Where To Find The Secret Bakeries in Florence

Where To Find The Secret Bakeries in Florence, Italy

Let me introduce to you one of the best things about Florence, Italy: the secret bakery (panetteria segreta). There are a few scattered around town, and you've probably walked by them a dozen times without even realizing it. There is no sign on the door, no open store hours. The only way to find them is through directions from word of mouth and by following your nose...at 1:30 in the morning.

The secret bakeries in Florence are where all the pastries you see in cafes during the daytime are made after they're distributed.

Once you find the secret bakery, politely knock on the door and wait for a baker to pop his head out. Be quiet while you wait. They will not open the door for you if you're loud and obnoxious. (I've seen Italians throw water balloons out their windows at loud and obnoxious people).

Order however many croissants you want (sometimes they have mini pizzas) and the items will be a euro each.

They don't take credit cards, so make sure to have your euro coins on hand.

Enjoy the warm, delicious, chocolate-y or lemon-y or whatever you got as an end-of-the-night treat.

Note: at this time of night, it is best to not go alone - there are a lot of dark alleys in Florence and you want to stay as safe as possible.

The Locations Of The Secret Bakeries in Florence

Approximate Address: Via Canto del Rivolto

This one is near Piazza Santa Croce, which is also close to many bars and nightclubs. If you see Angie's Pub or are on Via delle Brache, you're not on the exact street, but you're very close. Look for a frosted glass door.

Approximate Address: Via della Pinzochere

This one is to the left of the Santa Croce church, and is close to the gym I used to go to on Via dei Pepi. If you're facing the church, turn left onto Pinzochere and look for a small crowd of people or the scent of baked goods. If you've reached Via Ghibellina, you've gone too far.

Approximate Address: Corner of Via San Gallo and Via della Ruote

To be totally honest, I'm not 100% sure this secret bakery is still in business. This was our go-to secret bakery when I studied abroad due to its close proximity to where our pensioni were. Since this bakery has the typical brown door, follow your nose!

Have you come across any additional secret bakeries in Florence? Share where they are in the comments!

6 Simple German Phrases To Say At Oktoberfest

oktoberfest bretzel

We're right in middle of the Oktoberfest 2014 season, and whether you're celebrating in Germany or anywhere else in the world, you're bound to have a jolly ol' time. To get even more in the spirit while you're celebrating the festivities, you'll want to be in-the-know when it comes to fun German phrases (and know what they mean).

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1. Prost!

This means, "Cheers!" Always prost with eye contact while you clink each others' steins.

2. Wies'n

This is the nickname for Oktoberfest.

3. Ein, zwei, drie!

(pronounced ine, tsvy, dry)

This means, "One, two, three!" There is bound to be at least one countdown happening at some point.

4. Mehr bier!

This means, "More beer!" I mean...who goes to Oktoberfest for only one bier?

5. Brezeln

This means, "Pretzel." Those giant soft pretzels are tough to pass up. They just taste so good with a stein full o' beer.

6. Bitte? Danke!

These are "Please" and "Thank you!"

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!

5 Ways To Beat the Blahs of Living Abroad

Living abroad can be an amazing experience. And in most cases, it totally is! Though whether you're studying abroad, working abroad, or staying in a home base in a foreign city, sometimes after a while your excitement for where you live can dwindle after some time. Maybe you're saving your money to travel in a few weeks. Maybe you can't get time off from your job overseas to take a short trip. Maybe you're a little homesick during your study abroad.

Whatever the case, re-spark your excitement for your city with these five tips!

1. Be a tourist in your own city

It's easy to not be a tourist in your own city when you actually live there. (Speaking from experience: I still haven't climbed the Duomo in Florence, and I've both lived and studied abroad there). Many cities have plenty of of attractions for visitors, so try to play tourist in your own city to shake things up.

2. Take a day trip

Get out of your city, if even only for a day. Look into what towns are nearby and the things you can do. Exploring something new will be refreshing and will be a welcome break from where you currently are.

3. Go out to eat or drink somewhere new

A meal, wine tasting, brewery tour, whatever - try something that's different from what you normally do. Take a night off from cooking your own dinner and go out with friends. Laugh, enjoy, and have fun!

4. Do some research about your city

Maybe you'll find some interesting facts about that seemingly uninteresting building you walk by every day. Or you'll learn about some cool place you hadn't known - go see it in person, while you have the chance.

5. Switch up your routine

Take a different route to work. Take a walk to a part of the city you don't spend much time in. Try a different cafe for your daily espresso. Chances are you'll find new hidden gems along the way and you might even favor this new routine more than your regular one!

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