Sightseeing

Paris is also known for its cafes and restaurants, arts and architecture, theatres and cinemas, and its overall romantic ambiance. Its sights are more than enough to make a library of travel books. One of the most famous sights dominating the city is the Eiffel Tower. Seeing the entire city from the top of the tower during night time is more than magical.

Other attractions include Arc de Triomphe, Grande Arche, Bastille Prison, Palais-Royal, and Elysee Palace. You shouldn’t miss Paris’ museums such as Louvre and Modern Art Museum. The churches are also a must-see – among them is the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame de Paris and the Church of St-Eustache. There are also gardens and quarters which are all equally fascinating.

Shopping

Paris is one of the fashion and shopping capitals of the world where you can find top designer stores. High end shopping centers can be found in avenue Montaigne, Place des Victoires and Rue du Faubourg-St-Honore. Smaller boutiques can be found in St-Germain-des-Pres. For jewellery stores, Vendome and Les Halles have all you need. If you want to buy gifts and souvenirs, Marais has a lot of items in store for you.

If you want great bargains, check out food and flea markets. You can find one at almost any neighborhood. At the north of Paris, you can find the largest flea market in Europe which is the Marche aux Puces se St-Ouen. On the bank of Seine, you will find books, perfumes, chocolates and other goodies that will satisfy your remaining budget for the holidays.

Outdoor Activities

Paris is an active city even during night time. From 10pm to 1 am, people skate around the city. They usually meet below the Montparnasse Tower. The skaters are divided in different areas depending on their proficiency. It is a traditional activity that you shouldn’t pass up.

For water sports, Aquaboulevard Water Sports is the place to be. You can also see the entire city in a different perspective – from a hot air balloon. The take off point is at Fontainebleau. This is an experience that you don’t want to forget when visiting Paris.

Eating Out

When visiting Paris, you will never run out of a place to eat. You can choose from fine dining establishments to corner brasseries. There are also creperies and bistros where you can pick up any type of cheese, bread and pastry. Great restaurants are located in Rue Mouffetard where you can find any cuisine of your choice, all day long.

Traditional French dishes are served in the Left Bank and Right Bank, at the small streets near Louvre, in the Latin Quarter, and Bastille area. For a fine dining experience, nothing beats the Ritz. If you are on a tight budget, Montparnasse and Butte aux Cailles are a favorite.

Theatre

Cinemas, concerts, and theatres are important parts of Paris’ nightlife. Although prices are costly, there are also student rates available. Among the most well-known places in this field are the Odeon Theatre de l’Europe, Champs-Elysees, Cinematheque Francaise, and Opera Bastille. For nights of music and dancing, Le Divane du Monde, Le Caveau de la Huchette and Re de les Lombards are your best bet.

Events

Paris has a lot of cultural festivities to boast of. It is a host of different yearly events such as Festival du Film de Paris and Foire de Paris from March to April. Le Marathon de Paris also happens in April. This city is also home to one of the best New Year’s Eve celebration which is the Reveillon.

Anne is a writer with a love of travel, she often writes about the worlds destinations.

One of the most visited and interesting destinations in Berlin is the Berlin Wall. Construction began in 1961 and divided the Communist East and Democratic West. It was demolished in 1989 and the city began to rebuild itself. The wall is an important part of Berlins history and extremely interesting to visit. You can still see traces of the wall or visit the memorials or museums. In order to fully immerse yourself in the history, I would recommend visiting The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre. It gives you some insight into the oppressive world that once existed here.

The number one rated attraction in Berlin according to Trip Advisor is the Pergamon Museum. This is a world renowned museum which explores ancient history and houses many priceless artefacts. One of the most famous artefacts is the Altar of Zeus which draws a large crowd. The Room of Greek sculptures is also especially amazing. As with most museums, go as early in the day as possible to beat the inevitable crowds, especially if you are travelling to Berlin during peak season.

When visiting Berlin and exploring its history, it is important to delve into all periods of the city’s history even the unpleasant times. World War 2 was a terrible time in Germany under the Third Reich. The Topography of Terror is a great way to examine Berlin during the Second World War. It was once the headquarters of the SS, The Secret State Police and the Reich Security main office. People can now see the extent of the Nazi parties’ power in Berlin and across Europe and examine the atrocious policies which the people in this building put into action. The photographs on display here are extremely interesting and will allow you a glimpse into that sad chapter of Berlin’s history.

Finally I would recommend that you visit The Holocaust Memorial following your visit of ‘The Topography of Terror’. It will show the real consequences of the decisions made during the war. It can be a very upsetting day but it’s important to remember those lost and it is also interesting from an historical perspective. The museum is underground and there is free entry but either reading up on the subject thoroughly or renting an audiobook is advised.

Of course there is much more historical gems to visit in Berlin such as Brandenburg Gate, Hohenschoenhausen Prison, the German History Museum and the Neues Museum to name a few. However, the four detailed above are must-sees for those that love history.

This guest blog post was written by Hannah of BerlinCityGuide.net, publishers of the free guide of things to do in Berlin

Blarney Castle

This famous Irish castle was build around 1446, for the MacCarthy Chieftans of Munster, and it can be found just outside of Blarney Village, near the city of Cork. The structure is now in partial ruins, but several rooms are accessible to view. The Blarney Castle is famous for its “Blarney Stone” which is fabled to give the “gift of the gab” to anyone who kisses its surface. Some believe that this stone is the Lia Fail, the magical stone on which Irish kings throughout history were crowned. To kiss the stone you must bend over backwards precariously over the parapet to reach it. While you are here, be sure to take a walk through the extensive gardens and visit the many strange natural rock formations such as the “Witch’s Cave” and the “Wishing Steps”.

Dublin Castle

This castle was the stronghold of British power within Ireland for over 700 years. Originally a 13th century Norman and Viking fortress, now only one tower remains of the original structure and an 18th century castle has been built on the site. Dublin Castle was once the residence of the official British viceroys in Ireland, and it is now used by the Irish Government. If you are a passionate history enthusiast, you will love the guided tour around the castle.

Cahir Castle

This is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Ireland, and can be found near Cahir town centre in South Tipperary. Built in 1142 by the Prince of Thomond, this castle has many fascinating chambers, spiral staircases, and high battlements to explore. Be sure to take one of the educational tours offered at the castle, which explain the fascinating history of the site.

Ashford Castle

Would you like to live in a medieval castle and experience what it would have been like to be a king or a queen? If so, book a stay in Ashford Castle, which is a beautifully restored castle built in 1228 which has been turned into a luxury five star hotel. Ashford Castle was originally the stronghold of the de Burgo family, back in the days when Ireland was a vast and untamed wilderness. This beautiful castle is a stunning place to stay, and it has hosted many famous guests throughout the years such as John Lennon, King George V, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, Brad Pitt, and U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. If you are on a budget and don’t want to splurge on a night in these sumptuous surroundings, go ahead and visit the castle anyway so you can marvel at its amazing architecture.

These are just a few of the many beautiful castles that are waiting to be explored, so why not take a flight to Ireland and discover the fascinating medieval world of the emerald isle?

Simon Grant loves to write and currently contributes to a number of travel blogs and websites, including Time to Wander

Canal holidays are one of the greatest ways to bring a family together and (barring the sometimes erratic English weather) can be a great way to unwind and just take it easy. Here are 10 reasons why you should ditch Benidorm this year and go on a canal boat holiday:

1. Its kid friendly – while you might think children and confined spaces don’t mix, there’s plenty for kids to do on a canal holiday. And unless the weather’s dreadful, apart from sleeping, you’re not likely to spend much time on the boat. There are too many places to see and visit.

2. Its pet friendly – if you don’t want to leave your dog at home, or shell out for boarding kennels, many operators allow dogs on board. And the amount of walking you’ll do makes this a fantastic holiday for dogs. Just remember to bring blankets for them to protect sofas and bedding.

3. You can go wherever you like – Unlike some holidays where you’re tied into a package deal, hiring a canal boat gives you a lot of freedom. Many operators offer a choice of different cruising routes, so you can simply pick whichever one appeals to you most and visit the places that interest you.

4. You can come and go as you please. You don’t have to stay on the boat at all times. If you pass something or somewhere that interests you, you can simply moor the boat and explore, obviously making sure you choose a suitable spot.

5. You can bring your bike. Boat hire companies will usually allow you to take a limited number of bikes on board with you. Towpaths and country lanes are perfect for taking the family on exploratory bike rides.

6. It’s perfect for beginners and canal enthusiasts. You don’t have to have experience to drive a canal boat. Boat hire companies provide full training before you leave their premises, during which time staff are on hand to answer your questions and put to rest any concerns you might have.

7. You’ll see places you’d not get to see otherwise, and discover some hidden gems. It’s amazing the kinds of sites that you will see that other people won’t – just because they are out of the reach of the city centre!

8. You can enjoy the great outdoors. Although you will spend a lot of time on the boat you will be driving from the outside and if the weather is good there is nothing more relaxing that sunbathing on the top of the boat (it beats the business of a beach and you don’t have the screaming kids that sometimes are obligatory at6 a hotel pool!)

9. Its fun whatever the weather! Yes, the English weather is erratic but the inside of a narrow boat is cosy and you can really connect as a family – something that seems to be getting lost in modern life.

10. Its wallet friendly! With people still tightening their belts you can be sure that you are going to be spending a bomb on useless souvenirs and over priced hotel bar drinks.

Leave your preconceptions at the door and try a different kind of holiday this year – you never know what you are going to discover!

When not dreaming of what to do for holiday next year (we all need at least two!) Wayne Barker writes for Hire A Canal Boat, one of the largest providers of luxury narrow boat hire in the UK.

One of the most infamous characteristics that Florence, Italy is known for is it’s amazing art galleries and one-of-a-kind artists. To begin with, The Galleria degli Uffizi is a vast collection of Renaissance artwork and is one of Florence’s busiest attractions. Another top artistic galleria is the The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, which features the piece, "Giotto’s Tower." However, perhaps one of the most popular art galleries in Florence is The Accademia, which houses Michangelo’s famous painting "David." Serving as a home to all of these various art galleries and infamous paintings, it is no wonder why Florence, Italy is the choice destination for many art enthusiasts.

Aside from artistic destinations, Florence is also well-known for it’s many unique architectural structures. One of the top sights is the The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, which was a former monestary. This structure inhabits many cells that monks previously dwelled in and houses many different artistic works. Another structure that is visitors wish to see is the Porta Roma. This wall is located at the end of a road that pilgrims previously travelled to get from Florence to Rome and features a square below where fairs used to be held.

In addition to the great architecture and art that Florence features, this city also has many other hidden treasures that are to-die-for. For those who enjoy music, the Opera at St. Mark’s Anglican Church is a must-see. On the other hand, for those who enjoy the finer things in life, mainly wine, the Florence Wine Academy is a promising attraction. Visitors can taste wine and rely on a personal experience that will leave you satisfied.

Florence is also home to a vast variety of local shops. From luxury boutiques to craftsmen shops, tourists are guaranteed to find an item they love in one of Florence’s local shops that are peppered in around other historical attractions. Fresh food markets, including wine and cheese, are also some favorite places to visit. 

Although all of these aforementioned attractions are some of Florence, Italy’s most visited attractions, tourists can never get enough of the local Italian food options, general Italian culture, and amazing city life. No matter what type of vacation you enjoy, you are sure to find entertainment in a visit to Florence, Italy.

Worldwide-Accom loves providing tips and information on your favourite holiday destinations. If you want a more authentic Tuscany experience, there are many private apartments in Florence to rent for your vacation. Worldwide Accom specialises in Florence holiday apartments, and can cater to almost any budget.

Here are some of the "must-do" things in Canterbury:

1. The Cathedral.

 Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the country. It is the head church of the Church of England and is also famous for being the site of the murder of Thomas a Beckett. As a result, it has been a pilgrimage destination since the early middle ages.

2. The Canterbury Tales attraction

Here you can take a trip back in time to the Geoffrey Chaucer’s era and discover the world of his pilgrims. This is great if the weather is bad as it is an indoor attraction.

3. River tours

The river Stour runs through the centre of the city and there are several companies who offer boat trips with commentary. It is also possible to go punting on the river.

4. Hire an audio commentary

If you want to learn more about the city as you walk around, then audio tours are available in 8 languages. They feature well known and lesser known landmarks in the city.

5. Ghost tours

For a walking tour with a difference, then try one of the ghost tours that are available. Usually at dusk or after dark, they offer an insight into the history of Canterbury and some of the ghosts that are said to roam the city.

6. The castle

Mostly ruined, the Norman castle has a viewing platform and lots of information.

7. Dane John Gardens

For some time away from the streets of Canterbury, you can enjoy the peace of the park, which contains a tearoom, a bandstand featuring concerts in the summer, and also a maze for children.

8. The Heritage Museum

In the Poor Priests’ Hospital, which is a medieval building and interesting in its own right, is the Heritage Museum, where you can find out about the history of Canterbury.

9. Shopping

There are many major retailers in Canterbury, as well as small, independent traders. It is a great place to buy almost anything you need.

10. Food, drink and nightlife

Canterbury is a student town, with two universities, and its nightlife reflects this, as well as its status as a tourist city. There are many options for food and drink from fast food restaurants to fine dining, and pubs to wine bars. Every need is catered for.

If you do get bored in Canterbury, which is unlikely, then you can travel further afield to the villages and ports of the beautiful Kent coast where you will find even more to do.

Esther is a financial journalist and blogger. She spends most of her time writing about mortgages and umbrella companies but in the evenings likes to write about travel and exploring the UK’s most beautiful cities.

The Mouth of Truth – This is a very interesting and fascinating tourist attraction that is a must see in Rome. Located in the atrium of the in-famous St. Mary’s in the Cosmedin Church, it is a very famous grim marble mask that was found half-buried during the medieval era. The popular legend surrounding this attraction that is known as Bocca della Verità in the local dialect is that if you put your hand inside that mouth and then go ahead and lie, the mouth will shut and prevent you from withdrawing your hand until you tell the truth. How interesting would it be to try that?

Capitoline Hill – the Piazza del Campidoglio

The second place that you need to visit when on a tour in Rome is the Capitoline Hill, specifically because of the Piazza del Campidoglio. This is a squared structure that dates back to 1538 when it was designed by the infamous Michelangelo, and at one time it had a prominent statue made of bronze of the infamous Marcus Aurelius. All the 3 sides of this attraction are bordered by museums (the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori) plus the Palazzo dei Senatori, all which are home to world famous statues.

The Trevi Fountain

Another very impressive and stunning tourist attraction in Rome is the Trevi Fountain, justifying the huge crowds of both tourists and locals visiting the place on a daily basis. Most people would toss coins in the Fountain, which ends up collecting a substantial amount of money every year before it is donated to charity. It is a beautifully carved marble masterpiece statue that represents where the ocean comes from.

Spanish Steps

Also worth visiting are the Spanish Steps, another yet stunning and delightful setting evocative of the baroque period. It is a spectacular and breathtaking set of stairs dating back to 1723, and whose name originates from a nearby Spanish embassy structure.

Piazza Navona

The last place that you must visit when in Rome is the Piazza Navona which boasts four grandiose water fountains. The most famous of these is the ‘Fountain of the Four Rivers" which dates back to 1651 when it was designed and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Rome also has a large number of museums which are home to some world-famous masterpieces, paintings, artworks, and sculptures of world-renowned artists like Pinturicchio, Bottecelli, Raphael, and Belini to mention but a few.

Denis is a financial writer that share a lot of tips in order to help you save money. For instance you can save money on your travel by visiting our site mega.co.uk here.

The buses themselves are fun and relaxing to ride. They have an open top, and are all double-decker buses. This way you can get the breeze in your face, watch the city roll by, and also manage to get a tan in the bright sunshine. At the same time, if you do not like sitting on top, you can still sit inside to protect your skin tone.

As mentioned before, the buses are scheduled to arrive at stations every five minutes. However, in off season, the buses will arrive later, and may take up to 25 minutes. But this should not pose a great problem, as you are going to be sightseeing in between anyways. There are a total of 44 bus stops throughout the city, and 74 buses. The operating hours of the bus are from 9 am to 7 pm in winter, and in summer it operates until 8pm.

All of the bus routes are strategically designed to take you to various attractions throughout the city, so you don’t have to worry about how to get to where you want to go to. Just choose the route with the places you want to go to, get off, sightsee, and hop back on. The buses have three different tour routes to go through different parts of the city, and they are all interconnected for ease of access.

In addition to free choice of when and where to get on and off the bus, the buses have city guides on them to personally help you get through Barcelona without a hassle. The buses also offer an audio guide that is available in ten different languages, which serves to give you some information on the sights being passed.

One day tickets for the bus cost 23€ for adults, and 14€ for children (4-12 yrs). A two day ticket costs 30€ (adults), and 18€ (children). This is a good offer due to the unlimited access offered, and is sweetened by the fact that you can get the Barcelona Bus Turistic tickets at a further 10% discount when booking through BCN.travel. The tickets for the bus are for unlimited use in the specified time period, so you do not have to worry about overusing the ticket and paying extra.

I hope that this was a helpful guide on what exactly the Barcelona Bus Tursitic is, and what they offer. If you plan to go to Barcelona, make sure to use the bus. It offers ease of access to almost all of Barcelona: cheap and hassle free.

Whether its businessmen and women going on the red eye flight to make a business meeting or families or couples vacating on their holidays the number of travellers deciding to stay at an airport hotel before flying is on the up.

In the UK – airport hotel rooms can go for as little as £20 per night depending on what city you are flying out from. One of the most stressful parts of travelling can be getting to the airport on time with all the items you need for your trip. This could be anything from business presentations to favourite bikinis. If you are rushing to get to the airport and you discover you have forgotten your must have bikini or business documents you are doomed.

That’s why airport hotels have become so popular in the UK. Staying in an airport hotel helps de-stress the whole travelling enigma.

For one – it makes people pack their bags or suite cases 1 day before there scheduled flight.

Two – travellers can take their time in getting to the hotel rather than getting stressed stuck in traffic jams before their flight.

Three – if the unthinkable has happened and one has forgotten their business documents or favourite bikini the option to return home and fetch it exists, providing it is that important.

There are many airports in the UK. The busiest 5 are Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stanstead, and Birmingham. It’s no surprise 3 out of the 5 are in London. Below is a list of the best airport hotels per location.

Recommended Heathrow airport hotel

Ramada Jarvis Heathrow airport hotel
Street: 745 Bath Road
Post Code: TW5 9QE
Phone Number: 0844 815 9041
URL: http://www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/hotels/londonheathrow.aspx

Average rates: £63
Proximity to airport: 3.4 miles
Average rating: 4 out of 5
Car parking: for 65 vehicles

Recommended Gatwick airport hotel

Arora Hotel Gatwick
Street: International Drive
Post Code: RH10 6LW
Phone Number: 1293 530 000
URL: http://gatwick.arorahotels.com

Average rates: £66
Proximity to airport: 3.4 miles
Average rating: 4 out of 5
Car parking: Yes, charges apply

Recommended Manchester airport hotel

Premier Inn Manchester Airport
Street: Runger Lane
Post Code: M90 5DL
Phone Number: 0871 527 8726
URL: http://www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/MANAIR/manchester-airport

Average rates: £58
Proximity to airport: 2.3 miles
Average rating: 4 out of 5
Car parking: Yes, charges apply

Recommended Stanstead airport hotel

Days Hotel Stanstead
Street: Birchanger Green Services
Post Code: CM23 5QZ
Phone Number: 01279 656477
URL: http://www.daysinnstansted.co.uk

Average rates: £56
Proximity to airport: 3.1 miles
Average rating: 4 out of 5
Car parking: Yes

Recommended Birmingha airport hotel

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham
Street: Coventry Road
Post Code: B25 8BS
Phone Number: 0121 2893333
URL: http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/gb/en/birmingham/bhxbs/hoteldetail

Average rates: £89
Proximity to airport: 3.1 miles
Average rating: 5 out of 5
Car parking: Yes, charges apply

What are the top 5 destinations? 

1.        Plaza del Sol.  

It’s one of the oldest, most historic plazas in Spain.  Located at the very center of the city, Sol is swarmed with tourists and regulars alike.  Snag a table outside, order some croquetas and sangria, and observe the street performers sport their weirdly fascinating costumes.  Don’t get too close to the Mickey Mouse.  I mean really…Disneyland is in Anaheim, CA.  That guy’s a creep and will whisper sweet nothings (that you don’t understand) in your ear until you pay him for a photo.  Also, hang on to your wallet and personal belongings.  This is an ideal place for pick pocketing.

2.        El Tigre.

  Brace yourself for an authentic Spanish tapería experience.  It’s a crowded, stand-up bar located on Calle Infantas, just a short walk from Gran Via.  Order a round of mojitos or sangria (HUGE servings) and get three plates of free tapas!  This place is inexpensive and fun.  Watch your head as you fight your way through the bar; those dangling ham legs might bruise your face.

3.       Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.  

One of Madrid’s pride and joys is none other than fútbol!  Game days attract rowdy, loyal soccer fans that flood the metro and streets with body paint, flags, banners, and plenty of cheering in foreign tongues.  The stadium itself is a site to see.  If you can make it to a game, do it.

4.       Buen Retiro Park. 

This is a perfect place to go read or simply people watch.  Retiro spans hundreds of acres and is filled with monuments, picnic areas, outdoor restaurants, fountains, and a peaceful lake.  Spend a couple hours basquing in the sun, enjoying wine and Spanish tortilla, while being serenaded by a solo guitarist.  Dream come true.  Also, no need to rent your favorite porno in Madrid.  Just venture over to Retiro and witness plenty of action in the park.  Couples (much too old to be living at home, but living at home nevertheless) flock to these grassy patches to canoodle and publicly grope each other.  Pure entertainment after a few minutes of shock.

5.  JOY. 

Madrid is known for its incredible nightlife. The younger people eat a traditional late night dinner and head to the discotecas circa 11 pm.  One such discoteca became a favorite of mine: JOY.  Everything you need in a nightclub: cocktails, go-go dancers, a midnight confetti drop, periodic gusts of air that interrupt songs and temporarily dry your sweat, and proximity to a metro stop.  This last one becomes essential around 5:30 AM, when you realize how much you despise your high heels and how desperately you want to devour a bowl of cereal before crawling into bed.

So there you have it!  Those are my five must-see places in Madrid.

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