Author Profile: David Johnston

Looking back at my posts from Romania, I realised that I only ever shared a post on places to eat from the Transylvanian city of Cluj-Napoca. That’s a pity, as the cosmopolitan Cluj was probably my favourite big city stop during my Romanian...   view more

One of my standout favourite destinations from my visit to Poland was the magnificent city of Gdansk. This port city on Poland’s northern Baltic coast is home to some incredible architecture and waterfront...   view more

Can you think of a place during the holidays that everyone seems to stop at, as they drive to and from their getaway? Somewhere to grab lunch or just pause at to break up the long drive? Well in Latvia, that stop is the small town of...   view more

I wasn’t particularly sure how to best share the city of Tallinn with you. As the capital of Estonia and its major tourist destination, if you’re heading to Estonia there’s a good chance you’re going...   view more

When people think of visiting the Baltic states like Estonia, its unlikely they think about spending much time by the beach. That’s more a southern Europe, Italy or Greece kind of thing...   view more

As part of my visit to the wonderful Gauja Valley, I planned a day trip from Sigulda to the charming town of Cesis. My time exploring the historic town reinforced how special this part of Latvia is, while furthering my understanding of the history of the country as a...   view more

Just an hour away from the capital of Latvia is the small town of Sigulda. While often a day trip for visitors to Riga, I opted to spend a few days there to better explore the...   view more

The city of Brno is the second largest city of the Czech Republic and the capital of the South Moravia region. It was established as a city in 1243 and became the capital of the Margraviate of...   view more

The Baltic States were always somewhere I’d been curious to visit and in August of this year I thankfully had the chance to do so. My first stop was to be Riga, the capital of Latvia and I was pretty...   view more

The city of Skopje may just be my favourite capital that I’ve visited in the Balkans. As my last stop in Macedonia it was a pretty great way to cap off my enlightening and eventful...   view more

When it comes to tourist hotspots in the Republic of Macedonia, it’s hard to go past the majestic Lake Ohrid. This vast lake lies in the southwestern corner of the country on the border with Albania. As a landlocked country, Lake Ohrid is the closest Macedonia comes to having a...   view more

Walking out of the city of Liepāja on Latvia’s southern coast one morning, I couldn’t have guessed where I would end up later that day. After spending the previous day exploring Liepāja, I had decided to venture north of the canal and visit the neighbourhood of...   view more

In Ohrid, the end of my time in Macedonia was drawing near with my last stop being the nation’s capital of Skopje. Still wanting to see more of the country, I decided to squeeze an extra destination in before reaching my final...   view more

The city of Prilep has a long and illustrious history, stretching back beyond the Romans to Ancient Macedonia. Many of the events that shaped the city happened between the 11th and 14th centuries, when the city bounced between the Bulgarian Empires, the Byzantines and the Kingdom of...   view more

It’s rather peculiar that the city of Poznan in Western Poland isn’t a larger tourist destination. While Poznan is one of the biggest cities in Poland, it’s nowhere near as well-known to tourists as Krakow, Warsaw or...   view more

Veliko Tarnovo may not be a large city today, but it has some rich pedigree. It was once the grand capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire from the 12th to 15th centuries. During this period, Bulgaria was a powerhouse of the Balkans and many historic heroes, like Ivan Asen II, lived during that...   view more

After enjoying Bulgaria’s coast for two weeks, it was time to head inland. Having only seen the seaside parts of the country, I wasn’t sure what to expect with my first stop in the city of...   view more

Romania’s city of Brașov is kind of a perfect reflection for the country’s Transylvanian region. The city has all the elements that make Transylvania such a captivating place, available to you in a single...   view more

Today, Sibiu is a shining example of Transylvanian architecture and history, boasting an impressive historical old town. The old town is divided into the Upper Town, which was once the citadel with its masterfully restored houses, and the Lower Town that lies beyond the citadel’s...   view more

For my visit to Cluj, I knew it to be a major city of Transylvania and so expected that I would explore its cityscape and Transylvanian urban life. While I did explore these aspects of Cluj, it didn’t feel like the sreets, landmarks and urban life were its most interesting...   view more

For an emerging travel destination, there are still quite a few places in Romania that have yet to fully pop up on tourist’s radars. Most certainly one of these is the understated city of Oradea by the country’s border with...   view more

Jajce actually has quite a distinguished pedigree. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia during the Middle Ages before falling to the Ottoman’s in the 16th century. This goes to explain the town’s hilltop fortress and the quaint stone walls that surround the...   view more

When visiting Vienna, there’s so much to see and do that I can’t imagine you running out of things to do. However if you do, or want to see something a little different, then you also have the opportunity of a Bratislava day...   view more

Spain is a country of overwhelming choices. Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Majorca, the list goes on. You’re never going to run out of places to visit. But if you’re already passed through all the highlights, where...   view more

Aveiro, once a small fishing town, is now an emerging tourist destination for Portugal. Located south of Porto on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Aveiro is a petite port city known for its production of salt and...   view more

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal is a lively place that has plenty to offer those that chose to journey there. While maybe not as flashy as many of the other European capitals, it does have a lot going for...   view more

Olomouc is a modest city, host to a compact old town inside some subtle city walls. For a small and little heard of place, Olomouc has a surprising number of things to see with an abundance of fountains and...   view more

While it may not be able to compete with the heavy-hitters like Krakow and Warsaw, I found Białystok to be a pleasant first step in exploring Poland and hope you’ll find something to your liking...   view more

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Kaunas, from its lively atmosphere to the many landmarks I soon came to learn about. So here is my list of the essential sights to see in the city of...   view more

Torun just oozes medieval charm and its hard not to feel like you’re visiting a different century. Enjoy the following guide through the delightful sights of...   view more

What makes Warsaw such an interesting city to visit is the vast range of things to do in this modern metropolis. Warsaw isn’t just an old town and nothing more, not that Krakow is...   view more

For whatever reason, I was intrigued by the idea of visiting the city of Perugia in the Umbria region of Italy. So when I found decent flights for my visit home to Australia out of Rome, I decided to visit a few places in Italy on the way. Perugia was the first place on my...   view more

The city of Wrocław in western Poland is somewhat of a paradox; it’s one of Poland’s largest tourist destinations and yet you seemingly here very little about...   view more

If it weren’t for one man, the story of the small Italian town of Assisi would be vastly different. The town would have been relegated to the still prestigious ranks of being yet another awfully scenic hilltop...   view more

How the city of Leuven isn’t a bigger deal in Belgium is beyond me. This small city in the region of Flanders is simply full to the brim with stellar attractions that I think can stand toe-to-toe with Belgium’s...   view more

Arguably Poland’s most popular tourist destination, visiting Krakow is a dreamland for those who love historic old towns and exploring local culture. Given how much praise I had heard for it beforehand, I arrived to the city in Poland’s south cautiously...   view more

Norway is very much a country known for its coast and with good reason. One word – fjords. When I was planning my trip to Norway back in 2014, I realised that every single place I had planned was on the country’s coast....   view more

For many visitors to Malta, the nation’s capital of Valletta is the main Maltese city that they will explore. But it by no means the only city on the islands and you need only look across The Grand Harbour for...   view more

When I decided to take a tour through Cambodia in 2014, there were only a couple of places that I really knew of and wanted to see. I was interested in visiting the nation’s capital of Phnom Penh and of course, Angkor...   view more

Today, the town of Ypres in Belgian’s West Flanders region is ultimately defined by a single event in its history – the First World War. Situated by the French border, Ypres saw some of the largest and most devastating battles of the war from 1914 to...   view more

Often it can be a single image that inspires me to visit somewhere. This was indeed the case when I decided to visit Lamego, a small city in Portugal’s Norte Region. I’m not going to fault you for not having heard of...   view more

When I lived in Belgium as a young kid, Antwerp was the nearest big city to us. We were in a small town so Antwerp felt enormous in comparison. As it turns out Antwerpen is actually that large, being Belgium’s 2nd largest metropolitan area after the capital,...   view more

Italy has no shortage of incredible, idyllic cities that conjure up romantic holiday notions. Truly the same goes for the ever-popular region of Tuscany. Here you find powerhouse destinations like Florence, Siena and Pisa that are each exceedingly popular with tourists to...   view more

Except for its border along the popular Douro Valley, the district of Vila Real in Northern Portugal is firmly off the tourist trail. The district features the fertile, rolling hills that the Douro Valley is becoming increasingly known...   view more

For those who drink, an unmissable part of visiting Belgium is the chance to explore its beer culture. Aside from drinking copious amounts of different beers, another way is to go on a tour of one of the country’s...   view more

True to form, I don’t really remember why I decided to make Viseu my first stop on my trip to Portugal this year. It’s likely it’s because it was logically positioned as a stop between Salamanca in Spain and Portugal’s...   view more

During my short winter trip through Italy in January, the city of Orvieto was the only one destination I knew I wanted to see from the outset. Another majestic destination in Umbria, I was thrilled by the concept of visiting another mostly overlooked...   view more

A long time before I thought of taking a trip through Hungary, I’d been looking at possible day trips from Vienna. The border between Austria and Hungary isn’t all that far from the capital and several promising spots had popped up in my digging. One of these was the small town of...   view more

Arezzo has a strong historical and cultural pedigree of its own, much like its busier neighbours. The city sits in the region’s east at an important crossroads between many of Italy’s central...   view more

Looking at a map of Hungary or even Central Europe, it’s hard not to notice the large lake in the west of the country. This is Lake Balaton, one of the main geographic features of this relatively flat country, maybe after the Danube...   view more

Once the capital of Malta, the fortified city of Mdina lies near the middle of the Mediterranean island. This location alone makes Mdina an interesting spot to visit, since so many of Malta’s landmarks rest along the country’s rugged...   view more

The small city of Guimaraes is another delightful destination for those willing to scratch the surface of what Portugal has to offer. Tucked away in northern Portugal, Guimarães could be simply seen as an easy day trip from Porto. However, that really wouldn’t be doing this quaint city...   view more

First of all though, let me share a little on Tournai itself. The city of 70,000 people lies in the westernmost reaches of Wallonia, right against the French border. It’s in fact far closer to French cities Lille and Roubaix than it is any other major Belgian...   view more

During my frequent stops in Vienna, I became increasingly curious about visiting the awfully close border towns of Hungary like Kőszeg and Sopron. While both are perfectly manageable day trips from Vienna, I simply never got around tot hem while I was...   view more

Secluded in the far north of Serbia lies the small city of Subotica. Nestled by the Hungarian border, this quiet city is home to its fair share of beautiful sights. From its ornate architecture to its relaxed, verdant streets, Subotica is the perfect kind of destination to simply stroll...   view more

My time in Brussels earlier in the year was divided between my own independent sightseeing around its major attractions and then being shown a more local side to the city from friends who live there. It was fascinating to see how often these two approaches overlapped, but also where they...   view more

Home to cheerful architecture and a lively student atmosphere, the southern city of Szeged is one of Hungary’s most endearing destinations. Wedged by the borders of both Serbia and Romania, Szeged is the third largest city in Hungary and not one to disappoint...   view more

Like many of the Algarve towns, Nazaré began as a humble fishing village. However, it hasn’t had decades of European tourists descend on it every summer. The town’s popularity has soared in recent years thank to the local surf culture, but it still clings strongly to its...   view more

The city of Novi Sad in Serbia’s north can be a tricky one to unpack. Lying on the banks of the Danube River, the city manages to somehow juggle a bunch of opposing characteristics. Novi Sad is Serbia’s second biggest city and yet seems mostly overlooked by...   view more

With a growing reputation as a fun and memorable tourist destination, the city of Ghent in Belgium is really starting to make a name for itself. A major city in the western half of Flanders, Ghent combines a youthful student atmosphere with some staggeringly beautiful...   view more

Portugal has seen a huge boom in tourism the last few years and that’s partly thanks to the city of Porto. The northern city has fast become a beloved city break destination in Europe, due to its bohemian culture, scenic cityscape and famous port...   view more

Situated in the far east of Serbia by the Romanian border sits the petite city of Vrsac. As part of my endeavours to see more of Serbia, I chose to venture out to see what the city was...   view more

Like any other city popular with tourists, Ghent has its fair share of major attractions. As one of the largest cities in the Flanders region of Belgium, you’ll find plenty of sights to see on a typical city...   view more

Capital cities seem to fall into two categories. They’re either these big rockstar destinations, a main attraction of their country, or something much more shy. Rabat, the capital city of Morocco really seems to belong to the...   view more

There are few places in Portugal as steeped in living history as Coimbra. This city in central Portugal is a natural stopping point for those travelling across the country between Porto and...   view more

Although considerably smaller than Amsterdam, Utrecht is still the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. With strong historic ties to the Church in the Netherlands and the country’s largest university, there’s no doubt of its...   view more

A visit to Belgrade is not so much about visiting a list of star attractions than it is about experiencing the city’s feel and atmosphere. If you’re looking to experience the Balkans, picking the largest city in the region is a good way to...   view more

Mechelen is almost perfectly located for visitors to Belgium.It sits neatly in between two of the country’s most popular destinations, Brussels and Antwerp.With such grand, important neighbours it’s easy to imagine the city being overshadowed, but this wasn’t always the...   view more

Found right down in the very south of the country, Trebinje is considered the main city for this corner of Bosnia Herzegovina. With only 30,000 people though, it is by no means a large...   view more

To be honest, the city of Taichung in northwestern Taiwan was a mystery to me. Although I only really had 24 hours, I managed to quickly delve into what Taichung had to...   view more

Nimes is a moderate-sized city, with a rich history but even then you can hope to see most of its major landmarks in 24 hours. Would I recommend staying only one night? No, but if that’s your only choice, here are the sights in Nimes that should be your...   view more

Exploring Obidos quickly leads you down random alleys, into small gardens and before you know it, you’re standing upon its walls looking out over the town. If you’re thinking of visiting Obidos, this is what you have to look forward...   view more

Taiwan is often thought of as a destination of metropolises. Visit Taichung or Kaohsiung in the south, and you’d find that hard to...   view more

It’s interesting when you only know a place due to one very specific context. For me, The Hague was always associated with the International Court of Justice and stories regarding war...   view more

There’s no shortage of interesting and enlightening destinations in Portugal, especially in the country’s central region. While there may be better known and more popular spots like Coimbra and Aveiro, the town of Leiria is an intriguing place...   view more

Most of Belgium’s main tourist destinations happen to be the country’s main cities, like Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp. But among the list there is one outlier, a small city that also happens to predate all of its...   view more

A modern city with a historical core, there’s no shortage of things to see in Lille. The fifth largest urban area in France, Lille is not a ‘lil destination. In fact, while a day trip is a good choice if you’re short on time, there’s certainly enough to do to justify several days in the...   view more

More and more I’m finding that it’s the smaller cities in Europe that leave me wanting more. Delft is further proof that the Netherlands is home to a whole slew of destinations beyond the capital...   view more

Still not fully appreciated by international tourists, Romania is a far bigger country than people realise. Visitors tend to focus on the gothic mystique of Transylvania and the nation’s capital Bucharest, but the country has plenty more to...   view more

A small coastal city, there are no skyscrapers looming, no sign of endless traffic to contend with. Taitung is somewhere where you feel like you can breathe and simply take a...   view more

On its own, Bayonne is a rather small city, but that may just add to its old-fashioned appeal. For travellers looking for a good reason to visit Bayonne, I’m glad to share more than just one. One of the highlights of my last France trip, here are five reasons to visit the Basque city of...   view more

When you visit Piran, Slovenia suddenly becomes an ever more intriguing, complex place, and one that’s hard not to love. To give you a better idea of what I’m on about, here are some reasons to allow a day in Piran during your next Slovenia...   view more

Sure there’s Salzburg on the far side of the country, but a much nearer option is the city of Eisenstadt. Found just outside Vienna, a day trip to Eisenstadt allows you to continue soaking in all of Austria’s...   view more

After visits to Galicia and Andalusia, I figured it was time to venture to the north, starting with the heartbreaker that is San Sebastian. Known as Donostia in the Basque language, San Sebastian is one of the largest cities in the Basque...   view more

My first time in Warsaw, and Poland generally, the coffee there wasn’t particularly noticeable. By revisiting the capital and spending a decent amount of time working away at cafes in Warsaw, I’ve a new-found appreciation for the city’s coffee...   view more

For visitors to Taiwan, the great southern city of Kaohsiung has to be on your itinerary. As one of the major metropolises on the island, the city is jam-packed with things to do. What’s more, Kaohsiung sightseeing takes you right across the city, venturing into lots of different...   view more

Sarajevo was my first real taste of this part of Europe and ever since, the Balkans have drawn me back repeatedly. As such, it’s often the place to which I compare other Balkan...   view more

As the last stop on my visit to Taiwan, I can safely say that this city is totally worth visiting. Sure there are more places to visit in Taiwan but as a starting point or city break getaway, Taipei totally...   view more

To my delight, Salamanca is a historic city whose renowned university and exquisite architecture have created an everlasting appeal. Even visiting in winter did little to curb my enthusiasm to explore the deceptively compact historic city...   view more

A small town on the edge of the mountains, Samobor shows that Croatia is far more diverse than people give it credit...   view more

What makes Lodz such a fascinating destination in Poland is how wildly different it is to other major attractions. Compared to Krakow, Warsaw or Gdansk, a visit to Lodz shows you a completely different side to the...   view more

Visiting Malacca is a great chance to understand what makes Malaysia such an interesting country. The city is such a balance of different things, that you’re surely find a side to the city that appeals to...   view more

One of Spain’s most breathtaking regions, Andalusia has no shortage of wonderful destinations to visit. Among them, the small city of Ronda still stands out in my...   view more

Even with one day visiting Telc in the region of southern Moravia, I was floored by how scenic the town was. Every corner seemed to reveal a new view and a new photo...   view more

Varazdin goes to show that Croatia is a far more diverse country than most people realise. Varazdin is a fun little inclusion. Based on my experience there, one day in Varazdin is perfectly fine, letting you see the sights without lingering too...   view more

Given how unknown Poland is to many people, it’s probably no surprise that there are corners of the country that you simply haven’t heard of. The entire region around it is rife with destinations to...   view more

If there’s one place in Malaysia that you always hear good things about it’s the island of Penang. Just off the west coast of Malaysia, this island basically ticks every box, be it history, culture or...   view more

Found in the historic region of Moravia, Trebic lies roughly halfway between Brno and Cesky Budejovice. Given how out of the way that is, no wonder Třebíč is an overlooked...   view more

Repeatedly lauded as the world’s most livable city, Vienna has a lot going for it. I’d say that one of the many factors that earns Vienna this title is the city’s exceptional public transport...   view more

If you’ve been wondering if there’s anything else to see in Nerja, then this article ought to have you covered. Around every bend of the town’s coast you’ll find a beach wedged between...   view more

Not far from the ever-popular tourist destination of Krakow in Silesia, Katowice couldn’t be more different. Whereas Krakow is a wonderfully preserved historic city, Katowice’s story is far less...   view more

Beyond a few obvious candidates like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, many would be hard pressed to come up with other names. That being said, one of the best up-and-coming Malaysian destinations is the curious city of...   view more

Whether you explore its ancient roots, the city’s love for coffee or its Austrian architecture, it’s an easy city to admire. Plus, there are plenty more sights to see than what I’m sharing...   view more

Sometimes you’re unsure whether a place will be worth your time, but I can safely say that to visit Rzeszow was worth the trip. Not only is this small city more attractive than you might realise, but also quite lively, especially when I was...   view more

Given that it’s the nation’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur tends to be the first place people go to in Malaysia. Among the capitals of southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur sometimes gets lost in the mix but it’s certainly a modern city and cultural...   view more

Keen to find out for myself what the city offered, Rijeka was a natural fit in my Croatian itinerary. Before venturing onto Istria, I spent a few days in the city even though I didn’t know what to...   view more

For travellers to Lithuania and the country’s capital, the most popular day trip from Vilnius is to see the castle at Trakai. Having failed to visit Trakai the first time I went to Lithuania, this picturesque island castle became a priority on my second...   view more

Of the things to do in Vienna, visiting a traditional Viennese coffeehouse tends to be one of the most popular. Drinking coffee in Vienna is an experience on its own which is why so many tourists are keen to see what it’s...   view more

I noticed the coastal city of Batumi and was genuinely curious why it had never been mentioned to me when people raved about the country. I guess they simply didn’t get the chance, as my one day in Batumi sightseeing assured me it was well worth the...   view more

Within the city’s compact Old Town, you’re bound to find a nice variety of things to do in Ceske Budejovice. To help you get the ball rolling, here are 8 things that I think you won’t want to miss in this South Bohemian...   view more

Relatively unknown, this city sits at a crossroads between the coast and hinterland, so most pass through and don’t stop. All of this begs the question, is there anything to see in...   view more

Even if it’s your first time in Spain, I highly recommend visiting Cordoba because it’s culturally fascinating and has loads to do. It showcases the best sides of Spain, bar the beaches, and does so without feeling busy or overwhelming. Let me get into greater detail with the below...   view more

A quiet city, Kutaisi makes for a nice contrast to Tbilisi and the coast, letting you get in touch with the Georgian heartland a little. Hopefully with this Kutaisi guide, you’ll get a sense of this destination and maybe even add it your Georgia...   view more

For people that do take the time to sightsee around Trutnov, they may be surprised with what they find. In true Czech form the city has some nice architecture, including the arcades that you find in many Czech...   view more

Thankfully I did visit Anyksciai though, as I got see all the greenery that surrounds this unobtrusive town. From the riverfront to the forest and everywhere else around Anyksciai green is the dominant colour and part of what makes Anyksciai such a treat to...   view more

Having spent 3 days in Hamburg sightseeing around this city in northern Germany, I can clearly see just how complex and unique Hamburg is. Only looking back on it now can I see the similarities between it and other port cities I’ve been to in...   view more

With all the character and sights you expect to get in Poland, this eastern city is still sorely overlooked. You won’t find crowds of tourists here this summer that’s for sure. If that kind of intrigues you, then let’s get to what you can expect out of a visit to...   view more

Like the other capitals of the region, Vilnius has plenty of character and you won’t be short on sights to see. The best things to do in Vilnius range from historical landmarks to modern curiosities, which means even people with different interests should find attractions that intrigue...   view more

The grand capital of Austria, Vienna is the kind of classic tourist destination that impresses visitors with its attractions, atmosphere and culture. Once the heart of an empire, Vienna’s elegance and grandeur easily delights visitors with romantic notions of what Europe is...   view more

A relatively popular destination for those visiting Croatia, Pula is another Croatian city with a well-preserved Roman history that you can still see today. While you could happily spend longer there, one day in Pula is all you need to uncover this side of Croatia’s...   view more

I had a faint recollection of visiting Leipzig as a child but I really didn’t know what was in store for me there. Unlike cities like Berlin and Hamburg, I wasn’t already deeply familiar with the most popular things to do in Leipzig. Just the way I like...   view more

Of the most popular places to visit in the Czech Republic, the town of Karlovy Vary certainly stands out as being a little different. The largest of Bohemia’s spa towns, it is a place that exists purely to host...   view more

Visiting Bydgoszcz in the summer, it was a pleasant surprise to learn just how much the city had going for it. You won’t have much trouble finding sights to see in Bydgoszcz for a day or two, that’s for...   view more

Erfurt is the perfect example of a smaller German city loaded with character that doesn’t receive much notice. Despite being the state capital of Thuringia and conveniently located in central Germany, the idea of visiting Erfurt doesn’t seem to be a common...   view more

I feel like I was able to fit an awful lot in during my 2 days in Aarhus. Even in the cool April weather, I was more than happy to roam the city streets sightseeing. And yet even with two days up my sleeve, there’s still plenty more I didn’t have time...   view more

People go to Tbilisi when they visit Georgia but that’s normally out of necessity. It’s high time that actually experiencing Tbilisi became focus as well. With all that in mind, here are my reason why Tbilisi is worth visiting and a fascinating destination in its own...   view more

Even though Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, the fact that the city isn’t on the country’s coast seems to work against it. I’ve realised that there’s more than enough sights to keep you thoroughly occupied during your...   view more

Visiting Tabor, I was delighted to learn about another picturesque town, full of architecture, history and character. In fact, there are just the right amount of things to do in Tabor that the town would make for a great day trip from...   view more

At the very tail end of my last trip to the Czech Republic, I decided to spend one day in Liberec sightseeing. To see if you should add Liberec to your itinerary, here’s what there is to see in the northern Czech...   view more

With a long history to its name, Odense has been a major settlement since the Viking days of the 11th century. These days, the city is mostly a commercial and culture hub for the region of Southern...   view more

Just a short distance northwest of Ljubljana, Skofja Loka is full of the kind of charming sights you expect from a pretty European town near the Alps. Best of all, a day trip to Skofja Loka gives you ample time to see the towns...   view more

This medieval town in southern Germany has many admirers and is one of the big destinations along the Romantic Road in Bavaria. Plenty of tourists quickly pass through the town in half a day, but in my mind you really ought to spend at least one day in...   view more

Roskilde may lack the grandeur and name recognition of the Danish capital, instead it offers some great historical landmarks and a more intimate setting. Read on for my Roskilde travel tips gleaned from my day exploring this quiet Danish...   view more

Marseille really won me over. I had prepared myself not to like the city based on its reputation of being quite gritty. One day in Marseille sightseeing later and I genuinely can’t wait to go...   view more

It’s fair to say that visiting Manila won’t be for everyone. If you prefer beaches and jungle over a sprawling metropolis, it could be a hard sell. But if you want to dip into the culture, history and cuisine of the Philippines, Manila is the perfect place to do...   view more

Inside this sightseeing guide to Catania you’ll find recommendations on attractions around the city you won’t want to miss. Most are easy enough to reach from the city centre and you could probably cover them all with one day in...   view more

You can spend one day in Celje and experience quite a lot of the town. And yet you weren’t grow bored if you allow a little longer either, mainly thanks to the surrounding countryside. To see what I mean, here’s all the Celje info I think you need to travel...   view more

Helsingor is a small coastal city due north from Copenhagen with plenty of history an endearing seaside feel about it. Visit Helsingor and you’ll know you’ve left the big city behind, that’s for...   view more

With only a few exceptions the tourists I encountered in this devastatingly pretty place were all Germans. Which seems crazy to me as Goslar is exactly the kind of destination that tourists to Germany would want to...   view more

Even with two full days of sightseeing there, it’s not the Toulouse attractions that stick with me, but rather how it felt to be there. A bit like my hometown of Melbourne, it’s more about the culture and way of life than any specific...   view more

Bauska is a reasonably small destination to visit. Bauska has quite a lot going for it, from a genuinely interesting castle to picturesque riverbanks and a quaint town centre. Here’s what you have to look forward to if you decide to make a day of this enjoyable Latvian...   view more

Regensburg is one of the largest cities and tourist destinations in the state of Bavaria. Much of that has to do with the Danube River which flows through it. The city is a popular stop for river cruises and it’s easy to see why with its atmospheric medieval...   view more

When you travel to Gdynia, it’s best to head straight for the water. It’s there that you’ll find a whole bunch of attractions around its marina. They range from the several historic museum ships, to the Gdynia Aquarium and a small amusement...   view more

Copenhagen isn’t a cheap place to visit. That’s to be expected from a major Scandinavian city. But it’s also somewhere that you don’t want to skimp on, because otherwise you’re really going to miss out. Which is why you need to look into the Copenhagen card before your...   view more

Ludza is really quite small, with fewer than 10,000 people there. It kind of makes sense though given that it’s way out towards the Russian border in the Latgale...   view more

Montpellier is worth visiting and is the perfect size to spend a day or two exploring. And if other tourists choose not to go here, it just means you don’t have to...   view more

Even though I’d only seen the same few attractions photographed over and over, people assured me there were plenty of things to do in Bamberg. They weren’t wrong. Bamberg’s the kind of place where there’s something new to see around every...   view more

Easy to reach, home to a castle and a UNESCO world heritage site, visiting Jekabpils seemed like a no-brainer. A small and quite modest city, if you decide to visit Jekabpils you’ll learn there’s a few things to see and do. Here’s what you have waiting for...   view more

Frederiksborg Castle is a gorgeous royal residence that you can visit as a day trip from Copenhagen. Visiting Frederiksborg turned out to be one of my most memorable experiences. Trust me, you’ll want to add a trip to Hillerød and Frederiksborg Castle on your next Denmark...   view more

With a day trip to Noto you’ll see why the Baroque Trail is so special. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Noto and its incredible architectural time...   view more

When it comes to historical destinations in Sicily, the seaside city of Syracuse is hard to ignore. After all, it’s an ancient city with millennia of history to its name and it’s not too harsh on the eyes either. The best things to do in Syracuse invariably relate to its extensive past or its pretty present. Little wonder it’s one of the more popular destinations on Sicily’s east...   view more

While many people have heard of Kosovo for one reason or another, the same can’t be said for its capital city Pristina. I’d long wanted to see Kosovo as it was a noticeable gap in my European travels and was able to make it a reality last summer. Pristina was where I both started and ended my travels there while travelling with a friend, but I wasn’t particularly excited to visit Pristina...   view more

Exploring Latvia thoroughly means experiencing each of its regions, including visiting the Latgale region in the east. Do any research on travel in Latgale and you’re bound to see Rezekne pop up. After all, this city is often dubbed the “Heart of Latgale” which isn’t the kind of title you just throw around. Naturally, this put the city of Rezekne on my itinerary when I returned to Latvia. That’s even though I didn’t know what was in store for...   view more

The South of France really is the region that keeps on giving thanks to towns like Narbonne. Just back from France’s Mediterranean coast, the town is another gem in Occitanie that’s not yet overrun by tourists. And it’s not like there aren’t plenty of sights to see in Narbonne either. Much like the nearby town of Beziers, it has quite a few cultural and historical landmarks to its...   view more

Riga may be the biggest city and cultural centre in Latvia, but it’s by no means alone. After all, there are four regions in Latvia, each with their own character and tradition. For the region of Zemgale, that capital is the city of Jelgava. Destinations in Zemgale like Rundale Palace and Bauska may be better known among visitors, but there are actually loads of sights to see in...   view more

Sicily is a place that’s guaranteed to deliver tourists some jaw-dropping scenery. If my posts on Sicily show you anything, I’m sure it’s that. And yet, among the various scenic places I visited around the island, one destination clearly stands apart. That destination is the hilltop city of Ragusa, a place you need to visit simply to see for yourself. You won’t want to miss visiting Ragusa as it’s a picture-postcard combination of elegant Baroque architecture and faded Sicilian...   view more

In a country like Slovakia, you’d think being one of the oldest cities there and the first major centre of Christianity would make you a natural tourist destination. And yet the city of Nitra, which is both of those things, is a far cry from making it onto most peoples’ Slovakia itineraries. It was really by chance and convenience that I decided to visit Nitra, beginning my last Slovakia trip...   view more

Ever worry that a big name destination isn’t going to live up to the hype? That’s how I felt before visiting Avignon in the South of France. Up there with the likes of Marseille and Nice, Avignon is a major tourist destination in this part of the country. That’s all thanks to its incredible history and the way the city has been so completely preserved. Those interested in history, especially major European history, won’t have any trouble working out what to do in...   view more

It’s rare to find a city in Europe that’s one-dimensional. Sure, there may be a famous part of aspect to it, but typically there’s a whole lot more to a place if you take the time to look. That’s certainly the case with Tallinn, the capital city of...   view more

Before leaving on my last trip to Slovakia, I thought I knew about all of the country’s most beautiful cities and towns. The charm of Bratislava was already very familiar to me after repeat visits. I’d also heard good things about places like Kosice out east and am still waiting to see them myself. The mining town of Banska Stiavnica more than delivered and set a high bar for my next destination, Banska Bystrica. And what a surprise the city turned out to...   view more

It’s hard not to get me excited about visiting places in Spain. But one destination that looked to really check all my boxes was the seaside city of Tarragona. History, coastal views and quaint streets to get lost in; sounds right up my...   view more

When planning my trip to Sicily, I thought I knew all the main places I should visit. But the town of Castellammare del Golfo should have been on that list and it wasn’t. Lucky for me, I was able to squeeze in a day there at the tail end of my trip. Allowing a day in Castellammare del Golfo turned out to be perfect as it let me see this modest town on the north coast between Trapani and...   view more

What makes Prizren so beloved by visitors is the city’s complete and untouched Ottoman look. It’s a city that’s long been an important hub in the region, but also one that’s survived quite well throughout the conflict in Kosovo. As such, it’s a bit of a looking glass for tourists into Kosovo’s deeper history. And it really doesn’t hurt that it’s also an especially place to go, with plenty of scenery to...   view more

When I think of the most memorable places I’ve been in Tasmania, nearly all are places out in nature. And yet there’s something about the serene riverside town of Deloraine that really appealed to me. We may have only stopped here enroute to other attractions in northern Tasmania, but we were there long enough to see its charms. With Deloraine you have a good old-fashioned country town, with a bit of history, a bit of quirkiness and one stunning river. So whether it’s as a day trip from...   view more

When planning a trip to Kosovo, it was important that we see more than just the main destinations there. Having experienced Pristina and Prizren, my friend and I were curious to see what other parts of Kosovo were like. For that, the small city of Gjakova suited us perfectly. Not only was it a convenient stopping point between Prizren and Peja, where we would go hiking, but I’d noticed a few people recommend Gjakova as one of Kosovo’s smaller tourist...   view more

Ever been somewhere that completely surpasses the limited expectations you had? Well, during my trip to Slovakia that was the medieval mining town of Banska Stiavnica. Even with my first ten minutes there as I walked up to the hotel I could tell that the town was special. The few photos I’d seen had lured me in, but they didn’t quite do justice to this UNESCO-recognised historic town. Nor did they convey just how many things to do in Banska Stiavnica there...   view more

Of all the places in Kosovo to spend your time, it might seem strange that the place we spent the most time in was the region around Peja. This city in Kosovo’s west is not exactly a well-known destination, even compared to Pristina and Prizren. But you see, Peja is a gateway to some of the most interesting sights and attractions Kosovo has to offer. To see the sights around Peja are reason enough to visit, let alone the city...   view more

Part of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France, Beziers is yet another destination that showcases why keep revisiting this part of the country. Much like when visiting Narbonne, the diverse range of attractions in Beziers make it an easy place to enjoy and recommend. Here’s what you have to look forward to if you make time to visit Beziers next time you’re in the...   view more

After hearing such rave reviews of Villa Romana del Casale, I just knew I had to try to visit when in Sicily. To make that happen, the easiest way to get there seemed to be from a place called Piazza Armerina. This town in central Sicily isn’t especially well-known, with bigger cities like Enna and Caltanissetta drawing most of the attention. However, this modest town does get occasional visitors who stop in as they travel to the nearby Roman site. All of this is to say that I didn’t give...   view more

It’s always nice to finish a trip on a high note. At the tale end of my month in France in 2019, I was staying in the southern city of Perpignan. With not much planned there, it was only good fortune that led me to make excellent use of my last day in the country. Recommendations are always useful in this situation and when both my Airbnb host and a friend suggested a Collioure day trip from Perpignan, how could I...   view more

History is always a good way to lure me to a destination and the island of Sicily has it in great supply. Besides the gorgeous mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale, the other major historical attraction I knew of in Sicily was in the city of Agrigento. There’s not too much unique about the city really, but Agrigento isn’t really the reason people visit Agrigento, if you know what I mean. No, they come to the city for the incredible ancient Greek ruins known as the Valley of the...   view more

With my return trip to Estonia, there was absolutely no way I was missing out on the city of Narva this time around. For those unfamiliar with this city in eastern Estonia, my eagerness might seem strange. What’s so special about visiting...   view more