Viewing entries tagged
cuisine

Berlin: My Home Full of Rich History and Vibrant Culture

Berlin: My Home Full of Rich History and Vibrant Culture

Hey there, folks! As a proud Berliner, I gotta say, this city is pretty darn amazing. From the old buildings with rich history to the new, modern architecture, Berlin truly has it all.

Let's start with the classic sights. You gotta check out the Brandenburg Gate, which has been around for over two centuries and has witnessed some pretty wild stuff. From Nazi rallies to the fall of the Berlin Wall, this bad boy has seen it all. And speaking of the wall, there are still some sections standing, covered in incredible graffiti and murals. It's a powerful reminder of the city's past and how far we've come.

But Berlin isn't just about the past, it's also a city that's constantly evolving. One of my favorite places to hang out is the Kreuzberg district, which used to be a pretty rough area but is now home to some of the coolest bars and restaurants in the city. And if you're into shopping, head over to the Potsdamer Platz, which was once a desolate wasteland but is now a bustling hub of activity.

And don't even get me started on the food scene. Of course, you gotta try the classic German dishes like schnitzel and sausages, but there's so much more to explore. Berlin has a huge international community, which means you can find everything from delicious Vietnamese pho to mouth-watering Israeli falafel.

 

One thing that's really special about Berlin is the way it celebrates diversity. The city has a long history of being a melting pot of cultures, and that's reflected in everything from the food to the music. If you're into electronic music, you gotta hit up one of the techno clubs, which are legendary around the world.

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to San Sebastian

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to San Sebastian

Oh, San Sebastian, one of the dreamiest cities in the world. It's so dreamy, that it's definitely very hard to resist falling in love with it at first glance. Its charm doesn't only lie in its spectacular landscape, but in its culture of indulgence--especially in food. Its tapa culture is unparalleled anywhere else in Spain and Michelin stars being given left and right to its restaurants. It is often a city that tops lists of the world's best places to eat. Foodie or not, download the San Sebastian Travel Guide and Offline Map and expect to be blown away.

1.     Parque de Cristina Enea

The hustle and bustle of San Sebastian might be too overwhelming for the faint hearted--there's just so much to see and so much to eat! Thank goodness, there is the Parque de Cristina Enea. Created by the Duke of Mandas in honor of his wife, the park is the considered to be the local’s favorite escapes. It is home to a variety of plants and even ducks and peacocks roam the open lawns. It is definitely an oasis in the middle of busy San Sebastian.

2.      Playa de la Concha

Probably the most iconic beach in San Sebastian and rightfully so. All summer long, a fiesta atmosphere prevails in Playa de la Concha. Asides from sunning and swimming, here you can also marvel at the beautiful beachside sceneries. On one side of the bay you will find the Urgull Mountain and on the other side of the bay, you will find the Igueldo Mountain. How many beaches out there can give you such magnificent views?

3.     Pintxo Bar Hopping

San Sebastian is known to be the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. And for good reason, culturally the people of San Sebastian enjoy food so much that you’ll literally find Pintxo Bras in every nook and cranny. The streets of the Old Town of San Sebastian are packed with these bars and it the best place to start your Pintxo tour. Each bar offers several different plates; after all, like everything else, Pintxos are never created equal.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

You Shouldn't Miss Ho Chi Minh, South East Asia's Cultural Melting Pot

You Shouldn't Miss Ho Chi Minh, South East Asia's Cultural Melting Pot

The Vietnamese capital is a vibrant marriage of past and future. From timeless temples, colonial alleys, and scrumptious street food to contemporary skyscrapers, boutique hotels, and classy restaurants, Ho Chi Minh has everything an adventurous soul craves for. Enjoy this bustling city with the Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide with Offline Street Map to make your adventures a breeze.

1.      Ben Thanh Market

What is trip to South East Asia without an authentic glimpse into the local culture and chaos? And what better way to experience it first-hand than a visit to one of Ho Chi Minh's dizzying markets. Although not as big as other markets out of town, the Ben Thanh Night Market is perfectly situated in the center of the city and still offers a multitude of souvenir stalls and over 20 street eateries to choose from! The market building is easily surrounded by expectant local and foreign diners alike looking to feast on a wide range of the best dishes Vietnam has to offer.

2.      Cu-chi Tunnels

Find out more about the country's rich history and its people's tenacity and resilience through the elaborate network of underground tunnels that run 200 kilometers (120 miles) beneath the Cu Chi District of Ho Chi Minh alone. What was once used as hideouts, living quarters, and supply routes for the Viet Cong during the American-Vietnamese war is now a popular tourist attraction. Here visitors can experience the underground life of soldiers and civilians back in the 1940's by exploring and even crawling around the safer parts of the labyrinth.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide for iPhone, iPad and AppleWatch

3.      Saigon SkyDeck

After a day full of adventure, cap it with a spectacular view of the city from 262 meters above ground at Ho Chi Minh's tallest building to date. Designed after a shape of a lotus bud the Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the symbols of Ho Chi Minh's rapid economic development. One of the tower's highlights is the city's first observation deck on the 49th floor where visitors will be able to enjoy a full sight of the city, the Saigon river, the Notre Dame Cathedral and so much more.

Travel to Ho Chi Minh with a Travel Guide in your pocket

 

For more adventures check out eTips for more unique destinations.

New Orleans, a City Reborn

New Orleans, a City Reborn

Over 10 years after the devastation brought about by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is like a phoenix that rose from the ashes and is now the best it has ever been. Revered institutions have been restored and new and exciting in cultural, musical, culinary, and cocktail trends have emerged. Many hotels have undergone renovations and a few new ones are scheduled to open in the near future. Below are a few marvelous reasons to go to New Orleans today. So ready your New Orleans Travel Guide & Offline City Street Map.

The Colorful Culinary Scene

New Orleans offers a dining experience that cannot be found in any other city in the United States. The city has somehow managed to bring together cuisines of numerous influences such as Creole, Cajun, French, Israeli, and more. Popular food destinations in the city include:

  • Shaya – an Israeli restaurant helmed by Chef Alon Shaya. Its specialties include traditional Israeli chicken, lamb shank, hummus, and curried fried cauliflower.
  • Balise – a simple bar headed by Chef Justin Devillier. Its bestsellers are flounder and roasted grouper.
  • Booty’s – known for its amazing brunch menu that includes the Cuban Sandwich and Amsterdam fries.
  • Peche – led by James Beard Award-winning chef Ryan Prewitt, serves smoked-tuna dip, smothered catfish, and a Louisiana shrimp roll.
  • August – owned by local chef John Besh and is famous for its potato-crisp P & J oysters and Wagyu hangar steak with sesame, kimchi, and cured yard egg.
  • Brennan's – famous for its roasted gulf oysters with chili butter and a Manchego crust.
New Orleans Creole cuisine

 

Cocktails Everywhere

There’s a place to grab a drink anywhere in the city. This is not really a surprise considering most historians believe cocktail originated for New Orleans. Pubs and bars are simply everywhere. Notable ones include:

  • Cane & Table – an allegedly haunted establishment that serves modified cocktails such as the Extra Classic Sazerac and The Secret Howler.
  • CellarDoor – a former brothel, this establishment offers a wide array of tradition New Orleans cocktail.
  • Lüke – known for the Oyster Happy Hour and Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Bacchanal Wine – famous for its live music and cheese plate.

Unconventional Attractions

If you have an appetite for the strange, New Orleans can give you your fill.

  • Priestess Miriam’s Voodoo Spiritual Temple – sells reading materials and ingredients for various things voodoo and mystical.
  • Louis Cemetery No. 1 - showcases the tombstones of politicians and aristocrats.
  • Greenwood Cemetery – final resting place of 600 Confederate soldiers and Major League Baseball player Al Jurisich.
New Orleans Travel Guide for iPhone, iPad and AppleWatch

Know more about popular destinations by visiting eTips – your reliable travel companion.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Frankfurt, the City of Contrast

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Frankfurt, the City of Contrast

A significant portion of Frankfurt was damaged during World War II. The damaged sections were rebuilt using modern design and architecture while the rest remained unchanged. The contrasting aesthetics of the buildings makes for a unique experience. We have useful infos ready in our Frankfurt Travel Guide and Offline Street City Map. Below are some more reasons why you need to visit Frankfurt! Sip a jug of apple wine

Indulge your taste buds with Frankfurt’s most popular drink for almost 3 centuries, apple wine. The most exciting way of tasting it is aboard the multicolored tram Ebbelwei Express. The tram offers a one hour tour around the city. Your ticket will also come with non-stop traditional music, pretzels, and 2 glasses of apple wine.

Have a bite of bratwurst sausage

The Kleinmarkthalle food market serves Frankfurt’s most famous bratwurst sausage. The market houses the best eateries in the city. Almost every dish in Europe is served here. You might also want to try Parma ham and authentic Italian coffee.

Enjoy Frankfurt food. So tasty!
Enjoy Frankfurt food. So tasty!

Learn about ancient gladiators

The Archaologisches Museum Frankfurt is one of the most popular museums in Germany. For a few months each year, the museum presents a special exhibition titled “Gladiators, Death and Triumph in the Coliseum” that chronicles the lives of these ancient professional fighters.

Marvel at magic tricks

You can find one of the best resident magicians in the country at the cocktail bar of the Maritim Hotel. Even more amazing is that he is the lead cabaret singer of the bar and his magic tricks are just a bonus. The hotel also has a huge swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a gym. It is also the only hotel in the city that is directly connected to the Festhall, the Frankfurt’s main conference and music center.

Take a guided walking tour of the St Paul’s Church

The St Paul’s Church has important political symbolism for the country. It was built as a Lutheran church in 1789, the same year as the French Revolution, and was eventually converted into the seat of the Frankfurt Parliament in 1848. The Frankfurt Parliament is the first publicly and freely-elected German legislative body. The tour will help you understand the structure’s rich history.

St. Paul's Church, a piece of Frankfurt History
St. Paul's Church, a piece of Frankfurt History

Visit eTips for even more reasons why you need to go to Frankfurt on your next vacation and for other countries you plan to visit!