Jeseniky Mountains: witches, spa towns and other attractions

Kami and the rest of the world

Jeseniky Mountains: witches, spa towns and other attractions

Kosice street art – an urban gallery in Slovakia

Kami and the rest of the world

Kosice street art – an urban gallery in Slovakia

Kami and the rest of the world

Carnaval Sztukmistrzów – the best event in Lublin!

If you didn’t notice by now I’m a huge local patriot. When someone asks me what places they should visit in Poland I always point to Lublin area, as I really believe we have the prettiest landscape, the best beer or the cutest town – Kazimierz Dolny. But an absolute gem out there is Lublin – the capital city of the region and probably the most underrated city in the whole country! Poland has been changing really fast in recent years, most of our cities are becoming the newest hip spots with cool events (like Industriada in Silesia) yet it’s always Lublin that make my heart beat faster. There are so many reasons to visit Lublin! The city has always been on the crossroads between East and West and a melting pot of cultures and religions. Not only there’s an extremely picturesque and very charming Old Town, with hidden lanes, colorful houses and beautiful architecture. Since it’s the students city the atmosphere is very lively and in past years Lublin has become a cultural hub of Eastern Poland. The city even tried to become the European Capital of Culture in 2016 (sadly Wrocław got the title) but even if it didn’t make it there’s still always something going on there, every week there’s an event worth attending. You just cannot get bored in Lublin. This week Lublin will be taken over by numerous artists and performers who will be part of probably the best and most unique of all Lublin’s events – Carnaval Sztukmistrzów (Performers’ Carnival), known also as the festival of modern circus’ art and culture. For four days (Thursday, 23rd – Sunday 26th of June) the city will be a huge artistic venue with an overwhelming number of attractions of all kinds. You can expect to see theater plays (both in traditional locations and on the streets), fire shows, circus, clowns, music or walking on the lines (even those located up high between the rooftops of the Old Town)… The list can go on and on, the number of events is really impressive – 155 – and everyone will find something interesting for themselves! And the best thing is that the entrance to all but 6 performances at Carnaval Sztukmistrzów is free of charge! I can’t think of a better place than Lublin for the alternative festival like that! I guess most of the people share my thoughts as this event is so deep connected with the city that no other Polish place try to do a similar performances on such a big scale. There’s just some magic in Lublin and during the Carnaval Sztukmistrzów it is felt stronger than ever. The city stays awake till late hours, streets are full of clowns, fire eaters or jugglers and the feeling of joy and pure happiness peers out of every corner! Sadly this year I won’t be able to join the fun at the Carnaval Sztukmistrzów (I confused the dates and have other plans for that weekend). But if you are around and don’t have plans for 23rd-26th June you should definitely visit Lublin and take part in that incredible event! You won’t regret you, I’m sure of that! And if you still have doubts just take a look at the programme! So, who is going to visit Lublin and attend Carnaval Sztukmistrzów? Do you know similar festivals anywhere in the world? If you think of visiting Poland or just want to read more about the country don’t miss my other posts about this place! Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Carnaval Sztukmistrzów however all the thoughts are 100% mine. If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 10.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, G+ or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss any news from me sign up to my monthly newsletter!Post Carnaval Sztukmistrzów – the best event in Lublin! pojawił się poraz pierwszy w Kami and the Rest of the World.

Industriada – a festival of technical landmarks in Silesia

Kami and the rest of the world

Industriada – a festival of technical landmarks in Silesia

Alternative Lisbon guide

Kami and the rest of the world

Alternative Lisbon guide

Exploring Europe with Interrail tickets

Kami and the rest of the world

Exploring Europe with Interrail tickets

Żyrardów – a perfect day trip from Warsaw

Kami and the rest of the world

Żyrardów – a perfect day trip from Warsaw

Great railway journeys of the world (according to travel bloggers)

Kami and the rest of the world

Great railway journeys of the world (according to travel bloggers)

Kami and the rest of the world

Cool places to visit in Czech Republic

Central Europe is changing really fast and I love the way it is becoming. The majority of the big cities in most of the countries are now a cool, hip small versions of Berlin (that’s how they are often called anyway) with the amazing cafe culture, decent street art scene and some great events to attend. And so is Czech Republic too. Big cities there are often in the shadow of Prague (that is an incredible place, no matter what) but the whole country has so much to offer and it’s definitely worth spending more time there and discovering other, than just the capital city, destinations. And since Czech Republic is probably my favourite country here’s my subjective list of cool places to visit in Czech Republic and reasons to include them in your next trip there! Prague For most of the visitors in Czech Republic this is the only place they see during their trip. And even then they only focus on the historical sights that surely are incredible (after all Prague is known as the most beautiful city in Europe for a reason). But the Czech capital has so much more to offer! From the amazing cafes to great street art scene and controversial sculptures by David Cerny, everyone will find something for their taste in Prague! My favourite places and activities there are: – Naplavka. In the summertime the banks of Vltava river turn into the major hotspot in the city. Every evening hundreds of people enjoy the warm and long days there, meeting with friends, sipping beer and attending various events (exhibitions, concerts etc). That’s probably the best way to spend any evening in Prague! – DOX gallery in Holesovice – an independent center for contemporary art that always has some good exhibitions and a really decent gift shop – view from Letna park – probably the best one in Prague! And Letna itself is a great place to relax in! – alternative Prague tour where you can see some less known yet extremely interesting spots in the city – Zizkov with its quirky atmosphere and the biggest number of pubs in Europe. Wandering around the random streets is a pure pleasure! Liberec I spent quite some time there, back in the days when I was really into winter sports and loved seeing nordic combined competitions live. Liberec is this lucky place that has both interesting downtown (with beautiful architecture, museums and another David Cerny’s work – a bus stop right behind the town hall) and an amazing nature just a tram ride away. It’s perfect especially for hiking and skiing in Jizera Mountains and the futuristic building at the top of Jested peak, that serves as a hotel and restaurant, offers some breathtaking views of the area. Olomouc Many people say it’s their favourite Czech city after Prague and I surely can see what they mean. Olomouc feels small and cozy but since it’s an important university town there’s always something going on and students make it a very vibrant place. Also, Olomouc is a home to probably the quirkiest Czech attraction – an astronomical clock, similar to Orloj in Prague yet made in the socialist realism style. If you ask me it’s so much better than its more famous brother in the capital! Ostrava The post-industrial city is the home of one of the best music festivals in Europe – Colours of Ostrava. In the former steel grounds thousands of people enjoy some most famous artists that play in numerous stages hidden in the corners of the factory. But Ostrava knows how to party all year round. A small street – Stodolni – is famous for its pubs and clubs and it’s basically the place that never sleeps. Also, when you make it to Ostrava be sure to visit nearby Cesky Tesin/Cieszyn, a town divided by the Polish-Czech border that happens to be my favourite place on earth too! Ceske Budejovice It is mostly know for its famous beer – Budweiser – but there’re more reasons to visit this lovely town. It feels even calmer and quieter than Olomouc but that’s just fine as Ceske Budejovice is a perfect getaway from hustle and bustle of big cities. However, once a year students take over the city and organize Budejovicky Majales – the biggest non-commercial and free of charge festival of live culture in Czech Republic that lasts for few days. The city is also a perfect base to explore beautiful southern part of the country, with picturesque Cesky Krumlov only 20 kms away. Brno This is probably the most perfect Central European city you can think of! Brno has everything: incredible architecture, vibrant students’ life, excellent cafes, intellectual vibe and this charming spirit that makes you love the place from the moment you arrive. And at the same time it doesn’t feel overwhelming, even if it’s a second biggest Czech city. I fall in love with Brno big time and for me it’s the coolest place in Czech Republic (right after Prague). If you’re looking for more information about these great cities or you want to find out about other cool places in Czech Republic make sure to visit Cool Czech Guide (where you can win a trip to Czech Republic!) and download their free app for Android or iPhone that will surely be a great help when exploring Czech Republic! Have you been to any of these cities? What are your favourite places to visit in Czech Republic? Note: This post was written in partnership with Czech Tourism however all the opinions are 100% mine and I really believe you should visit Czech Republic as soon as possible! It’s such a wonderful country and has so much to offer! If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 9.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, G+ or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss any news from me sign up to my monthly newsletter!Post Cool places to visit in Czech Republic pojawił się poraz pierwszy w Kami and the Rest of the World.

Top 5 things to do in Tehran (and my impressions of the city)

Kami and the rest of the world

Top 5 things to do in Tehran (and my impressions of the city)

Solo female travel in Iran

Kami and the rest of the world

Solo female travel in Iran

Alternative Porto guide

Kami and the rest of the world

Alternative Porto guide

Persepolis images – a gallery from the most known ancient city in Iran

Kami and the rest of the world

Persepolis images – a gallery from the most known ancient city in Iran

Visa to Iran (when you plan to travel solo there)

Kami and the rest of the world

Visa to Iran (when you plan to travel solo there)

Centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan

Kami and the rest of the world

Centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan

Lisbon Street Art Tour

Kami and the rest of the world

Lisbon Street Art Tour

Bitter-sweet Old Tbilisi

Kami and the rest of the world

Bitter-sweet Old Tbilisi

A perfect day trip from Lisbon – Sintra and Cabo da Roca

Kami and the rest of the world

A perfect day trip from Lisbon – Sintra and Cabo da Roca

Multicultural Sarajevo

Kami and the rest of the world

Multicultural Sarajevo

Gallery with pictures of Porto, Portugal

Kami and the rest of the world

Gallery with pictures of Porto, Portugal

The best cities for street art – chosen by travel bloggers, part 4

Kami and the rest of the world

The best cities for street art – chosen by travel bloggers, part 4

Win a trip to New York!

Kami and the rest of the world

Win a trip to New York!

Sunday with Pictures: Montevideo, Uruguay

Kami and the rest of the world

Sunday with Pictures: Montevideo, Uruguay

A mini guide to things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania

Kami and the rest of the world

A mini guide to things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania

Impressions from Albania

Kami and the rest of the world

Impressions from Albania

Sarajevo – the most tragic city in Europe

Kami and the rest of the world

Sarajevo – the most tragic city in Europe

Sunday with Pictures: Buenos Aires street art

Kami and the rest of the world

Sunday with Pictures: Buenos Aires street art

Alternative Skopje

Kami and the rest of the world

Alternative Skopje

Sunday with Pictures: beautiful Bergamo, Italy

Kami and the rest of the world

Sunday with Pictures: beautiful Bergamo, Italy

The most absurd travel day that lasted 50 hours

Kami and the rest of the world

The most absurd travel day that lasted 50 hours