Hey Spring Breakers! I know a lot of you are ditching busy life on the Heights this break to enjoy the European way of life for a week, so I wanted to share a dump of my recommendations in the categories: fashion, food, and favorites, for three of my most favorite European cities. Browse below before you board for some last-minute tips and places to visit! Comment down below if you end up visiting any of them, or if you find any new ones!

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Amsterdam

Food:

• Pancakes Amsterdam: It’s a chain and there are a ton of locations around Amsterdam, but still a great place to try out a Dutch pancake and sit for a sec before going to explore the rest of the city!

• Van Stapele Koekmakerij: The BEST cookies. There is almost always a line but they’re worth waiting for!! They close at 5pm so plan accordingly. 

• Winkel 43: An Amsterdam staple for infamous apple pie. Again, you may have to wait in line, but it’s SO worth it.

• A. van Wees Tasting Locality: Fondue, franks, and all things Dutch! Enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner menu here, with common favorites you’re sure to enjoy!

• Maijard Smashburgers: Need a bite while you’re out and about? Stop by this place that stays open each day until they run out of burgers. So good!

Fashion: 

• Babylon Vintage: Curated vintage shop hand-picked by a lovely man who has spent his life traveling around the world and sharpening his eye for fashion. From New York to Paris to Amsterdam, you’re sure to find pieces here from all over the world that will add a unique flair to your wardrobe. 

Favorites:

• Canal Tour!: Book a tour to take you through the canals of Amsterdam and experience the quaintness and city from the water! Schedule one with food & drinks to add to the experience!

• Van Gogh Museum: Beautiful museum of Impressionist works! Make sure to book tickets in advance, though, because slots fill up quickly.

• Rent bikes!: A huge part of Dutch culture is riding bikes. Seriously, you’ll see them all over the city! It’s fun to experience for a little while, but make sure to read about the hand signals beforehand to avoid any collisions! 

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Barcelona

Food:

• Maná 75: Amazing paella and traditional Catalonian dishes & tapas! Make a reservation

• La Selva: The coolest steakhouse with amazing food! Cook steak to your liking right at your table! An incredible experience for both the food and atmosphere. Book here, slots fill up fast!

• Carmina’s: Need a little Italian food as a break from all the tapas? Head to Carmina’s for some great pasta dishes and cozy ambiance. Centrally located in El Born district, you can walk to one of the many bars or gelaterias in the area for an after-dinner treat! I recommend Numero Nueve or Gocce di Latte!

• Cremat 11: The BEST avocado toast and iced caramel latte! Yes, you heard that right, ice! The people here are so nice and speak great English. Perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or brunch!

• Gringa: Missing a classic American diner while you’re there? Head into Gringa for a traditional-style American breakfast and drip coffee (with refills!) - it’s truly a home away from home.

• Tapeo de Born: A fabulous tapas place right in El Born district, which is the best neighborhood in Barcelona (it’s where I lived last semester). Make sure you make a reservation ahead of time! Spots fill up fast

• Harry’s: Craving some Italian but Carmina’s wasn’t cutting it? Check out Harry’s for great Italian food and creatively decorated restaurant space! Make sure to make a reservation

• Billy Brunch: One final breakfast spot! Known as a breakfast chain across Barcelona, Billy Brunch is a must-go while you are here. There are 4 different locations, so if the line at one is too long, walk over a couple blocks to the next one! 

Fashion: 

• Zoetrope Vintage & Local Designers: Fun vintage store in El Born district!

• Avda. del Portal de l’Àngel: A street right near the Barcelona Cathedral that’s lined with stores like MANGO, Zara, Intimissimi, and KIKO Milano. This was my favorite area to walk around when I was in Barcelona!  

• Passeig de Gracia: THE shopping street in Barcelona. Lined with every store that you can think of, along with like six Zara stores in a .5 mile radius. Save room in your suitcase!

• El Corte Inglés: This is the Spanish department store. The renowned location is next to Plaça de Catalunya, which is right near Passeig de Gracia. A perfect shopping day = planned!

• Any leather shop in El Born/El Gotico: My favorite little hole-in-the-wall place was called SanoVation Barcelona Leather Jackets & Belt Boutique for wallets and simple belts. If you’re looking for a bit more of a crafted and higher end look, I would recommend Atelier Madre - Manuel Dreesmann. They truly have such beautiful and incredible pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Favorites:

• Rooftops: **Make reservations ahead of time! Slots fill up fast

• Ohla Hotel Rooftop: https://www.ohlabarcelona.com/en/rooftop

• Sercotel Rooftop (with view of Sagrada Familia!):  https://www.sercotelhoteles.com/en/terrace-sercotel-rosellon

• Taperia Princesa: Cute little tapas place in El Born!  

• Juice Dudes: Juice/smoothie chain - reminds me of Joe and the Juice!

• Nudes: LOVE this place. Smoothie & coffee spot in El Born with the nicest people! 

  C/ del Rec, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

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Paris 

Food:

• Le Choupinet: Trendy French-fare restaurant located in the 6th arrondissement in Paris. Stayed near right near here for a month this past summer, so frequented here often!

• Angelina Paris: Best hot chocolate in Paris in my opinion! Right in between the Louvre and Champs d’Elysses, so perfect for a pick-me-up in between museum visits and frolicking!: 

226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Fashion: 

• Champs d’Elysses: I mean, duh, it’s Paris! Walk to the end for the Arc d’Triumphe, and enjoy the many shops along the way. It’s world-renowned for a reason!

• Kiliwatch Vintage: Such a cool vintage store and it’s supposedly Noah Beck’s favorite when visiting Paris…64 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris, France 

• 6th Arrondissement in general! Wander around and you’re sure to find some cool and unique places!

Favorites: 

• Musee D’Orsay: I am a huge fan of Impressionist works, and I absolutely loved this museum’s Impressionist collection. The layout of the museum itself is also super cool, as it was converted into a museum from an old train station. Book your tickets now!

• Seine River Cruise: Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night from the Seine? Name a dreamier combo! 

• Rue Cler: Known as “The Most Famous Market Street in Paris” - it is a must-go! It’s located in the 7th arrondissement and is not too far from the Eiffel Tower! Hellooo Insta pics! 

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I hope this little peak has given you some ideas and inspiration for your European travels! My best piece of advice is to wander and make each city an experience of its own. Each place has so many stories to tell and backgrounds to offer, so be sure to take it all in and relish in the fact that you’re there!! Have the best time. 

Xx, 

Megan