Category: Travel

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Food & Drink

Don Dino Pastry Shop, a perfect place to go for a dessert in Split

Don Dino Pastry Shop

A famous pastry shop in the town of Trogir decided to open its first pastry shop in the very center of Split in the street of Tončićeva 2. Opened in October 2018, the Don Dino Pastry Shop is next to Marmont’s Street, a 2-minute walk from the Diocletian’s Palace, Split’s historic center.

Table Of Contents
  1. Don Dino Pastry Shop offer
  2. Pastry you won't forget
  3. A mind-blowing place to get your treats and sweets!
  4. The best places for desserts in Split
  5. Recommended Experiences
  6. Don Dino Pastry Shop – Social media

Don Dino Pastry Shop offer

I’m sure once you get in, it’ll be very hard to get out. You guess why? The offer consists of a large choice of quality cakes and ice cream. A large number of high reviews confirm that you have come to the right place (especially on TripAdvisor). One of the reasons for success is special attention to ingredients, with a lot of seasonal fruit from domestic orchards. Here you will find cakes that you will not be able to try anywhere else in the world, for example, a Diocletian and Marmont cake. Also, thinking that everyone could enjoy the desserts they have in the offer cakes and icecreams without sugar and gluten.

Pastry you won’t forget

Due to the great selection of cakes, we found it difficult to choose the very best but the waiters were very kind and helped us with the choice. There is also top quality Goppion coffee and a wide variety of wines from around the world.

A mind-blowing place to get your treats and sweets!

The interior is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern design. The traditional design is the walls that are covered with stone and bricks while modern style appears in the form of furniture and various decorations. Since the interior space is relatively small in front of the pastry shop, there is a large terrace.

If you are in Split and love desserts, this is the place for you. Also, for all sweet lovers, I would recommend another pastry shop that delights all the inhabitants of Split for many years. It’s about the Oš kolač pastry shop.

The best places for desserts in Split

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Don Dino Pastry Shop – Social media

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Categories
Museums & Galleries

Museum of Senses Split, the first interpretation center of fun in Croatia

A few months ago, one more tourist attraction is opened – the Museum of Senses Split. Otherwise, it is the first fun interpretation center in Croatia and it is divided into five zones: the area of vision, hearing, touch, smell, and balance. It contains about 30 interactive exhibits in a total of 400 square meters. We visited the museum immediately after the opening and this is a story about it.

Room with famous basketball player Dino Rađa

After you buy a ticket, a guide will also take you to the tour. He will explain how to use all the exhibits and answer all your questions. Of course, they are there and to help in the photographing and will be happy to help. One of the most photogenic rooms is dedicated to basketball player Dino Rađa. In this room, visitors can play basketball and become bigger or smaller.

Museum of Senses Split is full of amazing rooms, puzzles and illusions

The first room at the beginning of the route is the Mirror Labyrinth. In the room, you will see only yourself and the main goal is to find the exit. A room similar to this is the Galaxy Disco room where you will hear the songs of the famous Split musician Dino Dvornik. The room is exceptionally small but because of the large number of mirrors, it will look big.

Museum celebrates local heritage

Through all the rooms they tried to use the Dalmatian elements as much as possible to bring tourists closer to Split and its surroundings. You will notice this when you are in a room with Dalmatian winds. You will need to recognize them by smell. Probably one of the most interesting rooms will be the upside-down room wherein the background is the facade of a traditional stone house.

Museum of Senses Split – Vortex Room

The room that is not exactly for everyone is called the Vortex Room. The goal is to go through the tunnel and walk straight there, but I’m sure it will be difficult to succeed because your brain and senses will be completely confused. I was lying on the bed with as many as 1000 nails without any hurt. Finally, I will point out the laser harp where you will play the melody by waving your hands in the air. A ticket price for adults is 80 kunas and for children 50 kunas.

Discover the most beautiful and interesting sights around Split with Split Travel Guide Experiences. Find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do, and fun activities.

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Categories
Travel

Rotterdam on bike: One Day Bike Tour

The New York Times has awarded Rotterdam as a city that must be visited in 2015. One of the reasons is biking because in this city the bicycle is the main means of transport. Most cycling trails are separated from the road, and the entire Netherlands has over 20,000 kilometers of cycling trails. Since we came to this city for only one day we decided to visit all the attractions by bike. So let’s start the tour: Rotterdam on bike.

Table Of Contents
  1. First: Renting a bike and starting the route Rotterdam on bike
  2. Rotterdam Centraal Station
  3. Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
  4. Markthal
  5. Erasmus and Willemsbrug Bridge
  6. Hotel New York
  7. Rotterdam Floating Pavillon
  8. Maastunnel
  9. Delfshaven
  10. Schiedam – our last stop of the route Rotterdam on bike

First: Renting a bike and starting the route Rotterdam on bike

Renting a bike in this city is not a problem. An interesting fact is that there is an underground garage for as many as 3800 bicycles. We rent your bikes at the Zwann Bikes bicycle shop (link), located 200m from the Central Station. The whole day’s rent is 12 euros plus a 100 euro deposit which you will get back when you return the bicycle.

Rotterdam Centraal Station

Since we were renting bikes nearby, this was the starting point for sightseeing. For cyclists, the most interesting is definitely a bicycle tunnel that you will find on the western end of the terminal.

Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)

After just 5 minutes of cycling, you will reach one of the most famous public areas in Rotterdam. His name is Binnenrotte Square where are located some of the most famous attractions of this city. The first is Cube Houses. It consists of a total of 38 interconnected houses that symbolizing trees and altogether with a large forest. Because of its specific design, this house has become famous all over the world. About this topic, we have already written an article that you can find here.

Markthal

Right across the street, there is a market that has become so popular. Simply you must visit it. Apart from its shape, the building is also interesting for the functions it has. What are these functions and what’s under the wonderful ceiling find here.

Erasmus and Willemsbrug Bridge

We continued on the southern part of Rotterdam. To cross the river you will have to cross one of these two bridges. Going over Erasmus Bridge was a bigger experience, which is also the second-largest bridge in the Netherlands. We believe you will have to stop several times to take many wonderful photos. Willemsbrug Bridge has a dominant red color and will easily notice it.

Hotel New York

Hotel New York is a special hotel because it is located in the former Holland-America Line board building. There were boats on the way to America during the last century. The hotel was opened in 1993. Read here the history of this building and its meaning for this city.

Rotterdam Floating Pavillon

These are three transparent domes floating in the Rijnhaven port in Rotterdam. This building was very interesting to me as an architect. The question I asked myself was how to build buildings on the water and transport them lightly. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit it from inside, so we used it as a place where we made great photos of skyscrapers in the background.

Maastunnel

Finally, we return to the north side of town, which separates the river Maas. This time we didn’t do this by crossing the bridge. We did this bike ride through the bicycle tunnel. The tunnel is especially interesting because it has a separate infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles in relation to motorized traffic. The tunnel is 585 meters long and the deepest point of tunnel is 20 meters. Rotterdam on bike

Delfshaven

Our last station in Rotterdam. After bombing the city of Rotterdam during the Second World War, the only part that survived is the Delfshaven. All those skyscrapers, all that glitter of the modern Rotterdam’s disappear here. The famous Dutch hero Piet Hein is also connected to this place. The whole story of Delftshafen you can find here.

Schiedam – our last stop of the route Rotterdam on bike

All of these attractions we visited with a bike lasted for over 3 hours. Really impressive since we didn’t rush at all. Given that much time left until the end of the day, we decided to visit another interesting city that is connected with Rotterdam. It is about Schiedam, a town known for its historical center with canals and windmills. What you can see in Schiedam read here. Also, check out here our review of the Chinese restaurant where we decided to eat.

Lastly, we believe that if you are in better form (unlike us) you have time to visit the city of Delft. While for those more courageous, the city of Den Haag is not far away. And here ends our tour: Rotterdam on bike.

Categories
Food & Drink

Mockamore Rotterdam, Let’s fake your birthday and treat yourself

During our two-day visit to Rotterdam (read the full article here), we also visited the Mockamore Rotterdam coffee shop. One of the first questions is why we just picked that cafe. Actually, my girlfriend wanted to go shopping in the city center where her favorite fashion stores are located. Since we became tired after a few hours of shopping, there was a time to rest. In search of the best place to have a good coffee, we came to the coffee bar Mockamore Rotterdam.

Table Of Contents
  1. Let's fake your birthday and treat yourself
  2. Mockamore Rotterdam menu
  3. Perfect place for sitting and relaxing

Let’s fake your birthday and treat yourself

The first thing you’ll notice when you enter this cafe is the big inscription on the wall “Let’s fake your birthday and treat yourself”. This inscription is a trademark of all Mokamore cafes. Except in Rotterdam, they are still in Utrecht, Almere, Rosada, Luik, and Antwerp. The biggest advantage of the café in Rotterdam was the huge double space, as well as interesting ground floor chairs. Additionally, if you want to use a laptop then this space is perfect for you because the sockets are available in many places. The same goes for newspapers that you can find in multiple locations.

Mockamore Rotterdam menu

Mockamore is above all a pleasant place to enjoy a cup of coffee that is available in 9 versions. Seating areas except the ground floor are located on the first floor and on the terrace. However, here you will have the opportunity to have breakfast because the offer includes pancakes, sandwiches, waffles, and various pastries. For sweet lovers, there are cakes and their offer is changed every day. I would recommend you to visit the official website where the full offer was written in detail.

Perfect place for sitting and relaxing

The biggest disadvantage of this Caffe bar is definitely the prices. 3.55 euros for one espresso seems to be a bit too much. Like the fact that you have to order food and everything else in the bar. However, the service was quick and discreet and the staff was very friendly and profitable.

Find out more information about Mockamore Rotterdam on:

Categories
Food & Drink

Wok24 Schiedam, give your taste buds a taste of China

If you come to Rotterdam for a few days and wonder what to visit, most of the people will tell you similar attractions and places. However, if you are wondering where to eat, then you will get very different answers. We have decided to spend the whole day on a bicycle (read the whole post here) and finish our day by visiting the historical center of Schiedam with canals and windmills. Although we encountered many restaurants with homemade food, we finally decided to have lunch at the Chinese restaurant. Its name is Wok24 Schiedam and is located in front of the large shopping mall, Nieuwe Passage.

Table Of Contents
  1. Wok24 Schiedam Menu
  2. Online Ordering

Wok24 Schiedam Menu

Right here we ate the best food during our trip. You can select menu items from the menu or create your own selections of ingredients and the sharpness of the food. We took from the menu wok Chicken Teriyaki and Shanghai Beef. Both of us liked the smell, the look and the taste of wok. I’ll mention the Shanghai beef that was pretty angry, maybe even too much. Otherwise, it consists of beef cooked in black pepper sauce with a red bowl, mushrooms, green beans, and mini corn.

Also, you can choose a restaurant speciality with the same name as the Wok 24 Restaurant, consisting of shrimp with chopped garlic and chilli pepper, red onions, mushrooms, and green beans. The offer of drinks is more smoothly priced, ranging from 3 to 3.75 euros. I have to mention the very friendly staff where we ordered in English.

Online Ordering

All of these delicious wok dishes will be found at a very reasonable price (7.5-8.5 euros). If you are staying at Schiedam for a longer time this restaurant has the possibility of delivery of meals. The delivery time is from 12 am to 10 am and you can do it via the following link. With a clean conscience, I recommend this restaurant to everyone.

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Categories
Attractions

Hotel New York, a piece of Rotterdam’s history

In 1993, the Hotel New York was officially opened after this facility was abandoned for up to 20 years. This building with two green towers is in the hearts of many Rotterdam people, just because of its rich history.

Table Of Contents
  1. History of Hotel New York
  2. Hotel New York today
  3. The restaurant has a wonderful ship-like atmosphere with decent food

History of Hotel New York

In 1873, a company was founded which started the transfer of immigrants to the United States. The first name was the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart-Maatschappij company, but in 1896 the company got its new name – Holland America Line. This company builds this building in 1901 to accommodate its offices. For many Europeans, this connection to Europe with America was the salvation of poverty and religious persecution. During the beginning of the century, tens of thousands of people left Europe every year. In 1971, after more than 100 years of passenger transport, this company left the city. It was one of the biggest stories in the history of this city.

Hotel New York today

In 1993, the New York Hotel was officially opened. This year (2018.), this hotel celebrates 25 years since its opening. The hotel has 72 rooms each unique in colour and style. One of the reasons why to stay here is a spectacular view of the city and the port in the distance. Although surrounded by tall skyscrapers, it still stands out today with its appearance.

The restaurant has a wonderful ship-like atmosphere with decent food

On the ground floor of the hotel, there is a café and a restaurant. What will attract you to stay here for some time is definitely the interior. Filled with naval elements with high ceilings and a lot of details creates a unique ambience. Of course, during the nice weather, you can go out on the huge terrace and enjoy the ambience and the view.

The price of one night’s room is 100 euros to more. But this spectacular place has received very high reviews. Some of them can be read on the following link.

Find out more information about Hotel New York in Rotterdam on:


Categories
Attractions

Delfshaven, quiet location with the original architecture of old Rotterdam

After bombing the city of Rotterdam during the Second World War the only part that has survived is the Delfshaven. The demolished parts of the city were filled with skyscrapers that had no connection with traditional Dutch architecture. That is why it is a real surprise that during a walk in the city you can accidentally find a channel like Delfshaven.

Table Of Contents
  1. Quiet location with the original architecture of old Rotterdam
  2. History of Delfshaven
  3. The Pilgrim Fathers' church and museum well worth visiting
  4. A huge contrast with the centre of Rotterdam

Quiet location with the original architecture of old Rotterdam

We visited this attraction during the tour of the city on bicycles (link). If you don’t have a bike to the location it is easy to reach with tram or metro (official website of public transport company). The day during our visit was rainy so the whole part was extremely quiet. I would recommend visiting you in the morning. Also, if you have the time, you have the opportunity to stop at one of the restaurants along the channel.

History of Delfshaven

This city was founded as a colony of the city of Delft. In 1795 Delftshaven became a free city, while in the late 19th century it became a part of Rotterdam. In the history of the Netherlands, Delftshaven was of great importance because the warehouses and important ports of the Dutch East India Company were located here. Also, here was born the famous Dutch Navy Officer and National Hero Piet Hein.

The Pilgrim Fathers’ church and museum well worth visiting

At the centre of the canal, there is a church called Old Church, better known as the Pilgrim Fathers Church. In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers left the Netherlands and went to America. There is also a brewery, located in the former town hall of Delfshaven. At the end of the channel is a huge windmill De Distilleerketel. It was a windmill that used to produce traditional Dutch alcoholic beverages. Today you will be able to taste it as well as all local beers in the Pelgrim brewery.

A huge contrast with the centre of Rotterdam

The two sides of the channel with 2 historic bridges will surely be the perfect places to take photos for Instagram or any other social network. First of all, this part of the city is in full contrast with other parts of the city and will surely delight you with its ambience.

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Attractions

Cube houses, one totally unusual concept of building designing!

Opposite the Markthal, a building that has become the symbol of Rotterdam, there is another attraction that you shouldn’t miss visiting. It’s a Cube house (Kubuswoningen) where each of the houses represents a tree and altogether a large forest. Because of its specific design, this house has become famous all over the world. This fantastic architectural realization was designed by the Dutch architect Piet Blom. 

Table Of Contents
  1. Experience the modern architecture of Rotterdam
  2. The Cube House museum
  3. Completely unique
  4. Most iconic buildings in the city
  5. Recommended Experiences

Experience the modern architecture of Rotterdam

The whole complex consists of a total of 38 interconnected houses. Each house has 3 floors with a total of 100 square meters. The entrance is located on the ground floor. On the first floor, there is a living room with a kitchen and a small bathroom. On the second floor are two bedrooms and a bathroom, while on the third or last there is a small space in the form of a triangular pyramid.

The Cube House museum

The reason why we stayed a long time in this place is taking photos. You will be able to make countless wonderful photos and by the way to visit one of the houses. After the tourists began to come in bigger numbers in this place, one of the residents decided to open his home for visitors. The ticket price is 3 euros while the working time is from 11:00 to 17:00. Also, some of the houses have been converted into a hostel. If you want to spend the night in one of these houses, you will find all the information on the Official Stayokay hostel website or Booking.com. 

Completely unique

When you come there and you are under the Cube houses you will certainly be wondering how to live in one. I would recommend that you visit this place during the morning hours when there are not so many tourists. Then you will probably have a much better experience. The reason is that the whole pedestrian level is very small and you will pass it very quickly.

Most iconic buildings in the city

Take a day to explore architecture in Rotterdam. In the last few decades, many new city icons have been designed. The Markthal, De Rotterdam, and Kunsthal were designed by Rem Koolhaas, one of the most accomplished Dutch architects of all time.  Do you know why we have a lot of masterpieces of architecture in Rotterdam? Let’s go back to the time of World War II. A total of 150 bombs of 50 kilograms and 158 bombs of 250 kilos were dropped in the center of the city. Approximately 2.6 kilometers square was almost leveled and more than 900 civilians were killed by the bombs.

Discover the most beautiful and interesting sights around Rotterdam with Rotterdam Travel Guide. Find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do, and fun activities.

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Categories
Attractions

Markthal Rotterdam, the most beautiful Market hall I’ve ever seen

If you visit Rotterdam, Markthal is an attraction you should not miss. The contemporary architectural design of the building attracts you by approaching this building, particularly painted ceilings. Although newly constructed in 2014, this building has become a symbol of the city. It is located in the very center of the city, near another popular attraction – Cube houses (more information find here). 

Table Of Contents
  1. Architecturally stunning
  2. Definitely Europe’s largest indoor market
  3. A market to tickle your food senses
  4. Martkthal – must do in Rotterdam
  5. Most iconic buildings in the city
  6. Recommended Experiences

Architecturally stunning

The shape of the building and the colorful ceiling of the marketplace creates a special ambiance. The specialty of this building is its function. While on the ground floor there is a market with various restaurants and shops, in the horseshoe that cover the entire area are flats. This fantastic architectural realization was designed by architects from the office MVRDV.

Definitely Europe’s largest indoor market

On the ceiling of the building, there are artworks on an area of 11,000 m2. Painted by the artist Arno Coenen who showed fresh products that you can buy at Martkhal. Here you will find fish, bread, vegetables, fruit, etc. The name of this piece of art is ‘Hoorn des Overvloeds’ (Horn of Plenty / Cornucopia). More pictures and information can be found here.

A market to tickle your food senses

When you enter the marketplace you will see rows of stalls of various offers. At each stall you can enjoy free tastings, giving you the opportunity to taste the food before buying. On the ground floor, you will find various shops selling food, cheese, fruit, drinks, fish, local desserts, Japanese food, Turkish food, Italian food, etc. In the basement, there are supermarkets Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall and a few more shops.

Martkthal – must do in Rotterdam

Simply, if you like food, you will love Markthal. We have often come here to have breakfast or have lunch during our stay in Rotterdam. It was difficult to go somewhere else when the food here was so perfect. I would recommend chocolate sweets that were delighted to us. Also, check Tripadvisor where this place got a very big rating with full delight reviews.

Most iconic buildings in the city

Take a day to explore architecture in Rotterdam. In the last few decades, many new city icons have been designed. The Markthal, De Rotterdam, and Kunsthal were designed by Rem Koolhaas, one of the most accomplished Dutch architects of all time.  Do you know why we have a lot of masterpieces of architecture in Rotterdam? Let’s go back to the time of World War II. A total of 150 bombs of 50 kilograms and 158 bombs of 250 kilos were dropped in the center of the city. Approximately 2.6 kilometers square was almost leveled and more than 900 civilians were killed by the bombs.

Discover the most beautiful and interesting sights around Rotterdam with Rotterdam Travel Guide Experiences. Find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do, and fun activities.

Find out more information about Markthal in Rotterdam on:

Categories
Food & Drink

Caffe Booon, the place for a relaxed conversation with good coffee

The Caffe Booon is located on the north side of the Central Station in Rotterdam, only 2-3 minutes walking distance away. The reason why we came to this place is very good reviews on Tripadvisor and Facebook. Many people commented that this is the best coffee in Rotterdam. So, we have decided to check.

Table Of Contents
  1. A cute cafe nearby to Rotterdam Centraal
  2. Caffe Booon Menu
  3. Working time till 19:00h
  4. Where to eat & drink in Rotterdam?
  5. Recommended Experiences

A cute cafe nearby to Rotterdam Centraal

The street where Caffe Booon is located is pretty quiet for that part of town. Attending the coffee bar you will first notice the large windows that bring a large amount of interior light and provide you with a beautiful view from inside to the street life. The interior has a very relaxed atmosphere as the biggest advantage of this place. With a nice seating, you will feel like at home. During good weather, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air. The terrace is nice as it is sheltered from traffic and weather.

Caffe Booon Menu

The Caffe Booon is considered as the perfect place for a relaxed conversation with good coffee. However, here you will have the opportunity to eat something. On the menu are various breakfast pastries such as croissants and premium sandwiches. Also, with gluten-free bread and good vegetarian options, this place is great for a casual lunch. The standard beverage offerings are enriched with Italian wine and tea. We recommend smoothie with the mango that delighted us.

Working time till 19:00h

Of course, I have to mention the extremely kind staff. As well as the fact that we didn’t have any problems with talking in English. Unfortunately, the cafe closes already at 7 o’clock, so be careful when coming. However, I believe that it will not bother you to visit this perfect place where you will surely come back during your future visit to Rotterdam.

Where to eat & drink in Rotterdam?

The impact of international culture on Rotterdam’s food is enormous. You can taste the Dutch classics, but you also get to try Surinamese and Moroccan specialties. For your food tasting, visit Markthal and enjoy Dutch food (Dutch cheese, kroket, stroopwafel, herring, etc.).

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