Where To Find The Best Views In Istanbul

While Istanbul is a major tourist destination, it still isn't as well-known as other major European cities like Paris or Rome. In fact, when I went to Istanbul last year, many of the reactions I got were, "Wow, that's random." In reality though, Istanbul is far from "random." Turkey is the true connector of Europe and Asia, and Istanbul is very far west Turkey, close to Bulgaria. With the Bosphorus Strait, Marmara Sea, and Black Sea surrounding the capital city, Istanbul has an extensive international history. Today, it is visited by many who enjoy the blend of Ottoman and European architecture, Mediterranean food, and attractions to go to.

Istanbul is a beautiful city. If you find yourself there, you must take advantage of many of the locations where you can find spectacular views. Here are a few:

Galata Tower View

Galata Tower

This tower stands at 205 feet tall. It was built in 528 AD and renovated in the 1300s. What was once a former watchtower is now an observation viewpoint. It is great for panoramic views as you can see across the water to the Asian side as well as the mosques in the distance. Look down for some people watching at the surrounding cafes.

Address: Bereketzade Mh., Galata Kulesi, Beyoğlu, Turkey

Price: 18.50 TL

Topkapi Palace view

Topkapi Palace

This huge palace was home to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Other than the gorgeous architecture, colors, and rooms, the Topkapi Palace also is home to some seriously stunning views of Istanbul. Since the palace was built atop a hill, the elevated views of the Bosphorus, the Asian side, and even the Galata Tower can be found.

Address: Babıhümayun Caddesi

Price: 30 TL

admara hotel

Adamar Hotel's Rooftop Restaurant

Right near the famed Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, this rooftop bar and restaurant atop the Adamar Hotel provide amazing views. Imagine watching the city and mosques light up at sunset while you eat!

Address: Yerebatan Cad. No. 37 34110 Sultanahmet - Istanbul

Oktoberfest: 8 Tips For First-Timers

Oktoberfest: 8 Tips For First-Timers

With the start of Oktoberfest coming up soon, millions of people all over the world are gearing up to celebrate the world's largest beer festival in Munich, Germany.

I went for the first time for my old job as a tour guide in 2013 and it was beyond amazing. So much fun. And I'm just a little jealous of the millions of people going this year...!

Even if you don't like beer, you should at least consider giving Oktoberfest a try. Truth be told, I rarely drank beer until I tried the deliciousness that is authentic, German beer. 

Chances are you might really enjoy the specially-brewed beer (especially after a couple of steins) as well as the lively atmosphere, carnival rides, and delicious German food.

Outside the Oktoberfest grounds is the city of Munich, an incredible area full of places to explore, in addition to the whole Bavaria region of Germany (Neuschwantstein Castle is a day trip from Munich)!

Oktoberfest at a Glance

Some quick facts about Oktoberfest:

• Oktoberfest occurs annually from the end of September to the beginning of October.

• When is Oktoberfest 2018? The date for this year's festival begins on Saturday, September 22nd and ends Sunday, October 7th.

• Six million people from all around the world attend Oktoberfest every year.

• Oktoberfest dates back to the early 19th century. It was cancelled during the years of WWI and WWII.

• There are six tents from six Munich breweries at Oktoberfest: Hofbräuhaus München, Hacker-Pschorr Bräu, Augustiner Bräu, Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu, Palaner Bräu, and Löwenbräu. Each brewery serves a special Oktoberfest beer and only their beer is served inside their tents.

• Each tent serves just their one type of beer, and in one size. The stein that the beer is served in is huge and holds one liter of beer.

• Outside the tents you will find carnival rides and games.

The tent for Hofbrauhaus, one of the most famous breweries in Munich.

Carnival rides, games, and food and drink outside the tents!

8 Tips For First-Timers At Oktoberfest

1. Wear traditional German costumes to blend in

Men wear lederhosen and women wear dirndls.

Wearing normal clothes to Oktoberfest was my mistake. I didn't splurge on an authentic dirndl (about $100-200). Almost everyone (including all the Germans) will dress up in authentic costume. You will never find a German not in lederhosen or a dirndl.

It's fun to get into the spirit of the festival, and one way to do so is the traditional dress!

2. Get to the tents in the morning (and get there early)

There will be huge crowds outside the tent entrances before they open at 9 or 10 am.

Be prepared to get your foot stepped on, elbowed in the side, or pushed around a little.

Don't worry - once you get in and find a table you won't have to deal with this crowd again! (That is, unless you leave the tent and try to re-enter...and try waiting for people to leave the tents at maximum capacity to be let back in).

3. Sprint to find a table

Once the doors open, everyone literally sprints to get a table. Tables fill up very quickly so just take whatever you can get.

Have your friends' phone numbers on hand in case you get separated so you can find them - the tents are quite large with thousands of people inside.

While a table reservation isn't required, you may do so beforehand by contacting the brewery.

4. Tip the ladies that serve you beer and food

They deserve it! Tip at least a euro per stein. They carry 10-12 steins full of beer at a time, all day long, for days on end. Also, if you don't tip them, they won't come back. And you definitely want them to come back, because it can get tough to find a new server during the chaos.

5. Pace yourself

You don't want to be that guy or girl that couldn't handle it and vomited/passed out at the table, with photo evidence on Facebook for years to come.

Note that the alcohol percentage in Oktoberfest beer is 6%, higher than regular beer.

6. Write down the address and phone number of where you're staying

Having the address uploaded to your phone is great, but in case you lose your phone, you want to keep a hard copy of this info with you.

If you need directions walking back or are giving your address to a taxi driver it can be much easier to show people an address they can read - pronouncing German words when you've been drinking beer all day probably won't get you very far (or to the right location).

7. Mingle with other Oktoberfest go-ers

Join others at their table if they have extra room and strike up a conversation. You're bound to make new German friends (or friends from all over the world)!

8. Take the chugging challenge

....only if you dare. If you chug your whole stein while standing on a table, you will be applauded by everyone. If you try but fail to finish, you will be booed!

Before you take the challenge, remember that a stein is a whole liter. This means chugging a whole liter of 6% beer at once!

Enjoy yourself at Oktoberfest this year, and as they say, "PROST!"

Headed to Oktoberfest?

Book a place to stay, ASAP! Oktoberfest season in Munich sees a heavy amount of visitors from all over Germany and the rest of the world. The earlier you book your place to stay, the better - as availability for hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs go VERY fast.

I recommend using my all-time favorite booking website, Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

Hungry For Hungary

Buda Castle View

Almost a year ago, I wrote a blog post at my old job called "Hungry For Hungary." I wrote it prior to my weekend in Hungary and Austria after hearing nothing but amazing things about Budapest. The weekend included a day each in Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg. While I've been able to make it back to Vienna since that trip, I have not yet been able to make it back to Budapest. My "hunger" for Hungary has returned!

Buda Castle

Just a taste of Budapest was enough to make me wanting to come back for more. The views from the Buda Castle were amazing! Now, I'd like to return when it is less foggy for a clearer view of the river, bridge, and parliament building. Taking a boat out on the water looks like fun too.

I tried goulash for the first time at Central Market Hall. While I've eaten goulash in both Austria and the Czech Republic, Hungarian goulash was my favorite. I could go for another dish of this.

Relaxing in the Szchenyi Baths was both a fun and calming experience. I'd definitely return again or try out different baths in the city.

Going to the popular Szimpla Bar in Budapest was a lot of fun. I'd love to have another night or two out at the ruins bars or at many of the other bars in the city. Budapest definitely knows how to party.

Explore more! I barely scratched the surface of the city, and I know there's so much more to see. What recommendations do you have to do in Budapest?

What Not To Miss In Vienna: Concerts At The Schönbrunn Palace

My second visit to Vienna was earlier this year for a work trip. Since my first visit to Vienna was only a day long, my short taste of the city left me longing for more. I was in Vienna for nine days during my second trip, which left much more time to explore the city, try more foods (like sachertorte!), and learn more about the culture.

Vienna is not only the capital of Austria; it is the capital of music. With the likes of Mozart, Strauss, and Beethoven hailing from the city, it is no wonder that there are plenty of ways to partake in listening to classical music. While going to the opera house is a popular option (who can beat standing-room-only tickets for only a few euros?!) I'd definitely recommend a concert at the Schönbrunn Palace.

Our large group had a private concert one July evening at the Orangery inside the palace. Before heading in, we took some time to wander around the grounds and gardens. Once we were inside, we took our seats to watch the show. To be completely honest, I was expecting good classical music but not much more than that - but I was completely blown away by how entertaining the show was!The music wasn't just good, it was incredible. And there were singers and ballerinas that accompanied some songs, which made it even more entertaining. The musicians had great stage presence and some were a little goofy to add to the humor of the show. The end felt like it came too quick, and as we were giving our applause, I didn't want it to be over. It really was that good.

They don't allow photos or video of the concert, so I don't have any personal ones (the ones on this post are from around the web). I'm hoping my memories will suffice enough until I get a chance to head back to Vienna and go to another one of these concerts.

Info:

Classical Concerts at the Orangery, Schönbrunn Palace

Show:Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Strauss Familie

Prices: Between 39-119 euros per ticket, depending on seat and time of year

A Beginner's Guide To Florence

go seek explore ponte vecchio florence italy

One of the more popular European tourist destinations, Italy holds its own due to its romantic, enchanting culture and delicious food and wine. From Florence to Rome, Milan to Venice, Capri to Sicily and everywhere in between, there is something about Italy for any traveler to take delight in.

The capital of Tuscany, Florence (Firenze) is home to 370,000 people. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, as still seen today by the stunning architecture and art throughout the city created by the likes of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and others. Florence made the Forbes most beautiful cities in the world list in 2010.

A Beginner's Guide To Florence

Getting there: Fly into the small airport or take a bus or train into the Santa Maria Novella station. To get from the airport to SMN (downtown) take the blue SITA bus (6 euros, 10 round-trip) or a taxi (flat rate 20 euros one-way).

Where to stay: Florence is a bustling city, but it is small. You can walk end to end of the city center in less than 30 minutes. Wherever you stay will more than likely be a great location with short walking distance to all the main attractions. Hotels near the Duomo and along the river will be the most expensive, but you can find cheaper rates a little farther out. (And it will still be a short walking distance to pretty much anywhere).

Intro To Florence Walking Tour

-Start at Santa Maria Novella. Walk down Via Nazionale and go through the San Lorenzo Market.

-Head down the Via Cavour for the best first impression of the famous Duomo. Stop and take photos here and look at the Bapistery with the "Gates of Paradise" doors.

-Head south on Via Roma and you'll come across Piazza della Repubblica. You'll see the carousel and the large arch. Turn left on Via de Corso and follow it along (it turns into Borgo degli Albizi) and turn right on Via Giuseppi Verdi to get to Piazza Santa Croce. This church is also the burial place for famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. There is also a big statue of Dante to the left of the steps.

-From Piazza Santa Croce, head down Via de Benci and walk across the Ponte alle Grazie bridge. As you walk across the bridge, look to your right and you will find yourself looking at the picturesque view of the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.

-Once you're across the river, turn left on Via de San Niccolo and follow that up the hill and the steps to Piazzale Michelangelo. After this great leg/calf workout you'll be rewarded one of the best views of Florence. It is definitely worth the walk up the hill! Walk even further up to the San Miniato church for an even more elevated view of the city.

-After you've had your fill of fantastic sweeping views, head back down the way you came and walk along the river towards the Ponte Vecchio. Stop at some of the jewelry shops along the Ponte Vecchio or continue along to the Ponte alla Carraria bridge. Before crossing make sure to stop at Gelateria La Carraria for the best gelato in Florence (in my opinion). At 1.50 euro for a small size, it is also among the best priced gelato.

-This concludes the tour! Head back along the Ponte alla Carraria towards where you started at Santa Maria Novella, or take some time for some pizza or pasta at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Things To Do

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Attractions: Duomo, Bapistery, Santa Croce, Boboli Gardens, Gelato Festival (June)

Museums: Accademia (where the authentic David is), Uffizi, Bargello, Pitti Palace, Vasari Corridor

Fashion Museums: Gucci Museo, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Galleria del Costume

Shopping: Department stores La Rinascente and Coin are near Piazza della Repubblica, as well as some boutiques, premier designer stores (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc.), and an H&M and Zara. Jewelry shops/stands line the Ponte Vecchio. You'll also find many other shops scattered around the city.

Markets: San Lorenzo Market, Mercato Nuovo, Santo Spirito

Great Views: Climbing the Duomo or the Bell Tower, Piazzale Michelangelo, taking a bus up to Fiesole

Nearby: Day Trips, Quick Trips, and Weekend Trips in Italy

Bellagio Lake Como

Day Trips: Venice, Milan, Sienna, Bologna, Cinque Terre

Quick Trips: Rome/Villa Borghese, Lake Como

Weekend Trips: Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia

10 Gorgeous Places in Europe To Add To Your Bucket List

I recently wrote about 14 Europe Experiences You Must Have In Your Lifetime, but there are also places in Europe that I believe you should see just for the sheer beauty. Even though a picture doesn't do justice to these gorgeous places, it's more than enough to make you want to see it for yourself!

Lake Como

The drive from Como to Bellagio in Northern Italy is absolutely stunning. The homes along the water on either side is enough to make these views worth the drive. But you'll just have to see it for yourself!

Interlaken, Switzerland

Gorgeous all year round, Interlaken is a perfect small Swiss town right up by the alps. Head up the mountains for adventure sports or hiking, or even walk along them for picturesque views.

Buda Castle

The hill is worth the climb to get up to this castle in Budapest, Hungary. At the top you'll find not only the castle with its patterned glazed tiles (a signature in Central Europe), but the views of the famous parliament building, the chain bridge, and the city are amazing.

Charles Bridge

This bridge in Prague is crowded all year round with tourists, but for good reason. Not only is there history surrounding the area, but you'll find gorgeous panoramas as you walk along the bridge over the Vltava River. There are also statues lined up on either side, as well as merchants selling things like jewelry or paintings. The views of the Prague Castle are amazing.

Southern Croatian Islands

There are many reasons to visit Croatia, and one of them is due to the gorgeous islands. Think palm trees, red-roofed homes built into the lush, green hills, and some of the clearest water you'll find in the Adriatic Sea. Go now before tourism makes this hidden gem into the next hot spot.

The Seine River

No list like this would be complete without France's famous capital and the river that winds through it. Every bridge leads to somewhere spectacular in the city, and views along the river are not to be missed.

Blarney Castle

The Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland is more than what you imagine when you think of Ireland. So much GREEN! It's a fun spot to visit (and to kiss the Blarney stone for good luck) but walking around the grounds and taking in the scene atop the castle will show endless emerald views.

Topkapi Palace

Istanbul's Topkapi Palace is definitely somewhere you must go if you find yourself in Turkey's major city. It's much different than your typical castle or church  in Western Europe with the architecture and colorful tiles.

Monaco

Its own tiny little country in the French Riviera, Monaco has spectacular views of the coast, not to mention the yachts of the rich and (sometimes) famous. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Amalfi Coast

A popular summer spot, you'll find the likes of Sorrento, Positano, and Capri here. The views are spectacular whether you're cliffside, on the beach, or walking through the windy walkways.

All photos by Ally Archer.

The Thermal Bath Experience in Budapest

Budapest thermal baths

One of Hungary's most exciting attractions are the thermal baths - large hot tub-like baths that are open to the public. Budapest became known as the City of Spas in the 1930s with its number of baths around the city that drew in visitors. Last winter I went to the popular Szechenyi baths in Budapest and my expectations were blown away by how cool thermal baths actually are. The Szechenyi baths have large baths outside as well as some smaller pools and saunas inside. I went on a regular night, but there are often spa parties with crazy lights and laser shows.

The Thermal Bath Experience in Budapest

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It cost 4300 ft (about $19 USD) for entry and a locker at the Szechenyi baths. I also rented a towel and a swimsuit. I forgot to bring my swimsuit, and I regretted it - while it's nice they offer ones for rental, you can tell how old and used they are. I'm sure they clean them, but in my opinion it's just more comfortable to be in your own swimwear.

Instead of a traditional key, you get a waterproof bracelet that you tap to lock/unlock your locker. It was so nice to not have to worry about having a key with the possibility of getting it lost or stolen while you were in the bath. I put my clothes, shoes, and handbag in the locker. Outside by the outdoor pools there are mini lockers that your tap bracelets work with as well. I used one of those to put my camera and some extra cash in.

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I used some cash to get a drink at the mini bar outside ;) but just know that you can't take your drink into the water!

There are three pools with people relaxing and mingling. One is a whirpool which is a lot of fun.

Since I went in the winter, it was very cold outside! Luckily the baths were warm. Also, when walking from one bath to the other there was a little "moat" of warm water lining the pools. I'm pretty sure that's to wash your feet before you get into the pool but it was nice to take a few steps in to warm up my feet when switching from one bath to the next.

After a couple hours we left and grabbed our stuff from the lockers before heading back to the hotel to shower and change and go out for the night. All in all it was a fun experience and I highly recommend going to the thermal baths in Budapest during your visit!