europe travel

Instagram Guide to Italy

Published on October 19, 2020January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited and had the privilege to live for an extended period of time. I’ve been to several cities and small towns within Italy and complied a list of my favorite places that are certainly instagram worthy! I’ve listed my favorite cities throughout Italy that I’ve traveled to with my favorite spots for instagram photos!

Florence

Florence will always have a special place in my heart, it was my home for a year and I made so many special memories there. Florence is definitely a photogenic city with several hidden gems and picture perfect views.

My favorite locations:

Santa Maria del Fiore, Duomo
Pizzale Michaelanglo
Ponte Vecchio
View on art rooftop
Boboli Gardens
Gucci Garden museum

Rome

My favorite locations:

The Trevi Fountain
Colosseum
Travestre neighborhood
Palatine Hill
Roman Forum

Cinque Terre

My favorite locations:

Manarola, view from Nessun Dorma
Vernazza, view from the hiking path to Monterroso
Monterroso beach
Corniglia, hike 365 steps to top of the hill for a stunning view
Riomaggiore, view from the pier

Venice

My favorite spots:

View from canals
Bridge of sighs
Saint Mark’s Basilica
View from Grand Canal
View from a gondola ride

Milan

My favorite locations:

Milan Cathedral, both outside and view from the top
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Obica rooftop
Aperol bar rooftop

Modena

My favorite spots:

Take a cheese and wine tour
Walk around the city square
Take a balsamic vinegar tour

Procida

My favorite spots:

Hike to the top of the hill for the view of the island
Walk along the pier near the rainbow colored homes

Instagram Guide: Paris, France

Published on October 17, 2020January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

Paris, France without a doubt is the most instagramable city! There are so many stunning sites throughout the city that make the prettiest pictures. With it’s chic streets, adorable bakeries, and overall romantic feeling, Paris is the perfect place to collect some pictures for your instagram feed.

Eiffel Tower

The first image that pops into my head when I daydream about Paris is the Eiffel Tower! To me the prettiest pictures of the Eiffel Tower can be captured either early in the morning to beat the crowds, or in the evening while enjoying a picnic underneath the Eiffel.

La Maison Rose

Located in the sweet neighborhood of Montmare, La Maison Rose is a popular spot for photos because of it’s sweet exterior. I suggest actually eating here too once you collect some photos! The food is delicious and sitting outside watching other tourists walk by, is a perfect way to experience a Parisian afternoon.

Arc De Triomph

The top of the Arc has to be my favorite view of Paris. I love that the Eiffel Tower and Cahmps-Élysées are in perfect site. The walk up to the top is well worth it for this view to capture a perfect photo and take in Paris from above.

The Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most popular museums in the world is a must see while in Paris. The whole perimeter of the Louvre is worth spending an entire day visiting. After touring the inside of the museum, spend time taking some photos of the outside, the glass triangles are picture perfect.

Trocadero

One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris can be seen from Trocadero. I enjoyed sitting along the wall here and people watching. There’s also several restaurants along the Trocadero circle where you can enjoy a glass of rose and watch the Eiffel tower.

Musée de l’Orangerie

Before visiting Paris, I had always dreamed of seeing Monet’s famous waterlilies. I could have spent all afternoon walking through the rooms filled with Monet’s work. Next time I visit Paris I hope to go to Monet’s garden

Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, and Galway, Ireland Photo Diary

Published on August 23, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

This is my second time visiting Ireland and it still remains one of my favorite countries I’ve ever traveled to. I only had a couple days in Ireland so I stayed overnight in Dublin and used it as a base. During my time in Ireland, I took a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Doolin. In my opinion, day trips are a great way to experience the most of the country. I love being able to relax and admire the stunning countryside while someone else drives. Day trips through a company are organized with various stops for sightseeing and eating which makes it so much easier! If bus day trips aren’t for you, renting a car is another great option to see some of Ireland’s incredible countryside and different cities.

From Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher are about three hours away, and from the Cliffs, Galway is another hour. It’s possible to see both in one day. Next time I visit Ireland, I want to stay overnight in Galway and experience the city in more depth.

Here’s a few of my favorite shots from this green, rainy, cozy country:

Edinburgh, Scotland

Published on July 24, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

Edinburgh was an easy city to fall in love with. Every corner was had a unique appeal, from the charming architecture, to the Scottish shops, to the bagpipe players, I knew right away Edinburgh was special. Although I would’ve liked to see more of Scotland’s countryside, Edinburgh was the perfect introduction to the beauty the country offers.

Eats:

* Breakfast/Brunch: Burr & Co, The Milkman

* Lunch: Spoon, Hula Cafe

* Dinner: The Devil’s Advocate

* Sweets: Mary’s Milkbar

* Coffee: Wellington Coffee, The Elephant House

* Harry Potter fix: Magic Potions Tavern

Things to Do:

* Go on a walking tour! Edinburgh offers several walking tours, most are free. If you’re a Harry Potter fan there is a really great free walking tour everyday at 1:30pm.

* Go see the Edinburgh Castle. This is an incredible site in the city and easily visible without purchasing tickets to go inside.

* Hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat. A stunning view of Edinburgh can be seen from this point. The hike itself takes about thirty minutes and it’s just challenging enough but the view from the top is well worth the steep climb.

* If you’re a Harry Potter fan (like me!!) there is a place called the Magic Potions Tavern where you can get a butter beer and Harry Potter treats featured in the books and films.

* Walk along the Royal Mile street. This is a well known street with several Scottish shops and restaurants. It also leads all the way up to the Edinburgh Castle.

* Find Victoria street. This is supposedly the street that inspired J.K. Rowling to create Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. It’s a beautiful street with fun shops and colorful store fronts.

Tips & Tricks:

* Edinburgh is a small city and very walkable. When looking for a place to stay, I suggest staying on the Old town. The buildings are so charming on this side and it reveals the Scottish side to the city.

* As I mentioned there are several free walking tours. However, the tour guides still expect tips at the end of the tour since this is their full time job so it’s not entirely free.

* Similar to London, the weather in Edinburgh is unpredictable so pack proper rain gear or always have an umbrella on hand.

London, England

Published on July 17, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

London, England was the very first country I traveled to over twelve years ago! Visiting again was a brand new experience for me. London is a fun city with so much to do and see. It’s a much bigger city than I remembered but with public transportation, visiting all the major sites is easy. Here’s a small list of my recommendations for what to do in London.

Eats:

Breakfast: Farm Girl Cafe

Lunch: Homeslice, Wild Food Cafe

Dinner: Redemption

Sweets: Peggy Porschen’s Cakes

Things to Do:

* Spend the morning in Notting Hill. There is so much to do in this adorable neighborhood. I loved walking the streets and finding the beautiful pastel home fronts. There’s also the Portobello Market off of Portobello road.

* Find Neal’s Yard. This is a “hidden” alley spot behind some store fronts. It has several delicious restaurants such as: Homeslice, Redemption, and Wild Food Cafe. It’s a bright colorful spot to hang out in with take out food or a drink after dinner.

* Watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. This starts everyday around 10:45am. Be sure to arrive a little earlier if you want a nice view spot, the crowds are heavy!

* Visit one of England’s museums. There are a couple great museums throughout the city such as the British museum and the National Gallery. Bonus: the museums in England are free!

* Walk across Tower Bridge. This bridge is so stunning and walking across is definitely a must do while visiting London.

Tips & Tricks:

* If you’re planning to use public transportation while visiting London, I suggest getting an Oyster card. It’s good towards the tube and the buses. Purchasing the Oyster card can be done at any metro station and you have the option to fill the amount of pounds you want on the card. Once you run out, you can refill the card as well.

* Right Now the Big Ben is under construction so it’s not visible. The area around Big Ben is still nice to explore and the London Eye is visible from this area as well.

* The weather in London was unpredictable. It rained on and off constantly be sure to bring proper clothing and an umbrella!

Berlin, Germany

Published on June 24, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Berlin, what an intriguing city. Full of more culture, history, rebellion, and weirdness than any other city I’ve ever been to. Berlin was a much bigger city than I imagined and a city that still seem to hold on to all of the intense history it once experienced. With only two days, I made the most with my time. Here’s a small guide to the German capital:

Eats:

Brunch & Coffee: Silo Coffee

Lunch/Dinner: BurgerMeister

Sweet: Aldemir Eis

Things to Do:

* Walk to the East Side Gallery. This is a fun area to spend time around and take pictures with a unique background. The East Side Gallery is the longest part of the Berlin Wall that is still interacted and is now an artistic landmark.

* Visit the Berlin Cathedral. This Cathedral is stunning and there are several different spots to capture a beautiful picture. I suggest finding a cafe along the river to properly view this Cathedral’s beauty.

* Go see the Brandenburg Gate. This is a must see site in Berlin, as it symbolizes Berlin’s history.

* Walk along the Berlin Wall memorial. This memorial shows the last pieces of the Berlin Wall and the grounds that were once behind it. It’s another historical site that must be visited.

* Visit the Holocaust memorial. It’s an indescribable feeling.

* Enjoy a German beer and a pretzel!

Tips & Tricks:

* The metro system seems intimidating at first, but once you take one or two rides it gets easier. It is definitely the cheapest option for transportation around the city and it also saves a lot of walking time.

* There are several restaurants and shops that only accept cash. Luckily, the city is full of ATM’s on almost every corner, but be sure to have cash on hand.

A Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Published on June 21, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Amsterdam has to be one of the greatest cities I’ve ever visited. It’s a city full of amazing energy, delicious food, and beautiful canals. While I was visiting Brussels I decided to take a three hour train ride up to Amsterdam for the day. There’s a lot to see and do in Amsterdam but if time is limited, a day trip is definitely possible.

Eats:

Brunch & Coffee: Pluk Amsterdam

Stroopwafel: Van Wonderen Stroopwafels

Dutch Pancake: Pancakes Amsterdam

To Do:

* Walk around the city and enjoy the canals. Personally, I think Amsterdam’s canals are prettier than Venice’s and it’s much less crowded. Walking along the canals is the best way to enjoy the incredible energy within the city.

* Take a canal tour! I did this on my first trip to Amsterdam a couple years ago and I still think it’s a great way to enjoy the canals from the water.

* Enjoy the wonderful food. You can’t go to Amsterdam without trying a stroopwafel or a traditional Dutch pancake!

* Visit one of the many museums. I love the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, but there are also a couple others such as the Anne Frank house, Rijksmuseum, and the Moco museum. Be sure to purchase tickets online in advance.

* Walk by the Floating Flower market, also called the Bloemenmarkt.

* Rent a bike. I didn’t have time to do this but it’s something I’d love to experience on my next visit.

Tips & Tricks:

* There are several cute cafes throughout the city, not to be confused with a “coffee shop” which sells legal marijuana. During my first visit to the city, I was worried I’d get these two different types confused. Rest assured, a “coffee shop” looks like a bar (also the smell is a big giveaway).

*Dutch pancakes are a bit different than traditional American pancakes. A traditional dutch pancake is big, flat, and thin. They can be made sweet or savory depending on what you’re in the mood for.

* Tickets for museums such as the Van Gogh and Anne Frank are required ahead of time with a specific time slot.

Brussels, Belgium

Published on June 11, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Belgium has always been a place in Europe I’ve wanted to visit but never seemed to make it a priority. I recently spent two days in Brussels and I can now say I wish I would’ve visited sooner! Brussels is a small city with stunning architecture, rich history, and amazing food…I could write a whole post based on the food alone. If Brussels has ever been in the back of your mind, I highly suggest visiting!

Eats:

* Waffles: Maison Dandoy

* Frites: Cafe Georgette

* Chocolate: Elisbeth, Le Comptoir de Mathilde

* Brunch/Lunch: Peck 47, The Sister Brussels Cafe

* Dinner: Cafe Georgette

Things to Do:

* Walk around the Grand Place. This square is full of stunning architecture and gold detailing. The Grand Place square is also a great place to sit and eat a waffle or frites and people watch.

* Eat, eat, eat. Brussels is home to the most amazing waffles, frites, and chocolate!

* Take a day trip. Brussels is located close to other parts of Belgium and close enough to Amsterdam for a convenient day trip.

Tips and Tricks

* There are two types of Waffles to pick from: Belgium and Leige. The Belgium waffle is long, fluffy, and crispy. The Leige waffle is thicker, a bit sweeter, and chewier.

* There are several waffle places around the city but after tasting a couple different places, Maison Dandoy was my favorite. There is also the option to add toppings such as whip cream, fruit, chocolate, but the traditional way to eat a waffle in Belgium is plain with just powdered sugar.

* There are a few different train stations in Brussels, so be sure to know where you are staying in relation to the station.

Paris, France

Published on June 7, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Oh Paris…the city of lights, warm croissants, addicting macarons, and a sparkling tower every night. I’ve been wanting to return to this enchanting city since my last visit a couple years ago and recently I was able to. I had four days filled with lots of food and lots of exploring and I loved every moment. Here’s a small guide of places to eat, see, and overall tips!

Eats

* Coffee: Cafe de Flore, Angelina’s, Cafe Kitsune

* Breakfast: Any bakery with croissants

* Lunch: Ob-La-Di, Peonies

* Dinner: Pink Mama, Picnic under the Eiffel Tower

* Macarons: Laudrée, Pierre Hermé

Things to Do:

* Climb to the top of the Arc De Triomphe. In my opinion, this is the greatest view in Paris and well worth the stair climb to the top. Be sure to purchase the tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

* Take the metro to Montmartre. It’s a charming part of Paris where all the artists and writers spent most of their time years ago. I suggest having drinks and snacks at La Maison Rose, it’s a picturesque place with a delicious menu.

* Visit one of Paris’s many museums. I had the chance this trip to visit the Musee l’Orangerie and saw Monet’s famous waterlilies. It was breathtaking in person!

* Eat lots of sweets: macarons, croissants, crepes! There are so many fresh bakeries with warm croissants and countless crepe stations throughout the city. Macarons are my personal favorite and the best in the city are from Laudrée and Pierre Hermé.

* Explore the various arrondissements of Paris. My favorite neighborhoods are 1,5,18. Each has so many different shops, cafes, sites, which gives a unique experience to each area.

* Have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. This was one of my favorite experiences. Go to a nearby grocery, stock up on brie, baguettes, fruits, and wine and find a spot to view the stunning tower Eiffel. Pro Tip: have a dinner picnic so you can enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkle at dusk.

Tips & Tricks

* If you have a lot of sites you want to see and time is limited, invest in a metro day pass that includes all zones. This was a life saver for me, throughout the day I could hop on and off several different metros to take me where I needed to go without having to buy a new ticket each time. The metro also saves a lot of time since the major sites are spread out.

* The Eiffel Tower sparkles every night starting at dusk for the first five minutes of every hour until 1am. It’s pure magic, spend at least one night watching it light up.

* Purchase museum tickets in advance to skip the line it will save so much time.

* Another great view of the Eiffel Tower from a far is from Trocadero. It’s a beautiful platform that gives the perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower from a distance. There are also plenty of spots to sit along the edge for pictures or just to marvel at Eiffel’s beauty.

* Plan out specific sites and attractions you want to see but also leave time to wander and explore Paris without any plans.