24 hours in RIGA

Latvia’s national airline, AirBaltic, often offers convenient connections including a stopover in Riga. That’s perfect for getting a profound glimpse of the city on the way to your final destination. And with my guide to 24 hours in Riga, I help you turn a pitstop into a real travel highlight.

Riga Town Hall Square, one of the places to see during 24 hours in Riga.
One of Riga’s spots not to be missed is the iconic Town Hall Square.

Explore the charming Old Town with its medieval alleys, cafés, and Art Nouveau façades, or take a stroll along the banks of the Daugava River before visiting the Central Market for some authentic Latvian delights.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in VILNIUS

Even if you have only around 24 hours, a stopover in Vilnius is an excellent opportunity to get to know Lithuania’s charming capital.

Street in Vilnius
The iconic crowned tower of the Saint Casimir Church seen from the Stiklių Gatvė.

The city offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and architecture. From the medieval Old Town district to modern art galleries and cozy cafés, Vilnius is compact and diverse, ideal for a short but worthwhile tour of discovery.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

PARIS for Free!

In my last post on Paris, I introduced the Paris Museum Pass*, which makes every culture vulture’s stay in the self-proclaimed city of light smoother and, most importantly, far cheaper.
While that’s already pretty great, it actually gets even better: There are tons of fantastic things to see in Paris for free! Whether inspiring museums, amazing views, lush parks and gardens, the old saying that the best things in life Paris are free is absolutely right!
So leave your wallet at home and let’s explore Paris completely free of charge.

Eiffel Tower and a Carousel in Paris. Paris for free.
You can make Paris your playground without breaking the bank.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

PARIS Museum Pass: Skip the Lines And See It All For Less

You’ve been to the Eiffel Tower, you’ve seen Sacre Coeur, and sailed on the river Seine? Great, after you’ve checked the most important tourist sites off your list, you, my fellow culture vultures, can focus on Paris’ amazing museums.
Actually, it’s mainly the city’s museums and monuments that make me come back to Paris again and again.
Therefore, in this post, I’m introducing the key that allows me to skip the lines and quickly open the doors to the best venues: It’s the Paris Museum Pass that grants access to no less than 50 museums and monuments at a very reasonable flat rate.

A visit to the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is included in the Paris Museum Pass as well. Paris Museum Pass Skip Lines
A visit to the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is included in the Paris Museum Pass as well.

Isn’t that far too much, you might ask? Well, you probably won’t visit all of them in one go.
Nevertheless, since with the Paris Museum Pass*, you don’t have to wait in the long lines that often form at the entrance doors, you’ll get to see more than you’ve ever expected.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

What Not to Miss in PARIS: 20 Must-Dos, Not Only for First-Timers

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.

Panoramic View of Paris.
This view never gets old.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Vilnius Baroque: The City’s Twelve Most Magnificent Churches

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 St. Casimir in Vilnius
Church of Saint Casimir, one of the most iconic structures built in the Vilnius Baroque style.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

What to See on an Unforgettable Weekend in VILNIUS

Lithuania might be small, but it’s steeped in history, innovation, and full of natural wonders, and its capital, Vilnius, effortlessly blends its rich traditions with modernity. But that’s by far not the only reason that makes the city an exceptionally exciting travel destination. Therefore, after having already featured the best places in the other Baltic Republics, it was finally time to see on a long weekend what Vilnius has in store.
And let me assure you: the so-called Baroque Pearl of the Baltic is an incredibly lustrous gem!

Renata Green in Vilnius on the roof top terrace of the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel across from the iconic Church of St. Casimir.
Sundowner with a view: After a long day of sightseeing, a glass of wine on the amazing rooftop terrace of the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel*, right across from the iconic Church of St. Casimir, is exactly what the ambitious traveller needs!
This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in BORDEAUX

Are you heading to the Atlantic coast to take on those giant waves? Or do you want to enjoy an extensive wine tasting in the vineyards and chateaux around Saint-Émilion? Whatever the reason for your visit to this region of France, you’ll hardly be able to avoid at least a pit stop in the proverbial Pearl of the Southwest. I’m talking, of course, about Bordeaux, the charming wine capital of France. And that’s a good thing, because the city is definitely worth a visit, and with my guide for up to 24 hours, you’ll be able to make the most of Bordeaux.

Carousel seen during 24 hours in Bordeaux.
The retro charm of the old carousel blends enchantingly with the exquisite facades of Bordeaux’s magnificent buildings.

Normally, I would foresee at least two to three days in Bordeaux, even more if you really want to immerse yourself in the French savoir-vivre with leisurely strolls through the picturesque streets and plenty of breaks in cozy cafés. But sometimes, time is limited. Even more so, it should be used to its full potential, and below, you’ll find a perfectly designed itinerary.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Perfect Guide For a Day Trip to SAINT-EMILION

Saint-Émilion is a breathtaking blend of sun-drenched vineyards and medieval charm. Every winding alley and every old stone building tells a story. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or looking for the epitome of the Southern French way of life, here’s a perfect guide for a day trip to the charming village of Saint-Emilion. I promise you an unforgettable experience!

Vineyard in Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion also enchants with its surroundings. This, however, is Château Villemaurine, only one of supposedly almost a thousand wine estates in the region.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

What Not to Miss in BORDEAUX, the Charming Wine Capital of France

It all began with a student exchange ages ago. Since then, I’ve probably visited Bordeaux more often than any other city, not just in France but in the entire world. While on my early visits, I focused more on the café culture, the clubs, and the laid-back charm of southwestern France, only now, in my advanced years, am I discovering the cultural treasures that no visitor should miss when visiting Bordeaux.
Therefore, I’m delighted that you’re joining me on this rediscovery of a city that has been so dear to my heart for such a long time!

Place des Grands Hommes in Bordeaux
The Place des Grands Hommes is one of the city’s many squares that combine history, beauty, and the legendary French savoir-vivre, the art of living your best life.
This Way to the Whole Story ->