So we just got back from Greece, we had been there before about 10 years ago to celebrate my Husband’s 30th birthday so he had wanted to recreate this trip to ring in 40!
Our original plan was only to be in Athens for about 2 days, once when we landed from Chicago and the other time on our way back home. We had planned 2 days in Mykynos and 3 days in Paros but Mother Nature had other plans. After our 2nd day in Mykynos there was extreme flooding in Paros due to the rain/hail storms that took place overnight. We had to pivot our plans and cancel our ferry, hotels and transport in Paros and booked a flight back to Athens so that way we could stay safe on the mainland.
We were all surprised to see how much we enjoyed Athens and all it had to offer! My brother in law is amazing at finding all the top cocktail rooftop bars. His recommendations did not disappoint, we had a great time at all of these listed below:
The attic, Ermou 18, Barrus, Clumsies, Barreldier, Professore, The bar behind the bar, Rude lord and King George Hotel
We had so much fun doing all the touristy things, like visiting the acropolis, watching the change of guards in front of the parliament, visiting the National Garden (old royal garden) and seeing all the Koi fish, turtles, ducks and goats. We had a chance to visit one of the oldest chocolate shops in Athens,- Aristokratikon! They have been making chocolate since 1928 and it’s 6 generations in and they still make it the original way, it was not only delicious but so affordable.
We stayed at the Gatsby hotel and it had such a fun vibe, we had drinks and lattes at the bar prior to going out each night and the location was walkable to all the places.
We had such a fun brunch at Ergon House, The most amazing gyros at Tylixto, and delicious dinner at Ami’s and Ovio! Such a fun trip, interesting pivot but we made the best of it. Great way to ring in early 40 for my Husband!
Until next time Greece, we love you, your people and your food!
I got to experience this amazing city in January to ring in my 40th birthday! When picking destinations to celebrate this milestone I had narrowed it to a couple of spots in South America, I truly wanted to experience a new country, continent and see a wonder of the world. I was debating between Peru, Argentina and Brazil. I finally decided on Brazil and it did NOT disappoint.
WHERE TO STAY
Picking an area of the city to stay in was a no brainer as we were going during their Summer I truly wanted to experience the weather and the beach. My husband got to researching and ended up booking us the most amazing spot on Copacabana beach at the Fairmont Rio. We were treated with the most elegant and friendly experience. The hotel did everything they could to make us and me feel so special. From the moment we checked in, they had a room ready for us and then the surprises just kept coming.
I celebrated my 40th birthday on Saturday January 11, 2025 and that day I got up early and did a private yoga class with an instructor from the hotel on the beach, it was surreal and I was filled with gratitude the entire time. After yoga I went back to our room to get changed and ready for the day. This is the day I had planned to see the One of the Modern Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer and it was such a shameless experience. I had purchased the skip the line tickets from Viator and it was the best, highly recommend as we got there in the afternoon and saved over 2 hours with this purchase. We took an uber from our hotel and when we got there, they gave us wrist bands and then we were off to wait for a tram. The tram took us to the top of the mountain. From there we had to climb less a handful of stairs to get to the top. From every angle you can see the statue and it felt very euphoric and spiritual to be around it. After soaking in the moment for a while we headed down a flight of stairs to a restaurant/bar they have set up there and the views were incredible. You could see the entire city for miles.
PEOPLE OF BRAZIL
While my husband and brother in law were ordering our food and drinks, I found a table to sit at so we could eat and get drinks. While I was waiting, I started blowing up some number balloons that I had brought along and this family next to me with parents, 2 kids and a grandparent were all like “Is it your birthday” and I said yes, its my 40th. Without any hesitation, they sang me “Happy Birthday” in Portuguese. It was so kind and thoughtful and I could feel love emitting from them. Truly what a way to ring in 40!!
After we got back to our hotel, I told my husband I wanted to soak this day in before we got ready for dinner and we headed to the hotel cafe. When we got there, the barista says, I think it’s a special day and I was taken back, because how did he know it was my birthday, so thoughtful, it’s the little things. I ordered a latte for me and a cappuccino for my husband. We sat at the one of the lounge seats and they brought us our drinks with little candies and it was such a small but sweet gesture. I thought the surprises ended there. After we finished we headed up to our room to shower and get ready for Dinner that we had reservations for at Grado, thanks to Chicagofoodgirl’s recommendation and when we walked in, the hotel had a balloon and a slice of cake waiting for me! I was in awe and all I could think of was how grateful I was. I was filled with love from this sweet hotel, Fairmont rio, you have my heart.
SIGHTS TO SEE
Parque Lage
The next day we headed to Brunch at Teva which is a vegan restaurant and it was so good that we went back the day after as well! We rented some scooters and rode along CocoCabana beach and then grabbed an Uber to visit the Parque lage and ate at the beautiful restaurant, plage cafe. It was so beautiful, we then had a chance to lay out at our pool and enjoy the weather.
Library and steps
We took an Uber the next day to visit the Royal Portuguese Reading room which was a sight to see. It was so cool to see the oldest books and take it all in. We then headed to the famous steps of tiles, Escadaria Selaron and it was so unique to see all the pieces and take pictures. I will say this part of Rio was were we felt a little bit more on edge from a safety point so keep that in mind when you go!
We had such a great time in Rio and I can not wait to be back in South America in the future to visit more countries! Check out my LTK shop for all my outfit links.
My husband and I work to travel. We absolutely love going to various cities around the world to take it all in. We generally only do 1 city on each of the trips we take to absorb all it has to offer and really immerse ourselves in the culture. This trip overlapped with Spring Break for our kids so it was great since they were able to be at their grandparents house without having to worry about missing school! We did so much in our 4 days, we ate pizza and pasta to our hearts desire, drank all the amazing wine, shopped, saw an Opera and did a cooking class.
Where to Stay:
We are obsessed with the Hoxton hotels! We have one in Chicago and we have done a staycation there twice and it did not disappoint. It is located in the best part of the City and the ambiance is just beyond. When we went to Paris 2 years ago, since they have a location there we stayed at that one and we had a very similar experience. So this trip, as soon as I found out that Rome had a Hoxton we decided to book it and the stay was amazing. The hotel has an adorable cafe with the best cappuccinos you can find. In addition they have 2 bars on site with crafted cocktails and a restaurant that serves the best food! The location itself was a bit far from the touristy spots but that was a good thing for us as this was our second time to Rome so we didn’t need to be near them. Also, ubers are plentiful and it was so easy to get picked up.
Where to Eat/Drink
We had the best time exploring the city by walking and for our first night I had made reservations for the Court Bar which had a view that overlooked the colosseum. When I originally found and made reservations after seeing this on Pinterest I thought this spot might have been overhyped but it did not disappoint. The cocktails, the service and the aperitifs were on point and we had the best time!
The other reservation we made was for the Michelin star restaurant called Bistrot 64 Roma and it was definitely a show to remember. All the food as expected was thought out and delicious. We came here because we saw it on the Netflix series, Somebody feed Phil and he stated it had the best Cacio de Pepe. I will say, he was correct. It was the perfect blend of cheese and pepper and not over-powering at all. We had such a great meal, quite the splurge, but when in Rome.
Then we did an amazing Cooking class, for our anniversary our friends gifted us an experience so we used it towards this. We learned how to make Fettuccini, gnocchi and tiramisu! After we were done cooking it, we got to eat it with the other people part of the class and drink wine and enjoy it! It was so fun and amazing to see how truly easy it to make your own pasta and well worth it because the taste was just beyond!
Of course we ate a bunch of Gelato, I had one that was shaped like the Colloseum and it did not dissapoint. Wherever we go, we like to find a food hall similar to Time out Market because you are able to try many things or just sit and drink coffee or wine. My husband searched and found one called the Mercato Centrale, it had literally the BEST truffle pasta I have ever had in my life. It was so good that I had it twice.
For our last meal, we ate at this amazing Asian place called Zuma, its a chain in Europe and the food, ambiance and service was perfect to end this beautiful trip!
Highly recommend booking your next trip to Rome and stay at the Hoxton hotel!
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