tips – Culturista Life

10 Instagrammable places in Copenhagen

11 Jun 20196 Jun 2019Posted in CopenhagenTagged attractions, Copenhagen, instagrammable, photography, tipsLeave a comment

Copenhagen is one of those cities that does not take long to explore and is full of places and little corners that are perfect for any photographer or Instagrammer. If we simply said that the whole of Copenhagen is Instaggrammable, then this post would be cut short right here.

A beautiful city with great modern architecture and many unique things to see and taste. Usually, it is not one of those cities that would be full of tourists daily, so it makes perfect for a casual photo shoot. We have chosen for you the best spots in Copenhagen to build your portfolio or Instagram.

1. Magstræde

One of the two oldest streets in the city makes for a very mesmerizing setting. The colorful buildings, the bicycles all around and the cozy cafes make the street even more perfect.

Very convenient is the fact that is not a central street, so no matter when you go, you will not find many people around, which allows you to take your time in your photo shoot.

2. Marble Church

Frederiksgade street connects Marble Church, the most impressive church in Copenhagen with the Amalienborg Palace. In these two places and in the street between, you can produce some inspiring pictures.

Just avoid going after 11.30 in the morning, since crowds start gathering at the Amalienborg Palace for the guard’s change.

3. Palads Teatret

An old theater that might look like nothing at first. However, the pastel pink walls make for a great background. Just use your creativity and you can end up with a pretty amazing result.

ÎÏÎ¿ÏÎÎ»ÎµÏÎ¼Î± ÎµÎ¹ÎºÏÎ½Î±Ï Î³Î¹Î± Palads Teatret — by annakayoh

4. Botanical Garden

A historical glasshouse surrounded by a botanical garden, palm house, and a butterfly house. The cast iron spiral-stair leads to a passageway on top and is the reason why most people visit the garden.

The staircase can be found in the Palm House with a fee of 8 euros from 08.30 until 18.00. From October to March, the closing time is 16.00.

5. Nyhavn

One of the most iconic places in Copenhagen. Definitely a spot to be for photographers. The beautiful canal can inspire from any point of view, whether you see the canal from the middle or have the colorful buildings behind you.

Around Nyhavn, there are some beautifully decorated cafes, that are also great options for Instagram pictures. Just try to avoid the classic poses that everyone has on Instagram.

6. Rosenborg Castle

Royal art treasures and rare gems can be found in the Castle’s gallery. But the outside area is why most people go for. The King’s Garden is free to enter and its surroundings are remarkable.

There are many separate areas that will allow you to set the mood for the photo shoot you want, whether is with a background of the castle or the forest trees.

7. Copenhagen Bispebjerg Cemetery

I know it may sound morbid, but it is not. Around the cemetery, there are some pathways that are remarkably pretty and perfect for a spring photo shoot. During spring the cherry blossoms bloom and ´ explode in an awe-inspiring pink flower sky´.

Keep in mind that it still remains a place of respect and grieve, so try to be discreet and respectful towards other visitors.

ÎÏÎ¿ÏÎÎ»ÎµÏÎ¼Î± ÎµÎ¹ÎºÏÎ½Î±Ï Î³Î¹Î± Bispebjerg Cemetery — by VisitCopenhagen

8. Rundetaarn

One of the favorites and most crowded places in Copenhagen. The Round Tower is a feast for Instagrammers since there are many hidden places to explore. The tower itself is very big and broad, so no matter how many people are inside, you still have empty spots to take your photos.

Get until the very top and on your way check the Floating glass floor that is 25 meters above the ground, a library with wooden decorations, the observatory and the window before going up the observatory.

9. NY Carlsberg Glyptotek

You have so many reasons to visit the Carlsberg Glyptotek; the art is marvelous and the surroundings of the museum even more astonishing. French masterpieces, Egyptian and Greek sculptures are a few of the arts you do not want to miss.

The Glyptotek itself looks like a tropical luxury museum, with perfect corners for an incredible shot. It would be better if you visited in the morning when the visitors are not so many.

10. The Black Diamond Library

As a part of the Royal Danish Library, the Black Diamond is open to the public. The formation of the building is quite unique with large windows with a view of the sea and sky. Go around and check all the floors until you find the perfect spot for your Instagram photo.

7 things to know before you visit Krakow

1 May 201922 Apr 2019Posted in KrakowTagged Krakow, Poland, tips, whattoknowLeave a comment

Krakow is a good choice for an incredibly affordable destination with a medieval vibe and great architecture and the second largest city in Poland.

Going around is easy since the city is quite small and can be seen within a day. However, Krakow is full of surprises… both good and bad…

1. Google Maps is worthless

When arriving in Krakow, your first instinct will be to open Google Maps and find the best way to go to the city. But for some reason, Google Maps will simply not cooperate with you. The only way it shows is to use the LEO EXPRESS, which is nowhere to be found.

Instead, follow the sign ´Train to the city´. This train is scheduled to depart every 30 mins.

2. Money makes the world go round

The exchange rates in Krakow are quite high, especially at the airport. If you want to exchange currencies after you arrive, think again.

By far, the best choice is to roughly calculate how much money you are going to need an exchange this sum of money from your hometown.

The tickets from the airport to the city cost 9 PLN per person for a one-way ticket. The food is quite cheap. Try to research a few of the places you want to eat at and see their menus for prices.

3. Ticket Madness

At the train station outside the airport, there are only 2 ticket machines with MANY people waiting. You may find yourself waiting for more than 40 minutes, and you will definitely lose at least one train.

What you must know is that if you have Polish money, you can enter the train and pay inside.

4. Shop your heart out

Any Polish city is great for shopping since everything is quite affordable with sales of up to 80%.

Besides well-known clothing stores, such as Bershka, C&A, Pull&Bear and more you will find many Polish ones with better prices and more unique clothes.

The drugstore Hebe, has two stores in Krakow and has a variety of brands at very low prices.

5. Gotta love the bakeries

Who does not love baked goods that smell great and taste even better? In every corner in Krakow, you will come across bakeries with a variety of pastries and local goodies. Just get inside and try as much as you can.

6. Smell your lungs out

Polish people love cleanliness. ANYWHERE and I mean anywhere you go, you will realise that everything smells amazing. People, malls, streets, sights, restaurants, hotels, even public bathrooms smell amazing.

7. Souvenir without existence

Every city will always promote some specific sights. Every city makes a big profit from tourists that buy souvenirs of those famous sights.

What if, Krakow had a souvenir of a sight that was nowhere to be found???

The fire-breathing dragon is located in the Wavel Castle, but only from April to October.

While in Krakow, you will see the dragon in every kind of souvenir; fridge magnets, teddy bears, chocolates, postcards and more have the dragon in them, possibly making it the ´mascot´of the town.

However, no one will buy a souvenir to remind them of something they never saw…

5 Things To Know For Every Trip

10 Apr 20193 Apr 2019Posted in Travel TipsTagged bicycle, currency, tipsLeave a comment

You have decided on your next destination and booked everything. Now you are ready to go. Actually, not yet. You need to take care of a few things before you travel. There are some tips that you need to know beforehand and be fully prepared for your trip.

1. Learn a few local words

Words like entschuldigung (sorry in German), euxaristo (thank you in Greek), Buon Giorno (goodmorning in Italian), or hola (hi in Spanish) will always be most appreciated by the locals. Especially in some German cities in Bavaria, you will not find many people who speak English, so it’s good to know a few basics. If learning foreign words is not your thing, do not fear. Most people know English and even if they don´t, you will still manage to communicate somehow.

2. Currency

Always check the currency before you visit a new country. Find out if you will benefit from exchanging money in your country or in the one you visit. Also, check with your banks (if you have many), to see in which one a transaction like that will be better for you. Remember that currency rates change quite often, so be sure to get the best deal.

No matter what you decide, DO NOT exchange money from the airport of the country you visit. It is always a rip-off and you will lose way too much money for nothing. That happens, because exchange rates in airports are much higher so they can take advantage of someone needing money in order to leave the airport and use transportation.

3. Walk or bike to explore

The best thing you can do is stay close to the city centre of the city you visit. That will minimise your transportation costs and in the process, you will get to see some amazing places, you definitely wouldn’t if you used the metro.

Renting a bike is another popular and great option, which is most than recommended for particular cities, such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam. These cities use bicycles on a daily basis, way more than they use cars and it is a lovely and relaxing way to explore a city.

4. Order local specialities

When visiting a restaurant, try the local food. First, you will try the culture’s food and second you will pay way less money. Besides, if you visit a new country and you keep on only eating from well known fast food chains or you always order chicken, then you miss the point of experiencing in whole a city’s identity.

Fully exploring a city in a new country, includes visiting museums, sights, parks, admiring the architecture, embracing the nightlife and of course tasting all the goodies and things you cannot find back home.

5. Leave the tourist zone

Of course, at first, you will visit all the known sights, because what is the point of travelling if you don´t do that. But when you are done, try to get away from the tourist zone, especially when is time for your lunch or drinks. Going in less touristy areas, it will be less crowded, less expensive and with beautiful cultural sights and buildings as well.

15 Flight Booking Tips you should always use

7 Mar 20195 Mar 2019Posted in Travel TipsTagged booking, flight, tipsLeave a comment

When travelling to a new destination, you feel relaxed and have the time of your life. But before doing that, you have to deal with a necessary evil; finding the best prices for your accommodation and flights.

If you are not happy with the prices you see, you may spend endless hours finding a solution around it. To save you some time and anxiety, we have gathered the best booking tips so that you always find cheap tickets if you are flexible and know some tips for better offers.

1. Incognito mode

First things first. Always use incognito mode. When not in incognito mode, your browser keeps all your previous searches and preferences. When you keep searching for a specific destination, the prices seem to be increasing. That is the website or airline’s way to scare you into booking right now.

2. Check Everywhere

Let’s say you find a good deal in Skyscanner.com for your flight to Milan with Easyjet. Just to make sure, check the same ticket through the official page of Easyjet. Most of the times, you will get the same price, but sometimes you might find a cheaper one.

3. Flexibility in Dates

It would be great if you could be as flexible as possible with your travel dates. Then you can play with the dates and find the cheapest tickets. However, we understand flexibility is not an option most of the time. In that case, search for tickets before applying for your days off from work.

4. Flexibility in Destinations

This option is great for those who simply want to travel somewhere, without having a specific destination. All you have to do is go on websites, like Ryanair (Plan – Fare Finder). Just type where you are flying from and your budget. You will get all the possible destinations with dates and prices from cheapest to most expensive. Other great websites for that purpose are Skyscanner, Kiwi and Kayak.

5. Last-minute deals

Nope. Do not wait for them. They are not really last-minute. They just want you to think they are. If you know your dates and destination, then book your flight as soon as possible. Usually, last-minute deals are very cheap because they offer flights during an off-season that not many people will visit.

6. Check other currencies or countries

Websites that operate in many countries, will also have different currencies. If you have the time go through as many as possible. It may be more beneficial to book in another currency or through another country. For example, when I wanted to travel to London, I paid through the Greek version of the airtickets website, rather than the German one for a difference of 10 euros.

7. Midweek Searches

The slowest days for booking flights are between Tuesday and Thursday. People usually decide on a trip during the weekend and that is when they look for tickets when the prices are the highest. Airlines have sales or various offers, during these 3 slow booking days. So, take advantage of them. Be careful: Prices are lowest for all flights if you BOOK them during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But the cheapest days to travel are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

8. Always Book Return

It is not a secret that booking a go-and-return flight, will save you a lot of money. And I mean a lot.

9. Book a package

Sites like Expedia, offer great deals on travel packages. You book your hotel and flight for 1 or 2/3 of the price you would pay if you booked them separately. For my summer holidays, I made the mistake to book everything separately. As a result, I paid 400 euros more.

10. One at a time

When booking for more than 1 person it is best to look for tickets one at a time. There might be a sale or offer and 1 seat available. So, one person might book the ticket for 50 euros and the next ones for 70 euros.

11. Off-Season

Try to fly off-season for each destination. You will find the cheapest tickets and enjoy the country more since there will not be as many tourists. For example, Greece is best to visit from May-September. Try to visit in April or October. The weather will still be nice and you will get the best out of your trip.

12. First and Last Flight

Almost always, especially when you have to do with low-budget airlines, the first and the last flights of the day are by far the cheapest.

13. Six Weeks Ahead

The ideal period to book your flight is six weeks before. 1,5 month prior to your trip is the perfect combination for finding cheap flights and arranging your dates and destinations if it is not set.

14. Holidays

Do not be afraid to travel on the dates of the actual holidays. For example, If you travel on the 25th or 31st of December, you will most definitely find the most affordable tickets. You may be a bit late for the family gathering, but compared to the days prior or after these days, you will pay close to nothing.

15. Social Media

Most travelling sites along with airlines will post to their social media accounts offers and sales that last for a few hours or are available for the first few customers. So, follow them, turn on the notifications and choose to be alerted by email, because you do not want to miss these deals.

10 Affordable European Destinations

25 Feb 201925 Feb 2019Posted in Travel TipsTagged affordable, cheap, destinations, europe, tipsLeave a comment

Travelling is vital for our inner peace and relaxation. Lately, people have been travelling more, while trying to find affordable but still great locations.

Europe relatively has affordable locations, except a few (London, Paris, Copenhagen etc). Below you can find the cheapest European destinations that are more likely to stay affordable most days of the year.

1. Budapest

This beautiful European city is a must. Even 3 days are enough to explore the whole city and enjoy yourself. On average you can spend 20 euros per day, without being really frugal. Everything is extremely affordable, including transportation and food.

As for the museums and thermal baths, you might spend a bit more, depending on what you want. The museums are not something special, but you have to visit at least one thermal bath & spa when visiting.

2. Riga

Latvia´s capital is best to visit during spring and summer. 2 days are enough for your visit, with average daily cost 15-19 euros. Most restaurants are on the cheap side, while museums are either free or around 1-3 euros.

3. Warsaw

Also one of the cheapest countries in Europe. The city is ideal for visiting for a couple of days. Poland, in general, is great for shopping and trying polish dishes. The prices are very low, making it perfect for a quick and cheap get-away.

4. Prague

Prague is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. The reason why? It is a gorgeous city that you can explore within a day or two and extremely cheap. Most sightseeing, if not all, are within walking distance, so it is a great way to cut on your travel costs and skip the transportation tickets.

On average 20 euros per day are enough, considering that in a day, you will have lunch and dinner, coffee and snacks. Of course, visiting any museums or buying souvenirs, is extra.

5. Berlin

Berlin is best to visit for 3-4 days and you must calculate in your budget approximately 30 euros per day. Berlin is a city with great architecture, incredible nightlife and endless food options. Beer and sausages are very cheap and something you have to try when in Germany.

6. Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca is ideal to visit during the summer months, so you can also go to the beach, relax and have a great time. Of course, during these months the prices might be higher. Nonetheless, 30-40 euros daily is what you should expect to spend.

7. Madrid

Staying in Madrid for 3-4 days, you can combine famous sights with local favourites. The capital of Spain is a true gem that you must visit for sure. The breathtaking architecture and the delicious food, along with the extremely easy and affordable transportation, make it a perfect destination. On average, be prepared to spend 30 euros per day on average.

8. Rome

Rome is ideal to visit all year long. No matter when you decide to do so, be prepared for a lot of tourists anywhere you go. 3 days is perfect for Rome with a budget of 35 euros per day and per person.

9. Vienna

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe since it combines perfectly great architecture with high living standards. It is perfect to visit for 3-4 days with a daily budget of approximately 30 euros. What makes the city a great travel choice is the fact that most museums are for free.

10. Porto

For a strong European temperament, head towards Porto. The city wins people over in an instant, with most travellers preferring it instead of Lisbon. Porto has everything to offer. Great food and wine, amazing architecture, great nightlife and beautiful beaches. Of course, it is best to visit during spring, summer and fall. 4 days would be ideal for a budget of 31 euros per day.

10 Things to do in Budapest for FREE

13 Feb 201913 Feb 2019Posted in BudapestTagged attractions, Budapest, free, tipsLeave a comment

The main reason most people visit Budapest is its thermal baths. Ηowever, when you take a break from them, you can´t but explore the rest of the city. Budapest is rich in insane views since it has a lot of high points. It is very easy to explore and enjoy the city without spending a dime.

1. Gellert Hill View

On your way to Citadella, stop at Gellert Hill for the most picturesque view in all of Budapest. Take a moment and embrace the view. This monument will be specifically appreciated by photography lovers.

2. Margaret Island

A great place to unwind and become one with nature. The perfect time to visit would be during spring, fall or summer when the weather is very good and you can fully enjoy the park.

Inside you can find the Music Fountain, canteens, cafes, bike renters, the city´s zoo, a Japanese and Rose garden and many more sights.

3. Cross the Bridges

There are 4 gorgeous and big bridges in the centre of the city that unite Buda with Pest. Going towards all the famous sightseeing, you will see all of them and cross them on foot or public transportation. The chain bridge must be walked through during the day and at night.

4. Free Walking Tour

Who doesn´t love a free tour in a beautiful city? Someone that knows the ropes and history and will be able to give you more insight on the history and sights of Budapest.

There are two tours daily, at 10.30 and 14.30. You do not need to make a booking, but you need to be on time. Private tours are also available, but for a charge. Visit the official free walking tour website for all tour options and choose the one that best fits you.

5. Museum Lovers

Budapest has numerous interesting museums that are mostly come with a fee. However, during Hungarian national holidays (March 15; August 20; October 23) some of the city´s top museums open their doors for free.

So you might want to consider planning a trip during these dates if you want to take advantage of free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

6. Budapest by Evening

Budapest is beautiful at all times of the day. But when the evening comes and the sun is about to set, it is truly an amazing time. The view is breathtaking and you get that cosy feeling of warmth.

There are so many people walking along the Danube with the sunset. Everything looks far prettier and it comes to be one of the best moments of being in Budapest.

7. Parliament Scenery

When was the last time you saw a sight, museum, monument, city that left you in owe. The Hungarian Parliament has that effect on people.

When you visit it in the morning, you can see all the beauty from both its sides and admire the detail in this gorgeous architectural building.

However, at night it can leave you speechless. By many, it is considered to be one of the most stunning things to see in Europe.

8. Explore Kosponti Vasarcsarnok (central market)

A market which the locals appreciate and visit daily. You can find anything from souvenirs to fresh produce.

As you enter, you will find all the local kiosks, where most Budapest citizens buy their vegetables, fruits and other products every day. However, on the second floor, you will find it filled with tourists, since it is the floor with all the souvenirs.

9. Fisherman´s Bastion

One of the top attractions in Budapest. You can access from Buda Castle, feet, or by bus. Its unique fortification and lookout towers, provide a stunning view of the city.

A truly unique and gorgeous sight. The architecture is so different from everything else you see in Budapest with hundreds of tourists visiting on a daily basis.

We suggest you visit both in the morning and at night, when the view of the Parliament across is breathtaking.

10. Palace of Arts

St. Stephen´s Day, is a national Hungarian holiday that occurs on the 20th of August of each year. This long anticipating festival takes place in Mupa, the city’s biggest concert hall. During the day, you will see jazz concerts and many other performances that end with a firework show.

10 things to do in Berlin on a rainy day

25 Jan 201925 Jan 2019Posted in BerlinTagged Berlin, rainyday, tips, whattodoLeave a comment

Berlin usually ‘blesses’ us with nonstop rainy days, keeping us all inside the house with nothing to do. Especially people with children of all ages have a hard time to entertain their demanding kids, that create chaos and go insane being ‘locked’ in a house with no options of having fun.

However, you can always find alternatives in Berlin for any kind of weather. The indoor options are quite a few and not at all disappointing.

1. Visit the Museums

Luckily, Berlin has more than 50 museums and most of them are worth visiting. Some of the ones I recommend are the National History Museum, Pergamon, Topography of Terrors, National Gallery, Museum of film and television and the German History Museum. The choices are plenty, depending on what it is you are looking for.

2. Day Spas to Relax

Berlin has many day spas, some of them being in the best hotels of the city and you can usually visit without a reservation (unless you are a big group). All of them have indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths, and massage services for an extra charge, but most of them have a no-phone policy. The most famous and convenient to visit is Liquidrom, located in Kreuzberg. The spa is known for its indoor pool with warm salt water, as well as soothing light and sound effects.

3. Cozy Coffee Moments

One thing Berlin does not lack of are the coffee houses, some of them being quite unique. Monkey bar which is a must to visit when in Berlin, has an insane view of the Zoo and the Kurfürstendamm area. Another great coffee shop is Shakespeare and Sons in Warschauerstr, where you can enjoy your coffee with some great bagels while reading books from their private little library.

4. Cinema Moments

A safe and nice choice is to go see the movie you have been waiting for. Do not mind the rain. Grab your popcorn and coca cola and enjoy a great movie, while remaining dry.

5. Shopping Time

Going shopping on a rainy day does not have to be a pain in the ass. Prefer the malls on a rainy day, such as Alexa, Mall of Berlin, KaDeWe and my personal favorite: 3 malls in a row in Walther-Schreiber Platz. Plus it is the second and only location of a Primark store. Most of the malls in Berlin has small playground areas next to the cafeterias for your little ones.

6. Tropical Islands

Need we say more? Yes, we do. People are coming from all over Europe to visit Tropical Islands, Europe’s biggest tropical holiday world. Open all year long and 24/7 and accommodation options, makes it a true gem for someone that wants to relax and have fun during a rainy day; whether is summer or winter.

When it comes to an overnight stay, you can choose to stay in rooms, lodges or tents and as for food and drinks, they have many restaurants with a variety of cuisines and of course bars and lounges.

If spending the night is not your thing, simply go and enjoy the spa treatments and enjoy the attractions (rainforest, miniature golf, tropical village, etc.) and water worlds.

7. Street Food Thursday

If it pouring rain and it happens to be Thursday, then you know what to do. Street Food Thursday is an exciting food event in an old market hall in Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg. You can find British delicacies, dumplings, tapioca, pastel de nata, Tacos, delicious burgers, Ceviche, American Barbeque, donats, noodles, currywurst and an insane selection of cheeses.

Image may contain: one or more people and crowd — by Street Food Thursday

8. Escape Rooms

A great way to spend your rainy days and have fun. Around Berlin, you will find a lot of escape rooms with interesting mysteries for you to solve or creepy scenarios to escape from. If you want to be fake-attacked by maniacs or kidnapped, or even be Sherlock Holmes for an hour, this is the type of entertainment for you.

9. Go Jumping or Bowling

Trampolines and bowling!!! Yayyy!! Who doesn’t love them? One of the best options for a rainy day. There are many bowling allies around Berlin to keep you entertained. As for the trampolines, visit Sprung Raum. If trampoline is not for you, you can choose parkour, basketball, dodgeball, and others.

10. Kart Racing

Your teenagers will love it and so will you. Take your friends and visit Berlin’s largest indoor race track of 752m. On their website, you will find all the information on prices, packages, the routes, and the karts.