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Shop Small Business Gift Guide: Food and Beverage Edition

Shopping for people you care about doesn't have to be an extremely expensive, daunting task. Businesses are making it easier than ever to find options that work for you: delivery, pick up, gift cards. Things have changed in the past year and are often more accessible and easy to use. Once you have an idea of what a person values or enjoys, it's so much easier to find some sort of gift that could be applicable to them. 

Take a look at these budding small businesses ready to make your day with the gift of cookies and goodies galore, sugar alternatives, hemp tea, and more! 

Flour & Branch

Flour and Branch Small Business Gift Guide Carmen Varner cookies

Sending a corporate gift or a birthday gift to a client? Want to surprise someone with some fabulously decadent munchies or enjoy them for yourself? Flour & Branch is one of those things that will make anyone who receives it smile with delight. Order the F & B Bakes’ Cookie Collection if you want one of each cookie: PB & J Stuffy, Nutella Stuffy, The Chipper, The Salty Sombitch, The Brookie, The Birthday Cake, and The Nutty Butter. Flour & Branch also has their massive marshmallow bars named Captain Fruity Monster Mallow and Captain Mocha Monster Mallow. 

The PB & J Stuffy with its blend of creamy peanut butter and mixed berry preserves topped with all-natural rainbow sprinkles is a fan favorite for a reason - so good. The Salty Sombitch, The Brookie, & The Birthday Cake are top faves for me. Oh & don't forget to warm up your cookie for maximum deliciousness. They are legitimately scrumptious and perfect for a sweets lover.

Sukrin


Shop Small Business Gift Guide Sukrin Carmen Varner travel lifestyle blogger

As a health brand, Sukrin is popular in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, making its way into the US market. Sukrin USA carries a range of all-natural, zero-calorie, low-carb sugar alternatives, naturally gluten-free and fat-reduced flours, low-carb, sugar, and gluten-free bake mixes and sugar-free chocolates. Buy the Best of Sukrin set if you want to try three of their bestsellers in one package: Sukrin Gold 500g, Sukrin Monk, Sukrin Syrup Gold. I like to use Sukrin Gold, which is an alternative to brown sugar, in my baking. Sukrin would make a great gift for someone who might be tracking their macros, people who love to cook and bake, and people looking for keto-friendly options.

For Joy


Shop Small Business Gift Guide For Joy hemp tea Carmen Varner travel lifestyle blogger

For Joy is a hemp-infused iced tea that offers a nifty spin on the classic iced tea. Crack open a bottle, sit on your noisy patio by a busy road, and enjoy as the chaos around you quiets down with each soothing sip. For Joy offers three options including the OG Hint of Sweet, Meyer Lemon Ginger, & Strawberry Mint. They're tasty (tas-tea!!) without tons of sugar. The OG Hint of Sweet is for perfect summer sipping. To shop these teas, visit the For Joy website! 

The Scottish Grocer


The Scottish Grocer

I love to travel and go to grocery stores; it's not only one of my favorite parts of travel, but of life itself. I thrive off of trying new-to-me foods. 
The Scottish Grocer imports fine, authentic foods, fabrics and clothing from Scotland. The ship to the US & Canada. The Stockans Thick Oatcakes (Red Pack) are super tasty, almost Triscuit-esque. I like to eat them with a touch of Mrs. Bridge's cherry preserves. Drool. Can't wait to travel to Scotland but until then a taste of Scotland will suffice. Check out what they sell on Amazon.

Agua Bucha by Mother Kombucha


Agua Bucha by Mother Kombucha small business gift guide Carmen Varner San Diego Blogger food drink beverage

There's nothing like the sound of that fresh crisp crack of a can. From the makers of Mother Kombucha, Agua Bucha is a refreshing line of sparkling water infused with kombucha. It comes in flavors such as meyer lemon, grapefruit, and key lime while incorporating naturally occurring organic acids and B vitamins from the booch. These are so refreshing! I love popping one open as a daily ritual as the sun sets on my patio!

Searching for a tasty gift to give someone in your life? There are so many options out there that allow you to give the gift something delicious without ever even having to leave your home. You can shop all of these products with ease online!

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Is Pinterest Social Media? + a List of Pinterest Categories

What is Pinterest? 

In May 2020, I hit 1 million monthly viewers on Pinterest. In June, I hit my all-time high of 2.8 million monthly viewers. So I write this post based on my personal experience as well as the experience doing Pinterest work for clients. 

Is Pinterest social media? Is there a method on how to find friends on Pinterest? I delve into all these answers to help you understand a bit more about the platform - keep reading! So, what is Pinterest? Pinterest is an image-sharing social media platform. In order to use the service, users have to create an account. If you don't have an account, it'll prompt you to login before it'll allow you to use any of the features. You can use your Google account to log in or create an account with your email & password.

Follow me on Pinterest.

Is Pinterest Social Media? Categories Pinterest manager Carmen Varner San Diego lifestyle blogger



Pins & Boards

Photos, videos, & GIFs can be saved into what are called pinboards.  The user can create their own boards or participate in group boards. People can use the toolbar to search for what they are looking for. Click here to see my Pinterest boards & the groups I'm in as an example. Over the years I've created a range of pin boards due to my interests at the time; I've also joined many groups & been invited to participate in group boards.

Want to work with me? If you are interested in my content or marketing services, fill out this quick questionnaire and I'll email you back!


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Is Pinterest Social Media?

Technically, yes. Pinterest is classified as a social media platform. You can follow people, people can follow you, you can messages users. Is Pinterest social media? It allows you to be social with others. However, you can choose to use the platform in any way you wish. You don't have to follow people or feel stress to gain followers or page views. You can use it purely inspiration. It's mainly an image-based social media service. You can easily utilize the search feature by typing into it as you would Google.

Is Pinterest Social Media? Categories Pinterest manager Carmen Varner lifestyle blog San Diego
Here's what my Pinterest profile looks like. 

What are Pinterest Categories?

Once you have an account & you're all logged in you'll see a search bar on the top of the website. Type in anything here. It'll give you some top Pins as well as some potential other related terms. For example, if you're looking for recipe ideas you could type in anything from "easy dessert ideas" to "pancake recipes" to "quick and easy dinner recipes vegetarian Indian." There are literally millions of pins, so you'll most likely find exactly what you're looking for. 

Here's a breakdown of the Pinterest categories:
Popular 
Everything 
Gifts 
Videos 
Animals and pets 
Architecture 
Art 
Cars and motorcycles 
Celebrities 
DIY and crafts 
Design 
Education 
Entertainment 
Food and drink 
Gardening
Geek 
Hair and beauty
Health and fitness 
History 
Holidays and events 
Home decor 
Humor 
Illustrations and posters
Kids and parenting
Men's fashion 
Outdoors 
Photography 
Products 
Quotes 
Science and nature
Sports 
Tattoos 
Technology 
Travel 
Weddings 
Women's fashion

Each of the Pinterest categories comes with a bunch of other subcategories. For example, under the DIY and crafts section, you'll find related topics such as Hacks, Woodworking, Beadwork, Jewelry making, Quilting, among others. You can always search for other terms as well. How to tie-dye clothes with bleach. Black & white photography of Sweden. Chocolate & coffee oatmeal. 

Is Pinterest Social Media? List of Categories Pinterest manager Carmen Varner


How to Search for Images

If you don't know what you're searching for, start with something vague such as "travel tips" & then it'll prompt you if you want to be more specific. It might show Europe, Packing, Amtrak train, International, Japan, Hawaii, Solo, Iceland, etc. It helps refine the search to be more relevant for you. Now when we're talking about is Pinterest social media, this is where it's a bit different. 

You can use Pinterest solely for imagery, inspiration, or to access the search feature like you would for Google. Whereas people might use Facebook to post about their life or they might use Instagram to get followers their business, many people use Pinterest for its search capabilities & its wealth of information.

How to Find Friends on Pinterest & How to Follow People

Start by doing some initial searches. Then you might find some users whose content you really like or relate to. If you feel inclined, you can follow them so you'll see more of the things that they post. If you're trying to find out how to find friends on Pinterest, type in their name in the search bar, go to their profile, & follow them there. If you can't find them or perhaps they have a different name, just ask them for their username or their link. That's the easiest method on how to find friends on Pinterest.

Pinterest Manager

What in the world is Pinterest?! Is Pinterest social media? Is there such a thing as Pinterest training? How to find friends on Pinterest? So maybe you have read all this & you're still totally confused. That was me. I used to Pinterest for quite a long time before I figured out how it works so I totally understand the frustration. Now I've been using the social media platform for years & even work with my clients on their accounts. If you need a Pinterest manager, fill out my quickie questionnaire. I'm not a Pinterest marketing agency but I'm a human being who specialized in Pinterest. As a Pinterest manager, I've used Pinterest marketing for clients such as a bohemian towel brand, a travel influencer, a fitness trainer, & even a therapy practice. See my blog post about How I Help People as a Blog Coach & Consultant.

Want to work with me? If you are interested in my content or marketing services, fill out this quick questionnaire and I'll email you back!

For Pinterest manager & Pinterest training: go here.

Are you on Pinterest? Why do you use it? What's your tip for someone new to Pinterest? :]
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What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Visiting Berlin, Germany

Got 3 days in Berlin? There is so much that you can do.

I flew from Barcelona to Berlin for $29. How could I resist visiting Berlin at such a bargain? I ended up visiting Berlin for one week, so I have a good idea of how you can condense what to do in Berlin in 3 days. 

About me: I write about travel, food, drinks. I've worked with tourism boards such as Visit Long Beach, Visit El Paso, The French Ministry of Agriculture, Visit Reno Tahoe, & Discover Torrance. To learn more about the campaigns I've been a part of, read my Press + Media page.


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A view of the Tiergarten, What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Visiting Berlin, Germany
The view of the Tiergarten from the Victory Column in Berlin, Germany.

Visiting Berlin

Where is Berlin, Germany? Are there tips on what to do in Berlin in 3 days? How about the best Berlin photo spots? This post is ideal for anyone visiting Berlin. Keep reading or scroll to find what you're looking for. Traveling somewhere soon? Check visa requirements!

So, Where is Berlin, Germany?

You might be wondering where is Berlin exactly? In relation to the rest of Europe & the world, where is Berlin, Germany? That's a good question - it's good to be inquisitive. Berlin is the capital of the country of Germany. It's the biggest city in Germany in both area & population, located in the eastern part of the country.

Related reading: How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights 

What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Visiting Berlin, Germany Brandenburg Gate Where is Berlin?
Tips for visiting Berlin: go to Brandenburg Gate.

3 Days in Berlin Itinerary

72 hours is enough time to visit some of the best places in the city. Try to knock as much as you can on that first day. Three days pass by quickly, so go to the well-known, high-rated places mixed with some of your bucket list items. 

Brandenburg Gate

If you have 3 days in Berlin, Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks. The history dates back as far as 1788 when it was constructed. In 1961, the Berlin Wall was inaccessible to locals & visitors since it was in an exclusion zone. After the fall of the wall, people celebrated at Brandenburg Gate & it remains a symbol of a reunited Berlin to this day.

East Side Gallery (former Berlin Wall)

Searching for what to do in Berlin in 3 days? You must visit the East Side Gallery, a portion of the Berlin Wall that still exists. This 1.3-kilometer piece of the former Berlin Wall is completely covered in murals & art. Some of the art is moving & poignant. Some of the art is happy & fun. East Side Gallery is easily one of the best Berlin photo spots with the range of art that covers it. Check out the Berlin Wall Museum.  *One of the top Berlin photo spots

Related reading: Learn About the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany

A view of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Visiting Berlin, Germany
A view of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Also known as the Holocaust Memorial, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, stands to commemorate & remember the victims of the Holocaust. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman & engineer Buro Happold, the memorial contains over 2,500 concrete pieces arranged in a grid, in a somewhat undulating pattern, rising & falling depending on where you walk. I must say I was completely moved at this memorial & took a somber minute to honor the Holocaust victims & survivors. This should go without saying but please be respectful.

Tiergarten

The Tiergarten is easily one of my favorite things to do in Berlin. The inner-city park feels like a  tranquil haven within the city. Make sure to stop by if you're pondering what to do in Berlin in 3 days. A must-see for those visiting Berlin, great Berlin photo spots.

Alexanderplatz 

Spend a few hours exploring Alexanderplatz, a public square, one of the essential stopping points for those visiting Berlin. Alexanderplatz feels like a lively downtown area with its multitude of shops, restaurants, cinemas, within walking distance. Alexanderplatz is located close to the TV Tower, Berliner Rathaus, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, & more.

Hackescher Markt
If you want to go for a stroll, do a bit of shopping at local boutiques, then you need to tour Hackescher Markt.

Checkpoint Charlie

Located on Friedrichstrasse, Checkpoint Charlie is a historic stop for travelers who make a trip to Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie was set up as a border crossing between East & West Germany during the Cold War, named by the Western Allied forces.

Mall of Berlin

Some people sight-see, some people shop. The Mall of Berlin is a massive shopping center in Berlin with around 300 shops for your purchasing pleasure. Shop your heart out, scout out a souvenir or two, or grab dinner in the food court (that’s the option I went for). It was scrumptious!⁣ If you need some supplies (clothes, etc.), this might be the place to stock up.

Charlottenburg Palace

Plan a visit to the rococo Charlottenburg Palace, built for Sophie Charlotte, Queen consort in Prussia.

Berlin Television Tower

The Berlin Television Tower is kind of like the North Star; you can see it from anywhere & it almost becomes a navigation tool. "Ah yes, I can see the Berlin Television Tower - we're getting close." The Tower stands 368 meters tall. On a cloudy day, the Tower becomes obscured into the skyline & looks something to the effect of Jack's beanstalk once his magic beans sprouted into the clouds.

Take Me to Church

Top churches in Berlin include Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church, St. Hedwig's Cathedral, St. Mary's Church, Berlin Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, Maria Regina Martyrum, and more.

Museums: What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days

Berlin is a city rich in history. A trip to Berlin isn't complete without a museum visit. I could drone for hours about the museums in Berlin. There's even an entire Museum Island dedicated to museums in Berlin. Here are some of the museums to check out while visiting Berlin or if you're searching for what to do in Berlin in 3 days.

Head to top museums such as Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum (New Museum), Altes Museum (Old Museum), Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum Berlin), Gropius Bau, Museum für Naturkunde (Museum of Natural History), Deutsches Technikmuseum.

You can visit the Reichstag Building, Charlottenburg Palace, Topography of Terror, Jewish Museum Berlin. Take a look at the Visit Berlin top museums page to look at the range of museums. They go into detail about the top museums in Berlin including art museums, child-friendly museums, photography, design, and film museums, natural history museums, and more.

What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Visiting Berlin, Germany Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin (Berlin Botanical Garden)
Posing at the Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin (Berlin Botanical Garden).

Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin (Berlin Botanical Garden)

Man oh man do I love a botanical garden & the Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin is no different. If you can't think of what to do in Berlin in 3 days, add this to your list. I was impressed with the sheer size of the place & it felt like not many people were there. The Tropical Greenhouse is worth a visit as one of the top Berlin photo spots.

Food
Go on a food tour. Check out restaurants on Yelp or Google and save some on your Google Maps. You can also reserve your spot at a restaurant ahead of time in case they need reservations.

What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Visiting Berlin, Germany Roamers Cafe
Roamers Cafe in Berlin, Germany.


How to Eat on a Budget While Traveling Abroad

There are plenty of ways to save money while you're traveling. Eating out three square meals each day in Berlin can be costly. If you're staying at a hotel, take advantage of any hotel breakfasts. If you're renting a place with a kitchen, stop by a local grocery store to grab a few groceries. Read my blog post for many more tips & tricks on How to Eat on a Budget While Traveling Abroad.

Time to visit Berlin! So did you find the answers to your questions? Where is Berlin Germany? What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days? What are the best Berlin photo spots? Comment your best tip or if I missed something!


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What I'm Watching, Reading, & Listening to: Basically a Bunch of Disney+

You're here because you're curious & I like curious people. You're curious about what I'm curious about & that's especially cool. I'm back on a film kick, baby! However, I must be totally honest & admit that I usually break up the movie into two parts, watching it over two different nights. It's easier to split it up. Is that weird? Curious about Carmen? Find out more about me, my travels, my blogging & career background.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a small commission from that click &/or purchase. Learn more about my disclosure. 

Previously on...What I'm Watching, Reading, & Listening to


Make sure to catch up on my latest What I'm Watching, Reading, & Listening to from August 2019. I listened to a hell of a lot of true crime podcasts. But, what's new?! Specifically, I always put on Criminal, Crime Junkie, Morbid, My Favorite Murder, & To Live & Die in LA. I only watched one movie (the new Aladdin film), watched a bunch of TV shows, & read a couple books. Again, here's the blog post so you can read all about it. Okay, now here's what I'm watching, reading, & listening to: basically a bunch of Disney+. Follow me on Instagram.

Everything I'm watching on Disney+ The Simpsons
Keep reading for everything I'm watching on Disney+

Books I'm Reading


Light Filters In: Poems by Caroline Kaufman

I found Light Filters In: Poems as a staff pick at my local library. I liked the cover, & because I judge books by their cover, I checked it out. Light Filters In: Poems is a quick read & after finishing it, I lurked the author, Caroline Kaufman. She's a young bright modern author who speaks about mental illness & I dig it. You should check her out too.

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

Brené Brown's name rang familiar but I hadn't read anything of hers. Again, my local library came to the rescue. Rising Strong was on display front & center. Rising Strong focuses on the power of vulnerability, how we should own our difficult stories & rather than run from them. While some of it seemed repetitive, I found myself taking photos of excerpts to refer to later. Overall worth a read if the concept intrigues you!

Podcasts I'm Listening to


Wine & Crime

Join three childhood friends as they chug wine, chat true crime, & unleash their worst Minnesota accents! Wine & Crime was my Europe trip podcast of choice. I started it on the long haul flight from LAX to Paris. I vividly recall listening to Wine & Crime at my cousin's Parisian apartment while getting ready in the morning. (here's a photo of life in Paris.)

Other than Wine & Crime, I stay caught up on Criminal & Crime Junkie, usually whilst cooking meals with Fred.

I'm reading Rising Strong by Brené Brown at a park in San Diego County.


Movies I'm Watching


Joker

The Joker movie came highly recommended & brings up some interesting dialogue on mental health. I enjoyed the cinematography & thought the Joker movie was well done, albeit the story played out a bit slowly. Worth watching for its stance in popular culture.

Gosford Park

Gosford Park is an oldie but a goodie from 2001 starring Stephen Fry, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, Clive Owen, Ryan Phillippe, Maggie Smith, & a slew of other notable actors. Fred & I spotted this on Netflix & thought why the hell not? It's basically a whodunit murder mystery dinner.

The King's Speech

Another random Netflix find that took 3 nights to watch. I had absolutely no clue the premise of The King's Speech revolves around King George VI's stammer. Well, actually it's about his rise to become king as he works with his speech & language therapist.

Monsters, Inc.

Fred & I signed up for a free trial of Disney+ the night it came out (November 12, 2019) & then found out he could get a free year of Diseny+ with his Verizon account. Long story short, Disney+ is my new best friend. We watched Monster, Inc. to test it out.

Brave

I randomly played Brave & was surprised that the lead character, Merida, was voiced by one of the actors in Gosford Park. It's a small world after all. In Brave, Merida doesn't want to follow tradition & get married, choosing to seek her own path. Obviously, there are some mishaps & misfortunes along the way.

Born in China

Disneynature's Born in China surprised me. The commentary had me laughing. The documentary tells the story of popular animals in China over the course of a year, so you can see the animals grow, learn, & live throughout the seasons.

The Aristocats

You really can't go wrong with this 1970s animated Disney classic about rich cats. I hadn't seen The Aristocats in years & years, so it felt like a sweet blast from the past watching it with Fred. It's really...old. The quality & animation itself feels nostalgic.

Everything I'm watching on Disney+ 

TV Shows I'm Watching


Lizzie McGuire

Hello, childhood. Is that you? I was positively flabbergasted to find out Lizzie McGuire was only two seasons. Did you know that?! Granted, each season has a whopping 30 episodes. It's so weird to watch now because I relate more with the parents, adults, & teachers. Absolutely worth watching, especially if you have tweenagers yourself.

Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER

Disney+ saves the day again. I love animal shows, so I popped this on. Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER shows life at a veterinarian clinic for like birds, goats, bearded dragons, & other exotic animals. It's a unique premise for a show. And Dr. K often mentions that some of these exotic pets (like the adorable teacup-sized monkey) shouldn't even be pets, they should be in their native habitat in the wild.

Read the last What I'm Watching, Reading, & Listening to from August 2019.

What books are you reading? What are you watching on Disney+? Do you have a podcast recommendation? Leave a comment. I'd love to know! :]

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What to See in Warsaw: 45+ Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland

Need a ridiculously long list of things to do in Warsaw or what to see in Warsaw? I got you, my friend. Seriously don't Google what to do in Warsaw for 12 hours, just print out this post, book a couple outings directly, & call it a day so you can watch Friends on Netflix for the 4,000th time.

Warsaw, Poland

If the capital of Poland isn’t already on your travel radar, add it to your travel bucket list immediately. There are Warsaw sightseeing options for families, couples, solo travels, & travel influencers alike. You don't have to ponder long on the top tourist attractions in Poland or what to do in Warsaw. There's TOO much, you won't be able to finish!

Picture a colorful, well-preserved Old Town Warsaw rebuilt after it was completely destroyed during World War II. This magnificent city also has a wide range of food options: gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, no matter your desires, there's an option for your dietary needs, making this one of the most foodie-friendly cities I’ve visited in Europe.

View from Warszawa Taras Widokowy in Old Town Warsaw Square Things to do in Warsaw
View from Warszawa Taras Widokowy in Old Town Warsaw Square.


About Carmen

As a travel influencer, I'm always looking for my next adventure. On most days, I'm a San Diego lifestyle blogger, but since I work remotely, I can travel & work as long as there's Wi-Fi. Read about my 1st year of self-employment & my 2nd year. I spent some time exploring Porto, Milan, & other bits of Europe! Learn more about me here.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a small commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you! Learn more about my disclosure. 


Downtown University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden things to do in Warsaw
Buildings & flowers from the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden.

What to See: Castles & Palaces 

Royal Castle - The Royal Castle Warsaw has both permanent & temporary exhibitions. Audio guides & guided tours available. Buy tickets to Skip The Line Royal Castle Guided Tour.

Krasiński Palace  - The Baroque architecture & manicured gardens of Krasiński Palace's make it look like the White House in Washington D.C. Ideal Warsaw sightseeing spot for romance, date night, or a solo moment alone.

Kazimierzowski Palace - University of Warsaw is a stunner. Constructed around 1643, Kazimierzowski Palace remains the University of Warsaw's oldest building.

Ujazdowski Castle - Looks like a castle, says it's a castle, but you might also know the castle as Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art. Exhibition & cinema tickets available. Admission free on Thursday.

Presidential Palace - Feel royal at the Presidential palace of Warsaw, the seat of the president of the Republic of Poland. Add the palace to your what to do in Warsaw sightseeing list.

Piłsudski Square - Imagine a big, open cement area with the occasional memorial or sculpture. That's Piłsudski Square. Including Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Multimedia Fountain Park Things to Do in Warsaw Sightseeing Historic Attractions
The nighttime light show at the Multimedia Fountain Park.

Things to Do in Warsaw: Gardens, Parks, Nature, Best Views

Chopin in the Park - Frédéric François Chopin (born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin) was a famous Polish composer and pianist. There is the Frederic Chopin Monument in Warsaw (Polish: Pomnik Fryderyka Chopina w Warszawie). There are Chopin concerts so check the calendar out to see when these are happening!

Multimedia Fountain Park at night - Easy Warsaw sightseeing option with free shows May through September. The fountain changes colors & splish splashes artistically as music plays. One of my favorite free things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.

Ogród Saski (Saxon Garden) - I was blown away by Warsawa's gardens. Head over to take a look at the fountain at Ogród Saski, also known as Saxon Garden. Perfect for Warsaw sightseeing & free things to do in Warsaw, Poland.

Vistula River - Big river. Can't miss it. The Vistula River area even has an ecological walking & cycling path. *my personal favorite.

Landing Point - Nice beachy spot by the Vistula River. Play water sports, relax all day.

Łazienki Park (Lazienki Park) - I walked by Lazienki Park a handful of times. One of the easier city of Warsaw sightseeing options. *my personal favorite.




University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden things to do sightseeing Poland autumn fall winter
Travel influencer? Photo lover? Take a photo at the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden.
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Shoes: Fila Disruptors // Shop these exact Fila Disruptor sneakers here.

University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden
- Do not miss this rooftop garden, easily one of the best free things to do in Warsaw. As far as what to see in Warsaw, you can savor a lovely view of Poland's capital from various points of the University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden. *my personal favorite.

University of Warsaw Botanic Garden (Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego) - I never miss a botanical garden. I love me some nature. Established in 1818 by the distinguished botanist Michał Szubert, the botanic garden stays open April through October. *my personal favorite.

Palace of Culture and Science 30th Floor Viewing Point - The best Warsaw sightseeing option to view the city from above.  I talk more about the Palace of Culture and Science down below. *my personal favorite.

Warszawa Taras Widokowy - Awesome view of Old Town Warsaw Square / Old Town Market Place. Super afford Warsaw sightseeing. *my personal favorite.

Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square Things to Do in Warsaw Sightseeing Historic Attractions
The Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square with colorful buildings in the background.

What to See in Warsaw: Sightseeing & Historic Attractions

Old Town Warsaw - As far as what to do in Warsaw, don't leave the city without checking out Old Town Square. It's historic, photo-friendly, & beautiful. Definitely one of the tourist attractions in Poland. *my personal favorite. Warsaw Old Town is a must-see.

Mermaid in Old Town Warsaw Square - Snap a photo at this Instagram hotspot. The mermaid is an iconic symbol of Warsaw. See how many mermaids you count throughout the city. *my personal favorite.

Warsaw Citadel - Built in the early 1800s as a fortress, the Warsaw Citadel houses the Katyn Museum.  Take a photo at the Citadel for Warsaw sightseeing & what to see in Warsaw.

Powązki Cemetery - Weird, but I love walking around cemeteries; it's humbling & reminds me of my own mortality.

St. John’s Archcathedral in Warsaw - A 14th-century Cathedral.

Basilica of the Holy Cross - A baroque church along the Royal Route.

Gdański Bridge - What to see in Warsaw? Stop by the Gdański Bridge, a steel truss bridge worthy of a look. Don't forget to take a photo. One of the easier things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Located within Piłsudski Square, two soldiers always stand guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tourist spot for photos & what to see in Warsaw.

Neon Museum Warsawa Things to do in Warsaw, Poland sightseeing options
Goofing around outside the Neon Museum. Great for Warsaw sightseeing!

Interesting Things to Do in the City of Warsaw: Education & Museums

Neon Museum - Bzzzzzz. The sound of neon signs remains etched in my brain. Small, but one of many affordable things to do in Warsaw. *my personal favorite.

Warsaw Rising Museum (Warsaw Uprising Museum) - The Warsaw Rising Museum / Warsaw Uprising Museum is a tribute to Warsaw residents who lost their lives fighting for Poland's independence.

Royal Łazienki Museum - The Royal Łazienki consists of The Palace on the Isle, The Old Orangery (housing the Royal Sculpture Gallery), as well as Royal Łazienki gardens: the Royal Garden, the Romantic Garden, the Modernist Garden, Chinese Garden. & the Deckchair Leisure Zone. Don't forget Łazienki Park.

National Museum in Warsaw - The National Museum in Warsaw contains over 800,000 pieces of art. Temporary exhibitions on rotation as well as permanent galleries (Faras Gallery, Gallery of Medieval Art, Gallery of Old Masters, Gallery of 19th Century Art, Gallery of 20th and 21st Century Art, Gallery of Polish Design).

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews - The Core Exhibition at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket covers 1,000 years of Polish-Jewish history, paintings, artifacts, & culture with interactive installations, video projections, & reconstructions. Buy your tickets to POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket.

Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów - Why not visit a Baroque royal residence during your Warsaw sightseeing adventure? Points of interest include the intricate interior of The White Hall, the Statue of Jan III Sobieski, the King's Library, the Queen's Bedroom, the Wilanów Garden, Morysin Nature Reserve, & quite a lot more. Buy tickets to skip the Line Wilanów Palace and Gardens Guided Tour.

Heritage Interpretation Centre - The Heritage Interpretation Center is the starting point of the Cultural Route of Old Town Cellars.

Additional travel reading: Things to do in Oslo: Norway.

Palace of Culture and Science at night
Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science at night.

Palace of Culture and Science - When my bus arrived in the city of Warsaw at 12 A.M., I spotted the towering Palace of Culture and Science straight away. What to do in Warsaw? The Palace houses a number of theaters, museums, restaurants, cafes, an observation deck, so you could spend all day here! One of the top tourist attractions in Poland.

Praga Museum of Warsaw (Muzeum Warszawskiej Pragi) - Located on Warsaw's right bank, the Praga Museum of Warsaw possesses both core & temporary exhibitions showcasing the story of Praga.

Pawiak Prison Museum - What to see in Warsaw if you're a history buff? The Pawiak Prison Museum used to be a prison from 1835 to 1944 when the Germans blew up nearly the entire prison complex. The museum is positioned in the surviving prison blocks VII & VIII.

Polish Army Museum (Muzeum Wojska Polskiego w Warszawie) - The permanent exhibit at the museum covers Polish military history starting from the 10th century up until the end of World War II.

Copernicus Science Centre -  If you need ideas on what to do in Warsaw, spend the day browsing one of 400 exhibits at Copernicus Science Centre. including a play inside the Robotic Theatre or activities at the Minilabs laboratory. Definitely one of the best things to do in Warsaw with kids & families!

Looking for what to see in Warsaw University of Warsaw Poland what to do
Looking for what to see in Warsaw? Check out the University of Warsaw!

Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium - Part of the Copernicus Science Centre, Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium allows tourists & residents to enjoy laser shows, live shows, & films about the planet.

PGE Narodowy Stadium - Built for the European Football Championship in 2012, PGE Narodowy Stadium hosts football (soccer) & other sporting events as well as concerts for big-names like The Rolling Stones & Madonna.

Legia Warsaw Marshal Józef Piłsudski Municipal Stadium - Football (soccer) team, Legia Poland, plays their home games at the Legia Warsaw Marshal Józef Piłsudski Municipal Stadium. Legia & PGE Narodowy Stadium are perfect things to do in Warsaw for sports fans.

Fotoplastikon Warszawski - Museum visitors can watch rotating stereoscopic images. They even host lessons about 20th-century Warsaw history.

History Meeting House - History Meeting House stands as the city of Warsaw’s municipal institution of culture, promoting history the history of the capital city through organized exhibitions, discussions, workshops, & other cool things to do in Warsaw.

Warsaw Zoological Garden - Add the Warsaw Zoological Garden to your list of things to do in Warsaw with children & many tourist attractions in Poland.

Lokal Vegan Bistro has delicious vegan spins on authentic Polish dishes.

Things to Do in the City of Warsaw: Food & Drinks

Hala Koszyki - A food hall with restaurant, grocery, & culinary options.

To Lubie (To Lubię) - a small, sweet cafe located in Warsaw's Old Town. Don't leave without trying their Dominican mead. *my personal favorite.

Bar Prasowy (Press Bar) - A classic take on a Polish classic, the milk bar. Milk bars come from the Communist area as a way to make affordable food available to working people.

Bar Gdański (Gdańsk Bar) - Another milk bar.

Lokal Vegan Bistro - Incredible vegan alternatives to some of Poland's most popular authentic dishes. I'm drooling just thinking about the meal I had.  *my personal favorite.


You can also opt for a Warsaw food tour.


Things to Do in Warsaw: Shopping

Złote Tarasy
Arkadia Shopping Mall
Galeria Mokotów
Mokotowska shopping street
Mysia street
Szpitalna street

Mermaids in Warsaw, Poland sightseeing and things to do see what to do
What to see in Warsaw: Another mermaid. There are mermaids all over the city. 

Did I forget anything? Leave me a comment! But don't bust my chops - there is a ridiculous amount of things to do in Warsaw. You'll never have to wonder what to do in Warsaw. There's an endless amount!


After sharing my Warsaw Poland experience with my Instagram family, one of my followers messaged me to say, "I was talking to my boyfriend about what you shared about Warsaw & we are adding to the list of places in Europe we would like to go someday."

It's truly the biggest compliment that is something I experienced & shared from my own perspective influence someone that they wanted to add it to their own list. I feel like I should mention that this type of feedback is so important & heartwarming & seriously makes me smile. Your message or comment can really make a difference!

Warszawa Taras Widokowy in Old Town Warsaw Square Sightseeing
What to do in Warsaw: Look out on Old Town Warsaw Square from Warszawa Taras Widokowy.

A City with Heart: Warsaw's Charm

The city's charm comes in its mix of historical landmarks, parks, walking along the modern streets, enjoying every morsel of food, sipping coffee, and its beauty. Catch a concert or learn something at a museum. If you made it all the way to the end of this blog post then you know there's an endless amount of things to do in Warsaw, Poland. You can spend days in Warsaw sightseeing as a travel influencer, a tourist, or if traveling with your friends or family or children! Enjoy your trip to Warsaw.

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How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights

Hello friend! I hope you're having a thoughtful, interesting, productive day. The last several weeks zoomed by in a ridiculously rapid haze of writing, creating, clients, emails, & making moves. During all the hubbub, Fred & I looked for flights throughout Europe. I get a lot of questions asking how I afford to travel. My secret? I use Google Flights as my own personal flight scanner. 


Sinking House near Montmartre by the Sacre Coeur Carmen Varner Travel Influencer
Sinking House near Montmartre by the Sacre Coeur.


Google flights flight scanner tips London Canada

It's a strategic process. I used Google Flights to search for tickets to Paris last year. I used it to find the best prices to Portland, Oregon. I've used Google Flights for several trips & it's my favorite way to save money on flights. We used Google Flights to book our latest trip too. In October, I headed to Spain, Germany, & Norway using tickets found via Google Flights! 

Dying for more travel secrets? Sign up for travel tips, hacks, best photo spots, & behind-the-scenes designed for blogger, influencers, & travelers.


Play Around With Airports


Google flights flight scanner tips

In an ideal scenario, we'd fly out from San Diego International Airport since it's the closest airport to us, but sometimes you can save $200+ from flying from LAX.  It adds several hours of travel time but $200+ can make all the difference if you're on a budget or trying to travel affordably. Play around with the closest airports to you & to your destination to see price fluctuations. For example, roundtrip tickets from San Diego to Paris cost $560, whereas roundtrip Los Angeles to Paris is $360.



Related reading: How I Decided to Quit My Corporate Job While Traveling in Paris

Keep Your Dates Open



You're less likely to get a good deal if you have to travel during a specific timeframe. If possible, keep your dates open. Check different dates & compare prices. That's why our winter trip to London was so affordable. Cloudy, frigid, with a dash of snow, but holy moly, Christmastime in London still warms my soul when I think about it. Because we keep our calendar open, we accidentally booked Bucket List moments every time we travel: Christmas in London, Autumn in Portland, Spring in Paris, Halloween in Oslo.

Check for One-Way Flights or Multi-City



We kept it simple by booking roundtrip flights the first couple Google Flights excursions. 7 nights in France. 9 nights in London (10, if you count the night we spent at London Gatwick Airport). If you're keen to explore multiple cities or countries on your trip, one-way flights or multi-city option is your best bet. It cost us a little over $29 for our flight from Barcelona to Berlin. $29. Less than a tank of gas & I'm off to a new country.

Be Aware of Flight Times & Layovers



The $506 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with a 3-hour layover seems perfect until you look at the fine print: you have one stop in London where you have to transfer from London Heathrow Airport to London Gatwick. You'd have to deboard the plane, take your luggage, get a ride to a completely different airport, go through customs & security in 3 hours?! Sounds like a missed flight to me! Be aware of flight times & layovers on Google Flights. You might find a great price but there might be some sort of weird layover or stop or time. After playing around with dates more, I found a $493 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with 1 hr 45-minute layover in Philadelphia. Now that's doable.

Book Directly With the Airline



Google Flights gave you affordable options & now you're ready to make a purchase. Heck yes! Save dollars when you book directly with the airline. Go to their website, search for your exact flight, date, & time, then make the purchase from there. Don't forget to sign up for any rewards to maximize potential savings.

Did these tips help you? 


Now that I booked my affordable flight tickets, time to find Airbnb accommodations, research things to do, eat, experience, & start my countdown! You have a trip planned? Have you used Google flights to find cheap flights? Do you use a flight scanner?

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* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
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