Tag: City Break

24 hours in BRUSSELS

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

I was on the very early morning flight to Brussels which was actually my final destination. That’s why I was completely relaxed when they said we couldn’t take off because of fog. The only thing that annoyed me was the idea that I could have slept a good hour longer. Other than that, I didn’t care too much.

However, things looked completely different around me: passengers were nervously shifting back and forth in their seats, checking their phones, and pestering the stewardesses about what their connecting flights looked like.

Grande Place, visited during 24 hours in Brussels
The most beautiful architectural treasures surround the Grande Place, Brussels’ precious centerpiece.

This was how I discovered that I was pretty much the only one who didn’t have a connecting flight to Madrid or Nice, Kigali or Abuja. Hmm, Brussels seemed to be an important hub for international air traffic, interesting. Hence, I should definitely add it to my 24 hours in… series. No sooner said than done!
Of course, I hope that your layover is planned and not because of air traffic disruptions.
Whatever the reason for your extended layover might be, with this post, I have you covered.

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Best Things to Do in BRUSSELS, the Capital of Europe

Posted onAuthorRenata Green83 Comments

Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.

Guide Capital Europe Brussels: Chocolaterie Manneken Pis
Different strokes for different folks: World’s most famous wee-er made of chocolate. Bon appetit.

If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.

But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.

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Best Street Art in BRISTOL – Part II: North Street

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Since Bristol is the cradle and hotbed of ingenious murals, introducing all those incredible works in just one post was far too much.
Therefore, I’ve split my list of urban art into two parts. After introducing the Nelson Street shopping district area and the rough neighborhood of Stokes Croft in a former post on ​​the best street art in Bristol, I’ll take you down North Street in this second part. Here, the wonderful Upfest ensures that no wall stays white for long.

Best Street Art Bristol around North Street
An explosion of colors embellishes these six houses on North Street, home of the Upfest Gallery.
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Best Street Art in BRISTOL – Part I: From Nelson Street to Stokes Croft

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

Guys, did you really think I would come back from Bristol and not have a zillion photos of the best street art with me? Is it even possible to visit Bristol and remain indifferent to urban art? If so, I don’t see how to do it. In any case, I’m a weak-willed victim when it comes to street art in general, so Bristol was able to easily lure me into the rabbit hole of incredible tags and murals.
As there are so many works worth featuring, I’ve split my post on the Best Street Art in Bristol into two parts, and in this first one, I’ll introduce what there is to discover from ​​the shopping district around Nelson Street all the way to the rather rough neighborhood of Stokes Croft.

Street Art Bristol Nelson Street Stokes Croft: Mural by the TATS CRU,
A tribute to the cradle of street art by the Bronx-based Tats Cru.
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A Day in BATH, the Most Beautiful Town in All of Britain

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Have you watched Bridgerton lately? Are you also a fan of the Sherlock Holmes adaptation with Benedict Cumberbatch? Do you remember Stanley Kubrick’s epic Barry Lyndon or James Ivory’s drama The Remains of the Day? Apart from great actors, all of these films and series intrigue with enchanting backdrops. Aren’t those mansions with manicured front lawns and gently rolling hills in the backdrop not simply gorgeous? It would be just wonderful if these beautiful sets existed in reality!
Well, good news: They are real!
Whenever a director needs a flawless Georgian or Victorian setting, he’ll probably end up in Bath at some point. And that’s not surprising as Bath is arguably the most beautiful town in all of Great Britain, after all. Even UNESCO agreed and quickly listed the entire city as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.

Bath most beautiful town Britain
Iconic structures from different eras.
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BRISTOL – What to Do on the Best Weekend Break You’ll Have in a Long Time

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When it comes to extolling Bristol’s merits, I honestly don’t know where to start.
With the arguably best street art in the world? Yes, but that’s too obvious.
Or rather with the fact that the city has a vibrant music scene and some of the coolest bands come from Bristol? Sure, the relaxed and at the same time energetic flow of trip-hop perfectly reflects the city’s laid-back atmosphere, after all.
Or is it the absolutely overwhelming food culture?
Maybe the fact that Bristol was Britain’s first cycling city?
Bristol’s history? The amazing architecture? The openness and warmth of the Bristolians?
Oh man, no matter what you pick, Bristol makes it impossible not to fall in love with the city.
So come and join me in the search for the things that make Bristol the best weekend break you’ll have in a long time.

Street Art Bristol Nelson Street Stokes Croft: Mural by HazardOne with the St Mary Le Port Church in the backdrop.
Only two yet very different sides of what makes Bristol so diverse and wonderful: St Mary Le Port Church from the 15th century and some powerful mural by HazardOne. By the way, I’m introducing this artist who was named one of the Top 5 female graffiti artists in Great Britain by The Guardian in my post Best Street Art in BRISTOL – Part I: From Nelson Street to Stokes Croft.
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LJUBLJANA Mon Amour: What Not to Miss During Two Days in Slovenia’s Beloved Capital

Posted onAuthorRenata Green71 Comments

Ljubljana mon amour: In fact, already the city’s name sounds like a tender song and derives from the word ljubljena which translates to beloved. Various charming bridges are crossing the picturesque river Ljubljanica. With an amazing number of captivating buildings from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco, onion-domed churches, and an imposing fortress high above the city, Ljubljana absolutely lives up to her lovely name.
And since Ljubljana is small but definitely mighty, you can explore the city’s most iconic spots and landmarks easily in just two days.

The Dragon Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Like in every decent fairy tale, you have to make it past the dragon to get to the beautiful princess. Ljubljana is no exception.

Although the city is no secret anymore and can actually get quite busy in the high season, Ljubljana has kept its sleeping beauty charm and is a sparkling gem.

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24 hours in MILAN

Posted onAuthorRenata Green11 Comments

After another stopover in Milan on the occasion of my trip to Venice where I visited this year’s Biennale, I’m now ready to share an itinerary for a short 24-hour stay in Italy’s Northern capital of funds’n’fashion.

View of the Duomo from the Novecento Museum, both landmarks durinng 24 hours in Milan
Here you can kill two birds with one stone – which is actually quite a disturbing idiom: Best view at the Duomo, Milan’s cathedral, from one of the city’s nicest museums.

As always, when putting together these itineraries, I had in mind a stopover between flights or a quick break on a road trip down south. If you can stay longer and experience more of Milan, check out my recent post Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan for inspiration and information.

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VENICE on a Budget: When to Go, Where to Stay, What to Eat, And Much More

Posted onAuthorRenata47 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.

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FRANCE: An Easy Circle Trip to the Five Best Cities to Visit in Provence

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I’m well aware that the French Provence region is rather famous for picturesque villages and endless lavender fields. Well, you won’t find either in this post. I just can’t help it: I’m a big city gal, and therefore, on my first trip to this part of the south of France, I decided to visit five of the best cities the Provence has to offer. In Nîmes, I hunted for street art, and I traced the work of Vincent van Gogh in Arles. I danced sur le pont d’Avignon and enjoyed the much-underrated city of Aix-en-Provence. Finally, I explored the mother of all port cities, Marseille.

Windows in Marseille
I’d argue that Marseille is one of the most authentic cities in Europe.

No, I didn’t get to see any lavender, however, I saw amazing old and new works of art and fantastic architecture. I strolled through alleys, sat in squares, and took it all in. The sound of the sea and the calls of the fishmongers rang in my ears. I was in a French land of milk and honey wine and bouillabaisse.
I had a fantastic time and I’ll be certainly back. And then, I’ll also go check out the lavender.

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