Wanderlust

Week 1 | 03 - 06 - 2021 | Arena Multimedia

wanderlust THE BEST CITIES TO TRAVEL ALONE

FROM

WRITER

Ready to see the world? Do it on your own timeline! For the ultimate in indulgent travel, take a solo adventure. There are few things as liberating and exciting as traveling alone.

EDITOR

For me, factors that make a city great for solo travel are: the ease of getting around by yourself (whether there is a good transportation system or it’s easily walkable), how safe a city is, whether the city is known for friendly locals (you never know when you’ll need a helping hand), and the number of sights to see!

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Feeling inspired? Get out there! I know traveling alone can be scary, but it is so worth it.

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See exactly what you want to see, maximize every moment, and open yourself up to experiences that you would have never had traveling with friends or family.

PREFERENCE

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THE BLONDE ABROAD UNSPLASH PINTEREST

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Rome

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Vancouver

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Melbourne

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Florence

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Amsterdam

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Vienna

Itali

Canada

Australia

Italia

Netherlands

Austria

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Rome While visiting Rome last summer, I joined a Rome food and pizza making tour, which, if you ask me, is the best way to discover a city! The tour lasts through mid-day, taking you through different parts of Rome. You will get your bearings of the city while trying the delicious food!

interested in exploring the inside, join a tour. The tours can be expensive and have quite a bit of a wait, so decide if it is something that is really important to you!

You get to go to a market, a local bakery, a traditional pizzeria (where you can make a delicious masterpiece), and of course, end with a traditional Italian coffee break.

Make sure that before sunset you slip around the backside of the central building in Piazza del Campidoglio, on top of Capitoline Hill. You will see a beautiful panorama of the Forum from above, with the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum in the background.

Make your way to the Imperial Forums, especially Trajan’s markets which is the first “multi-level shopping mall” in the world. You can also explore the Via Biberatica, which is the most intact ancient Roman street in the city.

One of the oldest and most famous cappuccino and espresso shops in Rome, Caffé Sant’Eustachio is famous for its home-roast beans, blended with water from an ancient aqueduct. You will find authentic, Italian coffee and some colorful characters!

After exploring the forum, and wandering the streets that Julius Caesar once did, climb up to see the ruins of the imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill. Enjoy the beautiful garden areas and fragments of ancient villas.

Take the southeast entrance from the Roman Forum, and walk right up to the Colosseum. It is such an amazing sight to see, and if you are really

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Next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, one of the largest of Rome’s ancient triumphal arches. The arch celebrates Emperor Constantine the Great’s victory and the battle that made Christianity the religion of Rome.

Definitely a sight you CANNOT miss in Rome, the Pantheon is the only ancient Roman temple to survive the millennia virtually intact. The architecture will blow your mind, and you will need a few minutes just to sit in the piazza and take in the stately sight before heading inside.

I also highly recommend exploring the city at night. There are countless evening walking tours if you are traveling solo and want a guide, but there’s no city quite like Rome lit up at night! Don’t miss it!

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Vancouver Did you know that Vancouver is widely considered to be one of the best places in the world to live?

Find out why everyone in British Columbia is so in love with this west coast seaside city. And Vancouver is perfect for a girls’ trip! Located only twenty miles north of the US border, this is one of the greatest treasures of North America. For the ultimate unforgettable getaway, look no further than the Great White North.

In Vancouver, it’s best to stay in the heart of it all. All the prime spots are downtown, and staying there will keep you in the center of everything.

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The Yaletown, Gastown, and Robson areas are the best of the best downtown.

Stanley Park: This park was made for endless afternoon strolls. It’s right in the heart of the city, but you’ll feel a million miles away. Keep your eyes open for the totem poles, Coal Harbor, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Prospect Point, and Siwash Rock. When you’re ready for a break, stop by the teahouse to rehydrate and relax.

Kitsilano Beach: This place is hopping during the summer, and even during the colder months Capilano Suspension Bridge: It looks a little scary, but trust me, it’s worth it. The views are breathtaking. If you happen to go at the end of the year, be sure to check out the holiday lights.

Lynn Canyon Park: Another beautiful place to reconnect with nature, Lynn Canyon Park was made for long afternoons out

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hiking, and of course, you have to make it over to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge.

Deep Cove Hike: You’ll find another picturesque hiking area at Quarry Rock (also known as Grey Rock).

the Shangri-La Hotel. Head here for a good brunch.

Richmond Night Market: From May to October, this is a must-do. Way more than just a street market, this massive line of stalls and stages has amazing performances, food, and buys.

Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is magical, and it is dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. It has cool events throughout the year, including afterhours parties, so check the calendar when you’re heading over.

Canadian food is so underrated!

When you’re in Vancouver, forget about chain restaurants, and go for local hot spots.

Tuc Craft Kitchen: This place is located in Gastown, and you’ll find a seasonally changing menu with unique foodie favorites, such as parsnip fries.

Belgard Kitchen: This downtown eatery features local fares and top picks from Postmark Brewery and Vancouver Urban Winery.

Brix and Mortar: This chic restaurant in Yaletown offers an expansive wine menu and modern Canadian fare.

Coast: This vegetarian and veganfriendly spot has a unique blend of traditional Canadian and Japanese dishes.

Market: This energetic place gives you exactly what you’d expect inside

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Snag breakfast at one of the many amazing restaurants on Acland Street. I really enjoyed window shopping along this famous street.

There are some pretty eclectic boutiques and bakeries with delicious treats filling the windows. Hit the beach for a sunrise stroll and get a glimpse of Luna Park.

Every Sunday, hundreds of artisans line the Upper

Esplanade showcasing their artistry and craftsmanship.

You can easily take a stroll here from Acland Street in St. Kilda and get an eye full of the colorful artwork.

From the Esplanade, you can walk north past Albert Park Lake to The Royal Botanic Gardens. You could spend DAYS here exploring the massive gardens that cover over 36 hectares with more than 50,000 plants!

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You can grab a map from one of the kiosks located along the walkways, visit the visitor center or walk the paths and discover the gardens on your own!

When you’ve gotten your fill of nature head north of the Botanic Gardens on St. Kilda Rd. and cross the Yarra River to the CBD (Central Business District).` The beautiful and bright Flinders Street Railway Station

was the very first railway station in all of Australia! You’ll know you’ve arrived in the CBD when you cross the bridge and run straight into the station.

The Ian Potter Centre is part of the art collection of the National Gallery of Victoria and is located in Federation Square near the Railway Station on Flinders Street.

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For me, Florence is easily up there with the likes of gorgeous spots in Rome, Cinque Terre and Southern Italy. It’s a proper Tuscan charm that’s too good to miss… and not just because of the gelato!

So, in my opinion, the last thing you want your holiday to Florence to become is stressful.

This is why it’s important to prioritise some of the key things to do and some chill time to just enjoy the city. After all, that Tuscan wine isn’t going to drink itself!

Take a look at some of the best things to do in Florence, below. Have the best time.

Take a wander around (and inside) Giotto’s Campanile that has stood in Florence for many hundreds of years. After all, it’s one of the most recognised and best things to do in Florence that you can’t really miss.

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The tower itself is situated right next to the Florence Cathedral and only a stone’s throw from the bustling Piazza della Signoria. This makes it really easy to see whilst seeing the Uffizi galleries or after being in the Duomo (cathedral) itself.

There are about 400-450 steps to get to the top (and no lift), so make sure you’re feeling fit before attempting the steps. That being said, the views from the top are incredible! Plus, you’ll have worked off enough calories for a massive gelato after.

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Another one of the best things to do in Florence has to be seeing Palazzo Vecchio (and its 311ft high belltower). And guess what? It’s totally easy to see if you’re already in the piazza.

Palazzo Vecchio has graced the streets of Florence for over 700 years and is still as iconic as ever.

Take a wander through its Courtyards and marvel at its stunning architecture and the frescoes that adorned the walls. It’s incredible to see all the different works that the Medici’s arranged.

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Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe. The city is well-known for its past, the elaborate canal system and the architecture of their iconic, narrow houses.

Amsterdam offers way more than just cheap thrills! You can wander the sidewalks (by foot, or more popularly, by bike) and explore the Old Centre, Red Light, Dam Square, Grachtengordel and Museum districts. Use my

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travel tips from this ultimate Amsterdam travel guide to plan your trip to the Netherlands!

Amsterdam has a fascinating history and is part of the reason this city is on so many travelers’ bucket lists. It’s truly one-of-a-kind, and offers so many

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different kinds of experiences.

Amsterdam has impressive public transportation and offers travelers bicycles, metros, buses, ferries and trains to help you get around the city and beyond. Getting around Amsterdam is also very cheap, just a Euro or two per ride, so you have lots of options!

Depending on your type of trip, I would recommend getting an iAmsterdam card. The card includes free admission into the most popular museums, free public transportation (unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours) and a free canal cruise. See if the iAmsterdam card can save you money on your trip by using their online savings chart before buying.

The Hotel Hermitage Amsterdam offers 22 modern designed rooms and overlooks both a beautiful garden or a canal! The building was originally a 18th-century canal house, so it feels like a true Amsterdam experience. They also offer a daily continental breakfast, and if you’re traveling with friends, they offer rooms with multiple beds.

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Home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud, Vienna is one of the world’s great cultural capitals. With imperial palaces and an endless baroque streetscape, this city has a romantic appeal like nowhere else.

Gorgeous at any time of year, the Austrian capital is in its prime at Christmas. With snow falling on the streets of Vienna and lights twinkling overhead, it’s hard not to fall in love with the city.

There is so much to see and experience in Vienna. You don’t want to just jump ahead to the markets and move on. There are some essential sights you can’t miss.

Clock Museum: Called the Uhrenmuseum in German, this quirky collection of clocks dates back to the 1400s.

Schönbrunn Palace: With an eternal place at the heart of Austrian culture, this baroque palace is Vienna’s number one attraction and was my top spot in the city. I took a tour of the palace and then explored the market after sunset.

There were tons of cute vendors and lots of yummy food!

Sunset From The Top Of St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Head to Stephansdom right before sunset for a breathtaking view of Vienna. You can take an evening tour that’ll take you to the top, or you can go it solo. Check out the catacombs beneath the church too for a totally different view.

State Opera House: Called the Wiener Staatsoper, this is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Europe. Get glammed up for a taste of the royal life. While it is a fivestar experience, you can actually buy tickets for only a few euros.

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Hofburg Palace: This thirteenth-century palace houses three museums. It is the former imperial home and has all of its original decor. It’s home to the Austrian National Library, the largest library in Austria, but you’ll never notice the books. This place is a floor-to-ceiling work of art.

Michaelerplatz: Just outside of Hofburg, you will find excavated Roman ruins that’ll give you a glimpse into the older side of Viennese culture.

Café Central: A former hangout of Freud and Trotsky, this is one of the oldest coffee shops in the world. It’s also the best place to experience classical Viennese cuisine.

Balthasar Coffee Shop: Vienna is famous for its coffee culture, and Balthasar Kaffee Bar is one of my top stops. Try the Wiener Melange, an ultra frothy sort of cappuccino; Café Maria Theresia, flavored with a boozy orange liqueur; or the tall, dark, and handsome Einspänner.

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