Travel

My Perfect Week Visiting London, UK

street of London, UK-perfect week in London

London is a huge city with a population of close to 9 million. It is among the oldest of the great world’s cities. I never lived in London even though I have a family there, but I wish I could.

London is such a special city that I grow to love with each visit. This city has so much to offer – from world-class museums to old-style markets, from beautiful royal parks to local cuisine pubs.

London was always an expensive city, but in the last ten years prices went up a lot. Despite the rising prices, one of the easiest ways to explore London is to wander around and see the sights, if the weather permits, or explore via the famous double decker buses.

This is how I spent my perfect week visiting London in September.

City sightseeing bus tour and river cruise

I visited London several times, but never took a walking tour or sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour bus.

This time we booked online the City Sightseeing Tour Bus that covers many of London’s highlights. It was a great way to start our week in London.

This city is huge and the list of places to visit is long. That is why I really loved to see London’s most iconic sights on a hop-on-hop-off city tour aboard a double-decker red bus. It was so easy to get on and off the bus at any stop. And I really enjoyed the flexibility of exploring the sights at our own pace.

In addition to that, we bought the 48-hour tickets so we could enjoy a free cruise along the river Thames at night. The river cruise along the Thames is the cheapest way to see London from the water.

I would recommend taking a sightseeing bus or walking tour to get a good overview of London before heading off to explore on your own.

The City Sightseeing Bus Tour

The West End live shows

London is world-famous for its theaters, concerts, and live shows.

The West End live shows are world-known along with New York City’s Broadway shows. Over 30 theaters around West End offer a wide variety of musicals and plays. But the tickets can be expensive.

One way to see a West End show on a budget is to buy tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for half-price on the day of the performance or buy them online at a discount price. We bought our tickets for Mamma Mia show at the Novello Theater. It was the best show I have seen in years.

Interesting fact – the London production of Mamma Mia show has seen over 9 million people and played over 8,500 performances.

Buckingham Palace Tour

Buckingham Palace is a world-famous palace in the UK because it served as the primary London residence for the Queen of England (before she passed away).

The royal palace was originally built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 but later was acquired by King George III. Then Queen Victoria had chosen the palace as her official residence.

Buckingham Palace - perfect week visiting London

Most tourists just come to get a look at the palace and then go to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. This ceremony takes place on most days (with no rain) at around 11 in the morning and lasts about 45 minutes. I watched it on my previous visits, so we decided to skip it and instead bought the tickets for the Buckingham Palace Tour.

We were lucky to visit London in September because we had a rare chance to get inside the Buckingham Palace which only opens its doors to visitors for two months a year.

I recommend taking this tour if you want to glimpse into the lives of the royal family. I had an unforgettable experience seeing the place where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II extends the royal welcome to her visitors and learning about the palace residents, history, and traditions.

Buckingham Palace Gardens - perfect week in London

During the tour, we visited the magnificent state rooms of the royal palace – the grand hall, the grand staircase, the throne room, the picture gallery, the ballroom, the state dining room, and a few others.

Buckingham Palace with Royal Walking Tour

Sadly, Queen Elizabeth died on the same day when we visited the palace.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic place you do not want to miss.

Tower of London - perfect week in London

For nearly 1000 years this place has served as a royal palace, prison, place of execution for fallen monarchs, and the ultimate symbol of the monarchy in England.

If you want to learn about the history of England this place is a must-visit destination in London. It was built by William the Conqueror in the late 11^th century. This is a place where Anne Boleyn awaited her execution after falling out of Henry VIII’s favor.

Lines to enter the Tower of London are typically long during the summer months. But we were lucky to visit London in September, so the crowds were smaller. Also, we decided to avoid the crowds altogether by arriving at the Tower by 9 a.m. and making this visit the first activity of our day.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of my favorite places to visit in London. It looks impressive and rich in history. The Abbey is a popular place and if you do not want to wait in line, you can book online the fast-track entry.

Westminster Abbey dates to 1245 and was built in the magnificent Gothic style. When you get inside it takes time to explore this glorious and rich in history place.

This place has been used for all English and British coronations since the times of William the Conqueror in 1066. Also, it is a world-known place for royal weddings including the weddings of Prince Charles and Lady Diana as well as Prince William and Kate Middleton.

British Museum

The British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and holds one of the world’s greatest collections of historical and cultural artifacts. It documents the story of human culture from its beginning to the present times.

It was established in 1753 to house books, antiquities, and plant specimens. Then it rapidly expanded during the 19^th century. The British Museum is unique because it brings together under one roof the cultures of the world. No other museums in the world have collections of the same depth, beauty, and significance.

The British Museum is huge, but my favorite part is the Ancient Egypt collection.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

The dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic feature of the London skyline.

St. Paul’s Cathedral dates back to 1697. The medieval church was badly destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and then rebuilt by architect Christopher Wren in the English Baroque style. The cathedral was a site of many grand events including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and Jubilee services for Queen Elizabeth II.

St Paul's Cathedral - perfect week in London

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a great architectural masterpiece with majestic interiors. The cathedral’s dome is one of the largest in the world. You can visit the main parts of the cathedral, the dome, and the crypt.

We saw a long line to visit the dome because you have to climb 528 steps to the top and only a certain number of visitors can climb those steps. We decided to skip the climb to the dome and come back later but we never did. We will do it on our next visit to London!

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are two iconic places I do not want to miss on any of my visits to London. It’s always bustling with life, energy, and crowds of tourists and locals at any time of the day and late at night.

Trafalgar Square is London’s main venue for outdoor public meetings. It has a 169 feet column in the center dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson who died heroically at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Trafalgar SQ in London-a week to see London

The north side of the square is taken by the National Gallery. There is no entry fee, so you can visit the gallery and spend hours enjoying the world’s most famous paintings by masters such as Rubens, Velazquez, Monet, Van Gogh, and more.

Piccadilly Circus is a famous circular road junction where several roads come together and is well-known for its neon signs and advertising. This spot is similar to Times Square in New York City. The huge curved digital advertising screen indicates the entrance to the city’s entertainment district with its cinemas, theaters, nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants.

Shopping in London

Oxford Street is the ultimate shopping paradise and Europe’s busiest shopping street.

It has around 300 shops and it stretches from the corner of Hyde Park all the way down to Tottenham Court Road. Every time I visit London, I try to find time to go there. You will be always surrounded by crowds of people who spend time shopping or just browsing.

If you like to shop, go there and you can find everything from more budget-friendly international brands like Zara, H&M, and Mango to high-end luxury department stores like Selfridges.

Food in London

British pubs are the most popular place for people to get together and enjoy food, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you are in a park, on the river, or a busy street, there will be a pub just around the corner.

Fish and chips are classic British food, and you can find them at any pub.

London’s markets are another popular place to enjoy all kinds of food. I spent a few hours at the Borough Market. This market is one of the oldest markets in London where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, spices, and other foodstuffs.

There are many food stalls selling ready-to-eat foods, food demonstration stalls, cafes, and restaurants. You can find all kinds of street foods here from beef stew to vegetarian pastries. This is a great place for a snack or a full meal!

Have you been to London? What is the best time to visit London?

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My Favorite Things to Do in St. Martin

by Maggie Leave a Comment

St Martin - favorite things to do in St Martin

St. Martin/St. Maarten is a small and charming island in the Caribbean Paradise that is so easy to fall in love with.

Since the 17^th century, the island has been shared by the Netherlands and France. However, there is no official border between the two sides and you do not need a passport to get from one side to another.

The French calls the island Saint Martin. This side of the island is well known for its lovely landscapes, fine dining, pristine beaches, and an appreciation of all pleasures in life.

The Dutch calls the island Sint Maarten. And this side is well known for its festive nightlife, sandy beaches, casinos, and jewelry shopping.

But the nickname “SXM” united both sides with the slogan ‘the friendly island”. The whole island is a melting pot of cultures, history, food, and activities.

After visiting this Caribbean Paradise for a week, I came up with a list of my favorite things to do in St. Martin.

The Dutch side of the island

Explore Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the Dutch capital of the island and is located with a stunning view of the Great Bay beach.

If you like to shop, Philipsburg is the ideal location. Front Street is lined with high-end boutiques and jewelry stores. You will find plenty of fine jewelry, watches, designer clothes, electronics, and more. It is duty-free heaven for shoppers!

Even though plenty of stores got closed during the covid-19 pandemic, many are back and reopened for business.

I like the Boardwalk. It is the most popular place in town and has many options for lunch and dinner. You can go for a swim in the blue waters of the Great Bay, lounge on the beach, and then come back to the Boardwalk for a tropical cocktail.

Many beachfront restaurants are serving the fresh catch of the day – Caribbean lobster, grilled snapper, and conch fritters.

However, when a few cruise ships are docked, the Boardwalk and Front Street can be overcrowded with tourists.

Mullet Bay Beach

Mullet Bay beach was one of my favorite spots on the island.

The moon-shaped Mullet Bay is a beautiful beach with perfect soft white sand and bright turquoise waters. Thanks to its protected coves the water is calm most of the time with just a few occasional waves. This is a perfect spot to spend the whole day.

Mullet Bay beach - my favorite things to do in St Martin

We booked beach chairs in advance and brought our own food so we could have a picnic on the beach. But there are two small beach restaurants if you need food and drinks. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent but bring cash.

The French side of the island

Orient Bay Beach

St. Martin island is blessed with 37 gorgeous beaches. But Orient Bay beach is probably one of the most famous in the entire Caribbean and is often called “St Tropez of the Caribbean”.

This 2-mile-long, white powdered sand beach is truly beautiful. It is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef so, the snorkeling here is just incredible. But be warned! Because one part of this beach is famous for its nudity.

Many bars and restaurants are directly located on the beach. But when Hurricane Irma hit the island in 2017 it left a trail of devastation on Orient Bay. All beach bars were wiped out and all vegetation and many coconut trees were swept away.

Luckily, the vegetation is growing back quickly, and the beach still has soft white sand, and the colors of the sea are still spectacular.

I am glad that most of the beachfront bars and restaurants have reopened for business.

We made reservations at the charming Coco Beach restaurant. It lies towards the northern end of Orient beach. After delicious lunch with a view, we spent the rest of the day swimming in clear tropical waters and lounging on comfortable beach chairs with matching umbrellas.

Grand Case village

Grand Case is a charming town facing Grand Case Bay. There is only one major road in Grand Case – Boulevard de Grande Case and it is lined up with restaurants, bars, and clothing boutiques.

Grand Case is a small town, and you may want to park yourself at one of the beachfront restaurants for the whole day. The most popular ones Captain Frenchy’s and Rainbow Café are right next to one another at the end of the main strip of restaurants on Boulevard de Grande Case.

Also, this small town is often called a “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”. Many top chefs of the world opened their restaurants here. You can find an interesting mix of French Caribbean and Creole cuisines.

If you want to splurge on a gourmet feast via European style, you should make reservations at famous restaurants such as Ocean 82, Le Temps de Cerise or Villa Royale. These restaurants have full bars with great wine selection. Your dinner will be pricey but worth every bit of it.

But if you want to get a taste of less expensive food, I recommend eating at the local Lolos.

The open-air barbeque stands are called “Lolo” by locals. These are a good place for a well-seasoned rack of ribs, chicken, or grilled red snapper served with rice, beans, and coleslaw. I would highly recommend dining here at least once.

The full platter costs from $10 to $20 and is a real bargain on pricey St. Martin. We paid $100 for the four of us for big plates of grilled snapper with vegetables, salads, and drinks. Just remember to bring cash, there is a sign “no credit cards”.

Besides the 5-star restaurants and local barbeque Lolos, you must visit the beach.

Grand Case Bay beach has stunning turquoise waters and golden sand. There are plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for rent.

Trip to Pinel Island

Pinel Island is located on the Northeast side of St. Martin and is set in the heart of the French Marine Park. This place is popular with locals and tourists so you should come early to find a parking spot.

One day we decided to visit this little treasure in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. We drove to the Cul de Sac on the French side and took a small ferry for a ten-minute ride. The first ferry arrives around 9:30 a.m. and operates every half hour until 5 p.m. Expect to pay $12 per person for a round trip and $25 for the chairs. Bring cash!

Yes, Pinel Island is a bit expensive to visit but well worth it.

The first thing you see is picture-perfect scenery – the turquoise water and the white sand of the beach surrounded by coconut trees.

Karibani beachfront restaurant Pinel Island

There are two cute French restaurants with full facilities and a souvenir shack at the back of the main beach. The two main restaurants are Yellow Beach and Karibuni. We prefer Karibuni. But both places serve fresh lobster and seafood, and you should expect to spend around $150 for lunch with drinks for two people.

We had so much fun laying out under our umbrellas, drinking frozen mojitos, and taking dips in the crystal-clear Caribbean water.

Hiking or driving to Pic Paradis

You cannot miss the adventure of hiking or drive to Pic Paradis.

Pic Paradis is the highest point of the island at a height of 1,391 feet. It rises from the center of St. Martin on the French side and is not far from the village Colombier.

If you are ready to explore St. Martin wilderness, you should go hiking or rent a car and drive to the top of the mountain. There are plenty of hiking trails leading to the observation decks. A view from the deck over the island and the rainforest below is spectacular. If you are lucky, you will see wild monkeys eating peacefully in the shade of big trees.

The coastal hikes and walking trails are also very popular. Make sure to climb to the top of the hills because the views from the peaks give breathtaking panoramic views of the island. You can find many places for incredible photos.

Where did we stay in St. Martin?

When it comes to where to stay, it depends on what you are looking for. The island offers a wide range of accommodation, from the five-star resorts to charming boutique hotels. In addition to that, there is a big variety of timeshare and condo rental options.

Regardless of whether you choose to stay on the Dutch or French side, everything is relatively close and easy to access with a rental car.

We stayed at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Divi is a timeshare resort with 235 rooms, three pools, four restaurants, a mini-mart, and a gift shop. You can choose from an all-inclusive package (a rare option on this island) or room only.

Divi location

The resort is located on a peninsula within walking distance of Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island. The best part that is located on its private beach facing Little Bay waters. I believe it has a perfect location for a relaxing stay on a tropical island.

I would recommend renting a car if you are planning to explore other sides of the island.

Divi amenities

The resort has a full-service spa, gym, water-sports center, and several shops. There are two swimming pools located at Seabreeze bar and a new infinity pool on the hilly side of the resort. The bars and restaurants provide a great mix of fine dining and casual poolside snack options.

Divi hotel value

We stayed at Divi hotel for seven days and paid $2,600 for a junior suite. I believe that on this island where hotels are quite expensive, this was a good value for our money.

Our room was spacious and comfortable with a scenic view of Little Bay beach. The room had an open concept of sleeping and sitting areas with a kitchenette and a bathroom with a jacuzzi and a large-size shower room.

Final Thoughts

There are many great reasons to visit the island – history, culture, beaches, food, fun, and shopping. We did not have time to take in all the sights of this beautiful island.

But we were happy to explore and experience a small piece of this paradise that is a little Dutch and a little French.

Have you traveled to St. Martin? What is your favorite things to do in the Caribbean?

3 Best Towns to Visit on Lake Como, Italy

by Maggie Leave a Comment

Lake Como in Italy and local ferry - best towns to visit on Lake Como

Lake Como could be described as La Dolce Vita of Italy. This upscale resort area in Italy’s Lombardy region where Italy meets Switzerland is well-known for its spectacular scenery set against the foothills of the Alps.

For many years this area was a popular summer retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy thanks to the beautiful villas, stunning gardens, and peaceful villages. But even today huge crowds of tourists and locals come to spend time at these Belle Époque Era towns on the shores of Lake Como.

This post is featuring my experience of visiting 3 of the prettiest towns on Lake Como – Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

Bellagio

Bellagio is often called “The Pearl of Lake Como” and is widely considered to be among the most beautiful towns in Europe. It is classy, glamorous, and frankly more expensive than other small towns around the lake.

It was our first visit to Lake Como. We spent 3 days in Bellagio and this lovely town left me wanted to go back for more.

We traveled by bus from the city of Como and when we arrived, I was taken by stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. The town has unbeatable Old-World elegance with shopping arcades, flower-lined promenades, luxury hotels, and villas facing the lake.

How to explore Bellagio:

The best way to discover Bellagio is by walking through its picturesque cobblestone streets. The town is small and located on two levels.

Bellagio steep stairs with pastel color houses

The lower part runs along the waterfront promenade with hotels, shopping arcades, bars, and restaurants. And the higher part needs a lot of uphill climbing on cobblestoned stairs until you reach Via Guiseppe Garibaldi. From the top of this street, you can get picture-perfect views over the rooftops of Lake Como.

Basilica of San Giacomo

The Basilica of San Giacomo is a Romanesque church built in the 12^th century. It is located in the center of the old town – Piazza della Chiesa – on the hillside, and it makes a great landmark from the water. We found this beautiful old church while strolling along Via Guiseppe Garibaldi.

Bellagio is well-known for two villas and gardens:

Villa Serbelloni
Villa Melzi

Villa Serbelloni

I have read a lot about Villa Serbelloni and its scenic location. This luxurious holiday villa by the lake was built by the noble family from Bergamo in the middle of the 19^th century. Later on, the villa was converted into 5- star luxury hotel. It’s well-known for beautifully maintained gardens which occupy a large area above the town. The Villa Serbelloni Gardens are owned by the Rockefeller Foundation and can be visited on guided tours.

Villa Melzi and Gardens

Villa Melzi was built at the beginning of the 19^th century. Francesco Melzi D’Eril, the Vice-President of the Napoleonic Italian Republic commissioned to build this perfect example of neoclassical architecture as his summer residence. The villa is set in beautiful gardens with classical statues and century-old trees. The villa is not opened to the public. But you can buy a ticket and stroll the gardens.

small pond and a woman sitting on the edge-Bellagio

On a hot August day, this place was a perfect retreat. Filled with native and exotic plants, small ponds, and park benches perfectly situated with the views of the lake, this was a wonderful place to go for a stroll.

Cruising Lake Como

Cruising Lake Como was our favorite experience. We purchased tickets for a boat ride from Bellagio to Varenna and then to Menaggio. It cost us 15 euros per person for the whole day. We spent a wonderful time being on a boat passing magnificent villas with gardens, enjoying gorgeous lakeside views of Bellagio and other small towns that sit on the edge of the lake.

Trombetta express train

Another great way to explore Bellagio is to hop on the Trombetta express train. It’s a small tourist train which you can board on the ferry dock and then enjoy 30 minutes tour of panoramic views of Bellagio. You can request a stop at a few locations such as the Hotel Belvedere, Villa Melzi, and San Giovanni Church.

Varenna

Varenna is located in the center of Lake Como, on the eastern shores of the lake. It can be easily reached by boat from other towns like Bellagio and Menaggio.

We took a boat ride to Varenna. And it looked exactly like it was described in touristy brochures – a small fishing village with brightly colored houses and villas that sit close to each other on the waterfront of Lake Como.

We spent a few hours there before going back to Bellagio. The place looked rustic and charming, romantic, and peaceful. We walked along the lovely promenade and admired the views of the lake, the boats, and the mountains.

Even though Varenna is a popular destination, it tends to be less crowded than the famous resort-town Bellagio. The town has a train station, which makes it an ideal choice for travelers from Milan who are not planning to drive to the lake.

Lake Promenade

As with most towns on Lake Como, we started our visit to Varenna with a promenade along the lake. The path began exactly where we got off the boat. The first part of the promenade is a narrow path. Then when we approached the town center, we had lovely views across the blue waters of the harbor to the pastel color houses with mountains rising steeply behind.

And I will be honest – the walk is very picturesque.

Town Center

Varenna’s town center is very small with several tiny cafes, waterfront restaurants, gelato shops, and bars. It is a perfect place for lunch. It was Sunday and the place was overrun by tourists who came here to have an idyllic lunch. We couldn’t even find any available seats at any of these places for lunch.

A little further we reached a small stony beach with many swimming enthusiasts. Behind the promenade, we found the old part of Varenna with ancient alleys and steep stairs. We followed those passageways and passed many old stone houses with overhanging flowerpots, and ivy-covered balconies.

It was a hot summer day, and after climbing so many steep stairs we decided to stop for an Italian aperitivo at one of those bars with the view.

Piazza San Giorgio

Piazza San Giorgio is the main square in the village surrounded by two historic monuments – the Church of San Giorgio and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.

The Church of San Giorgio is located at the top of the square and is dominated by its tall bell tower visible from the lake. Inside the church, you can find wonderful ancient frescos. At the bottom of the square is a small church of San Giovanni Battista with impressive medieval frescos inside.

Castello de Vezio

The ancient Castello de Vezio that overlooks Varenna is dated back to the 11^th century. We started our climb but never made it to the top because it was quite a steep walk to get there. But I can tell that the views from the top will worth the effort. Probably we will go there next time!

Like all towns around Lake Como, Varenna has several luxurious villas.

Here is a list of villas to visit for their lush gardens:

Villa Monastero
Villa Cipressi (now a hotel)

Menaggio

Menaggio is one of the largest towns on the lake. It is very easy to visit Menaggio because it is located directly across the lake from Varenna. Hence, you can visit both towns in one day by taking a boat. Usually, it takes 15 to 30 minutes to reach both towns from Bellagio.

Lakefront promenade

Menaggio is a lovely and very laid-back town. It was not as crowded as Bellagio and Varenna. We really liked this town and spent half a day strolling along the elegant lakefront promenade. It started at Piazza Garibaldi and runs along the Lake Como between flower beds, palm trees, and colorful houses.

Piazza Garibaldi

Piazza Garibaldi with its 19^th century architecture is a popular meeting place. This place is filled with small boutiques, cafes, and bars. You can see many locals and tourists stopped here for a cappuccino or gelato while enjoying a breathtaking view of the lake.

Old Town

The Old Town of Menaggio is located in the upper part of the town and still keeps the medieval look with stone buildings, narrow alleys, and steep stairs.

In medieval times, Menaggio was a walled city. It was worth hiking up the steep stairs to explore the older part of town where we could see the remains of the old medieval wall.

Villa Mylius Vigoni

Villa Mylius Vigoni is one of the best things to see in Menaggio. This beautiful villa was built in the first half of the 19^th century and is famous for its lush English garden.

You can book a guided tour of the villa and its large gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Unfortunately, the tours were not available In August when we visited Menaggio.

At the end of the day, we stopped for an aperitivo at one of many cafes facing the lake and watch life goes by. Real Italian La Dolce Vito!

Where we stayed:

Hotels in Bellagio are more expensive than in some of the neighboring towns. We stayed at Hotel De Luc.

Hotel De Luc is a family-run, boutique hotel located right in the center of Bellagio overlooking the main squire. Our room was clean and modern with gorgeous lakeside views from our terrace. My favorite part was to spend time on a rooftop bar with a glass of Italian aperitivo while enjoying the unbelievable views of the lake, distant mountains, and small boats crossing the lake.

How did we get to Bellagio:

We traveled to Bellagio from Venice by train and then by bus from the city of Como.

The easiest way to get to Bellagio is to fly to Milan and then take a train to Varenna (1 hour). Bellagio doesn’t have a train station so you will need to take a boat from Varenna to Bellagio. The boat takes 15 minutes, just check the schedule ahead of time If your train arrives late, so you will get on the last boat.

You can purchase your boat tickets at the booth at the boat terminals. Some boats do not go directly to Bellagio. So, when you purchase your tickets, you can ask the cashier which boat you should get on.

Highlights of My Trip to Venice, Italy

by Maggie 4 Comments

I have been dreaming about visiting Venice for years. And our first trip there did not disappoint.

Everyone has heard of Venice because it is one of the most visited cities in the world. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Something intriguing and mysterious about this city when you just arrive. It feels like you are entering a different world.

This city crossed by the canals instead of roads with colorful palazzos sitting on the water’s edge is truly unique. And the mixture of Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture leaves anyone wondering if this magical city is real at all. The entire city is one work of art. And nothing quite prepares you for its beauty.

Here are the highlights of my first trip to Venice.

A little bit of history:

At the beginning of the 6^th century, people came to live on the marshy islands of the Adriatic Sea blue lagoon to escape the hordes of Huns and other invaders. Later, this settlement built on swamps started to grow.

At the beginning of the 9^th century, the Republic of Venice was formed. It was called “The Most Serene Republic of Venice” to reflect the desire to focus on trade and avoid wars with invaders who were constantly creating chaos.

The city of Venice was built on huge wooden supports that were cut and brought from the mainland. Those wooden legs have stood under the water for many centuries and have been slowly calcified with the minerals from the sea. In the end, the wooden footings worked as the foundations for all buildings in the city of Venice.

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco in Italian) is one of the busiest squares in the city and the main tourist hub. The whole square looks enormous and usually crowded with tourists and all kinds of vendors during the day.

St. Mark’s Square is home to some of the stunning architectural attractions in Venice including St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile, and Doge’s Palace.

Another great thing about St. Mark’s Square is that there is no traffic. This piazza may be the only large public square in Europe with no noise from cars, buses, and scooters. You can only hear the melodious sounds of the bell rings coming from the St. Mark’s Clocktower.

It is hard to miss this early Renaissance building located on the north side of St. Mark’s Square. The construction of both the tower and the clock dated to the 15^th century. The tower was placed where the clock could be visible from the waters of the lagoon and shows every one the wealth and glory of Venice. You can hear the bell ringing every hour.

We decided to stop for a drink at one of the glitzy cafes surrounding St. Mark’s Square. Even we paid double the normal price for the two Spritz Campari, we really enjoyed the moment of being part of Venetian life.

St. Mark’s Basilica

The St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is the most famous church in Venice.

The church is considered one of the best surviving examples of Byzantine architecture with the construction completed in 1063.

The St. Mark’s Basilica is a real showpiece of St. Mark’s Square. The main façade is decorated with multicolored marble columns and sculptures of the griffons. These winged lions are a symbol of St. Mark. Over the centuries, the basilica’s opulent design and solid gold mosaics served as a symbol of Venetian wealth.

Touring the interior of the church is free but be prepared to wait in line to enter. The St. Mark’s Basilica opens at 9:30 a.m. and we arrived around 10 a.m. so the line was long and the wait time around 45 minutes.

As with all tourist attractions in Venice, I recommend booking tickets online, so you can skip the line.

St. Mark’s Campanile

The St. Mark’s Campanile towers high above St. Mark’s Square. It stands 323 feet high. It is easy to notice right away that this tower looks new compared to its surroundings. The tower had completely collapsed in 1902 and had to be rebuild.

You can climb on the top of the tower to get the best views of Venice. We skipped the climb even it is in an elevator and no stairs. But I saw many photos taken from the top and the views are really magnificent. From the top, you can have spectacular views of the whole St. Mark’s Square, the St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Venetian Lagoon, and nearby islands.

But I would recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is one of the most interesting landmarks in the city of Venice. It was built in 1340 in Venetian Gothic style. For centuries the palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice – the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice.

The government was made up of several councils. And the largest committee was created of the male members of every noble family in the city.

While it is a palace you can still buy the tickets and tour the Doge’s apartments.

Bridge of Sighs

We walked between the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile toward the blue waters of the Venetian Lagoon and found ourselves on the Riva degli Schiavoni – the lagoon’s waterfront.

It was a warm sunny day, and the views of the lagoon were absolutely beautiful. We could see the dozens of gondolas bobbing in the water, as well as the San Giorgio Maggiore across the lagoon. Walking along this wide waterfront promenade we reached the Bridge of Sighs on the left. You cannot miss this famous landmark because there are always groups of tourists taking pictures.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the enclosed bridges in Venice. It was built around 1600 out of white limestone, and you can see that it has windows with stone bars. The bridge was built to connect the new prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

After it was built, the bridge became a symbol of Venice’s architectural beauty and a reminder of the cruelty of life. According to legend the name of the bridge comes from the sighs of prisoners who crossed this passageway on the way to their prison cells. Many prisoners who made their way across the bridge could have the last glimpse of Venice and its blue lagoon.

Rialto Bridge and Venice’s Grand Canal

Four bridges go across Venice’s Grand Canal. And out of all of them, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and the most beautiful.

The first bridge was built around the 12th century. It was the only spot to cross the Grand Canal without boarding a boat. The current version of the Rialto Bridge dates to the late 16^th century. There are all kinds of shops lining both sides of this stone bridge. But the best part is to pause at the top of the bridge and enjoy the incredible views of the Grand Canal.

We walked across the Rialto Bridge and found the bustling Rialto Market. Originally it was built as a fish market in the 11^th century. Though parts of the market are filled with touristy stuff, this is still a local place where you can buy fresh produce and fish.

Gondolas and Vaporetto

The best way to explore Venice is from the water. And experiencing Venice’s canals is unforgettable. You can take a private (100 or 80 euro) or a group (60 euro) for 30 minutes gondola ride through the canals. Venice’s canals can be crowded, but we were traveling during the global pandemic times, so we didn’t see huge groups of tourists.

We didn’t book any gondola rides. Instead, we used Venice public transportation which is made up of boats. Taking a vaporetto or water bus is a great way to explore Venice from the water on a budget. We paid only 7.50 euros per person to get a ride along the Grand Canal which provides the same magnificent views of the city’s grand palaces.

Venice’s tiny streets and bridges

We walked towards the Ponte dell’ Accademia – one of the four bridges in Venice. This bridge was my favorite. We spent hours looking at the postcard-perfect view of the Grand Canal.

We liked to wander through many of the tiny pedestrian streets, alleyways, and bridges that make the real Venice. Unfortunately, many of the grand homes are boarded up and empty. Sometimes we noticed that the lower level already sits underwater.

Nevertheless, it is an amazing experience to get lost in Venice. You can find tiny dead-end bridges over the quiet canals that lead to hidden architectural gems. Small gardens grow in overhanging window boxes. And clothes drying lines span across the waterways.

If you want to learn more about Venice, I would recommend taking a 90-minutes walking tour. We have learned so much from our amazing guide about Venice’s history, art, and architecture.

Walking Tour with Get Your Guide

Final Thoughts

Before this trip, I had seen images of Venice in guidebooks, Instagram, and tourist brochures. But nothing had prepared me for its beauty. I fell in love with this city at first sight. Many times I just stopped in awe of its canal views, piazzas, and old palaces. The whole trip was a real treasure I will never forget.

Highlights of My Trip to Florence, Italy

by Maggie 6 Comments

I fell in love with the city of Florence on my first trip to Italy ten years ago. We spent only one day there, and it was not enough. This time I was so excited about spending 4 days in Florence before going to the Tuscany countryside – Castello Le Leccia – for my daughter’s wedding.

In this post, I wanted to share with you the highlights of my trip to the beautiful city of Florence.

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is an amazing city known as the heart of the Italian Renaissance. It is full of history, art, architecture, and delicious food. The city’s rich history is full of big names such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, and Filippo Brunelleschi.

On our first day, we head out to the Piazza Del Duomo (Cathedral Square) which is the focal point of Florence. This is the main tourist hub, and it is also home to some of the most stunning attractions in Florence including the Duomo, the Campanile, the Baptistery.

The Duomo

The best-known structure of this big plaza is the Florence cathedral – the Duomo. The official name is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Flower (the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore) but everybody calls it “Duomo”.

The Duomo is the main church of Florence. The entire structure looks enormous and not only the great dome which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The construction began in 1296 and lasted for one hundred and forty years. The magnificent brick dome that covers the central space of the Duomo is considered the largest in Europe.

The Campanile

It is hard to miss another symbol of Florence – the Campanile. This magnificent tower is standing next to the Duomo, and it was designed by Giotto.

The three hundred feet high tower is one of the best showpieces of Florentine architecture and is often called ‘the Giotto’s Tower’. The façade was built in colorful green, pink, and white marble panels and it matches the façade of the Duomo.

If you want to go to the top of the tower to get the best panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills you have to be ready to climb 414 steps to reach the very top of the tower. There are no elevators! The climb is a workout. But you can go at a calm pace and make use of various terraces where you can stop, relax, and take pictures.

The Baptistery

Another impressive structure of the plaza is the Baptistery. The octagonal shape building stands across from the Duomo and the Giotto’s Tower.

The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to 1059. The exterior is very ornamental and decorated with Renaissance figures who were baptized here, including poet Dante Alighieri.

But the main attraction is the doors of the Baptistery. You can always see a big crowd of tourists trying to take pictures of the doors on all sides of the Baptistery. But I think the bronze doors portraying scenes from the New Testament draw the most attention. You cannot miss them.

The doors were created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. It took him 21 years to complete this project. These magnificent, gilded bronze doors consist of twenty-eight panels framed by ornamental foliage on both sides.

Palazzo Vecchio and statue of David

On our second day, we walked to the Piazza Della Signoria. It is one of the busiest and most popular squares in the city. The Palazzo Vecchio with a statue of David by Michelangelo is one of the main attractions.

The Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is the town hall of Florence. This solid massive building with two rows of Gothic windows and one simple tower has a long history.

The construction started in 1299 and lasted for more than one hundred years. In the beginning, it was built for the magistrates of the city. Then in the 1540s Duke Cosimo de Medici moved to the Palazzo and decided to turn this place into his residence showing the security of Medici family power in Florence.

Italian sculptor Michelangelo Buonarotti was born in Tuscany. He is frequently associated with Florence for his relationship with the Medici family. The work of this great Renaissance artist can be still found in Florence – drawings, sculpture, paintings, and architecture.

One of Michelangelo’s most well-known works is a marble statue of David – a symbol of strength and youthful beauty. In 1504 it was installed next to the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio. In the late 19^th century the original statue of David was removed from the piazza and moved indoors to protect it from damage. Later on, the copy of David was placed in the same location.

If you want to see the original David, you need to visit the Museum of the Academia (Galleria dell’Accademia).

The Uffizi Gallery

The city of Florence is covered with fascinated museums, but the Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and famous museums in the world. Its name is associated with the work of great Renaissance artists – Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bellini, and many others.

The Uffizi Gallery has an incredible art and sculpture collection. When I travel, I like to go to the museums, but this time I skipped the Gallery because I visited it on my first trip to Florence. If you want to go, I would recommend to pre-buy your tickets so you can skip the waiting line.

Uffizi Gallery Entrance Tickets

studded door and marble sculptures-highlights of my trip to Florence

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge

You cannot visit Florence and not go and see the Ponte Vecchio bridge built in the 1300s. You have probably heard of it and seen many images. But it is something else when you are there and walk across its span.

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is a unique place with hundreds of shops hanging over the Arno River. This famous old bridge is described as Europe’s oldest arch bridge.

It was a beautiful day and I spent three hours exploring the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. I feel like I am going back in time except that the vendors are no longer the medieval butchers and merchants. Today, the tiny shops are selling souvenirs, jewelry, and art.

Palazzo Pitti

Most people rush through a courtyard in the center of Palazzo Pitti to get to the gorgeous Boboli Gardens. The sandy façade of this grand palace looks rather plain. But when you step inside you will be overwhelmed by the opulence of this monumental structure.

For many centuries, the powerful Medici, Lorraine, and Savoy families served as the Grand Dukes of Florence and used the Palazzo Pitti as their personal residence.

It all started with the wife of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici, who didn’t like living in the narrow Palazzo Vecchio and decided to buy the Palazzo Pitti and turned it into the family residence. The Medici had done many renovations, expanded the palace, and added the large courtyard where many lush celebrations took place.

The Boboli Gardens

We spent a few hours walking around the Boboli Gardens. The most famous gardens in Florence are spread out directly behind the Pitti Palace. Like everything else, it didn’t grow overnight. Its creation started in the 15^th century and span over 400 hundred years.

We enjoyed walking through the beautifully manicured gardens and landscapes. You can spend hours there away from the crowds and traffic. It was very peaceful. The gardens are filled with grottos, trails, pools, arched walkways, and magnificent marble statues.

Another interesting fact is the construction of the Vasari corridor. This long-arched walkway was built to connect the Pitti Palace with the Uffizi, church, and Palazzo Vecchio. It would allow the Medici family members to move around the city without facing the public.

Piazza della Repubblica

The Piazza was originally built as a site of the city forum. But today it is a big plaza lined up with elegant cafes and a merry-go-around. We spent many hours walking around and sampling a lot of gelatos.

St. Lorenzo Market

The Lorenzo market is a huge local market located next to the St. Lorenzo church. I was planning to book a food tour there but never did. Probably next time. But I spent hours exploring a market on my own. Fresh produce, local food and wine, olive oil, and vinegar.

At the end of the day, we walked to Piazza Michelangelo for the spectacular sunset over the city with the hills of Tuscany in the background. We had to climb lots of stairs, but we were not disappointed because the views were definitely worth it.

We did a lot of walking all 4 days. Florence is an incredibly amazing city and I want to go back again. If you are new to this unique city, I recommend booking a 90-Minute Walking Tour.

Florence – Walking Tour with Get Your Guide

roof top terrace with the view of Florence — **We had the best view of the city of Florence from our Airbnb roof terrace**

Have you been to Florence? What were your highlights?

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