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Archive for the ‘City Guides’ Category

With a slightly cooler summer than either Florence or Rome, Venice is still deliciously warm, generally between 25oC and 31oC. Rain falls during the summer months, usually in the form of short, sudden thunderstorms. These quick showers help to clear the humidity from the air, often making a night’s sleep easier and more pleasant.

Sitting under the stars on a summer’s night in Venice is one of the most romantic and beautiful things in the world. The warm temperature combined with the quiet lapping of water and views of Venice’s famous lagoon and Grand Canal give the city an atmosphere that is not to be rivalled.

Venice has the world’s highest number of grand master pieces of artwork per square kilometre. With architectural wonders like the Basilica di San Marco this is a city of inspiration. However, it is not really designed for relaxation and today it is still packed full of artisans of all kinds; wander down the back alleyways or calli, to marvel at shoemakers hammering out beautiful genuine Venetian styled masterpieces, smell the scent of fantastic four-star Italian gourmet cooking and see the work of hundreds of hopeful artists.

Combined with the influx of tourists that come to see the sights during the summer months, the temperatures can make touring Venice a tiring experience. However, some of the city’s best and most famous festivals take place during the hotter months; the Venice Film Festival erupts during the end of August, when many famous celebrities can be spotted. Similarly, the wonderful ‘Festa del Redentore’, the Feast of Christ the Redeemer, takes place in July and is one of Venice’s best festivals. See the fireworks, cheer at the gondola races and enjoy the summery weather.

The cheapest and most convenient way of getting around Venice is by waterbus. Of course, this also enables tourists to take in the fantastic architecture of the city and is one of the most pleasant ways of getting around the city.

The Federal Republic of Germany consists of more than a dozen different states and offers tourists many choices of destination.  Of these, several cities are particularly prominent and attract many visitors, who enjoy cheap holidays there each year.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital of the reunified Germany.  Today, tourists can walk the route of the Berlin Wall and visit the ‘Museum Island’ area, home to the enormous Pergamon Museum, best known for its collection of ancient art from Greece and the Middle East.  Located nearby is the Alte Nationalgalerie, which showcases a collection of 19th century German painting. 

Cologne

At one point, much of Germany was under Roman control.  This history is evident in Cologne, which is home to some significant archaeological sites.  Also of interest in Cologne is the enormous cathedral that dominates the landscape and the Romanesque churches that dot the city.

Hamburg

The second largest city in the country, Hamburg is renowned for the tolerant, liberal culture of its red light district.  In addition, tourists today can visit the Kaiserkeller to see where the Beatles performed before being catapulted to fame. 

Munich

The capital city of Bavaria, this was the site of Hitler’s ill-fated attempt to take over Germany by force.  Now, Bavaria is best known for the extensive Oktoberfest held each year where tourists can sample a huge variety of German beers and enjoy a taste of authentic Bavarian culture.  Munich is also considered a gateway city for visitors who wish to go on and explore the Alps.

Nuremberg

This city is famous the world over for being the site of the trials against the Nazi party officials after their nation had been defeated in World War II.  To this day, tourists can see the party rally grounds where the Nazi faithful gathered during the years of the Third Reich, but Nuremberg also offers much older sites such as the Kaiserburg Castle, a Gothic structure that has been reconstructed along with much of the old part of the city.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands as well as its largest city.  Since Holland was of key importance during the artistic flourishing of the Northern Renaissance, Amsterdam today is a place where tourists can visit museums celebrating some of the finest art the Dutch nation has ever produced.

The Rijksmuseum

The first place many tourists visit is the vast Rijksmuseum.  Located near ‘Museum Square’, this museum dedicates itself to preserving and displaying key elements of Dutch art history as well as interpreting that history for the benefit of visitors.  Over a million works are included in the museum’s permanent collection, including key paintings by the great masters: Rembrandt, van Ruisdael, and Vermeer.  Also on display are thousands of objects of decorative art, a category that encompasses not just textiles and statuary, but also everyday objects such as expensive antique dinnerware.  Children may be particularly interested in the large dollhouses that are included amongst the museum’s priceless treasures. 

The Van Gogh Museum

The famous post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh was born in Holland.  To commemorate his life and works, the Van Gogh Museum, also located in Museum Square, displays some of his most significant paintings including the celebrated Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, which is among the most valuable works of art in the world. 

History Museums in Amsterdam

However, there is more to Amsterdam than great art.  Tourists can also visit historical museums, several of which concentrate on events during the 20th century.  The most famous historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where Anne and her family hid for several years during the Nazi occupation of her country.  Another site of great interest to those familiar with World War II history is the Verzetmuseum, which tells the story of the Dutch Resistance during the war.

Hong Kong may sound like an exotic, unreachable destination, but with non-stop flights taking around 12 hours, it has become a popular destination for travellers wanting to experience something different.

Having been a British Colony for many years, Hong Kong offers a unique mix of Chinese traditions and lifestyle mixed with British and European influences.  The main language is Cantonese, but many signs, menus and directions also appear in English, with visitors having little difficulty in finding their way around.

The iconic image of Hong Kong Island is the Peak, a summit which lies within a national park, and can be reached by the Peak Tram.  The tram climbs some 373 metres at such a steep angle, nearby buildings look as if they are leaning.  From the top, visitors can enjoy an amazing panorama across the Island and down to Victoria Bay.

Another unmissable Hong Kong tradition is crossing the harbour by Star Ferry, especially at night, when a magnificent light show is played out on more than 40 of Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers.

Those wanting to retreat from the city for a while may be surprised by the nearness of some beautiful sandy beaches; Lamma Island, for example, is just 30 minutes away by ferry and is home to several.  Meanwhile on Lantau Island, visitors can climb the 240 steps to the feet of the Big Buddha, which stands some 34 metres tall.

By contrast, Lantau Island is also home to Hong Kong Disneyland, opened in 2005, and there is also a large water park – Ocean Park – suitable for all the family.  Happy Valley racecourse on the island itself holds regular meetings and is a cultural institution in itself, whilst the night markets of Kowloon provide a fascinating evening’s entertainment.

Famous for its role in so much of Europe’s story over the last 70 years, Berlin is a must-visit for anyone interested in how modern history was shaped.

The Topography of Terrors exhibition is built on the former site of the Gestapo Headquarters and expertly tells the story of the Nazi rise to power, their propaganda methods and their dominance over Europe.

To understand life in the Socialist East Germany, visit the DDR Museum.  Here, you can learn how the Trabant car was made, how the DDR’s “Young Pioneers” were educated and watch government propaganda films.

Nearby is the Stasi Museum, a free exhibition showing how the secret police kept tabs on citizens.

The Kennedy Museum on Paris Platz, just a few hundred metres from the Brandenburg Gate, tells the story of John F Kennedy’s historic visit, as well as capturing his presidency in images.

The Berlin Wall Memorial and “Mauer Park” are located on Bernauer Strasse, the street famously divided in two on 13th August 1961 and the location of the 50th anniversary commemorations in 2011.  Learn about the fortifications known as The Death Strip and how escapees tried to outwit East German Border Guards and find freedom in the West.

The former home of great composer Johann Sebastian Bach, Leipzig is a city that is recovering its cultural splendour after 40 years of Socialism.

Its past is most visible in the architecture in the centre of the city.  Baroque charm sits side-by-side with refurbished Soviet-style tower blocks and 21st-century design.  Modern architects have taken great care to integrate the three eras well.  The Museum for Contemporary Design on Karl-Tauchnitz-Straße is one example of a 21st century building that blends delicately into its surroundings.

Runde Ecke is home to the permanent exhibition “Stasi: Power and Banality”, which details the methods used by the East German secret police to root out discontent with the Socialist regime.  The Runde Ecke was the Stasi headquarters in Leipzig and locals say the corridors still smell of the GDR.

St Nikolas Church in the centre of the city was the site for the grassroots rebellion against the Socialist state – The Peaceful Revolution – which eventually led to the GDR and the fall of the Berlin Wall.  The interior is bright and detailed and is well worth a visit.

Johannes Park is a world away from the city, with many paths, streams and large ponds leading to quiet, secluded spots where you can take a break from fast-paced modern living.

New York City is a fabulous destination for a long weekend, or for a more extensive holiday.  With shopping, entertainment, fine dining, and stunning architecture, New York City has something for everyone.

Famous Attractions

New York City offers many attractions that will appeal to the first time tourist and the seasoned traveller alike.  Potential stops include the Statue of Liberty, the top of the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Ground Zero, and Times Square.  These are just a few of the iconic landmarks in the city.

Downtown

The Borough of Manhattan is made up of several districts and neighbourhoods, and Downtown is one of the most colourful and interesting.  The Financial District, which includes Wall Street and the former site of the World Trade Center, is a bevy of activity during the work week.  TriBeCa is a trendy neighbourhood and a good place to find a meal.  SoHo, which used to be home to a thriving artist community, is still artsy even if it has become a bit touristy.  The bohemian Greenwich Village is an excellent place to find unique and diverse coffeehouses and wine bars.  The nearby East Village is gritty, ethnically diverse, and vibrant.

Museums

New York City is filled with fantastic museums.  Most are worth a visit, but travellers will likely only have time to visit a few.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of Modern Art house world-class art collections.  The Museum of Television and Radio and the American Museum of Natural History will be enjoyed by children as well as adults.

Visitors to New York City should also make certain they attend a Broadway show while they enjoy the “City That Never Sleeps.”

After organising your flights finding hotel lodgings in a large city like Toronto to fit any style and budget should not be a problem.  Depending on which area of the city you want to spend your time, Toronto offers some of the finest hotels in the country, with names known around the world.

Luxury Hotels

Toronto has its fair share of luxury hotels that offer the best in room décor and fine dining. Fairmont Royal York is located directly across the street from Union Station in the downtown core, and boasts uniformed doormen, bellhops and room service all to make any visitor’s stay there a glamorous one.  The Cosmopolitan Toronto has both residences and hotel suites offering a spa, high-speed internet access and restaurants. 

Trendy Hotels

For guests who like trendy and modern hotels, The Drake Hotel is a good choice.  Once a railway hostel, it has since gone through renovations and is now a sleek and trendy hotel.  Located on Queens St. in the heart of Toronto’s trendy and artsy neighbourhood, The Drake offers a sushi bar, yoga studio, restaurant and artist studio.  Hotel Le Germain provides luxury in a relaxing atmosphere with fireplaces, golf course, spa, library and fitness rooms.

Family and Comfort Hotels

For families and those who still wish to stay in the heart of the city, Toronto does offer cheap hotels with a mixture of deluxe and standard rooms.  Thompson Toronto offers 102 rooms including luxury class rooms on King St. West, home of the financial and entertainment districts.  The hotel offers a screening room, pool, restaurant and bar, plus WiFi Access. 

London may have some of the most famous museums in the world like the Science, Natural History and Victoria & Albert, but it also has one of the best small museums in the shape of the Geffrye Museum.  Located in Shoreditch in east London, it’s become a firm favourite with locals and visitors to the city alike.

The concept behind the Geffrye Museum is simple: show the changes in English style, taste and design from 1600 to the present day through the recreation of living rooms each depicting a particular time.  There are eleven period rooms each representing roughly 400 years on from the last, and it’s fascinating to walk through and observe both the dramatic and subtle changes.

The building itself is a series of restored 18th century almshouses with a more recent wing added on.  It was commissioned by Sir Robert Geffrye, a former Lord Mayor of London, in 1714 and now has Grade 1 listed building status.  There is also a walled herb garden and four period gardens which are open to the public during the summer months.  These alone make a visit to the Geffrye Museum worthwhile and provide a tranquil oasis from the noisy traffic of the nearby streets.

Admission is free except for special events and the museum is closed on Mondays.  It is easily accessible by public transport, including bus and tube, and is just a few minutes from the City of London.  For a snapshot of English life through the ages, the Geffrye Museum is a unique and entertaining experience.

If you are considering a holiday in North America, why not visit the two vibrant cities of Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia?

Vancouver is a cultural jewel that holidaymakers will love. Stroll through Gastown, the national historic site where the city began. Numerous shops, cafes and galleries line the cobbled streets. For a more modern take, spend some time shopping in the fashion district of Robson Street. Take a water ferry to Granville Island, where you can sample treats from a variety of food vendors and peruse local artisan’s stalls. The city has everything from street carts selling fusion takeaways to fine dining with spectacular views. The city centre offers many accommodation options, from budget motels to opulent suites with all mod cons. Getting around is easy, thanks to an efficient with local bus service and light rail transit system.

Just a 1½hour ferry ride from Vancouver is Victoria, the City of Gardens. Sitting at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this area merges North American, British and Asian influences into a vibrant setting for a holiday. Consider a walk along the Inner Harbour, which bustles with activity all day long. Tourists and locals mingle among the native artisans and buskers. Stroll north along Government Street to stock up on souvenirs, visit the second oldest Chinatown in North America or sneak down Fantang Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, once known for its opium dens. A short bus ride takes you to Butchart Gardens, a floral paradise. Victoria is well known for its holiday rental options, from bed and breakfasts to historic hotels.