Top 10 things to do in Vienna

Over the past couple of years, I’ve visited Vienna numerous times. With every returning visit I still manage to discover new things about this city and I fall in love with it a little bit more.

Now that I’ve been there a couple times, there are things that I must do on each visit. So here you go, my top 10 things to do when in Vienna. I realize a lot of these are food related, but for me a well fed holiday is a fantastic holiday.

1. Schonbrunn

No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to this magnificent palace. The gardens are a must. My favourite view of the palace is from behind the Neptune fountain. Also, make sure you walk all the way up to the Gloriette for a view of the palace and surrounding neighbourhood.

2. Almdudler

Almdudler is an Austrian soft drink that is made from grape and apple juice. It tastes a bit like ginger ale to me, but sweeter and with more fruit flavor. It kind of looks like ginger ale too. It is often called the “national drink of Austria” and is the second most popular soft drink in Austria after Coke. You can get them carbonated (my preferred option), sugar free or still. There is even a version with beer in it! I haven’t been able to find it elsewhere other than in Austria despite them saying that it gets exported to surrounding countries. I pick up one of these the first day I’m in Austria!

3. See the Hundertwasserhaus

 I love the quirkiness of the Hundertwasserhaus. It’s a little bit further away from the majority of sites in Vienna, but I think it’s worth the visit. The explosion of colour and little details make each visit unique. Every time I go, I noticed something new and interesting about the building and visitor centre across the way.

4. Eat some cake

You see cakes available everywhere in Vienna. There are so many famous coffee shops around the city and what goes well with coffee? Cake! I ate too much while I was there, and I still can’t get enough.

One cake everyone tells you try is the Sacher Torte. While I won’t tell you to skip it entirely, I really wasn’t too impressed with it. I really do not get the fuss! In my mind it’s just one massive marketing campaign that they’ve been successful at over the years. Instead I much rather enjoy all the other thousands of cake and coffee shops around the city.

5. Walk along the Ring Road

The major tourist attractions and the centre of Vienna is surrounded by an outer ring road called the Ringstrasse. It surrounds the Innere Stadt district of Vienna. A leisurely walk along this road would lead you to see the Vienna Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, Rathaus, Museum Quarter, Burgtheater and the University of Vienna.

6. Weiner Schnitzel at Figlmuller

A must visit on every visit. The schnitzel here is massive and so good! Its not dry like other places that I’ve tried and much thinner. Make sure you get the potato salad. I use to dislike potato salad, but this one really turned it around for me. I don’t know what it is that they put into the dressing but it is the perfect amount of sweet and tart. Normally I get one schnitzel to share with a friend and my own side salad because that is just too good to share.

7. Lunch at the Naschmarkt

For a cheap and quick lunch head to the Naschmarkt. Pick up some bread, cheese and meat and have a picnic in a nearby park, or if you want someone to do the cooking for you, there are plenty of restaurants available.

I have truely horrendous photos of the Naschmarkt so please enjoy this one from Thomas Lieser

Even if you aren’t picking up lunch, a visit to the Naschmarkt is still fun. You can see all the different spices, foods and merchants available. On Saturdays there is a flea market if you’re interested in purchasing some gifts. The market is really big and spreads a couple blocks. The prices are more reasonable on the Kettenbrückengasse‎ end compared to the Karlsplatz end. Also, less tourists which is also nice..

8. Explore Musical History

There are so many famous composers and musicians who are associated with Vienna. I have thoroughly explored Mozart’s history and his connection to Vienna there are many more composers like Beethoven, Hayden and Schubert who have houses and memorials to explore in the city.

Did you know Vienna also has a Walk of Fame? Instead of containing celebrities like in LA, this walk of fame is full of composers who had some sort of connection with Vienna.

No visit to Vienna can be complete without a visit to the Haus der Musik especially if you’re doing all the other musical activities. I loved this museum. Its very interactive and a whole lot of fun. They had me composing music, interacting with instruments and exploring history. A lot of fun.

9. Pork Knuckle at Salm Brau

Salm Brau is a restaurant and brewery on the edge of the Belvedere grounds. Try their beer, brewed in house, and their pork knuckle. It was so delicious. I can still remember how easily it flaked off the bone and how deliciously tender it was. It goes perfect with the mustard that is served with it. Be warned though, the portions are massive. We had one knuckle to share among 3 of us and we still had leftovers.

10. Watch an Opera

Where else can you watch a world class opera for 3€ or 4€? Yes, you have to stand. Yes, you’re in the back. But it’s so affordable! Plus you can see the inside of the opera house which is gorgeous! These standing room tickets are available only on the day of the performance and not from the main ticket office either. Tickets go on sale about 80 minutes before the performance from a side door off of Operngasse. Usually the line for the tickets starts fairly early so you need to be there early. 

The performance was long, but it was such a cool experience and one that I would definitely recommend for anyone, especially those who are curious about opera, but don’t want to cough up $100 to see one.

And those are my top 10 things to do in Vienna. Some are really touristy things to do, others are a little bit off the beaten track. Food is such a major component of my travels so they make a strong appearance. I’m salivating just thinking about that pork knuckle now. Yum!

TOP 10 LAS VEGAS MUST DO'S

We get it, it’s Vegas. The land of so much to do and so little time to do it in. Everywhere you turn, there’s going to be something bright and shiny that grabs your attention. We know how many distractions there are, so we’ve gone ahead and waded through the tourist traps so you don’t have to. Here are 10 Las Vegas must dos you don’t want to miss:

1. Take a photo at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada sign. Created in 1959, the  Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is an iconic symbol of Sin City. People once risked their lives running through traffic to pose next to the famous sign, located on the Strip near Mandalay Bay. Thankfully, a small parking lot was built next to it in 2008, transforming the sign into a tourist trap instead of a death trap. Oh, and it’s free.

2. Eat food, glorious food. Las Vegas is a foodie’s died-and-gone-to-heaven-dream-come-true, so bite the bullet and see what all the fuss is about. There are so many, it’s like reading their names out of a celebrity phone book: Andrés, Batali, De Laurentiis, Fieri, Gagnaire, Mina, Puck, Ramsay, Robuchon, Savoy – you get the picture, now make the reservation.

3. Dance like a stripper. Las Vegas offers plenty of opportunities for the girl next door to dance like a stripper. Whether taking a stripping class like XBU – X Burlesque University or Stripper 101 or gyrating on the stripper pole in your VIP Party Bus, you too can feel the unsatisfying allure of glassy-eyed detachment and daddy issues while grinding on strangers – if only for one night.

4. Jump off the Stratosphere. Conquer your fear of heights and your fear of falling while earning a ton of street cred on SkyJump Las Vegas at the Stratosphere. After suiting up in a branded jumpsuit and harness, you will ride an elevator to Level 108 of the tallest building west of the Mississippi, then step off a platform 855 feet above the Las Vegas Strip on this controlled free fall.

5. Enjoy a sunset gondola ride. When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie…oh sorry, don’t mind us. We’re just floating along, lost in the moonlight, enjoying an Italian serenade. Venice/Vegas same thing, right? OK maybe not. But where else can you see the glittery lights of the Las Vegas Strip in a boat? You’ve got to take a gondola ride at the Venetian at least once.

6. "Hang out" at a toptional pool club (see what we did there). This one might be fairly self-explanatory but it is definitely smirk-worthy. Vegas pool clubs where you can find or be one of the bare-bosomed girls include Moorea at Mandalay Bay, Bare at The Mirage, Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace, the Sapphire Pool and Naked at Artisan.

7. Watch the Bellagio Fountains. One of the flagship attractions in Vegas, it’s a crazy awesome fountain show perfectly timed to 30 different songs from the Rat Pack to Celine Dion, and everyone in between. For the first time in history, the Bellagio has even added an EDM show created by DJ powerhouse Tiësto. Have you ever seen 1,214 water jets pulsate 460 feet into the air to untz untz untz? Neither has anyone else! If you really want a bird’s-eye view of the Bellagio Fountain show, get yourself a pair of tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You won’t be able to hear the music from the observation deck but the view is out-of-this-world.

 

8. Spring for a show. It’s no secret that Vegas has world-class entertainment. But you really haven’t experienced all that we have to offer until you’ve seen one of our shows. We’ve got what you want – from mind-boggling acrobats to big name entertainers and even a whole lot of nakedness (probably from both you and the show). If you’re one of the lucky ones who gets pulled out of the audience, you’ll even become one of the stars. Move over Broadway, ’cause our productions are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

9. Stumble through the Fremont Street Experience. A whole new meaning to “shock and awe,” the Fremont Street Experience is a lot different than you may remember it. This is the land of ultimate debauchery where the once glittery and glamorous meets the just plain weird. Lined with vintage hotels, restaurants and bars spanning the four-block corridor and covered by a giant digital screen, this downtown Las Vegas destination is the ultimate block party. There is a lot to do and see, including shopping at specialty kiosks, riding zip lines and watching free concerts and costumed buskers of various levels of sobriety.

10. Be a High Roller. The High Roller in Las Vegas isn't your average Ferris wheel. There's nothing average about it. And it's not really a Ferris wheel; it's an observation wheel -- the biggest in the world at a staggering 550-feet-tall. Yes, you read that right: 550 feet. That's nine feet taller than the Singapore Flyer and 107 feet taller than the London Eye. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for largest observation wheel. With panoramic views of the Strip, the valley and the mountains, there’s something to see from every angle. 

Top 10 Things to Do in London !

You’re only in London for a set amount of time so you want to make sure you see and do the best things in London. We’ll make it easy for you; here are our Top 10 Things to Do in London

1. Tower of London remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Visitors can take enjoy entertaining tours by Yeomen Warders (aka beefeaters) and learn about the tales and tragedies of this historic royal place. Don’t forget you can see the stunning Crown Jewels and the oldest exhibition in the world, the Line of Kings. 

2. See London from a different perspective and take a trip on a fun Thames River Cruise. Get a unique view of the city from the river and spot all the iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye and the O2. From Westminster to Greenwich, you can meander right through the heart of London and see all the best sights along the way!

3. Westminster Abbey is a stunning gothic church and UNESCO World Heritage site that sits behind the Houses of Parliament. Many famous names are part of the rich history of Westminster Abbey, from royals to scientists, poets and aristocrats. More recently, it was the church where Kate and Wills were married in 2011. Westminster Abbey has to be one of the best things to do in London and is definitely one of London’s most important landmarks.

4. It’s worth taking a trip out of London to Windsor Castle to visit the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. As the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II – and her preferred weekend palace – it has over 900 years of rich royal history. Visitors can see the amazing State Apartments and the world’s smallest doll house, too.

5. Hampton Court Palace is one of London’s most loved palaces and was once the home of King Henry VIII. A sprawling and impressive building, Hampton Court Palace boasts stunning gardens, a world famous hedge maze and the only surviving royal chocolate kitchen dating back to the 17th century.

6. Our iconic Victorian bascule bridge, Tower Bridge, dates back to 1894 and was once a symbol of industrial development and London’s urban expansion. Now it houses a permanent exhibition which explores the history of the bridge, as well as a new Glass Walkway, recently opened in 2014 to give visitors a unique view over the river and pedestrians below.

7. Visit the home of the late Princess Diana and the childhood residence of Queen Victoria. Kensington Palace is a stunning building in the heart of London and promises engaging exhibitions that delve into the lives of the great women of the monarchy. From Fashion Rules to Victoria Revealed, there’s so much to learn at Kensington Palace.

8. ZSL London Zoo is a great attraction if you’re in London looking for things to do with the family. London Zoo is home to a wide range of exotic animals and has conservation at the heart of what it does. Get involved with animal feedings and go inside the Butterfly Enclosure to really get close up to nature.

9. Prepare to be spooked at The London Bridge Experience. Located under the arches of London Bridge, delve into the underworld of this historic city and learn about the most terrible crimes and killings. A visit to the Tombs will also test your courage, so only go if you dare!

10. Enjoy a tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, an identical reconstruction of the original 16th century open-air playhouse in which Shakespeare directed his world-famous plays. Set on the banks of the River Thames, it’s one of London’s most iconic buildings and a must-see if you’re a fan of the Bard!

Top 10 Paris Sights

The Paris Pass is a packed with over 60 top museums, monuments and attractions which you can visit for free. But with all that choice what are the best things to do and places to see?

Here is our suggestion of the top 10 things to do in Paris with a Paris Pass.

1. The Palaces of Versailles is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. This stunning historic castle with its beautiful architecture and gardens, and deep history is a must visit sight on a sightseeing trip to Paris.

2. Take a relaxing trip down the River Seine onboard the Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise. A river cruise is a great way to see many of Paris’ famous landmarks and sights.

3. The Arc De Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris and must for any visitor to Paris.

4. The Louvre Museum is home to some of the finest art work in the world. Home to thousands of classic and modern masterpieces, the Louvre Museum is the jewel in the crown of French culture.

5. A very popular attraction in Paris is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, with a Paris Pass you can take a visit to the top of the Towers of Notre Dame for free.

6. Fancy trying some French wine? Then take a trip to O Chateau Wine Tasting where you can sample some exquisite wines from the vineyards of France.

7. The Orsay Museum exhibits work by Delacroix, Manet, Guaguin, Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Sisley, van Gogh and many more great artists.

8. Discover Paris from the 56th observation floor of the Montparnasse Tower which offers visitors a stunning view of the city in all directions.

9. Palais Garnier has been home to Opera de Paris since the 1600’s and is also home to a small gallery which hosts exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition of the sets of operas from its history.

10. Grevin Wax Museum features over 300 wax figures of the world’s most famous people dramatically posed in amazing scenes.

10 THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFORE VISITING PETRA, JORDAN

A city of rose-coloured stone, carved out of Mount Hor’s rock-face by the Nabataeans in the 3rd century BC, there’s nothing else like Petra. If it’s not on your bucket list already, it really should be – so when you do finally scrape the moolah together for the trip, check out this handy list of things to know before you go…

If you’re looking for accommodation, see our cheap hotels and hostels in Petra, starting at 5.655for a shared dorm @ Orient Gate Hotel

 1. WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PETRA?‎

Petra is a stiflingly hot place in the height of summer (36°C!): best instead to go during spring (March – May) or autumn (September to November). Temperatures then are pleasant and warm – around 18-25°C.

As for the time of day to visit, if you’re particularly determined get ahead of the crowds and go with the sunrise at 5am:Traveljunkette’s story on doing just this is a bit of an inspiration. It means you’ll escape the heat, and have the city nearly to yourself away from other day-trippers.

If you really can’t face an early morning,  arrive at 3pm to miss the worst of the midday glare and stick around until sunset – the quality of light makes the rocks glow an incredible ruby colour.

2. HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I DEDICATE TO EXPLORING PETRA?‎

You can comfortably see Petra in a day. Everyone has different levels of historic site tolerance: you could spend five to six hours exploring, or twice that time – but even so, a day gives you plenty of time.

3. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO PETRA?‎

Flying in from Amman airport, it’s a four-hour drive pretty much straight drive down a highway which has English signposting. For a lower cost than a hire car or taxi, you can hop on a public bus direct to Petra from Amman bus station (which is itself a taxi ride from the airport).

From Aqaba airport, it’s a 1.5 hour drive – though a lesser number of airlines fly here. You can only enter Petra by buying tickets at the Petra visitors’ centre in Wadi Musa, the closest town.

Once you’re at the site (2km from visitors’ centre), you enter through a rocky passage with very high walls called the Siq – you can do this on foot, or on horseback (horses are hired from the visitor centre).

4. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT PETRA?

A one-day visitor pass is 90JD. An ‘overnight visitor’ pass – ie someone who’s staying for more than one day in Jordan in overnight accommodation (including cruise ship passengers) costs 50JD. Jordanian citizens, residents, students and Arab nationals pay 1JD. Kids under 15 go free.

5. WHAT ARE THE TOP SIGHTS TO SEE AT PETRA?

Entering through the Siq is a dramatic and atmospheric introduction to the ancient city. You come out the other side of this passage at The Treasury, a rock-cut temple that’s the most-photographed part of the site due to its starring role in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The next big thing to do is to hike up 822 steps carved out of the mountain to the Monastery building – its large, intricately carved façade and views looking out over the surrounding valleys are stunning. Other things to see include the pillars of the Hadrian Gate and the Cardo beyond it – a long street that was once the ancient city’s main thoroughfare.

The rock-face holds the carved-out tomb of Nabatean ruler Uneishu, as well as other fantastical tombs named the Obelisk, Urn and the Silk Tomb. The ‘street of facades’ also holds smaller tombs that were used by less rich families.

 6. ARE THERE PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN PETRA?

There are restaurants on site, and you’ll receive a free map with your ticket so you can locate them. We’d suggest bringing a packed lunch and eating outside – you honestly didn’t come to Petra to sit in a restaurant, did you?!

 7. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO PETRA?

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes you’re happy to walk around in all day. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock. Also make sure you have a ready supply of water. Temperatures drop fast when the sun sets – bring an extra layer to stay warm.

 8. HOW SAFE IS IT TO VISIT PETRA?

Petra and Jordan are safe and stable places to visit. Likely the biggest threat you’ll encounter at Petra is dehydration from not drinking enough water. Remember, you’re in the desert – bring plenty of bottled water to last you a day, or stock up in shops on site.

9. WILL I BE BOTHERED BY PEOPLE TRYING TO SELL ME THINGS AT PETRA?

Bedouin stall-holders can be found on site, selling  everything from jewellery to carpets. Sales techniques are persistent, and you’ll be offered a lot of stuff you didn’t know you needed. Turn down offers of “antique coins” (a scam) and unofficial tours. To avoid feeling hassled, don’t look at anything you’re not interested in buying, and respond to unwanted sales patter with a polite “no thank you” or “la’a shukran”.

10. WHAT’S A CHEAP PLACE TO STAY CLOSE TO PETRA?

HostelBookers has a selection of great-value  hotels in Wadi Musa a ten-minute walk from Petra, all highly rated by our previous guests. Here are three of the best:

• Al Rashid Hotel scores 94% from other travellers, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and breakfast included in the rate. Rooms start at €16.66pppn.
 
• Rocky Mountain Hotel scores 94.2%, and the hotel has free Wi-Fi as well as a traditional Arabic breakfast included in the price. They can also make up lunch boxes for you to take to Petra. Rooms start at €19.44pppn.
 
• The owners of Rocky Mountain also run the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp in Little Petra, where you can sleep under the stars in traditional Jordanian luxury. Customers have rated the experience 90.2%, and beds start from €22.21pppn

Ten Things to Do in Amman, Jordan

Admittedly, I had no idea what to expect on my first ever trip to the Middle East. Would it be safe traveling alone? Would I like it? After spending three weeks exploring the beautiful country of Jordan, it became one of my all-time favorite destinations. I was astounded by The Dead Sea, impressed by the underwater splendor in Aqaba and mesmerized by the magic of the desert stars in Wadi Rum.

I began my journey through Jordan in the capital city of Amman. As part of a collaboration with the Tourism Board of Jordan, I would be filming YouTube videos of some of the featured 99 Things to Do in Amman. I had an absolute BLAST exploring the city like a local and discovering everything from delicious food to ancient Roman ruins.

While there are even more than 99 Things to Do in Amman, here are my top ten things to do when visiting the capital of Jordan:

1. Visit the Citadel

Located in the center of downtown Amman you’ll find the ancient ruins of the Citadel. The site sits high on a hill and provides full panoramic views of the city.

The most fascinating thing about this historical site is that it’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places dating back to the Neolithic period.

2. Arabian Horseback Riding

I had the opportunity to visit the Arabian Horse Club of Amman and I have to admit it was pretty special. I grew up around horses but never had the chance to ride an Arabian.

Arabians have a reputation for being some of the most good-natured of all breeds. They are also the prized horses of the native desert Bedouin people of Jordan.

3. Make your own Perfume

 Ever had the chance to choose from hundreds of scents to create your own perfume? It definitely beats shopping in a department store!

In downtown Amman, there are tons of little perfume shops where you can test out musks and floral fragrances and bottle up your favorite. They even have some of the popular name brand perfumes like Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana, but for a fraction of the price.

4. Learn to Cook Arabic Food

 This was my favorite activity in Amman! Beit Sitti is an Arabic cooking school hosted in a cozy homestyle setting. You’ll learn to cook delicious Jordanian style food; like hummus, saffron rice and fattoush.

Check out one of my “99 Things to do in Amman” videos highlighting my experience at Beit Sitti!

5. Try Sugar Cane Juice

In New York, you can grab a hot dog on just about every street corner. In Mexico, street tacos are easy to come by. In downtown Amman, be sure to try some of the freshly squeezed sugar cane juice.

The flavor is refreshing and cool, but also a sweet and yummy treat! It’s the perfect afternoon refreshment!

6. Relax at a Turkish Bath

 For all you spa lovers, a traditional Turkish bath is quite the experience. My first Turkish bath came as a bit of a surprise as you spend the day in nothing but your birthday suit!

But don’t worry, men and women are separated into different rooms. After a hot jacuzzi, warm and cold saunas and a full body scrub, you leave feeling fresher and softer than a baby’s bum!

7. Visit a Spice Shop

 A flavorful and colorful visit to the spice shop is a must! There are countless spices, nuts and other goodies!

A few traditional Arabic spices you may not have heard of are Za’atar and Sumak. Be sure to grab some spices to bring back home to cook with!

8. Enjoy a cup of Arabic Coffee

 My love for coffee does not falter in any particular region. I am a devout café-holic.

Arabic coffee can be distinguished between two types; Turkish and Saudi. In Jordanian tradition, coffee is served in small portions and the host/waiter will continue to serve more until the guest gestures he/she has had enough.

9. Indulge in Mezze

 Oh how I miss mezze! Food is a very important part of Jordanian culture and mezze is the most popular style of eating. Mezze is basically what tapas or appetizers might be to other parts of the world; small plates cover the table before the main courses are served.

Mezze is traditionally an assortment of hummus, fattoush (my personal favorite), falafel, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, olives and pickles. It’s a vegetarian’s dream!

10. Visit the Royal Automobile Museum

 Last, but not least, be sure to check out the Royal Automobile Museum in Amman. It showcases the private collection of cars and motorcycles of the late King Hussein from the early 1920’s through present day.

It’s an impressive collection (even if you’re not a big car fan). The museum showcases the automobiles in chronological order and is a fun way to learn about the history of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.