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my favorite places i'm saving up to visit again
there are cities that everyone tells you to visit. either for good reason or just because we as a society can’t yet admit there are better places to be. but then there’s some that stay, that you sit up at 2:00am thinking should I (or can I afford to) go back??
these four cities made me feel a little more alive, a little more curious. they weren’t just stamps on my passport whose ink would wither away, they stayed, inside my head at least
to the places I have loved the most:
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think: fancy italian rooftop with a glass of chilled wine, and fresh pasta on the way
rio de janeiro, brazil
rio is vibrant in a way I didn’t know cities could be. loud, hot, alive, makes me want to stay up past 9:00pm and talk to random strangers who’ll forget my name by the morning.
Ipanema beach
this is top tier people-watching. the volleyball, the fresh açai and cold beers, I had no pans on leaving. with the most crystal clear oceans just a few steps away, I went every day and it never got old.
sugarloaf Mountain
I was nervous about the cable car (heights are not my thing), but the views made it worth it. Seeing the city from above, the ocean, jungle, skyscrapers, its criminal how underrated this city is.
brazillan soccer
going to a brazilian soccer game is a must if you’re visiting the country. the stadium vibrates with emotion that feels bigger than the game itself. every goal, every pass is met with cheers and complete eruption. it’s incredibly chaotic, passionate, and unforgettable.
amsterdam, netherlands
amsterdam was everything everyone said it would be, and slightly more. I didn’t know what to expect, and left with more than I could hope for.
the canals
I know this is the obvious choice, but they really are that beautiful. I loved walking alongside them and taking a canal cruise made me feel like I was in a movie, or that the whole city was a painting.
jordaan neighborhood
small boutiques, cozy cafes, record stores, and streets that curve just enough to keep you guessing. it felt personal, like anyone could make it home (with enough money, of course).
van gogh museum
I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it would be. seeing his work up close, especially the lesser-known pieces, was overwhelming in the best way. I stayed for hours. it made me think about what it means to be seen, to be showcased for centuries.
rimini, italy
a small beach town on the adriatic coast that most people in america have never heard of, and i’m glad they haven’t. rimini is slower, saltier, and surprisingly full of charm.
the beach!
it’s not flashy, but there’s something about walking the beaches of rimini in the mornings that feels like the front of a postcard. did I go to an italian beach town in the middle of winter, yes?? but that doesn’t matter
the old town
Rimini has layers—its historical center is full of Roman ruins, quiet piazzas, and local markets. It was the perfect contrast to the beach: slower, moodier, and completely magical after sunset.
the fooood
one night I had grilled fish, chilled white wine, and a short conversation in (very) broken italian with a waiter who told me he once visited new jersey, which was close enough to new york so i’ll take it. the food was simply perfect and everything tasted better with italian accents
edinburgh, scotland
If a city could wear eyeliner, Edinburgh would. It’s moody, romantic, and smarter than it lets on. I went expecting history and left with a strange sense of comfort.
the food
I was not expecting to love scotish food as much as I did! as a certified picky eater, I found all the different options (indian, mexican, mcdonalds hehe) SHOCKING! and shockingly delicious 10/10
the royal mile
sure, it’s touristy. but it’s also incredibly beautiful with the cobblestones, the crooked buildings, the street performers. the street felt like pure magic
the museums
living in nyc, i’m no stranger to a good museum. but edinburgh may have taken the cake on the most intricate and unique exhibits. it made my adhd brain want to actually focus, and that’s saying a lot.
if these cities make me feel this way, why would I go anywhere else???
thanks for reading,
Lauren <3