If you're visiting Portugal, Pastéis de Nata is one of the first sweets you should try. These small, round, creamy pastries are one of the most iconic flavors of Portuguese cuisine, a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The origin of the sweet The origins of Pastéis de Nata can be traced back to the 18th century Jerónimos Monastery near Lisbon . The monks of the monastery used egg whites to starch their clothes after washing, leaving them with plenty of egg yolks, w

Spiritus - Videomapping show is one of the most unique cultural experiences in Porto this year, 2025, coming to life in the city's iconic Clérigos Church . This unique performance is not just a spectacular projection, but an audiovisual journey with a deeper, philosophical message, focusing on the relationship between the human soul, time and nature. The baroque interior of the church is completely transformed: pulsating lights appear on the walls and arches, telling the s

Porto , a city on the banks of the Douro River, is full of colorful houses, impressive churches, world-famous tile decorations and spectacular viewpoints. Comfortable shoes are definitely recommended - this is where I've seen the most tourists stumble in my life :)) Walking through the steep and cobblestone streets can sometimes be a bit difficult and tiring. In this post, I will show you the must-see attractions in Porto so you can easily plan your trip. Capela das Almas - t

If you visit Portugal, you will find them on almost every corner: they decorate walls, churches, palaces, even train stations and restaurants. These are the typical Portuguese azulejos - tiles that serve not only as decoration but also as storytellers. But where does this tradition come from and why has it become one of the most striking symbols of Portuguese culture? What is azulejo? The word “azulejo” comes from the Arabic “al-zillīj,” meaning “polished stone ”. These

When you first walk through the colorful streets of Lisbon, between the tiled houses, the steep alleys and the clanking trams, you suddenly see a huge animal looking at you from a wall, built from old car parts, tires and broken plastic. The artist's name is Bordalo II - and what he does is more than street art. It is modern eco-art itself, which is beautiful, provocative and thought-provoking at the same time. Bordalo II's art is not born on the white walls of galleries, but

The Lisbon Earthquake Museum (Museu do Terramoto) is not just an exhibition space - it is more of a modern, experiential time machine that takes you back to the most defining and tragic moment in the city's history, the day of the 1755 earthquake. The museum aims not only to show the devastation of the disaster, but also to make the visitors feel the shock and uncertainty experienced by the residents of the time. On November 1, 1755, the people of Lisbon had no idea that th

Lisbon was love at first sight for me. I've been here several times, and it has never disappointed me, and I've even been lucky with the weather: although I always brought an umbrella, especially in November, the city still gave me wonderful sunshine most of the time. Lisbon is a place that reveals a new face with every step: old and modern, calm and vibrant, romantic and creative. When exploring the Portuguese capital, it's worth taking time to explore both the historic dist

Parc Güell is one of Barcelona’s most famous attractions , yet few people know that the park - filled with colorful mosaics and organic forms - was not originally intended as a tourist attraction. The story of Parc Güell began as an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful real-estate project which, thanks to the genius of Antoni Gaudí, has since become one of the city’s iconic symbols. The original concept of Parc Güell The history of the park began around 1900 , when Eusebi G

"El 25 de desembre fum, fum, fum" is a well-known Catalan Christmas carol, translated into several languages, and even has a Chinese version. December 25th arrives, and the refrain, "fum, fum, fum", comes naturally. Everyone knows it, especially in Barcelona. For decades, the same collective mental image has appeared before people's eyes when they hear this song: a smoking chimney (fum in Catalan) on a cold winter's evening. However, folk etymology has played a trick on us. H

The Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece and the symbol of Barcelona. It is a treasure trove of secrets, religious symbols and architectural wonders, but it also seems to hide a less mystical and much more mundane story: an architectural error that few people know about. This error resulted in the asymmetry of the bell towers on the facade of the Nativity scene, which Gaudí simply did not care about. Of course, this does not detract from the value, beauty

Opinion piece, based on facts On the map of Europe, Hungary and Catalonia are far apart. Yet, anyone who knows both places - especially the weight of historical memory - will quickly recognize that there are surprisingly many common features between the Hungarian and Catalan folk souls . It is like as we were listening to stories written in two different languages, but with similar fates. Historical upheavals - in the shadow of great powers The history of both nations is def

In Barcelona’s urban structure and cultural memory, the names of saints appear strikingly often in the form of streets, squares, churches, and festivals. This is not a coincidence, but rather a result of the city’s history and development. The cult of saints in Barcelona is closely intertwined with the development of the medieval city, when religion was not separated from everyday life, but rather provided a natural framework for it. The identity of urban communities was oft

The name of Miguel de Cervantes is inseparable from Spanish literature, yet there is one city that holds a special place in his oeuvre: Barcelona. This is even more interesting because Cervantes was of Castilian origin and rarely mentioned real cities in his works. Don Quixote, however, is an exception. Cervantes was Castilian - but he treated Barcelona as an exception Cervantes was born in 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid, in Castile. His native language was Castilian

If you spend the holidays in Barcelona, you'll quickly notice that neither Santa Claus nor Little Jesus are really stars here . Catalan Christmas is a separate universe all its own, full of strange, funny and centuries-old traditions - things you don't often see anywhere else in the world. For example, Caga Tio and El Caganer, who we've already met in my previous posts. But who brings the presents at Christmas? Many travelers are surprised when there is no crazy gift-opening

If you are planning to travel to Barcelona sometime in January, you should definitely check out the programs related to the Tres Tombs holiday. Saint Anthony and Tres Tombs celebration One of the winter holidays in Barcelona is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Hermit, whose official feast day is January 17. In Barcelona, the series of events related to it lasts until the end of January and is centered in the Sant Antoni neighborhood named after the saint. But who was Saint An

Barcelona’s La Boqueria , officially known as Mercat de Sant Josep , is more than just a market, it’s a living testament to the city’s history and gastronomic culture. Its roots go back to the Middle Ages, when Barcelona stood as a city surrounded by walls and vendors would set up shop outside the city gates on the road that is now La Rambla. These early markets were mainly made up of butchers and farmers who would sell their products from temporary stalls, taking advantage o

If you walk around Barcelona, you will surely notice that not only the buildings and squares tell stories, but also the pavements. One of the most iconic motifs, which appears in almost every district, is the Barcelona panot flower - a simple, stylized four-petaled flower pattern that has become one of the hidden symbols of the city. What is a panot? The panot is nothing more than the city's characteristic concrete paving slab. At the beginning of the 20th century, during

If Barcelona has already stolen your heart, then Tibidabo will be the place where this connection will deepen even more. A place where past and present, nature and city, spirituality and entertainment meet in a special harmony. Tibidabo rises 512 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Barcelona. The journey up there is already an experience: the narrow-cog railway, the Funicular del Tibidabo, starts the trip with a nostalgic atmosphere. As you arrive, two th

When visiting Barcelona, it quickly becomes visible that this city is "different" from the rest of Spain. Not only in architecture, language or gastronomy, but also in the way people think. Catalan identity here is not folklore or nostalgia, but an everyday reality that deeply determines the self-image, political sensibilities and cultural life of the city's inhabitants. But why is this so important? And where does this strong bond come from? Why is it that if you tell a lo

Walking through the streets of Lisbon, you can see that the cobblestone alleys, worn walls and blue and white azulejo tiles together preserve the stories of the Portuguese capital. There is an artist who translates these stories into a new language: O Gringo or Bastien Tomasini , a French-born street artist who has become one of Lisbon's most exciting visual voices in recent years. In his art traditional Portuguese tiles meet a contemporary, emotional narrative - creating

Chefchaouen, a small Moroccan town nestled in the Rif Mountains, is perhaps one of the country’s most unique destinations. The city’s narrow streets, houses, and walls are covered in every shade of blue - from sky blue to turquoise to deep, dark indigo. It’s no wonder it has become a favorite photo spot for travelers from all over the world. Getting from Tangier to Chefchaouen by public transport is quite complicated, even though it is the closest big city. Trying to go from

Tangier is one of the most unique cities in Morocco, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet . The city is not only special because of its beautiful location, but also because of the legends and myths associated with it . If you want to know more about the attractions and secrets of Tangier, read on - you are guaranteed to see this magical destination with different eyes. Hercules Cave - Tangier's best-known legend One of the most popular attractions in Ta

I arrived in Casablanca by train from Tangier and deliberately looked for accommodation that was close to the magnificent mosque. This worked out so well that I could see the entire building from the balcony of the apartment. The Hassan II Mosque, located on the coast of Casablanca, Morocco, is one of the most significant symbols not only of the city, but also of the entire country. This impressive structure is not only a religious center, but also a masterpiece of modern Mor

Entry requirements Morocco is a safe destination, where usually European citizens can travel without a visa , and registration is not required. The passport must be valid for 3 months from the date of departure from the country of origin. You cannot travel with an ID card. Upon entry, they ask us what our purpose is, where we will be staying, and how long we want to stay in the country. They did not ask me for my outbound flight ticket. We get a stamp in our passport both wh

The symbol of Ljubljana is not by chance the dragon - it plays a special role in both the city's history and culture. The myth of the Argonauts According to one of the oldest legends, Jason and the Argonauts , when they arrived in the region of the Ljubljanica River in search of the Golden Fleece, encountered a huge dragon in the marshy area. In a heroic fight, Jason defeated the monster, the memory of which has survived for centuries and over time has become the symbol of

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is considered by many to be one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Although it has a population of just over 300,000, it combines the hustle and bustle of a big city with the tranquility of a small town. A place where the cobblestone streets of the medieval old town, Art Nouveau buildings and a modern, youthful cultural life coexist in perfect harmony. A little history Ljubljana's history dates back more than two thousand years. The city was fo

The legendary Vintgar Gorge was shaped by glaciers: when they began to melt and retreat, Lake Bled was formed in the valley. At that time, the Radovna River began to carve a new path for itself at the lowest point between the Hom and Boršt hills. After the end of the last ice age, the water stubbornly continued to shape the Vintgar Gorge. Only at the end of the pass, due to the harder rock, was the difference in water levels preserved in the form of the picturesque Šum waterf

Perched on a steep cliff above the picturesque Lake Bled, Bled Castle (Blejski grad) is not only one of the oldest castles in Slovenia, but also one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. The castle offers breathtaking views of the lake’s turquoise waters, the famous small island, and the peaks of the Julian Alps. But Bled Castle is more than just a beautiful panoramic site: its walls preserve over a thousand years of history and exciting legends. History of the castle Ble

The Island and the Wishing Bell One of Slovenia's most iconic sights is Lake Bled , surrounded by lush green mountains and with a tiny island in the middle. The fairytale setting is often referred to as one of Europe's most romantic destinations - and for good reason, as the Church of the Assumption (Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja) and its bell tower in the middle of the lake are a treasure trove of legends, customs and mystical stories. Bled Island and the Church The island

Copenhagen is not only a city of design, hygge and bicycles, but also increasingly a city of conscious eating. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you don't have to worry: the Danish capital offers a variety of restaurants, cafes and bakeries offering delicious alternatives. I've collected the best places I've tried, so you can enjoy a gastronomic experience - completely gluten-free. 42 Raw – the plant-based and gluten-free delight Located in the heart of downtown, 42 Raw is on

Barcelona is a city of beaches, Gaudí buildings and tapas – and luckily, it’s also a paradise for gluten-free eaters. The Catalan capital is home to a growing number of restaurants, bakeries and cafés offering safe, gluten-free options, and many traditional Catalan dishes are even available in gluten-free versions. Here are the city's best gluten-free addresses and gastronomic tips. Gluten-free restaurants in Barcelona En Ville An elegant Mediterranean bistro where most of th

Moroccan mint tea - locally known as atay - is not just a refreshing drink, but one of the most important symbols of Moroccan culture. The special combination of green tea, fresh mint and sugar can be found in every Moroccan home and café, and is almost inseparable from the concept of hospitality. The origin of mint tea in Morocco Tea arrived in Morocco in the 18th and 19th centuries, mainly through British traders who brought gunpowder tea from China to North Africa. It

When we think of Morocco, we think of the colorful bustle of the souks, the smell of spices and slow-cooked, richly flavored dishes. Among these, the tajine stands out , which is not only the name of a dish, but also of a special cooking pot. The tajine is the symbol of Moroccan cuisine and offers a true culinary experience for those who like to delve into the art of slow cooking. What is tajine? The word tajine refers to both the clay pot with a conical lid and the food

New York is a city that everyone knows to some extent, the setting of popular movies and series, so we think we know what to expect. But when we arrive, we realize it’s beyond imagination. It affects all our senses at once, so when we first stand in the hustle and bustle of Times Square, we just shake our heads. For me, the first positive culture shock was that everyone is free to be themselves here, there is room for everyone, the Muslim vendor who, when it's time for praye

While creating the itinerary, I focused on seeing the city by walking, as that’s usually my prefered way to explore everything. So I walked 15-20 km a day, but it was worth it because I often stumbled upon interesting sights by chance, and the iconic atmosphere of New York came through better. My itinerary for 6 days Day 1 Early morning at Times Square (I was up at 5am due to jet lag) Bryant Park I also went to the Empire State Building Build a Bear Workshop - it's not u

The sculptor, of Moroccan origin but with Sicilian roots, was born in 1960 and moved to France with his family at the age of 10. Struggling to adapt to his new environment, he often felt like an outsider. After graduating from school, he worked as an electrician for a shipping company, but in the meantime he enrolled in a modeling course in Marseille and studied sculpture magazines. In 1985, he opened his own studio, where he burned sculptures in front of an audience. This is

Edinburgh is beautiful in all seasons, but I scheduled my trip for autumn because the sight of the colorful leaves makes this special city even more magical. Of course, you have to be prepared for the fact that it is cold and it can rain at any time, but don't let that scare you; we don't travel to Scotland for the beautiful weather anyway. I booked a basic Ibis hotel (Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile) because Scotland is expensive, and I found this accommodation in a central

I really love animals. Of course, this statement is a generalization, as I don't love all animals (unfortunately, I'm afraid of spiders, for example), but I have a dream, which may be a bit childish, but is definitely utopian: one day I will have a farm, in Ireland or Scotland, or maybe in the North of France, where I will keep a variety of animals. One of them will definitely be the wonderful Scottish cow. When we think of Scotland, we often think of rolling green hills, whi

The capital of Ireland is a very livable, human-scale city, and is inhabited by friendly, kind people. It is easy to get around on foot. It is enjoyable throughout the year , you can catch pleasant weather in spring and autumn, but there is no guarantee that it will not rain even in the summer. I have been to Dublin several times, so I am trying to create a useful guide about this city that holds a special place in my heart, summarizing my experiences. Choosing a place to sta

Portsmouth is an exciting coastal city in the south east of England, full of rich history and modern energy. My sister spent her university years there and I visited whenever I could, so I have a personal connection to the city. Portsmouth's unique location has always made it a key shipping and naval centre , as is perfectly reflected in the famous Portsmouth Dockyard and its associated historic ships. But this city is not only attractive to those interested in the past, b

I have a special connection with London. My sister lives in England, in Portsmouth, so I travel to the UK several times a year, and we usually meet in London. This gave me time to get to know this huge city better, but that's not the point. When I first visited here as a child, I had a strange feeling: a strange sense of homeliness, as if I had once lived here. This has remained ever since, I love London, and every time I arrive it feels a little like I am going home. I canno

Special experience recommendation for a visit to London London's theatre world has once again been enriched with a special production this year: Come Alive! The Greatest Showman has finally hit the stage, making a dream come true for fans of the film. The spectacular performance is not a simple adaptation, but a reimagined, live theatre experience that brings back the magic of the 2017 hit film, with every moment on stage permeated with the energy of the circus and musical

Gdansk (known historically as Danzig ) is located in the northern part of Poland, on the Baltic Sea coast. Its old town is a real jewel box, the unique colorful houses, small streets, and the church bells ringing again and again create an atmosphere as if we were traveling back in time. However, most of the buildings that we can see today are not that old… The Great Armory Mariacka Street Gdansk Old Town To understand and get to know Gdansk to some extent, a brief historical

Baltic amber, also known as succinite, is one of the most valuable natural treasures of the Baltic Sea region, formed over millions of years and has played an important role in culture, art, and even medicine ever since . Baltic amber originated about 40-50 million years ago when ancient coniferous trees, mainly pines and spruces of the Pinaceae family, secreted resin in response to injury. This resin dripped onto the ground or ran down the tree bark, trapping a variet

Figueres is a small town in Catalonia, known to the world as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí . In the city centre is the Teatre-Museu Dalí , or Dalí Theatre-Museum, which not only presents the oeuvre of the most famous figure of Spanish surrealism, but is itself a work of art that completely dissolves the boundaries between reality and dream. The museum opened in 1974 , partly in the former municipal theatre building, which was bombed during the Spanish Civil War. Dalí par

When you're in Barcelona, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city: Gaudí's wonders, tapas bars, sunsets on the beach - but if you have a day to dedicate to nature and something completely different, Montserrat is a place you shouldn't miss. It really is like stepping into a completely different world, and you don't even have to go far. The train leaves from Plaça d'Espanya and in less than an hour you'll be at the foot of the iconic, saw-toothed mountain.

If you've ever dreamed of Andalusia's sun-drenched hills, whitewashed villages and flamenco-tinged cities, then this itinerary is for you. Seven magnificent locations - each with its own character and atmosphere, yet in perfect harmony with each other. I visited some amazing cities in this region on a road trip with my family in August 2024. The heat is extreme at this time, so it's worth preparing in advance with sunscreen and plenty of water if you're planning a trip in the

Seville, the center of Andalusia, is the epitome of the southern Spanish way of life. From the moment you arrive, the city draws you in with its narrow cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, year-round orange trees, and the ever-present sound of flamenco - and I was no exception. It is worth booking accommodation in the center, because this way we can explore the sights on foot. I stayed at the Hotel Boutique Casa de Colon , a two-minute walk from the cathedral, which

All of the Canary Islands, but especially Gran Canaria, offer much more than many people think: it's not just the year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches that make it worth traveling here. On this island you will find a desert with beautiful sand dunes, a mountain pine forest , a banana plantation , a cactus park , colorful rocks , and even an old salt distillery . I spent a week here and I was not bored for a second. I arrived at the end of January and was greeted by a pl

As a child, my favorite holiday was Christmas. The decorations, the lights, the cozy atmosphere enchanted me every year. It’s no different today, I’m still a Christmas fan and I take every opportunity to experience this special festive atmosphere. That’s why I felt like I had to see these wonderful Alsatian cities in December, because it’s no coincidence that Strasbourg is called the capital of Christmas… I have been planning this trip for a long time and managed to organize