All posts filed under: Cities

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Heaven on Earth Waiting to Be Discovered

Published by A Girl Who Travels

Red currant fields and square-shaped houses resembling toy blocks slowly disappearing in the distance, an occasional fruit merchant perched by the roadside… If you’re entering Bosnia and Herzegovina through its Croatian border with Dubrovnik, there isn’t much that will prepare you for its beauty. The country’s charm catches you off guard. As soon as your heart sinks at the sight of bullet marks still visible in some buildings or at the concrete walls of housing estates marking the war and post war-period, Bosnia and Herzegovina surprises you with a sight so stunning that it makes you look twice, wishing that you wouldn’t have to leave. Emerald rivers, waterfalls, rolling hills overlooking the country’s many lakes, the ottoman heritage which makes you feel as if you suddenly found yourself in Turkey… Bosnia and Herzegovina is a mosaic of natural beauty and fascinating culture. The best thing about it? It’s still very much a road less travelled amongst Europe’s popular routes which means that you can have a piece of this green paradise (almost) all to yourself. Without further ado, let’s find …

view from Marjan Hill, split, Croatia

Split in One Day: Things to Do & See

Published by A Girl Who Travels

Split, perched quietly on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, might’ve not been built in a day but as it turns out, it can be pretty much seen in a day. While you won’t be able to experience everything the city has to offer in just a day, luckily Split is small enough to let you explore its most charming sites without feeling rushed. I visited Split two days ago en route to Bosnia, and I was surprised how much I got to see in just under 7 hours. I’m not one to rush through, hectically ticking things off my list, so all these sites can be seen at a perfectly slow pace, an hour long lunch, dinner and a coffee stop included. Let’s jump straight into it! THE OLD TOWN Don’t let the tacky tourist shops, travel agencies and fast food stands cramped together by the ferry docks and the bus station bring your spirits down – once you flee the madness (and the smell of burnt pizza), you’ll find yourself  at the pretty marina lined up with palm trees and flowers. From …

Reasons to Visit Lisbon, unique things to do in Lisbon, local Lisbon tips

Why You Should Pack Your Bags and Travel to Lisbon

Published by A Girl Who Travels

I’ve recently got back from a trip to Lisbon and I think I’m in love! The city is not only just as charming as everyone makes it out to be; it has a fascinating contemporary edge, the result of a brilliant mix between the creativity of the local fashion scene and the ever-so-expressive youth culture.  Lisbon is a historical city with a youthful spirit where one moment you’re listening to fado, and the next, browsing through concept stores and sipping organic lemonade at some of Europe’s most hipster spots.  Are you ready to pack your bags? You should be! The cityscape Lisbon is a unique city. Spread across seven hills overlooking the ocean, its landscape is mapped out by curvy, steep streets,  lined up with quaint houses with ochre-orange rooftops, at the bottom of which the iconic yellow trams cheerfully swing by. Yes, it really is as idyllic as it sounds! To fully appreciate just how picture-perfect Lisbon is (excuse the cliché but it’s fully justifiable), make sure to visit the viewpoints. My favourites were Miradouro das Portas do Sol in Alfama, Miradouro de São Pedro de …

Shibazakura Festival, Mnt Fuji, Mnt Fuji flower lane

Five Unmissable Japanese Experiences

Published by A Girl Who Travels

From Tokyo’s dizzying skyscrapes and head-spinning nightlife to the stunning temples of Kyoto, you’ll never be short of things to do in Japan. It’s been my childhood dream to visit this beautiful country (I’m sure those of you who grew up watching Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball can relate!) and when it finally came true, it left me craving for more! It’s impossible to experience everything that Japan has to offer in one trip, so I put together a list of some of the most exciting Japanese experiences to get you started. 1. Visit Mnt Fuji duirng the Shibazakura Festival Your trip to Mnt Fuji won’t be complete if you don’t visit during the Shibazakura Festival when thousands of pink shibazakura flowers blossom at the foot of the mountain. This is the time when the area magically transforms into a fairy-tale like oasis – pick a clear day for your visit to guarantee great views of Mnt Fuji, towering majestically over the flowers. The flowers bloom between mid April till the end of May. 2. Stay at a traditional hotel Staying …

Things to do in Turin, Torino, Italy

Discover Italy’s Most Magical City

Published by A Girl Who Travels

If you arrived here expecting to see a post about Venice or Rome, then you’re in for a surprise as I’m about to introduce you to Turin!  Turin is quite possibly the most underrated Italian city and, as I was wondering the grand baroque lanes surrounded by snow-covered mountain tops peeking from the distance, I couldn’t help but wonder why. Turin is a city where the old meets the new, and tradition doesn’t stand in the way of modernity but rather, embraces and mixes with it, giving the city a refreshingly youthful feel. And yet, aside from the foreign students, tourism in Torino is practically non-existent. I’m not going to lie, I enjoyed being in a place where hearing English is a rarity and my morning coffee doesn’t get disturbed by screaming tourists armed with selfie sticks – an all too familiar site in Florence, my current travel base. That being said, Turin definitely deserves more recognition – keep reading to find out what makes it different from other Italian cities! Black & White Magic in Turin First …

Venice Carnival on the cheap, Carnival of Venice on a budget

Venice Carnival on the Cheap? It’s easy!

Published by A Girl Who Travels

Watching Venice come to life as masked party goers fill the streets and confetti swirls in the air really is magical. The Carnival is slowly coming to an end but it’s not too late to join the fun! Here’s how to make the best of the final 3 days of Carnevale di Venezia, while spending next to nothing. If you follow my tips, you shouldn’t spend more than €150 for a two night stay, including dining out, accommodation and nights out, which is how much I spent in Venice last weekend. Accommodation Ditch the hotel for an Airbnb apartment. To really bring the costs down, share the place with a bunch of friends. This way you can stay within the city centre and pay around €30 a night. Another, although much less desirable option, is staying in Mestre, a bus ride away from Venice. Free Events While Carnevale balls are known to be expensive (the prices start at around €140 and can go up to as high as €500-600), there are also a lot of free events which …

Burano, Italy

Colour Therapy in Burano

Published by A Girl Who Travels

If you need a bit of cheering up on this chilly winter day,  then keep reading as I’m about to introduce you to Burano, Italy, the happiest little town in the world! The tiny, rainbow-coloured island shares the same lagoon as Venice, and it’s only a few minutes away by boat from Murano, home to the famous Murano glass. Burano is a photo lover’s paradise – the brightly painted, square-shaped houses with flower pots in each window, cheerfully reflected in the canals,  follow a specific colour pattern. This is because during the golden age of its development, citizens of Burano had to request an official permission to paint their houses, and it was up to the government to decide what colour they could use. According to some sources, fishermen were the first ones to paint their houses; they did it so they could easily spot them from the sea. Aside from its architecture, Burano is famous for lacework, displayed in opulence at every store. Why lace? The legend says that a local fisherman was tempted by a mermaid’s signing, …

Best Salzburg view, Salzburg panorama, Salzburg vantage point

How I Fell In Love With Salzburg And Why You Will Too

Published by A Girl Who Travels

Walking through Salzburg is like reading a piece of poetry. The perfectly manicured buildings of the Old Town, their domes and spirals cutting through the sky towards the surrounding hills and mountains, will charm you as you stroll down the winding streets, each of them a testament to the brilliance of the Baroque architecture. Dominating the city’s skyline is the Medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg – a captivating piece of history offering fantastic views of the city. Salzburg is a place of decadence, a sugar-glazed cherry on top of the cake of Austria’s architectural splendour, and it should be enjoyed appropriately. Bite into a slice of Salzburg’s culinary history at one of the city’s many restaurants, as opulent in style as the meringue-like swirls adorning the buildings’ façades. Enjoy a cup of a deliciously rich hot chocolate or a piece of sachertorte at Tomaselli, Salzburg’s oldest cafe, before you go for a wander to the rhythm of classical music which is bound to be playing from one of the open windows. Appropriate, given that Salzburg is …

five reasons to visit Hallstatt in 2015

Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Hallstatt in 2015

Published by A Girl Who Travels

Perched quietly over a large lake and surrounded by misty mountains, the picture-perfect village of Hallstatt looks like it’s been taken straight out of a fairytale. Located in the Austrian region of Salzkammergut in the Eastern Alps, Hallstatt is a UNESCO heritage site and for a good reason. It’s not only considered to be one of the oldest, still inhabited villages in Europe, but its stunning beauty and breathtaking landscapes make it a magical travel destination. If that’s not enough to make you want to visit, here are five reasons why you should travel to Hallstatt in 2015! This View Once you walk past the square and the Hallstatt Heritage Hotel, you will be greeted by this spectacular view. It’s so beautiful that it’s almost hard to believe it’s real! The Architecture The colourful, richly ornamented houses and the slender silhouette of the Evangelical Church are the trademarks of Hallstatt’s stunning architectural style. Not only that, these beautiful buildings hold many secrets. Visit the grounds of the 15th Century Our Lady Church to discover the Bone House (Beinhause) and …

Epta Martyres Church of The Seven Martyrs”, Kastro, Sifnos view

Discovering Sifnos: Apollonia and Surroundings

Published by A Girl Who Travels

In the heart of the Aegan sea lies a hidden gem of the Cyclades, which I happened to ‘discover’ by a complete chance.  Sifnos combines the stunning beauty of the white Cycladic villages with a friendly local vibe, sandy  beaches and a fun, classy nightlife. Apollonia, the capital of the island, is surrounded by a collection of tiny villages scattered amongst the hills – all of them within a walking distance from each other. At first, Apollonia doesn’t seem to have much to offer except for a few stores and restaurants lined along the main road, but don’t be fooled! Turn right into a small alleyway past the Main Square and you will end up in Steno. The area, lined up with whitewashed buildings typical for the Cycladic architecture, is filled with bars and restaurants. It also has a great choice of jewellery and clothing stores, most of them selling local products. Steno has a fun vibe and remains  quintessentially  Greek – it also has a slight  Mykonos feel to it while being much more relaxed and less touristy. One …