Christmas is a fabulous time of year to be in Rome. The streets of the historic center are beautifully decorated, the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and holiday gift giving is in full swing. And like every other European city, Christmas markets in Rome are plentiful, too. Giant Christmas trees fill the piazzas […]
markets
5 Tips for Eating Alone in Madrid: The Best of Solo Dining
No one who visits the Spanish capital should leave without sampling its incredible cuisine—solo travelers included. Check out our guide to eating alone in Madrid, and make the most of every meal. In Spain, meals are a social affair. There’s nothing like sitting down for lunch with a big group of friends or family, and […]
The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Paris You Should Visit This Winter
A tradition that originated in France’s Alsace region to the east of Paris in the 16th century, Christmas markets have grown in popularity in recent years. Each year, France’s dozens of markets—with their quaint wooden stalls, flowing mulled wine and overpriced nativity scene figurines—bring in an estimated 27 million visitors, including two million at the […]
Get in the Holiday Spirit at the 5 Best Christmas Markets in Lisbon
Want to avoid the cold, gray winters of other holiday destinations? Portugal presents the perfect alternative, with warmer weather and all kinds of festive attractions. Here’s where to find the best Christmas markets in Lisbon! Lisbon is known for its colorful buildings, sunny skies and proximity to the sea, painting a picture of the ideal […]
Shopping for Foodies: Your Guide to Grocery Stores in Barcelona
From where to buy all the ingredients for fideuá, to where to try some fresh, local produce, here’s everything you need to know about the best local shops in Barcelona. One of our favorite things to do when traveling to a new city is wandering the aisles of supermarkets. We always find ourselves trying to […]
The 6 Best Markets in Paris That Are Open on Sundays
Used to sleeping in on Sundays? Think again—here in Paris, we wake up early every Sunday to hit the market. While many shops have traditionally been closed on Sundays here in the French capital, that’s starting to change. And the tail end of the weekend has been market day for as long as we can […]
5 Spots for Tapas in Chueca that Locals Love
Going out for tapas in Chueca isn’t just a way to devour Madrid’s culture—it’s a way to honor the city’s history. Chueca’s tapas bar scene symbolizes what the neighborhood stands for: modernity, diversity, dedication to quality and continuous evolvement. In the 1970s, Chueca was considered a dangerous area that even the president of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ […]
A Guide to Solo Travel in Madrid: 5 Insider Tips
Solo travel in Spain—and across the globe—has been on the rise over the years, and Madrid is quite the hot spot for independent adventurers. In addition to the usual vacationing families, tour groups, and school excursions, this city is full of solo travelers with nothing but a backpack and a healthy dose of wanderlust. Its […]
Paris Then & Now: Rue Mouffetard
To wander through rue Mouffetard is to walk through Parisian history. One thing is certain: there is no shortage of beautiful streets in Paris. But one tiny street stands out among the rest: rue Mouffetard. As the oldest street in Paris, it exudes unparalleled charm and personality. If you’d like to experience the authentic Parisian […]
Everything You Need To Know To Navigate A French Market
Open air markets are one of the great joys of life in France—and occasionally confusing for some visitors to navigate. Food markets are still an enormous part of French culture, as they offer both seasonality and real value. They are often less expensive and usually far better quality and selection than what you’d find at […]