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December 5, 2018

Central Amsterdam is an intricate system of World Hertigage canals, interspersed with a labyrinth of narrow streets holding untold secrets. This is an incredibly vibrant yet mysterious city, bursting with artistic creativity. Amsterdam is bonafide bucket list worthy. If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam then check out this Quick Travel Guide to Amsterdam.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Fun Things To Do in Amsterdam

It is impossible to avoid the canals in Amsterdam central, as most of the main Amsterdam attractions will require crossing or at least viewing these wonderful canals. Here are some of our top recommended places to visit in Amsterdam.

Anne Frank Museum: The former house along side the canal where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for 2 years during the second world war. Alas they were all discovered and sent to Nazi extermination camps in 1944, but Anne’s diary is part of the museum display today.

These days Anne Frank’s house is one of the most popular Amsterdam Tourist spots. Be sure to book ahead. And be sure to check out the famous Pancakes Amsterdam next door!

Canal Boat Cruise: There are hundreds of options to take a leisurely cruise along the canal system and see many historical houses and other buildings. This is the most popular of all Amsterdam tours. The Canal Rings of Amsterdam are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Van Gogh Museum: Van Gogh was a famous Dutch artist, so much that he has an entire museum dedicated to his works. Here you will find 200 paintings and 400 drawings by Van Gogh.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam: What makes this palace so special is the location. It is built on Dam Square in Amsterdam Central, the most popular meeting place in all of Amsterdam.

Red Light District: OK so this is not very child friendly, but the red light district in Amsterdam is one of the main tourists attractions of this vibrant city. It also doubles as an thriving bar and nightclub area, with seemingly endless restaurants and coffee shops. Also some peculiar outdoor public toilets. If nothing else, this is one of the more interesting places in Amsterdam.

Best Places to Visit Near Amsterdam

The Netherlands is such a compact country that it’s possible to see from one end to the other in a single day. It is most famous for windmills and canals, and so these are the main things to focus on.

Zaanse Schans: A historic village which has been set up as an open air museum, to experience all things Dutch like windmills, clogs and Dutch Pancakes. Best of all it’s just a 15 minute train ride then a 20 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Train Station.

Rotterdam: This hip city is just 35 minutes away by train, so it makes for a convenient day trip. Rotterdam is well known for it’s trendy architecture and funky street sculptures, including a 46 ton Picasso piece. This city was basically flattened in WWII, thus it has an unusually modern fresh vibe.

Best Place to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has some of the most amazing accommodations you will find. The huge canal system is a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself. Amsterdam is such a wildly diverse city that it really depends what you want. Here are some guidelines on which neighbourhoods are the best places to stay.

Westerpark – Tourists or first timers
Oud Zuid – Budget travellers
De Pijp – Partying and nighlife
Joordan – Cool area to stay
Plantage – Families

Cheap Accommodation

Finding accommodation facing the canals is an incredible experience. Airbnb is a great way to go in Amsterdam. We went for the Budget Hotel Tourist Inn, one of the cheapest deals we could find with a great view of the canal.

Stay on an Amsterdam Houseboat

Rob’s Houseboats offers a unique way to see Amsterdam – living on a houseboat. Actually it’s not so unique, because thousands of locals live this way, in tiny houses on the water. And you can get to experience the relaxed lifestyle of the locals.

Affordable Luxury

The Pulitzer Amsterdam is in a great central location, close to all the major attractions such that you will be able to walk there. This hotel is made up of historic canal houses, linked together.

Shop Around for a Deal

You should definitely shop around for a deal on accommodation in Amsterdam, it is just so expensive. Here’s a great starting point for your research. Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Amsterdam

Plan Your Trip to Amsterdam

Quick Travel Guide to Bucharest

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December 1, 2018

Bucharest has the nickname “Little Paris”, thanks to its reputation for living the high life. These days Bucharest has a reputation for nightlife thanks to the high concentration of bars in the rejuvenated Old Town. If you’re planning to visit Bucharest then check out this Quick Travel Guide to Bucharest.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Best Things To Do in Bucharest

It’s easy to find interesting places to visit in Bucharest, for the tourist industry is well established these days. Many of the famous Bucharest tourist attractions have a heavy communist influence, since the country was only liberated from communism in 1989. Here are our road-tested best things to do in Bucharest.

Old Town: Dating back to the 15th century, the Bucharest Old Town is bursting with interesting and historic buildings to visit. Nowadays the Old Town doubles as a huge bar and cafe district, and is well known as a party zone. It is also the most popular place for tourists to stay. This is the best place for a Bucharest walking tour.

Palace of the Parliament: The second biggest building on the planet, this gargantuan building is a testament to a previous megalomaniac communist ruler. It’s also the most expensive building on the planet, and there are daily tours through the interior. The Palace of the Parliament is the number one attraction in Bucharest.

Roman Athenaeum: A 19th century concert hall resembling a Roman theatre, this is the most prestigious concert hall in town. The Athenaeum Bucharest is right next to the Revolution Square, making for a great double header.

Village Museum: This is large open air museum which has many examples of traditional Romanian village life. In all there are about 300 buildings depicting villages from all regions of Romania.

Churches of Bucharest: Bucharest has many unique churches to check out, including Stavropoleos Monastery, Church of Saint Anthony, Kretzulescu Church, St. Nicholas Church. It may not sound exciting, however these are some of the more unique place to visit in Bucharest.

Natural History Museum: Located in the Museum precinct of Bucharest, the Natural History Museum was a pleasant surprise for us. It’s a great way to spend about 3 hours with kids, and is just near the Village Museum and nearby Herastrau Park.

Day Trips from Bucharest

Transylvania is a beautiful region of Romania to the North of Bucharest. It is here that you will find many of the best day tours from Bucharest.

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle): This is an authentic medieval castle built in the 13th century, famous for being the castle described in Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula novel. Bran Castle is a 2 hour drive and makes for a wonderful day trip from Bucharest.

Brasov Historic Town: Brasov is a historic town of some 300,000 people, home to the Black Church, the biggest church in Europe. Just 170km North of Bucharest, beautiful Brasov gives a wonderful insight into medieval life in Romania.

Don’t miss the 13th century Old Town Hall in the medieval town square. Yes they used to publicly humiliate witches in this town square!

Peles Castle: Built in the 19th Century in neo-classical style, Peles Castle looks more like a palace than a castle. This is one of the most famous royal castles in all of Europe, as it was once the most modern castle in Europe.

Where to Stay in Bucharest

Bucharest Old Town is definitely the best place to stay. Bucharest is an inexpensive city, so cost is unlikely to be your limiting factor. There are a few hotels in this area, but apartments are a more popular form of accommodation in the Old Town.

Apartments in Bucharest

We recommend hitting Airbnb to find cheap apartments in Bucharest, there are loads of them to choose from all over the Old Town district. Check out the gorgeous view from the front balcony of our Airbnb apartment on the edge of Old Town.

Mid Priced

If you want the best location for your accomodation in Bucharest Old Town, you can’t go wrong with the Europa Royale Bucharest Hotel. This is a luxurious hotel right in the middle of all the Old Town action.

Affordable Luxury

Bucharest is a great city to try some genuine luxury accommodation at an affordable price. And a wonderful choice is the Grand Hotel Continental, located just a couple of minutes walk from the Northern edge of Old Town.

Shop Around for a Deal

It is well worth shopping around for a great deal on your accommodation in Bucharest, and the Booking Deals finder is a great place to start.

Quick Travel Guide to Bucharest

Get the Best Travel Guide to Bucharest

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Quick Travel Guide to Prague

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December 1, 2018

Prague is well known for its meandering medieval streets, gothic architecture and the largest castle in the world. The 11th century Historic centre of Prague is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Before planning your Prague vacation of a lifetime check out this Quick Travel Guide to Prague.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Fun Things to Do in Prague

Here is a list of the best city sightseeing Prague has to offer. All of these attractions are easily accessible due to the excellent subway and public transport systems in Prague.

Historic Centre of Prague: The Old Town Square is at the centre of Prague, and is where most tourists end up at some stage. There is always something going on in the Old Town Square, and it’s a great starting point to explore the medieval streets in the Centre of Prague.

Astronomical Clock: This is the third oldest astronomical clock on earth, installed in 1410. And it still works! Watching the clock strike an hour is a major tourist attraction due to the extraordinary mechanical theatrics of the characters inside the clock. It is definitely one of the main Prague highlights, judging by the hundreds of tourists who flock to this clock every hour.

Prague Castle: The Guinness Book of Records says that Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. Prague Castle is also the number 1 attraction in town, and one of the best Tours in Prague. You will need at least half a day to visit Prague Castle

Prague Zoo: The Trip Advisor 2018 Top 10 Zoo’s in the World ranked Prague Zoo as the 5th best zoo in the world. This is a massive zoo on two levels, with a chair lift connecting the upper and the lower levels. As well as the Zoo there is amazing views over the Vitava River and Prague.

St.Vitus Cathedral: The biggest and most important temple in Prague, the St.Vitus Cathedral dates back to the 10th century. Although only portions of the original structure remains, the current Gothic structure was built in the 14th century. All the Prague sightseeing tours to the castle district will pass by St.Vitus Cathedral.

Day Trips from Prague

You’ll be happy to know there are many amazing places to visit near Prague. Czech Republic was the original land of Bohemia, and was prone to invasions and plundering throughout the centuries.

Karlstejn Castle: Just 29 km from Prague, Karlstejn Castle one of the easiest places near Prague to visit by train or car. There is a fairly strenuous walk into the castle, which is nestled high up in a hidden valley. This is magnificent 14th century castle formerly held the Crown Jewels, and is incredibly well preserved.

Kutna Hora: The Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec is a UNESCO World Heritage Attraction, and it is just 69 km from Prague. Kutna Hora is a small mining town, and the main attraction is the massive Gothic St. Barbara’s Cathedral. You will also find the unique Bone Cathedral (Sedlec Ossuary) here, a cathedral decorated with the bones of 60,000 people.

Where to Stay in Prague

The best place to stay in Prague is near the city centre; there are heaps of hotels and they are not that expensive. And the train and subway systems are extensive and cheap, so if you are near one of those you have no problem getting around. You will also find heaps of things to do in Old Town Prague, just a short walk away.

Cheap Accommodation

The Central Hotel Prague is a basic hotel in a central location. You have a short walk to all the major shopping areas and the Old Town, with excellent access to public transport.

Mid Range Accommodation

Our favourite hotel is the Hotel Art Deco Imperial, it’s central and very stylish, with amazing breakfast. This is a classy 5 star hotel which won’t break the bank.

Affordable Luxury

In the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is the Old Town Square. And facing the Old Town Square you find the Old Town Square Hotel & Residence, a 5 star hotel in a perfect location for exploring Prague.

Accommodation Deals

We strongly believe in shopping around to find an amazing deal, and the below deals Booking.com finder is a great start.

Quick Travel Guide to Prague

Grab the Best Prague Guide Book

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See the 2 Best Castles in 1 Day in Transylvania Romania

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December 1, 2018

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See the 2 Best Castles in 1 Day in Transylvania Romania

When visiting Bucharest Romania it is practically mandatory to do a tour into Transylvania. We took a 12 hour tour called Romania’s 2 Most Popular Transylvania Castles in 1 Day. What we discovered was so much more than what we had anticipated.

2 Best Castles in Transylvania Romania

We booked this tour on our number 1 tour booking platform GetYourGuide.com. The cost of the tour was AU$328 for two adults and one 11-year-old child. On this tour you get to see the 2 best castles in Transylvania Romania, with a bonus tour of Brasov.

Here are the main stops:

First Stop: Peles Castle
Second Stop: Brasov Town
Third Stop: Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

Tour Start in Bucharest

The meeting point was the Atheneum, just near Bucharest Revolution Square. This is a fairly central location to Bucharest Old Town, and cost us just 10 Romaina Lei catching an Uber to get there.

what to do in bucharest hop on hop off athanaeum — The Athanaeum in Bucharest

The tour duration was supposed to be 12 hours leaving at 8 AM and returning at 8 PM. In reality we arrived back in Bucharest at about 9:30 PM, and didn’t really experience any delays during the day. That makes it a very long day, about 14 hours.

Extra Costs on the Tour

The tour was all inclusive, but we did spend extra on the following which were not included.

Snacks and coffee at a roadside stop along the way.
Drinking Water throughout the day.
Lunch in Brasov.
Photography pass at Peles Castle.
Tips for the tour guide and driver at the end of the day.

This means the entry fees and guided tours were all included in the tour, which was super handy.

Tour Bus

The bus was a 21 seat Mercedes bus, fairly spacious and modern. There were USB chargers at each seat, which didn’t work. The only form of entertainment on the bus was the music playing,and the tour guide talking to us through the microphone throughout the day.

Peles Castle

First stop was Peles castle, about a two hour drive from Bucharest. Actually we stopped at a service station about half way for 15 minutes for snacks and coffee, which was technically our first stop.

When we arrived at Peles Castle, we started with a short five minute walk to the castle, and then we had an opportunity to purchase the photography pass. You’re not allowed to take photographs castle unless you pay 30 Romanian Lei for the photography pass. It sounds ridiculous, but I strongly advise purchasing this pass.

The Peles Castle tour takes about one hour, not including line up time. And the tour was simply stunning. This is not your traditional medieval castle, instead is the most modern European royal palace of the 19th century. Peles Castle was home the royal monarchy from around 1893 until it was seized by the Communist rulers in the 1940s.

Peles Castle Tour King Carol I — King Carol I looks out over the front garden

Some Fast Facts About Peles Castle

It was the first castle in Europe to be fully lit by electric lighting.
To achieve this it had it’s own power station.
It was the world’s first castle to be powered by locally generated electricity.
Peles Castle houses it’s own 60 seat theatre.
The very first Romanian movie projection was screened here in 1906.
In the Hall of Fame there is a huge glass ceiling which is driven by electric motors.
The whole castle even has central heating.

Entering Peles Castle

As you enter the castle you’re required to put plastic over your shoes and also drop off your backpack, no backpacks are allowed in the castle. There’s also an airport style metal detector to go through.

Peles Castle Tour entrance — The main entrance hall

The tour takes visitors through about castle 20 rooms, and you’re treated to a dazzling variety of art and museum pieces. This ncludes a weaponry display of over 4,000 medieval weapons and armour exhibits.

Peles Castle Tour weapons and armoury — The weapons and armoury room

Brasov Old Town

After Pales Castle it’s back in the bus for about a one hour drive through some spectacular mountain country on towards Brasov, in Transylvania Romania. Brasov is a medieval town dating back to the 13th century. Actually it’s been in existence since about 1 century BC, however the current town centre was built in the 13th century.

Brasov Romania Tour town square — The super colourful Brasov Town Square

We enjoyed about two hours of free time to enjoy lunch and stroll around the authentic medieval Town Square. After that we had a half hour guided walking tour which was complimentary, and was led by our bus tour guide.

Brasov Romania Tour alfresco — Alfresco dining in the square

The main attractions surrounding Brasov Town Square are the Black Church and the Town Square Hall, both dating back to the 14th century. The square itself is surrounded by brightly painted medieval buildings and a large variety of dining options.

Brasov Romania Tour Catherines gate — Catherine’s Gate is part of the medieval fortification system

Bran Castle

The next stop was the famous Dracula‘s castle, a.k.a. Bran Castle. This is an authentic medieval castle built in the 13th century. It’s known as Dracula‘s Castle due to the famous novel Dracula, written by Bram Stoker back in the late 19 century. The castle did you send that this is the castle used to bases character.

The real story is slightly different, as there are no less than three potential Dracula‘s Castles is in Romania. It is is somewhat doubtful that Bran Castle is the real Dracula’s Castle. Anyway, it’s largely irrelevant since Count Dracula was a fictitious character.

Bran Castle Romania souvenir — The line of souvenir shops near Bran Castle

There is no denying that Bran Castle is an amazing castle to visit. After parking the bus in a nearby car park, the walk to the castle is about only 15 minutes. The first five minutes is along a public road, and the you must walk through about 100 m of souvenir shops.

Then there is a long cobblestone path going up the hill with a moderately steep grade. This takes about five minutes to get to the top of the cliff where Bran Castle is built.

Bran Castle Romania pathway — The pathway up to Bran Castle

Self Guided Tour of Bran Castle

I’m not sure what the entry cost into Bran Castle is, because ours was included in the tour. But you do have to enter through a ticket turnstile and entry gate into the castle. Guided tours are not the norm here, all the visitors just go on a self-guided tour.

Bran Castle Romania courtyard — Admiring the courtyard inside the Castle

Basically there is one route which winds all the way through the castle up to the third-floor, and then back down again. You can take as long as you want, we were given about two hours to do a self paced tour which leaves plenty of time for photos outside of the castle, and for some souvenir shopping.

Our bus tour guide gave us the hot tip that the best photo location is across the other side of the lake, at the front of the castle. On the way back we tried it out with the castle reflecting across the lake. But it was quite difficult to do because of the later afternoon sun, which was almost directly behind the castle.

Bran Castle Romania Lake View — The view from the Lake

Driving Back to Bucharest

Then we had about a 3 hour drive back to Bucharest. There was one point of interest on the way, and that was a huge citadel on top of a hill, about 15 minutes into the drive. But we didn’t slow down or stop, we just had a chance to get a quick snapshot from about 1 km away.

The drive back to Bucharest was fairly uneventful and traffic was light. They say that on weekends there can be a traffic jam as you approach Bucharest, but we had a fairly clear run. We were even on Saturday afternoon in peak season. I guess it’s the luck of the draw.

Arriving in Bucharest

Drop off point was the same as the pick up stop at The Atheneum. Here you have the option to going to the concierge of the Hilton hotel to request a taxi, or just hail an Uber on your phone. We just went for an Uber, which cost a respectable 10 Lei back to our Old City apartment. I’m not sure how it works every Uber in Bucharest city cost us exactly 10 Lei, which is remarkably cheap in my books.

Tour Review

Overall it was a long day, but an excellent too. All 3 attractions were awesome, but we rated Bran castle was the best of the three. This is mainly because of the the somewhat obscure a link to Dracula, and also the medieval historical value.

Bran Castle Romania view from the top — Admiring the view from the top of Bran Castle

One other point to note on the bus was that it has free Wi-Fi, which were used for most of the day which we utilized for most of the day.. It was fast even through the mountains and reliable meaning it never dropped out. The bus comes equipped with USB charging ports on Every seat, but for some reason it was not working on our bus.

So if you have more than a couple of days in Bucharest, these 2 castles are definitely must see attractions. Make that a trio of attractions, including Brasov. Do yourself a favor and see these 2 famous Transylvania castles in 1 day.

Peles Castle Tour gardens — Peles Castle attracts some large crowds

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Quick Travel Guide to Paris

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December 1, 2018

Seductively charming Paris is known as the City of Love. And it’s the most visited city on the planet. Before you start planning a trip to Paris, check out this Quick Travel Guide to Paris.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

What to Do in Paris

There are so many tourist attractions in The City of Love that you can stay for a week and feel like you just “scratched the surface”. Here are some tips for visiting Paris to help you to find the very best tourist attractions.

Eiffel Tower: No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Visible from all over Paris, you can photograph it from every angle. But to really experience the Eiffel Tower you will need to climb it.

The Louvre: Home of the Mona Lisa. This former Royal Palace has been around for 8 centuries and is the world’s largest art museum. And the Louvre was voted 7th best Museum on earth by the Trip Advisor People’s Choice Awards of 2018.

Musee d’Orsay: The winner of the Trip Advisor People’s Choice Awards of 2018 as the world’s number 1 museum. The magnificent ex-railway station is also a masterpiece in itself.

Notre Dame Cathedral: The most visited free attraction in Paris, with over 14 million visitors per annum. The famous Notre Dame Cathedral is an amazing example of French Gothic Architecture, and dates back to the 12th century.

Sacre Coeur Basilica: A giant Sacre Coeur Basilica which can be seen from all over Paris, there is an option to climb right up to the top of the highest tower for spectacular views of Paris.

Day Trips from Paris

The French countryside is also packed with amazing tourist attractions, and here are a couple of the finest trips from Paris to get you started.

Palace of Versailles: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of Versailles is easily accessible by train from Paris, making it one of the easiest tours from Paris you can do. There are various tours available throughout Versailles Palace, or you can stroll around the stunning gardens for free.

Cheateau de Fontainbleu: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Chateau de Fontainbleu is the only royal chateau to have been continually inhabited for 7 centuries. The Chateau is open for tours and is just 69km to the South of Paris, making it one of the best Paris day tours.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is so big and diverse, choosing an area to stay in can be a difficult decision. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Paris, depending on what type of tourist you are:

Louvre (1st arrondissement): Tourists / Sightseeing
Saint Germain (6th arrondissement): Families
Montmarte: Romantics
Le Marais (3rd/4th arrondissements): Nightlife & Shopping

Cheap Accommodation in Paris

On our November visit to Paris we were fortunate to hit the chilly shoulder season, when
demand for accommodation was very low. On Airbnb we found a great apartment with a good view of the Eiffel Tower. In fact it was only about 3 minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower, and cost us less than AUD $100 per night. That is sensational value! For those looking for cheap Paris breaks, we highly recommend you search through Airbnb for great deals.

Mid Range Accommodation

In Louvre (1st Arrondissement) you will find the 3 start Hotel de la Place du Louvre. This hotel is close to everything a tourist would want to see. Breakfast is in the hotel’s Cave des Mousquetaires, which is a vault once connected to the famous Louvre.

Affordable Luxury

Saint Germain Des Pres is the 6th Arrondissement, an area known for grand architecture, fancy cafe’s and exquisite art galleries. Here you will find the stylish Victoria Palace Hotel, a 5 star hotel decorated in Louis XIV style. It’s in a quiet area but walking distance to the busy tourist areas like Notre Dame Cathedral.

Find a Bargain of a Deal

Your Paris getaway will be even more special if you find a great deal on accommodation, and the Booking.com deals finder below is a great place to start.

Quick Travel Guide to Paris

Get the Best Paris Guide Book

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Quick Travel Guide to Luxembourg City

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November 30, 2018

Luxembourg City is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded in 963 AD. And it has a history of being the most fortified city in Europe, a.k.a. The Gibraltar of the North. Before you leave for your Luxembourg holidays check out this Quick Travel Guide to Luxembourg City.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Best Places to Visit in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is such a historically important city that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. That’s because it is one of Europe’s greatest fortified sites, with fortifications spanning several centuries. And here are some of the more fascinating tourist attractions in Luxembourg.

The Old City of Luxembourg: This is the undisputed number 1 of all the attractions in Luxembourg. There are several walking tours you can take to admire this World Heritage area, including Wenzel’s Walk which meanders through the Old City and all it’s fortifications. My personal favourite here is the wonderful St. Michael’s Church, built in 987 AD!

Bock Casemates: This is a series of fortifications designed and built by the Spanish in the 18th century. Today you are able to walk through a labyrinth of tunnels and fortifications with spectacular views over the Old City.

Notre Dame Cathedral: Built in the early 17th Century, this is one of the most amazing cathedrals you will ever see. There is even a large crypt below the cathedral containing the royal family graves.

Walls of Corniche: There is a self guided walking tour called the Luxembourg City Promenade Walk which takes you through many of the best Luxembourg attractions, including a walk along the top of this wall. Here you will be treated to the best views of the Old City and the Bock Casemates. Don’t worry, there are lots of safe pathways to stroll along the top of the cliffs.

Alzette River Valley: Take a stroll along the Alzette River valley following the multitude of walking trails. There are lots of places to hop in a hop out of the valley, and you can admire the amazing bridges overhead and various Casemates. This is the local’s way to do your Luxembourg sightseeing, and you will see many locals taking a stroll through the valley.

Day Trips from Luxembourg City

Luxembourg tourist attractions don’t stop within the confines of Luxembourg City. The country is famous for its beautiful undulating countryside and abundance of castles. Here is a list of the best castles in Luxembourg:

Vianden Castle: This castle dates back to the 11th century and was completed in the 14th century. Vianden Castle one of the most breathtaking castles in all of Europe, and guided tours are available. It is just 21km North of Luxembourg City.

Bourscheid Castle: One of the oldest castles in Luxembourg, dating way back to the 10th century. Located 44 km to the North or Luxembourg City in the Ardennes mountains, you can get a guided tour through Bourshceid Castle.

Amsembourg Castle: Just 19 km north of Luxembourg City, Amsembourg Castle dates back to the 12th Century. Whilst the castle is private property, it is possible to tour the magnificent gardens.

Beaufort Castle: This ancient castle was built from the 11th century, and was surrounded by a large moat. Located 37 km to the North of Luxembourg City, it is possible to get a guided tour through Beaufort Castle.

Esch sur Sure Castle: There is evidence of this castle existing way back in the 8th century. Esch Su Sure Castle is 54 km North of Luxembourg and is open to the public.

Where to Stay in Luxembourg City

The best place to stay in Luxembourg City is in the Garer Quarter near the Luxembourg Central Train Station. From here you have excellent access to the Old City, as well as the modern attractions of the new city. And of course you have good access to the train station and surrounding shopping district.

Cheap Accommodation in Luxembourg

Ibis Styles Luxembourg is a 3 star hotel conveniently located just 5 minutes walk from Luxembourg Central Train Station, a great starting point for all your activities in Luxembourg.

Mid Range Accommodation

The Hotel Central Molitor is a great hotel just a few minutes walk from Luxembourg Central Train Station. This 3-star hotel in the Red Tulip chain comes with an amazing breakfast, and it’s within walking distance of all the main Luxembourg attractions within the city.

Affordable Luxury

4 star Hotel Simoncini is on the edge of the City Centre, a stone’s throw from the best shopping in Luxembourg City, and heaps of cafe’s and restaurants. The Old Town and all the major Luxembourg tourists attractions are only a short walk away, making this an ideal location.

Find a Good Deal in Luxembourg City

You should definitely shop around for great accommodation deals, they can come up any time. And Booking.com is a great place to get you started.

Quick Travel Guide to Luxembourg City

Plan Your Trip to Luxembourg City

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Quick Travel Guide to Heidelberg

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November 30, 2018

The oldest university in Germany is found in Heidelberg, dating back to the 14th Century. These days Heidelbderg is famous as a historic university town, a romantic town, and the magnificent Heidelberg Castle. If you are planning to visit then check out this Quick Travel Guide to Heidelberg.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

What to Do in Heidelberg

Heidelberg has a glorious Old City nestled at the foot of Heidelberg Castle, on the banks of the Neckar River. Consequently the best Heidelberg attractions are in or around the Old Town, making it an easy city to see on foot. So here are the best places to visit in Heidelberg:

Heidelberg Castle: Although the castle at Heidelberg dates back to the 13th century, the current version was built in the 18th century. Listed a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site, Heidelberg Castle offers magnificent views of the Old Town and the Neckar River.

Heidelberg Old Town (Altstadt): Dating back to the 18th century, Heidelberg Old Town is filled with Baroque and Gothic buildings, making it a photographer’s dream. In summer the narrow streets and squares are filled with beer, dining and music.

Alte Brucke (Old Bridge): A 200 year stone bridge across the Neckar river is the 9th bridge to be built in this position. Walking across the Old Bridge is an essential part of every Heidelberg sightseeing tour.

The Philosopher’s Walk: Across the river from Heidelberg Old Town is a narrow stone path winding its way up the banks of the Neckar River, offering spectacular views of Heidelberg Castle and the town below.

Heidelberg Funicular: From below Schloss Heidelberg there is a series of 2 Funiculars (steep mountain trains). The first stop is Schloss Heidelberg. They after changing funiculars, the second stop is the King’s Seat, with its panoramic views of Heidelberg town.

Day Trips from Heidelberg

As much as there are plenty of great things to see in Heidelberg, there are just as many things to see in nearby towns.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Described by Rick Steves as a “Germany’s Fairy Tale Dream Town”, Rothenburg is small medieval village dating back to 950 AD, lying 170 km to the east of Heidelberg.

Speyer: A historical town about half an hour south along the Neckar River. The highlight in Speyer is the world’s largest preserved Roman church, the 1,000 year old UNESCO World Heritage Speyer Cathedral.

Where to Stay in Heidelberg

The best hotels in Heidelberg are in the Old Town district, because this makes it easy to see all the main Old Town attractions on foot, not far from your hotel.

Cheap Accommodation

We recommend the Hotel Heidelberg for reasonably priced hotel. It has a tram stop right outside the hotel, so it’s quick and easy to get into town. It is about a 20 minute tram ride from town, making it out of walking distance. The food here is top class and has a home cooked flavour to it. And there is even an underground billiards room to keep you entertained.

Mid Priced Accommodation

The 3 star Hotel am Schloss offers perfect views of the number 1 attraction in town, Heidelberg Castle. And it’s close to all the other attractions in the Old Town area.

Affordable Luxury

The Rum Zitter St.George Hotel was built way back in 1592, and is located right in the heart of the Old Town opposite the town hall. Relax in 4 star luxury, in easy walking distance to all the main attractions in Heidelberg.

Shop Around for a Great Deal

We always recommend you shop around for a great deal on accommodation, and the Booking.com deals finder is a great place to start. Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Heidelberg

Plan Your Trip to Heidelberg

Quick Travel Guide to Koblenz

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November 30, 2018

Koblenz is a small city located on the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 2,000 year old city is defended by a giant clifftop fortress perched high up on the Rhine River bank, accessible by cable car. If you’re planning a trip to Koblenz then check out this Quick Travel Guide to Koblenz.

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Things to Do in Koblenz

Most tourists use Koblenz as a starting point to explore the incredibly scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley aboard a Rhine River Cruise. But there is so much more to see, so here are the top things to do in Koblenz.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: This huge fortress overlooks the junction of the Mosel River and the Rhine River, and is accessible via the Koblenz Cable Car. It’s been around since the 11th century, and is the 2nd largest fortress in Europe.

Koblenz Cable Car: This is the highest capacity of any cable car in Europe, able to transport 7,500 people per hour across the Rhine River to the fortress.

Deutsches Ech (German Corner): This is a small park with a huge 37m statue at the junction of the Rhine River and Mosel River. This historic site holds an amazingly rich history throughout the centuries. This is also the departure point for the Koblenz Cable Car.

Old Town of Koblenz: Strolling through the old town transports you back to centuries gone buy, with a wonderful mix of old German buildings. There are loads of great cafes scattered through the old town to make a day of it.

Görresplatz: This town square is in the Old Town area, was once settled by Romans, and has a rich history throughout the Middle Ages. The centrepiece is an 11 meter high intricately carved statue depicting the full history of Koblenz, from Roman times to the present. A very interesting history lesson indeed.

Day Trips from Koblenz

Koblenz is in one of the best areas on the planet for seeing medieval castles. There are just so many of them along the Rhine River in particular, but also along the Mosel River.

Rhine River Day Cruise: A one day cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage section of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is an absolute must. It is quite inexpensive, and will take you past dozens of magnificent medieval castles and other historic structures. If you only do one thing in Koblenz make it a Rhine Cruise.

Eltz Castle: This is one of the most beautiful medieval castles you will ever see, held in the one family since the 11th century. You will often see Eltz Castle in lists of the best castles in Europe, and it is just a short train ride away from Koblenz.

Where to Stay in Koblenz

Cheap Accommodation in Koblenz

The best place to stay in Koblenz is the city centre, not too far from the Koblenz train station. Also popular is the waterfront along the Rhine River, near the junction of the Mosel River.

Cheap Accommodation

If you’re looking for a convenient, reasonably priced hotel in Koblenz then you can’t go past the Hotel Continental Koblenz. This is a no-frills hotel in an amazing location, 1 minute walk from the central train station. The train system here is so efficient and easy to get around that being right next to the station is a great place to be.

Mid Priced Accommodation

The 3 star Kleiner Riesen is in one of the best located hotels in Koblenz, positioned centrally on the banks of the Rhine River. This convenient hotel will give you great river views as you enjoy your breakfast.

Affordable Luxury Accommodation

The 4 star Mecure Hotel Koblenz is in an amazing location with uninterrupted views of the Rhine River and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. And it is also within easy walking distance to the town centre and the Rhine River day cruise departure point.

Find a Great Deal

You should always shop around for better deals on accommodation, especially as Koblenz can be rather expensive. Here’s a great place to start. Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Koblenz

Plan Your Trip to Koblenz

Quick Travel Guide to Santorini

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November 29, 2018