This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood.
Back in the day, we called Barbie Dream House pink a dainty pink, that’s a different shade than carnation 🌸, flamingo 🦩, ballet shoes 🩰, and Peeps pink 👯♀️
These days any shade of pink is retro back to a Barbie comeback. She didn’t go out of style ’cause she always got a makeover.
And if you’re in love with pink, you’ll love these hotels 💕
The Ryder Hotel (Charleston) is vintage for sure with a 50’s vibe in the southern charm historic oceanside city. You see the pink stools like in a 50s diner and the motel exterior but NOTHING like a motel inside. I stayed in my first and last motel (lol!) in my teens in Ocean City, MD. And those old days, staying at a flamingo pink hotel like the Dunes Manor would’ve been a treat. 💭 Back to today’s reality, this dream hotel is a scale-up and upscale with pink finds like hotel hair dryers, lotions, and potions.
Kasa El Paseo (Miami South Beach) will make you think you’ve gone on a tropical excursion with a Barbie pink exterior on Espanola Way… the hipster area like Lincoln Road where we used to retro rollerblade. 🛼
ICYMI, Miami Beach is a perfect rollerblading town as the surfaces are smooth and pedestrian-friendly. And as a rollerblader, you’re a souped-up walking pedestrian. When you’re tired you can sit yourself down in an outdoor cafe like a 4-paw 🐾 creature and catch your second wind before you go back to the pink scenes…
Fountainbleau night scenewith night life event chocolate marshmallows
Compass Point Beach Resort in Bahamas whisks you away to what feels like your own private island oasis away from the busier Nassau. These pastel and crayola crayon huts could be your perfect romantic getaway. You won’t need a compass or a map to find your way back.
Pink Hotel in Paris 💕draped with pink curtains, headboards, chairs in the hotel… and toilet seats… whaaat? That reminds me of those fuzzy carpet toilet seat covers from the 80s that matched the carpeted bathrooms… whoever thought that was a good idea, LOL. That’s a bit gauche and fittingly this hotel is next to the rive gauche along the Seine ready for your rosy stay. 💐
And maybe you’ll rent a pink mobile to match your Barbie Dream House hotel stay.💅
This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood.
Walking steps to the famous Chelsea Market, this is a cool navy blue NYC boutique hotel that has cruise ship 🛟 or NAVY nautical blue vibes without having to step foot off land or leave the City… NYC that is.
The Maritime Hotel is landmark with its large round circle windows imitating a cruise ship room where you’re onboard in the heart of the Big Apple. 🍎
The look reminds me of the “Connect Four” game board. It’s cute on the outside and the inside (…now that’s my cup o’ tea!).
The designer was an apprentice under Architect Frank Lloyd Wright inspired by its former roots as the National Maritime Union headquarters. Now with all the puzzle pieces together, it makes sense as to why this is a super mod-cheeky sleek hotel, and one you wanna try out especially if you’re into navy blue. 🛋️
And throughout the hotel, you’ll see all kinds of mod-design “dress to the nine” features that could inspire your own DIY design projects when you get back home. Just sayin’!
They have all the convenient amenities like Marvis Minty fresh toothpaste, onsite steak and Pan-Asian restaurants, and a cool mood lounge that make a great stay to appreciate where you are. And of course, reminded when you step out the doors to explore.
You’ll find this boutique hotel located in the Meatpacking District, which I think is an underrated area and close to everything next to Greenwich Village and FlatIron District (near Eataly and outdoor Farmer’s Markets in case you’re on a foodie exploration 🍱). And the Empire State Building is within walking distance in case you’ve never checked out its timeless views or want to be reminded.
The Flat Iron Building next to the Meat Packing District… the summer visit when I didn’t know Barbie colors would come back in! 👚
In West Chelsea, the Chelsea Market stands where you can get a bite and taste of everything from lobster to sushi, and decadent desserts. I first heard about it on the Martha Stewart Show (in Chelsea) I was lucky to have been on set waaay back during retro times. I remember so vividly because that was Eataly’s opening weekend..
I also remember this classic navy blue NYC boutique hotel color palette is soothing and luxurious at the same time. Perfect for a summer getaway… and during NYC Restaurant Week (happening now, btw!).
Take your girlfriends or your partner and have a BON VOYAGE! 🚢
This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter near the San Diego baseball stadium
If you’re a baseball fan, San Diego Baseball is one of San Diego’s identities and the schedule is in full swing … like many major American cities, it has its own national baseball stadium and team. It’s not named after one animal, but many kinds and not just oriole birds or cubs… it’s the Petco Park Stadium that appreciates cats and dogs alike. 🐱🐶 And their owners. 😊 That includes Padres (means father). Go Padres! ⚾️
And you can catch a glimpse of this San Diego baseball park from the hotels and buildings nearby.
One such hotel is the Omni Hotel that you can’t help but get in the batting zone frame of mind. Decorated with famous baseball player bats and balls throughout… um, have you heard of Babe Ruth and Yogi Berra? Regardless, you will in this baseball vibe museum hotel.
Babe Ruth bat
San Diego is an area that is a popular dream place for young professionals. It’s low in humidity and known for its better weather reputation close to the water and mountains. Hello, sunshine and relaxtion! ☀️
I have many memories in San Diego and Pacific Beach with family and friends including my Carbsbad wellness memories a little up north. And at the Omni you can catch some wellness rays at the pool or get a massage especially if you’re there for a convention like I was!
And walking distance to the convention-centric San Diego hotel is the downtown San Diego Convention Center. Getting there, you may stumble over some Bird scooters… are those still around? 🛴
I tried one around the city in the Gaslamp Quarter and discovered it’s not safe or reliable. It could die on you at any time which works for its drop-off anywhere convenience (or inconvenience if you trip over one 🤨). It’s tempting to ride with flip flops with the beachy relax vibes minutes away. 🩴 But save them for the sand.
Electric bike could be a better-controlled ride. Just sayin’! And don’t forget to get a nearby bite along the San Diego Bay water by Seaport Village. A good place to do that is next to The Kiss or The Unconditional Surrender statue you can find in other palm-lined states (hint: it’s on the east coast and the largest producer of oranges that’s not California 😉).
China Chilcano is one of the two restaurants in the nation that has already started this future food trend.
Moody good dishes at Chef Jose Andres Chilcano restaurant
Here at The Insider Travel Scoop, you’ll always get the inside scoop on restaurant future foods because I grew into FOOD as a passion, having worked in the restaurant industry before coming of age… from pizza maker in the busiest Domino’s Pizza in the world, to pantry salad and dessert prep at Paolo’s Ristorante that had the first restaurant espresso maker I learned to use, and then as a food delivery driver before styrofoam and plastic bags were common.
These days we’re further along, and we’re looking for more sustainable ways to save our planet. 🌎
In line with that, cultivated meat is one of the newest idea trends that are following the heels of plant-based protein… and cultivated chicken is already on a few restaurant menus!
If you want to be one of the trendsetters, World Chef Jose Andres has added the new plate to his China Chilcano Asian-Peruvian restaurant concept.
Reservation availability for the chicken is limited, and starting on Tuesday’s only.
And if you can’t get a reservation today, you can always stop in for their Pisco Hour (aka Happy Hour!). Or you could schedule a weekend brunch meal with friends and family.
China Chilcano is in my old restaurant stomping ground where I grew into a foodie. 😋 Penn Quarter is where I worked in catering and promoting a neighborhood nearby tapas place, and also where Jose Andres has a few restaurants.
With all his exciting food concepts, it’s no surprise he’s one of the first to lean into NEW restaurant future foods.
A few years later, I remember Chilcano’s opening week when I was stoked to try the new restaurant vibes and Japanese-infused flavors.
Chilcano blends in the sea of restaurants under the Chinatown golden arch. Also known as Chinatown, the restaurant and storefronts have Chinese character translations under their signs preserving the new Gallery Place (named after the metro stop) historical roots.
And in this lunar year district of the city, busy parts of the 7th Street is shut down for a Chinese New Year parade that comes through each year. 🐉
Chilcano is very close walking distance to Capital One Arena, the area’s busiest indoor, covered arena that fits its surroundings.
The Maroon 5 concert at the Capital One Arena (formerly Verzon Center) is one of a handful of concerts I went to that performed in the arena… and the one that prompted my visit to Chilcano their opening week
And you may have a concert or a similar opportunity as the Gallery Place arena is fully entertainment utilized year round …and In my days, I remember 💭 Pink flying all around the indoor stadium… and other lively concerts with avant-garde dressed Lady Gaga, and where Ed Sheeran sang his heart out. And in full use spirit, the arena is transformed during hockey season into a hockey rink where The Capitals play at home.
If you’re looking for an adventure travel experience, exotic Morocco cities has the mystique and city vibes. Growing up, I went to Disney World’s Epcot Center on a family vacation, and I remember visiting the Morocco expo country.
The lively colors and bright fabrics were so different, and especially from a kid’s perspective. Those forming memories helped shape me to want to see more of the world.
And when you grow up, you can go where you are able and to the real deal places, like Marrakech, Morocco, that’s famous for the markets. If you’re looking for a modern lantern or design decor or an extra spice to make everything nice in your home… you’ll find it’s there in the shopping mecca.
And when you visit Casablanca about two hours drive to the north (closer to Spain), you’ll be on a city on a beach (kinda like how Miami is) but is very different than beaches around the Western world. And Rabat, the capital has a formal feel. Fez is another one of the exotic Morocco cities that many Moroccans are from.
You’re not likely to see beachgoers laying out freely on towels and bathing suits. You won’t see the beach umbrella scene or lifeguards on these beaches as there are unspoken cultural rules.
You will see the beautiful beach outline of sand on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean that’s all azure water as far as the eye can see. The beachside of exotic Morocco is, about 3,000 miles from the U.S. and Outer Banks (or the distance from Virginia to California).
…Never thought of it that way, huh?
And while North African exotic Morocco cities is an ocean apart from North America, it’s part of the same world we live in. And if you want to try authentic Moroccan foods, try different spices from souks, and see a wider array of grains that never make your local stores in the indoor grocery stores and outdoor markets.
Everything will likely be in Arabic, so do a little homework before your travel visit. If you want to spa like Moroccans do, they visit hammams or the local spas weekly. They prioritize valuing cleanliness and that includes the body and eating practices. And you can do this much cheaper than in the Western world.
And if you know French, you have an advantage as many Moroccans speak the language. And if you travel south toward Agadir, you’ll find a world of surfers and cultural nomads that speak many languages including some English. You’ll find the beach hotels in Taghazhout (that just adds to Morocco exotic vibes🇲🇦).
Agadir in southern Morocco along the Atlantic Ocean
This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood.
A Bluemont Vineyards pairing event
If you’re visiting Virginia, you may want to add Virginia and Charlottesville wineries to your list.
These days Leesburg, Middleburg, and Purcellville are part of Northern Virginia, but growing up they were part of the country. …not anymore! Loudoun County has grown into its own as a major hub close to Dulles Airport that is very close to home (and you can read about my Dulles humble beginnings).
Northern Virginia west is not just where you get your apple pies for Thanksgiving or where you visit one of several known local spas like Lansdowne.
AND, it’s also in the heart of Virginia’s wine country. The winery trail is one attraction that gets locals and travelers to visit.
And these are my 7 insider picks of Virginia and Charlottesville wineries you want to check out especially if you only can choose a few:
But first a few good recommendations and tips. In most cases, bring a picnic. Yes, bring your own food!… brie and French bread and assorted cheeses and grapes to go with more crushed grapes (wine).
Do the tastings. They are probably the most fun as you try with your friends and see their preferences. And rank the ones they like in a wine game board. Plus, you get a free logo wine glass to commemorate your visit.
Outside dogs are acceptable, and babies inside too. But, you won’t see many as most find a sitter. Other than that, go on a nice weather day to enjoy the scenic views. And if it’s not so nice out, there are several below that are better indoor anyway because of the large barn structure, and I point those out below. 👇
Barrel Oak – see the picturesque rolling wine hills.
Bluemont – up the hill (951 feet up from sea level) and a hike off the beaten path in Bluemont, VA, but totally worth the map scavenger hunt drive! 🗺️
They have quaint amazing girly events like the Girl Scout Cookie 🍪 wine pairing and other thoughtful pairings throughout the year, like chocolate & wine… or tapas wine pairings where you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day or take a trip to Spain to enjoy. You can even do grape stomping for a photo opp! But please no sipping wine from those crushed grapes 😃
Breaux – be in awe of expansive scenic views that do take your breath away. Surrounded by 3 acres of grapes, you want to enjoy a spot outdoors, so bring a blanket or event chairs. This one can get crowded in Purcellville which many Northern Virginians have moved out to, but worth it if you like being around the social hoopla.
Chrysalis – when in Middleburg, visit this cute town that you can miss if you blink and has now all grown up. Chrysalis Vineyards is known for Sarah’s Patio Red edition sold in most large grocery store wine selections, plus their 100% Norton grape wines served in Chrysalis’ AG District Tasting Room and backyard patio pergola. The drive is relaxing and takes you away from the hustle and bustle of NoVa.
Sunset Hills – is a Purcellville red barn winery experience great for an indoor or rainy day event. My club member friends say this one is the “most consistent” wineries with 13 grape varieties on 75 acres… and I love all on this list for different reasons, so I’ll go along with that.
Stone Tower – get there early so you can have a table indoors, and another great one for gray days. It’s located in Leesburg so you’re in the heart of Virginia wine country. They have events like a Lobster Boil. 🦞 They even serve pizza on the menu. Who says wine and pizza don’t pair? Red or white… your choice.
And for the super best-tasting wines in Virginia… go out further west toward Charlottesville (known for the University of Virginia and where Thomas Jefferson has roots).
These are my two faves 💕:
Barboursville – fall is a beautiful time of year to go out toward Barboursville. Just when the air is starting to cool and getting crisp, every nice weather, work free-day is a good opportunity to check this winery out.
Barboursville ranks high in Virginia wines (and I would agree!). It’s attached to its Italian restaurant and an inn that you can learn about its history.
Barboursville ruins designed by Thomas Jefferson
And drumroll… I’ve saved the best for last. It’s a hidden gem and Dave Matthews (yes! from the band) winery named Blenheim. It’s a boutique vineyard. Especially if you like fruit-forward and quality wines, this is the cozy white barn you want to visit. And you can easily miss it…
Except you’re across the street from the Trump Winery estate (that I’ve never been into), but you know where you’re located when you see this place that stands out and then you can check out the smaller, boutique venues.
And as you take more country drives with country signs, you’re surrounded by remote boutique Charlottesville wineries you can stop in.
And as you get closer to C’ville, you have Virginia mountain views. ⛰️ It’s “purple mountains majesty” and a beautiful drive as you get closer to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello land. And then you’ve completed your tour of Virginia and Charlottesville wineries.
This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood.
Handmade ravioli postage stamp shapes made in a 1789 cooking class 🧑🏻🍳
Getting ready for DC Restaurant week? These are my 30 faves for the DC Restaurant Week 2023 summer edition. DC is a transient area as people come and go, and restaurants come and go just as easily. But some (most on this list) have withstood the test of time, and one or two are 2020ish newcomers that are on that trajectory. 🎉
I know these restaurants and areas intimately, living-working in the DC metro area for decades after growing up there and working in hotel & restaurant events management, and enjoying brunch meetups. So yeah, I consider myself a foodie and a distant local no matter where I am in the world. ❤️
… And, If you’re a sushi or pizza lover, you’ll love this list (…plus, you and I will get along very well! 😁)! Raw and baked are high on my list. And for 2023 DC Restaurant Week they’re serving a $25 brunch/lunch and $40/$55 fixed dinner price menu.
Some of these restaurants you will find on my 2019 DC Restaurant Week List which is a good sign. While prices have gone up some 😏 , the Restaurant Week prices are still price fixed so you know what you’re getting yourself into if you’re on a budget (and easy to calculate if you’re with a group. And some of the Restaurant Week picks are on my group brunch picks).
1789 – They are owned by the same Clyde’s Restaurant Group who own Clyde’s, Old Ebbitt Grill, and The Tombs. From time to time they have cooking classes and they are the creme de la creme of restaurants.
2941 – out in a tranquil setting in Fairview Park outside of the bustling Tysons Corner area, this is a fine-dining restaurant for a special occasion. …Maybe consider Restaurant Weekto test out?
Al Dente – was founded and once owned by Chef Roberto Donna. This casual restaurant is in the ritzy Palisades area (where the Clintons once had a home) is not far from Georgetown.
I’m a diner as much as someone who knows what it’s like inside restaurants 😋
Bastille – near Old Town Alexandria, this Parker-Gray neighborhood restaurant is one you’ll enjoy if you want to get off the busy and touristy King Street, but still have the high-end historic town vibes.
Birch & Barley – owned by the Neighborhood Restaurant Group who also own Rustico, Evening Star, Vermillion, and Bluejacket on this list to name a few. You can’t go far and not run into one of their restaurants.
Black Salt – serves find-dining seafood in the Palisades (…scallops and black squid ink come to mind 💭… maybe that’s all you needed to hear).
Bluejacket – this is comfort food near Nats Stadium in Navy Yards. Working in the biz, we took a tour of the metal beer barrel production.
Bluejacket beer barrels
Cafe Milano – this was the see-and-be-seen restaurant in Georgetown before others flocked to the Italian foodie scene. My fave is Fiola, but they are not on the 2023 Restaurant Week menu 🫤 But there are many other Penn Quarter restaurant choices on this list 🍽️
Fiola in Penn Quarter
Chart House – on the Alexandria waterfront, and is a local treasure. You can’t miss the restaurant that looks like a beach restaurant.
Earls – sushi alert! Let the food board speak for itself… 🍱
Earls across the new Tysons Corner greens area that sometimes has live concerts
Evening Star Cafe – in DelRay (in between Alexandria and Arlington) off the main street. DelRay is a 50s neighborhood with old-fashioned porches, and is dotted and lined with restaurants along Mount Vernon Ave. (DelRay’s King Street). And a few are on this DC Restaurant Week list.
Farmers Fishers Bakers (Georgetown) – this is a popular farm table restaurant that’s one of the newer additions to the Georgetown waterfront (The Washington Harbour). They’re owned by the Founding Farmers Group.
Founding Farmers – are restaurants that bring in seasonal menus in a modern setting. Like Neighborhood Restaurant Group, ThinkFood Group, and Clyde’s Restaurant Group, the Founding Farmers Group’s restaurant concepts are all over the DC metro area serving sensible modern American eats. In other words, you don’t have to travel far to find another one under their umbrella.
Hen Quarter – southern fare comfort food with an upstairs and downstairs in Old Town Alexandria. Maybe a great brunch meeting place? You can’t miss the red corner as a great directional detail that makes it easy to point out.
Kaz Sushi Bistro – creative sushi and Bento boxes and has been around before Y2K. You can find the more traditional rolls and some artistry touches.
creative sushi on a plate
Matchbox – upscale pizza chain you can find in DC, MD, and VA including Penn Quarter, Rockville, and Mosaic District (the new shopping center in Merrifield near Fairfax). This is a good meeting place as you can’t go wrong.
Officina – in the newest hangout area of the DC Waterfront with amazing water views. It’s the coolest restaurant, good for a date. 😘 More on this waterfront Wharf District below.
Oceanaire – …Baked Alaska lit at the table comes to mind, but that’s my sweet tooth talking. This is one of the older, established seafood restaurants around. You can find this in DC near 14th Street (another revival area) and Baltimore in the new Harbor East section (by The Four Seasons and Under Armour if you need a compass 🧭). Baltimore is growing beyond the Inner Harbor.
Oyamel – Jose Andres’ colorful restaurant that serves tasty bits (tapas-style_ and dishes, and a great mole (mo-lay) if you’re into that! Nothing is served brown on the plate, it’s always brightened with natural food colors like pickled purple onions and yellow edible flowers that match the restaurant vibes.
Passion Fish – sushi, oh my! One of my fave as a modern concept in the 90s built Reston Town Center.
Ris – if you’re near Dupont Circle, Ris is owned by the local chef who made a Washingtonian magazine debut back when 1789 was getting its name.
Rustico – rustic pizza wood-fired and a great neighborhood place for beer lovers! And Neighborhood Restaurant Group fans.
Sequoia – Georgetown waterfront is a longstanding restaurant on The Washington Harbour that’s as popular today as in the 80s and 90s.
Tony & Joe’s – has outdoor seating with branded patio umbrellas that have been there forever… a great stop for visitors to get a feel of The Washington Harbour
The Melting Pot – what about fondue when you want a fun day!? This is an area chain restaurant that can be hours of entertainment, whether you choose cheese or chocolate… and fondue cook your own meat at the table (tip: bring a cook or someone who’s good at keepin’ minutes ⏲️).
The Wine Kitchen – in Leesburg (Northern Virginia), it’s a quaint Italian restaurant that’ll make you forget you’re in a major metro city.
Unconventional Diner – near the DC Convention Center, and is probably one of the newest comers… and comes with unconventional presentation stacks where southern eat meets modern diner… would love to know whatcha think!
Vermillion – King Street Old Town Alexandria – is a fan favorite and has been closed for a few years, and is now back open!
Zatinya – Penn Quarter Greek-Mediterranean known for serving lamb dishes and mezza. It’s one of Chef Jose Andres’ near the Portrait Gallery (one of the free Smithsonian museums to checkout!).
And if you’re needing a place to stay, an area that has transformed from a smelly fish market where the boats docked and you could see the moving waters below, is now the swanky Wharf District that has become high-end boutique restaurants, shops, and hotels. There’s even a Milk store, in case you’re into cereal desserts like I am. I like the birthday truffles 🎉 and yuzu parfaits.
A new boutique hotel has joined this newest revival district. And if you’re coming for a convention and want to make this bleisure (business and travel), then these are convenient convention-friendly hotels you can consider.
Today’s Wharf District waterfront fish market all lit up
This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood.
The London sky in fall is good for travel. We landed in London. I remember Harrod’s, the famous department store. I also remember seeing the changing of the guards. Thirty plus years later, London is so much bigger now. I think it’s getting close to 10 million people there. I’ve never seen so many people in my life in one day.
To get from Heathrow Airport to your staying destination, I recommend a London cab. The cab drivers are “licensed”, take a lot of pride in ownership with their vehicle they purchase, and know all the major sites in London. They have to pass the test.
Why visit London in the fall?
The weather is formidable. It’s cooler than most south European cities. It’s also a great place for ragweed pollen sufferers around the world who can get some relief.
New Modern London Hotel
The Park Plaza Waterloo in London is a convenient hotel next to the London Underground subway system (the Tube). The hotel also has an Illy coffee café on property (and has tea bags in the room 🫖). It also is super modern looking in the room. When I stayed there, there were a lot of light features in the room to create mood of choice in your room. The hotel has a real modern vibe.
Mood light control in the room
Every time I hear Waterloo, it makes me think of the snazzy
Abba song “Waterloo.”
My, my At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender Oh yeah And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way The history book on the shelf Is always repeating itself
Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore Waterloo, couldn’t escape if I wanted to Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo
The area is very close to the famous London Eye (large ferris wheel), that was referred to in the James Bond (Daniel Craig as 007) movie “Skyfall”… the London sky in fall.
And just a hop, skip and a jump from Covent Garden, a beautiful restaurant and shop area where they have free live performances in the square. Also a great place to go during Christmas season, even though it can be a “mad house” with all the visitors whenit’ll feel like one of the most crowded places on this earth.
Covent Garden
Picadilly Circus (like NY’s Times Square) is London’s most famous square and another popular area in London’s West End and Westminster area along the River Thames. You can check out all the hotels in London City Centre where so much is happening!
This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood.
Bologna’s best rooftop views with the leaning tower city center
Bologna is a university town and has the best rooftop views. I recommend taking a terracotta rooftop view and slowly enjoying a memorable cup of cappuccino and Italian cookies (biscotti). ☕️
Bologna canals
Don’t miss the beautiful architecture in the heart of the city where a little walking brings a lot of beautiful sightseeing surprises. You also see the one-of-a-kind canals where you think you’re somewhere as magical as Venice (minus the Carnevale masks). 🎭
In the heart of the city in Bologna, are the Twin Towers (the other leaning towers in Italy on a lean). You can sit on the steps in the square nearby, and take in the view. And when you’re ready to keep going, you want to take a look at the architectural features that the city has to offer.
One feature is the best rooftop views (more on this below) and the famous arches that you can find at different street angles. If you’re a photographer, this is a paradise.
The modern charm everywhere matches the city. You can get great shots against doors and corners. And you don’t want to miss why this city is a UNESCO world heritage site… Bologna is dotted with ornate porticoes that you have to see in person like in this colonnade.
roof views and best rooftop views
After you’ve had your fill and maybe a nice meal or two, a 10-minute walk away is Hotel Metropolitan that could be your choice of stay. Take the elevator to the rooftop. That’s where there’s a quiet and good size shaded terrace you can enjoy. Most likely you and your companions will be the only ones soaking in the city center view.
There are nice hotels by the train station in case that’s your mode of transportation, but it’s a hike to the city center, so I recommend staying close to city center. And especially if you’re only in Bologna for a day or two to soak in the town (that is probably enough).
And you can pack in your Italian foodie experiences 🍝. Bologna is in Emilia-Romagna (one of the 20 Italy regions and is north of Florence). Classic to the region, you want to try the tortellini that’s on every menu, or you can choose local farro like I did for one meal. The tortellini in Bologna is as common as fountains in Rome, and is also Pope recognized 😉
