All posts tagged: best

Feeling Festive at the Berlin Christmas Markets!

Published by

Berlin is one of the most culturally diverse and artistically relevant cities in the world and there is so much to say about this global capital, but we are gonna save all of that for later… because right now we need to focus on the Christmas markets! This city takes its holiday festivities very seriously, and there are a wide range of Christmas markets for every taste.  We visited a few of the markets, and our favorite is the WeihnachtsZauber at the Gendarmenmarkt, located between the famous Konzerthaus and the French Cathedral.  Our most feverish holiday expectations were met with joyous Berliners occupying pristine stalls selling Glühwein (hot mulled wine), handmade ornaments, gourmet holiday treats, and everything Christmas and Hanukkah themed.   Make no mistake, Santa Claus is definitely coming to this town! ^^^The holiday spirit abounds at this magical marketplace, and we were delighted to see so many festive wares on display in the square.  We spent the entire afternoon perusing the stalls and checking out the goods. ^^^We took a break for lunch …

3 Must-See Churches in Antwerp

Published by

Belgium at last!  We have been traveling without a chance for updates during the last few weeks and we are a few countries behind, but it’s time to take a short break to share these three stunning displays of Belgian heritage and pride.  We were only in Belgium for four days, but during that short time we got the priveledge of seeing the city through the eyes of a lifelong Antwerp resident, philanthopist, and friend: Kamiel.  He took us on a tour of each of these iconic buildings which dominate the city skyline and explained their part within the history of the city and their various restorations. 1) St. Paul’s Church  Located in the old city-center of Antwerp, the interior of this church epitomizes Baroque design and sensibility. ^^^Of the countless works of art displayed inside the church (including works by famous Antwerp residents Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck), the wooden Baroque confessionals are the most unique.  These sculptures line the enitre building and include meticulously detailed life-size wooden figures carved by generations of …

Best Art Museum in Paris: Centre Pompidou

Published by

The Centre Georges Pompidou contemporary art museum is a must-see while visiting Paris.  The stunning views from the museum alone are worth every cent of the €11 admission fee (we can thank Jaime’s old student ID for the discounted rate, usually €14).  This museum is a world-class contemporary art venue and holds revolving exhibitions of the highest caliber.  Who’s down to check out the Mona Hatoum show and soak up some sun on the decks of this postmodern steel superstructure in the center of Paris?  I am!  Let’s go! ^^^The Mona Hatoum exhibition on the top floor of the museum. ^^^Centre Pompidou has an amazing permanent collection as well, as evidenced by this mind-blowing piece by Jean-Michel Basquiat. ^^^The museum lobby.  The entire building has an interestingly inside-out quality. ^^^Thank you Centre Pompidou!  Long live love!!!

Paris: It’s All About the Crêpes and Macarons

Published by

Paris is a well-known foodie destination… and there is definitely a lot more than just bread and cheese going on here.  Of course bread and cheese is a staple of the budget-travel diet to which the Parisian boulangeries (bread bakeries) cater very well, but we are going to take a second to talk about the desserts.  Some of the desserts aren’t even desserts but entire meals in themselves, like the savory crêpes that can be found in their full glory among bustling Montparnasse crêperies.  But we will get to that soon, right now it’s time to check my blood sugar.  Hmmm it’s a little low… obviously it’s macaron time. ^^^Pierre Hermé and Cafe Pouchkine serve delicious macarons that are easy to obsess over. ^^^We visited multiple Pierre Hermé locations multiple times during our week in Paris.  The consumption of one of these delicate treats could be compared to a religious experience. These are priceier than macarons sold at other pâtisseries, but the taste and quality of these are well worth the splurge! ^^^Still a little low?  Tarte aux …

Copenhagen for Free | Best Art Destination

Copenhagen for Free: Best Art Destination

Published by

Statens Museum for Kunst (the National Gallery of Denmark) wins the award for number-one best, must-see, don’t-miss-it, gotta-go-there, how-is-this-even-legal-it’s-so-good art destination.  This museum is located in the center of Copenhagen and is known to locals as the SMK.  And the best part: it’s free.  But like LeVar Burton says on Reading Rainbow, don’t take my word for it!  Check out these pictures and you will get to know why this gem is worth so much more in this often-pricey Scandinavian capital. ^^^The interior gazes out into the Østre Anlæg park through massive floor-to-ceiling glass panes.  This is the section of the museum that contains contemporary art, so obviously this is where we spent most of our time at the museum!  Who wouldn’t want to spend an afternoon here?  That being said, where are all the tourists?  Where are all the selfie sticks?  Usually art museums of this caliber are full of them! ^^^The views from the museum are worth the trip alone.  When you get around to admiring the artwork, you will notice that the museum …

London Visual Art Guide: 9 Must-See Spots

Published by

London has so many famous art museums and galleries – and entry to all of them is completely free.  I can’t get over this.  These museums are all institutions which are held in the highest regard (probably bordering on religious fervor) and could only be described as “sacred” for any lover of art.  London is also brimming with contemporary visual art galleries well-known for exhibiting the latest and greatest, and they are all free!  Take advantage!  I originally tried to make this list highlighting the best 5 free art venues around the city, but that was impossible… there are just too many amazing spaces.  These are our top 9 must-see visual art spots in London. 1)  BEERS This is The Alternative Atlas top pick for so many reasons.  A pristine small gallery space in Shoreditch with a great name and an even greater show program.  1 Baldwin St, London EC1V 9NU. 2) The Tate Modern Too good for words… but the images speak volumes.  Bankside, London SE1 9TG. 3) Marlborough Fine Art Representing prominent international artists …

5 Must-See London Markets

Published by

This city could be famous simply for its markets selling everything from fresh produce, bread and cheese to  ready-made food, flowers, and vintage finds.  Let’s leave out all that stuff about London’s status as a world cultural capital and leading global city for over two millennia… we’re going to talk about the drool-worthy markets.  Who has time to visit a world class museum when there is a guy serving caramelized plantains from a stall over there?  London is home to some massive markets that set up on the weekends (and some weekdays) that cater specifically to your inner foodie and vintage fashionista needs.  With so many options and so many markets, how does one choose?  Here we present our top 5 based on food/fashion/art selection, vibe, and people-watching opportunities.  All are Alternative Atlas approved! 1) Broadway Market This has to be at the top of the list.  The market is located in Hackney in an adorable neighborhood… I got a great feeling from being here.  The market is open on Saturdays from 9-5 when the …

6 Free Things to do in Dublin

Published by

Dublin has a booming tourist economy, therefore it can be tough to absorb anything of cultural relevance without waiting forever in a queue or paying exorbitant admission fees (10€ to see one page from the Book of Kells?  Yeah right!) so we have assembled six destinations that are off the beaten tourist path and absolutely free.  While all those pesky tourists are waiting in line to see a book that was stolen from the Scottish, pay a visit to any of these six Irish wonders and you will not be disappointed.    1) Irish Museum of Modern Art This free museum is Ireland’s leading institution for the presentation and collection of contemporary art.  The IMMA exhibits works by world-famous artists in an immaculate space which is basically empty besides the gallery attendants.  When Marina Abramovic shows in New York people come by the thousands, at her exhibition here we were the only people in the room.  Also, the building is a 17th century hospital!  Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 2) Glendalough Walking …

Top 5 Dublin Foodie Destinations

Published by

There are one hundred billion pubs, pastry shops and restaurants in Dublin that should be covered here, but alas, the template for this blog only allows 3GB of memory.  So here are our top five foodie spots in Dublin… and yes of course they’re vegetarian!  If you want to eat a big-n’-meaty traditional dish then just google search Anthony Bourdain Dublin and you will find an expensive meal full of steak and Guinness pie… but you know we’ve been drinking Guinness all day and are in the mood for something different!  Who’s atlas is this?  The Alternative Atlas! 1) Fallon & Byrne Foodie Heaven!  This slow food inspired brasserie has multiple levels; a basement wine bar, entry floor grocery store, and restaurant.  We bought our dinner in the grocery store and ate in the building.  Leave your inhibitions behind and check out this cheese counter!  11-17 Exchequer St, Dublin 2 2) L. Mulligan Grocer Hands-down the finest veggie burger I’ve ever tasted.  Not to mention that they have my #1 favorite beer in the whole …

5 Best Edinburgh Coffee Shops

Published by

These are our top picks for your morning (or afternoon) caffeine fix in the beautiful medieval city of Edinburgh, Scotland. 1) Cafe Marlayne We visited this Leith Walk coffee shop multiple times; it is a great hangout spot with free wifi and a perfect place to get some work done.  The coffee is delicious and they specialize in french vegetarian bistro dishes.  Make sure to check out the unique assortment of hot teas, like the dandelion/thistle blend that Jaime is holding here!  76 Thistle St, Newtown, Edinburgh EH2 1EN. 2) Garden Y Cafe A charming little place which sits south of the Meadows and Old Town, the setting is picturesque.  I know what you’re thinking and yes, the spoon is a little heart!  1hy, 27A Marchmont Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1HY 3) Filament Coffee Lets talk about this green juice for a minute.  Filament has great coffee and the interior looks like it could be gallery in Chelsea, but seriously check out this green juice!  Drink this when you need to balance out the five cups …