Graz City

Things to See and Do

Graz has no shortage of impressive historical sights, interesting cultural hangouts and cool bars and cafes. With an extensive main shopping strip and the castle mountain that dominates the city skyline, you’ll be well setup for two fulfilling days.

Schloßberg and the Clock Tower

Without a doubt the most dominating feature of the city, the Schlossberg towers of the old town and harbours the history of hundreds of years of conflict and empire rule. It was such a stronghold in its heyday that it was the only place in the region that never fell to the Ottoman Turks.

The Clock Tower (Uhrturm) is the last remaining structure of the castle that once stood on the hill and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Schlossberg boasts no less than four ways of ascending to the top to enjoy the view. You can take the stairs, built by former Turkish slaves and cut into the cliff face, the funicular railway or the elevator, dead set in the core of the mountain.

The view of Graz from the Schlossberg

The mountain is also dotted with the remains of former buildings that adorned the top over the centuries, and features a large open air auditorium where concerts are held. Another unique event space is hidden *inside* the mountain itself (near the elevator) and is host to rave parties, concerts and gala dinners.

Armoury (Landeszeughaus)

Preserved since 1551, the Landeszeughaus houses the complete collection of arms of Styria and displays over 30,000 items.

It’s the largest existing original armoury in the world and attracts visitors from all over. It holds weaponry, tools, suits of armour (for battle and for parades) going back hundreds of years. The guided tours are excellent value – the guides know tonnes about the pieces, what time period they are from, what they were used for, even which particular workshop made them.

Murinsel

One of the more quirkier landmarks in Graz, the Murinsel is an artificial island in the middle of the river Mur.

After trapsing down the gangway into the main superstructure, you’ll find a café, an open-air theatre and a playground.

Rathaus (City Hall) and Old Town

As the striking centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, the Rathaus stands imposing over the central square.

Landhaus

This palace in Lombardic style in the centre of the Old Town houses the federal state parliament of Styria. It’s one of the most incredible examples of Renaissance architecture in Austria and was built by the Italian architect Domenico dell’Allio between 1557 and 1565.

The Landhaus is one of those quiet, unique places to just wander around for a bit, admiring the architecture and the detail in the archways.

Milan City

Things to See and Do

So you’ve arrived, and you want to take in as many of the memorable sights as possible in your 48 hours. Here’s what’s worth checking out in Milan:

The Duomo

A massive Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century. It’s made completely out of marble and has hundreds of spires and is absolutely mind blowing inside. Some of the most beautiful stained glass window installations in Europe and the sheer size is incredible. Walk around the outside and admire the attention to detail in all the gargoyles and other statues adorning this amazing building.

Beware of the dodgy blokes hanging out the front (and around all the Duomo metro exits, and in the grounds of Castello Sforzesco) with their “gifts” of cotton bracelets. They will attach them to you so you can’t get them off and then demand cash. When you see them, keep walking and do not acknowledge them (they will try to lay it on your shoulder). Strategically time your photo opps as to not attract too much attention.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

A huge shopping mall directly next to the Duomo. It houses boutique fashion labels from all over the world (Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, etc) as well as the flagship Prada store. If you’re the shopping type, you will go nuts over this place. Well worth a wander through inside to experience what Milan is very well known for.

Castello Sforzesco

Walk in a westerly direction from the Duomo down Via Dante and you’ll hit Piazza Castello. You can’t miss this massive castle with it’s huge front tower and enormous walls that seem to go on for hundreds of metres, only being ended by circular towers on all four corners.

This was where the ruling families of Milan resided, and later where the Austrian governor resided while the Lombardy area (of which Milan is a part of) was part of the Hapsburg empire. There are a ton of museums inside (e.g. archaeological, Egyptian, natural history, the castle museum itself) and you can buy a ticket from the central office which gets you entry to all of them. Just walking around inside the castle’s epic grounds is cool enough, but the museums may also take your fancy.

Leonardo Da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology

Definitely a great attraction if you’re a tech buff like myself. Here you can find exhibitions on steam power, electricity, biotechnology, air, sea and rail transport, telecommunications and heaps more. The museum exhibits well a lot of the advances Italian inventors contributed to technological development especially in the fields of radio communication and transport.

This museum is also a good way to learn more about Italy during World War 2 and their military innovations. There is a decommissioned submarine on display within the museum grounds; tours inside it are available when scheduled throughout the day.

This one isn’t as easy to find, but it’s right near the Sant Ambrogio metro station or if you proceed south out of the Castle and down Via Giosue Carducci and follow it right down to aforementioned metro station, you can’t miss it.

Hong Kong City

This isn’t a typical 48 hour post, but I’ve included a selection of things I did whilst I was there that would keep you occupied for a short stopover.

Things to See and Do

Symphony of Lights

A visit to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the Symphony of Lights show on the harbour. Get yourself a nice viewpoint from the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and enjoy the show, commencing at 8pm each night. The way the lights are mounted on the buildings and how the lasers go off is incredible.

Victoria Peak

The best vantage point you’ll get of Hong Kong Island. Take the Peak Tram (funicular railway) up the hill from the Lower Terminus on Garden Road in Central all the way to the top to get some amazing views of the city. It was pretty hazy when I went up there but still nonetheless awesome. Go in the morning to avoid the crowds as the day progresses.

Lan Kwai Fong

Once night falls and you’re after a good bar to knock back some Tsing Taos (a top Chinese beer), Lan Kwai Fong is a great place to start. It’s the sort of joint that will have you looking around all over the place at the people, the clubs, the bars, the signage, it’s crazy. It’s in Central and is easily accessed from the main drag.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

After all the drinking and sightseeing, it’s good to take a sidestep and check out the culture of Hong Kong and how it come to be. It’s packed with Cantonese history, art and culture; a great way to spend half the day. The Heritage Museum It’s located outside of Kowloon in Sha Tin and is easy to get to from the Sha Tin MTR station.

Hong Kong History Museum

If you’re keen on learning more about the history of Hong Kong specifically, drop into the History Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. It goes into incredible detail about the British occupation and hand over back to China, the opium wars and how Hong Kong has developed into a sprawling metropolis.

Paris City

Paris, it’s such an iconic European destination. It’s the most visited city in the world and epitomises so much about amazing culture, art, architecture, legend and history. It’s been a focal point of European politics and conflict for centuries and will leave you with a fantastic impression of France.

I packed a lot into the weekend I was there; it is possible to get a really good cross-section of the city in such a short period of time. Keep reading to get my low-down on how to have a great weekend in the City of Lights.

Things to See and Do

You could spend days and days in Paris visiting the various arrondissements (neighbourhoods), museums and galleries and still have missed some unique part that isn’t that well known but has its own charm and character.

If you’re keen on packing in the top tier of attractions, the below will provide you with a good experience of quintessential Paris.

Arc du Triomphe

Built to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, it lies on the hill at the top of the Champs Elysees and forms the middle arc of the Three Arcs of Paris (the first being down near the Louvre and the last being in La Defense, the central business district of Paris).

DO NOT even think about attempting to negotiate the roundabout here as you’d probably die. I did, but then found the entrances that go underneath. They are on the Champs Elysees side and the opposite side, allowing you to walk easily down to the entrance and also to the Metro station.

Champs Elysees

The famed shopping strip of Paris, this is the absolute mecca of French style and haute couture. In fact, even all the French car companies have showrooms on the Champs Elysees. Have a saunter up it and take in the atmosphere. There are also some cool street performers around that really know how to get the crowd fired up that put on a cool show.

Eiffel Tower

It really needs no introduction, it’s the Eiffel Tower. You can’t really get an understanding of how epic it is until you stand underneath it and look upwards at the mammoth steel structure above you. Expect to wait at least 30 minutes in line to walk up the stairs, and at least twice as long if you want to take the elevator.

Notre Dame Cathedral

When I saw this cathedral in person I thought “hey, hunchback of Notre Dame!” It’s amazing both inside and outside and is a brimming example of French architecture. Entry is free to this iconic Parisian landmark is free and you can also opt to go up one of the towers where you can get a good view of Paris.

Moulin Rouge

The whole afternoon I was in the Pigalle/Blanche area of Paris I couldn’t get “Lady Marmalade” out of my head from the movie. It’s cool to check out this famous burlesque house and get a feel for the area, which is quite seedy but has some nice bars where you’ll find plenty of locals.

Copenhagen City

Copenhagen is billed as one of the most environmentally proactive, sustainable and gastronomically diverse cities in the world. It’s a Scandinavian city with its own unique identity and culture, boasting a vibrant mix of immigrant influenced boroughs and neighbourhoods that surround the historical medieval centre, home to the world’s oldest monarchy.

They’re crazy about their bikes (of the ~530,000 people living in Copenhagen, there are 560,000 bikes!) and the water in the harbour is so clean you can swim in it in summer.
I ventured to Copenhagen at the start of November to attend Travel Blog Exchange Europe, a 3 day conference that brings together bloggers and industry representatives from across Europe to network and learn more about giving you guys the best travel stories possible.

Things to See and Do

Steeped in a Scandinavian history rich with conflict and maritime success and failure, most of the important sites in Copenhagen are within Indre By (the inner city) – the area within the city’s former walls.

City Hall/Rådhuspladsen

Without a doubt the most dramatic and awe inspiring sight you will immediately witness in Copenhagen, the City Hall and main square is located smack bang in the centre of the city.

The city hall was inspired by the city hall of Siena in Italy and actually looks much older than it is, having been completed in 1905. You can walk around the side and enter the central courtyard to check out the intricate attention to detail in the facade.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn, the quintessential picture postcard snapshot of Copenhagen. The slender canal, filled with all manner of boats and lined with colourful houses makes for a relaxed way to meander and take in the maritime nature of this city. In the summer months, it’s a great place to stop and have a beer.

Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Built in the 17th century, this tower with a unique helical ramp-corridor that twists its way up was a project of Christian IV and was built as an astronomical observatory.

It features amazing 360 degree views of Copenhagen, including all the way out to the Malmö bridge connecting Denmark with Sweden. Entry costs approximately DKK 75.

Christiansborg/Slotsholmen

Slotsholmen (meaning castle inlet) is an artificial island and the site of the first fortification in the city. It’s home to Christiansborg, the Danish Parliament building. It was finished in 1928 after 11 years of construction and is an excellent example of neo-baroque architecture.

It’s the 5th construction on this site, and you can venture below to see the foundations of the original castle built in the 12th century. It’s open free to the general public, including the Parliament halls but entry to the ruins underneath is DKK 40.

Strøget

Claimed to be the longest shopping strip in Europe, it’s a set of connected, pedestrianised streets teaming with shopping outlets housed in impressive historic buildings.

You will find your usual H&M and other typical chain stores here, so my tip is to stray off into the side streets. The more independent and interesting places are scattered around here and sell everything from model cars to the finest in Danish designed deck chairs.

Venice City

An endless maze of canals of glistening green, torn up by speedboats and then settled by gentle gondolas, Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Built over centuries upon foundations of fortified wood submerged in the sea, Venice was once one of the strongest empires in Europe and sought to fiercely separate itself from Rome.

Today it’s a city known for its romance, intrigue, incredible architecture and fine food and wine. Home to many significant churches, each with its own story to tell and enough pizzerias to keep you stuffed the entire time, Venice will have you wandering all weekend in awe of the sheer Italian beauty this city has to offer.

Things to See and Do

Although Venice is home to an impressive collection of amazing churches and absolutely no shortage of epic architecture, one of the most satisfying things to do here is to simply wander. Walk down a laneway and get lost, don’t even worry about what direction you’re going in. Within about 2 minutes you’ll have completely lost your bearings but will be rewarded with long sweeping canals adjacent to terraces of all different colours reflecting the sunlight.

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Along with St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace is high on the shortlist of must-visit attractions and the first thing you notice is the striking, symbolic archways that are synonymous with Venetian architecture. The Doge was the main man; the doyen of Venice. He was selected over years of scrutiny from the elite high echelons of society. He became the representative of the Republic throughout Europe, but never had any real power or authority in Venice, and was in office until death. Pretty demanding job with not much reward I reckon.

The Palace contains a grand central courtyard, where stages of construction over the centuries are clearly visible and contains the Giant’s Staircase – where new Doges were wheeled out and presented to the city. It was also home to the Senate and the Armoury; and out the back you can retrace the grim steps of prisoners through the dank cells, including over the Bridge of Sighs (which spans a canal), where prisoners would catch their last glimpse of beautiful Venice before being locked up, never to see the glistening blue canals again.

St Mark’s Basilica and the Piazza

Essentially the centrepiece and most trafficked area of Venice, St Mark’s Square (“Piazza San Marco” as you’ll see on all the signs dotted around the city to help you find your way) is a jaw-dropping spectacle when you first round a corner and catch a glimpse of it and the how vast of an open space it creates in such a densely built metropolis.

It is here you will find the amazing St Mark’s Basilica, the city’s most famous church and status symbol of Venetian wealth and power through the ages. The domes atop this timeless building make a majestic imprint on the skyline and the gold leaf adorned interior utterly blows you away once you step inside.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore (Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore)

On the island of San Giorgio, this church will give you a chance to step outside the hustle and bustle of the main archipelago of Venice and get away to a quiet place, not often frequented by all who visit the city. Take the water taxi across to the island and go up the tower here to enjoy unrivalled views of the entire Venetian lagoon.

Church of Saints John and Paul (Basilica Dei Santi Giovanni E Paolo)

Completed in 1430, this church is one of the most elaborately decorated and adorned in Venice. It is where many of the city’s most revered religious and civic figures are buried along with 25 of the former Doges.

The church is home to a significant number of exquisite paintings and monuments commemorating the lives and deaths of the Doges. It’s well worth a visit to appreciate the key role this church has played in the city’s history.

Rialto Bridge (Par Rialto)

Along with the Doge’s Palace, one of the first common images people conjure up when you mention Venice is the captivating Rialto Bridge, the oldest span across the Grand Canal.

The stone bridge replaced a previous timber one and was completed in 1591. It builds up to an incline at the top with a central archway on either side providing great sweeping views of the Grand Canal. It’s filled with shops on either side selling Venetian souvenirs mainly, but a few shops sell some nice chocolate worth getting your hands on.

Budapest City

Budapest has undergone a lot of transformations in its long and chequered history. From Turkish occupation, to the Habsburgs, to the Nazis and Communists, Hungary has copped it all. They’ve come out on top though, and the result if crowning glory of Budapest.

Hungarians really like foosball.
And palinka.
Don’t know what palinka is? Well after a solid night of it, you probably won’t remember anyway.
Read on to find out how the mix of these two very different and unique cultural quirks mixed with a turbulent history has made this one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and eclectic cities.

Things to See and Do

In Budapest, most significant sights are centred around the Danube river. The Castle Hill rises up out of nowhere on the Buda side, the Hungarian Parliament sits on the Pest side and the Chain Bridge joins the two very different halves of the Budapest. Spending a day on each side is the best way to cover the city, but when night falls, you want to be firmly on the Pest side to experience the selection of awesome, yet random, bars scattered throughout.

Castle Hill

The most prominent landmark in the landscape of Buda, Castle Hill is where the, you guessed it, the old castle used to be. It is dotted with great things to check out and has a real old town European feel to it. Definitely dedicate an entire day to this part of Budapest as there is a lot to see.

Royal Palace

Visible from all along the riverside on Pest, this is the most standout landmark atop Castle Hill. It’s been rebuilt many times over the centuries (Ottoman era, Habsburg era, post-WW2, Communist etc) and is a great example of Baroque architecture. It’s undergone many transformation based on ruling parties, with the guts ripped out many times and refitted depending on who was occupying Hungary at the time.

There is a fantastic fountain around the back that depicts a group of hunters and hounds with a killed deer, very dramatic and will be crawling with tourists trying to get the perfect photo of it.

Matthias Church

One of the most important churches in Hungary, the Matthias Church has seen many coronations and Royal weddings take place here. The present building was built in the 14th century, however the site dates back to the 11th century. It’s adorned with incredible orange/green/white tiling on the roof and the way it reflects the sunlight is nothing short of dazzling.

Don’t really bother buying a ticket to go inside though, it’s not nearly as amazing as the outside.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Built to commemorate the seven founding Magyar tribes of Hungary (there is a tower for each one), the Fisherman’s Bastion was built in the late 19th century and affords some amazing views of the Danube. It’s called the Fisherman’s Bastion because it was built on a part of the hill that was guarded by the fishermen during the Middle Ages.

Tip: Don’t bother buying a ticket for this either. Walk to the end and go up into the restaurant in the last tower (pictured above) for a great view of the Danube and the Pest side of the city.

Gellert Hill

Gellert Hill is named after St Gellert (Gerard), the Italian bloke who came to Hungary to convert all the Pagans to Christianity. As per usual in those times, he was brutally murdered in some way by the natives and was then canonised for his sacrifice.

Up on the hill are two worthwhile sights, the Liberty statue and the Citadel. Oh, and there’s a bar up there. For when you want to soak up the decent hike up and the wicked view of Pest with a few beers.

Liberty Statue

The Soviets erected this statue at the end of World War 2 to “commemorate” the “liberation” of Hungary. That was until they were swiftly transitioned to another brutal dictatorship under the Iron Curtain.

When the Hungarian Revolution came around in 1956, they decided to get rid of the Red Army soldier in front of the statue but leave the statue itself, instead rededicating it to the “second” liberation of Hungary and to freedom and independence of all the country.