Travel in Europe

A collection of our trips to Europe to enjoy authentic food and more.

Brittany Part 2: Saint-Malo Travel Tips – Sights, Tides & Bites

🌊 Saint-Malo: Where Pirates Once Ruled the Waves On the rugged northwestern coast of France lies Saint-Malo, a small walled city facing the English Channel 🌊—a place better known not for saints, but for pirates. Saint-Malo’s story begins in the 6th century, when Britons fled political turmoil in Britain and crossed the sea to Brittany. […]

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Madrid Part 3 – Royal Palace, Basque Flavors & Flamenco Night

When it comes to grandeur, few places rival the – ROYAL PALACE OF MADRID (PALACIO REAL DE MADRID). Built in the 18th century under the orders of King Philip V, this opulent palace is the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area, boasting a staggering 3,418 rooms. From priceless masterpieces by Goya to the breathtaking frescoes of the Throne Room and

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Madrid Part 1: Food, Transit, Hotels & a 3-Day Itinerary Beginning at Mercado de San Miguel

Long before Madrid became the dazzling capital we know today—buzzing with tapas bars, royal palaces, and sunset-lit rooftops—it was called Magerit, or “land of abundant water,” by the Moors. This poetic name hints at its origins: in 865 AD, Emir Muhammad I ordered a fortress to be built along the banks of the Manzanares River

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Dinant, Belgium Part 1: Scenic Waters, Historic Citadels, and a Saxophone Legacy

As we arrive in Dinant, Belgium, the temperature hover near freezing, yet the sun’s gentle rays bathe the town in a golden warmth, making the chill almost unnoticeable. Our journey leads us past the impressive Rocher Bayard, a towering 40-meter limestone formation split dramatically in two. Folklore has it that the giant horse Bayard split

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Medieval Mystique and Scenic Trails in Luxembourg: Vianden Castle, Echternach and More

Just 30 minutes’ drive from the center of Luxembourg City, Vianden Castle, perched atop a small hill, is like a portal to a medieval world. On the day of our visit, a light drizzle painted the air with a misty softness, blurring the edges of reality and casting an almost dreamlike veil over the scenery.

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Golden Hues and Multicultural Flavors: Our Luxembourg City Experience

Our visit to Luxembourg City is marked by serendipity—this season (early December) is typically the city’s rainiest, but we are greeted with the gentle warmth of sunshine breaking through the light drizzle. The sunlight reflects on raindrops and turns the mundane into something mystical, casting a golden glow over the city’s architecture. The cityscape of

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Burg Eltz, Reichsburg, and More: A Fairytale Road Trip to Cochem and German Food Delights

This time for a leisurely road trip, we took drive to Cochem, a beautiful town along the Moselle River, just a couple of hours away from Frankfurt. If you take the highway, the journey is faster, about 2 hours. But if you have time and a heart for scenic beauty, the B9 route along the

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Lisbon Part 6: From Jerónimos to Belém Tower – A Journey of History and Portuguese Flavors

Today marks the final chapter of our Lisbon journey. So we started the morning with our habitual Portuguese breakfast—eggs paired with crispy bacon or ham, simple, pleasant and satisfying. The sky was a vivid blue, a perfect backdrop for the day’s plan to explore Belém. This area is home to three iconic landmarks: Mosteiro dos

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Lisbon Part 1: Transit Tips, Stays, and Bairro Alto Discoveries

Welcome to another exciting travel episode of HaoChiBites! This time, we’re heading to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital that seamlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism. Nestled along the scenic shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a city of stunning contrasts, where ancient history meets contemporary charm. Join us as we explore this captivating destination

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Off-the-Beaten-Path Bliss on Gran Canaria: Secluded Beaches and a Hidden Family-Run Tavern

For those seeking a serene escape from Gran Canaria’s bustling tourist hubs, Playa de Tiritaña and Playa de los Frailes are the perfect spots. These relatively secluded beaches are easily accessible by car, with Playa de Tiritaña just a short 10-minute drive from Playa de los Frailes. We parked our car about 10 minutes’ walk

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