Category: CITY BREAK

Three Days in Mystic MARRAKECH – How to Get Lost Without Losing It

Posted onAuthorRenata10 Comments

Travelling to Marrakech? Getting a bit nervous? I don’t blame you! Although I’m an avid female solo traveller, the idea of spending three days by myself in mystic and mysterious Marrakech was simply petrifying. I saw myself wandering mindlessly through narrow alleys, lost between snake charmers and tourist enticers, entangled in 1001 pushy sales pitches, never finding my way back to my Riad.

Water bearer in mystic Marrakech
Of course, these guys aren’t selling water nowadays. But they are selling illusions. Actually, pretty suiting for a place like the enigmatic Jemaa el-Fnaa.

And although Marrakech was actually everything I expected – and even so much more – it did not intimidate let alone scare me. Yes, there were charmers – aiming at snakes and at tourists. But neither were the sellers as pushy as expected nor the alleys as confusing as feared. Did I get lost? Yes, but there was definitely no reason for losing it.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

One Day in SANTA CRUZ de TENERIFE

Posted onAuthorRenata5 Comments

It’s a common phenomenon that particularly the capital cities of the various Canaries are probably the least visited places on the isles. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is no exception. And while I’ve called Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as well as Puerto del Rosario on the island of Fuerteventura underrated, I really cannot say that about Santa Cruz. There isn’t that much shaking there and it’s certainly not a place to write home about. Nevertheless, if you are based on the northern coast or happen to pass through, it’s certainly worth it to spend at least half a day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife since there are some interesting places to visit, and I’m introducing them all in this post.

Street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
View of the iconic belfry of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción from the picturesque Calle Antonio Domínguez Alfonso.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to HAMBURG, the “Gateway to the World”

Posted onAuthorRenata Green115 Comments

Let me guide you through Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city and self-proclaimed gateway to the world.

Sailors at the Port of Hamburg
For ages, sailors from all over the world anchored at the Port of Hamburg.

You’ll be enchanted by alluring views that make you yearn for undiscovered shores. Germans call it Fernweh – loosely translated to aching for distance.

I’m sure Hamburg’s maritime charm and traditional openness to the entire world will amaze you.

This Comprehensive Guide to Hamburg will take you to the city’s most beautiful corners.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

VENICE on a budget: when to go, where to stay, what to eat, and much more

Posted onAuthorRenata45 Comments

Venice on a budget? Is that even possible?
Agreed, visiting Venice can be pretty pricey.
After all, you find yourself at one of the world’s most unique places – and it comes with a price tag.

Italy Venice Canale Grande
Every visitor to Venice will know this sight: The Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo across from the main train station Venezia Santa Lucia, photographed from the Ponte degli Scalzi.

However, if you follow my simple hacks, visiting Venice on a budget is easy and still very enjoyable.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to LAS PALMAS – Your Perfect Base to Explore GRAN CANARIA

Posted onAuthorRenata13 Comments

Las Palmas is probably the most underrated place on the island – yet, it’s the perfect base if you want to explore Gran Canaria beyond the notorious tourist areas in the south.

Looking at the Plaza de Santa Ana and the town hall from the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias.
View of the Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana and the town hall from the roof of the Catedral de Santa Ana.

Apart from having a charming historic center with cool venues and some of the island’s best beaches, it is a great hub for visiting the entire island even by public transport.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Seven Days in BARCELONA And Ten Reasons Not to Miss Out on a Visit

Posted onAuthorRenata30 Comments

As international travel picked up again, one of the first trips I did was to spend seven days in Barcelona, Catalonia’s exciting capital. While in this post, I’m listing ten valid reasons why you have to visit this gem, there is an additional one why you should do it right now: Go before all the others are coming – Barcelona is one of the most-visited cities in Europe.

Taking a picture at the Parque Güell
Capturing Barcelona’s beauty.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Three Days In Prague – For First-Timers & Repeat Visitors

Posted onAuthorRenata91 Comments

I might be the perfect person to guide you through Prague, granting three days of awe. Why so? Because I’m an unusual kind of local.

Statue John the Baptist on the Charles Bridge in Prague
John the Baptist showing the way to the Malá Strana quarter.

Locals know the best spots. They can communicate with other locals in the native language and, thusly, they might learn things visitors don’t.

On the other hand, locals tend to be oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings. Ignore iconic places. Bored by beauty.

So not being a real local actually works in my favor. I’m still amazed. And for some reason that I’ll explain below even deeply touched.

See? I’ve told you I might be your perfect guide!

This Way to the Whole Story ->

TOKYO – Guide to 10 Extraordinary Neighborhoods

Posted onAuthorRenata7 Comments

Tokyo – my first encounter with Japanese everyday life and culture – left a good impression and prepared me for more to come – hence, let me guide you to ten of its most extraordinary neighborhoods.

School kids in Tokyo, Japan
A warm and fun welcome to Tokyo by these sweet ambassadors.

Tokyo – the first cut is the deepest. However, this one didn’t hurt at all.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

ROME for first-timers, repeat visitors, and eternal admirers

Posted onAuthorRenata100 Comments

Whether you are first-timers or repeat visitors, beautiful and exciting Rome will turn you into eternal admirers for sure.

View of The Colosseum and Romolus and Remus drinking from the Capitoline Wolf - some of the Icons of Rome to be visited by first-timers.
View of the Ancient Roman Icons.

It is known as the Eternal City for a reason. Just like in Athens, there’s ancient history everywhere. It combines just fine with the modern, energetic, and sophisticated millennial metropolis.

This Way to the Whole Story ->