Paris is the city of light, love, and unmatched charm! No matter if it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the French capital never fails to enchant. Whether it’s the elegant boulevards or authentic quartiers, the leafy parks or world-famous museums: Paris blends effortlessly beauty, history, culture, and style. But where to start and what to see? Fear you not, as in this guide, I put together all the must-dos during your stay in Paris, no matter if you’re one of the lucky first-timers or a hooked regular. This way, you will soak in the essence of the city from the very moment you arrive.
You won’t believe it, but I recently had an audience with a real queen! My two-day stay in Meissen, in the heart of the unique Elbe wine region, was literally crowned with a truly inspiring dinner.
Not only is the Baroque city of Dresden amazingly beautiful, but it is also nestled in a captivating landscape dotted with natural wonders, idyllic towns, and fairytale castles that are just second to none. Therefore, when visiting Dresden, you should better plan a few extra days to allow for at least one day trip, for example, to the Baroque Moritzburg Castle, the former hunting residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony.
Although the town of Meissen is quite small and not as internationally renowned as this acclaimed Cradle of Saxony actually deserves, it is one of Germany’s most historically significant cities and the perfect place to spend an unforgettable weekend!
Night slowly falls on the Albrechtsburg, Germany’s oldest castle complex.
Additionally, Meissen is home to Germany’s oldest castle and the site where European hard-paste porcelain was first produced in 1708. So, let’s explore what else this hidden gem has in store!
Whether you prefer beer or wine is, of course, a matter of taste. However, for some people, it is also a philosophical and social question. In fact, it was none other than Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson who equated wine to poetry in a bottle. And as a world-famous writer, he certainly knew what he was talking about. No one said that about beer.
But no matter what your personal opinion on the cultural difference between beer and wine is, in one respect, you can only give preference to the latter: namely, when it comes to the beauty of the growing regions. In this regard, the grapevines beat the hop bushes by a mile! Proof of this was my recent hike along the Saxon Wine Trail. With its idyllic vineyards, enchanting castles, and magnificent villas, a day trip from Dresden into the Elbe Wine Region will definitely be one of the most heart-, soul- and stomach-filling trips you will have enjoyed in a long time.
Seusslitz Castle is only one of many majestic structures in the Elbe Wine Region.
Since the trail is lined not only by some amazing landmarks but also by countless eateries and wine bars, all you need are your hiking boots, a sun hat, and a little drinking water. Everything else is readily waiting for you alongside this truly mesmerizing path!
The heart of Saxony beats right here, in the city of Dresden. Already the nickname Florence on the Elbe is a clear reference to Dresden’s magnificent imperial structures and the city’s picturesque location on one of Germany’s longest and most scenic rivers. Its distinctive aura and elegance make Dresden one of Germany’s most beautiful and worthwhile travel destinations.
There is Mother’s Day and there is Father’s Day. There is Independence Day and there is Groundhog Day. Every day of the year, something or someone is being celebrated. And then there is soup. Not as a snack enjoyed during those celebrations. No, soup is actually the main character of a debauchery that the city of Vilnius celebrates as a kickstart into summer. Not just any soup, obviously. It’s Šaltibarščiai, the traditional pink soup that gets its color from its two main ingredients, kefir and red beet. For Lithuanians, it’s not just a refreshing dish, it’s a vibrant symbol of the country’s rich heritage, pride, and most importantly, pink joy in every bowl. La Vie en Rose!
While I love city breaks, I’m always completely exhausted afterwards. I have a severe case of FOMO, which is constantly triggered by the big city lights, its seductive museums, its tempting architectural gems, and other tantalizations. Food? I can eat later; after all, I had breakfast just a couple of hours ago. Drink? Fine, but only a sip on the go so I don’t become completely dehydrated. Plus, this ascetic way of visiting saves me from time-consuming trips to the bathroom. Two birds with one stone. Fortunately, there are also cities like Vilnius where leisure’n’pleasure are an important part of the culture, allowing me to both fulfill my mission as a self-proclaimed city scout and at the same time pamper myself and relax. This brings me to Vilnius’ rich coffee house culture. It needed to be explored. Someone had to do the job, so I sacrificed myself and can introduce you now to the best and most beautiful coffee houses in all of Vilnius.
Poniu Laime is probably the only Café that’s at least as popular for its decoration as for its treats.This Way to the Whole Story ->
Vilnius, the vibrant capital of Lithuania, is rapidly becoming a dynamic center of street art, delighting locals and visitors. From striking larger-than-life murals to subtle stencil drawings in hidden alleys, the city’s urban art scene reflects a diverse mix of civic engagement and creative freedom. Mind you, these values hold particular significance in a country, finally independent after centuries of foreign hegemony and cultural oppression.
Brazilian twins Os Gemeos came back to Lithuania with a very personal mission: to pay homage to their grandfather, who is of Lithuanian descent.
In this post, I’ll take you to remarkable places where the best street art in Vilnius thrives. I’ll explore the stories behind some of the city’s most outstanding works and show you how urban art shapes Vilnius’ identity as a center of creativity and innovation.
The architectural style known as Vilnius Baroque is a regional variant of the Late Baroque in this specific part of Lithuania. Since this style is so unique, I’m dedicating this entire post to the amazing churches in the city of Vilnius.
Church of Saint Casimir, one of the most iconic structures built in the Vilnius Baroque style.This Way to the Whole Story ->
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