Wake up and head to the harbor…

The quarter known as Landungsbrücken is a great spot to sit and watch the city wake up. Stop at one of the many small cafés overlooking the Elbe River for Brötchen (small rolls) with a slice of cheese or meat (a typical German breakfast) and a hot cup of coffee.

If you’re there on a Sunday morning, be sure to check out the famous Hamburg Fishmarkt, located just a short walk from the Landungbrücken Ubahn station. As it is still a relatively active port, there is always some sort of commotion going on.

Next up: HafenCity

As the caffeine from your coffee starts to kick in, you may want to stretch your legs a bit. Head southwest along the line of the harbor towards to HafenCity. Thirty years ago, this area was desolate, abandoned after the once vital port was deemed to small for the new, larger container ships. In recent years, however, it has been revitalized.

With sustainability in mind, the neighborhood has been designed to be a walkable, livable, destination for residents, just a little over a kilometer from the city center. New architectural concepts and innovative urban designs are the things to see here. Points of interest include the Marco Polo House (some of Hamburg’s most expensive real estate), the Unilever building, the Chilehaus and of course, the still-in-construction Elbphilharmonie.

Then, Head North to the City Center

Walk north up Osakaallee following signs to the Rathaus (Town Hall) and city center. At the corner of Osakaallee and Brooktorkai you’ll find a small little café called Fleetschlösschen. In case you need to warm up this is the perfect little cozy spot! Or, if your hungry for lunch, continue up Bei St. Annen, which turns into Brandstwiete, turn left onto Willy-Brandt-Straße and you’ll find the Gröninger Privatbrauerei, a delicious spot to try some authentic German dishes traditional to northern Germany and Hamburg.

As you transition from the HafenCity to the city center, be sure to check out the Speicherstadt, a string of large ware-house like buildings that have survived World War II (where most of the buildings in the Hamburg city center have been destroyed) and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once you find yourself at Rathaus Markt, take some photos of the historic Town Hall (you can’t miss it). During the Christmas season there is also a really nice Christmas Market there. Other events are held there throughout the year as well.

Relax By The Alster

Cross the main square in front of the Rathaus and head towards Jungfernsteig, walk along the Alster Lake, relax by the water if the weather permits.

If the weather is nice, also consider taking a stroll in the Planten un Blomen park, which has a botanical garden with tropical greenhouses, an authentic Japanese garden and a rose garden with over 300 types of roses (in the warm weather).

From There, Head Towards Sternchanze

Sternchanze is Hamburg’s alternative area, which has lots of cool little shops, cafes and bars. It is also the location of my favorite brewery Ratsherrn. In the Altes Mädchen building you can find the Rathaus Brewery and shop. Sample a few of the craft beers!

Hang out there for a while or hop back on the U3 getting off at Landungsbrücken again. Instead of going towards the harbor, head towards to the Portuguese Viertal (Portuguese neighborhood) to my favorite dinner place, Luigi’s. With a background of Latin salsa beats, energetic waiters shouting “escuzi, bella!” and super delicious pizza, this place is not to be missed! At the end of the meal they also bring a bottle of digestive to the table at the end of the meal, to liven things up a little bit more.

Either call it a night or…

Head to One of Hamburg’s Most Famous Districts: Reeperbahn

Full of clubs, bars, strip clubs, cheap take away food places, casinos and some excellent people watching, the Reeperbahn is a truly unique aspect to the city. There’s always a party somewhere on the strip and on Friday and Saturday you’ll find people partying all night.

While the New Town and coastal areas are thriving sections of the city, my personal favorite part is the original, medieval Edinburgh’s Old Town. Kings and queens, invading armies, the condemned and the celebrated have walked through these streets for hundreds of years and in 1995 the Old Town has been an official UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

The Start Of Edinburgh’s Old Town Begins With The Edinburgh Castle

The layout of Edinburgh’s Old Town runs similar to many of the old quarters of northern European cities. It begins with the fortification, in this case the picturesque Edinburgh Castle perched on top of a rocky crag (rocky or steep cliff) that has developed from a long extinct volcano.

This crag, known as Castle Rock, was the earliest section of the city to be developed. It is unknown when the earliest fortification was built there, some evidence suggests early settlements to the late Bronze Age, but it is widely accepted that some sort of castle was first erected in the 11^th century.

The Royal Mile

From the Edinburgh Castle, the layout of the Edinburgh’s Old Town slopes down towards the east on the tail of land from Castle Rock. During the 12^th century, Holyrood Abbey was built at the foot of the hill, which created the spine in which medieval Edinburgh grew. This connection between the two is commonly referred to as the Royal Mile. Today there are only ruins of the Holyrood Abbey, but it is a spot not to be missed. Along the Royal Mile, small alleys and streets come from each side, forming a fishbone shape and each offering a cool new place to explore.

During the development of the residential area of the Royal Mile, it was very advantageous to live inside the defensive walls. Since the street area itself is so narrow, the homes had to be built in a multi-story fashion and are considered some of the first “high rise” residential buildings.

On the Royal Mile, you will find the heartbeat of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Not only is it one of the main sections of the world famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but it is also full of the oldest visitor attractions and tons of shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

St Giles’ Cathedral

Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the Cathedral has been the focal point of the Church of Scotland and the principle place of worship for nearly 900 years. The present church dates to the 14^th century, with a famous crown spire and stands in the center of the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

[Edinburgh Guide], [Time Out]

What is the Colosseum?

It is one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. And did you know the Roman Colosseum (Coliseum) was also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre? It is a hugely popular tourist destination, and the quintessential symbol of ancient Roman life.

Who? When?

The Colosseum was commissioned in AD 72 by the Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his successor and heir Titus in AD 80. Domatian made further improvements during his rein between AD 81-96. All three were part of the Flavian Dynasty (hence where the original name derives from).

Where?

Where the Colosseum has been built is also quite an interesting story. At the time, most amphitheaters were built on the outskirts of the city, but Colosseum was placed directly in the city center. This decision may have been influenced by the Roman Emperor Nero, who reined right before the construction began.

By the 2^nd century BC, the low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills (the current location of the Colosseum) was densely populated. It was devastated, however, during the Great Fire of Rome (AD 64). Nero took much of the area to add to his personal domain. There, he built a Domus Aurea, complete with an artificial lake surrounded by pavilions, gardens and porticoes. Next to the lake, he built the bronze Colassus of Nero, a statue in his honor.

At the end of Nero’s rein, much of the area was torn down, the lake filled in- to be the new site of the Colosseum. This can be considered a gesture by Vespasian to return this area in which Nero had taken for himself back to the people of the city.

How?

The construction of the Colosseum was a grandiose undertaking. It was funded by the plunders taken from the Jewish Temple after the Great Jewish Revolt in AD 70 led to the Siege of Jerusalem. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 Jewish slaves were utilized in the construction, along with guidance from professional builders, artists, decorators and engineers from the Roman community. The end result is the largest amphitheater ever built during the Roman Empire. With an ellipse shape, it was 188m long and 156m wide. It could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.

In the interior, there were rows of interior seats as well as special boxes on the north and south end reserved for the Emperor and his party. At the same level is a platform for the senatorial class, who would bring their own chairs. The names of some of the senators from the 5^th century can still be found carved into the stone, which leads us to believe these spots were reserved. Above the senators is the noble class or knights, followed by the section for ordinary Roman citizens (Plebeians), which was further divided into two sections. One was for the wealthy and one for the poor. During the reign of Domitian another level was added to accommodate for the common poor, slaves and women.

And the why? Check out the next article about the Roman gladiators!

[Rome.info], [Wikipedia]

11. Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavaria

Located directly opposite of Germany’s most famous castle (the last on the list here) is the Hohenschwangau Castle. The original structure was built in the 1100s as a fortress by the Knights of Schwangau and controlled until 1535. After this time, he began to fall into ruin until the Bavarian Crown Prince Maximilian bought the land in 1832 and built it as a family home, where he raised his son Ludwig II (you’ll hear more about him later). Consult the Hohenschwangau Castle website for more information.

12. Cochem Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate

Dating back to the 1100s, Chochem Castle is a true time passage into medieval life. The small village is located along the banks of the Mosel River, with colorful little historic homes dominated by the castle’s Gothic Tower. Although it was restored in the 1800s, there are still large sections that date back to the original structure. Today, visitors can have guided tours inside, partake in a rustic medieval banquet, known as “Knight’s Meal”, join the medieval castle festival, the gourtmet festival, the Sparkling Wine gala, Cochem Castle Christmas and cultural events. Plus you can even stay in the Burghotel, complete with medieval-themed rooms! Consult the Cochem Castle website for more information.

13. Wartburg Castle, Thuringia

The Wartburg is one of, if not the, most historical castles in German history. Built in 1067, it was one of the most important castles of the time. Many famous poets and personalities spent time in the castle such as Goethe, who famously sketched the castle. In 1521 the religious icon Martin Luther stayed in the castle for a year, translating the New Testament of the Bible into German. You can still visit the room today where Luther lived and worked. The Wartburg is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with a museum, medieval banquet hall and countless frescoes. Consult the Wartburg Castle website for more information.

14. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Germany’s most famous castle (and many times considered most beautiful) and the inspiration for Walt Disney’s iconic “Cinderella’s Castle” is an absolute must-see on any visit to Bavaria. No matter what season you visit, Neuschwanstein is sure to impress. I went in the winter and although there wasn’t so much snow at the time, it was still beautiful against the backdrop of the rolling hills and mountain peaks. As I wrote about in an earlier article about the infamous castle, Neuschwanstein was actually built in the late 1800s, and was not meant to protect, but rather a place of seclusion and leisure for Bavarian King Ludwig II. One of the best views of the castle is from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), which spans over a large waterfall behind the castle. Consult the Neuschwanstein Castle website for more information.

1. Castles, Castles and More Castles

As Ireland has a rather tumultuous history with conflict, castles were built by the British, Scottish and Irish all throughout the land as defense mechanisms. Even if you don’t have a specific castle in mind, plan a road trip through the countryside and you’re guaranteed to spot some castles!

One of Ireland’s most famous attractions, the Blarney Stone is located in the Blarney Castle in Cork County, one of the most visited castles in Ireland. Legend has it that if you kiss the Stone (a truly acrobatic feat) you will have eternal eloquence (just pretend that it’s not a little gross that millions of other people have kissed the same stone).

While the Blarney Castle may be one of the most popular, it is just one of more than 340 castles built in Ireland. That’s pretty astounding if you consider that the island itself is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Indiana (where there is definitely not more than 3 or 4 actual castles). Cahir, Kilkenny and Dunguaire Castles are definitely worth a visit- evoking the fantastical visions of medieval times.

2. The Cliffs of Moher

Over 12 km long, the Cliffs of Moher are considered one of Ireland’s most breathtaking sites. A straight drop of nearly 220 meters to the wild Atlantic Ocean the sheer size of the cliffs themselves are awe-inspiring, evoking the feeling of being at the end of the world. Coupled with the rough landscape and rolling hills of the country side behind you, the site popped right out of a postcard.

3. The Words: The Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is a nearly 2500 km long stretch of land along Ireland’s west coast, stretching from County Donegal to County Cork. A drive along this route will put you at one with nature and the wild Atlantic, spanning out as far as you can see from the coast. It is along this route that some of Ireland’s most stunning natural sites are located such as Connemara, The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.

4. Four More Words: The Causeway Coastal Route

Another reason to get out and explore the untamed Irish countryside is the Causeway Coastal Route, stretching along the northeast coast of Ireland beginning in Belfast. The gem of this tour is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of 40,000 basalt columns formed by molten lava that has cooled into dark hexagonal stone steps. Legend has it that a great Celtic warrior, Finn MacCool, built the “highway” to Scotland to battle a rival while scientists say it formed 60 million years ago.

Also not to be missed on this route is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a suspension bridge that hovers 30 meters over jagged rocks or the remains of the Dunlace Castle, which is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”.

[Huffington Post], [The Richest], [Readers Digest]

After rattling around on the local Blue Line bus service that navigates the extremely narrow road connecting the surrounding local villages (an attraction in itself) set your eyes upon the majestic city of Kotor, rising from the bay high up into the blue skies of Montenegro. Settled for the first time in 168 BC, Kotor is a must see when traveling through Montenegro.

As you enter the main gate you are immediately transported back to the Ottoman Empire. Narrow streets and busy squares unfold into a maze of trendy shops, bars and cafes. Kotor stands out as its small size, in comparison with other fortified cities, manages to retain the authentic feel of the middle ages. It is not hard to imagine being an invader, confused by the labyrinth of alleyways despite the modern music drifting into the streets, and families enjoying ice-cream on a hot summer day.

Kotor has many special events and festivals throughout the high season, like the Summer Carnival or Bokeljska Noć. While the city is family friendly, for those interested there is even a Nightclub called “Maximus” that pumps dance music and hosts live events late into the night.

Once you have absorbed the cities energy, it is possible, and highly recommended to make the long hike up to the fortress of Saint Ivan. In the summer the heat can be almost unbearable, but with a good supply of water and some determination, the views of the bay filled with yachts and cruise ships, as well as the breathtaking Adriatic vistas are worth the trek.

From May to September there is an admission fee for the climb (about 3 euros) but it is well worth the price. The sense of accomplishment after handling the treacherous climb (the steps are not well maintained) and the vantage point over the bay produces some of the best photos of the Gulf of Kotor.

For those who seek a slightly more “local” feel, making a trip to the small town of Stoliv (Donji Stoliv), just a short bus ride around the bay, is rife with places to dive into the Adriatic as well as small family run hotels and restaurants on the Sea.

The village is located directly on the bay, but was first settled much higher up on the mountain to provide security from pirates and invaders.

A very private 45 minute hike up from the coast along the time worn forest path that the locals still use to bring goods to the village below, leads you to Gornji Stoliv, now scarcely inhabited and completely void of tourists. You won’t find any amenities there. Just a beautiful, secluded view of the bay below, olive trees, a unique church-tower overlook, and if you are lucky, some locals herding goats along the cobblestone pathways.

Kotor, and the surrounding area provide beautiful scenery and intimate locales thanks to its location and modest size. See how Kotor stacks up against other small cities in Europe in this article from Sarah.

In the turn of the first century A.D., the town of Pompeii was a flourishing metropolis for the distinguished Roman citizens. Sophisticated homes, shops, taverns, cafés, bathhouses and even brothels were built, decorated with elaborate artwork. There was a gym, an arena that fit 20,000 people and many open-air squares and marketplaces.

Looming in the near distance from the city, however, was Mt. Vesuvius, an active volcano that had been erupting for thousands of years. In August 79 A.D., it erupted again, sending hot ash, pumice, rocks and boiling volcanic gas so high that people could see it for hundreds of miles around. The best account of this fateful event was by Pliny the Younger, who watched the eruption from across the bay, recording what he saw. Historians estimate that there were about 20,000 people living in Pompeii at the time.

As the ash began to fall on the city, some didn’t flee immediately. Those who stayed behind suffered a painful death, first difficulty breathing and then a 100 mile-per-hour surge of superheated poison gas and pulverized rock, known as a “pyroclastic surge” flowed down the mountain, completely engulfing everything in its path. By the end of the next day, the entire city and about 2,000 people we completed covered in 4-6 meters of ash and pumice.

The town was essentially forgotten and remained uncovered until it was completely discovered in 1748 by a group of explorers looking for ancient artifacts in Campania dug below the ashes. Due to a lack of moisture and air, everything that was below the dust was nearly untouched and preserved so well that the skeletons were frozen in their final positions, the buildings remained in near perfect condition and they even found everyday household items such as food! 

Especially interesting is when the ashes were first uncovered, the excavators injected plaster molds into the spaces between the ash that had hardened around the people that had been trapped. The casts give us the exact positions of the victims during their time of death. Most aren’t at the site of the Pompeii, but instead in the National Museum in Naples. Also, they found a great deal of erotic art upon the discoveries. It was so graphic that when the King Francis I of Naples visited the museum displaying the excavations in in 1819 with his wife and daughter he was so embarrassed, he had it locked away in a secret cabinet, only viewable to those “of mature age and respected morals”. These discoveries led historians to believe that the ancient Romans were much more liberal about sexual themes than we are in present-day.

The excavation is still continuing today, providing archeologists one of the most fascinating opportunities to continue learning about this ancient city. There are also approximately 2.5 million visitors to Pompeii each year. As well, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

I have to admit, when I visited there, I definitely should have planned a bit better. It was August in southern Italy. The ancient city is huge, and took the entire day to walk around and explore. There is really limited shading from the sun, and well, you can imagine that walking up through the hilly city in 35 degree summer heat was a bit exhausting, and I forgot to bring any sort of hat. Check their website for the most up to date information.

Despite the potential for debilitating dehydration and sun poisoning, it was actually fascinating. The streets and buildings are mostly still in tact, even the marketplaces and squares are still there. What was most captivating, however, was that the thousands of year old paintings are still visible on the walls of the various buildings!

You could really imagine yourself living in this ancient Roman city!

[History], [Wikipedia]

Stari Grad is the historical heart of the island of Hvar (not to be confused with the city of Hvar, located on the other side of the island).

Located at the end of a long, protected bay, surrounded by excellent agricultural land has long made Stari Grad an ideal settlement for inhabitants. The area of the town today was first settled by the Neolithic tribes of the Hvar culture, who occupied the island between 3500 and 2500 BC (not too long ago…). They traded with other settlers around the Mediterranean and remains of their existence as well as their successors, the Illyrian tribe, such as pottery and other artifacts have been found in the area.

Stari Grad gets its original name, Faros or Pharos, from the ancient Greeks who formally settled there in 384 BC. The nearby plain was designed and constructed with roads and designated standard fields were divided up. Today, the Stari Grad Plain is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek agriculture throughout the Mediterranean and is currently a UNESO World Heritage Site.

Over its long history, Stari Grad has been home to many different groups such as the Romans, the Slavs, the Venetian Republic, the Turks, the Austrian Empire and finally part of the Dalmatian Kingdom, part of the larger political body of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Visiting the town today, it almost feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. Tourism has become the main income for the town; though not large enough overpower the “authentic” feel. There are still many magnificent archaeological sites that date back to pre-history and classical times. The Stari Grad Museum also displays collection of artifacts from local sites, both land and sea.

Some of the most famous sites include: the Old Town Walls, Greek Settlement, Stari Grad Plain, Roman Villas, Maslinovik (Greek tower in the Stari Grad Plain), and Glavica (Illyrian fort above Stari Grad).

We went during the month of July, when summer was at its hottest point. Warmed by the warm summer sun, but surrounded by a pine tree forest, Stari Grad is one of the few places in Dalmatia that provide a cool, fresh breeze all throughout the year.

The town also has a really nice, slow-paced, relaxed atmosphere. I can imagine its location on the water, the fact that it is an island, perhaps because it is so small (with about 2,000 inhabitants), or maybe it has the inherent wisdom that comes from being over 5,000 years old that makes it that way. Either way, it is a really great place to visit. There is also a small stone platform at the edge of the town where you can swim and the sunset is unbelievable!

There are also some nice little restaurants and cafés in the city center that are open day and night. The town lights up beautifully in the evening, perfect for a stroll along the promenade by the harbor.

To get to Stari Grad, we took the ferry from Split to Ferry Port Stari Grad, which took about two hours. You could walk to the town from the port, or take a bus. We ended up taking the bus because it was super hot out that day. We did find, however, that region didn’t have too much available to book online. We just bought the tickets for the ferry and bus on the spot, which seemed to be the normal procedure.

It has also become popular for residents to turn the historic buildings into accommodation, which means you could end up staying in a really cool place. We, for example, stayed in a castle in the center of town!

[Wikipedia], [Hvar Info]