Tuesday, 31 May 2016
We have launched our new website!
We are very excited to announce that we have launched our new website! You can now stay up to date with all of our latest blog posts at beachesandbellbottoms.com.
Summer in MTL : When You're NOT at the Festivals...
How do you know if Montreal has entered summer? Well, the weather isn't always a fair indication (may we remind you that it snowed on May 16th this year). One thing is certain, however : rain or shine, F1 weekend kicks off festival season. Et qui dit festival season dit summer and tourists (pardon our French).
We've already told you about the multitude of events that take place across the city in the warm estival months, drawing crowds from across the country, the continent, and the world. But we also know that tourists don't only come to Montreal for its festivals : they want to explore this unique city, and experience what Montreal has to offer. Therefore, we've put together a list of a few fun streets that all visitors (and locals) should check out in Montreal this summer.
AVENUE MONT-ROYAL (Plateau)
The Plateau is Montreal's hip and trendy neighbourhood. Simply put, it's where the cool kids hang, and Mount-Royal Avenue is the heart of it all. Mural art, record stores, vintage shops, vegan garb, and lemonade... it is the pinnacle of hipsterism. Whether you are into that scene or not, you will love the Plateau. Venture down the side streets to see typical Montreal architecture (yes, plenty of outdoor staircases to be seen). The Plateau also hosts an annual Mural Festival featuring artists from around the world, held this year between June 9th and 19th.
Once you get tired of walking in the scorching heat (yes, we freeze in winter but Montreal gets h-o-t in summer), we recommend grabbing a drink on one of the street's many terraces (or as our Ontarian friends like to call them: patios) and just people-watching. The human diversity in Montreal is astounding and beautiful. And if you're there at night, lucky you! Because the Plateau has an awesome bar scene! Try Fitzroy and Distillerie, entre autres.
Getting there : take the orange line to Mont-Royal metro station. From there, walk West up avenue Mont-Royal until you hit Jeanne-Mance and Mount-Royal parks. If you make it there on a Sunday, you'll even catch the tam-tams!
RUE ST-PAUL (Old Montreal)
This one we probably didn't have to tell you. It is definitely THE go-to spot in Montreal for tourists and locals alike. And with reason. The cobblestone streets, the Nouvelle-France architecture, the horse-drawn carriages (which you can bring up in conversation with the locals if you want to spark a debate). Start in Place Jacques Cartier (the main square) and wander down the side streets. St-Paul is a favorite: with its old-world charm, it is not to be missed. It has a panoply of bars and restaurants of all kinds, including but not limited to the infamous Montreal Poutine: yes, we know that you're dying to try our succulent fries-cheese-gravy combo. In terms of shopping, it has everything from tacky souvenir stores (where you can finally get that wolf-howling-at-the-moon t-shirt you've been hunting for) to upscale art galleries.
However, like any high-density tourist area, things can get a bit pricey. And the quality isn't always reflected in the price. So if you're looking for a guaranteed great eat that won't put you in the poor house, try Jardin Nelson. With its entrance on the main square, you'll dine in a whimsical semi-open courtyard. May we suggest you make a reservation though, as it's a popular spot all year long.
Getting there: take the orange line to Champs-de-Mars metro station, then follow pedestrian signs for Old Montreal. However, if you have limited mobility, this might be a bit complicated as there are stairs and hills involved. A better option from downtown might be to take the
RUE STE-CATHERINE EST (Gay Village)
No matter which way you swing, the Gay Village welcomes you with open arms. From May to September, "Le Village" becomes a pedestrian street, bustling with people at all hours of the day (and night)! Montreal is a very gay-friendly city, which has led to The Village's ever increasing popularity. The Village is well reputed for its nightlife, with bars and clubs to tickle all kinds of fancies. Chez Mado, a popular drag-cabaret bar, is one of the street's most iconic venues.
Getting there: take the orange, green or yellow lines to Berri-UQAM metro station. From there, head East down Ste-Catherine street. Tip: if you're walking under strings of little pink balls, you're going the right way.
RUE FLEURY EST (Ahuntsic)
This one's a little off the beaten track. However, we are about to give you one undeniable reason to make the trip: it has one of the best ice cream shops in the entire city. Virevent offers about a dozen ever-changing flavours of homemade ice cream and sorbet. Salted caramel, strawberry-vanilla-basil, lime-and-mint, lychee sorbet... They also have six dipping options for soft-serve ice cream, including dark chocolat and white chocolate and maple. As for the others, you'll have to go see for yourself!
Fleury Street has a very Montreal vibe without the bustle of downtown. It has tons of cute boutiques, cozy terraces, and lots of green trees tunnelling over the side streets. And if you head over there between June 16th and 19th, you'll be just in time for the sidewalk sale happening on the strip... we bet there'll be some.
Getting there: from Henri-Bourassa metro station (orange line), take the 146 bus four stops to Christophe-Colomb.
We've already told you about the multitude of events that take place across the city in the warm estival months, drawing crowds from across the country, the continent, and the world. But we also know that tourists don't only come to Montreal for its festivals : they want to explore this unique city, and experience what Montreal has to offer. Therefore, we've put together a list of a few fun streets that all visitors (and locals) should check out in Montreal this summer.
AVENUE MONT-ROYAL (Plateau)
The Plateau is Montreal's hip and trendy neighbourhood. Simply put, it's where the cool kids hang, and Mount-Royal Avenue is the heart of it all. Mural art, record stores, vintage shops, vegan garb, and lemonade... it is the pinnacle of hipsterism. Whether you are into that scene or not, you will love the Plateau. Venture down the side streets to see typical Montreal architecture (yes, plenty of outdoor staircases to be seen). The Plateau also hosts an annual Mural Festival featuring artists from around the world, held this year between June 9th and 19th.
Once you get tired of walking in the scorching heat (yes, we freeze in winter but Montreal gets h-o-t in summer), we recommend grabbing a drink on one of the street's many terraces (or as our Ontarian friends like to call them: patios) and just people-watching. The human diversity in Montreal is astounding and beautiful. And if you're there at night, lucky you! Because the Plateau has an awesome bar scene! Try Fitzroy and Distillerie, entre autres.
Getting there : take the orange line to Mont-Royal metro station. From there, walk West up avenue Mont-Royal until you hit Jeanne-Mance and Mount-Royal parks. If you make it there on a Sunday, you'll even catch the tam-tams!
RUE ST-PAUL (Old Montreal)
This one we probably didn't have to tell you. It is definitely THE go-to spot in Montreal for tourists and locals alike. And with reason. The cobblestone streets, the Nouvelle-France architecture, the horse-drawn carriages (which you can bring up in conversation with the locals if you want to spark a debate). Start in Place Jacques Cartier (the main square) and wander down the side streets. St-Paul is a favorite: with its old-world charm, it is not to be missed. It has a panoply of bars and restaurants of all kinds, including but not limited to the infamous Montreal Poutine: yes, we know that you're dying to try our succulent fries-cheese-gravy combo. In terms of shopping, it has everything from tacky souvenir stores (where you can finally get that wolf-howling-at-the-moon t-shirt you've been hunting for) to upscale art galleries.
However, like any high-density tourist area, things can get a bit pricey. And the quality isn't always reflected in the price. So if you're looking for a guaranteed great eat that won't put you in the poor house, try Jardin Nelson. With its entrance on the main square, you'll dine in a whimsical semi-open courtyard. May we suggest you make a reservation though, as it's a popular spot all year long.
Getting there: take the orange line to Champs-de-Mars metro station, then follow pedestrian signs for Old Montreal. However, if you have limited mobility, this might be a bit complicated as there are stairs and hills involved. A better option from downtown might be to take the
RUE STE-CATHERINE EST (Gay Village)
No matter which way you swing, the Gay Village welcomes you with open arms. From May to September, "Le Village" becomes a pedestrian street, bustling with people at all hours of the day (and night)! Montreal is a very gay-friendly city, which has led to The Village's ever increasing popularity. The Village is well reputed for its nightlife, with bars and clubs to tickle all kinds of fancies. Chez Mado, a popular drag-cabaret bar, is one of the street's most iconic venues.
Getting there: take the orange, green or yellow lines to Berri-UQAM metro station. From there, head East down Ste-Catherine street. Tip: if you're walking under strings of little pink balls, you're going the right way.
RUE FLEURY EST (Ahuntsic)
This one's a little off the beaten track. However, we are about to give you one undeniable reason to make the trip: it has one of the best ice cream shops in the entire city. Virevent offers about a dozen ever-changing flavours of homemade ice cream and sorbet. Salted caramel, strawberry-vanilla-basil, lime-and-mint, lychee sorbet... They also have six dipping options for soft-serve ice cream, including dark chocolat and white chocolate and maple. As for the others, you'll have to go see for yourself!
Fleury Street has a very Montreal vibe without the bustle of downtown. It has tons of cute boutiques, cozy terraces, and lots of green trees tunnelling over the side streets. And if you head over there between June 16th and 19th, you'll be just in time for the sidewalk sale happening on the strip... we bet there'll be some.
Getting there: from Henri-Bourassa metro station (orange line), take the 146 bus four stops to Christophe-Colomb.
Thursday, 12 May 2016
Island Fever : Koh Samui
This summer, BBB is feeling exotic. We're thinking blue skies, palm trees, hammocks, and BEACHES! So we've decided to bring you the Island Fever series : one article per month from May to August featuring a different island we've visited and loved. In this May edition, we bring you Koh Samui, Thailand.
When you visit Thailand, you'll definitely want your itinerary to include Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands. But if you have a limited amount of time, like we did, you'll have to chose which islands you want to visit. They all have something unique to offer : Koh Phangan is known for its full moon party, Koh Phi Phi is known for its beaches and nature. While these islands are fantastic in their own ways, they are also flooded with tourism. And while we don't pretend that isn't the case with Koh Samui, we were pleasantly surprised by a feeling of genuine authenticity on this island. Yes, there are lots of tourists. But there are also locals who are making their livelihoods on other industries than tourism.
How to get there : The cheapest way to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok is to "Fly'n'Ferry" with local, low-cost airline Nok Air. Fly'n'Ferry is a 3-part ticket which includes air, bus and ferry. The flight is from Bangkok's Don Mueang airport (careful, this is not the main international airport) to Surat Thani airport. From there, a bus will transfer you to the coast, where a high-speed catamaran ferry will take you to Koh Samui (Nar Ton Pier). The round-trip costs about $140 USD.
Where to stay : There are many different accommodation options to fit all budgets. Thailand is packed with hostels which are ideal for young travellers, especially those travelling alone. They bring together adventure-seekers from all over world, so you're guaranteed to meet awesome people! We stayed at a great Air BnB on the side of a mountain with an infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Needless to say, the sunsets were breathtaking!
Another great option, especially for larger groups, is a villa. Villa Getaways offers a variety of villas on Koh Samui which sleep up to 20 people. Depending on the villa, you could enjoy beach front accommodation complete with air conditioning, wifi, a maid service... even a personal chef or tennis court! Now that's our idea of a stress-free vacation.
Day trip : One of the favorite parts of our stay on Koh Samui was our day trip to Angthong National Marine Park. Sometimes, excursions can feel like a cattle roundup of tourists looking to experience something off the beaten track. But that wasn't the case here. The day began bright and early with a two-hour boat ride out to the marine park. The ride was beautiful, especially as we approached the small island that were our destination. There, we hiked and swam before having a good lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, we kayaked and swam; there was also an opportunity for another hike but we preferred to seek refuge in the pristine waters from the 40 degree temperatures. The whole day cost about $40 USD, and we think it was $40 well spent! Tip : Don't make the same mistake we did... even if you don't feel yourself burning, keep on applying that sunscreen! Trust us, you'll regret it otherwise.
Waterfront near Nathon Pier
Fire Twirlers at Ark Bar on Chaweng Beach
When you visit Thailand, you'll definitely want your itinerary to include Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands. But if you have a limited amount of time, like we did, you'll have to chose which islands you want to visit. They all have something unique to offer : Koh Phangan is known for its full moon party, Koh Phi Phi is known for its beaches and nature. While these islands are fantastic in their own ways, they are also flooded with tourism. And while we don't pretend that isn't the case with Koh Samui, we were pleasantly surprised by a feeling of genuine authenticity on this island. Yes, there are lots of tourists. But there are also locals who are making their livelihoods on other industries than tourism.
How to get there : The cheapest way to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok is to "Fly'n'Ferry" with local, low-cost airline Nok Air. Fly'n'Ferry is a 3-part ticket which includes air, bus and ferry. The flight is from Bangkok's Don Mueang airport (careful, this is not the main international airport) to Surat Thani airport. From there, a bus will transfer you to the coast, where a high-speed catamaran ferry will take you to Koh Samui (Nar Ton Pier). The round-trip costs about $140 USD.
Leaving Koh Samui by ferry
Another great option, especially for larger groups, is a villa. Villa Getaways offers a variety of villas on Koh Samui which sleep up to 20 people. Depending on the villa, you could enjoy beach front accommodation complete with air conditioning, wifi, a maid service... even a personal chef or tennis court! Now that's our idea of a stress-free vacation.
Sunset view over our infinity pool
Angthong National Marine Park
Where to eat : Two words : street food. In Thailand, like in much of Asia, the best food you'll eat will be from street vendors. Sure, you can pay lots of money to indulge in a fancy restaurant. But let's face it, you'll be paying for the decor, not the food. Street vendors offer, for about $1 USD, some of the best pad thai you will ever have tasted. Other options are spring rolls, pad see ew, duck, and more, all for a steal. With food this delicious and this cheap, expect to gain a pound or two!
Where to go out : If you're looking to have a few drinks (or should we say buckets) on the beach, head to Ark Bar. Dance the night away with your toes in the sand, or lounge back as you watch the fire twirlers do their thing. It might be a bit pricier than some other options, but it won't disappoint! Once you've had a few drinks and you're ready for the real party, head over to the Green Mango Club. Located on a bustling nightlife strip in the center of Chaweng, it is known for its treehouse-like, open-air design. You really feel like you are partying it up in the tropics. While Green Mango plays your typical party tracks, it also has two sister bars : Sweet Soul (hip-hop/R&B) and Mambo (more loungey). What ever flavour you pick, you are pretty much guaranteed an awesome time.
Nikki Beach, Koh Samui
Sunday, 8 May 2016
Melbourne: Australia's Cultural Capital
As we were told by a friend upon arriving: "Coffee is like religion in Melbourne". Apparently, Melbourne is all about going out for brunch and drinking really good coffee... so that's exactly what we did when BBB spent 3 days in Australia's cultural capital this April.
Melbourne has an impressive public transport system: reliable, easy to use and very accessible. Trams, buses and trains, always something available to get you around. And of course, there is always Uber! The only disappointment was that their airport is not easily accessible by public transport. The Sky Bus leaves from Southern Cross station every 10 minutes for the cost of $19 Australian (AUD).
Where to eat:
We were staying with a friend in Brunswick and brunched two days in a row in the neighborhood. First, we tried East Elevation (351 Lygon St). Great ambiance and decor, plus the food and coffee were both on point! The next day, we took our business to Stand & Deliver (242 Victoria St) where it is safe to say we tasted the best Avo Smash we have tried in all 6 months in Australia. And let me tell you, we've tried quite a few. Awesome vibe, and there is even an art gallery upstairs! Oh and did we mention they make great coffee?
We also ventured South of the city one night and found lots of restaurants and bars on Chapel Street in Prahan.
What to see:
Where to stay:
Unfortunately, we can't really help you out on this one because we were lucky enough to have friends to stay with in Melbourne. That being said, every neighborhood had it's own charm and because public transport is very accessible, you don't necessarily need to stay in the city center. We definitely enjoyed staying in Brunswick!
Overall, we had a great time in Melbourne! It showed us yet another side of Australia - a big, metropolitan, multicultural and artsy city! We will definitely be back!
Melbourne skyline along the Yarra River
How to get around:Melbourne has an impressive public transport system: reliable, easy to use and very accessible. Trams, buses and trains, always something available to get you around. And of course, there is always Uber! The only disappointment was that their airport is not easily accessible by public transport. The Sky Bus leaves from Southern Cross station every 10 minutes for the cost of $19 Australian (AUD).
Where to eat:
Manchester Press (8 Rankins Lane) in CBD: Try the multigrain bagel with eggplant; they have great coffee too!
We were staying with a friend in Brunswick and brunched two days in a row in the neighborhood. First, we tried East Elevation (351 Lygon St). Great ambiance and decor, plus the food and coffee were both on point! The next day, we took our business to Stand & Deliver (242 Victoria St) where it is safe to say we tasted the best Avo Smash we have tried in all 6 months in Australia. And let me tell you, we've tried quite a few. Awesome vibe, and there is even an art gallery upstairs! Oh and did we mention they make great coffee?
We also ventured South of the city one night and found lots of restaurants and bars on Chapel Street in Prahan.
East Elevation in Brunswick
DeGraves Street
What to see:
- Federation Square
- DeGraves Street: lined with cafe's whose tables pour out into the laneway. Has a bit of a European feel and it's a great place to grab a coffee!
- Flinders Street Station: one of Melbourne's main transit stations and visually impressive!
- Flinders Lane: covered in Melbourne's renowned street art, Flinders Lane is 100% Insta-worthy. It definitely isn't the only place in the city to find street art though; venture down any little alleyway and voilà!
- Fitzroy: Melbourne's #1 "hipster" neighborhood. You don't have to look far for a cool cafe, bar or art gallery!
- Chinatown: great asian food options!
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): 3 levels of art and design from around the world. Unfortunately, we just missed the Andy Warhol exhibit. But the best part... it's free!
- Queen Victoria Markets: Sells food, clothing and all sorts of knick-knacks. We were told it is the biggest market in Australia, spanning 2 city blocks. Definitely worth a look!
- Southbank: take a walk along the water or stop for a drink overlooking the Yarra River and the Melbourne Skyline. Warning: may be pricey!
- For some shopping check out Melbourne's GPO or if you are into thrifting, you can find a multitude of op shops in Brunswick and Fitzroy.
- Didn't get a chance to check out Saint Kilda, but apparently it's the place to hit the beach in the summer, just a short tram ride south of the CBD. Apparently you can also see penguins!
Flinders Street Station
Street art down Union Lane
Brunswick Street in Fitzroy
National Gallery of Victoria
Gertrude Street in Fitrzroy
Where to stay:
Unfortunately, we can't really help you out on this one because we were lucky enough to have friends to stay with in Melbourne. That being said, every neighborhood had it's own charm and because public transport is very accessible, you don't necessarily need to stay in the city center. We definitely enjoyed staying in Brunswick!
Overall, we had a great time in Melbourne! It showed us yet another side of Australia - a big, metropolitan, multicultural and artsy city! We will definitely be back!
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Petit Lapin : Patisserie Mastery Without the Allergy
What do you do when you want a birthday cake but you're allergic to, well, everything? Until a couple of years ago, there weren't many options. But this April, Petit Lapin is celebrating its second anniversary, that is, two years of serving up scrumptious allergen-free baked goodies.
Viviane Nguyen got the idea for Petit Lapin after she wanted to bake her son a cake for his first birthday. The problem was that he was allergic to mostly everything.
"I called every bakery in Montreal, and no one could make something for me," says Nguyen. "So I said: why not make it myself!"
Notary turned entrepreneur, she now has a quaint pastry shop on Victoria Avenue in Westmount, where she has made it her mission to serve up cupcakes, cream puffs, macaroons, madeleines, donuts and more, 100% organic, vegan and allergen-free.
"I called every bakery in Montreal, and no one could make something for me," says Nguyen. "So I said: why not make it myself!"
Notary turned entrepreneur, she now has a quaint pastry shop on Victoria Avenue in Westmount, where she has made it her mission to serve up cupcakes, cream puffs, macaroons, madeleines, donuts and more, 100% organic, vegan and allergen-free.
That means no dairy, no soy, no eggs, no gluten, no nuts, no sulfites, no peanuts, and the list goes on. But not to worry, they're still 100% delicious.
"Everyone deserves a cake for their birthday. Because a birthday without a cake is not a birthday."
"Everyone deserves a cake for their birthday. Because a birthday without a cake is not a birthday."
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Helsinki and the Baltics : 4 cities, 6 days
When we tell people we spent the Christmas holidays in Finland and the Baltics, people ask "why". But we say: "Why not?" (The Baltic States are three countries in Northeastern Europe : Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.)
What to do : Visit Suomenlinna, an inhabited sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ferry runs between Market Square and Suomenlinna up to four times per hour, depending on the time of day, and costs roughly 6 euro round-trip. It's an eerie but super interesting visit that could take a good part of the day. It's also free! Note: It's extremely windy so if you're there in winter, dress warmly!
Where to stay : Hotel Finn. The location doesn't get much better, and nor does the price! For about 53 euro per night, we got a private double room with private bathroom. In other words : just over 25 euro per night each! Keep in mind that this is Scandinavia (according to the Finns, at least...) and things are pricey.
Where to eat and drink : You've got us on this one. We were only in Helsinki a brief time, and we really couldn't figure out the best spots to grab a bite or a drink. If you have any suggestions, let us know!
To get from Helsinki to Tallinn : The Tallinn Silja Line has (massive) ferries that run between Helsinki and Tallinn. The trip takes two hours and costs 36 euro. Careful! The ferry doesn't leave from the same terminal as the Suomenlinna ferry! It leaves from the West Terminal (Länsiterminaali), which is accessible by tram.
What to do : Tallinn is a little fairy tale village. The old center is not very big, but to get the most out of it, we recommend a free guided walking tour. If you are going to do a museum, we recommend the Kiek in de Kök, an artillery tower built in 1475 that got its name from its occupants' pastime of peeking down into the kitchens of the houses below.
Where to stay : Three Crowns Residents. For 38 euro per night for two people (so 19 each), you get a private room, private bathroom AND breakfast! Plus, it's located in the heart of the old town. You will literally feel like you just walked into a Brothers Grimm story.
Where to eat : We are all about trying local cuisine, and in Tallinn, the go-to place is Vanaema Juures (Grandma's Place). You can find it in the old town on Rataskaevu, a few steps from the town hall square. Must-try : Kama, the traditional Estonian dessert made with sour milk.
To get from Tallinn to Riga : The Lux Express bus leaves from the Tallinn Coach Station and makes the 4-hour trip to Riga. A ticket costs 21 euro, but get this : free wifi and movies!
What to do : Like most European cities, the Old Town of Riga is absolutely beautiful. But it is well worth venturing outside of this area to see what else Riga has to offer. For example, check out the Riga Central Market. Built in five old German Zeppelin hangars, it is Europe's largest market and bazaar (warning : hold your nose in the fish pavilion). Also check out the Art Nouveau district around Alberta iela (Alberta Street) and the take a walk along the waterfront.
Where to stay : Weldon Hotel Riga & Spa. For 2 people for 2 nights, it cost us only 100 euro. We had a beautiful, modern and clean room and bathroom, plus a MASSIVE breakfast included... this breakfast was worth the money in itself! Champagne and all.
Where to eat and drink : There is no better spot in town than Ala : Cheap and DELICIOUS food and drinks in generous servings...it doesn't get much better than this. Be prepared to meet all kinds of (mostly young) people from all around the globe.
To get from Riga to Vilnius : The Lux Express bus travels between the Riga Coach Station and the Vilnius Coach Station. The trip takes about 4 hours and costs 16 euro (for students up to 26 years of age).
What to do : In every city, there is always the obvious stuff to see and do, and then there is the not-so-obvious. Vilnius is no exception. If you're into the normal stuff, take a stroll through the Old Town, visit Cathedral Square, walk up to Gediminas' Tower, you know the drill. But if you are looking for something slightly alternative and highly interesting, we recommend the Soviet Vilnius Tour. For only 10 euro, a dynamic guide will walk you through the important landmarks of Lithuania's Soviet occupation, complete with an abandoned sports complex and a Frank Zappa statue. Not to be missed!
Where to stay : We stayed at the Alexa Old Town Hotel Vilnius. For 75 euro for 2 people for 2 nights, you got what you paid for, which was a small, slightly old but comfortable room. Nothing more, nothing less.
Where to eat and drink : For a true feel of the Soviet period, you have to try Neringa Restaurant, who's interior and decor remains relatively unchanged since its opening in 1959. If you are looking for something more compatible with the hipster scene, try Deveti on Sodu g.
HELSINKI
Market Square at 10:30 a.m.
On Dec. 26th, don't expect the sun to rise very much above the horizon.
Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna - We told you it was eerie.
Suomenlinna - Yes, people actually live here.
Suomenlinna - King's Gate
Suomenlinna Church - Originally Eastern Orthodox, now Evangelical Lutheran.
Where to stay : Hotel Finn. The location doesn't get much better, and nor does the price! For about 53 euro per night, we got a private double room with private bathroom. In other words : just over 25 euro per night each! Keep in mind that this is Scandinavia (according to the Finns, at least...) and things are pricey.
Helsinki Cathedral at Senate Square
Where to eat and drink : You've got us on this one. We were only in Helsinki a brief time, and we really couldn't figure out the best spots to grab a bite or a drink. If you have any suggestions, let us know!
To get from Helsinki to Tallinn : The Tallinn Silja Line has (massive) ferries that run between Helsinki and Tallinn. The trip takes two hours and costs 36 euro. Careful! The ferry doesn't leave from the same terminal as the Suomenlinna ferry! It leaves from the West Terminal (Länsiterminaali), which is accessible by tram.
TALLINN
Of course, there are still some reminders of the Soviet era.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built back when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire.
St Nicholas' Church, partially destroyed in the Soviet bombings of WW2.
The Tallinn town hall is the oldest in Scandinavia and the Baltics.
What to do : Tallinn is a little fairy tale village. The old center is not very big, but to get the most out of it, we recommend a free guided walking tour. If you are going to do a museum, we recommend the Kiek in de Kök, an artillery tower built in 1475 that got its name from its occupants' pastime of peeking down into the kitchens of the houses below.
Hansel and Gretel? Rapunzel?
View from the Kiek in de Kök tower
Where to stay : Three Crowns Residents. For 38 euro per night for two people (so 19 each), you get a private room, private bathroom AND breakfast! Plus, it's located in the heart of the old town. You will literally feel like you just walked into a Brothers Grimm story.
Remnants of a fortified city.
Old town Tallinn
Where to eat : We are all about trying local cuisine, and in Tallinn, the go-to place is Vanaema Juures (Grandma's Place). You can find it in the old town on Rataskaevu, a few steps from the town hall square. Must-try : Kama, the traditional Estonian dessert made with sour milk.
Kama and wine, a winning combination.
To get from Tallinn to Riga : The Lux Express bus leaves from the Tallinn Coach Station and makes the 4-hour trip to Riga. A ticket costs 21 euro, but get this : free wifi and movies!
RIGA
Riga Town Hall Square
The Three Brothers, the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga.
It's not December in Europe without a Christmas market!
Riga's famous Cat House. It's worth Googling.
Riga Castle founded in 1330.
Riga Central Market. They pickle everything.
Waterfront along the Daugava River overlooking the Railway Bridge.
Latvian Academy of Sciences, a.k.a. Stalin's birthday cake.
Art Nouveau building on Alberta iela
We don't know how this happened.
Where to stay : Weldon Hotel Riga & Spa. For 2 people for 2 nights, it cost us only 100 euro. We had a beautiful, modern and clean room and bathroom, plus a MASSIVE breakfast included... this breakfast was worth the money in itself! Champagne and all.
Hotel breakfast, round 1.
Where to eat and drink : There is no better spot in town than Ala : Cheap and DELICIOUS food and drinks in generous servings...it doesn't get much better than this. Be prepared to meet all kinds of (mostly young) people from all around the globe.
Traditional Latvian grey peas at Ala. 4.10 euro. #winning
To get from Riga to Vilnius : The Lux Express bus travels between the Riga Coach Station and the Vilnius Coach Station. The trip takes about 4 hours and costs 16 euro (for students up to 26 years of age).
VILNIUS
Cathedral Square
Gediminas' Tower
Old Town Vilnius by nightfall
What to do : In every city, there is always the obvious stuff to see and do, and then there is the not-so-obvious. Vilnius is no exception. If you're into the normal stuff, take a stroll through the Old Town, visit Cathedral Square, walk up to Gediminas' Tower, you know the drill. But if you are looking for something slightly alternative and highly interesting, we recommend the Soviet Vilnius Tour. For only 10 euro, a dynamic guide will walk you through the important landmarks of Lithuania's Soviet occupation, complete with an abandoned sports complex and a Frank Zappa statue. Not to be missed!
Lukiskes Square, formerly Lenin Square.
Former KGB Headquarters which today hosts the Museum of Genocide Victims
Abandoned Soviet sports complex. Did you know Lithuanians are excellent basketball players?
Frank Zappa Statute. Google it!
Where to stay : We stayed at the Alexa Old Town Hotel Vilnius. For 75 euro for 2 people for 2 nights, you got what you paid for, which was a small, slightly old but comfortable room. Nothing more, nothing less.
Where to eat and drink : For a true feel of the Soviet period, you have to try Neringa Restaurant, who's interior and decor remains relatively unchanged since its opening in 1959. If you are looking for something more compatible with the hipster scene, try Deveti on Sodu g.
Old Town by dusk
Neringa Restaurant
Deveti
Oh and one more thing : Vodka is really cheap. In fact, they sell it in "individual" servings.
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