Vienna
Vienna is a very nice city in Austria. There are so many things to do in Vienna. Although it is Austrians biggest city with about 1.8 million citizens, all the landmarks are very close together. Don´t miss the Prater Vienna, the old and beautiful university of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Stephansdom and a lot of the other sights.
Vienna has many international organisations like the UN and the OPEC.
Vienna is called “The City of Dreams” because the psycho-analyst Sigmund Freud lived there.
Things to do in Vienna
The beautiful Vienna is a mixture of old and new buildings. In the year 2001 the city center was designated a UNESCO would heritage site.
Schönbrunn Palace – Schloss Schönbrunn
This was the summer residence of the empress Sissi. Unfortunately it is a little outside of the city, but it is worth to go there.
Belvedere Palace
It is so much fun to walk in the park, take photos and enjoy the view of the pretty palace and the fountain. This is really close to the Vienna Train Station.
St. Stephan´s Cathedral
St. Stephan´s Cathedral is the most important religious building in Vienna and with its Romanesque and Gothic form it is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. It stands on the ruins of two earlier churches is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna.
State Opera
The City of Music has so many theaters and operas. World-famous musicians like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Joseph Heydn worked in Vienna. In the spring and summer you can watch the operas in front of the State Opera. There are a few seats where you can sit and enjoy the opera for free. This is a really nice experience when you visit Vienna and don´t want to spent a lot of money for the opera.
Rathaus – City Hall
The Rathaus was build in the 1880s in the Neo-Gothic style. Go and have a look.
Austrian Parlament Building
If you are walking around the city, you will see that in the City Center. We went there at night and it was very beautiful. It is next to the Rathaus.
Restaurants Vienna
Lugeck (belongs to Figlmüller)
They make the world-famous Vienna Schnitzel. It is a little expensive, but it is a real calf Schnitzel and it tasts so delicious.
This is near the Stephansdom, Lugeck 4.
Vapiano
There are a few Vapianos in Vienna. Vapiano is a Italian food chain, where they make the noodles fresh and it is very good. Try the Italian dessert “Panna Cotta” too.
This is a cheap way to eat in Vienna. Foot and drinks for two person are about 25 – 30 Euro.
Hotel Sacher
Eat the traditional Sacher-Torte (Cake) in the old and famous Hotel Sacher. It is very expensive (about 5 Euro) but it is a must-try.
Naschmarkt
This is a very nice and small market with a lot of food stands from all around the world and little restaurants. Don´t miss it when you are in Vienna.
Accommodation in Vienna
We booked an Airbnb apartment. The accommodation was called “Grand Central Studio Apartments“ and was 5 minutes away from the Vienna Train Station. You can walk to a few landmarks too.
Transportation
Walk or take the subways.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is often referred to as the party capital of Europe. The Amsterdam red light district is visited by millions of travelers every year who come to experience the clubs, the coffee shops and a few other things. There are so many things to do in Amsterdam and there will never be a shortage of pub crawls and festivals during the summer. The people of Amsterdam are very open to learning about other cultures and are always happy to show you a good time.
Things to do in Amsterdam
The Heineken Experience
Amsterdam is home to the famous Heineken Brewery. Whether you drink Heineken or not I would defiantly recommend taking the tour. The Heineken Experience offers a very interactive tour of the state of the art brewery complete with flat screen TV’s, video games, and photo booths. The tour is roughly an hour long and each visitor is allowed 2 beers towards the end. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Heineken but I have to admit the beer is pretty good when it’s served in the brewery.
Van Gogh Museum
I visited the Van Gogh Museum on my first trip to Amsterdam in 2012. The museum is very modern and very well organized which is about all I can say because I didn’t enjoy it. I love art, especially the work of Van Gogh, but the museum was an absolutely mind numbing experience. Van Gogh produced some incredible pieces of art but this museum just doesn’t do it justice. Sorry Guys :/
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the best place to relax in the city. Amsterdam is always buzzing with tourists and festivals all year long so if you want to escape the craziness for a few hours, Vondelpark is where it’s at. Vondelpark is a hot spot for tourists, locals, hipsters, runners, you name it they’re there. Check out Vondlepark one afternoon and have a picnic by one its many ponds but make sure watch out for the pesky birds.
Anne Frank House
Visit the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazi’s during World War 2. Tours are offered daily but make sure to arrive early because the lines get pretty long.
Red Light District
The Red Light District became famous for legalized prostitution in the year 2000. You know you’re in the Red Light District because there are red lights everywhere but beware of making eye contact with one of the girls behind the red windows because after all they are working. There is more to the Red Light District other than just legalized prostitution. Some of the best bars, coffee shops, and even really good restaurants can be found in this part of town.
Coffee Shop
Oh you gotta love the coffee shops in Amsterdam! If you do not visit a coffee shop while you are in here you are seriously missing out. The coffee shops in Amsterdam attract people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a great place to meet locals or fellow travelers and spark up some good conversations. The staff is very knowledgeable and if it’s your first time smoking marijuana they are happy to answer all of your questions. If smoking is not your thing I recommend at least visiting a coffee shop to see what its all about. (Remember to keep an open mind) 🙂
Delicious Food in Amsterdam
Bar B
Wow! This place is amazing. Bar B is located just south of Vondelpark, which means my two favorite places in Amsterdam are within short walking distance from each other. Bar B serves some of the best barbeque in Amsterdam. The restaurant is clean, the music is good and the staff are super nice.
Churro stands are everywhere
The churros are so delicious and incredibly addicting.
Accommodation Amsterdam
The Flying Pig Hostel
First let me tell you that the Flying Pig Hostel has two locations, Uptown and Downtown. I have only stayed at the Uptown Flying Pig and I have only good things to say. The breakfast is good, the bar is cheap, and this place even has its own smoking room so as not to disturb the guests who do not partake in the smoking of hippy lettuce.
Transportation in Amsterdam
- Rent a Bike: 10 dollars per day
- Walk
- Tram: Tickets can be purchased in the tram and the price is $12 for a 2 day pass.
Venice
Venice weather in decent all year round but tourism spikes in the summer when the sun is out. There are so many things to do in Venice, from gondola rides to street performances; this city always serves up a good time. The Roman city of Venice is made up of many islands and the only way to travel between the islands is by water taxi. The water taxis are so much fun and during your ride you have some fantastic views of Venice Italy.
Things to do in Venice
Take a Water Taxi
I don’t know why but the water taxi is my favorite attraction in the city. I know it’s not really an attraction in Venice but I enjoy it and doing a round on the water taxi is a great way to see the whole city.
Piazza San Marco
Millions of people visit Piazza San Marco every year. It is the most famous Piazza in all of Venice. The piazza is always pretty crazy and full of tourists but its beauty of the piazza is enough to make you forget the craziness that surrounds you.
Take a Gondola Ride
I don’t quite remember what the price for a gondola ride is but I think its something like one hundred bucks a pop. Oh well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do and when in Venice, ride the gondolas. =)
Campanile di San Marco
Climb to the top of the tower and have a great view of Venice Italy.
Delicious Food in Venice
The restaurants in Venice are always packed and very over priced so I recommend the sandwich shops and pizzerias.
Rome
The ancient city of Rome is home to some of the most famous works of architecture and art in the world. There are so many things to do in Rome and so much to learn. Rome is widely considered the birthplace of the western world, which makes it a very popular travel destination so be prepared to navigate through crowds of tourists.
Things to do in Rome
Visit the Holy Vatican City
The Vatican is the official residence of the Catholic Pope. If you come on a Sunday and you arrive early enough you might be able to see the Pope deliver mass in Saint Peter Square. The lines are usually pretty long so make sure you arrive early and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is incredibly well preserved and a must see if you come to Rome. The two thousand year old ancient Roman building is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is nearly 2000 years old and it is unmatched as the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. When I think of Rome I think of the Colosseum and so do many other tourists here so if you want to take the tour plan to arrive early to avoid the long lines.
Roman Forum
The ancient Roman Forum was once the center of Roman public life. Many public speeches, criminal trials and even elections have taken place here.
Visit the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps is a great place to sit and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Get yourself a traditional Italian gelato and watch the world go by.
Trevi Fountain
La Fontana de Trevi is probably the most famous of all of Rome attractions. The site is always crowded so plan to come early in the morning or super late at night. (Trevi Fountain looks really cool at night) Don’t forget to throw some coins in, one for love or two to return to Rome someday.
Delicious Food in Rome
If you want to save money, stay away from the center of Rome.
Sandwich/Pizza Shop
The sandwich shops in Rome are pretty good. Try the bruschetta sandwich (fresh tomato’s and thick mozzarella cheese… YUM)
Gelato
Gelato is much sweeter than the ice cream I’m used to and the choice of flavors is pretty wild.
Hotels in Rome
The Hotels in Rome are very expensive so if you are traveling on a budget check out some of the alternatives below:
Hostels
Air BnB
Couchsurfeing
Playa Del Carmen
Located South of Cancun and the center of the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen is often referred to as the European Cancun. Over the years Cancun has been servilely overwhelmed by the tourism industry and Playa Del Carmen has become the more relaxing alternative. There are not as many nigh clubs here but there are plenty of other reasons why you should visit this tropical paradise.
Things to do in Playa del Carmen
Downtown Playa
The most popular spot in Playa Del Carmen goes by the name of Quinta Avenida or “5th avenue.” Quinta Avenita is a cobblestone, pedestrian only street that is lined with restaurants, bars, all plenty of shopping.
Enjoy the Playa Del Carmen weather
The weather in Playa Del Carmen is great all year round but the best time to visit is between April and June.
Nightlife
Playa del Carmen is not as wild as its neighbour Cancun but its definitely a great experience. The restaurants in the area usually close around 10pm but the clubs will rage till around 6 following morning. The best clubs in Playa Del Carmen are the ones on the beach so don’t dress up too much. Enjoy =)
Visit the Cenotes
The Yucatan peninsula of Mexico is famous for its Cenotes. A Cenote is a underground fresh water pool formed naturally by sinkholes in the ground. Cenotes vary in size but are they are known to run for miles underground, which make it a really cool place to swim. There are plenty of Cenotes in the area but I would only recommend swimming in the cenote with a local or a guide.
Playa Del Carmen Resorts
Like its neighbour to the north Cancun, Playa Del Carmen is famous for its all inclusive resorts. The all inclusive resorts are a must try when you come to this part of the world. Enjoy =)
Cancun
Located a few miles north of Playa Del Carmen are the famous, all inclusive Cancun Resorts. Cancun is famous for its beautiful coastlines and party atmosphere, which make it a top destination for young people all over the world. There are so many things to do in Cancun. You can take a day trip to the Island of Cozumel and race Quads or simply relax and enjoy the warm Cancun weather from the beach, either way you will enjoy your visit.
Things to do in Cancun
Tulum
Famous for its ancient Mayan ruins, Tulum is home one of the most popular cultural attractions in Cancum. Tulum features well preserved Mayan temples that were constructed over centuries located right along the coastline.
Night Clubs
No trip to Cancun can be complete without at least one night of clubbing. Cancun offers a party atmosphere that will compete with any big city in the world. Most of the best nightclubs in Cancun can be found in the hotel zone.
Moon Palace Cancun
I haven’t been here yet but playing a round of golf at the Moon Palace Cancun Resort is definitely on my bucket list. This is probably the most coveted place to stay in Cancun but its very expensive, especially during the high season.
Cozumel Island
Cozumel is a tropical island paradise located just off the shores of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Take a ferry to the island and explore the nature of Cozumel by Quad. There are many tour companies that offer day trips to the island so check with your accommodation to inquire about prices and packages.
Playa Del Carmen
Located south of the Cancun Resorts, Playa Del Carmen is touted as the European Cancun. I have been to both Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and have only good things to say about each of them but if I had to pick a favorite it would definitely be Playa Del Carmen. As much fun as it is in Cancun, it’s a little too heavy on the cheap vodka. On the other hand Playa Del Carmen offers you equal parts party, relaxation, and culture.
Cancun Underwater Museum
The museum was founded in 2009 by an artist who set out to reconstruct the marine environment after it had been devastated by Hurricane Dean in 2007. The Cancun Underwater Museum features more than 400 underwater sculptures that aid in the marine life recovery process.
Take a Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is my favorite place to visit when I am in Cancun. The island is very small but it has plenty of personality. Isla Mujeres which translates to “island of women,” is an old fishing village with beautiful quite beaches. Try some delicious almond tequila, swim with sharks and go sailing on your day trip to the tropical island Isla Mujeres.
Delicious Food in Cancun
Street tacos
Dollar street tacos are the best way to avoid hangovers in Cancun. I don’t know what it is about the tacos in Mexico but they are so delicious, especially after a night of partying. You can choose between chicken, carne asada, or pork tacos wrapped around a warm hand made tortilla. If you cant decide, get one of each. You wont be disappointed.
Cancun Hotels
When it comes to accommodation, all inclusive Cancun Resorts are the way to go. Book in advance because rooms fill up quick in the high season. (April-July)
Caribe
The Hotel Riu Caribe Resort is located right on the beach and the day parties are absolutely bananas! The prices are pretty expensive so 1 or 2 nights here is enough plus you want to save some time to see the rest of Cancun.
Krystal Cancun
Another all inclusive Cancun Resort but I would have to say Krystal Cancun is more reserved for families. The pools are amazing and the staff is great.
Stockholm
Stockholm is what I often like to call the city of tomorrow. Everything in Stockholm is about technology from the touchscreen elevators to the futuristic metro system. Stockholm is absolutely beautiful and incredibly clean. The people here are friendly and interested in learning about other cultures. Stockholm isn’t the most affordable country in the EU but it is definitely worth the visit so don’t miss out.
Things to do in Stockholm
Try Viking Beer
Also known as “Mead,” this ancient Viking beer dates back to 2000 BC. It is made by fermenting honey with water and its very delicious. Visit a traditional underground Viking tavern and learn about the history of this really cool Viking beer.
Drink the tap water
Drink the tap water in Stockholm, it is some of the cleanest in the entire world. If you are trying to save money on this trip, water is the worst thing you can buy because it costs $3.50 per bottle when you can get the same thing for free.
Sweden Nightlife
Sweden is home to some of the worlds greatest DJ’s so it is only fitting that they would have a world class party scene. Check out some of the best nightclubs in Stockholm but be prepared to pay entrance fees.
Visit the Vasa Ship
The Vasa ship is one of the oldest battle ships that are on display in the entire world. The museum is modern and the staff is very knowledgeable.
Hostel Stockholm
Skanstulls Hostel in Stockholm was very clean and close enough to the city center. If you want to save some money and meet some other cool travelers, Skanstulls Hostel is perfect for you.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is AWESOME! I can’t believe how amazing and cheep everything is here. The food is delicious and the beachside villas are spectacular. My favorite time to visit Dubrovnik is towards the end of May. The weather is perfect and the water is so refreshing. The beaches you find here will be some of the best you will ever see so don’t miss out.
Things to do in Dubrovnik
Go to the Beach
All of Croatia’s beaches are very postcard worthy and Dubrovnik’s beaches are no exception. However, if you plan on swimming make sure you are wearing water shoes. Most of the beaches, if not all of them, in Croatia are rocky and home to several sea urchins that can sting you pretty good if you aren’t being careful. Getting stung by a sea urchin can completely end your holiday so be careful.
The Walls
It used to be free but now I think the price is 10 euro to walk around Dubrovnik’s city walls. Either way the 10 Euro is absolutely worth it because the best views of Dubrovnik can be seen from here.
Churches
There are churches everywhere in Dubrovnik. Spend the day scrolling the ancient roads and admire the beautiful architecture that surrounds you, with ice cream in hand of course.
Cliff Dive off of the city walls
Yea that’s right! Cliff diving! You didn’t hear this from me but if you are into cliff diving boy do I have a spot for you. From the Dubrovnik Cathedral head south towards the coast and follow the tiny streets. You will come across a small dark doorway/tunnel. Enter the doorway and on the other side you will find a very private café that is perfectly tucked into the city walls. Stop and enjoy an over priced cocktail and pick a spot on the rock to chill out. The cliffs are between 5- 15 feet so pick a spot you are comfortable with and dive right in.
Delicious Food in Dubrovnik
The best advice I can offer about finding a good place to eat is first of all don’t trust Trip Advisor or any of the travel sites because those places are usually over priced and mediocre. The best restaurants I have found in Croatia are the ones I simply stumbled upon while I was wandering the streets. Another piece of advice, don’t wait till you are super hungry to look for a restaurant. It never turns out good.
Apartments in Dubrovnik
If you stay anywhere in the city center be prepared to pay more for less quality. If you want to find a great place for a good deal you have to drive a few km south of the city center. Believe me, you wont be disappointed.
We stayed in Marnic Apartments in Soline, 10 km from Dubrovnik. This was the best apartment of our whole Croatia Trip! Enjoy the ocean view, the pool and relax in the small village near Dubrovnik!
We Made it: Dubrovnik Croatia
Early in the morning we woke up in our nice apartment overlooking the ocean and had a good breakfast which I made. 🙂 After breakfast we drove the 10 km to the city center to explore Dubrovnik Croatia.
Parking in not easy to find in Dubrovnik, especially not on Pentecost Sunday. In Dubrovnik Croatia you have to pay for Parking every day of the week but Jeremy found a tiny spot along the road that was probably the only free parking spot in the entire city. We had to walk a short distance down a a hill to the main part of town. We passed a pretty beach called Benji Beach, and arrived in the old town Dubrovnik Croatia. Behind the chruch in the narrow streets, we found hidden opening that lead to a secret cove in the city walls with a tiny cafe. After sitting on the rocks, enjoying the sun and cliffdiving, we walked throught the City and back to our car.
That night we prepaired a Croatian/German dish for lunch and we spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
For dinner we had a homemade noodle salad with croatian meat. After dinner we left to visit the next village called Cavtat. Cavtat is beautiful. We spend the evening walking around the port and eating an ice cream.
Vacation Dubrovnik
We slept in this morning and after breakfast we packed our things in our quite, ocean view apartment in Podaca. We had such a good afternoon with the croatian couple the night before but it was time to get back on the road – Vacation Dubrovnik
So we said our goodbyes to Marija and her husband, gave hugs and we were off to our next destination.
After crossing the boarder into Bosnia we stopped to have lunch in a little grill restaurant in the small village of Neum. It was a good thing that we were allowed to pay with Croatian currecny, because we didn’t have a chance to stop and get Bosnian currency. After feeling fit and full again we continued on.
Vacation Dubrovnik
We crossed the Bosnian boarder back into Croatia and we soon arrived in our vacation Dubrovnik. The Coastal roads offered such a fantastic view which was what we expected to see when we planned our road trip and it was a great first impression Dubrovnik. We drove further down the coast, past the city center to find more afordable apartments.
The third Apartment we visited, was perfect. The name is Marnic Apartments. We could not imagine anything better and it is properly the nicest one of our whole trip. The apartment was huge and it had an awesome ocean view, a great terrace and a beautiful private pool. The inside of the apartment was fully loaded with a good bathroom, a great shower a double bed and nice sofa that you could turn into bed. The apartment also came with a very new kitchen where we cooked every day of our Stay. It was perfect!
Actually the plan was to see Dubrovnik in the evening, but we were so impressed with the nice, quiet Apartment with the perfect view, that we enjoyed the evening there. We only left to get groceries in the next village and cooked and relaxed on our Terrace.