Curator’s statement
These three locations are special to me. They were the first three places I went with my husband on our first European trip. Each city is so easy to navigate, walk, and there are endless possibilities of things to do. Each place has many different aspects to it, and around each corner you may find yourself lost in a good way for hours.
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Things to do in Europe
The simple beauty of the sun shining through the beautiful stain glass of the Sagrada Familia
Amsterdam
I highly recommend spending a couple of hours in the Van Gogh museum. It is stunning—get lost in the art and don’t forget to spend time in the floor-to-ceiling “Starry Night” exhibit.
Explore the flower market—stroll along the canals and experience all of the different flowers that are sold from seeds to full bloom, and just admire the beautiful colors. It’s run by local merchants who are just the sweetest people.
Barcelona
Sagrada Família: The most popular and well-built structure in the city. Take lots of time here. Highly recommend a guided tour in the morning so you have plenty of time. Recommend the headphone guided tour, so you feel like you are in a one-on-one with the guide and be stunned by the beautiful place.
Gothic Quarter: Basilica de Santa Maria Cathedral has the most amazing story behind it and the structure is beautiful. It went through its hard time and was brought back to life in the most beautiful way. You have to do the guided tour with the two towers so you can also get a beautiful view of the city.
Montjuïc: A beautiful park with slides—highly recommended for adults only, as well as a gondola ride to see the beautiful coast of Barcelona.
Portugal
Ride Tram 28: An old-school tram that will take you through the streets of Portugal. My favorite part is all of the historic neighborhoods.
Day trip from Lisbon to Sintra: A short train ride from the city to a small village here is where I highly recommend the Palace de Pena—you must go at the end of the day because with the stunning views of Portugal it gives you the most amazing sunset.
Belém Tower: A waterfront 16th century fortress that will give you the most amazing historic story of the world heritage.
Places to eat & drink in Europe
Breakfast at La Boulangerie Lisbon, Portugal
Amsterdam:
Blue Amsterdam: An amazing restaurant with stunning views of the city. Top floor of the mall, across from the flower market with a unique shape and delicious food. The whole restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows giving you a full view in any direction.
Barcelona:
Vivo Tapas: The city is known for “small bites” you can do at any time of day. But after a long day of walking, let these small bites bring you joy, especially late at night over a glass of wine.
La Lolita Barcelona: A beautiful restaurant for a delicious dinner with some of the most authentic paella. Coming from someone who doesn’t eat a lot of seafood, they even make a vegetarian version and it is delicious.
Nomad Coffee Bar: I’m usually a black coffee drinker, but getting a latte from this cafe was the most amazing decision. You can sit and watch people pass by or get lost going through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter.
Portugal:
La Boulangerie Lisbon: An amazing place that is locally owned by a husband and wife with amazing food, baked goods, and amazing atmosphere. At the time, I was in an rental flat right above it and would smell the freshly made pastries every morning.
Black Pavilion Restaurant: For a meal that will leave you feeling so satisfied. A stunning selection of items that are fresh and in my opinion, thought out well. The price is more than worth paying for the quality.
Need to know
When it comes to these locations, bring your walking shoes. Easily accessible with cabs. Each city is so different and full of life. When my husband and I went on our trip, we went just after the 1st of January and it was honestly perfect. Amsterdam a little chilly but beautiful sunny days. It is also the off-season, so a lot fewer people. I hope a trip like this brings you as much joy as it did for me.
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Shyanne Dunaetz
Shyanne Dunaetz
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