“The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it.”
Being a first timer in Europe, I was uneasy and anxious about emerging myself into the unknown.  To be honest, it is scary and odd to not know your barring’s right away, especially in a foreign country; however, I realized that emerging yourself into the unknown is the best thing you can do for yourself to be able to be adventurous and fully appreciate your experience abroad.  Most importantly, wandering the unknown paths of Europe is the best way to find your go to spots that you will love to share with all your friends, family, and future study abroad students.
So here are some of the best restaurants, cutest shops, beautiful parks, and unique cafes that I’ve found when traveling throughout many of Europe’s cities.
Albano
Fortini Lab – A small and chic apertivo wine bar that serves the most delicious tuna salad, small apertivo bites, and huge glasses of wine.  The atmosphere is charming and lovable and it’s worth it to stop for lunch, a glass of wine, or even a cute spot to work on your journal.
Parco di Albano – Great park for running, walking, and reading spot with a pretty view.
Fortini Café – A little cafe with the best gelato and sorbet.
Rome
Borghese Gallery – The most beautiful park to run in and stop for food or coffee at the vendor trucks or cute cafes.
Harry’s Bar – Has the best salmon dinner with a lovely area to sit outside.
Four Fountains Square – A beautiful place to find fine dining restaurants for cheap and super great for people watching with view of Four Fountains Square.
Nanu – A tasty vegan place that has avocado bagel sandwich’s, healthy juices, and make your own salads.  Perfect for a quick grab and go lunch or snack.
White – A stylish and classy boutique that consists of varieties of clothes, accessories, and even shoes.  There isn’t anything you won’t like in the store and the staff is very helpful in finding what you are looking for.
Positano
Next 2 – One of my favorite restaurants that has a unique menu and the friendliest workers.  Their chicken dish and seafood gumbo dish is to die for and if you are nice to the waiter they may give you a free dessert like they did for my friend and I!
Charming Organic Café – Cafe that consists of a variety of healthy and organic snacks, meals, and smoothies.  Great place to stop and re-energize your body for a travel day.
London
Harrods – The biggest department store that you can spend countless hours in without realizing the time.  There are so many levels that have high end designer stores, furniture, and even a food section that has millions of dessert options.
Zelman Eats – A fun and unique atmosphere for a steakhouse and the food is phenomenal.  They have wine graves where you can choose three different wines and it comes in three stacks that shape a wine bottle.  Highly recommend to eat here when you are dying for some steak, beer, and wine.
Hyde Park – Huge park to enjoy London’s nature and quiet scenery.  It is perfect to run or walk in or even stop for a quick bite or cocktail.
Serpentine Bar & Kitchen – Food place that is in Hyde Park that is great for eating pizzas, sandwiches, or even a quick dessert.  It’s located right on the Serpentine pond so it has a beautiful view.
Zurich
Restaurant Terrasse – The best fine dining restaurant that has a variety of food, wine, and cocktail options.  There’s also a bar that turns into a lounge bar at night that is always busy.  The employees there are so friendly and make you feel at home.
Thomas Sabe – A german brand that has the most beautiful watches and jewelry.  The Zurich location has a chic and unique boutique look that makes your want to spend hours in there.
Amsterdam
Rocycle – A cycling studio that is great if you want a quick and hard work out.  It has a smoothie, snack bar, and fun workout clothes you can buy.
Stach – A cute food stop that has millions of organic snacks, amazing coffee, and lunch to sit and eat or take to go.
Oosterpark – A gorgeous park to go for a run, walk, or enjoy Amsterdam’s nature.
In all, these are only a few of the hot spots and places I’ve been and fell in love with.  There are several more but these are the ones I’ll always remember.  As the quote goes hand in hand with my abroad experience, I created and found my own favorite places during my abroad experience, as will you and maybe when you are wandering around Europe on your travels you’ll pass by or stop in some of my favorite places.

My first view of my abroad experience (Ariccia, Italy)