Spring trips: where to go for a weekend in a European city
Spring, time to leave. The warm season with its bridges and its weekend it has always been the best time to plan a few days’ escape. Maybe to go and dive into the life of city of Europe. Since then the low cost have added the option of cheap flights (provided you fly light: luggage often costs more than a return ticket) the choice has widened considerably. And in a couple of hours you can reach them destinations full of charm. Here are some travel ideas of spring in Europe. Between art, dolce vita and things to discover.
Spring trips: a weekend in Amsterdam
For a long time Amsterdam has been the proverbial destination for loud bachelor parties or teenage getaways looking for coffee shop. But that’s a shame because with its compact size and laid-back beauty it’s the perfect destination for a weekend between art and relaxation in Europe. Some idea? The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum are unmissable: the first for its ancients Flemish mastersthe second to enter the elliptical world of that genius who was the sunflower painter.
But not only. Before you go mingle with the locals going shopping at Saturday Noordermarkt spend at least an hour at it Stedelijk Museum offering one of the largest collections of contemporary art of Europe between Expressionism, Art Minimal and Bauhaus. And then don’t miss the stop at Brouwerij ‘t IJ. It is now the most important brewery in the city, produces Belgian-inspired beers but above all it is housed in an old municipal bathhouse in disuse right next to a big windmill in the shade of which there are also wooden planks. The food is not from starred venue (you mostly eat cheese and sausages) but to feel like a real city dweller it’s the perfect place.
The Emerald Isle: Cork
Perhaps it is not the first destination that comes to mind for i spring travelcrushed as she is by her older sister’s charm Dublin. But corkthe second city ofIrelandin the southwest ofEmerald Isle it is probably the right place to taste the real and traditional way of life. And also to discover the gastronomy of the country which boasts a gourmet renaissance: it is no coincidence that the local one Ballymaloe Cookery School is considered a factory of top-notch chefs and to discover them you can go to dinner in one of the many places like the Greenes. It seems to enter a private house but even the local woman has noticed this place Michelin guide.
Then off on foot to discover the city that is easy to visit passing from one neighborhood to another stopping for a few photos then along the River Lee as far as Fitzgerald Park. So, after the dutiful tribute to the university, to Cathedral of Saint Fin Barre and atElizabeth Fort the obligatory stop is the English Market, considered the most beautiful covered market in the United Kingdom. To understand the importance of the place it is enough to say that even Her Majesty Elizabeth she came here and stopped at the counter fishmonger Pat O’Connell.
And if you have the time, dedicate a day to Cobnon the sea: it is a pleasant one town of islands, canals and colorful houses overlooking the hill with a backdrop of the Ocean but has also seen pieces of history. From here it is sailed the Titanic for his last trip.
Escape to Copenhagen
The capital of Denmark needs no introduction: in every season it always knows how to impress those who arrive thanks to the relaxed style that perfectly expresses the quality of life of this big city that turns by bike comfortably like it was a country. And it’s perfect then for a weekend in which to carve out spring trips. The port of Nyhavnwith its expanse of colorful terraced houses, will as always be crowded with tourists on a beautiful sunny day, so it is worth continuing on to the imposing structure of the Opera House from Copenhagenoverlooking the port and not far from royal palace of Amaliemborg.
If you wish, you can also have lunch in the theatre, discovering the contemporary version of the smørrebrødthe typical Danish open sandwich, signed by the trendy chef Adam Aamann before perhaps going to discover the new trendy neighborhoods such as Vesterbro: was the slaughter district of the city and some meat depots still operate today. But they are mixed in restaurants, nightclubs and galleries. For enthusiasts, the Center that hosts it is not to be missed photography exhibitions Danish and Scandinavian but also the annual event “Young Danish Photography“.
When the time comes for a break, however, bet on warpigs: it’s a big one brewpub with 22 draft beers in rotation and predominantly grilled foods. Having the possibility to add a trip, then take the train and travel 35 km to get to Humlebæk on the coast of‘Øresund where is the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. In the name you are not deceived: it is deeply Danish and it is the most visited art museum in the country with an extensive art collection modern and contemporary ranging from the Second World War to the latest trends. And a detail not to be forgotten, it is open until 10pm.
Not just summer: Athens in spring
And finally get out of the cliché: Athens it’s not just the gateway to the islands all sun, sea and white houses of the Greece postcard but also a rapidly evolving capital. And always able to amaze, perfect for one of the spring trips.
From the museum to the market
Sure, there’s the Parthenon (And its museum always worth a visit) but you can also start from less predictable ideas: for example, if you are near the central Piazza Syntagma, stop to see the Benaki museum which collects 45 thousand objectsfrom archaeological finds to de El Grecocollected by the Greek merchant Antonio Benaki during 35 years of crazy collecting.
From there, if you want to mix with the ladies who go shopping not only on spring weekends and dive into the neighborhood of Kolonakithe most commercial area of the city, perhaps reaching the Lycabettus Hill from where you can enjoy a splendid view. If, on the other hand, you want to immerse yourself in popular life, it is al central market you need to contact: it is housed in an early twentieth century building on a perpetually busy road that connects Monastiraki square to the infamous Omonia square. And this is where people from the area come to shop Meat fish and every other ingredient.
If you want to feel like a true Athenian dare to go down to the basement where the Pleasure tavern: there are big barrels, lots of people, plastic tablecloths, no menu written in Italian and you eat legumes, fried fish, salads and bottled wine. The service is of a speed that leaves you lost. Finally, for the sunset, go to number 3 of Normanou Street, in the neighborhood of Monastiraki and go up to the third floor in the room called Local Couleur. It is a flowery terrace where you listen to music with the Acropolis right in front. The food, sadly, is global. But the panorama is heart-pounding Greek.
