Tag: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

What to Do in ANTWERP in Three Days – The Obvious and the Unexpected

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So you’re looking for a city trip to a place that’s as trendy as Amsterdam, but without the crowds? A place bursting with Flemish architecture and history like Brussels, but without the hectic pace of a capital city? And one with the creative energy and outstanding design of Copenhagen, but without the Scandinavian price tag? Don’t look any further, as Antwerp unites all those strong suits and still keeps a very laid-back vibe.
In this comprehensive guide to Antwerp, I show you what to see and do in three days – the obvious as well as the very unexpected.

Groenplaats in Antwerp.
If you’re looking for a good place to take a break and enjoy some people-watching, Groenplaats, right behind the Cathedral of Our Lady, is the perfect spot.
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KINDERDIJK – a Day Trip into Authentic Dutch Heritage

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In my post Why ROTTERDAM Is Worth Visiting: A Complete Guide to the Urban Heart of the Netherlands, I raved about the trendy, dynamic, and multicultural vibe of Holland’s second-largest city. Although I fell in love with Rotterdam instantly, there were moments when I missed the cutesy, traditional side of the Netherlands. Luckily, I found exactly that just about half an hour east of the city. In Kinderdijk, nineteen historic windmills rise along the waterways and make a day trip from Rotterdam a truly authentic experience.

Collage of Pictures from Kinderdijk
In Kinderdijk, everything revolves around windmills.

For centuries, they have shaped a landscape that is not only picturesque but, above all, functional. Here, it becomes clear how closely the country’s history is intertwined with the constant struggle against the elements. However, it’s the authenticity that makes Kinderdijk so very special. Those mills are not merely an attraction for visitors, but part of a historic water management system that has been used for centuries and remains largely intact to this day. In 1997, UNESCO honored Kinderdijk as an exceptional testament to Dutch engineering by recognizing it as a World Heritage Site.

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An Audience With GENOA – What Not to Miss When Visiting the Queen of Liguria

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As the Republic of Venice built its palaces in the lagoon, another maritime power gazed out over the Mediterranean further west: Genoa. Here, nestled between steep hills and the open sea, a city arose that for centuries thrived on trade, ships, and the courage of its merchants.
So let me show you what not to miss on a visit since even today, Genoa feels like a hidden chapter of Italian history—less overrun than Venice, but all the more rugged, authentic, and surprisingly multifaceted.

Old harbor of Genoa.
Genoa is a jumble of all the elements you can see in this busy picture.

However, Genoa is not a place that reveals its charm and beauty right at first glance. But that is precisely its allure. Meander through streets between splendor and patina. Lose all sense of time and space in the maritime whirlwind of a glorious past and an enchanting present.
This is Genoa, the Queen of Liguria.

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

Posted onAuthorRenata51 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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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green61 Comments

Of all Italian cities, Milan probably deems the least what we consider Italian. No jolly groups sipping Aperol Spritz while playing boccia. Instead, executives rush from their stately apartment houses to offices in glittering business centers. Hardly a narrow cobblestone alley. Rather big cars on broad avenues. Money makes the world Milan go round.

Piazza del Duomo - with the iconic cathedral.
Piazza del Duomo – with the iconic cathedral.

And yet, if you visit with an open mind, Milan will by no means disappoint: Get the big picture from the roof of the Duomo, and enjoy contemporary art at various industrial sites that were transformed into humongous art galleries. Window shop at the posh Brera district or the fabulous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Cenacolo, hence, the Last Supper. Oh, talking ’bout food: Finish a long day of sightseeing with a relaxed Milanese Aperitivo in one of the countless bars alongside the Navigli, the city’s old waterways.
Sounds like a plan? Mind you, these are only a few of the best things you should do in Milan on a long weekend!

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ANTIGUA – What Not to Miss on a Grand Tour Around the Island

Posted onAuthorRenata4 Comments

Antigua is one of those Caribbean islands you don’t just visit. You experience its unique blend of relaxed celebration of joy and tropical nature with all your senses.
Surrounded by turquoise waters, its 365 beaches offer a different seaside experience every day of the year. But Antigua is much more than just a beachfront destination. Behind the idyllic sandy shores lies a vibrant culture that instantly feels like home – only under palm trees.
So come along and see for yourself what not to miss on a grand tour around the island.

View of Antigua from Shirley Heights Lookout.
View from legendary Shirley Heights Lookout.
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As Easy As ABC: Island Hopping Between ARUBA, BONAIRE, and CURACAO

Posted onAuthorRenata17 Comments

Turquoise waters and tropical fish, swaying palm trees, and pink flamingos – this is what you would expect on a Caribbean island. But where do the Flemish gable houses come from? And why are locals speaking Dutch on tropical islands just north of Venezuela?
Well, the history and fusion of different cultures are surely one of a kind on the so-called ABC islands. Hence, put on some sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join me in my island hopping between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Couple on a jetty in Kralendijk in Bonaire, illustrating the post on Island Hopping between Aruba Bonaire, and Curacao.
Beauty in alphabetic order.
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CURACAO – Guide to the Caribbean Island That Has It All

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Let me guide you through Curacao, the Caribbean island that simply has it all: Idyllic coves and secluded beaches, a fascinating history, great contemporary art, amazing food, and a capital city that UNESCO put on the list of World Heritage.

Old Dutch houses in Curacao, The Caribbean Island That Has It All
Old Dutch houses and lots and lots of water – those two icons of the beautiful island of Curaçao.

But Curaçao has also some well-hidden gems that I’m introducing in this guide – and I promise that you will love all of them!

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The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

Ma certo, one week is quite tight when it comes to a trip to Sicily, even if you limit your visit to the very best places. The island at the southern tip of mainland Italy has more to offer than you would find in many entire countries! Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These excellent locations are so different that there is something for everyone. Whether it is the ancient archaeological sites in Syracuse, the artistic mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale near Armerina, the baroque center of Noto, or the Aeolian Islands – you will be amazed!

Palermo's Kalsa district
Palermo’s Kalsa district.

But in addition to these fantastic sites, you should, of course, also make time to laze on the beach in Taormina and enjoy a delicious aperitivo in the evening during the sunset. After all, the Dolce Vita is as much a part of Italy as pizza and pasta.
So that you don’t lose track of all these fantastic options, I have put together an itinerary for you with the best places that you should definitely visit in one week in Sicily.
If you have more time, even better – you won’t be bored for a second, believe me!

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