This summer, it’s time to put down your tv remote and pick up your passport for a guided walking tour to see some of the most iconic cities in Europe –  London, Paris and Madrid –  through the eyes of your favourite Netflix characters.

For one week, from 11 – 17 July, Netflix will partner with SANDEMANs New Europe Tours for a series of free guided walking tours that share history and details about these amazing cities, highlight must-see locations from Netflix shows and films, and unveil behind-the-scenes insights from filming.

Great stories transport us to places we’ve never been, immerse us in cultures far from our own, and peak our curiosity about the world around us. So far this year, more than 70% of viewing on Netflix has come from members watching a title from a country other than their own. Netflix is where audiences go to fall in love with other countries and cultures. And we’ve heard from our members that the location of that series or film is frequently their top travel destination, driving cultural affinity and tourism. In fact, Netflix members are 2.4x more likely to say that the locale of a series or film they watched is their #1 travel destination and they have an increased interest in famous landmarks and monuments (+24%), local history (+25%), food and drink (+26%).

Now we want to find new ways to connect members to the stories, and the places they love.

Ready to eat a croissant in Place de l’Estrapade like Emily in Paris or experience a money heist in Callao like La Casa De Papel?  Visit netflix.neweuropetours.eu to learn more. But be sure to reserve your spot soon – spaces are limited and just like secrets in the ton, they won’t last long.

Binge voyage!

The post From Screen to Streets with Netflix and SANDEMANs NEW Europe first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

Like you, we have been dismayed and heartbroken to read the news of the war in Ukraine; of the lives lost; of families torn apart as many are forced to flee their homes for safety.

For travelers far from home, it can sometimes be difficult to find the best way to help.

To this end, we would like to offer those of you taking one of our Free Tours of Berlin this week (March 5 through March 13) the opportunity to donate useful items, which we would then take to a collection organization that welcomes refugees at Berlin train stations and supports the rescue efforts in Ukraine and the borders of Poland.

These may include items you have with you while travelling and could spare, or items that are easily purchasable from any chemist or supermarket.

Simply show up to your FREE Walking Tour and, during the break, your tour guide will present with you with the opportunity to leave any of the following items:

• First aid kits/ materials
• Batteries
• USB power banks (charged)
• Torches
• Hygiene products (small soaps, female hygiene sanitary products, toothpaste)
• Cold and flu medication
• Pain killers
• Small snacks in packages
• Sim cards

Many thanks and safe travels.

SANDEMANs NEW Europe

The post Item donation action on Berlin tours for Ukrainian refugees first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Join a cleanup event

Want to get the dirt on a destination? Then you might want to consider rolling up your sleeves and joining a cleanup crew! One of the more stimulating ways to get involved with sustainable travel, these kinds of volunteer events are a great way of meeting other like-minded travellers and environmentally-conscious residents.

We’ve been putting a lot of these events together at SANDEMANs NEW Europe. While our pals at Starboard Boats are known for being a fantastic Amsterdam boat hire company, and offering top quality tours of the canals, lately they’ve been taking us and our guests out for a delicious breakfast on the water while we fish for trash.  It’s an event that most companies would make you pay for, but thanks to Starboard’s generosity, we’ve been able to offer it for free. Thanks guys!

Fishing for trash with the team at Starboard Boats

Not one of the sea-faring folk? We also run similar events across Europe for landlubbers – check out our Berlin team in the German news, and our Paris team in the French news!  We’re striving to create more and more events like this, so keep an eye on our website for more details.

2. Copenhagenize!

Having our roots in the walking tour industry, it is only natural that SANDEMANs favors getting around on foot. Where this isn’t possible, most European cities are well-served by efficient public transport networks – or if you’re even luckier, decent cycling infrastructure! Wired Magazine recently created the ‘Copenhagenize’ index, in homage to the trendy Scandinavian city’s penchant for two-wheeled transport. Ranking cities across the world according to their degree of cycling infrastructure, the index made it clear that you don’t have to be staying in the Danish capital (or other obvious winners, like Amsterdam) to take to the humble cycle lane – whether that be whilst travelling through, or staying long-term.

European cities fared fairly well across the board with many tourist hotspots like Berlin, Paris, Vienna and Barcelona snagging a spot in the top 20. So while you may not need to be in Copenhagen to be a true biking viking, we do recommend that you always wear a helmet!

Top tip!  SANDEMANs also offers bike tours in Amsterdam and Barcelona!

SANDEMANs’ Barcelona Bike Tour

3. Volunteer

Other opportunities also exist for those with differing interests, or with special qualifications to give back while they’re traveling. Whether you’re musical, sporty, entrepreneurial or passionate about the environment, a wide world of opportunities to donate these skills to noble causes lies out there waiting for you. Be careful, however, to select a program or a location where your skills are in need rather than your money – and be wary of hefty program fees.

There are a million ways to volunteer while travelling

4. Shop local

A tried and trusted mantra of the green travel community, this is worth revisiting if you’re heading to a region or a country you are not familiar with. In some parts of the world, it is common practice to pass off goods manufactured and ordered in bulk from another part of the world as locally-made, leaving genuine local artisans struggling to compete.

Since local traditions and market practices vary from place to place, it can be worth doing your research into how this works in your area, as well as researching to see whether it is possible to provide support to local artisans while sourcing a cool souvenir.

And the best thing about this tip? It applies to food. From beer in Brussels to tapas in Triana, this is one piece of advice that we all swear by at SANDEMANs.

Brussels Beer Tour

5. Stay local

In smaller towns or less developed regions, it’s worth keeping an eye out for accommodation that will support the local population. Homestays with local families are a great way to do so, as well as being a fantastic opportunity to explore the local culture (and if you’re lucky, maybe even some of that food we mentioned before!).

If homestays aren’t for you, look out for hotels and hostels that are locally owned, and remember that some popular home-sharing platforms drive up local rents, making some areas unaffordable for residents.

6. Be mindful of ‘overtourism’

In many of our favorite European cities, some locals are starting to wonder if tourism = too much of a good thing. Cheap flights and home-sharing platforms are crowding some city centers and putting pressure on local infrastructure. There are however a number of ways to visit Europe’s best cities in a way that doesn’t make you just one of the masses; for example, consider visiting outside of the peak season, and look for ways to explore beyond the city center.

SANDEMANs offers a number of day trips out of some of these cities, such as with the Potsdam Tour from Berlin, the Howth Tour from Dublin, the Kutná Hora Tour from Prague, and much more.

Howth Day Trip from Dublin

7. Be aware of ‘green-washing’

With the rise of ‘sustainable travel’ as a popular concept, savvy companies are beginning to catch onto the trend. Be aware, though, that some of these companies are simply marketing themselves as ‘green’ – there are a number of sites such as BookDifferent and EcoBnb, which allow you to search through verified environmentally-friendly accommodation and homestays.

8. ‘Pay to Play’

It’s no secret that travelling can be expensive. Particularly over longer trips, small amounts  paid for daily expenses can quickly accumulate. For the nature lovers amongst us, entrance fees to beaches and national parks can soon stack up, however, it’s worth being aware that these fees are sometimes directed back towards the cost of maintaining those places. Although a free alternative may exist, ask yourself if the local government is likely to reinvest these funds back into the area.

9. Skip the printouts

According to the New York Times, the Louvre disposes of around 1,200 tons of waste a year – the bulk of which is composed of maps and entrance tickets. In the smartphone era, all of this can (and should) be moved online, which is why SANDEMANs are moving towards the use of mobile ticketing and promotion. For example, we’re starting to use posters like the one below with QR codes, encouraging people to visit our website rather than taking our flyers.

10. Consider how you travel to the destination itself

Beyond leaving your destination in better condition, this will benefit the atmosphere as a whole. Today, it is possible to search for (with commonly-used engines such as SkyScanner and Momondo) flights which offer options to offset your carbon footprint. Even better – if you can skip the flight, consider using the train! Our pals at Eurail can help with our European train adventure, and Eurail pass holders even get discounts on SANDEMANs tour tickets!

The post 10 Ways to Leave a Destination Better Than You Found It first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

It’s a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that brings together beer-lovers from all corners of the world and families out to enjoy the food, fun and festivities of one of the greatest fairs on earth. However, it would also be considered a fool’s errand to try and do Oktoberfest ‘on the cheap’. That said, we at SANDEMANs can help you cut prices without cutting corners. How, you ask? Read on!

1. Think outside the tent

Everyone knows that Oktoberfest’s pure, golden elixir is the true calling of the festival. But as a Volksfest (a ‘people’s festival’), there’s so much more to see and do! Volksfest are travelling funfairs with carnival attractions, shows, stands and more! So if you can feel your pockets empty whilst sipping on that amber brew, you might want to consider spending at least one day enjoying everything outside the tents! You’ll have to see a traditional folk music show at Zur Schönheitskönigin or ascend the thrilling Jules Verne Tower! A few euros spent on entering the charmingly traditional Oide Wiesn fairground will save you from the temptation of buying another round, and you can soak up history instead.

2. …and outside the fairground

Prices within the fairgrounds for anything and everything are inflated. The median price of beer, not counting the customary €1-2 tip? €11.70. You can’t escape splurging at least once, but it starts to add up after a few visits. So, if you want to save a bit of cash whilst still soaking up some of the famous festival atmosphere, take Oktoberfest with you wherever you go – visit Munich’s local restaurants to chow on traditional grub for a fraction of the fairground price. Need a tipple before/afterwards? Half a litre of beer at a mini-markt can set you back less than a euro. The point is: Wiesn is wherever you make it (and where the law allows…).

3. Book early with SANDEMANs

Planning for Oktoberfest usually starts… a year before Oktoberfest. Tables in the biggest tents may be reserved as early as January, and the total booking allowance can be gone by February! Some walk-ins are allowed, but our Munich Oktoberfest Experience guarantees a table at the iconic Löwenbrau tent. There’s plenty of sumptuous food and beer to get you started too, and with a walking tour of the grounds guided by one of our charismatic local experts, you won’t want for anything at this party.

Until July 31st, you can benefit from a special €85 early bird price for our Munich Oktoberfest Experience! After that, it will still only cost €115, but don’t wait too long as this experience sells out early!

4. Hitchhike without the hitches

Trusting ride-sharing services like blablacar or Fahrgemeinschaft (within Germany) can be a super thrifty – if you’re willing to take a risk. With only a handful of people maximum to a car, and the potential to negotiate a ride directly to your digs in Munich, a ride-share can beat low-cost coaches and even the train for price and comfort. The catch? You’ll need to wait closer to the time to book. Drivers regularly post journeys only a few weeks (or even days) before they intend to make them. So if you can’t find a journey, you’ll need to shell out for more conventional means to get there. If you do manage to get a lift, though, you could end up with a few new friends, and a satisfyingly weighty wallet on arrival.

5. Have a little help from (our) friends… 

So, we’re sorted for an amazing, hassle-free introduction to Oktoberfest, but what about accommodation? Hotels, hostels and apartments are never cheap this time of year, but we can recommend three great options to suit all tastes:

👉 Aside from having some of the comfiest dorms you’ll find in anywhere in Europe, Jaeger’s Hostel serves a fill-your-boots breakfast buffet, which will go a long way in helping you save on the eye-watering food bills at the Wiesn (Oktoberfest) ground. The venue’s chic bar and heavenly en-suite showers are just icing on the cake. You’ll need to book quickly to snap up the last few places here!

👉 The Euro Youth Hotel has a range of budget accommodation, from private rooms to delightful dorms under the magical €100 mark. Plus, the famously lively Euro Bar runs four hours of happy hour every evening, and the reviews speak for themselves – it’s indisputably one of Munich’s best venues all year round.

👉 For a real festival experience, nothing beats Stoke Travel’s offering. Cosy camping with breakfast and dinner included for just €65/night isn’t even the best part: Stoketoberfest – the campsite’s all-day party with live entertainment that runs into the early hours – is made all the sweeter with the open bar offering unlimited beer and sangria for just €10/day. If you book with the code “SANDEMANS”, you’re drinking here for free. Who needs Oktoberfest?

6. Party up and roll out

As we said, our friends at Jaeger’s and Euro Youth Hotel are comfortably within walking distance of both the Wiesn and the city centre. If you decide to stay a little further afield or at the Stoke campground, you’ll do well to use Munich’s public transport. Pro tip: our local guides recommend making a party of 5 and splitting a 3-day group ticket. Unlimited trips within the city for less than €6 per person for 3 days? A single traveller would have to pay €16.80. That bargain is weltklasse, plus, we all know that public transport is greener than hailing a cab.

7. Dress to impress

You don’t have to wear trachten – the wonderful traditional Bavarian dress that includes mens’ Lederhosen and womens’ Dirndlen – but doing so is half the fun! Quality goatskin/deerskin trachten are used by locals to attend events all across Germany for a long while, and these will set you back several hundred euros. Don’t waste a few dozen quid on an imitation party outfit, either – it’s almost disrespectful! Our guides recommend either buying your tracht secondhand online, in one of Munich’s department stores, or renting (though this option can get costly after a few days…).

Stoke Travel also sell authentic trachten for men and women on site or during booking! They think of everything, don’t they.

8. Enjoy Munich another time?

You can’t umm and ahh about Oktoberfest. If you’ve not decided, late planning won’t save you stress or money. If your main motivation is to see Munich, and Oktoberfest is just a happy by-product, consider going at another time. The city will be cheaper, the crowds will be less, and you can still get your beer and bratwurst fix at the Hofbräuhaus (or one of the city’s numerous other festivals!). We even run our own beer tasting tour four days a week, and we’d love to see you there!

The post 8 Ways To Plan Oktoberfest Without Breaking The Bank! first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the fight for LGBT freedom is a long withstanding tradition. Unbeknownst to most people, Germany’s past is very progressive when it comes to queer rights: at the end of the nineteenth century and early years of the twentieth, homosexuality was beginning to be accepted as natural human behavior. Even transgender issues had been lobbied as natural by some researchers. Berlin had many gay bars and gay-friendly areas, in which LGBT individuals were free to express themselves and love whoever they chose.

Gay Liberation Front March on Times Square in New York, N.Y., 1969.

This wave of freedom was brutally interrupted by the rise of the Nazi party to power. The country was faced with the re-criminalization of homosexuality and the vicious persecution of members of the LGBT community. After the fall of the regime, homosexuality was once again legalized in both East and West Germany at the end of the 1960s, and from then on the country has seen a strong surge in the fight for human rights.

Funnily enough, while in the Americas the day of LGBT celebration has gained the name of ‘gay pride’, in Europe, the name ‘Christopher Street Day’ has been adopted, paying homage to the Stonewall Riots. Berlin’s CSD commemoration is one of the biggest in Europe and the world, attracting nearly a million people every year, coming from all corners of the country and continent to occupy the streets in celebration of diversity and love. It’s the biggest day of the year for the community, and with so many ways to join in the festivities, you’re bound to have a great time!

1. Join the demo

Berlin is a very politically active city, and Berliners are known for being outspoken on how the city should be governed, especially when it comes to freedom and equality. The pre-parade demonstration, which starts in Kurfürstendamm at 12:00, is known for its irreverent signs and progressive tone. This year’s motto of CSD Berlin is ‘every riot starts with your voice’, celebrating the 50 years of the Stonewall Riots. Pride this year pays homage to queer individuals that were key in the fight when times were even harder than today.

2. Dress up

CSD outfits in Berlin are out of this world! People always go the extra mile and really dress to impress. It’s common to see Drag Queens and Kings in killer outfits, but the rest of the participants also make an effort. It’s all about being creative, working with what you have, and have a lot of fun while planning your look. Why not give it a try?

3. Have a picnic

If big crowds are not really your thing but you still don’t want to miss out on the celebration, a good option is to have a picnic inside Tiergarten. The parade route runs right around it, so you can have a relaxing day but also catch a glimpse of everyone going to the parade and feel part of the party.

4. Plan a pre-CSD brunch

As the demonstration starts at 12:00, with the parade following after, Berliners love to plan a brunch with friends to prepare! It’s also common to help your friends dress up and the whole group can join the party after. If you’re coming to the city to visit, don’t worry! Plenty of restaurants and cafés organize pre-CSD brunches, just choose the spot that whets your appetite the most.

5. Keep an open mind

However you choose to celebrate pride in Berlin, it’s important to do it like Berliners teach us; be open to different people, different experiences, and celebrate diversity. CSD is a place for members of the community and allies to join forces, have fun together in an environment free of judgment, and to show the world what matters the most: Love is love.

The post 5 Ways to Enjoy Christopher Street Day in Berlin first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

So if you want to get involved in the sustainable revolution, here are a couple of tips on how to play your part and support local businesses!

1. Stay in eco-friendly accommodation

Many hotels and hostels are making the move to run more sustainable businesses; be it using energy saving lights, up-cycled furniture or providing responsibly-sourced products. Our partners High Street Hostel are a good example of this – they are 100% Carbon Neutral, have waste recycling system and electricity sourced from renewable non-nuclear supplies. A good list to check is the Green Business Directory when picking where you stay in Edinburgh.

2. Enjoy locally-sourced meals

Scotland is home to great seafood and fresh produce so it isn’t too hard to enjoy a meal made from local products. Café St Honoré is at the top of our list with 97% of their produce sourced locally and reasonable prices on dishes. If you happen to be visiting the Scottish National Gallery (it is definitely worth going to), stop by the restaurant for some lunch. For seafood lovers there is plenty of fresh fish and oysters to be eaten at Ondine, and if you want to take someone out for a special dinner then look no further than the Gardener’s Cottage.

3. Be mindful of the activities you join

Edinburgh is a very walkable city which makes joining a SANDEMANs walking tour very easy. See the best sites on your own two feet and learn about the history of this beautiful city. But we all know how the Scottish weather can be. So if you are looking for indoor alternatives, head over to the Dynamic Earth, an educational attraction that explores how the Earth was formed and how it continues to develop.

4. Take home handmade local products

We love bringing home souvenirs and picking up some treasures on our holidays – even better if they are locally made! Some great shops to find cool gifts made in Scotland are the Scottish Design Exchange and Dandelion and Ginger. Make sure you ask your reception desk or even a guide that works for SANDEMANs on where to get some great presents to take home!

5. Give back to the city

If you are spending a couple of days in Edinburgh why not to give back to the city, by joining the third edition of our Edinburgh clean up? In partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, we will be collecting litter from the streets for an hour. To say thanks, all participants will get a free ticket to either our Pub Crawl or Dark Side tour and a beer or soft drink on us!

If you are interested in seeing what community events are happening in our cities check out our website here.

The post Travelling in the UK’s Greenest City first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

So if you love the city you are visiting as much as we do, here are a few tips on how to travel well and even do some good on your holiday.

1. Reduce your personal waste

This is the first step we can all take to be better travellers. Pack your own reusable water bottle (if you are tight on luggage space look for silicone bottles that roll up) and bring a reusable shopping bag to put your shopping in. A few other easy tips are to visit fresh markets that don’t use so much packaging and dine at places known for using local produce.

2. Use public transport

As the largest walking tour company in the world, we are big advocates of seeing a city by foot. However, whenever stops on our route are a bit too far to walk to we will use the public transport services. Most cities have excellent public transport systems to get you around the city and even an app that will help plan the best route for your journey. Reduce individual car use and experience a city like a local! If you are planning to visit any of our 20-city network, why not put on some comfortable shoes and enjoy a FREE Tour with us?

3. Look up recycling methods in the city you are visiting

Each city will have their own way of sorting and disposing of waste. Either do a quick search online to figure out how to recycle plastics and paper or simply ask a local – this could be your hostel or hotel reception team, the host of your apartment or even a guide that works with SANDEMANs! If you struggle to find a proper recycling bin then consider taking it home with you and recycle it properly there.

4. Sign up for a local community event

A great way to really experience a city is to volunteer and get involved with local projects. Most events will allow you to meet locals and also understand the challenges they face. Back in 2016, we ran our very first litter picking event in Edinburgh to give back to the community. We saw 40 participants – both local and visitors alike – come out and collect rubbish for an hour along the Royal Mile. Since then we have done similar events in Dublin, Berlin and Paris, as well as a clean up cruise in Amsterdam with our local partners Starboard Boats.

If you are interested in seeing what community events are happening in our cities check out our website here.

5. Grab an empty bin bag and get social

If you can’t make an organised event then grab a rubbish bag and make a difference on your own! All you have to do it pick up litter you see around it and properly dispose of it. Check out the hashtag #trashtag on Instagram for the viral movement that is calling for people to do their part – even if it is just one bag. A great account we love to follow is also the Adventure Bag Crew.

The post Giving Back While You Travel first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

 1. Grab a quick crepe to-go at Au p’tit Grec

This little stand is definitely worth the walk. Located in one of Paris’ oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods, this hole-in-the-wall shop serves up delicious savoury and sweet crepes. The queue can get quite long during meal times but the staff move quickly so you won’t be waiting too long for your food. We definitely recommend the Savoyarde ham and cheese crepe!

 2. Enjoy the rooftop view from the Arab World Institute

This museum has a really great collection of Arab artefacts, art and beautifully intricate textiles. It tells the history and cultural ties between the Arab world, Paris and even Europe. A top tip from us is that you can get up to the rooftop for free and get a great view of Paris across the river.

3. Take a break at the Arènes de Lutèce

After a couple of hours on your feet, take a quiet break in a hidden little spot that Parisians like to go to. The Arènes de Lutèce is an old Roman arena – which means there are lots of seats available for you to rest and have a quiet moment. Bring a book along and catch up on that reading you have always been meaning to do!

4. Get a sugar rush from the Circus Bakery

If you are looking for a mid-afternoon pick up then grab yourself a tasty cinnamon roll from the newly-opened Circus Bakery. This beautiful little cafe serves up great coffee and sweet treats, a great way to fuel up in the afternoon.

5. Wind the evening down with some jazz

Le Piano Vache is a cosy non-pretentious bar that has long been a favourite with students and young professionals. Pop in on a Monday for a free jazz show with affordable beers and wines.

The post Our Favourite Local Things to Do in Paris’ Latin Quarter first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Amsterdam – Hannie Schaft

Also known as “the girl with the red hair”, Hannie Schaft is well-known in the Netherlands but perhaps not so well-known in other countries. She was strongly opposed to the occupying Nazi’s anti-Jewish actions, and worked to sabotage and even assassinate strategic Nazi targets. After being arrested delivering communist newspapers, she was imprisoned, interrogated, and tragically, executed by the Nazis just three weeks before the end of the war. Apart from being a brave and impactful resistance fighter, her final words showed just how tough she was – when one of the Nazi soldiers sent to execute her merely wounded her, she apparently said “I shoot better than you do”, before she was finally killed by his colleague.

2. Copenhagen – Lili Elbe

One of the world’s first recipients of gender reassignment surgery, Lili Elbe was born Elnar Magnus Andreas Wegener in 1882. Gender reassignment surgery was still highly experimental in 1930, when she underwent the first of four surgeries, and in 1931, her body rejected a transplanted uterus and she died from infection. As her surgeries took place in Germany, many of the medical records relating to her story were burnt during the Nazi book burnings, however the best-selling book (and now film) The Danish Girl offers a fictionalized account of her life.

3. Dublin – Constance Markievicz

Constance Markievicz was born into a wealthy family in London, but bravely took part in the 1916 Easter Rising on the side of the Irish republicans. While many of the male republicans she fought alongside were sentenced to death, she was given a lesser sentence for being a female, and eventually went on to become the first woman elected to the UK House of Commons (although she didn’t take her seat), and later, the first woman in the world to hold a cabinet position. When she died aged 59 from appendicitis, she had given away the last of her wealth, and was in a public hospital ward among the poor, where she wanted to be.

4. Edinburgh – The Edinburgh Seven

We’ll give you more bang for your buck on this one, with not just one but seven kick-ass women. The Edinburgh Seven were the first group of females to be enrolled in a British university in 1869, and although they studied medicine, they were prevented from graduating and qualifying as doctors. While their campaign to be allowed to graduate attracted a large number of supporters (including Charles Darwin), they never did gain permission, with the argument given that they shouldn’t have been admitted in the first place (despite the fact that they all passed the entrance exams; four even passed with honors). These women weren’t quitters though, and eventually, five of the seven gained their MDs abroad.

5. Hamburg – Domenica Niehoff

Domenica Niehoff had a rough start in life – her mother fled her husband with young Domenica in arm before getting arrested for petty crimes, which meant Domenica was sent to an orphanage. When she was 17, she met her husband (a brothel owner), but she was widowed at age 27 when her husband committed suicide. She became a prostitute herself, eventually known as “the Queen of the Reeperbahn”, but rather than hide in the shadows, she campaigned for the legalization of prostitution, and founded a project to support young prostitutes and drug addicts. When she died in 2009, she was given a place in Hamburgs Garden of Women, the first prostitute to be buried in an area that has been reserved for distinguished women.

6. Lisbon – Carolina Beatriz Ângelo

Not only did Carolina Beatriz Ângelo defy the odds by becoming a doctor at the turn of the 20th Century, but she really cemented her place on our kick-ass women list by finding a loophole in the law that allowed her to become the first woman to vote in Portugal in 1911. As well as being a leader in feminist and suffragette circles, she noticed that the law around elections was ambiguously written, not specifically saying men had the right to vote, but rather, heads-of-households over the age of 21 did, and as she was a widow, she was the head of her household. While she did manage to get her vote in in 1911, sadly after she exploited that loophole, the Portuguese law was changed to specify that voters must be male – a ruling not overturned until 1976. Find out more about Carolina Beatriz Ângelo on the Lisbon International Women’s Day Tour.

7. Madrid – Clara Campoamor

Clara Campoamor was born in Madrid into a working class family, and started out as a seamstress at age 13, before earning a number of government jobs, and eventually getting into law school. As if that wasn’t impressive enough in the early 1900s, in 1931 she was elected into a government position, at a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote. She worked to make changes to the constitution, which included fighting against discrimination based on gender, the right to divorce, and for children born within and outside the marriage to have equal rights. When the Spanish Civil War broke out she was forced to flee the country, and was barred from returning under Franco, and she died in exile, in Switzerland, in 1972. Find out more about Clara Campoamor on the Madrid International Women’s Day Tour.

The post 7 Kick-Ass Women to Know About This International Women’s Day first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

Arguably, excluding Ireland, some of the best St Patrick’s Day Parties take place in the US; whether it’s Chicago’s green river, Savannah’s green fountains, or NYC‘s green everything. Nonetheless, we wish to remind our friends in the US that Dublin isn’t the only European city that can match their party-prowess, and here’s the list to prove it:

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Have you heard the one about the Irishman in Copenhagen? No? Me neither. This is a strange one, as Denmark doesn’t typically have strong ties to Ireland. Nonetheless, Copenhagen’s celebrations indulge in the same activities that take place all over the world; parades, drinking green beer, and dancing to traditional Irish music.

Of course, Copenhagen’s most unique St Paddy’s Day tradition consists of a charitable three-legged race through the city’s Irish pubs, drinking in each one as you pass through. So, Copenhagen may not be the most obvious destination for St Patrick’s Day, but we sure like their style!

4. Munich, Germany

If Munich has any ties to St Patrick’s Day, then it’s a secret to us! What certainly isn’t a secret is the Bavarian love of beer and good times, making St Paddy’s Day a cause for celebration throughout the city. Since 1996, Munich has enjoyed an annual St Patrick’s Day parade, with the attendance growing stronger each year, as they take you on a ‘Journey to Ireland’ with traditional music and dance.

Whilst you’re getting caught up in the celebrations, don’t forget to join our Munich Beer Tour for a taste of the city’s own traditional brews!

3. Glasgow, Scotland

With a cultural identity that proudly reflects Irish heritage, Glasgow has often been referred to as a second home for the Irish, and the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day festival seeks to celebrate the relationship between Scotland and the Emerald Isle. You can expect the usual festivities; the traditional music, the unique dancing, the typical drinks… if it sounds like it belongs at a St Paddy’s Parade – it’ll be there!

So, what makes Glasgow’s celebrations different? Well, quite simply – their authenticity and exuberant atmosphere. The pubs and bars organise and encourage live music performances and poetry readings, and with such a wild audience watching, you just know that ‘encourage’ is the right word!

SANDEMANs won’t be celebrating St Paddy’s Day in Glasgow this year, but take a short trip east to join us in Edinburgh for our St Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, as we bring the Glaswegian atmosphere to Auld Reekie!

2. London, England

St Patrick’s Day may not be a public holiday in England, but with so many celebrations taking place throughout the world… do you really expect London to miss out on the fun?

Whether that fun involves indulging in the extravagance of the annual parade (1.5 miles long), experiencing top-notch music and comedy in Trafalgar Square, or simply throwing back a few pints of Guinness at one of the many Irish pubs, it’s safe to say that no one can be blue when surrounded by so much green.

1. Dublin, Ireland

Our surprise entry! The dark horse! The underdog… okay yeah, you all guessed this one… but you guessed it for a reason! Despite all the fantastic beer-swilling, shamrock-picking, rainbow-chasing, Leprechaun-hunting St Paddy’s Day celebrations, no one does it better than the Irish capital.

Whilst parties certainly are universal, what cannot be imitated is the country’s authentic display of national pride, as they honour their heritage. Let’s face it, the pure unadulterated joy experienced at having the day off work is pretty inimitable too…

Moreover, this city knows how to have fun: large-scale parades; treasure hunts; university boat races; foot races; traditional Irish pubs with local beers; music festivals; traditional dancing; and many more activities will have you spoilt for choice.

Last but not least, if you want to experience St Paddy’s at night, and get a glimpse of Dublin dressed in green light as you roam from bar to bar… don’t forget to join our exclusive St Patrick’s Day Party.

The post The 5 Best Places to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Europe first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.