Tag: City Break

BASEL and the Rehberger-Trail – time to wonder, time to wander

Posted onAuthorRenata Green54 Comments

Visiting Basel, you’re not only seeing Switzerland’s third-largest city – after Zurich and Geneva – but you also get to hike the amazing Rehberger Trail. It’s a route decorated with sculptures by German artist Tobias Rehberger. On this occasion, you can even cross the border to Germany walking.

View of the river Rhein at Basel
Cozy little Basel in the heart of Europe. There are a couple of art venues and many interesting buildings and places along the river Rhein.

That’s one of the things I absolutely love about Basel: It is located in the tri-border area of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Three totally different countries getting connected in harmony.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to MEDELLÍN – And a Day Trip to GUATAPÉ

Posted onAuthorRenata Green20 Comments

Let me guide you to Medellín – which is also a great gateway for a fantastic day trip to the mesmerizing town of Guatapé.

Fernando Botero La Muerte de Pablo Escobar
Fernando Botero La Muerte de Pablo Escobar
Escobar was shot and killed by the Colombian National Police already in 1993, but like all the rest of this beautiful country, since then, Colombia progressed a lot; sadly, without the world taking notice.I wish my post will change that at least a bit.
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Guide to BOGOTÁ – Colombia’s hip ‘n’ artsy capital

Posted onAuthorRenata Green63 Comments

Come, let me guide you to Bogotá, Colombia’s hip ‘n’ artsy capital.
It’s the most energetic and vibrant Latin American city I’ve ever visited, indeed.

Bogota-Graffiti in Bogota
All the ingenious and powerful murales, colorful graffitis, are one of Bogotá’s strongest suits.

I’m still overwhelmed by the charm and the beauty of many neighborhoods. I’m also impressed by the environmental awareness, by the countless delightful little shops and vegetarian and vegan snack bars. The most amazing suit, however, is the eclectic, outstanding, creative art that can be found at every corner.

Totally unexpectedly, Bogotá took me by storm.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in HAMBURG

Posted onAuthorRenata59 Comments

Hamburg is home to Europe’s third-largest harbor. This might give travellers – like for instance cruise ship passengers – the opportunity to explore the city on a layover. For them, I’ve put together a perfect itinerary for up to 24 hours in Hamburg.

Port of Hamburg
The iconic Landungsbrücken, Hamburg’s piers.

This very popular category on my blog is designated to transform a layover into a short extra vacation.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

TALLINN – between the poles of history and creativity

Posted onAuthorRenata Green54 Comments

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital between the poles of history and creativity, cannot be described with a handful of corny attributes and some stock catchphrases.

St Michael's Church in Tallinn
Besides many lovely and alluring things, there is also a bit of creepy to see in Tallinn – which makes the city even more intriguing.

Overall, by the standard categories, this city is far too diverse, its past too changeful, its faith too inconsistent, its present too dynamic, and its future definitely too promising. In conclusion, a hub between the poles of history and creativity.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best of RIGA – a Guide to Latvia’s Entrancing Capital

Posted onAuthorRenata87 Comments

When it comes to tourism, Latvia is still in some kind of limbo: Certainly not an insider tip anymore, it is still far from being overrun by large tourist groups. Although Riga is a modern and forward-looking metropolis, Latvia’s capital preserves proudly its cultural identity, traditions, and melancholic charm. Connoisseurs say that the city, located on the banks of the Daugava, is the most beautiful city in the Baltics.
Hence, in this guide to Riga, I’m showing you the best Latvia’s entrancing capital has to offer.

Musicians at Ethnographic Museum in Riga, Latvia's entrancing capital
After having been ethnically oppressed for the longest time, the Latvians happily and proudly rediscovered their cultural heritage.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to LIMA – beyond Miraflores

Posted onAuthorRenata5 Comments

Vamonos, let me guide you to Lima – beyond Miraflores and off the touristy trails.

Plaza Mayor in LIMA - beyond Miraflores
One of the more picturesque parts of Lima: Plaza Mayor – the Main Square – with a view of the Cathedral and the Palacio Arzobispal – the Archiepiscopal Palace – to its left.

Give Lima a chance to amaze you with beautiful museums, colorful markets, and great food.

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Guide to SÃO PAULO – Brazil’s Art Hub

Posted onAuthorRenata Green50 Comments

I will not beat around the bush – São Paulo, Brazil’s Art Hub, was my favorite Brazilian city.

Mural of a boy at SÃO PAULO - Brazil's Art Hub
There’s a lot of truly amazing street art in São Paulo.

Although Bonito enchanted me with its natural beauty, Foz do Iguaꞔu impressed me with the power of nature – São Paulo is the place where I see myself living and working and being part of the cool, artsy crowd.

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Guide to MALMÖ – a city in search of 24 more nations

Posted onAuthorRenata Green61 Comments

Let me guide you to Malmö, a city that combines in a very intriguing way the folksy charm of Astrid Lindgren’s children’s tales and the hip atmosphere of a students’ town – which it is, actually.

View of the Västra Hamnen, Malmö's "city of tomorrow" with the iconic "Turning Torso" from the city beach Ribersborgsstranden.
View of the Västra Hamnen, Malmö’s city of tomorrow with the iconic Turning Torso from the city beach Ribersborgsstranden.

In fact, Malmö has 320,000 inhabitants who share 77 square kilometers. This makes it, believe it or not, Sweden’s third-largest city – after Stockholm and Göteborg.

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BRUSSELS and Beyond: Day Trips to Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent

Posted onAuthorRenata Green110 Comments

Going on day trips from Brussels to the other Flemish medieval jewels such as Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent is fun, easy, and surprisingly affordable. Just hop on the next train that will take you to each of them in less than one hour and for under 10 €uros.

Renata Green in a day trip in Bruges, Belgium
Dreaming of being a princess? Well, I go all the way and become king!

I’m a busybody with a chronic case of FOMO.

But Belgium got the cure.
It is relatively small, in fact, the fifth smallest country in the European Union. It slumbers there nestled between Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Luxembourg, pretty much undisturbed in the middle of the continent, not bragging about its beauty.

And beauty it has all right!

During my stay in Brussels, Belgium’s and secretly also Europe’s capital, I actually managed to visit three other beautiful cities, one more intriguing than the other, so that I list them here fair and square in alphabetical order: Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent.

This Way to the Whole Story ->