3 DAYS IN AMSTERDAM | TRAVEL GUIDE

For such a famous city, that is only 60 mins away from London - it has taken me quite a while to visit it. 

Yes, I'm talking about Amsterdam. 

My family recently decided to spend a long weekend in the land of weed tulips. And, despite the far from ideal weather, I ended up enjoying the city much more than I thought I did. From walking around the canals, to finding the cutest independent stores to eating five hundreds types of cheese in 15 minutes. It was an unexpected but amazing break from London. 

DAY 1 - JORDAAN & MOCO MUSEUM

We started off our trip by doing what we do best: eat. We headed to Winkel 43 to try their famous apple pie - it was soft, buttery, sweet, moist and warm. Simple put: perfect.  Definitley not a light breakfast, but would do it all over again. We managed to find a table outside but expect the cafe to be incredibly packed and to have to queue for around 15-20mins. 

Once our stomachs were content, we wandered around the district of Jordaan, which is where most of the canals are. It's such a nice area to walk around, and get lost in the little side streets. It is, however, quite a touristy area so expect souvenir shops, a lot  of bakeries selling everything from stroopwaffles to cheese and quite a few tulip shops too. 

We also ran into a flower market right next to one of the main canals - I don't think I had ever seen so many different types of tulips and cheeses.

For lunch, we decided to go the Foodhallen on Tollensstraat, which was a great indoor food market (similar to the TimeOut Market in Lisbon!) - it had all sorts of cuisines. Mexican, Chinese, South American, Italian, Mediterranean, etc. - you name it. I had some sort of healthy burrito bowl, which was really good - almost as good as Chipotle's. And that's saying a lot.

Around the Foodhallen, there were so many little art galleries and stores - definitely worth a walk around to digest your food! 

To end our day, we spent our afternoon at the Coco Museum. a modern and contemporary art museum which was, in all honesty, one of the best museums I have ever been to. And I have been to many. For once, I actually had fun looking at art. And every piece was different from the other. I would definitely recommend it to everyone that visits Amsterdam! 

DAY 2 - RIKJSMUSEUM, DAMRAK & RED LIGHT DISTRICT

After a healthy and delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidian (very local, I know), we spent our morning at the Rikjsmuseum. It is meant to be one of the best museums in Europe but, in all honesty, I thought it was just alright. Now, I don't know much about art so I am sure someone who had more knowledge than me would enjoy it much much more than I did. But if you're just the average human then I don't think it's any better than the museums in Paris, London or Italy. 

The afternoon was spend walking around the city centre: the main square, Damrak and all the way to the train station. We also enjoyed some warm, freshly made stroopwaffles (i.e. one of my favourite foods), some ice cream as well as fresh waffles. So a lot of food was consumed that day, as you can see. 

We also wandered around the famous Red Light District which was not  what I was expecting at all. I personally didn't really like it and thought it was too touristy and just not a nice area to explore. But to each their own I guess.

DAY 3 - BRUNCH, BEGIJNHOF & MORE FOOD

Our last day consisted of mostly... wait for it.... food. Shock. 

We started off the day by having brunch at the CT Coffee & Coconuts, a lovely and popular cafe in De Pijp which, from what I gathered, seemed to be the Soho/Shoreditch of Amsterdam. The food was really great, and not too expensive (taking into account that Amsterdam is quite expensive in general).

Then, we headed to Begijnhof - a lovely neighbourhood in the city centre which was nice to walk around and explore. 

Nearby, we stumbled upon one of the best cookie places in the Netherlands: Van Stapele Koekmakerij. They were incredibly gooey chocolate filled buttery cookies, simply amazing. And 5 minutes, later we found another place that prepared fresh stroopwaffles drizzled with warm chocolated - so, of course, I had to try them. They were as good as they sound. The place was called Bakkerij Egstorf, so definitely give it a visit if you're around.

To finish off our time in Amsterdam, we wanted to try Dutch mini pancakes - which were probably the best thing I had during my time in Amsterdam. We had them at a very random place in a park nearby our hotel, it was called Pannenkotken Restaurant De Vier Pilaren  - they were superb. Definitely recommend going. It was located by a canal and they had some lovely outdoor seating. However, it was so packed we only managed to find a table inside. 

24HRS IN SINTRA, PORTUGAL | TRAVEL GUIDE

So, from my last post, I think we already established I absolutely loved Lisbon. After spending 3 days there, we spend out last day in Sintra -  a quaint small town near Lisbon in the foothill of the Sintra Mountains.

It used to be a royal sanctuary, which essentially means there are endless castles around the town and in the mountains. You could easily spend a few days just visiting different castles; however, since we only had a day we decided to only visit two and take it easy. 

The first one we visited was Quinta da Regaleira. Whilst there are buses that can take you from the train station to most of the castles, we decided to take an Uber as it was very cheap (genuinely less tan 5€) and much easier! 

Quinta da Regaliera is a massive estate with a castle, a chapel, a lake, grottoes and, most importantly, a really cool well called the Initiation Well. You can walk down it and it looks like something you would fine in Narnia or another fantasy movie. I was expecting to find the Upside Down once I reached the bottom but, unfortunately or fortunately, I only found some spooky underground tunnels. Still cool though. 

After we had walked around the estate and taken all the necessary Insta pics, we headed back to the town centre to have some lunch. We went to this place called Incomum which had some really amazing food - especially if you like seafood and fish. 

After, we walked around the town a bit which was absolutely stunning - it's full of narrow picturesque cobbled streets with little boutiques. We also went to the famous bakery Piriquita, where you have to try the traditional travesseiros, made with puff pastry and almond cream. Definitely a must try if you're in Sintra! 

Once our stomachs were full and content, we took another Uber to what now is my favourite place I have ever visited: Pena Palace. There are no words to describe how beautiful and mind blowing it is. It looks fake and you will definitley feel like you're in some sort of film. 

The palace is at the top of a hill which means that, unless you go on a very clear day, it is very likely to be foggy which adds to the film-like experience. The palace is so colourful and with the most intricate carvings on the stone. It was honestly something out of this world. I would try and describe it better but a picture is worth a thousand words so just see it for yourself! 

Overall, Sintra was absolutely beautiful and definitley worth a visit if you're in Lisbon! 

TRAVEL GUIDE: 48 HOURS IN LISBON

Lisbon was an absolute dream. 

I think I am still in shock by the beauty of it. Stepping into the city felt like being stepping into a complete different world, and definitley not somewhere in Europe. Somewhere only a 2 hours flight away from home. It has such a different vibe to any other European city - so relaxed, so culturally rich and so majestic in an almost antiquated way. 

We spent three days in Portugal, two in Lisbon and one in Sintra (a small town near Lisbon, stay tuned for another post coming your way very soooon!). Realistically,  three days are enough to get to know the city. However, it is the kind of place where you kind of want to stay forever. You know, quit your job and open a hotel à la Mamma Mia.

What I loved the most about Lisbon is that it has so many quirky neighbourhoods that are perfect to wander and get lost in, you never know what's going to be just around the corner. So, get lost with me. Here's where we stayed, what we did and (most importantly) where we ate.

where we stayed

We stayed in a beautiful apartment in the centre of Lisbon, near Praça do Comércio on Rua da Padaria. It was a great location as it was very close to the metro, the tram and within walking distance to many restaurants, markets and also the ocean (which is always an added bonus).

The apartment was very Portuguese - very colourful but not in an obnoxious way, and very modern. It basically looked pretty much like what I want my future house to look like - clean look with a rustic touch and some colour

what we did 

There is a lot to do in Lisbon, but at the same time there isn't. Whilst you could easily spend two days visiting all the touristy sites, the best way to get to know the city is to simply wander around and explore the city by foot.  

That being said, there are a few things you should definitely check out whilst you're there. 

On the first day, we visited Praça do Comércio which was very near where we were staying and then took the tram to Belém, one of the most famous neighbourhoods in Lisbon.

Belém

The main thing Belém is known for is the famous Pastéis de Natas (or custard tarts), which are quite literally heaven on Earth. If you don't know what they are, think of the standard British custard tarts but more cinnamon-y and just a hundred times better.

Whilst you're there, definitley go to the bakery called Pastéis de Belem - you won't miss it, as there is usually a very long queue. Definitely worth the wait. Best custard tarts I have ever tried, and I have tried quite a few.

Near the bakery you will find the Jerónimos Monastery, a stunning white building with very intricate designs. If you have time, try to go inside; it's not cheap, but definitely worth it!

From there, we walked towards the ocean/river and then walked to the Tower de Belém. At that point I had eaten too many custard tarts so I was in a diabetic coma and could barely move. Therefore, I didn't pay much attention but it was a pretty tower... and we also saw some giant jellyfish. And when I say giant I mean bigger than my face. 

LX Factory

If you are into Shoreditch (in London), Berlin and this kind of vibe... what some would call edgy, then LX Factory is your place. 

It's an old industrial complex of house turned into restaurants, shops, libraries, hairdressers, tattoo parlours, everything. A very creative space which can only be described as the Shoreditch of Lisbon. 

Alfama

Again, another very famous neighbourhood in London. Every day they have the so called Feira da Ladra, a massive flea market which I guess it started off being for the locals but has now become very touristy. It is nice to walk around and you might find some interesting stuff, and a lot of people selling tiles, but I don't think it's worth spending too much time there. 

Once you have seen the market, just walk around the streets of Alfama. There isn't anything specific to see except the beautiful tile houses and random colourful streets. 

There is also a great viewing point called Miradouro Santa Luzia, it doesn't only have great views but the place itself is also stunning (and great for photos... because you gotta get that Instagram).

Bairro Alto & Chiado

This was probably one of my favourite areas of Lisbon - probably because it was more "city-like" and lively. It's a very central district, where all the big shops and many restaurants are. Even though it definitely has a city vibe, it is still very picturesque and there is no lack of narrow quaint streets.

It is great to walk around in the evening or late afternoon. It's also a very hilly area and where the classic Lisbon photo is taken. You know the one: uphill street, yellow tram and colourful houses? 

Chiado is another are that is very similar to Bairro Alto but a bit more structured and with bigger wider streets. And also more commercial. It is more modern and what feels "less" like Lisbon if that makes any sense. 

Still beautiful, though. I just can't say no to a house with pretty tiles.

where we ate 

If you're a foodie, Lisbon is your place. They have countless types of pastries (all equally delicious) and so much seafood. 

Breakfast

We had breakfast at the same bakery near our apartment - Portela Cafe. My favourite pastries (which you can find at most bakeries) were pao deus (sweet dough with some sort of coconut-y paste) and, obviously, pasteis de nata. But I honestly didn't try a bad pastry during my entire trip, so everything is delicious. 

Lunch

The only noteworthy place we went for lunch was TimeOut Market. A food hall where every "restaurant" has been chosen by TimeOut - so you know it's good. I was a bit skeptical first because it just looked very touristy but everything we tried was really good and there is so much to choose from.   Anything from oysters to croquettes - the latter being my absolute favourite. 

Dinner

For dinner we went to A Casa do Bacalhau, which is a restaurant that specialises in cod. In Portugal (or Lisbon at least), it is very common to have a few smaller sharing dishes - sort of like tapas - rather than one big dish each. However, they only bring on at a time - they wait until you have finished and then they will bring the next one. It is a bit odd but I kind of prefer it, you get to try so much more food! 

We also went to Taberna Rua dos Flores - a very traditional Portuguese restaurant. It is a very small restaurant and you can't book in advance, instead you have to go to the place at around 6-6:30pm and they will put your name down and tell you to come back in about an hour or so (depending on availability, it is an extremely popular restaurant). So you don't really get to choose when to eat but it's definitley worth the small inconvenience. 

Their menu is very traditional and everything we tried was absolutely incredible. Again, they also serve tapas style dishes for the table to share instead of big plates. I would recommend you try as much fish and seafood as you can as that's what I found to be the best! 

Desserts/Pastries

I have a big sweet tooth, so Portugal was my heaven on Earth - the amount of pastries and little sweet treats that hey have is mind blowing and they are all equally delicious. 

The number one place you have to go to if you're in Lisbon is Pasteis de Belem - I can't even tell you how good their custard tarts are. So good that I had too many too quickly and then felt sick for the rest of the day - but I still don't regret it. Expect a big queue, but 100% worth the wait. 

We were walking around Alfama when we stumbled into this little bakery called Fabrica Pastel Feijao - a very traditional and small bakery that specialises in Pastel de Feijao, a white bean and almond pastry. I was not expecting much of it as I didn't know how I would feel about white beans in a pastry, but it was so good. If you're in the neighbourhood, definitley try one! 

Finally, another dessert worth mentioning is the éclair we had at the TimeOut Market - not very Portuguese but still delicious. I can't remember the name of the stall but there is only one place that sells éclairs so it's hard to miss! 

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE || OUT AND ABOUT

And finally we have the last post about my time in Croatia. Our last four days were spent in Dubrovnik, a very beautiful town that was unlike any other place I had ever visited. The big city walls made it seem like you were in the Middle Ages or in Games of Thrones, and the many many many stairs made you reevaluate your fitness regime. 

Here's what I did, what I ate and what I photographed. 

HOW I GOT THERE

If you've read my previous post about Croatia you'll know I spent some time in Zadar. We took a bus from Zadar to Dubrovnik which was about £10 and it took about four hours. It was very long and by the time you get to Dubrovnik you will be so done with buses, but it's the most practical way to move around Croatia unless you want to take a taxi. Something worth mentioning is that you'll have to go through Montenegro to get to Dubrovnik from Zadar and other cities so make sure to have your passport ready!

WHERE I STAYED

We stayed in an AirBnB which was a bit outside the Old Town which could have potentially been very inconvenient but, as many other times, Uber came to the rescue. We managed to get into town in 10-15 min and it was fairly cheap (around £10) and we found the drivers were quite chill there and would usually let us be five in a regular Uber which is pretty great when you're a group of 5 and there's no UberXL.

Staying outside the Old Town makes the price drop significantly, so if you don't mine not being right in the middle of everything, it is definitely worth it!

WHAT I DID

I'm going to start by saying that we didn't do much in Dubrovnik. We were all tired, sleep deprived, done with the heat and hangover. However, we still tried our best to enjoy the city. 

The first day we decided to just walk around the Old Town, exploring the beautiful narrow streets, the architecture, and admiring the city walls. We also decided to book an island tour for the following day. It was a very chill day. Later that day we decided to go out, as we hadn't had a night out yet in Croatia. We had heard about this club called Revelin... O M G, best club I have ever been to. I don't even like clubbing that much, but I had the time of my life. You literally party inside of a castle and the music was the perfect mix of dance, R&B and hits. It usually is free entry before midnight if you have a flyer, otherwise is £15. If you fancy a night out, you HAVE to go to Revelin.

The following day, after about two hours sleep, we hopped onto a boat and explored the coast and some islands. We visited the a blue cave where we got to snorkel in crystal clear blue water. After that, we visited three islands: Lopud, Šipan and Kokošar. They were all kind of similar and, whilst they didn't have the most paradisiac beached I've seen, they were nice and it was great to swin after exploring cities for so long. I have to say though that the water was incredibly clear, it kind of seemed fake. It was the perfect place to snorkel!

The final two days were spent chilling and swimming just outside of the Old Town and wandering around. As I said, our energy levels were very low at that point and we didn't really had the will to be proper tourists. Even then, I loved Dubrovnik and it was by far my favourite city in Croatia! 

WHAT I ATE

Seafood, seafood, seafood and more seafood. I had so much of it. I love seafood so freaking much, but even I got a bit sick of it. Croatian food is mainly based on fish and meat, so being vegan or vegetarian there is not the easiest. I had some incredible grilled fish, amazing ham and even better fruit. My favourite thing though was the watermelon juice I had one morning - it was from a smoothies and juices place called Mr. Fresh and it was incredible. Exactly what I needed to survive in that heat.

SPLIT AND KRKA WATERFALLS IN 48HRS TRAVEL GUIDE || OUT AND ABOUT

After spending a day in Zadar, we packed our bags again and headed to Split. On our way there we made a stop at the Krka National Park. Whilst the park in general was not as stunning and impressive, in my opinion,  as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the waterfalls were astonishing and more interesting that the ones in Plitvice. 

After that we made our way to Split where we spent the night and the following day exploring the Old Town, eating delicious seafood, refreshing ice cream and trying not to melt in the heat. 

DAY 1: KRKA NATIONAL PARK

How to get there

The cheapest and easiest way to get there is either from Split or from Zadar by bus. The bus is only about £10 and it only takes a couple of hours. You can also take Uber - which is way cheaper in Croatia than in the UK - but since it's quite a long journey it would end up being quite expensive.

What to do

The park isn't too big so if you follow the marked path you will get to explore all of it in about 2 hours depending on how fast you walk or how many times you stop to get that perfect Insta. There are loads of gorgeous viewing points along the route and it's very easy to follow, you won't get lost! 

The best thing about the park is that you get to swim by one of the main waterfalls. It is VERY crowded and because of that the water is not as clear as in other parts of the park but it was one of my favourite things of the entire trip. I am used to swimming in the sea in salty water, so it was cool so swim in a lake by a massive waterfall. 

Where to eat

As you walk around the park you'll find a few cafes and places that serve food. A lot of people seemed to take their own lunch, and we did too, as the food there was quite overpriced (as expected) and it didn't look too appetising. 

DAY 2: SPLIT

How to get there

Again, the easiest and cheapest way to get to Split from the national park is by bus. The ticket is also about £10 and takes about an hour if I remember correctly. 

What to do

My favourite thing to do was wander around the Old Town and explore the narrow and historic streets. If you are a fan of Games of Thrones you will love Split, I don't really watch it but I felt like I was in Games of Thrones all the time. 

It's also worth visiting the Dioclestian's Palace, as well as the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius where you can climb the tower and get great views of the town. By the bell tower there is an underground market which is a great place to buy some souvenirs or to wander around. 

Finally, in the afternoon/evening walked along the sea front and had a drink or two at one of the bars which are not exactly very cheap but the view is cool and there is a very lively and upbeat environment. 

Where to eat

Croatian cuisine involves A LOT of meat, fish/seafood and cheese. So after a few days of eating fish for every meal of the day pretty much I was craving some vegetables. We ended up at Marta's Veggie Fusion where I had quinoa salad which is exactly what I needed. 

Ice cream is the perfect snack when it's 30˚C outside, and there are plenty of ice cream shops all around town so you won't have any trouble finding one. 

For dinner we didn't feel like a big meal so instead of going to a restaurant we went to the supermarket and bought some gnocchi and tomato sauce and cooked a delicious meal (which was also way cheaper than any restaurant would have been).