Travel Guide

These include the beloved mews streets, pretty houses, and abandoned tube stations. The best views of London offer a range of perspectives on the city, and river cruises on the Thames are a great way to see London’s attractions from a different angle. From the 5 best walks to a leisurely stroll along the Thames, there’s no shortage of ways to see London through its streets.

  • It was opened in 1897 as a gathering place for artists and literary types, with the building gloriously decorated in exuberant Catalan Art Nouveau style.
  • This review has been a long time coming, but for a trip as remarkable as the one I had with Han Pham, Rough Guides, and the whole team, it deserves every bit of praise.
  • We wrote this article to take you step by step through planning your trip.
  • Robert is passionate about the environment and aims to educate as many people as possible about the advantages and importance of sustainable living.
  • Buses from Delhi leave frequently, or you could book a cab for a more private experience.
  • Predominantly mountainous and hilly, it overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic Sea.

Most trains stop at the central train station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence. Even the most venomous bites can be treated successfully if you receive immediate medical attention (call t 911 or notify park staff). If you have any questions about your trip take a look at our frequently asked questions section (FAQ) with hundreds of popular questions already answered it can help you quickly find the answers your questions. On each page you visit, you’ll also see a navigation menu above the heading of the page, which will enable you to find more pages about your topic of interest.

These central areas are within walking distance of many of Rome’s key sites, but while there’s plenty of moderately priced accommodation you’ll need to book well in advance to nab cheaper places. Feel the echoes of history as you explore this well-preserved pathway that once connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy. The wonderful Galleria Borghese was built in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and turned over to the state in 1902. Today it’s one of Rome’s great treasure houses of art and should not be missed; be sure to book in advance. In its heyday, it would have been richly decorated, the coffered ceiling heavily stuccoed and the niches filled with the statues of gods. Now, apart from its sheer size, the main points of interest are the tombs of two Italian kings and the tomb of Raphael.

Islands

It’s a must-visit for its lively Chinatown and scenic waterfront areas, offering a different vibe from Tokyo’s urban intensity. Crossing back over the river, Akihabara awaits with its unique blend of the old “electric town” vibe and the cutting-edge manga and anime culture, making it a fascinating spot for tech and pop culture enthusiasts. It’s the best way of experiencing the diversity of the Japanese capital. A great starting point for exploring Tokyo’s numerous attractions is a leisurely stroll around the Imperial Palace. This area, which is the emperor’s sacred residence, offers a direct connection to Japan’s history.

And also for practical reasons – small operators may not have capacity or availability. We strongly advise you to prebook advance skip-the-line tickets for the following attractions – the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and Doge’s Palace. Otherwise, you could spend precious vacation hours standing in lines to enter these sites. If you want to visit the islands of Sicily or Sardinia, or travel very long distances, flying makes the most sense. You should book in advance for high-speed intercity services where seats are allocated. If you purchase non-flexible tickets, you can make significant savings with advance bookings.

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Additionally, the university district of Sinchon is popular with the local lesbian community, many of whom congregate of an evening in “Triangle Park”, a patch of concrete near exit 1 of Sinchon subway station (take the first right). Seoul’s burgeoning queer nightlife scene has come on in leaps and bounds since 2000, when star actor Hong Seok-cheon came out of the closet – the first Korean celebrity to do so. He has since opened up a whole raft of gay-friendly bars and restaurants in Itaewon, which remains the best gay area for foreigners.

Tickets for hop-on hop-off & sightseeing tours

Otherwise, the best listings magazines are the weekly Guía del Ocio (guiadelociobcn.com) and Time Out Barcelona (timeout.cat), online or from any newspaper stand. Departures are every fifteen minutes (daily 10.30am–6pm, June–Sept until 8pm), though in summer and at weekends you may have to wait for a while at the top of the towers for a ride, as the cars only carry about twenty people at a time. The Barri Gòtic is bordered on its eastern side by Via Laietana, which was cut through the old town at the beginning of the twentieth century. Across it to the east stretches the quiet neighbourhood of Sant Pere, home to two remarkable buildings, the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall and the restored neighbourhood market, Mercat Santa Caterina. A good way to see the Gothic Quarter, and to learn about the stories and legends that make up the history here, is to partake in a walking tour. Typical routes walk you through August’s Temple, the Cloister Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel of Santa Agata (Place del Rei).

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All this neighbourly greeting means a fair bit of partying, and no one is expected to go to work the next day, or, indeed, the day after that. Even today, January 1 is a public holiday in the rest of the UK, but only in Scotland does the holiday extend to the next day too. For more original outlets, head for Victoria Street and the Grassmarket where you’ll find an eclectic range of antique, crafts, food and book shops.

His restorations have been the source of furious controversy among archaeologists ever since. Even so, his guess as to what the palace might have looked like is certainly as good as anyone’s, and it makes Crete’s other Minoan sites infinitely more meaningful if you have seen Knossos first. Crete has an incredibly diverse landscape, flora and fauna, and a number of environmentally aware locals have set about preserving its natural and cultural heritage. A range of retreats and lodges has sprung up across the island, offering the chance to experience sustainable, eco-friendly living and participate in everything from hiking to making the local firewater tsikoudhiá. Ties is a true world explorer – whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

Hop On – Hop Off sightseeing tour by Big Bus Berlin

The 22 regions of France are further divided into departments of France and these contain the 35,800 places in France – usually towns and villages. Coming into the city by car can be confusing and isn’t advisable unless you’re used to driving in Italy and know where you are going to park. Buses run till around midnight, when a network of night buses comes into service, accessing most parts of the city and operating until about 5.30 am. South of the centre, Testaccio is well endowed with good, inexpensive trattorias. The Testaccio Market is a major highlight but the whole neighbourhood is generally great for traditional Roman food. Embark on a scenic adventure along the historic Appian Way, one of Rome’s ancient roads.

Best time to go to Barcelona

Seoul finally ended up under South Korean control, though most of the city lay in ruins, but despite – or perhaps, because of – all these setbacks, there has been no stopping it since then. Lisbon is a year-round destination, with warm summers and mild winters. Hot summer temperatures are cooled off by the Atlantic breeze, while in winter they never reach the freezing point.

sanssouci+: Day Ticket for Palaces & Gardens

While the airport closed in 2008 and was transformed into a park, there are still a lot of plaques where you can learn about the old airport. The 951-hectare park is a favorite with Berliners, with lots of people running, working out, and cycling here. Bike, relax in one of the beer gardens, or rent a boat and paddle down the Spree River.

The 7 Best Rome Bike Tours 2025 Reviews

Read our popular Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy Travel Planning Community. Our 150,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do. If you plan to spend any time in the country, consider staying at an agriturismo or farm stay. This is accommodation offered by Italian farmers who earn additional income by providing rooms and meals.

Costa Dorada culture: from ancient sites to modernist architecture

Consider a bed and breakfast, which range from fully-serviced guest houses to small inns. Or try a caravan; this is what Europeans call camper vans, and some caravan parks rent them like cottages. Bigger trailers in caravan parks are known as “statics.” Country house hotels, which range from large comfortable houses to very grand country estates converted to luxury accommodations, are another option. Also, more and more pubs are offering boutique-style hotel rooms as an alternative style of accommodation.

Food courts 2.0

Before you can lose yourself in its winding waterways and historic charm, you’ll need to figure out the best way to get there. Whether you’re flying in from across the globe or making your way from a nearby European city, various options are available to suit every budget and travel style. Also, a must-see in these neighbourhoods are the Rialto Bridge, the lively Rialto Market and the historic church of San Giacomo di Rialto. Accommodation options, from cosy guesthouses to charming boutique hotels, provide an authentic Venetian experience. Dorsoduro is a neighbourhood worth staying in Venice for its artistic heritage and lively cultural life.

College football is a whole lot better and more exciting, with chanting crowds, cheerleaders and cheaper tickets, which can be hard to obtain in football-crazed college towns in parts of the South and Midwest. Although New Year’s Day games such as the Rose Bowl or the Orange Bowl are all but impossible to see live, big games like USC vs UCLA, Michigan vs Ohio State or Notre Dame vs anybody are not to be missed if you’re anywhere nearby. Backcountry ski lodges dot mountainous areas along both coasts and in the Rockies. They offer a range of rustic accommodation, equipment rental and lessons, from as little as $20 a day for skis, boots and poles, up to about $200 for an all-inclusive weekend tour.

  • Pick any European country, and you will have high-quality content on that destination.
  • Every meal is an adventure, a masterpiece of flavors born from centuries of tradition.
  • Here on the Messará, all within a 40km range of each other, lie the three major archeological sites of Phaestos, Ayía Triádha and Gortys.
  • Find real and unique Scottish experiences on our Scotland travel blog.
  • For sightseeing, tours, hiking, and exploring the best months to go to Greece are late March to early June, and late September to and early November.
  • And speaking of watering holes, London’s bar scene is always lively.
  • Other districts go in and out of fashion, but this area has been in vogue ever since royalty moved into Kensington Palace in the late seventeenth century.
  • A short ride from the railway stations, Colaba makes a handy base.

It’s worth noting here that overloading small passenger boats is customary in Uganda, and fatal accidents are commonplace, often linked to the violent storms that can sweep in from nowhere during the rainy season. Women generally regard sub-equatorial Africa as one of the safest places in the world to travel alone. Uganda in particular poses few if any risks specific to female travellers.

Our sections on accommodation, currency exchange, and even a list of what not to do, equip you with all the practical information you’ll ever need. Our ‘Explore’ section brings to you the glittering array of top sights, picturesque neighborhoods, and atmospheric districts. Whether it’s the iconic thermal baths that promise relaxation or the lush parks and gardens offering a slice of tranquility, we guide you through it all. And for those seeking a cultural immersion, Budapest’s churches, synagogues, museums, galleries, and landmarks are sure to mesmerize. Don’t forget to delve into our detailed segments on the city’s stunning palaces and historic buildings – a testament to Budapest’s architectural grandeur. Mai Chau, nestled in the peaceful valley of Hoa Binh Province, offers a serene escape from bustling cities.

Travel Guide

  • In all reserves, ordinary trackers are permitted to spend no longer than 1 hour with the gorillas (people who sign on for the habituation experience can stay for up to 4 hours).
  • Not far from the city, Changhua is noted principally for its Great Buddha Statue, and atmospheric Lugang is celebrated for its craftsmen and classical architecture.
  • So, you’ll want to make your way to the exit at least three stops before your destination.
  • Surfers will love the more rugged northern beaches or the windy southern tip of Spain in places like Tarifa, where surfing and kite surfing are popular.

Boats and cruises are popular for discovering the rivers, canals, and stunning landscapes of the Mekong Delta and the famous Halong Bay. Nha Trang, a coastal resort city, is famous for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant underwater world. Travelers visit Nha Trang to relax on its idyllic beaches, enjoy water sports and island-hopping tours, and experience its lively nightlife and seafood dining scene.

GO TOKYO The Official Tokyo Travel Guide

  • Known for its luxury boutiques, cutting-edge fashion, and sleek department stores, Ginza is the perfect place to experience Tokyo’s high-end shopping scene.
  • There are also a few arthouse establishments catering to foreigners.
  • The completed construction consisted of the original wall, 5m thick and 12m high, plus an outer wall of 2m by 8.5m, and a 20m-wide moat, all of which proved sufficient to repel Atilla’s assault.
  • Despite this, however, the most significant threat to life and limb in Uganda comes not from banditry or terrorism, but rather from the malaria parasite and car, boda or boat accidents.
  • Whether you want to be at the centre of the action or prefer somewhere quieter, there will be a place to stay in Rome that meets your needs.
  • Greece is located in southeastern Europe, at the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula.
  • Rio de Janeiro boasts some of the best luxury hotel accommodation in South America.

You may pay slightly more for 2 one-way tickets than a round-trip ticket, but it will be more than made up for by the savings for the extra ferry and hotel night. Public Transport vs. Rental CarMany islands offer decent bus systems, but routes can be limited. If you crave hidden beaches or remote villages, renting a car or ATV grants freedom. Just be prepared for narrow roads and occasional steep switchbacks.

You can pretty much sample any kind of cuisine in London, from Georgian to Peruvian, from Modern British to fusion – you can even get yourself some Cockney pie and mash. And it needn’t be expensive – even in the fanciest restaurants, set menus (most often served at lunch) can be a great deal, and the small “sharing plates” that are currently all the rage are a godsend if you want to cut costs. While the old-fashioned London caffs are a dying breed, the city has plenty of great little places where you can get quick, filling and inexpensive meals – especially good at lunchtime, most of them are open in the evenings too. Bear in mind also that many pubs serve food, from simple pub grub to haute cuisine.

That said, sauntering through the atmospheric alleys or simply sitting at a café table in one of the lovely squares is just as much an attraction. At the top of the Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya marks the start of the gridded nineteenth-century extension of the city, known as the Eixample, a symbol of the thrusting expansionism of Barcelona’s early industrial age. This is where some of Europe’s most extraordinary architecture – including Gaudí’s Sagrada Família – is located. September 11th sees Diada Nacional de Catalunya, or Catalonia Day.

There are various options available, including day buses and sleeper buses, with different classes such as smaller limousine buses, VIP sleeper buses, normal sleeper buses, and mini vans. Opting for the luxury options may provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience without a significant increase in cost. In Vietnam, there is no tipping culture, and service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it’s appreciated to give small tips for exceptional service.

What is Rio famous for?

Travel Guide

They are also always improving it and are very responsive to questions and suggestions. • Mauritius has the third highest number of extinct species of any country in the world. Less than 20 percent of the island’s forest remains, with only 3.3 percent (6574 hectares) under conservation. Every aspect of national life is centralised in the city, but the mayor of Bangkok is not granted enough power to deal with the ensuing problems, notably that of traffic. Drinks can also be spiked in bars and clubs; at full moon parties on Ko Pha Ngan this has led to sexual assaults against farang women, while prostitutes sometimes spike drinks so they can steal from their victim’s room. Thai massage sessions and courses are held most famously at Wat Pho, while luxurious and indulgent spa and massage treatments are available at many posh hotels across the city, as well as at the following stand-alone places.

They are very accessible and the information and maps are provided in English so it’s easy to navigate. For a sweeping view https://softfootprints.com/ of Lisbon’s skyline, ride the Elevador de Santa Justa. It’s a century-old elevator located in the city that connects to a 45-meter-tall viewing platform.

In principle, a national park preserves an area of outstanding natural beauty, encompassing a wide range of terrain and prime examples of particular landforms and wildlife. Thus Yellowstone has boiling geysers and herds of elk and bison, while Yosemite offers towering granite walls and cascading waterfalls. A national monument is usually much smaller, focusing perhaps on just one archeological site or geological phenomenon, such as Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. Altogether, the national park system comprises around four hundred units, including national seashores, lakeshores, battlefields and other historic sites. The National Park Service administers both national parks and national monuments. Its rangers do a superb job of providing information and advice to visitors, maintaining trails and organizing such activities as free guided hikes and campfire talks.