How would it be possible to go to Rome and miss Villa Farnesina? Commissioned by a banker from Siena, it is one of the highest expressions of Italian Renaissance. Villa Farnesina houses incredible rooms with amazing frescoes by Raphael, painted in the 16th century, and other, less famous (arguably as skilled) artists. Marble floors, trompe de l’oeil, huge windows with detailed painted panels and richly… Read more »
Archives: Great spots
Just fifty minutes by train away from Rome lies this World Heritage site, known for its charming city center, the beautiful gardens in Villa d’Este, the waterfalls at Villa Gregoriana and nearby Villa Adriana. If you intend to go by train, definitely avoid Sundays as after you arrive in Tivoli it is extremely difficult to get a taxi (or even a local bus) to get… Read more »
If in Rome for the first time, or on business but want to escape from office for some time, or even if you have been here before but can’t resist revisiting your favorite sights, there is one very important rule: buy tickets in advance for the busy places like The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant’Angello or the Colosseum. If visiting on the peak holiday periods… Read more »
It is puzzling why most travelers miss a visit to this stunning Basilica, one of five papal ones in Rome. When talking to locals, we asked what their favorite place in the city may be, especially the ones travelers miss, and this Basilica was a top choice. Not only is it marvelous in terms of architecture and riches, but it is also home to the… Read more »
Located at Piazza della Repubblica, on the same site as Museo Nazionale Romano. An informative documentary film presented upon entering details what the Diocletian Baths used to look like, with magnificent rich detailing, marble structures and statues. Although much of the original details are no longer there, the structure has been maintained. It is interesting to learn that the beautiful adjacent basilica was built using… Read more »
Where else in the world would you find a park where you can go for a stroll or exercise in the middle of original Roman statues and fountains, Egyptian obelisks and marble Roman arches? Well, when in Rome you do find all of that at Villa Borghese. It is such a beautiful park and your visit will likely have the background sound of cicadas singing… Read more »
A fun way to visit the city attractions is by bicycle and we loved the fact that Zürich is so progressive as to offer free access to bicycles for anyone willing to ride them (a deposit of 20 francs and a photo ID are required). Zürirollt is what you should look for, they have many bike stations (Bellevue, Hauptbahnhof and Enge are near our suggested… Read more »
Do you want to see another side of Zürich, a cool and hipster up-and-coming part of town? Go to Viadukt. Located away from the old town (all our suggested hotels have tram stations nearby), a few hours around lunch time or at the end of your day should suffice to get you acquainted with Viadukt. As the name suggests, an old viaduct was converted into… Read more »
We heard of travelers going to Zürich and spending all their time at the many outstanding museums, beautiful Münsters and charming historical cobbled streets of old town. Yet, we find the lack of references to the lake quite surprising. Lake Zurich is wonderful and on hot summer days, you will see people swimming in its very clean waters, sunbathing on its lawns along the shore,… Read more »
Some travelers avoid visiting religious sites or places of worship, but do not miss the marvelous stained glass at Fraumünster by Marc Chagall in Lindehof, and the wonderful ones at Grossmünster by Sigmar Polke in Niederdorf. They are actually in close proximity, you just need to cross the river over a five-minute walk. They all depict religious figures and represent important passages of the Bible,… Read more »
This is something you must see or better yet, try out! Zurich locals love to swim in the lake in summertime. There are lake pools like the one in Enge with wooden planks, but they profit from the green waters of the Limmat River as well. The Badis are a current local trend, small riverside clubs for swimming, sunbathing and doing sports and leisure. Frauenbad… Read more »
Located in chic and elegant Cologny the Genève Plage is a lakeside oasis ideal for summertime entertainment. It offers many water sports, swimming pools, beach-volley, the typical petanques (a lawn game similar to boules) and a large green area, amongst other things. Ideal for those who enjoy doing as the Swiss do and mingling with locals, you can spend the day doing the many activities… Read more »
Board the charming CGN`s Belle Epoque steamboat, embark by the lake across from Jet d’Eau, and cruise magnificent Lake Geneva. The scenic trip will pass by and make stops at lovely small towns, where you can see locals practicing water sports, and after approximately one hour you will reach enchanting Yvoire, in France. Do take your passports, photo IDs may be required. Enjoy strolling around… Read more »
This is what we like the most about Geneva, people really enjoy the lake not only for strolls on the promenade, but also for some water acitivities. We suggest here some activities, which we think are enjoyable and worth your time and effort. Try kayaking, especially if you get further into the lake and away from city center, or Stand Up Paddling. Both are great… Read more »
Rent a bike and explore the many parks in the city as well as the area around Lake Geneva. It is a great and fun way to visit Geneva and see its beauties and attractions from a different perspective, whilst diversifying a bit from the pleasant strolls. The city offers free rentals for up to 4 hours, after which there is a nominal charge of… Read more »
If you want to do it like the locals do it, visit Bains des Paquis. Locals love this paid venue where you can bathe in the lake on a private “beach”. Take your swimsuit, go for a refreshing swim, enjoy the scenic waterfront views of Jet d´Eau and entertain yourself: not only swimming, but you can also find hammams, saunas, massages, and tai-chi courses .… Read more »
You would not be able to say you had a true Amsterdam experience if you did not ride a bike. Spring and summer are especially good for that, but you will see locals riding around in all temperatures, rain or shine, from pleasant summers to harsh winters. The city is flat, which makes for an easy ride. Pedal along the canals or in the many… Read more »
Considered one of the most beautiful showcases of flowers in the world, the Keukenhof gardens are usually open from the end of March until mid-May, when you can see flowers at full blossom. Enjoy the breathtaking sight of the fields of tulips outside the garden, with astounding colors which will likely stay with you for years to come. Tulips are the absolute highlight, but Keukenhof… Read more »
We highly recommend visiting some neighborhoods that have more of a local residential feel and are a lot less touristic. You can stroll unhurriedly along canals and streets, simply absorbing the atmosphere and enjoying the day, eating, drinking, people watching and shopping. Affluent Nine Streets and Jordaan are the elegant high fashion areas where you will find lavish shops, fine restaurants and high-end hotels. If… Read more »
In our view a true traveling experience to a destination must include a visit to a street market and places locals go to. Even though you will see a few tourists around the Albert Cuyp area, you will soon realize this open-air market caters mostly to locals looking to buy food, books, clothes or to eat and drink a beer in one of its 300… Read more »
