Tag: Weekend trip

TOP 10 things to do in Budapest

January 16, 2020

I never thought that I could experience the beauty of two unique cities in one place. 48 hours in Budapest felt like Paris and Berlin at the same time. Majestic buildings like in Paris and hip pubs, vintage shops and street art like in Berlin are no rarity in Budapest. Honestly, some European capitals should beware of this modern Hungarian capital. The wide avenues, the coffee house culture and the wonderful Danube entices one to take a city trip!

I’ve compiled, just for you, the best tips when in Budapest:

– Visit Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is located in the older part of Budapest, also known as Buda. On one side of the Danube is Buda, and on the other side is Pest. The Fisherman’s Bastion, however, cannot be overlooked by the sights of Pest!

From the seven fabulous white towers, you can take a panoramic view of the whole city. This historical monument was my personal highlight of the trip, as the place is simply picturesque. For unique pictures, you should be there before the first tourist buses arrive at 9 am. Otherwise, you can visit Fisherman’s Bastion 24 hours except for the towers, which close at the 21^st hour.

Many ways lead to the Fisherman’s Bastion, of course, but I recommend you to walk from the city to the castle hill if the weather is good.

– Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge

On the way to the Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll definitely cross the Chain Bridge. On foot, you have the opportunity to make several stops, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the view over the Danube.

– Danube River Cruise

Another highlight was the evening cruise over the Danube. A boat trip there is best done in the evening after dusk. The illuminated panorama can be especially enjoyed with a romantic glass of wine or even beer.

Usually, the 48h ticket costs between 8€ and 10€ per person. So, you could also take a day trip the next day with the same ticket.

– Discover the Third Biggest Parliament Building in the World

The impressive parliament building in Budapest is definitely a must-watch. The gargantuan structure can be seen from far away. You can see it particularly well from the Fisherman’s Bastion or while on a tour of the Danube. Of course, you can also take a tour inside the third largest parliament in the world.

– On the Top of St. Stephen’s Basilica

From the highest church of Budapest, 96 meters above, you can get a scenic, bird’s-eye view of the city for just 200 HUF. The domes inside the St. Stephen’s Basilica reminded me a little bit of the Vatican City in Rome.

– Watch the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar

A very special and unique rooftop bar can be found on the luxurious shopping street, Andrássy út, in the middle of the city centre. From a transparent igloo, you can watch the sunset with a delicious drink in hand or Swiss cheese fondue.

The 360 Bar really offers a 360-degree view of Budapest.

– Vintage Shopping in Budapest

Almost everywhere in Budapest, you can find vintage design and second-hand shops. Many are located in the Jewish quarter. Be sure to check out Retrock and Szputnyik D20. Don’t forget (!) the shops are also open on Sundays.

– Explore the Jewish Quarter

Speaking of the Jewish quarter, don’t just explore the vintage shops, but also the street art, trendy cafes, and delicious restaurants. It’s the place to be in for hipsters! The restaurant Mazel Tov or Twenty Six is remarkably delectable.

– Eat Local Food

I still remember eating the mouth-watering goulash dishes with pleasure. The hearty Hungarian cuisine is a MUST during your time in Budapest. Langos with garlic cream and cheese can be found on almost every corner. For the sweet hunger, I recommend Kürtőskalács – a chimney cake made from sweet yeast and then spun around a truncated cone-shaped baking material.

– Stay at Radisson Blu in Budapest

Right in the middle of it all, you’ll be staying at the newly renovated and modern Radisson Blu Béke Hotel. The main train station is only 300m away, and only 500m away is the famous Boulevard Andrássy with all the famous shops!

In the spacious rooms, we could relax wonderfully after a long day in the city. The beds are super comfortable.

The Nespresso machine in the room and the extensive breakfast buffet are not the only things we can eat in the morning. My tip? An omelette with everything and cheese!

How to Get Around?

In Budapest, you can reach all the tourist hot spots on foot. So, you can see more, of course! If you need to go faster, I recommend the taxi app “Bolt” or the app “Lime” for the e-scooters.

Andermatt – A hidden gem in Switzerland

August 12, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

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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

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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!

Discovering Manchester

June 24, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

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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.

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

June 17, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

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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.

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.
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 🙂
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.
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.

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

May 3, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

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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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.