Grandiose Vienna

I'm not going to lie, I love Pandas. So a trip to Vienna's Zoo was an absolute must! The zoo is huge and is worth the effort to see as its ranked as one of the best in the world. Helpfully, its within the grounds of the  Schonbrunn Palace which is a must see attraction.  An ornate and expansive palace that is a little outside the historic centre, Schonbrunn epitomizes Vienna's grand and royal nature. Do however, expect long queues. You are given a ticket with a set entry time, so there's no better excuse for killing some time in the zoo while you wait!

Don't Miss- Kunsthistorisches Museum. Aside from the amazing art collections, the building's architecture can only be described as stunning.

Hungry? Eat Vienna style with traditional coffee and cake. Julius Meinl is a small cafe where you can watch the world go by, and there is a shop next door full of luxury food products that is definitely worth a wander around.

Top Tip- Vienna is a vast city. Travelling around on foot will waste precious time. Catch the underground or the tram, both reliable. You can buy travel passes in the train station for the duration of your stay, saving you both time and money.

Adventurous Amsterdam.

Hookers. Cannabis. Clogs. OK maybe not so many clogs, but that's what I thought I'd find when I arrived in Amsterdam. In reality though, there is so much more to this little city. Beyond the tourist traps of the Red Light District, Amsterdam has plenty of pretty canals lined with charming cafes/bars and quirky sites to behold. 

Don't Miss  Even if you are going to Amsterdam for a wild one you should make it your priority to go to Anne Frank's house. There is a reason why there are queues around the corner till the early evening. The visit is truly humbling and really puts a lot into perspective. 

Hungry? Try Alfonso's on Uterechsestratt for authentic and reasonably priced mexican food.  

Nightlife Cast aside the Red Light District and head to Rembrandtplein, a lively square of bars cafes and coffee shops with a good atmosphere. Even better, head to the House of Bols before hand. An interactive cocktail museum includes two shots and a cocktail in your ticket price! See last picture.  

Bustling Berlin

Berlin is a city bursting at the seams with historical sights from its tempestuous past. From the Berlin wall which can be seen in its longest form left here to the original Checkpoint Charlie, you really do feel like you are a part of events that changed the world. If however you aren't a history buff, check out views of Berlin from the TV Tower or head to Kurfürstendamm for some high end window shopping. 

• Don't Miss  The Deutscher Bundestag (The Reichstag). On top of the historic building a huge modern glass dome has been built which you can walk around whilst looking over the sites of the city for free.

• Hungry?  Try Aposto for a cosy Italian meal for two, or enjoy fast food with substance and try the German specialty Currywurst from a food stand. 

• Nightlife You can find traditional beer anywhere you go in Berlin, however if like me you are partial to a cocktail or two then try the Raddison Blu Hotel Bar. It's not cheap but it's the only place you get to admire the AquaDom, the world's largest cylindrical aquarium which apparently has one million liters of seawater, and plenty of tropical fish. A few cosmopolitans and you might just turn into one yourself.