Category: Things to Do

Categories
Germany Things to Do

Things to do in Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, very well known thanks to the Oktoberfest, an annual event which includes a lot of beer, music and German food. But the city is also famous for the architecture and culture , being home to excellent museums.

Oktoberfest

The first festival took place back in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. In the early years, horse races were held as part of the event , and later agricultural conventions were added. In 1896, the first giant beer tent appeared within the festival. And the rest, it’s history.

If you plan to head to Munich for Oktoberfest, make sure to book the accommodation way ahead of time. Consider staying outside the city as the room rates tend to double during the fair. The public transportation system is pretty much over crowded especially during the weekends.

But , if you love beer, then this is the place to be. And don’t forget to try the German food, as well.

Clubbing in Kunstpark

If you still have energy after all that beer, then you can head to Kunstpark, a former industrial area, now filled with clubs and bars to suit all tastes.

Relax in the Englischer Garten

Whether you nurse a hangover or just want to relax after visiting the city, the Englischer Garten is an excellent choice. It’s the largest green area in Munich and offers plenty of things to do. You can walk, jog, bike, surf, enjoy a picnic or row a boat.

Stop by the Viktualienmarkt to buy some goodies for your picnic first.

Eat lunch in Marienplatz

Marienplatz is a very popular destination for tourists. You can enjoy a meal, go shopping, do some people watching or party the night away. Plus, the tourist attractions are within walking distance.

Visit the park at Schloss Nymphenburg

Schloss Nymphenburg was the royal summer residence and the gardens are now open to the public. You can visit the castle or walk in the garden.

Visit Peterskirche

Peterskirche is the oldest church in Munich, dating from the 12th century. It’s right in Marienplatz and the tower offers lovely views of the surrounding area.

See the city from the twin towers of Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche was built in the 16th century and restored after World War II. The view from the twin towers is considered one of the best in Munich.

Ride a sledge at Blomberg

No, it doesn’t have to be winter to try this one. Blomberg mountain is an excellent place to head to if you like some action…or fancy seeing excellent views of the surrounding area. Try the sledge or go hiking. If you get hungry, there’s a restaurant in the area, too.

Explore the area from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz

Walk between the two squares, go shopping or stop for a coffee when you get too tired.

Visit the BMW museum

BMW Welt is the only BMW museum in the world and if cars are your thing, then don’t miss this one. You can test drive simulation cars, learn about the brand’s history and the models.

Olympia park

The Olympics took place in Munich in 1972 but the park is still open and an excellent choice for an active day. In the winter, you can ski down the slopes , while during summer you can swim in the pool. Plus, there are shows taking place year round.

Visit a Christmas Market

If you plan to visit Munich in December, don’t miss one of the Christmas Markets which take place in the city. Pick up decorations for your tree, get some gifts and try the mulled wine.

Take the kids to the Deutsches Museum

It is the largest technological and scientific museum in the world and is a pleasure to visit. Take the kids to explore the interesting displays.

Photo credits: Oktoberfest , Englischer Garten , Marienplatz , Schloss Nymphenburg , View from Peterskirche , Frauenkirche , Karlsplatz , BMW museum , Olympia park , Christmas Market , Deutsches Museum

Categories
Germany Things to Do

Things to do in Berlin

Berlin is the largest city and capital of Germany. It is well known for the historical landmarks, excellent nightlife and street art. Visitors have plenty of things to do in this interesting, cosmopolite city.

Take a walking tour

There are free walking tours of Berlin, which leave from the Brandenburg Gate. The tours last about 3 ½ h and the guides speak English.

Not free, but definitely worth your time and money, is the Berlin underground tour which starts at the underground train station Gesundbrunnen. Around it there are civilian shelters and bunker complexes used during the bombing campaigns in Berlin, which were left untouched from the building of the Berlin Wall.

Explore the glass dome of the Reichstag

Germany’s parliament building – the Reichstag – was restored and got a brand new glass dome which can be climbed, of course. Sure, you’ll have to endure long queues but the entire experience is free. And the lovely views guaranteed.

See the Berlin Wall

There’s a long stretch of the Berlin Wall still standing and you can find it on Mühlenstraße. It’s known as the Eastside Gallery because today it’s covered in multicolored art.

Visit the Holocaust Memorial

Close to the Reichstag, there’s the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe, which opened in 2005. After you walk through the 2,700 slabs of concrete, make sure to visit the underground information center, too.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin. Today , it’s a tourist attraction , located in the Allied Museum. Visitors can take photos (for free) with actors dressed as allied military police.

Visit the Pergammon Museum

Pergammon Museum is one of the best history museums in the world. Some of the most important items on display are: the Ishtar Gate (Babylon) , the Pergamon Altar, the Mshatta façade and the Market Gate of Miletus.

Have a picnic in Tiergarten

Tiergarten is the largest park in Berlin. In the summer it buzzes with life. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day out in the nature. This park used to be a hunting ground in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Take a photo of Brandenburg Gate

It’s one of the symbols of Berlin and the site of many important events. Should you be in the city for New Year’s Eve, make sure to take some photos of the fireworks , too.

See the city from above: Berlin TV Tower

Located in Alexanderplatz , the TV Tower has a super fast elevator which zaps you to the top in no time. There’s a revolving restaurant with interesting views of the city.

Visit Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island)

Pfaueninsel , an island on the River Havel , is home to a historic castle called Palmenhaus. Aside from seeing peacocks on the island, you can catch a glimpse of other interesting birds. And don’t forget your bike because there are plenty of bike lines available.

Soak up the sun on the shores of Wannsee

Wannsee is a man-made lake which is the hub of activities during summer. It offers beaches , restaurants, beer gardens and there are also tour boats available.

Take a day trip to Potsdam

A short train ride from Berlin, Potsdam is home to many historic monuments and buildings, including Sanssouci, a complex of parks and palaces built in the 18th century, the Old Market Square, and the Dutch Quarter.

Swim at Badeschiff

Badeschiff is a public swimming pool and was built inside the hollowed-out hull of an old barge. There is also an outdoor dance floor where you can party until mid-night.

Visit Berlin Zoo

It is the largest zoo in Europe and was made (more) famous by the birth of Knut. Unfortunately Knut died in 2011, but the zoo is still popular and home to a variety of animals.

Try the Berlin bagel

Whether you are nursing a hangover or are just too tired from all the visiting you’ve done while here, the Berlin bagel is an excellent way to start your morning. There are a variety of bagels to start from – sweet and salty – and you can also try some bagel sandwiches.

Photo credit:Checkpoint Charlie , Pergammon Museum , Brandenburg Gate , Walking tour , Reichstag , Berlin Wall , Holocaust Memorial , Tiergarten , Pfaueninsel , Wannsee , Potsdam , Badeschiff , Berlin Zoo , Berlin bagel

Categories
Germany Things to Do

10 Days in Germany: Itinerary Ideas

Germany is quite diverse. The traditional and the modern mix in many ways. Shining cities often snuggle against medieval castles. Each of these trips in the south of the country is designed to be a relaxing week long and is based around day trips from a central city. Though of course you can go to more or fewer day trips and adjust the length to your schedule. These are more for getting deeper into an area and not packing in sights. A night train or quick flight from one to another also lets you string a couple together if you have more time.

There are train connections to the day trip suggestions in less than 2 hours each way from the main city. If you stay on the regional trains (RE, RB) there are tickets called Länder Tickets that let you travel on the slow trains inside of the state you are staying in for a day. These can be cheaper than directly buying tickets, especially if you are traveling with several people. Also check with the public transport office of your base city, often there are tickets that work just in that region and could be even cheaper.

This is just a sampling of possible daytrips and activities around each base city. Definitely look for local festivals in nearby towns not mentioned. Due to the great public transport system, Germany is a great country for day tripping and exploring cities.

Quick search for cheap airfare to Frankfurt:

Quick search for cheap airfare to Berlin:

Quick search for cheap airfare to Munich:

Freiburg – South Baden : Spas and Nature


Freiburg is the gateway to the Black Forest and in the sunniest corner of Germany. The town is home to a university which keeps the city young and happening for the out of the way city. Bicycles rule the roads and an excellent public transport system lets you get up into the forest for some hiking or to any of several nearby spa towns. This region has been known as a spa resort area since the Roman towns.

Quick search for hotels in Freiburg:

Getting Here: Frankfurt airport is 2 hours on the ICE train and there is a bus from Basel-Mulhouse Airport that takes about an hour to Freiburg.

Baden-Baden : A Roman era spa town which still has modern spa houses, one of which is built above roman ruins. Once also a playground for the Parisian elite, this town retains its resort roots but is a pleasant place to stroll and relax. Bad Krozingen and Badenweiler are also nearby spa towns south of Freiburg if that s your thing.

Titisee & Schluchsee : These are two lakes up in the Black Forest. Titisee is more touristy while Schluchsee is bigger and more outdoorsy with its walking tracks. Good places to start hiking tracks or just get out of the town into the cool fresh mountain air.

Breisach : On the Rhein River looking out over France, there has been a human settlement here for thousands of years. A rebuilt cathedral stands on the promontory.

Outdoor Activities: Both the hills of the Black Forest and the wine growing dormant volcano of the Kaiserstuhl are popular hiking and biking areas.

France (Colmar and Strasbourg) and Switzerland are also within easy reach.

Nürnberg – North Bavaria : Medieval Charm


Nürnberg is a large city north of Munich. The most famous Christmas Market is here. The town is watched by a castle on a hill and straddles a river. This part of Bavaria is called Franconia and home to many towns with medieval and Gothic features.

Quick search for hotels in Nürnberg:

Getting Here: Although Nürnberg does have its own airport, it is small, so Munich is the larger airport of choice nearby.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber : A medieval village, Rothenburg is part of the Romantic Road. The town retains its almost cutesy look and is a popular tourist spot.

Nördlingen : One of the few towns (Rothenburg being another) in Germany to retain its full city wall.

Bamberg : A university town as well as a town of beer. Worth a day to walk the hills, see the many churches and gawk at the town hall built in the middle of the river.

Amberg and larger Regensberg lie to the east and south-east respectively. Both have Gothic features such as churches, town halls and bridges.

Munich – South Bavaria : Postcard Vistas


Munich is one of the most well known city in Germany and likely what most Americans are expecting when they picture Germany. There really is enough to do in Munich itself to spend a few days doing that, but there are plenty of nearby places that are interesting as well.

Quick search for hotels in Munich:

Getting Here: Munich has its own airport that is fairly well connected.

Füssen – Castle Neuschwannstein is world famous. Füssen is just over 2 hours south on the edge of the Alps and only a few miles from the castle. Avoid the tour busses if you have time and some hiking abilities. The less famous yellow Castle Hohenschwangau is just down the hill from its neighbor and not on most tour agendas.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Site of the 1936 Winter Olympics, this is your alpine day trip from Munich. The tallest mountain in Germany (Zugspitze) is also nearby. As expected, there are plenty of hiking trails around.

Dachau – Very close to Munich, a concentration camp with museum to experience some of Germany’s sad history.

Ulm – The tallest church spire in Germany is in Ulm, and is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein. The main part of Ulm is actually in Baden-Würtemberg not in Bavaria, so ask about tickets before you rely on the Länder tickets.

In addition, the day trips to Nördlingen and Regensberg (from Nürnberg above) are also easily reachable from Munich.

all photos by Andrew Couch & may not be used without permission

Categories
Germany Things to Do

Germany Itinerary: The Perfect Two Weeks

Germany is a land of regional differences. This trip aims to highlight these differences giving a taste of the north, south, east and west. The point is to see the different faces of the country at the same time as seeing the postcard highlights. You will get castles and churches, museums and markets in these two weeks. Be sure to sample the foods and beers in each the different regions. Although there are plenty of nature and hiking opportunities in Germany this is primarily a city tour for seeing urban German society. Two weeks is enough to get a taste of each place and yet enables a slow enough trip to not get overwhelmed.

This itinerary is a circle based on a round trip to Frankfurt airport, though Berlin or Munich would work as well. An open jaw ticket saves a travel day at one end though not required. Germany has an excellent train system for transport between the cities and for daytrips. For all of these places, picking a hotel near a tram/metro stop will make your days easier.

Quick search for cheap airfare to Frankfurt:

Cologne : 3 Days


Take a train from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne. The impressive and enormous Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) is right out front of the train station. There can’t be much better first impression of the country than that. Cologne is a big city with shopping and activities to match.

Quick search for hotels in Cologne:

Tall Towers and Short Beers
Take a tour of the cathedral and climb the tower for views. If you are at all into beer, find a bar that does kölsch, the local type of beer served in small glasses. Gaffel and Früh are well known breweries of it. There are several museums near the cathedral and a chocolate factory with tour in town if you are so inclined.

Rhein Boat Tour
The “must do” day-trip in this area is the Koblenz-Bingen section of the Rhein river. This stretch has a number of castles along its bank for medieval charm. Take the train to one end and ride the ship to the other. Check out St. Goar in the shadows of the Lorelei for lunch.

Explore Bonn
Bonn is close to Cologne but presents a different face of the area. This university town was the capital of West Germany during the split up of the country. The birthplace of Beethoven is here as well as one of Germany’s oldest churches.

Hamburg : 3 Days


Again get on the train and head north to Hamburg. A daytime fast ICE train ride takes about 4 hours to the inland port city on the river Elbe. Hamburg was once part of the Hanseatic league and retains much of its mercantile feel.

Quick search for hotels in Hamburg:

On the Banks of the Elbe
The Old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel) is a pedestrian tunnel near Landungsbrücken that goes under the river and dates from 1911. Nearby on the other side of Landungsbrücken is the historic warehouse district(Speicherstadt) that is now home to several museums and Hafen City. Check out more of the waterbound nature of the city with either a harbor boat tour or one on the Alster lakes. For a bit of greenspace, explore the Planten un Blomen park or visit the Tierpark Zoo.

Markets
Honor the mercantile history and seek out the outdoor markets. The Isemarkt, under the U3 train line at Hoheluftbrücke, is the longest in Hamburg and opens on Tuesday and Friday mornings. If you happen to be in Hamburg on Sunday morning, the Fischmarkt is worth getting up early for (it starts at 5am in the summer).

Reeperbahn
Reeperbahn street is known as a red light and party district. Clubs and nightlife with anything you can imagine. There is even a Beatles connection if you are so inclined.

Berlin : 4 Days


Another few hours on the train gets you to Berlin. I like staying on the Eastern side of the center of the city, but definitely make sure you are near a subway stop. Berlin is an enormous place and has so many little nooks and crannies to find. This is an overview of the big tourist highlights, but get out and look for the smaller jewels too. You could really spend a whole trip around Berlin, so this is but a small taste.

Quick search for hotels in Berlin:

Walk Around
There is so much recent history in Berlin. The first day I really recommend taking a walking tour. Pick your length from several hours to all day, but it gives a good overview of the center of town. Check out the famous “Walking Man” cross walk signs. Find a Currywurst stand for lunch.

A Sad History
Berlin with its wall was the focal point of the split between East and West. Check out the Checkpoint Charlie Museum as well as the few pieces of the wall that remain. There is a small window in the middle of a square in the Humboldt University campus that looks down into an empty room of shelves representing all of the books burned during a Nazi organized action against intellectualism.

Day Trip : Potsdam
A short train journey outside of Berlin is Potsdam. There the palace and gardens of Sanssouci was the Prussian answer to Versailles. The best time to see the flowers and fountains is while they are in bloom, so late spring through summer.

Museum Island
You hopefully walked around this on your walking tour, so go back and take in a museum or two. The Pergamon with it’s replica temple is my pick and there are several art museums as well. The island in the Spree is also home to the Berlin Cathedral. If you haven’t had enough of museums there are plenty more around the city.

City Sights
Kurfürstendamm is a shopping street in the west of town. A church ruined by the war is left in its ruins as a reminder is also on this street. Berlin has a well known zoo and park for outdoor enjoyment. On the eastern side of things is the Hackescher Markt, a group of interconnected shops in courtyards.

The iconic sight of Berlin is the Brandenburger gate at the split between East and West in the center of the city. Nearby Potsdamer Platz is a revitalized entertainment, nightlife and shopping area built in the no man’s land where the wall used to be. Several theaters and restaurants are under a large upsweeping pavilion.

Munich : 4 Days


Get on a night train from Berlin to Munich. Munich is the capitol of Bavaria and what most Americans think of when they think of Germany, Lederhosen, Beerhalls and Oktoberfest. While it has all of these things, there is more to the city. It is near the Alps, so you have now traveled nearly the full height of the country and seen both the coastal lowlands and the mountains.

Look for a hotel near a tram or subway stop to get around easily, though try to avoid the area immediately around the main train station.

Quick search for hotels in Munich:

Day Trip: Fairytale Castle
Must-do daytrip is to Castle Neuschwanstein. The fairytale castle that was the basis for Disney’s Cinderella castle is on so many postcards (and rightly so). There are numerous day trip buses from Munich or the town of Füssen is two hours by train and a few miles from the Castle. If you can be there on your own schedule, add a visit to the Hohenschwangau Castle which is the yellow castle just down the hill.

City Walk
The Gothic Rathaus(City Hall) and nearby Frauenkirche(the cathedral) are in the very center. There are several city gates around the edges still standing like the Isartor. For outdoor enjoyment, check out the Viktuellenmarkt in the center or out a bit further to the English Garden or the Theresienwiesen, the fields where Oktoberfest is held.

History and Museums
The Deutsches Museum is Germany’s largest technical and natural history museum. It nearly fills an island in the Isar river. Even if you can’t read German, the displays are still amazing to look at. Airplanes share the building with animals and more. Take a look for the people that surf the river nearby.

Just as Berlin has the wall, other German cities bear marks from the Holocaust time. The Dachau concentration camp is reachable with public transit and worth some time to experience and “never forget”.

Beer and Sausage
After a long day sightseeing go have a Bavarian beer or several in a beer hall. Although the Hofbräuhaus is the most famous, I like the Augustiner Bierkeller near the train station. If you are there in the summer it is worth sitting in the beer garden outside. Look for a Weisswurst meal made of white sausages with sweet mustard and a pretzel. This is typically Bavarian and is often eaten as breakfast.

Hamburg photo by Metro Centric; all other photos by Andrew Couch & may not be used without permission

Categories
Planning a Trip Portugal Things to Do travel guide

Portugal in October


Spring and autumn are two of the best times to visit Portugal. And yes, many other tourists know that , but that doesn’t mean the country is crowded. If you plan to visit Lisbon, pack a waterproof jacket and make some plans in case it rains, such as visiting museums. But, in general , the weather is warm and sunny, so you can enjoy day trips and the country side.

Weather

The best times to visit Portugal are spring and autumn, so October falls into this category. The days are pleasantly sunny but the cities and sights aren’t crowded. You can explore the countryside or take a city break. Do expect rain in Lisbon though, so pack a waterproof jacket.

Sample temperatures:
Faro avg 22C / avg low 14C
Lisbon avg high 21C / avg low 13C
Porto avg high 19C / avg low 11C

>>read more about Weather in Portugal

Flights and accommodation

October falls during the shoulder season , a popular time to visit Portugal but not as expensive as summer. While it’s a good idea to book the airfare and accommodation ahead of time, you won’t have issues finding a place to stay a week before departure, for example. Hostels https://www.portugaltravelguide.org/hostels can be excellent choices , as well, particularly if you are on a low budget.

Many low costs carriers fly into Portugal, but by late October the number of flights start to decrease a bit. So plan in advance but not too far in advance (for low cost flights that means you pay a bit too much if you plan too far in advance). Keep your eyes on the sales and you’ll probably grab excellent deals.

What to do

October is still warm and although it is rainy in Lisbon, you will be blessed with lovely sunshine. While in Libon, don’t miss Belem , an enchanting historical neighborhood. If it does rain, some other things to do in Lisbon , such as visiting the museums or taking a ride on Tram 28 , will prove to be excellent choices. Or you can hide in a restaurant where you can enjoy the local food and drink.

You can also plan a day trip and visit the Moorish castle of Sintre, located a short drive from Lisbon. And while you are here, don’t miss the Palacio da Pena, built on the site of an old monastery. Today it’s a museum.

If you are a fan of wines, then autumn is the best time to visit Portugal. Aside from tasting Port, other things to do in Porto include sightseeing and visiting the museums . Don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine, as well.

Photo credit

Categories
Planning a Trip Portugal Things to Do travel guide

Portugal in May

May in Portugal starts to feel like summer, but without the scorching heat and crowds of visitors. However, don’t expect a deserted country, by now the visitors start to come in large numbers but you can still grab a deal or two. Plan for outdoor activities, day trips and checking out the sights.

Weather

May is the last month of spring in Portugal and the weather is quite warm by now. Actually, by the end of the month it’s possible to enjoy some sunbathing (if you are not brave enough to jump into the water, as well). It’s a good month to plan outdoor activities and of course, visiting the cities is a pleasure, as well.

Sample temperatures:
Faro avg 21C / avg low 13C
Lisbon avg high 21C / avg low 12C
Porto avg high 18C / avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Portugal

Flights and accommodation

May is not a high season month for traveling in Portugal but the country get a lot of visitors any time of the year. By May the number of visitors start to increase, so it is a good idea to book the airfare and accommodation ahead of time. Hostels can be excellent choices if you are on a low budget or if you plan to visit several cities and want to save some money.

There are many low cost carriers flying to Portugal but don’t just assume you can pick up a dirt cheap ticket anytime. Do a bit of research and sign up to their newsletters so that you know when there are sales that might interest you. Generally speaking though, 4 to 8 weeks before departure, you can grab a good deal.

What to do

In May, you can watch the Estoril Open , where world’s premier tennis players fight for supremacy.

Libson’s Book Fair is held in Eduardo VII Park and is an awesome chance to meet the authors and fellow readers. Of course, you might not leave without buying some books.

Many people come to Portugal with the idea of tasting Port wine and enjoying the wine trails. But aside from that, other things to do in Porto include sightseeing, visiting the museums and enjoying the local cuisine.

Lisbon is another wonderful visit to visit. Don’t miss visiting Belem , a historically important district in the capital. Some other things to do in Lisbon include visiting the museums, checking out the monuments, taking a ride on Tram 28 – the iconic tourist tram – and seeing the city from above. Of course the food and drink in Lisbon are to die for.

Plan a day trip to the town of Sintra with its Moorish castle , located a short drive from the capital of Lisbon. And while you are here, visit the Palacio da Pena as well, built on the site of an old monastery.

Photo credit

Categories
Planning a Trip Portugal Things to Do travel guide

Portugal in April

April in Portugal is mild and offers lovely days for sightseeing and exploring the outdoors. Pack a waterproof coat because it might get a bit rainy. Explore the cities but also enjoy some day trips.

Weather

The weather is one of the reasons Portugal is very popular among travelers. It’s always sunny here and, as a result, traveling is a lovely experience year round. April falls in spring and it’s a mild month. It can be quite rainy in the north and central regions, though. If you are looking to explore the outdoors and visit the sites, April is a lovely choice.

Sample temperatures:
Faro avg 19C / avg low 11C
Lisbon avg high 18C / avg low 10C
Porto avg high 16C / avg low 8C

>>read more about Weather in Portugal

Flights and accommodation

Unless you plan to visit Portugal during Easter (which falls on April 8 in 2012), you shouldn’t worry about booking the airfare and accommodation too far in advance. Hostels can be excellent choices if you are on a low budget.

With so many lost cost carriers serving Portugal, it’s a matter of finding the best offer for the time you plan to fly. Remember that typically, 4 to 8 weeks before departure the airfare tends to be cheaper.

What to do

IndieLisboa takes place in April and it’s an independent Portuguese film festival becoming more famous each year. But, of course, you need to speak Portuguese to be able to enjoy it.

Lisboa International Triathlon takes place in late April and you can definitely sit by the side and cheer the competitor. Or be inspired to take up sports yourself.

Lisbon Golf Coast Festival stars in early April and many golf clubs join in the fun and games. Maybe you’ve just discovered another passion.

Also, Liberty Day (April 25) is one of the holidays to keep in mind when planning the vacation in Portugal.

You should plan to do some Port tasting while you are here. Some other things to do in Porto include visiting the museums, sightseeing and enjoying the local cuisine.

While in Lisbon, plan to visit Belem , a historically important district in the capital. Other things to do in Lisbon include the museums, the monuments, a ride on Tram 28 – the iconic tourist tram – and see the city from above. And let’s not forget about the food and drinks in Lisbon either.

Put on the list the beautiful town of Sintra with its Moorish castle , located a short drive from Lisbon. And while you are here, you might want to check out the Palacio da Pena as well. It was built on the site of an old monastery and can be visited.

Photo credit

Categories
Los Angeles Things to Do

Los Angeles in April

By now the winter rains have ended but El Nino can bring showers until the middle of the month. Still, it’s warm and nice to explore the city and the surrounding areas. Many festivals take place in April and of course, there are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles anytime of the year.

Weather

The average high temperature in April in LA is 71F/22C and the average low is 54F/12C. Short sleeve shirts and long pants are a good option for April. Sometimes it’s warm enough to wear shorts. If you’ll stay right by the ocean, pack a light jacket for the evenings.

>>read more about Weather in Los Angeles

Flights and accommodation in April

April still falls during the shoulder season but the weather gets warmer and many tourists choose this month to travel to LA. So don’t expect to find bargains for flights or accommodation , but the prices are typically lower than during the high season. You can always choose to stay in a hostel or a vacation rental , especially if you travel with a group of friends.

What to do

Doo Dah Parade takes place each April in Pasadena. What started as a parody of the Rose Garden Parade is now a quite exotic and unique parade and became a tourist attraction.

If quirky parades aren’t your thing, maybe the Toyoda Grand Prix is. The weekend long car race through the streets of Long Beach is an excellent option for those passionate about the cars and everything related to them.

If you are passionate about reading, come to LA during the Festival of Books. The festival started in 1996 and now brings together adults, children, writers, readers and a lot of books.

Fiesta Broadway takes place on the last weekend of April and is the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the entire world. Try the foods and watch the performances.

Should you visit LA on a rainy day, head the art galleries within the Huntington Gardens. Or visit the museums, spend the evening at the cinema and enjoy a hot tea (or coffee) is a cozy café.

You can also rent a car and drive on the Malibu Coast. Another romantic thing to do is spending half a day on Catalina Island. Walk hand in hand, plan a picnic on the beach and just relax.

Don’t forget about Disneyland, especially if you travel with the kids. Try to avoid the weekends though and also remember that there are plenty of theme parks in the area.

You should definitely head to Hollywood and take a walk along the Walk of Fame . Or you can shop ‘til you drop on Sunset Boulevard or Rodeo Drive.

Photo credit

Categories
Los Angeles Things to Do

Los Angeles in March

March might just be one of the best months to visit Los Angeles. Sure, this means you don’t exactly get a tan while here, but no one stops you from taking a romantic walk on Catalina Island. It’s usually affordable to visit LA in March but book in advance.

Weather

The average high temperature in March in LA is 69F/21C and the average low is 51F/11C. Pack a jacket for the evenings and nights. A combination of shirts and sweaters is an excellent option for this month in LA. During the night it might be warm enough for t-shirts.

>>read more about Weather in Los Angeles

Flights and accommodation in March

March falls during the shoulder season, when it’s typically cheaper to travel anywhere. That’s the case of LA as well, so although it’s a good idea to book the flights in advance, you’ll be able to find good deals, especially if you avoid flying during important events (such as the LA Marathon).

Since more and more travelers choose to travel during the shoulder season, make sure to book the accommodation . Still, you’ll be able to find good deals but you can also consider a hostel or a vacation rental , especially if you travel with a group of friends.

What to do

LA Marathon takes place in March, so expect crowds to flock here for the event. You can cheer along the route, from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica Pier.

March is the month when the nature comes back to life so the Huntington Gardens offer an amazing display of colors. If you happen to get to LA on a rainy day, visit the art galleries within the gardens. Or visit the museums, go to the cinema and enjoy a hot tea (or coffee) is a cozy café.

March 14 marks St. Patrick’s Day and there are plenty of events taking place in LA. Plus, it’s a good excuse to try the local clubs, right?

For a super display of colors, rent a car and head out of the town to see the poppies bloom. Or watch the swallows come back to town on March 19.

Especially if you travel with the kids, plan a visit to Disneyland. Or you can head to other theme parks in the area. Try to avoid the weekends, when it’s busiest.

If you travel with your significant other, you can head to Catalina Island and walk hand in hand.

You should definitely head to Hollywood and enjoy the Walk of Fame . Don’t forget to take a photo of your favorite celebrity’s star. During the day, shop on Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, while at night go club hopping.

>>read more about Things to do in Los Angeles

Photo credit

Categories
Los Angeles Things to Do

Los Angeles in December

The less fun part about Christmas in Los Angeles is that you won’t find snow here…unless you head to the mountains. Usually winter brings the most visitors to LA, as they want to escape the cold weather where they live.

Weather

Los Angeles weather varies so much that you might just end up here during a bright sunny day during December and you haven’t packed the shorts. However, it’s almost always cool in the evening and during the night, especially on the coast. If you want to blend in at the trendiest restaurants, do pack the trendiest clothes you have. While if you plan to attend a theatre show, bring dress clothes.

The average high temperature is 68F/20C and the average low is 50F/10C. December is one of the wettest months , so don’t forget the umbrella and the rain jacket. Generally, it’s ok to pack long sleeve shirts and some sweaters.

>>read more about Weather in Los Angeles

Flights and accommodation in December

Everything is busy during this time of the year, particularly close to Christmas. Parents often taken kids to Disneyland during the Christmas holiday and travelers generally flock to warmer places. So, expect flights to book up quickly and to be more expensive than during other times of the year. Book ahead, use the saved miles and look for low cost flights.

As for accommodation , you can consider staying in a hostel https://www.losangeleslogue.com/hostels or choosing a vacation rental , especially if you travel with a group of friends. Book in advance.

What to do

The two highlights of December are Christmas and The New Year’s Eve. Plenty of Christmas parades take place in the city and the Christmas lights are also fun to watch. As for the party between the years , you can choose among public and private celebrations.

If you love photography, go out and play after a rainy day when the skies are clear. And if you happen to be in LA during a rainy day, don’t worry as there are plenty of things to do. Visit the museums, go to the cinema, enjoy a hot tea (or coffee) is a cozy café, try your skills in a flight simulator at Air Combat USA or explore the art galleries within the Huntington Gardens.

Especially if you travel with the kids, plan a visit to Disneyland. Try to avoid doing that right before Christmas though. There are other theme parks in the area, of course, so choose the right one for you.

Catalina Island is an excellent choice if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of LA. Or you can rent a car and drive the Malibu Coast.

Don’t leave LA without taking a photo of your favorite celebrity’s star on the Walk of Fame . During the day, shop and explore Sunset Boulevard, while at night you can check out the clubs. If your budget allows it, shop on Rodeo Drive.

Read more about:
>> Hollywood
>> Things to do in Los Angeles

Photo credit