Spotted by Locals

Europe’s adult playgrounds – Not as dirty as it sounds!

Spotted by Locals — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:45:58 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

Benczúr köz playground, Budapest (by András Nagy)

Get your mind out of the gutter, whatever you were thinking, you were most likely wrong. This article is all about certain areas throughout Europe where the adults can let go, play and wind down. Spotter András summed it up very nicely: “Trying out toys, enjoying the sunlight or the green shades under the chestnut trees are serious matters that kids shouldn’t deal with. [...] playgrounds without children are much better anyway”.

So without further ado, here are some great Spotted by Locals’ spots where all you adults can ‘chill out and let your inner small person come out and play!

1. Benczúr Köz playground, Budapest (by András Nagy)
Pictured above

The Red Square, Copenhagen (by Cindy Fonvig)

2. The Red Square, Copenhagen (by Cindy Fonvig)
“There’s also an elephant-shaped slide, but I haven’t tried that one: I’m rather confident it’s put there so children will have something sensible to do while their parents are playing.”

Climbing on Flakturm, Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)

3. Climbing on Flakturm, Vienna (by Julia Heiligenbrunner)
Sure, little kiddies can play on this too. But we’re willing to bet they wouldn’t dare go as high you would!

Parc del Laberint, Barcelona (by Anna Boluda)

4. Parc del Laberint, Barcelona (by Anna Boluda)
We consider this an adult playground because kids are probably not allowed in these unsupervised. Imagine the pant-wetting & tear-stained little ones you’d get if they were set free to get lost in this large maze. No really, this is adult only and fun fun fun!

Unterer Letten, Zurich (by www.badiquartett.ch)

5. Unterer Letten, Zurich (by Sabine Schweizer)
This is adults (and skilled swimmers) only because the current is way to strong for the wee ones. Add to that, the fence at the end that’s there to keep you being swept away, has gaps big enough for children to slip through ;-).

Biķernieku forest, Riga (by Antra Sloka)

6. Biķernieku forest, Riga (by Marta Tomase)
With the wind through your hair (what’s left of it maybe?), you can go all out in this forest in Riga. With biking or inline skating!

Kart'in Club Helsinki, Helsinki (by Nea Barman)

7. Kart’in Club Helsinki, Helsinki (by Nea Barman)
Okay, you might not need a drivers’ license to play in this spot, but we’re pretty sure you have to at least be able to see over the steering wheel. This is also a perfect spot for those drivers that have a lead foot and want to play Speedy Gonzalez without the chance of a fine.

Eisbach-Welle, Munich (by Andreas Eder)

8. Eisbach-Welle, Munich (by Andreas Eder)
When it’s cold you’ll need a wet-suit, but above all you’ll need a board and talent. This is not for the faint-hearted beginners (or children).

Megazone, Oslo (by Andrea Chirulescu)

9. Megazone, Oslo (by Andrea Chirulescu)
Amongst all the kids “[...] me and my friends were a bit out of place that afternoon, but that didn’t diminish the fun at all. You also need to keep in mind that Megazone can organize birthday parties as well as company team building events, so they’re probably used to handling people of all ages.

Bike Punk Fest, Warsaw (by Ola Synowiec)

10. Bike Punk Fest, Warsaw (by Szymon Kubia & Ola Synowiec)
This is an acrobatic dance party. People show off their amazing BMX skills. It’s coming up in July this year.
“Alco-round: drinking alcohol and riding in a circle. Winner is the one who will fall last.”, definitely not for children!

So there you have it! A couple of cities with spots that are perfect for an adult to play in. But there’s more! Let’s not forget the various football stadiums spread across the 41 cityblogs, or the several interactive museums. There’s always room for playing, no matter where you are or how old you are!

On the table (5) – Vintaging Tel Aviv

Sivan Askayo — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:45:23 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

In my recent visit to Tel Aviv (on April) I couldn’t ignore but noticing a common trend. Vintage! Or was it because I was visiting the old port in Jaffa the other day, where a busy, colorful vintage and flea market scene was taking place. I guess Tel Aviv is getting Vintage, and the more I saw it, the more I liked it. After a long shooting day in Jaffa, I met few friends for an early dinner. We were at that great restaurant, that holds a variety of old furniture, plates and kitchen ware. So eclectic! When I got my mint tea with the check, the waiter got it with a Nancy Reagan image! We couldn’t help but laughing how vintage can you go! Food was great, by the way :-)

Our guest blogger Sivan Askayo is a travel photographer and writer based in New York. In this series of guest articles for Spotted by Locals she exhibits her ongoing project “On the table” – a shot of different tables she’s using in different locations around Europe.

New online Spotters community!

Spotted by Locals — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:45:41 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

This year we launched a new website, new Facebook page (Timeline), new iPhone app and now also a new Spotters Network. That’s lots of new!

We think it’s very important for Spotted by Locals and its Spotters to be cohesive and friendly.We’ve had an online Spotters community ever since we started Spotted by Locals, but this one is better than ever!

With this newly launched network Spotters can connect and communicate with all Spotters, talk to fellow city Spotters in groups, arrange meetings, read about visitors statistics and much more.

Nothing beats meeting Spotters in person, but until November (when more than 110 Spotters are coming to Amsterdam!) the online Spotters network is the best place to meet other Spotters!

Bucharest! Interview with Alex!

Spotted by Locals — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:45:16 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

Alex Olteanu, Bucharest

Today an interview with Alex Olteanu, Spotter for our Bucharest cityblog.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I will start by saying that I’m very much interested in sports and for this reason I train myself on a daily basis. I’m very passionate about mountain biking and I’m actually buying a new bike these days for the new season. I love travelling and especially visiting places which aren’t that touristy. On a professional level, I am a ‘Business Studies’ teacher.

The Harbour, Bucharest (by Alex Olteanu)

How do you like being a Spotter?
I enjoy it very much even if I often find myself wanting to write about very nice spots which are outside the city. While travelling in the country I find many nice places which are worth mentioning but I must stick to writing about Bucharest. At first it was very difficult and I had a slow start but once my articles were uploaded everything got a lot easier. Now I just keep my articles updated and I upload a new article once in a while. I just had to take one spot offline as ‘Miss Deya Pastry Shop’ changed the menu fundamentally and I cannot recommend it any more.

Why Bucharest?
Well, I am a genuine Bucharest inhabitant. I was born here and I lived all my life in Bucharest, except the period where I went abroad to Switzerland to finish my MBA. I truly believe that each city has powerful meanings to its natives. Bucharest is the city where I first fell in love…

It is a must to visit a few of the landmarks that the city has, like the Houses of Parliament, The Arch of Triumph or the old city centre. On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend visiting the outskirts as nothing can be seen besides grey blocks of flats

Which prejudices about Bucharest are true? Which ones are not?
I can honestly say that it is true that it has some grey parts, especially the outskirts, as mentioned before. This is an outcome following the long communist era. What isn’t true is the fact that it is dangerous. One can have a walk in the middle of the night almost everywhere in Bucharest without being afraid of getting mugged. The city is full of light and a safe feeling accompanies you everywhere.

La Taifas, Bucharest (by Alex Olteanu)

What do you know about Bucharest which no tourist will know?
It is funny you ask. Obviously I know many things about Bucharest which can’t be known by a tourist. But, the first to mention is that I can easily get from one point to another without any difficulty. I know all the subway stations and all the connections by heart.

Thinking of something else that no tourist will know, I can say that some spots in the city which meant a lot to many of us have been demolished to make space for new office buildings or hotels. For instance, ‘Berlin’ restaurant was a place where former communists had fancy dinners and parties. The restaurant had a correspondent in Berlin which was called ‘Bucharest’, also very luxurious and intended for communists. No matter who were benefiting the place before 1989, the building was a very beautiful one and shouldn’t have been demolished. This is something that I know and no tourist will know; not even many Romanians know.

What is the most popular neighborhood to live in Bucharest at this moment?
It is a trend these days to move to new residential neighbourhoods. Even so, I must say that the ‘Cotroceni‘ neighbourhood is still one of the most expensive areas in the city and also the one which hosts the ‘Cotroceni’ Palace, the residence of the Romanian President. In regards of popularity, many people move to the centre of the city where cheap rent can be found in very old buildings with inter-war atmosphere.

Can you describe a perfect day in your city?
Wednesday is one of my favorite days because I go to the cinema and take advantage of ‘Orange Wednesdays’. So I would start with a great movie at ‘Studio’ Cinema followed by a late lunch at The Harbour. Later that day I would walk towards Bistro La Taifas to enjoy a cup of tea or a coffee together with a cake. Needless to say the area where all the above mentioned spots are located is beautiful and nice architecture can be observed and obviously I would delight myself with the view.

Is there something else you want to share?
I’ll be sharing what seems interesting to me through Spotted by Locals. ;-)

Check out all articles by Alex Olteanu and our other Spotter interviews.

Unique & Weird – Spotted by Locals!

Spotted by Locals — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:45:30 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

Blinde Kuh, Zurich (by Blinde Kuh)

When you see the picture above you might be a little confused as to what they’re doing, a Congo line at a drink-fueled birthday party perhaps? What it actually is is the way you and your dining partners will be led into the restaurant. Why, you may ask? Because the restaurant itself is pitch black!

This is Blinde Kuh in Zurich. This spot by our local Christine Syrad starts off this list of weird & unique spots among our 41 cities in Europe.
Enjoy!

1. Blinde Kuh, Zurich (by Christine Syrad)
A very special way to enjoy your meal to its potential. With your sense of sight cut off you’ll have nothing to rely on but your tongue! This is also the perfect option when your significant other is one of those unfortunates who always has spinach stuck in their teeth or likes to eat with their mouth open.

Madame Claude, Berlin (by Herrmann Königs)

2. Madame Claude, Berlin (by Herrmann Königs)
Really, the picture says it all right? The interior decorator for this place had the time of his/her life sticking every little piece of furniture on the ceiling. With painstaking details even the books have been glued the ‘right way’. In Madame Claude you’ll be looking at the ceiling more than at your date or friends!

Cafe Laundromat, Oslo (by Elin Reitehaug)

3. Cafe Laundromat, Oslo (by Elin Reitehaug)
Everything looks deceivingly normal in the picture above. We’ve heard of cafes with books to read before, nothing unusual there. And the name could just be referring to what the space was before. But no, you really can bring your dirty laundry here and air it out! In the back there are genuine machines for you to use while you drink your coffee and read your book! Your husband or boyfriend will be mighty surprised if you take him up on his joke via wash labeland go visit this laundromat!

C-Base Spacestation Berlin (by Ciarán Fahey)

4. C-Base Spacestation, Berlin (by Ciarán Fahey)
This little gem made its way onto this list because of several things. The spot is a secret, the picture is enticing, the name is unique, and Spotter Ciarán’s review of this Spacestation is even more unique and enticing. (So are the € 2 beers just for Aliens.)

Tot Zover, Amsterdam (by G.J. Broens)

5. Tot Zover, Amsterdam (by Gerben Broens)
This fairly inconspicuous picture reveals little. But behind these doors is a genuine and very unique funeral home museum! With exhibitions about afterlife and burial traditions and a ‘decorate your own mini coffin’ workshop for children, this museum is very different way to spend your day. (Oh and just to clarify, it’s not a child’s coffin they’ll be decorating but one for pets.)

These are just a few examples of unique, weird and funny spots throughout Europe that our Spotters love to visit. We’d love to hear about your favorite unique spot!

Send us your header pictures!

Bart van Poll — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:45:45 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

As you have probably noticed, we completely upgraded our design a few months ago. One of the new features: rotating header pictures. Our Spotters have sent us some amazing picture of their cities, but there’s room for more!

Do you have a nice “Spotted by Locals” pic that you think would work well as a header picture for one of our websites? Please send Sanne (sanne@spottedbylocals.com) your pic, and we’d love to see if we can use it! Of course we attribute you as the photographer in the picture!

An accommodation alternative for solo travellers

Roger Christian — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:45:49 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

'Barcelona roofs' by utomjording

Once upon a time hotel bookings were made by fax. Remember that? And before that letters were exchanged on headed paper: applications, deposits, formal confirmations. Weeks would pass in the process. These days hotel booking websites have literally tens of thousands of hotels available and you can book any one of them in under ten minutes. Bravo, internet.

So now that the hotel industry has been made over by the web, is there any other area of the travel accommodation scene ripe for reinvention? It turns out there is. In the last few years a handful of websites have been turning people’s spare rooms into a booming business, an alternative to conventional hotels and B&Bs. Sites like airbnb.com and Roomorama.com allow private individuals with a spare room (or even a whole apartment or house) to post their property online and start renting it by the day, usually at very reasonable rates.

This is potentially good news for the solo traveler. Conventional accommodation can be expensive if you’re not sharing the cost with a partner or friends. What’s more, if you take a room in an apartment with live-in hosts, you’ll have a source of local advice and information and perhaps even friendly, sociable company.

Case study: Barcelona

I’ve got a trip to Barcelona coming up, so I decided try a couple of these websites for the first time. One thing to bear in mind from the outset is that the accommodation is offered by non-professionals who probably have busy day jobs elsewhere, so it’s best to allow plenty of time for them to respond. Airbnb recommend that you make multiple enquiries to increase your chances of success. Just the fact that they speak in these terms was a warning bell to me: this isn’t the hotel industry, and I would need to be that little more cautious, and be prepared to put in a bit more effort. I started to have doubts. Was this the right option for a solo traveller? Nightmare scenario: I arrive in Barcelona, my host has gone AWOL and I’m stranded with nowhere to go and no travel companions to provide support.

Using the websites

Both Airbnb and Roomorama help alleviate these risks by providing mechanisms for both hosts and guests to demonstrate their trustworthiness. Hosts and guests are encouraged to add their mobile phone numbers and link their social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to their accounts. Furthermore, hosts and apartments are given reviews by past guests. If you’re worried about safety or reliability, check these over. A host with good feedback and multiple points of contact sends out a positive message and is unlikely to give you any trouble.

Between Roomorama and Airbnb, the latter’s website is generally more slick and reassuring to use, although there’s really nothing wrong with Roomorama’s website either. My overall impression was that Airbnb has been doing this longer and seem to have thought about all the details. (Although I must say their iPhone app is a complete disaster. When it works it’s very useful, but the current version seems to crash constantly, making it effectively useless.)

Prices varied hugely. There were plenty of decent looking rooms in Barcelona in the region of 30 euros per night, and prices went up into the hundreds for whole apartments suitable for larger groups. I expected many of the cheaper rooms to be located on the outskirts of the city, but was surprised to find the vast majority were bang in the middle of the most popular tourist areas.

It’s recommended to contact the host (via the secure online messaging service provided) before attempting to book. I sent off messages to six hosts, inquiring about dates and asking a few other practical questions. (Is the room quiet at night? How do I get there from the airport?)

This is where the waiting comes in. Some people replied immediately, some took a few days, while one didn’t reply at all. After a couple more communications to finalise dates and arrival times (since many hosts have day jobs, it’s important to check that they’ll be available to meet you) and a little more waiting, I’d picked my apartment and booked it. The whole process took about six days, so it’s best to get started well before travelling.

The booking and payment is handled online and is as secure as can be expected. The website takes payment immediately, but only passes it on to the host on the day of the booking, so this affords some peace of mind.

Viaje seguro

So far, so good. I’m happy that the online traveller’s ‘rental community’ shows promise as an accommodation alternative, and one that is a particularly good option for solo travellers. But booking is just the first part of the process. Tomorrow I’m off to Barcelona to experience the accommodation itself, so watch this space for part two, where I’ll report back with all the details.

Our guest blogger Roger Christian is a London based graphic designer, blogger and fiction writer. In his bi-weekly articles for Spotted by Locals Roger explores the pleasures and occasional challenges of solo traveling in Europe.

Wanted: Spotters for three new cities!

Spotted by Locals — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:15:08 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

We’re always looking for people who would love to share their passion for their city by becoming a Spotter. Even though we have a waiting list in most cities, you can always apply on this page!

Spotted by Locals is continually expanding! In the nearby future we’ll be adding three new cities to our repertoire. There’s Saint Petersburg in Russia, Skopje in Macedonia and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

So at this moment, we are particularly looking for Spotters in these three cities. Do you know people there who could be interested in becoming a Spotter? Or maybe you’re a local and you’d like to become a Spotter yourself?

Please share the following link! www.spottedbylocals.com/become-a-spotter/ or apply on the page mentioned above.

Thanks a lot!

On the table (4): In Florence act like Italians do

Sivan Askayo — Tue, 01 May 2012 05:45:55 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

In Rome act like Romans do….Same in Florence.

I was in Florence last October for 6 days, exploring this beautiful city and its sights. I don’t know why, but from all cities in Italy, I really wanted to see Florence, for real. Therefore, I checked in to one of the famous and mythological places in the city, Scudieri Caffe in Piazza San Giovanni. I didn’t know what to order so I let one of the locals who was having his coffee break, choose for me. I got a sweet coffee with cream in a semi Grappa glass. It took me exactly one minute to drink it (as fast as Italians drink their espresso) and I asked for a second round. If you ever in Florence, I highly recommend to include Scudieri in your schedule. At least once a day.

Pin with us on Pinterest!

Bart van Poll — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:45:37 +0000

Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local

2 months ago we joined Pinterest, a virtual pinboard for sharing beautiful things found on the web. Although Pinterest users are overwhelmingly women (you can also see that on the homepage, where the most popular pins are displayed…), I was hooked since day 1!

On our Pinterest boards we share things we found around the web on subject we love to read about: Local Travel, Street art, Urbanism, Street photography etc.

Pinterest users seem to like us too. Every day at least a couple of people pin one of our Spotters’ pictures!

What do you think of our pins and boards? Suggestions?