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Are you ready to explore Pohang's best attractions? Welcome to Pohang! This seaside city is nestled along South Korea's captivating eastern coastline, just an hour away from Busan, offering beautiful coastal views and a variety of cultural and touristic attractions waiting to be explored. The touristic and coastal locations make it the perfect place to visit during the spring and summer months! Plus, for K-drama lovers, Pohang it's the very backdrop that brought ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’ to life in 2021. Let's dive into the magic of Pohang's best attractions! What to do in Pohang - One-Day Essential Guide - Hands of Harmony at Homigot Sunrise Square - Space Walk - Yeongildae Observatory I went to Pohang in early August, and I had a lot of places on my list to see. But when I got there, I found it tough to visit more than three spots. The weather was scorching, and the traffic was heavier than I though, so I couldn’t cover everything I wanted to. Hands of Harmony at Homigot Sunrise Square (호미곶 해맞이광장) Homigot, located in Pohang, is described as the 'tail of the tiger', since the Korean peninsula resembles the shape of a tiger! Tigers traditionally symbolize strength and power, they are creatures that protect humans from evil spirits. Homigot marks the spot where the first sun rises in Korea, with so many people gathering here to watch the first sunrise of the year. As soon as you enter the square, you will see the ‘Hands of Harmony’, two bronze sculptures shaped like a pair of hands. They became a symbol of the sunrise festival held every New Year’s Day in Pohang. The two hands face each other - one on land, and the other in the ocean - the sculpture named ‘Sangsaeng’ (상생), means coexistence in Korean. It symbolizes harmony and unity, encouraging people to support each other. At the sunrise square you can find a variety of attractions and facilities, including the Homigot Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Museum, a few cafes, and a large souvenir shop. While I only caught a glimpse of the Homigot village from the bus, it seemed quite charming! Though there might not be much to see, it felt like the perfect place to spend a few days away from a busy city life. There are lots of pensions, beautiful and clean beaches with clear blue water. I wish I had known about it sooner! I would have loved to spend a couple of days there! Space Walk (스페이스워크) The Space Walk may resembles a roller coaster, but it’s actually a walkable art installation. It’s located on top of the hill of Hwanho Park, and admission is free. Measuring 333 meters in length and 25 meter above the ground, this walk gives panoramic views of Pohang and the sea below. After entering and climbing up the initial flight of stairs, you’ll have two paths to choose from. One is easier, while the other one is steeper. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for the steeper path. I visited on a weekend afternoon and found it quite crowded. If you have a fear of heights and shaky things, I'd advice against climbing it. I’m usually not scared, so I thought it would be fine, but after walking up the stairs for a while (the easier path), it got too shaky for me and I decided to go back down. The stairs were too shaky, especially with many people walking up at the same time. Perhaps visiting during the week would be better since it will be less crowded, and you’ll also have more opportunities to stop on the stairs and take pictures without people walking in front of your camera. Even though I was a bit shaking too, I managed to capture some pretty shots! I regret not making it to the top, as I'm sure the view would have been breathtaking! When it gets dark, the Spacewalk lights up with led lights. (I'll make sure to capture it at night next time!) Space Walk Info: • Free Admission • Opening times vary depending on the month and day of the week, typically opening around 10 am and closing in the late afternoon. While it’s closed on the first Monday of every month. • Always check Naver maps, or the Space Walk website for detailed info! Yeongildae Observatory (영일대전망대) Yeongildae Observatory is located on Yeongildae Beach in Pohang. The observatory, a two-story pavilion built in traditional style, is accessible through a charming bridge. From the observatory, you can see the sea and its surrounding area. On the second floor of the pavilion, there are benches and an open view. I visited just before sunset, and the golden light reflected on the wooden pavilion was simply beautiful and magical! Many visitors were just sitting there, enjoying the cool breeze on a hot summer day. I must say that these pavilions are amazing for taking shade from the sun. After exploring Yeongildae Observatory, I took a walk along Yeongildae Beach. As Pohang's most popular beach, it's ideal for families and friends. You'll find many cafes and endless seafood restaurant options! Explore More of Pohang's Hidden Gems: Igari Anchor Observatory (이가리 닻 전망대) Bogyeongsa Temple (보경사) Hometown Cha Cha Cha filming locations (I will make a separate post after visiting!) Cafes with sea view: Cafe Nest Co. (네스트 코퍼레이션) Cafe Odoli Odosi (오도리오도시) Oh! Bremen (오브레멘) How to get to Pohang? It’s easy to get to Pohang from any city of South Korea. You can opt for either the train or the bus. • Seoul → Pohang: If you’re coming from Seoul, you can either take the KTX from Seoul Station, which runs every hour, or the bus from the Express Bus Terminal, which also runs every hour. • Busan → Pohang: If you're coming from Busan like me, you can take the bus from either Busan Dongbu Terminal or the Sasang Terminal, which is very convenient. There are usually two buses every hour, and it only takes an hour and a half. Once you arrive in Pohang, you can easily get around by bus or taxi/car. Where to Book Bus/Train Tickets: Online booking is available, however, some online booking platforms may not accept international cards, so you can easily purchase the tickets at the station/terminal. Here are some recommended booking sites: Korail Txbus Kobus

Ready to explore South Korea's hidden paradise: Boseong Green Tea Plantation? Now, let's dive into the stunning Green Tea Fields of Boseong! Boseong is South Korea's top spot for green tea, and the biggest plantation is Daehan Dawon Plantation (대한다원 녹차밭), which is where I went. I visited in early August, amidst scorching temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius. Despite the intense heat, the Green Tea Fields were a vibrant green and absolutely breathtaking. Even if you're not a green tea enthusiast, you'll still be amazed by the beauty of the landscape. Now, I have to say that I did not make the perfect choice by going at the beginning of August because it was the hottest week in Korea, and I barely survived in 39 degrees. Buuut, it was so worth it to go! Apart from the heat, the weather was beautifully sunny, and the fields were breathtaking. While the timing might not have been ideal because it was the hottest week in South Korea, the beauty of the landscape made the journey worthwhile! Traveling all the way to a Green Tea Plantation is probably something that green tea lovers will absolutely enjoy. But, regardless of whether you're a green tea enthusiast or not, the green fields scenery is bound to leave you awestruck, and you'll be amazed by the unique experience. Daehan Dawon Plantation (대한다원 녹차밭) Daehan Dawon is the oldest, largest, and most famous green tea plantation in Boseong. This plantation is open all year round, and it's green through every season. However, the best time to visit is in spring when everything is lush green and the weather is also warm. I recommend visiting during spring, or if you like snowy views, you might be lucky enough to find white coated green fields during winter! The admission ticket is around 4,000 won, and as soon as you enter, you'll walk through a path lined with tall cedar trees. At the end of this path, before heading up to the fields, you'll find a souvenir shop, a cafè selling delicious green tea ice cream, and a small refreshing stream where you can cool off during hot summer days. It’s better to stop at the souvenir shop on the way down, because you’ll have to come down the same way, so no need to carry souvenirs with you. The souvenir shop has all kind of green tea products and cute souvenirs of Boseong. I bought instant green tea latte, and a few cute green tea fields decorated folders. If you’re visiting in a hot summer day (like I did), dipping your feet in the stream will truly save you from melting down in the hot and humid weather. You’ll have to hike a bit to get to the plantation's top observatory, so you'll be grateful for it on your way back down! When you pass the cafe, you’ll see the beginning of the green tea plantation. In the middle, there's a stairs path (the easiest route), and on the right side, there's a walking path. I took the stairs because it was the recommended path, and also because I wanted to take pictures from there. As you go up you'll come across a few decks with benches where you can rest and take pictures. If you’re a camera addict, it may take you forever to get to the top because you’ll probably find yourself taking hundreds of pictures in every spot! As you continue your hike, you'll come across signs leading to the ocean observatory. Visiting on a hot day, might make the hike seem hard, but it’s not as bad if the weather is not super hot. The ocean view from the ocean observatory was really beautiful. Plus, if you decide to go to the top, you’ll have the chance to view the beautiful plantation from different viewpoints. The more you go up, the more stunning the views become. Finally made it to the top! To go down you can either choose the same route you took to come up or continue following the path, which is what I did. Honestly, I recommend to just following the path because the road can be step or slippery if you take it to go down. When I got down I stopped at the stream, sat down, and dipped my feet into the cold water. It was so cold that I almost got a brain freeze, but the refreshing feeling was worth it. After resting for a bit I went to the souvenir shop, and then I moved on to my next destination on the list: 초록잎이펼치는세상. 초록잎이펼치는세상 Cafe The cafe is not very far from the plantation. I went by car, so I am not sure if it can be reached by walking or bus. It’s better to double-check. However, if you visit the Daehan Dawon Fields, it’s a must-see! The cafe, though small, has two terraces where you can take perfect shots. The green tea ice cream and cookies are really yummy, and the view is absolutely breathtaking. From the terrace, you’ll see the view of another beautiful plantation. I was honestly really happy I went there. Getting to Boseong • Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널) → Boseong (보성): There are currently two buses to Boseong (08:40; 15:10). It takes about 5 hours to arrive in Boseong (Check on Kobus) • Busan Sasang Terminal (서부산터미널) → Boseong (보성): There are four buses leaving for Boseong (07:05; 10:05; 13:30; 16:35), and it takes about 4 hours (Check on Bustago) From Boseong Bus Terminal to Daehan Dawon Plantation, you can either take the bus or taxi. There are quite a few buses going to the Plantations, so it should not be difficult to get there. You can check either on Naver once you get there, or here. Additional Tips if you're going in the summer: • Bring lots of water • Wear hats and/or uv protective umbrella + sunscreen • Take mosquito repellant spray with you • Must-try all the ice cream you can!

Where to Stay in Rome for First-Time Travelers? In the previous post, I talked about the must-see landmarks of Rome. Now, let's delve into where to stay in Rome! Here, I'll be sharing some of my top hotel picks & safest neighborhoods for those venturing to Rome for the first-time. Be sure to give them a look! Rome, as you may know, is huge, with lots of different neighborhoods to choose from when you're looking for an accommodation. If you're in town for a short visit, your best options are hotels and B&Bs. In this article, I'll only be talking about my hotel and neighborhood recommendations. So, Where's the Best Place to Stay in Rome? Let's check out some of the best and safest neighborhoods for tourists in Rome. - Fontana di Trevi - Piazza di Spagna - Pantheon - Piazza Navona - Trastevere - Monti - Areas to Avoid Fontana di Trevi - Piazza di Spagna - Pantheon - Piazza Navona This area is perfect for first-time travelers. It's also one of the safest neighborhood for tourists in Rome. Fontana di Trevi - Piazza di Spagna - Pantheon - Piazza Navona are all close to each other, so you can easily walk between them. It has a great vibe and it's safe too. Just remember, places with the most popular attractions, and lots of tourists, tend to be the safest, especially if you're alone and out late at night. After doing some research on the places I wanted to see, I decided to find a hotel near the Trevi Fountain because I planned to visit there early in the morning. The hotel I stayed at was: Giuturna Boutique Hotel Address: Largo del Tritone 153, Roma, Lazio, 00187, Italy Location: 4 minutes away from Trevi Fountain; 7 minutes away from Piazza di Spagna by foot Closest Metro: Barberini - Fontana di Trevi; Piazza di Spagna (500 m away) Prices: $100-200 per night What I liked: The hotel's central location made it incredibly easy to find it. Situated in the perfect area, it was close to all the places I wanted to visit, with many attractions, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance. Plus, it was cheaper compared to the other options I came across. The hotel staff were nice and friendly. The room itself was spacious, comfortable and very clean. I would definitely book it again for my next trip to Rome! Others - Best hotels near the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Pantheon: Hotel Accademia Address: Piazza Accademia di San Luca 75, Trevi, 00187, Roma, Italy Location: 50 meters away from Trevi Fountain Closest Metro: Barberini - Fontana di Trevi and Piazza di Spagna (600 m away) Prices: $100-200 per night 9 Hotel Cesari Address: Via di Pietra, 89/a, 00186, Roma, Italy Location: 4 minutes away from Trevi Fountain; 5 minutes away from Pantheon Closest Metro: Barberini - Fontana di Trevi and Piazza di Spagna (1 km away) Prices: $200-300 per night Trastevere Neighborhood Trastevere is another fantastic location to consider for your stay. This neighborhood is quite big, with its charming alleys and vibrant atmosphere. You'll find plenty of cafes, bars, and local restaurants where you can experience the authentic Roman atmosphere. Trastevere accommodations: Hotel Ponte Sisto Roma Address: Via dei Pettinari, 64, Piazza Navona, Roma, Lazio, 00186, Italy Location: 3 minutes away from Piazza Trilussa; 9 minutes away from Piazza Navona Closest Metro: Circo Massimo; Colosseo (2km away) Prices: $150-350 per night Giuditta in Trastevere Address: Piazza Giuditta Tavani Arquati, 113, Roma, Lazio, 00153, Italy Location: 5 minutes away from Piazza Trilussa Closest Metro: Circo Massimo (1.7km away) Prices: $110-250 per night Hotel Trastevere Address: Via Luciano Manara, 24a, Roma, Lazio, 00153, Italy Location: 4 minutes away from Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere Closest Metro: Circo Massimo (2.9 km away) Prices: $150-200 per night Monti Neighborhood Located close to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Piazza Venezia. Monti is a charming neighborhood in Rome. Here, you'll find many cafes, bars, and pubs to explore. Top hotels in Monti: Hotel Romano Address: Largo Corrado Ricci, 32, Roma, Lazio, 00184, Italy Location: 7 minutes away from Colosseum Closest Metro: Colosseo (400 m away) Prices: $200-250 per night Hotel Centro Cavour Address: Via Cavour, 237, Roma, Lazio, 00185, Italy Location: 8 minutes away from Colosseum Closest Metro: Cavour (190 m away), Colosseo (400 m away) Prices: $200-300 per night The prices of hotels listed are approximate and may vary depending on the season! Areas to Avoid Generally, avoiding booking hotels outside the central areas is a good idea. Tourist locations are the safest because there are always people around, cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby. I would personally stay away from areas that are quieter, isolated, and far away from tourist spots, particularly when traveling alone. Additionally, avoid areas such as Termini, as they're not safe, especially when walking during the night.

Planning your first trip to South Korea? If you're a first-time traveler looking for insights on South Korea, you've come to the right place. I've been wanting to write some travel tips for first time travelers to South Korea for a while. So this post is packed with essential travel tips to make your journey smoother. Let's dive into the basics and get you prepared for an amazing adventure! 1) Learn basic Hangul Most younger people do speak English, or at least understand some basic words (especially in Seoul). But it would still be good to learn some basic words and sentences. Saying hello, thank you and learn how to order food and drinks can be so much useful, plus you won't be stressed out while trying to get people to understand you. Also, if you're planning to travel to cities outside of Seoul, or to the countryside, knowing some basic Hangul can really be helpful to read city names, bus stops and so on! 2) Travel planning for Korea Whether you're staying a few days or a few weeks, getting to know a bit of the places you want to go to is really important, and this also includes where to go, how to move around the country, transportation, costs, etc... Korea is quite cheap compared to Western countries, but after Covid-19 hit, everything got expensive, especially if you're going to Seoul and want to stay in the most popular areas. Be prepared is better than be shocked afterwards! 3) Life-saving travel apps! • KakaoTalk Even though it's pretty obvious, Kakaotalk is the messaging app every Korean uses. • Naver Maps and Kakao Maps These are the only apps you need to move around South Korea (Google maps does not work, and even if it does is not reliable. So avoid yourself trying to rely on it.) • Kakao Taxi, Taba It's easy to use. You select the taxi option and type in your destination, then choose the option to pay to the driver (available for KakaoTaxi). Taba is a new app launched for foreign visitors, and it should be offered in multiple languages. • Papago vs. Google Translate I personally use Google Translate when I need it. I don't feel there's much difference between them, but maybe it's because I'm just used to it. • Subway Korea app You can choose the city and simply check how to get to your destination. There're also other options for transportation apps, such as KakaoMetro and KakaoBus, but with Naver and Subway Korea, you can get around just fine! 4) Choosing between Sim card and e-Sim Even though South Korea has free wifi almost everywhere, it's still important to have your own wifi. I have an iPhone and I personally always had issues with connecting my phone to free wifi networks. So I'd say that the best and also easiest choice is to buy an e-Sim or a sim card at Incheon airport. It is super easy and convenient to order and pay for it online. You can check it here. You can buy an e-Sim and follow the instructions on how to activate it, or you can pre-order a physical sim online, and then pick it up at the mobile phone kiosk at the terminal of your arrival. It's easy and very quick! I've used both options, similar prices, but I found the e-Sim is more convenient since you can buy and activate it before your trip. 5) Money and Cards (Most important things to know!) • You can pay by card almost everywhere. You will need cash only to buy street food, and charge your transportation card. • It's best to have a prepaid or credit card that's Mastercard. I always had issues paying with Visa (such as it being declined)! Same goes for foreign debit cards (works only for withdrawing money) • I never exchanged money before coming to Korea, or traveling anywhere! Withdrawing money at the airport's ATMs is cheaper and quicker. There are global ATMs at the airport, so you can simply withdraw the amount you need. However, mind that you'll almost likely have to pay an international withdrawing fee (probably still cheaper than exchanging money), so it's better to withdraw all the money you need at once! • You can't withdraw money from all Korean ATMs, because they don't all work with foreign cards. So, when withdrawing money make sure to go to → WOORI Bank ATM (works with debit, prepaid, credit cards). • Have multiple cards with you, if one does not work, you'll have options. • Foreign debit cards never worked for me to pay in stores, only prepaid and credit cards. 6) Tmoney for convenient travel Tmoney is the transportation card people use in Korea. Where to buy a Tmoney card in Korea? You can simply buy it at one of the convenience stores at Incheon airport. Most of them have super cute designs so you won't be disappointed :) Just ask for Tmoney card (티머니, or 교통카드). Remember that you can load your Tmoney only by cash! You can recharge it at any convenience store (CU, 7 Eleven, GS25, Emart24, Ministop), or at the charging machines of any subway station.

Welcome to the 'Eternal City'! If you find yourself with only a couple of days to explore Rome - you're in the right place! Here you'll find the perfect Rome Itinerary with the top attractions for your trip. Rome is like a Pandora's box, with its ancient streets and monuments revealing treasures of history, art, and culture with every step you take. While fully exploring the city would ideally require at least 4-7 days, even with limited time, you can still get a taste of its magic! During my last trip to Rome, I spent two days there, though brief, I managed to see quite a lot! In this post I'll guide you through how to make the most of your time in the 'Eternal City'. I've covered all the essentials for your unforgettable trip to Rome. I've selected the best spots that you shouldn't miss. And because no visit is complete without experiencing its food, I'll also be sharing some restaurant recommendations to experience local food in another post, so make sure to check it out. Plus, I'll include hotel recommendations situated in the best areas, along with transportation tips to help you navigate Rome easily. Must-See in Rome • Fontana di Trevi • Piazza di Spagna • Pantheon • Piazza Navona • Trastevere • Vatican City • Colosseo • Fori Imperiali • Piazza Venezia DAY 1: Fontana di Trevi For your first day in Rome, I absolutely recommend by starting your visit at the Trevi Fountain! The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in the world and a true landmark of Rome. The best time to visit is early morning, around 8-9 am, when there are fewer crowds. However, be aware that this is an extremely popular place, so it will be busy at any time of the day. Nevertheless, during these early hours, you can fully enjoy its beauty with a bit less hustle and bustle. Now, some information on the Trevi Fountain! It was built 262 years ago, commissioned by Pope Clement XII as part of a project to beautify the city's water sources. The sculptures carry a significant meaning, celebrating the power and abundance of water. The central sculpture, Oceanus, the god of the sea, represents the sea and its vastness, while the two horses represent the wildness of the sea. The Fountain is truly breathtaking. By the way, remember to bring some coins with you! Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain over your shoulder ensures good luck and guarantees your return to the Eternal City. Piazza di Spagna The second destination I recommend visiting is Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps Square). If you've already visited the Trevi Fountain, this will be on the opposite side of your next destination. So, you should consider your preferred order of visits. However. I still recommend following this itinerary, as visiting the Fountain early in the morning offers the best chance to encounter fewer crowd. Plus, is not too far to walk from one place to the another. Piazza di Spagna is about 8 minutes by foot from Fontana di Trevi, and there is a subway station right next to the square, making it extremely easy to access other locations from here. You won't find a time of the day when it's not busy, but even amidst the crowds, it's a beautiful place to see! At the top of the Spanish Steps is the Church of Trinità dei Monti. The Barcaccia Fountain at the center of the square was constructed by Pietro Bernini, the father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Surrounding the square and its alleys are designer stores, restaurants, and cafes. The vibe here is really nice. Pantheon You can easily walk from Piazza di Spagna to the Pantheon as it's only a 15-minutes stroll away. The Pantheon, constructed almost 2000 years ago, stands as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, buildings still in use today. Originally an ancient temple, its exterior is stunning, and its interior is even more impressive. As soon as you enter you'll find a majestic rotunda illuminated by a circular opening at the dome's center. Today, the Pantheon serves as a church, and remains a highly popular attraction. You can purchase entry tickets here. Opening hours: - Every day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry: 30 minutes before closing time) Piazza Navona After exploring the wonders of the Pantheon, your next stop is the picturesque Piazza Navona, just a short walk away. The square is renowned for its Baroque-style architecture and beautiful fountains. It's a must-see attraction, surrounded by restaurants and cafes. Trastevere Once you've soaked in the beauty of Piazza Navona, make your way to Trastevere, where charming alleys and historical landmarks await. By following the itinerary so far, you'll likely arrive in Trastevere during the early afternoon. I highly recommend spending an afternoon and evening here as there is a much to see and experience. Some of the must-visit places include: - Ponte Sisto - Piazza Trilussa - Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere - The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere - The Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere - Villa Farnesina (be sure to check tickets and opening hours in advance on the Villa Farnesina official website) - Tiber Island While it might be impossible to visit all the places in one afternoon, it's worth exploring some of them! Additionally, the charming alleys in Trastevere are filled with small traditional restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to enjoy and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. DAY 2 The first attraction I recommend for the second day is: Vatican City Experience the perfect fusion of architecture, art, religion, and spirituality at Vatican City. Saint Peter's Square, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, home to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, are just some of the must-see wonders in Vatican City. From the breathtaking paintings on the ceilings to the beautiful sculptures and architecture, every corner unveils a treasure. I remember visiting the Museums when I was young, with no interest in art, yet I was amazed by the beauty. Tips for visiting: to explore the Vatican Museums you'll need to purchase a ticket online. You can find tickets here. There are various options available, including combined tickets with access to the Colosseum. Keep in mind that even with skip-the-line access, it will still take a few hours to see everything. Vatican Museums opening hours: - Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm) - Last Sunday of the month: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm) → Free entry - *Starting from March 1, 2024: Fridays and Saturdays will have extended hours until 8:00 pm (last entry at 6:00 pm) Colosseo Have you truly been to Rome if you haven't been at the Colosseum? After exploring Vatican City, continue your journey to the Colosseum, an ancient marvel representing the grandeur of Rome. I absolutely recommend visiting the Colosseum both during the day and night. The good thing is that all the rest of the attractions are nearby, so you'll have plenty of time to see it. The ancient amphitheater built during the Roman Empire. It goes back to AD 70-72, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian. This stunning structure was used for public spectacles, contests, animal hunts and theatrical performances. Today it's still standing and it's still beautiful! If you're planning to visit the inside of the Colosseum, don't forget to buy a ticket in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during high season! Check out tickets here. Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine opening hours: - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm until February 29, 2024 - 8:30 am to 5:30 pm from 1st to 30th of March 2024 - 8:30 am to 7:15 pm from 31th of March to September 2024 *Last entry is always 1 hour before closing time Fori Imperiali Right next to to Colosseum, you'll encounter the vast ruins of the Imperial Forum. Step back in time as you explore this monumental architectural complex, a testament to ancient Rome's rich history. Comprising grand buildings and expansive squares, these forums were once bustling hubs of political activity at the heart of the ancient world. Piazza Venezia The final destination is for your trip is Piazza Venezia, a vast urban square in proximity of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forum. You can climb the stairs of the Palace and visit inside. Palazzo Venezia is also a national museum. For tickets, I recommended to purchase them on the website: VIVE Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia. Opening hours: - Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (last entry at 6:45 pm) - - - Before wrapping up your day, be sure to witness the Colosseum illuminated at night. Against the darkening sky, it gives a breathtaking sight you won't want to miss. Stay tuned for the upcoming post on the best places to eat, sleep, and get around in Rome! !!! **Always check the official websites for accurate information and opening hours before purchasing tickets**

Planning a trip to the Southern part of Italy? Then you should definitely not miss out on Ostuni, the 'White City' in Puglia! Ostuni is a charming town located in the middle of the Puglia region. This cute town boasts an amazing and picturesque view of white walls and whitewashed houses. It's like a beautiful picture when you look at it from below. I happened to stop in Ostuni on a quick road trip around Puglia in January. I only had a few hours in the afternoon, and even though the weather wasn't great, I really liked this little town. The easiest way to get around in Puglia is by driving. I parked my car at the public parking lot (nearby the Madonna del Carmine church (one of the closest parking lot where you can admire the city from the bottom), and guess what I found? A Ferris Wheel! Now, I'm not a fan of heights, but I thought, why not? And I was right - the view was awesome! The photo above was taken during sunset, but it's beautiful at any time of the day! Walking around the city center, you'll see narrow streets with old pretty buildings, all painted white. It's like a fairy tale. Even in just a short visit, you can't help but fall in love with Ostuni. The city center is not very big so if you want to fully enjoy, explore the town, shop and take photos all around, then I recommend spending one day in the city. The best time to go is in spring or summer. Sadly, I went in winter, and the weather was a letdown (but maybe I'm just unlucky, because I always end up catching the day with the worst weather!) But if you visit on a sunny day, you might need sunglasses because of all the bright white buildings! Some of the places I visited in Ostuni: This church is located at the bottom of the city center of Ostuni. Nearby there is the parking lot I mentioned above, where you'll find the ferris wheel. After passing by this church you just have to walk up the hill to get to the city center, and you'll see Piazza della Libertà (Plaza of Liberty). Stunning architecture everywhere! The pictures were taken in Piazza della Libertà. The first picture shows the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi. The church was built in 1304, initially in Gothic style, underwent renovations in the 17th, and 18th century, transitioning into a more elaborate design. Right next to it there is a civic palace. And in the plaza there is also a Baroque obelisk (photo on the right), dating back to 1771. It was built to honor Sant'Oronzo for saving the city from the plague. The arch, built in Baroque style, is situated in front of the Cathedral of Ostuni. It was originally a wooden bridge, then rebuilt in stone in 1750. It has a distinctive and contrasting color compared to the white buildings of Ostuni. Right next to the arch there is a cafè with outside seats. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of architecture and relax! You'll find something beautiful in every corner! So, if you're up for a charming adventure, give Ostuni a try. It's a town that steals your heart, no matter when you visit. Happy travels!

Are you ready to discover the charms of Monopoli? This hidden gem is waiting for you! Is Monopoli Worth Visiting? Without a doubt! If you're traveling through the Puglia region, then you should consider spending an afternoon in this cute little town. Sure, exploring big cities is fun, but there's something truly unique about delving into the hidden corners of lesser-known spots and soaking in those local vibes. As a lover of big and chaotic cities, my perspective changed after living abroad. It made me realize how essential it is to explore the lesser-known hidden gems to truly connect with a place, experience the local life, and really feel the traditions of a place, which is something you don't really get while visiting or living in a big city. I spent only an afternoon in Monopoli before heading to another destination in Puglia. The town is quite small, so it's pretty easy to visit the main spots within an afternoon. The places I visited: The history of the Old Port (Porto Vecchio) goes back to the 6th century BC during the Greek settlement. It witnessed the influence of many civilizations which influenced its architecture. This place was a crucial spot for maritime trade. It's from the basin of the old port that the new city developed. Charles V's castle overlooks the port, guarding the Old Port of Monopoli. The castle was built in the 16th century during the Spanish domination of the city. From the 19th century until the 1960s it was used as a prison, and today it's a place where exhibitions and events are often held. Well.. it sounds like a cool place to visit and get to know more about! The port was used until the new commercial port was built, and today you can see that there are only local fishing boats there, called 'gozzi'. These boat are different from traditional fishing boats, and were used for coastal fishing. Their color sure makes the view pretty beautiful! Monopoli Cathedral Walking around the city center you'll find really pretty spots to explore and take photos. This cathedral, called Basilica of the Madonna della Madia, is located in the city center, very close to the Old Port. It dates back to the 12th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century in baroque-style. There are a few alleys you can take to get there. I followed Google Maps and I ended going through a small tunnel. I was stunned when I saw the cathedral! It's a really good place to capture beautiful pictures! Some random photos taken near the Old Port and city center As you walk around the city center (Old Town), you'll discover some beautiful alleys, buildings, and churches. The architecture is amazing, and this town has some incredible vibes! Now - Food!!! I also want to recommend this place below for eating. I literally stumbled upon it by chance. I was looking for another place, which was closed, then I walked by this place and I thought it looked yummy from the outside! And I was right!! I seriously think that here they have the best filled 'focaccia' in the world! After the first bite, I swear I felt I was in heaven, ahah. I absolutely 100% recommend it! Location: Via Porto, 2, 70043 Monopoli BA Monopoli may be a small town, but its rich history, picturesque scenery, delicious food, and charming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beautiful region of Puglia!