I’ve decided to come up with a different idea for my blog post today. I know there’s thousands of travel review pages out there today in order to help you plan your next trip, but honestly… I choose Instagram every time.There’s nothing more up-to-date than an Instagram photo posted 5 minutes before you decide to depart to your next destination.

Last weekend I ventured onward to the beautiful city of Karlsruhe, Germany for their birthday celebrations. Celebrating 300 years of the city through many different art exhibits, festivals, light shows, events and parties. Since I only had a few days to explore I decided that the guide books weren’t going to cut it… and I went straight to Instagram.

I want to show you how I explored Karlsruhe through Instagram and why it could quite possibly be the best solution to last minute travel. Wake up at the Novotel Karlsruhe, eat my continental breakfast, creep my Instagram, find a photo/place worth visiting, get up and GO!

KEYWORD SEARCH: #Karlsruhe, #KA300, #VisitKarlsruhe15

If you know me, anything green catches my eye. I go through, like the posts I see, Google Map the locations and then venture out the door.

First Stop: Marktplatz, Karlsruhe

It’s the perfect place to start exploring Karlsruhe since you’re now in the middle of the city centre. The locals refer to the Market Square as a symbol of the free city. Today you will find many unusual but incredible art pieces down the main pedestrian path and through the smaller streets around the Marktplatz. You will also find many boutique shops and restaurants to explore.

Second Stop: Schlossplatz Karlsruhe

Thanks to the incredibly awesome festivities going on during the celebration of Karlsruhe’s 300 years, there was a light show on the castle walls. This wasn’t just any light show, it was certainly and by far… the most incredible light show I have ever seen. There are 9 different films available for viewing during the #KA300 celebrations and if you’re around the area, this is a place you mustn’t miss.

Third Stop: Draisine Race at Schlossplatz Karlsruhe

You may typically find a shot like this one in any Karlsruhe guidebook (I’m actually looking into my DUMONT Karlsruhe Guide provided by Karlsruhe Tourismus right now). The annual Draisine Race is held in front of the castle (Sclossplatz Karlsruhe) in memory of the cities inventor Karl Drais von Sauerbronn. The ‘draise’ (this funky vehicle) is much different from a normal bicycle and usually requires a ‘Drais license’ if you want to be entered into the competition.

Photo Taken on Instagram by Creativware

Fourth Stop: Festivals at Schlossplatz, Karlsruhe

Right behind where the races were taking place, there are many festivals and music concerts being held at the Schlossgarten (Castle Gardens). Not to mention it’s a garden within the castle limits, certainly a place you could spend the rest of your day.

Photo Taken on Instagram by Typxtatse

Fifth Stop: Karlsruhe Schlossgarten 

Well, you’re already there so you might as well walk a few steps to the little lake hidden behind the castle. I noticed this photo from @aaronmartinuf via Instagram, though the festival wasn’t going on while I was there… it was still a great shot to convince me to make my way behind the castle to check out the beautiful scenery.

Photo Taken on Instagram by aaronmartinuf

Sixth Stop: Botanical Gardens, Karlsruhe 

It’s funny, I received a transit pass in my welcome package from Visit Karlsruhe, yet never had a chance to use it. Can you guess why? Yep… this beautiful botanical garden is right around the corner from it all. The hotel was just a walk away from the centre and the centre is literally where all the action happens.

Photo Taken on Instagram by photonicrystal

Seventh Stop: Karlsruhe Zoo

This spot couldn’t have worked more perfect into my plans while in Karlsruhe. The zoo is only a few minutes walk from the Novotel Karlsruhe and a beautiful place to kick back and relax. Not to mention our Karlsruhe Welcome Card gave us a discounted entrance rate into the Zoological City Gardens and the Gondoletta rides.

Photo Taken on Instagram by eugidenzel

Eighth Stop: Exploring the surroundings of Karlsruhe

The landscape of Baden-Wuttemburg is absolutely incredible. It’s worth it to take some time to venture outside of the city and into wilderness. I noticed a bunch of Instagrammers posting photos in the wheat fields of Karlsruhe (like the one below) and though I didn’t have the time to explore them myself, we took a bus into the city of Baden-Baden and had a wonderful view of the fields as we left the centre of the city.

Photo Taken on Instagram by monnsta

Ninth Stop: Shopping at the Ettlinger Tor

About 100 metres from our hotel that weekend was the Ettlinger Tor. Though I’m not a shopper I noticed @luisarellini another fellow blogger had snapped a shot of the entrance way to the Ettlinger Tor Shopping Mall. A few hours later I found myself sneaking in to shop around for a couple bathing suits before my next big trip to the islands of Greece. Really… it was on the way, I couldn’t resist.

Photo Taken on Instagram by luisarellini

Tenth Stop: Back to the Hotel

Of course I didn’t find this one on Instagram and yes, it’s one of my own… but I thought it’d be a nice way to sum up my experience while in Karlsruhe. I had an incredible weekend exploring the sights and sounds of the city and was pleasantly surprised by it all. I had no idea that Karlsruhe was such a hip and artistic city. There was construction through the entire pedestrian way to the castle though I could help but think about how I’m going to get back here when the project is completed… #dreamcity.

To check out our Karlsruhe video blog, click ‘play’ below.

Disclosure: On behalf of Karlsruhe Tourismus I would like to thank you for a wonderful weekend adventure. Though sponsored for this blog trip, as always all words and thoughts are my own. For inspiration about travelling the world, check out the following posts: Why You Should Travel Now, How to Create Your Own Blog, How to Break Out of Habit and Travel the World, The Best Quotes to Inspire You to Travel, The Bucket List.

You can now download this blog post into an interactive travel guide on GPSmyCity.