5 of the Best Bars/Pubs in Budapest

When you are in Budapest, make sure to check out these best places to have a drink.

1. Szimpla Kert

Decorated with remnants of the Communist era, this bar is one of the most popular one among the infamous ‘ruin pubs’ in Budapest. From an old radio to half a bathtub, this place has an alternative vibe for your nightlife in Budapest.

2. Blue Red Hell

You can be anyone in this pub as it is known for it’s variety of costume events like Halloween. One night it might be a Japanese disco and then a cyber punk movie another.

3. Morrison’s Opera

You’ll want to know about this place- as it is where you can get beer for 100HUF! There is a dance floor to dance your night away, a place to sing and play football or FIFA. Not to mention Morrison’s Opera has a fantastic DJ too.

4. Fogas Haz

It’s name literally means House of Teeth and is very popular among the locals. They have a dance floor and prices are cheap. The outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to get a drink and relax.

5. Mazel Tov

Bringing a modern twist to the ruin pubs scene, Mazel Tov has stylish interiors with clean lines and ample space.Featuring a complete Middle Eastern kitchen equipped with a hummus bar, even kids are welcome in this stylish joint.

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Things to do in Stockholm

Things to do in Stockholm

The Swedish capital is built on 14 islands and located at the heart of Scandinavia. It is home to an abundance of green spaces and boasts stunning waterfront views which leave many struck by its beauty. But that is not all that Stockholm has to offer. With a medieval centre, cultural festivals in summer and a host of museums, Stockholm is undoubtedly a vibrant city that everyone must visit!

Let us be your guides in Stockholm.

1. Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is the Old Town in Stockholm and one of the largest medieval centers in Europe. While the Old Town was established in 1300, many of its buildings were built between 1700 to 1800. Here you will find narrow yet charming and tranquil alleys, cobbled streets, merchant houses and meeting sqaures. This attraction is popular with visitors and locals alike and in fact houses other attractions such as the Royal Palace and Storkyrkan. 

2. Skansen

Visit the world's first open-air museum, which housesa miniature form of the whole of Sweden. Discover Sweden's history and culture over 5 centuries and learn about how people in various parts of the country lived and work in different periods. Skansen is also home to Stockholm's zoo, which houses animals that are native to Scandinavia. Families with young children, history buffs and animal-loving travellers will not want to miss a trip to Skansen! 

3. Vasa Museum

This museum is dedicated to the Vasa, a warship that sank on its maiden voyage in the 17th century. The Vasa was only salvaged in 1961 after over 300 years in the water and in the years that followed, tremendous efforts were made to preserve and restore as much of the warship. While the 69-meter long warship is undoubtedly the highlight of the museum, there are also other exhibits that detail life on board the ship and how ships are made. 

4. ABBA Museum

We couldn't talk about Sweden without mentioning its biggest export…Fans of the Swedish pop group will not want to miss a trip to this museum! Here, you will not only find the music and lyrics to the tunes of ABBA but also the costumes, memorabilia and films of the group. The lives and experiences of ABBA members are also detailed at this museum. If you are confident of your vocal abilities, you may sing your favourite ABBA song on the stage as the fifth member of the group! With interactive exhibits and non-stop music at the museum, you will indeed walk in and dance out!

5. Djurgarden

Djurgarden is where many of the city's highly rated museums are situated. These include the Vasa Museum, Nordic Museum and Skansen. But beyond the museums, Djurgarden is also an oasis in the vibrant city, with plenty of green spaces and a gorgeous waterfront view. Lovers of art and nature will find Djurgarden a haven!

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What to Pack for a Winter Holiday

What to Pack for a Winter Holiday

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that your adventures are over, but it does come with its downsides. The art of keeping warm often means big jumpers and other winter gear that are heavy and do not leave much room in your case. Travellers need to strike a balance between packing only the essentials and ensuring there is enough to last them the entire duration of the winter holiday. But fear not, it can be done!

Here are some packing tips for those heading off on a winter vacation! 

1. Thermal wear

Do pack some lightweight thermal wear – tops and bottoms. They only occupy a small amount of space in your suitcase and will keep you warm in freezing temperatures. You can also fit them into your day bag easily so that on days you need an extra layer, you do not have to wind up shivering. 

2. Accessories – hat, gloves, ear muffs

Winter accessories, namely gloves, hats, scarves and ear muffs, do not just make you appear more fashionable in the cold. They also play an essential role in keeping you warm as they protect the parts of your body that would otherwise be left exposed to the cold, i.e. your hands, head and neck. Most items of clothing do not offer protection to these areas (plus they look great)…So do not forget your these accessories when you pack for a winter vacation!

3. Winter coat

When you go on a winter vacation, you will surely need a winter coat to complete your outfit and provide you extra warmth. But you only need to bring a single coat along, and try to wear it so it does not take up any much-valued suitcase space. If rain or snow is forecast for the destination you are heading to, consider bringing a coat that is waterproof and comes with a hood.  

4. Footwear

The shoes you wear on your winter vacation should be comfortable enough for you to walk long distances and come with a good grip to prevent you from slipping on wet or icy surfaces. Wear boots to give your feet and legs some extra warmth, which sneakers do not provide. 

If you are planning to bring along additional footwear, do wear the most bulky one on the day you travel to free up space in your suitcase. 

5. Hand warmers

While we can easily slip on an additional layer to keep our upper bodies warm, very few of us wear an extra glove to keep our hands warm. And this is understable since gloves can be an impediment when we want to take photos or search for items in our day bags. But your fingers do not have to suffer the cold even when it is already wrapped in gloves! That is why many travellers bring hand warmers – they stay warm for hours and provide instant relief to frozen hands!

6. Moisturisers

Besides keeping yourself warm, you must not forget to look after your skin during your winter vacation! The cold temperatures can dry out your skin, causing it to become flaky and itchy so ensure that you bring moisturisers for both your face and the rest of your body. While you may need a richer moisturiser for winter, especially if your skin is prone to dryness, you should be using moisturisers that are suitable for your skin type.

Do not forget that winter weather can also cause us to have dry and cracked lips. Luckily this isn't something a little lip balm can't fix. Besides external moisturisers, remember to hydrate body internally by drinking enough water!

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5 of the Best Dessert Restaurants in Amsterdam

5 of the Best Dessert Restaurants in Amsterdam

Planning to visit Amsterdam with a sweet tooth can be a dessert lover's paradise when you allow yourself to indulge. From delicious deep-filled appeltaart (apple pie) to classic staples such as carrot cake, chocolate fudge cake, and cheesecake. Plus plenty of bakeries and patisseries in Amsterdam are pushing the boundaries when it comes to sweet treats. You won’t want to miss any one of these dessert restaurants in Amsterdam.

 

1. Patisserie Holtkamp

Baking since 1969, the people behind Holtkamp really know their stuff when it comes to delicate desserts as they have one of the best apple pies you can find in Amsterdam. Though they are famously known for their delicious savory croquettes and bitterballen, Holtkamp also specializes in freshly-made chocolates, cakes, cookies, tarts and French-style pastries. A little bit of something for everyone.

Vijzelgracht 15
patisserieholtkamp.nl
Open: Mon – Fri 8.30 am – 6 pm; Sat 8.30 am – 5 pm

 

2. Chocolatl

More than your traditional chocolate shop, Chocolatl is a shrine to the cocoa bean. Their gourmet chocolate is a piece of art that the employees are more than happy to help you discover which of their artisanal bars and bonbons are the perfect flavor for your palate, and they also sell delicious drinking chocolate. Something new to try while visiting Amsterdam.

Hazenstraat 25-A
chocolatl.nl
Open: Tue – Sat 11 am – 6 pm; Sun 1 pm – 5 pm12

 

3. Van Ness Cupcake

Taking gourmet cupcakes to a new level, Van Ness Cupcake changes their menu each month to offer a selection of unique cupcakes you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Though these cupcakes may be modern their offering of soft and buttery cupcakes with flavors including Peanut Butter Lava, Maple Cinnamon and Lemon Coconut. You’ll always find something to tickle your taste buds to come back for more the next month.

Spuistraat 232
vannesscupcake.com
Open: Wed and Fri – Sun 12 noon – 6 pm; Thu 12 noon – 8 pm

 

4. Patisserie Tout

It is said that the chef behind Patisserie Tout was apparently the first pâtissier to bring French Macarons to the Netherlands. With his specialization in decadent ganache-filled macarons in a variety of flavors, Tout is praised for their sweet cookie-like treats in Amsterdam. Though they also offer intricate pastries, chocolates and truffles that are all made with fresh seasonal ingredients. And in case you would like to learn how to make your own chocolates or macarons, Tout offers a do-it-yourself workshop.

Maasstraat 105
toutpatisserie.nl
Open: Mon 12 noon – 5 pm; Tue – Fri 8.30 am – 6 pm; Sat 9 am – 5.30 pm

 

5. De Drie Graefjes (American Bakery)

One of the busiest American style bakeries in Amsterdam that offers huge portions of muffins, hunks of red velvet cake, brownies, blondies, cupcakes and cookies. De Drie Graefjes is well known for their pastries and can get crowded during the lunch time as they also serve American style soups, sandwiches, and salads in case you want to feel better about indulging in your sweet treat.

Two locations: Rokin 128 and Eggertstraat 1
dedriegraefjes.nl
Open: daily 9 am – 6 pm

 

About the Author:
Freddy Rodriguez is a Texas transplant currently living between New York City and Berlin sharing his travels on Instagram @FredRdgz and writing for Eating Europe Tours

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