As we made our way through Europe last Fall, we spent a good amount of time in Google, too…where to stay, where to eat, what to see. So for those of you who may be curious or may be finding yourselves planning a Europe trip (yay!), here is a little something I hope you find helpful…I’ll try my best not to sound like a tour guide… Amsterdam Where we stayed: Hotel Central Park this was the tiniest hotel room! location was okay, though cool because it was in a residential area…between getting the okay for our standby flight from Vancouver to actually boarding, we had only minutes to book a hotel! What we ate: My friend Lesley recommended Cafe Papeneiland and I will pass this gem on to you! It’s a great little bar that dates back to the 1600’s, the kind the locals hang out in, and one that serves amazing apple pie. Have a slice with an Amstel beer. Make sure you also visit the Starbucks concept store, it is unlike any Starbucks you have seen before! Highlights: Our time here was brief and we chose not to visit the many museums Amsterdam boasts (next time, I think I’d change that) but we very much enjoyed walking up and down the canals and taking in the scenery. Rome Where we stayed: Hotel Colosseum great location as it was easy walking distance to the Colosseum (surprise), the building was neat and full of character inside, good size room and breakfast was included. What we ate: Beware of the cafes and restaurants near any tourist attractions, they will surely overcharge you. Many places will add a cover charge and then, because you’re Canadian or American, will ask for a tip as well. Locals don’t tip though – it’s not an expected custom as it is here – other than perhaps rounding up and leaving a few coins (this is true throughout most of Europe…I believe). Another money saving tip: drink your espresso at the bar like the locals. Italian cafes sometimes have a “banco” price (stand and eat your panini or drink your coffee at the bar) and a “tavolo” price (sit down at a table and eat). With all of that said, we discovered the best little restaurant while walking around in Trastevere, which I mentioned in this blog post. The owner himself greeted us, a lovely old Italian man, and we were treated to…
Read More