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Weekends Locally Abroad

Weekend in Berlin view on Alexanderplatz at night

A Locally Abroad Weekend in Berlin

by Ines February 2, 2019

written by Ines

I have not been on a weekend trip in ages, and this time it this has been extra special as it is my first solo-trip in a long time. Some time ago, I headed over to Berlin to meet some friends and breathe some big city vibes. I have been to Berlin many times and every locally abroad weekend in Berlin is special. Let me take you one and enjoy some real Berliner insights. A big thanks to this lovely bunch, who helped me find the extra locally abroad spots for you.

So without further to do let’s take a weekend trip to crazy Berlin.

How to get there?

Berlin is very well connected planes busses and trains are going there from everywhere in Europe and even from outside of Europe. There is a massive airport in the making, well … it was supposed to be ready in 2013, but maybe in the next 50 years it will be done, we are not sure, no rush…
But until the new airport is ready, you can still fly to Berlin to the Airports Schönefeld or Tegel. The Bus Station has cheap buses to many other cities in Germany and Europe, and there are many stations with trains connecting the rest of Germany as well.
Getting to Berlin is pretty easy, and the public transport in the city works well so you will reach your accommodation without much trouble.

Where to Stay During Your Weekend in Berlin? – What to Do? And What to Expect Where?

I obviously stayed with friends, but I have been in hostels and Airbnbs in Berlin before so I have some ideas for you. There are many unique neighborhoods in the city, and it depends what you are looking for during your weekend trip. I highlighted a couple of areas I like to hang out in. I promise I will create a guide for every single one. Therefore I need to go back and research more and more. They are coming along though.

Warschauer Straße and Friedrichshain– Hello Party People and Bar Lovers

I know… Many people come to Berlin to party! And it is a great place to do just that. Countless clubs and bars are open all day and all night during the weekends. So if you are up for that just head over to the area around Warschauer Straße and hit the RAW-Gelände or some other clubs not far from there. Skip the Berghain if you do not want to spend your weekend in a long line waiting to be judged to go to a club. Focus on places like Sisyphus or Kater Blau, or get in touch with a local to hear about the best party spots.

But the area is not only for those ravers among you. There are plenty of small bars and restaurants of all cuisines in the area. There is a lovely flea market at the RAW-Gelände on Sundays and a beautiful weekly market with food and crafts just a few blocks away at the Travelplatz. The area has its quiet corners as well.

Oh yeah and Friedrichshain is also where the famous East Side Gallery is located. So get your camera ready to take those shots with the artwork on the Berlin Wall leftovers. The area is also very green, and there are a lot of lovely parks around, where you can hang out on warmer days.

Kreuzberg – Cafés, Art and Everything You Want from Berlin

Kreuzberg is the neighborhood next to Friedrichshain and one of my favorite areas in Berlin.
Especially the Oranienburger Straße and the area around Kottbusser Tor have a lot of small shops, cafés, and some great Bars and restaurants. There are also some nice and small art galleries around, and you might run into a spontaneous market or pop up shop. The area has a great vibe and is still developing so you can find some authentic food there as well and meet some real Berliners. There are some small theaters like the Meringhoftheater as well that have great readings, plays, and other exciting events.

In Kreuzberg, you can get a nice mix of peace and quiet, culture and nightlife. And with the close by Neuköln even more.

Prenzlauer Berg- Hip and Cozy

Prenzlauer Berg is a quieter cool area of Berlin. A lot of hip and young families are living here, also many young hipsters and entrepreneurs. Here you will be spoiled with nomad cafés and instagrammable food in restaurants. But seriously there some great cafés in the area and you will find some stunning AirBnBs in the neighborhood. It also well connected by bus, tram or subway (U-Bahn).

Charlottenburg – Quiet and Green

Charlottenburg is a more residential area of Berlin but with the Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace) and the park around it the river going right through it and some sweet and quiet cafés and restaurants it is the perfect place for those who look for a bit more quiet time after discovering the busy parts of the city. The area is an old part of Berlin with beautiful townhouses and lots of green. It is well connected to the other parts of the capital so you will have no trouble getting anywhere. And the Kudamm is just a few bus stops away… perfect for some shopping.

What to do on a Weekend in Berlin?

Berlin is a city packed of activities for any kind of taste. You could go to a club on a Friday night and step out on Sunday afternoon, visit museums all day long, do some shopping, visits flea markets or just hang out in different cafés and international restaurants. There is also a lot of history and contradiction to see in this city. But as this is a locally abroad weekend, I will not go too much into the main sights like Brandenburger Tor or the East side gallery (which you should visit though if it is your first time in the city) but more into other highlights and areas you should check out during your weekend in Berlin.

Visit a Berlin Flea Market

One of the most common Sunday activities in Berlin is to visit a flea market. And there are a lot of them. The most famous one is the all year around Mauerpark, which I still love going to. There is food, unique stuff to look at and in summer you can just hang out in the park next to it! But it might not be the best place if you are really after some treasures and bargains. My local friends just took me to the one in Akona Park, only about a hundred meters away from the main action. And there you can haggle and find a great selection of clothes, furniture, and other flea market goods. I really recommend going there if you look for vintage glasses. And there are so many other markets that are worth visiting. The same mentioned RAW Gelände has a huge one with mainly clothes and food from all over the world.

The lovely thing about flea markets in Berlin that they are open the whole year around. They shut down earlier in winter, but you will still be able to visit them on a colder weekend in Berlin. I, however, suggest you have a warm cup of coffee or mulled wine handy.

Pick a Museum

Berlin has many museums that are worth visiting. But I suggest that for a locally abroad weekend in Berlin, you pick one and give it some time. On this trip, I had just been to the Jewish Museum, and I can highly recommend it. It is amazing. There are fixed exhibitions and a lot of rotating ones connected to Jewish culture or created by Jewish artists. The entrance for students is €3.50, and the normal one is €8, which is an excellent price for what you get. We spent around 3 hours in the museum and did not see everything in debt. We had the chance to catch a stunning installation and an interesting exhibition about Jerusalem. But they always have something remarkable and unique going on.

If you are more looking for a museum about the city or something lighter you should check out the Currywurst Museum or Story of Berlin. And if you want to learn more about the GDR, you should book a tour in the former Stasi Prison. They are mostly lead by former prisoners and can be tough but very interesting.

And there are so many other museums you could check out like the Pergamon Museum or countless others. If you happen to catch a rainy weekend, you know what to do.

Party, Sleep, Eat repeat.

As I mentioned, Berlin is full of Bars, restaurants, and Clubs. You can find all types of cuisines and all kinds of bars here. Have a look at the different areas and what they offer. Make sure grab at least one Döner or Falafel and hit some of the local clubs for a great concert or a fun night out. There are also all kinds of bars like the Absinth Bar just focusing on the green ferry. Or other more cozy places that serve you everything from craft beer to fresh lemonade. Some of them like Fräulein Langer have a tremendous nostalgic vibe and are perfect for a cozy beer to round up your weekend in Berlin.

Have a Shopping Spree

There are many small shops in the area of Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain that sell second-hand items or just different clothes often designed by locals. There are fancier and Hipster places in Prenzlauer Berg. And there are big shopping malls close to Postdammer Platz and the Alexanderplatz. I also recommend to take a walk through Kreuzberg and hit some of the small bookstores, they have books in any language and some real Bargains. One of my favorites is Another Country or Berliner Büchertisch Gneisenauerstr. At the second one, kids can take a free book back home.

And my best advice on what to do during your weekend in Berlin is, let the city take you. Just wander around the streets, and you will find some unique spots to visit, and something is always going on in Berlin.

Where to Eat During Your Weekend in Berlin?

Well, that is hard to say as it is hard to choose! But here are some of my highlights. Make sure to have Falafel while in Berlin! It is a must eat.

Kebab Stand in Berlin

Joseph Rot Diehle – For Some Traditional Treats and Reads

This place is named after one of the most important Austrian writers. During his time in Berlin, Joseph Rot came to the bakery and café located at the very same spot to write. Now they turned this place in the perfect homage, you can get hearty German food there, try their local beer and buy a book. All in one spot. I recommend the classic Bread with something combinations or the dumplings with mushroom sauce. They offer seasonal specials as well. The Joseph Rot Diehle is not far away from Postdammer Platz.

Pequeña Habana – A Piece of Cuba in Berlin

As Cuban cuisine is something, not everyone is familiar with but still curious about. For us, it is a piece of home, and we are interested to know how the food tastes like and how well prepared it is. No complaints when it comes to this restaurant. No matter if you are on a weekend getaway in Berlin or live here and just want to try something else. Make sure to try this delicious food at Pequeña Habana. They know their beans and rice! They are located in Schöneberg.

Mom’s Creation – Asian Treats

For some Asian treats and Vegan food, I can recommend Mom’s Creation. The Atmosphere is excellent some delicious eats are waiting for vegans, vegetarians, and other food lovers. I also love their decoration and the vibes. Oh yeah and the food!

And of course, there are so many other places that are just amazing and really special. Berlin is the perfect place for culinary adventures, that go way beyond Döner and Currywurst.

My suggestion is you have a look at this fantastic Food Blog by a Berlin local: TwoFoodiesEating.

As there is so much to do in Berlin I decided to write more about this vibrant city, food guides, party guides and culture tips are in the making. So stay tuned, more suggestions are following. But for now, enjoy your locally abroad weekend in Berlin.

February 2, 2019

Weekends Locally Abroad

A Locally Abroad Weekend in Madrid

by Ines March 30, 2018

written by Ines

Since our first visit Madrid turned into one of my favorites. It is an amazing city with a lot of hidden gems, and it is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Take a couple of days off and enjoy your Locally Abroad Weekend in Madrid, you will love this beautiful place.

How to get there?

Madrid is the Capital of Spain and located right in the middle of it. It can be reached by any city in Spain through a train, or you hop on a plane that takes you to Barajas. The Airport is enormous and receives and sends planes to almost any places in the world. Including to Europe and our favorite budget airlines land at the same airport.
From there it is just a short Metro ride into the city. You can also take a taxi; they charge around 30 Euros to go the center. The metro system in Madrid is excellent though and works perfectly. I highly recommend using it as it takes you everywhere you need to go.
In general, the public transport in Madrid is very good, and the buses even have Wifi.

Where to stay?

We were lucky enough to stay with family a few days and get a hotel in the epicenter of the city, the Gran Vía for a couple of days after that. As the public transport works so well, it almost does not matter in which area you stay. If you want to feel great vibes and hang with the cool kids get a place in Malasaña or Chueca, the last one is also a thriving queer neighborhood and one of my favorites. I will get to why.
However, you can stay anywhere close to a Metro, or a bus stop and you can explore the city. If you stay along the Gran Vía, you will be very centrical, and everything is easy to reach.
This street is like the artery of the city and is similar to the broadway filled with theaters and shops.

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What to do?

So that is an excellent point to dive right in and get to explore this beautiful city. Other than Barcelona, Madrid is not very a touristic place, but there is still a lot to discover, do not let that fool you. Maybe that is what I loved about it so much.

Walk walk walk

In my opinion, walking is one of the best, if not the best way discover a city. Get to know it and feel the energy while wandering the streets and stop at parks, cafés and any place of interest.
So in Madrid, you can compare the walking with many stops, and you can discover the whole city center by walking and occasionally take the metro.
There are many routes you can take and detours you should consider to see some hidden gems.

Be aware that in winter Madrid could be very cold and in summer it can be very hot. It is mostly sunny though, so that is a big plus for a weekend full of walking the streets, squares, and parks.
Start your walk at the Plaza España and pay the enormous statues of Don Quijote and his Sancho Panza. As Cervantes is a significant Spanish author, it is not surprising to find his most famous characters in one of the main squares in Madrid. _dsc0921
Keep walking and turn to the Gran Vía, Madrid’s Broadway. This street is not just great for shopping, musicals and people watching, it also connects a lot of neighborhoods in Madrid and has a unique energy.

When you keep walking, make a stop at the movie theater Callao and dive into the streets to the Puerta de Sol. This square is the birthplace of Madrid, and you can visit the city’s famous bear statue and touch it for good luck. The square also marks the kilometer 0 of all the Spanish highways. That means distances are counted from here.
From here you can keep walking and make it to the famous Plaza Mayor. The square is the main one in Madrid an maybe the most touristic spot in the city. It is also the spot where enormous numbers of Spaniards gather every New Year’s Eve to celebrate the start of the new year together.

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Keep walking around the main streets, and you have the main attractions in the center covered. It is lovely to watch the buildings and enjoy the architecture. Combine your walk with less touristic neighborhoods, and you will get the perfect Madrid Atmosphere.

Off the Beaten Path

If you need a green retreat walk around the Parque del Retiro or the river and discover the parks. You can even take a cable car and see the city from above. But that might be too much for a weekend.
While close to the biggest park make sure you have a look at the Puerta de Alcalá. It is one of the city gates that are still standing and one of the most famous ones. Many songs are written about it.
Of course, you can visit some of the museums like the Museo del Prado and the Museo Reina Sofia, especially on a rainy day it helps to spend some time inside. Are visit the Stadium or the Royal Palace. There is so much to see.

Make sure to include neighborhoods like Chueca, Malasaña, La Latina, Embajadores or Lavapiés on your walk to get some perspectives of different areas and people living in the city. Every single one has their vibes and specialties.

My highlights for a Weekend in Madrid

El Rastro

Being in Madrid on the weekend comes with a major perk: being able to visit the Rastro. It is a gigantic flea market that is held every Sunday in the neighborhood of La Latina.
It is huge. The whole area turns into a place to discover gems and amazing items from furniture, books, and clothes all the way to food. It is the best venue for a Sunday walk and a coffee. Take your time because there is a lot to discover.

Many small stalls and shops sell not just antiques but also designer items and much more fantastic stuff.

Not far away is the Museo Reina Sofia, that is the current home of Picassos Guernica. And it is free on Sundays, so you can easily combine it with the Rastro.

Malasaña

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Just a couple of blocks from the Gran Vía you will find the vibrant neighborhood of Malasaña. What used to be a working-class area is now one of the hip neighborhoods in the Spanish Capital. Bars, galleries, and unique stores are located in side streets and around beautiful squares, that the hipsters and alternative people in Madrid use to hang out and share a coffee and a drink. Even in Winter people tend to sit outside and catch some sun.
Malasaña is also home to alternative cinemas and small theaters, and I recommend to go during the day, and at night, the neighborhood is nice at any time.

Atocha

Atocha is not just the main train station in Madrid but was transformed into a botanical garden. You would not want to wait for a train sitting under exotic trees and watch the tortoises swimming and hanging out. It is the best train station I have ever seen.
And close by there is a street full of vendors of antique books. Even for non-Spanish speakers, it’s interesting to see and get a unique souvenir, like a hand-printed postcard or other unique items.

Typographia

The shop is located in the city center and has a fantastic selection of T-shirts that are printed in the store. The motives show comic pop art adaptations or images that are connected to The city like a punk version of the Madrid-Bear.
It is nice to stop by and look at the artwork or to get a unique souvenir to remember the city.

Where to eat?

So there is this thing about Madrid: it is a food paradise. Every corner has a bar, a café or a restaurant, one or ten of them. People take the streets and go from one bar to another and eat, eat, eat and drink. There is this wonderful thing here, where you get a caña (small glass of beer) with every sandwich and olives with every drink. I told you, paradise.
Also, there is food from all over the world, if you are not in the local food, which you should. It is great. But for diversity, there is Chinese, Peruvian, Cuban and so much more to try. I think you could eat your way through Madrid, but that is not a task for a weekend, maybe for a lifetime.

So it was tough to pick my top choices, but I will give some highlights here.

1. Markets

The Markets are amazing because not only can you look at all the great food, but order from many booths and try out different kinds of food. And if you travel in a bigger group that is your chance to get something for everyone.
My two highlights are the Mercado San Miguel close to the Plaza Mayor and the Mercado San Antó in Chueca, due to its design and the new booths with amazing food. It goes way beyond traditional but is still a go-to for all kinds of Madrileños.

The Address of the Mercado San Antón:
C/ Augusto Figueroa, 24
28004 Madrid
Metro Chueca

The Mercado San Miguel is a bit more traditional but still amazing and goes way back. It is a good stop after visiting la Puerta de Sol and La Plaza Mayor.

2. Hidden Authentic Chinese Food

A Chinese restaurant in underground parking under the Plaza de España in the Middle of the Spanish capital might sound strange but is a hotspot for proper Chinese food.
And it is hidden but those in the know would queue outside, and it is worth it. Sticky buns, soup, and some real Chinese treats are waiting for you.
And the place exists since 1969.

3. The Fat Fish and Malasaña

El Pez Gordo (it means fat fish) was one of my Food Highlights. It is located in Malasaña. And it is not the only great place there. Walk around that street and pick the one that suits you most. There is not much you can do wrong.
Keep your eyes open for crowded places; you can rely on them. Also, keep in mind that people eat rather late so when you go out early, you might be the only one eating in the restaurant. I can recommend a lot of dishes in the Pez Gordo, but the fried Eggplant with honey stood out. They also have music and great wine, so there is almost nothing more to ask for.

You can find the Pez Gordo and other lovely restaurants here:
Calle del Pez, 6
Calle del Pez, 6, 28004 Madrid, España

4. Snacking in Bars

Madridleños have huge and wonderful bar culture. They go out a lot and meet in bars and small restaurants, have a drink and something to eat and take it to the next one. The best way to experience this great concept is, of course, to make friends with the locals and enjoy an authentic night out.
If want to take it further you can go to places like the Tabacalera or other hidden gems in the neighborhood Lavapiés. You will find spots for all tastes in Chueca, Malasaña, and Lavapiés.

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There is much more to see and do in Madrid of course, and I will go back to explore more soon. I am looking forward to my next trip to this lovely city. For now, I will nibble some Jamón, Croquetas and Huevos rotos and dream of walking through the streets of Madrid.
Take a trip and enjoy your locally abroad Weekend in Madrid.

Hasta Luego!

March 30, 2018

Weekends Locally Abroad

A Locally Abroad Weekend in Rome

by Ines March 21, 2018

written by Ines

I am still wowed by this lovely weekend away in the Italian capital, the people and all the art and history. I am usually not the biggest fan of writing about places I discover newly. But I grew to learn, that you can explore places locally even if you just spend a short time there. I am treating this weekend as a sneak peek at future adventures, and with this post, I am kicking off my new “Locally Abroad Weekends” category on the blog. So let me take you to a Locally Abroad Weekend in Rome.

It will be all about lovely weekend trips in Europe and how to make the best of them. I am not chasing after the significant landmarks and ticking them off my list, but I am after getting an idea of the place and the people.

On this Weekend in Rome, I got a great idea of the city, and I know that I will be back soon.
So without further to do, here are some tips for a weekend in the Eternal City.

How to get there?

Rome has two airports that are connected to the center of the city by bus or train.
The Rome Ciampino airport is almost exclusively reserved for private jets and Ryanair flights. There are flights to nearly all major and medium European cities, so it is very convenient to have a little city break in Rome. From Malta, for instance, there are flights with Ryanair and other airlines every day.

Both airports Fiumicino and Ciampino are well connected to the city center.
I recommend to take one of the shuttle buses for around 4-6€, that will take you directly to Termini Station. The train stationis located very conveniently and it is easy to get to any other part of the city from there, for just around 1.50 Euros with the public transport.

Also, there is the option to get one of the official white taxis there, or directly at the airports.

Beautiful Roman Views

Where to stay during your weekend in Rome ?

So speaking of areas in the city, that brings up the question where to stay and anything that is connected to it.
First of all, I recommend to book in advance and be prepared to change last minute as it happened to us and the Airbnb we booked, also you should be aware of the Tourist Tax that is to be paid per person (3.50€ per person, per night).

I recommend staying in the neighborhoods Monti or Trastevere for a more picturesque experience and close to the Termini station if you want it cheap and the transport to be quick. It is not the most beautiful area of Rome though and can be a bit loud and hectic. But you are just a few blocks away from the lively and beautiful Neighborhood Monti.

There are many tourists in Rome, so if you go during the high season, make sure to have your place booked.
I can highly recommend a spring weekend in Rome, before the peak season starts.

What to do during your weekend in Rome?

A Little Bit of Sightseeing

Well, there is a lot to do in Rome and uncountable monuments to visit. As we prefer slow travel, we chose to visit two main ones from the inside and take the rest to wander the streets and get a better picture of the city.

Since it was our first time in the Eternal City, we took a long walk passing famous places, like the Spanish Steps or the Trevi Fountain but also we made detours and backstreets away from the crowds and joined Romans on their weekend hangouts.
We chose to visit the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Cathedral. Amazing and overwhelming enough for a weekend. I highly recommend to book your Colosseum Tickets online and skip the long line to save some time for more enjoyable moments.

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For St. Peter’s there is no entrance fee and it is one of the most impressive things I have seen.
Mainly because it is human-made and not a natural wonder, it blew my mind. Even though I am not religious, you get the whole idea behind it and why people built this church to make it the Pope’s workplace.

Take the chance to go in the late afternoon as it is less crowded and you will even get the chance to attend a mess if you are interested. We went around 5 pm and could pass the queue quickly. You can also leave your confession with designated priests, not really my thing but it is there for those who are interested.

A Lot of Walking

As for my favorite part: taking the streets. I love walking around cities, and Rome is just perfect for this. So I recommend to take long walks through the city and explore the small cafés and amazing shops.

Take your time to walk through the hip neighborhood Monti and visit some of the vintage stores; they have some of the best I have seen so far, with well-preserved clothes and good prices. It also a great place to start of and end your day of discovering. Have breakfast in one of the small cafés and a glass of wine or beer at the fountain by night; there will always be a pleasant atmosphere. Keep reading for some of my food and drinks recommendations. While in the area make sure to visit the Mercato Monti, a modern arts and crafts market that features local artist, vintage clothing, jewelry and clothes, and other great artworks.

The artists are super friendly, and up for a chat, also a hip and international crowd is hanging out here. It is even fun just to have a look. And if you want more local art visit some of the small galleries and design shops in the streets around the market. You will find yourself surrounded by the elevated Roman style.

Keep walking…

After having vibed with the Roman hipster folk, it is time to keep walking and discover less off the grid but not less beautiful parts. We kept our route through the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the streets filled with high fashion shops around it, to the Column of Marc Aureil and the Galleria Alberto Sordi. The Galleria is a shopping center, that was merged smoothly into an old palace. It is one of the most appealing shopping malls I have ever seen. So even if you are not that much into shopping it is worth to pay a visit.

Taking a break at the Spanish Steps

The walk continues to the Piazza Venezia and the stunning national monument “Altare della Patria,” which is a massive monument to Italy and the Italian culture, It was built after Italy was united and features some well known Italian sculptors. From there it is just a short walk to the Piazza di Fiori, a charming square with a cute little market. And, you guessed it: excellent restaurants and cafés. I also recommend the area for a shopping Intermezzo, as there are many great clothing stores that offer unique items.

Also, you will need some breaks from all the walking, so why not grab a nice cup of espresso something sweet, gain new forces and get some unique souvenirs to show off at home.
Fiori is also a bit more laid back and perfect for a stroll around away from the tourist masses.

It is a long but very rewarding walk through the city that helps you to get to see many different facets of Rome. That can be easily done in one day or split and combined with other sights and routes. It is just one idea you can follow or make your memorable walk through Rome.

At one point during your weekend getaway, you should stop by Trastevere, a cozy and picturesque neighborhood, crossing the River Tevere (yes, that is where the name comes from). It is a fantastic spot for food and drinks. There you can have outstanding Roman and international treats. And you can end the day with a pint of craft beer, a glass of fine or any drink you can think of

Where to Eat?

So I have mentioned the neighborhoods, which are great for food: Fiori, Monti, and Trastevere. I am a huge fan of food and would love you to have a great meal on our weekend in Rome. And there is great Food in this city! Obviously, there is Pizza, Pasta, and Gelato, but there are also some Roman snacks, that you should not miss out on. So the Roman style Pizza, for instance, is more like a sandwich and the Rosetta is an actual sandwich. What I love is, that you can get everything in mini form as well so you can try a lot without getting super full.
And of course, do not forget the delicious espresso after your meal!

Here is a list of my top 5 restaurants and other foodie places that I can highly recommend, with my next stay I hope to add a lot more.

1. Pasta e Vino, Come Na’ Votra

Man making handmade pasta in Rome
This place is cozy and makes delicious pasta! Handmade pasta, which is prepared just right in front of you meets friendly owners. This makes the place one of my highlights in Rome. The truffle pasta was just divine. There are many seasonal options to choose from.
The restaurant is located in Trastevere (Vicolo del Cinque 40).

2. Zia Rosetta

Auntie Rosetta is the English translation of the bistro in Monti (Via Urbana 54) neighborhood. Enjoy the hip-hop tunes paired with their creative variations of the traditional Roman Rosetta. They also offer other treats, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. I can highly recommend the Chorus Rosetta, with Zucchini Flower, dried tomatoes, and Ricotta. It is a great way to start your exploring day.

3. Mizio’s Street Food

Not far away is Mizio’s small sandwich shop, that has amazing Roman pizza, Panini and very Italian and amazing owners. They offer great sandwiches for around 4Euros and funny Italian stories to tell. It is also located in Monti (Via Degli Zingari 54a)

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4. La Bottega del Caffe’

Fancy a drink just close to the fountain and the action in the Monti neighborhood. This bar is the Roman bistro, that you know from the movies. It has small bistro tables outside and the glass of wine just waiting for you. They also have great snacks and antipasti. Just right at the Piazza Madonna Dei Monti number 5.

5. Civico4

Great food, amazing wine, and a friendly chat. This restaurant is a popular hangout place for locals and was one of my favorites. It is a fantastic spot to end the perfect day of your locally abroad weekend in Rome. It is just across the street from La Bottega del Caffe.

Food platter of cheese and ham

Basically, any café in the areas Fiori and Trastevere is a great place to have an espresso shot and something sweet.

Hope to be back soon to add more Weekend trips. Meanwhile, I am already dreaming about my next weekend in Rome.
Enjoy your trip guys.

March 21, 2018

Weekends Locally Abroad

A Locally Abroad Weekend in Nuremberg

by Ines November 4, 2017

written by Ines

Thinking about a getaway for a long weekend or a short holiday? Think no more because that is the place you are looking for. Especially during the Christmas season, Nuremberg is a special treat for your eyes and taste buds. The city has a lot to offer, no matter if you enjoy history, Christmas markets or the best beer you can find. Find your guide on how to spend a long weekend in Nuremberg here.

Nuremberg is easy to reach by train, plane or bus, not by boat though but you can take a car. There are cheap flights from a lot of places around Europe or connecting flights if you come from further away. If you fly here from Malta you get the perfect connection with Ryanair, flights go on Fridays and Tuesdays.

Here is a little something about the city in case you have never heard of it before we get to the itinerary.

About Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a city in the southern part of Germany in the beautiful region of Franconia. On the map, it might look like Nuremberg is part of Bavaria, but never ever tell a Franconian that.

The City has around half a million inhabitants and is the second biggest city in Bavaria after Munich. Nuremberg is known for its history (not just for the Nazi trials btw.), its gingerbread, and the iconic sausages, but I will get to that. First a little bit of history:

The city was founded around the year 1000 and first mentioned in a document in the year 1050. It got really important during the Middle Ages as a trading city and the place where the emperors held there first Imperial diet. The city was directly under the emperor’s rule and got very rich and popular during that time. Moreover, it was located on the silk road and a popular trading place. The city was home to artists and inventors like Albrecht Dürer or Martin Behaim. And Nurembergers invented the gingerbread (Lebkuchen).

Unfortunately, there is a rather sad chapter in the city’s history, that is connected to Nazi Germany and World War II. Because of its power and special status in the Middle Ages, Hitler made Nuremberg to an important place for his rule. That is the reason why the city was destroyed almost completely during the second world war and the famous Nazi Trials were held there. You can actually visit the courtroom.

After the bombing, Nuremberg was rebuilt and his iconic medieval charm is recreated and it has a lot of nice places to visit, to hang out and to enjoy. The city has a pedestrian zone all over the city center and a castle overlooking the whole place.

If you want to learn all about the history of the city you should visit the Fembohaus, it is the city’s museum and an old tradesmen’s home.

So let’s get to your travel plan for Nuremberg:

Day One of your Weekend in Nuremberg: City Center and Bratwurst

On your first day, let the city center amaze you and wander around the small alleys and visit the castle.

Start your day with breakfast in the hotel, bnb or at the Café Alex, right at the main Market (Hauptmarkt). It is a nice place with a breakfast buffet overlooking the Christmas market. Perfect to kick your weekend in Nuremberg off with style.

Start your tour walking up to the castle, make sure to take the side alleys so you don’t miss them. Make sure to visit the castle and go up to the Sinvell Tower to overlook the city. Take the audio guide and visit the deep fountain, it is worth it.

Make your way back down to the main market and have a special “3 im Weckla”(the famous sausages in a bun) in the Bratwursthäusle right in front of the city hall. It is a cozy place and has the best authentic treats.

cozy Brastwursthäusle during Christmas season

Take your time to wander around the Christmas Market after that and have some Glühwein after that. Make sure you also visit the children’s market with his classic and beautiful carousel. And the market of the sister cities to discover a lot of different cultures in one square.

people buildings Christmas market

The Carousel

End your day with some authentic Franconian beer (we even have glutenfree ones).

Day Two: The serious part of history

This takes you out of the city center to the part that was important to Nazi Germany. If you come from the city center it is easiest to take the tram(8) or the bus (36) or the train (S-Bahn 2) to the Dokuzentrum. The Dokuzentrum is also the place where you should start your visit, it is a museum of the Nazi history, it is very interesting and a must see.

Now that you are informed take a walk through the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, follow the documentation on the boards all around the area. Prepare for a long walk, but it worth it. Also, it is good to know that where you are walking the festival Rock im Park is held in summer. A good use for those grounds.

Finish your day in one of the great Restaurants the city has to offer. * There will be a separate post about that. And of course some great Franconian beer.

Day Three: Following Dürer and the Lebkuchen

Again in the city center make your way to the Abrecht Dürer Haus and the Fembohaus. They are not just great museums but you get the change to see the old houses from the inside. They provide perfect explanations for life in former times.

In front of Dürer’s house, you can also find a beautiful small square with a great place to have a beer of coffee right inside the city wall.

After that make sure to visit some of the gingerbread shops and get a souvenir tin box for your family.

Now it is time to visit the Schöner Brunnen (beautiful fountain), it is located on the main market and one of the most famous attractions in the city. You will find a golden ring, turn it 3 times, that means good luck!

Beautiful Fountain

Take some time to visit the Churches that are masterpieces of Gothic or Roman architecture, visit St Sebald, Lorenzkirche and Frauenkirche. The last one is also located on the main marked and has a special treat every day at 12 o’clock. The famous Männleinlaufen is an old mechanism that shows the 7 great electors offering gifts to the emperor.

If you are looking for more museums in the area visit the Toy Museum, it is not just a delight for kids. Nuremberg used to be and still is famous for manufacturing toys.

Finish your with a walk through the cozy Handwerkerhof and have a look at the unique artisanal crafts. Also, you can have a great Franconian meal there.

Day Four : Enough History

Although there are still a lot of historic sights left, you should dedicate a day to rather modern sights. One example is the Neues Museum, a museum of modern art and an interesting architectonical sight.

Neues Museum in Nuremberg

Then take a stroll through Nuremberg’s hipstery district Gostenhof, visit the small shops and galleries there and get an idea of the different side of the town. As you are close you can visit the courtroom of the Nazi trials as well.

Finish your day with a meal at the Schanzen Bräu Brewery, to food goes best together with their great Rotbier.

You won’t regret it. There is a lot more to see so there will be more posts about this beautiful city.

One special tip for a great view: Go inside the “Adler Parkhaus”, a garage close to the Main market, go all up to the last floor parking deck and enjoy the view!

Stay posted for the upcoming posts about:

Museums in Nuremberg
Bars in Nuremberg
Best traditional Restaurants
Where to eat if you don’t want Franconian food
the hidden gems of Nuremberg

Enjoy your stay!

November 4, 2017