Overview

1. Barcelone overview & Arrival
2. The Sagrada Família
3. Trip to Montjuïc
4. Park Güell (Gaudí)
5. Passeig de Gràcia with Casa Batlló & Casa Milà
6. Beach
7. Insider Tips

Barcelona overview & Arrival

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe, famous for its unique architecture, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. Experience the capital of Catalonia and don’t miss the masterpieces of the architect Antoni Gaudí.

The easiest way to arrive is by flying directly to the city. The airport is only about 30 minutes from the city center via the L9S metro line. The cost of the airport metro ticket (Billete Aeropuerto) is around € 5.

Here are my top 5 Barcelona highlights.

Costs & Opening Hours

Tickets start at around € 25. If you want to access the tower as well, the ticket will cost a bit more. You can skip the guided tour since you can access an audio guide directly on your phone. Don’t forget to bring your headphones!

It’s best to get your ticket online to avoid waiting in line at the ticket counter. Select the day and time, and go to the main entrance at your booked time—it’s hard to miss, as thousands of tourists will be waiting with you. But don’t worry, the line moves relatively quickly.

The church is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with slight variations depending on the season. Here are all the details.

Trip to Montjuïc

A trip to the approximately 170-meter-high Montjuïc is a great day excursion offering variety and stunning views of the metropolis.

The adventure begins at Barcelona’s port at the Telefèric del Port. The tall tower by the docks is hard to miss. From there, a somewhat quirky cable car takes you across the harbor to Montjuïc, offering breathtaking views of the city. Once you reach the other side, you can take some great photos of the port. The cost for a one-way trip is around € 12. You can find the opening hours directly on the official website.

From there, a short walk leads up to Castell de Montjuïc. The fortress was built in the 17th century. Today, it houses Barcelona’s Military Museum and offers a spectacular view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Behind the castle is the Botanical Garden Jardí Botànic de Barcelona. Both attractions are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and during the summer months until 8 PM. Admission to the castle is around € 12, and the botanical garden costs around € 3.50.

Afterward, you can head down Montjuïc. You can either walk the entire way, take the cable car from the mountain station, or walk part of the way and take the cable car from the mid-station. I recommend taking at least a small ride in the panoramic cable car for the view. The ride costs around € 10.

Once you reach the lower cable car station, you can either take the funicular to the nearest metro station or walk the two stops. The cost for the funicular is included in your Barcelona day pass.

Park Güell (Gaudí) in Barcelona

Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous parks in Barcelona. Designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, it is known for its unique architecture, colorful mosaics, and whimsical shapes. Some of the park’s most notable features include the long, serpent-shaped bench, the famous mosaic lizard, the Sala Hipòstila with its striking columns, and the vibrant ceramic work that runs throughout the park.

Costs & Opening Hours

Admission costs around € 10. It can get very crowded, especially during the summer months. It’s best to visit the park as early as possible and use one of the side entrances (Side Entrance 1 / Side Entrance 2). You can also buy a ticket with a timeslot online.

The park is open to tourists from 9:30 AM to 6 PM.

Passeig de Gràcia with Casa Batlló & Casa Milà

Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona and an absolute must-visit for every visitor. This wide avenue connects Plaça Catalunya in the heart of the city with the charming Gràcia neighborhood. Here, you’ll find everything from luxury boutiques and chic restaurants to impressive architecture.

A highlight on Passeig de Gràcia is definitely Casa Batlló. This whimsical, colorful building was designed by Antoni Gaudí and looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. With its wavy façade, shimmering ceramic tiles, and quirky balconies, Casa Batlló is a true masterpiece. The house is often referred to as the “House of Bones” because its structures resemble a skeleton. Today, you can visit the building as a museum and experience Gaudí’s unique vision up close.

Not far away, you’ll find another Gaudí masterpiece: Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. Casa Milà is a real highlight and has even been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here, too, you can visit a museum and learn more about Gaudí’s innovative architecture.

Whether by day or night, Passeig de Gràcia offers a perfect mix of culture, shopping, and dining, making it a place you shouldn’t miss when in Barcelona.

Costs & Opening Hours

You can buy tickets for Casa Batlló online for around € 30. It is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.

Tickets for Casa Milà can also be purchased online for around € 30. It is open daily from 9 AM to 8:30 PM, and during the winter months until 6:30 PM. There are also night tours available. You can find all the information here.

Beach

The beach of Barcelona is the perfect place to relax. With miles of sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy the sun, go for a swim, or simply unwind. The most famous beach, Barceloneta, is just a short walk from the city center and offers plenty of activities, from beach volleyball to water sports like windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

In addition to the great atmosphere, Barcelona’s beach is also home to many bars and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious tapas and refreshing cocktails. The chiringuitos, small beach bars right by the water, are especially popular and offer a relaxed setting to end the day with a cool drink. In the evening, the beach promenade transforms into a vibrant nightlife scene with music, dancing, and a joyful atmosphere.

So let’s go, grab your swimsuit, and dive into the cool water. Speaking of cool waters: You can find more great beaches here.

Overview

1. The first time in Japan – What awaits you
2. Best travel time & duration
3. Tokyo – The Mega City
4. Honshū Round Trip – The best choice
5. Preperation
   • Traveling by train & bus
   • Traveling by car
   • Payment
   • Booking hotels
   • Internet
6. Entry – What you should consider
7. Insider Tips

The first time in Japan – What awaits you

I can tell you already, it won’t be your last time in Japan, because once you’ve traveled to Japan, you’ll come back again. It’s probably also due to the hospitality you will experience. It is often expressed with the term “Omotenashi” (おもてなし). Omotenashi goes beyond mere politeness and service. It embodies the sincere desire to anticipate and fulfill the needs of others, often before they are even spoken. And as a tourist, you feel this every day. Japanese people greet you everywhere with politeness and respect, place great importance on attention to detail, and always respect your personal space.

The fascinating clash between tradition and high-tech will also inspire you. While on one side, deep roots in centuries-old traditions and customs can be found, on the other side, modern Japan is reflected in vending machines, robots, and skyscrapers.

Here you will find the most important information to make your first time in Japan unforgettable.

Tokyo – The Mega City

Tokyo (東京市) is a must-see on your trip. From traditional temples and historic shrines to modern shopping districts and exciting entertainment options, there is something for every taste to discover. You will be surprised at how orderly this metropolis of 38 million people operates and you will experience the clash between tradition and high-tech.

It’s best to start your trip directly after arriving at one of the two airports, Haneda or Narita, in the mega city.

For more about Tokyo and the top 5 must-see attractions, click here: Top 5 Must See in Tokyo

See also: Day trip to Hakone from Tokyo

Honshū Round Trip – The best choice

Honshū (本州) is the largest of Japan’s four main islands and offers picturesque hiking trails in the Japanese Alps as well as the most important cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

The perfectly developed Shinkansen rail network allows you to travel quickly and comfortably between the different regions of Honshu. It only takes about 2.5 hours to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto (about 500 km). This allows you to explore entire regions in just a few days. It’s best to take full-day trips from individual cities. This way, you can avoid traveling with all your luggage. More on the topic of day trips can be found here.

The typical Honshu round trip goes from Tokyo to Kyoto, then Osaka and back to Tokyo. Many also take a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka to Nara. If you have a little more time, you can visit additional destinations after Kyoto and Osaka. Here’s how much time you should plan for each:

• Hiroshima: min. 2 days
• Kanazawa: min. 3 days
• Kyoto: min. 4 days
• Nara: 1 day
• Osaka: min. 2 days

Preparation

Traveling by train & bus

Consider whether you want to travel entirely by public transportation or if you’d prefer to drive a car. For your first time in Japan, I recommend taking trains and buses (see also Taking the bus in Japan and Traveling through Japan with the Shinkansen). Getting around in Japan is super easy and, above all, punctual. Consider whether you need a Japan Rail Pass. I would recommend it for a Honshu round trip. You can find all the information about the Rail Pass here: Japan Rail Pass for tourists

You can also travel partially without luggage. More information Luggage service in Japan

Traveling by car

If you decide to travel by car in Japan, you’ll definitely need an international driver’s license. However, it’s important to note that if you’re from France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or Taiwan, an international driver’s license won’t be valid on its own. In these cases, you’ll need an official translation of your national driver’s license instead.

The cost for this translation is approximately €70, and fortunately, there are several authorized services where you can get it done. The following providers offer official translation services:

• ADAC (Germany): On-site or by mail, takes about 10 days
• JAF, Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), conducted by Japan Experience: By mail, takes about 6 weeks
• Driving Japan: Pickup in Japan or by mail, takes about 5 weeks

Payment

Start thinking ahead about how you’ll pay in Japan. I recommend getting a Japanese prepaid card and paying the rest in cash or with a credit card. For more information, see Pay in Japan

Booking hotels

Make sure to pay attention to the size of the rooms when booking hotels. Some rooms are so small that there’s no space for your luggage. Recommendation: Minimum 18 sqm for a double room.

Also, double beds often have a width of only 140 cm. Look for Queen-size beds, which are between 150 – 180 cm wide.

If you book your hotel with breakfast, make sure the hotel offers a buffet. Otherwise, you’ll only get a sandwich every morning.

Internet

I recommend getting a SIM card or eSIM for your trip. This way, you can translate Japanese Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji characters and navigate more easily without public Wi-Fi. For more information, see Internet in Japan – SIM card or eSIM?

Entry – What you should consider

Valid Passport / Visa

For entry into Japan, you’ll need a valid passport. If you’re planning to stay in Japan for longer than 90 days, you can apply to extend your stay for up to a total of 180 days at the local Immigration Office.

However, if you’re planning to stay more than 180 days or if you’re a citizen of China, Russia, Vietnam, or the Philippines, you’ll also need a visa prior to entering the country. In these cases, it’s essential to contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country well in advance to understand the specific visa requirements and processing times.

Entry without QR Code

Alternatively, you can also fill out everything manually on paper. For this, you will receive a white sheet (entry form) and a yellow sheet (customs declaration) on the plane. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be encouraged to fill out everything electronically at the terminal anyway, to expedite the entry process. I would strongly advise completing the registration as described above before departure.

County Cornwall – How to get there

The county of Cornwall is located in the southwest of England and is a charming holiday destination that impresses with its breathtaking coastal landscapes and small fishing villages similar to Ireland. The relaxed atmosphere, mild climate, and culinary delights, including fresh seafood, make Cornwall an unforgettable travel destination. And here’s how you can easily get to Cornwall:

The small Newquay Airport in the heart of Cornwall is the easiest and fastest option, although it is also very limited. Most flights operate within the UK, but you can fly there as well from Düsseldorf, Faro, Alicante, Zurich, Malaga, Copenhagen and Guernsey.

By car, the journey takes a bit longer, approximately 5 hours from London. The first section on the highway is relatively fast, but patience is required for the subsequent journey on the country roads.

The most convenient option is the GWR train, which goes directly from London to Cornwall.

There is so much to see and experience.

The bustling metropolis of Tokyo blends historic temples and shrines with skyscrapers and futuristic technologies, creating a fascinating cultural diversity. Just strolling through the different neighborhoods is an experience.

Here are my top 5 must-see recommendations for your trip to Tokyo:

1. Akihabara (秋葉原)
2. Shibuya (渋谷)
3. Harajuku (原宿)
4. Shinjuku Gyoen Park (新宿御苑) & Hamarikyū-Park (浜離宮恩賜庭園)
5. Asakusa (浅草)

City Parks

For those in need of some peace from the city noise and seeking relaxation, I can recommend two beautiful parks.

Not recommended, however, is the somewhat sterile Ueno Park with its pond, where hundreds of Japanese people ride around in pink swan boats.

Top 5 places you must visit in Munich

Munich is one of the most beautiful destinations in Germany, offering the unique Bavarian atmosphere. There are many fantastic spots here. Here are my top 5 recommendations for you.

1. The Isar River
2. Olympiapark
3. The English Garden
4. Viktualienmarkt
5. Marienplatz & Surroundings

The Isar River

The Isar River, with its clear waters and surrounding green banks, presents the beauty of nature amidst a metropolis. Grab a refreshing drink and your swimwear in the summer and relax by the Isar. Good spots are:

• https://maps.app.goo.gl/NKDNeuNxXy9bpnr19
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/hzQENeosmrPr8PJ5A

Olympiapark

The Olympic Games were held in Olympiapark in 1972. It remains an architectural legacy that attracts visitors from all over the world. What you can do here:

• During summer, there are often festivals for all ages, such as the Sommer Tollwood featuring concerts, a craft market, and delicious food and drink stalls.
• Action in the park: Are you not afraid of heights? Then head to the roof of the Olympic Stadium. You can climb to the top for a fantastic view and then abseil down. Alternatively, you can return with the Flying Fox. All information here.
• Reach for the sky: Take the elevator up the 190-meter-high Olympic Tower and enjoy the view, stretching as far as the Alps. Note: From June 2024, the tower will be under renovation for 2 years.

You can find more information about Olympiapark here: https://www.olympiapark.de/en

The English Garden

The English Garden is Munich’s green oasis featuring expansive lawns, shaded avenues, and the Eisbach River.

• The Eisbach Wave attracts surfers from around the world to ride the wave in the middle of the city.
• The Chinesische Turm (Chinese Tower), a 25-meter-high wooden pagoda, and the beer garden invite you to enjoy food and drinks amidst the park. Tip: On every third Sunday in July, the Kocherlball, a revived event from 1989, is celebrated here.

Viktualienmarkt

From fresh fruits and vegetables to exotic spices and Bavarian delicacies – you can find a variety of specialties here. With its traditional stalls, the Viktualienmarkt is a cultural highlight in the heart of the city.

Tip: It doesn’t get fresher than this. Get yourself a delicious fish sandwich from Fisch Witte. Here, during colder months, you can also enjoy your meal in a cozy gondola.

Marienplatz & Surroundings

Marienplatz is the vibrant heart of Munich, dominated by the imposing Town Hall, the Marian Column, and the Frauenkirche in the background.

• Just to the right behind the Town Hall is Dallmayr, the famous delicatessen house with its own gastronomy. Take a stroll through or drop by for coffee and cake.
• Not far from Marienplatz are the Opera Square (Opernplatz) and the Residenz. Not the cheapest, but worthwhile. Tip: In winter, one of Munich’s most beautiful Christmas markets takes place here.
• For those seeking Oktoberfest vibes, a detour to the Hofbräuhaus is a must. It’s a hub of excitement all year round.