Get Cozy this European Off-Season

Get Cozy this European Off-Season

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Dublin, Ireland 

Transportation 

From the airport: 

Taxi: Taxis are readily available at Dublin Airport. The journey to the city center takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis can be found at designated taxi ranks outside the terminals.

Private Shuttle Services: Some private shuttle services operate between Dublin Airport and the city center. These services often need to be booked in advance, and they may provide a more comfortable and direct transfer.

Car Rental: If you prefer to have your own transportation, car rental services are available at Dublin Airport. You can rent a car and drive to the city center, which is approximately a 20-30 minute journey, depending on traffic.

Where to Stay:

Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street - Formerly Jurys Inn
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Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre, an IHG Hotel
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ibis Dublin
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Maldron Hotel Parnell Square
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Must-Do's in Dublin 

Pubs

Pub culture is obviously huge in Ireland.  You will often find the locals at their favorite pub after work, on the weekends for a futball or rugby match and enjoying time time friends. This is a must! If you are there for dinner, there are a lot of pubs that have live music and traditional Irish dancing that add to the ambiance.

Temple Bar
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This is a classic tourist attraction, even if you only go for the Instagram picture it is still a great place to try out just to say you went! Enjoy a pint of Guinness with your new friends from all over Europe.
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The Brazen Head
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Claiming to be Ireland's oldest pub, The Brazen Head dates back to 1198. It offers a historic and cozy atmosphere with traditional Irish music and a menu featuring classic pub fare.
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The Bar With No Name
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Such a great in-door/out-door vibe! This is much more of a bar than a pub but it's great to meet young people has a unique cocktails and great music!
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Hogans
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A great bar/pub vibe! Drinks and tables upstairs and a dance floor and a cave-like bar downstairs. Great place that locals go to on the weekends. Highly recommend for a fun night out.
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O'Donoghue's Bar
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A popular pub with a strong musical tradition, O'Donoghue's is known for its live Irish folk music sessions. It's a great place to experience authentic Irish music in an intimate setting.
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Toners
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Toners is a traditional pub with a long history and a cozy atmosphere. It's located near Baggot Street and is known for its historic charm, friendly staff, and a good selection of drinks.
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If you know one thing about Dublin its the home of the Guinness beer! Even though its sold at pretty much every bar and pub in the city the Guinness factory is a must do.  With its plenty floors of beer creation, history and tastings this place will leave you tipsy and educated on the production of the famous drink! 

Guinness Brewery Diageo
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A must do on your bucketlist! Buy a self guided tour and enjoy learning about the history of the famous Guinness beer.
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Dublin Castle
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Stunning architecture and old-timey like feel. Walk around the gardens and enjoy a beautiful stroll on the cobblestone!
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Ireland isn't just known for its beer, we can't forget about the famous Whiskey world that is beloved by so many. Dublin is a great place for whiskey lovers to test out their knowledge and try different kinds of aged liquor. 

Jameson Distillery Bow St.
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Obviously the most famous of all the distilleries, Jameson has a large variety of different types of whiskey to try and if you book in advance there are fun cocktail classes you can take that use the delicious drink!
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Teeling Whiskey Distillery
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Not only is the whiskey delicious, the building itself is also stunning! This distillery gives you the option for guided tours or just to hang out and drink a flight or cocktail on your own. My favorite drink was their signature whiskey espresso martini with home made cold foam on top!
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Distilled
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Another signature distillery with flights and cocktails!
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Budapest, Hungary 

Transportation:

Airport Shuttle Service: There are several shuttle services available that provide shared or private transfers to various locations in Budapest. These services can be booked at the airport or online in advance.

Public Transport - Bus and Metro: Bus 100E: This special airport bus connects the airport with Deák Ferenc tér in the city center. It operates frequently, and the journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes.

Public Bus 200E: This bus takes you to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, where you can transfer to Metro Line 3 to reach the city center.

Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. It's advisable to use official airport taxis or reputable taxi companies. Agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

Budapest History:

Budapest is known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, cultural heritage, and the scenic Danube River. The city's geography, divided by the Danube, is marked by historic landmarks such as Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, and the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Some sight-seeing: 

St. Stephen's Basilica
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Such a great view if you decide to go to the top of the building. You will get a 360 view of the city and be able to see all thew ay over to the castle district and more. We went on a rainy day but it made the pictures from the top look amazing
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Castle District
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This is one of Budapest's greatest sites. Swarmed with people trying to see the stunning castles it is such a nice area of the city. Walk around and try a classic Hungarian Chimney cake.
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Relax with a Spa Day

Széchenyi Thermal Bath
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Located in City Park, Széchenyi is one of the largest and most popular thermal baths in Europe. It features a mix of indoor and outdoor pools with varying temperatures, saunas, and spa services. The iconic yellow buildings and the grand architecture make it a must-visit.
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Gellért Thermal Bath
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Connected to the Gellért Hotel, the Gellért Baths boast stunning Art Nouveau architecture. The baths include thermal pools, saunas, plunge pools, and an outdoor wave pool. The surroundings are luxurious, and the indoor baths are adorned with colorful mosaics.
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Rudas Thermal Bath
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Rudas Baths, dating back to the 16th century, combine traditional Turkish and modern elements. The thermal baths offer a unique experience with a central octagonal pool beneath a dome. Rudas also has wellness and sauna facilities.
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Lukacs Baths
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Lukács Baths is known for its medicinal water and has been a popular choice for those seeking health benefits from the thermal springs. The bath complex includes indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and a wellness center. It has a more tranquil and less touristy atmosphere.
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Food and Drink:

Mazel Tov
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Mazel Tov offers a menu that blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Dishes often include a variety of grilled meats, fresh salads, and vegetarian options. The restaurant is known for its diverse and flavorful menu.
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Belli di Mamma
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Delicious Italian food at a great price! The staff is so nice and kind and the food left us feeling full. I highly recommend the pizza with burrata on it!
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Street Food Karavan Budapest
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Such a fun street with great drinks and food! You have all sorts of different kids of cuisine and the ability to choose as you please. You can also get drinks everywhere and the vibes are great. Even in the cold people were walking around and having a great time!
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Babka Budapest
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Delicious Mediterranean food! We got a lot of different plates to share and each one was so delicious. So much food and the best experience in the restaurant.
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Budapest is famous for its unique ruin bars, which are bars and pubs set up in abandoned buildings, factories, or other unconventional spaces.

Elysian Budapest - Cocktail Bar
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This is brand new cocktail bar in Budapest. The old bar manager at Hotsy Totsy (noted above) started his own bar and has an amazing staff here. The drinks are rotated based on what fruits and vegetables are in season at the time. They use only organic ingredients and make the drinks in front of you in their open-concept kitchen type bar. Their goal is to make you feel like you're right at home while you enjoy your cocktail. I can't say enough good things about this place!
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Hotsy Totsy Budapest
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More on the pricey side for Budapest but SUCH an amazing vibe. The bartenders are trained professionals who know how to make a drink. They give you a deck of cards with each cocktail on it explaning the sweetness level and alcohol content in each drink. Go here if you have the chance!
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Szimpla Kert
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Szimpla Kert is one of the most iconic and famous in Budapest. Located in the Jewish Quarter, Szimpla Kert has a quirky and eclectic decor with mismatched furniture, art installations, and a laid-back atmosphere.
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Instant-Fogas Complex
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This large space features multiple rooms with diverse themes and music styles. From electronic beats to live performances, Instant/Fogas Ház offers a dynamic nightlife experience
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Julia Lapin, I was born and raised on Bainbridge Island (right across from Seattle, yes like Grey's Anatomy) and have lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life. I am about to leave for a 9-month journey to Castellon de la Plana, Spain where I will be teaching English to young Spanish kids. On this page I will be sharing some of my best secrets of the PNW, my new recommendations for my new Spanish lifestyle, and giving you an inside look at European weekend trips.
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