Where I ate in Melbourne

Melbourne is a Foodie city...

Queen Victoria Market

From Korean fusion to Meatballs to crepes, Melbourne has so much for foodies to enjoy. I was delighted to find there were so many different types of cuisines in this busy Australian city. I wish I had more time in Melbourne to explore the different ethnic neighborhoods and to sample the fun hipster brunch places that my foodie friend keeps raving about. There's no shortage of new places to explore and eateries to sample. The Queen Victoria Market was a block away from the hotel I stayed in and had many stalls there. When I walked in though, the smell of the meat from the butchers was a bit too strong for me so I didn't stay very long inside the market. There was a wine stall that had local wines from the region that I became really interested in. Prices of wine is fairly cheap in Australia so of course, I couldn't resist and brought home a Barbera from a winery just outside Melbourne in Yarra Valley.

Where I ate in Melbourne:

1) Supernormal
2) Krimper Cafe
3) Ca de Vin
4) Harajuku Crepes
5) Seven Seeds

6) Coopers Malthouse bar
7) The Meatball and Wine Bar

Korean rice cakes at the trendy Supernormal restaurant 

There is a multitude of trendy "it" restaurants in Melbourne so if you plan on dining at a popular spot, I recommend either getting there early or arriving a bit after the popular times or booking ahead for reservations. On my first night in Melbourne, I met up with two friends for dinner and we waited about an hour for our table at Supernormal on Flinders lane. Luckily, there was a bar so we ordered some wine for an aperitif. The food offerings were interesting and fuses Korean food with experimental cooking techniques. Fusion if done well can really push the envelope on odour palate perceptions. 

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus on a brioche pesto toast with salad and poached eggs

Krimper cafe

Trendy hipster cafes are all the rage in Melbourne and they take their coffee pretty seriously. Melbournians love coffee. My Friend suggested lattes and cappuccinos at these cafes but I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to coffee. I like to drink my coffee black or espresso. A dark Italian roast is my favorite. Ever since I discovered I am lactose-intolerant last year, I've been highly observant to milk or cream used in dishes, dessert, and drinks. Luckily, I like my coffee black without milk or sugar so it's one less thing I have to worry about. 

Ca de Vin restaurant

Aperitivo

Garlic and rosemary flat breads

Ragu tagliatelle

Little laneways and streets off the main roads offer a refuge for the passerby to stop for a meal or something to drink. I found this little Italian restaurant nestled in a little alley between shops. It was quaint to eat there. But I was a little bit sad that the meal itself wasn't exactly exciting. The food was edible and alright in my opinion. The little garlic and rosemary flat breads were really tasty though. I'm quite a picky eater so was a little disappointed by this place. I'd recommend it for the ambience, have a glass of wine, some flatbread appetiser before going to another place for dinner.  

Chocolate crepe with cookie butter!

Probably the best "street food" I had in Melbourne was from a Japanese creperie called Harajuku Crepes! That is the best name ever! If you have never had Japanese crepes, you certainly are missing out. The French crepes are good but the Japanese are creative and good. You can get creative with your fillings either for the savory or sweet crepes. I ordered Chocolate flavoured crepes but with speculoos (Dutch cookie butter!) for my filling.

A bike for decoration at Seven Seeds cafe

Fish tacos at Seven Seeds

I did mention earlier about the hipster brunch cafes with awesome coffee and food! I think Seven Seeds fit the bill for a great spot. The place is on a quiet street near the University of Melbourne and according to my foodie friend, it was a hangout spot for her. Popular among the student crowd but also young professionals, tourists, and yes a few hipster-types. I ordered the fish tacos and a iced long black. The coffee here was better than Krimper cafe in my honest opinion, it might be due to the fact they sell their own coffee (Coffee blends they sell). The fish tacos were delicious however, the amount of coriander/cilantro on the tacos were a bit overkill.

Lemon poppyseed cake

Malthouse Cooper is located at the Malthouse Theater building

I was looking for the Contemporary Art museum and found it next to this beautiful theater. The cafe had a rustic but cozy feeling that I felt compelled to slow down and take a fika paus break. I love taking a coffee break in the middle of the afternoon with something sweet to pair the black coffee. I was pleasantly surprised to find the Malthouse Cooper cafe to serve a nice brew and really delicious lemon poppyseed cake.

The Meatball and Wine bar. My giant meatball and gnocchi 

I love Meatballs! Its one of those cozy comfort foods that I crave every now and then. Whether its Asian style meatballs or Italian or Swedish or even Vegetarian. Something comforting about eating meatballs. I was pleased to find out about The Meatball and Wine Bar (Yes! Two things I love!!!) and tried my luck to go there without a reservation. I was placed towards the back squished between a few groups of diners. I have been having a challenging time with dining out since I developed lactose-intolerance (I can't digest lactose from milk and milk products). In tiny quantities, I can deal with it but in larger doses, the result is very bad. I told my waiter about my food allergy and he made sure there was no cream in my sauce. They were really accommodating and my giant meatball and gnocchi was AMAZING! I loved it! I highly recommend this restaurant if you're going to Melbourne. :-)

Overall, my trip to Melbourne, Australia was too short but definitely a yummy one! I'd like to stay a little longer next time and spend more time dancing at Chunky Move studios, eating, walking around, visiting Yarra Valley, maybe a little shopping, and also visit the coast!

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Live and breathe in New York City: What to eat, drink, see

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard...

Travel.
- Baz Luhrman, Wear Sunscreen lyrics

Sunset over the Manhattan skyline

 

Central Park in the winter

New York City had a profound impact on my life. I lived there from 2005-2012 as a 20-something. It was the place I felt the most whole and I could do anything I dreamed of. A place of dreams. I wanted to live there for 10 years but fell short of a few years and had to move for personal reasons. So if you ever get the chance to travel or live in New York City, DO IT. Here are my recommendations on where to Eat, Drink, Shop, Dance, Visit, See, etc.

Central Park in the Fall

Celebrating one of my birthdays at Kittichai (I look so young!)

The infamous parmesan wheel at Basta Pasta

Places to Eat:
1) Basta Pasta
I can't rave about this place enough! Its my favorite restaurant in the city. Italian food with a Japanese twist. My favorite meals have been from this place and a go-to place at least once every couple months. Get the Caesar salad, Homemade Fettuccine bolognese, Spaghetti con prosciutto e parmigiano (See the picture above - the pasta is thrown into the parmesan wheel table side and then served with a topping of freshly cut prosciutto), and if they have grilled Branzino fish as the special it would make you a fan of branzino, finish with their beautiful Tiramisu. I've tried a bunch of their pastas and entrees over the years of living there and have never had a bad meal.

2) Eleven Madison Park
I was taken to eat here for my birthday and I still remember the beautiful food indulgence. The foie gras was served in a couple different ways and utterly delicious. I think this is the restaurant that sparked my interest in foie gras as well as food orgasms. Since that birthday dinner, this restaurant has received a ton of accolades over the years and gained notoriety around the world as a premiere dining destination.

3) Babbo
Traditional Italian food that makes your tummy growl with passion an excitement. If you were to ask me what my favorite cuisine in the world is, I would answer Italian food! From bruschetta to fresh pasta to pizza to gelato to Chianti classico wine, I love Italian food, wine, and coffee! This restaurant is classic fine Italian food and one of Mario Batali's best restaurants in my opinion. A favorite among New Yorkers so a reservation ahead of time is needed.

4) Eataly
About that Italian food obsession... Yes, a visit to the Flatiron district's location of this behemoth will be a great place to pick up fresh pasta, handpicked (a bit pricier than your regular store) herbs and vegetables, slabs of premium cut meat, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, gelato, chocolate, coffee, kitchenware, etc. Its a foodie-must. In addition to the premium grocery store. There's a pizza restaurant, pasta restaurant (my choice), vegetarian restaurant (actually really good!), fish and seafood restaurant (also really good), steak restaurant, cafe, gelataria, and more!

5) Lombardi's pizza
Pizza!!!! New York has good pizza and arguably the most authentic Italian style pizza you can find in the US (with a few exceptions of course!). There are so many pizza places in New York City that its a bit difficult to know where to go. My favorite pie is from Lombardi's Pizzeria. Its supposed to be the very first pizzeria in the US. The sauce is has that extra special tomato freshness, the crust is soft and crunchy with a bit of bite. This place uses fresh ingredients and is always packed so make sure you come with some good friends so waiting for a table is less painful.

6) Katz's Deli
Classic New York Jewish deli made famous from that infamous scene on When Harry met Sally but New Yorkers have been going to Katz's for a while. The way it works here, you walk up to the counter and pick up a ticket then move along the line. Order fast. The guys behind the counter don't have time for you to be indecisive. I recommend a matzo ball soup, 1/2 pastrami on rye bread, washed down with a chocolate soda. Beware the portions sizes! They are super generous.

7) Baohaus
I am going to let you in on a totally geeky food secret. I love steamed bao that is fluffy, soft, and warm filled delicious fillings. The classic is a pork belly stew. At Baohaus they have one called Chairman Bao which takes it a bit further. I've tried baos around the world from New York to LA to Singapore to London and Baohaus takes the title of the best baos I have ever had. The baos are fluffy, soft, and warm; it is the unique twist on the classic fillings that really get my tastebuds buzzing with excitement. My favorites are Birdhaus Bao (fried chicken) and the Uncle Jesse Bao (fried tofu). They also have rice bowls, taro fries, and variety of interesting nonalcoholic drinks. The owner Eddie Huang is also quite the character and the popular Asian American coming of age sitcom Fresh off the Boat is based off his memoir.

8) Vanessa's Dumpling
New York is always touted as super expensive but what most New Yorkers know is that you can get a super cheap good meal that is tasty. There are a few locations in the city but the cheapest and most Chinatown experience is in Chinatown/Lower East Side location. Order a plate of dumplings for a couple dollars and wash it down with a soybean milk or get the scallion sesame pancake with veggies. It's flaky exterior filled with veggies Is large enough to fill you for the rest of the day.

9) Curry-ya

A small restaurant specializing in Japanese curry with a open concept kitchen, diners sit facing the kitchen. If you have never had Japanese curry before it is rather different than a Thai or Indian curry. In fact, it reminds me of a creamy beef stew with curry flavor. You can order your curry with different toppings and varying degrees of hotness. Though this place is unassuming and tiny, I think it's one of the places to get Japanese curry in the world. My favorite is the hamburg curry (a hamburger without the bread and served over rice). Reservations are recommended to ensure a place to sit however, you can also call ahead for delivery or takeout.

10) Rai Rai Ken Ramen

Next to Curry-ya is a ramen restaurant that serves a hearty bowl of tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen or shio (salt base) ramen. Owned by the same restaurant group as Curry-ya, this casual ramen eatery is a perfect respite from a cold, damp, winter night. The noodles are chewy and the broth is hearty. My biggest pet peeve with ramen is the texture of the noodles being too soft or the broth is too oily or bland. Rai Rai Ken delivers a solid bowl with reasonable prices. 

Other places to try...
11) Seoul Garden

Korean food in the heart of Koreatown on 32nd street

12) Sushi Samba

Brazilian-Japanese fusion restaurant with a few locations in the city

13) Bouchon Bakery

French bakery with serving the best French Macarons in the city. 

14) Aquavit

A Scandinavian fine dining restaurant with a more casual bistro in the front.

15) 2nd Avenue Deli

For a more New York Jewish deli restaurant experience, this restaurant is located in Murray Hill and a convenient stop after work, or midtown shopping in nearby Herald Square.

16) Veselka

The best pierogis in town!

17) Resto

A Belgian-American farm-to-table restaurant with awesome moules-frites (mussels and fries) and an even better brunch (fried chicken and waffles, "hangover" pasta are the star winners)

18) Congee Village

Open late, everyday, and serving home style Chinese food. (This is actually my favorite Chinese restaurant in the city.)

19) Crif's Dogs

The classic street New York hotdogs with extra toppings in a grunge-y hipster basement eatery. (make reservations for the speakeasy bar in the back)

20) Patsy's Pizzeria 

Classic New York-Italian casual restaurant with several locations in the city.

21) The Spotted Pig

A popular bistro pub in residential part of West Village with amazing food. The last time I dined there, a few celebrities were a few seats away in this cozy and dark space. The marrow is melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.

22) The Meatball Shop 

Meatballs cooked according to your preference and choice of side. 

23) Katsu Hama

Japanese katsu is fried to perfection here. Katsu is breaded and fried meat or vegetables. Katsu Hama makes their katsu to perfection. Crunchy, juicy, and doesn't feel greasy like other fried food (but don't be fooled because it's still fried!)

24) Penelope

A slice of Americana in Manhattan. This is also a good place to go if you're a vegetarian. 

25) Grill 21

Home style authentic Filipino food in a cozy restaurant that reminds one of being in someone's kitchen.

26) Otafuku
An inexpensive take-out place specializing in Takoyaki (Octopus filled savory pancake balls) and Okonomiyaki (savory pancake with cabbage and meat). This is a great snack or lunch take-out spot.

27) Cha-An
A beautiful Japanese tea place with delicate cake offerings but also healthy Japanese savory food is also offered here. I loved coming here for meetings and to meet friends.

Fashion's Night Out is a fun night of shopping, booze, free makeovers, celeb-sightings, and parties

Its a night for the public to engage with the Fashion community during Fashion Week

Halloween in New York is always a fun time and great people watching!

Places to Drink and be Merry:

When people find out I lived in New York for such a long time they always ask me where are the best bars or clubs to go to. To be honest, I was not much of a drinker or partier when I lived in New York and only went out to pubs or neighborhood bars or karaoke bars with friends. My short list below reflects that. I added a few recommendations from friends. It is fairly common to see very good happy hour deals after the traditional work hours in many bars littered throughout New York. There were some places I do think pride themselves on cocktails though. If I returned to New York, I would definitely rediscover the ever-changing nightlife scene. 

For a more extensive bar list visit CN Traveler's 19 Best Bars in New York City 

1) Angel's Share
A Japanese speakeasy bar in the East Village hidden behind a door in a Japanese restaurant.

2) Ulysses Folk House
A relaxed pub in the financial district. A good place to hang out in the summer with a beer in the outdoor dining area.

3) Cask Bar & Kitchen
A relaxed neighborhood bar thats great for meeting up with friends for dinner and drinks.

4) Stone Creek Bar & Lounge
A sports bar with bar bites that is chill with a great back room for private events. I've done most of my fundraisers here.

5) Japas 38
A karaoke bar in midtown serving Japanese bar bites, a main room, and private party rooms

6) Sing Sing Karaoke @ St Mark's
If you like to sing your heart out in front of strangers and friends, come here. I used to come here with my singer friends and just drink because most of the people who sing in the main room are all singers!

7) PDT (Please don't tell)
This is the speakeasy bar behind Crif's Dogs. I heard really good things about this place.  It would be a stop I'd make when I get the chance to return to visit NYC.

8) The Back Room
A friend took us here once and we walked along a dark alleyway, down a set of stairs, and then found this cool speakeasy bar. If you love speakeasies, this is the place to go. On their website it is listed as one of the two remaining speakeasy bars that was functioning during the Prohibition era.

9) Mehanata
This is the place to just let loose on the dance floor. A Bulgarian bar with an eclectic mix of music, people, and no pretentious vibe. If anyone asks me where to go out for a night of dancing, this is the place. I like it because its not one of those fancy nightclubs where people dress up to impress their tinder matches. This is the place to dance the night away.

10) Apotheke
A few friends have recommended this place for good cocktails. This is a trendy cocktail bar and supposed to have really good drinks but a bit on the pricier side. The location is in the heart of Chinatown so have a good cheap hole-in-the-wall noodles then come here after. This would also be a place I'd visit.

11) 230 Fifth 
This rooftop bar is a great place to go for the views at anytime of the day (there's brunch on weekends). I have come here for brunch (there's a boozy brunch) and at night. The view of the Empire State building from this bar is fantastic. The crowd can be a little bit pretentious on popular nights so pick a weekday and come for a sunset.

The view of the Empire State building from Chrysler building

Shopping:

I think this list is an eclectic mix of shopping areas and department stores. New Yorkers does not shop the way the rest of America does. There are no large suburban shopping malls to go to. There are shops in shopping areas in Soho, Herald Square, Union Square, 5th avenue, Madison Avenue, Williamsburg. There are also outlet malls outside of the city area that have shuttle buses that can take you there.  

1) Bloomingdales

2) Soho area has really cute boutiques on Prince street, Mercer street, Greene street, etc. 

3) Upper east side on Madison avenue

4) Williamsburg for hipster stuff on Bedford avenue

5) Dylan's candy bar
6) Macy's
7) Herald Square
8) Eataly
9) Union Square
10) Woodbury Commons
11) Time Warner Center
12) Fifth Avenue from 59th street to 42nd street

Brooklyn Bridge

Walking, sights, attractions:

There's always so much to do in New York. I was a performing artist in New York so I was always invited to everyone's performances or having performances myself that I was always busy. On a rare weekend that I don't have work, a rehearsal, or performances, I would go spend a day wandering around neighborhoods because the diversity of NYC is what makes this city so fascinating and my favorite city in the whole world. 

1) Brooklyn Bridge

2) East Village and West Village

3) Central Park

4) Prospect Park

5) Soho/Tribeca

6) Time Warner Center

7) Union Square/Gramercy Park

8) Metropolitan Museum of Art

9) Natural History Museum 

10) MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)

11) Brooklyn museum

12) Chinatown / Little Italy

13) Times Square

14) Grand Central Station

15) Park avenue above 34th street

16) Herald square

17) Battery park city

18) DUMBO
19) Chelsea Market
20) Rockefeller Center
21) Guggenheim Museum
22) Highline Park

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Summer travel part 2: Rest and Relax in Malta

On the island of Gozo to see the famous Azure Window. June 2016

Malta is made up of three islands in the southern part of Europe between Italy and Tunisia in the Mediterranean. The main language is English and Maltese. Malta is a member of the EU and Commonwealth. A great spring/summer destination to get some sunshine and beach time. Sandy and rocky beaches are plenty spread out among the three islands. The main island has quite a lot to see and do. Historic sites in the old town of Mdina and Valletta. Bars and clubs in St. Julians and everything else in between. For more of an overview of Malta check out Destination Travel

I came to Malta to relax and chill by the ocean. After living in land-locked locations for the past year and a half, seeing the ocean is always a nice change of scenery.

Verdala bianco Maltese wine

Dinner in St. Julians on the first night was a bit on the crowded and tourist-y side. But there is a chill vibe in the air and pace of the locals and tourists alike isn't frenetic. The Eurocup football was being broadcast on a large screen right by the boats. The night breeze coming from the ocean inspires one to stroll instead of rushing around. I ordered a half bottle of local white wine to go with my plate of grilled octopus spaghetti. This white had a light smooth taste with a hint of fruit and dryness that works well with the octopus meal and environment.

As the night wears on, the party revelers start to emerge and walking to the heart of St Julians was a tricky web of narrow streets until you reach the main stretch of night clubs, gentlemen's clubs, lounges, and pubs. Crowded, loud, and filled with party promoters handing out drink promotions for their establishments to entice passerbys to enter. A bit on the aggressive street marketing side, I was not convinced to enter any of these bars. Perhaps if one was a bit on the tipsy side, it would be easier to convince. I'm usually turned off by aggressive street promoters or aggressive sales assistants at stores.

The view from the balcony of the hotel. St. Julians. June 2016

Staying right across from the beach (rocky and sandy) was convenient. The balcony made a nice spot for sunbathing and people watching. Isn't summer the time to slow down and relax? I'm usually pretty happy just hanging out and people watching on some days during vacation. 

Strolling by the coast line in Saint Julian's/Sliema area. June 2016

The hot and balmy weather was rather shocking for me as I've been used to cooler temperatures in Switzerland, Brussels, and Amsterdam. I was ill-equipped with my lack of summer clothes. Most of my lighter summer clothes are stored in Singapore as that's the place where I'm constantly sweating. The hot sunny days paired with quite a bit of walking around required a lot of water. I'm a bit skeptical about drinking tap water when I arrive new locations so I tend to play it safe and purchase bottled water. 

Rocky "beach". June 2016

The waters of the mediterranean coast are rather cool and a bit choppy due to the winds. One has to wonder how the refugees who manage to swim to the Greek island of Lesbos in such conditions. 

Taking a ferry to the islands of Gozo and Comino for a day trip was rather a harrowing experience at sea. That morning, I forgot to tell the barista not to put any milk in my coffee as milk makes me feel queasy in the stomach. Paired with a choppy sea, I felt seasick for the first time in my life. The hour long ferry felt like eternity. I was so happy when we arrived and docked. Many passengers were throwing up on the ferry. A girl was so sick she couldn't enjoy the bus trip to see the Azure Window, old historic town, and Church of Victoria. 

Travel tips: Make sure to keep hydrated throughout the day and bring seasick pills. Don't go out drinking the night before. (the people that were hungover were the most sick on the ferry)

Bring some mint or chewing gum. 

Azure window. Malta. June 2016

The Azure window is the most gorgeous natural cliff I have ever seen thus far. It's one of the main attractions of Gozo so be prepared to see loads of tourists trying get the perfect picture and selfie. With the waters so blue and the window just breathtaking, you can see why it is a popular attraction. Tourist attractions are popular because it is usually either breathtaking, unusual, and/or delicious. I consider myself a traveler rather than a tourist most times but it is ok to be a tourist. Just don't be an obnoxious one, ie. blocking others from taking pictures, blocking sidewalks, being rude to locals, and claiming to know a culture just because you've been there once to take pictures. 

As a TCK, I like to travel and I like to observe how locals live. Slow travel is more my style and returning to the same locations even if it takes a few years to come back is also ok. I never feel satisfied visiting a place once. I like exploration. Reading other travel blogs, yelp reviews, tripadvisor reviews, watching travel shows with animated hosts such as Anthony Bourdain or Samantha Brown (two very different hosts), and reading travel magazines inspire me to make some decisions on what to see,do, eat but I also rely on instinct as well as local residents' recommendations. 

Blue Lagoon. Malta. June 2016

I rarely swim in the ocean. In fact, I can recall the number of times I've swam in the ocean and submerged my body in the water. I like chilling by the ocean but have a slight fear of swimming in lakes and oceans. Perhaps it's due to the sheer amount of shark movies and horror movies involving getting eaten alive or attacked by unknown entities in natural bodies of water. I like to be able to see the bottom. Upon hearing that Malta has crystal clear blue waters and swimming in the ocean where I can see the bottom has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl, I was excited to be able to experience swimming in clear blue ocean waters and tick it off my list. 

The blue lagoon in the small island of Comino was incredible! Warm shallow waters with little to mild waves. It makes for a perfect swimming spot. This little island has not much on it except for this swimming area. A slice of peaceful heaven! The waters felt warm and I remember giggling like a school girl because it felt amazing and surreal at the same time. Being able to see the bottom and wade through the cool shallow waters of the blue lagoon felt glorious. 

Can't get enough of this beautiful coastal view. 

The hotel location was technically across from an amazing Italian restaurant called Fresco's and right by another really good authentic Italian restaurant called Vecchia Napoli. 

Pasta, pizza, wine, and amazing views. What more could you want? 

Beautiful sunset at Fresco's restaurant. But what comes next also blew my taste buds away...

Smoked duck breast with cherry tomatoes and fried duck skin tagliatelle pasta. This was seriously my favorite dish of the summer. The creamy pasta with the flavor and saltiness of the duck breast was a match made in heaven. 

Argotti Botanical Gardens. June 2016

I joined one of those hop on hop off buses to explore what Malta has to offer. There's historic sights near downtown Valetta, gardens, and museums. Part of the filigree silver jewelry trade comes from Malta. 

Argotti Botanical Gardens. June 2016

The Argotti Botanical Gardens was a tranquil escape from the crowded tourist areas with beautiful flowers, fountains, ducks, peacocks, cats, birds roaming the grounds. At the end of the gardens sits a very beautiful majestic house that is used for special events. A quick quiet stroll through this park from the hop-on hop-off tourist bus is a nice change of pace. 

Its so easy to get dehydrated or get sunburnt in Malta so a bottle of water and sunscreen is a must in your daypack before you go out for the day. I'm constantly reapplying sunscreen and drinking while seated on the tour bus. 

A nice refreshing drink by the Golden Sands beach. June 2016

It is ok to be a tourist. Sometimes as a seasoned traveler we shun all aspects of tourism. Tourist attractions became popular because it is a wonder and something to experience. Duomo in Milan, Matterhorn in Zermatt, Azure window in Malta, Niagara Falls in Niagara/Ontario, Gold temple in Kyoto, Empire State Building in New York, Orchid Garden in Singapore, Grand Place in Brussels, Berliner Dom in Berlin, Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, etc. you get the idea. I believe that if you were so inclined to travel to a destination there should be no shame in wanting to see the main sights but to also explore beyond the tourist areas. (within the parameters of safety of course!)

Travel is an experience. Enjoy the journey!