Top 5 Vienna Must-Dos

Hallo! 

I am so excited to share all about my quick getaway to Vienna the other weekend. After a wild and nonstop weekend in Amsterdam, it was time to slow it down a bit and check out all of the breathtaking views of Vienna. 

Only being a four hour train ride away from Vienna, Austria, this seemed like the perfect place to getaway to for a quick weekend trip. Furthermore, since it is is peak Fall season, I knew Vienna wouldn't lack in beautiful fall colors, as the town is filled with parks, trees and areas to walk around and take in the nature. 

Vienna definitely blew me away. I hadn't anticipated the incredible amount of diversity in things to do. While there, I visited the Naschmarkt filled with vendors offering a taste of their most delicious delicacies. Falafel's, baklava, candied nuts, dried fruits, turkish candies and more. The market also had a variety of restaurants to sit down at and enjoy the crisp fall air, with of course a blanket and heating lamp provided. 

We visited the most famous Schönbrunn Palace, and made our way through the winding pathways throughout the perfectly manicured archways of trees. The gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace were magical. Spanning as far as the eye could see, the variety and types of flowers seemed to never end. 

As we continued our walking day tour around the city, we realized one of the best parts about Vienna, is that everything is located so close to each other and incredibly easy to get to by foot. Not once, did we take the metro or public transportation. This also allowed us to stumble upon narrow alley ways and admire all of beautiful and traditional Viennese architecture.  

Lastly, we visited the National Gallery and also the incredible city hall of Vienna, known as the Rathaus. This is definitely not like any city hall I've seen before. The city hall where I am from, has two rooms and a front door. Walking up to the plaza towards the Rathaus, I was mesmerized by the gothic architecture and beautiful red flowers adorning the windows. 

Overall, Vienna was a total blast and there are so many different things to do, whether you're into museums, architecture, cafes, good food, shopping, Vienna has it all. There isn't a lack of beauty or things to do in this city. Check out a few of my recommendations below for your next visit!  

Must visit restaurant: Motto

Must visit restaurant: Kussmaul 

Must visit place: Naschmarkt, Schönbrunn Palace 

Must visit cafe: Burgring Cafe

Must Visit Museum: Leopold Museum 

Schönbrunn Palace 

Gardens of Schönbrunn Palace 

Burgring Cafe 

Burgring Cafe

Absolute Musts-dos in Amsterdam

Wow, after being in Prague for nearly 3 months now, I couldn't imagine a more incredible first weekend traveling, than my time spent in Amsterdam the other week with my girlfriend. I can't even begin to count how many times I've thought of going to Amsterdam and decided against it, thinking it was too touristy and overcrowded. I am so excited to share with you all of the incredible places we went to, but I don’t even know where to begin. There were so many places I had on my list to check out and not enough time, so we made sure we hit up the cutest neighborhoods, cafes and places to grab dinner and cocktails.  

When arriving in Amsterdam I was completely overwhelmed with the charm and accessibility of the city. Not once, did we take public transportation as most places are easy to get to and stumbling upon hidden alleyways, graffiti painted walls, local shops and the endless canals throughout the city were some of my favorite times while in Amsterdam.

I still can’t describe to you how much I fell in love with Amsterdam after visiting and the best part is that we barely did any of the “touristy things,” that most people come to do. Having no agenda and getting lost within the city made for the most enjoyable times.

Although my major recommendation to anyone visiting, would be to first just wander and explore the streets and canals, I of course have some incredible places you must check out as well.

Shown below: 

Must Visit Café: Lavinia Good Food Café

Must Visit Café: Café Georgette

Must visit restaurant: Bull & Dogs

Must visit place: Pulitzer Hotel

Must visit restaurant/bar: Palladium (mainly for drinks) (not pictured)

Must Visit Café: Café Georgette

Recently opened this cafe, is light, bright and incredibly well decorated. Their healthy and incredibly creative food options are endless and beautifully done. We both ordered avocado toasts, one being pomegranate, feta and avocado and the other with arugula, prawns and a soft-boiled egg. YUM! Oh and of course, I needed to test out their acai bowl. Pretty much in love.

Must Visit Café: Lavinia Good Food Café

So, I have to be honest, this place was so good, we went back for a second time. The food is so fresh, healthy and there are a ton of veg/vegan options, it is the perfect place for everyone. Additionally, the endless options of fresh juices, nut mylks, dairy free options and the turmeric golden latte, had me swooning. I ordered their breakfast truffle, egg and tomato flatbread and can pretty much say it was one of the best things I've ever tried. Clearly this is a must stop when visiting Amsterdam. Oh...and its incredibly cute inside. Perfect for taking photos. ;) 

Must visit restaurant: Bull & Dogs

This place...I literally have no words. It was heaven. Look at this milkshake. After coming across this place while doing our research, we knew we NEEDED to stop and check out Bull & Dog's incredibly creative and artistic milkshakes and hot dogs. Interesting combination, but it works. My friend Catie & I decided to go with the Big Banana Bash surrounded with peanut butter and chocolate mixed somewhere in there. Needless to say, it was gone within a matter of minutes as well as the Bourbon Bacon Dog we ordered too. This is definitely a must on my list of places to check out. 

Must visit place: Pulitzer Hotel

If you are looking for a perfect place to grab a cocktail or glass of wine with incredible decor, this is the place. Located centrally in the Nine Streets neighborhood its incredibly convenient to get to. Make sure to check out the incredible gardens

I can't wait until you experience all of the wonders this adorable town has to offer. Comment below if you visit and have anymore tips for future travelers. 

Cheers!! Make sure to follow my adventures on Instagram @tripleoblog 

WEEKEND IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Scottsdale. Perfect weather. The perfect combination of relaxation & adventuring. The perfect getaway destination. 

Having visited the Phoenix, Scottsdale area many times while since I was young, I have seen this area change immensely into a iconic destination for celebrations, fun, hiking, exploring and just a place to enjoy the heat. There is a perfect blend of the old city charm with chic new restaurants, rooftop pools and amazing views. 

A perfect weekend getaway in this lovely city should include a stay at the adorable and chic Saguaro hotel, which is also a "bloggers paradise." This colorful, lively and well decorated hotel is located in the heart of Old Town and a short walk down the road from another favorite of mine, Misson restaurant. Hands down, some of the best Mexican cuisine I've had. Make sure to try their traditional marg and make to order guac!  Of course Fashion Square shopping will have everything your heart desires and lastly stop at the W Hotel Scottsdale for some cocktails next to the rooftop pool. 

Photos from my weekend getaway below: 

Taiwan...Asia's Hidden Gem

My idea for my first post about traveling was an easy one for me. One of my favorite places in the entire world and that I am OBSESSED with is, Taiwan!

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall 

First off, I am OBSESSED with traveling, in general. I can easily say, this is the number one thing that I love and that I love to do. It is a passion of mine and I plan to never stop exploring. Having the opportunity to do some extensive traveling in the past, I have a few places that you NEED to explore and that I can't wait to tell you about. But, for right now, I will give you tips and information about why you must visit Taiwan at some point in your life!

I am OBSESSED with everyone in Taiwan, aka. the Taiwanese people/expats/etc. I am obsessed with its culture, people, food, its natural landscapes and language. A few years back, I moved to Taipei, Taiwan. I lived there for a year and fully immersed myself into the Taiwanese culture. The moment I arrived, I was greeted with an inviting welcome, hospitality and eagerness to please and help. Taiwan is a hidden gem of an island, located off of the coast of China and its beauty is insurmountable. The capitol city of Taipei, is very commuter-friendly by the Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT). The bullet-train from the north side of the island to the southern most tip of the island, allows for a quick and easy way to check out both sides of the island, and lastly you can easily explore the nearby islands by taking a quick hopper plane or ferry to, to check these islands out for the day, as they are right off the coast of Taiwan.

Southern most tip of the island - Kenting 

Taiwan has temples and night markets everywhere you go, allowing for an exposure and insight into its incredible culture and ways of living. While in a temple, you will have the opportunity to participate in the praying rituals such as offering up items or lighting incense, or just observe and watch. Longhshan Temple is a must while exploring the capitol of Taipei. Oh and DO NOT forget to go to Shilin Night Market. Shilin Night Market is located off of Jiantan Station on the red line and is the largest night market in all of Taiwan. You will be delightfully overwhelmed, when entering the market, with noises, lights, smells and people in every direction you go!! It is incredible! And if you're daring, you'll try and stinky tofu!! 

Longshan Temple 

Furthermore, I am mostly obsessed with Taiwan because of how safe it is. Having a sense of safety and security while walking alone or not having the worry if any of my possessions would be stolen, made my time there, so much more enjoyable and put me at ease. The Taiwanese are wonderful people who believe in karma, so they try not to cause anyone harm or to do anything bad to others as they believe it will come back to them. Pretty amazing, right? Can't we ALL think this way? 

Finally, Taiwan's natural beauty and landscapes will keep you mesmerized and busy for days, even weeks! Taiwan not only has mountains, oceans, beaches and an incredible downtown metro area, it has also incorporated many parks into the surrounding city limits as well as having a national scenic park outside of the city called Sun Moon Lake and a World Heritage site called Taroko Gorge.

Temple in the mountains in Taroko Gorge

Mountains in Taroko Gorge

Out of all of my many travels, I can say I am truly OBSESSED with Taiwan and that you should experience everything it has to offer at some point in your life!

Olivia's Obsessions/Recommendations:

1  Head north on the MRT to Xinbeitou. Walk around the quaint town and visit the natural hot springs and take a dip in the thermal hot spring baths. Here, you will also find hotels offering traditional Taiwanese massages. Spend the day relaxing and pampering. 

2  Day trip to Wulai. Wulai District is a mountain indigenous district in southern New Taipei City and also is known for its hot springs. Take a hike through the mountainous region to a natural three tier waterfall to experience the natural beauty of Taiwan. 

3  Shillin Night Market - As the largest and most expansive night market in Taiwan, this is a must. Right off of the Jiantan station on the red line, it is a short 20 minute commute outside of the city center. 

4  Taroko Gorge. (see above) - Located on the east side of the island, you can take a three hour train on the coast to Hualien. From Hualien, you will then be able to drive, rent a scooter or take a tourist bus to and through the famous Taroko Gorge. 

5  Kenting - at the southern most tip of the island, this beach town is filled with fun activities to do during the day as well as a great place to party. Check this out, if you're looking to get out of the city and for something more laid back and relaxing. 

6  Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall - this massive memorial hall created for the leader of Taiwan who led the revolution against the Chinese is a must. I am actually OBSESSED with its detail, enormity and overwhelming beauty it offers! 

Enjoy & travel well!