! While the hourly chime that people line up for is anticlimactic, the detail and artistry of the clock make it one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Visit the churches — The beautiful Tyn and St. Nicholas churches ring the square. St. Nicholas is open all day, but Tyn is only open in the mornings and late afternoons.
Explore the catacombs — Under the Old Town Hall, you’ll find a series of catacombs worth exploring. They were the first level of the medieval houses that used to be in the square. Now, they are an exhibit (enter through the tourism office) showcasing medieval life.
Take an underground Prague tour
Prague Underground Tours runs an underground tour of the medieval houses in the city center. There are many catacombs in Prague, and this tour, though short, provides detailed history about medieval Prague.
Day 3
Take a day trip to Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora was an important center for silver mining in medieval Bohemia. It helped keep the kings of Prague rich. Now the town is famous for its creepy bone church, Sedlec Ossuary, which contains 40,000-70,000 bones. Since the church takes only about 15 minutes to see, head into the historic city center to see some of Kutná Hora’s other attractions, including marvelous medieval churches, overlooks, well-preserved streets, and a large town square. It’s a small and quiet town that feels like Prague without the crowds.
Day 4
Walk up the river back into town
From the castle, you can take a nice walk along the river back into the center of town. There are walking and bikes paths as well as places to stop, sit, and maybe read a book. It’s mostly locals around here, despite it being about 20 minutes from the city center.
Visit the Powder Tower
Back in town, be sure to check out this medieval tower, one of the original 13 city gates. Construction began in 1475 and, during the 17th century, the tower used to store gunpowder. It was heavily damaged in 1757 and most of the sculptures on it were replaced in 1876.
Prague has been one of my favorite cities in the world since I first visited in 2006. Though there is a constant mass of tourists, Prague’s magnificence will always make this touristy city one worth visiting. And hopefully this itinerary will help.Read more
August 11, 2016 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌧 14 °C
Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world.I love its brick buildings, open skyline, rich history, and relaxed, easy going attitude towards life. Over the years, I’ve visited Amsterdam more times than I can count (I’m bad at math) and have spent countless hours walking the city, making friends with locals, and getting under its skin.
Amsterdam has so much to do that, even after so many visits, I still find new things to do and see. The city deserves more than just the few (and often smoke filled) days travelers give it, but if a few days is all you have and you want to make the most of it, this is the itinerary I would give to someone looking to get a good overview and feel for what makes Amsterdam so special:
Day 1
Free walking tour
A great way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You’ll learn some history, find out where the major sites are, and explore all those winding canals. Free walking tours are a wonderful first activity in any city. I recommend the free New Europe walking tour. It covers a lot of ground and gives you a general overview of the city and landmarks. The tour meets in the main square and lasts about 2-3 hours. (Be sure to tip your guide though!)
Canal tour
Amsterdam is a city tied to the water – it grew around its canals and the taming of the Amstel River. The canals of Amsterdam are incredibly beautiful, and there’s nothing like seeing the city from a boat. Skip the big canal boat tours you see around the city — they’re overpriced. You can often hire a private boat tour for about 20 Euros an hour (look for guides around the Red Light District). Moreover, you can also take the open-air Canal Hopper Small Boat. This is the company I use when I run group tours to the city — the boats are small, the tours more intimate, and your driver will give you a good personalized tour. The tours last about an hour.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is located right next to the Van Gogh Museum, and after years of renovation, it’s now beautifully remodeled. The museum still features an extensive Rembrandt collection, and you’ll be able to see the famous painting “The Night Watch.” Besides Rembrandt, there’s also an incredible and robust collection of other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. Over one million works of art, craftworks, and historical objects are kept in the collection, and around 8,000 objects are on display in the museum so be sure to budget a few hours!
Day 2
Anne Frank House
In all honesty, I don’t like this place. I found it to be anticlimactic. You basically do a slow walk through the house as the crowds pack the place. You don’t get to let everything soak in as you’re being pushed from behind by the endless crowds. It’s maddening! But, if you don’t mind waiting in line and you’re curious about Anne (I think the Jewish History Museum does a more thorough job of relating the events in Anne Frank’s life to the Holocaust), it might be worth the visit for you. You can book tickets online up to two months in advance, which lets you skip the line. If you don’t do this, get there very early in the morning to avoid the long queue that develops over the course of the day!
Amsterdam History Museum
This museum features a very thorough history of Amsterdam. It’s big, and you’ll need 3–4 hours to really go through it in detail. There are a lot of relics, maps, paintings, and audiovisual displays throughout the museum. My favorite is the computer graphic at the entrance showing the growth and construction of the city over time. I can’t recommend this museum enough. It’s one of the best history museums I’ve ever visited.
Day 3
Do a bike tour
Bikes are to Amsterdam like wine is to Bordeaux. The city loves bikes, and there are supposedly more bikes than people in Amsterdam. In fact, forget about keeping a lookout for cars — it’s the bikes that will run you over. Seeing Amsterdam and its surroundings from a bike is something I definitely encourage you to do. Mike’s Bike Tours is the best company to use, whether for a tour or to rent a bike on your own.
Oosterpark
Everyone goes to Vondelpark to sit around, bike, or get high, but east of the main city center is a beautiful park with fewer people and green space that is just as relaxing. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the city center, but the walk takes you through residential areas of the city not often seen and way off the tourist map. I enjoy coming here because it’s far quieter and more peaceful than Vondelpark. If you wanted a quiet park experience, this is it!
Day 4
Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park is a great place to walk, bike, people-watch, or relax, especially after a visit to a local coffee shop. There’s a playground as well as places to play sports, and numerous areas for kicking back. During the summer, Vondelpark is filled with people, especially locals who hang out at the café ‘t Blauwe Theehuis for drinks in the center.
The Heineken Experience
This museum used to be a lot better when it was cheaper and they offered more beer. It’s not a working brewery, and in comparison to the Guinness Museum in Dublin, it’s lame. But the price of admission buys you three beers and you’ll learn a bit of the history of Heineken (which I enjoyed since I drink a lot of their beer). It’s not a must-see, but it’s not a must-avoid either.
Some other sites worth visiting
Below are some of my other favorite activities to do in the city if you have more time or don’t like the options above!
Waterlooplein Flea Market – This open-air market is like a giant flea market — everything and everyone can be found here. People sell secondhand clothes, hats, antiques, gadgets, and much more. You can also find new and unused items. If there’s something you want, you’ll probably find it here. Open Monday to Saturday.
Day trip to Haarlem – Just a quick train (or bike) ride from Amsterdam, Harleem is a quiet Dutch town that has a beautiful central church, great outdoor market, and all the beauty of historic Amsterdam with fewer crowds.
Visit Noord – Leave the city center, take the ferry across the IJ, and visit the up and coming area of Noord Amsterdam. In the last few years, a lot of people have moved here (it’s cheap), cool markets and restaurants have opened, and a lot of old industrial land has been reclaimed for public use. It’s the new hip place to be! Be sure to visit the famous EYE, Amsterdam’s film institute.
The Amsterdam library – The city’s library is a beautiful modern building built in 2007. It’s gigantic, overlooks the IJ, and has a wonderful top floor cafe for impressive views of the city. It’s one of my favorite to relax in the city. It’s quiet, peaceful, and there’s nothing like reading a good book with a great view!
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam – Like modern art? Well, I don’t but if you do, this is the place in the city to see it!
Foodhallen – Located in Amsterdam west, this place is what the name implies – a food hall! This indoor food market has various vendors serving a variety of delicious food. It’s like food trucks in one location. Personal favorites include Viet View, Le Big Fish, and Friska.
Houseboat Museum – This museum will show what it’s like to live in a houseboat!Read more
August 9, 2016 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
THINGS TO DO IN ROME – SOME DO’S, SOME DON’TS
You’re planning a trip to Rome and have no idea where to start? Forget all the top ten things to do in Rome lists. Here’s the ultimate list of things you need to do and some don’ts so you can enjoy your trip to Rome to the fullest AND you won’t look like a unprepared tourist!
The ultimate things to do in Rome (and some don’ts):
DO: Throw one, two or three coins into the Trevi Fountain. One is for returning to Rome, two are for falling in love with a Roman and three are either for getting married to this Roman or getting divorced, the sources weren’t that clear about it. Worth a try, right?
DON’T: Go to the Trevi Fountain by day, way too crowded. Better go there late during the night (so much more romantic too)
DO: Eat a Quattro Formaggi in “Berzitello”. In my opinion the best pizzeria in town. And the waiters have tattoos. Period.
DON’T: Eat a Quattro Formaggi in a pizzeria next to the Pantheon. Not worth the HIGH price. Nice view, but I recommend to have just a coffee there instead of lunch or dinner.
DO: Have a gelato in a REAL gelateria. My tip: Giolitti!
DON’T: Have a “fake” gelato. You can easily spot the fake one as the colour is verrrrry colourful. (Too colourful)
DO: Go on a foody Rome Tour with EatingItalyFoodTours, say hi to Kenny from me!
DON’T: Start a diet before your trip to Rome
DO: Go on a VIP Colosseum Tour with WalksofItaly, you not only get to the underground but also to the top, where no one else is allowed to go.
DON’T: Go to the Colosseum when everyone else wants to go, way too crowded and the waiting line is looong.
DO: Book an apartment. I prefer staying in an apartment, as it really makes you feel like living in the city you’re visiting. Are you using Airbnb? If not: sign up via this link and you’ll get a $20 voucher.
DON’T: Save money and book something OUTSIDE of Rome, as it’s such a lovely city to explore by foot if you’re staying somewhere central. Location is key.
Here are some hotel recommendations in Rome if you don’t want to book an apartment:
N°3 Town House Pantheon
Hotel 87 eighty-seven
Giuturna Boutique Hotel
Parlamento Boutique Hotel
Colonna Palace
AND (last but not least): The only time it’s ok to drink a Cappuccino is in the morning for breakfast with a Cornetto. Don’t ever order a Cappuccino after lunch – everyone will immediately know you’re a tourist (but if you really really like Cappuccino and want to order one – just do it, they might judge you but who cares, right?)Read more
August 7, 2016 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
BRUSSELS – THE ULTIMATE TRAVELOUS TRAVEL GUIDE
I always thought Brussels is kind of boring and well, totally uninteresting. But Brussels surprised me! Brussels is different. I’ve visited Brussels on a cold weekend in January, without any expectations. And while I was walking through the city, always looking for a cozy place where I could warm up, I did find many cool places and stuff, I really didn’t expect. And as I’m not that much into sightseeing (and I think sightseeing is overrated all over the world btw), I’ve compiled some of my favourite cafés, restaurants and shopping tips (and some sightseeing, but just a bit, which I found pretty irritating so I had to share).
Here are my travelous tips for a perfect city trip to Brussels:
Cafés:
L’atelier En Ville
L’atelier En Ville is a mixture of café, bar, furniture shop, fashion shop and beer garden. In other words: you get five things at once. Perfect to stroll around, drink a coffee and especially in summer the beer garden must be perfect for a relaxed evening.
Coffee Company
A cute little hipster café with some yummy yummy cupcakes! Perfect for people-watching!
Cafe Pom
I’ve tried different times, but every time I’ve been there, Café Pom was closed. Damn! But it looked sooo cool from outside, I really hope one of you can go there one time and tell me if it’s as cool as I think it is!
OR Espresso Bar
The best coffee in town you’ll get in OR Espresso Bar and super yummy self-made lemonade and ice tea too!
Restaurants
Les Filles. Plaisirs culinaires.
„Les Filles“ is still an insider tip in Brussels as this cute place just opened end of 2013… I’ve found it by accident on Foursquare! A really really cute café run by some friends. You sit here on long tables together with strangers for lunch or dinner and on weekends they also offer breakfast! It’s a little bit hard to find and you have to ring the door bell to get in.
Arcadi Café
Arcadi Café is as Brussels as it can be. First I thought it’s too crowded to ever get a table but after two minutes waiting I got one. The waiters were pretty friendly to me but I’ve heard they can be a bit rough sometimes. Don’t be put off if they aren’t that friendly, the food is definitely worth it.
Fin de Siecle
At Fin de Siecle you’ll get good, local food, served on long tables (I think the people in Brussels kind of love sitting on long tables with strangers). The atmosphere here is a mixture of Belgian charm with Bavarian beer garden. It can get really crowded after 7pm.
Sightseeing
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis belongs to Brussels like beer, fries and waffles. But I really don’t get why everyone is so excited about this pissing boy. It’s really not THAT amazing. I actually didn’t know that he has a sister: Jeanneke Pis (which is pretty much the same not THAT amazing), who’s peeing since about 30 years in a side street of Rue des Bouchers. What I actually really liked was Zinneke Pis, the peeing dog. Well ok, the dog is not really peeing. But normally there’s no huge tourist crowd around, why I really liked it. You can find Zinneke Pis at the corner of Rue des Chartreaux and Rue de Vieux-Marche.
Street Art
Street Art in Brussels is actually pretty cool. At every corner you stumble upon some new cool pieces. Sometimes I took a picture of something I found a neat piece of street art hidden on the corner of a house I didn’t see before taking the picture! If you’re into street art you’re going to have a lot of fun in Brussels to discover all the hidden master pieces of artists like ROA and others…
Shopping
Gabriele Vintage
Gabriele Vintage is a true treasure chest for all vintage lover. I just stepped inside there to find shelter from the rain but then I nearly didn’t leave this place again. There are so many cool clothes! Some aren’t that cheap but the collection is really amazing. You can find clothes from nearly every century here and the matching accessorizes.
Het Ivoren Aapje Book Store
Het Ivoren Aapje is a book store like in the movies. I wouldn’t have been surprised if there would have been some magic books or magic wands hidden in one of the shelves. If you love books you’re going to spend hours here! And you’re going to love the owner Frederik Deflo and his dog!
Halles Saint-Gery
Actually I didn’t like Halles Saint-Gery that much. BUT I was lucky enough to be in Brussels on the first Sunday of the month and that means there’s a cool vintage market happening there. Perfect for a shopping stroll after brunch! If you’re into flea markets but not in Brussels on a first Sunday of the month you can also go to the flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, which happens there every day.Read more
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