Sights in Stilettos in Europe

• I recommend taking this trip in December. While the weather may not be ideal the Christmas Markets are worth the trip. Markets are set up all over the city and include unique gifts and crafts, food, any my personal favorite thing about December, mulled wine.

• Have a drink at the Das Loft bar in the Vienna Sofitel. This rooftop bar/restaurant offers sweeping views of the city and is an art installation itself. The ceiling was designed by multimedia artist, Pipilotti Rist.

• Now, I did not get to do this activity myself, but I regret not doing it and wanted to pass on the wisdom. Viennese opera is world renowned and there are three main theaters in Vienna. You can go early the night of a show and pick up standing room tickets cheap. I linked to a helpful article here.

• Eat at Die Weisse for a true local experience.

• Have afternoon beers and brats at The Augustiner-Bräu Brewery. You can walk from the center of town along the Salchz to take in all the beauty of the city.

• If you are a Sound of Music fan, many of the scenes were shot in Salzberg. Visit Mirabell Gardens where the "Do Re Me" song was filmed. The gardens are stunning and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in this storybook city.

• On your way to Prague Castle take a hidden shortcut through the Furstenberg Garden. This beautiful garden with a zigzag stairway path that provides sweeping views of the city with restrooms and a coffee shop before you reach a sea of tourists who took the crowded way up. There is a small entrance fee of $2.50 (50 KC) that you must pay in cash.

• Enjoy Czech culinary delights at Mlynec, nestled in the shadow of the Charles Bridge. We loved this place so much that we went back later in the evening to sit at the bar for drinks. If you plan to do the tasting menu set aside 3-3.5 hours. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

• We are book nerds and had the most incredible experience touring the Klementinum, regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The tour also includes a visit to the Astronomical tower with 360 views of Prague.

*We stayed at the Carlo IV (part of the Marriott family) located near the heart of the Old City and within walking distance of all the major sights in Prague. Would highly recommend if you want a five-star experience.

This was our second visit to Copenhagen so we will call this the “ 2018 winter edition” of the Top Three.

• If you are a foodie looking for a transcendent gastronomic experience, book a table at Geranium. This is the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Denmark, and it does not disappoint. The experience will tantalize your taste buds but also lighten your wallet. Be prepared to pay around $1,000 if you do the wine pairing and full tasting menu.

• For the ultimate Christmas experience, look no further than Tivoli Gardens. This amusement park opened in 1843 and is the second oldest in the world. In November, Tivoli is transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations and lights cover every square inch of the park as well as seasonally themed shops and restaurants. The best time to arrive is around 3:30 p.m. (dusk). You can purchase advanced tickets online to beat the crowds. The ticket only includes entry — you will have to buy alternative tickets inside the park to go on the rides.

• If you are a lover of Christmas beer, make a stop at Taphouse. There are 61 beers on tap with a constantly rotating menu. Since we happened to be in the city during Christmas, there were 19 different types of Christmas beer! They serve sample sizes so that you can taste test your heart out.

• Copenhagen is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Since we were celebrating our one-year anniversary, we splurged for dinner at Relae. This is still to date one of the best tasting menu/wine pairing experiences of my life.

• The best way to see this canal city is by water. Rent a Go Boat! These solar powered boats are simple to operate and can be rented from one - six hours. They also see wine and snacks at the marina shop. What is better than rose and the open water?

• Visit the Little Mermaid statue, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen and walk back through the Kastellet, a 17th Century military fortress. You will also walk by the beautiful St. Alban's Church and Churchillparken. The scenery is picturesque and there are local coffee shops and eateries on your way back into the city to stop at.

*Travel Tip: We stayed at the Scandic Palace which I highly recommend. It is in the center of the city near the main shopping street (longest shopping street ever) and Trivoli Gardens. The hotel is an old castle with beautiful modern rooms. Breakfast is also included every morning.

• Have a champagne cocktail and dinner at Crazy Bear.

• Take a day trip out to Hampton Court Palace and have your camera out at "The King's Stairs," a 1700's Italian Baroque masterpiece painted by Antonio Verrio.

• I took this trip at 18 with Contiki. It was my first overseas experience and they were amazing from start to finish. If you are 18-35 and looking for a seamless vacation option with the added bonus of traveling with people from all over the world (in your age bracket) look into Contiki.

• The best steak frites (fries) of my LIFE was at L'imperial Rivoli. Located steps away from the Palace de la Concorde this Parisian gem serves all the best French cuisine. Hubs and I ate here multiple times on our last trip to Paris.

• The Louvre is a given, however, buy your tickets in advance here to beat the lines.

• Once you have finished your tour at Notre Dame, walk to Berthillon for ice-cream or if you are visiting in the winter order the Chocolate affogato. This is hot chocolate as you have never seen. There is vanilla ice cream melted into the bottom and topped with hazelnut flavored whipped cream.

• Begin your trip with a visit to the Hofbräuhaus located in the heart of Munich. Sit at a communal table and load up on beer and sausages while listening to Bavarian music. You will see Lederhosen and be transported back in time. Reservations are encouraged.

• If you are a lover of street food, do not miss the Viktualienmarkt a daily food market filled with stands and beer gardens. My personal favorite was the bratwurst at Schlemmermeyer.

• We rented a car and drove the romantic road to Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle is the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle and what would go on to become the Disney logo. It is about two hours outside Munich but a beautiful drive.

• HEAVEN ON EARTH. If you are visiting Greece you do not want to skip this jewel hidden in the Agean.

• Visit Santo Winery. Greek wines are unique and bold. This winery is nestled in a quiet part of Santorini, but built above the sweeping cliffs with two levels of patio space looking directly over the ocean and barren volcanoes that dot the Cyclades.

• If you want to see the picturesque white houses with blue domes, you will need to stop at Oia and Fira. We went to Oia first and ended at Fira. There is a cable car that will take you from Fira located on top of the cliffs to the Old Port by the sea. This is a fun ride and will give you great views of the island.

• Order saganki (unless you have a dairy allergy). This pan seared flaming cheese does not disappoint and we ordered it at every single restaurant.

• Visit the Plaka, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens. Here you will find shops and eats galore. Stop into Brettos, the oldest distillery in the city and be dazzled by the colors and tastes.

• We found an amazing rate on Expedia for the Royal Olympic Hotel and HIGHLY recommend a stay. The location is central and within walking distance to the Acropolis and other major sights. There is also a stunning rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the city. Grab a glass of champagne near sunset from the rooftop bar and watch the sun dip behind Acropolis Hill.

• Go over to the Buda side to Castle Hill. This is a non-negotiable if you are in Budapest. Fisherman's Bastion offers beautiful views of the Pest side of the city and the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building. It also connects all of the castles on the hilltop and is a scenic and enjoyable walking tour of Buda. 

• When you are walking back to the Pest side stop at Platan Grill and order the goulash. This little spot is easy to miss so keep your eyes peeled. 

• Once you make your way over to the Pest side of the city find a Ruin bar. (Most of them are located in the old Jewish Quarter.) What began as an underground club experience is now one of the top attractions when in Budapest. There are no neon lights outside these clubs so don't be afraid to ask around. The original ruin bar is Szimpla Kert and one of the most popular! 

• Iceland is known as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, and I can now fully back that statement. We were able to witness nature’s light show first-hand through Special Tours. The company offers a 2 - 3 hours ‘Northern Lights by Boat’ trip that departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and is very highly rated on TripAdvisor. They will also try to reschedule your trip should conditions not be suitable for proper Northern Lights hunting. 1000% recommend. *Please note there is no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights.

• If you are looking for a fancy night out, the Matarkjallarinn Food Cellar offers a low-lit romantic ambiance with delicious fresh fish options on the menu. Fancy something not so fancy? Just around the corner, the Saetasvinid Gastropub will have everything you need. For all of my cocktail lovers, order the Marie-Antoinette, the drink is as iconic as the former Queen herself.

• The Blue Lagoon. A full blog post is forthcoming and will be linked here. Short advice, go.

Now that we have all recovered from our first Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations since 2019, I wanted to share a little bit about the real Saint Patrick and Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. Locally known as “The Reek”, Croagh Patrick is the fourth largest peak in Ireland at 764 m (2,507 ft) and overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, located just outside of Westport. According to local legend and historical accounts, Saint Patrick climbed to the mountain’s summit and spent 40 days fasting and praying as he banished snakes and evil from Ireland in 441 AD. The mountain has since become a holy site of worship and pilgrimage, with some opting to hike barefoot just as Saint Patrick did as a sign of penance and atonement.

Ireland’s “Lockdown 2.0” has me trading in my stilettos for sneakers and embracing the great outdoors, as indoor activities have ceased once again. Unless they included being cooped up in the house finding another series to binge on Netflix. The lack of indoor activities has led to several outdoor excursions that yours truly may not have participated in otherwise. A recent adventure took me and my sneakers out to the Great South Wall in Dublin.

• The Guinness Storehouse is on the top of every "Dublin" travel list and I agree. However, pay extra for the Connoisseur Experience. You will be taken to a private tasting area that resembles an early 1900's study and be treated to a unique tasting experience of Guinness not only as you know it but how it is served in other parts of the world.

• Rent a car and drive the Ring of Kerry. Stops along the way should include Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. We stayed at Gleann Fia Country House in Killarney and were treated to traditional Irish meals and wonderful hospitality.

• Don't travel to Dublin over Christmas. While we had an amazing trip, most of major sights were closed for the holiday until the New Year.

Some travelers want to spend hours on the beach. Others may find their solace on trails in the mountains. Or, perhaps the constant buzz of city life as you whiz from one place to the next. There is a famous quote, “vacation to find yourself.” If you need me, I’ll be in Tuscany.

• Take a gondola ride. Some hotels can book them for you in advance, but you will see waiting areas all over the Grand Canal. They will only take cash so stop off at an ATM first (the ride will be about 80-100 euro). You can BYOB on the ride so don’t forget the champagne.

• Dinner at Bistrot de Venise is a MUST. They have a fantastic tasting menu with historic or modern Venetian options or a la cart. If you want to impress book the “romantic special” which includes starter Prosecco, tasting menu, and a red rose for your date.

• Escape the tourist filled streets and get lost in Italian Renaissance art at the Gallerie Dell’Accademia.

*Travel Tip - Do not take the private water taxi’s as they are very expensive (around 60-80 euro). Venice has a water bus that stops at all the major sights for 7.5 euro.

• One of the best things about Italy, besides the history and amazing architecture is the food and wine. Right outside of our hotel was Alex Cafe Gestione Ci.Bi. Sas. It looks like a little glass house and offers amazing pasta, wine, and service.

• I realize Vatican City is independent city-state from Rome, but this is a sight you do not want to miss when you are in the area. St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7:00 a.m. and if you arrive at 6:00 a.m. you will beat the lines and the tour buses. This will also give you time to take pictures of the famed St. Peter's Square before it is packed with people. 

• If you need a break during sightseeing grab a slice of pizza and glass of vino at Piazza Navona. This open space was built in 1st century AD and is home to breathtaking sculptures and architecture with prime people watching as artists paint, dance,  and play music.

• If you are an outdoor enthusiast look no further than Geiranger. This sleepy village at the mouth of Geirangerfjord offers kayaking, hiking, biking, camping, climbing, and a host of other outdoor adventures.

• Book the Sky to Fjord biking adventure. You are taken by motor coach 1,500 meters above sea level and get to descend the side of the mountain on a bicycle stopping at scenic waterfalls, cliffs, and overlooks along the way.  

• Visit CafeOle when you need a short reprieve from your outdoor adventures. Great coffee and free wifi.  

• Visit the Magic Ice Bar. This one-of-a-kind attraction is a bar made completely of ice. Don't worry about wearing your winter clothes, the bar provides gloves and a poncho. Sit on the ice throne and admire the ice artwork on the walls as you sip a cold beverage. Make sure to set your glasses on the coasters provided or else your glass will slide off the ice table.

• A traditional Norwegian meal is shrimp on toast and we found the best one at Bryggeloftet & Stuene. This marina side restaurant feels like you are having dinner with family and offers traditional Norwegian cuisine including Whale Steak (when available).

• Bergen is one of the rainiest places in the world (around 240 days out of the year). Be sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella even if you are visiting in summer.

Fifteen minutes from the center of Copenhagen, nestled in the national soccer stadium (Telia Parken), is the nondescript entrance of Geranium, the only three Michelin star restaurant in Denmark and number 19 restaurant on “The Worlds Best 50”.

• Put the Vasa Museum at the top of your list. The Vasa is warship built in 1628 that sank in the Stockholm harbor on her maiden voyage. After 333 years under the sea, Vasa was salvaged and is now on display. This museum boasts that it is the most visited museum in Scandinavia and it’s for a good reason.

• Call me biased as this is a blog for travel photography, but The Museum of Photography or Fotografiska is fantastic! You can walk from Gamla Stan (the old city) to the museum in about 20 minutes, and there are signs all along the walk to guide you. In addition to incredible photography exhibits, there is also an award-winning restaurant on the top floor with beautiful views of Stockholm. *The restaurant was closed during our visit but we found the cafe on the top floor to be delicious, and offered the same stunning views.

• You’ll need to rest your tired feet at some point and why not enjoy a craft cocktail at the same time? Pharmarium is in the heart of the old city and offers imaginative drinks and delectable treats. The menu changes seasonally, but if Croquette & Onion is on the list during your visit, do your taste buds a favor and order them! A reservation is highly encouraged as we saw many people turned away at the door.