Five Things You Will Love & Hate on Your Florence Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Florence, Italy!  Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and there are so many cool things to see in Florence. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Florence vacation.

Hate #1: Tourist Crowds

With so many Florence Italy attractions, it’s a very popular place to visit. I’ve been here in different seasons and several different months, and it’s always crowded. In addition to battling crowds at some of the best attractions in Florence, you also can have long waits for a restaurant table and you may find your first choice of Florence hotel is already booked. With Florence tours being so popular, you’ll have to work hard to avoid the crowds.

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Hate #2: Florence Accommodation

As I mentioned with the tourist crowds, you really have to book your Florence hotel way in advance. The best mid-range hotels go quickly, so if you want to save money and still have a nice place to stay in Florence, make sure you are making Florence hotel reservations as early as you possibly can. Unless you choose a pre-paid rate, you can always book something early and then keep an eye on prices to see if you can get a better deal, but it’s always best to lock in something as soon as you have your flights.

Jocelyn is in love with Florence

Hate #3: Lines for Florence Italy Attractions

Along with tourist crowds, lines for the best Florence Italy attractions are inevitable. You could wait an hour to get into the cathedral and as much as three to four hours to get into the Uffizi to see the Michelangelo and Da Vinci pieces. Same with lining up to see David. The best thing you can do to avoid lines at the Florence attractions is to reserve your tickets in advance or book a tour that includes early access. The worst thing you can do is try to wing it, as you’ll end up wasting a lot of time standing in lines.

Hate #4: Pickpockets & Beggars

Huge crowds of tourists make easy targets for pickpockets and beggars, so you’ll see a lot of these around Florence. You have to be really vigilant about keeping an eye on your belongings to make sure you don’t get robbed, and the gypsies and beggars will hound you if they sense you might give them money. Just be firm, say no and walk away.

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Hate #5: The Duomo Stairs

The Duomo of Florence is open to the public, and you can actually climb all the way to the top for incredible views of Florence. But you’re going to hate each of the 463 steps it takes to climb up. And your knees will hate the 463 steps back down. If you want to climb up the Duomo, you have to reserve a time slot to go up, you can’t just go at any time. This system helps manage the crowds since the catwalk at the top is rather small. The views are worth it, though, and you’ll burn off some of the delicious Italian food you’re enjoying on your Florence vacation.

Just pick up the big sunglasses so you can fit in with the locals too

Love #1: First Glimpse of the Duomo

You will never forget the first time you see the Duomo of Florence. It’s simply breathtaking! This masterpiece was started in the 13th century and the dome was finished in the 15th century. So, when you see the tapestry, the facade, the doors, and the bell tower, it’s hard to wrap your head around all of the detail. You’ll want to spend time enjoying the Duomo from every angle as each side is different, and definitely take a tour if you can so you can learn all about how this masterpiece came to be.

Love #2: Rennaissance Legacy

The entire city of Florence is the legacy of the Medicis and is so full of amazing Rennaissance art and architecture. Just a simple stroll down the streets of Florence is an immersive experience; you feel like you’re in a museum just walking around. Florence is truly one of those cities that just takes your breath away.

Love #3: Statue of David

Michelangelo’s David is probably the most famous statue in the world and is said to be the most perfect sculpture ever made. You’ve seen it before in photographs or movies, so seeing it in person is almost surreal. The amount of detail carved into the marble is stunning. When you get up close, you can actually see the veins in his arms and it’s all carved from a single piece of marble. There are also three copies of David in various piazzas throughout Florence, but the original is protected indoors at the Accademia Gallery of Florence.

Love #4: Florence Museums

If you don’t want to wait in line for the major attractions of Florence, there are still tons of other museums you can visit. There’s the Bardini Gardens, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapels, the Casa di Dante Museum and so many more. Don’t worry that you will miss out if you skip some of the most popular attractions, although they are worth it, because you won’t run out of things to see in Florence.

Love #5: Aeriel Views of Florence

There are several spots in Florence where you can climb up high to get amazing aerial views of the city. One is the duomo, which we already mentioned. Giotto’s Bell Tower or Giotto’s Campanile is another popular tower to climb. It is 414 steps to the top where you can look out over the red rooftops of Florence. A lesser-known spot is the tower at the Palazzo Vecchio, which is also about 400 steps to the top. While you might hate the stairs you have to climb for it, the views of Florence from these high points are outstanding.

I mean you can’t have a blog on Florence without a ton of pictures of the Duomo, right?

Florence really is an amazing town and a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates art and art history. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Florence. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About a Mediterranean Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the countries of Southern Europe, also known as the Mediterranean! Southern Europe countries include Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and the South of France: some pretty great countries! As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about a Mediterranean vacation.

Hate #1: Labor Strikes

Strikes are all too common in Mediterranean Europe and unfortunately, it can affect your trip if you don’t plan ahead or if you are caught off guard. Sometimes it’s farmers on strike and the roads are blocked, other times it’s the trains or airport staff. If you hear that there are some strikes scheduled, you can be prepared and avoid them. You can always ask at your hotel about any strikes that might affect your trip.

Hate #2: Mediterranean Tourists

Yes, you and I are both a part of the problem, but tourists can be super annoying when you visit the Mediterranean. This is a beautiful part of the world, so it’s popular with everyone. Fellow Europeans, Americans, Asians; people come from all over to visit the countries of the Mediterranean. Mediterranean cruises are super popular now, so a small port city can be totally overrun by thousands of cruise ship passengers for an afternoon. If crowds bother you, try not to come during the busy season. 

Hate #3: Afternoon Siesta

An afternoon siesta is a strong custom, especially in Spain. You might find a lot of businesses closed from 1-3 or from 2-7, so getting things done during siesta can be kind of a pain. If you have shopping you need to do, make sure you plan ahead and know the local shop hours.

Hate #4: August in Southern Europe

The best advice I can give for a Mediterranean trip is to avoid coming in August. August is a big vacation month for Europeans, and this can affect you in two ways. The cities empty out as everyone flocks to the beaches, so you won’t find much going on unless you are also in the beach towns. And if you are at the beach, be prepared for crowds. August is also extremely hot in Southern Europe; sightseeing can be miserable at that time of year. The best time to visit the Mediterranean countries is spring and fall; weather will still be nice and you won’t have as many tourists to deal with.

Hate #5: Touts & Beggars

Sure, every city in Europe has touts and beggars, but they seem to be especially aggressive around the Mediterranean. They often won’t take no for an answer and will continue to harass you until they find an easier target. It can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. Watch out for pickpockets and scammers in some of the larger cities, too.

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Love #1: Mediterranean Weather

Mediterranean Europe is such a popular travel destination because the weather is generally pretty amazing. Aside from the scorching month of August, you can enjoy Southern Europe in shorts and short sleeves from spring through fall, with mild winters. Unlike Central Europe, rain is pretty rare here, so you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining any of your plans.

Love #2: Mediterranean Cuisine

This region is famous for food and wine and it does not take long to see why. These are the cuisines that people try to replicate around the world. I like to joke that you never see a Finnish restaurant in an American city, but how many French, Spanish, Greek and Italian restaurants do you have in your hometown? Now, imagine it ten times more fresh and authentic than what you get at home. And then there’s the port wine, sangria, Aperol spritz and all the great wine throughout the region. The Mediterranean is a definite foodie destination.

Love #3: Mediterranean People

Imagine how happy you would be to live in the Mediterranean region? It’s obvious when you meet the locals that they love life and are happy to be here. They are super friendly, and you really absorb all that positivity in the atmosphere while you’re here. They are so helpful and open, it really adds to the experience of visiting Southern Europe.

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Love #4: Ancient History

The quantity and quality of history in this region are astounding. The historic sights in southern Europe are not hundreds of years old, but thousands of years. It’s almost hard to comprehend just how old places like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are. Taking a tour of the Mediterranean region is like a living history lesson. It’s also really cool to see these places in person after learning about them in school.

Love #5: Soaking up the Atmosphere

In addition to all the amazing sights and museums of the Mediterranean, one of the best things to do in the Mediterranean is to find a spot in a cafe on a piazza and just enjoy the atmosphere. Nothing will make you feel more like a local than ordering a local drink, maybe some tapas and just kicking back to people watch.

We have visited the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe many times, and will return again in the future. It’s really a wonderful region for family travel. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a Southern Europe trip. Want more tips on Mediterranean travel? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Visiting Central Europe

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the countries of Central Europe! Central Europe includes Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland: some of my favorite countries! As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about a Central Europe trip.

Hate #1: The Weather

Central Europe does not have hot, beachy weather. It’s often overcast, and rarely gets above 70 degrees. It can rain frequently, so you always need an umbrella and/or rain jacket. Evenings can be cold, even in the summer, so you always have to pack a sweater to wear at night. Winter weather in Central Europe is not great either, unless you like snow and cold. The weather isn’t terrible, but it requires a bit more thought in your packing than just throwing a swimsuit and flip flops in your luggage.

Caleb loved central Europe from his first visit

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Hate #2: Limited Vegetarian/Healthy Options

The food here is great, but if you like to eat a lot of vegetables, or are a vegetarian, enjoying Central European cuisine can be challenging. Central Europe is all about comfort food: the cuisine of Central Europe is largely meat-based without a lot of vegetables, unless you count potatoes as a vegetable. Larger cities in Central Europe will have more vegetarian options, but some of the restaurants in smaller villages might be thrown for a loop if you want non-meat options. 

Hate #3: Prices in Central Europe

Sometimes travelers expect Eastern Europe prices in Central Europe, but that’s not the case. Some of the countries in Central Europe can be quite expensive. Switzerland is often cited as the most expensive country in the world to visit. It’s certainly the most expensive European country outside of Scandinavia. So don’t necessarily expect a budget vacation on your Central Europe tour. You could spend four weeks in Spain or Portugal on the money you spend in three weeks in Central Europe.

Hate #4: Service

It’s not that the service is bad necessarily, but it’s very brisk and professional. Don’t expect friendly waitstaff who will go above and beyond to make sure you have a great meal. They will take your order, bring your food, but that’s about it. They also expect you to be ready to order when they get to the table. If you ask for a few more minutes, it may be a long time before you see them again. This is just one of those things you need to know going in. If you expect it, you won’t be surprised.

Hate #5: Weight Gain

I may have listed Central European food as a “hate” but the truth is, it’s so good that you are going to hate the weight you will inevitably put on from all the amazing food. Starting with the beer, all the savory meat dishes and then all the gorgeous desserts. All of the food is very heavy, but it’s totally worth gaining a few pounds for. Besides, you can walk it off exploring each town on your Central Europe tour. 

yeah… you will love the pork too

Love #1: Public Transportation in Central Europe

Whether you’re using public transportation to get around the city or to travel between cities, there are numerous options for getting around. The buses, trains and trams in Central Europe are always working, they go everywhere and most importantly, they run on time. Most travelers plan a Central Europe itinerary with several countries over a couple of weeks, and the train system is a great resource for getting around.

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Love #2:  Central European Food

Unless you’re a vegetarian, the food of Central Europe is reason enough to visit! I love the food in central Europe. The food is very hearty comfort food. It fills you up, but you’ll always have room for beer and dessert. The Czech Republic invented Pilsner beer, Germany is known for beer and Austria has great beer and wine. Austria tops the list for desserts; it’s the home of Sacher Torte and you can’t throw a stone in Vienna without hitting a sweets shop. When it comes to food, there is a lot of pork, duck, potatoes, dumplings and gravy. I love the food of Central Europe!

Love #3: Central European Landscapes

The natural beauty of Central Europe is astounding. From the Alps of Germany and Switzerland, to the lake districts of Poland and Austria, the landscapes are stunning. While the cities of Central Europe are great, you can really plan an outdoor adventure vacation, too. Central Europe is the perfect destination for hiking, skiing and boating or kayaking on mountain lakes. Don’t think you have to have to plan your entire Central Europe itinerary around museums and major attractions.

Love #4: Villages of Central Europe

There are so many unique, quaint villages throughout central Europe, it would take a lifetime to explore them all. Everyone goes to the cities like Prague and Munich, but what about the small villages like Freiburg, Cesky Krumlov or Hallstatt. When you step off the train in these villages, it feels like you fell into a fairytale. Make sure you find some smaller villages to visit during your Central Europe trip.

Love #5: Local History Museums

In the larger cities, you get the national museums that are very broad, but when you visit smaller countries and towns, there are fantastic local folk museums where you can learn about the local history and cultures. The locals take a lot of pride in making sure these museums depict local history accurately and are able to give visitors a sense of what the town is all about. 

I have lived in Austria and Germany and worked in Poland. I love Central Europe and come here nearly every year. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Central Europe. Want more tips on travel in Central Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Love & Hates of a Czech Republic Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the Czech Republic! We love the culture of the Czech Republic and all of the fun things to do in the Czech Republic; it is a fantastic place to visit. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Czech Republic vacation.

Hate #1: Lack of Tourist Information

Chances are, you don’t know much about the Czech Republic. When I was in school, I may have known that a country called Czechoslovakia existed, and then it became the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but that’s about the extent of many Americans’ knowledge of the Czech Republic. Aside from Prague, then, it ‘s hard to know about all the things to do in the Czech Republic. So, you will likely have to do a bit more research about things to see and do on your Czech Republic vacation.

Hate #2: Public Transport

Compared to other cities in Europe, public transportation in the Czech Republic isn’t as good. There are trains and buses that go all over, but they are slow and outdated. Buses end up being faster and cheaper, so I recommend the bus over the train in most instances. For example, if you want to take a day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, the bus is about 30 minutes faster than the train, which can add an hour to your round-trip transportation.

Liam liked Prague… indeed

Hate #3: Language Barrier

If you stay in the main tourist areas of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, there will be people who speak English. But if you travel to some other parts of the Czech Republic, you’ll have a lot fewer English speakers to interact with. Speaking Czech is not similar to Spanish or German, so it’s really hard to even muddle your way through like you might be able to with some of the more common languages in Europe.

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Hate #4: Driving in the Czech Republic

Whether you are driving or a passenger in a car, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Some of the traffic laws are seen as suggestions rather than instructions. This is something to look out for, even as a pedestrian. If you are driving between cities of the Czech Republic, the highways are a bit old and rough, so be prepared for some literal bumps in the road.

Hate #5: Service

I mention service a lot in Europe. For example, service in Germany and Austria is brisk and unfriendly, but very professional. In the Czech Republic, the service is less friendly and less professional. The people are friendly, but the service is less so.

Love #1: Natural Beauty of the Czech Republic

As you travel through the countryside, you’ll see beautiful landscapes and quaint villages all over. It’s a really beautiful country to enjoy, with mountains and lakes and rivers. While the cities are great, it’s nice to get out of the cities, too and enjoy a hike. You’ll be surprised at all the hidden castles in the Czech Republic, too.

Jocelyn enjoys the architecture throughout Prague

Love #2: Historic Towns

The Czech Republic has some amazing well-preserved historic towns and villages, like Cesky Krumlov. It’s been a “hidden gem” of Europe for a long time and the word is finally getting out about this picturesque medieval town. But there are tons of other similar towns you can escape to that are just as quaint. The Czech Republic didn’t receive as much damage during WWII so there are many more historic pre-war buildings that remain.

Love #3: The Beer & The Food

The Czechs are famous for their beer because it’s really good. You can visit Pilsen and see where Pilsner beer was first invented. Even if you don’t drink, give it a shot because it’s a big part of the Czech culture. Czech food is also really tasty, hearty food. You’ll see a lot of dumplings, pork, and duck. You have to have the duck! A lot of restaurants in the touristy areas will serve Italian or American food, so be sure you’re getting some authentic Czech food while you’re there.

Love #4: Culture of the Czech Republic

I love the culture of the Czech Republic. The Czech people are so friendly, especially in the smaller towns and villages. Prague and Cesky Krumlov get the bulk of tourists, so they love having visitors in other areas, and they’ll want to show you around. They also won’t “BS” you, they’ll tell you the good and the bad about their history. They don’t sugarcoat anything.

Love #5: Prices in the Czech Republic

Traveling in the Czech Republic is super affordable. It’s not cheap like Eastern Europe but it’s very affordable compared to other countries in Central Europe. It’s about 10% less expensive than Germany or Austria but adds up to a nice amount of savings and it’s more money you can spend on Czech beer!

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What do you love and hate about travel?

The Czech Republic is a great country and we love visiting over and over again. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit the Czech Republic. Want more tips on travel in central Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Bamberg, Germany

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Bamberg, Germany! This is my favorite town in Germany, I love everything about Bamberg and we have visited several times, even spending a week here at Christmas one year. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Bamberg Germany!

Hate #1: Summer Weekends in Bamberg

Bamberg is a popular weekend destination for Germans who want to get out of the city, so it can get really crowded. You really need to reserve your Bamberg hotel far in advance during the summer, and even getting a seat for dinner can be difficult on the weekends.

Hate #2: Geared Toward German Tourists

Since Bamberg is really a German tourist destination, Bamberg tourism is really geared towards Germans. You won’t find as many English speakers here, but most restaurants will at least offer an English menu. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as you’ll be surrounded by Germans and not international tourists, but if you are coming from some of the larger German cities and are expecting a lot of English speakers, that won’t be the case in Bamberg.

Hate #3: Hotels in Bamberg Germany

When you visit Bamberg, you should try to choose a Bamberg hotel in the Old Town area, but there are not a lot of choices, so you do need to book ahead to get the best location. Bamberg hotels are sparse in Old Town, and you can stay in other parts of town if needed, but the best place to stay in Bamberg is Old Town.

Hate #4: Bamberg Tourist Sights

The best thing to do in Bamberg is to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s not one of these cities that’s chock full of tourist attractions. There are the canal and riverfront cafes, plus a few museums, but overall this is a place to enjoy the atmosphere, not someplace where you will fill your days with museums and castles. There are maybe one to two days worth of sights here. Bamberg is a place to relax, which is why so many German tourists come here. If you have the right expectations coming in, this is actually something you will love about Bamberg Germany.

Hate #5: Getting to Bamberg

You can take a train to Bamberg from Munich and it only takes about 2 ½ hours, but it’s pricy. So many people will use the Bayern ticket to save money, but then you are on regional trains that don’t always have the best connections. If you want to save money, you may have to change trains in Nuremberg or somewhere else, rather than getting a direct train.

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Love #1: Rauchbier

Bamberg breweries are well-known and my favorite part of any visit to Bamberg is drinking Rauchbier. It’s smoked beer that’s made in Bamberg. It has a smoky flavor with a hint of bacon to it. The first time you have it, it’s a little strange, but once you have a few sips, the taste really grows on you. I also love the white sausages in this region, but it’s best to have them in the morning when they are fresh. My Bamberg breakfast is usually white sausages, a pretzel, and Rauchbier. Don’t forget the sweet mustard!

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Love #2: Getting Around Bamberg

Bamberg is super walkable. As I mentioned before, there aren’t a lot of tourist sights in Bamberg, but I love just walking around and enjoying the architecture and sculptures. The Old Town Hall in Bamberg is one of the most beautiful town halls I’ve ever seen. Bamberg is made to wander. When you arrive by train, you’ll be surrounded by drab modern buildings, but as you get closer to Old Town, the buildings get older and older. It’s like walking through history.

Love #3: Few Non-German Tourists

Since most of the tourists in Bamberg are German, you won’t have the tour groups and busloads of tourists running you over at every stop. In addition to not dealing with crowds of international travelers, you’ll really get a fun look at German culture and how Germans relax and unwind when they are on vacation.

Love #4: Bamberg Old Town Hall

The Bamberg Old Town Hall is probably the most beautiful town hall you will see in Europe. I can stare at the town hall and take photos of it all day long. Each angle offers a different amazing view of the Town Hall, including the view from the canals. There’s a small museum inside, but the best part of the Town Hall is the exterior. You have to see it to believe it.

Love #5: Locals in Bamberg

We’ve been here six times now and the service and local treatment we’ve received has been fantastic. Even the service is great here. Visiting such a small town without a lot of international tourists gives you the chance to talk to the locals and get to know them. So, again, it’s not about the big sights and museums, Bamberg is all about experiencing the local Bavarian atmosphere.

If you couldn’t tell already, I love Bamberg Germany. The “hates” are really just minor annoyances rather than a reason not to visit Bamberg. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Love & Hates of Visiting Hannover, Germany

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Hanover, Germany! I have some good friends who live in Hanover, so I enjoy visiting this city in northern Germany. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Hanover Germany!

Hate #1: The Buildings Lost in WWII Destruction

Hanover was largely destroyed during WWII, so there is not a lot of historic architecture that remains from pre-War times. They’ve done a great job reconstructing the historic town center, but a lot of Hanover is more modern post-war architecture. If you visit the Town Hall, you can see photos of Hanover before and after the war so you can see how it’s changed.

Hate #2: Smaller Than Expectations

Hanover is a world-famous city and home to huge trade fairs, but it’s surprisingly small for the reputation. There’s a saying that Hanover is the biggest small town in Germany. If you come here expecting a Berlin or a Hamburg, you’ll be disappointed, but if you prefer smaller towns, Hanover might be exactly what you are looking for.

Hate #3: Hanover Train Station


Hanover is a major train hub for all of Germany, so there’s a lot of chaos and crowds at the main train station. It can be a bit overwhelming, but the staff here is extremely helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Once you exit the train station, you may see a lot of beggars or homeless people, but you don’t really need to worry about your safety. For the most part, the beggars and buskers will leave you alone if you ignore them.

Hate #4: Hanover Weather

Like a lot of northern Germany, the weather in Hanover can be finicky. However, there is a ton of green space around Hanover, so when you do have a sunny day, make sure you take advantage of it and spend that day outdoors.

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Hate #5: Service in Hanover

While service in Germany tends to be very professional but not friendly, the service in Hanover is a bit different. Our experience in Hanover has been downright bad, not just brief or unfriendly. This is the town where I made the mistake of asking if they had an English menu but forgot to pointedly ask if I could have an English menu. I received an answer of yes, but no menu until I rephrased my question.

Love #1: Small Town Feel in a Big City

Once you know what to expect from Hanover you will love how it’s really a small town in a big city. You have everything you would expect from a big city in terms of shopping, transportation connections, and entertainment. But it feels like a small town, so it’s easy to get around with no crowds. A lot of internationals like living here because it truly feels like the best of both worlds.

Love #2: Green Space

As I mentioned with the weather, some of the best things to do in Hanover are outdoors in the many green spaces around town. Herrenhausen Gardens are part of the royal gardens and were modeled after Versailles. There are fireworks in the summer, and dancing fountains. Then there’s Eilenriede, a city park that is twice as big as Central Park, with horseback riding, hiking trails and more. The Maschsee is a huge lake right behind the New Town Hall, where locals go sailing and swimming.

Love #3: Tourist Red Line

There’s a red line through the town, which passes by 36 historic sites over the course of three miles. Like Boston’s Freedom Trail, you follow the red line for a self-guided walking tour past some of Hanover’s most important sites. It takes you past public art, historic buildings, and churches, with many places to stop for food and drink along the way. Pick up a guide at the tourist center and set out for a walk. Even if you’re in Hanover on business, this is an easy thing to squeeze into your free time.

Love #4: Restored Historic District

Visiting the restored historic district is one of my favorite things to do in Hanover. The buildings have been really well restored, and they have fun events like Christmas markets and summer markets. It really feels like you’re in a small German village and that’s the ambiance I want when I visit Germany.

Love #5: Ernst August Brewery

The Prince of Hanover makes his own beer at the Ernst August Brewery. Visiting the brewery is a very traditional Hanover thing to do. It’s one of the few places in northern Germany where you can have a true beer hall experience, with huge beers with a side of pork leg. It’s family-friendly, but you can also stay late and enjoy live music. For a quintessential German Beer Hall experience, head to the Ernst August Brewery.

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Hanover is a really nice place to visit. The “hates” are really just minor annoyances rather than a reason not to visit Hanover. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Hamburg

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Hamburg, Germany!  Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, and the wealthiest. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Hamburg, Germany.

Have a watch and learn about Hamburg

Hate #1: Not a Fairytale German Town

What most people picture when they think of Germany – half-timbered houses, lederhosen, and giant beers – is actually Bavarian Germany. Hamburg is nothing like that. Nearly all of Hamburg was destroyed in the war, so it’s all been rebuilt in relatively recent history. While there are some historic buildings in Hamburg like the Town Hall, the city is mostly very modern. This can be a let-down if you are expecting old-world Germany.

Shop away in Hamburg

Hate #2: The Reeperbahn District

One of the things that Hamburg is most famous for is the Reeperbahn District; essentially Hamburg’s Red Light District. It is the definition of seedy, with strip clubs located upstairs from McDonald’s. However, there are also major theaters here, so it’s not all seedy, but you may find yourself passing through here and feel a bit uncomfortable. It’s easy enough to avoid if you want to.

Hate #3: Hamburg Weather

Weather in Hamburg is fast-changing. Being a port city not far from the sea, the weather changes quickly and it can go from a warm, sunny day to a cold, rainy day in no time at all. Make sure you always have a jacket and umbrella, or layered clothes to keep you comfortable in any weather.

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Hate #4:  Hamburg Winter

If you visit Hamburg in winter, from October through April, a lot of the boat tours are not running. Touring the port by boat is one of the best things to do in Hamburg, so you may miss out on some of these experiences by visiting Hamburg in winter.

Hate #5: Hamburg is Expensive

Since Hamburg is one of the wealthiest cities in Germany, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in Germany. Eating out in Hamburg, as well as Hamburg accommodation, is going to cost more than other German cities, like Berlin. A budget traveler can still get by in Hamburg, but it’s not necessarily a budget destination.

Cool city and there are more than 5 things to love

Love #1: Water Around Hamburg

Hamburg is surrounded by water, which is always a great thing for travelers. Whether you visit the port to see Harbor City or take a port tour, there is water everywhere around Hamburg. You can also easily reach some great beaches on a quick train trip from Hamburg. It’s also really cool to see how the port has influenced the city and the culture of Hamburg. You’ll notice a distinctly different culture than other German cities which are a bit more closed off.

Love #2: Hamburg Nightlife

Back to the Reeperbahn, it doesn’t have to be a “hate” if you are looking for great nightlife. Sure, there’s a seedy side, but there’s a ton of nightlife, both in the Reeperbahn and in other districts of Hamburg.  Hamburg is actually where the Beatles started playing, and you can still visit some of the clubs where they played early on. You can get really good quality drinks at a fair (not cheap) price. In addition to nightclubs, there are theaters, the opera, ballet, and many other things to do in Hamburg at night.

Love #3: Day Trips from Hamburg

While there isn’t a lot of “Old World” Germany to see in Hamburg, there are a lot of great day trips from Hamburg, where you can see historic villages only an hour away. I have four favorite day trips from Hamburg. Luebeck is 45 minutes by train and has a ton of history, including the third-largest church in Germany. Lueneburg is only 35 minutes by train, where you can see the old salt mines and the Old Town. Bremen is a bit larger city an hour from Hamburg, and Hannover is also about an hour from Hamburg. For a taste of Eastern Germany, you can go to Schwerin and visit the castle. While there are many great things to do in Hamburg, it also makes a great home base for exploring northern Germany.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Love #4: Things to Do in Hamburg

Hamburg has one of the coolest town halls in Europe. The Kunsthalle, or Art Museum, has a great collection that includes Rubens and Warhol. There are tons of churches to explore, like the St. Michaels Church. Miniatur Wunderland is the largest model train museum in the world and a fun place to visit with kids. Hamburg is so much more than the port and businesses.

Love #5: Hamburg Residents

While a lot of Germans tend to be cold and standoffish, the people of Hamburg are very open and welcoming. Being a port city with international business, they seem to be more open to new cultures and travelers from all over the world. It’s a very different vibe and the people are really great to get to know.

there are a lot of great buildings in Hamburg

Hamburg is a really cool city in Germany, very different from other German towns you may have visited. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Hamburg. Want more travel tips for Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

The Best of Bavaria for Tourists & a Few Negatives

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Bavaria, Germany!  Bavaria is an amazing region, with the capital city of Munich and some of the best castles in Germany. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Bavaria, Germany.

Hate #1: Beer Gardens of Bavaria

No, you won’t hate the beer gardens, but you might hate trying to find a seat at the beer gardens when the weather is nice. Bavarians love their beer gardens and at the first peak of sunshine, the beer gardens fill up, so it can be hard to find a spot. Even on a sunny winter afternoon, you’ll see Bavarians enjoying the beer gardens. Tourists also love the beer gardens, so if you want to make sure you are able to get a seat, you either need to go early or make a reservation.

Hate #2: Heavy Food and Drink

Bavarians are big fans of pork dishes and beer. Hamhocks, pork knuckle and sausages are all heavily featured in Bavarian food, as are dumplings. The beer in Bavaria is delicious, too. I love food, so why is this on the hate list? Well, it can be hard to eat healthy in Bavaria, and you might even gain a few pounds. It’s not a bad idea to have some Tums, Pepto-Bismol or Gas-X packed in your traveling kit, especially if you are not used to so much rich food.

Hate #3: Bavaria Budget

This is probably the place in Germany where you’ll probably spend the most money. It’s not the most expensive place in Germany, but there are so many things to do in Bavaria that you will inevitably spend a lot of money while you’re here. Eating out a lot gets expensive as well; pay attention to what the locals do. You’ll often see them picnicing in a park and enjoying the weather while saving money from eating out. The Bayern-Ticket is another great way to save money while you travel in Bavaria. It’s a group ticket that can save you a lot of money on the regional trains.

Hate #4: Tourists in Bavaria

Yes, Oktoberfest is a huge draw, but even at other times of the year, tourists flock to Bavaria. It’s the quintessential German experience, with mountain villages, castles and half-timbered houses, so this is the part of Germany that everyone wants to see. Even Germans from other parts of the country come here on vacation, so Bavaria can get really crowded with tourists. Make sure you reserve your hotels far in advance. The same goes for Oktoberfest hotels and beer garden reservations.

Hate #5: Not Experiencing All of Bavaria

It seems that most travelers only find out that there’s so much more to Bavaria than Munich on their last day in town. So many people come to Munich and explore all the great things to do, and they forget to get to the other cool towns of Bavaria, like Regensburg or Nuremburg. There are so many neat areas to explore in Bavaria, so even though you can easily fill up a week in Munich, try to plan some time in other parts of Bavaria while you’re here.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Munich

Love #1: Bavarian Villages

To keep with the theme of Hate #5, if you get out to see some other parts of Bavaria, you are going to love it! Each Bavarian village has a unique history and interesting stories to learn. Bamberg has one of the prettiest town halls in Europe, and Bavaria is home to some of the best castles in Germany. Of course, there’s Neuschwanstein, but there are tons of other castles in Bavaria. As you travel around Bavaria, you can learn about crazy King Ludwig and how he drowned in just three inches of water….or did he?

Love #2: Quintessential Germany

When you pictured Germany in your head before arriving, you were picturing Bavaria. When you think of beer halls and giant pork knuckles and lederhosen and giant mugs of beer, that’s Bavaria! Why is this the part of Germany that comes to mind for Americans? Well, the US controlled this area of Germany after WWII, so most of our soldiers were in Bavaria, and brought those images and memories back home with them. They have mastered the art of beer here, including my favorite beer in the world, Bamberg’s Rauchbier.

Love #3: Bavarian Cuisine

Well, I tried to list this one as a hate, but there’s nothing to hate about Bavarian cuisine, other than my inability to resist it! This is the epicenter of hearty, German cuisine, with the pork knuckles, the sausages, dumplings, streudel. I could go on and on about Bavarian food because I love it so much. Make sure you try the sweet mustard, too. And don’t forget the beer!

Love #4: Natural Beauty of Bavaria

The towns of Bavaria are great, but so is the nature of Bavaria. There is skiing, hiking and so many great cycling paths throughout Bavaria. The entire southern border of Bavaria, which is adjacent to Austria, is part of the Alps, so you have beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Bavarian Alps, hidden lakes and hot springs (baden) resorts throughout Bavaria. If you love being outdoors, then you are going to love Bavaria.

Love #5: Christmas Markets

Bavaria has some of the best Christmas markets in Germany. Bavaria is a very Catholic area of Germany, so they are not only very religious about Christmas, but they also love to celebrate this time of year. Each small town has their own Christmas market, and you can easily travel around to explore them all.

The Best Christmas Market Foods to Try

Bonus Love: Bavarian People

I can’t forget to mention Bavarian people as something you are going to love about Bavaria. They are some of the nices Germans you will meet. I’ve brought students here, and traveled here on my own or with my family, and they are always so helpful. If you get the chance to meet some locals in Bavaria, it’s completely worthwhile.

Bavaria is an amazing region of Germany, and one of my favorite places to visit. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Bavaria. Want more travel tips for Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

The Best & Worst of Visiting Frankfurt, Germany

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Frankfurt, Germany! There are lots of fun things to do in Frankfurt and we love coming here as a family. It’s an interesting mix of modern and historic Germany. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Frankfurt.

Hate #1: Hotels in Frankfurt Germany

It is expensive to stay in Frankfurt. Frankfurt is a financial center, so hotels in Frankfurt Germany are not cheap. Between business travelers and government travelers, Frankfurt hotels are able to get away with charging more. The best thing you can do is to reserve your Frankfurt hotel far in advance and continue to look for deals in the months leading up to your trip or look for an apartment rental rather than a hotel.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #2: Frankfurt’s Size

Frankfurt is an international financial hub, so it’s often lumped in with other major international cities, like London, Paris or Tokyo. So you may be expecting this huge metropolis, but Frankfurt isn’t actually that big. The city itself only has less than a million people. This is only a “hate” if you are expecting a major cosmopolitan city, but it makes Frankfurt quite manageable for getting around.

Hate #3: No Fairytale German Town

What most people picture when they think of Germany – half-timbered houses, lederhosen, and giant beers – is actually Bavarian Germany. Frankfurt is nothing like that. Nearly all of Frankfurt was destroyed in the war, so it’s all been rebuilt in relatively recent history. While there are some historic buildings in Frankfurt, the city is mostly modern skyscrapers. This can be a let-down if you are expecting the Bavarian ambiance.

Hate #4: Train Station Neighborhood

Chances are, you will arrive in Frankfurt to the Hauptbahnhof and once you exit the station, you are in the shadiest neighborhood in Frankfurt. From porn shops to beggars and street scammers, your first impression of Frankfurt will not be great. All of Frankfurt isn’t like this, but the area around the train station is not someplace you want to hang around. Keep this in mind when browsing hotels in Frankfurt Germany as well.

Hate #5: Jet Lag & Frankfurt Airports

If you fly into Frankfurt from overseas, you’re going to have jet lag. Frankfurt is a major airline hub, so people are arriving from every continent and nearly everyone will have jet lag upon arrival. It’s a shame because recovering from jet lag can really cut into the time you have to enjoy Frankfurt. Also, note which airport you are flying into; commuter flights come into Frankfurt Hahn, which is very far outside of the city. So you might save money on a cheap flight to Frankfurt only to spend more money just getting from the airport to Frankfurt.

Love #1: Modern City

While it’s not quaint Bavarian architecture, Frankfurt has really great modern architecture and lots of skyscrapers. Some of these skyscrapers have observation decks where you can get really great views of Frankfurt. Skyscrapers in Europe are kind of an anomaly when you’ve been traveling through some of the older cities, so modern Frankfurt is a nice change of pace in the middle of Germany.

Love #2: Frankfurt Transportation Connections

You can get almost anywhere from Frankfurt. Frankfurt is a major hub for the United States military, and there are flights to just about anywhere in the world from Frankfurt. You can also get around Europe easily by train or bus, and there are budget flights all over Europe. So, it can be easy to find a good deal on a flight to Frankfurt and then take advantage of connections to get to other destinations. Or, you can use Frankfurt as a hub and take many fun day trips around the region.

Love #3: Frankfurt Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen Frankfurt is a hip neighborhood on the other side of the river and it’s one of the historic areas of Frankfurt. Narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with apple-wine pubs,  nightclubs, and German restaurants. One of my favorite things to do in Frankfurt is to visit the Sachsenhausen for apple wine and sausages. Apple wine is a regional specialty of Frankfurt and sausage is a very German food that you should try at least once when you visit.

Five Things You Have to Eat in Germany

Love #4: Frankfurt Museums

Although Frankfurt is a relatively small city, there are a surprising number of world-class museums in Frankfurt. Along the river, they have the “Museum Embankment” where you’ll find all kinds of great museums. There’s a great film museum, Germany’s largest natural history museum and many more. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring the amazing museums in Frankfurt.

Love #5: Frankfurt’s Romerberg Area

While I do love the modern aspect of Frankfurt’s skyscrapers, I do love to visit the Romerberg area, which is the rebuilt section of Frankfurt’s Old Town. It’s like a little German village set amidst a very modern city. The main square is surrounded by sidewalk cafes and shops, with the requisite cathedral tower looming over the square.

Frankfurt is a really nice place and I’ve enjoyed visiting Frankfurt several times over the years. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Frankfurt. Want more travel tips for Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Love & Hates that Tourists Love about Vacationing in Berlin

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Berlin, Germany! I went to school here and lived in Berlin for 2 ½ years; I love this city. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you are visiting Berlin on vacation.

Hate #1: Size of Berlin

Berlin is actually a huge city. Because it was divided by the wall for many years, there are multiple city centers. In the east, you have Alexanderplatz and in the west, you have a center on the Ku’damm. And then you have the new center, Potsdamer Platz. Berlin is very spread out, so you can expect to spend a lot of time traveling from one place to the other in Berlin. To get from one side of town to the other, it can take 45 minutes or an hour. The size and diversity is also a benefit to Berlin but just plan your days accordingly to account for travel time between areas of Berlin.

12 Don’ts of Berlin: Things You Shouldn’t Do in Berlin

Hate #2: It’s Not the Germany You Imagine (which is good)

Berlin is a very international, cosmopolitan city and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, it doesn’t feel like a traditional German city. You’re just as likely to hear English, Spanish or Italian in Berlin as you are to hear German. Don’t expect to see the quaint half-timbered houses in Berlin that you see in other parts of Germany. What you will find, though, are great international cuisines, like Turkish and Greek restaurants.

Berlin, we love you!

Hate #3: Capitalism in Berlin

You may not notice this if you haven’t been to Berlin before, but since I lived here in the 1990s, Berlin really seems to have sold out to capitalism. When I walk around Berlin, I see a Starbucks, KFC or Dunkin Donuts on every corner. Berlin used to be this alternative capital, but it seems to have sold its soul a bit in favor of capitalism. A lot of the unique shops are gone in favor of international chains.

Hate #4: Beggars & Street Scams

Berlin is the capital city of Germany, so it’s not immune to the beggars and travel scams you see elsewhere in Europe. Some of the beggars can look a bit scary and intimidate the tourists into giving them money. They won’t hurt you and are not aggressive, so you can just ignore them. The police do a good job of patrolling the tourist areas.

Hate #5: Berlin Attitude

This is something other Germans will talk about. The Berliner Schnauze, or the Berlin attitude. Berliners are said to have their nose up in the air because they are the capital city. Not so different from the reputation New Yorkers have in the States. If you’re looking for a friendly German village, Berlin is not it. It’s a big cosmopolitan city and the residents are urban dwellers, so just know that going in and it’s not a problem.

The best and worst of Berlin

Love #1: Germany History in Berlin

One of the coolest things about Berlin is that it’s like a living history museum. The most recent history of Germany is right here for you to see and experience. You can see the recent past and how it’s being redeveloped at Potsdamer Platz, as well as how the two cities are still coming together since the wall came down. On a Berlin tour, you can still get a sense of East Germany vs West Germany by traveling to different parts of the city. You can visit the Brandenburg Gate and see where the wall was. Just outside of the city is Sachsenhausen, a concentration camp that is now a Holocaust Memorial.

Love #2: Berlin Museums

There are 100’s of museums in Berlin. It’s an amazing cultural destination. Museum Island alone has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There’s the Pergamon Museum with the Ishtar Gates, the Bode-Museum, the Neues Museum which has the bust of Nefertiti. There’s a Checkpoint Charlie Museum, where you can learn how people tried to escape or travel from East to West Berlin.

Love #3: Intersection of Three Germany’s

Berlin is where the past and the present of Germany collide. You really have three worlds coming together. There’s the East and the West and then there’s the new Germany in the middle. You can see it in the architecture, with old Communist buildings against more modern buildings. There are ruins of ancient churches destroyed in the war and all of this combined makes you feel like you’re getting three cities for the price of one.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Germany

Love #4: Berlin Outdoors

There are tons of outdoor things to do in Berlin, with so much green space. Whether you’re going to Grunewald, the large urban forest, or Tiergarten, the huge city park with the Berlin Zoo and nude sunbathing on the shores of the Spree River. Even though it’s often a cold climate, Berlin residents love to be outdoors. You’ll even find them surfing on the river right in town! There are so many parks in Berlin, and people love to get outside and enjoy them.

Love #5: International City Vibe

The vibe of Berlin can’t be beaten. Being such an international city gives Berlin magnetic energy, with fantastic nightclubs, plus live music, pubs, and restaurants. Berlin nightlife isn’t just about the discos and nightclubs, there are just a lot of great things to do at night, even if you’re visiting Berlin with kids. There’s always something going on in Berlin and that’s why Berlin is one of my favorite cities in the world.

Though you can still find some of your favorite German favorites

Berlin is one of the coolest cities in the world,  and I love visiting over and over again. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a Berlin vacation. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts: