Tag: Weekend Getaway

Übernachten wie Bill Clinton oder Ana Johnson im Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg

November 11, 2019

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa on the Petersberg has been known for years as the former guest house of the Federal Government. In the middle of the Siebengebirge, not only celebrities like Bill Clinton or Nelson Mandela were once guests here, but recently the successful blogger Ana Johnson too! Last weekend we were able to get an impression of the exclusive hotel on the Petersberg, which only recently reopened after two years of renovation.

The Hotel

Before I tell you about the 103 stylishly furnished rooms and the 9 spacious suites, I don’t want to miss out on depicting the idyllic scenery on our approach to the Petersberg. Already from here you have an enormous view of nature and the Rhine Valley.

Once you arrive at the top, you can feel the peculiarity of the hotel at first hand. You don’t just drive along the entrance to an exclusive five-star hotel, but a castle-like building that receives you accordingly.

Under a bright blue sky, we could check-in directly in our Rheinblick Suite. By the way, here, the name stands for its true meaning. For me, the view was particularly so special, because I could also see my home from up there.

In our spacious room, we missed out on nothing. Also, our French Bulldog, Chuck, enjoyed the spacious area very much.

Pure relaxation is offered by the very comfortable box springboard and the pillow menu. But if you need even more relaxation, you can visit the modern spa area. My absolute favourite was the fitness room with the latest Technogym equipment.

All sports fans can, of course, relax directly in the sauna, the indoor pool, or simply in the relaxation room with a view of the Rhine.

Restaurant

Absolute relaxation, can, of course, never be complete without a special kitchen. Already in the morning, you get everything your heart desires with a great view on the Rhine. In summer, you can sit on a beautiful outdoor terrace and savour the fresh delicacies.

At least once you should try the kitchen of the star chef Anthony Sarpong. We were not only impressed by the unique and remarkably delicious dishes, but also by the local wine accompaniment. If you like, you can even visit the winegrowers at the nearby winery the next day, and take back a souvenir with you.

The extremely attractive cuisine is also offered at festivities in the hotel, especially in summer, the hotel hosts a large number of weddings in the beautiful banqueting halls. Here, every bride gets 100%, a fairytale wedding!

Location

Only recently, the Lonely Planet ranked the city of Bonn 5^th, among the best travel cities in the year 2020. So, if you are planning a city trip to Bonn, you can enjoy the proximity to the centre of Bonn and nature in the Hotel Steigenberger on the Petersberg.

However, it is not a must to leave the Petersberg on a short weekend trip. The Petersberg offers a variety of hiking trails right in front of the door! But if you still want to explore the Siebengebirge, I’d recommend to drive to the parking lot of the Drachenfels and hike from there to the Drachenburg.

On the 30-minute way to the top, you will pass some rustic restaurants, the castle Drachenburg and some donkeys, which make the ascent easier for some.

From Cologne Bonn Airport, it takes only 25 – 35 minutes (depending on the traffic situation) to get to the hotel.

Conclusion

Do you want to visit this fabulous hotel?

Then have a look at our website. Even if you don’t live far from the Steigenberger Hotel Petersberg like me, it’s still worth escaping everyday life and just relaxing. It was certainly not my last time at the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg!

Andermatt – A hidden gem in Switzerland

August 12, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Nature and outdoor lovers in Andermatt are like a match made in heaven! I would even call Andermatt in Switzerland an insider tip because it is only a 90-minute drive from Zurich and yet you experience pure nature. Although I was on-site during the summer holidays, I could relax incredibly and was able to roam the small towns without much hustle and bustle. If you are planning a short trip or a longer active holiday in Switzerland, you should not underestimate the beauty of Andermatt.

How to get to Andermatt?

From Zurich Airport you have several options to come to Andermatt. You can either take the train and enjoy just under 3 hours driving through the mountains or rent a rental car and reach Andermatt within 1 ½ hour.

We drove from the airport by train to Andermatt. The train journey is incredibly fast. However, you have to change the train about 3-4 times. When you do arrive in Andermatt, you do not really need a car. You can reach everything on the spot by a train or bike. Inside, everything is within easy walking distance.

What to do?

Andermatt offers so many activities that you will not get bored. We borrowed e-mountain bikes, for a day, from the Mammoth Store directly across from our Radisson Blu hotel.

Within less than 2 hours, we drove past the famous Teufelsbrücke to the Göscheneralpsee, a beautiful reservoir that is not so popular, even on Instagram. We also had to drive about 5 minutes of the whole ride the main road. Other than that, you can enjoy the full ride to the fullest at every beautiful place and make pit stops anywhere you want. Take a look at the small lake beyond the campsite. The campsite is about 4km before the Göscheneralpsee. The family-run restaurant right on the Göscheneralpsee is also worth a visit. After a successful trip, we had an Aperol. The return to Andermatt took only 50 minutes.

But you do not have to drive that far to reach about 1800m altitude. The mountain railway in Andermatt drives you directly up to Gütsch and can you get a fantastic view of the Taldörfer and the Alps. At the top, there are numerous hiking routes. We decided to go down the mountain because we really wanted to pet the cows. On our way back to the valley, we made a little stop for a memorable picnic, which we were able to take from the hotel.

Where to stay?

Most of you have probably heard of the Chedi Hotel in Andermatt. But it is not the only place to be in Andermatt. Our hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Andermatt, was opened at the end of 2018 and is the perfect base for a relaxing or active holiday in the mountains. Here you are ideally kept whether you are enterprising and at the same time would like to use the great fitness and wellness facilities. My personal highlight was the view from the swimming pool and the gym. Also, the fitness equipment is the most modern and latest the market has to offer. The sports offer definitely motivated me to go to the gym every day.

Honestly, that was badly needed because I could not stop myself from eating voraciously at breakfast. Mainly only fresh and local products were offered, which of course I had to try at all costs! On the second day, I restrained myself a bit and prepared a fresh omelette and waffle.

Absolutely impressive is that no palm oil is used in the whole breakfast buffet.

In the evening, in the restaurant, we “Spun” a combination of Italian and Swiss food. There is something for everyone on the map. The spaghetti with truffles or, of course, the main “Surf and Turf” tasted excellent!

In an emergency, the very friendly waiters were always there to give us a tip. I like to pass on an insider tip! Normally I would not have ordered the dessert “Anderwald” before the nut nougat cuts, but I still dream of that refreshing dessert to this date!

Speaking of dreams … After a full day in the fresh air and a short sauna before we went to bed, I slept like a baby in our spacious Scandinavian-style room.

I often think of this great stay even now, because it was a completely perfect holiday for me and, definitely, not for the last time in Andermatt!

48 hours in Dresden – Travel Guide to Dresden

August 8, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

When it comes to travelling, why go so far when you have so many great places nearby! Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are the most famous cities for a city break in Germany. However, I keep writing and telling everyone that Germany has so much more to offer. Last year, I was in Heidelberg and gave an account of it. This summer took me to Dresden. I am still going back and forth from the baroque Old Town on the Elbe. A visit to Dresden offers a diverse range of activites, since not only culture enthusiasts but also shopping lovers will get their money’s worth!

Warum soll man eigentlich so weit verreisen, wenn man so viele tolle Orte in der Nähe hat! Berlin, München und Hamburg sind die bekanntesten Städte für einen Städtetrip in Deutschland. Allerdings schreibe ich immer wieder, dass Deutschland so viel mehr zu bieten hat! Letztes Jahr war ich erst in Heidelberg und habe darüber berichtet. Diesen Sommer hat es mich nach Dresden verschlagen! Ich bin immer noch hin und weg von der barocken Altstadt an der Elbe! Ein Besuch in Dresden ist super abwechslungsreich, da nicht nur Kulturbegeisterte, sondern auch Shoppingliebhaber voll auf Ihre Kosten kommen!

How to get to Dresden

Many roads lead to Dresden as well as to almost all places in the world. If you live in Germany, you should consider the distance based on the faced whether the person is traveling by car, train, or plane. We flew from Cologne, which was very pleasant. The flight does not even take an hour, and the small airport in Dresden makes the arrival and departure totally easy. The central station is, of course, central and is approached by almost all major cities within Germany. Of course, you can also consider whether you want to travel by bus rather than by car.

For all those living outside of Germany, I would always recommend taking the flight path. If there is no direct flight to Dresden, you can also drive from or to Dresden within 2 hours.

Auch nach Dresden führen wie zu fast allen Orten auf der Welt viele Wege. Wer in Deutschland wohnt, sollte anhand der Entfernung abwägen, ob er mit dem Auto, der Bahn oder dem Flugzeug anreist. Wir sind von Köln aus geflogen, was total angenehm war! Der Flug dauert noch nicht Mal eine Stunde und der kleine Flughafen in Dresden macht die An- und Abreise total einfach! Der Hauptbahnhof liegt natürlich zentraler und wird von fast allen Großstädten innerhalb Deutschlands angefahren! Natürlich könnt ihr auch überlegen, ob ihr anstatt mit dem Auto mit dem Bus anreisen möchtet.

Für alle außerhalb Deutschlands würde ich immer den Flugweg empfehlen! Sollte es keinen Direktflug nach Dresden geben, kann man auch innerhalb von 2 Stunden von Prag oder Berlin aus nach Dresden fahren.

What to Do

As already mentioned, there are countless possibilities when it comes to enjoyable activities in Dresden. But (!!) I especially liked that I could see all the main attractions, where the city thrives just after the 2 days of my arrival Dresden so, I didn’t miss out on anything.

I would start your tour at the Neumarkt, where you are at the same time directly at the Frauenkirche. On Neumarkt, you will find numerous cafes and restaurants overlooking the Frauenkirche. In good weather, you should definitely enjoy a glass of wine with a view of the Frauenkirche.

From here it is only a few meters to the Elbe. You will pass the Fürstenzug, Residenzschloss and the Augustusbrücke. Despite the construction of many new buildings and reconstructions, there is still a certain charm from the past infused here.

In particular, you will notice on the way to the Zwinger Palace, how clean the Old Town and the sights are.

If you are already looking forward to a little compensation for the sightseeing program, you can walk straight from the kennel garden to the shopping center “Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden.”

If you have no fixed program in the evening, I would definitely look at what movie in the open-air cinema is running. You cannot only watch entertaining movies but also sit right in front of the Elbe. Things can get hardly more romantic than that!

On the second day, the merged parks of Schloss Albrechtsberg, Lingnerschloss, Schloss Eckberg, and Saloppe, are definitely worth a visit. It’s best to go by tram. Just get information shortly beforehand, which train goes there. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

I have listed all the places in the Google Maps view again. You can even save the map in your app so that the locations are always displayed on your map in Dresden.

Wie bereits erwähnt gibt es unzählige Möglichkeiten an Aktivitäten in Dresden! ABER (!!) besonders gefallen hat mir, dass ich nach den 2 Tagen in Dresden schon den Hauptkern sehen konnte und mich dafür nicht abhetzen musste!

Ich würde eure Tour am Neumarkt starten, wo ihr gleichzeitig auch direkt an der Frauenkirche seid! Direkt am Neumarkt findet ihr zahlreiche Cafés und Restaurants mit Blick auf die Frauenkirche. Bei schönem Wetter sollte man auf jeden Fall ein Glas Wein mit dem Blick auf die Frauenkirche genießen.

Von hier aus sind es nur wenige Meter bis zur Elbe. Ihr kommt am Fürstenzug, Residenzschloss sowie an der Augustbrücke vorbei! Trotz der vielen Neubauten und Rekonstruktionen besteht immer noch ein gewisser Charme aus der Vergangenheit.

Insbesondere wird euch auf dem weiteren Weg zum Zwingerpalast auffallen, wie sauber die Altstadt und die Sehenswürdigkeiten sind.

Wer sich jetzt schon auf einen kleinen Ausgleich zum Sightseeing Programm freut, kann vom Zwingergarten direkt in Richtung Shoppingcenter „Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden“ laufen.

Solltet ihr abends noch kein festes Programm haben, würde ich auf jeden Fall mal schauen welcher Film im Open Air Kino läuft. Ihr seht nicht nur unterhaltsame Kinofilme, sondern sitzt auch direkt vor der Elbe. Romantischer geht es kaum!

Am zweiten Tag lohnt es sich die verschmolzen Parkanlagen von Schloss Albrechtsberg, Lingnerschloss, Schloss Eckberg und Saloppe anschauen zu fahren. Ihr kommt ihr am besten mit der Straßenbahn hin. Informiert euch einfach kurz vorher, welche Bahn dorthin fährt. Die Fahrt dauert ca. 25 Minuten.

Alle Orte habe ich euch nochmal in der Google Maps Ansicht aufgeführt. Ihr könnt die Karte sogar in eurer App speichern, so dass euch die Orte immer auf eurer Karte in Dresden angezeigt werden.

</ iframe>Where to stay   It’s like they always say save the best for the last. You do not have accommodation yet for your trip to Dresden, and are still looking for something right in the city center? Well then, not to worry I have found the perfect place for you. The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe is located right in the heart of the Saxon capital. Location and staff have earned 10 out of 10 points from me. We were greeted so warmly at the reception on arrival, that I felt very comfortable. Also, in my exclusive room, I did not miss anything when it came to viewing the city’s beauty. From my room, I could look directly at the Neumarkt and admire the magnificent Frauenkirche. With the window closed, I had absolute peace in my comfortable room, and with the window open, I was sprinkled by the soothing sounds of a violinist during the day. Personally, I love it when I can hear something of the city life and could spend hours sitting by the open window. But I’ve also enjoyed spending time at the desk in my spacious and modern rooms. I just felt good all around. In the morning, I always went directly to the fitness and wellness area from the elevator to start the day and afterwards enjoy the rich and fresh breakfast buffet. Additional pluses are available for the champagne for breakfast, the very freshly prepared buffet, the freshly squeezed juices, and the selection of local produce. Even the dinner on the terrace overlooking the Frauenkirche has everything to offer. You can get anything from local to international cuisine. The Lillet Wild Berry is a must for all aperitif lovers! As you can see, you can experience a lot in Dresden. So, nothing should stand in the way of your next girlfriend, couple, or family trip.

Where to stay

It’s like they always say save the best for the last. You do not have accommodation yet for your trip to Dresden, and are still looking for something right in the city center? Well then, not to worry I have found the perfect place for you. The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe is located right in the heart of the Saxon capital. Location and staff have earned 10 out of 10 points from me. We were greeted so warmly at the reception on arrival, that I felt very comfortable.

Also, in my exclusive room, I did not miss anything when it came to viewing the city’s beauty. From my room, I could look directly at the Neumarkt and admire the magnificent Frauenkirche.

With the window closed, I had absolute peace in my comfortable room, and with the window open, I was sprinkled by the soothing sounds of a violinist during the day. Personally, I love it when I can hear something of the city life and could spend hours sitting by the open window. But I’ve also enjoyed spending time at the desk in my spacious and modern rooms. I just felt good all around.

In the morning, I always went directly to the fitness and wellness area from the elevator to start the day and afterwards enjoy the rich and fresh breakfast buffet. Additional pluses are available for the champagne for breakfast, the very freshly prepared buffet, the freshly squeezed juices, and the selection of local produce.

Even the dinner on the terrace overlooking the Frauenkirche has everything to offer. You can get anything from local to international cuisine.

The Lillet Wild Berry is a must for all aperitif lovers!

As you can see, you can experience a lot in Dresden. So, nothing should stand in the way of your next girlfriend, couple, or family trip.

Das Beste kommt bekanntlich zum Schluss! Ihr habt noch keine Unterkunft für eure Reise nach Dresden und sucht noch etwas direkt mittendrin?

Da habe ich das passende für euch gefunden! Das Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe befindet sich direkt im Herzen der Sächsischen Hauptstadt! Lage und Personal haben 10 von 10 Punkten verdient! Wir wurden direkt bei der Anreise so herzlich an der Rezeption empfangen, dass ich mich direkt sehr wohl gefühlt habe!

Auch in meinem exklusiven Zimmer hat mir nichts gefehlt! Ich konnte von meinem Zimmer aus direkt auf den Neumarkt schauen und die prachtvolle Frauenkirche bewundern.

Bei geschlossenem Fenster hatte ich absolute Ruhe in meinem komfortablen Zimmer und bei geöffnetem Fenster wurde ich tagsüber von einem Geigenspieler berieselt. Ich persönlich liebe es, wenn ich etwas vom Stadtleben mitbekommen kann und hätte stundenlang am offenen Fenster sitzen können! Aber ich habe auch seit langem wieder die Zeit am Schreibtisch genossen in meinem geräumigen und modernen Zimmern. Ich habe mich einfach rundum wohl gefühlt!

Morgens bin ich immer direkt mit dem Aufzug in den Fitness- und Wellnessbereich gefahren, um fit in den Tag zu starten und danach das reichhaltige und frische Frühstücksbuffet zu genießen! Zusätzliche Pluspunkte gibt es für den Sekt zum Frühstück, das sehr frisch zubereitete Buffet, die frisch gepressten Säfte und die Auswahl von lokalen Produkten.

Auch das Abendessen auf der Terrasse mit Blick auf die Frauenkirche muss sich nicht verstecken! Es wird alles von lokaler bis zu internationaler Küche angeboten.

Der Lillet Wild Berry ist für alle Aperitif Liebhaber ein Muss!

Wie ihr seht könnt ihr in Dresden so einiges erleben! Der nächsten Freundinnen-, Pärchen oder Familienreise steht also nichts mehr im Weg!

Dream Wedding Venue in France

August 7, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Anyone who said “yes” this year or knows that they‘ll soon get engaged should definitely visit this wedding location near Bordeaux. You want a wedding à la Meghan and Harry? However, in the small family circle? I recently booked the stylish Villa La Tosca. Idyllically located in the countryside and directly on the sea, you can say the yes-word at Villa La Toscana or even relax after the wedding!

Wer dieses Jahr „Ja“ gesagt hat oder weiß, dass er sich in diesem Jahr noch verloben wird, sollte sich unbedingt diese Hochzeitslocation in der Nähe von Bordeaux anschauen! Du willst eine Hochzeit à la Meghan und Harry? Allerdings im kleinen familiären Kreis? Da habe ich vor kurzem die stilvolle Villa La Tosca.

Idyllisch im Grünen und direkt am Meer gelegen, könnt ihr in der Villa La Toscana euch das Ja-Wort geben oder aber auch euch nach der Hochzeit entspannen!

Why in Lanton?

The quiet village of Lanton is just a 30-minute drive from the Bordeaux Airport. The village itself seems to be relatively unknown for being a pearl by the sea! From windsurfing, sailing to oysters sipping in the fishing village, and enjoying delicious wine, nothing is missing for you to relax in the four communities that belong to Lanton. The enthralling atmosphere there should not be underestimated. You can also take a day trip to Bordeaux as the distance is short with nothing in the way. You can also explore the vineyards in the area or visit the famous sand dunes “Dunes of Pilat.”

So you do not have to worry about your wedding guests! They’ll always busy somewhere. 😉

Der ruhige Ort, Lanton, liegt nur maximal 30 Fahrminuten vom Flughafen Bordeaux entfernt. Die Ortschaft an sich scheint noch relativ unbekannt zu sein dafür, dass sie eine Perle direkt am Meer ist! Von Windsurfen, Segeln bis zum Austern schlürfen im Fischersdorf und leckeren Wein genieße, wird euch zur Erholung in den vier Gemeinden, die zu Lanton gehören nichts fehlen! Auch die Umgebung ist nicht zu unterschätzen! Einem Tagesausflug nach Bordeaux steht auf Grund der kurzen Entfernung nichts im Weg. Ihr könnt auch die Weinberge in der Umgebung erkunden oder aber die bekannte Sanddüne „Dunes of Pilat“ besuchen.

Um eure Hochzeitsgäste müsst ihr euch also keine Sorgen machen! Sie sind immer gut beschäftigt. 😉

Villa La Tosca

Those who can not do much in terms of time are best kept in the Villa La Tosca. The luxurious villa with its eight noble and individual rooms offers a very friendly ambience. The staff of Villa La Tosca attach great importance to making you feel at home!

On the ground floor, there is a large fully stocked kitchen, which you can use at any given time, and can also prepare everything there on your own. From the kitchen, you get into the exclusive living room with a beautiful old wooden staircase. Conveniently you always pass the bar before you go up to the room.

From the bar and most of the rooms, you can look directly over the beautiful garden overlooking the sea or the Bay of Arcachon.

During the day it is worthwhile to do a mudflat walk, and in the evening we always sneaked out of the back door to the sea to enjoy the pink sunset.

At low tide, the infinity pool in the green oasis invites you to linger on. In this quiet and dreamlike environment, you can not only relax 100% but also say “yes” to each other.

Wer zeitlich gar nicht viel unternehmen kann, ist bestens in der Villa La Tosca aufgehoben! Die luxuriöse Villa mit ihren acht noblen und individuellen Zimmern bietet ein sehr familiäres Ambiente! Die Mitarbeiter der Villa Tosca legen großen Wert darauf, dass man sich heimisch fühlt!

Im Erdgeschoss befindet sich eine große gefüllte Küche, die man zu jeder Zeit selbst benutzen kann, aber auch gerne alles zubereiten lassen kann. Von der Küche aus gelangt man ins exklusive Wohnzimmer mit einem wunderschönen alten Holztreppenhaus! Praktisch ist, dass man immer an der Bar vorbeikommt bevor man hinaufgeht aufs Zimmer.

Von der Bar aus und aus den meisten Zimmern schaut man direkt über den herrlichen Garten aufs Meer bzw. auf die Bucht von Arcachon!

Tagsüber lohnt es sich eine Wattwanderung zu machen und abends haben wir uns immer aus der Hintertür ans Meer geschlichen, um den rosafarbenen Sonnenuntergang zu genießen.

Bei Ebbe lädt der Infinitypool in der grünen Oase zum Verweilen ein! In dieser ruhigen und traumhaften Umgebung kann man sich nicht nur zu 100% entspannen, sondern auch das Jawort geben.

13 Instagrammable Places in New York City

July 10, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

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.

View this post on Instagram

There some places which are still impressive even though it’s cloudy! You are one of them! #newyorkcity – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Haven’t forgotten this lucky day (at least for us). We really wanted to do a helicopter ride in the morning but our trip was cancelled due to the weather. Michael also told us that we should be happy that our flight was cancelled. It would be too dangerous and we could crash. In the afternoon, a helicopter crashed on one building two minutes away from us… Anzeige

A post shared by Fasten Ur Seatbelts | Annika (@fasten_ur_seatbelts) on Jul 4, 2019 at 9:57pm PDT

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is located directly between 5^th and 6^th 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.

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.

View this post on Instagram

Happy Sunday everyone ☀️ Anzeige

A post shared by Fasten Ur Seatbelts | Annika (@fasten_ur_seatbelts) on Jun 29, 2019 at 11:29pm PDT

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!)

View this post on Instagram

Breakfast time is my fav time of the day! What about you? @theusual_nyc Anzeige

A post shared by Fasten Ur Seatbelts | Annika (@fasten_ur_seatbelts) on Jul 6, 2019 at 3:10am PDT

Pietro Nolita

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

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.

View this post on Instagram

Do what makes your soul shine ☀️☀️☀️ Anzeige

A post shared by Fasten Ur Seatbelts | Annika (@fasten_ur_seatbelts) on Jun 16, 2019 at 4:56am PDT

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.

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!

View this post on Instagram

Bad vibes don’t go with my outfit ☀️☀️☀️ Happy Sunday! Anzeige

A post shared by Fasten Ur Seatbelts | Annika (@fasten_ur_seatbelts) on Jun 22, 2019 at 11:11pm PDT

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.

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

June 24, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

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.

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.

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.