But, most of the time, tourists forget or don’t even know about how delightful Hungarian cuisine can be. What they don’t realize is that this capital Hungary actually has a long list of delicious foods that are guaranteed to satisfy every palate. 

Now, don’t be discouraged if the names of the dishes may seem too hard to pronounce and too long because you will surely forget your own name the moment you get a bite of all the best foods you can find in the place.

Dobos torta

Dobos torta is a type of caramel and chocolate cream-covered Hungarian sponge cake. This pastry has five layers that you might have already tried in other restaurants in other countries since this is internationally popular. However, this is a staple in the country so don’t miss the chance to indulge in the real deal during your visit in the capital. 

Gesztenyepüré

Gesztenyepüré or also known as the Mont Blanc of Hungary is a type of sweetened chestnut puree served together with whipped cream. This is often combined with cocoa powder or chocolate and rum.  

Gulyás

Also called goulash, the country’s national dish, Gulyás is undoubtedly awesome in every sense of the word. Goulash is traditionally made in Hungary using a meat stew with vegetables and noodles and seasoned with paprika as well as other types of delicious spices to create hearty flavors.  

Halászlé

Halászlé or fisherman’s soup is a type of hot and spicy river fish soup with paprika as its base. If you are a certified seafood lover, you will definitely fall in love with this dish. This is specifically prepared in Danube regions and is often a part of most restaurant menus. 

Jókai Bean Soup

 With its name taken after Mor Jókai, a writer during the 19^th century, Jókai Bean Soup is about vinegar and plenty of carrots, parsley, smoked pork, beans, and sour cream. 

Kifli

Kiflis are the croissants of Hungary. You can enjoy them with butter and jam or you can also eat them on their own. 

Kolbász

The sausages of Hungary come from various regions across the country and all of them have their own unique tastes and recipes. Kolbász may be smoked, dried, or boiled. These can be consumed as cold cuts or you can also eat them together with main dishes such as salads and stews. These sausages often contain beef, bacon, lamb, ground pork, garlic, paprika, nutmeg, pepper, and many other local spice varieties. 

Kürtőskalács

Kürtőskalács is a beautiful chimney cake that is made using sweet yeast. This is spun then wrapped around a truncated baking material shaped like a cone. You can never resist this yummy dessert because of the melted butter, caramel, granulated sugar, and its walnuty, cinnamony, shiny, and crispy qualities.  

Lángos

Fried dough is something you can never say no to. Lángos is a type of flat bread that is made with yeast, flour, salt, and water. You will often see this topped with sour cream yogurt, mashed potatoes, sausages, ham, or grated cheese. This is a certified Central Market Hall staple. 

Lecsó

Lecsó is Hungary’s version of veggie soup made with red and green peppers, onions, tomatoes, salt, lard, paprika, and sugar. This is stewy and thick and is the ultimate dream of any vegetarian. 

Libamáj

You will easily find foie gras all over Hungary at cheap prices. Libamáj is a dish made of fried goose liver that is definitely a must-try if you happen to find yourself wondering the streets of Budapest. 

Nokedli

The Hungarian nokedli dumplings are similar to spaetzles that are made using noodle graters. The dough is then scraped into boiling water using a knife or a spoon.  You can pair this with butter although it is also served together with chicken paprikash or goulash. 

Paprikás

While there is so much more to Hungarian food, paprikas are often the beginning of everything. This often comes in spiced, sautted, powdered, or stuffed form. But, whatever it is, there is no denying that paprikas are absolute essentials for all foodie tourists. 

Paprikás Csirke

Paprikás Csirke is yet another one of the popular soups of Hungary. This is creamy complete with red-spiced paprika. This also comes with stewed chicken leg with soft and tender texture. 

Pörkölts

Pörkölts is not like goulash but it is equally delicious.  This is a type of boneless meat dish stewed with vegetables and paprika but potatoes are not added. The meat used can vary from pork, chicken, lamb, and beef. The stew may taste like game because livers are often added to it. 

Rákóczi Túrós

Rákóczi Túrós is one type of shortcrust pastry that has sweet cottage cheese on top then finished off with a layer of apricot and meringue. This dessert tastes sweet and citrusy. 

Rakott Krumpli

All countries have their own versions of gratin and Hungary is not an exception. Rakott Krumpli is basically baked layered potatoes and is one of the best comfort foods you can find in Hugary (https://azurreizen.sk/najlepsie-jedla-v-budapesti/).  

Rántott Sajt

Who can say no to deep fried cheese? Definitely no one! Rántott Sajt is a type of flat cheese croquette made of cheese that is rolled in breadcrumbs then deep fried. This is definitely a very addictive snack. 

Rétes

Think of Rétes is like Hungary’s version of strudel. If you love the German Apfelstrudel, you will equally love rétes.

Töltött Káposzta

Töltött Káposzta is made using picked cabbage leaves stuffed with paprika and minced pork meat topped with a dab of sour cream. The dish is often eaten when winter comes although you can always grab a bite even on hot days of summer.

Töltött Paprika

Once you are done with your Töltött Káposzta, don’t miss the chance to try another kind of stuffed food, none other than stuffed paprika. Töltött Káposzta is mixed with diced red onions, rice, garlic, herbs, salt, ground paprika, ground black pepper, rosemary, or parsley. There are times when cabbage and meat or mushrooms are also added. 

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Whether you have an innate love for music, there are a lot of things that await you the moment you arrive in this Austrian gem.

Experience The Sound of Music Tour

There is something about Hollywood that makes it ruin the image of a certain city, particularly one that has risen to popularity thanks to the all-time longest standing musical film that attracts more than 300,000 tourists every year. But, even if some of the scenes in the 1965 movie can be found right at the heart of the city, most remain outside of it that you can only access through careful planning as well as a special permission. Of course, you also have the choice to hop on the bus for The Sound of Music Panorama Tours. 

Now, if you are someone who prefers bouncing and exploring around on your own sweet time, going on a bus tour might not really sound like a great option. However, the moment you go for that ride, you can expect to have one of most fun experiences you ever had. The bus tour often gets filled with excited fans of The Sound of Music who sing to the songs How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, My Favorite Things, Do Re Me, and all the famous tunes from the film while gazing out the window to admire the green vistas of Salzburg. Panorama Tours also came up with a multi-stop sing-along schedule that runs daily throughout the year mainly because it is very in demand. 

The tour stops at several highlights such as the other part of the pond of Schloss Leopoldskron, the white gazebo popular for Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Take note that is only accessible if you will be staying at the property. This passes the Villa Trapp’s outskirts then heads out to that church where Captain Von Trapp and Maria tied the knot, then finishes at the stunning Schloss Mirabell in the city. You can also dance on Pegasus fountain and take a gorgeous photo of you with the popular stairs at Mirabell Gardens in the background. 

This tour also gives you the chance to go out and explore the surrounding verdant nature of the city of Salzburg and get a glimpse of the Untersberg or the panoramas that were used for the Sound of Music’s opening scenes. Although the city abounds with cycle paths and gardens, the stunning mountain ranges of Festungberg, Kapuzinerberg, and Mönchsberg embraces the city with the river Salzach dividing the modern and old districts. 

The Panorama Tours bus also lets you weave through the mountainous valleys, passing a half dozen lakes that will introduce you to Salzburgerland state and its stunning diversity. 

Fans of The Sound of Music must never miss the chance taking the Panorama Tours bus all around the primary locations of the film as well as out to the nearby lake areas. The Salzburg Marionette Theater and the Salzburg State Theater are both showing the musical.

Honor Mozart During Your Visit 

Mozart is no doubt the most popular son of Salzburg, born and bred in the city and forever remains as a part of the legacy. 

Mozart was born in 1756 in Getreidegasse 9 and today, his fans and even non-fans are all flocking just to take a photo outside the brightly painted yellow façade of the building that now includes a permanent exhibition of his career and life.

Once you are done capturing photos, make sure you indulge yourself in a bite or two of Mozartkugel chocolate, whose blue and silver wrapper serves as its mark of being the Original Salzburger Mozartkugel. This is the real deal unlike the gold and red wrapped souvenir style of Mozartkugels that you can find in other areas around Austria. There is also a great sense of pride here for the Mozartkugel, that tasty combination of green marzipan that is layered with dark chocolate and nougat that you can purchase from Furst on Brodgasse.

It was in year 1890 when Paul Furst, a master confectioner, came up with this treat and it was named after the composer of the city who was not yet that popular by that time. To this day, this treat remains produced by hand using the original recipe. It even tastes much better compared to the ones that are mass produced. 

Discover the Silent Night Song’s Origins

Winter in the city of Salzburg is not only among the most romantic spots for everything related to Christmas and advent. In case you don’t know it yet, the city is also the origin of the popular Silent Night song. Considered as the most popular of all the Christmas Carols, the city is pivotal to the origins of this song with the seven locations that are associated with it.

The writer of the song text of Silent Night, Joseph Mohr, was born in the city and a resident of Steingasse 31. Approximately half an hour from the city, in the wider SalzburgerLand, you can also drop by at the Arnsdorf village. This is where Franz Xaver, a schoolteacher, composed Silent Night for the first time before he moved to the nearby Oberndorf village where the Silent Night Chapel is located.

As you can see, there are a lot of exciting things that await you in Salzburg, whether you are into music or not. Make sure you honor the legends of the moment you arrive in the city and embark on musical journeys. And once you are done with your musical tour, you can start exploring the stories behind its art, architecture, trendy neighborhoods, and old alleyways that are all the more reason for you to visit the city.

The post Fall in Love with the Musical City of Salzburg appeared first on Travel RS.

This moniker also refers to the early street lighting adoption of the city, with it being among the first places that switched to electric lamps from oil lamps in1878. 

Abundant in both flair and romance, this magical city got a long list of places you can visit and explore after dark, including the following:

Visit Louvre 

Yes, you’ve read that right, exploring the Louvre after dark is much more superior than going there during daytime. This is why it is not a surprise that it ranks as one of the best things to do in the City of Light at night.

The Louvre becomes even more romantic once the stars start filling the night sky. There is this special feeling as you get to explore the place with a thinner crowd that leaves you lots of space for admiring the magnificent art compared to having to fight large crowds several hours earlier. 

You can always visit the place at night on your own just don’t miss pre-booking your tickets to skip the line to be sure that you can get in. 

Admire the Light Show in Eiffel Tower

Once night sets in, on the hour, every hour, the already stunning and lit up Eiffel Tower greets the City of Light with a spectacular showcase of dazzling twinkling lights, making the already striking Parisian cityscape even more magical. Never miss the chance to make time at night during your visit in Paris to see this sparkling light show for yourself.

Now, if this is not enough, you can also head up to the very top of the tower, especially if you have always wanted to go there or you are wondering what else you can do in the city at night. Nighttime is the best time to go to the top to experience a more special and mystic ambiance. 

Once again, make sure that you have your tickets booked in advance since these tend to get sold out really fast. 

Stroll and Relax Along the Seine

Movies made or set in the City of Light always feature someone strolling at night along the Seine. This is one of the most incredible experiences you can ever have, especially when the night is beautiful. 

To make the most out of your walk, it is recommended to begin near Il de la Cite where you will see other people around admiring the views of Notre Dame but not in a creepily deserted or too crowded way. You can then head down to the Louvre and cross the Pont Neul in the process. 

Go for an After Dark Visit in the Catacombs 

The catacombs of Paris in France are fascinating and somewhat eerie to visit during daytime but since it closes at 8:30 PM, it means that you still have a lot of time to descend into it early in the evening for an even more fascinating exploration. 

Set under the former quarries of the city, these catacombs serve as the resting place for approximately 6 million former residents whose skeletons were moved there during the late 18^th to 19^th centuries. This relocation was because of the emptying of the cemeteries of the city because of health concerns. 

A totally fascinating and undoubtedly one of the most unique experiences you can ever have in the City of Light at night, you can be sure that this is something that you will never forget anytime soon. 

It is highly encouraged and even required to pre-book tickets for a particular time slot since the line to the place is usually hours long. 

Admire the Cityscape from Arc de Triomphe 

If you want to see the scenic Paris skyline at night, don’t miss out going to the peak of Arc de Triomphe. Add in the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling brilliance visible in the distance and the night skyline’s sparkling lights, there is no denying that the views from above Arc de Triomphe are worthy to add to your things to do at night in the Parisian oil. 

Enjoy a Nighttime Exploration of Musee d’Orsay

Similar to the Louvre, there is also something special about going for a nighttime visit in Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France. This is where you can be in awe of the dazzling lights of the skyline of the city though the popular clock windows of the museum. On top of that, there is also something delightful with perusing the museum as the crowds thin out for the day. 

Take a Walk in the Lively Rue Montorgueil

With its special array of restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes, the renowned Rue Montorgueil is the best place to go to get a taste of the various spots in the city at night.

To give you a good idea, you can begin by grabbing a freshly made pastry from one of the city’s oldest bakery at Stohrer before heading off for a glass of wine at a nearby café. Cap off the night with a delish diner at a restaurant as your take in the bustling atmosphere of throngs of tourists and locals alike who are also enjoying the Parisian night. 

Witness the Romantic Parisian Sunset

Of course, your nighttime exploration of the City of Light will never be complete if you don’t get to watch the Parisian sunset with your own eyes. The best thing here is that there are a lot of beautiful places across the city where you can admire the sunset including the top of the Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous rooftop bars, and even the roof of Galeries Lafayette. However, if you are searching for a reliable, stunning, and free option, it is definitely hard to go wrong with spending the night as you watch the sun go down as you sit it utmost relaxation in front of the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.

The post Where to Go in Paris at Night appeared first on Travel RS.

What makes the place unique is that in spite of being a ski town, the sport doesn’t dominate the place. Traditional hotels, bars, and shops line the main street without any traces of the main ski area. Down a side street, you can take the neatly tucked away Dorfbahn gondola, with the horizontal ride across meadows and trees getting you to the main lift.

Adelboden at a Glance 

Adelboden is the place where most of the ski activities began for British tourists. It was in 1903 when Sir Henry Lunn who founded the then Lunn Poly holiday chain organized the area’s first ever packages for winter sports. It was able to retain its heritage as the Cambrian also had Welsh decorations and owners.

The place is perfect not for the experts but for the all-round skiers. The main area only got 6.5 kilometers that has been rated to be difficult and the rest is either medium or easy runs although there are more medium ones that take advantage rugged and grand scenery. 

The Adelboden Ski Experience 

From the top, you will be able to see the Eiger’s jagged peak in one direction while the other side gives you a glimpse of the back of Gstaad’s Swish resort. The pistes jump over several ridges and peaks that will take you to the slopes on top of Lenk and from there, you will see the broad panorama along the valley. 

For most people, the skiing activities begin with the Dorfbahn keeping close to the ground as this heads over to Bergläger gondola.

There are different cruise ways down from the top or you also have the option to cross to the chairlift rising from the Boden, the secondary base area of Adelboden. From there, you will bask in the delight of Chuenisbärgli, the lengthy World Cup run down. However, make sure you maintain the speed down close to the bottom because there is cliff-like jump that can be a very entertaining watch for the spectators during race days. 

The place is the kind that will make you want to wear your skis and go down some distance, whether you want to dash down on the runs in the forest or on those stunning open spaces right above the trees. All of the skiing activities head off in every direction and it can be a bit tricky to keep track of the way where you are going.

You will find some decent blacks on top of Geils as well as several excellent open pistes right above Buhlberg. The red is among the best choices for those who want longer runs and this goes for around 6 kilometers with a drop of 700 kilometers from the 2,200 kilometers Lavey on top of Lenk to Aebi. You will also find the stunning off-piste adventure filled with powder above it pouring down through woodland, gulleys, as well as across a spot of small pine trees that grow there after an avalanche that occurred several decades ago wiped out the bigger ones. 

You can choose from the two options at Aebi wherein most people often pass through as this is the beginning of the exit path on the side of Bergläger that heads back to Dorfbahn. The enclosed umbrella bar of Hotel Aebi can get pretty crowded. Good thing that you can always sip a comforting Jagertree at the open air ice bar before you ski the calm and long riverside path that goes down to the bottom. 

Out of all the self-contained areas of Adelboden, the easiest to try is Tschentenalp, sitting right above town and is served by the gondola at the back of the church. There is only one chairlift and a few runs there but it has an off-piste route that does all the way down.

Also, don’t miss the next article: Best Eats in Budapest

More Reasons to Visit Adelboden

The traditional Swiss village Adelboden is located on the west side of Bernese Oberland Region. The silent beauty and mountainous countryside of the resort will surely make you want time to just stop so you can simply enjoy and bask in the serene scenery better.

Aldeboden’s Alpine village is a cozy and attractive town nestled on traditional chalet settings that will make your dream Swiss ski holidays turn into reality. This provides a plethora of slopes, an enticing combination of sun and snow that can give you an assurance that you will have a one of a kind holiday amidst a tranquil atmosphere.

For more than hundreds of years, tourists have been attracted to Adelboden and to this day, it remains to be a popular destination that lures local and foreign visitors like a magnet. The town also creates its own character with its exciting selection of bars, elegant shops, and restaurants offering mouthwatering local cuisines. The snow bars in ski areas and the hut restaurants dotting the mountain are your best choice if you want a more unusual experience. 

Adelboden’s wellness is one of the most significant aspects of this town. This is all thanks to the deluxe spas in the area that offer a plethora of health treatments, saunas, and relaxing steam baths. This family-friendly resort recommends the hiking trails that run for 300 kilometers to enjoy the fragrance of the meadows filled with Alpine flowers. 

You can also find information boards where you can learn more about these flowers. Out of those trails of varying difficulties, there are also trails that are accessible for wheelchairs to give everyone the chance to just admire and fall in love with Adelboden during warmer summer months. 

If you happen to be a big fan of winter sports, there is simply no denying that you can find your ideal paradise in Adelboden ski resort. Professional skiers will surely find the Adelboden-Frutigen-Lenk irresistible. And beyond skiing, there are also other exciting activities you can try such as winter hiking, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and many more to enjoy and explore this Alpine winter wonderland.

The post Ski Experience Like No Other Adelboden appeared first on Travel RS.

The second biggest city of Greece, Thessaloniki traces back its history to 315 BC. The capital of Central Macedonia, it has formed an extensive array of iconic buildings through thousands of years with Paleochristian, Byzantine, Ancient Greek, Roman, Sephardic Jewish, and Ottoman origins.

The city is popular as the vibrant center of culture and festivals and also boasts of one of the country’s most imaginative nightlife scenes. Any visitor in the area who loves world religions, archaeology, and history would never run out of things to do here. 

While in Thessaloniki, make sure you check out some of its renowned tourist attractions. 

The White Tower

No visit to the city will be complete if you don’t get to see for yourself its most iconic monument, none other than the White Tower. 

Considered as the official landmark of the city, the White Tower is no doubt one the area’s best places to check out. 

This tower was built in 1535 and heavy walls originally surrounded it because this served as a prison when the Ottoman occupied Greece. Many prisoners there were executed and tortures, earning the tower the nicknames The Red Tower or The Tower of Blood. 

It was in 1890 when it was officially given the new name The White Tower after a prisoner completely repainted this in white to get his freedom in return. 

When visiting the White Tower, make sure you go to its top floor where you can admire the city in a stunning 360-degree view, the sea, and even the highest summit of Greece, Mount Olympus. 

Saint George’s Church or Roman Rotunda 

The Roman Rotunda is the most magnificent ancient monument of Thessaloniki. Established during the early 4^th century, this was probably meant to be the mausoleum of Emperor Galerius although this didn’t happen. It was also part of a complex including the Arch of Galerius and Galerius Palace. 

The grandiose sanctuary never fails to leave a breathtaking impression. With a height of 30 meters and a diameter of over 24 meters, the Rotunda has a cylindrical domed architecture like that of Rome’s Pantheon. Gorgeous mosaics can be found inside decorating the vaulted recesses and the dome.

The mosaic in the middle of the dome is already missing yet there are charming architectural façades and angel figures under with a gold background. The Rotunda serves as the home to Sculpture Museum and it is open every day for those who want to visit. 

Agios Dimitrios Church

This impressive colossal church was erected on the spot of the ancient Roman bath. According to legends, the bath was where St. Demetrius, the namesake of the church was imprisoned, dropped down a well and executed by Roman soldiers.

There are a total of 5 aisles in the basilica with the unique hexagonal nave called a ciborium. What is particularly interesting here is the famous 6-paneled mural that is among the finest mosaics of Thessaloniki that shows St. Demetrius with the children and the church builders. Aside from being one of the city’s largest churches, it is also regarded as among the most important worship houses in the entire Thessaloniki as far as history and religion are concerned. 

Arch of Galerius 

As you go on a stroll from Egnatia Street to the city center, you will see the Arch of Galerius, an ancient Roman monument that dates back to around AD 297.  The arch was the main entrance gate of the ancient town. There are only three piers that remain from the original structure on the west side. Two of these surviving piers with an arch linking them feature a façade made from marble and adorned with intricate reliefs. 

Garlands separate the reliefs that depict the battle scenes from the Persian, Armenian, and Mesopotamian campaigns of Emperor Galerius during the 3^rd and 4^th centuries. These elaborately carved reliefs are some of the finest of their kind. Make sure you watch out for the animated scenes found on the south pier. Despite being badly weathered, these reliefs are still better preserved compared to the modern reliefs in Rome’s Arch of Constantine that date to AD 315. 

Aristotelous Square

Ernest Hebrard, a French architect, designed the main city square in 1918 though much of the square today, specifically the movie theater and the Electra Hotel were remade during the ‘50s. This was a move from the crowded, unplanned, and narrow streets coming from the centuries of build-outs of the Ottoman Empire to a more contemporary plan under Hebrard’s guidance. The square was officially completed right after a 1917 fire, marking a significant change in the city’s archaeological evolution. To date, the square serves as the home to numerous public gatherings and celebrations. 

Ladadika

Ladadika’s historic district can be found at the back of the ferry port, just a few steps away from the Aristotelus Square. This is where you can find colorfully painted houses, warehouses, and workshops dotting the cobblestone streets featuring restaurant tables. 

Among the best attractions to visit in the city, Ladadika was originally a frenzied merchant district where most of the Sephardic Jews of the city were settling in. The name of the place actually came from the stores that were selling olive oil and olive oil products there. 

When the 20^th century wars happened, the quarter turned into a cosmopolitan red light district crowded by spies and with clientele and businesses from different parts of the world.  

It was in the ‘90s and 2000 when the interwar architecture of the quarter was restored after several years of decline. 

Ladadika once again became a premier nightlife destination with a surplus of bars, various international eateries, Greek restaurants, and taverns or ouzeri. 

Never miss out on these Thessaloniki attractions and have the best time of your life!

The post Unravel the Beauty of Thessaloniki appeared first on Travel RS.

Respect the Local Rules All the Time 

Just so you know, Germans love playing by the rules and if you are on their turf, they expect you to do so as well. For starters, make sure you don’t cross the road if the traffic light hasn’t turned green yet.

Jaywalking makes Germans shake their head in disapproval so be disciplined enough to respect their code of conduct. Also, if you want to ride a bicycle as recommended in the country, you need to have a front and back light for safety purposes. Beating the red lights or being caught in the dark can lead to expensive fines. 

Be Familiar with Your Transport Zone 

It is important to have the correct zoned ticket that depends on where you travel around the city. In general, you will cross to another zone if you got farther away from the main city center.

Always check the station’s zonal maps if you are unsure. For instance, going to and from Berlin’s Schönefeld Airport is a completely different zone from just travelling inside the city and thus, a different ticket with a different price is required. Don’t expect ticket checkers to show sympathy if you are not aware of this. 

Pay for Your Train Tickets and Validate Them

Many people who visit Germany are often surprised and even giddy when they don’t see any security gate or personnel that check tickets when entering the train stations. However, don’t assume that this gives you a free pass to get an underground ride because ticket checkers in their plain clothes also ride the subway and might approach you any time that will cost you  not only embarrassment but also a fine at the same time.

There are also plenty of stories about people who were diligent enough to buy their train tickets but forgot validating them.  Never jump on the train if your ticket is not validated yet. Again, the ticket checkers won’t sympathize with you and you will be fined as well.

Observe Punctuality 

Being on time for both business and social appointments is part of German etiquette. They don’t believe in being fashionably late. When you visit Germany, you will learn how important time is, something that you can keep with you once you return to your own country. 

Cash is Always King 

Most small business vendors, restaurants, and bars in Germany don’t have card machines and those that have are only accepting German cards. Make sure you always have cash handy or familiarize yourself with the ATMs in the area charging the smallest interest for every withdrawal. Remember to always have money with you no matter where you go to avoid any hassle.

Practice Recycling

Germany practices recycling of glass and plastic bottles and every time you do, you will receive a small amount of refund for the deposit that you originally paid for that bottle. You should check the label on the bottle to see if it is recyclable. This is usually indicated by an arrow. All the major supermarkets in the country have recycling machines wherein bottles can be dropped off to get some pocket money. Plastic bottles can give you a refund of as much as 25 cents but glass has a smaller refund.

But, you will be surprised how these small amounts can add up fast. In fact, some people who live near the streets earn their livelihood this way. If you don’t want to recycle, don’t throw the bottles in the public dustbin. Put them next to or on top of the bin. Someone will come and get them in just a few minutes that will be more than happy to claim their worth. 

Smoking is Allowed 

Unlike many European countries and other countries around the world, Germany generally allows smoking in restaurants and bars. So, don’t be surprised if the man beside you lights up one and pollutes what you assume to be clean air.

There are new non-smoking laws passed several years ago even though most people disregard them and smokers might consider it intrusive if you tell them to stop. 

What’s It is Like to Eat Out 

It doesn’t matter where you might find yourself in the country because there will surely be a street where you can grab something to eat. Take note that dining areas in smaller towns might only offer meat and sausage on their menu while larger cities such as Berlin thrive on vegan and vegetarian culture.

If you want to eat on a budget, try looking for an “Imbiss.” You can find these cheap snack shops on almost all busy streets, markets, train stations, and parking lots.

To make sure that you can have the best time of your life in Saint Petersbourg read the article entitled “Best Experiences and Attractions in Saint Petersbourg“.

Get a Taste of German Beer 

As a beer-loving country, it is totally cool in Germany to enjoy your beer even in public. In fact, it is completely normal to gulp down one during your office break. With all the different brews available, it might take some time before you identify the best one that suits your palate.

Good beer is available in Bavaria as you can also find it in Löwerbrä and Paulaner that are both internationally acclaimed contenders. Berlin is the heart of the revolution of craft beer while smaller breweries up north in Bamberg, Erfurt, Görlitz, and Alpirsbach create gold in glasses.

Read more about the Adelboden ski resort, located in Switzerland. As a curiosity. FIS ski competitions also take place in this place.

Stock Up Before Sundays 

In all places in Germany, pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops are closed on Sundays. See to it that you already got everything you will need before this day arrives. However, restaurants and cafes are usually open the whole weekend. 

These are just some of the many things you have to know before you visit Germany to guarantee a one of a kind lifetime experience. 

The post Know These Things First Before You Visit Germany appeared first on Travel RS.

A very common challenge among independent travelers, however, is to try to determine if they got the time to squeeze everything to their itinerary. This is not a big surprise considering that it is one of the largest cities in Europe. Its historical center alone already covers several square kilometers, with some of its most popular attractions found in the distant suburbs.

To make sure that you can have the best time of your life in Saint Petersbourg, listed below are the top experiences and attractions you shouldn’t miss if you ever find yourself wondering and wandering around this city:

Ride a Boat to Explore the Canals and Rivers of the City 

If you happen to be in St. Petersbourg from the months of May through October, you can ride a boat to explore the area. On a good weather, visitors usually grab the chance to get out on the water.

In fact, no matter how short your visit might be to the city during summer, your itinerary must definitely include even a single boat trip along the central canals and rivers of the city.  

Whatever route you choose, a boat trip is no doubt one of the most fantastic ways to enjoy the scenic city from a completely different point of view. 

The Peter and Paul Fortress 

The Peter and Paul Fortress is the very place where this city all started. The notable thing about the fortress is that it may not have seen military action yet it was able to fulfill various functions through its history that spans for three centuries. It served as a burial place for almost all the Romanov Empresses and Emperors, became an infamous political prison, and even a site of major experiments in developing the Soviet rocket technology. 

All aspects of the history of the fortresses are celebrated in different exhibitions across several buildings, and the ramshackle charms of the various collections and museums combined with the grandeur of the stunning Saints Petersburg and Paul Cathedral make this fortress a must visit attraction.

Read also article about the second biggest city of Greece, Thessaloniki that traces back its history to 315 BC.

The Mariinsky Theatre 

The Mariinsky Theatre is the globally acclaimed cultural institution of the city and it has benefited for the past few years from the creative and financial turmoils of Bolshoi of Moscow to become modern Russia’s acknowledged top musical theatre.

Popular for the immaculate devotion to tradition and discipline of the ballet company and even blessed in Valery Gergiev with among the most exacting and exciting conductors of contemporary classical music and even international stars of opera and ballet including Anna Netrebko, Diana Vishneva, and Ulyana Lopatkina, the Mariinsky Theatre is the place to be if you are looking for a topnotch venue for orchestral music, ballet and opera. 

The Hermitage (The Winter Palace)

The Hermitage is hands down the most popular attraction among tourists in Saint Petersbourg as it is universally famed as one of the greatest treasuries of antiquities and art in the world. This is a name you will hear anywhere you go in the city and is also one of the top reasons why travelers book their trip to this city in the first place.

There are now several sites that make up the Hermitage Museum but for many visitors, it is Winter Palace’s main collection that is a crucial addition to any travel itinerary while in the city. This is where you can find centuries of fine art of Europe and an extensive selection of Roman and Greek antiquities as well as the remarkably opulent 19^th and 18^th century state rooms of the imperial family of Russia. 

Peterhof

As far as attractions are concerned, Saint Petersbourg is as renowned for the parks in the suburbs and imperial palaces as for the palaces and museums located in the heart of the city. Peterhof belongs to the latter as this is among one of those places that are hard to miss, particularly during summer months when the stunning fountain collection of the park is in full operation. 

It took more than 10 years and several false starts before Peter the Great discovered the right spot for his summer residence. Taking inspiration partly from Versailles, but with most features that reflected the unique interests and tastes of Peter, the park was further expanded under Empress Elizabeth, Peter’s daughter, to notably surpass its French precursor in terms of grandeur and scope. 

St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Colonnade

St. Isaac’s Cathedral’s grand gold dome dominates the low-rise skyline of the historic centre of the city. This is the life’s work of Auguste de Montferrand, a French architect, and the biggest and most impressive religious building of the city.

Completed in 1858, it took more than 40 years to decorate and build St. Isaac. The colonnades and facades that are firmly European Empire-style are made more unique with the use of red Karelian granite, with the interiors melding Orthodox tradition with the influence of Catholic and stunning extravagance in the chosen materials. 

Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin)

Tsarskoye Selo is the home to two enormous 18^th century palaces, with beautifully landscaped parkland surrounding it that boast of an extensive variety of monuments and follies. This serves as the testament to the immense lavishness and wealth of the Romanov Imperial family.

Bartolomeo Rastrelli’s rococo Catherine Palace is the sister building to his Winter Palace located in the city center. This is the most popular attraction because of the one of a kind Amber Room. However, there are still many other interesting highlights you can check out, with the ensemble made even better by the contributions of St. Petersburg architects during the 18^th century and early part of the 19^th century. 

The next time you plan your trip to Europe, make sure you consider Saint Petersbourg and add it to your itinerary to see these attractions with your own two eyes!

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