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24 Hours in Amsterdam | A Travel Guide

24 Hours in AmsterdamIt can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Amsterdam!

24 Hours in Amsterdam

24 Hours in Amsterdam

  • Breakfast at Toki
    • Grab a delicious. and nutritious, bite to eat at Toki. Their flavours are out of this world, and the coffee is pretty damn good too.
  • Go on an Instagram walk to Central
    • The architecture in Amsterdam is entirely unique, and you won’t want to miss stealing a few snaps of it.
  • Grab a designer bargain!
    • De Bijenkorf department store is Amsterdam’s answer to Selfridges, and it’s jam packed full of contemporary & classic designer brands.

24 Hours in Amsterdam

  • Visit a weird museum
  • Par Hasard for lunch 
    • If you fancy trying out some traditional (read: moreish) Dutch food over a cold one, this is the place for you.
  • See the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
    • These may be slightly smaller than your average botanical gardens, but they have an impressive collection.
      Tip: the conservatory is littered with stunning specimens, but make sure to check out the little out houses dotted around.
  • G&T for dinner?
    • Have dinner at Mossel & Gin, Amsterdam’s popular restaurant for…you got it, mussels and gin.
      Tip: there are other options (the fish burger is insanely delicious), but you’ll want to try at least one G&T.

24 Hours in Amsterdam

Hints and Tips for 24 Hours in Amsterdam:

  • Where do I shop?
    • I’ll be publishing a standalone guide on where to shop in Amsterdam soon, so keep an eye out.
  • Are ‘coffeeshops’ still a thing?
    • Very much so, and you’re welcome to visit them. But be aware that some coffeeshops are not open to tourists.
  • To bike or not to bike
    • Cycling is the best way to get around in Amsterdam, but it can also be pretty intimidating for tourists. The tram & bus system is an good alternative, but if you’re a walker you can easily get round by foot as well.

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Amsterdam!
Feel free to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

24 Hours in Amsterdam 24 Hours in Amsterdam 24 Hours in Amsterdam 24 Hours in Amsterdam 24 Hours in Amsterdam 24 Hours in Amsterdam24 Hours in Amsterdam

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24 Hours in Montpellier | A Travel Guide

24 Hours in MontpellierIt can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Montpellier, France!

24 Hours in Montpellier

24 Hours in Montpellier

  • Bakery breakfast
    • Grab a pastry from a local bakery. After all, you are in France.
  • Go on your own street art tour
    • Montpellier is littered with stunning street art. Some of it is political, others comical, some philosophical. Whatever your preference, there’s plenty of art for everyone.
  • Interesting architecture
    • Montpellier may be a historical town, but there’s also a ton of unique, contemporary structures. You’ll have to be on the look out though as a lot of them seamlessly blend in with the older buildings.
  • Take lunch in the historic district
    • Littered with traditional brasseries and cafes, you can’t really make a bad decision.

24 Hours in Montpellier

  • The Arc de Triomphe…?
    • Paris isn’t the only one with an arc. The arc de triomphe and the château d’eau (water tower), extend into the aqueduct, which overlooks Montpellier’s skyline.
  • Buy fresh ingredients from a local market
    • One of my favourite things to do when visiting the South of France is stop by the food markets. You’ll find a selection of high quality, locally grown produce that will leave you wondering if you ever really tasted a tomato before.
  • Make your own homemade feast
    • Using the fresh produce you bought at the market, make your own homemade feast for dinner. There’s nothing better than enjoying the warm evenings with some friends, a relaxing bottle of wine, and fresh food.

24 Hours in Montpellier

Hints and Tips for 24 Hours in Montpellier:

  • Visit a market!
    • Southern France is well known for it’s variety of markets, and Montpellier does not disappoint. From food, to flowers, books and antiques. Check out dates and times of Montpellier’s markets here.
  • Street art
    • As I mentioned previously, there is plenty of street art in Montpellier. My tip? Keep an eye out down back alleys and close to the ground. Basically look everywhere, because you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Montpellier, France!
And don’t forget to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

24 Hours in Montpellier 24 Hours in Montpellier 24 Hours in Montpellier 24 Hours in Montpellier 24 Hours in Montpellier

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24 Hours in Monaco | A Travel Guide

24 Hours in MonacoIt can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Monaco!

24 hours in monaco

24 Hours in Monaco

  • Drive to Monaco
    • Monaco is pretty small, and expensive. Unless you want to go all out, I’d suggest staying somewhere close by and driving into the principality.
  • Brunch at Café de Paris
    • This brasserie is world famous, and you’ve probably spotted it in a movie or two. Sit outside on the terrace and mingle with the rich & famous, whilst you enjoy coffee and pastries.
  • Check out that architecture!
    • For such a small place, Monaco has a surprisingly eclectic mix of architecture. From old palatial hotels, to modern apartments, and bridges sandwiched between cliffs.
  • Visit the Prince’s Palace
    • The Prince’s Palace overlooks the bay of Monaco, and it’s a stunning sight…as proven by the 100os of selfies taken there every day.
  • Wander the streets
    • The palace is situated amongst several quaint streets, each littered with gelaterias, stereotypical souvenir shops, and restaurants.
  • Eat ice cream by the harbour
    • Because who doesn’t want to stare out onto a beautiful crystal blue sea covered with yachts…
  • Go hunting for art!
    • Monaco’s streets are literally covered in art. From traditional statues, to modern google-eyed fun. It’s a must-see for any art lover in town.
  • Do dinner in Nice
    • Nice isn’t too far from Monaco, but it’s considerably bigger, and has a lot more restaurants on offer. Such as La Femme du Boulanger.

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Monaco!
And don’t forget to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

24 Hours in Monaco 24 Hours in Monaco 24 Hours in Monaco

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My Travel Skincare Essentials | 2017 Recommendations

Travel SkincareMy Travel Skincare Essentials – 2017 Recommendations

Travel and skincare are not always the best of friends. There’s a lot to take into consideration: the 100ml liquid rule for cabin bags, baggage space, non-breakables…and let’s not even start on the plane’s air con. For these reasons – and many others – I despised packing my skincare regime into my case. However after travelling so much this year, I like to think I have it down to a fine art.

My daily skincare regime is quite lengthly, and when I’m travelling I try to make sure it doesn’t suffer. And thanks to most brands bringing out travel size versions of their signature products, it doesn’t have to. So I’ve compiled a list which features my favourite travel skincare essentials, alongside some new products I’ve discovered.

My Travel Skincare Essentials

Everything I have included in this post is travel-sized, and can either be purchased separately as such or as part of a gift set. Where applicable I have linked to the specific product or set. However where some products are no longer available in travel size I have linked to the full size product. After all, you can always de-pot a product into a handy travel size kit!

Happy travels! And don’t forget to check out more of my travel recommendations.

Travel Skincare Travel Skincare Travel Skincare Travel Skincare Travel Skincare

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24 Hours in Oslo, Norway | A Travel Guide

24 Hours in OsloIt can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Oslo, Norway!

24 Hours in Oslo

24 Hours in Oslo, Norway

  • The best banana bread in town!
    • Is found at Supreme Roastworks, alongside some pretty superb coffee too. It makes for the perfect breakfast.
  • Walk along Grünerløkka
    • The latest trendy area in Oslo is somewhat akin to London’s Shoreditch. You’ll find a variety of independent stores, designers, coffee shops and restaurants.
  • Coffee stop!
    • Grab some caffeine to go from Tim Wendelboe – the coffee is high quality, as is the well thought out interior of this popular spot.
  • Architecture fans will love…
    • Oslo City Hall. Tours do run but only during certain parts of the year. However you can wander in freely and walk around the gorgeous interiors.

24 Hours in Oslo

  • Have Lunch in Aker Brygge
    • One of Oslo’s newest developments, the harbour side district is full of restaurants, cafes and shops.
  • Take in some modern art at Astrup Fearnley 
  • Take a boat around the Oslo Fjords
    • Littered with beautiful islands, stunning landmarks, and enviable Summer houses, the Oslo Fjords shouldn’t be missed. Tours run throughout the day, and start from the port in front of Oslo City Hall. Times depend on season.
  • Vippa for dinner!
    • Vippa is Oslo’s leading street food market, and you’ll find friends, couples and families enjoying a variety of cuisines alongside the sea front.

24 Hours in Oslo

Hints and Tips for 24 Hours in Oslo:

  • Stay in an Airbnb
    • You can choose something that suits your personal style, and it’s much more affordable than a hotel. We stayed in Inga’s stunning apartment.
  • Free wifi & charging in the streets
    • Look out for the smart benches littered across the city. They have USB charging ports, and free wifi!
  • It’s expensive, but…
    • Yes, Oslo is expensive but you can get your tax back on a variety of goods including clothes, homeware and food. Just ask for a tax form when purchasing your goods, and get your tax back at the airport.
  • Alcohol
    • Spirits & wine are only sold at Vinmonopolet stores. Everything else is available in supermarkets, but isn’t sold after 6pm on a Saturday, or at all on a Sunday. However restaurants and bars serve as normal.

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Oslo, Noway!
And don’t forget to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

24 Hours in Oslo 24 Hours in Oslo24 Hours in Oslo 24 Hours in Oslo24 Hours in Oslo

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Ling Ling: Scandinavian stylings meets Cantonese cuisine

ling lingLing Ling | Hakkasan group | Cantonese | Map

If you’re living in London, you’ll know the Hakkasan group well. Yauatcha, Sake no Hana, and of course, Hakkasan. But did you know that they have restaurants in cities across the world? And much like their London counterparts the restaurants vary in style, dishes and cuisines. Well one of those cities just so happens to be Oslo, and one of those restaurants just so happens to be Ling Ling. Which was lucky for me as I was just about to take a break in Norway’s capital city.

Ling Ling Oslo

Ling Ling is the younger sibling of the Hakkasan group. Located in the trendy area of Aker Brygge. It’s vibrant, fun, and stylish; this much is clear when you walk into the harbour side restaurant. From the simple Scandinavian stylings, right down to the innovative cocktail list. And there’s no better way than starting a journey at Ling Ling than with one of their cocktails. We tried the delectable Plum Sour (Akashi Tai Ume-shu, Johnnie Walker black label whisky, lemon, lime, egg white & Boker’s bitters), and the popular Red Shéng (Aquavit white, raspberries, ginger, lime & lychee).

We could have easily spent the rest of the day on the stunning rooftop, overlooking the Oslo Fjords. However we decided that a diet of cocktails alone wasn’t for us – we wanted food! So with eyes bigger than our bellies, we chose the Ling Ling Journey menu:

  • To Start
    • Peking duck with Oscietra caviar
    • Supreme dim sum platter
    • Golden fried chicken and mango salad in sweet chilli dressing
    • Spicy Norwegian scallop in glass vermicelli noodle
  • To Continue
    • Barbecue char siu pork
    • Grilled silver cod in ginger soy
    • Norwegian langoustine in samba sauce
    • Stir-fry three style mushroom
    • Jasmine rice
  • To Finish
    • Soy caramel and banana delice (peanut, milk chocolate, vanilla chantilly)
    • Apple bavaroise mousse (sea buckthorn, caramelised white chocolate, Chinese five spice)

At 988NOK (around £97) per person, the menu is available all day for parties of 2 or more.

Scandinavian stylings meets Cantonese cuisine

My personal favourites have been bolded above, however I do want to give a few shout-outs. The Peking Duck features crunchy, fatty duck skin sandwiched between caviar, duck, cucumber & pancakes. If it was socially acceptable, I would eat a whole one. As for the Grilled Silver Cod, let’s just say that I’ve never tasted cod like that done at Ling Ling. It was chunky, flavoursome and buttery soft. And to finish with a dessert, you can’t visit without experiencing the Apple Bavaroise Mousse, even if it’s only for the photo opportunity (although it is also refreshingly light & moreish).

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a Norwegian restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine. However I left feeling that the team behind Ling Ling have definitely done their homework. The merger of Cantonese dishes and Norwegian ingredients works perfectly at this contemporary location. Largely helped by the fresh seafood that features throughout the menu. From the location, to the service, ingredients, and execution; Ling Ling is an outstanding experience.

Check out more: Where to Eat and Oslo

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This post is in collaboration with Hakkasan however all views, photos and words are my own.

ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling ling

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24 Hours in Aarhus, Denmark | A Travel Guide

24 Hours in AarhusIt can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Aarhus, Denmark!

24 Hours in Aarhus

24 Hours in Aarhus, Denmark

  • Do breakfast at Bills Coffee 
    • The Danes know their coffee, but they know their pastries even better. And Bills Coffee won’t let you down on either front. They offer up the best pastries in town (in my opinion), and a relaxing atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to chat to the staff – who are super lovely – they’re full of great recommendations.
  • Tour Aarhus City Hall
    • If there’s one thing you don’t want to miss in Aarhus, it’s the city hall tour. This architectural marvel is the epitome of Danish design. You can find photos and tour information here.
  • Enlighten your senses at ARoS
    • The art museum features an array of amazing artwork, and possibly the world’s most colourful rooftop.
  • Refuel at La Cabra, Coffee Roasters
    • This ridiculously stylish coffee shop also offers up plenty of fresh, local produce. My recommendation: the crayfish sandwich, which is hands down the most delicious sandwich I’ve ever had!
  • Fancy some retail therapy?
    • The streets around Vestergade are littered with independent designers, well known brands, and Magasin department store.

24 Hours in Aarhus

  • Take a bus out to the Deer Park
    • Just a 10min ride from the central bus station is Dyrehaven (Deer Park). This piece of woodland is open to the public, but you’ll have to share your walk with some of Aarhus’s friendly deer – and there are lots of them!
  • Stop by the beach!
    • The woodland borders the Kattegat sea by Dyrehaven, and it’s absolutely beautiful. There are showers and changing facilities for those who are brave enough to take a dip.
  • Choose street food for dinner
    • Conveniently located next door to the bus station is the Aarhus Street Food market. You’ll find a wide variety of cuisines, including traditional Danish food. But don’t fork out on the alcohol, instead…
  • Finish the night at a local craft beer bar
    • Mig og Ølsnedkeren is a cozy – some might even say hygge – spot, filled with groups of young stylish friends and couples. Their main offering is a variety of specialised craft beer, but don’t worry they also serve other drinks.

24 Hours in Aarhus

If you have some extra time…

  • Visit Den Gamle By
    • A must-visit for budding architecture nerds and historians alike. Den Gamle By is a small recreation of a Danish town throughout the years, including houses, shops and more.
  • Pop by the Botanical Gardens
    • Nestled right next door to Den Gamle By, and with free entry too! It’s small, but worth a visit – especially for the butterfly room!

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Aarhus, Denmark!
And don’t forget to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

24 Hours in Aarhus 24 Hours in Aarhus 24 Hours in Aarhus 24 Hours in Aarhus 24 Hours in Aarhus 24 Hours in Aarhus 24 Hours in Aarhus