Vienna - City Break

Vienna brings 3 things to mind, Rigsby's Cat, A cassic song kept off no1 by Shaddup a ya face or the main City in Austria.

Of course this post is about a trip there I did recently with.my friend Cathy.


We actually got a fantastic 6 night deal using cash and points through Avios which included flight from Heathrow and back plus a 4 star hotel including breakfast at the Wilmshof hotel, cost us around £180 each.

We did stay over in London the night before at the Park International Hotel on Cromwell road in Kensington which was ideal for getting to Heathrow as it was close to the Piccadilly tube line (Gloucester Road).
Was going to go to the West end but we decided to eat at the Holiday Inn next door, superb restaurant and even better could get discount through my Gourmet Society Card.

On to Vienna our hotel was a block away from the Praterson Station which we could get trains, subway & trams which was handy. We could catch the S7 train direct from the airport which was hany and would advise anyone to take this option rather than the CAT train. Much better value although stops a few times.
We purchased a vienna card which could be used for transport around the city.

Our hotel was in a working class area of the City and although a few small restaurants not too much else, however it was only a couple of stops on the subway or trams into the main city centre, ideal really.
Was very impressed we got a free upgrade at the hotel to a deluxe room on arrival (these things dont often happen to me). Room was really nice very big and even had under floor heating in the bathroom.
The staff were all nice, breakfast was simple buffet but adequate would certainly recommend the place.

So the 5 full days we were there we broke down into 3 self guided walks we had downloaded from the Frommers site (Days 1, 3 & 5). These were a great way of seeing the city, took a little following at times but allowed us to see many things great about Vienna.

Day 2 we visited the Zoo which is a must (our Vienna Card gave us discount) and its in a massive park.

Day 4 we went to the Prater the big fun fair close to our hotel went on the big wheel along with visiting Madame Tussauds. Its in another massive Park and afterwards we walked to the Ernst Happel Stadium, I've a thing about visiting major sports stadiums.

As for nightlife we avoided the Opera which street vendors everywhere where trying to push their tickets but we did visit a Jazz Club one night which was small, cozy and friendly. Music was good but the evening ended with a bit of Drama when an elderly gentleman was taken ill, Cathy got the job of holding him up until the medics arrived. Turns out he was a ex musician that had actually played with Louis Armstrong. He gave Cathy his buisness card.

Bit of a shortage of decent bars/pubs but one night we found a little place where the local Germans used, was actually a good laugh with a free juke box so we were able to play a few of our favorites.

Lots of good restaurants in Vienna and believe it or not we did 6 different types in the 6 nights we were there.

1. American - Only had burgers but they were the real meat homemade type and were excellent.

2. Italian - Charming little place (and i mean little), food was good but service average.

3, Chinese - As good a Chinese as you would find anywhere, superb.

4. Austrian - Close to hotel but we had to have a Schnitzel not really my favorite food but waiters were good.

5. Spanish - Lucky find another small place but really nice.

6. Greek - No far from hotel we spotted this one, really nice food.

On returning to London we stayed at the Holiday Inn express (term 5) and wasn't overly impressed especially with the bed which needed a new matteress, We did find a nice little Pub in Colnbrook for walkable from hotel, just a locals place but good beer and food. 

City Break - Madrid (part two)

With 4 full days to explore Madrid I decided to use my feet, always reckon the best way to see a City is by walking and to be fair its a City that doesn't let you down, some lovely plazas and many interesting buildings.

Before travelling i'd purchased a guide book that had a few recomended walking routes so i followed them with a few of my own variations with of course a few coffee stops.







Obviously as I had a Metro ticket i used the trains to get to and from the starts of the various walks.

First full day i spent around the Medievel district which is the main city centre, my first route took me from the Sol plaza along the road to Plaza Mayor, then down some steps in the south west corner of the square.

The route took me around many churches, small Plazas and along many narrow streets with cafes and taverns along the way. Also visited a couple of indoor markets along the route (good place to find a toilet because Madrid is a little short of public toilets).

After a Lunch lunch i arrived at Isobel Plaza then along to the Palace and its amazing grounds. Did intend to go in the Palace but the queue was riddiculous so gave it a miss and just got a few pics from the outside.

Next day I started at Plaza Espanya on a walk that took me along the Gran Via and its amazing buildings eventually came to a big roundabout where i turned right along a road full of museums eventually finishing near the botanical gardens.

Take note if you go straight on at the roundabout (near the arch) about 50yards on your left is a cracking Irish Pub called the James Joyce, had done my homework and had lunch there.

Must admit should have gone back one night as they had live music on but was a bit away from the hotel and involved changes on the metro.

Did take note the the Spanish Naval museum was along the road incase i ran out of places to visit or it started raining. Just interested to hear the Spanish version of events during the Armada.



Third day the weather had cooled (first two were hot and sunny) so it was off with shorts and on with the Jeans for a visit to Retiro which is a big park.








Spent lots of the day in the area and was plenty going on, a couple of footie matches for a start which i stopped off and watched for an hour or so while recharging the batteries.



Although Madrid is walker friendly it has a lot of subtle hills add to that all the stairs to get to the Metro my legs were starting to feel it.

Also that day was a big charity cycle ride going on around the city, many ending up in the park, bits of entertainment (music) scattered about.
Turned out a nice relaxing day.

On last full day I got metro to the Bernabou (Reals stadium) for a couple of photos, didn't do the tour though as on principle not going to pay anything towards Ronaldos wages, will leave that to the many Japanese tourists that were there.

Afterwards got Metro to Lago where there is a massive lake you can walk around with many lakeside restaurants.

Not just the lake the area is a a massive area with lots of bike and walking trails, a big one around the area is 15km so any keen walkers take your boots.
Its what i would call dry scrub land but i did walk a section (2km or so) to the Casa de Campo (near the Zoo) metro stop before getting train back to the city centre.

Nightime twice i went into the City and twice tried a number of the bars close to my hotel. Was a Irish Pub (Molly Mallones) within 10 mins and lots of other interesting places including a couple of Rock Bars.

Must say as a solo traveller i found Madrid and the people very friendly, everywhere i seemed to stop ended up talking to someone which doesn't always happen.

I would recommend anyone to visit, very nice and i would say safe place for us tourists.

On my return home i set the alarms off at both Madrid & Heathrow, had my hands, belt and shoes swabbed then tested in a machine.
I asked if it was drugs at heathrow assuming i'd touched something in a bar but was told it was explosives that was alarming.
However the chap at heahrow said it was a very low reading and could be anything such as some soaps or shower gels causing the alarm.

City Break - Madrid (part one)

Got another excellent deal through my Avios points for a 5 night break in Madrid another City that was high on my bucket list so decided to give it a go travelling totally solo.




 The deal included connecting flights from Manchester to Heathrow then on to Madrid and back via the same route plus 5 nights (thurs to tues) in the 4 star Sercotel with breakfast.

Obviously travelling on my own did a bit of research before i went including checking the fixtures before I went hoping that either Athletico or Real would be at home was delighted to find they were actually playing each other on the Sunday night while I was there.
Got a ticket so as a big footie fan was one of the highlights of the trip. Not been a good neutral i decided to support the team in red against the team in white (and believe me thats not easy) but no way was i gonna support a team with Ronaldo in it, cant stand the bloke.
Also the fact the match was in the Caldron (Athletico's stadium) and i was in the middle of there fans made it a good decision.
The match was a cracking game in a great atmosphere as you would imagine between two of europes top teams, finished a draw 1-1 but we did miss a penalty so a moral victory, lol.

Went early for a look around the ground and between the nearest metro station and the stadium found a lovely little cafe, biggest baguette i've ever had stuffed with gammon with a pint of beer to swill it down, cost 6euro 50cents thats what i call value.

Anyway back to the start of the holiday and the journey first despite me driving to Manchester at 6am the M62 was a pain and very slow moving in parts, got to airport a bit later than planned but checkin and security was very quick so still had time for a bite to eat for breakfast.

On arrival at heathrow the plane pulled up at the gate and the tunnel that attatches to the plane for us to get off broke down, we were stuck on the plane for 30 minutes while they found some steps to take us off at the back door.
Fortunately i had 3 hours between flights but other people with tight connections were in a bit of a panic.
Had a pint in Wetherspoons waiting for my gate to be called and got chatting with a nice Irish lady from Basingstoke who was also travelling Solo. She was going to Paris, was shame not to Madrid as I'm sure we would have had a few laughs and would have been someone to eat out with.

On arrival at Madrid i decided to use the Metro to get to the hotel which took about 45 minutes with one change. I bought a 7 day pass for 35euros as it covered my complete time there including transfers both ways. In hindsight i should have got a 5 day pass (25euros) and just a 2euro single for one of my transfers as only used the one journey on arrival and leaving. You live and learn.
Must say the Metro system is excllent, very clean, trains are regular and easy to use with the lines numbered and colour coded.

My hotel was near the San Bernardo stop which was on two lines with a few bars and a excellent sandwich and cake shop close by.

Checked into the hotel and was told room 608, went to the room and was just about to sort my things out when i noticed a bag on the table. Checking the wardrobe it was full of someones things so quickly left. Checking the papers they gave me i should have beenin 609 but the key wouldn't work so had to go back to reception who admitted there mistake.
Hotel was excellent with a very adequate breakfast, rooms were comfy and although i was in a single room the bed was reasonable size (small double).

As i'd arrived in the evening after freshening up i decided to eat in the hotel bar with a couple of beers. To be fair as 4 star hotels go the prices were reasonable (beer 3euros).

Did have an issue Saturday night with people in the room above me making lots of noise between 1am & 3am. They had the window open (smoking) so i opened mine and asked them politely to shut up (well as politely as yorkshiremen do). They did improve but still continued so eventually reported it to reception, the man had a listen and went straight up to tell them, never heard another murmour.
In all the hotels I've been in its first time i've had to report but it was well over the top.

Americas big cities

Following my recent succesful trip to Berlin (see reports below) its got me thinking about next year and where to go, thats despite still having a couple of trips already sorted later this year. I do believe its good to plan in advance especially if you can find a good price.

Berlin was a success for two reasons, first its a fantastic city and secondly another solo traveller saw my blog and joined me, it was great to have company (we hadn't met previously). Wonder if others would be interested in my ideas this time, its a good plan for experienced travellers to get together if theyfancy the same holiday.

Anyway been looking at March (possibly easter or before) and edging towards America and the big Cities. Done plenty of American Cities in the past but more recent times been doing touring holidays in the States. Flight prices if you pick the right dates are good at present.

One City I've lookead at is the Big Apple (New York) as its 10 years since i was last there and always said i'd go back one day, its a big ciy and no way can you see everything on one trip.

I've also been considering my favorite the windy city (Chicago) been a fan of blues music i like the clubs but add to that plenty to see and do during the day it always has an attraction for me. Have had a couple of nights there in recent years at the start of a couple of my Just You holidays (Route 66 & Heart & Soul) but thats not the same as you hardly get time to unpack.

Giving it lots of thought i would want to do it initially on a budet so rather than staying in a 5 star times square or magnificent mile hotel i've been costing slightly lower rated hotels but not too far from the attractions. Also reviews are important, definately looking at safe areas and hotels with good reviews. Reason i'd like to do it on a reasonable budget is like everyone else i've only so much to spend on travel and will be still doing others (at least one biggie) later in the year.
Saying all that wouldn't skimp on spending while there, would do everything i wanted, pointless going if you dont.

For sun worshipers it wont be red hot in either city in March, wont be freezing either so that would suit me, not really into sitting on a beach.

Good thing about both cities is they have excellent public transport networks so easy to get around, thats important in big cities.

Done an initial pricing up and a week (7 nights) in either city for flight & hotel can do for under £800 which is an excellent price. Only extras would be transfers but would use public transport if on my own but if could persuade others probably makes sense to share a taxi.

After doing my homework the thought crossed me about putting the cities together and wondered what it would cost so checked it out. Was pleasently surprised and can do it for less than £1200 and thats 6 nights in each city (think i paid that 10 years ago for a similar trip). Only extra is on the internal flight between cities i dont think it included hold luggage but was only around $25. Cross Atlanic it is included.

Going to give these options (and others) lots of thought over the weekend.

Anyone else interested ? be good to hear from you.

City Break - Berlin - (part 3)

Day 5 - Got to the TV tower in good time and got our tickets with only a 40 minute break, managed to find a seat so decided to wait rather than have a walk.

And once up could see why its something everyone wants to do, fantastic views of the city, and could do the full 360degrees definately a must do for people visiting Berlin. Also there is a small bar up the top so had a couple of soft drinks before going back down.

Once down from the tower we decided to do the short walk (5 mins) to the Historic district which is interesting with a lot interesting souvenier shops and cafes. Its also the home to the Nikolaivertel church well worth a look inside, very impressive.
Thats not mentioning the St George slaying the dragon statue overlooking the river.








After a few photos we decided to jump on a bus (no100) and have a walk in the Tiergarten which is a large park in the centre of the city, its basically Berlins Central Park.
Was nice and we grapped a sandwich at a small cafe on the roundabout at the Heroes statue in the centre of the park. Bad choice as we were swarmed by wasps, was quite funny watching others trying to protect their food and drinks.

We then had a walk to the "English Garden" where there was a really nice cafe and we wished we had lunched there to be honest.
More wasps though, seemed everywhere and poor J got stung on her cheek.

We then made our way to the S-bahn to the Europa Centre looking for souveniers but nothing caught the eye so jumped on a U-bahn to Potsdamer platz to visit the Mall of Berlin. Its a really impressive shopping centre with 100's of shops.

Finally back to the hotel to get ready for our last nights festivities, not without stopping off for our daily cocktail.

We decided to try an Italian restaurant not far from the front of our hotel, must say it was excellent and the best meal of the five evenings, in fact think if i listed the meals in order they got better each night. Thats not saying any were bad the food in Berlin although not German was good.

Afterwards it was back to the Irish Pub we had spent saturday night, again a great atmosphere and the had a rock band on that played many classics. Not the best i've heard but good fun all the same.

Day 6 - After a late breakfast it was time to check out but we arranged to leave our luggage at the hotel as didn't need to go to the airport by late afternoon.

We decided to visit the Allied Museum which was a distance from the City centre but was able to do it on the U-bahn with our welcome card.
It was in a really upmarket neighbourhood with some nice houses and about half a mile from the station.
The museum itself is quite small and certainly need no more than an hour there, still its interesting to us Brits so filled in our last morning.











On the way back to the Station we found a lovely cafe, was quite upmarket but well worth the visit for their large selection of cakes (spoilt for choice).

Eventually back to the hotel to collect our bags and jump in a taxi to the airport.

Journey went well, was slightly late setting off but arrived on time, and only had a short wait bfore catching our connecting flights and going our own ways.


Summary :-
Berlin is fantastic city, very visitor friendly and wouldn't surprise myself if i return one day. Was also great to have J as a travelling companion, is always good to have someone to eat with on a evening never mind through the day.
Despite not meeting before and only chatting on the JY forum and by email via this blog we found we enjoyed much similar things and I fully enjoyed the holiday.
It was a big advantage we were both experienced and confident tourists of course and we got to see a city that we both wanted to. Its a shame others couldn't join us.

Still got a City break to Madrid booked this year and that is again with Avios but totally solo, then I've my biggie to Cuba with "Just You" to look forward to.

City Break - Berlin (part 2)

Day 3 - Following a good breakfast it was on public transport to the River Spree and get us booked on a boat trip. Lots of options to choose from with river trips ranging from 1 hour to 4 hours.

We opted for the 1 hour trip as it was very hot and sunny and didn't want to be exposed for too long. Think it was about right as we saw most of the sites from the river and any longer may have been overkill.


Well worth  doing though and as we sat on the boat waiting to cast off the crew came around selling a refreshing cocktail made with rasperries and whatever alcohol. Would have been rude to refuse so we indulged covincing ourselves it was one of our 5 per day.




Following the cruise it was lunchtime, only wanted a sarnie and all the places along the river seemed to be restaurants serving full meals. We ended up going into the Railway station (Friedrichstr) which had a big food court. Found a little cafe that sold small bagettes at a very reasonable cost, just what I wanted.

Afterwards we decided to do a bit of a tram route to look at a few neighbourhoods in the east of the city, really enjoyed it some lovely places off the beaten track, lots of little parks. From Friedrichstr we took a no12 tram to Ebeswalder str, then changed to a M10 to Griefswalder/Dazinger and finally a M4 back to Alexanderplatz.

It was our intention to go up the TV tower but it was Saturday Afternoon and it was really busy and would have meant a 2 hour wait. They have a good system where you are given a time within a 10 minute window so can work out when you need to be there so can buy tickets then go do something else. However we made the decision to give it a miss with the intention of getting there early Sunday to beat the crowds.

So we decided to jump on another tram (M5 I think) into the east eventually finding a lovely little cafe, can't tell you where but it was next door to a Woolworths.

Not sure they had seen tourists before but we sat with the locals and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with apple pie at a total cost under 3euros (starbucks eat your heart out). Seriously would recommend anyone to just jump on the trams its a great way to see parts of the city tourists wouldn't normally, small cafes everywhere so just jump off as you feel.

Sussed a tram route back to U-Bahn back to our hotel but we made a mistake and walked in the wrong direction eventually finding a totally different station so had to change trains a couple of times to get back.

That night we ate at a Persian restaurant close to the back of the hotel, food was excellent think we both enjoyed. Afterwards we decided to try the Irish Pub in the Europa centre, they had a Karaoke going (not that we got up). Turned out a great place with a good atmosphere, had a few drinks and didn't get back to the hotel until about 2am.

Day 4 - The Late night put a stop to the early start to beat the crowds at the TV tower but we tried anyway but still the queues were too much so we jumped back on a train to Checkpoint Charlie.

Photographs weren't allowed inside but was really interesting reading the history and looking at photos, some of the escape stories really fascinated me. Only problem it was a steaming hot day and with no air-con was really uncomfortable in there (nothing to do with the night before alcohol).

After we had finished at CC we decided to jump on the public transport system to go to a area called Hackesher Market for lunch (its actually walkable from Alexanderplatz). We had travelled through the area the previous day on the tram and there were lots of nice looking pavement cafes and restaurants.
We sat outside a Grill restaurant and had a lovely gourmet burger washed down with a pint of the local brew.

Afterwards it was a little early to go back to the hotel and we decided to jump on the S-Bahn (as we hadn't used it) to Warscheuer str as there was a river bridge i wanted to photo. We could also get the U-bahn back to the hotel from there so it served two purposes.







What a surprise as we walked to the bridge, we came across about 300 yards of the Berlin Wall still in place, hadn't done my homework and realised some had been left standing.















Eventually it was back to the hotel and the plan was go to the Irish Pub after our meal as were intrigued that they had a "traditional Irish group" on, apparently made up of Germans and one Scotsman, lol.

On our way not too far from the hotel we came across a Chinese restaurant so decided to eat there, it was excellent so pleased we did.
Trouble is while there we got a big thunder storm with torrential rain, this made us change our plans and in a lull in the rain we went back for a couple of drinks in the hotel before calling it a night.

Part 3 to folow.