Category: Destinations

4 days in Rome

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

Rome, often referred to as the “Eternal City,” is a destination filled with history, art, culture, and culinary delights. We spend 4-days exploring throughout Rome and visiting the iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Aside from visiting landmarks, we ventured through Roman streets and had some amazing adventures.

Day 1: Arrival, welcome dinner, and evening stroll around Trevi Fountain

Day 2: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, & Pantheon

Day 3: St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, & Spanish Steps

Day 4: Testaccio market food tour & evening bike tour

Suggestions:

  • Book your entrance tickets ahead of time. I used both Viator and Get your Guide tours as I have used them run the past and had positive experiences with them. I also used Viator to book the food & bike tour.
  • To avoid heavy crowds, start your day early, for example we visited St. Peter’s Basilica early in the am.

day 1

Arrival dinner & leisure time

Many of the travelers arrived early morning/afternoon which gave us some time to eat, nap, and energize for the welcome dinner and to start our 10-day adventure through Italy. Most arrived and we headed for our first lunch and Aperol Spritz.

day 2

Vatican museum & pantheon

The Vatican Museums, located in Vatican City, are one of the most famous museum structure in the world. Established in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, the museums holds an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts accumulated by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries and has millions of visitors per year. The Sistine Chapel Known for its stunning frescoes by Michelangelo, including the famous The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.

The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most iconic and well-preserved architectural masterpieces from ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple to all Roman gods, it now functions as a Catholic Church. The architecture consists of the dome, portico, columns and exterior. The detail in each piece is magnificent. Take the audio tour at your leisure to learn about the history and significance of The Pantheon.

We had a free early evening and decided to go to an Ice bar, which turned out to be super fun with tasty drinks. Ice Club Roma

day 3

Today we will visit the most important archaeological sites in Rome, The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. A few of us visited St. Peter’s Basilica early in the morning to beat the crowds.

St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most famous and significant religious sites in the world. The basilica was designed by some of the greatest artists and architects of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo, Bramante, Raphael, and Bernini.

The Colosseum is the most iconic landmarks of ancient Rome and a masterpiece of Roman engineering and architecture. Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, it is the largest amphitheater ever built and a testament to the beauty of the Roman Empire. In 1980 the Colosseum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Roman Forum/Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient significant sites in Rome, Italy. It is one of the “Seven Hills of Rome” and is historically known as the birthplace of the city, was the central public square in ancient Rome and one of the most significant gathering locations of the Roman Empire. Known for serving as the political, legal, economic, religious, and social heart of the city.

The Spanish Steps connect the Piazza di Spagna (at the bottom) with the Trinità dei Monti church (at the top).It’s located in a popular area surrounded by luxury boutiques, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is one of the most famous fountains in the world and a landmark in Rome, Italy. It is popular for its grand Baroque design and complex sculptures. This is a popular tourist spot and is constantly busy and many are making their wishes while tossing a coin in. Many restaurants surround the fountain which makes it quite walkable.

day 4

Our final full day in Rome was quite relaxing with a twist of action. Today we ventured out to the neighborhood of Testaccio where we participated in a walking, food tour. Aside from the interesting neighborhood full of art and bold colors, the Testacccio market had quite the selection of delicious bites.

After lunch some went back to rest while others ventured out while enjoying their last day in the Roman City. In the evening we connected and went on our night bike tour. This was a hit among the travelers, riding bike through the streets of Rome and seeing the monuments all lit up was quite beautiful.

Texas

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

When planning a road trip through Texas, you have an excess amount of options to explore due to the state’s vast size and diverse landscapes. We spend Christmas break and here are some suggested destinations and routes for an unforgettable road trip through the Lone Star State.

AUSTIN

We flew in and started the road trip in the state capital, known for its live music scene, vibrant culture, and outdoor activities. Visit the Texas State Capitol, explore the trendy neighborhoods, and enjoy the local cuisine.

WACO

Waco is a city in central Texas, located along the Brazos River and situated between Austin and Dallas. Waco was originally settled in 1849 and formally incorporated in 1856. The city played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Civil War. I have been wanted to visit ever since the Magnolia Market at the Silos was established, which is owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. Do yourself a favor and visit, spend the day in the grounds, and for God’s sake have her cupcakes. Enough said.

dallas

Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or entertainment, Dallas has something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to explore the city’s unique attractions and cultural offerings during your visit. Who knows, you may even spot an eye ball laying around.

FORT WORTH

We headed north to the Fort Worth metroplex to visit iconic sites like the Sixth Floor Museum, Fort Worth Stockyards, and the Dallas Arts District.

SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. We visited the Alamo, explored the River Walk, & San Antonio Missions an UNESCO World Heritage site. We stopped at the Historic market place which offered unique and traditional gifts, authentic Mexican food, & live entertainment.

HOUSTON

Houston has a lot to offer. The city’s dynamic mix of history, culture, and attractions make it a great destination for visitors of all interests. Houston has a mix of history, culture, diversity, and big on sports.

Christmas Markets: Germany & Austria

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

European Christmas markets are magical and offer a festive atmosphere with unique traditions, local food, handcrafted gifts, and beautiful decor. I recently traveled to Germany and Austria and had a truly magical experience. I experienced a true winter wonderland as it was snowing and made the trip even more memorable.

munich

Germany is known as the birthplace of the Christmas markets. We traveled to Munich and they alone have approximately 12 markets, having only have visited six or so, it left me with the desire to make this trip a tradition, visiting them all over Europe. Between the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, the markets were just incredible to visit and explore.

salzburg

Salzburg is the location of Mozart’s hometown, it features Alpine traditions, nativity scenes, and local delicacies. The markets were illuminated with many twinkling lights and smell of deliciousness. The second day in Salzburg we woke up to a winter wonderland since it had snowed all night. Several of us ventured out to St. Wolfgang, Austria where we took a boat to three villages to experience once again more Christmas Markets.

st wolfgang


St. Wolfgang, Austria, is a picturesque lakeside town located on the shores of Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. We drove an hour via bus before taking the boat to three different villages. See for yourself how magical this was…

The markets in the villages were my favorite, they felt homie is the best I could describe them. During the Advent season, St. Wolfgang transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland with festive markets, lights, and holiday decorations. The vendors were locals and they sure were lovely. The made us feel at home with their tasty delights and beautiful hand crafted gifts.

vienna

Vienna is renowned for its Christmas markets, where visitors can enjoy traditional food, warm drinks, and handcrafted goods. Rathausplatz is the the largest market, located in front of City Hall, with over 150 stalls and a beautifully lit ice skating rink. Vienna’s streets and landmarks are beautifully adorned with Christmas lights.

Portland, OR

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, specifically in the state of Oregon. Portland is renowned for its vibrant and diverse food scene. The city is known for its food carts, offering a wide variety of cuisines in convenient outdoor locations. Additionally, Portland is the home to many farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee shops.

Portland has several different neighborhoods, each offering a unique look, vibe, & diversity. Alberta was my favorite, but maybe I am biased because my favorite bake shop was located there.

alberta Arts district

Alberta Arts District is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its galleries, studios, and public art. Alberta street is lined with unique shops ranging from handmade to vintage, as well as artisan art. I absolutely loved this area and frequented the area as my favorite bake shop was nearby.

villevelo bAKESHOP

If you’re even in NE Portland area, please go check out VilleVelo Bake Shop. Jeff the owner is not only friendly and welcoming, but he makes the best savory tarts and desserts in the area. Bonus if you’re a Drew Barrymore fan and love ecleptic decor, check it out below.

Forest Park

Forest Park is a public municipal park in the Tualatin Mountains west of downtown Portland, Oregon, USA. Stretching for more than 8 miles (13 km) on hillsides overlooking the Willamette River, it is one of the country’s largest urban forest reserves. The Stone House located within the trail was actually the restroom building for the park back in the early 20th century. Over time, the building fell into disrepair and became a popular spot for local legends and ghost stories, leading to its nickname “Witch’s Castle.” Check out my buddy Che, the sweetest rescue ever and child to my roommate Brooke. We kept each other company and he made it bearable when I missed my tribe from back home.

downtown portland

Exploring downtown Portland was quite relaxing. Despite there being an increase homeless population and substance abuse problem, Portland is a beautiful city to visit, explore, and I highly recommend exploring their iconic area such as Powell books and Portland Waterfront and experience their beautiful cherry blossoms. I was even lucky enough to find my favorite Nicholas Sparks book, “The Wedding” I was also luckily to capture the cherry blossoms before leaving Portland and heading back to North Carolina. Let’s just say, it’s definitely a popular time of year, plan accordingly as parking can be difficult.

Leavenworth, WA

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

Leavenworth, Washington, is a beautiful town situated in the Cascade Mountains. The town is renowned for its Bavarian-themed architecture, which gives it a unique and charming atmosphere. Leavenworth offers visitors a variety of activities throughout the year, including outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, river rafting, and skiing in the winter.

As a travel nurse working in PNW I was able to enjoy many parts of Oregon & Washington State. Taking off every time I had a couple days off was not only a treat, but so needed to disconnect and surround myself with peace and tranquility. I met the best group of nurses while on contract at Kaiser, can wait to travel with them again.

2 day itinerary

Day 1: Bavarian Charm & Local History

Morning: Bavarian Immersion & Local Eats

  • Breakfast at Louie’s Café – A local favorite with great coffee and hearty breakfast options.
  • Explore Downtown Leavenworth – Walk along Front Street and marvel at the Bavarian-style architecture. Visit charming boutiques, candy shops, and artisan stores. Great selection of gifts for the holidays if you’re visiting during Christmas time.
  • Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum – A quirky but fascinating collection of over 7,000 nutcrackers from around the world.

Midday: Food & Scenic Views

  • Lunch at Andreas Keller – Authentic German fare in a cozy, traditional setting. Try the schnitzel or bratwurst with a stein of local beer.
  • Waterfront Park Walk – A peaceful trail just a block from downtown that follows the Wenatchee River, offering stunning mountain views and a chance to see wildlife.

Afternoon: History & Hidden Gems

  • Upper Valley Museum at Wenatchee River Institute – Small but informative, this museum gives insight into Leavenworth’s transformation from a logging town to a Bavarian-style village.
  • Hike to Icicle Ridge Trail (Short Version) – A moderate 1.5-mile uphill trek with rewarding panoramic views of the valley and town.
  • Visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm (if you enjoy wildlife) – A unique, off-the-beaten-path experience where you can get up close to real reindeer.

Evening: Authentic Bavarian Vibes

  • Dinner at München Haus – Enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, and local beer in an outdoor beer garden with live music.
  • Dark Sky Stargazing at Ski Hill – A short drive from town, this spot offers little light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing.

Day 2: Adventure & Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploring

Morning: Hidden Nature & Local Favorites

  • Breakfast at Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits – A hidden gem with delicious biscuits and top-notch coffee.
  • Leavenworth Fish Hatchery Walk – A quiet and scenic walk where you can learn about local conservation efforts and spot wildlife.

Midday: Outdoor Exploration & Unique Bites

  • Lunch at Yodelin Broth Company – A health-conscious but flavorful option featuring delicious bone broths and fresh ingredients.
  • Explore Plain, WA (20 minutes away) – A tiny, less touristy town with hidden gems like Plain Hardware (a coffee shop inside a hardware store!) and Mountain Springs Lodge.
  • Lake Wenatchee State Park – Enjoy a short hike or simply relax by the lake with stunning mountain views.

Afternoon: Leisurely Wandering & Sweet Treats

  • Visit a Local Winery or Cider House – Try Icicle Ridge Winery (rustic, cozy cabin vibe) and try their wine flight.
  • Schocolat Fine Handmade Chocolates – Indulge in some locally made, high-quality chocolates before leaving town.

Evening: Cozy Farewell

  • Dinner at Sulla Vita – A Mediterranean-style bistro with delicious tapas and a warm atmosphere.
  • Relax at a Fireside Lounge – If staying overnight, unwind at a lodge or hotel with a glass of wine by the fire.

If you are in the area and have a couple days to spear, a visit to Leavenworth is highly recommended. I do wish to go back deep in the winter as I hear it’s magical and has twinkling lights everywhere.

London

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Solo Travel, Travel

Celebrating Christmas in London is a magical experience, as the city comes alive with festive decorations, lights, markets, and events. I spend two days and definitely need to go back. Here are a few things you can see and do while visiting this beautiful city.

Visit the Christmas Markets

London has several Christmas markets offering unique gifts, delicious food, and mulled wine. Some popular markets include Southbank Centre Winter Market and Leicester Square Christmas Market.

Admire the Christmas Lights

Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden are known for their stunning Christmas lights and window displays. London is truly magical at this time of year, a must visit.

Afternoon tea bus tour

This was a highlight of my trip. As we sip tea and indulge in delicious treats, you will pass by famous attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and more. The tour typically includes live commentary about the history and significance of the landmarks you pass, providing an informative and entertaining experience. Best part was the Christmas theme bus with onboard caroling.

and of course SIGHTSEEING

London is a vibrant city with a rich history and a multitude of attractions to explore. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye to neighborhoods, such as Notting Hill, Camden Lock, London Theatre District, there is no shortage of things to see and do in London.

Day Trips from Portland

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

Living in Portland temporarily for work gave me the opportunity to take several day trips on my days off. Some trips were solo, some with co-workers, but one thing is certain…Oregon is an incredible state to wander off to.

columbia river gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning river canyon located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, straddling the border between the states of Oregon and Washington. The gorge is known for its dramatic landscape, including towering cliffs, lush forests, and numerous waterfalls.

Some of the most famous waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge include Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. These waterfalls are easily accessible via hiking trails and scenic viewpoints along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

cannon beach

I have visited Cannon beach before and the coastal view never gets old. Located only 8o miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach offers picturesque beaches, local art, and restaurants. Known for its natural beauty including the famous Haystack Rock. The sunset here was just spectacular.

mount hood

Mount Hood is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and climbing opportunities depending on the season. It is located about 50 miles east-southeast of Portland. The snow and winter vibes were just magical, we had a great time snow shoeing which was quite the workout.

depoe bay

Depoe Bay, Oregon, is a charming coastal city located along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its picturesque scenery, Depoe Bay is a popular tourist destination that offers opportunities for whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and exploring the nearby beaches and state parks. At 118 miles from Portland, spending the day here is not only is not only possible, but so worth it.

silverton (trail of 10 waterfalls)

Oregon is known for its stunning natural landscapes and numerous waterfalls. One of the most famous trails that features multiple waterfalls in Oregon is the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park. Located only 88 miles from Portland , makes it easy to spend the day there, pack a picnic, and enjoy the magnificent views.

Located near Silverton, Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls is a beautiful 7.2-mile loop trail that takes hikers past ten breathtaking waterfalls. Some of the notable waterfalls along this trail include South Falls, North Falls, Double Falls, and Winter Falls. If you are planning to visit the Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon, be sure to check the current trail conditions, park regulations, and any necessary permits before you go.

hood river

Hood River is a charming town located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is known for its picturesque setting, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant community. Hood River offers outdoor activities, scenic beauty, & solace. Hood River is home to a thriving craft beer and wine scene, with several local breweries, cideries, and wineries offering tastings and tours. Visitors can sample a variety of locally produced beverages and enjoy the vibrant food and drink culture in the area.

Willamette Valley

If you are interested in wine tasting near Beaverton, Oregon, I recommend researching and visiting some of the acclaimed wineries in the Willamette Valley region to experience the diverse and delicious wines that Oregon has to offer. While Beaverton itself is not a major wine-producing area, it is situated close to the renowned wine country of Oregon. The Willamette Valley, where Beaverton is located, is particularly famous for its Pinot Noir wines, which thrive in the region’s cool climate and diverse soils. Some notable wine regions near Beaverton include Dundee Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, and Ribbon Ridge, all of which are known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and other varietals.

Spain

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

This was my first hosted group trip through Trovatrip and boy did we have fun. Our trip was 7-days and we traveled to Sevilla, Granada, & Cordoba. Our guide was a local to the Andalusia region and not only was knowledgeable but also super funny. At the end of the trip we all decide to extend and so we flew to Madrid for a 2-day visit to explore and indulge in the Spanish culture.

Sevilla

Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is the capital of Andalusia, a region in the south of Spain. It is known for its history, stunning architecture, culture, and flavorful cuisine. We visited sites such as Alcazar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known its beautiful Mudejar architecture, lush gardens, & intricate tilework.

cordoba

Cordoba is a city in southern Spain, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history. One of the most famous landmarks in Cordoba is the Great Mosque of Cordoba, also known as the Mezquita. It is a stunning example of Moorish architecture with a unique blend of Islamic and Christian influences. The Roman Bridge of Cordoba is another iconic symbol of the city, spanning the Guadalquivir River. It offers beautiful views of the city and the Mosque-Cathedral.

Granada

Granada is a city located in southern Spain, in the region of Andalusia. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. The Albaicin is a well-preserved medieval Moorish quarter in Granada with narrow winding streets, white-washed buildings, and picturesque squares. It offers fantastic views of the Alhambra and the city below.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra is one of the most famous attractions in Granada and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning palace and fortress complex dates back to the 9th century and showcases exquisite Islamic architecture and beautiful gardens.

madrid

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. Madrid is a dynamic and vibrant city that offers a blend of history, art, culture, and gastronomy, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. We stayed at the city centre making it easy to easily walk to our destinations. A great end to our Spain adventure.

the food in spain

Spanish cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Tapas are small, savory dishes typically served with drinks at bars and restaurants. They can range from simple olives and almonds to more elaborate dishes like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) or jamón ibérico (cured ham). Whether you’re treating yourself to tapas, savoring a paella, or enjoying a glass of sangria, Spanish food offers a rich and satisfying dining experience. Also, please don’t forget to try their amazing coffee and churros and hot chocolate, you will thank me later.

Vancouver, WA

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

Living in Portland gave me the opportunity to explore many different areas in Oregon & Washington State. Vancouver was only a 10-minute drive from the house I was living in and I would visit often as they had the cutest farmer’s market on the weekend. The Vancouver Waterfront is a newly developed and offers many restaurants, shops, walking paths, and stunning views of Mount Hood.

They have murals everywhere and the cutest coffee shops. The short drive made it easy to go spend the afternoon enjoy the landscapes and vibrate and colorful streets.

If you’re in the Vancouver area check out Joe Brown’s Cafe for delicious all American breakfast, just don’t expect to find grits, it’s pretty much non-exiting.

Joe Brown’s Cafe 817 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660

For delicious coffee try Kafiex Roasters, not only do they offer great coffee, but also offer delicious treats, both savory and sweet. Enjoy your coffee with the great view overlooking the water and if a clear day, you get a view of Mount Hood.

Kafiex Roasters – Gastro Cafe 100 Parkway Pl, Vancouver, WA 98660

Paris

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

How to spend 48 hours in the City of Lights

Paris is the capital city of France and is renowned for its art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Known as the “City of Light,” Paris offers a wealth of iconic landmarks, museums, and charming neighborhoods to explore. Visiting for the first time is quite overwhelming since there is a lot to explore, but although you cannot see everything, here is how I spend 48 hours in this beautiful city.

Visiting Paris for the first time and with only 48 hrs can be overwhelming. If you want to see a lot of Paris in that time frame, you need to start early and spend the day on the go. You will definitely not see it all, but maybe my guide can help you narrow down what you want to see and make the most of your time.

Arriving to paris & where we stayed

We arrived via Charles de Gaulle Int’l Airport. Give yourself extra time as it’s not the easiest airport to navigate and can be confusing.

We stayed in an airbnb in the neighborhood of Levallois-Perret. We chose Edgar Suites which had easy access to public transportation and walking distance to several cafes and boulangerie (bakery).

Getting around paris

Paris has many forms of transportation. The Paris Visite pass allows you to travel in Paris and the Ile-de-France region with complete freedom and unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, depending on the package you choose. With the Paris Visite pass, you have access to all public transport: metro, RER, bus, tram, & Montmartre funicular. Paris also has Uber but with all the traffic, it may take way longer that if you did public transport.

where to eat

Parisians take their food seriously and enjoy eating slow and savoring each bite. Paris offers something for every palate, from casual cafés to Michelin star fine dining. Below I attached a few of the places we experienced and would definitely visit again.

La Maillardise (Bakery) 11 Rue Voltaire 92300 Levallois-Perret, France

Fleur (Charcuterie & Wine) 38 Avenue de Suffren 75015 Paris, France.

Pink Mamma (Pizza, Truffle Pasta, & Drinks) 20 bis Rue de Douai 75009 Paris, France

Azur Café (Pancakes) 63 Rue de Ponthieu 75008 Paris, France

Crepes and Waffles were from a random food truck located near the Eiffel Tower

After breakfast we headed to Trocadéro Gardens to view the Eiffel Tower, we didn’t go up the tower as the elevator tickets had been sold out for months. Admiring it from a distance and capturing its beauty was just fine with me. If you want to go up the tower, here is the link for tickets, make sure you order them with plenty of time. Eiffel tickets here cost is cost is €14.50 for the stairs and €23.10 for the lift (elevator). Prepare to be offered numerous souvenirs, picture taking, all while being overly friendly.

After breakfast we headed to Trocadéro Gardens to view the Eiffel Tower, we didn’t go up the tower as the elevator tickets had been sold out for months. Admiring it from a distance and capturing its beauty was just fine with me. If you want to go up the tower, here is the link for tickets, make sure you order them with plenty of time.

day 1-Paris & Montmartre

We headed to Champs-Elysées and admired the decorative high end stores with the view of Arc de Triomphe. ficance of the Arc de Triomphe? The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic symbol of French national identity and took 30 years to build. Today the monument serves as the 4th most popular attraction in Paris and visited by many tourist on a daily basis. The price to visit the monument is €16.00 and you can purchase the tickets here

Montmartre neighborhood

Known as the authentic village in the heart of Paris, Montmartre was my favorite. With its cobbled streets, stunning Basilica, artists, bistros … Montmartre is full of charm! At the top of the hill stands the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, a stunning white-domed church with the most stunning view of Paris. Montmartre is very walkable and you will stumble across the famous Moulin Rouge, restaurants Le Consulat, and La Maison Rose, the Love wall, add much more.

We later visited the most beautiful Starbucks I have ever seen, headed to Notre Dame, and explore the exterior of the Pantheon before heading towards the Eiffel Tower to experience the sparkling lights.

day 2-Versailles

After having a long day the first day, we decided to venture out to Versailles and explore the Palace of Versailles grounds and surrounding neighborhoods. Tickets for Versailles must be purchased months in advanced and unfortunately we did not. We were however able to visit the grounds and admire the gardens.

We ventured around the local Versailles farmer’s market which is an excellent spot to experience the local French culture. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourist, offering a great selection of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and plenty of baked goods. We enjoyed lunch before heading back to Paris.

We ended our day visiting and sitting near the Seine River and admiring the Eiffel Tower yet again. This trip covered many different touristy highlights, but I could definitely return and explore other neighborhoods. Until next time, Au revoir Paris.