Redfin asked us about our favorite outdoor activity in Indianapolis. 

Check out the article we were featured in: <a href=”https://www.redfin.com/blog/outdoor-activities-in-indianapolis”>7 Local-Approved OutdoorActivities in Indianapolis | Redfin</a>.

Top City Spots - a reference for independent, family-owned local businesses

Top City Spots - A reference for independent, family-owned local businesses

With endless places to visit, sights to see, and cultures to discover, creating a travel bucket list can be an overwhelming task. 

So we're going to try and make it a little easier for you by suggesting 50 places that should definitely be on your bucket list - starting with Bali, Indonesia. 

Bali is a popular travel destination no matter what kind of vacation you are looking for. From exhilarating adventures, relaxing retreats, beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, and so much more! Bali is an amazing place to visit with friends, for solo travels, or even for a family trip.

My family trip to Bali was about 10 days long and included a mix of sightseeing, active adventures, and relaxation time. Here is a brief outline of our trip and my recommendations for your trip to Bali:

## First, we started our trip in Ubud

### Where we stayed: 
**Hotel Wapa di ume** <br>

### What to do:
- Visit **Tegenungan Waterfall**, one of the many beautiful waterfalls and amazing photo opportunities in Bali 
- The **Tirta Empul Temple Tampaksiring** is a beautiful water temple definitely worth visiting.  
- Try the unique and exciting **Bali swing** for an adrenaline rush activity
- The **Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary** is a must-visit to meet hundreds of local monkeys 
- Find the best views at the **Tegalalang Rice Terrace**
- Discover Ubud's **artsy and cultural centre**

![Bali rice terrace](https://images.topcityspots.com/uploads/blog/img7524-jpg-20220830202947.jpg)

## Next we spent a couple of days in Munduk

### Where we stayed: 
**Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa** <br>

### What to do:
- Try the famous **Kopi luwak coffee** 
- Ride bicycles and swim in the **Banyumala twin waterfalls** for an adventurous day out 
- Have some relaxation and spa time at the **Munduk Resort Spa**

![Bali infinity pool](https://images.topcityspots.com/uploads/blog/img1166-jpeg-20220830202912.jpg)

## The last part of our trip was in Sanur

### Where we stayed:
**Puri Santrian** <br>

### What to do:
- Enjoy the beautiful **beaches**
- Try out some **water sport activities** like surfing, snorkelling, diving, and more
- Walk, bike, jog along the **coastal boardwalk**

![Bali waterfall](https://images.topcityspots.com/uploads/blog/img1081-jpeg-20220830202904.jpg)

## More recommendations
Although we had an amazing two weeks in Bali, there is still so much more to discover! Here is a list of things that we didn't get a chance to do but I will definitely put on my itinerary the next time I get a chance to visit Bali:
- Hike an active volcano, **Mount Batur**
- Explore the famous areas of **Canggu** and **Seminyak**
- Have a unique dining experience at **Rock Bar**
- Join a **yoga class or retreat**
- Discover the best of Bali **nightlife**

Bali Itinerary

Places That Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List: Bali

France is known for a lot of things and their food is one of them. Most of you have probably tried a traditional croissant or pain au chocolat before, but have you ever experienced a gourmet french meal?

<a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/id/albertsimon-restaurant-606833f26b8d536201305674">Albert & Simon</a> is a known restaurant in Marbella - famous for their fine dining and their souffle dessert! 

The menu itself is surprisingly extensive with seasonal menu options or just ordering a la carte. There is a long list of delicious dishes to choose from between the starters, fish, meat, all the way to dessert. 

Some of my personal favourites are the *poached egg with potato mousse and black truffle*, *duck breast with red fruits sauce*, and the *sea bass fillet with fresh pasta tagliatelle and black truffle sauce*. And if you're feeling adventurous you can always try the *escargots bourguignon*! 

And you definitely cannot leave without trying their famous souffle. If you've never tried a souffle before, it is a typical French dessert made primarily from eggs and is challenging to perfect, so when you find a good one you can’t resist. The delicate souffle from <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/id/albertsimon-restaurant-606833f26b8d536201305674">Albert & Simon</a> is a must try - they have a mango & passion fruit souffle and a souffle Grand Marnier, just make sure to order it in advance as it can take an extra 20 minutes. 

One more specialty when dining here is their extensive wine list and knowledge. Their dessert menu even comes with wine pairing recommendations! This is the restaurant for you if you are in Marbella and want a special gourmet evening.

A French Dining Experience at Albert & Simon, in Marbella

A French Dining Experience at Albert & Simon 

A French Dining Experience

Marbella is the ultimate city to visit for a mix of sunny beach vibes and a luxurious Spanish destination. Known for its nightlife, beaches, resorts, and also family fun, there is a lot to see and do for any type of traveller. 

So here is your guide to making the most out of your trip to Spain's famous coastal destination:

### Where to stay <br>
Marbella has a number of neighbourhoods within which each have very different vibes, but are all worth visiting no matter where you choose to stay.

**Old Town Marbella** is known for its historical and cultural ambience, here you will get a real feel for the Marbella charm. <br>
**Puerto Banus** is the main harbour area and the place to stay if you are looking for a high-end, exclusive holiday. <br>
**San Pedro** is another area that is great for a more laid-back, relaxing beach vacation. <br>
**The Golden Mile** is home to some of the most famous Marbella resorts and is also in a great location near the centre of town. <br>

Overall, you can't go wrong with Marbella and there is definitely something for everyone, depending on the type of holiday you are looking for!

### Where to eat
**Traditional Mediterranean meal** <br>
If you love discovering new foods and want a more local foodie experience, go for a traditional meal of seafood, tapas, and paella!

All along the beaches you will find a number of *chiringuitos* (beach-side restaurants or bars) with all the local Marbella foods you will need to try. Some of the most popular dishes include: gambas al pil pil, calamares, espeto de sardinas, gazpacho, and of course, paella. 

**Healthy eating** <br>
Sometimes we all go a little overboard on the food when we’re on holiday… Luckily Marbella is not lacking in healthy restaurants where you can still have all the indulgence while feeling good!

You can even check out Top City Spot's <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/healthy-vegetarian-vegan">list of top healthy restaurants </a> since there are so many to choose from. 

**Other options** <br>
One thing Marbella is not short of is restaurants for almost any cuisine. Check out the Top City Spots' full <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/food-drink">Marbella food and drink guide.</a>

### What to do
**Play golf** <br>
Marbella happens to be a centre of attraction for golfers. So whether you’re an avid golfer or you’ve never played before, it’s definitely an activity worth fitting into your Marbella itinerary.

<a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/id/pg-golf-sports-academy-605b60c6d72f4e392932c227">PG Golf </a> is one of the best golf facilities to visit in Spain! 

**Go shopping** <br>
You can’t really go wrong with shopping in Marbella, as you can find everything from high‑end luxury brands to shopping malls to little boutiques. 

The best mall: La Cañada <br>
The best department store: El Corte Inglés <br>
The best local boutique: <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/id/nizhoni-612a329b2aa6f8c6ac1c5d9d">Nizhoni</a>

**Hike to the best view in Marbella** <br>
Take a day to hike Marbella’s famous mountain, La Concha, and get the best all-around view of the beautiful Southern Spain coast. And if you are an avid hiker then don't worry, you won't run out of mountain treks here. 
 
You can even plan guided hikes with <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/id/health-first-studio-6064a82cdb0f1a26edee6c24">Health First Studio </a> so that you can enjoy the walk without having to think about the path.

**Clubs and Nightlife** <br>
Although it's not for everyone, you cannot have a Marbella guide without mentioning its clubs and party atmosphere. 

During the day go to one of the various beach clubs such as Ocean Club and Nikki Beach, where you will find live music, lots of drinks and dancing, and as much partying as you can handle. 

At night, visit Puerto Banus and walk along the harbour strip to find all the famous nightclubs and bars. Here you will also understand the luxurious side of Marbella as you easily spot fancy cars, luxury yachts and designer brands. 

### Additional activities
**Day trips** <br>
There are so many more destinations along the Spanish coast and near Marbella that are great spots for a quick day or weekend trip. 

Go into Malaga centre for more of a city vibe; Tarifa is one of the favourite beach towns among Marbella locals; Gibraltar is a unique destination as it is a British territory located just 45 mins away from Marbella; you can even drive just several hours and get to Portugal; there are also a number of little Spanish villages worth visiting and so much more!

**Go house hunting** <br>
Don’t want to leave? No problem! Our list of <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/real-estate">top real estate agencies </a> will help you find your perfect Marbella home so that you always have a reason to come back. 

<br>

Marbella has all the amenities and comfort of a luxurious, modern city but has kept its 'village-like' atmosphere with a stunning old town, great fiestas and superb food options.
The best-known city of the Costa del Sol will delight you with its 320 days of sunshine per year, sandy beaches, nightclubs, luxury venues and family fun.

How to make the most of your trip to Marbella, on Spain's Costa del Sol

The Ultimate Guide to Marbella, Spain

Your Guide to Marbella, Spain

I love to travel for many reasons. I love discovering new places, meeting people, learning about history and culture all around the world. But I especially love discovering local foods. 

When I travel I feel like I'm constantly eating because I don't want to miss out on any special local dishes. I also always try to take videos or pictures of what I eat for my own memories but also so I can now share with you! So here are a couple of video compilations I made of some of the best foods I have eaten all around the world. Hope you enjoy and let me know what local foods I should try next. Also, make sure to follow Top City Spots on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/topcityspots/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">TikTok</a> to see more local food content.

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7101038653375319339" data-video-id="7101038653375319339" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Follow us to discover all these top local eats and more! 😋</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Arshia_bokaiyan" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7079064032094751493">♬ original sound - Arshia_bokaiyan</a> </section> </blockquote> 

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Some of the best local foods I've eaten around the world 

Discovering local foods

Personally, I love working from a coffee shop. When working remotely, it's easy to get lost in work and spend hours or days behind a laptop at home. Which is why I like to make sure I get out the house and socialize a little by taking my work to a coffee shop.

So here are my top 5 coffee shops (so far) that I have used as an office:

### Comoncy 
W 3rd st, West Hollywood.
This is a cute coffee shop with a great space to work from. The coffee itself is delicious, they have an extensive menu offering various drinks and food. I had an iced vanilla latte and a chicken sandwich, which were delicious and perfect for getting me through my work day. This is a great place to work from on a beautiful day, because all of the seating is outdoors, although there are patio umbrellas to keep you covered and in the shade. But there are also a good amount of charging outlets as well as free wifi. Technically there is also a rooftop area which looked really cute but it was not open when I went there. 

### Ministry of Coffee
USC, Downtown LA (Another location in Westwood).
This spot is really popular for USC students due to its location by the campus, however there is apparently another location in Westwood which I have not been to. I spent a lot of time studying at the USC Ministry of Coffee when I was in school. The atmosphere will definitely keep you motivated to get work done since almost everyone else there is also working/studying. Again, this spot also has great wifi and charging spots, and lots of options for coffee, juices, and food. 

### Teapop
North Hollywood.
I love this coffee shop due to its indoor and outdoor spots, the indoor area has lots of seating and space to work, and the outdoor patio is also a great spot to hang out or work with some fresh air. I also like their menu, the coffee is always good, although they're known for their tea and boba drinks. This spot doesn't have as many food options, other than some snacks or pastries. But overall it has a perfect atmosphere to work from.

### Groundwork Coffee
Many locations around LA.
Although I haven't been to all of their locations, the ones I have been to were all good work spots. I like the coffee here and the food too, although some items seem a little overpriced. However, one of my most productive work days was when I spent the morning at a Groundwork coffee shop.

### Farm Cup Coffee 
Constellation Place, Century City.
I discovered this place kind of by accident. I was around the Century City Westfield mall and looking for somewhere I could get a coffee and also get some work done. Directly across the street from the mall, the location is amazing, it's also right under a high-rise office building, and you can take a work break and do some shopping. This spot had several unique specialty drinks, including coffees with yuzu syrup, strawberry syrup, Peruvian cacao sauce, chagaccinos, and more. The food also looked really good although I wasn't hungry enough to try anything. 


Overall, these have been my favourite coffee shops for getting work done that I have discovered so far. I spend a lot of time drinking coffee and always love trying new local coffee shops, but many don't have the right space to act as an office. But I am always continuing my search and will give a part two of this blog when I have new places to recommend. 

Top 5 Los Angeles coffee shops to work from

Best Los Angeles coffee shops to work from

Work from home? More like work from a coffee shop

How much do you know about New York's history? What about New York's Jewish history? 

I believe learning the history of a city is a very important part of travel. So I love taking city tours, especially when they specialize in something specific - such as tours specifically about the Jewish history of New York.

<a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/usa/new-york/id/lower-east-side-jewish-conservancy-623ca12161aae71bba5c6051">The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy</a> is dedicated to preserving, sharing and celebrating the Jewish heritage of New York's Lower East Side, by offering unique Jewish history tours.

This non-profit educational organization was created in 1998 and their knowledgeable guides will lead you on an exploration of The Lower East Side's Jewish sites. They offer many public tours on a particular subject as well as special private tours crafted to your interests. And all proceeds go to support the Conservancy's work preserving the neighbourhood's heritage.

Out of their various tours, one of the standouts is their special tour of the Bialystoker Synagogue, as they are the only touring organization with access to this synagogue. This historical site, originally built in 1826 as a church, was believed to be a stop on the 19th-century Underground Railroad. 

In the early 20th century the building was then transformed into a synagogue and is now a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the largest active congregation on the Lower East Side.

Not only will you learn about a whole new side of history, but you will also awe at the beauty of this multicoloured marvel covered in stained glass, murals, and symbols of the zodiac.

So on your next trip to New York, in between your visit to Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, make sure to join one of these tours for deeper knowledge and insight into a special part of the city's history. 

Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy

The only tour with access to the Bialystoker Synagogue in New York!

LA is one of the most multicultural cities in the US and in the world. With people and influences from all around the world, you can find a little bit of everything in this city. 

With a craving for filled dumplings, pickled vegetables, and comforting potato and meat dishes, I wanted to find the best Polish food in LA. 

This is when we discovered **Solidarity** restaurant in Santa Monica. 

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7103626487340797230" data-video-id="7103626487340797230" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>What is your favourite Polish restaurant in LA? 🇵🇱</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ BODY - Devin Kennedy" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/BODY-6906388121937315841">♬ BODY - Devin Kennedy</a> </section> </blockquote> 

### The Food

Starting with the most important, the food at this restaurant was undoubtedly delicious. We ordered a mix of dishes to get the full experience and try a variety of different things. First, we all shared a small plate taster which consisted of some traditional polish foods, including kielbasa (polish sausage), pierogies (polish filled dumplings), placki (potato pancakes), and mizeria (cucumber salad). These were all staple dishes worth trying. You could order full sized portions of each, but I thought it was a great option to have a sample platter for everyone to try and share. 

Then we ordered another sample platter of different types of pierogies. Pierogies are a traditional Polish dumpling, made from dough and stuffed with various fillings - often potatoes, cheese, meat, mushrooms, or even sweet fillings. These are one of my all time favourite comfort foods so I was very happy to find them in LA. This platter had pierogies with four different fillings and served with some fried onions and sour cream. Overall, very delicious and a must-try Polish speciality, we even ordered seconds!

Our final main dish was called the Long Island Crispy Duck. As you could guess, it was a crispy duck dish served with some sauce and sides. I would definitely recommend this dish for anyone who eats meat. 

Then, of course, dessert. We had a chocolate cake and strawberry crepes. You can't go wrong with either, but the strawberry crepes were really incredible. 

### The Restaurant

The restaurant itself had a great atmosphere and space. We went for dinner so as it got darker there were lots of cute little lights and heat lamps. 

Overall I had a great experience at this restaurant. The service was great, we had fun cocktails, and the food was delicious. 

So is this the best Polish restaurant in LA? Do you know another one I should try next?

Is this the best Polish restaurant in LA? 

I recently spent a few days in Northern California with my family and we had a full day stop in Santa Barbara before driving back down to LA. So here is a little overview of how our day went and how you can enjoy the city, even with just a few hours. 

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7116221356269882670" data-video-id="7116221356269882670" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>A day out in Santa Barbara 🇺🇸</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ ALMOST HOME - Mad Adix, Marc Steinmeier" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/ALMOST-HOME-6768784033171130370">♬ ALMOST HOME - Mad Adix, Marc Steinmeier</a> </section> </blockquote> 

Although we technically started the day a little outside of Santa Barbara, I would definitely still recommend this hike to the **Montecito Hot Springs**. It was a pretty simple walk but the end result was amazing - natural hot springs! However, I would probably recommend going as early as you can, since this isn't a secret spot and it was already pretty crowded by the time we arrived. But some morning exercise, a dip in the hot springs, and even a little meditation will set you up for a great day. 

Then we made our way into the main **Santa Barbara State Street**. A long street filled with endless shopping, restaurants, cafes, a little bit of everything. With an iced coffee in hand, I was ready to carry on the day. Going from one shop to the next, one cafe to the next, visiting local boutiques and stumbling upon live music performers, I can easily say I got my steps in that day. 

A final stop for the day was a delicious beach-side dinner at **Bluewater Grill**. We got lucky with the best table (in my opinion) on their terrace, giving us a beautiful view of the Santa Barbara waterfront. This was the perfect way to spend a summer evening, with a refreshing cocktail and seafood dinner. In case you were wondering, our dinner included:
- Drinks: Aperol Spritzer, Te-Killa Time, Cucumber Mojito
- Food: Calamari Fritti, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Gemelli Pasta with Shrimp & Sea Scallops

Although this barely covered the things to see and do in Santa Barbara, it was still a great way to spend a day out if you are in the area! 

How to spend a summer day in Santa Barbara 

How to spend a summer day in Santa Barbara (not at the beach)

One thing about me is I love coffee. I also love trying new coffee spots. So while I am in Los Angeles I have decided to try as many different coffee places as I can, and my recent discovery was Silverback Coffee of Rwanda located in Echo Park. 

I had a very pleasant visit to Silverback Coffee of Rwanda! The menu is extensive with many options for coffee, teas, and snacks. Since I couldn't decide I asked the server for a recommendation and he suggested the Vanilla Oat Nitro Cold Brew, which I am now also recommending. It was the perfect drink for me, refreshing cold coffee on a hot day, not too sweet, and quite unique.

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7121483476678757678" data-video-id="7121483476678757678" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Always discovering new local coffee shops ☕️  Silverback Coffee of Rwanda was a great find in Echo Park, Los Angeles! I asked the server for a drink recommendation and they made me a Vanilla Oat Nitro Cold Brew which was a new try for me and I loved it! This is what we love about going to local businesses - there’s always something new and unique to try 🤍</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Never Had a Chance - Katherine Li" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Never-Had-a-Chance-7078445836887132162">♬ Never Had a Chance - Katherine Li</a> </section> </blockquote> 

Founded by Jack Karuletwa, Silverback Coffee of Rwanda is not like just any other coffee shop, they have a deep mission and personal story. "Jack's vision and mission for SILVERBACK COFFEE OF RWANDA™ is very straightforward - help the poorest coffee farmers realize their value, empower the human resources that make it possible for every Rwandan to become a part of a global economy, and celebrate the power of the human spirit everyday - with a cup of coffee in hand!"

This coffee shop is also conveniently located around the corner from Echo Park's Farmer's Market which happens every Friday and you can read about it in <a href="https://topcityspots.com/blog/los-angeles-farmers-markets">this blog post</a>. So if you don't have plans next Friday, why not go for a coffee at Silverback and a walk through the Farmer's Market?

Silverback Coffee of Rwanda in Echo Park, LA

Hidden Gem: Silverback Coffee 

Travel is the route that leads you to surprising encounters and surroundings, the path that may change how you view yourself and the world, and the track that may take your emotions through new highs and lasting memories.

I do my best to travel responsibly with small gestures that hopefully positively impact the local places I visit, helping them flourish and thrive. Whenever possible, I eat at local restaurants, shop in small artisan shops, and visit local services. I am also careful to understand and follow the local laws, be sensitive to local customs, and minimize my footprint. 

I loosely use three criteria to decide on the businesses that I will visit: 
- they are locally owned by someone in the community or nearby,
- they are relatively small businesses and that excludes the big international chains,
- they usually source their products and supplies regionally.

This does not always work in a world becoming increasingly globalised, but these choices constitute my ‘default setting’ wherever I can. I found they help me make my travels more special and enjoyable:

1. I tend to live more authentic experiences, very different from the ones at home,

2. I tend to attract a friendlier reception from the locals, creating some lasting bonds,

3. I tend to enjoy a deeper connection with the place and enjoy better hospitality,

4. It deepens my knowledge of the local culture,

5. It challenges many pre-conceived ideas I may have and helps me broaden my vision of the world,

6. It leaves me with unforgettable moments that I always carry along with me,

7. And it helps maintain the local character and identity of the destination.

By supporting small businesses and buying local, you can support a community and help them stay in business. 

Wherever I go, I am aware that I am only a guest and try to leave the place as well or better than before I came. That’s why I eat local, shop local and live local!

7 Reasons To Support Local Businesses

7 Reasons I Support Local Businesses While Traveling

Las Vegas might be known for its nightlife and party environment, but what if you could have all that in Philadelphia...

#### Well, meet <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/usa/philadelphia/id/philly-casino-parties-626abdba5f78aea523f3b3a8">Philly Casino Parties</a>
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<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7119531303174688043" data-video-id="7119531303174688043" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Need a new party theme idea?  ♣️♥️♠️♦️ Check out Philly Casino Parties</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - reel.torials" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7109562551129623338">♬ original sound - reel.torials</a> </section> </blockquote> 

For over thirty years, this premiere casino theme party company has been serving the Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware areas. No matter the occasion, Philly Casino Parties will help you plan the most unique and memorable event.

A casino party! Create a fun and unique evening, that is interactive and entertaining for everyone. Whether you've been to a real casino before or it's your first time seeing poker chips, this is a fun experience for all. And if you are concerned about hosting live events, they also offer virtual parties. And they've even hosted many company events for organizations such as Amazon, Capital One, Four Seasons Hotel, and more.

Their specialties include:
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From blackjack to poker, roulette, craps, money wheels, and even slot machines, which game will you start with??

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Philly Casino Parties, a new unique theme for your next party!

Philly Casino Parties

A Unique Idea For Your Next Party

### <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/id/keto-royale-kafe-6064add118b3092d16ab8621">Keto Royale Kafe </a> is the first fully-keto restaurant in all of mainland Spain!
<br>

#### What is a ketogenic diet?<br>
It's a diet consisting of low carb and high fat meals, which puts the body into a state called ketosis. It is often followed to support weight loss, manage blood sugar, lower insulin levels, and more. This means everything on Keto Royale's menu is 100% gluten and sugar free! 

#### Introducing Keto Royale Kafe<br>
Located on a quiet street in San Pedro, you will find this unique and innovative healthy restaurant.

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7118484708148727083" data-video-id="7118484708148727083" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>This why we love Keto Royale Kafe! 💖</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Cool for summer x Pony - Kuya Magik" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Cool-for-summer-x-Pony-7075534292511689498">♬ Cool for summer x Pony - Kuya Magik</a> </section> </blockquote> 

Not only can you trust the menu to be healthy, but also delicious! 
From breakfast to dinner to dessert, you will surely enjoy a full meal and even feel good after. Some of my favourite dishes here include: Eggs Royale, Wild Mushroom and Truffle Omelette, Keto Pizzas, Crispy Shell Cheese Tacos, and basically any of their incredible desserts! 

The founders, Sam & Adam, started this restaurant due to their passion for food and desire to inspire healthier lifestyles. After a meal here you will definitely be left shocked at how healthy food can taste so good.

The First Keto Restaurant in Mainland Spain

Marbella Keto Royale Kafe

Farmer's Markets are a great place to go to for a fun day out while also discovering and supporting local businesses in the area.

In LA there are so many farmer's markets that you can find one almost any day of the week. So this week I decided to visit 2 different ones in Hollywood and in Echo Park to see what they each offered and how they differed, and also just for fun!

#### Hollywood <br>
Sunday, 8am - 1pm, at Ivar & Selma St. <br>
First I went to the Hollywood Farmer's Market. I really enjoyed this market, it was bigger than I expected, and it had a great variety of stands - from food, clothing, accessories, candles, flowers, and more!

3 standouts:
- Bear Claw granola, I bought the coconut grove granola which was so amazing!
- Chocapothecary functional chocolate, I thought this was super interesting and unique and I even had a sample so I can also say it tasted delicious.
- Nuvo Olive Oil, the guy at this stall was super nice and gave us some samples, they offered so many distinct flavours of olive oil and balsamic vinegars (including jalapeño olive oil and chocolate balsamic). 

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7116686004819397934" data-video-id="7116686004819397934" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Walk around the Hollywood farmers market with us! A fun Sunday activity that also helps support local businesses! ☀️</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Vibes - ZHRMusic" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Vibes-7013588396048943105">♬ Vibes - ZHRMusic</a> </section> </blockquote> 

#### Echo Park <br>
Fridays, 3pm-7pm, at 1146 Logan St <br>
This farmer's market was a little bit smaller but still had some great businesses that are worth visiting. There was also a stone fruit festival happening the day I went so there were a lot of delicious fresh fruit stands. 

3 standouts:
- Holey Grail chaga chai donut, this was delicious, freshly made, and I highly recommend trying.
- Pink mushrooms! I've never seen pink mushrooms before and the woman was really nice, gave me a little explanation of the different types of mushrooms, how they can be used, and how some of them can be great meat substitutes.
- Jam making demo, one stand was selling jams and did a little demo which was fun and interesting to learn. Maybe I'll try making my own jam now!

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7117326667374267694" data-video-id="7117326667374267694" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Another day, another farmers market! And more local businesses to discover!</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ All I Want Is You - Disco Lines" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/All-I-Want-Is-You-6990972856171497473">♬ All I Want Is You - Disco Lines</a> </section> </blockquote>

#### Summary <br>
Overall, I really enjoyed visiting these farmer's markets and will definitely be returning and checking out more around LA. If you are in the area or have similar markets near you, I would highly recommend going there to buy groceries or even to just discover new things and support these smaller local businesses! Everything I saw and tried from these farmer's markets was amazing, and you could definitely feel how fresh everything is.

Los Angeles Farmer's Markets

As a utensil, the cataplana is very recognizable. Usually made of copper, it resembles a closed clam with two domed halves functioning as a pressure cooker. It was used by fishermen to carry their daily catch and to cook their meals in it over a fire. 

The last time I visited the South of Portugal and discovered cities like Monte Gordo, Loule, Tavira, and Faro, I had to make a stop in Olhão, a peaceful fishing town next to the beautiful Ria Formosa lagoon. It boasts a large fresh food market, a charming historic center, and the main street packed with bars, restaurants, and artisan shops. If you enjoy eating outdoors in a quaint traditional atmosphere and with fewer tourists than in Tavira, Olhão is your stop.

I spent three days there staying in a comfortable Airbnb with my family in December. It gave us the opportunity to explore the Ria Formosa lagoon. We hired a local taxi boat to tour the barrier islands and timed the tour to coincide with the sunset. Our fun captain made it a truly magical experience, even blowing a traditional shell to signify our safe return to the port.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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And of course, we tried a cataplana in a local restaurant called Terra i Mar in front of the market. The staff was very friendly as they welcomed the four of us and helped us choose our dishes.  Our meal consisted of two seafood cataplanas, each for two people, and fresh salads. The cataplana was brought to our table as a closed vessel and unveiled an appetizing mosaic of seafood when the waiter opened it up. It was filled with large prawns, a variety of fish, clams, mussels, potatoes, and onions in a tomato, garlic, and pepper-based stew. It was a truly delicious showstopper!

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7115123464968850734" data-video-id="7115123464968850734" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Trying Portuguese cataplana in Portugal! 🇵🇹</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Jell-O - Egozi" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Jell-O-6831697815022864385">♬ Jell-O - Egozi</a> </section> </blockquote> 
We were so happy with our experience at the local Terra i Mar that on the following night we ended up at their sister restaurant Ammar i Mar for a sushi night. But that is a story for another blog post… <br>

![Seafood Dish](https://images.topcityspots.com/uploads/blog/1578e073-1c82-42a9-ab9f-962214cf0851-jpg-20220624191734.jpg) ![Fresh Salad](https://images.topcityspots.com/uploads/blog/c72995da-ea4b-4a47-a61d-1f49e02775f2-jpg-20220624191746.jpg)


Visiting Portugal? Here is something for your bucket list...

Try a local cataplana in Portugal!

Bucket list: Eat a local cataplana in Olhão!

In a quiet zone on Almaty’s South side, just a few kilometers away from the vibrant city center, and on the way to the footsteps of the Tyan Shan Mountains, Medeu and Chimbulak ski resort, you will find this highly recommended local restaurant.

My dad is a passionate travel nomad and every time he visits Kazakhstan he makes sure to eat at **Manana** restaurant at least once or twice!

As you enter Manana, you can't help but be taken aback by the goat receiving the guests, lavishly occupying a couch in an embroidered dress.

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7109159425155321130" data-video-id="7109159425155321130" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>A sweet sheep welcomes you at the Manana restaurant in Almary to discover authentic Georgian cuisine!</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - gallcgher" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6995371006214851333">♬ original sound - gallcgher</a> </section> </blockquote> 

The restaurant is casual and relaxed yet quite refined. It is specifically designed for cozy family dining. Its large room holds about 40 tables and is organised around comfortable sofas, armchairs of pastel colours, large windows, and lush greenery.

Its menu offers a variety of traditional and modern Georgian specialties (khachapuri, khinkali, satsivi, kharcho, chakapuli, kebabs) as well as European dishes. The food is delicious and the service very friendly.

And my dad never finishes a meal without ordering their sirnikis (Slavic cheese pancakes). He swears they are some of the best he ever tasted.

So next time you visit Almaty, stop at Manana and let us know what you think!

Must try Manana Georgian restaurant in Almaty, Kazakhstan!

Georgian restaurant in Almaty, Kazakhstan

My dad’s favorite Georgian restaurant in Almaty!

Constantly being on the go, staying in different places, not always having access to a gym, and wanting to enjoy your time away from home… all of these things can make it difficult to keep up with exercise and training while traveling. 

Luckily, Top City Spots has a whole category of top gyms and personal trainers! So wherever you go in the world, you’ll be able to find the top 5 gyms and/or personal trainers in your city. 

So meet <a href="https://topcityspots.com/in/spain/marbella/id/olina-eriksson-personal-trainer--605f91bd9ca9805c20552c08">Olina Eriksson</a> 👋 She is one of the top personal trainers in Marbella, Spain. 

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7109903638406925610" data-video-id="7109903638406925610" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Train at the beach or the gym, alone or with a group, try all types of training - there’s no excuses with our top Marbella personal trainer Olina Eriksson 💪</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ hotel r a s p u t i n service - veggibeats" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/hotel-r-a-s-p-u-t-i-n-service-6928659354174458630">♬ hotel r a s p u t i n service - veggibeats</a> </section> </blockquote>

Olina's goal as a coach is to find a way for everyone to enjoy their training and create a sustainable healthy lifestyle to enjoy! Her focus is on mentality, nutrition, and training that gives results.  Whether it's through one-on-one personal practice at the gym, group classes on the beach, or even online coaching, Olina will make sure you get the results you want. 

I joined Olina's beach bootcamp sessions in Marbella and trust me when I say you will be sore afterward. Her sessions are always different, keeping you and your body constantly challenged, and the friendly group environment also helped to push me even more. Plus, I think working out on the beach is definitely more exciting than a regular gym.

Completing these bootcamp workouts in the morning was such a great way to start my days and feel proud of my body!

Meet Olina Eriksson, one of our top 5 personal trainers in Marbella, Spain! 

Top Marbella Personal Trainer, Olina Eriksson

Marbella Top Personal Trainer: Olina Eriksson

Join us in uncovering local brands...

Buy new summer outfits AND support local by shopping at <a href="/in/spain/marbella/id/nizhoni-612a329b2aa6f8c6ac1c5d9d"> **NIZHONI** </a>🌸 

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7104681788525776174" data-video-id="7104681788525776174" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Be the first to discover top local fashion brands! Nizhoni offers handmade luxury and is currently having a warehouse clearance SALE! 🛍</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ GASLIGHT - INJI" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/GASLIGHT-7086563693013518338">♬ GASLIGHT - INJI</a> </section> </blockquote> 

Nizhoni is a women’s handmade luxury knitwear brand, with a focus on supporting small communities, ethical labour, and a sustainable way of life! 

Founded by Dutch-born designer, Kitty van Coesant, the Nizhoni brand has grown from a passion for knitting and designing, into a global luxury collection. 

With lots of vibrant colours, beautiful designs, and quality materials, these pieces are definitely worth their value. From their light-weight summer dresses to their colorful chunky knitwear, I’m sure you will find something to fall in love with.

Kitty's mission with Nizhoni is to create head-turning handknitted fashion and accessories, which make women feel happy, beautiful, strong and confident…

Discover new, local fashion brands with Nizhoni!

Check out local fashion brand, Nizhoni

Discover Local Fashion: Nizhoni

Personally, one of my favourite parts about traveling is getting to try many new local foods and restaurants. I don’t know about you but when I’m traveling I feel like I’m constantly eating, from one meal, to the next snack, to another big meal, to another snack, to a third coffee, to the next meal… and it goes on. So of course I will have plenty of top local food spots to recommend to you throughout these blogs! 

To start, I want to introduce you to one of my favourite local restaurants in Marbella, Spain 🇪🇸 which is also one of our Top 5 Healthy Restaurants on Top City Spots! 

### Hustle n Flow

<a href="/in/spain/marbella/id/hustle-n-flow--60677df76b8d53620130565c"> Hustle n Flow </a> is a vibrant health food restaurant with several locations all across Southern Spain’s famous Costa del Sol ☀️ Between the cool Benahavis culture hub, the original San Pedro vibe, the Marbella business professional space, and the cross-border Gibraltar experience, they really have a vibe for everyone!

This is a go-to spot for a heavenly breakfast, the best coffee, a nutritious smoothie, and everything in between.

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots/video/7107308890529877290" data-video-id="7107308890529877290" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@topcityspots" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@topcityspots">@topcityspots</a> <p>Meet Hustle n Flow!! One of our top spots for a healthy and always delicious meal in Marbella 🇪🇸 (+3 other amazing locations)!</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Bad Habit - Devin Kennedy" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Bad-Habit-6906388125598091266">♬ Bad Habit - Devin Kennedy</a> </section> </blockquote>

So here’s what you need to know about Hustle n Flow:

- It’s not your average health-food eatery!
- There are some exclusive dishes for each HnF location, but they keep the favourites everywhere
- They offer vegan and gluten-free alternatives for EVERYTHING on their menu
- And everything on the menu is worth trying!

But what I love most about Hustle n Flow, and what keeps me returning everyday when I’m in the area, is the community. The owners are always there to say hi, see how you’re doing, and crack a joke; the amazing staff who already know my go-to order before I sit down; the harmony of people sitting around you who are all consistently satisfied with their delicious meal; and somehow it’s just always a beautiful day when you’re at Hustle n Flow.

To summarize:

Hustle n Flow is one of the Top 5 healthy restaurants in Marbella for a reason. If a summer in Marbella is not already tempting enough, knowing you could have a meal (or two) at Hustle n Flow should definitely have you planning your next trip!

And you can also discover all of our other <a href="/in/spain/marbella"> Top Marbella Spots </a> to complete your itinerary!

Hustle n’ Flow is a Place for the Everyday Hustler to Escape the Daily Grind in Marbella

Check out Hustle n Flow in Marbella

A Health Food Experience With Hustle n Flow

As most of the people I know are going on to start their careers, I am still very unsure about what my future holds. So as I navigate this new post-grad life I have decided to go back to what I know and love - traveling. 

Growing up my family has always been traveling. I am only 21 years old and have already lived in 4 different countries across 3 separate continents and I am also a third-culture kid (check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/markianb" > @Markian </a>   to learn more about what that means)!

To put it simply, I am a citizen of the world and I want to keep exploring it 🌍 

Among our numerous family travels we of course visited a lot of typical tourist attractions, but what really stood out to me were the many unique adventures we did that allowed us feel like we were experiencing a much more authentic and local way of living. For example trying all the local foods, being invited into people’s homes, learning about a city’s unique history and culture, and hearing so many amazing stories. 

![Travel Photos](https://images.topcityspots.com/uploads/blog/screen-shot-2022-06-16-at-13-28-26-png-20220616204105.jpg)

There is something so special about experiencing local lifestyles and embracing authentic adventures. I have learned so much through my years of traveling and I know there is still so much more to discover. This is why I love to travel. Traveling as a means to learn, to discover, to be curious. 

Additionally, to tell stories. Learning about different cultures, meeting new people, and understanding the world better. Not only will I be discovering the world, but I’ll also be discovering myself, my own background and culture, and finding where I belong. 

I plan to continue my family’s tradition by traveling the world and finding all the local people, spots, and adventures to share with you! I will explore hidden gems, find the best local businesses, and share people’s stories. You can follow all this (and more!) on this Top City Spots blog as well as my [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kalinabenhamou/) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/kalinasbenhamou) pages.  

Now, more than ever, after our world has experienced a global pandemic, it is important to support small and local businesses. Focusing on sustainable travel to maintain healthy economies - but that’s a whole other blog post in itself… 

My goal right now is to discover what the world has to offer and share it with you. While I was graduating college so many people kept telling me that there is a world of opportunities out there… so let’s go explore! And make sure to DM me your favourite local spots in your city for me to visit!

Meet The Locals... with Kalina