Rich History and Quaint Charm

Trastevere’s charm is steeped in history. Originally a working-class neighborhood, it’s now a buzzing hub filled with locals and visitors alike. The name “Trastevere” comes from the Latin words for “beyond the Tiber,” and that’s exactly where it sits—just across the river from the main tourist attractions. As you stroll through the winding alleyways, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked back in time. The buildings are adorned with ivy and colorful shutters—perfect for that Instagram post you’ve been dreaming about.

But let’s not forget, this neighborhood has stories to tell. The area is home to the iconic Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, dating back to the early 4th century. Legend has it that the church is built on the site where a miracle occurred, as visions of the Virgin Mary appeared and oil was found in the earth. Talk about a divine spot! You can spend a few moments gazing at its golden mosaics and imagining the saints chatting about their plans for the day.

Food, Glorious Food!

Oh, the food! If you name a dish, you’ll likely find it in Trastevere, and 9 times out of 10, it’ll be delicious. From pasta carbonara to supplì (fried rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella), this area is a feast for your taste buds. Make a point to visit a local trattoria, where you can enjoy genuine Roman dishes often cooked by the nonna (grandma) of the house. You’ll feel like a part of the family—just don’t expect her to let you leave without dessert.

Now, allow me to give you some friendly advice: never pass on the tiramisù. With its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone, it’s the dessert that dreams are made of. By the time you finish your meal, you’ll be rolling down the cobblestone streets, fully equipped with a happy belly and a heart full of joy.

Artistic Vibes and Nighttime Bliss

After basking in all that pasta goodness, it’s time to soak up some culture. Trastevere isn’t just about food; it’s also a hotspot for art and creativity. Check out the contemporary art galleries scattered around, where local artists showcase their work. You’ll find everything from quirky paintings that might leave you scratching your head to sculptures that could start philosophical debates. It’s a true testament to the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood.

Trastevere doesn’t ugly up when the sun goes down—oh no! The nightlife is just as lively as its streets during the day. Dive into one of the many bars serving up incredible cocktails, a perfect way to chill after a long day of sightseeing. The piazzas transform into outdoor lounges where locals gather to share stories and laughter. You might even find an impromptu concert or a street performer—so keep an eye out and your camera ready!

A Walk to Remember

If you’re feeling adventurous, venture to the Janiculum Hill. It’s a bit of a hike, but don’t worry, your legs will thank you later. Offering one of the most stunning views of Rome, there’s nothing like standing up there with a breathtaking vista of the city’s rooftops and domes. Time your visit with sunset, and you’ll witness the sky transform into a beautiful canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. You may even find yourself shedding a few tears over the sheer beauty of it all. (It’s totally normal, don’t worry.)

Embrace the Local Life

One of the main attractions of Trastevere is the chance to experience a slice of local Roman life. The best way to do this is to simply wander. Get lost in the maze of streets, pop into little shops, and don’t be shy about chatting with locals. They’re often more than willing to share tales of their favorite haunts or give you recommendations on hidden gems you might not find in the guidebooks.

Lastly, don’t forget to grab a gelato on your way out! It’s like a rite of passage in Italy, and Trastevere is overflowing with gelaterias offering every flavor from pistachio to the potentially daring—but absolutely delicious—basil. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

Trastevere Awaits

So, if you find yourself in Rome, carve out some time to explore Trastevere. Between its rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, and artistic flair, it’s a neighborhood brimming with character. Whether you’re wandering through its cobbled streets, indulging in a feast, or taking in a stunning sunset, you’ll discover that Trastevere is not just a place but an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. Make sure your camera is charged; you’ll want to capture every moment!

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The Harry Potter vibe

References to the story of the beloved boy wizard who captured the imagination of a generation can be found all over the city. J.K. Rowling lived and taught English in Porto for two years, and it was actually this city that inspired her to write her iconic novels.

Legend has it that the first passage of Harry Potter was written on a napkin from the famous Majestic Cafe, which Rowling frequently visited. That cafe still functions, though it’s normally full with locals and tourists trying to soak up the atmosphere of those distant days.

Another place Rowling often frequented during her Porto days was the bookshop Livraria Lello. Although often crowded, its Gothic atmosphere, beautiful wooden carvings, winding red stairs and stained glass ceiling evoke images of faraway, magical worlds. Here you can find some of the classics of Portuguese literature, which we encourage you to bring back home so you can get a better understanding of the country.

* There is an entrance fee to the bookstore (4 euro). The fee is, however, deducted from any purchase you might make.

The best Harry Potter references are the students of Porto themselves, or their academic uniforms, to be more exact. When you see them walking the streets wearing their long black robes (called traje académico), you might wonder whether they’ve just finished a class with Professor Snape. Of course, the tradition of wearing these robes is actually a lot older than Rowling’s novel and has been passed through the generations until this day.

The majestic staircase of Livraria Lello – amaianos/Flickr

The old town

The historic center of Porto – Ribeira – is listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Now, it won’t be a surprise for you to learn that medieval buildings and cobbled streets always make me happy – thank god Europe has so many beautiful old towns to explore. This one, however, felt a little different to all the others I’ve been to; more authentic and even somewhat abandoned, but in a good way. Its beautiful tall and narrow buildings are decorated with the colored tiles typical of Portuguese, and after spending some time wandering around there’s a good chance you’ll start asking yourself: “is it really okay to stop every few minutes to admire a beautiful door, or there is something very wrong with me?”

The colors of Porto – Juan Antonio Segal/flickr

The views

Porto is a city built on hills, which means you’re in for some exhausting climbing: up and down, and up and down, and again and again… But it also makes for some incredible views of the city and the river, which winds its way through Porto. Here are some of best viewpoints in the city:

• The Dom Luís I Bridge – with the picturesque Ribeira district on one side, the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia on the other and the Douro River between them.
• Ribeira – this is the perfect place to enjoy a calm evening sitting by the river, admiring the stillness of the water and the lights of the bridge above it.
• Crystal Palace Gardens – this beautiful eight-hectare park also happens to be the perfect spot for watching the sunset over the river.
• Clerigos Tower – where you’ll be treated with a 360-degree view from the top of a more than 250-year-old tower.
• Farol Molhe do Douro – which offers views of the endless ocean and its crashing waves.

A breathtaking sunset over Porto, as seen from Crystal Palace Gardens – Nesi Zelenkova/ www.203challenges.com

The wine

Porto is famous for its sweet red Port wine, and you’ll be in heaven thanks to the wide variety of local producers to choose from. Cross one of the six bridges and you’ll end up in wine-lovers’ paradise: Vila Nova de Gaia, with its countless wine cellars, each one offering tours and tasting sessions. You can also take a cruise along the Douro River to admire the vine terraces from the water and see where your wine came from.

Barcos rabelos boats used for transporting wine from Gaia to Porto – Güldem Üstün/flickr

The food

One sentence is enough to explain just how good Porto food is: “The world needs nata!” This egg tart pastry can be found in every bakery (and there are a lot of those here), and makes for the perfect breakfast or dessert (and if you ask me, the perfect lunch, dinner or appetizer – basically a dish I’d be happy to live on for the rest of my days).

I wouldn’t mind if there were more Francesinha in the world, as well. Although bread, ham, sausage, steak, melted cheese, tomato and beer sauce, and french fries all together might sound a bit like cardiac arrest – or at least enough to render you immobile for an hour – it is one of the most delicious Portuguese meals. You should definitely try it while in Porto.

You just need nata, don’t you? – Nesi Zelenkova/www.203challenges.com

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“From the dome of St. Peter’s one can see every notable object in Rome… He can see a panorama that is varied, extensive, beautiful to the eye, and more illustrious in history than any other in Europe.” – Mark Twain

“Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes.” – Alberto Sordi.

“Yes, I have finally arrived to this Capital of the World! I now see all the dreams of my youth coming to life… Only in Rome is it possible to understand Rome.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

”Italy has changed. But Rome is Rome.” – Robert De Niro

Read more: Rome – tips from a local

“Rome holds my psyche in balance. Whenever I’m there, it’s like a holiday.” – Giambattista Valli

“A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome.” – Francesco Petrarca 

“Rome – the city of visible history, where the past of a whole hemisphere seems moving in funeral procession with strange ancestral images and trophies gathered from afar.” – George Eliot

Read more: Why do we toss coins in the Trevi Fountain?

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The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa

Fernando Pessoa is probably the greatest Portuguese writer and poet of all time. Walking around Lisbon, one is sure to stumble upon at least one of his monuments or even his last residence – now a cultural space and bookshop. It’s only fair to get to know who this great man was and what he wrote.

The Book of Disquiet is his most famous work, which was actually unfinished and published around 50 years after his death. The book is hard to define – it is part autobiography, part personal diary, prose, poetry, and descriptive narrative. It is considered one of the greatest modernist works, not only in Portugal but in the whole world.

Fernando Pessoa is also known for developing the concept of literary heteronyms – imaginary characters created by the writer that write instead of him. Heteronyms are similar to pen names, with the difference being that they have their own writing styles and often their own imaginary biographies. Pessoa had around 70 heteronyms and the one that was closest to the real Fernando Pessoa, Bernardo Soares, was actually the name The Book of Disquiet was signed under.

Famous American literary critic George Steiner says about the book that it “gives to Lisbon the haunting spell of Joyce’s Dublin or Kafka’s Prague.”

Pessoa’s statue outside Lisbon’s famous coffeehouse: “A Brasileira”.

The year of the death of Ricardo Reis by José Saramago

Jose Saramago, one of the most acclaimed writers in the world today and the winner of the Noble Prize in Literature in 1998, also comes from Portugal.

The main character of the book, Ricardo Reis, who is actually one of the heteronyms of Fernando Pessoa, comes back to Lisbon after having lived for 16 years in Brazil. He spends the last year of his life there, staying in a hotel, spending his days wandering around the grey and melancholic Lisbon streets and having philosophical conversations with the ghost of Pessoa. All that happens while the dictatorship of Salazar is establishing its control over the country.

Discover 10 beautiful quotes on Portugal

Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal’s History and Culture by José Saramago

Saramago’s other famous work is the book he wrote to show his love for the history, culture, and beauty of his country. Narrating in the third person, referring to himself as ‘the traveler’, he takes the reader on a journey through Portugal beyond the tourist sites and travel guides. His writing brings to life every city, town and natural landmark he discovers during the itinerary.

Night train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

This masterpiece by Swiss author Pascal Mercier is a lot more than travel inspiration – it is a philosophical novel that asks and answers questions about decisions, loneliness, love, and death. The story follows the investigation of Swiss teacher Raimund Gregorius: one day on his way to work he saves a young Portuguese woman from suicide. She disappears immediately afterward, leaving behind only a book by Amadeu de Prado. Spontaneously, Raimund decides to investigate the story of de Prado and takes the night train to Lisbon. His journey leads him through the mysterious streets of Lisbon and introduces him to live under the oppressive regime of Salazar when the wise doctor Amadeus de Prado lived.

In 2013, a movie based on the book was released, starring Jeremy Irons and Melanie Laurent.

To learn more about the Salazar regime and the resistance covered in the book, you might want to visit the Museum of Aljube in Lisbon.

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley

Roger Crowley is a New York Times bestselling writer and historian who tells the story of how the great Portuguese conquerors turned the poor kingdom of Portugal into one of the largest and longest-lived colonial empires in the world. Though highly informative, the book is nothing like a typically boring academic work. Instead, it captivates the reader by turning historical figures into living characters and remains fascinating from beginning to end.

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Instead of trying to make your life perfect, give yourself the freedom to make it an adventure, and go ever upward. – Drew Houston

Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul. – Jaime Lyn

Don’t die without embracing the daring adventure your life was meant to be. – Steve Pavlina

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”. – Hunter S. Thompson

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. – Eleanor Roosevelt

There is much more to life than following others’ prescribed path. There is so much more to life than what you experience right now. You need to decide who you are for yourself. Become a whole being. Adventure. – Roy T. Bennett

I have found adventure in flying, in world travel, in business, and even close at hand… Adventure is a state of mind – and spirit. – Jacqueline Cochran

To venture causes anxiety, but not to venture is to lose one’s self… And to venture in the highest is precisely to be conscious of one’s self. – Soren Kierkegaard

The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. – Jon Krakauer

Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of. – Roy T.Bennett

Adventure isn’t hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles in life. – John Amatt

First you jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down. – Ray Bradbury

Don’t settle down and sit in one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon. You are still going to live a long time, Ron, and it would be a shame if you did not take the opportunity to revolutionize your life and move into an entirely new realm of experience. – Jon Krakauer

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. – Andre Gide

So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious, and awesome space. – Edward Abbey

Anytime I feel lost, I pull out a map and stare. I stare until I have reminded myself that life is a giant adventure, so much to do, to see. – Angelina Jolie

My parents taught me honesty, truth, compassion, kindness and how to care for people. Also, they encouraged me to take risks, to boldly go. They taught me that the greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure. – Brian Blessed

Life experience is what defines our character, even if it means getting your heart broken or being lied to. You know, you need the downs to appreciate the ups. Going on the adventure or taking that risk is important. – Nev Schulman

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Spend a day playing in the snow

The first snowflakes hit the ground so slowly and peacefully that somehow, amid all those thoughts of the traffic chaos the snow may cause or how wet your feet are going to get on your way home, you remember the old days when none of it mattered. When temperatures were just random numbers you overheard on the TV during the brief 15 minutes when you were actually at home on a snow day – just to slightly unfreeze your hands, change out of your wet clothes, grab a snack and listen to your parents’ lectures before heading outside again to fulfill your mission: to make the best of the day and fully enjoy the snow. And who said the mission is over?

This winter we challenge you to spend a whole day playing out in the snow. And if living in the moment without a ‘to-do’ list feels too unstructured, here are some suggestions:

• Recreate your favorite movie scene with snowmen.
• Start a snowball fight.
• Find things to use as an alternative to a sleigh – a pool float, an old jacket or a plastic bottle. Or perhaps even a friend?

Lose your heart to the snow | Brigitte Tohm/Unsplash

Master the art of making mulled wine

After spending the day as your inner child, what better way to switch back to adulthood than enjoying a glass of hot mulled wine? And trust us, it tastes even better if you make it yourself. Here’s how:

Do something small for someone else

December is the month of coziness and hygge, which makes you just want to do good and be kind. And of course, the best acts of kindness are the small, spontaneous, everyday ones. Let this be a month of small acts of kindness:

• Buy a homeless person a meal.
• Cook a treat for your colleagues.
• Compliment a stranger on the subway.
• Give a small DIY gift to a not-so-close friend, just because.

… but don’t forget that the best gift is you: your time, your kindness and your presence. Make sure you spend enough quality time with your loved ones this December.

The best gift is you: your time, your kindness, your presence. | Dakota Corbin/ Unsplash

Celebrate Christmas in an unusual place

I’m not saying that staying home and watching Home Alone for the hundredth time is a bad idea, but why not use Christmas to do something unusual that you’ve never done before? Have you, for example, ever had a snow picnic or built an igloo? Check here for more unusual ideas about how to spend Christmas.

Have you spent Christmas in a forest cabin before? | Ian Keefe/ Unsplash

Combine at least 5 New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world for your party

The 31st of December is a chance to take stock of what has happened in the past year and make wishes for the new one to be better. Some nations, however, don’t only wish for it – they do everything possible to ensure that their luck changes on the first day of the year, which often leads to some fun traditions. These traditions might or might not work, but incorporating them into your New Year’s celebrations will surely result in a memorable party. Here are a few ideas:

• Russia: when the countdown starts, quickly write your wishes on a small piece of paper, then burn it and drink the ashes with your drink before midnight.
• Colombia: bring an empty suitcase with you and walk around the block with it at midnight. It is believed that this inexplicable tradition will bring you plenty of great adventures in the new year.
• Switzerland: drop ice cream on the floor for luck in the new year.
• Denmark: climb onto a chair or sofa and literally jump into the new year at midnight.
• Philippines: wear polka dots, eat only round food and toss coins for prosperity.

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1. The official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic. It has been the official name of the country since the abolition of the monarchy in 1973. Greeks refer to themselves as Hellenes and to their country as Hellas. The name Greece is of Roman origin because, according to the theory, when the Romans conquered Greece the first people they met were the western Greek tribe of Graeci.

2. The contemporary idea of Santa Claus developed from the 4^th-century Greek Saint Nicholas who was a bishop of Myra (nowadays Demre, Turkey) famous for his secret gift-giving.

3. Retirement homes are not common in Greece since grandparents normally live with their children.

4. Only about 170 out of the more than 2,000 Greek islands are inhabited.

Donousa Island in the Cyclades, Greece, has a population of only 167 people (2011)

5. Name days are big celebrations in Greece, sometimes even bigger than birthdays. A name day is the day dedicated to the saint one is named after. Since the Greek Orthodox Church has dedicated every day of the year to the memory of one (or sometimes more) saint, almost every day in Greece is cause for celebration.

6. Greek is the oldest written language that is still in existence.

7. The first nude scene in European cinema history was in the Greek movie Daphnis and Chloe in 1931. The movie is based on the work of the Greek novelist Longus, who lived in the 2^nd century AD.

8. There are olive trees in Greece that date back to the 13^th century and are still producing olives. Greece is the third most prolific olive exporter in the world, and olive trees are an inseparable part of its culture – from the symbolism they had in ancient Greece (winners at the Olympic games were crowned with olive branches) to their big role in Greek cuisine.

9. Tourists in Greece (more than 20 million yearly) outnumber the country’s population (approximately 11 million) by almost double. Tourism plays a big part in the Greek economy and contributes about 20% of its GDP.

10. There are more than 10,000 traditional Greek dances coming from the different regions of Greece.

11. Greece is one of the sunniest countries in the world. There are normally more than 250 sunny days in the year.

12. Greece is the country with the most archaeological museums in the world – over 100. Some of the ‘must-visits’ are the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Museum of  Delphi.

National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece

13. The Greeks revolutionized the art of sculpture. Greek artists were the first to begin creating statues that showed movement and emotions.

14. The turquoise blue of many Greek roofs, doors, and church domes – especially on the Cyclades Islands – is believed to keep evil spirits away.

15. According to Greeks, if you sneeze it means that someone is talking about you. You can actually work out who it is by asking someone to tell you a three-digit number. Add each one together and count down the alphabet. The letter on which that number falls is the initial of that person’s first name. By whispering skordo (which means ‘garlic’) you can ensure that they only say good things.

16. The saying “taking the bull by its horns” comes from the Greek mythical figure of Hercules, who saved Crete from a raging bull by seizing its horns.

17. In Greece, it is considered an offense to wave your hand with the palm facing out.

I would add something from me – a nice place for your summer vacancy – Keramoti beach.

Pin this article for later, because you never know when you will need a good fun fact about Greece:

Read more: 13 quotes about Greece that explain why everyone loves it.

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Las Vegas looks the way you would imagine heaven must look at night. – Chuck Palahniuk

If you know how to live in Vegas you can have the best time. – Tony Curtis

Everything and anything you want to do – you can do it in Las Vegas. – Drew Carey

While I was busy hating Vegas and hiding from Vegas, a funny thing happened. I grew to love Vegas. – J. R. Moehringer

Las Vegas, Nevada: a city where oddities don’t make you lame, but instead bring you riches and fortune and fame. – Walter Wykes

Vegas is the most extreme and allegorical of American settlements, bizarre and beautiful in its venality and in its devotion to immediate gratification. – Joan Didion

Las Vegas is a city built on hopes, dreams, and a little bit of crazy. – Michael Mcdonald

If you aim to leave Las Vegas with a small fortune, go there with a large one. – Unknown author

Contemporary Las Vegas is astonishing. At night, it is a brilliant cluster of jewels of all shapes, sizes, and colors, glowing in the middle of a vast, black velvet canopy. By day, it is also an amazing sight, almost like a mirage. There is nothing but desert and rugged mountains all around, and then- in the middle of it all – one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the United States… truly an enigma. – Thomas  Taj  Ainlay

Las Vegas is the only place I know where money really talks – it says Goodbye. – Frank Sinatra

Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream. – Hunter S. Thompson

Las Vegas is sort of like how God would do it if he had money. – Steve Wynn

Las Vegas is the boiling pot of entertainment. – Don Rickles

Vegas means comedy, tragedy, happiness, and sadness all at the same time. – Artie Lange

No one thinks Las Vegas is real; it is illusion, but visitors willingly suspend disbelief and pretend. – Hal Rothman

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#1 The Italian wolf is Italy’s national animal. The animal plays a huge role in Italian culture; according to legend, Romulus and Remus – who founded Rome in 753 BC – were raised by a she-wolf.

#2 Italy is home to the only active volcanoes in Europe – Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli.

Mount Etna – the biggest and most active volcano in Italy– Wikipedia

#3 Jewish people would often hide in Italy’s ancient catacombs while they were being persecuted during WWII.

#4 There is a free 24-hour red wine fountain in central Italy. It was built in 2016 by a local winery in the village of Caldari di Ortona. It is “not for people to get drunk, but a gesture to the town”.

#5 It is illegal to die in the town of Falciano del Massico in Campania in South Italy. This law has been in place since 2012. The reason? The cemetery is full…

#6 Italy is home to the biggest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. There are over 50 to be exact, including the aforementioned Mount Etna.

The city of Verona – one of Italy’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Kimmo Räisänen / Flickr

#7 Italians believe that the number 17 is bad luck. That explains why some buildings in Italy don’t have a 17th floor. This superstition comes from the Roman numeral for 17: XVII. That’s because these letters are an anagram of VIXI, which in Latin means “I have lived” or “My life is over”.

#8 Italy is home to the oldest continually operating university in Europe. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and remains to this day one of the most prestigious universities in Europe.

The University of Bologna – the oldest in mainland Europe – Wikipedia

#9 500,000 Italians visit exorcists yearly. The Roman Catholic Church is training a new generation of exorcists due to the high demand.

#10 The island Poveglia in northern Italy is one of the most haunted places in the world. In the 18th century, the island was used as a quarantine zone for people who had fallen ill with the plague. Two centuries, later the buildings on the island were converted into an asylum for the mentally ill. Nowadays, public access is not permitted to the abandoned island, which is often listed among the most haunted places in the world.

After this list, you probably got into the mood to visit the country. Don’t hesitate to look for vacation rentals in Italy with cozycozy and enjoy your stay!

Pin this list now so it can be your secret weapon next time you are explaining why Italy is so great:

Read more:

5 things that make you happy in Italy

5 unique little towns in Italy for true explorers

22 honest travel tips for Italy

10 fun facts about Milan

All articles dedicated to Italy

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Celebrate the national day of a country – your own or another

You can start this by celebrating Independence Day on the 4^th of July, even if you’re not American. The celebration of different countries’ national days is a great way to honor foreign cultures and countries without actually traveling there. You can visit a friend from that particular country, organize a themed dinner with food from the country, go to a themed bar or restaurant, or have a movie marathon with movies made in or about that country. Some of the national days you can celebrate in July are:

• 4^th July – Independence Day (United States)
• 14^th July – Bastille Day (France)
• 20^th July – Declaration of Independence from Spain (Colombia)
• 21^st July – Belgian National Day
• 23^rd July – Revolution Day (Egypt)

Organize a trip for a friend

… or have a friend organize a trip for you. Let them know only the departure date and what clothes they should bring; everything else should be a surprise. Give them the tickets, the maps and a list of challenges they should complete on the day they depart.

You can choose to send them to a place they wouldn’t normally go (be prepared for some revenge in this case) or somewhere you know they’ve always wanted to go but for some reason haven’t been able to. We’re sure you can find a suitable place that is still affordable and worth visiting.

Go to an outdoor cinema

Nothing quite compares to the atmosphere of those warm summer nights in the city, and a night at an outdoor cinema is one way to make things even better. Fresh air, a few friends, a nice movie, popcorn, drinks and voilà! – you have the perfect recipe for an after-work chill session. If you have a backyard (or even just a balcony), you can get creative and organize your own open-air movie night.

Gather herbs and wild berries

It’s finally summer now and the last thing we want to think about are those cold winter days that seem so far away. But, as we’ve always learned from Game of Thrones, winter is coming and you’d better be prepared. One fun way to do this while it’s still warm is to gather herbs for your own personal blend of tea, or wild berries that you can use to make homemade jam. If you can’t identify herbs, download a mobile app that can do it for you, or hire a guide who can teach you how to do it.

When you get around to making your homemade jam, you can label the jars with not only the name of the berries, but also the place and the date when they were gathered, as well as a funny story that happened while you were gathering them. That way you will have not only some delicious jams, but also some heart-warming memories.

Rooftop challenge

If you’ve been following this website for a while, you might have noticed our obsession with sunrises. There is a reason for that – they are always absolutely stunning, and they offer the perfect opportunity to escape from the stresses of modern life for a while. Try this challenge and you will soon be obsessed, too.

So here it is: search the city for rooftop bars that offer early morning events and go to as many as possible. You can also do this by creating your own events on the rooftops of your friends’ buildings or any other rooftop you have access to. Compare them and choose the best one, then throw a party on the last day of the month to celebrate your newfound knowledge of the city’s rooftops. Make sure you’re prepared for a big night so you can greet the first sunrise of August; then, and only then, will you be ready for our August challenges!

Don’t forget to take with you things like tick clothes, wound dressing, food.

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