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.

Athens, Greece

On August 12, 2019August 13, 2019 By touristnat2 Comments

Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple.

You could do a free walking tour to learn more about what you will end up seeing (because it all just looks like a pile of ruins if you don’t have any background info) and the tour will help you catch the changing of the guards which takes place every hour. The free walking tours do not enter any of the sites so just use it as a source of direct information making your Greek experience more interesting and educational! Definitely by the 30euro package deal which gives you access to 7 sites (Acropolis, archeological museum, temple of Zeus, museum of ancient agora, roman agora, lyceum and Hadrian’s library) . Of if you are an EU student, show you student card and gain access to all sites FREE. You can walk everywhere apart from the Archeological museum which is a bit further out (bargain with a taxi driver and it should cost around 5euros only). Of course if you visit when it isn’t so hot, I’m sure you can easily walk it too.

It’s really beautiful walking around the alleyways of Athens. It’s surrounded by well decorated restaurants and buildings. That was the part I loved most about Athens actually, the varied alleyways.

Note: Taxi’s don’t use their meters, make sure you negotiate a price beforehand. Bus X95 goes straight from the airport to Syntagma square and is only 6 Euros, taking around 45mins depending on traffic. We kept getting warned about pick pockets so be aware. Finally, Summer gets really hot so be prepped!

Parliament for the changing of the guards
Hadrian’s Arch and Temple of Zeus (they are next to each other)
Panathenaic stadium
Parthenon The Acropolis and Theatre of Dionysos
Acropolis museum
Museum of Ancient Agora – I think you get one of the best views from here on the way to the temple of Hephaestus, still in this same ticketed area.
Hadrian’s library
Roman Agora
The best bubble tea I have ever had was from some random Chinese restaurant just outside the airport bus ticket office in the city. I wish I noted the name down but if you are ever in Athens, try it! I wish I took down the name but you’ll just have to trust me on this one.

Here is the tourist map you can pick up which isn’t the most clear tbh

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.

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.

Perth, Australia

On March 25, 2019March 25, 2019 By touristnatLeave a comment

Perth is the capital of Western Australia. There is now a direct flight from London to Perth! I definitely needed more time to see all of Western Australia but here is what I did cover and would recommend

King’s Park and Botanic Garden for stunning views and walks that can take you all the way to the famous lone standing blue boat house.
Day trip to the Pinnacles desert and Lancelin for sand boarding, passing by Swan Valley where you can try wine, honey, coffee and chocolates. Here is the tour I used which included a BBQ at the Pinnacles desert for dinner while we were star gazing.
Day trip to Rottnest Island for the adorable Quokka’s who are super friendly and will smile for your camera. Be sure to rent a bike to explore the whole island (approx 22km), a much more comfortable option than the bus that does a loop.
Fly or drive for ages to Esperance which is known for its pink lake, however it is no longer pink! There is still a pink lake on an island off the coast of Esperance which you can fly over via helicopter for $300+. Or you can stay on the mainland and enjoy Cape Le Grand National park which is the only beach in the world to have kangaroos roaming around and Australia’s version of Stone henge. You can also complete the short Great Ocean Drive with magnificent beaches, stand under a windmill and see the ‘pink lake’. Here is the tour company I used in Esperance as I didn’t rent a car.
Visit Fremantle from Perth city centre, for their weekend market, do a prison tour and enjoy sunset by the rainbow sea containers.

Melbourne, Australia

On February 25, 2019February 25, 2019 By touristnat2 Comments

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. People always compare Melbourne and Sydney but it’s really up to you to decide which city your prefer as they both have pros and cons. Melbourne is known for being more artsy but you could get four seasons in one day! Here is a list of things to do in the city, a few eating recommendations and near by road trips you can do too.

Adelphi Hotel rooftop pool (glass bottom)
Aga The French Patisserie
Art Centre Melbourne
Australian Centre for Moving Image
Ballarat day trip known for its Gold!
Bendigo Day Trip
Brighton Beach for the famous colourful beach huts
Carlton Gardens where you’ll find Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building
Chadstone shopping centre with 550 shops, free shuttle available
China Town
Cycle Merri Creek Trail
Dandenongs Day trip (puffing billy railway)
Day trip to Yarra Valley with Autopia Tours
Degraves street for cafes
Eat at Hawker Chan (Singaporean food)
Etihad Stadium
Eureka Tower 88 floor observation deck
Federation Square
Flag Staff Garden
Flinders Street station
Forum Theatre
Geelong day trip
Get a bird’s eye view from the balcony of Hamer Hall
Grampians
On the way to Balconies Lookout Point
Great Ocean Road
Gibson Steps Beach
Hanging Rock – Macedon Ranges ( I would highly recommend Hanging Rock Llama Walking Tours hosted by Mark, be sure to book ahead)
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Hopetoun Tea Rooms – always fully booked
Hosier Lane and Centre Place for street art
Immigration Museum
Luna Park
Lune Croissanterie, always sells out
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Zoo
Mornington Peninsula day trip with Bunyip Tours which will include either the hot springs or Sorrento and Port Sea in the morning followed by the Enchanted Adventure Gardens in the afternoon
Arthur’s Seat View Point
National Gallery Victoria
Nicholas building (shopping)
Old Melborne Gaol
Old Treasury Building (really good free museum)
Parliament House
Philip Island day trip, they come out after sunset
Pidapipo Gelato (try the Nutella one)
Port Campbell (part of Great Ocean Road trip)
Princes Bridge
Queen Victoria Market
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Exhibition Building
Sofitel Hotel toilets for a view!
Sorrento and Port Sea
South Melbourne Market
St Kilda where you can also see Penguins for free
St Paul’s Cathedral
State library
Take the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento
Take the free city loop tain
The Block Arcade
The Star – their ferris wheel for great views from up top
Town Hall
Waterfront city/New Quay
Yarra River

Munich, Germany

On September 10, 2017 By touristnatLeave a comment

Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century. Here are my recommendations:

Neuschwanstein Castle, also famously known for inspiring Disneyland’s Castle. Make sure you book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as they allocate time slots and are always very busy. You can pay later (12euros per person) but just pre-book a slot! It takes 2hours from the central main station followed by a short bus ride. You get incredible views from here and can also consider visiting the castle next door called Hohenschwangau castle (the yellow one)
Dachau concentration camp 5h half day tour where you will experience the memorial to the holocaust and learn about the history and workings of the camp. I don’t have any pictures to post here for sensitivity reasons, but would still recommend this insightful visit.
BMW museum and world where you can test cars, see how designs have changed over the years and admire the architecture of the building.
Historic residence and treasury – see the collections and learn some history
Marienplatzs is a central square in the city centre of Munich. It has been the city’s main square since 1158. Look out in particular for the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) on the North side with a Glockenspeil in the tower.

Tenerife, Spain

On August 12, 2017 By touristnatLeave a comment

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off West Africa. It’s dominated by Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano that is Spain’s tallest peak. The island has many beaches (with sands from yellow to black) and resort areas, including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.

Hike Masca taking less than 3hours from the top of the mountain to the sea where you can then take a boat/water taxi back to Los Gigantes- Beginning amongst giant agave spikes and prickly pear cactus, the terrain gives way to the valley floor where, fed by underground currents, mini forests of willowy cane and lush ferns frame gentle waterfalls and still ponds of emerald translucency. You can swim as you wait for your boat to arrive, so bring your swim stuff and towel.
Go jet-skiing near where you get off the boat after your hike
Tiede quad safari. The guide takes photos on the trip which you can then purchase after for memories and to support their business. Mount Teide is a volcano on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain. Its 3,718-metre summit is the highest point in Spain and the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic
Siam Park – famous waterpark with the coolest almost 90 degree slide! Remember to keep your legs together, crossed at the ankle for safety. Pre-buy your tickets and online to avoid long queues, make sure you print it out and make sure you arrive well before opening hours.
Los Cristianos Beach because it was closest to my hotel – The beaches are beautiful and it has a harbour that offers fishing trips, pleasure cruises, outings on glass bottom boats, diving excursions and ferries to the neighbouring island of La Gomera.

Extra note: Playa de las Américas is next to Los Christians beach where you can go to party the night away

Marbella and Malaga, Spain

On August 7, 2017August 7, 2017 By touristnatLeave a comment

Málaga is a port city on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, known for its high-rise hotels and resorts jutting up from yellow-sand beaches. You can catch a bus or cab from Malaga to Marbella (50min journey) to enjoy its famous resort area of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels and golf courses. West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars. Here are my top 5 recommendations:

Puerto Banus marine Marbella
4×4 Ronda Tour by Monta Aventura eco tours where you will see Ronda, learn a lot about nature and also see the well-known Sony “Smurf Village” in Júzcar. I highly recommend this tour, it was really educational and covered a lot.
Visit Malaga bullring – La Malagueta is a world-class bullring, seating as many as 9,032 spectators and holding the most important events of the bullfighting season, like the Easter bullfights, the Picassian Gala, the August Fair or the bullfight dedicated to Málaga’s Patroness.
Walk along Malaga port or do a segway ride! You’ll pass by Centre Pompidou, a stand out colourful cube building.
Visit the cathedral, Alcazaba and the Roman ampi theatre, all in close walking distance from one another in down town Malaga.

Lake District, United Kingdom

On July 27, 2017July 27, 2017 By touristnatLeave a comment

The Lake District, also known as the Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England. Trains run from London Euston to Oxenholme in Cumbria where I picked up my rented car because all the cars were fully booked elsewhere! Next time, I would suggest renting a car from a major nearby city such as Leeds or Newcastle to then drive to the Lakes. Like most tourists, I stayed in Windermere where you can easily park on the roadside overnight.

Note: Never trust the weather forecast! The weather can change continuously throughout the day.

Here are my top 6 recommendations:

See lake Windermere by catching a ferry ride from Bowness-on-Windermere. Here you can also visit Beatrix Potter’s World and its gardens which was displayed at the world’s famous Chelsea flower show in London. As well as have lunch at the beautiful Angel Inn!
Have fun at Brockhole on their tree-top adventure
Take a walk around Fell Foot Park with its unique boathouse cafe and shop
Stop by Newby Bridge for the beautiful Swan hotel and spa. Enjoy a tea outside if the weather is nice or admire the typically British interior design.
Visit Coniston and Coniston Water (another lake) where you can do all sorts of water activities and pass by lovely houses with well kept gardens
Sign up to the ‘best of the lakes’ mountain goat tour so you don’t have to stress when driving through supposedly two way roads! No joke, the roads were so narrow you spend a lot of time reversing because there isn’t any other way. Plus this tour allows you to cover a lot of the Lake District in one day starting from 9am to 530pm.
You will enjoy:
- The Langdales & Blea Tarn – Dramatic scenery and views of the Langdale Pikes.
- Castlerigg Stone Circle – Walk around the 4000 year old circle, surrounded by fells.
- Wastwater – The deepest lake in England, voted ‘Britain’s Favourite view’.
- Ennerdale, Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere – Untouched and unspoilt lakes with more sheep than people.