A Brit and A Southerner

24 Hours in Lisbon – Enjoy the Best Things to Do in One Day

Portugal

-

Mar 4, 2019

24 Hours in Lisbon – Enjoy the Best Things to Do in One Day

Europe is blessed to have what seems to be an unlimited number of cities that epitomize everything there is to love about historic architecture. You could be forgiven for suggesting cities such as Rome, Athens, London or Paris when thinking about the so-called “European capital of culture” or “European capital of architecture” but after spending an action-packed 24 hours in Lisbon, we would argue that this should be the near the top.

Portugal is a nation that is frequently left in the shadow of many of Europe’s more infamous countries but this should take nothing away from the beauty throughout this historic country. Whether you are visiting the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, the breathtaking Algarve or some of the lesser known destinations, you can be sure that you will quickly fall in love with this country and want to book a return trip.

24 Hours in Lisbon

Our visit to Lisbon, albeit relatively short, gave us a brief insight into the rich culture that is present in this nation. The locals are some of the friendliest we have encountered anywhere in Europe, perhaps because as our tour guide emphasized, the Portuguese generally don’t care or worry about much, and the history of the city is apparent everywhere you walk.

If you only have one or two days in Lisbon, don’t worry, because you can experience a lot and hopefully after reading our short guide, you will be inspired to book a trip here in the near future. 24 hours in any city is not much time but if you are prepared and you follow our recommendations, you can have an amazing time exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon.

Whether the thought of taking a free walking tour intrigues you, or perhaps you prefer to do everything at a self-guided pace, the choice is entirely yours but we want to give a couple of different options to make the most of your time in Lisbon. Let’s take a look at the best way to spend an awesome 24 hours exploring the city is Lisbon!

Free Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore any new destination is to head out on foot and simply explore. But when you have limited time, it can be a pretty intimidating thought because you have so many ideas of places you want to visit and honestly, no idea where to start.

The beauty of visiting many of Europe’s leading cities is that there are a plethora of free walking tours available. I know what you are probably thinking when you hear the word “free” but they truly are free and the tour guides are relying solely on your tips.

This encourages them to give you an awesome tour and by the end of the 2 or 3 hours exploring the city, you will likely want to offer them something to repay them for their knowledge.

Lisbon is definitely a city we would recommend taking one of these free walking tours, particularly if you are pressed for time. Sandeman’s New Europe walking tours are an awesome way to experience Lisbon (along with all of their other destinations across the continent) and you can be sure that a passionate local will be on hand to show you the best of the city.

Largo de Camões

Our walking tour started at Largo de Camões, an iconic square in the heart of this historic city. Standing proudly at the heart of this square is a statue of Luís de Camões, an integral figure in Portuguese history. Obviously a walking tour around Lisbon is not going to cover every landmark attraction but our guide did an excellent job of highlighting some of the best places worth visiting.

In addition to emphasizing the best places to see breathtaking panoramic urban landscapes of the city, he took us around some of the lesser known “hidden gems” that locals can generally be found and outside of the standard tourist hotspots.

Bairro Alto

Our tour guide spent quite a bit of time pointing out iconic landmarks throughout the Bairro Alto district, as we climbed the steep cobblestone streets before admiring the epic scenery across the city, in particular, the towering São Jorge Castle that stands proudly above central Lisbon.

As we dropped back down towards the harbor, we explored Rossio Square and learned a number of intriguing stories about the history of Portugal and specifically Lisbon. This half day walking tour is the perfect way to get a general overview of Lisbon but there will likely be a number of other spots that you will want to experience on your own self-guided tour.

Let’s take a look at some of the specific landmarks that are worth experiencing after.

Belem

When it comes to charming neighborhoods in the city of Lisbon, there are none that are quite like the district of Belem. If you only have a short time in Lisbon, Belem is a must see because of the rich history, gorgeous architecture and of course, the iconic Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese custard tart).

Where you are staying in the city will likely determine the best way to reach Belem but for us, hopping on the local bus was cheap, efficient and a great way to explore other parts of the city en route to this historic neighborhood. As we arrived in Belem, we immediately noticed the line wrapped around the corner and quickly realized this was for those delicious Pasteis de Nata…more on those later.

Jerónimos Monastery

Our first stop saw us head to the symbolic Jerónimos Monastery that stands proudly in the heart of Belem. This 500+ year old monastery (construction started here in 1501) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and was constructed to commemorate the return of the great Vasco de Gama from India in the early 16th century.

The building is predominantly Manueline style, which for those of you more familiar with traditional European architectural styles is similar to late Gothic.

The interior of the Church of Santa Maria is particularly unique and is home to the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. Self-guided tours of the monastery itself are available throughout the day for a small admission fee (10-12 Euros at the time of publication) but regardless of your desire to explore every intricate detail, this is a Portuguese landmark you cannot afford to miss.

Belem Tower

Take a short walk from Jerónimos Monastery towards the Targus River and you will see yet another iconic landmark – Belem Tower. This structure was first built to defend the city of Lisbon between the years 1514 and 1520.

Classified as another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Portuguese capital, this tower was transformed from its original design as a defensive outpost to a lighthouse and later a customs house. A narrow, spiral staircase winds its way through the tower passing through five floors before reaching the roof terrace which is the perfect spot for an overlook as you admire the city and ponder what life was like 500 years ago.

Tickets can be purchased (or if you purchase the Lisbon Card, admission is included) to view the interior and climb to the summit of the tower but again, this is another attraction that you can enjoy just as much from the outside as you appreciate the architectural ingenuity that went into the Manueline style design of the structure.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos

After exploring Belem Tower, take a stroll along the banks of the Targus River before stumbling across yet another integral landmark in this historic neighborhood. The Padrao dos Descobrimentos, translated as Monument to the Discoveries, is a towering structure standing at 170 feet tall.

This monument was developed to commemorate the Age of Discoveries in Portugal in 1960, 500 years after the great Prince Henry the Navigator, who discovered the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument to take in spectacular views of the city.

Pasteis de Belem

Walking around the district of Belem taking in all of the aforementioned landmarks will certainly work up an appetite to enjoy the neighborhood’s piece de resistance – the Pasteis de Nata. There is no better place to experience the most authentic Portuguese custard tart than along the main street in Belem at Pasteis de Belem.

As I mentioned earlier, as you make your way into this neighborhood you will quickly realize where this shop is located given the hoards of visitors that will be lined up waiting to sample this local delicacy.

Renowned as the best place to enjoy Pasteis de Nata, it’s fair to say that it’s worth the wait. Rain or shine, people will line along the street waiting for their moment to purchase a number of the Pasteis de Nata pastries.

After spending 30 minutes queuing, we purchased a box of six custard tarts and I can 100% confirm that these are as good as their reputation suggests. Regardless of the length of time you have to wait…folks, trust us when we say, it’s well worth the wait! I would definitely recommend purchasing at least six of these small tarts but feel free to buy more, you won’t be disappointed.

What exactly is inside the Pasteis de Nata from Pasteis de Belem? Well folks, unsurprisingly it’s a secret…dating back to the mid-19th century from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Don’t worry, some things should just be left in the ancient archives and we will all just enjoy this decadent delight!

São Jorge Castle

If you opt against the free walking tour and choose to spend the morning exploring Belem, why not hop back on the bus after lunch and head for the historic São Jorge Castle. Located on the summit of São Jorge hill, this castle dates back to the 5th century when a small fortress was originally constructed on this site.

The Castle’s iconic years were between the 13th and 16th centuries when it was occupied by the Kings of Portugal. A visit to São Jorge Castle will likely take several hours as there is a vast area to cover.

You may also choose to spend time exploring the nearby neighborhoods of Alfama and Castelo. The streets that meander through this part of Lisbon epitomize everything there is to love about European ancient architecture, while this is also the perfect area to grab a bite to eat from a local cafe and enjoy mingling with locals.

Summary

Renowned as the “City of Seven Hills”, it’s no surprise that Lisbon is known as such because of the various climbs that you have to make in order to explore this historic city. But after experiencing several of these, we can attest that it’s well and truly worth the effort.

Whether you are following our recommendations because you only have a short time in Lisbon or you have more time to slowly make your way around these historic landmarks, the capital of Portugal is a vibrant city that should be on everyone’s radar.

We are excited about returning to Lisbon in the not too distant future hopefully, as there is A LOT we still need to explore both inside the city and with a number of nearby day trips that are intriguing. Places such as Sintra, The National Palace of Queluz, the coastal resort of Cascais and many others are on our bucket list but when it comes to Lisbon, this is a city you can enjoy regardless of the time you spend there!

48 Hours in Athens – Best Things to do in the Greek Capital

Greece

Chris Boothman

-

Feb 25, 2019

9

48 Hours in Athens – Best Things to do in the Greek Capital

For years, Greece has been at the very top of our list of must-see destinations for a myriad of reasons. From the plethora of gorgeous Greek islands scattered across the Aegean Sea to the rich history and archaeological wonders in the Greek capital of Athens, this country is one that should be on everyone’s radar. Our first visit to Greece saw us spend 48 hours in Athens and honestly, we barely touched the surface yet still managed to experience many of the amazing landmarks that we associate with the Greek capital.

Athens is a city steeped full of history and it’s credit to the local authoritites for helping maintain such an iconic legacy throughout this city. Whether you are contemplating climbing the Acropolis (more on this later) or simply enjoying some of the lesser known archaelogical sites, Athens is a place you can quickly lose track of time because there is so much to experience.

Exploring Athens in 48 hours is challenging but incredibly rewarding and we want to share some of the best spots worth experiencing if you only have a long weekend here. Trust us when we say, you can experience a lot in two days but you will also be raring to book a return trip in the not too distant future!

48 Hours in Athens

So…how do you maximize your time when visiting a city like Athens? Easy, don’t sleep! In all seriousness, you can experience a lot when visiting Athens in a relatively short time because many of the iconic landmarks are relatively close together.

From the original Olympic Stadium to exploring the modern day Acropolis Museum, there is something for everyone, regardless of your interest in Greek history. For those of you that have very little interest, don’t worry because you will leave Athens with a whole new perspective on the word “history”.

Here are some of the best attractions/landmarks that we were fortunate enough to visit during our 48 hours in Athens. Whether you choose to follow our recommendations or opt for some other places, you can be sure that 48 hours will leave you with an action-packed itinerary in this beautiful Greek city.

When it comes to the best places to visit in Greece, Athens is at the very top of our list!

The Acropolis
The Acropolis Museum
Panathenaic Stadium
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Arch of Hadrian
Ancient Agora of Athens
Zappeion & National Garden of Athens

These landmarks are just a few of the amazing sights worth experiencing in Athens. If you choose to follow our itinerary, we can 100% attest that you will fall even more in love with this city and want to book a return flight before you even leave. Let’s take a look at our recommendations and perhaps you will have booked a trip before you even finish reading this post!

The Acropolis

It’s only appropriate that our journey around Athens started at the most iconic landmark in all of Greece – the Acropolis. Frequently renowned as the location where it all started in ancient Greece, the Acropolis is significant for a plethora of reasons.

At the summit of the Acropolis stands the towering sight of the Parthenon, overlooking the city of Athens. Regardless of where you are staying in Athens, the unmistakeable sight of the Parthenon can be seen from most places and with such a rich history surrounding it, this is an attraction you won’t want to miss.

Having visited the one true replica of the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, being able to experience the authentic landmark was definitely something we were incredibly excited about…it didn’t disappoint!

It’s crazy to think that a structure that dates back thousands of years can still be standing but it’s to the credit of the renovations and maintenance of this iconic landmark that we are still able to see the Parthenon standing today.

But perhaps the real credit should go to the original design and architectural mastery that went into this creation…the ancient Greeks didn’t have the technology that we do today and yet they were still able to create such an amazing structure.

The ancient citadel of the Acropolis houses a collection of other remains, in addition to the Parthenon, all of which are worth exploring during your visit. You can easily spend anywhere from several hours to a full day experiencing everything there is to see at the Acropolis.

As you take the short hike to the summit of the Acropolis, you cannot help but allow yourself to be transformed back to the days when ancient Greeks would be taking this same walk to and from the Parthenon. When it comes to historic global landmarks, there are not many that are more integral to a city’s development than the Acropolis.

Admission tickets to the Acropolis can be purchased either online or at the ticket window at the foot of the slopes. If you are visiting during the winter months, ticket prices are half-price at only 10 Euros.

Special “package deal” tickets are also available where you can benefit from discounted prices to experience other attractions in the area, including Hadrian’s Library, Ancient Agora and others.

The Acropolis Museum

Having spent the best part of a full morning exploring the Acropolis, we could surely be forgiven for thinking a museum dedicated to this very attraction would hardly add anything extra to what we experienced. How wrong could we be? The Acropolis Museum was developed in the perfect location, literally on top of some of the Acropolis’ archaeological sites, to exhibit all of the significant finds from the surrounding area.

Whether you choose to visit this museum prior to taking the hike to the summit of the Acropolis or after, it’s well worth visiting to learn more in-depth information about life during Ancient Greece along with how this area has been maintained over the last several thousand years.

Located in the historic Makryianni district, the museum is barely 100 meters from the entrance to the Acropolis. There are several viewing platforms inside the museum that offer gorgeous panoramic views of the Acropolis but it’s perhaps the outdoor space on the second floor beyond the restaurant that offers the ideal spot to capture the perfect selfie.

A number of collections are available throughout the three levels but I think the most impressive is on the ground floor with the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis. Visitors can enjoy a look at what Athenians used in everyday life…as you can imagine, very different to what we are used to in today’s society!

The Acropolis Museum offers a modernistic look on these ancient relics. The modern-day architecture used throughout the design of this building is noticeable but it works well alongside the historic artifacts that are on display throughout the galleries.

Admission is only 5 Euros and visitors can enjoy late opening hours until 10PM all year round every Friday!

Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium is where it all started…at least for the Olympic Games that is! When the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 at this iconic stadium, it helped shape this iconic sporting event that we still love to this day.

However, the history of the Panathenaic Stadium dates back way further than 1896. Originally built in the 6th Century BC as the site of a racecourse, the original stadium was constructed here circa 330 BC by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos. Rebuilt again in marble circa 144 AD by Herodes Atticus, it had a capacity of 50,000 spectators.

Despite being abandoned after the 4th century, it was renovated and refurbished in time for the 1896 Olympics. Even though today it’s primarily a historical landmark, it was again used as a venue in the 2004 Olympics and is the finish line for the annual Athens Classic Marathon.

Ready for a fun fact about this stadium? It’s the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble! Self-guided tours are available and admission prices are only 5 Euros to visit this historic stadium. If you love the history of sporting events, this is undoubtedly an attraction you won’t want to miss during your visit to Athens.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

In the heart of Athens is yet another iconic landmark – the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Although only a few of the columns remain scattered around the Athenian landscape, walking these sacred grounds immediately makes you realize just how large this temple actually was.

Also referred to as “Olympieion”, construction was finally completed on this structure by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the year 131 AD. There were originally 104 Corinthian columns that comprised the structure of the temple but today, unfortunately, only 15 of these remain standing. One of these columns recently collapsed in 1852 and that is what you can see laying flat on the ground as you cannot help but admire this site.

Dedicated to Zeus, the chief of the Olympian gods, this temple is strategically located in Athens just a short walk from the Acropolis. The beauty of exploring many of these iconic landmarks in Athens is that they are all close to each other, making it easy to experience all of them during the same visit.

Admission is available for only 6 Euros though you can purchase a special ticket package that will give you access to this, the Acropolis and many other attractions for only 30 Euros.

Arch of Hadrian

As you walk around the perimeter of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a towering archway stands proudly overlooking the land where the temple once stood. This is the Arch of Hadrian, also referred to locally as Hadrian’s Gate, and is in many respects a resemblance to a Roman triumphal arch.

The purpose of the Arch of Hadrian may have been a dividing line between the “old” city and “new” but it’s also feasible that this was simply placed as an iconic entrance to the aforementioned Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is generally recognized though that this arch was constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Located a little over 300 meters from the Acropolis, some have argued that this arch identifies the line between the area associated with this part of Athens and everything on the “other side”. The two inscriptions on the arch perhaps justify this claim as follows:

ΑΙΔ’ ΕΙΣΙΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙ ΘΗΣΕΩΣ Η ΠΡΙΝ ΠΟΛΙΣ – “this is Athens, the ancient city of theseus”
and
ΑΙΔ’ ΕΙΣ’ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟΥ ΚΟΥΧΙ ΘΗΣΕΩΣ ΠΟΛΙΣ – “this is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus”

The first inscription points towards the Acropolis, while the second is directed at the Temple of Olympian Zeus – you can decide for yourselves whether this has any intent!

Regardless of what the actual purpose was, today this iconic structure is still an iconic feature that stands proudly above the Athenian landscape.

arch of hadrian and temple of olympian zeus

Similar to the construction of the nearby Parthenon, the Arch of Hadrian is made of Pentelic marble and stands at 18 meters in height, with a width of 13.5 meters.

Ancient Agora of Athens

Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of Athens can be found and for anyone interested in learning about what life was really like in this historic city, this is perhaps the best place to experience. The “Agora” is traditionally known to be a gathering place where locals would mingle and initially this space was used as a commercial and residential area.

The history of the Agora dates back to the 6th century BC and is recognized as the marketplace where the wealth of classical Athens could be found, given that this was the spot where a myriad of goods shipped into the nearby port of Piraeus was sold.

Although the traditional marketplace was a popular attraction at the “Agora”, the real benefit for visiting this spot was to interact with others and share ideas…it’s no surprise to hear that this was a location where Greek philosophers shared much of their wisdom!

Zappeion and National Garden of Athens

When you think about green spaces in the heart of cities, Central Park in NYC and Hyde Park in London will likely spring to mind. If you are visiting Athens, you are in luck because the Greek capital has their very own rural oasis – the National Garden of Athens.

The Zappeion Hall, is technically separated from the National Garden but together, these are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll away from the hustle and bustle of Athens.

The gorgeous courtyard of the Zappeion showcases a plethora of statues representing Greek mythology, while the exterior of this building is an architectural masterpiece.

Spend some time sitting inside the National Garden of Athens as locals pass through but your eyes will frequently be drawn to the gorgeous fountain and floral selection on display throughout the 24 hectares.

To put this space into perspective, here are some interesting statistics on this garden: 7,000 trees, 40,000 bushes/plants that comprise of 519 different species, of which 102 are Greek! An impressive collection and a botanist’s dream

Summary

48 Hours in Athens may not sound like enough time to explore this historic city but if you follow our recommendations, you can certainly see plenty in a short amount of time. All of the above landmarks are within easy walking distance of each other, so be prepared to wake up early, put on your favorite walking shoes, grab a coffee to keep you energized and start exploring.

When it comes to our favorite attraction in Athens, it’s hard to look beyond the Acropolis. Many times you hear about these stereotypical “tourist traps” but I think Athens have done an amazing job at commercializing this attraction yet still maintaining a real sense of history and originality.

Athens is a city that you can quickly fall in love with regardless of your interest in Greek history…I know we certainly fell head over heels for this beautiful city! We can’t wait to have the opportunity to return and experience Athens for longer than 48 hours but we hope you have found some inspiration to visit in the near future.

What other landmarks in Athens would be on your 48-hour itinerary?

Best Coffee in New York City – Local Spots Not to Be Missed

New York

Chris Boothman

-

Feb 18, 2019

5

Best Coffee in New York City – Local Spots Not to Be Missed

Who doesn’t love coffee? Ok, so Heather isn’t a big fan but I always tell her that she is the exception! In my opinion, coffee is the only way to start the day and not just because of the caffeine rush to give energy. There is something quite relaxing about spending time in a local coffee shop and if you have been following our site over recent years, you will know that we have fallen in love with the coffee shop scene in a number of destinations across the globe. So…on our recent trip to the Big Apple, we figured it was time to start checking out the best coffee in New York City!

Whether you are an espresso connoisseur or simply prefer a traditional black cup of Joe, New York City is a haven waiting to be explored when it comes to the coffee shop scene. Let’s take a look at which coffee shops will give you plenty of caffeine and energy to explore the beautiful metropolis that is New York City!

Best Coffee In New York City

Before going any further, I want to emphasize that this post is NOT the ultimate guide to every coffee shop in New York City. We all know the size of NYC and when it comes to coffee shops, well locals and visitors alike are spoiled for choice. But given that we have experienced some awesome local spots, we figured it was time to put together an eclectic guide to some of our favorites.

Rather than just focusing on our own opinions, we decided to collaborate with some of our friends from across the globe who are sharing their favorite coffee shops in NYC!

Again, to reiterate, this is not an exhaustive list of places where you can find coffee when you next travel to Manhattan or any of the surrounding boroughs. It will however, give you an insight into a few options that you won’t regret visiting should you follow our advice.

Here are the coffee shops that made our list and which we will be covering in more detail, thanks in large to our collaboration with other travel bloggers.

The Bean
Gumption Coffee
Colson Patisserie
Sweet Moment
Yorkafe
Culture Espresso
Cha Cha Matcha
Landmark Diner
Hi-Collar
The Grey Dog
Think Coffee
Oslo Coffee Roasters

The Bean

If you are looking for a typical New York City coffee shop that oozes everything there is to love about the Big Apple, look no further than The Bean. With several locations scattered across Manhattan and Brooklyn, The Bean is the perfect place to head to hang out with your friends or enjoy a relaxing coffee before exploring all the iconic NYC attractions.

Exclusive signature drinks that epitomize the creativity of this coffee shop along with a full juice and smoothie bar ensures every visitor to The Bean has something they will enjoy.

One thing worth noting is the crazy naming convention of many of the drinks. But what an amazing marketing tactic because when it comes to grabbing your attention, they certainly work! The featured Acai Bowls have names such as “The Perch”, “The Snail”, and “The Rider” while those interested in the juice bar will contend with the likes of “Energizer”, “Fat Burner”, “Body Cleaner” et al.

While the sound of The Frozen Mona Lisa (espresso, ice and milk) or Nut’Ella’ Fitzgerald sounded pretty appealing, I opted for a caramel latte which was equally delicious.

Address
824 Broadway (corner of E12),
New York, NY 10003

Tel: (212)510-7714
Website: The Bean NYC

Gumption Coffee

With such a diverse coffee scene to be found across the various boroughs in New York City, it made sound crazy that a successful coffee brand all the way from Sydney, Australia has ventured into the city to try and inspire folks to visit. This is exactly what Gumption Coffee has done since recently opening a location in the heart of Industry City, Brooklyn.

While taking a Brooklyn walking tour with New York Urban Adventures, we stumbled across this awesome, trendy coffee shop. The industrial vibe of the area epitomizes the style of Gumption Coffee but what really makes this coffeehouse stand out from their competitors is the intricacy and precision of the baristas brewing the perfect blend.

They understand that coffee is an art and when you taste coffee at Gumption, you can be sure that this has been perfectly manicured.

But even great coffee can be made better. (gumption coffee)

Trust me when I say, you can 100% tell the difference! I don’t generally like black coffee without any milk/cream but at Gumption, I actually enjoyed it. When you hear the philosophy of the owners is always seeking continuous improvement, you know you have found the perfect coffee shop…

Address
168 39th S,
Brooklyn, NY 11232

Colson Patisserie

Let’s continue the theme of internationally inspired coffee shops that are leaving their mark on the New York City scene. If you have traveled to Belgium, you will know that their patisseries offering a selection of delicious pastries are to die for.

Our goal is to make every day a little sweeter and more delicious. (Colson Patisserie)

Well, thanks to Colson Patisserie, you no longer have to travel all the way Belgium as there is now an awesome spot in the heart of Brooklyn. Located in Industry City, Colson Patisserie is the perfect place to grab your favorite pastry while enjoying a latte, chai or even a decadent hot chocolate.

Regardless of whether you possess a sweet tooth, you cannot help but fall in love with the pastry offerings at Colson Patisserie. The signature Hubert the teddy bear financier cookie is undoubtedly the most popular choice among locals and visitors alike but honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything on this menu.

Address
253 36th St,
Brooklyn, NY 11232

Tel: (347)637-6676
Website: Colson Patisserie

Sweet Moment

If you’re in search of the best latte art in the city, Sweet Moment in Little Italy is a haven for caffeine-fueled Instagrammers. With drinks and desserts as tasty as they are pretty, people come here for their cutesy colored beverages they call “creamart” and towering Bingsoos (shaved ice) creations although they do have more traditional coffee and café items like avocado toast and waffles for the breakfast purists.

For their signature drink series, you choose a base of milk tea or cold brew that is then topped with chocolate, matcha, red velvet, taro, or Thai cream and wait patiently to see what character they come up with. Swarming with photo-happy social media lovers, it’s not the best place to work or hang so snag a photo and be on your merry way.

Address
106 Mott St,
New York, NY 10013

Tel: (212)226-8724
Website: Sweet Moment

Thanks to Lauren Monitz from TheDownLo for sharing her thoughts on why Sweet Moment is her favorite spot in New York City.

Yorkafe

Yorkafe is a cute little coffee shop on 83^rd street close to York Avenue on the Upper East Side. They make the best coffee especially the latte and cappuccinos. The sandwiches and pastries are freshly baked, tasty and reasonably priced. Their bagels are out of this world and perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. I especially like getting a couple of paninis and heading down to the beautiful Carl Schurz Park for a mini-picnic.

The coffee shop is owned by a Salvadorian family and the staff couldn’t be nicer. There is such a good vibe in this cozy little piece of our Upper East Side neighborhood.

Address
501 1/2 E 83rd St,
New York, NY 10028

Tel: (212)988-1780

Thanks to Talek Nantes from Travels With Talek for sharing his thoughts why Yorkafe is one of the best coffee shops in NYC.

Culture Espresso

In an area of the city that can be harder than most to find something to eat or drink that is not a chain, Culture Espresso is a rare gem. There are two locations in the Midtown area, one near Bryant Park and one near the 34th Street ACE stop on 36th Street.

The location near Bryant Park is best for picking up a coffee to go (and take it to the park if it is a nice day!) as it is a small and busy spot. The 36th Street location is bigger and great for a respite from a day of walking. Both locations have great drip coffee and espresso drinks.

The coffee is from Heart Coffee Roasters in Portland OR and they both serve the BEST chocolate chip cookies, they are often fresh from the oven and so so delicious.

Address
247 W 36th St,
New York, NY 10018

Tel: (646)861-3553
Website: Culture Espresso

Thanks to Candiss from Lost Not Found for sharing her reasons why Culture Espresso is one of the best spots to enjoy coffee while visiting New York City.

Cha Cha Matcha

Are you dreaming of a trip to Japan without the expensive airline ticket? Don’t worry and take a trip to Cha Cha Matcha instead!

This trendy but friendly cafe specializes in making the signature Japanese drink, matcha, with a New York twist. In fact, the owners are so committed to perfecting their craft that they travel to Japan themselves to source the smoothest ceremonial grade matcha they can find!

My favorite drink is the Coconut Matcha Latte, which has the perfect amount of sweet toasted coconut and smooth flavor, although you can’t go wrong here. The cafe also offers a seasonal menu (try the Pink Drink!) and light snacks like soft serve ice cream, croissants, dossants (doughnut croissants), banana bread, and more.

Whether you want to try a healthier coffee or just hang out with friends after a long day of work, Cha Cha Matcha has you covered.

Address
373 Broome Street,
New York, NY 10013

Tel: (646)895-9484
Website: Cha Cha Matcha

Thanks to Luda from Adventures With Luda for sharing her thoughts on why this Japanese inspired coffee shop will satisfy all your caffeine needs.

Landmark Diner

One of the last original family-owned diners in Manhattan. The Landmark Diner has been operating since 1962 and has retained the old-school diner menu, bottomless coffee and bargain basement prices.

The food comes thick and fast with fluffy pancakes, delicious omelettes and traditional diner fare on their more than extensive menu. The coffee is of the filtered variety so don’t come looking for any single-origin style lattes. Instead, enjoy the comforting taste of home as the waitress ensures your cup is never empty.

The service is fast and efficient and tables turn over quickly if they are busy. But it is likely you will get a table or even a booth that you can spend a while in. On the edge of SoHo this is a rare find in an area that is becoming quickly gentrified.

Address
158 Grand Street,
New York, NY 10013

Tel: (212)334-0040
Website: Landmark Diner

Thanks to Warren from Sling Adventures for sharing his thoughts on why Landmark Diner, one of the last original diners in NYC, should be on your radar when exploring SoHo.

Hi-Collar

Located in the East Village, Hi-Collar is a traditional Japanese coffee and tea house by day and sake bar during the evenings. The bar is narrow and deep with a row of stools and shelves decorated with lovely glasses and vessels.

During the daytime, the bar offers various preparation and types of coffee. You can choose from pour over, AeroPress and Siphon but also Japanese Iced coffee. They offer some Japanese-American breakfast options, light lunch fare, usually including some sandwiches, a pasta dish or two and a small selection of desserts.

At night, Hi-Collar flips itself over to interesting dishes, such as rice bowls, appetizers and with regards to beverages, the bar is primarily known for sake. It is a place where you can spend your night with friends sampling different tastes of sake.

Address
214 E 10th St,
New York, NY 10003

Tel: (212)777-7018
Website: Hi-Collar

Thanks to Leo from Safari Nomad for highlighting why Hi-Collar should be on your radar during your next visit to NYC!

The Grey Dog

The Grey Dog has several branches around town and they have a hip, laid-back atmosphere. There are often lines, but a host will approach you while you are waiting, point out a table that is for you and put a bandana on the table to show that it is taken. So, you have somewhere to sit as soon as you get to the counter.

You order at the front and get drinks served to you there, but if you order food, it is brought to your table. Cutlery and condiments are all on a side dresser for you get yourself. The coffee is good and has free refills – a rarity in NYC – and the food is simple, tasty and the servings are big.

The staff are all young, friendly and wear hats. I’m not sure why. The headwear varies from beanies to fedoras, but they all wear it. The Grey Dog has a relaxed downtown vibe perfect for coffee, brunch or a casual lunch.

Address
244 Mulberry St,
New York, NY 10012

Tel: (212)966-1060
Website: The Grey Dog

Thanks to James from Travel Collecting for highlighting a few reasons why The Grey Dog is a place you need to experience during your next visit to NYC.

Think Coffee

As I was making my way by foot – the best way to see New York City in my opinion – from Penn Station to the Highline, I was thinking I could desperately go for a good cup of coffee.

New York City delivered as it always does when I stumbled across Think Coffee in the meatpacking district. The first thing that caught my eye was their sign saying that their coffee empowers young women in Ethiopia. Nearly every purchase supports projects like housing reconstruction in Colombia, feminine hygiene in Ethiopia, or clean water access in Nicaragua.

Think Coffee is a local NYC chain with ten locations throughout the different neighborhoods (and they have several locations in Korea). This location is very large and has an amazing vibe making it perfect for setting up shop and getting some work done. They have plenty of food and drink options, including several plant-based milks.

Address
500 W 30th St,
New York, NY 10001

Tel: (646)649-4053
Website: Think Coffee

Thanks to Ashley from Wild Hearted for sharing her experiences at Think Coffee and why we should all be inspired to visit a coffee shop that is so focused on empowering young women around the world.

Oslo Coffee Roasters

There are a lot of good coffee shops in New York, but they don’t all serve great coffee. That’s not the case at Oslo Coffee Roasters. Here, the coffee is the attraction.

They start with premium beans from farmers who use ecologically and socially sustainable practices, roasted on site in small batches. Up front, they brew well-balanced espresso drinks and brewed coffees, teas (including Chai), and single-origin cold-brews. Pastries come from Roberta’s in Brooklyn.

Oslo celebrated their 15th year by opening a second Manhattan shop in 2018, to go along with two Brooklyn locations. We visited the original, on Roebling Street in Williamsburg. It’s a great coffee stop while exploring Brooklyn, but not the best place to get work done.

The owners keep it “old school” to encourage the social aspect of having coffee; no wi-fi, no plugs. At Oslo, you can focus on what’s important: coffee and friends.

Address
133 Roebling St,
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Tel: (718)782-0332
Website: Oslo Coffee

Thanks to Rob and Ann from TraveLatte (appropriate for this post) for sharing their opinions as to why Oslo Coffee in Brooklyn offers some of the best coffee in NYC!

Summary

It’s no surprise that there are a plethora of amazing coffee shops to be found in New York City. Whether you are in downtown Manhattan, nearby Brooklyn or any of the other NYC boroughs, you can be sure that there is an awesome coffee shop just around the corner.

We have been fortunate to visit a couple of these and we would also like to take a moment to thank all of our amazing contributors for helping create this list of recommended spots worth visiting.

I want to reiterate that this is far from an exhaustive list but as we continue to return to the Big Apple, I intend on adding more awesome coffee shops to this guide.

Please share your favorite NYC coffee shops in the comments below and let us know why we should include them the next time we take a trip to this amazing city.

Bologna to San Marino – How to Visit a Country in One Day

San Marino

Chris Boothman

-

Feb 11, 2019

9

Bologna to San Marino – How to Visit a Country in One Day

When you talk about visiting a country for only one day, the likelihood is that most people will think you are crazy or alternatively, they will suggest that you will see very little in such a short timeframe. However, when visiting some of the world’s smallest nations, this is when having less than 24 hours is perfectly fine to experience everything the country has to offer. We recently took a day trip from Bologna to San Marino to see what this mountainous microstate had to offer.

Whether you are an admirer of historic European architecture or perhaps you prefer the breathtaking natural landscapes of the rural countryside, a visit to San Marino offers an eclectic blend of both these environments. San Marino may be small but it certainly epitomizes everything there is to love about Northern Italy while offering a unique perspective that makes it a country on its own.

Let’s take a look at how you can enjoy a day trip to this tiny nation and likely want to book a return trip in the not too distant future.

Where is San Marino?

Landlocked and surrounded by Italy, San Marino is a country (that’s right, a nation just like it’s Italian counterpart!) that oozes natural beauty, primarily because of its location on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains.

If you are staying in the nearby coastal city of Rimini, access to San Marino is easy as you can hop on the local bus and explore this beautiful country. But the beauty of San Marino is that you can access this nation from a variety of other Italian cities. We stayed in the nearby city of Bologna and San Marino is only a short train journey and bus ride away.

The topographical landscape of San Marino is such that the mountain range makes this a challenging hike to the summit. But once you reach the top…it’s definitely worth it! More on this later but when you are at the summit, the breathtaking panoramic landscapes overlooking the Adriatic Sea that is a mere 6 miles away is amazing along with the natural Italian surroundings.

Bologna to San Marino

As I mentioned, we enjoyed a day trip to San Marino after experiencing an awesome 48 hours exploring Bologna in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. After experiencing the best things to do in Bologna, you could be forgiven for thinking that a day trip to San Marino would not be particularly intriguing. Please don’t let this stop you because it’s well worth the effort.

The first step is to hop on the train from Bologna to Rimini. This should take less than one hour and there are several trains available. Whether you take an “express” or “local” train is entirely your preference but regardless of this, the route is simple and quick.

When you arrive at Rimini train station, you need to purchase tickets for the Bonelli Bus 72 that runs to San Marino. There is a pre-determined schedule of buses that run at regular intervals and for only 10 Euros, you can get a return ticket to explore this country.

Tickets are available for purchase inside the local tourism office located inside the train station. This is also a great place to leave your luggage but be warned, if you are only planning a day trip, be prepared to return to Rimini before the office closes (for us it was around 6:00PM).

The journey from Rimini to San Marino takes around 45-50 minutes dependent on traffic. The picturesque route winds through San Marino with several stops along the way but it’s the final stop once you reach the summit where you will want to leave the bus before setting off on foot to explore the best things to do in the country.

Best Things to Do in San Marino

I want to start with a word of warning before getting into the best things to do in San Marino – be prepared for quite the hike! It’s a pretty steep climb to the very top of San Marino but trust me when I say, the view is well worth the effort.

But the beauty of San Marino’s historic capital is (unsurprisingly the same name as the country, though technically the country is “Republic of San Marino”) that there are plenty of things to explore all the way to the very top. San Marino may be Europe’s smallest nation after Vatican City and Monaco but don’t let this fool you as there are plenty of things here to keep you occupied.

Let’s take a look at some of the best things to experience during your visit, all of which can be enjoyed in one day even if you don’t plan an overnight stay in San Marino.

San Marino’s Three Towers

San Marino is home to three iconic towers known as the “pinnacles” of the country and so it’s no surprise that these are incredibly popular landmarks that are worth exploring. Guaita, Cesta and the Montale Tower stand proudly overlooking the San Marino nation and each one has a unique history that makes it worthwhile to visit.

The “first tower” known as Rocca Guaita dates back to the 10th-century when it was first constructed, though it was rebuilt and renovated in the 15th-century. This was a popular spot among locals to find refuge during sieges but it was also used as a prison up until 1970!

The “second tower”, located on the highest point of Mount Titano (standing at 756 meters high) is known as Cesta Castle. This is a newer tower, built in the 11th century but similar to the Rocca Guaita with a pentagonal floor plan.

The historical use of this tower is much the same as the first tower but today, it houses the Museum of Archaic Arms, containing over 530 pieces that date back to various periods from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th-century.

Tickets are available at an affordable price (around 7 Euros) and give visitors access to both Rocca Guaita and Cesta Castle.

The “third tower”, known as Montale, is the newest and smallest of the three structures. This tower was positioned strategically because despite its size, is perfectly situated as a lookout tower. This is the only one of the three towers that is not open to the public.

Basilica de San Marino

When it comes to gorgeous architecture, San Marino’s “basilica” is perhaps the most spectacular of all the structures scattered across this country. The Basilica di San Marino is a Catholic church that is relatively new given that the structure you see today was completed in 1836. However, this has been the site of a church since the 4th-century.

The interior of the basilica is equally spectacular, the most noticeable aspect is the intricate details that can be seen on the three naves supported by sixteen Corinthian columns.

But regardless of whether you choose to step inside this house of worship, you cannot help but admire the spectacular architectural masterpiece from the outside. This is the perfect spot to take a few minutes and relax after walking up through the medieval city. There is plenty to more to see and San Marino’s inherent beauty is just starting!

Wander the Historic Streets

The moment you step off the bus from Rimini in the heart of San Marino’s historic old city, you cannot help but fall in love with this place. The winding streets are a challenging hike but the effort is definitely worthwhile.

Take some time to admire the architecture scattered alongside the streets while occasionally popping inside the stores to be greeted by a friendly welcome, typical of the San Marino locals.

Whether you are an avid shopper or simply prefer to window shop, San Marino is a place you can find some real gems of souvenirs (or early birthday/Christmas gifts for loved ones in your family).

As you meander through the maze of medieval streets, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the local cuisine. Not only will you find authentic, Italian-inspired local cafes but a number of other options are available including a “London Pub” which will satisfy all of your British cuisine cravings!

Funivia di San Marino

For those of you that want to connect between the historical old town with Borgo Maggiore located in the foothills, the San Marino funicular is a great way to travel between both locations. The two minute journey not only makes it easily accessible between both spots, it also offers spectacular panoramic scenes across the Adriatic Sea.

The Funivia di San Marino is an aerial cable car that dates back to 1959 when it was originally constructed. It has been modernized on a couple of occasions, most recently in 2017 and today, is undoubtedly the number one public transportation method for locals and visitors alike to connect between Borgo Maggiore and the historic city.

Tickets are available as either one-way or return trips and for only 4.50 Euros, you can enjoy a leisurely return journey with this cable car. When you stand at the top by the upper station in the city of San Marino and peer over the edge of the mountain, it really puts into perspective the benefit of having this cable car.

Cava dei Balestrieri

The Cava dei Balestrieri, or “Crossbowmen’s Quarry” is another unique and iconic landmark in San Marino.

After heading inside the local tourism office to grab an official stamp inside your passport (costs 5 Euros but actually looks pretty awesome in comparison to the traditional passport stamps you receive at airports), head down to the “quarry” to enjoy this historic area.

Today, this landmark is used for crossbow shooters to test their skills and is also home to a variety of medieval sporting event reenactments. The quarry itself was artistically crafted out of the rock and is also home to the annual Crossbowmen’s Palio event that takes place every September as part of San Marino’s national holiday.

Summary

San Marino is a country that deserves to be on more people’s radar, particularly if you are visiting the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It’s definitely worth taking a day trip from Bologna or surrounding areas because in addition to the gorgeous architecture throughout the country, the panoramic landscapes across the region are breathtaking.

If you visit many of the “microstate” countries in Europe such as Vatican City, Liechtenstein, Andorra or Monaco, it’s feasible that you may visit once and never go back. But although San Marino would fall into this category due to it’s size, I would argue this is a nation you would want to return to…I know we do!!

24 Hours in Lisbon

Free Walking Tours

Largo de Camões

Bairro Alto

Belem

Jerónimos Monastery

Belem Tower

Padrao dos Descobrimentos

Pasteis de Belem

São Jorge Castle

Summary

48 Hours in Athens

The Acropolis

The Acropolis Museum

Panathenaic Stadium

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Arch of Hadrian

Ancient Agora of Athens

Zappeion and National Garden of Athens

Summary

Best Coffee In New York City

The Bean

Gumption Coffee

Colson Patisserie

Sweet Moment

Yorkafe

Culture Espresso

Cha Cha Matcha

Landmark Diner

Hi-Collar

The Grey Dog

Think Coffee

Oslo Coffee Roasters

Summary

Where is San Marino?

Bologna to San Marino

Best Things to Do in San Marino

San Marino’s Three Towers

Basilica de San Marino

Wander the Historic Streets

Funivia di San Marino

Cava dei Balestrieri

Summary

Follow us

Company

Latest Posts

Popular Posts