07 April 2025

Traditional German markets are mimicked around the world, so what better way to spend a festive weekend than indulging in smoky bratwursts and pine huts at the heart and soul of authentic Christmas charm , Germany! Rich in history, Berlin is a city full of fascination, but with twinkling lights on every corner and the lingering aroma of bratwursts filling the air, its markets are certainly the talking point throughout the winter months. We head to Berlin for a long weekend this December and not only got to journey back to a time the land our hotel was on would have been Russian territory, but we got to feel the magic of Christmas like we were children excited about spotting Santa Clause again. Catching an early evening flight from Heathrow, we didn't touch down in Berlin until gone 9pm, so in an eager fashion a Bolt was on its way to kick start our festive adventure. PS, the German underground system is super easy to navigate, so for budget savvy travellers, hopping on a train for half an hour for €4 is certainly worth it! But of course I am impatient so a swift ride later we were checked into our hotel and heading for a crisp walk towards Brandenburg Bridge. You can imagine, Capital City, Christmas time, historic landmarks, the crowds can be pretty bad during the day, so visiting a landmark that shines morning, noon or night is the perfect way to start your trip after a late journey. Glowing with golden lights, we shared the moment with few others, appreciating the creative genius and pure talent that went into Brandenburg Bridges architecture. Whether it's strolling down after an evening at the markets or waking with the sun while the city still rests, it can truly change your entire perspective. Some how 9pm turned to 1am and it was time to head back to the hotel ahead of a full day of exploring. We stayed at the NH Collection hotel a short stroll from Check Point Charlie, which is exactly where we started the next day. The most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin, known for its numerous escape attempts, and most recently known as the setting for many spy and thriller stories, including James Bond, Check Point Charlie is like stepping back into history. As you approach the booth, you are met with almost a memorial wall, detailing the locations history from pre war to now, there is also a small museum you can visit to learn more. Unfortunately for us it wasn't a landmark that we particularly clicked with, but if you're already in Berlin I'd still suggest a visit, especially if history is your niche! Heading East, back past our hotel, we stopped off at Starbucks for a toffee nut latte, better than buying gloves to keep your hands warm right? before continuing towards Alexandre Platz. The hub of Berlin, this is where you'll find one of Berlins biggest markets, as well as a shopping mall, a host of bars and restaurants and I'd say the best social scenes too. But before I get ahead of myself, as we made our way (around a half hour walk) we passed three different markets, the first you had to pay €2 entry, but you then have access to proper German steins and sit down restaurants. As you carry on towards the cathedral, you will reach the Winter Market at Schloßplatz, this one was our personal fav and the one we returned to the most. Greeted with spicy jerk wraps, followed by traditional cuisines and delicious pancakes, this market tops the tree for one special reason, it is genuinely a hidden gem. The main market is found a short stretch from the Cathedral, faced with dazzling lights, but as you pass the dancing huts, you see a short tunnel leading through to a square that feels frozen in time. Like a gateway to a more magical Christmas, I can't emphasize the feeling with any other term than warmth. After stumbling upon this joy, we spent an hour or so selecting different foods to indulge on and which stalls to browse before heading on towards Alexanderplatz, it took less than five minutes to realize how close we actually were to the 'main market' . Dependent on where you find joy at a Christmas Market, this is one of Berlins biggest, with an ice rink drawing you to the centre and a ring of craft stands, homemade liquor's, chocolate strawberry's and festive photo booths surrounding every bend. This Christmas Winter Village was mesmerizing, but for us, didn't offer the same charm as the first. One hundred 'my feet ache' later, we stumbled upon a hidden market making the 25,000 step count worth it! Now, we weren't sure at the time whether it was a subtle artsy type market/fair for Christmas, or a quirky market all year round. It was in fact just an every day vibrant market! There were all sorts of stands, from 'miniature bums' to handmade jewellery, an array of food and drinks, music and the best part, a little access way to the river where locals were enjoying their drinks away from the chaos. I would 100% suggest paying a visit to Holzmart if you get the chance and enjoy anything that oozes character. To find out how the rest of our festive adventure went, head over to my blog Travelwithem!

07 April 2025

The perfect city break can be defined by many things. The weight placed on seeking the perfect location to spend an evening tastefully sipping sangria or the pull of touring landmarks steeped in centuries worth of history, every traveller seeks that thing that makes them tick when they explore a new destination, so immersing in a city that has it all has to be a solution designed for any bucket list. We spent a weekend diving into Madrid's vibrant culture and charismatic centre, in this blog you'll find my tips and tricks for exploring the city, a budget friendly itinerary and a carefully crafted appraisal spotlighting a 'dream'. The Spanish Capital city sits at just over 2000ft, making it one of Europe's highest capital cities and therefor offers a panoramic view of surreal landscapes around the city. It would be fair to make the assumption that with elevation also comes cooler whether, especially over the Winter months, but having just returned from a mid January escape, I can confirm a clear blue sky spread across the city, sun beamed throughout the weekend and no coats were worn during the daytime. A comparison to an English summer day would be my best description but I don't wish to insult the Spanish forecast in such a way. As you wonder the streets you become captivated by such a glorious array of architecture, an old world meets the hustle of city life, creating an atmosphere desired by many destinations. Buildings stand tall and vibrant, painted in dulled tones of the rainbow, each unique to the next. Side streets welcome boutique shops and intimate experiences but just steps away you can find your fashion favourites in quantities perfect for a day of treats. The endless choice of bars and dining options is almost a challenge for weekend breakers, but the outdoor seating, protected from the breeze yet immersive with life beyond the restaurant, made cosy by rows of golden fairy lights and homely by the laughs of visitors in every language is truly an option not to be overlooked. PS. Did you know if you do not live in the EU you can claim the tax paid whilst shopping back. Keep your receipts and before heading through security at the airport, use one of the machines scattered around to claim! For me, the biggest perk of city breaks is being able to change the pace, unwinding Friday but spending Saturday being a real tourist! After all, Madrid is home to an array of landmarks, ranging from the Royal Palace to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (yes many do count the infamous stadium as a landmark!) so there's plenty to do and see. But my personal favourite spot in Madrid? El Retiro Park. Once owned by the Spanish monarchy, El Retiro is one of the biggest parks in the city, inviting visitors to soak in the creativity of street artists, from saxophone players to caricaturists, and simply enjoy being present. My experience of the park was second to non. We wondered the gardens, stopping for a drink and a choccy pancake along the way, and watched as others laughed as they attempted to row around the lake. A scene from Bridget Jones, some how exactly the same but completely unchaotic at the same time. The air felt cleaner, fresher, and a gentle breeze was welcomed not moaned about. Call it cheesy but being outside, feeling the warmth on your cheeks in a month commonly considered miserable can only deepen a sense of appreciation for a city so wonderful. Whilst it's easy to get swept away in the perfect simplicity of existing in Madrid, having a rough idea of how you're going to spend your day is always beneficial, so if you're heading for a 48 hour break and are hoping for a little inspiration, here's how we spent our weekend in the city : Friday Night... Arriving no earlier than 9pm, we had mentally prepared for a short wonder around the area, accompanied by a quick bite to eat, but after a short few minutes in the uber we knew we were in a city that breathed 24 hours a day. Streets were hustling with people, from suits to mini skirts, and our hotel was right in the heart of it all. Staying at Motel One, we had a swift check-in, practically threw our bags on the bed and head straight out to explore. We strolled up the main high street, passing shop after shop, taking in the bold advertisements that lit the darkened sky. It wasn't long before we found ourselves at a Tapas called 'TapaTapa', indulging in tuna tata and potato bravas (it wasn't as good as it sounds but we were too hungry to care!), before heading to the Sam Miguel market. Sam Miguel Market is a food hall filled to the brim with fresh fruit, fancy fish to steak cooked to perfection, plastic cups of local beer and bougee bars for a glass of fizz. It was almost midnight and the market was still beaming with locals and tourists enjoying an atmosphere tailored for the perfect evening. Saturday … We spent Saturday walking the city streets, 25k steps later, I feel it's only right to share how! Note you can take a hop on hop off bus around the city if you don't wish to walk all day. We started at 'Parque de Atenas', walking through the greenery towards the Royal Palace. Unfortunately we didn't take a tour but we did admire the grand architecture from outside, and the best part was there were no crowds. Whilst you're there, you can also head to the Gallery of The Royal Collections, where you'll find a diverse range of pieces from the Patrimonio Nacional Collection. Next, we head towards Madrid's Plaza Mayor, a standing monument to where the city first began, where we were able able to appreciate charming architecture, accompanied by a coffee and croissant in the centre of it all to complete the morning. Once we'd re-energized, we ventured towards the El Ritiro park via El Oso y el Madroñ, the infamous bear and tree statue! You'll be able to enjoy an extra snack, an ice cream or cold beer as you wonder the park, and a trip on the row boats is a must too if you get the chance! Spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace, enjoying the sites and surroundings before heading into the heart of the city for a night out! We started with a rose at Lamucca Bar & Restaurant, before heading to fat cats cocktail bar, a real hidden gem, with no signage outside so make sure to use your maps! We then stopped off for a family serving of paella at La Carmela restaurant. Opposite you'll also find two Irish pubs to kick start a fun evening of bar hopping or for a friendly pint to put you to sleep!

07 April 2025

As the type of traveller that loves to squeeze in a whistle stop adventure wherever and whenever I can, I know how overwhelming it can be deciding what parts of a city are a must do and what will have to be on the list of excuses for a second visit ... So, to make planning your 48 hour itinerary that little bit easier, I've put together a list of my Scottish non-negotiables, including everything from medieval pubs to 21st century Netflix dramas. ... LET'S TALK HAGGIS! It doesn't take many meals to become acquainted with the fact a Scottish twist is placed on many classics, haggis loaded fries to a double cheese burger topped with haggis, full English with haggis over sausages or quite plane and simply, a bowl of haggis. Boasting an acquired taste, I personally opted for a sprinkling on my chips at the Burgers & Beer Grill house. Although not something I would lean toward every meal, it certainly adds to the dining experience and is a must try for your tastebuds if you've made the trip up north! Having also indulged in a bite or two of the Scottish delicacy from the Edinburgh café, this feels like an appropriate place to sneak in a few dining recommendations so you don't loose out on a culinary adventure of its own ... Breakfast/ Brunch https://menu.cafeedinburgh.com/ https://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/ Dinner https://www.burgersandbeersgrillhouse.co.uk/ https://jimmysexpress.com/ https://devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk/ Pubs/ Bars https://www.instagram.com/scotsmans_lounge/?hl=en https://www.jollyjudge.co.uk/ https://www.belhaven.co.uk/pubs/edinburgh/malt-shovel-inn ...THE VENNEL VIEWPOINT The series that had us all in a choke hold back in 2024 If you're a serial series binger like me, the 2024 Netflix hit 'One Day' was the perfect excuse for a sofa day. A story line that saw us slowly become effectuated with a messy, complicated romance that was taken away in an unfair turn of events, leaving us all right there along side Dexter (Leo Woodall) in a moment of heartbreak. For those who haven't yet seen the drama, I recommend doing so to make this must do more than just a surreal view. Avoiding the crowds boasted by the Royal Mile, the climb to Vennel Viewpoint is a short and sweet journey to capture an uninterrupted view of Edinburgh Castle. Like stepping back in time, the infamous sandstone stairway murmurs the tails of a cosmic mystery as Scotland's visitors stand in admiration of a historic landmark dating back to 11th century. ...ARTHURS SEAT Whether it's looking up at glorious hillsides, or overlooking the city from a viewpoint that comes with no fee, just nature, Arthurs seat offers a glimpse into the beautiful landscapes surrounding the Scottish capital. Over 300 million years ago Arthurs Seat erupted just a short walk from what is now the infamous Royal Mile and now? Its remains boast an easy-medium level climb for outdoor lovers and panoramic views for all to enjoy, it's certainly a must on the cities on bucket list. If you do happen to visit, opting for a sunrise or sunset trip can be the perfect way to appreciate the views peacefully, with little interruption and plenty of time to become immersed amongst the skyline. ...CLASSIC LANDMARKS Stood on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places across Europe, boasting a history filled from royal residencies to prison walls. Medieval Poets have shared rhymes of how a war band once resided within its walls before riding to their deaths months later. War novels and Scottish history books share the chaos the castle grounds have seen over centuries worth of conflict. And now open to the public, Edinburgh Castle shares a timeline of love and hate to curious minds and intrigued travellers. The Royal Palace of Holyrood House is also not shy of a tail or two. Confined by its associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Palace welcomes visitors seven days a week and offers an incite into the residence of royalty. Based on the bottom of the Royal Mile, you'll be welcomed with a traditional grand stair case, nothing short of a movie or a fairy tail, closely followed by a tour of royal paintings, before falling in awe of the spectacular dining space and dazzled by the Darnley Jewel. Though an unmissable stop during your visit, both can carry a cost if purchasing a ticket on the day, so it's key to look out for offers and be prepared ... for example, the first Sunday of every month up until the end of March sees Edinburgh Castle welcome its visitors for no cost at all! ...AN OFFICIAL TOUR GUIDE As much as we all love to deem ourselves an expert after a few TikTok videos, some TripAdvisor reviews and perhaps an hours deep dive in history before heading on the plane, there are very few who can truly share centuries worth of information in a captivating manor. With a variety of tours readily available, from graveyard ghost stories to guided adventures through the once narrow alleys of the 1800s, there is a lot to be said for the passion that has gone into the research of Scotland's past. A ninety-minute history tour of the city created the opportunity to stand in an underground, windowless flat once used to house up to 30 people in an illegal pub setting to years later being used as a home for families with little else. The fireplace offering a glimpse of light to its owners and damp circulating the stone around it offered little to no comfort when cobbled streets and small rooms were found buried deep behind the modernized structure of the flat. Tails of dolls and tricks of the imagination bring a world so far from what we know right to your fingertips, an experience of time travel narrated through a guides passion for an ever-evolving history. When the everyday life of the 19th century becomes a momentary reality, the stories of infamous locals, now commonly known as pubs on the Royal Mile, are shared in an effort to remind us of the past that lead to our present. After partaking in a tour myself recently I have become increasingly curious about the mischief of the past, specifically the story of Deacon Brodie.