A few years ago, on a trip through Central and Eastern Europe, we decided to settle into an apartment in Kraków, Poland, for a few weeks to catch up on some writing, walk the charming old city streets, sample the local vodka, and do side-trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. But an escape to Zakopane for … Read more
I love Krakow. It’s one of my favourite European cities. Stunningly beautiful, this walled city is rich in history, with splendid architecture and lovely squares, and a largely pedestrianised centre that’s a delight to stroll. The old city of Kraków is a gem. Krakow is a city made for walking. This is one city where … Read more
The best Vienna chocolate shops in Austria’s capital range from Demel, the former royal court confectioner, loved by Viennese for its decadent chocolates as much as its Sachertorte to Austria’s more innovative, smaller, boutique chocolatiers, such as Tiroler Edl, available at enormous gourmet emporium of Julius Meinl. Vienna’s chocolate history is long and rich and … Read more
There are few activities more local than lingering over coffee while leisurely reading a book in a neighbourhood café. Yet too few travellers allow themselves the luxury of spending time doing nothing at all in a local café. There are always too many must-do sights on travellers’ lists to check out, so time hanging out … Read more
In the streets surrounding our apartment in the Fifth District in Vienna, and across the Linke Wienzeile, the street that runs parallel to the Naschmarkt, in the neighbouring Sixth District, there are literally dozens of vintage clothes, design, and furniture shops. This part of Vienna is retro heaven if you’re a lover of all things … Read more