Discover Gdansk and Sopot in Poland - Things to do & Where to eat

Nestled on the picturesque Baltic coastline of Poland, the twin cities of Gdansk and Sopot are a delightful blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. If you’re looking for a super unique and immersive experience, keep on reading. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the best things to do in Gdansk and Sopot, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this alluring and still hidden corner of Europe.

How to get there and how much time do I need?

If you’re coming from London, I’d absolutely recommend to fly directly into Gdansk, spend 2 nights there and then take a taxi to Sopot for an additional 2 nights

Where to stay in Gdansk?

🏨 For a chic stay in Gdansk: PURO
🏨 For the best central location in Gdansk: Hotel Hanza
🏨 For a unique stay in Gdansk: Gotyk House

Things to do in Gdansk:

Strolling through the picturesque Mariacka Street

• Visit 100cznia for sunset beach vibes, street food, vintage shops & more - It was hands down my favourite spot in the whole city

• Stroll through the stunning and colourful old town of Gdańsk and don’t miss: Neptunes Fountain, Mariacka Street for Amber shopping and The Green Gate

• Have coffee, matcha tea and pastries at Drukarnia cafe - The most instagrammable cafe in Gdansk

• Eat a fine dining dinner or lunch at Canis - Trust the waiter with their wine selection, it will be delicious!

• Eat delicious vegan food at Manna 68

• Have the most fun pierogi at Pierogarnia Mandu

• Try Polish craft beer at Browar PG4

• Have fun cocktails at Mala Sztuka - Definitely one of the best cocktail bars in Gdansk

• Climb the 400 steps of St. Mary’s Church for the best views of the city

• Take a boat tour and learn about the history of the city and it’s harbour

• Visit the European Solidarity Centre to learn about an important part of Polish history

• Visit the Amber museum (free entry on Mondays)

Watch my Instagram guide on the best things to do in Gdansk here

Things to do in Sopot:

To me, Sopot is a spa destination. It will invigorate you and leave you saying: ‘Why did I not know about this place before?’ So after you’ve spent 2-3 days in Gdansk, here are the best things to do in Sopot - Poland’s unexpected spa break!

Where to stay in Sopot?

🏨 For a luxury stay in Sopot: Sheraton Sopot
🏨 For a stay close to the beach in Sopot: Radisson Blu
🏨 For the best spa hotel in Sopot: Mariott Sopot

Bedroom at the Sheraton Sopot

Sopot Sunset Cruise

Mera Spa at the Mariott Sopot

Breakfast at the Sheraton Sopot

Lunch at Fisherman Sopot

• Stroll Along the Iconic Sopot Pier - Fun fact, it’s the longest pier in Europe

• Take a sunset cruise in Sopot - it’s only £29 per person!

• Relax on Sopot Beach

• Explore Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street

• Visit the Crooked House (Krzywy Domek) - It’s a famous sight and Instagram spot, though be aware that trees may cover it in summer

• Pamper Yourself at any of the Sopot Spas - Sopot is renowned for its spa culture and wellness retreats, making it an ideal destination for indulging in relaxation and rejuvenation. My favourite spas include: Mera Spa at the Mariott Sopot and the Spa at the Sheraton Sopot

• Inhale the healing brine water at the inhalation mushrooms dotted around the city

• Taste the brine water for free at Mamma Mia Sopot

• Eat a delicious fine dining lunch at Fisherman - Expect locally sourced ingredients, amazing service and excellent presentation. Take someone special

• Eat at any of the seafood shacks along the beach - you can’t go wrong here and Polish seafood, freshly caught from the Baltic sea, is an absolute must try

Watch my Instagram guide on the best things to do in Sopot here

Gdansk and Sopot are two alluring destinations that blend history, culture, and natural beauty to create an unforgettable and extremely relaxing experience. From strolling through the historic streets of Gdansk to relaxing on the sandy beaches of Sopot, these cities offer a diverse range of activities to cater to every traveler's interests. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a beach lover or just on the hunt for some of the best cocktails in Poland Gdansk and Sopot are a must visit so add them to your Europe itinerary this summer!

Things to do in Riga for a first time Visit

Are you planning to visit Riga this summer? I’ve just spent 3 days in one of Europe’s true hidden gems, so here are some of the best places to see, visit and eat at in beautiful Riga.

Where to stay in Riga?

There are plenty of good hotels in Riga, but we absolutely loved:

🏨 Dome Hotel Riga - They have a beautiful rooftop terrace and an overall modern design
🏨 Hotel Gutenbergs Riga - Complete with another stunning rooftop, just slightly more affordable

Best things to do in Riga:

• Take a stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage historic city centre of Riga and admire buildings such as Three Brothers or House of the Blackheads

• Climb St. Peter’s Church for the best view of Riga Old Town (9€ per ticket)

• Visit Agenskalna Tirgus for a fun flea market, street food market, flower market and vintage shop all in one place

• Head over to Alberta iela and admire the Jugendstil architecture in Riga

• Spend an evening at Tallinas Ielas Kvartals great place for concerts, drinks, street food, street art and music

• See the architecturally interesting National Library of Latvia

• Admire the beautiful pink Holy Trinity Church

• Take an electrical scooter or walk everywhere. It’s a fun, affordable and cheap way to see the city

Best for shopping:

• Humana Vintage for vintage clothes in Riga

• Conceptstore Riija for clothes, gifts, crockery, souvenirs and more all made by local artists

• Galerija Istaba for jewellery, prints, music and postcards (it’s a super cool coffeeshop, too)

Best for vegan food:

• Mazā Terapija, Kozy Eats, Nirvana Raw, Kozy Eats are all great places for vegan food in Riga

Best for drinks:

• Multiple bars can be found in the fun and vibrant Andrejostas Kvartals

• Herbary in the city centre
  

I’d say 3 nights is the perfect length for an extended weekend city break in Riga, and to be honest with you, I totally underestimated this city! It surprised me in every way and I would absolutely love to come back one day and explore more! For visual inspiration, have a look at the reel below :)

x Sandy

Best Things to do in Singapore for a first time Visit

Travelling to Singapore is like leaving planet Earth and landing on a magical planet full of lights, happiness and simply out of this world experiences! I loved every moment of my trip to Singapore and here are the best things to do in Singapore for a first time visit:

1. Visit Merlion Park - A leisurely stroll along the river, admiring the Merlion statue which symbolises Singapore’s origins. More here

2. Eat at Makansutra Gluttons Bay - Where the locals eat! Be brave and order a bunch of different things! Check it out here

3. Visit Pulau Ubin - A small island easily reachable by ferry. It’s less explored and a real hidden gem in Singapore. More here

4. Have Drinks at Haji Lane - A vibrant area in the city centre full of locals and tourists alike. I recommend Piedra Negra for drinks

5. Eat at a Hawker Centre - Newton food centre is where we ate and I highly recommend it! Hawker centres are essentially open air complexes where fresh local food is cooked and served all day. More here

6. Ride the Cable Car & Visit Sentosa Island - Sentosa island is essential a big amusement park island with rides, beaches, hotels, resorts and more! Get there by Cable Car for views!

7. Visit Gardens by the Bay - My personal highlight of the trip! By day it is a mystical, tropical rain forest where you can see the famous Super Tree Grove, a cloud forest and more! And by night it turns into an Avatar like kingdom! Do not miss the daily free light show!

8. Drink a Singapore Sling at Marina Bay Sands - The most famous cocktail in the country with the best view in the world - any questions? Book ahead though.

9. Eat the world’s cheapest Michelin Star meal - You’ll find it at Hawker Chan

10. Do a HBD tour - Learn everything about social housing in Singapore!

Things to know before visiting Dominica

We all grow up dreaming of visiting the Caribbean one day, right? For me, I thought I knew what to expect, but from the moment I landed in Dominica I knew this island was greener, more exciting and wilder than I ever could have hoped for. Here are some helpful things to know before visiting Dominica, travel tips and a few fun things to do.

How to get to Dominica?

Dominica is an island country in the Caribbean. And getting there is a little fun adventure in itself. You will have to book a flight to Antigua and then book a flight to Dominica. You can try and look at connecting flights, but my tip is to book them individually and pick up your luggage in Antigua before checking it back in and boarding your final flight to Dominica. This might be much cheaper so make sure you check out both options!

The airlines I have had good experiences with are Virgin from London to Antigua and LIAT from Antigua to Dominica.

Alternatively you can book a Ferry leaving Antigua - you just need to bring a little more time of course.

Things to know before visiting Dominica:

1. Dominica aka the Nature Island has 9 active volcanoes. This means the roads bend a lot and are small so sit in the front during your transfer to the hotel if you get as queasy as I do! :)

2. Dominicans love to party and listen to music in the streets. This is even more intense during Carnival but in general don’t be surprised if you bump into occasional street parties. The locals will love it if you start dancing with them and they will happily turn up the music even more!

3. The currency in Dominica is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar or ECB.

4. Dominica is hugely aware of eco tourism and sustainability, so if this is something you are focussing on when travelling, you’ll feel right at home.

5. The best time to visit Dominica is February - April. After that rain is very likely so try and book your trip for the first half of the year.

6. The language spoken in Dominica is mainly English.

Where to stay in Dominica?

We stayed at Jungle Bay Dominica - an incredible eco hotel. It has a focus on yoga, healthy living and relaxation which is perfectly combined with the sustainability promise of the hotel. Locally sourced food and materials, no plastic policies and refill eco friendly toiletries made my trip even more special. Oh and did I mention the infinity pool?

Things to do in Dominica:

1. Go whale watching - There is no discussion. Do it :) Seeing sperm whales in Dominica is about 85% guaranteed as many whale families live there all year round. It’s a once in a live time bucket list experience (see my vlog below).

2. Take a sulphur spring bath - When we visited the island we took a natural hot tub dip at a place called Ti Kwen Glo Cho which translates into ‘little corner of water’ in Creole. Anything else I need to add? :)

3. Go snorkelling at the champagne reef - Did I mention Dominica has 9 active volcanoes? ;) These have natural underwater vents which feel and look like champagne bubbles. Not only will you be snorkelling through hot and cold and bubbles (!), you might also get lucky and meet unique underwater wildlife. All harmless of course. Except for sea ants, one of them bit me and it stung like stinging nettles for about 2 minutes :)

Dominica is called The Nature Island for a reason. Expect tropical untouched beauty, friendly and incredibly relaxed people and wildlife that will take your breath away:

Thanks for reading and for any additional questions, message me on Instagram or leave a comment below :)

x Sandy

Where to travel after Lockdown?

The best places to visit when lockdown is over? I almost want to say, let’s go everywhere and it will certainly feel like that. To help you with travel planning however, I have collected some of my favourite ideas for places to visit post lockdown here.

1. The Caribbean - If you’re looking to unplug, for relaxation, no worries & beaches, the Caribbean is for you. I feel like a holiday like that is just what we needed, am I right? The two places I recommend are Antigua and Dominica

2. Eastern Europe - Hiking in Montenegro, cycling in Romania, discovering the food culture of Slovenia, I am here for it!

3. Ubud, Bali - That is if you are looking for a Yoga retreat type holiday! Switch off and heal your body and mind during Yoga and Meditation sessions and whilst eating simply the best vegan food in the world

4. The UK - Follow the green trails of the Peak District, get lost in stories about ancient Kings & Queens and eat fish and chips on the coast line. What was lockdown again?

5. Germany - Often overlooked but 100% worth a visit. Rich in history, castles and forests Germany has something for everyone and is probably the most diverse place on this entire list. If you wanted you could even visit Berlin and get lost in techno music - a super fun way to switch off as well!

6. And finally, do visit your family :) I know I will! Thanks for reading x Sandy

How to have a good time in Belgrade - Serbia

People asked me ‘Why are you going there? - The only things to to in Belgrade is drinking Rakija!’ Well, they were right about the Rakjia but they weren’t right about it being the only thing to do in this vibrant city. Serbia’s capital is full of unique experiences, beautiful sunset viewing platforms and the most scrumptious food. Here is a short list of how to have a good time in Belgrade - watch the vlog after to get the full experience.

1. Go with friends - I know this is against what every solo traveller would tell you, but honestly, Belgrade demands a group visit. All suggestions I’m making below are so much more fun with friends. Trust me you will make memories that last a lifetime. Sure you can make friends in Belgrade, but I am talking friends that you have known since you were just about old enough to imagine your first trip abroad. I’m still printing some of our photos from our Belgrade trip and am running out of space on my shelf soon!

My best friends and I in front of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade

2. Drink Rakija! - I was introduced to it by my friend saying: ‘In my village they make it in their back garden!’ :D Really? Maybe.. maybe not! Either way it is a strong Serbian alcoholic drink that will blow your socks off and will keep you partying all night without a headache - I’m a fan! And of course: Drink responsibly! :)

3. Spend time in local restaurants! - It might seem obvious to some of you but it’s too easy to be lead by shiny new clubs and newly built restaurants. The real gems of Belgrade are old, traditional and local restaurants. Honestly I never had a better time in any restaurant abroad than the night we went to visit Zlatni Bokal! We danced on the tables, we sang, we danced a little more, we ate amazing local food and we had Rakija! It was an evening I will never forget.

4. Visit Kalemegdan - Kalemegdan is is a park which is particularly beautiful during sunset. It’s huge, it offers you amazing view points of Belgrade and it is simply perfect for a long relaxed walk after partying the whole night in a local restaurant. This is exactly what we did and it was just perfect.

For more details, here is my vlog - enjoy:

The best Things to do in Murcia - Spain

The Region of Murcia is in south east Spain, it has 323 days of sunshine a year and it’s coastline Costa Cálida has 250 kilometres of beaches! What to do when visiting Murcia? Here are my top 7 tips of how to best explore this beautiful hidden gem. Oh and before I forget…Murcia is best explored active! :) You’ll see what I mean…

1. Go snorkelling - The area is known for it’s super rich marine life and interesting lesser seen species such as the moon fish, and if you’re lucky you might get so see some seahorses too! It is also a paradise for divers. When we went, we saw so many diving schools and diving boats out at sea exploring and because snorkelling was already so fun, it really inspired me to maybe look into learning to dive soon :)

2. Go Cycling - The coastline is too beautiful not to be explored intensively and therefore cycling along it is the best was to see as much of it as possible if you ask me. I love cycling and I love an activity holiday so when we got introduced to the guys from Ecoadventure who offer exciting cycling trips with electric or non electric bikes I was excited. It was hard, it was 35 degrees, it was gritty, it was off road and it was so much fun! Half way we found a little hidden beach to cool down and once we reached our final destination we were rewarded with Spanish ham & ice cold beer!

3. Go Hiking or Trekking - Another active way to explore Murcia? Yes! I understand cycling isn’t for everyone and it is exercise. So trekking along the coastline might be for you. More time to stop and take epic pictures of the incredibly beautiful scenery, more time to explore the vegetation and just as rewarding when you reach viewing points like the one in the thumbnail of my vlog:

5. Visit the Lighthouse of Cabo de Palos - There is a legend that says it was once owned by a family who then got swept away by the ocean and not it is electric. Nobody know if this is true, but what is true is that the views from the top of the Lighthouse are insane! I almost felt like I was filming with a drone, this is how far you can see :) More in the video

6. Eat the food - I mean for any trip to Spain this should be a must do, right? But with all these holiday activities I tell you, you will get hungry. And the food in Murcia is best described by wholesome seafood with a sweet twist. Arroz Caldero was my favourite, but they also make an amazing honey and walnut salad, too! Yum yum!

7. Visit the cities - Lorca, Águilas and Murcia city itself are 3 tips from me to you. On our trip we went to Lorca which is a beautiful and calm city so full of history I wouldn’t know where to begin. And Águilas is a seaside town in love with Carnival and crazy fun traditions. We went on a boat trip with Don Pancho there which took us a long the coastline, showed us some hidden beaches, and turned out to be much more entertaining than I had anticipated! :)

7 Things to do in Antigua

The first time I found out that there is such a thing as an Upside Down Jellyfish, the first time I actually saw one! Antigua stole my heart, not just because of its animals, but also because of its mind-blowing sunsets, its people and food, and last but not least, the wide range of activities possible on the island.

Here are my top 7 must do’s when visiting Antigua:

1. Go on a Nature Tour of the Island - You will be discovering Antigua’s most exotic animals & plants whilst kayaking, snorkelling and hiking! We had a guide so knowledgeable, he was even able to answer all of MY questions, and I am sometimes a bit over the top, asking questions like ‘…but how does this animal sleep?’ :D For me, it was the perfect way to discover the islands flora and fauna whilst staying active.

2. Visit Shirley Heights - Only Antigua’s most famous viewing point that turns into a super fun reggae party after sunset, so probably the number one must see of this entire list, if you ask me. What stuck we me, other than the fact that the sky turned about 4 different colours when we were there, was the fact that it wasn’t overcrowded - which was oh so lovely! Make sure to bring a tripod for that epic sunset time lapse, I know I did! :)

3. Stay in one of the Elite Island Resorts - That is if you are visiting for a special occasion. I was lucky enough to be invited, so I could experience the full package that the Verandah Resort & Spa had to offer. For anyone coming to celebrate something special or anyone who just wants to indulge a little, any of the Elite Island Resorts will not disappoint you - if you want a taster of the evening entertainment, or if you want see what the rooms look like, it’s all in the vlog below :)

4. Hike the Goat Track aka ‘Middle Ground Trail’ - Probably my favourite surprise moment of the trip. We had only seen a picture on Instagram of a lovely viewpoint close to Nelson’s Dockyard by the English Harbour, and what we found on the hike was that, but also many many goats. 20-30 goats of all ages and colours happily live along the hike and make this 20 minute climb just that much more exciting. Too cute!

5. Eat Mahi Mahi & try Susie’s Hot Sauce - Mahi Mahi is a local fish that tastes so good it will leave you wondering why you ever thought that there was nothing better than tuna. And well, Susie’s Hot Sauce is made by Susie, and Antiguan woman who has been making this world famous, yet only available in Antigua, hot sauce since 1960! You haven’t been to Antigua if you haven’t tried it - I dare you! :)

6. Visit the St. John’s - The capital of Antigua and probably the most colourful town in the world. It is busy, it is vibrant, it is incredibly safe and you can buy the most delicious pineapples ever. That should be all :) Make sure to visit the famous Saturday Market for extra exotic produce and Caribbean vibes!

7. Go on a Triflexcursion - It’s a thing! If you’re the active traveller, like me, this is what you have been searching for. Giles and Marc from Triflexcursion will get you Cycling, Kayaking & Hiking to visit hidden gems, their favourite beaches and to discover St. John’s with a local. It’s eco friendly, healthy for your body and mind, super interesting and, guess what, super fun! More in vlog part 2 :)

How to do King's Day Amsterdam right!

A man, dressed in orange from head to toe, pushed a wheelbarrow full of Heineken past me and I knew, I’m the middle of the Dutch National Holiday: King’s Day or Koningsdag!

King’s Day is quite simply the day that the Dutch King celebrates his birthday, and the entire country celebrates with him! What a birthday, hey?

I spent 48 hours in Amsterdam with Clink Hostels, I saw everything orange, tulips and had many cocktails! :) Here is a quick guide on how to get the best out of King’s Day. For more info and details you can watch my vlog below.

1. Book accommodation early! - Clink Hostels is a good option, it’s cheap, it’s central and they even have a super fun King’s Night party the day before. I attended it and I played a lot of fun Dutch games which made no sense but won me a shot or two! :D King’s Day is super popular and people come from all over the world so make sure accommodation is the first thing you look into. I know you want to plan your outfits first, but trust me this is more important ;)

2. Wear orange! - You might think, that this is obvious, but let me tell you I was dressed in orange from head to toe (see video below) and I got so many people coming up to me, complimenting me about my outfit, including me in their group, offering me drinks or a boogie and I felt almost Dutch! :D I was travelling alone after all, so this helped - a lot!

3. Bring something rain proof - An umbrella, boots and, or a rain coat will do! When I went it rained a lot - King’s Day, at the moment, is in April so you never know! I was grateful for my umbrella.

4. Book your space on a party boat, if you want to go all the way - I didn’t, but seeing the boats on the various canals, playing the absolute best European Dance tracks (don’t judge), I felt that this would have been the cherry on top!

5. Drink responsibly - I really mean it! King’s Day is so much fun and everyone is dancing outside on the streets. You will be offered drinks, shots, drinks and shots on every corner. Pubs offer you their very best orange cocktail, which will be super sweet and super delicious so it’s very easy to say yes to all of them :) Just make sure you pace yourself because the party goes on until the next morning, if you want, and you don’t want to be back in your hostel bed by 10:00pm - although it was very comfortable, I have to say :)

Things to do in Malmö, Sweden

Malmö is a coastal city in Sweden, only 30 minutes away from Copenhagen, Denmark! We rented a bike and off we went. It’s small enough so that you can explore the majority of the city in just one or two days. If I had to summarise my trip in one word I would say calm. I left this city feeling relaxed and excited to come back - Malmö has stolen my heart.

1. Rent a bike in Malmö - Hands down the best way to get around the city!

2. Take an ice cold bath - At Ribersborgs Kallbadhus you will be able to swim in the open sea, no matter the weather. It’s good for your immune system and your soul. Sit in the sauna afterwards and think to yourself: ‘ I did this! ‘

3. Eat at the Malmö Street Food Market - Malmö Saluhall - Exciting, vibrant and full of amazing food! We went for vegan Ramen, but the choice wasn’t easy. Overall Malmö offers amazing food options for every dietary requirement all over the city - which I loved :)

4. Visit the Disgusting Food Museum - You are now warned! Watch the vlog below for more!

5. Play Boule - I had never played Boule before but mixed with Swedish friendliness, Swedish beer and some competitive spirit this might have been my favourite activity of the day!