Love German Christmas Markets – Ich Liebe Deutsche Christkindlmarkts

You know that feeling when someone plays with your hair or tickles your arm? And that feeling when your heart is so full of happiness that it actually makes your chest warm? Well, take those and put them together and that will begin to describe how it feels to stand in the middle of a German Christmas market.

Celebrating Love with a Honeymoon Tour of German Christmas Markets

This trip was a bit of an unconventional honeymoon, but now that we have experienced it, I would HIGHLY recommend this way of celebrating a life of love together. We got married in July and decided that we wanted time to recover from both the physical and financial exhaustion of planning a wedding. We have both had the opportunity to enjoy the sun and beach style vacations, and wanted something different than that. As we tossed ideas around for late November early December, Europe came up, which led to the mention of Germany and then us both exclaiming ‘German Christmas markets!’ As two big Christmas lovers, a dream was born.

The history is rich and choices of charming German villages abound so in sharing the itinerary we put together, I hope to inspire you to either copy it, or just simply let it inspire you to go! We fit in so much more than just Christmas Markets, which I list out for you in a detailed itinerary at the end of this article.

Munich’s Christmas Markets

We began in Munich, which has more than one Christkindlmarkt (the German name for Christmas market) making it an ideal city to fill your Christmas Spirit cup. Our first visit was to the Medieval Christmas Market.

Munich Medieval Christmas Market

Market vendors here sold exactly what you would picture being at a Medieval market, and they loved to talk about the history behind their craft. We wanted to buy everything, but quickly learned that many prices were higher than we expected and that we would have to be selective. This would continue to be the case at most markets, plus we needed to maintain some self control with the Euro being worth more than our dollar.

Gluhwein, a German Christmas Market Must (provided you drink wine)

It is here that I will pause to introduce you to Gluhwein. I thought we would be going to Germany to fill up on beer, but we ended up having Gluhwein pulsing through our veins everyday! Gluhwein is hot mulled wine, which is red wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange and sugar (or maple syrup!) This certainly contributed to that warm feeling of love in my chest. Each Christmas Market in Germany has their own signature mug that changes every year and with your mulled wine, you pay a small deposit of $3 – $5 to either keep or return your mug. Seeing everyone walking around with ceramic mugs sending hot mulled wine steam into the air, and not throwaway to-go cups enhanced the magic of our whole festive experience. Even if you leave the market with wine still in your mug, it is completely legal to walk and drink. There wasn’t any trash on the ground and if there were any obnoxious drunk people, I didn’t see them. Keeping a mug from each market made for wonderful souvenirs.

Munich Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz

We timed our visit to the main Munich market, the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, to be at dusk so we could experience it with the beauty of all the holiday lights. This, combined with the majestic architecture of the old buildings surrounding it, put us right in a holiday movie. I’m talking the kind you curl up on the couch with by a roaring fireplace and somehow feel the Christmas Spirit right through the screen. Well, imagine actually being in it with all the smells of baked goods, hot drinks, sausages, warm German baked pretzels, and roasted nuts around you. Imagine the cool crisp air taunting you with the possibility of a magical snowfall and giving you a reason to be cozy and hold onto another cup of mulled wine. Picture the giggling couples on a date and the groups of friends telling stories together. And now relish in the feeling of knowing you get to do this over and over again as you travel from town to town on your whole vacation!

Munich Accommodations Map

Looking for accommodations during your visit to Munich’s Christkindlmarkts? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Munich, Germany.

We planned to visit a total of 4 cities with two days spent in each. Since they were all less than 2 hours away from each other, we decided to rent a car and be on our own schedule. Driving in Germany was easy, but navigating and reading the long street names quickly was a skill to develop and the steepness of the underground parking garages caused quite the panic! It was off to Stuttgart next!

Stuttgart’s Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Stuttgart is quite large, taking place in the city centre along four different streets. It is unique in that vendors decorate the tops of their stalls. This adds extra festiveness and something beautiful to gaze at beyond the heads of the crowd in front of you. Our days here were over the opening weekend and it was BUSY! We enjoyed perching up high in a glowing warm cabin-like bar with our mulled wine and great conversation with locals. We found some unique purchases at this market, including German cookie stamps, which I had to commit to learning how to bake before purchasing!

Stuttgart Accommodations Map

Looking for accommodations during your visit to Stuttgart’s Christkindlmarkt? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Stuttgart, Germany.

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber’s Christmas Market

It was our next city adventure that landed us in a place we wish we never had to leave. A place I feel Christmas decorative villages were modelled after ~ Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber. The charm of the buildings swept us away and with that we didn’t need to do anything other than stand on the street, look around, breath in the air, and smile at the passersby to feel everything you wish you could feel in the best moments you can imagine.

The Christmas Market in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber though smaller than the others, was also in a courtyard with stunning architecture and a building with a cuckoo clock! There are also a few grand stores just off the courtyard that are Christmas all year round. They even have a Christmas Museum. If you are looking for a place to buy an authentic cuckoo clock, this is your town.

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Accommodations Map

Looking for accommodations during your visit to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber’s Christkindlmarkt? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany.

Nuremberg’s Christmas Market

Nuremberg was our final city before heading back to Munich. The drive from Rothenberg to Nuremberg was our favourite. We hopped off the highway for a while and drove through the countryside, which was gorgeous! As an added bonus, the route also took us through through smaller old villages. One thing about having the opportunity to take a long trip and visit multiple cities is that you always have something to look forward to, despite being sad to leave where you are.

Nuremberg’s Christmas Market was enchanting in its own way. From our hotel we walked through the adorable Winter Fest, complete with Ferris Wheel, past shops and restaurants to the city centre Chriskindlmarkt (drinking mulled wine the whole way, of course!) Each market in every city brought new items and new food to explore, and Nuremberg was no exception. The vendor prices here were the most affordable of all the markets, so we were able to try more food and finish all our Christmas gift shopping. A tiny little restaurant in Nuremberg, Trodelstuben, also had the best goulash of our entire trip (and I tried a lot!). I have the biggest grin on my face just thinking back on all of it.

Nuremberg Accommodations Map

Looking for accommodations during your visit to Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Nuremberg, Germany.

We drove back to Munich, bringing our trip full circle, for one last day before flying off to Paris for the second leg of the honeymoon. Details on that one coming soon!

Useful German Phrases for Visiting German Christmas Markets in Germany

As a guest in a country, it is respectful to try and speak some of the local language, even if you are stumbling over the words and struggling with pronunciation. The fact that you are trying often means that the locals will be more likely warm up to you.

Here are a few German phrases that will be appreciated while visiting German Christmas Markets:

• Frohe Weihnachten – Merry Christmas
• Frohe Festtage – Happy Holidays
• Hallo – Hello
• Guten Morgen – Good Morning
• Guten Tag – Good Day
• Guten Nacht – Good Night
• Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt – Christmas Market
• Gluhwein – Mulled Wine
• Bitte – Please
• Danke! – Thank you!
• Danke sehr! – Thank you very much!
• Ein Gluhwein, bitte! – A mulled wine, please!
• Mit Schuss, bitte! – With a shot of rum or amaretto, please!
• Ist das der Pfand? – Does that include the mug deposit?
• Eine Brezel, bitte! – A pretzel, please!
• Eine Wurst, bitte! – A sausage, please!
• Zahlen, bitte! – The bill, please!

Gern geschehen!

Full Trip Itinerary for Touring German Christmas Markets

With the exception of airport Ubers and our driving between cities, we were able to walk everywhere in our Grand Tour of German Christmas Markets! We also built in time for wandering so we could find little gems not talked about on the internet.

Munich – Day 1

• Arrive early morning, drop bags at hotel – hit the ground running to avoid jet lag
• Local bakery, Medieval Market, lunch at Hofbrauhaus
• Fully check into hotel, freshen up then Marienplatz Christmas Market

Munich – Day 2

• Lazy hotel breakfast
• Third Reich Walking Tour
• Wander to explore and find a local restaurant for lunch
• Back to the Christmas market area, dinner eaten from various food vendors

Stuttgart – Day 1

• Take time leaving Munich and driving to Stuttgart
• Explore local city shopping and continue walking on to the Christmas market
• Dinner from market vendors

Stuttgart – Day 2

• Hotel breakfast
• Porsche Museum then Mercedes Museum – lunch at Mercedes Museum
• Find a local biergarten – dinner there
• Explore more or rest

Rothenburg – Day 1

• Take time leaving Stuttgart and driving to Rothenburg
• Walk from hotel to Christmas market – lunch from market vendors
• Christmas Museum and Christmas stores
• Explore for a restaurant to have dinner
• Nightwatchman Walking Tour

Rothenburg – Day 2

• Breakfast at a cafe
• Walk the medieval wall surrounding the town
• Medieval Crime and Justice Museum
• Explore more of the town along the way
• Dinner at Profumo di Pasta da Giuseppe (make reservations on Day 1)

Nuremberg – Day 1

• Take the longer route from Rothenburg to enjoy driving the countryside
• Lunch somewhere upon arriving (ask for recommendations) – this is how we found the best goulash on the trip
• Explore city while wandering to the Christmas market
• Eat, drink and be merry

Nuremberg – Day 2

• Hotel breakfast then walk to tour Imperial Castle and local churches
• Lunch anywhere along the way
• Return to Christmas market area or nice restaurant for dinner

Munich – Final Day

• Sleep in then drive from Nuremberg back to Munich
• Return to any favourite spots or any that were missed
• Rest in hotel while sorting through all souvenirs to repack properly for flight out

What Would You Add to Our Itinerary of German Christmas Markets?

From your own touring of German Christmas Markets or of Germany in general, what would you add to an itinerary for touring German Christmas Markets? There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. We’d love to read about your additions in the comments below. Hopefully they will be added to a future visit.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post Touring German Christmas Markets – Frohe Weihnachten! first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Four-Days in Prague, Czechia

There is so much to love about Prague, Czechia that I hardly know where to begin – from its stunning beauty to the joy of reuniting with family from across Europe, our four wonderful days in this beautiful city were magical.

Seven of us met up in Prague – our grand-niece Maria lives there, our other grand-niece Anna along with her husband and one-year old son flew from Sweden, our niece Olya made the long journey by bus from Ukraine, and my sister Vera and I flew from London after our Northern European cruise.

Our group came together each day for sightseeing, picnics, dinners, and other activities, all planned and led so wonderfully by Maria. We were so lucky to have her as our own personal guide, taking us to all the main tourist sights, as well as many of her own favourite spots, allowing us to see far more than the average tourist in four-days in Prague, Czechia.

Day 1 : A History of Music and Marches in Old Town Prague, Czechia

This busy sightseeing day started with a Metro ride to Jan Palach Square, a quiet spot honouring the student who died while protesting the Soviet Invasion of 1969. We passed the elegant Rudolfinum Concert Hall and a statue of Czech composer Anton Dvorak. As a pianist, this was an utter delight for me.

A short walk took us to the historic heart of the city and one of Prague’s most popular tourist areas, the Old Town Square. We admired the Old Town Hall, a beautiful medieval landmark, and popped into the lovely St. Nicholas Church, before joining the crowd gathering at the iconic Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall. Like clockwork, as the chimes rang out on the hour, the figures representing the 12 Apostles came out of the clock in a little performance well worth the wait.  You can also join a tour of the Old Town Hall and Tower.

Our stroll through Old Town continued down Celetna Street, where we came to the Golden Angel apartment where Mozart had once lived – another exciting moment for me, having played so much of his piano music. Today you can book a stay at the Golden Angel Suites. Further down the street is the Powder Gate Tower (Prasna brana), a Gothic gate that once guarded the city. To go inside and learn about its history, book a ticket to the Powder Gate Tower. Nearby you can also visit the elegant Municipal House (Obecni dum), a beautiful arts & culture centre, and purchase tickets to the performing arts.

Taking a break from the heat, we enjoyed lunch and family time at Maria’s place. Later we resumed our sightseeing at Namesti Miru (Peace Square) and the beautiful Basilica of St Ludmila, an area we would come to know well as our meeting spot each day.

Further along, we passed the National Museum and strolled through Wenceslas Square where many historic protests have taken place, particularly the demonstrations that led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989.

A few streets down we marvelled at all the fresh fruit and Czech goods at the lively Havel’s Outdoor Market, before arriving at the Estates Theatre where Mozart’s Don Giovanni opera premiered in 1787 – especially fascinating for us to learn of the namesake of our hotel, Hotel Don Giovanni.

After a yummy gelato break, we admired the majestic Klementinum with its ornate library and courtyards before crossing the historic Charles Bridge and taking in the breathtaking scenic views of the Vltava River and the city. The bridge itself is stunning, a 14^th C. medieval masterpiece originally built to connect Old Town and Prague Castle.

Crossing to Kampa Island, the cute crawling babies (‘miminka’ in Czech) sculpted by David Cerny, made us smile. Just as a short while later Anna & Jonas’s adorable baby Hjalmar also made us smile, as we ate our delicious Czech dinner at the Vinohradsky Parlament Restaurant.

Day 2 : Architecture Through the Ages Along the Vltava River

July 1^st was a special day all around – jam-packed with more fabulous sightseeing, full of family activities, Anna’s birthday, and Canada Day back home!

Our sightseeing began at Vysehrad, a historic fortress dating back to the 10^th century, where we wandered its massive grounds and gazed at the ancient towers and churches. In a picture-perfect spot we enjoyed a leisurely picnic as we soaked in the fabulous views of the city and river. 

Making our way down to the riverfront we strolled along the harbour, taking in the sights of boats gliding along the Vltava and charming cafes along the way. 

The walk eventually brought us to the Dancing House, a uniquely shaped office building designed to look like two dancers in motion. From this modern structure, a few blocks along we stepped back in history again as we came to the 18^th C. St. Cyril Orthodox Cathedral, a church of the same faith as ours, and its magnificent ornate interior was a cool, peaceful refuge from the summer heat.

From here an Uber ride brought us to the upscale U Mateje Restaurant, where all of us, including Maria’s boyfriend Antonio, gathered for a special family dinner to celebrate Anna’s birthday. The delicious food, lovely courtyard setting, and the joy of family time together all made for a wonderful birthday celebration.

After dinner we headed over to Letna Park for an evening stroll. The park was alive on this warm summer night with large groups of people partying. Climbing up winding paths, at various high vantage points we were treated to incredible panoramic views. This special day was spectacularly topped off by seeing the gigantic Prague Metronome perched high above us in the park, this one amusingly a fair bit larger than the metronome I use back home.  

Day 3 : Royalty and Reverence with Prague Castle, Monastery, Music and Modern Art

Day 3 of our visit kicked off with our grandest sight yet – the historic Prague Castle! The city’s oldest and largest, it is actually not even just one castle, but a whole sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards, and churches. From as far back as the 9^th Century it has been home to kings and emperors, and is now the official residence of the president of Czechia. 

Highlights for us included the beautiful Royal Garden, the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, and the majestic Schwarzenberg Palace. Out on Hradcany Square we caught part of the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, as the guards marched past us with impressive precision. 

From there we left the castle grounds and climbed up lovely winding paths to the historic and serene Strahov Monastery. High above the city, the wide-open views from Strahov are absolutely spectacular. We passed through the ornate Baroque gates and admired the library and basilica before settling in at St. Norbert Brewery for some scrumptious goulash and refreshing craft beer. 

Winding our way back down from the sky, we ambled through the cobblestone streets of Mala Strana (Lesser Town), passing the Czech Museum of Music and stepping inside the St. Nicholas Church. In this gorgeous church, Mozart once played the organ. A short walk on brought the ultimate thrill for the musician in me – seeing 11 Lazenska Street, the home where my favourite composer Beethoven once lived. 

I carried the joy of that moment with me as we made our way from Mala Strana and through the city to the lively Zizkov neighbourhood, one of Maria’s favourite areas. With its quirky mix of historic and modern buildings, and abundance of bars and cafes, as well as the most unusual futuristic-looking TV Tower with more of sculptor David Cerny’s crawling babies storming the tower, it was a wonderful fitting conclusion to a day that had started steeped in history.

Day 4 : A Fond Farewell with the Serenity of Music, Art, Views, Nature and Brews

This day brought so many mixed emotions, as it was our final day in Prague and we would be flying home this evening. After stowing our luggage and pausing to hear the hotel’s lobby pianist one last time, we headed out for this last day of sightseeing and family time.

Meeting up at Namesti Miru, we went into the beautiful Ludmila Church just as we had on our very first day, and it felt like a serene full-circle moment. 

A quick bus ride brought us to the huge National Theatre, a historic ornate building for opera, ballet, and dance performances. After admiring the beautiful theatre we crossed over the Legion Bridge, drinking in the gorgeous views, with the Charles Bridge and Old Town in the distance now feeling like old friends.

We strolled down to Strelecky Island, a quiet and picturesque oasis in the middle of the river. Tree-lined shady paths, benches, and boat watching created a perfect interlude, with a couple of beaver-like nutrias wading along the shore providing a cuteness factor and some entertainment.

From here, we headed over to the Palladium Mall and along Na Prikope for some shopping and browsing, checking out everything from groceries to fashion. 

As the day waned, ultimately it was time for one last stop, and the Riegrovy Sady Outdoor Beer Garden, with its large area of tree-shaded picnic tables providing a lovely casual spot for all of us to gather, reflect on our time together, and say our tearful goodbyes. 

Our four days in Prague were indeed magical – and unforgettable. 

Tips & Recommendations for Four-Days in Prague, Czechia

• Hotel Don Giovanni – A lovely hotel with huge buffet breakfast and a lobby piano (and at times, pianist). Highly recommend.

• Metro, Buses, Trams – Free for seniors, aged 65 and older. Half price for transit users aged 60 – 64. Be sure to carry ID, in case asked for proof of age.

• Prague Castle – Don’t miss this spectacular castle complex. It is very popular and busy, so your best times of day to visit are 9 – 10 am to tour the interiors (you can also enjoy a peaceful stroll of the grounds as early as 6 am), around 3 – 4 pm for the golden light, and after 6 pm for the outdoor scenery with fewer crowds. Golden Lane is also free for the public to stroll after 6 pm. The grounds are open from 6 am to 10 pm, and the historic buildings are open from 9 am to 4 pm.

• U Mateje Restaurant – Delicious Czech food with a lovely outdoor seating area.

• Sightseeing – All the sights mentioned above were free to walk around outdoors. Check for entrance fees for the interiors of some of the sites.

• Prices – In general we found the cost of food AND accommodation very reasonable. Use Czech Koruna (CZK) or credit cards. Few places take Euros.

What Are Your Tips for Four-Days in Prague, Czechia?

Four-days in Prague, Czechia had us falling in love with the city, but we dearly wished we’d had longer. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Prague, Czech Republic? We’d love to read them in the comments below.

Prague, Czech Republic Accommodations Map

Visiting Prague, Czech Republic? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Prague, Czechia.

Tune into the Rest of Our European Adventure with Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
• 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History
• Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark
• 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany, History and Romance Echo Across Time
• Marvelling at Modern Architecture, 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling.

The post Four-Days in Prague, Czechia Guided by a Local Through Music & History first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Japan’s Traditions of Courtesy and Respect

Hands have been washed, shoes removed, and a coin tossed in the offering slot. Approaching the sacred place with reverence, each supplicant bows twice, claps twice, quietly offers a brief prayer, and finally bows deeply once more. Then each moves respectfully away to make room for the next. 

This formality in devotion is typical of many interactions in Japan, where above all, harmony and civility are valued. Here, a greeting is a bow, and deference to elders is ingrained, whether in shrines and temples in Japan or just enjoying everyday life in Japan. Remarkably, in this ultra-modern country, traditional gestures of courtesy and respect remain the hallmarks of social interaction between all ages. And this courtesy extends to visitors. Indeed, it may be one of the reasons Japan is one of the most visited countries in the world. I find myself wondering, is it religious precept that dictates this? 

Religions that Shaped Japan

Shintoism was the traditional religion of Japan until the 6th century, when Buddhism was introduced by Korean King Seong of Baekje. He sent a gift of an image of Buddha and some of his writings to Emperor Kinmei. The Japanese court welcomed and encouraged the acceptance of Buddhism which was adopted throughout the country, and the new religion grew harmoniously alongside Shintoism. This is perhaps not surprising as there are many similarities. 

Neither Shintoism or Buddhism has a singular Creator or God, but multiple deities. And neither Buddha nor the deities are actually worshipped. Instead, respectful homage is paid to the sacred. Both offer traditions and practices to follow in order to lead a good life.  And, unusually, neither demands complete allegiance. In fact, the majority of Japanese actually subscribe to both to some extent. Surely this very unique approach to the sacred is what encourages conformity, diligence, and social harmony.

Exploring Shrines and Temples in Japan

In Japan, there are about 80,000 shrines, and an almost equal number of temples. While in other parts of the world, temple and shrine might be interchangeable terms, in Japan, a temple is Buddhist and will usually have a statue of Buddha. A shrine is distinct to Shintoism – easily identified by the torii gates at the entrance which divide the secular from the divine. Visiting shrines and temples in Japan provides a unique insight into Japanese culture.

Shrines Are All About Nature

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

Bright vermillion torii gates welcome visitors to Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine in Osaka. Though few foreign visitors do this, it’s respectful to bow and keep to one side walking through them; the centre path is reserved for the sacred.

On this hot day, it’s a long way uphill, but dozens more, smaller torii form shading tunnels through which the faithful walk up Mount Inari. They perform this trek in homage to Inari, the kami (deity) of foxes, fertility, tea, sake, rice, agriculture, and worldly success. Two huge fox sculptures representing Inari stand on either side of the entrance torii. And on the grounds of this shrine are many more fox statues.

Inari is just one of several million Shinto deities, one for virtually everything, including the weather. But as Inari’s purview patently includes several things of consequence to health and prosperity, she is one of the most important kami, and paying homage to her is a prayer for the blessing of plenty. 

Significantly, while there might be sacred areas dedicated to specific kami, shrines also include areas where visitors can encounter nature. Early mystics sought healing and strength from the natural world, and for centuries, followers of Shinto have practiced meditation while walking through forests. 

It’s probably not surprising then, that in the 1980s, tech-centric Japan found new enthusiasm for this ancient practice. Perhaps from a wish to reconnect to, and be inspired by nature, Shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bath’ was embraced by the Japanese, and actually spread to many other parts of the world. Happily, this contributed to the protection of the country’s forests. Today, Japan is one of the most forested countries in the world; about two-thirds of the land is covered with forest. Perhaps too, this affinity with nature kept young people connected to Shinto shrines where specific trees often have special meaning. 

At Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine the remains of a pine tree, its roots exposed and appearing to kneel, is a focal point for the faithful. It is called Neagari-no-matsu which translates to ‘pine tree with uplifted roots’. But a homonym of neagari can also mean ‘price rise’, and of matsu can mean ‘to wait’. This tree is said to have divine power to bring success and good fortune to those in business, especially related to stocks and securities. Understandably, many come here to offer homage. After reading the information board, I notice several foreigners pause to offer homage too.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine

In fact, many shrines have trees with spiritual significance. Near Tokyo, at the northern base of Mt. Fuji, the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine is home to ancient cedar and cypress trees. It’s awe-inspiring to walk to the sacred areas along an avenue lined by these giants. The thousand-year-old Fuji Taro cedar and the twin-trunked Fufu Hinoki (Couple Cypress where many couples pose for a photo) are revered as symbols of nature and immortality. Stout ropes have been tied around their trunks, and the faithful leave messages tied to strings near the base. One of these simply says in English, ‘Peace’– a universal message, or a devout wish for conjugal accord?

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Marriage is an important rite at one of Japan’s most popular shrines. Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park were built in 1920, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. During the important New Year celebrations, more than three million visitors attend first prayers here. Dozens of kegs of fine sake and vintage Burgundy wine barrels form unusual displays on the road leading to the sacred places here. Apparently these are empty (a relief to oenophiles). The sake barrels are symbolic offerings to the gods, while the wine barrels represent Emperor Meiji’s role in modernizing Japan and embracing foreign influence.

Here too, trees play an important role. About 100,000 trees were donated from regions across Japan in order to create the distinctive forest here. Two camphor trees planted in 1920 have grown to great height and are coupled by a stout rope. Known as Meoto Kusu – Husband and Wife – they are considered sacred and represent marital harmony. Perhaps for this reason, Meiji is a favourite shrine for weddings. Indeed, we watched as, in graceful unity, an elaborately dressed couple formally bowed to one another and to the Shinto priest performing their wedding rites. 

Glorious Temples Promote Peace and Compassion

The Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji

Buddhist temples are among the most striking buildings in Japan. A magnificent example is near Kyoto. The Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji, was built in 1408 as a retirement residence for the Shogun Yoshimitsu. After his death, his will directed it be turned into a temple. Sadly, it has burned down and been rebuilt several times since. In a rather dramatic turn, the last fire, in 1950, was begun by a mad monk. But five years later, Kinkaku-ji was rebuilt exactly as before. 

It’s aptly named. That rich colour isn’t paint; the top two levels are covered in gold leaf and glow gently, even on the most overcast days. Appropriately, given its incendiary history, a golden phoenix sits on the roof.

Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva (Goddess of Mercy) surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Unfortunately, we can’t see them as entry is forbidden. However, we can stroll the temple gardens which are as they were nearly 600 years ago, when Yoshimitsu walked through them. Here, surrounded by trees, is the Anmin-taku pond, with a miniature stone pagoda on an islet in its centre. This pond is sacred, as it never dries up, even during droughts. Thus the faithful come here to pray for rain.

Todaiji Temple

Just south of Kyoto in Nara, Todaiji must be one of the most appealing temples, partly because of the charming Nara deer that are everywhere on its grounds. Buy some special crackers to feed these gentle creatures and they become immediate friends. Constructed in AD752, this temple is historically significant as it was the head temple of Buddhism when Nara was the capital. The capital was later moved in order to remove undue influence by its monks.

The enormous wooden Nandaimon Gate, stands at the approach to Todaiji. Its broad threshold separates the secular world from the sacred realm, and custom dictates that one must step over it; stepping on it is disrespectful.

On either side of the gate, behind protective barriers, stand two menacing statues representing the two Guardian Kings. Dating to the 12th century, both this gate, and the statues are designated as national treasures.

The splendid main hall at Todaiji houses Daibutsu, one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues; his open hand alone is human sized. He sits flanked by two rather intimidating Bodhisattvas. A popular attraction inside is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu’s nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in the next life. 

I didn’t attempt the impossible, but I did stop outside to rub Binzuru’s right knee, then my own. One of the interesting characters in the Buddhist panoply of deities, Binzuru can often be found sitting outside temples and is said to be a healer. If some part of your body is sore, you rub that part on him, then rub the sore part on yourself. I can report that my knee did feel better the next day.

Sensoji Temple

As with the Golden Temple, the Goddess of Mercy is at the heart of the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. According to legend, in the year A.D. 628 two brothers fished a statue of Kannon out of the Sumida River. They returned it to the waters, but it turned up again. Seventeen years later, Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, was erected nearby in her honour in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Sadly, here too, the public may not see the Goddess of Mercy. The famous statue was enclosed inside a miniature temple with several locks; not even the chief priests of Sensoji may view it.

At Sensoji Temple, a huge incense burner stands between a five storey pagoda and the main hall. Incense burners are usually found on the grounds of temples and the faithful can purchase incense sticks to light. This too has a ritual. Once alight, one should extinguish the flame by waving the hand, not by blowing. The hand may then be used to fan smoke towards oneself for healing purposes. At Sensoji, whole bundles of incense are lit at a time, so the smoke can be prodigious. 

More than 30 million visitors pass through its two grand entry gates annually making Sensoji one of the country’s most visited temples, and the streets surrounding it have become popular shopping areas for kimonos, fans and other traditional Japanese gifts. 

Nipponzan-Myohoji Temple

Just 100 km south of Sensoji is the Fuji Bussharito Heiwa Park (Peace Park) in Gotemba. The Nipponzan-Myohoji Temple here is very significant, and a must to visit, not least because some of the most spectacular views of Mt.Fuji can be found here on a clear day. We were sadly disappointed as the day was both overcast and rainy so we didn’t see the elusive mountain, said to be visible only a third of the year. However, much to our delight, Fuji graced us with a brief viewing on another day, coyly peeking from behind low clouds. 

However, even on a grey day, this park is well worth visiting. Built to promote the Buddhist tenet of peacemaking, it brings this concept to global fruition, uniting a number of Asian countries in a message of world peace. Its focal point is Nihonzan-Myoho-ji’s shining white stupa with golden Buddha images set into niches at its four sides. Most importantly, inside rest some of the Buddha’s bones, presented by late Indian Prime Minister Nehru of India. Guardian dogs and lions, gifts of a number of Asian countries – Hong Kong, Myanmar, Thailand, and more – line the path approaching the temple. Despite some of their fierce expressions, the message of peace rings out loud and clear in this park.

A wander through the grounds reveals a Peace Bell flanked by two white lions. Further on, a golden statue of Kannon stands in front of a small temple. The persistence of this goddess of mercy in so many Buddhist temples emphasizes the importance of compassion in Japanese society. 

In a world which seems to be losing sight of such values, Japan presents an oasis of ahimsa (doing no harm). After my meanderings through shrines and temples in Japan, it seems my question has been answered. Japan’s two faiths do play a role: Buddhism’s emphasis on discipline and peace, and Shinto’s respect for, and harmony with nature, seem to have produced a uniquely tolerant and kind society, united by its truly enlightening shrines and temples.

The post What’s the difference between shrines and temples in Japan? first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Isla Holbox, an Island Escape

There are eight of us settled in a small blue-and-yellow outboard boat skimming across turquoise water. The horizon dissolves into the sea, and a green strip of land floats in the distance, as our Captain José Elias Celina, explains where we’re headed.

Cabo Catoche, exploring a remote island of two

“At Cabo Catoche, no hay vehiculas [there are no cars], no hay hoteles [no hotels], no internet,” he says. “Nothing.”

Cabo Catoche isn’t technically an island, but it might as well be. Accessible only by water, this thin strip of beach sits six miles off the tip of Holbox, a car-free island off the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. While Isla Holbox is no longer a secret, it still feels like off-the-beaten-path escape, shaped as much by what it lacks as what it provides.

I’ve never been sure what I love most about islands, what is on them, or as Captain José has summarized, what they have left behind. I suspect it is a combination of both.

The last time I visited the Yucatan was almost 25 years ago on a trip to Tulum with my soon-to-be-husband. For about $20, we slept in a hammock-like bed in a tent with a sand floor, wandered out to beachfront restaurants guided only by our camping head lamps, and swam naked on a deserted beach in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.  While Tulum is now a touristed global destination, Isla Holbox reminded me of the quiet, laid-back destination I discovered so long ago.

Admittedly, I wasn’t sleeping on a sand floor on Holbox. Our beachfront stay at Ana Y José felt both grand and understated, blending nature and luxury with a biophilic design:  dark wood and bamboo, and wide glass doors opening onto a private patio facing the beach. Each night, chocolates or other small treats were waiting for me on my bed.  And in the morning, my breakfast of avocado toast with freshly squeezed orange juice was served in a beehive-shaped nest accessed by a ladder, with uninterrupted views of the sea. 

Holbox has its share of stunning boutique hotels, and that includes elegant treehouses. But alongside its creature comforts and understated luxury, the island still feels like a bucolic place to escape. Isla Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve created in 1994 to protect its rich wildlife. The area is home to more than 420 bird species, including teems of pelicans, flamingos, storks and herons. From May to September, whale sharks migrate through its waters, with some of the largest concentration of these filter feeding sharks worldwide.

Cabo Catoche is a prime example of Isla Holbox’s unspoilt edges. At the time I visited, Catoche was completely uninhabited, except for two people. One is a woman named Gaby who was out buying provisions for the sole café on the island, the Cocita de Gaby café. The other is a 20-year-old man named Gael Domingues, who sleeps in a hammock, and works at the café during the tourist seasons. “I don’t like the city,” he tells me. “I prefer natural places.”

While we’re there, Captain José prepares ceviche using the fish that we caught on the way, through a traditional yo-yo method. When a fish nibbles on the raw tuna at the end of our line, it jerks, and we quickly hoist up the line, while winding the thread around a plastic hand-held spool. In less than half an hour, my friend and I have caught eight (!) fish — yellow snapper and grouper for lunch, smaller fish for bait.

On the island, we wander along the beach, past a fisherman’s boat abandoned on the shore, and an old lighthouse crowned by an osprey nest. We settle at picnic tables under coconut trees, spooning ceviche and guacamole with tortilla chips as the waves quietly lap against the shore.

Birds, Azure Waters & Deserted Beaches: Isla Pájaros, Isla de la Pasión & Isla Holbox

Another day, we join Holbox’s popular Three Islands Tour. The first stop is Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), a mangrove-covered nesting site we view from a lookout tower. In minutes, we spot dozens of pelicans settled on the mangroves, an osprey, some double-breasted cormorants and egrets. Then before reaching our next stop, Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island), our captain does an abrupt turn so we can watch three dolphins leap in and out of the water. 

Isla de la Pasión is a small island with only thin edges of sand not covered by mangroves forests. We waded through the shallow, glassy water, where the sky seems to melt into the sea, and puffy white clouds drift across an azure blue sky. 

Our final stop is Punta Mosquito, a long sandbar that stretches about 2.5 kilometres into the town of Holbox.  I watch as a long stream of visitors, wade knee deep through the water in a loose line, like an aquatic highway. By contrast, another section of Punta Mosquito is strictly off limits for bird and wildlife protection, but you may still be able to spot resident piping plovers, reddist egret and other birds. 

On the return trip, we spot a Caribbean flamingo and its pale white chick, the two sauntering gracefully, like a bride and her mother in high heels walking deliberately to a wedding march.

Unwinding in Holbox

Back on Isla Holbox, days slip by leisurely. You can join a yoga or pilates class, kayak or paddleboard, take a bioluminescence tour, move between swimming pool and beach, and join one of the many great beachside restaurants. 

But there are also many other great options in the village. Its sandy unpaved roads around the main square are easily navigable by foot, bike or golf cart. Shops and designer boutiques sell jewellery, local art, embroidered bags, designer clothing and Mayan crafts, while open-air restaurants, bars and eateries serve everything from tacos and seafood to smoothies, cocktails, gourmet coffees, and one of the island’s iconic dishes — lobster pizza. There are several small tiendas where you can buy your local produce, along with tortillerias for this delicious Mexican staple, made by hand. 

Back at Ana Y José, pelicans soar overhead as we watch our last sunset on the hotel’s rooftop bar, with its 360-degree views. Slipping into the pool, we watch as the sky shifts from baby blue to streaks of pink.

“It’s a painted sky,” says my friend Sebastian, as we sip margaritas and watch the light fade to black. 

Preparing for Your Trip to Isla Holbox

• Holbox is about a two-hour drive from the Cancun airport to town of Chiquilá, or about a 2.5-hour drive by Ado bus, leaving from downtown Cancun. Cars are not permitted on the island. 
• Ferries from Chiquilá to Holbox leave every 30 to 60 minutes, take about 25-minutes and cost about 300 pesos ($24/$25 CAD) each way. 
• Most restaurants take credit cards, but it’s best to carry Mexican pesos for [their golf cart] taxis, small shops and tours.

• For an upscale wellness experience, with a stay in a jungle treehouse or oceanfront suite, a top-rated restaurant, and water-themed activities like sound healing in crystal pools, and paddleboard yoga, try Nomade Holbox.

Diana visited Isla Holbox as a guest of the Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board.

The post Isla Holbox, Island Life Off the Coast of Yucatan first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

In a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise, the modern-day marvels in our final port took us from Hamburg’s past to Rotterdam’s present and future.

1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

We started off our day by crossing one such modern marvel – the Erasmusbrug. This uniquely designed cable-stayed bridge, affectionately nicknamed “The Swan”, connects the north and south parts of Rotterdam, and is one of the largest and heaviest bridges of its kind in Western Europe. The main panel is actually one of the largest of its kind on Earth.

As we walked over the bridge and into the downtown core, we felt the buzz of a modern city. The constant traffic had us dodging cars, bikes, e-scooters, and even Metro trains, especially as we crossed busy streets. 

Weaving our way through the heart of the city, we couldn’t miss our eagerly anticipated destination. Right in the thick of downtown, perched above a busy highway, are Rotterdam’s quirky and futuristic-looking Kijk-Kubus (Cube Houses). These 38 tilted, cube-shaped houses are actual homes, but offer visitors a very unique tourist attraction as well. We couldn’t help but chuckle as we walked around and gazed curiously at their uniqueness. For a tour inside, visit the Kijk-Kubus Museum-house.

Just steps away, the Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam (Rotterdam Central Library),with its large yellow pipes on the outside, is another of the city’s distinctive looking landmarks. Inside, a gorgeous glass ‘waterfall’ seven floors high showcases a series of escalators, adding to the library’s unique character. Taking it even further into modern times, it is currently undergoing renovations to transform it into a more sustainable and even more contemporary library by 2028.

From the library, a short walk brought us to the huge and iconic Markthal, another of Rotterdam’s eye-catching structures. This massive horseshoe shaped building combines a busy market hall of food stalls with apartments and restaurants, and has a stunning ceiling featuring an 11,000 square meter painting called “Horn of Plenty”. We both thoroughly enjoyed browsing, sampling, and buying delectable Dutch food and treats at this very unique market before we set off again. Should you have a group, you can also organize a private foodie tour of the Markthal or join another group on a Rotterdam tour that includes the Markthal.

Our minds full of all of the modern-day marvels we had seen, we weaved our way back through the city streets, now more aware of the traffic around us. We left Rotterdam feeling wowed and inspired by its modern looks and buzzing energy. 

Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

• Rotterdam City Card – Enjoy over 50 deals with at least 25% discount on attractions, museums, tours, and restaurants with this card, and free public transport across the city.

• Erasmusbrug – A beautifully unique bridge designed for cars, trams, cyclists, and pedestrian alike. To enjoy it from below, as well as from above, go down some stairs to see underneath it.

• Traffic –  When walking be aware of fast-moving bikes, e-scooters, and Metro trains.

• Kijk-Kubus (Cube Houses) – Don’t miss seeing these unique cube-shaped homes. They even offer a tour inside for a fee.

• Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam – A gorgeous modern library that is a perfect stop for a bit of peace and quiet, while cooling down inside on a hot day.

• Markthal – This huge indoor market with food and craft stalls is truly unique with its art on ceiling and architectural design that acts to provide residential and office spaces within the market’s arch. Highly recommend.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting Rotterdam, Netherlands?

1-day in Rotterdam, Netherlands was a delightful tease, but we dearly wished we’d had longer. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Rotterdam, Netherlands? We’d love to read them in the comments below.

Rotterdam, Netherlands Accommodations Map

Spending more than 1-day in Rotterdam, Netherlands? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Rotterdam.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
• 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History
• Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark
• 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany, History and Romance Echo Across Time

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post Marvelling at Modern Architecture, 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

History and Romance Echo Across Time in Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, with its old-world charm, is a beautiful historic city for anyone to visit, but it also holds special personal significance for my sister and me – it is the city where our parents had met many years ago. 

1-Day in Hamburg, Germany

As we walked through the streets and down by the harbour, it felt both thrilling and nostalgic to follow in the footsteps of the past and imagine our mother and father living here. It was shortly after the Second World War ended when they arrived, so much of Hamburg was in ruins from the bombings, but as we learned, certain buildings and structures had not been totally destroyed and those were the most amazing for us to see on our 1-day in Hamburg, Germany. 

The Alter Elbtunnel, also called St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel, was one such structure that had been spared total destruction in the bombings of World War II, and experiencing this historic tunnel under the Elbe River proved to be ‘cool’ in every sense of the word. Riding the large old-fashioned elevator several floors down felt like an adventure in itself, as if we were descending into a mine shaft. However, when the elevator doors opened to the brightly lit tunnel, it felt like anything but. As we strolled through the clean and modern-looking tunnel we admired the glossy tiles featuring aquatic and traditional themes, many of which had survived the war. Had our parents walked here too? What must of all this seemed to them in the late 1940s.

Another elevator ride back up brought us to the lively Landungsbrucken waterfront, where we wandered by shops and cafes, and gazed at the many boats in the bustling marina. This busy harbour is part of the Port of Hamburg, notable for being the largest port in Germany and the third largest in Europe. We pictured our parents in 1948, perhaps getting on a ship in this same port as they departed Hamburg to start a new life together in England. 

As we headed further into the city center towards our next destination, our path took us through a delightful blend of old and new, with a bit of romance sprinkled in along the way. We passed by mostly large modern office buildings typical of any large city, but here and there were traces of history preserved, predominantly in the old churches that still stand. 

St. Michaelis Church, dating back to the 17^th Century is one such historic church. With its grand appearance and its stunning steeple, it is one of Hamburg’s most iconic landmarks, known simply as the ‘Michel’ to locals. To my sister and me, the name of the church had a rather special added meaning in that Michael was also our dad’s name.

St. Petri Church, the oldest church in Hamburg, is another landmark church towering so high we couldn’t miss it. While it was entirely consumed by the flames during Great Fire of 1842, just seven years later, it was fully reconstructed and open for worship again.  In July of 1943, during World War II, the air attacks of ‘Operation Gomorrah’ caused another massive fire in the Hamburg, destroying half the city. Fortunately, this time the steeple wasn’t seriously damaged. 

Should you have the time and energy, climb the 544 steps to the viewing platform at the top of St. Petri Church steeple. You will be met with a beautiful view through the steeple’s windows, that overlook the entire city centre, including the port far in the distance. Sadly with only 1-day in Hamburg, Germany, we did not attempt the climb on this visit.

Our route also took us past the historic Speicherstadt district, which over a hundred years ago was a busy warehouse district. Today, Speicherstadt –  the ‘City of Warehouses’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning this designation as an outstanding example of a 19th-century, industrial, harbour-based warehouse and office complex, and as such has become a tourist hub with shops, restaurants, and museums. 

Along the way we meandered over a few very picturesque canals. Some of the lovely curved bridges are romantically adorned with what are known as ‘love locks – padlocks fastened by couples as a symbol of lasting love, with the keys then tossed into the water below.

Arriving at our ultimate destination, the historic Hamburg Town Hall, this majestic-looking building seemed to cap off our walk in a grand way. Towering above the huge bustling Rathausmarkt Square, with 20 statues of emperors and kings lining its façade and 647 rooms inside, it looks more like a palace than a working government building. Inside it is equally grand, with an intricately decorated interior, spiralling staircases, and stunning chandeliers. After lingering awhile we wandered through the square before heading back. 

As we walked through town and along the harbourfront, we pondered all the old and new that we had seen in Hamburg, and we couldn’t help but think of our parents walking these streets decades ago. History and romance – echoed in this beautiful city.

Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany

• Hamburg City Card – Get your Hamburg City Card for free public transportation and discounts on 150 sights and museums. 

• Alter Elbe Tunnel – A fantastic experience walking through this well-lit tunnel, with its unique elevator.

• Port of Hamburg – A lovely waterfront promenade with shops to peruse and cafes to enjoy a drink and a bite at while watching the boats in harbour.

• Hamburg Town Hall – A beautiful historic building with a stunning interior. I highly recommend a visit.

• Rathausmarkt Square – The huge busy square by Hamburg Town Hall that hosts concerts and seasonal markets.

• Love Locks – For a bit of romantic reading and imagining, watch for these romantic symbols fastened onto bridges over canals.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting Hamburg, Germany?

While we loved the romance of our 1-day in Hamburg, Germany, to be fully enveloped in the romance and history of this beautiful city, we wished we’d had longer. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Hamburg, Germany? We’d love to read them in the comments below.

Hamburg, Germany Accommodations Map

Spending more than 1-day in Hamburg, Germany? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Hamburg.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
• 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History
• Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Marvelling at Modern Architecture, 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany, History and Romance Echo Across Time first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

My mom and I accidentally opened a box of thoughtfully selected Christmas presents from my Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry early. To add to the glee of all the delights in the box was that my Aunt & Uncle had sourced all the presents from Canadian businesses, making it a Canadian themed Holiday present bundle! A rather wonderful way to support Canadian businesses this Holiday season – giving in more ways than one!

Yes, on the note of ‘accidentally opened’, we did realise they were likely Christmas presents, but it was accidental, as normally my Aunt wraps the presents within. In realising my Aunt had made an environmentally friendly choice of going sans wrapping paper this year, we may have decided to delight in exploring the whole box to check if there were items in need of refrigeration or to be kept out of reach of the dog.

Canadian Themed Holiday Presents

The present selection really was a delight as it was not only thoughtfully catered to the things mom and I enjoy, but in closer inspection, all presents were purchased from Canadian businesses making them Canadian themed Holiday presents! Brilliant! And an excellent way to make a Canadian exclaim with delight and pride in a year where Canadians have faced a Trade War from the Trump regime. I’d also like to think this was an extra bit of thoughtfulness from my Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry, in knowing that I had built MadeInCanada-eh.ca earlier this year, as my way of fighting those trade wars and supporting Canadian businesses.

MadeInCanada-eh.ca

Had I thought of it earlier, I would have made a MadeInCanada-eh.ca inspired advent calendar on MadeInCanada-eh.ca site introducing different Canadian themed presents over the month of December, or perhaps I will start this as a 12-months to the Holidays advent, starting in January, and giving people time to think ahead. Even better would be to be able to do different themed versions for each of our Canadian Territories and Provinces. I have a bit of Canadian business adding to do to the site directory though, to get to the point where I am able to create tailored advents themed after all Territories and Provinces, as the labour of passion that is MadeInCanada-eh.ca has been getting business added to it in bits and starts as I find the time. Should you wish to give me a holiday present this year, you could help by adding a few Canadian businesses to the MadeInCanada-eh.ca directory, here: https://madeincanada-eh.ca/add-listing/listings/ You can also search the site for Canadian businesses to buy Canadian themed Holiday presents for your loved ones, here: https://madeincanada-eh.ca/map/

Our Canadian Themed Holiday Presents

So what were the Canadian themed presents in the box of goodies my Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry sent?!?

• Two bottles of Niche Wine (from West Kelowna, BC) – Small Wonder Rose & Sauvignon Blanc

These were particularly exciting as my mom, a life long beer drinker, has begun to enjoy wine in her 80s, and has yet to enjoy her nephew Jame’s wine, which I must say is quite good and has won awards. Rather proud of him and what he and Joanna have built with Niche Wine Company, from the vineyard that my Uncle and Aunt planted and nurtured.

They also have a Small Batch Club of 4 shipments of farm-fresh, limited-release wine every year, surprise, locally sourced extras, and all the VIP treatment at the farm (including free wine tastings and 15% off all purchases and accommodations rentals), that would make a great self gift.

You might also consider the gift of a stay at the Outside Inn Cabins, which are absolutely gorgeous, and provide a great retreat for both enjoying the winery and nearby hiking trails.

Oh, and if you are visiting West Kelowna, they have a refillable growler program, offering 500 mL and 1L growlers filled with farm-fresh wines as part of their larger sustainability and community-building effort. This is something I will be looking into for myself with Eddie the EV meaning that James and Joanna will see me more often at the winery, as I park in their parent’s driveway going to and from my EV roadtripping adventures.

• Jams, Jellies and Spreads from East Van Jams (from Vancouver, BC) – Blackberry Jack Spread & Mini Jam Jar Filled Holiday Crackers

This is my other cousin Pip’s jammery, along with her friend Nicole, made with more love and less sugar, and oh so good. Aside from being proud of Pip and being huge jam and spread lovers, part of what makes this part of the present special is that we all spent our summers together, picking berries and making jams. The holiday crackers are a nostalgic family thing too, as growing up crackers were always an important part of the holiday meal, as they were made by our most beloved Joan at the Garth Homer Society in Victoria, BC. Alas, the Society does not sell their crackers anymore, but East Van Jam’s crackers are a scrumptious alternative.

East Van Jam’s also puts together BC made gift sets, much as Pip did in helping to send our box of goodies.

• Chocolate from Sandrine (from Kelowna, BC) – Handmade Dark Chocolate with Expresso Beans Bar

Yum! The perfect treat for two coffee loving chocoholics.

Also, gotta say that after visiting their website, aside from drooling (a lot), I’ll be stopping in on my next visit to Kelowna, with the excuse to come bearing goodies as I visit my Aunt & Uncle.

• Bath products from Meadowfoam (from Richmond, BC) – a Vanilla Mint Soap & Soak Set of Lux Cream Soap and Foaming Bath Salts & Sweet Fir White Currant Cocktail Diffuser

With a bit of a family reputation for marathon baths, mom and I both delight in our bath indulgences, making anything that will turn the tub into a spa, very much relished.

• A Maud Lewis Calendar

Maud Lewis is my mom’s favourite Canadian artist, so a calendar that you can buy in support of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year for mom. Both Mom and I were delighted to discover that it includes a few pieces of Maude’s art that neither of us had seen before.

Lastly, although not Canadian, we will also be enjoying building this delightful puzzle created with artwork of Debra Alouise, with me enjoying more of the building of the puzzle, and mom delighting in the dogs.

I suppose now that I’ve shared this post, Mom and I should stop pretending that we haven’t already opened our presents, and pick up the phone to call Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry to thank them for their box of Canadian themed delights!

Which Canadian Businesses Are You Supporting This Holiday Season?

Have you got some favourite Canadian businesses that you are supporting with your holiday spending this season? Tell us about them in the comments, and we will be sure to add them to the MadeInCanada-eh.ca directory.

The post Canadian Themed Holiday Presents, Inspired by Aunt Wonderful & MadeInCanada-eh.ca first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark

First, to take in all the beauty we may not be able to see on foot with only 1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark, we hopped on a Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus right from the cruise terminal. To get an overview of the city we stayed on for the entire loop, taking us by all the tourist attractions, as well as the busy modern downtown area, the hippie-like self-governed Christiana community, and the Nyhavn trendy waterfront area. 

After completing the loop, we hopped off at The Little Mermaid, one of the most well-known of Copenhagen’s tourist attractions. This bronze and granite statue inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale was smaller than expected, but quite lovely as she sat in the harbour, and we joined the crowd snapping photos as she seemed to pose for us. 

Nearby was another attraction – the large, majestic-looking Gefion Fountain, which shows the Norse goddess Gefion driving her oxen, and it was fun watching water spraying continually from the oxen’s nostrils. St. Alban’s Church, a lovely historic church beside the fountain, added to the beauty of this spot.

We headed to Kastellet (the Citadel) next – a star-shaped fortress which is both a beautiful park and a military site. Remnants of cannons could be seen alongside picnic areas as we strolled along the picturesque paths. Like with the grounds of many historic sights in Copenhagen, the grounds of Kastellet are free to explore. As we entered and exited the fortress, we found it fascinating to watch two guards manually lift the barrier arms to let cars and pedestrians pass at varying intervals. 

Given the World War II history of the Kastellet being used as a military base for the Nazi’s during the occupation of Denmark by Germany, it would have been interesting to visit the Museum of Danish Resistance, particularly with current world events.

After making our way out of the park and down several blocks, we came to the magnificent Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. Four identical palaces surround a grand courtyard with King Frederick V in the centre, and regal guards stand or march in front of each. Here you can wander the courtyard on your own, as we did, trying to capture the perfect shot of the regally dressed royal guards. You can also explore the Amalienborg Palace Museum, join a guided tour, and hear the music and watch the pageantry of the Changing of the Guards on Amalienborg Palace Square everyday around noon.

As you can see from the video above, there is also a Guided Segway Tour of Copenhagen, Denmark.

From the palace to a castle – a few blocks away is 17^th Century Rosenborg Castle. It is just as regal and beautiful as the palace, but perhaps made even more grand with a huge park and garden sprawling alongside it. For an entry fee you can see the grandeur of the inside of Rosenborg Castle and the Danish crown jewels. You can also book a themed guided tour of Rosenborg Castle, but this is quite pricey, unless you are booking as a group or taking one of the public tours. For a bit of fun, if you are at the Rosenborg Castle’s barracks at 11:30 am, you can march along with the Royal Guards through the streets of Copenhagen to the Changing of the Guards in Amalienborg Palace Square at noon.

Wandering through the park at Rosenborg Castle, we first admired a large statue of Hans Christian Anderson, who had lived in Copenhagen and walked these very paths, before glimpsing the historic castle which fittingly appears almost like it could be straight from one of his fairy tales. 

If visiting Copenhagen on a rainy day, you can discover more of Hans Christian Anderson’s life through the Hans Christian Andersen Experience at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Alternatively on a fair weather day, you can follow much the same walk we did with an audio guide to take a Self-Guided Tour of Hans Christian Andersen’s Copenhagen. For book lovers, Hans Christian Anderson really does make for the perfect subject to inspire the imagination and focus your time for 1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark.

As if the grandeur of the castle was not enough beauty to behold, our eyes took in the absolutely stunning King’s Garden beside it.

We were in awe as we wandered through the rows upon rows of colourful flowers, but the gigantic red roses were the real show-stoppers, with blooms so enormous that they almost didn’t seem real. Of course we ‘stopped to smell the roses’, but after lingering awhile it was time to stroll on through the park to find our bus stop.

After finally figuring out which was the correct bus stop, we waited for quite some time with no bus arriving – proving that it was easier to ‘hop off’ than ‘hop on’ again. Eventually we gave up and walked to where we could get on the shuttle bus back to the ship. 

In the end we viewed our bus adventure as a chance to see even more of the city and only a minor inconvenience, as we remembered all the beautiful sights we had seen in Copenhagen.

One guided tour of interest that caught our eye for a future visit to Copenhagen is the Hygge Walking Tour to discover Danish happiness culture. Something to look forward to in returning.

Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark

• Copenhagen City Card – This visitor’s sightseeing card grants you free admissions to most of the city’s museums and gardens, as well as public transit, and a sightseeing canal cruise.

• Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus – This sightseeing bus was good for seeing an overview of the city. Be forewarned, however, to note the exact locations for hopping back on the bus, and be aware that the bus may not be reliable. There are also three sightseeing bus companies, and the buses all look similar.

• The Little Mermaid – A very popular and lovely statue. Try to go during less busy time of day.

• Gefion Fountain – A beautiful large water fountain. Watch for the water coming from oxen’s nostrils!

• Amalienborg Palace – Lovely royal palace in downtown Copenhagen, where you can enjoy the changing of the guards everyday at noon.

• Rosenborg Castle – A very beautiful castle, housing the crown jewels. Requires pre-booked tickets to enter. 

• The King’s Garden – The beautiful flower garden next to Rosenborg Castle, featuring gigantic rose blooms.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting Copenhagen, Denmark?

1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark is a short visit to such a magical city. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Copenhagen, Denmark? We’d love to read them in the comments below.

Copenhagen, Denmark Accommodations Map

Spending more than 1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Copenhagen.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
• 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History
• 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany, History and Romance Echo Across Time
• Marvelling at Modern Architecture, 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

1-Day in Oslo, Norway

Little did I know, that my itinerary for 1-day in Oslo, Norway would bring us from peace to anger, with some thrills and lots of laughter along the way. Oslo is the most northern European city I have ever been to, and it proved to be very walkable, with the ship docking literally on the doorstep of downtown Oslo. 

From the ship we strolled down the Aker Brygge, a waterfront promenade with lovely views of the fjord on one side, and trendy cafes and shops on the other.

A few steps away we came to the Oslo City Hall, a historic building notable for where the Nobel Peace Prizes are handed out each year. A large banner at the top stated it was the 75^th Anniversary of the building, which happened to be the same age as my sister (though she probably wouldn’t appreciate me mentioning it here), and we laughed as we took a photo of her in front of this historic site.

Across the square is the actual Nobel Peace Center, which had us pausing to consider its significance before going inside. As we browsed through the gift shop, it almost felt like a little museum in itself, with its many shelves of books and souvenirs showcasing famous recipients of the Peace Prize.

Feeling peaceful and inspired, we wandered through the downtown streets of Oslo, peeking into shops and soaking in the atmosphere of the city. 

My excitement grew as we approached our next destination – the Vigeland Sculpture Park – a beautifully manicured park full of hundreds of statues which represent the Journey of Life. Many were in unusual intertwined poses, which had us either staring in fascination or chuckling, but by far our favourite was ‘Angry Boy,’ a giant bronze statue of a toddler who seemed to be stamping his foot in a tantrum.

We could have cheerfully stayed in the park a long time, but with other sights yet to see we made our way back through town, on a slightly different route, ending at the beautiful Oslo Opera House. We could see its stunning architecture from afar, and it was thrilling to join the crowd in climbing its sloping marble roof, laughing as the gusty wind made us go sideways. Arriving at the top, we were rewarded with the most spectacular views of the fjord and the city.

Eventually, back on solid ground, we strolled along the harbour promenade back to the ship. As we passed Floating Saunas with people visible both inside and in the chilly ocean waters, we found it interesting to witness this bit of Nordic sauna culture.

Just a little beyond, we came to the massive stone walls of Akershus Fortress, dating back to medieval times. It once protected Oslo from invaders, and at various times has also been the royal residence and even a prison.

As we continued on to our ship, we reflected on everything Oslo had given us, from inspiration to giggles to thrills – and it all added up to a wonderful day.

Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Oslo, Norway

While we took ourselves on a self-guided walking tour of Oslo, there are numerous guided tours of Oslo that you could join to make the most of your 1-day in Oslo.

• Nobel Peace Center – Wonderfully inspirational gift shop. Entrance fee to visit the museum within the Nobel Peace Center.

• Vigeland Sculpture Park – Highly recommend visiting this beautiful park with its unique statues. Free to visit.

• Oslo Opera House – A thrilling experience climbing the sloping roof to enjoy the fabulous views. Free to climb.

• Floating Saunas – Found at the Langkaia marina near the opera house and Aker Brygge. Very interesting to take in this Nordic tradition, and I suspect if we’d partken, quite relaxing.

• Akershus Fortress – Impressive to view. Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge. Museums, concerts, events, festivals, and similar activities require separate tickets and pricing.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting Oslo, Norway?

1-day in Oslo, Norway is a short visit to such a vibrant city. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Oslo, Norway? We’d love to read them in the comments below.

Oslo, Norway Accommodations Map

Spending more than 1-day in Oslo, Norway? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Oslo.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
• Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark
• 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany, History and Romance Echo Across Time
• Marvelling at Modern Architecture, 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walk in Art, Peace, Sauna & History first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Exploring Iconic Northern European Cities

Six iconic Northern European cities in sixteen days – one unforgettable trip!

London, Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Prague – some of the most beautiful and historic cities of the world, and once just names on a map – came to life as my sister Vera and I explored each on our recent European holiday with Royal Caribbean Cruises. 

Join me in my Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise series, as I recollect some of the highlights of our port visits to these wonderful cities, and share some tips and recommendations based on our experiences, starting with 3-days in London, England.

First Stop: 3-Days in London, England

London Bridge is not ‘falling down’, Londoners are very friendly and like beer as much as tea, and London is a very walkable city – just some of the things that struck us as we explored this incredible city. In our 3-days in London, England we walked all over London, seeing the iconic sights and much more. In fact, the only times we used any public transportation in London was the Tube from the airport to our hotel when we arrived, and the National Express Bus to the Southampton cruise port when we left.

Our hotel, the Travelodge London Central Waterloo, proved to be a central and convenient home base for our London sightseeing outings. Located in South Bank near the Waterloo Train Station, we could walk in various directions to all the major sights. Using Google Maps helped us decide on the best and most efficient route each day, and the many bridges over the Thames River gave us lots of options to go back and forth. 

Day 1: London’s Big Five

On the first day, we eagerly headed out to see a few of the most famous sights – each of these so massive they were impossible to miss. The London Eye was the first one to catch our eye. As the world’s largest observation wheel, it is a popular, but rather pricey attraction as it provides tourists with expansive views of London from its highest points. I, however, had learned of another even better way to see the view for free. Read on, as I will share that find later in this article. So, for now, Vera and I simply admired the gigantic wheel and moved on. 

As we walked over the Westminster Bridge, there, towering ahead on the other side were the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. We gazed in awe at these enormous and historic landmarks. Big Ben is the massive 13 ton Great Bell at the top of the 11 storey Westminster Clock Tower. The Houses of Parliament are so enormous they take up 8 acres and have almost 5 km of hallways inside! It’s hard not to ponder all the historic meetings that have taken place inside its 1100 rooms. You can join a tour with the UK Parliament of Big Ben, or a broader tour of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to delve into a few such stories.

Nearby is the magnificent Westminster Abbey. I had been looking forward to seeing this famous site of so many Royal weddings and coronations. It was absolutely breath-taking to view this grand historical cathedral from the outside, and the next day we were to see how beautiful it was on the inside as well.

A lovely tree-lined stroll down Birdcage Walk led us to another highlight of the day – the world-renowned Buckingham Palace. Our excitement grew as we spotted it from a distance, its grandeur made even lovelier with all the British flags and colourful gardens leading up to it. I had seen it so many times in photos and news reports that I felt like I knew it, but it was awe-inspiring to be up close and imagine all the Royal events that have taken place there. 

With all of this incredible sightseeing, we had worked up an appetite, so we capped off our first day of walking with a traditional fish ‘n chips dinner in a classic-looking British pub.  We toasted the wonderful start to our trip with a pint, laughing about the beer we had chosen simply because of the funny name – Old Golden Hen. From there on in, we jokingly referred to ourselves as Old Golden Hens for the rest of the trip. 

Day 2: Art, Markets & Tall Towers

After a good night’s rest, the following day’s route led us all over London – along the South Bank, over bridges, up tall towers, and down the Thames. Our first stop was the renowned Tate Modern, full of contemporary art by artists like Andy Warhol and Picasso – some of it so bizarre it made us laugh.  Admission to Tate Modern is free, but you can book a 1-hour guided tour of Tate Modern for a fee.

Still talking about the unusual art we had just seen, we made our way to the bustling Borough Market. Hundreds of stalls of breads, cheeses, produce, and more were on display… but the market was very crowded and rather overwhelming so after briefly browsing we moved on. Part of Borough Market’s popularity is its connection to the Harry Potter movies, as No. 7 Stoney Street served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and at No. 8 Stoney Street the entrance to the Third Hand Emporium. You can even sign up for Harry Potter Tours of Borough Market. Foodie tours of Borough Market are also popular, which I’d be tempted to sign up for in returning.

Arriving at the modern and sturdy looking London Bridge, we indeed verified that it was not ‘falling down’. We laughed and sang the well-known nursery rhyme as we crossed over it and took in the lovely views. 

Now on the north side of the Thames, we paused by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, a tall pillar commemorating the devastating fire of 1666 which began in a baker’s shop nearby and destroyed much of London.

A few blocks down, we were excited to arrive at the first of two towers I had been eagerly anticipating since I had booked the free tickets prior to our trip. On the 38^th floor of this tower, nicknamed the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building for its resemblance to the portable radio, was a fantastic viewing area called Sky Garden, which provided beautiful 360 degree views of all of London. Should you enjoy a light breakfast and an early start, you can also book an Early Access Ticket to Sky Garden with a Breakfast Treat.

As if these breathtaking views were not enough, our excitement grew as we headed to our second viewing tower, this one even higher. So tall we could see it from several blocks away, the skyscraper at 22 Bishopsgate is London’s tallest building. A dedicated high-speed lift whisked us up from the ground level directly to the 58^th floor in mere seconds. Here we were treated to Horizon 22, the free two-storey public viewing gallery with floor-to-ceiling glass windows which allowed for unobstructed views for miles of London and even beyond. The views were thrilling, and we were up so high it made us chuckle to see how small the Sky Garden and the London Eye looked from way up there.

Coming back down to earth, literally, we wandered through the city, with interesting things to see along the way – sights such as the curious-looking ‘Inside-Out’ building, the nickname given to the Lloyd’s of London office building, and the Leadenhall Market, a beautiful Victorian-looking indoor/outdoor market. Leadenhall Market is another point of interest on Harry Potter Tours of London. It was mid-day, but the cafes, pubs, and outdoor patios at the market, and in fact all along our walk through the downtown, were full of well-dressed men and women enjoying a pint of beer. 

Arriving at our next destination, the famous Tower of London, we gazed at the massive structure and pondered its incredible history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has been a symbol of British power for centuries, and has been everything from a palace to a prison over that time, even housing the Crown Jewels, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

Conveniently nearby was a pier, where we hopped on a Thames River Cruise boat, and took in the beautiful views as we floated down the Thames to the Westminster Bridge dock. Our timing was spot on, as we walked up to the Westminster Abbey just in time to go inside for the start of an amazing service. Mesmerized by the stunningly beautiful interior, the lovely choral singing, and the priest’s message, we relaxed and contemplated all the famous Royal events that had taken place right where we were seated. As the service ended we felt very much at peace, yet our heads full of incredibly beautiful images and sounds, and to this day we remember that service as one of the absolute highlights of our entire Europe trip.

Day 3: Raising a Pint to Sacred Ceremony

Our final day in London started off with joining the masses of people going to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. As a ‘don’t-miss’ event I was eager to see it, and I enjoyed the ceremony, the striking red uniforms walking in perfect unison, and the pageantry. However, being a very hot day and extremely crowded, I was also glad when it was over and we could find a shady, quiet street to walk down.

This lovely tree-lined street, simply called The Mall (pronounced like ‘pal’), and famously seen in all the Royal processions and parades, led us to the busy tourist hub of Trafalgar Square. At our first stop, the National Gallery, we went through room after room gazing at the amazing works of famous painters such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt. With several floors of paintings, all very well organised and labelled, we could have easily spent much more time here, but with more wonderful places yet to see we ultimately moved on. As with Tate Modern, the National Gallery is free to visit, and even offers free one-hour taster tours of the collections from 3- 4 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (excluding public holidays). You can, of course, also book a paid tour of the National Gallery guided by an art expert.

Looking back, I was rather amused to realise the sequence of these last few places in London – we went from a church to a pub to a church to a pub! After leaving St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, we walked through the downtown area, and notably down historically significant Fleet Street. 

This led us to the popular and historical Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub. Famous for having had literary patrons such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, it is considered a ‘must-see’ for tourists, and we really enjoyed looking through the quaint-looking rooms and having a wonderfully cold and refreshing fruit beer. 

I suppose our next stop was technically a church, but it is immensely more grand than your average church. St. Paul’s Cathedral is famously known around the world as the site of many significant historical and Royal events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. With the second largest dome in the world, behind only St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, it is a massive and majestic cathedral. We arrived in time for their Evensong, and for the next hour listened to the most heavenly beautiful choral singing in the most spectacularly beautiful setting imaginable.

The peace and beauty of the cathedral stayed with us as we left, and spotting a small shady park nearby we decided to sit for awhile and enjoy the quiet and beauty of the outdoors before heading to a pub for dinner. After our brief rest, a short stroll led us to what couldn’t have been a more marked contrast to the serenity we had just experienced – the very noisy and busy Blackfriar Pub. Yet it proved to be popular and crowded for a reason – it is known for its delicious food particularly its pies, and we had the yummiest Steak & Ale Pie, along with delicious craft cider, that we still talk about to this day. 

Full of good food we strolled back to our hotel, taking the lovely Millennium Bridge nearby, and enjoyed the gorgeous views of the Thames one last time as we recounted some of our wonderful experiences in London.

Tips & Recommendations for 3-Days in London, England:

While we took ourselves on self-guided walking tours of London, England, there are numerous guided tours of London that you could join to make the most of your 3-days in London.

• The Travelodge London Central Waterloo – A clean, modern, reasonably priced, and centrally located hotel for a stay in London. Would recommend and would stay again.

• Tate Modern Museum – Very unusual and interesting modern art, displayed in a massive building with many entrances. All museums in London are free.

• Sky Garden & Horizon 22 – Fabulous free viewing towers. Book free timed tickets online. Check availability a few weeks prior to your trip as tickets sell out quickly.

• Westminster Abbey – Check ahead for Evensong or Services times, which are free to attend and a wonderful way to spend time in the beautiful cathedral.

• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace – Go early to find a good viewing spot, as it gets very crowded. Be prepared to stand for some time.

• The National Gallery – A fabulous and huge art gallery that is free to visit. It features many floors and rooms full of classical and famous paintings, well-categorised by centuries and eras. You could spend hours here, so perhaps plan ahead which centuries and paintings you would most like to see.

• St. Martin-in-the-Fields – A wonderful Church of England from medieval period with a very welcoming atmosphere. Check for free concerts. Their Crypt Cafe is also a great place for lunch with delicious and very reasonably priced home-style cooked food. 

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – A very popular historical pub, rebuilt after Great Fire of 1666, famous for literary patrons such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. Go early afternoon to avoid potential tourist crowd. I personally recommend the delicious unique fruit beers.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral – A spectacular cathedral, famous for many Royal and significant historical events. Attend a free Evensong to see the beautiful interior and listen to the most beautiful choral singing.

• The Blackfriar – A very popular historic pub, not far from St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Blackfriar can get super crowded in late afternoon with the after-work crowd. It is known for its delicious pies, such as Steak & Ale Pie. I highly recommend.

• Millennium Bridge – Very near The Blackfriar, the Millennium Bridge provides a great car-free way to walk over the Thames River to the South Bank, sharing many beautiful views and photo ops.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting London, England?

The beauty in visiting a city like London, England is there is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting London, England? Whether spending 3-days in London, England or more, we’d love to read them in the comments below.

London, England Accommodations Map

Planning a visit to London, England? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in London.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History
• Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark
• 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany, History and Romance Echo Across Time
• Marvelling at Modern Architecture, 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post London Calling, 3-Days in London, England first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.