Eat Like a Local in Prague

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Eat Like a Local in Prague

Eating like a local in Prague is not a difficult affair, as long as you avoid restaurants and eateries targeting the tourist crowds, for these places tend to be overpriced. Make time to check out food haunts frequented by the locals, and get a taste of the flavoure that they love. Places to wine and dine at are not limited to restaurants and dining outlets – if you are feeling adventurous during your sojourns, why not make your way to the homes of the local for an authentic, home-made meal? 

1. Havelská Koruna

Travellers keen on trying out Czech cuisine in a central area of Prague will find Havelská Koruna to be a restaurant worth patronising. You will find a wide array of items on the extensive menu, and the dishes are changed on a day-to-day basis. The long queues snaking outside the restaurant are a testament to the popularity and quality of the food offered, but the prompt service means that you will not have to endure a painfully long wait.

[PRAGUE https://www.bonappetour.com/s/Prague–Czech-Republic?lat=50.0755381&lng=14.43780049999998]
 

2. Lokál U Bílé kuželky 

Lokál U Bílé kuželky may be situated close to the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, but it is not one of the overpriced, touristy restaurants lining the streets of Prague's city center. Boasting a quaint pub-like setting, the restaurant dishes up a slew of traditional Czech cuisine at affordable prices. Do not leave without downing a pint (or more) of homemade beer!

3. Kavárna Pražírna

After a fun-filled day excursion, take a well-deserved break at the cosy and welcoming Kavárna Pražírna. Spend a leisurely afternoon sipping an aromatic cup of coffee, nibbling on buttery baked treats or savouring bites of a rich cheesecake. A selection of sandwiches are also available for travellers keen on tucking into a meal here. The cafe's quiet and laidback atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for holidaymakers seeking to escape the lively buzz of the city centre. 

4. Street Food Stalls

You have not really discovered the cuisines and tastes of the locals unless you have tried the street food of a particular destination. Here in Prague, keep a lookout for vendors in Wencelas Square. Once you are within close proximity to these stalls, you will discern an irresistible aroma wafting in the air – one which reminds you of decadent cheese and savoury sausages.

Step closer, and you will see throngs of locals sinking their teeth into soft bread rolls filled with sausage, or an indulgent fried cheese sandwich. This is a snack often consumed by the locals when they need to eat on the go, so grab one of these hot dog rolls if you need a quick bite during your travels.

 5. Cafe Bar Propaganda

Prague's myriad pubs and watering holes makes it a haven for beer fanatics. If you want to drink as the locals do, make your way to Cafe Bar Propaganda. With a quirky setting and well-priced beers, it comes as no surprise that this is a fond favourite among the locals. Teetotallers in the group can opt from a selection of non-alcoholic beverages on the drinks menu. 

6. Home-dining Experience

If you find yourself missing a heartwarming, homecooked meal during your sojourns, quell your cravings by trying out a home dining experience. Beer aficionados will be eager to start a spread of Czech cuisine and beer feast with Jana, while travellers with a curious palate may want to sample an array of Czech Indian fusion food with Shruti. 

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7 Miseries of Solo Travel

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7 Miseries of Solo Travel

1. Table For One 

Experiencing that awkward moment of hearing the waiter shout across the restaurant: "Table for one!"  

2. Too Much Food

When you want to try different dishes, but cannot afford to order as many as you want to as there is no one else to share them with. 

3. Taking Photographs

A cure for the problem of being #foreveralone? A selfie stick. 

4. When you fall sick, you will not have any travel companions to look after you. 

5. Having a random, homeless passer-by hit on you.

"No I’m not interested – I'd like to read my map in peace."

6. Taking a solitary walk back to your hostel, filled with fears of getting mugged. Or knocked out, and left for dead by the roadside. Or being butchered up. 

7. At the end of the day, you come to the realisation that you do not have anyone to share your highlights of the day with. 

If you have checked off all seven points listed above, you are definitely a seasoned solo traveller! Cure your solo travelling woes by embarking on a social dining experience with BonAppetour. Having tasty, home-cooked meals is not the only plus point – you will also get to meet plenty of friendly locals! 

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Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Florence

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Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Florence

As a vegetarian, it can be a hassle to find good restaurants to dine at during your travels. Unlike your meat-loving friends, you cannot take the easy option of getting a burger takeout. More often than not, you are left in the situation of watching on by the side, as your friends feast on a series of meaty delicacies. However, this will not be a problem anymore – not when you have our top five picks for vegetarian restaurants in Florence:

1. Brac 

If you like a cosy ambience, an engaging book to read while you eat, affordable meals and a fine selection of flavourful dishes, this is definitely the place to go. The piatta unico, consisting of a main dish, salad and bread with fillings, comes at an affordable price of €12. The generous portions of the dishes is icing on the cake. 

Round off your meal with an aromatic coffee. Choose from one fo the many books available in the restaurant, and settle snugly into your seat for an afternoon of reading. 

Note: The restaurant is open for reservations only.

Address: Via dei Vagellai, 18, 50122 Firenze, Italy
Phone:+39 055 094 4877

2. Il Vegetariano

Located in the heart of Florence, Il Vegetariano commenced its operations in 1981. The restaurant offers a different selection of items on its menu each day. The menu might not be extensive, but you can be assured that each and every dish served is of the highest quality, as much emphasis is placed on sourcing for fresh ingredients. Vegetariano also features a well-stocked salad bar filled with a mix of raw and steamed ingredients. A dining experience at this restaurant is highly economical – main courses are priced at €7.50 – €9, and starters have an average price of €5. 

Address: via delle Ruote, 30r 
Phone: 055 47 50 30

3. La Raccolta

La Raccolta started off as a grocery shop specialising in selling organic produce in 1985. The restuarant was set up fifteen years later, and boasts a menu featuring a wide range of wholesome organic dishes. A selection of vegetarian, gluten free and raw items are also available, making this an excellent dining spot for diners with food allergies. La Raccolta is known for dishing out unique dishes, such as an intrigung ravioli of red beets, oranges with cashew cream and melon.

Address: via G. Leopardi, 2r 
Phone: 055 24 79 068

4. Dolce Vegan

Perfect for health-conscious foodies, Dolce Vegan offers only vegan and organic items on their extensive menu. All starters and mains are priced below €10, making it an ideal stopover for budget travellers. An indulgent treat await dessert-lovers, for the restaurant offers a selection of tasty treats, such as the well-loved tiramisu and a decadent cheesecake with coconut and chocolate. These desserts are given a healthy twist, as no eggs, milk and honey are used. Be sure to give this eatery a go if you are travelling in Florence!

Address: Via San Gallow, 92r. Firenze, Italy
Phone: +39 055 019 5437

5. Sedano Allegro

Sedano Allegro's menu starts off on a promising note, offering a series of unique entrées such as the fried pumpkin flower with cream cheese, and baked aubergine stuffed with mushrooms. The rest of the menu is equally delightful – diners will find intriguing-sounding main courses such as the seitan escalopes with apples or mushrooms and vegetarian skewer. End of a scrumptious meal with one of their homemade desserts, or enjoy a fine glass of Tuscan of Italian wine. Mmm…perfect!

Address: Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 1, 50121 Firenze, Italy
Phone: +39 055 234 4020

6. Ristorante Le Fate

Le Fate is a newly opened restaurant, but it also has the most innovative dining concept in this list. Although the price range falls closer to that of a fine dining restaurant, rest assured that this place serves more than the typical vegetarian or vegan fare. From the colour of the food to the serving plates used, each and every aspect of the dining experience is specially crafted to align with the twelve astrological signs. Wine lovers will be delighted to know that Le Fate's wine list is curated to match the characteristics of each astrological sign.

Do not miss out on engaging in fascinating conversations with the owner, Serenella. An expert is astrology, it is likely that you will gain intriguing insights into the undiscovered traits of your star sign. 

Address: Via San Zanobi, 126r 50129 Florence Italy  
Phone: +39 055 3841998 

7. Join A Cooking Class in Florence

If you are an adventurer who loves to explore beyond guidebooks, why not join a culinary class in Florence? From choosing seasonal ingredients with a local, to cooking in the comforts of his/her home, this hands-on experience is truly one of a kind. For those with strict dietary restrictions, cooking your own food from scratch ensures that you are aware of all ingredients that make up your dish, allowing you to enjoy your meals with ease. 

If culinary pursuits do not float your boat, tucking into a sumptuous home-cooked meal definitely will. Feast on an amazing view of Florence as you dine alfresco, or tuck into a variety of traditional Tuscan delights in a cosy farmhouse. 

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Kid-friendly Travel: Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

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Kid-friendly Travel: Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

Beautiful Rome is home to myriad tourist attractions and activities. As a traveller in the city, you will be faced with the problem of having too many things to do, and too little time on your hands. Vacation makers travelling with their kids will have to fit in the demands and interests of their little ones as well. This makes it an even greater challenge to plan a fun-filled and well-scheduled trip…until you discover these ten travel attractions and activities!

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop on a bus, and discover the sounds and sights of Rome on four wheels! Starting from €25, these tours allow travellers to hop on and off the buses for an entire day. You and your little ones will enjoy cruising along the roads of Rome, keeping your eyes peeled for fascinating sites in the Vatican City, Pompeii, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.

[ROMAN-HOSPITALITY https://www.bonappetour.com/s/Rome–Italy?lat=41.90278349999999&lng=12.496365500000024]
 

2. Learn to Cook Italian Dishes

If you and your family have an insatiable appetite, joining in a cooking class in Rome is a must-do on your travel itinerary. You will gain intriguing insights into the food and culture of Rome, and learn a wealth of cooking tips from your cooking host. Reap the fruits of your labour at the end of the session, by sitting down to enjoy a delectable meal together. The best part about this experience is that you can replicate the dishes and flavours in the comforts of your home, long after you have returned from your sojourns abroad.  

3. Indulge in Gelato

A smooth and creamy gelato is a universal treat, ideal at all times of the day, perfect for the young, young-at-heart and the not-so young-at-heart. Find out where to have the best gelatos in Rome, and make your way there to savour a serving (or two) of this decadent treat!

4. Explora: The Kids Museum

Let your little ones have a taste of what it is like to be an adult, filled with grown-up responsibilities. There are four sections in the museum displaying different activities and games for children up to the age of twelve. 

5. The Pantheon

Cultural buffs will not want to miss out on a visit to the magnificent Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the gods of Pagan Rome. You will set sight on an array of intricately-carved statues, beautiful Roman architecture and imposing pillars. A tour of the grounds of the temple will take about an hour, making it an ideal spot to slot into gaps within your travel itinerary. 

6. The Piazzas (Italy’s City Squares)

Cities throughout Italy are filled with a variety of vast piazzas, or city squares. Arm yourself with a picnic basket, grab a cup of coffee from one of the nearby coffee shops or bars, and enjoy a leisurely picnic session at the piazza. Once your kids have had their little tummies filled up with a spread of Italian delights, let them run free and play around in the commodious piazzas. 

7. Technotown

Similar to the Explora, Technotown is an appealing attraction for your children to explore and play at. In this innovative technological environment, the young and young-at-heart can try their hand at playing virtual football, watching 3D animation, as well as constructing and flying a motorised airplane. 

8. La Bocca della Verità (The Mouth of Truth)

Venture near the Church of Santa Maria, and you will find a huge marble face called the La Bocca della Verità. Play the game of truth by slipping your hand into the open mouth, and voice a statement aloud. Legend has it that individuals guilty of telling tales will have their hands bitten off by the highly perceptive marble face.

Regale this tale to your little ones, and watch as they nervously slip their hands into the hole. However, fret not, for there is little cause for worry – we have not heard of any cases of unfortunate visitors who have had their hands bitten off…yet. 

9. The Trevi Fountain

Holidaymakers cannot miss out on the oft-performed routine of tossing a coin into the sparkling waters of the Trevi Fountain. A note of caution – keep a wary lookout for pickpockets lurking around the Spanish Steps. Travellers, young and old, visiting this renowned site during the summer will enjoy the cooling breeze as they relax by the fountain area. 

*Update: As of June 2015, the Trevi Fountain is under renovation works. 

10. Eat With a Local

Make this trip your most memorable one yet, by joining in a social dining experience with the locals. Step into a Roman’s home, and tuck into a feast in an authentically Italian setting. A night of food, fun and engaging conversations await, leaving you with fond feelings and deep insights into the city. 

Travellers venturing to Rome in the summer should not miss out on a picnic by a picturesque castle, while a meal offering a classical selection of Roman dishes is perfect all year round. Your kids will love the experience, and delight in striking up a conversation with the affable hosts.

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