Showing posts with label city. Show all posts

City Trips - How To Get Around Easier

If you are planning on visiting a new city, whether on business or for leisure one of the major considerations is how to get around. There are many things to consider with this including the ease of the form of transport, the time it takes and the cost. Let's have a look at how to plan your journey in a new city.

Overview

map

To gain an overview of the transport in a city there are certain places I would look - the official tourist information website for a city, a tourist guide book like Lonely Planet guides or DK Eyewitness guides, blogs and YouTube channels. I find the official tourist websites are generally pretty good, I also find YouTube a great source of up to date information as well as blogs. Guidebooks aren't generally printed that often so can be out of date. 

Maps

It's always useful to have a map when getting around a city. You could go old school and get a paper map, these are often included in city guide books or you can find them in bookstores, or use Google Maps on your phone to help you get around. Don't forget to download your trip with Wi-Fi, so you can view it offline if you don't have unlimited roaming data. 

Walking

city walking

Walking is the cheapest form of transport and many small cities are walkable if you are relatively fit. A walking tour is a good way to see a city if you are new to it. These can be booked online or in tourist information offices for a small fee. It's a great way to get your bearings when you are new to a city. Larger cities however like London and New York are virtually impossible to walk so you will need to use public transport or drive.

Driving

Hiring a car or using your own car to drive in a city is an option you could consider. There are two main issues with this. Firstly parking may be expensive. Secondly, it can be slow to get around a big city by car. You do have the convenience of having a car however so you may not mind paying for this. Recently I have found that using a site like Just Park can save money on parking in city centres. You can get cheap parking in hotels and even people's driveways at a fraction of the normal cost.

Taxis

taxis
Taxis can be a way to get around a city you are unfamiliar with. Booking a taxi through a site such as Uber or Bolt in a city like Barcelona will often mean it is cheaper than the local taxis, but check for surge pricing which means it's a busy time and the price may be extra. Unfortunately in some countries, local taxi drivers have a bad reputation especially for overcharging, however in some big cities like London and New York the local taxis are excellent. Do some research on the taxi situation before you go. As a woman using a site such as Uber means you can see the driver's photo and name before they pick you up and you can track your journey as they go. This is reassuring if you are a woman on your own. 

Public transport

Buses, trams, trains and the metro or underground subway are all viable ways of getting around a city easily. In a big city, if they have an underground subway it's often reasonably priced and quick to go vast distances. Buses and trams are generally cheap but slower than taking an underground train. Trains are great to get from one side of the city to another quickly but can be more expensive than other forms of public transport. 

Boats and planes

water taxi

If a city is near water you could possibly get there by boat as well. Venice for example is surrounded by water, and the easiest way of getting into the centre of the city is by water taxi. You can share one which is cheaper than the private ones which are very expensive.  Of course, if you are coming from a distance, then flying is the quickest option but may be expensive. Compare the low-cost carriers to see if any fly into the city you are going to. In the UK, Wizz Ait, Ryanair and Easyjet are three low-cost carriers that are reasonably priced although customer service can vary. Personally, I try to avoid Ryanair when I can for various reasons I won't go into here!

Bikes and scooters

If you like riding a bike then you could consider hiring a bike to get around a city. Or another option is an Ebike or scooter. These options are usually very cost-effective and can be very convenient. Some cities even have easy to rent bikes via public hire schemes where you pay as you ride per hour. Don't forget though you if you rent a bike or scooter from a traditional office they will have helmets but if you rent one from a public hire scheme where you do it with a credit card or app on the side of the road you will have to bring your own helmet. You could of course bring your own bike with you on holiday. 

Utilise an app

app
Most of us have smartphones these days, so one way of planning your trip to a city and around it is by using a website or app like Omio. It can give you almost all your travel options in one place and includes trains, planes and bus options. You put in your destination and you can sort the results via cost or arrival time, saving you time.  

Let me know, how do you get around when you visit a new city?

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Urban Gardens: the Future of Horticulture?

These days more and more people are choosing to start an urban garden. Across towns and cities, the challenge of finding enough space to have a garden is leading many people to create contemporary outdoor spaces known as urban gardens.

What Are Urban Gardens?



The word ‘garden’ conjures the image of a privately owned green space, with beautiful rattan garden furniture dotted around plant pots, flower beds, water features, bird baths and elegant trees. These days, urban gardens are a twist on the classic concept that is taking off in a big way.

For people who live in high rise blocks of flats, or in houses without a big enough space to contain a garden, access to an outdoor green space for growing flowers, vegetables and other plants is more challenging than it used to be.

Cities are steadily growing all around the world, and despite fewer people choosing to live in rural areas, there is still an innate human need to be close to nature. Whether it’s to produce delicious homegrown fruit and vegetables or simply to lounge on the grass in the sun with a good book; people have always loved being in close proximity to things that grow.

In today’s fast-paced society, people around the globe have begun a trend for urban gardening; that is, incorporating gardening into cityscapes. From window boxes overflowing with flowers, to cascading vines on a high rise fire escape, to mini gardening plots in backyards and rooftop greenhouses, there seems to be no stopping the human inclination towards green-fingered fun.

Some Urban Gardening Ideas



Urban gardening is highly versatile, hence its great success in cities and towns around the world. It doesn’t matter how big or small your space is, you can grow something in it if you’re clever about it.

If your only access to the outdoors from your home is a windowsill, why not invest in a window box or several pots. Fill with hardy plants and succulents and place in the windows that get the most light. Fill a kitchen window box with herb and citrus plants, or place elegant ferns and hanging baskets in your bathroom if you have space.

If you have a patio area or balcony, this is a fantastic space that can be used to grow a wide range of different plants, and rooftop gardens are becoming increasingly popular. If you have access to a rooftop area, add large potted shrubs and flowers along with high-quality rattan furniture for a fabulously urban garden feel.

How To Keep Your Urban Garden Fresh



As more and more people choose to live in towns and cities, the urban gardening trend looks like it’s here to stay. If you’re interested in starting your own urban garden, here are some tips for how to start and maintain the perfect green space for your home.

You don’t have to be Alan Titchmarsh to start your first gardening adventure: start small by filling small containers with herbs and spices. Growing your own vegetables is also a great way to start gardening, and is a free, sustainable option for food.

Orchids are another great choice for indoor plants and flourish in humidity which makes them ideal for placement in your home’s bathroom.


If you’re lucky enough to have a rooftop space, consider beginning a rooftop garden. A rooftop green space can provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still giving breathtaking views and connectedness to urbanity. Choose an elegant, space-saving set of rattan chairs or a two-seater rattan furniture sofa and enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your own roof.

Another great option for unleashing your inner urban gardener is to adorn your porch space with flowers and creepers. The porch is a perfect place to grow plants as it often has high levels of light, and what better way to welcome visitors to your home than with the beautiful, calming sight of nature.

Maximise your urban home’s potential by getting clever with urban gardening. Improve the look of your home whilst enjoying all the benefits of being close to nature, and enjoy the balance of greenness with the excitement of city life.


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48 Hours In Krakow Poland

Krakow in Poland is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Europe. As well as being an affordable city it has a wide variety of historical landmarks, cultural attractions and modern vibrancy.


For it is here, you can find the amazing architecture from the Floriańska Gate to the Krakow Barbican, absorb the history of Wawel Castle and see the bustling Main Square called Rynek Główny. Mix this with sublime local foods, a low cost of living and an enchanting myriad of cobblestone streets and you have an excellent tourist destination.


Here are my suggestions on how to spend 48 Hours in Krakow, Poland.

Day 1 – Welcome to Krakow

Breakfast

Try one of the many cafes serving breakfast at a great price. A traditional Polish breakfast consists of bread, cheese, ham, and eggs although as Krakow is a very cosmopolitan city you will find all of your usual breakfast options here and even a full English breakfast if you are looking for one. If you are staying near the Galeria Krakowska shopping centre, I recommend breakfast at the Sweet Life American cafe, for muffins, cakes, bagels and croissants served with a smile.

Early Morning – Take a free walking tour


A statue of Pope John Paul II outside Wawel Cathedral

There is so much to uncover when you visit Krakow and many attractions which are easy to miss, so I recommend taking a free walking tour of the city centre. This is not only a great way to get your bearings on arrival but also ideal for gaining a little more understanding of the history of this beautiful Polish city. You will find out how in medieval times the Main Square was a busy market with many horse-drawn stalls. See the Wawel cathedral and the statue of Pope John Paul the second, who is highly revered by many Polish people, even those that are not religious for putting Poland on the map, so to speak. At the end tip what you think the tour is worth.

Walking tours in Krakow depart the main square each morning and take you through Floriańska Gate and a number of local attractions before concluding at the impressive Wawel Castle.

Mid-morning – Visit Wawel Castle

Inside Wawel Castle

Simply not to be missed the majestic Wawel Castle is a truly grand experience. Home to haunting dungeons, many ancient artefacts and an enchanting spiral staircase, you can even climb to the top of a bell tower to take in the view over the city. Taking a stroll through Wawel Castle can feel like stepping back in time, to a period when medieval soldiers and kings were walking in your own footsteps.

Just outside the main entrance of Wawel Castle is an excellent museum which has a beautiful collection of ancient swords, manuscripts and medieval attire to admire. Also, don't miss the Dragon's Den, a cave that you walk through that is home to a mythical dragon.

Lunch – Experience a “Bar Mleczny” or Polish Milk Bar

While many traditions have left Krakow since the time of communism, there are some local customs which still remain.

The Polish Milk Bar is a traditional café which offers local cuisine at an affordable price. You will find many locals, students and backpackers in these cafes. Offering a wide variety of Polish foods such as mushroom and meat pierogi, goulash or pan-fried vegetables, traditional milk bars are the best way to enjoy a local lunch in Krakow at a reasonable cost. They are however renowned for their 'abrupt' service. Try out Milkbar Tomasza for a slightly sanitised version of a milk bar run by Irish people in the Jewish quarter.

Late Afternoon – Floriańska Gate and St Mary’s Church


Floriańska Gate

Having explored Wawel Castle and eaten local food, head back across to the Floriańska Gate and the Krakow Barbican, a fortified outpost once connected to the city walls. Admire the stunning architecture and the artwork that is displayed by many local artists next to the old city walls. If you are lucky you may see one of the traditional horse and carts that transport visitors around the city centre.

Further along on the corner of the main square, you will also find St Mary’s Basilica as this tall Gothic church pieces the skyline above Rynek Glówny. Keep an eye out for the trumpet player who appears in the window at the top of the tower but also, make sure you venture inside to witness one of the most impressive structures you are likely to encounter in Krakow.

Dinner – Old Town Restaurant And Wine Bar


Pierogi

Krakow restaurants are synonymous with quality and overall value, and although you may not realise it, the standard of restaurants here are just as good as all the main capitals of Europe.

Take the Old Town Restaurant and Wine Bar, for example, great service and a mix of European and local food such as pierogi and borscht, it really was a lovely experience. We both had a two-course meal with cocktails and it came to £35. A complete and delicious bargain. As you finish they give you some Polish schnapps to finish your meal. Cheers or Na Zdrowie!

Day Two – The Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

Morning – Start early in Kazimierz




A home in Kazimierz - a plaque in memory of a family killed in WW2


Rise early and either enjoy breakfast at your hotel or head straight for Kolanko in the Kazimierz district of Krakow for a delicious buffet. For just 20 zloty, you can enjoy a wide range of breakfast items here, from fried eggs and toasted baguettes to cornflakes, muffins, bacon and sausages.

Mid-morning – Oskar Schindler Factory



A tank inside Schindler's factory

This incredible museum is on the site of the former factory of Oskar Schindler during WW II. Feeling a great deal of sympathy for the plight of the Jewish population, Oskar Schindler began harbouring such locals and giving them work in his factory which was then a production line for metallic items such as pots, pans and even bullet casings. Few places in Europe can capture such an emotional story and the museum consists of many interesting exhibits from this troubled period to accompany the story. You may have seen the film Oscar-winning film Schindler's List which is based on his life. If not, please do as it is a thought-provoking and moving film and offers an insight into Krakow in WW II.  

Alternatively for another incredibly emotional and thought provoking trip you could visit Auschwitz.  I would recommend the Auschwitz Birkenau guided tours by KrakowBooking who provided a local guide for this important historical place. 

Lunch – Eat in the Jewish Quarter

For a traditional and quick lunch try one of the local delicacies - a Zapienkake in Kazimierz. This open-faced baguette is topped with melted cheese. garlic and mushrooms, and is available from many street vendors in Kazimierz.

Afternoon – Take a free walking tour of Kazimierz


Kazimierz, otherwise known as the Jewish Quarter

Take a free walking tour of the Jewish Quarter to gain a brief insight into what happened in Kazimierz during the second world war and how life has changed since this awful period. Check out the local market at Plac Nowy and possibly the most stunning structure in all of Krakow, the Corpus Christi Church; a free walking tour of this area should take no more than two hours and makes for a great way to walk off an enjoyable lunch.


Late Afternoon – Visit the 'cloth market' for souvenirs



Rynek Glowny, or the Main Square


Before you even think of leaving this remarkable city, you must check out the 'cloth market' on Rynek Główny Square. Amber jewellery, wood carvings, paintings and hand-made clothing are just a few of the wonderful souvenirs to be picked up here.

Dinner – Restaurant Bianca

For an excellent Italian restaurant just off the main square try restaurant Bianca. High up on TripAdvisor this cosy restaurant serves refined Italian food at surprisingly great prices. Service is excellent too. Highly recommended.



So this is my 48 hours in Krakow, a city that is well worth visiting. If you like this post check out Five Fun Places To Visit In Warsaw For Children.  Let me know if you have been to Krakow and have any recommendations or if you would like to visit in the future.


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48 hours in Barcelona

Barcelona is frequently on the top of the polls as the most popular city in Europe. However, if you have limited time you may wonder how to pack it all in for a weekend break. Here is my suggested itinerary on what to do in Barcelona in 48 hours.


Day 1 

 Am - Tour of Barcelona

 To gain your bearings go on a tour of Barcelona. Three main ways to do this are: self-guided with a good travel book or app, Hop on Hop Off bus trip or a guided tour.


We took a Sanderman's New Europe free guided tour of Barcelona after being impressed with the same company in Prague. The idea with this tour is that although it is free you tip at the end, what you think the tour was worth. We couldn't fault the tour which lasted two and a half hours and covered the city centre, and Macu, the tour guide was excellent.   The tour visited the Gothic Quarter (Bari Gothic), Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria Del Mar and much more. We learned about the history of Barcelona and about the Catalan people. Highly recommended. We even learned about the Spanish Inquisition - Monty Python would have been so impressed!

Have lunch in the atmospheric Bari Gothic area. The centre of old Barcelona, many buildings date from medieval times. There are many narrow streets opening out until peaceful squares. Stop and have some tapas and sangria whilst people watching.

 PM - Casa Batllo


Casa Batlló is an architectural masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi. The modernist exterior has an inner beauty. There are few straight lines, and much of the exterior is decorated with mosaic tiles. Inside areas are likened to sea creatures, the roof is arched and is shaped like a dragon. 



As you enter the building you are given a small tablet and headphones for the augmented reality tour, and through this the building really seems to come to life, adding to the already worthwhile experience. If you are a lover of architecture you must visit, I thought it was excellent.  There is only a certain number people let in every hour so I would get tickets in advance online to be sure you get the required time.


 Spend time back at your hotel to freshen up and relax.

 For dinner try eating al fresco ate La Boqueria food market, just off La Rambles. This bustling food market has many cafes and stalls serving tapas and fresh fish. Alternatively, have dinner in one of the many restaurants such as 7 Portes. Try one of the infamous Paellas, washed down with wine, good conversation, and laughter. 

 Day 2 

 AM - Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum

Antoni Gaudí, one of the most famous figures of Catalan culture and world architecture, spent over 40 years designing Sagrada Familia and when he died in 1926. The work was then taken over by his collaborator and today it is still 10 years off being finished being funded by entry fees. 

This beautiful cathedral is like nothing I have ever seen, being in the Art Noveau style, the ornate interior is beautiful and awe-inspiring, with geometric curves, ornate detail, designs of plants, animals, and wonderfully coloured stained glass windows. Go even if you are not religious. Highly recommended also to book your tickets online to avoid the queues.


After the cathedral, visit the Picasso museum. With over 4000 works of art, you can learn about the man and his life. A perfect stop for any modern art lover.

 Have lunch in one of the many cafes, bars or restaurants in Barcelona, then go back to your hotel to freshen up before tonight.

PM - the Tapas Experience tour

If you want to get a true flavour of how the Spanish eat, try a Tapas Experience with Sanderman's New Europe. As we enjoyed the free tour the day before, we decided to pay for this, which cost 20 euros and consisted of a visit to three tapas bars, a selection of 7 tapas and 3 drinks.

 Our guide Montse was fun and explained the history of tapas. Legend has it that tapas was created when people put a slice of bread or meat over their glass of sherry between sips to protect it from fruit flies. 

 The tour ends with an explanation of how to drink from a Spanish Porron, which is a traditional wine pitcher. First, we tried with water, then the brave ones amongst us tried the red wine. It was tremendous fun, helped by the fact most of us already had a couple of glasses of wine or beer at this point! You can read more the Barcelona tours we took on the travel blog we write together Fly Drive Explore, including our top 5 places to visit in Barcelona.
Mr W trying the Spanish porron

So this is what we packed into 48 hours. If we had more time we would have visited Parc Guell, Gaudi's beautiful park with amazing architecture. We stayed at Eurostar Marina Hotel. A stylish 5-star hotel which was an oasis of calm.

 If you are not sure where to stay in Barcelona, check out this helpful article. If you are doing Barcelona on a budget this backpacking Barcelona city guide is also useful.

 Tell me, have you been to Barcelona? What are your top tips?

MummyTravels
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