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Copenhagen city guide

Have you ever thought that Dutch and Danish are the same thing? That Copenhagen is a district in Amsterdam? I know some foreigners who really think so and are always mixing up Dutch with Danish people. Probably it is because I am from the Netherlands myself but I find this confusion rather astonishing. I just cannot wrap my head around it. Sure, both countries are tiny kingdoms in the North of Europe and there are other similarities. But remember that Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. And actually it is one of the most charming and intimate capitals in Europe. Thankfully it’s also not one of those mainstream destinations like the tourist staples Barcelona or Rome. People are able to enjoy it peacefully, without dodging thousands of fellow tourists. Numerous international comparative studies show that Copenhagen is one of the most pleasant and comfortable cities to live and its inhabitants belong to the happiest people in the world. Despite all this happiness, history wasn’t very kind towards the Danish capital. Plagues, bombings, even being sieged by warships couldn’t crack the fundaments of this ancient Viking village. Locals are hard people, but they’re also very friendly towards visitors.

The top of the Round Tower in Copenhagen

The 17th-century tower and observatory Rundetaarn better known as the Round Tower in Copenhagen is the oldest still working observatory in Europe

Everyone keeps talking about the Swiss and how everything works like clockwork there, but in reality I think the Danish deserve the trophy when it comes to functionality. The Copenhagen Airport is one of the most efficient in the world; it’s splendidly connected to the city via train, which only takes 12 minutes to get you to the city centre. Public transport will get you everywhere; it’s cheap, punctual and clean, to the point that taxis are obsolete. Exploring Copenhagen on a bike is by far the most pleasant way, rental stations are conveniently spread around the city and it’s very cheap. Enjoy that, because everything else is unbelievably expensive. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget, DØP Hotdogs (https://xn--dp-lka.dk/) at Købmagergade 52 for example, hailed as one of the best in Europe. Rundetaarn, the Round Tower is right next to that hotdog spot, it’s an observatory from the 17th century, as a matter of fact, the oldest in Europe. You can climb the tower to witness an amazing view of Copenhagen; it’s up to you if you want that hotdog before or afterwards. I’d pick the latter as the climb takes a while.

Everything in Copenhagen is "organic” and "craft” including these organic craft hotdogs. Head over to Torvehallerne (https://torvehallernekbh.dk/) at Frederiksborggade 21 to sample some more of that all natural Danish specialties such as Smørrebrød. I think it’s really funny how Smørrebrød became such a phenomenon, it’s an open sandwich, it just doesn’t have a slice of bread on top of it, and everyone is crazy about those. What do they put on those remarkable sandwiches? Everything that comes to mind: chicken, prawns, beef tartar and, of course, herring. Denmark, like most Scandinavian countries, has a long history of doing miracles out of herring, smoked herring, cured herring, salted herring, fried herring, someone out there probably makes herring jewellery.

Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen with sea and industrial area at the background

Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen: a cute and world famous statue based on a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Copenhagen is full of wonders not necessarily made of herring or craft hotdogs. The Freetown Christiania is one of those hidden gems, a bunch of squatters living in abandoned military barracks decided to claim that area for themselves and declare it an “open city”. Independent from the government and having strong roots in teachings of yoga and meditation, Christiania quickly became a haven for Danish hippies and criminals. Back in the good old days, you could openly buy drugs on those streets. Actually you still can, it’s just not as exciting now that smoking weed has become an equivalent of having a beer. It tells a story of Danish tolerance; where else in the world people could just take a part of the capital and declare it sovereign? The Vatican doesn’t count.

Nyhavn is the perfect area to hang out during warm, summer season; it’s not awful during winter either. It has been a place to party since the 17th century when it was a full-fledged and busy port area. Best taverns and packed brothels for the weary travellers! It’s also where Hans Christian Andersen lived and created some of his best work. Those streets look like a place where the Little Match Girl would sit on the sidewalk during the winter. The Jane (https://www.thejane.dk/) at Gråbrødretorv 8 is a bar that I’m particularly fond of, it’s not exactly around Nyhavn, but it’s not that far off either. At first glance, it’s a simple bar where locals hang out, but they got this hidden room behind a secret door and I’m a huge sucker for that kind of stuff.

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Vilnius city guide

When I visited Vilnius for the first time I was barely a teenager. As a Polish high school student, I’ve been taught a lot about the Kingdom of Poland: the great Commonwealth union with Lithuania and portrayed as an unbreakable brotherly bond. Turns out after all that people in Lithuania have an opposite view on all that. They’re being taught that it was an occupation and they don’t really like Polish people all that much. It’s obviously changing and the newer generation doesn’t really care about the past. Instead, they’re looking into the future, which seems to be very promising for them. Despite, or maybe thanks, to its localization Lithuania and Vilnius have made incredible progress, they’re miles ahead of neighbouring countries. They have adopted the Euro and look down in pity on Polish politicians, who are busy Twittering about how they should restore the borders from the era of Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

View from the church on the Old Town of Vilnius

Old Town of Vilnius: here you will find buildings in different architectural styles from Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism

Vilnius is simply beautiful, it’s one of those cities that people visit and don’t want to leave. The capital was built around a medieval castle complex from 1419, now there are mostly well-preserved ruins and the Gediminas' Tower, named after the fabled founder of Vilnius. It’s filled with medieval armour and weaponry but it also has one of the best views on the city. The only things that can rival that view are the hot balloon flights, which are quickly gaining in popularity.

The Old Town and the nearby Cathedral Square is another tourist staple in Vilnius. The entire plaza is a perfect meeting spot for locals since it’s a kind of crossroad of the city’s main streets. It’s also where various events take place and where they plant the signature giant Christmas tree; t’s the Times Square of Lithuania. You might recognize the Cathedral if you’ve ever gotten a postcard from Vilnius. It’s the main church and the most important Catholic temple in the country. Yes, it’s beautiful and magnificent and all that, but I bet you’ve seen dozens of those all over the world. What’s really interesting is the tower, standing separate right in front of it. That alone is unusual but the best part is the stories surrounding the enigmatic building. According to new research, it stands on top of an old pagan temple; a religious centre focused around Perkūnas the god of thunder. Lithuania was one of the last European countries to get conquered by Christians and as such, they’re still very close to their pagan heritage.

The Hill of Three Crosses is a very important monument located in the Kalnai Park. There’s a stunning view on the city from the top of the hill. But there’s also an interesting legend involving this particular spot. It is said that seven friars where murdered, beheaded and crucified (either one of those, depending on the sources) because they ridiculed the old gods. Three concrete crosses were built to commemorate that “event”, but there are also pagan shrines hidden all over the park. Word is some kind of worship still takes place there; also the entire country still celebrates spring, fall equinox, and Rasos during midsummer.

The ancient city of Trakai is located 28 kilometers from Vilnius; in the second half of the 14th century there was built a stone castle which the prince of Lithuania used as his residence

I really like that about Vilnius; that old country and old traditions bohemian vibe. It’s very apparent in the Artists Republic of Užupia, an independent part of Vilnius since 1997. Užupia wasn’t the most attractive place to live in, back in the day. So the price of real estate was really low and it became a great area for artists and social rejects to settle in. Spunka (https://spunka.lt/) at Uzhupio g. 9 is an awesome local pub for such people; they say you can even meet some of those infamous Pagans there. You need to try a few traditional dishes exclusive to Lithuania, such as cepelinai potato dumplings filled with all sorts of stuff, or my favourite kind of cake: šakotis, also known as raguolis. One thing that might seem weird to most people is the cold beetroot soup; it’s like borscht but with kefir or yoghurt instead of a hot broth. Add a pinch of dill on top and you got yourself the perfect refreshment for those scorching summer days. Kepta duona is a staple snack that goes great with beer. It’s bread fried with garlic and herbs, served with a cheesy dipping sauce. You’ll have a chance to try those while bar crawling around Vilnius Street, the party central of this enchanting capital.

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Rīga city guide

Rīga is a city of contradictions: it’s the Latvian capital, but the majority of its inhabitants are Russian. Beautiful cobblestones streets are being butchered by developers and their sci-fi-looking hotels. Candle-lit pubs situated next to nightclubs with neon lighting and lasers. UNESCO is planning to revoke Rīga’s World Heritage status because of bad urban planning and that hideous architecture. It feels as if their transition from the old to the new is a bit rushed. Nevertheless, Rīga is still a great place for a weekend retreat. There are tons of other activities if you’re feeling more adventurous. A relaxing boat cruise on the Daugava River, or a day trip to the seaside Jurmala, are just two examples. Rīga is also known as the “Paris of the East” I know at least three cities with that nickname, one of them is Szczecin, which looks nothing like Paris.

The New Town is a great place to start your journey throughout Rīga. Medieval cities usually have the well-known Old Town and the less-popular New Town, which often isn’t all that new. The one in Rīga is a special place where craftsmen practice their traditional trades like weaving linen or calligraphy. There are also those industrial style hipster restaurants and bars around. I like that trend but, ironically, it’s getting a bit common. The central market is an amazing spot to visit if you’re interested in local food and products. It’s enormous and the largest in Europe. As a part of UNESCO World Heritage, it couldn’t be just any market. What makes it unique is that it’s an adapted German zeppelin hangar, which is kind of cool. It’s also open 24/7. The Old Town is something that reminds people of “The Secret Garden” movie, straight out of a fairy tale. There is something special around every corner of these charming alleyways. You could base your whole stay around that area, exploring the Rīga Castle, the Dome Cathedral or just eating, drinking and sleeping.

Roland statue on Town Hall Square in the Old Town of Riga

Riga's Old Town: the heart of the city with more than 800 years of history, a special atmosphere of romantic streets, many restaurants and cafes with delicious food and cozy terraces

Saint Peters Church is known as the symbol of Rīga. You can climb on top of its 123m tall bell tower for one of the best views of the Old Town and they have a lift if you’re too lazy to battle the stairs. It’s also a bit weird because you need to pay €3 to enter the church and €9 for the tower. Getting inside the Rīga Cathedral is at least free. It’s nothing spectacular by itself, but the real gem is inside: the organs. There’s something magical about church acoustics and the sound of organs and these are among the worlds’ best. The House of the Blackheads is another widely recognized landmark; it was decimated by World War 2 bombings and rebuilt in 1999. This eye-catching building was once hosting a society of very wealthy German merchants who choose St. Maurice of Africa as their patron. He was always depicted as a black knight in shining armour, which explains the name of the venue. It’s a kind of a museum now, hosting numerous exhibitions and events: probably a disappointment for those who were hoping for a museum of dermatological issues or something racist.

Baltic sea shore at the beach in Jurmala

Jurmala beach: wide coastline, white sand, the sound of the sea and the cries of gulls; very close to Riga, but at the same time pleasantly peaceful and quiet

The old shipyard/harbour district, Andrejsala has become Rīga’s hub for the creative youngsters and local hipsters. Some go that far to say it’s the only place in Rīga when they can go all out with their imagination. It’s a modern-day playground or sandbox where they can express themselves via sculptures, murals and other forms of art. Old warehouses are getting adapted to accommodate galleries, workshops, and cosy bars. Rīga has a long tradition of brewing and its craft beers are something unique which you’ll not find anywhere else. Latvian beers are made with herbs and spices that add a lot of flavour. You can sample some of those in the self-proclaimed Beer Workshop Labietis (https://www.labietis.lv/) at Aristida Briāna iela 9a. If that wasn’t enough, you should definitely spend a few hours in a Beer Spa (https://www.beerspa.lv/) with all kinds of beer treatments, massages, baths, and saunas. Balta Pirts (https://www.baltapirts.lv/) is the more traditional kind of spa with huge furnaces that keep everything hot with real burning wood. They even hand out birch twigs and herbs you can whip yourself with. Good times.

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Stockholm city guide

Stockholm, also known as the “beauty on water” or “Venice of the north”, is the epitome of Swedish culture. The capital is not only pleasant to the eye, but also represents all the values shared by its inhabitants. Lagom is the word they use to describe that attitude. It’s one of those words that everyone knows the meaning of, but can’t explain to foreigners, like the Norwegian hygge. Lagom more or less means: “just about right”, “there’s virtue in moderation”, “not trying too hard”. People are happy with what they got, they don’t want for too much. That philosophy has its impact on all aspects of Swedish life; there is no corporate rat race and people are content with a humble life. It is reflected in the so called “Nordic Food Revolution”, a movement that tries to revitalize their cuisine, using unusual, yet plain, local ingredients such as moss or hay. It clearly works; Stockholm alone has 12 Michelin-starred restaurants, including the 3-star Frantzen (https://www.restaurantfrantzen.com) at Klara Norra kyrkogata 26.

View on the water and Gamla Stan, the picteresque medieval Old Town of Stockholm

Gamla Stan, the colourful Old Town of Stockholm, is one of the biggest and best conserved medieval city centers of Europe; a vibrant open air museum that will charm every visitor

Locals say that the best view of Stockholm is from its waterways, while relaxing on a boat cruise. It’s a port town after all, with a long-lasting marine history. You can witness a part of it in the Vasa Museum (www.vasamuseet.se) at Galärvarvsvägen 14. It’s a huge hall, built specifically to house an enormous wreckage of a Swedish warship, which set off to its maiden voyage in the year 1628 and sank literally just outside of Stockholm. It could be a script for a Monty Python sketch. A site that every modern adult should visit is the Nobel Museum (nobelmuseet.se) located at Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. The Nobel Prize is an award given to the world’s most influential people in various disciplines like science, culture, or something vague like peace. I feel like it’s not as important as it used to be. Back when I was a kid in the 90s, everyone knew the laureates, now they know every member of the Kardashian family.

If you have seen the awesome Netflix series Vikings you know that Sweden during the Viking era was a paradise for men. No need to shave? Convenient. Pillaging? Sounds fun. Icy hot blondes? Sign me up. Long distance travels? Awesome! Don't we (men) all want to be Ragnar Lothbrok sometimes? It’s hard to believe that the hit show, originally produced by History Channel, is based on semi-factual, historic events. Those people were warriors, explorers, traders and inventors at the same time. It’s mind-blowing that the long ship, a boat perfected around 700 AD, allowed them to traverse the Atlantic. That’s the kind of people that have laid foundation to this country, before it was even called Sweden. Rune stones, burial mounds, medieval cities and fortifications are as common as restaurants serving herring in season. Vikings used ox blood, horsehair and eggshells as mortar, who would’ve thought it would last that long? One could argue that Ikea designers could’ve learned something from their ancestors and worked on the durability of their furniture. Thankfully, most of the icons that Sweden is known for seem to last forever. You love them or hate them but ABBA has been around for decades. Some call them cheesy, but most people still hum to their music. Their songs have been covered and adapted to countless movies, musicals and events. Sweden's love for ABBA remains unwavering, try telling someone it's simple or bad music and see what happens. In September 2021 it was announced that ABBA recorded some new songs and will release in November Voyage, their first studio album in 40 years. And that’s not all: in spring 2022 ABBA will go back on stage, but as avatars during a virtual concert. The four group members, all in their 70s now, will perform as holograms of their younger selves. The word “ABBAtars” as a variant of avatars immediately went viral on the Internet.

Stortorget square with fountain flanked by colourful facades of medieval houses in Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm

Stortorget is the main and oldest square of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's medieval city centre

People might have different opinions about ABBA but believe me: that is really nothing compared to the way people are conflicted about surströmming. This Swedish speciality is arguably the most inedible food in the world. It stinks worse than a durian fruit and is banned on airplanes. The recipe is almost 400 years old and started out as sticking herring into a barrel and burying it. Surströmming would ferment in the ground until someone remembered it was there. Nowadays the fermentation takes place in cans for anything from 1 to 3 years before they’re ready to eat. Locals usually have it on a heavily buttered slice of bread, garnished with sour cream and onion. It’s no food for the faint of heart. Watching YouTube clips of people trying surströmming is my new favourite pastime.

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Tallinn city guide

Tallinn is the capital of the smallest Baltic country. But its tiny size does not stop Estonia from being one of the most technologically advanced European nations. I remember that when they announced their countrywide free Wi-Fi I was still struggling on my overpriced dial-up back then. The journey that Estonia went through is astonishing. They declared independence from the USSR in 1991, and now they’re nicknamed the European Silicon Valley. This country is not only small in terms of territory, its population has always been frighteningly low reaching 1.3 million in 2018, with only 400,000 living in Tallinn, compared to almost 9 million living in London alone. They didn’t have people to fill positions in banks, post offices etc. So they needed people to service themselves, automatize. This is ingenious: you don’t have enough people to work in banks? That’s fine: you just need more ATMs. Insurance, taxes, ordering food online, Estonia pioneered solving problems via online services.

Cobbled streets in the Medieval Old Town of Tallinn

Cobbled streets, Medieval architecture and gourmet restaurants: Tallinn's Old Town will charm every visitor

All this “digi” stuff makes you think, does the “E” in e-commerce stand for electronic or Estonia? It was even the first country in the world where the people could vote completely electronically in nationwide elections. Marriage, fortunately, or not, is still one of the few things you cannot do online. Funny enough the reason why Estonia has become so advanced in IT business is a pleasant heritage of the Soviet Union because the best engineers of all regions within the USSR were traditionally planted for work and research in Estonia. If you want to learn more about Estonia’s great track record in the digital era it is highly recommended when in Tallinn to pay a visit to e-Estonia Showroom. By very entertaining and interactive presentations visitors will be briefed about all the digital achievements and developments ahead. This country isn’t all circuits and motherboards either; it boasts one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe with its nature, medieval ruins and tiny villages frozen in time. Over 20% of the land within the borders is protected from human interference, and around 50% is comprised of bogs, marshes, and forests. There are also lakes near the eastern border with Russia. And on top it all: a giant coastline with cliffs and 1500 islands, large and small ones. So plenty of room for sailing, lazy days at the beach, or bird watching if you happen to be into that kind of things.

All that talk about technological advancement must paint a futuristic picture of Tallinn with holographic images and digital billboards the size of skyscrapers. That couldn’t be further from the truth, Estonian capital is a stunning, medieval town, cobblestone streets with a UNESCO World Heritage Old Town Square. Some even say that it’s the prettiest among the Baltic countries. Everything is within a walking distance. The airport is 3 km away from the Old Town, so not much money to spend on taxis. If you are a light traveller and do not have a lot of luggage you could almost take a walk from the airport and take the sights in. There are numerous towers and vistas that you can climb to get a better view of Vanalinn (The Old Town), such as the Town Hall tower. St. Olaf’s Church is nearby, built in the 12th century and it was supposedly the tallest building in the world back then, though I admit I’m having trouble figuring out how they contacted the other tall buildings to compare the numbers. Pigeon mail, I suppose.

Several spots on Toompea Hill offer wonderful views of the Old Town

The City Museum is also a cool place to visit if you’re interested in Tallinn’s history. The nearby Toompea is a legendary site, connected to Estonia’s mythology. The entire hill is said to be a burial mound of Kalev: the country’s heroic founder. The Gate Tower that leads uphill is supposedly the most hunted building in the city; numerous encounters of ghostly figures have been reported throughout the years. Try to visit at least one of the saunas, they’re immensely popular in the region, almost every hotel has one. Also, make sure you grab the Tallinn Tourist Pass, a 72h one costs €58 and covers everything from public transportation to free entrance to over 40 museums and attractions. There are even benefits like free coffee here and there. You’ll get a map with all the good stuff marked on it, it’s a real bargain considering that some of the museums can cost upwards from €10 per visit.

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Sofia city guide

It’s been a while since I heard someone asking about “Internet cafes” in 21st century Europe. Bulgaria is a bit behind in development, especially compared to other members of the Union. But it’s catching up quickly, rapidly even as you can see in its capital Sofia, which went through a lot of renovation works and new construction projects lately. Statistics claim that 6 Bulgarians become millionaires every month. They’re still one of the poorest countries, with the lowest salaries, but they’re on the verge of joining the Schengen and Eurozone as soon as possible. Also known as “the Silicon Valley of Eastern Bloc”, Bulgaria is becoming a major partner for companies looking to outsource their workforce, alongside China and India. Giants like Google, Facebook and Apple are fighting for office space in the capital Sofia. That’s quite impressive for a country that suffered under Turkish enslavement for 500 years, enjoyed their freedom for a short while, just to end up a part of the Eastern Bloc, behind the Iron Curtain until early 90’s. Even during those times, Bulgaria was a major middle-class tourist destination. The Golden Sands are the prime resort in these parts. It’s usually crowded by an international mix of people that like to strike a bargain when shopping for all-inclusive holiday deals. Gorgeous, sandy beaches, the Black Sea, prestigious hotels and golf clubs are just a part of what the Golden Sands have to offer. A national park under the same name encircles the resort; those lush forests were mentioned in adventures of the mythical Argonauts.

The Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia

The most eye-catching building of Sofia: St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral, built in Neo-Byzantine style

Bulgarians can also take pride in their mountain resorts, such as Borovets, located on the northern slopes of Rila Mountain, just 70km outside of the capital Sofia. The same Rila Mountain that’s known for the Rila Monastery, a refuge for tourists and pilgrims. A beautiful bell tower and church stand in the middle of the site both covered in comic book-like frescos. Bulgaria’s patron Saint John (Ivan) has been buried in a tomb nearby, making it an even more symbolic destination. Religion is one thing that all the Slavic nations have in common; love for alcohol is another. They call it Rakiya, but it’s basically horrid moonshine made from anything they could get their hands like grapes, plums or apricots. Bulgarians drink it lukewarm, accompanied by (dry) fruit; I was told to snack on grapes while drinking it, but it didn’t make it any better. My friends’ dad had a habit of burying caskets of Rakiya in their garden for “special occasions”. Personally I don’t think the aging did it any good. Some Bulgarian Christians even use it in their religious rituals, instead of wine, which is weird.

Sofia is quickly becoming one of the most fresh and vibrant European capitals. It’s also one of the oldest. Established by the Thracians, later cultivated by the Romans, as an important part of the empire. Only recently it became the capital when the Turks got pushed back with help of the Russians in the year 1879. That started a long-lasting friendship between those two nations; Russians probably seemed like a peachy bunch, compared to those 500 years of brutal Turkish occupation. The gigantic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands to commemorate those events. Some of those Soviet monuments and sculptures have been kept but most of the stuff had been relocated to the Museum of Socialist Art. At that venue people can still witness it, but it’s not forced down their throats around every corner.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Sofia at sunset

The church St.Cyril and Methodius in Sofia is devoted to the Cyril and Methodius brothers (creators of Slavic alphabet)

Bulgaria stands on top of over 220 mineral springs and Sofia is no different. Those waters are warm and filled with mineral goodness, it’s nothing like the famed Japanese hot springs, but people still praise the healing and relaxing properties of baths such as Central Mineral Baths and fountains spread around the city. Lines of people stand in wait to get their share of the delicious tonic. The most amazing thing in Sofia, at least for me, are the Roman ruins of ancient Serdica, casually implemented into the cityscape. You walk out of the subway and there’s a McDonalds to your left and remains of a Roman city from AD 29 to your right.

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Minsk city guide

Originating from Central Europe myself, I have always considered Belarus to be one of those undeveloped post-soviet countries, still stuck in the reformatory limbo. Imagine my disbelief when I realized they’re years ahead of Poland, and European values are treasured and cultivated in cities like Minsk. My university professor organized a weekend trip to the Belarusian capital and the first thing that struck me was: how do they have so many Fanta flavours?! It was puzzling, how far they were ahead those days while till today Belarus is still a dictatorship. There’s the Independence Square in Minsk with government buildings and a statue of Lenin, tourists are forbidden to take photos there. “Independence Square” my ass. Communist symbolism is everywhere, statues, obelisks, sickle and hammer is a common theme. I admire that they’re preserving their history, contrary to most countries that do all within their power to get rid of any remnants of painful past. Having said that: let me be clear I have no sympathy at all towards totalitarian efforts. The famous KGB building in Minsk is still operational, and an urban legend claims there are some shady deals going down under that roof.

The National Library of Belarus in Minsk at night

The National Library of Belarus designed in a diamond shape

Belarus is a land of contradictions. People often work for less than €1 per hour and struggle to make ends meet. Yet the capital is bursting with boutiques, five-star restaurants, and enormous shopping malls. Some are happy with how their life turned out, some aren’t, but they’re all very welcoming towards tourists. Belarusians are educated and effortlessly communicate in different languages. The first thing that strikes all visitors is how clean and orderly everything is: the streets are spotless, the grass is trimmed and crime is non-existent. Belarusians rebuilt Minsk after the Second World War, and it appears they want to keep it as pristine as possible. Everything is cheap, if you compare it to western countries: food from omnipresent food-trucks rarely costs more than €2 per serving. Locals are open to trying new things. The influx of western cuisine and fast food is something new for Belarusians, who gladly sink their teeth in juicy burgers and hot-dogs.

Two-towered Orthodox Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk

One of the most recognisable symbols of Minsk: the magnificent Orthodox Holy Spirit Cathedral

Tourists, however, go above and beyond to try traditional specialties passed down by babushkas. Potato pancakes (draniki) are my favourite dish ever; they’re usually eaten with sugar or meat sauce, but take my advice and try them with sour cream. Bliny are another type of pancakes in the region, my uncle used to make those, we used to eat them either with butter or with pork ribs in cumin sauce. All that stuff appears in Russian and Polish cuisine, Belarus is, after all, located between those two countries. Kielbasa, pierogis, delicious soups, cured meats, all the good stuff that the rest of the world is falling in love with.

Try the restaurant Belaruskaya Karchma (Belarusian Inn) in Ozertso, outside of Minsk. There’s an authentic folk museum; a living and breathing village where you witness how people used to live in Belarus hundreds of years ago. Belozhevskaya Pushcha National Park is further to the southwest, home of the European bison and one of the last primordial forests left in the world. They are infamously butchered on the Polish side by a halfwit government.

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Monaco city guide

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco (in French: Principauté de Monaco), is a city-state: a usually autonomous mini country. Worldwide it is one of the three that are completely sovereign alongside Singapore and Vatican City. Monaco is in a close relationship with France, and even though Monaco is not a member of the EU, they do have a say in many European matters and have adopted Euro as the official currency. There is traditionally a lot of confusion about the difference between Monaco and Monte Carlo. While Monaco the name of the country, Monte Carlo refers to one of its neighborhoods. Monte Carlo is the most famous one because it is situated in the heart of Monaco. It’s the district where most people live and most tourists to see iconic places such as the Casino and Café de Paris. In total Monaco is divided into four districts/neighborhood: Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, and last but not least: Monte Carlo.

Even amongst the resort of the French Riviera, this city is in a league of its own. Every other guy drives a Ferrari to buy groceries; everyone else has servants that do that for him. What makes it such a paradise for the rich and famous? No income tax! That explains why it’s the wealthiest country in the world (per capita). For regular people Monaco is like a zoo, or a theme park, where you can watch rich people in their natural habitat, but how does it look from the other perspective? Waking up in terror after dreaming about dirty plebeian fingerprints on your Ferrari? Being filthy rich must be hard. How do the Monégasque spend their time, apart from sunbathing on their yachts and picking up supermodels? They role-play James Bond and risk their enormous fortunes in one of the most iconic casinos in the world: Le Grand Casino de Monte Carlo.

View of Monte Carlo and luxury yachts in Port Hercules in La Condamine quarter of Monaco

Port Hercules: a natural bay and the only deep-water port of the Principality of Monaco, which is in use since ancient times

The Grimaldi House has ruled Monaco since the 13^th century, had its up and downs and figured that the remedy to all their problems is of a financial nature. Charles the Third built a stunning casino and the cash started flowing in, after all “the house always wins”. It was so successful that Monaco’s entire rise to glory is attributed to that one building. The Grimaldis couldn’t manage the casino all that well. So they left the boring stuff to a family of French casino nerds and focused on counting the dough. That family was called the Blancs and they contributed to so much more than just the gambling. They actually turned Monaco into a tourism and cultural powerhouse that it is today. Charles III established the Société des bains de mer de Monaco, SBM in short, which to this day governs all the most important money cows in town, including the casino, the Hermitage Hotel and many others. It sounds like something a Bond villain would launder his dirty money in.

The name Monte Carlo, Monaco’s most famous and popular city quarter, translates to Charles’ Hill or Charles’ Mountain. The area used to be called Les Spelegures, meaning “The Den of Thieves”, which would be a too literal name for a casino. There are two other iconic buildings located beside the famous gambling establishment: Hotel de Paris and Café de Paris. The hotel was built in 1863 and it’s one of those buildings that you just recognize, remember you’ve seen them somewhere. This place was in so many photo-shoots and movies that it has become a worldwide famous icon. It starred in the Iron Man (the F1 race scene was also shot in Monaco) and its rooms were baptized by numerous Bonds and Bond Girls, royalty and celebrities. Hotel de Paris also features world-renowned, Michelin-starred restaurants and one of the best bars in Europe. Café de Paris is the final part to this fabulous trio of Monte Carlo. Built in 1868 and rebuilt many times over the years, it must have seen thousands of victims or victors emerging from the Casino to spend their newly acquired fortune on a luxury meal. Some, on the other hand, must have spent their last remaining pennies on drinks, to drown their sorrows. The Hermitage is another landmark hotel for the filthy rich, designed by Gustave Eiffel. That is the same guy that designed that tower in Paris you might have heard of.

The medieal town of Eze located on a hilltop close to Monaco

The picturesque Eze, located between Nice and Monaco, is a medieval village on a high rock offering stunning views of the French Riviera from Italy to St. Tropez

I know this all sounds like a resort for old millionaires and billionaires and it totally is. But there’s much more to it. There are a few things that normal folks can do in Monaco. Monte-Carlo Pavilions are five futuristic buildings where the most extravagant fashion brands sell their goods, a great spot to window-shop. Port Hercules (Port Hercule) is a famous yacht marine, another place where you can drool over things you probably will never have. Why the name and what has it got to do with Monaco? The mythological hero passed through Monaco, before it was even known as Monaco. So the locals had to build him a Temple of Hercules Mònoikos. Mònoikos, Monaco: close enough. Either way, the port has been functional for centuries, but now its main role is housing of the most impressive floating villas in the world. Wake up early, grab a cup of coffee and spend your morning watching people kill themselves trying to find work on one of those monumental boats. Spending a day at one of the beaches isn’t all that bad either.

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Tel Aviv city guide

Tel Aviv is one of the cities that don’t make you feel homesick; on the contrary it makes you feel as if you found something you’ve been missing for a long time. Tel Aviv is brimming with life, people spend their free time socializing, relaxing, eating in some of the best restaurants in the world and taking in the unique atmosphere. You could call it the “New Babel”; you can communicate in almost every language known to man in this ancient city. Ancient as in there are records about Jaffa from 18^th century BC. The city has a legendary nightlife scene that attracts partygoers from all over the globe. In my law firm we had an IT guy who was working as part-time DJ. In weekends he was spinning records in the best night clubs of Tel Aviv. For sure he made more money and had more fun than me and the other lawyers these days. I remember how envious we all were when we heard his anecdotes about romances with beautiful girls and other adventures at the beginning of a new working week. Also for the non-heterosexual pleasure seekers amongst us, the city is a very good travel destination for long weekends and short holiday breaks. Tel Aviv is a very liberal and tolerant city and particularly gay-friendly. Actually, the iconic “White City” is the whole package: UNESCO listed landmarks, fantastic beaches and the historic port of Jaffa with its Arabic vibe, are just a few examples as to why it’s totally worth the trip.

That is to say: when the time is right and when it’s not raining rockets from Gaza, as is the case at the moment I am writing this piece. I safely assume that rushing to bomb shelters in the middle of the night is not your idea of a relaxing holiday at the Mediterranean Sea. Oh wait, I just heard the Israeli government and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire. So probably when you read this, the missile attacks and bombardments, which have cost more than 240 lives at both sides, have come to an end. But then again it’s just waiting until another crisis or war pops up. I am sorry to sound so cynical and sceptical but the conflict between Israel and Palestinians is one of the world's most enduring and deeply rooted conflicts and almost unsolvable.

Church Jaffa and skyline Tel Aviv in the backdrop

St. Peter's Church: an old Franciscan church and the center of Christianity in Jaffa

You thought only Jerusalem has interesting cultural landmarks? Then you are totally wrong. Tel Aviv centre and especially the Rothschild Boulevard, is packed with the finest Bauhaus buildings dating back to the 30’s of last century. One of the most vibrant and colourful areas is the Yemenite Quarter, which was first settled by Yemenite Jews in the beginning of the 20th century. If you want to try cheap and delicious local street food you need to visit the nearby Carmel Market, which is Tel Aviv's equivalent of the famous Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem. Arty boutiques, fashionable restaurants and laid-back coffee bars are mainly concentrated in Neve Tzedek Quarter, an old and fashionable neighbourhood of the city. Here, near the quarter on Rochkach Street, you'll find some cultural hotspots: the Rockach House, housing a small but interesting collection of sculptures, and the Nachum Gutman Art Museum, dedicated to the famous multi-talented Israeli artist who was painter, sculptor and author.

The last time I visited Tel Aviv I stayed in a great Airbnb apartment in Neve Tzedek. The studio was not only as hip as the neighbourhood itself. It also turned out to be situated on the perfect location since I was very close to the beach and the nightlife hotspots in the vibrant area around Rothschild Boulevard as well. Also Jaffa was easily to reach by foot from there. On Sabbath I took a relaxing stroll along the boulevard to the old port city, which took me only 20 minutes. Jaffa/Yaffo was even more charming than I expected. I ended up in a fish restaurant run by locals. It was very busy and incredible chaotic: a true Fauda as Arabs would call it, which is also the name of an awesome Israeli Netflix series. The food was incredible tasty and the portions were huge. Even with the starters only you could have fed a whole family: Israeli hospitality at its very best.

The Old City of Jaffa in Tel-Aviv is one of those places where every pebble is steeped in history

Another atmospherically venue in Neve Tzedek is the HaTachana. This old Ottoman railway station has been renovated and converted in a lovely complex, home to hipster cafés, trendy restaurants and funky designer boutiques. Also the Old Port area, better known as Namal, is popular for its vibrant flea market, exotic wares, charming café’s offering live concerts and street-food stands. Tel Aviv is a one huge sight and it’s more of an experience than a sum of particular landmarks on a list that you cross out while sightseeing. And that’s why the best way to explore it is by foot or a bicycle. The idea is simple for all you non-explorers, spend your days on the beach and your warm evenings cruising around clubs and bars. The main attraction of Tel Aviv lies in its sandy beaches such as Gordon Beach, Frishman Beach, and Banana Beach, all equipped with pleasant facilities. In evenings take as stroll along the Tayelet (paved boardwalk) that connects central Tel Aviv with Jaffa. It is the main promenade and makes the perfect catwalk for the beautiful and fashionable people of Tel Aviv.

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Mexico city guide

The fabled Mexico, where the American youth invades in thousands, lured in by cheap thrills and even cheaper tequila. At the same time, its own citizens wish they could swap places with them while risking their lives trying to cross the border. Mexico City, now officially known as Ciudad de México (or CDMX), is the financial and cultural powerhouse of the county. The city is quite the sight, built in the 16th century by the conquistadors upon a foundation of a slaughtered nation. Zócalo is the main square in the capital; it is also where the temples of Tenochtitlan once towered over an island in the middle of a shallow lake. Those unsteady grounds are the reason why so many old buildings in Mexico City are slanted, not unlike the Pisa Tower. Remains of a recently discovered Mayan Temple are also located at the Zócalo, a great way to get a feel of that ancient civilization. Don’t miss out on the Palacio Nacional and the amazing murals painted by Diego Rivera. Even the massive Metropolitan Cathedral was built with the leftover stones from the Aztec settlement. Sure, the natives might have partaken in occasional cannibalism but they were also surprisingly advanced. Spaniards came, decimated the population, levelled the structures and made room for a new world of mariachis, nachos and lucha libre. Bad jokes aside, Mexico City is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in the world. It’s vibrant, colourful and offers lots of fun. Mexico City is colonialism blended with characteristic street art, Aztec motifs and districts of modern architecture. Yes, there is that dash of Mexican kitsch but it just fits, and creates that unique, frivolous vibe.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City: an important local pilgrimage centre, one of its main relics is the mantle of the peasant, who experienced a miraculous appearance of Our Lady

If I had to pick my absolute favourite thing about Mexico City, then it would be all the stunning colonial buildings. The Chapultepec Castle is not only the prime example of such a building but also the symbol of the dual culture of the capital. The name translates to “Grasshopper Hill” and it was a sacred site for the Aztecs. What happened to it is the classic colonial mentality. The conquistadores came, destroyed everything in sight and built a huge castle to establish dominance, like true primates. The building itself served a multitude of purposes: military barracks and the royal palace among many others, but it eventually became the National Museum of History. Most of the exhibitions it hosts are focused around the Mexican history, mainly the colonization period known as “The Conquest”. The absolutely best part of every trip to the castle is the stunning view of Mexico City. Some people would think that feeding the squirrels in the surrounding park is numero uno. Don’t do that, it looks cute on social media but chance is those little buggers aren’t getting much veterinary attention. Getting bitten by a rabid squirrel can be nasty end of your Mexico trip before it even has really started.

Frida Kahlo and the before-mentioned Diego Rivera are the Mexican essentials for any art-lovers out there. You can witness their lives and creations in one of the most colourful areas of Mexico City: Coyoacán. The name is pre-Hispanic and means “Village of the Coyotes” and it’s a beautiful part of town; green and blissful, apart from the mile-long lines of tourists trying to get into the Blue House. The open house museum/art gallery depicts the lives of this marriage of this extraordinary couple. Watch the movie, it’s awesome and I don’t want to spoil it. Watch it even just for Salma Hayek with the hottest mono-brow in the history of cinema. Makes sure to sit down at Casa del Taco while in Coyoacán. It’s one of the best restaurants with traditional Mexican food. If you’d rather take a breather, then the Xochimilco nature reserve is just outside of town, it’s a bit of a crowded party area during the evenings, but very soothing during the day. You can rent a boat and cruise around the last remaining Aztec canal system while sipping mezcal, the famous local spirit.

Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan near Mexico City

Teotihuacan, the "ghost town", an ancient settlement over 2000 years old, is located 40 km from Mexico City; the most famous buildings are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon

Colonia Roma is where I would go for pure leisure, do some shopping, eat something delicious and party your heart out at night. It’s a city in a city and mind-blowing. Classy Art Nouveau villas are being rented out to independent artists and chefs, creating bazaar areas unique to Mexico City. They sell anything from handmade clothing, fried insects to mezcal induced ice cream. For getting a sense of living in this thriving neighbourhood you don’t have to make the long journey to Mexico but can stay on your couch. The Netflix movie Roma is a masterpiece shot in black and white by the Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón who is from the same city. It’s based on Cuarón’s childhood in Mexico City, as told through the eyes of the family’s maid Cleo. The movie received ten Oscar nominations and won three Academy Awards (Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director).

Best nightlife in town is also centred around Roma, especially the northern part of the district, don’t miss out on essentials such as Patrick Miller at Mérida 17 or Zinco Jazz Club (https://www.zincojazz.com/) at Calle de Motolinia 20. But the best spots remain hidden. In fact, the speakeasy culture is alive and well in Mexico City. In case you wonder: I mean those hidden, secret bars that popped up everywhere during the times of prohibition. Those weren’t easy to find and access but they were always worth the efforts. Alcohol is far from being hard to find in Mexico, but the thrill of looking for a secret bar remains. There are even rumours of a bar that you can only enter via a freezer in a certain restaurants’ kitchen. Crazy stuff.

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