All posts by fastenurseatbelts

What to Pack for a Summer Wedding!

Wedding Outfit, Wedding Trip, Summer Wedding

Even though the wedding of Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz is over, it does not in any way mean that the wedding season is over. People will get married still throughout the whole year no matter what the time is. Regardless, the months from April to October are often the most sought-after, as many like to marry in warmer temperatures.

In my circle of friends, with each passing year, I am attending even more weddings than before. At the age of thirty, one or the other decides to make the covenant for eternity. However, rarely is a bachelorette party or a wedding celebrated in the homeland. Some prefer to celebrate in the south, and others prefer to go to the mountains. Since I have been to many beautiful weddings in the last two years, I have summarized for you what you should not forget to bring with you!

Auch wenn die Hochzeit von Heidi Klum und Tom Kaulitz vorbei ist, heißt es nicht, dass die Wedding Season vorbei ist! Geheiratet wird sowieso übers ganze Jahr! Doch die Monate von April bis Oktober sind oftmals die begehrtesten, da viele gerne bei wärmeren Temperaturen heiraten.

In meinem Freundeskreis werden es auch von Jahr zu Jahr mehr Hochzeiten. Mit Ende dreißig denkt der ein oder andere doch darüber nach den Bund für die Ewigkeit zu schließen. Allerdings wird selten noch ein Junggesellenabschied oder eine Hochzeit in der Heimat gefeiert! Der eine feiert lieber im Süden und den anderen zieht es doch eher in die Berge. Da ich in den letzten zwei Jahren schon wunderschöne Hochzeiten besucht habe, habe ich für euch zusammengefasst, was ihr nicht vergessen solltet!

Wedding Outfit, Wedding Trip, Summer Wedding

The Gift

Let’s start with the first thought that comes after receiving the invitation: The gift! If you want to fly only with hand luggage due to expense issues, then make sure that it should be as small as possible. So, how about money or even a coupon? A great idea is, for example, a flight over the hometown. Two years ago I flew with Wingly over Cologne and my little village.

Fangen wir mit dem ersten Gedanken an, der nach der Einladung kommt: Das Geschenk!

Wenn ihr aus Kostengründen auch nur mit einem Handgepäck fliegen wollt, sollte es möglichst klein sein! Wie wäre es also mit Geld oder aber auch einem Gutschein?! Eine tolle Idee ist zum Beispiel ein Rundflug über die Heimatstadt. Ich bin vor 2 Jahren schon Mal mit Wingly über Köln und mein kleines Dorf geflogen.

The Outfit

Not as hard for a man as it is for a woman! A man is always in good hands with a classic navy suit, but as a woman, you have several options although make sure to get nothing in white! In my opinion, black should not be worn at a wedding. At my last wedding, I opted for a maxi dress, which is very pleasant at higher temperatures. Generally, I prefer a dress at a wedding or a jumpsuit/suit. I hope you can find something suitable from my inspos!

Für den Mann nicht so schwer, wie für die Frau! Der Mann ist immer mit einem klassischen Anzug in Navy gut aufgehoben! Als Frau hat man doch mehrere Möglichkeiten! Nur nichts in weiß! Schwarz sollte man meiner Meinung nach auch nicht auf einer Hochzeit tragen. Auf meiner letzten Hochzeit habe ich mich für ein Maxikleid entschieden, was bei höheren Temperaturen sehr angenehm ist! Generell bevorzuge ich ein Kleid auf einer Hochzeit oder einen Jumpsuit/Anzug. Ich hoffe ihr könnt etwas passendes aus meinen Inspos finden!

Wedding Outfit, Wedding Trip, Summer Wedding

         

The Arrival / Departure Day

Depending on the temperature, I would always recommend a light dress maybe a skirt or a jumpsuit, which you can combine with accessories, so you need a maximum of two pairs of shoes for the whole weekend and can easily travel with hand luggage.

If you do not find an iron in the hotel, I recommend you to buy a steamer. Do test it, but before leaving home and not afterward. My whole outfit got completely wet on the first try.

Je nach Temperatur würde ich euch auch hier immer ein leichtes Kleid, einen Rock oder einen Jumpsuit empfehlen, den man mit Accessoires kombinieren kann, damit ihr maximal 2 Paar Schuhe fürs ganze Wochenende braucht und mit einem Handgepäck reisen könnt!

Solltet ihr im Hotel kein Bügeleisen vorfinden, empfehle ich euch einen Steamer zu kaufen. Testet ihn aber bitte vorher Zuhause. Mein ganzes Outfit war beim ersten Versuch komplett nass.

Wedding Outfit, Wedding Trip, Summer Wedding

Still looking for the perfect wedding location? Have a look at my articles about Lago Maggiore and Bordeaux.

Wenn ihr noch nach der passenden Hochzeitslocation sucht, schaut euch meinen Aufenthalt in Bordeaux oder am Lago Maggiore an.

Have you Visited Mallorca’s Most Beautiful Place?

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

In the mountains of Mallorca, you will find the most beautiful city on the island. When you visit it, you will quickly realize that Sóller is not only, in my opinion, the most bizarre town on the island but also the most alluring one. Due to the many small streets here you can feel slightly overwhelmed by the crowds of tourists, especially during the main time. But visiting these following areas will make sure that you are surrounded by serenity and calm.

In den Bergen von Mallorca findet ihr die schönste Stadt auf der ganzen Insel. Bei einem Besuch werdet ihr ganz schnell feststellen, dass Sóller nicht nur in meinen Augen die makelloseste Stadt auf der Insel ist. Auf Grund der vielen kleinen Gassen ist hier nur wenig von dem starken Tourismus während der Hauptzeit zu spüren! Besonders nicht, wenn ihr folgende Gegenden besucht!

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Where to stay

If you want to escape the onrush of holiday tourists or generally do not like to sleep in enormous castle beds, the Finca Ca’n Quatre is just the place for you. The Finca is located, in the valley of Sóller and it offers you the absolute relaxation with family along with the idyllic atmosphere.

After only a 30-minute drive from the airport, we reached the Finca on the north coast. Alone the entrance to the Finca we felt like we were going to the home of a local. First, of course, I noticed the countless lemon trees that took my breath away.

Once you step through the threshold, you have arrived in the oasis. Llum, the owner and all the staff welcomed us very friendly and led us into the breathtaking garden. There is no need to worry about getting a seat by the pool there is always a place in the garden or the lounge corner.

Even the rooms invite you to relax with their comfortable and cozy ambience. We even had a roof terrace in our suite and could enjoy the incredible view of the mountains.

I would recommend you to have breakfast and dinner in the country hotel, as it is always very fresh and you often find overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, so it is better to avoid them and stick to country hotel. Although Sóller is rarely crowded, it is a popular day flight destination, especially for hikers.

Hiking tours and other activities can also be booked directly at the hotel.

Wenn ihr dem Ferientourismus entkommen möchtet oder generell nicht gerne in riesen Bettenburgen schlaft, ist die Finca Ca´n Quatre genau die richtige Unterkunft für euch! Die im Tal von Sóller liegende Finca bietet euch mit ihrer familiären und idyllischen Atmosphäre absolute Erholung!

Nach einer ca. 30-minütigen Autofahrt vom Flughafen aus, haben wir auch schon die Finca an der Nordküste erreicht. Schon allein die Einfahrt zur Finca hat sich angefühlt, als ob wir zu einem Einheimischen nach Hause fahren! Als erstes sind mir natürlich die unzähligen Zitronenbäume aufgefallen!

Sobald man durch die Türschwelle tritt, ist man in der Oase angekommen. Llum, die Besitzerin und das gesamte Personal haben uns direkt sehr freundlich empfangen und in den atemberaubenden Garten geführt! Hier braucht sich auch keiner Sorge, um einen Platz am Pool zu machen! Es findet sich immer ein Platz im Garten oder in der Lounge Ecke!

Auch die Zimmer laden mit ihrem komfortablen und gemütlichen Ambiente zur Erholung ein! Wir hatten sogar an unserer Suite eine Dachterrasse und konnten den wundervollen Blick aufs Gebirge genießen!

Ich würde euch empfehlen im Landhotel zu frühstücken und zu Abend zu essen, da es immer sehr frisch zubereitet wird und ihr in der Gegend oft eher überteuerte Touristenrestaurants findet. Auch wenn Sóller selten überfüllt ist, ist es ein beliebtes Tagesausflugsziel oder aber auch für Wanderer.

Wandertouren und weiter Unternehmungen können auch direkt im Hotel gebucht werden.

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

What to do

Regardless of the tours offered, you can, of course, explore the area on your own.

Port de Sóller is just a few minutes’ drive away. The city center is about 10 minutes away, and there is also a bus that takes you to the port. I would recommend you to catch the historical train at least once. It drives not only through Sóller and the port, but even takes you to the Palma. The scenic backdrop on the approximately one-hour drive will blow your mind.

Many of the restaurants in the port of Sóller like to charge high prices despite their low quality. So be careful with your restaurant selection. In the Café Cappuccino, however, you get a very delicious sparkling wine and coffee with a view of the harbor.

You should also take a look at the harbor and the harbor entrance from above. The Sa Barca Restaurant overlooks the harbor and the sea.

Also, in the center of Sóller, you will find numerous shops and cafes to stay. However, I would rather explore the narrow streets, as they are really an experience of a lifetime.

From here you should definitely take the 45-minute walk to Fornalutx. Upon your arrival in the center of Fornalutx, the little hike will be rewarded by nature’s beauty. It is one of the most beautiful villages I have even seen in Mallorca.

Unabhängig von den angebotenen Touren, könnt ihr die Umgebung natürlich auch auf eigene Faust erkunden!

Port de Sóller ist nur wenige Fahrminuten entfernt. Die Innenstadt ist ca. 10 Minuten entfernt und dort fährt auch ein Bus zum Hafen. Ich würde euch empfehlen mindestens einmal mit der historischen Bahn zu fahren! Diese fährt nicht nur durch Sóller und den Hafen, sondern sogar bis nach Palma. Die landschaftliche Kulisse auf der ca. knapp einstündigen Fahrt soll atemberaubend sein!

Viele der Restaurants im Hafen von Sóller berechnen gerne hochwertige Preise für geringe Qualität! Seid also vorsichtig mit eurer Restaurantauswahl! Im Café Cappuccino bekommt ihr allerdings einen unheimlich leckeren Sekt und Kaffee mit einem Blick auf den Hafen.

Ihr solltet euch den Hafen und die Hafeneinfahrt auf jeden Fall auch einmal von oben anschauen! Das Restaurant Sa Barca Restaurant bietet eine Aussicht über den Hafen und das Meer an.

Auch im Zentrum von Sóller findet ihr zahlreiche Shops und Cafés zum verweilen. Jedoch würde ich eher die engen Gassen erkunden, da sie wirklich ein Erlebnis sind!

on hier aus solltet ihr auf jeden Fall den 45-minütigen Spaziergang nach Fornalutx in Kauf nehmen! Bei eurer Ankunft im Zentrum von Fornalutx wird die kleine Wanderung schon belohnt! Es ist eines der schönsten Dörfer, die ich auf Mallorca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

How to get to Sóller

Now you are sure to ask yourself how are you going to get to Sóller, right? 🙂 The easiest way is, of course, to fly from your location to Palma! 😉 I almost always fly with Ryanair to Mallorca, because I often get a return flight from Cologne for about 39 €.

Of course, you have to be a bit flexible with the arrival and departure dates.

Our rental car for the two days only cost us an unbeatable 8 €! No, that’s not a joke. If I want to afford a higher quality hotel, I just have to save on the other things. But, of course, not on the little detour in Palma’s beautiful city center. The city center is almost always on the way to your destination and is only 10 minutes from the airport.

Also, in our new small car, all purchases with luggage fit perfectly without any trouble. But you should always park in the parking garage or a private parking lot so that nothing happens to your rental car. I booked through the car rental comparison of Check24 (which has no ads) and on the site I deposited about 900 € as a deposit, as I had insurance at Check24. This was included in the 8 €. The provider, Aurum Cars, refunded the deposit within 24 hours after the expiry of the accident-free rental period. The service was great.

Jetzt fragt ihr euch mit Sicherheit, wie ihr nach Sóller kommt! 🙂 Die einfachste Möglichkeit ist natürlich von eurem Standort nach Palma zu fliegen! 😉 Ich fliege fast immer mit Ryanair nach Mallorca, da ich oft schon einen Hin- und Rückflug von Köln aus für ca. 39€ bekomme.

Ihr müsst natürlich ein bisschen flexible mit dem An- und Abreisedaten sein.

Unser Mietwagen für die zwei Tage hat nur unschlagbare 8€ gekostet! Nein, das ist kein Scherz! Wenn ich mir ein hochwertigeres Hotel leisten möchte, muss ich halt an anderen Dingen sparen. Aber natürlich nicht an dem kleinen Abstecher in Palmas wunderschönen Innenstadt! Die Innenstadt liegt fast immer auf dem Weg zu eurem Ziel und ist nur 10 Minuten vom Flughafen entfernt.

Auch in unseren neuen Kleinwagen haben alle Einkäufe mit Gepäck gepasst! Parken solltet ihr aber immer im Parkhaus oder auf einem privaten Parkplatz, damit eurem Mietwagen nichts passiert! Gebucht habe ich über den Mietwagenvergleich von Check24 (keine Werbung) und vor Ort habe ich ca. 900€ als Kaution hinterlegt, da ich eine Versicherung bei Check24€ abgeschlossen hatte. Diese war in den 8€ mit enthalten. Der Anbieter, Aurum Cars, hat mir die Kaution innerhalb von 24 Stunden nach Ablauf der unfallfreien Mietzeit erstattet. Auch der Service war super!

Spain, Mallorca, Soller, Guide, Finca

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions!

Locations

 

13 Instagrammable Places in New York City

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho

Anyone who has been to New York knows that the city stands unparalleled in its magnificence. It was my fifth visit this time in New York, and as soon as I had left the airport for the city, I right away felt the NYC vibes. You know what I mean, right? A Starbucks’ mug in hand, gym clothes draped on and you almost feel like a local. 😉

There is hardly a corner that will not surprise you there, and you should definitely stick with his smartphone or his camera for Instagram or even private purposes.

For you I have summarized the best spots, which are as follows:

Parks

Although New York gives the impression that the city only consists of skyscrapers, you will often find a quiet park that invites you to linger.

Central Park

Central Park is probably the most famous and largest park in the center of Manhattan. Here you’ll find countless opportunities for a great picture. I am always happy to see the squirrels and treat myself to a giant pretzel at the entrance to the park. My pictures were taken right at the entrance to Central Park near the Apple Store.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is located directly between 5th and 6th Avenue. It first caught my eye this time around as it was so close to our hotel, Hyatt Times Square New York. The bustle on the most famous avenue can surely cause you to move around a bit haphazardly. Many come here for a picnic or just to enjoy the tranquility. You cannot miss seeing this place in my picture.

High Lane Park

High Lane Park is just 2.33km long and was known as Güterzuggasse. The High Line always leads me to one of my favorite places in New York, the Chelsea Market. Just before the Chelsea Market, my picture was taken on the High Line. But you can always find interesting city spots if you get a view of the long streets.

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho,High Line

Bars

There are probably thousands you can find here. I’m a huge fan of bars with a gigantic view and guess what? I also found these for you.

Bar SixtyFive

A must visit if you are in New York is Bar SixtyFive. Once you know you’re flying to New York, do not forget to reserve a seat there in advance. It is almost always fully booked. No wonder, as it is just one floor below Rockefeller Center observation deck. Instead of paying admission, treat yourself to a delicious wine or cocktail and are, for sure, to get amazed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By0nIOvIodp/

Bar 54

I visited Bar54 for the first time since it was our hotel bar from Hyatt Times Square New York. It was never crowded, and the view was simply unique. Located in Times Square, you can enjoy the view of the Empire State Building on the lounge furniture with a cocktail in your hand. Through the glass wall, you also have a good view of what is happening right below you. South, of course, you can also see the One World Trade Center and even gaze towards New Jersey.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByuD8UuIGN3/

Restaurants / Cafés:

Again, there are countless options here too, but these three have been very well-suited for my Instagram feed 😉

Eataly NYC Flatiron

If you love pink, Aperol, flowers and Italian food, you should not miss the Eataly at the Flatiron. Nobody had their cell phones in pockets, and so I did not feel ashamed doing my favorite pastime (taking pictures, of course), because everything is photographed here and that too with delicious drinks and Italian delicacies.

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Happy Sunday everyone ☀️ Anzeige

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The Usual

The Usual has recently started offering only breakfast in Soho and is therefore still an unknown spot. While you get your breakfast, you sit in the middle of the painted streets of Soho and experience the New York feeling of being alive. (The Usual does not have a cappuccino or latte macchiato!)

Pietro Nolita

Everything is pink here! Really everything, inside or outside.

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho, Pietrop Nolita

Streets:

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village, the neighborhood in the west of Manhattan would surely be my home if I were to pick someplace in New York. It reminds me of a village rather than the city with the skyscrapers. Every corner between the brownstones is worth a photo.

DUMBO

Dumbo the Brooklyn neighborhood not only offers a great view of Manhattan but also invites you to take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

New York, Chelsea, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, City Guide

SOHO

The Soho district has for me the best shopping streets and cafes in a small space. By the way, almost every street offers a street-style picture. A little insider tip for a quick snack is the beautiful supermarket “Dean & DeLuca.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLju7EIed5/

Flatiron

Flatiron, also known as one of New York’s landmarks, definitely should belong in your feed. I recommend you go in the morning as it is still very empty in the corner. Directly in front of the Flatiron Building, you will also find the famous and photogenic Madison Square Park. We sat secretly in the park in the dog section and played with the dogs because we have missed ours so much. That’s how we quickly got to know the locals!

Hotel

Hyatt Centric Times Square

Even our Hyatt Centric Times Square hotel, which, as the name implies, is right on Times Square, has countless nooks and crannies. Already the Times Square is worth a thousand pictures. Since we lived right in Times Square, we were already out around 7 o‘ clock and took great pictures where nothing was going on. Even at night, it is very empty. You could even go out in your pyjamas quickly for a look at the most famous intersection.

Generally, you can visit all the sights from here on foot. We were in Soho within 40 minutes, passing the Flatiron, Washington Square Park and many other attractions. 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center and Central Park are all within walking distance.

The Hyatt is not only great because of its location, but also for its view from the rooms. One morning I got up especially at 4 am, 5 am and then 6 pm to watch the wonderful sunrise. Even out of the shower, you can see everything through the window. In the evening, I recommend you to make a detour to the hotel bar 54. Again, nothing is missing. We had breakfast at Starbucks right across the street, and our last night we could not have ended better than in the hotel restaurant.

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho

New York City, New York, Manhattan, Soho

If you also know great photo locations in New York, let me know in the comments for my next visit 🙂

Google Maps Locations

Discovering Manchester

Manchester, Discover Manchester,

A lot of international tourists visiting England devote the bulk of the trip to London, and understandably so. There’s a lot to see and do in the city, and really it’s one of the most famous capitals in the entire world. One could move to London for a year (never mind the quick vacation) and still not run out of things to experience. Even with all of this said though, it’s always a shame to only see one of a given country’s major cities, and England has plenty to offer beyond its capital.

Aside from the capital, Manchester is one of the most interesting places to plan to spend some of your time. With some of the following suggestions, I hope to convey why I think so.

An Unrivaled Music Scene

There are actually several cities around the UK known for music. London, of course, gets mention simply because of its size and the fact that a lot of big shows pass through. Liverpool is also part of the conversation, largely thanks to its being the birthplace of The Beatles. If you’re one to enjoy intimate, historic concert venues and interesting local acts though, Manchester is the city for you.

The city’s live music venues actually showcase a lot of variety, from a converted chapel with stained glass windows where rocks and alt-rock bands play (Albert Hall), to a food-and-drink jazz club (Matt and Phred’s), to spots for bigger rock shows (The Ritz) or orchestral performances (The Bridgewater Hall). There’s a little bit of everything, and not a bit of it looks or feels artificial. Plus, if you explore a little bit, you’ll probably discover a new act or artist you love along the way.

Libraries To Get Lost In 

That’s right – libraries! They might not be the typical inclusions on travel lists, save for a few particularly grand or historic examples around the world, but Manchester happens to be home to a few incredible ones that are actually worth seeing. Whether you simply stop by as you try to get a broader feel for the city, or you’re looking for a quiet place to hang out, perhaps get a few hours of work done, or whatever else, it’s a good idea to make an excuse to see these places. John Rylands Library is the biggest and grandest of the bunch, dating back to the 19th century and displaying imposing neo-Gothic architecture. But Chetham’s Library may be even more interesting, given that it’s nearly 400 years old!

England’s Most Passionate Football City 

It’s also a must to experience the football culture of Manchester, given that it’s probably the best of the bunch in a country full of cities that love their sports. Manchester happens to be home to two of the best clubs in all of Europe – Manchester United and Manchester City – and naturally that makes for tons of local entertainment. Any match at United’s Old Trafford grounds or City’s Etihad Stadium is a treat, and when the two square off against each other in matches dubbed “Manchester Derbies,” it’s as if the world stops for a day.

Tickets can be difficult to come by, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the local football scene if you can’t actually attend. For matches, you can hunker down in a pub among locals, and partake in the tradition, so to speak, of betting on outcomes. A host of local betting sites makes it easy even for those not accustomed to this tradition to log online and place a casual wager (often for as little as £5) and – with something on the line – get as into the match as the local diehards. Meanwhile, if it’s the clubs themselves rather than the competition that intrigues you, you can often book a stadium tour on an off day.

Manchester, Discover Manchester,

The Salford Quays 

Salford Quays is about as distinctive an area within a city as you’ll find in the UK, London included. Once primarily a sprawling dockyard, it’s now a sort of reclaimed and regenerated indoor-outdoor neighborhood – home to businesses, restaurants, residences, shops, and even the occasional water-bound sports competition. It’s essentially a place to hang out, but between shopping, drinking, dining, touring museums and enjoying sports and performances, it provides as much to do as some entire towns. You’d be remiss not to spend some time here when visiting Manchester.

More Than Just Coffee Houses

Every city has coffee houses. But then, there are coffee houses and there are coffee houses, so to speak; there are generic places to grab a cup in a hurry, and then there are local establishments full of character that make for legitimate attractions around town. Not every city has places like the latter, but Manchester certainly does, more so than any other big city around the UK.

Manchester, Discover Manchester,

Pot Kettle Black is perhaps the leading choice among tourists, and it’s a place that exemplifies what I mean. The owners of the shop have added Friday evening acoustic sessions and a book club (as we’ll as rooftop fitness activities) to their offerings. The shop itself is a converted kitchen with glass wall within a larger communal shopping area. The menu has a great reputation, and despite Pot Kettle Black’s strong reputation you won’t feel crowded sitting and hopping on their free WiFi to hang out for a bit. It’s still just one of several examples, but it gives you some idea of the city’s coffee shops.

These suggestions should get you started on a wonderful tour of Manchester. It’s a city well worth your time, and a place you might just find yourself wanting to go back to.

Manchester, Discover Manchester,

 

Manchester, Discover Manchester,

 

Manchester, Discover Manchester,

 

RIGA CITY GUIDE: WHERE TO EAT, DRINK SHOP AND STAY

Riga City Guide, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Are you craving to experience something much different than those typical travel destinations in Europe like Paris or London? Then I recommend you to visit the Baltic cities, which I assure are not one of those that are overflowing with people. Just recently, I was in the diverse capital of Latvia and enjoyed my time endlessly in that beautiful and serene city.

Travel & Accommodation in Riga

Not only is Riga a goldmine for travel enthusiasts but a good flight booking became a cherry on top for me. Ryanair and airBaltic can fly you from almost all German airports to the Capital of Culture. We flew from Dusseldorf with airBaltic to Riga and, fortunately, I got an upgrade to the business class. After the delicious meals and many drinks, I did not want to leave the plane.

Riga City Guide, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

From the airport, we took an UBER to the hotel. It usually costs around 13 € -15 € for a 15-20 minute drive; the bus can take around 30 minutes.

In Riga, live the luxurious life of your dreams and don’t worry at all about your wallet. We chose the Radisson Blu Latvija for our stay because it was very close to the Old Town and you do not need a car for a short trip. Radisson Blu is, of course, the perfect choice if you are looking for a gorgeous view over the whole city once on their upper floor.

What to do?

  • Begin your city trip with a delicious coffee in the park around the “Basteiberg.” This park is just one of the countless beautiful parks in Riga. It is worthwhile to stay a little longer and to enjoy nature and the environment.
  • Not far from here is, of course, the well-known – Old Town. The beauty of it is that you can hardly ever feel lost once you are in it. Just take some side road and immerse yourself in the small streets with the historic houses. The lanes also by chance took us to the well-known blue house, also known as restaurant “1221”. It is not only picture perfect but also wonderful for a wine on the roof terrace. This spot is known by only a few. The wine tastes heavenly.Riga City Guide, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
  • The central market is always recommended by many so, naturally, we did go there. I also got a classic pastry for myself. However, in my opinion, it is not a “must see.”
  • If you want to see Riga from above, you should drive to St. Peter’s Church for just 9 €. You can see the city from a 360-degree angle, and the best part is that it is not crowded at all. For motivation, I previously treated myself to the Bremen Town Musicians and Aperol 🙂 Riga City Guide, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
  • Another reason why Riga is breathtaking is that, in the evening light, the houses of the Blackheads on the Town Hall Square look even more beautiful and are definitely must see.
  • Stroll along Albert Street. Here you will find architectural masterpieces.Riga City Guide, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
  • The Birth Cathedral, with its golden roof, is worth a look and not far from the city center.

Restaurant Recommendations

The selection of exquisite restaurants is gigantic in Riga. I particularly liked that you can eat very stylish and inexpensive meals here, and they are all so modern and unusual.

On our first evening, we ended up in the St. Peter’s restaurant, which impressed me, on the spot, with its open kitchen, right as we entered. I still dream of the chocolate caramel dessert that I ate there.

Traditional and exclusive cuisine is served in the restaurant “Entresol.” The design of the dishes amazed me, almost immediately, and also the taste blew me away. Not only is the food impressive here, but also the great service. You feel right at home and welcome.

Riga City Guide, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Bonus Tip

Fly to Riga during the restaurant week. All restaurants offer a “get to know” menu between 15 € and 20 €. It is well worth it & so much fun! The dates can be found on the website of the city of Riga.

Let me know if you liked my tips and when are you planning to come to Riga!

Things to do in Vilnius

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

Riga itinerary : Best things to do in Riga

·      Tour around Old Town

·      Explore the churches

·      See Vilnius from above

·      Make a wish

·      Eat until you explode

·      Visit the local markets

·      Feel like a princess

·      Live in the heart of Vilnius

It’s time that you experience something absolutely new and fresh and finally, travel to Vilnius! I bet over half of my readers have not been to Riga, Tallinn or Vilnius. The Baltic States are hands down the trendiest cities. All three of them are characterized by alluring churches, beautiful streets and hip restaurants. Riga is so compact that you can easily explore it within 48 hours. Here are my picks for two great days in Vilnius:

  • Tour around Old Town

If you want to explore the Old Town, you should start at the city hall. From here you can consider whether you want to turn left or right in the side lanes.

Everywhere you will find quaint and modern cafes, restaurants and cool shops. You will not get lost here and so, just let your gut feeling guide you.

  • Explore the churches

You cannot miss the countless churches in the Old Town. Just a minute away from the Town Hall Square you will find the sweet pastel-colored St. Casimir’s Church. The imposing gothic church of St. Anne is close to the city forest. But these are only 2 of 28 churches in the Old Town.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • See Vilnius from Above

As far as I am concerned I find watching things from above quite charming and beautiful. In Vilnius, I was a little disappointed though as we had laboriously climbed up the bell tower of the Cathedral of Vilnius just to discover that the windows were covered with nets.

Nevertheless, the view is still gorgeous, but it is difficult to get a nice picture of it without having the net in between. Instead, I would rather visit Gediminas Castle and enjoy the free view. The climb takes about 10 minutes. Currently, however, there are construction sites on the platform so, you cannot view every corner of the city from the best angle.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Make a Wish

Within walking distance of Gediminas Castle is the Stanislaus Cathedral and the cobblestone “Stebuklas”. Stebuklas stands for a miracle. If you want a miracle to happen, you need to stand on the stone, make a wish, and turn 360 degrees. This wish will come true! Directly from here, you will reach the shopping street “Gedimino Street”.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Eat Until you Explode

Between a large number of modern and stylish restaurants, it became quite a challenge for us to choose a restaurant for our first night in Lithuania. After we decided where to go, we made our first food stop at the restaurant, Ertlio Namas.

The concept of the restaurant is to cook traditional Lithuanian dishes in a contemporary way and to present them with a little history lesson. We had the 6-course menu and absolutely loved it especially with the accompanying wine. It was a dream! The inconspicuous townhouse in the Old Town is very cozy inside and invites you to a relaxed evening.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Visit the Local Markets

Make sure that you visit these local markets to have a complete and fulfilling experience in Vilnius:

Hales Turgus

The market “Hales Turgus” offers a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and other foods at reasonable prices. There are also many restaurants serving fresh food.

Downtown Food Hall & Cinema Deli

A modern alternative is the market “Downtown Food Hall & Cinema Deli”. The trendy        market offers all sorts of kitchens with a central bar under one roof.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Feel like a princess

A true dream for women is the Love Story Café in the Old Town. The pink decor and refreshing drinks invite you for a wonderful brunch or afternoon. At the same time, jewelery is being made in the café so, you cannot only have breakfast, try the delicious cakes and chat here but also go for shopping.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Live in the heart of Vilnius

In Vilnius I had the opportunity to test two different Radisson Blu hotels and these are my experiences in both of them:

Radisson Blu Astorja

The 5-star hotel is located in the middle of the wonderful Old Town. From here you can reach every tourist attraction on foot. There are many great restaurants, bars and shops in the immediate vicinity.

I particularly liked that breakfast buffet and the breakfast area with a direct view of the pastel-colored St. Casimir church. In the morning, in the French restaurant “Astorija Brasserie” you not only enjoy the delicious breakfast but also a wonderful lunch and dinner during the day.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva

Approximately a 10-minute walk from the shopping street in Vilnius is the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva. The modern hotel allows a great view of the whole city. You can either enjoy this view privately in the room or in the Skybar on the top floor.

Being directly above the river, it invites its guests for an energizing and refreshing jogging session. Right next to the hotel is a Vapiano and a shopping center.

Both hotels have spacious and clean rooms that invite only to a city trip to Vilnius.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

GER

Macht doch mal etwas Neues und reist nach Vilnius! Ich wette das über die Hälfte meiner Leser noch nicht in Riga, Tallinn oder Vilnius war! Dabei sind die baltischen Staaten die absoluten Trendstädte! Alle 3 Städte sind geprägt von wundervollen Kirchen, prachtvollen Gassen und hippen Restaurants. Riga ist so kompakt, dass ihr es kinderleicht innerhalb von 48 Stunden erkunden könnt. Hier ist meine Auswahl für zwei großartige Tage in Vilnius!

  • Tour around Old Town

Wenn ihr die Altstadt erkunden wollt, solltet ihr am Rathaus loslegen. Von hier aus könnt ihr euch überlegen, ob ihr links oder recht in die Seitengassen abbiegen möchtet. Überall findet ihr urige sowie moderne Cafés, Restaurants und coole Shops. Ihr könnt euch auf keinen Fall verlaufen und solltet euch einfach von eurem Bauchgefühl führen lassen!

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Explore the churches

Die unzähligen Kirchen in der Altstadt könnt ihr gar nicht verpassen. Nur eine Minute entfernt von dem Rathausplatz findet ihr die süße pastellfarbene St. Kasimir-Kirche. Die imposante, gotische Kirche St. Anne ist in der Nähe vom Stadtwald nicht zu übersehen!  Dies sind aber auch nur 2 von 28 Kirchen in der Altstadt.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • See Vilnius from above

Fast jeden Ort schaue ich mir am liebsten von oben an! In Vilnius war ich etwas enttäuscht, als wir mühevoll den Glockenturm der Kathedrale von Vilnius hochgeklettert sind und festgestellt haben, dass die Fenster mit Netzen bespannt sind. Trotzdem ist der Blick nicht schlicht! Allerdings ist es schwierig ein schönes Bild ohne Netz zu bekommen.

Da würde ich eher Gediminas Castle besuchen und den kostenlosen Blick genießen! Der Aufstieg dauert ungefähr 10 Minuten. Momentan sind jedoch Baustellen auf der Plattform, dass man nicht jeden Winkel der Stadt aus der besten Perspektive sichten kann.

  • Make a wish

Nur wenige Gehminuten von Gediminas Castle befindet sich die Kathedrale Stanislaus und der Pflasterstein „Stebuklas“. Stebuklas heißt das Wunder. Wenn ihr wollt, dass ein Wunder geschieht, müsst ihr euch auf den Stein stellen, etwas wünschen und euch um 360 Grad drehen. Dieser Wunsch geht in Erfüllung!

Direkt von hier gelangt ihr zur Einkaufsstraße „Gedimino Street“.

  • Eat until you explode

Bei der Anzahl von modernen und stylishen Restaurants fiel es uns gar nicht so einfach eine Auswahl für unseren ersten Abend in Litauen zu finden. Es hat uns dann in das Restaurant, Ertlio Namas, verschlagen. Das Konzept des Restaurants ist es traditionelle litauische Gerichte zeitgemäß zu kochen und mit Erklärung zur Geschichte zu präsentieren. Wir hatten das 6 Gänge Menü und waren begeistert! Vor allem von der Weinbegleitung! Ein Traum! Das unscheinbare Stadthaus in der Altstadt ist von innen sehr gemütlich eingerichtet und lädt zu einem entspannten Abend ein!

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Visit the local markets

Hales Turgus

Der Markt „Hales Turgus“ bietet eine große Auswahl an Obst, Gemüse, Fleisch, Fisch und anderen Lebensmitteln zu günstigen Preisen. Es gibt auch viele Restaurants, die frische Gerichte servieren!

Downtown Food Hall & Kino Deli

Eine moderne Alternative ist der Markt „Downtown Food Hall & Kino Deli“. Der trendige Markt bietet alle möglichen Küchen mit einer zentralen Bar unter einem Dach an!

  • Feel like a princess

Ein wahrer Traum für Frauen ist das Love Story Café in der Altstadt! Die rosafarbene Einrichtung und die individuellen Drinks laden zu einem wundervollen Brunch oder Nachmittag ein! In dem Café wird zeitgleich auch noch Schmuck hergestellt! Ihr könnt also nicht nur frühstücken, die leckeren Torten probieren und quatschen, sondern auch shoppen!

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

  • Live in the heart of Vilnius

In Vilnius hatte ich die Gelegenheit zwei unterschiedliche Radisson Blu Hotels zu testen.

Radisson Blu Astorja

Das 5 Sterne Hotel liegt inmitten der wundervollen Altstadt! Von hier aus könnt ihr jede Sehenswürdigkeit zu Fuß erreichen. Zahlreiche tolle Restaurants, Bars und Geschäfte liegen in der direkten Nachbarschaft. Besonders gefallen hat mir, dass Frühstücksbuffet und der Frühstücksbereich mit direktem Blick auf die pastellfarbene St. Kasimir-Kirche. In dem französischen Restaurant „Astorija Brasserie“  genießt ihr morgens nicht nur das leckere Frühstück, sondern tagsüber auch ein wunderbares Mittags- und Abendessen.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania

Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva

Ca. 10 Gehminuten von der Einkaufsstraße in Vilnius befindet sich das 4 Sterne Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva. Das modern gestaltete Hotel ermöglicht einen tollen Blick über die ganze Stadt. Man kann diesen Blick entweder privat im Zimmer genießen oder in der Skybar im obersten Stockwerk. Die direkte Lage am Fluss lädt zu einer Joggingrunde ein! Direkt neben dem Hotel befindet sich ein Vapiano und ein Shoppingcenter.

Beide Hotels verfügen über geräumige und saubere Zimmer, die nur zu einem Städtetrip nach Vilnius einladen.

Vilnius, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Lithuania