Amsterdam has a lot to offer any globetrotter. Tulip fields, the Heineken experience, Anne Frank House, and the Red Light District are only a handful of activities that come to mind when I recall my 3-day trip to Amsterdam. Here’s how to get the most out of this colorful city:
Something else to think about: the Heineken Experience. Although I was not able to fit this into my quick trip, I intend to do the Heineken Experience, a tour of the brewing facility, if I ever return to Amsterdam. Check it out if you’re a fan of the lager!
Overall, Amsterdam is an amiable city with activities for every type of personality. If any of the above sounds intriguing to you, visit Amsterdam for experiences you’ll never forget.
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In recent years, Lisbon, Portugal has become a hotspot for travelers, and the city’s helpful locals, warm ambiance, and overall easy-going vibe showed me exactly why it’s received such rave reviews. Right off the Mediterranean, the city offers a variety of sights, efficient public transportation, and great music: everything a globe-trotter needs to enjoy a weekend away.
Once in Lisbon, you’ll want to start off with a scenic tour of the city. What won’t you want to miss? Belem Tower and Santa Justa Lift for sure. Belem Tower, also known as the Tower of St. Vincent, is a famous tower located a little way outside the city. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of Portugal’s significance in the Age of Exploration. The Tower is quite a trek if you’re intent on walking, but it’s also incredibly accessible by bike and public transport (more on that later!). While you’re in Belem, grab a pastel de nata here at Pasteis de Belem. These are the BEST egg tarts around and one of the local foods you must try. Don’t leave Lisbon without heading to this pastry shop (waiting in the line is worth it).
Santa Justa Lift is another spot not to miss—it provides a view of the entire city! I always find that the best way to orient yourself in a new city is to head to a high point. From here, you’ll be able to see other areas you might want to check out: the Alfama Neighborhood, Barrio Alto, Plazo do Comercio, and Rua Augusta Arch are just a few that come to mind.
Best way to get to these? Public transportation hands down. Public transportation is an institution in it of itself in Lisbon. Tram No. 28 is just 1 of 5 wooden tram routes that still weave themselves through Portugal’s capital city. This route will take you through the picturesque neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, the must-sees above. If you need to get somewhere, chances are you can do it with public transport in Lisbon, so don’t hesitate to ask the locals to direct you.
If you’re in Lisbon for an extended period or are just ambitious with your time, consider a day trip to Sintra. Sintra is a little town outside of Lisbon where you can see elaborate tilework and other unique architecture. The most identifiable piece of this architecture is Pena Palace, whimsical and colorful enough to be straight out of a fairytale.
Tired after a long day of sight-seeing? Head to a restaurant that features Fado, a traditional form of Portuguese singing. The songs are typically accompanied by string instruments and describe the tough realities of daily life. Fado music has two main varieties: Lisbon and Coimbra. Of the two, Lisbon is more well-known. Make sure you check it out!
Lisbon offers something for everyone. If you find yourself seeking a warm destination with friendly locals, great public transportation, an abundance of sights, and unique music, head to Lisbon. You won’t regret it!
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Florence is a city small in size but rich in reputation. You don’t need a lot of time to cover the city, but the greatest testament to its prominence is the fact that travelers often return here because of the quality of its sights. Check out below for all you could possibly want in a city!
Take a free walking tour. Start your trip out with this and you’ll have all the background knowledge you need of Florence, its early days, and the Medici family. Check online for times, meeting locations, and other information. Just Google search “Free walking tour Florence.”
Mercato Centrale is a market for foods and goods. The prices for goods are negotiable so go in with your game face on and ready to bargain. Additionally, the Piazza San Lorenzo is a shopping plaza where you can buy Italian leather. If you’re dying for a pair of Italy shoes, this may be your spot.
Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset. It’s a bit of a walk and up some stairs, so make sure you’re up for that and have your walking shoes on before you start the trek. You’re likely to encounter a crowd as everyone clambers to see the city from this high point. Other popular spots to see Florence’s natural beauty: the Duomo and the Boboli Gardens. Both require tickets so plan ahead of time and book these to make sure you can go!
Look no further than I Fratellini, a hole-in-the-wall type of stall, where you order a sandwich and a glass of wine and eat while standing/sitting in the street. This place is not far from the Duomo and Piazza
Look no further than All’Antico Vinaio. This is a great panini shop that will undoubtedly have a line. Yet, if you’re going to eat a panini, this is the one you want. Afterward, head to Gelateria
Florence is often synonymous with Michelangelo’s famous David. He’s in the Accademia Gallery and he’s as grand as described. Just make sure you book a ticket in advance to avoid the thousands of other tourists trying to see him as well. The same goes for the Uffizi Gallery, another great art museum. Book online, save a few bucks, and
Ponte Vecchio is a spot to check out. This bridge spans the Arno River and has physical shops built onto it. This is by far one of the coolest bridges I spotted in all of Europe. There’s now a bridge modeled after it in Bath, England. Jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers will attempt to sell you their goods as you walk along this bridge from one side of Florence to the other. The strange part? You’ll feel as though you aren’t even on a bridge and are merely walking along another shop filled street.
Florence won’t necessarily impress you with its size. It’s easily walkable from one end to the other in 20-25 minutes or so, but there’s a reason it’s on everyone list for favorite Italian pitstops. On your next trip, check out some of the above and experience one of the greatest European cities out there.
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Rome, the eternal city, carries quite a reputation and is a city everyone must see at least once in their life. Yet, it could take even a practiced traveler an eternity to see everything if you don’t have a plan. Check out below for the tips, tricks, and best practices for all the top sights and events in Rome and the Vatican City.
Be sure to check out the above on your next trip to Rome and the Vatican City! You’ll leave with an abundance of knowledge and charmed by the city as a whole. Just keep these best practices in mind so you can squeeze in as much as possible. Enjoy!
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When people name the top 5 cities in the world, Paris is always one of them. Paris, to me, is a city that I have always had a special connection with because I grew up listening to French chanson music and reading French literature. My first trip to Paris was incredible, but I also learned that, like any city, it can be full of tourist traps. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that a traveler’s bucket list must include Paris at least once in their life. Here’s why:
Paris is home to incredible landmarks. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Sacré-Coeur, the River Seine. Of course, these are what you think of when Paris comes to your mind, but the opportunity to see them in person can truly be once in a lifetime. The moment you walk down the Champs-Elysées or stand beneath the enormity of the Eiffel Tour is breathtaking. Notre Dame has such an abundance of history, and it doesn’t get much better than the Louvre for art lovers.
While these landmarks can sometimes carry ridiculous fees and ticket prices, they are free to visit from the outside. To avoid any tourist traps, carefully research the hours, prices, and which ones you’ll want to visit inside.
Remember: if you’re perfectly content taking a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower, then there’s no reason to spend 25 euros to go to the top.
Parisians know how to eat. The number of cafes in Paris is absolutely absurd. Their croissants melt in your mouth, the cheese and chocolate are to die for, wine is in abundance, and pastries are everywhere. Spend some time trying everything that Paris has to offer. When in doubt, seek out the Mom and Pop place rather than the big chain that looks flashy from the outside. Though it may take a few days to find these more local restaurants, you’ll immediately know you’ve done it when you’re suddenly enjoying the best food of your life.
Paris is full of history. If you paid attention during any of your school’s European history classes, you know how significant French rulers were to Paris. The history of Paris is everywhere, but the museums, architecture, and culture are only the beginning. So, where’s the best place to find it? The people. While you’re in Paris, be sure to engage with the locals. They know the city best and can provide a window into their coveted culture. The best part of engaging with locals is that they can often provide the best recommendations that steer you clear of tourist traps and instead keeps you wining and dining with the best the city has to offer.
Overall, I recommend visiting Paris with this savvy approach in mind. Visit the famous landmarks but forego the expensive ticket options if you’re not dying to do them (they can be overrated). Enjoy lots of local food at local places and speak to local people. Make Paris local to you and have an incredible experience!
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Madrid is a walkable city with a great history and even better food. This is a place you can tackle in just a couple days and really feel like you did it well. Below are the must-sees and must-dos of Spain’s capital!
Madrid is well-known for two of its museums. The Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum. The Reina Sofia Museum houses La Guernica by Picasso, so it’s often on the list of every traveler that heads to Madrid and for good reason. These vast museums are incredible options for anyone (especially beginners) who wants to learn more about European art history. Although the tickets can be a bit pricey, if you’re a student, be sure to bring your student ID. This museum is free for all students under 25 years of age as long as you present a student ID and a second photo ID as well (passport for those who are not Spanish citizens). The Prado Museum is the main national art museum and also offers a wide variety of European art collections. Admission here is also free for students under 25 with a student ID and a second form. The Royal Palace, while not a museum, is also a place of significance and history. Be sure to book this one ahead of time and skip the lengthy line that forms outside the palace gate.
Spanish food has something for everyone thanks to their favorite way to eat: tapas! Be sure to enjoy tapas more than once so you can get a feel for all the options of Spanish cuisine. Paella, jamón, montaditos (mini sandwiches) and patatas bravas are common to see on any tapas menu. Tapas are the perfect sample size so order some for the whole table and try them all. After dinner, if you’re looking for dessert, head to Chocolateria San Gines for churros. This spot has been open since 1894 and often has a line out the door. Stroll the city with churro and chocolate in hand or take a seat inside and enjoy the experience.
Although you can do Madrid quickly and efficiently, you won’t want for activities while you’re there. Puerta del Sol Square and Plaza Mayor are both main centers within the city. In Puerta del Sol, you’ll be able to find the plaque for the Center of Spain. If you’re looking to lighten your pockets, head to Gran Via, a large shopping street. Parque del Retiro and Temple Debod are both awesome opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the city. Parque del Retiro offers the opportunity to row boats on their little lake for 6 euros for 45 minutes. If you’re in Madrid when it’s warm, this is a must do! I’d also recommend hitting Temple Debod right around sunset. You can’t beat the view.
Madrid is the perfect stop for a weekend trip because of its size. It isn’t quite as sprawling as Barcelona and offers many activities in a tight vicinity. Decide what you’re most interested in and go for it—just make sure you enjoy some of the best food in the world along the way and you’ll be good to go!
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Kotor, Montenegro: a little city on the coast of the Mediterranean that’s incredibly accessible to ambitious travelers. Montenegro never seems to be anyone’s first choice destination, but I’ve never met a soul who regretted visiting. This tiny country may only have 5,333 square miles in area but has some of the best views of any country I’ve ever visited. The drive along the Bay of Kotor allows you to experience both mountains and water all at once.
Though Kotor may not have as much to do as a seaside city in Croatia or Italy, it is still plenty worth your time. Here are the top 5 things to do on your trip to Kotor!
What else is out there if you’re ready to adventure a bit further outside of Kotor itself? Local tour companies also offer the opportunity to kayak, snorkel, and cave! You can book a tour that takes you out to the Adriatic coast.
Montenegro may be small, but its cities like Kotor offer a wide variety of activities to do. Kotor is quiet, hospitable, quaint, and charming. Don’t waste any more time – put Kotor on your vacation bucket list today!
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Salzburg: perhaps Europe’s best-kept secret and my favorite city of all. The world knows Salzburg as the birthplace of Mozart and the home of the famous Von Trapp family in The Sound of Music. Yet, for each visitor, it holds its own quiet charm as they get to experience the magic of a smaller city with just as much to do. The city is accessible from Vienna, Prague, and Munich, which makes it the perfect weekend getaway.
If you’re planning a trip to Salzburg, and you’re a fan of The Sound of Music like I am, I would recommend all of the following sites. You’ll recognize many from the 1965 film.
If you love The Sound of Music but are overwhelmed by how to accomplish all of this in one trip, Salzburg tour companies offer a variety of options. A bus tour is offered through Panorama tours for $45/person that takes you to many of the sights listed above. Furthermore, the Fraulein Maria Bicycle Tour offers individuals the opportunity to bike through Salzburg in nice weather to get the true experience of the Von Trapp children.
For the Mozart lover, you can actually go visit his birthplace in the center of the city and tour a museum of his former home. The tickets are 10-15 euros and totally worth it for classical music enthusiasts.
Additionally, be sure to check out both the Salzburg Cathedral and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Both provide a window into the early history of the quaint city. The Fortress is a little bit of a hike since you can see it from anywhere in the city, so wear your walking shoes before you head up to this medieval castle.
Finally, after you’ve spent the day seeing these sights and taking in the breathtaking Austrian scenery, what’s left to do but eat and drink some traditional Austrian food? Be sure to order some wiener schnitzel, have apple strudel for dessert, and visit Augustiner Bräu for a beer. This brewery is run entirely by local monks and is a can’t miss while in Salzburg!
Otherwise, enjoy your trip, take lots of pictures, and Salzburg is sure to be one of your favorite things!
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My husband and I had our second wedding reception in the US and already bought our return flight from Prague to California. A few weeks after the purchase, Adam came up with the idea to do a coast to coast road trip, driving from the west coast to the east coast. That meant that we had to forfeit the return leg of our light and book another one-way ticket to Prague from whichever airport on the east coast. We used Kiwi and found cheap flights departing from New York with a short layover in major European cities, one of them is Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Upon seeing Reykjavik destination, Adam got another idea that we should also visit Iceland on this trip. I had been in Iceland, spending more than two weeks with an adventure tour group and camping all over the country. I had no intention to go back because first I had seen most of it, and second we packed for summer (June) California weather and would need to stuff winter clothing into our already-full luggage. Iceland was kinda on Adam’s bucket list of places to see, and after all, this was still our honeymoon trip. Finally, we decided to include Iceland into our journey and picked a flight with the longest layover in Reykjavik, 24 hours.
Reykjavik is a lovely city on its own right, but people don’t travel to Iceland to stay just in the capital. On the other hand, it’s difficult to not stick to the capital because sights in Iceland are scattered across the countries. There is no frequent and extensive public transportation network as you see in most European countries. To get the best out of Iceland, you need to join a tour or rent a car.
While one day is not ideal, but no amount of time in Iceland is too brief. You can still hit some of Iceland’s most breathtaking sights and make the most of this tight window. Before you do anything, consider renting a car. We got ours at Sixt. And now see below for the top places to hit if you ever spend a day in Iceland!
We flew into Keflavik, the fifth largest city in Iceland and home to Keflavik Airport (KEF). The city provides a more local, small-town feel to the largest city and capital of Iceland, Reykjavík. The fishing town is also close to the famous Blue Lagoon, so don’t pass it by. I recommend staying here to hit all the biggest landmarks while still maintaining incredible accessibility to the airport.
We first leaned towards staying in Reykjavík to get to see the capital more but ended up staying at an Airbnb in Keflavik. The rental was a few minutes drive from the airport, very convenient for us to drive back to the airport early in the morning and dropped off our car at Sixt.
Our Airbnb accommodation in Keflavik
Sixt and other car rentals
Keflavik seafront
The Blue Lagoon is the most famous spa in Iceland and open year-round to travelers wishing to bathe in its warm seawater averaging 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius). The lagoon is known for offering treatments for skin conditions such as psoriasis, and it renews the waters in it every 48 hours, so it’s always fresh. It’s perfect to enjoy late at night in the summer or under the Northern lights in the winter.
On the way to the Blue Lagoon, we found this site
The blue lagoon
On the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the southwest corner of Iceland, a bridge now connects two pieces of land that were formerly the continents of Europe and North America. The peninsula exists on a major tectonic plate boundary: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. As the plates have continually separated, the bridge was built to symbolize the connection the two continents. Definitely worth a visit!
The Bridge between continents
In the same region of southwest Iceland, you can find the area of Gunnuhver. This spot is named after a female ghost who haunted the area until she was trapped by a priest and fell into the spring. Now, you’ll find mud pools and steam in this geothermal field. Although a bit eerie, this is a great spot to visit and travelers stay safe on the wooden observation platforms nearby.
The hot spring is apparently active
Finally, no trip to Iceland is complete without a trip to the capital! Reykjavik is full of landmarks and things to do. Hallgrímskirkja Church is a must-see with its unique design that can be spotted from almost anywhere in the city. The church features a remarkable pipe organ inside and a massive statue of Leif Erikson, the first European discoverer of America, outside. In the city center, walk down Laugavegur, one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik. The street is home to restaurants, shops, bars, second-hand and vintage stores. Grab a bite to eat with an Icelandic twist right here. Finish off your visit at the seafront. A famous statue, the Solfar Sun Voyager, can be found here and is meant to inspire dreams, imagination, light, and hope.
Hallgrímskirkja – the Lutheran parish church in Reykjavík
Walking downtown Reykjavík at midnight
Reykjavik at midnight
Interested in learning more about Iceland? Plan your own trip and be sure to check out all of the highly recommended spots above!
Wherever you are in the friendly Down Under, there’s another worthy stop just a few miles away. Cindy’s serendipitous stay in Melbourne urged me to share a bit more of this magical continent, but it’s impossible to choose a single trip for your first visit. I’ll leave it up to you to take your pick and return with an abundance of memories and inspiration for checking off another spot from your travel list next year!
It’s almost 250 km of pure ocean beauty, dramatic coastal views and local wildlife, all wrapped up in a sweeping horizon and crashing waves. Staring from Torquay and ending in Nelson, the stretch is brimming with picture-perfect spots, where you can swim with dolphins, spot whales, and meditate with a view of the limestones of the 12 Apostles, which are just some of the many natural wonders you’ll get to soak in.
From the iconic city of Sydney and all the way to Brisbane, the mesmerizing Pacific Drive is for many visitors the sole reason to go to Australia. It’s what got me hooked in the first place! Staying in Sydney would be a perk, but NSW is well-connected, so no matter your location, you’re close enough to start this versatile journey. Prepare for emerald meadows, crisp clear beaches and charming little towns and boutique wineries within your grasp.
The North of Australia hides a particular untamed beauty – and believe me, the pictures you’ve seen of Uluru cannot come close to the real deal. Combine it with the hidden gorges and canyons, and you have the ultimate adventure for your thrill-seeking soul. I was visiting Alice Springs for the aboriginal artwork and the idea of going directly to Uluru and Kata Tjuta was too good to miss. The five-day-long ride is well-worth the effort!
Craving a true off-the-beaten-track excursion? Head straight to Tasmania’s East Coast! Everything is different there from what you’d expect to see in an Aussie territory. Villages with stone-made houses, vivid countryside scenery and five national parks are bound to feed your nature-loving spirit over the course of a couple of days.
The two names that are the quintessence of all things Aussie, Sydney and Melbourne are the cultural hubs and very difficult to let you abandon their loving embrace. But the scenic road between these two cities is made of dreamy lagoons interspersed with wild beaches and curious kangaroos to greet you almost every step of the way. My favorite? The Seven Mile Beach in Shoalhaven Heads.
Victoria’s crown jewel, the Great Alpine Road involves city names you’ll barely be able to pronounce, but equally curious and awe-inspiring vistas over the course of just five hours, which you should definitely expand into a couple of days. Imagine dramatic mountain ranges overlooking the vineyards and lush valleys, all the way to the Gippsland Lakes which will greet you upon your arrival to Metung.
A week in a Coogee apartment where it’s ideal to share accommodation with the locals gave me a few insider tips on the best spots on this short road trip adventure. No time to go the full Pacific Drive? Then visiting Jervis Bay is perfect – check out the Royal National Park, the second oldest next to Yellowstone, bask in the views over the Sea Cliff Bridge and finally soak your feet in the whitest sand on Hyams beach you’ll ever see!
Short and sweet, but as memorable as the longest on the list, the shores of North Queensland are your exotic dream-come-true, and with all the potential to become a full week-long adventure. With access to the Daintree Rainforest and the famous Great Barrier Reef, you’ll be best off taking the trip in the winter months when fewer people and less heat will affect your experience.
About the author
Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography who loves to talk about her experiences. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.
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My name is Cindy, also rhymes with travel junkie. A friend said I was probably a gipsy in my previous life. One of my many secret missions in life is to convert you to run off every once in awhile.
