Ultimate Guide for First Time Travel to Rio de Janeiro!
“Rio de Janeiro is a bright, energetic, and vibrant city, full of culture, beauty, and a lively atmosphere.”
Rio de Janeiro is a bright, energetic, and vibrant city, full of culture, beauty, and a lively atmosphere. Take, for example, it’s best-known festival, Carnival, which is probably one of the biggest festival celebrations in the world. There is also so much natural beauty to be experienced in Rio. The beaches in Brazil and Rio are some of the best in the world. With other popular tourist destinations like Copacabana, Ipanema, and of course, the magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio is a destination that should be high on your bucket list. It had been on mine for years, and now, with visa’s being cheap and easy online, I took full advantage. Now before you get packing, there a few things you need to know.
Getting There;
Flights from LAX or JFK to Rio International are going to set you back around USD 1,000 depending on when you plan to travel and whether or not you fly direct. If you’re an American citizen, you’ll need your passport as well as a tourist visa to enter the country. This will cost you an extra USD 40 and is valid for 5 years. Most other countries only need a valid passport and return ticket to enter Brazil, but make sure to get the official guidelines before traveling. The E-visa they have now makes it so quick and easy, just remember to print it off and carry it with you in your passport when you enter.
Things to Know Before You Go;
Money Matters
Brazil can get pretty expensive compared to other South American countries, so it’s a good idea to try and save as much as possible before you go. The Brazilian Real (BRL) is equal is $0.24 USD, so keep that in mind when looking to exchange.
Most places around Rio accept credit cards, but you have to watch out for international charges from your bank. I also like to carry a bit of cash with me just in case my card is ever declined. This can be tricky in Rio because most banks don’t recognize any American banks, even major ones. The easiest way to get cash is to exchange currency at the airport. Bear in mind that exchange rates at airports are usually inflated, so take some time to decide what option is best for you. I just went to ATMs in major hotels there and was fine.
Another bit of information to know is that service tips of 10% are almost always added to your bill. This is because wait staff in Brazil aren’t paid very much, and tipping is a cultural expectation.
“I would absolutely recommend using Uber here as it’s safe and very cheap.”
Getting Around;
Rio de Janeiro is way bigger than you think; it’s nearly 500 square miles. To drive from one side to the other would take 10 hours. Most of the city is made up of neighborhoods and suburbs. My guess is that you’ll spend most of your time in the city center and on the beaches. But no matter what, make sure to factor in extra time to get around. Traffic can be really busy and annoying and things that seem close take longer to get to because of it. Trust me, I got stuck in traffic a lot, so allow extra time.
Transportation in Rio is fairly simple and pretty cheap. A ride on the buses or metro is less than USD 1. If you are using the metro, be aware that some carriages are women only during peak hours (6-9 am and 5-8 pm Monday-Friday). This is really great for solo or groups of female travelers, but if you’re a man, make sure to pay attention because you could be facing hefty fines for entering during the wrong times.
I would absolutely recommend using Uber here as it’s safe and very cheap. I used it the entire time I was in Rio. Don’t expect the Uber drivers to speak much English so use your phone translator to show them where you need or show them the name and address of the destination. Sometimes you must show them the name and address in Portuguese as they can’t all read it in English.
There are also taxi services in the city. Legal taxis are yellow with a blue stripe but aren’t as quick, cheap, or reliable as Uber.
“Your best bet is to learn some Portuguese phrases before you go and maybe buy a book on Portuguese to take with you. At least learn the basic phrases as it will go a long way.”
Language Barriers;
Don’t expect English to do you much good. The national language of Brazil is Portuguese, not Spanish, as a lot of people believe. Some locals do learn Spanish as well, so you might be able to get by a bit with Spanish. Your best bet is to learn some Portuguese phrases before you go and maybe buy a book on Portuguese to take with you. At least learn the basic phrases as it will go a long way. I say this with every language. You should always learn “please”, “thank you”, “hello”, and “Help” in every language of the country you’re visiting. It makes things much easier.
Extra Tips;
Brazilian indoor plumbing isn’t the greatest; you can’t flush toilet paper. Not as in a “you shouldn’t flush paper” type way. More like a “do not flush paper because you will block the toilet and then you’ll have to explain why to whoever’s bathroom you’re using”. You might find it a bit gross, but please just throw your toilet paper away and thoroughly wash your hands.
On another sanitary type note, don’t drink the tap water. Rio has come pretty far in the way of development, but their tap water isn’t safe just yet. You’ll have to buy bottled water to stay hydrated. It’s super cheap. Also, opt out of ice cubes in your drinks as typically it’s not made from filtered water unless you are at a nice hotel or restaurant.
“Like traveling to any other foreign country, just trust your instincts, don’t go out alone at night, and keep your valuables close to your body.”
Despite the negative reputation, Rio is actually a fairly safe place for tourists, but it still hosts more threats than other places I’ve written about. If you stick to areas with lots of people, then you’re all good. Like traveling to any other foreign country, just trust your instincts, don’t go out alone at night, and keep your valuables close to your body. Don’t dress like a gringo. They sometimes assume American tourists are all rich. I never wore jewelry in Rio, even cheap stuff. I say this because, it’s not like people know if something is cheap or not, so if you’re going to get robbed they will take it either way and just having it makes you more of a target. Also, be smart ladies, and don’t carry designer handbags or sunglasses, again, it just brings attention to you and while I had no incident, I have had friends have designer things taken right off of them in broad daylight. It’s a poor country and people can be desperate, so just be smart. Same with smartphones and fancy cameras. I wouldn’t have them out while walking around much. I walked all over town and again had no incident, but this doesn’t mean that there is no crime. You can expect some catcalling but just ignore it and don’t yell back. Some men do this annoyingly, but typically it’s just that, and nothing more.
The one thing you do need to worry about a little is the mosquitos. The average temperature in Brazil is around 80℉ with 60-80% humidity. This is the perfect climate for all sorts of bugs, and Rio is no exception. Mosquitos are just as annoying as anywhere else, except in Brazil, they usually carry diseases like Zika virus. So make sure you pack your bug spray with deet and wear it day and night. I always say, better safe than sorry. I used bug spray and had no issues. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a good SPF, as the sun is much stronger than the USA and it will burn you if you don’t wear any.
The beaches are amazing and so beautiful. There are people selling food, drinks, and beach loungers. Make sure to have a little cash for tips and payment. I hung out at Ipanema mostly and loved it. It’s crowded, but not as crazy and touristy as Copacabana beach. I heard Copacabana also is where more pickpocketing and petty crime happens, so keep an eye on your things at the beach, especially if you walk around there. I had some amazing Caipirinhas on the beach, just make sure you don’t get into the water after too many drinks. It’s dangerous and just not smart. Rio has very strong currents and occasionally riptides so strong swimmer or not just be careful in the water, especially after cocktails.
“ I hung out at Ipanema mostly and loved it. It’s crowded, but not as crazy and touristy as Copacabana beach.”
“We had two incredible dinners at two of the best restaurants in Rio which were Sushi Leblon for amazing sushi with a super trendy feel similar to a Nobu or Koi, and Ct Boucherie which was more meats and French cuisine.”
In regards to food;
I would not recommend eating anywhere near Copacabana, as any touristy area is going to have serious inflation prices on food and the quality is typically not as good. There are some really amazing restaurants in Ipanema and more inland from the beach. We had two incredible dinners at two of the best restaurants in Rio which were Sushi Leblon for amazing sushi with a super trendy feel similar to a Nobu or Koi, and Ct Boucherie which was more meats and French cuisine. It was amazing, as was the red wine selection. This is also one of the more trendy places in Rio. For Lunch, you must go to Plage Café. It was one of the most picturesque cafés I’ve ever been to. The food is just okay, but the cocktails and views are out of this world. It’s inside a pretty and lush park with greenery all around. This was a perfect stop for brunch after visiting Christ the Redeemer. Another good spot for lunch that’s on the pricier side, but still great, is The Belmond Copacabana Palace. It’s a famous luxury hotel right in Copacabana. We didn’t stay here but wanted to stop by to visit.
“Hotel Yoo2 Rio is boutique, artsy, hip, and cool. It reminded me of Soho House in LA, or The Shoreditch House in London. It was the place to stay, especially as a younger person. I loved this hotel.”
Places to stay;
Gabby and I chose Hotel Yoo2 Rio. It is right on the main drag, right across from The Sugarloaf, with amazing views. Our room had the perfect view of The Sugarloaf. The upstairs rooftop bar and pool had views of Christ the Redeemer, The Sugar Loaf, and the city with a smaller church next door. It was all of the best views of Rio from the rooftop. Hotel Yoo2 Rio is boutique, artsy, hip, and cool. It reminded me of Soho House in LA, or The Shoreditch House in London. It was the place to stay, especially as a younger person. I loved this hotel. The décor was so cute and the staff were really helpful and spoke really good English. I have zero complaints about Hotel Yoo2 Rio, as it was literally the perfect place to stay! There were so many great photo ops in the hotel alone! I wish I could have stayed longer. This is one hip place, you just don’t want to leave! The breakfast was also amazing!
The main tourist sites, to make a priority are;
1. Obviously The Christ the Redeemer statue. This is the most iconic site in Rio and is as overwhelming as one would think. I suggest getting there as early as possible as it gets really hot and humid and very busy with tourists. We got there later than I would have liked, and it was packed. Also, think outside of the box for photos. I saw people lying flat on the ground to snap the perfect picture of their friend or loved one. I had a very nice guy come up and offer to get a good snap of me by laying down. It was strange but nice of him. To get here take an Uber all the way up to the bus stop. There is a train stop but don’t do this as it takes ages. Also make sure you have cash to go up here, as various things only take cash, such as the buses up top. There is some cool lookout spots on the way up to Cristo so check those out for amazing views of Rio. You won’t need more than 45 minutes once you get to the statue, but give yourself a good hour to get up to the bus stop and get tickets, etc. as there will typically be lines for the buses up. Have patience. Corcovado is the mountain range in which the statue sits that boasts amazing views from so many different lookout points. Take time to enjoy it all.
2. Go to Sugar Loaf mountain at sunset. You will get stunning views of the city in many different angles, and you can ride the cable car up to see views of Christ the Redeemer. I would give yourself ample time before sunset to get up, as it gets crowded, as so people get to their spots early. There also are so many photo opts on the way up to the very top, so again, it’s important to have ample time. 2 hours before sunset is perfect, as you will have plenty of time to explore and then once you get to the top if time permits, you can have a nice cocktail or coffee at the café. Sometimes there are even cute monkeys up there causing trouble. Sugar Loaf is one of the coolest things to do in Rio, as well and one of my favorites. Remember, it gets really hot so pack on the SPF and also wear your bug spray as the bugs do come out at sunset. Take plenty of photos as this is one of the best views of Rio and beyond and because the sunset is extra magical. Nothing beats a good view during the golden hour.
3. I already mentioned this a bit, but hang out on Ipanema beach for the day for a good suntan and great cocktails. This beach has gorgeous views, beautiful Brazilians, and nonstop flowing Piña Coladas and Caipirinha. Also, enjoy a fresh coconut. They’re so good! It’s the beach to see and be seen. Of all the beaches, this is the one I think you want to be at. You can also get yummy shrimp on skewers for cheap, just have cash. There are cute shops in Ipanema as well if you want to do a shop after the beach.
4. You have to at least take a stroll down the boulevard of one of the most famous beaches in the world “Copacabana” beach. It is filled with tourists and great for people watching. Here you can get amazing drinks and the sun as well. This one has a little more crime, but just be smart with your belongings. Near the beach, there is a peninsula with the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort. These are two things you can visit while at the beach that doesn’t require much time.
5. Visit the Lapa Steps aka Escadaria Selarón, which are a famous set of colorfully decorated outdoor steps in the Lapa neighborhood near to the also colorful and hip Santa Teresa neighborhood. Chilean Artist Escadaria Selarón starting laying tiles on the steps in front of his house and just didn’t stop until his death in 2013. There are over 2,000 tiles on the steps now and show the true passion of art through one artist. The stairs are so colorful and again, they get very busy so I would advise going early in the morning for the best experience and photos. There are so many areas to get photos of the steps, so walk all the way up. It is so impressive that it was started by one man.
6. Walk around downtown Rio. There are charming little streets and cool cafes along the way. Gabby and I decided to just take a walk down there and we found so many cute places just by getting lost. Make sure to go inside the churches you come across. They are free and so beautiful inside. There are also a lot of cool old buildings that seem to be abandoned and also random cool statues. In certain areas there is also walls with graffiti and art that is cool to check out. In a strange way, certain parts of Rio reminded me of how Miami would be in the early 90’s.
7. Make sure to take a trip into the Royal Portuguese Reading room. It is a library in Rio that is the king of all libraries, and upon walking in, you’ll think you have walked into Hogwarts in Harry Potter, or the library of the beast’s in Beauty and The Beast. It is stunning and a full floor and ceiling with books. There are over 4,000 books in this venue. Aside from all the books, the architecture alone is just stunning. This really is a place in Rio that isn’t on many lists but was a hit for sure. I highly recommend it.
8. Walk around the Botanical Gardens. There are over 8,000 different species of plants in the park and it’s a good place to go for a relaxing stroll and to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also great if you’re hungover to go and walkabout. It is very pretty and picturesque. There are also cool birds in here. This is something, in my opinion, isn’t a huge priority, but if you have time then surely check it out.
9. If you can visit Rio during Carnival then I would do it! I sadly missed it by two weeks and was so sad. The celebration is known worldwide and looks insane. I have heard so many amazing things and it’s definitely on my bucket list. Hotels get pricier during this time so it’s vital to book well in advance. I would also suggest booking flights in advance but again, from what I’ve heard, this is the most amazing time in Rio, crowded or not, it’s great.
10. In between Copacabana Beach and Ipanema, there is a small point called Arpoador. It’s so beautiful and great for photos. The sunset from here is incredible and you can get nice cold beers while sun tanning. The rocks make a stunning backdrop to any Rio beach photo. It’s a must-see when walking between the two beaches. You can’t miss Rio’s beaches while in a vibrant and stunning city.
Now you’re all set to experience the magic that awaits in sunny Rio de Janeiro!
If any of you are even remotely similar to me and have even a little bit of love for history and a lot of love for adventure, then surely, Athens is one city on your bucket list. No matter what people tell you about the city itself, you must go and see it for yourself. This is how I have always felt. Athens is a completely different vacation to The Greek islands. Although some may say it’s hectic, crowded, and falling apart, others will tell you it makes up for that entirely by its dazzling history and cultural attractions. This is one city that will take you back thousands of years in time and teach you a lot about historic glamour, A rich thriving city on top, and then to a city suffering from war, conflict, and economic crisis.
“This is one city that will take you back thousands of years in time and teach you a lot about historic glamour, A rich thriving city on top, and then to a city suffering from war, conflict, and economic crisis.”
Athens is a city filled with a rich history dating back thousands of years. It flourishes with ancient ruins and precious dated artifacts from periods of one of the strongest empires in the world. Athens is the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, and Sophocles. Athens first became a settlement in 3000 BC that was situated on the rock of Acropolis. Yes, the very Acropolis you can see from all over the city. The most epic part of Athens. Athens was named after the Greek Goddess Athena, “Goddess of Wisdom” and the protector of the city. Athens was the leading city and hub of Ancient Greece and the Greeks. It’s been the capital of Greece since the late 1800s and is very large and densely populated with so much hustle and bustle as well as having neighborhoods just outside of Athens that lie on the stunning sea and have a huge part in the fishing and seafood trade.
Speaking of seafood. Athens has some of the best seafood I’ve ever had as does most of Greece. It’s so fresh and delicious. It also has amazing tomatoes, cheese, and olives. This is truly a country for foodies like myself. I came here not loving the whole Mediterranean food and now since trying the tasty squid and tomatoes here, I live for returning again and again. The food is truly out of this world.
So now let’s discuss a trip to Athens. How long should you stay in Athens? What should you see in Athens? , What order should you see things on your Athens trip, how long will it take to see everything in Athens? What is the best month to visit Athens? What should you wear in Athens? What hotels should you stay in while visiting Athens? What are the best restaurants in Athens? Where are the best views of Athens? Well, my friends, I’m here to answer all of those questions.
“I would plan at least 2 days on route to or from your island destination if you have one, or a long weekend here. ”
Let’s start with how long you need in Athens. Most people don’t just come to Athens to visit Athens itself, unless it is for a weekend away, depending on where you are living. Many will fly into Athens on route to a beach destination in Greece. I will be honest by saying you don’t need more than three days in Athens. Before I came to Greece, many people told me their negative opinions of Athens and how you could see everything in one day if you insist ongoing. Some even told me it was a city full of pollution and traffic and not to bother. However, for me, it’s a city I had to see no matter what I heard and to me, those people that spoke so poorly of it, have not traveled to many cities as large as Athens. Yes, there is pollution, there are a lot of old, run-down buildings, and old junky cars filling up the streets with traffic jams. There are very poor areas and people begging, but this is one of the most fascinating and historical cities. It’s old and big. What do you expect? It’s a city that’s been through thousands of years of wars and invasions and economic crisis. It’s still amazing to me. That being said, 3-4 days is a very generous amount of time. I would say two days, for frequent travelers who have the agenda of just seeing the main sites and who are not bothered with the museums, day trips, and taking in the Athenian café culture and nightlife, which is awesome by the way. I would plan at least 2 days on route to or from your island destination if you have one, or a long weekend here. Athens, as I said, has so much history and so much to see within the city walls, it’s no fun to rush it all especially with the heat. It gets so hot.
Which comes to my next topic of dressing for the weather in Athens, if you come during the summer it’s very hot, be prepared for shorts, tank tops, sunscreen, a hat, and good walking shoes. I promise you don’t want to be in heels anywhere in Greece. Flip flops are also a terrible idea for walking tours around Athens, as you will hurt your feet. Trust me, it’s a full day of walking so you want to be comfortable. Cute flats and a light summer dress is what I wore mostly but always bring a sweater for windy or chilly nights. I have always chosen to come to Athens in October, as it’s still hot but getting cooler, it’s cheaper, and way less crowded than the very busy, hot, and popular summer months. In my opinion, the best time to visit depends on your plan after as if you are going to the islands then the weather must still be good there and in October it’s starting to cool off in Santorini and Mykonos. It also gets windy on the islands by October. One short October visit, it was chilly and windy one day, so I wore skinny jeans and a t-shirt and the next day, it was sunny and hot. I was able to wear a nice light day dress. If you’re going somewhat in season keep in mind the heat. I would say if you want to do all the main sites and the museums, I would allocate 2 full days as in waking up and getting outside by 8 am to beat the heat and site seeing till 6 pm. Watching the sunset here is incredible as well, so plan for that and I’ll get you to the best spots for that. If you only have one full day to see things in Athens then I would hit the main attractions first. I will put my itinerary below.
Athens Day 1.
Check into hotel/leave bags at the hotel. 11 am
Hotel in Athens, For Luxury, I highly recommend Hotel Grande Bretagne. It’s in the main square and is a Luxury Collection Hotel. It has my favorite rooftop restaurant in Athens with the best views and the best food. I love, love, love this hotel. It also has an amazing spa and 2 pools. It’s so nice. Another amazing luxury hotel is right next door called The King George Hotel, another Luxury Collection Hotel. The food here is also perfection, as is the service. You will not be disappointed with these two as they have beautiful views of the city and Acropolis, and the vibe is great. If you want a hotel on more of a budget, I would go for the Herodian Hotel, the Herodian is a hotel I stayed in also, and has great views of Acropolis, is walkable to Acropolis Hill, and is right next door to the Acropolis Museum. It has a fab rooftop restaurant and bar, as well with lovely views.
1130-12:45 Lunch in Athens. My all-time favorite restaurant is called Nice and Easy. It’s soooo delicious and has amazing Rosé and cute décor. It has outside seating and the sweetest staff. Try the squid. I eat at this café every time I come to Athens and love it more and more. You must try it here.
After Lunch 12:50-1pm head to Syntagma Square, This is in the main square in Athens, and where most political and other protests and other functions happen. On the square sits the Presidental Mansion which is famous for its changing of the guard, in which a guard is always standing to protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard happens every hour until around 11 or Midnight. It starts about 5 mins before and is cool to watch their little routine done in pairs emulating one another perfectly and walk. If you are there on a Sunday, go around 11 as they have more of a parade. The guards stand for about an hour and are not allowed to move. They must stay perfectly still until the change, even during a protest when people are throwing things at them they must stand straight and still and protect the Tomb and Palace.
1:15 Walk to The National Garden, It’s close to the Palace in the center of Athens and is super green and lush with flowers and plants and fountains, it’s a true summer oasis. It’s a peaceful place to get away and sit for a bit and escape the heat in the shade next to a pond with cute little ducks. You don’t need to stay too long but it’s a lovely little stroll through. If you walk just out the back you can walk by Zappeion which is a Greek cute and historic building used for meetings and ceremonies. Compared to other things in Athens it’s pretty new however since you are already in the gardens it’s worth walking by on route to Zeus’s Temple.
Approx 2 pm Temple of Olympian Zeus. It’s a short walk from the city center. It’s a Greek monument dedicated to Zeus, you will see beautiful extra large Greek columns, some have fallen over due to lightning strikes and war but many are still standing all these years and it’s truly incredible. It’s the largest of all the Greek temples and took over 1,000 years to complete. Well, kind of complete as it was never actually completed. Why? I have no clue. You could also start your tour like this early in the morning the following day as I always say it’s great to get up super early and get to the sites when it’s a lot cooler and way less crowded as Athens is hot AF in the summer and also insanely crowded. I did this though and I was fine just have bottled water with you and wear your SPF, sunglasses, and good shoes. In the Temple of Zeus you’ll pay around 6 euro I believe. You will also see the Arch of Hadrian here which is another nice ruin. I just love all these Greek names. I feel like all my children will have some over the top Greek God and Goddess names because I’m that into history and mythology. I know, I know.
3 pm So after Zeus you can head towards the old Panathenaic Stadium, again a short walk. The best thing about site seeing in Athens is that almost all of the sites are walkable and some you can only access by foot so you will be getting your good exercise.
The Panathenaic Stadium/Olympic Stadium is a stadium in Athens made entirely of marble that started as a simple racecourse in 300 BC and since has hosted The Panathenaic games, Zappas Olympics and then later the Modern Olympic games throughout the centuries. It was built in 330 BC and renovated in 1896 as it spent years abandoned. It was used in the 1994 Athens Olympics and is the ending point for the Athens marathon every year. It is really stunning and pretty crazy when you sit there and stare at it and know that even in 300 B.C there were people there watching races. A lot fewer people but still people taking part in watching entertainment there. There is just so much history. The price to enter is 5 euro but honestly, you can see a lot from the outside without paying, it’s entirely up to you if you want to have the experience of walking around the bleachers. If you’ll never visit Athens again then why not?
4 pm After this I would cab up to Philopappos Hill, It is probably the second most famous hill next to Acropolis with a rich history and maybe even better views of Athens as you get the Acropolis under you in the view. If you get lucky and have a clear day you can see the sea to the South and the main road through Athens to the sea. The hill was named after Philopappos, A greek senator who was considered a benefactor to Athens. He is buried in a marble tomb on the highest point of the hill.
“Athena was truly the Goddess of War. Keep wandering past the Propylaea to the right, you will then see the historic, beautiful, and Iconic 5th century Athenian Parthenon or Temple of Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin), It stands so tall and beautiful.”
“I would head to Acropolis Hilltop. This is the number one spot to see in Athens and if you perhaps only have one day, then this is where you need to be.”
Around 5-6 pm (when it’s cooler and the lighting is best for pics and it’s less crowded), I would head to Acropolis Hilltop. This is the number one spot to see in Athens and if you perhaps only have one day, then this is where you need to be. It costs 12 euro and offers student discounts. There is also a multi-site ticket for 30 euro where you can see up to 7 sites. If you plan to see more, I would buy the multi-ticket as it’s valid 5 days. On Acropolis, if you walk into the south entrance, you will first see the Temple of Athena Nike to the right of the Propylaea which you will walk under to enter Acropolis hilltop. Did you know Nike means Victory? Athena was truly the Goddess of War. Keep wandering past the Propylaea to the right, you will then see the historic, beautiful and Iconic 5thcentury Athenian Parthenon or Temple of Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin), It stands so tall and beautiful. You won’t miss it. This is the main piece of Acropolis you get a view of from below and my favorite. You are not allowed inside due to the reconstruction and the preservation efforts on this gorgeous piece of history, but you will get some beautiful photos of it. After you can walk around to the side of the hilltop with the Greek Flag. It’s a great spot for views over the entire city of Athens and also great for views of all of Acropolis. From there, walk further to the left and you will see Erechtheum, a temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. It’s also beautiful and has some great history and greek mythology. There is the olive tree on the side of it that Athena was responsible for. Behind this temple is The Porch of the Caryatids. This is a Greek porch-like structure with 6 draped female maidens supporting the columns. The originals are in the museum of Acropolis but these serve as great representations of those destroyed in The Peloponnesian war. You can knock off a lot on top of Acropolis hill, there are ruins while walking up there as well, and you can see where there are old small theatre ruins, where people used to watch live shows. There is also remenants of the old jail.
If you have the time and means and are really into history you can also get a cheap tour guide to give you a tour around Athens or even just Acropolis as I did that during one just hired a one on one guide and I got so much information I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten but again I did this because it was my first time there and I also have been majorly obsessed with Greek history. It’s just a thought and not necessary if you’re not that fussed.
I almost forgot! As you’re walking up to the hilltop to the sites on Acropolis, you will walk by Theatre of Dionysus, it’s the oldest theatre in Greece and seen as the birthplace of European theatre. It’s remarkable. You can get great views from higher up on Acropolis but you’ll surely walk by it as well. I believe they still occasionally do small concerts here which would be so cool to go to.
“DISCLAIMER: The hike up to Acropolis can be super slippery if your shoes have no traction and even more slippery if it rains, so really take your time and be careful. ”
When you’re on your way down from Acropolis Hilltop you will walk by The Roman Agora, coming down through Anafiotika. The Agora is Roman ruins from when Greece was still apart of The Roman Empire. You will certainly get that feel upon walking by it. This is where the Roman market was and the Tower of wind just east of that which features reliefs of the eight winds and a sundial underneath. Nex to it you will also see the Church of Holy Apostles. It was the only building left after the entire quarter was demolished. It’s very typical with Byzantine architecture and the inside is lovely. In this same area, you will find the library of Hadrian which I would wander into as it holds a lot of history and it’s very cool to see. It’s in the adorable and charming neighborhood of Plaka. Plaka is a must-visit while in Athens. There are cute shops and picturesque streets and authentic Greek restaurants, however, I prefer to eat outside of Plaka as many of the spots are tourist traps so I would consult with your hotel before choosing one. Also watch for pickpocketing, like most large European cities, Athens has its share of pickpocketing.
Once you walk back down into Syntagma Square I would head up to the rooftop of the Grande Bretagne Hotel for a nice cocktail and watch the sun go down. You get a great view of the sunset and the Palace and square below. The last time I was here there was an insane protest outside and they locked the hotel and there were dozens of police outside in the square throwing tear gas at people. It was really scary but also for some reason super exciting to see it as no one was injured and the pretest quickly dissipated after the tear gas. We were made to exit the patio for a while after, but it again was a cool experience.
After your cocktail, I would head back to your room wherever that is, and get ready for a nice big fat Greek dinner. I again, love the restaurants in the two luxury hotels mentioned, but other good dinner places are Dinner in the Sky, Varoulko, Orizontes, (best views), O Kostas (budget and local spot), and Strofi! After if you’re keen for a night out I would have a drink at Bios Terrace for amazing views of Acropolis and then make your way to Dybbuk or Kitty Cat. Just try not to get too drunk as a hangover in Athens heat when having to see sites the next day isn’t fun, unless you plan to start your day with mimosas the following day, which I don’t hate the idea of. Lol.
Athens Day 2
Have a nice breakfast at the hotel or somewhere authentic in Monastiraki. Monastiraki is the old town and an area of flea markets and souvenir shops. It’s very touristy, but worth having a short peek at. I would ask your hotel concierge if they have any breakfast recommendations, as I ate each day in my hotel.
After breakfast at 11 am, head to The Acropolis Museum, if you stay at the Herodian Hotel than this is just next door and super convenient. It is full of great original statues and pieces from Acropolis hill that were put there after restoration to preserve. There is so much to see here and this is probably one of the coolest museums in Athens so if you do any I would probably choose this one. You will find the original Caryatid statues in this museum. It’s super informative as well and you will learn so much about Greek History, civilization, and Athens itself. It costs just 6 euro to enter. Don’t be worried about the long lines, it goes quickly. You will need about 2 hours here I would say. There is also a cute café here to have a coffee after.
After this head to lunch at Diporto. It’s a Tavern and has amazing authentic Greek food. The menu changes daily and is due to market availability.
After lunch, I would stroll around the city and check out the café culture, really take it in. You can have coffee or snacks at various cafes such as Taf Coffee or Harvest Coffe and Wine.
After lunch and café socializing taking in the Athenian culture, I would head to another museum if you’re interested, some of the good museums are The National Archeology Museum, The Byzantine Museum, Museum of Cycladic art, Museum of the Ancient Agora, Benaki Museum and as mentioned above the Acropolis museum.
“Greece is one of my favorite countries and truly has so much to offer. I can’t recommend it enough. ”
After you’re over the museums, head to that green steep looking mountain you see from the city called Mount Lycabettus. This you will get a stunning view of the city, and you will see a historic and cool amphitheater. You can get lunch at the café here and take in the beautiful scenery. It’s peaceful up here and gets you out of the hustle and bustle. Don’t worry you don’t have to hike either you can take a train up the hill.
Afterward, get your butt back down the hill for yet another big fat Greek dinner. Try Atitamos. If you eat in the center, I would go back and watch the changing of the guard again. Why not? I probably watched this 2-3 times each day but perhaps because it was almost outside of my hotel. It’s cool to see at night as well as day time though.
If the museums don’t appeal to you, then there are some awesome day trips from Athens I would recommend. Here are a few. This is for history and adventure lovers. I’ll be going to Athens again this month and I am for sure doing the Meteora tour as it looks so insanely beautiful. Other cool day tours are: visiting Delphi, one of Greece’s most iconic places filled with lots of monuments and ruins. You will also visit a cute mountain village to see how some Greek live. Delphi is full of history and cool ruins. Another great one is Mycenae and Epidaurus, if you studied Greek history you’ll kind of remember the name Mycenae an old fortified city in Greece. There are many ruins here as well as so much rich history. You really can’t go wrong with a lot of the day trip,s as there is so much cool Sh*t to see in and around Athens and beyond. Greece is one of my favorite countries and truly has so much to offer. I can’t recommend it enough.
So! Armenia! I’m sure you have heard of it, but probably not visited it. Honestly, it wasn’t a country I was super excited to visit. I didn’t know much about the history, or the landscape of the country. I went in with an open mind and low expectations. Oh my word, I was blown away! Armenia is such a BEAUTIFUL country! Like, it’s stunning. If you like Greece and its history and architecture, then you’ll love Armenia. Armenia has not only beautiful churches and sites, but it also has amazing mountains and landscapes. It really is so pretty! Yerevan is a really cool city, but outside that, in the countryside, you’ll find some amazing sites and monasteries.
Another thing I loved about Armenia is how cheap everything is. The food is so good and it’s so cheap. As a Westerner, you can eat like a king every night for almost nothing. It’s amazing.
I made such an amazing friend while there. I interviewed her for One Model Mission. Her name is Guyané and she is the nicest girl I’ve ever met. We spent the whole 3 days I was there together. We even cried saying goodbye! I’m so lucky to get to visit such incredible places and meet such lovely people. I still speak to her regularly. She’s like a little sister to me. I really wished I had made more time for Armenia. If only I knew how great it was! That is one country I will visit again.
Armenia is one of the oldest preserved civilizations in the world. It is a country with a rich culture and history and full of natural beauty. Historically, it has been the center of many major conflicts, including struggles with the Roman and Byzantine empires. It is also infamous for the horrors of Armenian genocide. Today Armenia continues to face unresolved conflict with bordering country Azerbaijan and poor relations with Turkey which stems from its role during the genocide. But despite the contention, all this interaction with other empires and countries is part of what makes Armenia so rich as a culture.
Where to stay
I stayed at Kantar which is a hotel, hostel, and apartments. I had never stayed at a Hoste,l but it had private rooms. I stayed in the hotel part, getting a private room and bathroom. Those are obviously a little more than the hostel rooms, but still cheap. The rooms were really big and clean. The décor was authentic and traditional to Armenia. I really liked staying here. The location was perfect as we could pretty much walk to all the sites. The staff was really helpful as well, and spoke good English. They helped organize our tours as well. The rooms were very cheap and worth it. I would have even paid more for them. The owner was really nice and even showed Ash and I his new property he just built, which has amazing views of Yerevan. I would recommend staying here because of the location and price. There are a lot of cheap hotels in Yerevan, but this hotel worked well for Ash and I.
First Time Tips
Before discussing things to do, there’s a few things you need to know before travelling to Armenia. First of all, outside of the capital city, it’s best to assume that no one speaks English. If you happen to know Russian, that should be enough for you to get by, but English is almost definitely a no. Most road signs are in English, so that helps, and the Armenian people are very friendly and despite knowing little to no English, they will try to help you as much as they possibly can. If you have the time, try to learn some simple Armenian words and phrases before you go, the locals will be super appreciative.
The currency in Armenia is the dram. Most of the food, drink and accommodation is pretty cheap, so this makes it a great place for a low budget holiday. Buses and taxis (called marshrutkas) are also fairly cheap, and go to the major tourist spots, so getting around is pretty easy as well. I walked around most of the city or took taxi’s which were safe and cheap.
As far as safety, you really have nothing to worry about. The country is as safe as anywhere else. Because of the disputes with Azerbaijan, it’s definitely best to stay away from the border area. Just use your common sense and intuition and you’ll be perfectly fine. I had no issues. Some people would stare at me a bit more, because I’m so blonde and there aren’t a lot of blondes there but that’s it. The people were so lovely.
Food and Drink
Armenia has a really wide variety of food, and it’s all equally delicious. Most of the dishes are meat based and Armenians grill everything, even vegetables. Pretty much anywhere you go you’ll that sweet, smoky barbecue scent. You’ll find a lot of lamb dishes in Armenia; eggplant, yogurt, cottage cheese, and grape leaves are common as well. Most, if not all, of your meals will come with a side of lavish which is a thin flatbread baked in a traditional oven.
The beer scene in Armenia is pretty basic, although craft beer is quickly picking up popularity. There’s a craft brewery in Yerevan called Dargett that does a really tasty brew, and on the weekend is always packed with locals.
But the real specialty beverage of Armenia is wine and cognac. In fact, the Yerevan Brandy Company, a major tourist attraction, uses the fame of Armenian cognac to offer tasting tours and even houses the Ararat Museum where tourists can learn all about Armenian brandy and its history.
If you’re big into wine, then you’ll want to visit the world famous Areni factory for a tasting. Armenia has loads of other vineyards and factories that produce top quality wines. As one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, you definitely don’t want to miss out on tasting the fruits of ancient grape cultivation.
If you’re unsure of what to try, just ask the locals! Like I said earlier, Armenians are super friendly. They’ll be really happy to have someone interested in their food culture, and it’ll be a great way to try some new dishes and discover what you like.
Places To Go
Yerevan
Despite being a Soviet era city, the capital Armenia is actually really metropolitan. I mentioned it earlier for having a really popular craft brewery, and that’s the sort of thing you can expect in Yerevan. I’d say you’d want at least a day, preferably 2 to be able to take in all the city has to offer.
The landmarks worth seeing are definitely Tsitsernakaberd or The Armenian Genocide Memorial. It’s really special and very emotional seeing. Also walk about Republic Square, it does have a great atmosphere that allows you to really immerse yourself in the country and its culture. I would take a peek at Matenadaran, it’s an old memorial and institute with exhibits of rare documents. Then you can’t miss the Yerevan Cascade. Walk up to the top and get great views of the city. It’s also an art museum and has great art inside and outside in the small park in front of it. It had Botero stuff which I’m obsessed with. Go see the Zvartnots Cathedral or the Mother Armenia monument. There are a lot of walking tours you can check out that are great and super cheap.
Yerevan has a great nightlife with loads of clubs and European style bars. There’s also lots of hip and quirky restaurants like the Art Bridge Bookstore Cafe which lets literature enthusiasts read while enjoying a meal, or Mer Gyuh (Our Village) which features a lot of traditional Armenian dishes and other foods found in most Armenian homes. I ate at Lavash and it was great!
If you prefer to mix in a bit of history and education into your time in Yerevan, the Armenian genocide museum is well worth a visit. It’s a very sobering experience, and extremely sad, but it will also give you a better understanding and appreciation for Armenian people and culture. There are other museums in Yerevan and the National Gallery, which are a really cool visit as well.
Tatev
This city is known for being the home of the longest cable car in the world. Wing of Tatev is a 3.5 mile cable car that leads up to the Tatev monastery. Honestly no trip to Armenia is complete without a ride, especially if it’s your first visit. The views are breathtakingly gorgeous. The monastery itself is really pretty, and super old, dating back to the 9th century! The mountainous landscape surrounding the monastery is an excellent example of the natural beauty that permeates throughout Armenia. You can do tours or get a private taxi for pretty cheap.
Garni
Get a taxi to Garni temple and Geghard Monastery. The taxi is cheap there, if you don’t want that, then you can book a tour on TripAdvisor for around 40USD. Our driver didn’t speak a word of English, but he was so nice. He took us to a great restaurant after the sites that was situated on a mountainous cliff. The owner was a Russian woman, and so nice. So nice that she tried to marry me off to her son! Hahaha. I can speak a little Russian so we could communicate that way. The restaurant is gorgeous and has amazing views outside. The meal for Ashli and I was like 12 dollars total for the both of us. It was crazy cheap! The Garni Pagan Temple was so cool to see. It reminded me of being in Greece. Walk around the temple as there are some amazing views. The monastery is also incredible. They were doing a baptism when we were there. We were able to walk in and watch. It was cool to see how things differ from America in different ceremonies.
Other Day Trips
There are so many wonderful day trips that I wasn’t able to enjoy, due to the short time I was in Armenia. I would love to go back for a week and do them all. There is also The Haghpatand Sanahin monasterieswhich are two of the most impressive sites in Armenia. They are also UNESCO sites.
Another site to see, is Khor Virap monastery. You can then visit TatevandNoravankmonasteriesand then cross into Nagorno-Karabagh. You can stay over-night in Stepanakert and explore the city which is so neat.
Don’t miss Lake Sevanif you don’t have to. It is so beautiful and there are plenty of things to see around it. Ash and I had it top on our list but just ran out of time. I was bummed.
If you look at these sites on Google or TripAdvisor, you will see how special and gorgeous these places are. I can’t wait to go back and see more
Armenia is a great place to visit as you can do it on such a cheap budget. It was one of the cheapest countries I’ve been to, and because it’s not swamped by tourists, its enjoyable and remains cheap.
Truly, add Armenia to your list! It’s off the beaten track and just as beautiful as Greek without the high prices and super commercialize
You must drink from the drinking fountains, the water is the best in the world according to the Armenians.
To be completely honest, Georgia was never anywhere near top of my list of places to visit, or anywhere on the list at all. I believed it was just a poor, war-stricken country where I would be totally unsafe. Wow, Was I completely wrong. After visiting, I can’t help but rave about how amazing it was. It was also so safe. Honestly, everyone should go at some point, if they’re in Europe. The landscape is so beautiful and the architecture is stunning, too. The food is great as well. I wish I had remembered to take more photos of it. I had such an amazing experience in Georgia. I made some lifetime friends who I still keep in touch with. The people in Georgia have the most amazing hospitality. They love their country so much, and they want you to love it just as much. I did. I cried when I left Tbilisi. No joke. It was such a beautiful place and so unlike any place I’ve been. The wine was incredible as well. A lot of the people living there, make their own red wine. They sent me home with two big jugs, yes jugs, of red wine. Georgia is known for their red wine and beautiful vineyards.
The churches were also so grand and in such a new style compared to what I’m used to seeing. They are beautiful. I got to witness a wedding there also. In Georgia, people just walk into weddings and baptisms without invite and it’s totally ok. It was cool to see how a wedding is celebrated there.
One of my favorite travel stories happened there. Mari (my beautiful Georgian friend) and I were on route to see a vineyard. We ended up blowing two tires in the van that was driving us there. This was at sunset, so it got dark quickly. We had to hitchhike, as we were an hour or so from the Capitol. After a few cars drove by, we had some luck and ironically one of Mari’s childhood friends lived in the village nearby and her and her father picked us up. They took us to their home. We had dinner and a lot of red wine and waited until we could find a ride back into Tbilisi. Only Mari and her friend spoke a little English, but it was such an amazing experience. Their kindness and hospitality to a total stranger was incredible. They did many toasts to me while drinking wine. They said so many nice things about me and the whole experience and it made me cry. The kindness was just overwhelming and really touched my heart. It is such a special memory that I’ll keep forever. I promised Mari when I left, I would come back, and I truly mean to keep that promise. Georgia was such a special place and I really would love to go in the summer, to see much more of the country and see my new friends again.
There are honestly so many things to do, but to spare you some time, let me tell you the top 5 things to do on your trip to Tbilisi and Georgia.
Also if you’re looking for a great hotel that is gorgeous with lovely rooms and stunning views, then The Tiflis Palace is the place for you. It is a luxury boutique hotel, that is perfectly located in old town, and is close to all the main attractions. It has great sized, beautiful rooms. It has a rooftop restaurant, bar, and patio, with amazing views of the city in all directions. Like I said, it is also in the perfect location of Tbilisi. This is where I completely recommend staying! The prices are super fair as well and really worth it.
Now what to see in Tbilisi and Georgia.
1. Visit the Batumi Botanic Gardens and The National Botanical Garden of Georgia
When I tell you the gardens at Batumi are magical, I mean they are really mind blowingly gorgeous. Like, wow. I loved the beachiness and quirkiness of Batumi anyway, but the gardens just outside the city were like a little wonderland, hidden away. The flowers and plants that grow there were all so different and lush, it really was like being whisked away to another place. The place is laid out really nicely, and offers beautiful views of Batumi, if you can manage to turn your gaze from all the lush greenery surrounding you. You can pack a picnic for when you get hungry during your wandering, and you can even camp out in the gardens overnight! In the Summer, I can’t even imagine what it’s like.
2. The Chronicle of Georgia
Just outside of Tbilisi, there is an absolutely massive monument, and it’s honestly one of the most impressive things I’ve seen. It’s dubbed The Stonehendge of Georgia. The big pillars are carved with the the story of Georgia’s history, and the detail really is incredible to look at. The monument sits on top of a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea, so if the monument isn’t nice enough for you, the views are definitely a lovely sight. You can get up to the monument by metro and a short walk, or you can take a taxi. Most tourists either skip this or just don’t know about it, so you can take in the monument’s splendor without any disruption.
3. The Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument
While we’re on the topic of monuments, this is another one you’ll want to see. A short journey from Tbilisi will take you to this huge monument covered in colorful mosaics. The monument recently underwent a facelift renovation, so the the beautiful semi-circle looks shiny and new, and there’s now a parking lot for tour buses. This monument also boasts stunning views of the mountains and valleys surrounding it.
4. Visit the ancient Georgian capital, Mtshketa
Just a 30 minute drive from Tbilisi will take you to this stunning city seemingly frozen in time. It is a very small town, and you’ll really only need a day to explore. While there, you’ll want to stop and took a look at the 10th century cathedral, Svetitskhoveli. Featuring fragments of paintings from as far back as the 11th century, a visit to this cathedral will leave you in awe of the ancient architecture. Legend has it that there is a seamless robe belonging to Jesus Christ hidden somewhere within the temple. There is another legend that King Giorgi ordered the amputation of the architect’s hand so that he could never again create anything as beautiful.
If, like me, you love your wine, then there are two can’t miss stops in Mtshketa. First is Chateau Mukhrani, the Georgian royal family estate built in the 19th century. This place is filled with wine cellars and 30 minute tour of the place will only set you back $5 USD! Georgian wine is some of the finest in the world. Their grape cultivation techniques are centuries old, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you’re a wine lover, then you’ll definitely want to buy a bottle of Georgian wine from the winery, but only have you’ve tasted them all to to see what you like!
Stop number two for my wine-o’s is Gvinis Palata, the Wine Chamber. Each of the four floors has a different unique experience, all involving wine. On the ground floor, you’ll experience traditional Georgian storytelling about the grapes and wines unique to the country. The next floor up is where the tasting begins while you also enjoy traditional Georgian folk music and dancing. The third floor is my favorite, you can continue sipping the rich Georgian wine while taking in stunning views of the city. It really is a can’t miss experience.
While you’re visiting Mtshketa, it would be very worthwhile to make the hike up to Jvari Monastery. Its name means “The Monastery of the Cross”, probably because the building is actually shaped like a cross. While you’re up checking out the beautiful ancient architecure of the monastery, you’ll also get to see a birds eye view of the city as well as the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
5. Eat
There really is no way to include a list of anything to do in Georgia without mentioning the food. Seriously. It is so good. And while I could rattle off different places and things to eat, I’ll save it for another time. Because now, I need to tell you all about Kachapuri. It’s a local delicacy that’s basically just bread filled with a ton of melted cheese. Bread and cheese; what’s not to love? The most common variety is Adjaran Kachapuri, which is boat shaped bread filled with cheese, and topped with an egg…yum.
Other things to see in Tbilisi are; Kartlis Deda, Tsminda Cathedral, Mount Mtatsminda, Walk around old town, Go up to the TV tower, Stroll by the State Museum of Theatre. Karalashvili’s Wine Cellar, Anchiskhati Basilica, Narikala Fortress, The Bridge of Peace, Walk around Agmashenebeli Avenue, Metekhi Cathedral, Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, Kashveti Church, Enjoy the restaurants and nightlife in Tbilisi. It’s incredible and so cheap!
Other places in Georgia to see are; Kazbegi, Jvari Monastery, Ananuri, and Gudauri. Also check out Kakheti which is cute and has nice restaurants. It also has cool ruins. Drive to Gergeti. There are so many gorgeous areas of Georgia to see. Make sure you have ample time to explore this amazing place!
1. Stay in a good area of Munich so you can walk to all the Tourist areas. For budget travelers, I would recommend Hotel Jedermann. It’s a 5 min walk from the train station. Newly redone, minimal, yet modern, and nice rooms. The staff is lovely, and you can easily walk into town in 15 mins. This hotel has what you would need for a nice stay. If you’re looking to splurge and get all the luxurious amenities one would want on a luxury city trip, I would highly suggest staying at The Sofitel Bayer Post. It’s stunning. One of my favorite Sofitel properties and hosts a beautiful spa and delicious restaurant. It’s also right next to the train station and a quick walk into town. The rooms are very spacious, great views, and very funky and colorful. Ash and I loved our stay here. Sofitel has always been a hotel brand I really connect with and love staying at. They just get it when it comes to hospitality and good taste in luxury. I have no complaints about this hotel as everything including the food was amazing!
“Sofitel has always been a hotel brand that I really connect with, and love staying at.”
“ The Glokenspiel on the Neues Rathaus, is a tourist attraction. Every day at 11am and 5pm, it chimes and re-enacts two different stories from the 16th century.”
2. Take a stroll from your hotel to Marienplatz Square. It’s the most vibrant area in the square full of tourists, cafes, and the beautiful Neues Rathaus or “city hall”. It’s so huge and stunning. You look at it and your jaw drops in awe. It’s gothic style and so cool to see. The Glokenspiel on the Neues Rathaus is a tourist attraction, as every day at 11am and 5pm it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century. The top tells one of the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V, with he, his bride and knights on horseback moving about. The second tier, tells of Schäfflertanz (The Coopers dance). The Coopers are said to have danced through the streets during the plague of the 1500’s to bring fresh vitality to the fearful. The Coopers remained loyal to the Duke, and this dance came to symbolize perseverance and loyalty. The whole show lasts about 15 mins and is cute to watch. At the end a golden rooster comes out and chirps 3 times letting you know that the adorable show is finishing until the next time. Take a nice photo of The Mariensäule as well. It’s a beautiful statue or column of Mary, who was revered as the protector of Bavaria. In the 1600’s, it was to symbolize the end of the Swedish occupation of the thirty years’ war.
At Christmas time, there is some really beautiful and fun Christmas markets all over Munich and Germany but the one in Marienplatz is the most famous and so very festive for the holidays. A German Christmas market should be on anyone’s bucket list. I know I spent Christmas in Berlin a few years ago, and it was the most festive I’ve ever felt over Christmas, visiting all the markets.
“You can really get a feel for the beer drinking culture here. This is also where the Oktoberfest is held. ”
3. Check out the very famous Hofbräuhaus am platz. A 3-floor beer hall very popular with tourists to experience Bavarian culture and drink German beers. This is as German of an experience as you can get. There is a cute Bavarian band in traditional outfits playing instruments and singing Bavarian tunes. Germany used to be Bavaria if you’re confused. You can get food here; a popular German dish is the Weiner schnitzel. I don’t eat this as I don’t eat meat, but I was told by a friend it’s very good. You may find better at less of a tourist spot, but this truly is a spot that you should stop in for at least one beer. You can really get a feel for the beer drinking culture here. This is also where the Oktoberfest is held.
4. Take a walk through The English Garden. There is lush greenery. Beautiful flowers, a nice lake, walking paths, some lovely German monuments and a few popular biergartens or (beer gardens). You can have a lovely picnic here and I would suggest getting a bike or taking a little row boat around the lake. Munich is lovely in the summer and having a picnic in the park with some beer or wine is always nice in any beautiful European city.
5. Visit and have a walk inside Church of our Lady. (Frauenkirche). You will see this right from Marianplatz with its two domed towers. It’s free to go inside and for a small donation you can visit the observation platform which gives you excellent views over Munich. It was built in the 1400s and then renovated in the 1900’s after damage from bombing. The two domes are said to resemble a pair of beer steins bubbling over. The inside of the church is just stunning.
6. If you’re into cars or you just want to keep your man happy while you pull him around all the sites like I used to do with my ex then stop by the BMW museum. He will love the collection of cars and the unique and contemporary architecture. The main attraction here is that there is a vending machine where prospective owners can come in and use to pick up their cars! How insane is that? It’s worth a watch! Maybe one day I’ll be able to choose my car like that. This museum is even free so it’s worth taking an Uber and stopping by.
7. Check out the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning palace from the 18thcentury. It means “castle of the Nymph, and was a summer palace to the former rulers of Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach. It’s one of the most famous sites in Munich and truly stunning. The inside is captivating and the details on the ceilings and wall are exquisite. It’s nice to see how royalty here lived. I wish I could live in a summer palace like this, or any palace for that matter. Oh, to be Royalty.
“The inside is captivating and the details on the ceilings and wall are exquisite. It’s nice to see how royalty here lived.”
8. Shop! There is so much good shopping in Munich. There are some great markets where you can really get anything you want and then there is amazing department stores and boutiques with all sorts of fashion. I really loved the shopping in Munich as it has everything and more. There are so many women’s fashion stories that we don’t have in the USA I liked. You can also find markets and fresh flowers for sale.
“I always say the best way to get to know a city and see everything is just to walk all around it all day. ”
9. Just really walk around the city. There are so many adorable churches, sites, and monuments to note. There is Karlsplatz historical square with shopping and fountains. There is the Odeonsplatz. Theatine Church, which is stunning on the inside, and Konigsplatz to mention a few. There’s a lot of cute restaurants and cafés, and loads of bars for a night out. I had a fun time in Munich going out to the bars, maybe too much fun some of the locals perhaps thought. Haha. I got kicked out of two different bars for being loud! I don’t think I have ever been kicked out of anywhere before, but it was funny. They aren’t used to annoying Americans I guess, or maybe they’re too used to it. I always say the best way to get to know a city and see everything is just to walk all around it all day.
“It’s truly a fairytale and was my favorite part of my time in Munich and Germany.”
10. Take a day trip easily on the train to Neuschwanstein Castle or also called by some, Cinderella’s castle, as it inspired the Disney princess’s castle in the movie and at Disneyworld. It’s truly a fairytale and was my favorite part of my time in Munich and Germany. There is also another castle nearby it you will see when hiking up to the castle view points. The train takes about 2 hours, so we took the earliest one and then we came back around 4pm and that was plenty of time to hike to get the best view of the castle. We didn’t go inside, because we heard it was a bit underwhelming and like many castles, the inside is a lot less grand, than their exteriors. You also weren’t allowed photos inside and man, no photos? What’s the point? Haha. The best view is to hike up to the bridge and there are some little foot paths, it’s about a 30 min hike up, but you get awesome views. Like I said, this is truly a must do and an easy day trip! Enjoy
Munich is truly a stunning city filled with so much culture. It’s not the biggest city in Germany, but is one of my favorites. Don’t forget to try the amazing German cuisine, especially if you’re a meat eater, you’ll be in serious food heaven. There are also amazing pastries and sweets here to enjoy.
Munich is rather easy to get to, there is an international airport with flights to all over Europe and America. There is also a huge train station that I used to come and go as well. They use the euro. The language is German, but many speak English. Some German people can seem a bit cold, but this isn’t because they are trying to be rude or disinterested, it’s just their personalities and they truly do warm up. I mean the locals, not the people in hospitality of course. All in all, my stay was awesome and I will for sure come back to this stunning city! Thanks to both hotels for the lovely stays. I really lucked out in my accommodation choices, as both were great and perfectly located.
First things first, don’t let the name intimidate you. It’s pronounced lyoo-blyah-nuh. So there, now you have no reason not to visit the capital of Slovenia. With that out of the way, let me tell you some reasons why your next holiday destination needs to be Ljubljana, if you’re looking for an Eastern European city get away.
I was loving all the pink buildings!
Getting There
Slovenia is actually pretty easy to travel to. Australian, Canadian and US citizens can stay for as long as 3 months without a visa. EU residents also don’t need a visa, and must simply register with the Slovenian government to stay past the three month mark.
The Castle was a cool site to see!
If you’re a bit behind on your geography, that’s okay. I’ll just let you know that chances are, you’re going to have book a flight to get to Ljubljana. I would make Slovenia a stop, if you are already in Europe. It is situated around a lot of really great countries, so you won’t regret going to that area of Europe. It borders Italy, Hungary, Austria, and Croatia. Some of my favorite countries, and as stated before, you can take the train around in that area so cheaply. I suggest getting an EUrail pass like I did. I also suggest taking the train to Lake Bled before or After your trip to the Slovenian capitol.
We met these ladies that were from the Midwest, one had been to over 130 countries. She was so cool and interesting to speak with.
Why You Need to Get There
Now let me tell you why you why you want to visit here. This city is a young, growing area that’s gone as green as you could want. In 2016, it was named the European Green Capital. The city center is now almost totally car-free, the public transportation systems are low emission, and the whole place is the stuff of cyclists’ dreams. And for the hipster hearted (admit it, you probably are) there’s a buzzing atmosphere in the live music at Metelkova. There are great fresh produce markets almost daily, and many great healthy restaurants. During the holidays, there are amazing Christmas markets, and even weekend markets with wine and amazing hot food.
We had some great food while in the capitol. Check out some of the restaurants along the river, they can be a bit touristy, but the atmosphere is good. Also, Vigo has amazing ice cream, treat yourself! The weather is also lovely as well, considering it was end of winter. We really felt safe here and even made friends with some other ladies from America passing through. You only need 2-3 days to experience the city.
Where to Stay
Ashli and I stayed at Urban Hotel and were very happy with it. It’s a chic, minimal, and modern boutique hotel just a few hundred meters from the city center. The rooms are very clean, comfortable, and offer city views. The breakfast was also lovely and there is unlimited tea in the lounge I helped myself to. The staff was very helpful and gave us great recommendations. Did I mention how well I slept? The bed was so comfortable! Thanks Urban Hotel for such a lovely stay. I couldn’t have needed more while here.
Ljubljana Castle
Of course you can’t miss a visit to the castle. Looking up from any of the city squares, you’ll notice that the castle is set up pretty high. If you’re up for the challenge, you can try walking up to the castle. But if that’s not really your speed, there’s also a train and a funicular railway (a really cool cable car, built into the side of a cliff).that takes tourists up to the top. We were feeling adventurous so we walked up the hill. It only takes about 30 mins walking. Follow the signs.
Music to any tourist’s ears: FREE ENTRY. That’s right, access to the castle’s main courtyard is completely free. The courtyard is host to galleries, restaurants, and even a nightclub (who wouldn’t want to party in a freaking castle?!).
You do have to pay in order to go up the watchtower, but the spectacular views of Ljubljana from the top are more than worth it. Plus a “Time Machine” tour is included, which will teach a bit of history about the castle and the city.
Bridges
The bridges around Ljubljana are absolutely gorgeous. Triple bridge is a group of three bridges connected to Prešeren Square, decorated with pretty lanterns and big stone balustrades. The middle bridge is a fair bit older than the two on the ends, dating all the way back to 1842. The two younger bridges were designed by Ljubljana’s premier architect, Jože Plečnik, in the 1930s. They also have a small lock bridge. It’s nothing like Paris, but the idea is still adorable.
My favorite bridge in Ljubljana is the Dragon Bridge, so named for the four dragon statues that stand guard on each of the four corners of the bridge. This bridge was opened in 1901, and was an architectural achievement for Ljubljana, as it was one of the first reinforced concrete bridges in Europe. The dragons are made from copper and are quite emblematic of the city, even featuring on the coat of arms.
Metelkova Mesto
This area is a drastic contrast to the rest of Ljubljana. Covered in graffiti and murals, Metelkova is a popular spot for instagrammers and photographers looking for that urban aesthetic. At night, bars and clubs featuring live bands, which make it a really hot spot for nightlife tourists. There are also outdoor concerts in the summer, making it a really vibrant music scene.
Walk Around
I always tell people, one of the best ways to discover a city, is to just start walking around. Get lost in the city. You find so much by just walking all over and not having an exact destination or plan. There are so many colorful buildings, and cute smaller squares here. You can walk up towards the castle and get great views of the city. Explore. There is no rush. Ash and I just walked around all afternoon and evening one night, just to see what we could find and take a few snapshots in our cameras. It’s a safe city like I said, so enjoy it!
It might seem like a pretty offbeat place to travel to, and to be honest, it is. But that’s the whole reason why you should go! Places only become popular from being unpopular in the first place.
I’d bet my bottom dollar that Ljubljana is well on its way to becoming a real up and coming travel destination. The city is young and vibrant. The music scene is awesome, and it’s a great contrast to the medieval architecture. If you want somewhere unique to brag about visiting before all your friends, then Ljubljana is the place for you. Not to mention you can take the train two hours to Lake Bled which is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen. It’s like staring at a post card and everyone there is so friendly and hospitable.
