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Top 10 Things To Do In Verona

Top 10 Things To Do In Verona

Top 10 Things To Do in Verona
Top 10 Things To Do in Verona

 

Verona, the city of love and the home to the star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Although it is not as popular as the other big cities in Italy such as Rome and Venice, there are plenty of things to do and see in Verona. A romantic city without equal, Verona has a rich history that dates back to the Roman times and one of the world’s largest Roman Amphitheaters. So really, there’s no question as to what is there to do in Verona, but what are the top 10 things to do:

 

Volunteer with Club di Giulietta

Verona top 10 things to do
A shot of me by the club’s photographer during my month as secretary of Juliet!

Even if you just have an hour, visit Club di Giulietta and witness the legacy that is of Juliet’s Club. Here, thousands of letters addressed to Juliet from all over the world arestored, and of course, replied to by volunteers. Although not as romantic as the movie Letters to Juliet portrayed, it is still a wonderful experience to help someone in need. If you are interested: here’s a sneak peek at the secret life of a secretary of Juliet.

 

Stand on Juliet’s Balcony

Verona top 10 things to do
My very own Juliet moment – as taken by my sister with no Romeo in sight

“Oh Romeo, Romeo, why art thou Romeo?” we all know the famous scene that take place on Juliet’s Balcony, and how Romeo climb up and seal her lips with a kiss. And you can recreate the scene, well, kind of, at Juliet’s House. Even though I feel obliged to tell you that the balcony is a recent installment made from a sarcophagus…

It’s still pretty romantic though!

 

Watch the sunset at Castiel San Pietro

Verona top 10 things to do
I don’t think anyone can get tired of this view – Verona is truly a romantic city

One of the most romantic sunset I have ever seen, the skyline of Verona from Castile San Pietra is a view that I don’t think I can ever get tired of. Verona’s buildings are all in a romantic, dusty red and pink colour. Even though the castle itself is not open for public, you can perch on the brick fence along the terrace and enjoy the view.

 

Watch an opera in Arena di Verona

Verona top 10 things to do
The stunning set of Aida

Every late August to September is the Verona Opera Festival, which goes back almost half a century ago. With many spectacular productions such as the iconic Aida, the sets are simply stunning and amplified by the backdrop of the arena stone steps. Ticket prices starts as low as 25 euros on the stone steps, you can enjoy a world class opera plus visit the interior of a thousands of years old monument. If this isn’t a score, I don’t know what is. Here’s some tips and expectation for visiting the Verona Opera.

 

Walk on Ponte Pietro

Verona top 10 things to do
A bridge that has withstood the ages

A bridge that rivals the Verona Arena in terms of history, Ponte Pietro literally translates to “stone bridge” and has been around since the Roman times. It is a scenic bridge in itself, and despite being blown up during WWII, it was reconstructed back in all its glory. This is the best place to admire the River Adige, and connects the best focaccia place to Castiel San Pietro.

 

Eat the cheapest focaccia

Verona top 10 things to do
The cutest focaccia place ever, period

It is not exactly a secret that dining in Europe isn’t the cheapest affair, but apparently it can be. During my month long stay in Verona, I stumbled across this cutest foaccaia that sell slices for 1 euro and pizza for 1.5 euros. And they are beyond words. It might be a lot of carbs, but you can’t beat the price and the excellent taste. For more budget eats in Verona, my budget foodie guide to Verona post is for you.

 

Visit Saint Zeno’s Church

Verona top 10 things to do
The beautiful and romantic church – and the likely marriage place of Romeo and Juliet

I never thought churches can look romantic, but Saint Zeno’s Romanesque architecture has definitely opened my eyes up to that possibility. A church consisted of pink stones and a rose window at the front, which represents the Wheels of Fortune. Inside, the church is split into two levels with a set of stairs leading down to the crypt, where Romeo and Juliet allegedly got married. So even though the church might be a little distance out of town, it is worth a visit.

 

Pay your respect at Juliet’s Tomb

Verona top 10 things to do
The much damaged tomb of Juliet

The tomb of Juliet has a longer history than Juliet House. The original site where letters to Juliet was sent, it was also a pilgrimage place where many historical figures have visited. In fact, early visitors used to chip off pieces of the pink rock for Juliet’s tomb, so much so that now it is forbidden from being touched to preserve it.

Despite my recommendation, the visit can be fairly anti climatic and you do have to pay to go inside the fresco museum, situated outside the city wall, in order to visit.

 

Have the best gelato in your life

Verona top 10 things to do
Grabbing an ice-cream and strolling around Verona, what could be better?

Italy is famous for its food, and gelato is among the cream of the crops. There are two gelateria in Verona that has captured my heart, one more so than the other with its white chocolate and pistachio flavor. Without further ado, the name of the Gelateria is Ballini, and this is the address: Via Santa Maria Rocca Maggiore, 4.

 

Ponte Vecchio / Scaliger

Verona top 10 things to do
A gothic fairytale begins…

Another bridge on the list, Ponte Vecchio looks like it comes straight out of a medieval fantasy book. It was built by the Scaliger family, the ruling elite back in the days, in the 14th century. It is on the other side of the meander bend from Ponte Pietro, and links to the Castiel Vecchio. While the castle costs money to visit, the bridge is free and it makes for some good photo. The latest Romeo and Juliet movie starring Douglas Booth had a scene that was shot here.

 

About the Author:

 

Nam Cheah is a third culture millennial who spent half her life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. Planning to make the most out of life, she documents her passion to laugh, travel and eat on her suitably named blog: Laugh, Travel, Eat. When she’s not doing any of that, she’s either catching up on TV while online shopping or writing her novels.

 

Read more from Laugh Travel Eat: laughtraveleat.com
Laugh Travel Eat at   Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest     Twitter

 

Verona Top 10 things to do
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Top 10 Things To Do Around Bled

Bled, Slovenia – 10 Best Things To Do

 

Bled is arguably the most famous place in Slovenia, with its picture perfect lake that manages to look good in every season and weather condition. Situated an hour from the capital Ljubljana and half an hour from the Triglav National Park, there is plenty to do around Bled on the off chance that you are bored of Bled. Even though it is flooded with tourists year around, the town remained a small, modest size with locals coexisting peacefully with the visitors. If you have visited, you will understand the charm of this Slovenian gem, and if you haven’t, you really should pay a trip there. Here’s ten things to do around Bled:

 

1. Walk around the perimeter of Lake Bled

Lake Bled isn’t very large, and a perimeter walk around it only takes an hour or two. Not only does it make for a nice walk, you get to scout out a good spot to chill later as well as taking photos of the lake from all angles. Score! If you are short on time, then cycling around might be a better option, though it can be quite a dodge-fest on the southern shore of the Lake as the path is more narrow.

Bled top ten things to do
A perimeter walk is a must

 

2. Visit Bled Castle

Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia, perched on a cliff on the northern shore of Lake Bled overlooking the entire region. The path that goes up the castle from the town isn’t particularly difficult and the view alone is worth the ticket price. If you are interested in the history of Bled, they also have a comprehensive exhibition on. There is even a souvenir shop selling metal work as well as a restaurant where you can eat and admire the surroundings.

Bled top ten things to do
The Bled Castle – the oldest in Slovenia!

 

3. Hike up to the Ojstrica

If you want to see the Lake Bled on postcards, then a hike up Ojstrica is the answer.Even though there are plenty of best viewpoints of Lake Bled, this is the classic one and the trail itself is not too difficult to navigate. However, the grounds can get slippery after rain, therefore it’s best to be careful and wear appropriate footwear to go up. The best time to visit is in the morning before everyone else arrives – and the trail can be found near the camping ground southwest of the shore of Lake Bled.

Bled top ten things to do
Ojstrica – the classive viewpoint of Bled

 

4. Row to Bled Island

A pilgrimage place for many around the region since the Renaissance time, the major attraction on the island is the 17th century Assumption of Mary Church. Its bell tower can be seen from the shore and the 99 steps that lead up to the church adds to the medieval charm. The best way to get there is to rent a boat and row across. You can, of course, get ferried across on one of the many manned plenta on the east shore, but it’s more romantic and fun to row across yourself.

 

5. Try their famous cream cake

Despite not knowing that Bled is famous for the cream cake, almost every restaurant serves them and you’d be hard pressed not to try one. My favourite restaurant in Bled is Grajska Plaza right by the shore of Lake Bled – right under the looming Bled Castle and in front of the swimming masses.

Bled top ten things to do
The famous cream cake of Bled

 

6. Go Canyoning

There are plenty of tours available in Bled that you can book via the hostels. One of them is Canyoning. If you are not familiar with what it is, Canyoning involves walking, swimming, abseiling and jumping your way down a stream – with licensed guides, of course. It’s a great way to see the countryside as well as getting that rush of adrenaline and ticking it off your bucket list. To be honest, the main reason why I did it was because it rained nonstop for three days while I was there, but it turned out to be the best decision I made.

 

7. Tobboganing

The ski slopes in the winter and the tobboganing hill in the summer, you can get on the car lift in the southern shore of Lake Bled all year around to get a panoramic view of the lake. Tobboagning is a strangely exhilarating activity and one of Bled’s unique attractions. It involves getting on a small cart and accelerating your way down the slope along the meandering metal tube. The kids love it, the adults secretly enjoy it – it’s probably more popular than rowing to Bled Island.

Bled top ten things to do
You can see the tabboganing tube meandering down the hill

 

8. Visit Vintgar Gorge

Only a few kilometers from Bled is the Vintgar Gorge, famous for the canyons cut through by the Radovna River. A wooden trail will take you through the most scenic part ending at the 13 meter high Sum Fall, and the hike is beautiful even in the rain. You can easily walk or cycle there, though many hostels offer a free shuttle service to and from.

Bled top ten things to do
The Vintgar Gorge is pretty green

 

9. Go to Lake Bohinj

Lake Bled isn’t the only lake around town. Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and rests in the Triglav National Park only a half hour bus ride from Bled. It makes for a good day trip if you have time to spare, and the water there is even colder than Lake Bled if you fancy a swim. There are also plenty to do around Bohinj as well, such as the Savica waterfall, Mostnica Gorge and Mount Vogel – and I fully recommend spending a few days there as well if you can.

Bled top ten things to do
A paradise for water sports lover – it’s a dry to kayak in the still water of Lake Bohinj

 

10. Day trip to Ljubljana

The capital of Slovenia is not far from Bled either. Buses run frequently between the two cities and the journey is under an hour. Ljubljana is a small capital that can be done in a day. You have the eccentric Metelkova and the historic castle, as well as the Ljubljanica River and the old town charm.

Bled top ten things to do
The view of Ljubljana from the top of the Castle Tower

 
 

About the Author:

 

Nam Cheah is a third culture millennial who spent half her life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. Planning to make the most out of life, she documents her passion to laugh, travel and eat on her suitably named blog: Laugh, Travel, Eat. When she’s not doing any of that, she’s either catching up on TV while online shopping or writing her novels.

 

Read more from Laugh Travel Eat: laughtraveleat.com
Laugh Travel Eat at   Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest     Twitter

 

 

Bled top ten things to do
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Croatia – 10 Best Things To Do

Croatia – 10 Best Things To Do

Croatia - 10 best things to do
Croatia – 10 best things to do

 

 

Croatia has been one of my favourite countries out of all the places that I have visited, and it’s not hard to see why with its gorgeous coastline, cheap prices and rich histories. I went from where’s Croatia to I need to go back to Croatia in ten days after my initial trip and went back again a few months later. There are a lot of hard contenders for 10 best things to do in Croatia, but here’s the list of my personal top 10 experiences:

 

1. Walk along Dubrovnik’s old city wall

Dubrovnik City Wall, Dubrovnik, Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
Take a chic photo with Dubrovnik as backdrop!

Dubrovnik is one of the prettiest cities I have ever visited, with its gray stone walls and orange tile roof. There is no better way to admire this medieval city than walking along its stone walls. The origin of these stone walls came from the fact that the city did not have an army, and the walls are their only protective measure against invasion. The wall extends over a whopping 1,940 meters, and gives you an unparalleled view of the entire city and the Adriatic Sea.

 

2. Cycle around Mljet National Park

Mjlet National Park, Mljet, Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
The clear water at Mjet National Park

Mljet is an island situated in the waters between Split and Dubrovnik. Almost the entire island is part of the national park, it consists of two lagoons linked via a small canal to each other and the sea, and the best way to get around is to cycle around it. We spent a whole day in this park, seeking out secluded spots to swim in and soaking up the gorgeous sceneries.

 

3. Drink Sangria under the Peristyle at Split

Diocleatian Palace, Split, Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
Enjoy a cocktail in the Diocletian Palace

Ok, so it doesn’t have to be Sangria, but have a drink under the Paristyle in Diocletian Palace in the evening sipping a drink while you listen to the live music is definitely a different kind of experience. It’s not every day you get to sit on the doorstep of a former Roman Empire’s Palace with strangers and sway along to some classic tunes.

 

4. Take a boat trip from Split

Boat trip from Split, Split, Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
Girls’ day out from Split!

Split is the center from which many Croatian islands can be reached, and there is no limit to where you can go for a day trip from there. You have the gorgeous Brac with its vast expanse of sand, the more secluded Bisevo and the famous blue cave as well as Hvar and its old town. In fact, you can hit a lot of famous locales if you find the right tour! We ended up going on the best ultimate boat trip from Split on a speed boat that got three days’ worth of tangles in our hair and an unforgettable day.

 

5. Climb on a cannon at the Spanish Fort at Hvar Town

For Sofia, Hvar Town, Hvar, Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
The glorious view from Fort Sofia

Hvar is but one of the many islands you can visit from Split, and its name is mostly made from being the party island around the region. However, Hvar is not short of history to tell as well; the Spanish Fort at Hvar Town was built in the 16th century against the Spanish, and while the Fort lacks exhibitions and decoration, its view of the city more than made up for anything else. There are cannons dotted around the fort along the walls, and we couldn’t resist climbing onto one for fun!

 

6. Swim in front of the Skardiskin Most in Krka National Park

Skradiskin Most Krka National Park, Croatia | Croatia 10 best things to do
Skradiskin Most Krka National Park

While most people are obsessed with Plitvice National Park, the memory of swimming in the Skardiskin waterfall in Krka National Park remains fonder in my mind than visiting the former. With equally beautiful colours contrasting with the gleaming yellow limestone platform, it’s hard to resist taking a dip even though swimming against the current from the waterfall is no easy feat!

 

7. Visit Plitvice National Park

Plitvice National Park, Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
hanging out in paradise!

Even though I do prefer the time I spent at Krka National Park, there’s no question that Plitvice is out of this world. My experience was slightly dampened by the bad weather, but even in the rain, Plitvice National Park’s beauty is unrivalled. With 16 lakes and several carefully planned routes for you to choose from, you can easily find the path that would make the most out of your schedule.

 

8. Be dazzled by the Sun Salutation in Zadar at night

Sun Salutation at Zadar, Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
Shine bright like a diamond… I mean disco

While the Roman ruins in Zadar had been fascinating, it was the Sun Salutation that drew me to visit this city. It is a modern installation by a local architect as part of the effort to transform the sea front that was heavily damaged during WWII. During the day, it’s nothing more than a circular expanse of bright blue tiles; but at night, the tiles came to life with the solar powers they absorbed throughout the day and ignite in techno-colours.

 

9. Stand inside the Pula Arena

Inside Pula Arena at night | Croatia 10 best things to do
Inside Pula Arena at night

One of the largest remaining Roman Amphitheaters around the world, the Pula Arena might not be as well preserved as the one in Verona, it is still an impressive sight facing the sea. Built in the 1st century AD, it is almost two thousand years old! And it makes for some stunning photo opportunities.

 

10. Eat as much seafood as you can

Lobster pasta at Croatia | Croatia - 10 things to do
Lobster pasta, anyone?

Being a country that is near the sea, seafood is without a doubt on the menu of every restaurant in cities along the coast. Put on the affordable price tag and I can guarantee that you wouldn’t even want to leave the country. Tuna steak, mussels, calamari – my mouth waters just thinking about the amazing food that I had.

 

If you are interested in more about Croatia or any of the activities above – I have written more about Croatia in my own blog Laugh Travel Eat. Visit my Croatia archive for more information.

 

About the Author:

 

Nam Cheah is a third culture millennial who spent half her life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. Planning to make the most out of life, she documents her passion to laugh, travel and eat on her suitably named blog: Laugh, Travel, Eat. When she’s not doing any of that, she’s either catching up on TV while online shopping or writing her novels.

 

Read more from Laugh Travel Eat: laughtraveleat.com
Laugh Travel Eat at   Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest     Twitter

 

Croatia - top 10 things to do
Croatia – top 10 things to do

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