Porto, Portugal

On March 13, 2020March 13, 2020 By touristnatLeave a comment

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. Here are my recommendations:

Livraria Lello – The Guardian and travel website Lonely Planet picked this as the world’s third most beautiful bookstore. More than a century old, Lello is an art nouveau pearl with gothic details, stained glass and a fabulous red staircase, said to have inspired the one in Hogwarts (JK Rowling once lived in Porto). You have to pay to enter but you also get that money back if you purchase a book.
Sao Bento Railway station – you can see the changes in modes of transport from one end of the ceiling, looping back around (horse carriage to train)
Ponte de D. Luis 1 Iconic Metal Bridge (walk on the top and the bottom!) and take in the beautiful colorful buildings of Porto
All the port brands are across the bridge on Gaia side where you will also see traditional boats along the way. They are now used as decoration and advertises the differenr brands but in the past, it was how the transported the barrels of port.
Sao Francisco church
Torre dos Clerigos bell tower which you can climb for sky high views – It was opened in 1763 and is blessed with a beautiful barrage of Baroque motifs thanks to its Italian designer Nicolau Nasoni. Given its prominent position, you can get some amazing 360° views of the city from the top, but you’ll have to climb 225 steps to get there.
Lion fountain and the two nearby churches, one with pretty blue walls. You could never guess that between the church is the smallest house in Porto! I initially looks like one big church till you observe the architectural differences more closely.
McDonald’s Imperial – super grand McD!
Duoro Valley Day trip
Old town for narrow cobbled streets, ancient houses and bags of character, and consider a Riverside biking tour (they provide electric bikes for the uphills)
Majestic Cafe
Brasao or Bulha are fancier restaurants to check out
Francesinha is their famous dish – basically a meat sandwich with cheese and drenched in tomato like sauce
Visit the beach by taking Linha 1 tram line, the most scenic route that follows the banks of the Douro River to the Foz district.
Eat natas all day for only 1 euro. They tend to eat their nata’s cold other than at ” the world needs nata”

Accom: Stayed at Feel Porto Apartment downtown town house – amazing Airbnb

Prague, Czech Republic

On March 12, 2020March 12, 2020 By touristnatLeave a comment

Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Here are the suggested things to do:

Old town square – it has remained relatively untouched since the 10th century and here you will find on the best preserved medieval mechanical clock in the world.
Prague Castle – Entry to the grounds of the castle are free although many buildings such as the St Vitus cathedral, Basillica of St George and Golden Lane can be visited with a combined entry ticket.
Stroll across Charles Bridge. The bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV to replace an older bridge that had been washed away by floods. Although completed in 1390, with the striking statues added in the 17th century, the bridge did not take Charles’ name until the 19th century. You will enjoy the musical performances by buskers, paintings by artists and other vendors.
Admire the Lenon wall – Although Prague is a long way from Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles, fans should certainly check out this shrine to one of the most famous bands of all time. The wall has been covered in John Lennon and The Beatles graffiti, lyrics and quotations since the 1980s and is very popular among tourists and young fans wishing to pay homage to the group.
Petrin Hill – For its gardens, views of the city from the miniature Eiffel Tower, unusual church of St Michael and mirror maze. You can walk up or ride the funicular railway to the top.
The narrowest street in Prague – you actually do have to follow the pedestrian traffic light! 19.6inch wide gap nestled in Prague’s oldest neighbourhood, Mala Strana.
Wanceslas Square – one of the main city squares and the centre of the business and cultural communities in the New Town of Prague, Czech Republic. Many historical events occurred there, and it is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings.
Kampa park – you will find the random row of yellow penguins and other art sculptures. If you keep on going across the park, it eventually links to island in the middle of the river where you enjoy the views of Charles bridge and the town.
Dancing house
Spotting art all across the city – some stranger than others. King Kong Balls is what they call this one.
Chimney Cake – Good food coffee and bakery was highly rated so that’s what I tried but you can find this everywhere!
Prague hotdog – I wasn’t a fan but again you can find it everywhere as a convenient on the go food
Key specialities – Roast pork knuckle and roast duck with cabbage and dumplings.

Thessaloniki, Greece

On August 12, 2019August 12, 2019 By touristnat1 Comment

Thessaloniki is a Greek port city on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Evidence of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains, especially around Ano Poli, the upper town. Much of the city center was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917. The rebuilt 20th-century city has a modern European layout. There are so many beautiful churches dotted around so be sure to hunt for them.

Note: Some museums close as early as 2pm, so plan ahead. Everything is really walkable and you can cover it in one day if you wish!

Here are the key things to visit:

Roman Forum
Agios Dimitrios
Rotonta
Kamara Arch
Church Panagia Dexia right opposite the arch
The White Tower along the harbour front
Try a funky boat tour, you have a few to choose from! Not sure where they go but they definitely caught my eye.
Alexander the Great statue further down from the White Tower
Continuing walking along the harbour beyond the statue towards the famous umbrellas, artwork by Giorgos Zongolopoulos made in 1997.
Metropolitan Church of Saint Gregory Palamas
Aristolelous Square. I would recommend visiting at night, it’s much prettier and you will also get a chance to see bboy’s busking.
Ladadika an area filled with restaurants and bars, again great for the night
I ate at Neotabepna (not even sure if that’s the right name but look out for this restaurant based on my photos and definitely try Greek pasta!). They call it Orzo and it’s a much better version of risotto as you still get the chewy pasta texture.
The best Gyros you will ever have, the name is in Greek so again just look out for the word that matches the photo and it’s on Ptolemon street, around the corner from the hostel I stayed at.
Stay Hybrid Hostel was excellent. Air-conditioned room, much needed for the Summer, spacious and clean. Plenty of common room areas and in the heart of the city.

Banska Bystrica, Slovakia

On August 10, 2019August 10, 2019 By touristnatLeave a comment

Banská Bystrica is a city in central Slovakia located on the Hron River in a long and wide valley encircled by the mountain chains of the Low Tatras, the Veľká Fatra, and the Kremnica Mountains. This is also where Outbreak Europe Summer edition is held (Bboy jam). The town isn’t big, literally one high street, two malls and a waterpark. But worth a visit because it’s really pretty!

Accom: Kuria Hotel. Blown away by how cool the building was! Felt like I was living in a different age. They have done really well to preserve the historic buildings across the city

Here are some photos from the event. The first two days took place near the water park and the final day at Urban Spot for Rep your country. And of course photos of the town.

Bratislava, Slovakia

On August 10, 2019August 10, 2019 By touristnatLeave a comment

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is set along the Danube River by the border with Austria and Hungary. Stay in the old town, the heart of the city where you will then have easy access to all the main sites. You can take bus 61 from the airport to Hlavna stanica railway station and it’s a 20 minute walk to the old town from here. The old town is predominantly pedestrianised so you will have a great time sitting outdoors at a restaurant without having to breathe in fumes!

Note: Most museums are closed on Monday’s so plan what you want to enter ahead of time. Pre-buy your bus tickets from the yellow machines and make sure you get them stamped when you enter the bus. You buy a bus ticket according to journey time e.g. to get to Devin’s castle, you buy a 30min bus because the journey take’s around 25mins.

You can cover everything in 2 days. It’s very easy to get around!

Here are my recommendations:

Bratislava Castle and it’s surrounding gardens. Views of the castle is of course, better from further away from it, in particular, from the bridges.
St Martin’s Cathedral. Between 1563 and 1830 St Martin’s served as the coronation church for Hungarian kings and their consorts, marked to this day by a 300-kg gilded replica of the Hungarian royal crown perched on the top of the cathedral’s 85-metre-tall neo-Gothic tower. If you pick up a tourist map of Bratislava, in red, it marks out the path the royal people would walk after they were coronated. You can also spot metal crowns on the road marking out their paths.
Old Town Hall and the square is a really nice chill spot
Primates Palace, pretty in pink!
Michael’s Gate – is the only city gate that has been preserved of the medieval fortifications and ranks among the oldest town buildings.
Galerie Nedbalka. I liked the umbrella’s outside!
Grassalkovich Palace. Just outside the old town, 5min walk and really pretty with a fountain in the front.
Slavin Memorial. To get here, take a trolley bus 203 from Grassalkovich palace and get off at the end station where you do a short walk up hill to the beautiful memorial site. The statue there is as tall as the Rio Jesus Christ statue.
UFO observation deck. Definitely go up top at sunset! You can avoid paying the entry fee if you have a meal but of course the restaurant isn’t cheap. Be warned, it’s super windy.
Old and new National Theatre. Which do you prefer?
Eurovea mall is about a 15min walk away from the old city, beyond the green bridge and is their latest development. The surrounding area, with a fake beach has many restaurants along the river.
Man at work statue and right opposite is statue that holds a hat.
Take a bus under the UFO bridge to Devin’s castle
Best place to have breakfast/brunch or dessert – Mondieu. Their hot chocolate is incredible!
Slovakian food to try – Their garlic soup in a bread roll and sheep cheese pasta. Bryndzové halušky is one of the national dishes. This meal consists of halušky (boiled lumps of potato dough similar in appearance to gnocchi) and bryndza (a soft sheep cheese), optionally sprinkled with cooked bits of smoked pork fat/bacon.

Bath, United Kingdom

On March 8, 2018 By touristnat2 Comments

Bath is a town set in the rolling countryside of southwest England, known for its natural hot springs and 18th-century Georgian architecture. Honey-coloured Bath stone has been used extensively in the town’s architecture. Here are my recommended places to visit:

Roman Baths and Pump house – The Roman Baths complex is a site of historical interest in the English city of Bath. The house is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing. The Roman Baths themselves are below the modern street level.
Bath Abbey – The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
The Royal Crescent and Victoria Park – The Royal Crescent is a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent with a park near by. No. 1 Royal Crescent is also a museum if you wish to see the interior.
Parade Gardens and Pulteney Bridge – You can catch a great view of Pulteney Bridge from the Parade Gardens as well as opposite the Gardens, so why not walk a short circular loop. Designed by Robert Adam in a Palladian style, the bridge is exceptional in having shops built across its full span on both sides.
Sally Lunn’s for their buns – Bath’s oldest house (c.1483), home of the famous Sally Lunn Bun (a semi-sweet bread) and tearoom. I tried the salt beef and cinnamon bun.
Jane Austen Centre and Regency Tea Room – Small museum chronicling the life and times of the famous writer, Jane Austen, plus Regency tearoom.

Seville, Spain

On February 27, 2018February 27, 2018 By touristnatLeave a comment

Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. I actually did a day trip from Algarve, Portugal but would have loved to spend longer here to admire its architecture for longer. All the main sites are extremely walkable from one another but it is definitely a lot of walking.

Here are my top recommendations:

Plaza de Espana and Parque Maria Luisa just opposite Plaza de Espana which will then get you to the Museum of archeology and Museum of art and tradition
Seville Cathedral and La Giralda (The bell-tower right next-door to the Cathedral). There are horse drawn carriages everywhere! You could probably take them to visit all the main sites if you are tired of walking
Triana neighbourhood opposite the old city, and a view of of both sides from Isabel bridge including Torre Del Oro, a tower along the river
Metropol Parasol – incredibly unique design! You can go up and they give you a free postcode and drink as part of the entrance fee
Maestranza bull ring
Alcazar Castle – the queue was so long so I had to give this a miss, but I’m sure it would have been beautiful

Extra note: Have paella of course!

Oxford, Bath and Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom

On January 14, 2018January 14, 2018 By touristnatLeave a comment

Oxford, a city in central southern England, revolves around its prestigious university, established in the 12th century. I joined Oxford Royal Academy for Summer school when I was 14 and it gave me great exposure to living on my own in the UK! As part of the program, we visited Bath and Stratford Upon Avon (Shakespeare’s birth place). Here are my recommendations:

Try study and/or live within an Oxford University. I was part of Oriel College.
Moo Moo’s milk shake in the covered market – Oreo and Nutella ❤ One day i’ll open a milkshake shop 🙂

Punting, don’t fall in!

Christ Church College, beautiful architecture and famous for it’s film location for Harry Potter. In fact, the whole of Oxford is known for it’s different campuses with beautiful architecture.
Visit Bath known for its preserved Roman Baths!
Visit Shakespeare’s home town and watch a play in the traditional Shakespearean theatre. I caught Taming of the Shrew.

Bologna, Italy

On December 12, 2017 By touristnatLeave a comment

Bologna is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy. Its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. Top recommendations:

Climb the medieval leaning towers ( Due Torri- Torre deli Asinelli) to get a birds eye view of Bologna city, you have to buy tickets (3 euros) from Piazza Maggiore tourist information centre. 498 steps, spiralling up!
Visit Piazza Maggiore, the center of Bologna’s political and social life since the 13th century when the square and the buildings surrounding it began being built. It is one of the biggest and oldest squares in Italy. The buildings that surround the square are Palazzo re Enzo and Toree Dell’Arengo, Neptune fountain, Palazzo D’accursio, Palazzo Del Pedestal and Basilica of San Petronio.
Santo Stefano church
Walk the narrow streets surrounding Piazza Maggiore where you can find various cafes, market stalls and shops
Have plenty of pasta!

Salzburg, Austria

On June 25, 2017June 25, 2017 By touristnatLeave a comment

Salzburg is an Austrian city on the border of Germany, with views of the Eastern Alps. The city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right. My top recommendations:

Tour the city and admire its architecture.
Join the very fun and nostalgic Sound of music tour (link) – Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus fountain where the song ‘Do-Re-Mi’ was filmed, Leopoldskron Palace where in the film we see the captain’s backyard and private palace gardens, Hellbrunn Palace for the Gazebo, Nonnberg Abbey which is still an active women’s convent nowadays. In this convent the “real” Maria was a novice and also got married to Baron von Trapp, Lake Fuschl and Lake Wolfgang, and Mondsee for the wedding chapel scene.
Salt mine tour (link) – You get to wear traditional miners’ clothes on this tour and you take the train deep into the mountain. You learn a lot about salt-miners and you also get to take a fun slide down to the salt lake followed by a boat to cross, all underground!
Continue on to Lake Königssee as part of your salt mine tour. This is a natural lake in the extreme southeast Berchtesgadener Land district of the German state of Bavaria, near the Austrian border. So yes, you do end up in Germany on this tour!
Untersberg Cable car to see a bird eye view of Salzburg and all the mountains that surround the city.