The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben or the Empire State Building – planning a city trip we usually end up with touristic hot spots, at least they are the landmarks of these towns. As you know, we support touristic offers off the beaten tracks, so that you will get to know the true charm of this place. But how exactly can you find these untouched and unique spots as a visitor? Who would know better, than local residents? Therefore, we have asked our green city hotels for you for their personal insider tip.

Freiburg

Who already visited Freiburg, knows that the city itself is a rare treasure: the half-timbered houses covered with tendrils, the small shops, the attitude to life and the continuous murmur of the Bächle. Though the well visited Augustinian’s place in the heart of the town itself is not a confidential tip, but the nearby Bistro and Café Manna – die Spezerei, which was recommended by Patricia from Green City Hotel Vauban. A specialty is the home-baked bread, which is baked after an original recipe. With its tasty crust and great spreads – or just butter – it is a highlight for all bread lovers! One gets coffee and cake also – of course home baked;)

You find Manna – die Spezerei  in Salzstrasse 28 in Freiburg

Cusco

To understand the Peruvian attitude towards life, Claire from Inkaterra recommends to stroll along the streets around the Hotel Inkaterra La Casona when visiting Cusco for a city trip: historical buildings, cobblestones, churches with frescoes and paintings, museums, cafés, restaurants and an active nightlife distinguish the town in the midst of the Andes. Especially the many small artist and craft shops in the lively streets reflect the Peruvian culture of the former Inca culture and later the colonial empire. To feel the vibes of Cusco you should plan sufficient time. Another must: the San Pedro market – a great opportunity to admire regional goods and meet locals. Staying there over Christmas should not miss the Santiranticuy market on Christmas Eve where hundreds of art craftsmen from the region offer their handmade, traditional products.

Erlangen

Erlangen often is associated with beer and of course you can drink beer here. But there is more to explore. Laura from Creativhotel Luise has provided some green, fair and sustainable insider tips when visiting Erlangen:  When looking for fair produced clothes, you make a find in the GreenVolution store. Here you get fair bio-clothes as well as an individual consultation. Loving Upcycling the way we do, then Sine is a must: the small workshop produces purses, bags, and a lot more from old bicycle tubes, jeans, tarpaulins and other old materials here .

For nature lovers manager Ben Förtsch recommends the botanical garden bordering the castle garden. From here just a stone- throw away you run into the Bio-Restaurant Muskat (another confidential tip from the Creativhotel 😉 ).

Nevertheless, for more green tips for the Fairtrade city of Erlangen have a look here: www.fairlangen.org

Paris

Most cities miss green areas, although it is so beneficial for us to be outdoors in nature! Hence, Barbara, the owner from the Hôtel Le Pavillon recommends three green unknown places in Paris, even to most local residents: Without noting, most visitors run past the Jardin de la Nouvelle-France, although it is located centrally between the Invalid Bridge and the Champs-Elysées. Among the rest, the English style garden accommodates a pond with waterfall and is for animals and people alike a retreat in the heart of Paris. At the foot of the Père-Lachaise Cementary you’ll find another insider tip: the garden Pierre-Emmanuel is a real nature reserve in the midst of the town. Here local plants, trees and animals can develop without (almost) interventions of people into an oasis. Moreover, just a stone throw away is the Rue Oberkampf known for its numerous bars. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to stroll in the green small roads admiring the historical and blossoming facades. Three real confidential tips for nature in the heart of Paris!