Top 5 Must Visit Places in Venice

Venice, A city with no roads but canals is worth exploring. Though small, the city has much to offer than what you expect. A trip to Venice is time well spent.

1) Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Is the most visited museum in Italy. Founded in 1951, the modern art museum is a continuation of Peggy Guggenheim’s work. The American heiress was said to have lived there for almost three decades. Up until then, her work was privately exhibited in the museum. The same was passed on to Solomon Guggenheim who displayed these collection to the public. This artworks include: sculptures and modern artwork that embraces surrealism, cubism and abstract expressionism. Located between Santa Maria Della Salute and the Gallerie dell’ Accademia, the site is a tourist attraction for both local and international audience.

A lot has changed since Peggy’s death. All rooms on the main floor were converted into galleries in 1985 by his brother Solomon. The basement rooms were transformed into support sections for the museum. You can visit Peggy Guggenheim collection on weekdays from 7.00AM-8.00AM. On weekends the center is open from 10AM-7.45PM. The location is perfect for relaxing. You can sit outside on the water and soak up for a while, watching people and the traffic. Peggy’s family history is interesting, especially how her parents died on the Titanic. Most important is that she was buried in the garden with most her dogs.

2) Grand Canal

This is a major waterway passage in Venice, Italy. You can find your way through the Grand canal by boarding a water bus, private water taxi or a gondola. A gondola is an ancient rowing boat perfect for navigating the Grand canal. The fact that Venice has preserved her waterways for a long time tells you how the local citizens love nature. They are warm and welcoming to visitors regardless of your origin. You can enjoy viewing the luxurious buildings created by prominent artists in the 18th and 19th century.

The Grand canal has been divided into four parts. This includes the; Rialto bridge, Scalzi bridge, the Wooden bridge and Accademia bridge. Water buses are often used to transport goods on the Grand Canal. Gondolas are also used to ferry people and at times provide emergency medical services. Book your tickets online to enjoy a quiet and peaceful trip on Canalazzo.

3) Rialto Bridge

This is one of the bridges constructed under the Grand Canal name. Rialto Bridge divides San Marco and San Polo. This bridge was constructed by one celebrated artist, Antonio da Ponte following an architectural design competition in Venice. It is termed as the oldest bridge in the city having been built in the 16th century. The first bridge built in Venice collapsed occasionally. This also prompted Ponte to build Rialto. It has a single stone arch that supports a rectangular deck. You can view some of the city’s buildings well from a gondola on the Rialto Bridge.

Family members who are backpacking at Venice can enjoy a canal cruise through Rialto bridge. In fact, you can order dinner and cocktail services during the trip. The small city is ideal for honeymoon purposes. Most of the folks here mind their own business on a day to day basis. Most of the raw materials were sourced from Florence and Germany that maintain good diplomatic relationships with Italy. Visitors can also use Rialto bridge to cross from San Marco to San Polo. The bridge offers you a good spot to take photos as well.

4) Saint Mark’s Basilica

A trip to Venice cannot be completed without visiting the Saint Mark’s Basilica. The church is located in Piazza San Marco near Doge’s Palace. Saint Mark’s Basilica has been nicknamed as the Chiesa d’Oro meaning the Church of gold due to its luxurious designs of gold and mosaics. It is thought that the church was a symbol of power and wealth. Mark’s Basilica has an attractive exterior that has been divided into three levels; the lower, upper and domes. The balcony has a symbol of replica horses.

Initially, these horses were taken to France during the Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule. They were later on returned in 1815 and kept in St. Mark’s Basilica museum. The horses that are seen on the balcony are replicas made from bronze. The interior part of the church is appealing and worth visiting. The floor is made of marble with animal and geometric designs. Most of the walls are covered in marble layouts. The upper part of the interior is covered in gold patterns and mosaics hence the name ‘Church of Gold’. Saint Mark is a good place to meditate and seek spiritual fulfillment. It is also a great place to learn of Saint Mark’s story.

5) Teatro La Fenice

This is the largest opera house in Venice. Teatro La Fenice or The Phoenix, is a renowned house of open film in the 19th century. Major works of prominent composers such as Danizetti, Bellini, Verdi and Rossini were performed here. The house has had a bad reputation of arson cases over the years. However, the same has been put to rest when the most recent theater was constructed in 2004. Book tickets before you go. The opera house is gorgeous and the prices for the tickets is fairly reasonable. You can always grab a snack before visiting Teatro La Fenice to last you the entire play.

Madrid: Things to do, Hotels, Food and Culture, art, Transport and Safety

The capital city of Spain, Madrid is renowned for its exclusive museums, food, arts, parks and stylish boulevards. Discover Madrid, the city of beautiful gardens, parks and sky.

⦁ Treasure hunting in El Pastro

Madrid is quite busy on weekends, Sundays particularly. Ribera de Curtidores is the place to be. This open air market is flooded with tourists and local citizens during the weekend. You can find absolutely everything from jewellery to vintage clothes depending on the item you are looking for. Being the oldest market in town, the place is filled to brim. It is advisable to get there in the morning to avoid congestion and noise from traders who are trying to woo their customers. The antique shops are located down the street. You can find everything in antique just name it.

⦁ Visiting the Gran Via

The Gran Via is a street located in central Madrid. The street is very active during day and night times hence the name ‘the street that never sleeps’. In Europe, Gran Via is respected for its large movie theaters’, shopping centers and restaurants. The one kilometer street has many tourist attractions situated nearby. An example is the Grassy Jewelry shop founded in 1952. Started by Alexandre Grassy, this beautiful shop deals in diverse jewellery items such as brand new Swiss watches. Grab a drink at the famous Museo Chicote bar. The name sounds like a museum but this is not the case. The Gran Via ends when you come into contact with the Miguel de Cervantes monument.

⦁ Drinking beer

Just like Germany, beer drinking is a growing trend in the Madrid. Naturbier is the best place in Madrid that offers locally brewed beer. This bar has been divided into three parts; a room with music, the terrace where you can enjoy beer while staring at people and the dungeon where each table has a tap of its own. You can drink beer the German style at Natubier. The place is open from Monday to Thursday from 10.00 AM to midnight. Other places that offer excellent beers include; El Pedal and Fabrica Maravillas. It is hard to get through the streets of Calle Verde and Argumosa during the weekends.

⦁ Enjoy taking photos with ‘El Oso y el Madrono’

For every photo lover, a photo with the ‘El Oso y el Madrono’ statue is a must do thing. ‘El Oso y el Madrono is the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree. Located between Calle de Alcala and St. Jeronimo, the symbol is a representation of the coat of arms of Madrid. Also, the bear is supporting a tree and reaching for a fruit as well. There are many visitors longing to take a picture with this adorable statue, you should be patient until it’s your turn to interact with ‘El Oso y el Madrono’. A smartphone comes in handy.

⦁ Visit the city’s parks

Madrid has a beautiful and large city park; The Casa de Campo. Families and friends gather in Casa de Campo during weekends and holidays. The park has a zoo, the Madrid zoo where visitors can tour and view different animals. Watching the dolphins in the Zoo aquarium is a classical example of how the zoo protects wildlife. The park hosts sports activities and school competitions. ‘El Retiro’ is another small city park to visit while in Madrid. Madrid’s city parks are cool and exciting to walk in.

Top 3 Hotels in Madrid

⦁ Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila

This is a five star hotel known for its excellent and superb services. Some of the best services the hotel has includes; free parking, free internet and dining. Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila maintains its evergreen appearance throughout the year thanks to the Mandarin trees that thrive until late autumn. The rooms are spacious, beautifully furnished and overlook the garden. The staff is incredible; very warm and welcoming to visitors.

⦁ Hotel Ritz

Found in the heart of Madrid is a luxurious hotel, Hotel Ritz. It offers a central meeting point for meetings, families and high-end business people. The hotel offers flexible rates when it comes to booking suites. The suites have handmade carpets, furnished furniture and embroidered linens that make you feel at home. Hotel Ritz also accepts younger fans such as kids. The hotel has the Ritz fitness center where you can exercise and keep fit.

⦁ Gran Melia Fenix

The hotel offers you the best coffee and snack bar services in Madrid. You can always unwind and drink at Gran Melia Fenix Lounge and enjoy some soul music as well. The hotel is better equipped with internet connection available to public areas close by. Dining at Gran Melia Fenix is an awesome and thrilling experience. Have fun to the fullest but remember smoking at the hotel is prohibited.

Best foods in Madrid

Picho de Tortilla is a must try food in Madrid.

This is a special Spanish cuisine prepared from piles of eggs and potato. It is often taken with bread. Also, try Oreja a la Plancha and Callos a la Madrilena. They are awesome.

Visiting Istanbul’s Famous Structural Designs

A warm, welcoming city full of energy and humor is where you need to be. Istanbul has plenty to offer. The streets are filled with life while the restaurants and bars are quite rejuvenating.

1.Isbank Tower 1

Established on August 2000, Isbank Tower stands as the fourth tallest skyscraper in Levent, Istanbul. The building has fifty two floors that can be toured easily by means of a lift. It has a magnificent outward appearance that is attractive especially during dusk. Isbank Tower 1 is a focal point in Istanbul connecting several people with Levent. There are plenty of things you can do within this small town. For instance, you can visit exciting tourist attractions such as the Isbank Museum.

Situated in Fatih town, the museum is focused on banking and finance issues only. The Isbank museum was started in 2007 and has been teaching tourists about banking. Within the building, there is sufficient display of documents, photographs and artifacts that provide background information on the Turkish system of banking. The color and design of Isbank museum is unbelievable. There are no entrance fees at the museum. There is a checkpoint at the gate hence providing top notch security. The best part of this destination is the corridor that has strobe lights likened to those of a marine sonar. Also, you are allowed to touch almost everything in the museum’s old depository.

2.The Diamond of Istanbul

The Diamond of Istanbul will be the tallest building in Istanbul, Turkey after its construction. This building will be the first steel skyscraper in the country. The structure has fifty three floors and three towers that will serve different purposes. The first wing is set to have rental apartments, the second one will house offices while the tallest tower will be a home to luxurious hotels and restaurants. These features point to the fact that the Diamond of Istanbul will be slightly taller than the Istanbul Sapphire skyscraper in Levent. We look forward to this development.

3.Istanbul Sapphire

Istanbul Sapphire is the tallest building in Istanbul. This is a shopping and luxury location where you can grab almost everything you need in a single day. This structure has been built in a special way with two glass shells that balance the movement of air in and out of Sapphire daily hence the term, Turkey’s first ecological building. When staying here, you are safe from the negative impacts of weather and the bustle hustle of the city.

4.Beylerbeyi Palace

Located in Uskudar lies a beautiful and attractive ancient architectural design; Beylerbeyi palace. This destination has an interesting history. Founded in 1860 by Sultan Abdulaziz, the place was built as a summer guest house for heads of states. During one of the trips, the Empress of France was slapped by the Sultan’s mother for trying to enter the palace in Abdulaziz arm. This in fact prompted her to request for a copy of the palace on her guest room window. The reception is the best part of Beylerbeyi palace. Here, you can see a gorgeous pool and fountain that is effective in cooling the heat and also responsible for the pleasant sound produced.

The summer palace overlooks the Asian shore. You can catch a glimpse of the beautiful blue waters all the time. The pleasant gardens are quiet and peaceful. You can relax, meditate and even enjoy reading a book if you have one. Most visitors flock the palace throughout the year. The weather is perfect no wonder the name, summer residence. There is less to worry about when it comes to food and culture. Turkish people are very respectful and thoughtful of what they do or say. The ‘palace of the Lords of Lords’ as it popularly known is an experience worth a lifetime.

5. Adile Sultan Palace

Opened since 1861, the Adile Sultan palace was home to Ottoman princess, Adile Sultan. The structure has been converted into a cultural center where visitors can tour and learn new things about Adile. The princess who lived here until her husband’s death decided to donate the building as a high school after her death. Adile Sultan is erected on a hill and has about fifty five rooms that face the Asian shore. You will be taken through a beautiful tour of some of the works done by Adile and the luxurious rooms where she spent most of her time.

This is the best place to enjoy vacations whether single, married or divorced. There are many gardens with plenty of parking lots where you can try out different things. The large garden is perfect for dinner and watching old Turkish comedy series movies any time any day. The food is traditionally prepared while the prices are fairly reasonable. There is no excuse for failing to visit the Adile Sultan Palace.

5.Hagia Sophia

The building has undergone tremendous change. From a Greek Orthodox church to an Ottoman Mosque and finally a museum, Hagia Sophia is a must visit. The structure has two levels, the gallery and ground floor. Initially, the decorations used in Hagia Sophia were pretty much simple with signs of the cross. This however changed when artistic mosaics were introduced. The introduction of the Ottoman empire did away with the artistic mosaics by hiding them under yellow paint except for the ‘Virgin Mary holding a child’ drawing. The conversion of the Ottoman mosque into a present-day museum is an ongoing process. This site has a lot to offer to visitors about the ancient and modern times on Turkish history.

Top 10 Things to do in Amsterdam

There are so many things to do in Amsterdam perfect for any weather and timing. Amsterdam is the world’s unique travel destination. Get started by obtaining a visitor pass. This will see you through many museums, hotels and free public transport during your stay in the city. Some of the things to explore in Amsterdam include:

1. Enjoying a canal cruise

The best way to explore Amsterdam is by boat. The city has many authentic canal cruise companies that will make your tour worth a lifetime. Some companies offer special services such as dinner and cocktail events on board. You can opt for the open boat canal cruise, luxury cruise, small boat cruise and the Amsterdam Canal cruise among other services provided by these institutions. A canal cruise reveals how beautiful Amsterdam is during the day and night when the bridges are fully lit by fairy lights. Get started by booking a ticket on a gateway canal cruise today.

2. Beer tasting

Visit Amsterdam to experience an unforgettable experience of Amsterdam’s locally brewed beer. Amsterdam has eight windmills left. The Molen van Stolen established in 1847 is the only windmill that is open to the public. You can visit this location throughout the year except on Christmas, 1st January and 27th April. You can also learn one or two things about the conversion of mill cap to the wind. The De Gooyer mill offers the best beers in the Netherlands. You can visit the place to sample locally prepared beers brewed in Brouwerij ‘t IJ. The tour takes approximately half an hour.

3. Visiting the market

Amsterdam has quite a number of markets where you can stroll and buy some basic commodities. The Floating Flower market is the most famous market in the city. It is open every day of the week. Visit the market to purchase fresh tulip bulbs and flowers. Your family will be excited about this sweet gesture. The Bazaar is also a popular market in Amsterdam. Here, you can find almost everything you need. No wonder the name, Black Market, The Bazaar. If you are a fan of vintage clothes and antique designs, the Waterlooplein market is for you. Feel free to visit Waterloo every day of the week except on Sundays.

4. Visiting the ‘Johan Cruijf ArenA’

The Johan Cruijf ArenA, formally known simply as ‘Amsterdam ArenA’, is the home of the world-renowned football club AFC Ajax. With a capacity of more than 50.000, visiting a home match of the Dutch football club is likely to be an exciting experience. Besides the bi-weekly football matches, you can enjoy concerts of the best artists in the world – thanks to the sliding roof which keeps concertgoers dry at all time. And how knows, we might see the next Eurovision Song Contest being held in the Johan Cruijf Arena as well?

5. Taking a walk in Amsterdam parks

Amsterdam has several quiet and peaceful parks endowed with clean and fresh air. This is an ideal place to practise, walk or jog at any given time. You can also enjoy reading your favorite novel while exploring the beautiful scenery the city has to offer. Vondelpark is one Central park in the municipality. Surrounded by lovely trees, this path is ideal for jogging, relaxing and lone time. The 47-acre park is more active during Summer when large concerts are held outdoors. The Amsterdam Noord and Westerpark paths are also ideal for leisure activities.

6. Enjoying a drink at De Hallen

De Hallen once a tram depot is now a centre for fashion, culture, food, and media. This is one of the best places to hang out for food and drinks in Amsterdam West. At De Hallen, you will be greeted to high-quality street food from some of the most respected chefs in Amsterdam in Foodhallen. This food hall has a special Swiss grill restaurant and plenty of bars where you can drink yourself to sleep. Braisserie halte 3 is also a perfect restaurant located near Foodhallen. They offer everything from breakfast to dinner. Foodhallen is a must visit for those who love new food experiences.

7. Visiting the Condomerie

The Condomerie is the first condom shop in the world. This shop was started in 1987 in Amsterdam to curb myths and misconceptions surrounding sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS. The Condomerie has perfect condoms for every occasion in different shapes such as frogs and chickens. Situated on Warmoesstraat street, the Condomerie is a lovely shop that advocates for safe sex.

8. Sightseeing the EYE film Museum

This Dutch museum hosts a huge collection of more than 20,000 books, posters, film titles, and photographs. You can enjoy watching films and viewing pods at the basement. This room has been furnished with tiny sofas and ultramodern cabins for visitors. The building has an up-to-date look with sharp angles and a sparkling white exterior. The EYE film museum has a classic bar and restaurant where you can enjoy viewing IJ sea front overlooking the Central station.

9. Enjoy catching a ferry to North Amsterdam

Amsterdam provides excellent ferry services. Most of these ferries are located behind Amsterdam Central Station. You can easily identify them due to their white and blue colors. The Amsterdam Central Station- Buiksloterweg is the most popular route convenient for eye-catching attractions such as the EYE film museum. These ferries need no ticket and operate throughout the night here. It is a shame to leave Amsterdam without riding a ferry. Feel free to use these ferry services. Cargo is always allowed. There are no limits.

10. Exploring Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House is famous because of World War II. During this time, a diarist, Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazi authorities for two years for fear of persecution in Germany. The front part of the house is now a museum where tourists enjoy learning a few things about Anne Frank. The back of the house, however, is conserved to give visitors a clue about the impending danger that Anne Frank’s family faced. This site is suitable for children aged ten years and above. Book your tickets early to avoid waiting in the lengthy exhausting queues.

Ways to Find Your Way in Florence Quickly

The small city based in Tuscany has a beautiful scenery that attracts million of visitors annually. There are many ways to find your way to Florence. You can use a bus, flights, Taxis, foot and even rent a car to get through Florence. Florence is a small city hence walking by foot would be the best way to explore this site. It is important to make your trip as comfortable as possible. Therefore, we get you through some of the best ways to navigate Florence easily.

1.By Foot

Florence is a small city. The best way to tour this city is by foot. Before you jump on a flight to Italy, make sure you pack decent shoes to last you an entire trip. Most of the tourist attractions are closely located. Train stations are usually packed during this period. Being a small city, Florence is flooded with visitors all through. As a result, this leads to congestion which in turn increases crime in the town. Always opt for underground walkways that are safe and less congested. The maximum time you will take to tour the city by foot is an hour. During this time, you will enjoy sightseeing major tourist attractions like: Santa Croce, Oltranro, San Miniato and Duomo. The shops are also closely packed hence you can grab a Pizza or a snack during the trip.

2. Sightseeing by Bus

Florence relies widely on public transportation. Sightseeing by bus is not a new thing in the municipality. City buses are available in white and purple colors with the newest being blue. It is prudent to buy tickets beforehand to avoid missing out on this luxurious tour. You can find these tickets on any shop with a ‘ATAF’ sticker and Santa Maria Novella train station. They are quite cheap with a single ticket going for 2 Pounds. These buses have three entry points: the front, back and middle doors. The front and back doors are used for boarding the bus while the middle one is for lighting purposes. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes. You may switch buses if you feel the need to using the same ticket.

3.Moving by Taxi
Getting around in Florence by taxi is very easy. Taxis cannot be flagged down the street in Tuscany, Italy. Therefore, you can find a taxi in special taxi parking stands or at the airport where you can order one by phone. These taxis operate on a 24/7 basis on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. The price of a taxi varies depending on your destination. The prices are relatively cheap with the cheapest one being 4pounds only. Be specific to the destination you would like your driver to take. Also, a small tip will be appreciated.

4.Renting a car

This might not be the best option. You require a special Limited Traffic Access Zone(ZTL) to drive a car in Florence. In this case, you may lack one hence it is advisable to find your way through the city with the most convenient methods such as buses and walking by foot.

5.Using a bike

If you are touring Florence alone, biking in Florence is for you. Seeing Florence on a bike is quite an adventure. Check the map you intend to use before getting on a bike. There are no bike paths in Florence therefore you may need to exercise care when moving around to avoid minor accidents. You can also rent a bike at Pizza Cestello, Pizza Veneto, Rifredi and the Central railway station just to name a few.

Things to do in Florence

1. Take a picnic at Giardino delle Rose.

Located between Michelangelo and San Niccolo, Giardino delle Rose offers an attractive and breathtaking environment for visitors after a long day of travelling. This garden has plenty of roses and drawings which will help you unwind. The best time to visit is in early Summer and late Spring. The weather is perfect.

2.Visit the Holy Gates cemetery.

The Holy Gates cemetery is the largest graveyard in Florence. It occupies about the whole of San Miniato al Monte. With popular names buried here, this site is worth seeing.

3. Visit Villa Bardini

If you are a fan of heights, this is the place to be. This is the ideal place to relax after a day walking in Florence. Villa Bardini is surrounded by gardens and forests that offer peace and quiet. You can view the tower of Pizza Vecchio from the Belvedere Terrace.

Florence is a small city that has much to offer. You cannot confirm this unless you book a trip to Florence. Will you?

Discovering Paris’ ancient Cuisine, culture and architecture

Paris is the leading travel destination in Europe. This city is well-known for its exquisite French cuisines, culture and extraordinary architectural designs. We take a look at some of the top five French foods that make Paris worth visiting.

1.Beef bourguignon.

This is a French dish that has grabbed international attention. Prepared from beef braised in red wine and beef soup obtained from onions, mushrooms and garlic, Beef bourguignon is a tasty meal worth your time and money. Nowadays it is easy to prepare this food from the comfort of your home. Obviously, this is after you have had a taste at Chez Rene restaurant in Paris. The hotel serves bourguignon with potatoes that have been organised perfectly to bring out an appealing look. The restaurant is usually flooded with tourists year after year. Make a reservation today to avoid the last minute rush.

2.Confit de canard is another superb French dish to try out in Paris.

This mouth-watering dish is prepared from duck meat. In fact all parts of the duck play a vital role in producing the end product; Duck Confit. The preparation method is fast and pretty much easy. With few ingredients like garlic, salt and herbs, you can make Confit de canard in minutes. This meal is accompanied with red cabbage, roasted potatoes fried in duck fat or red wine. If you like duck then Le Petit is the place to go. This restaurant is open on a 24/7 basis. Normally, it is not too busy hence you can visit any time you wish. The staff is super excellent and inviting. Their produce is always fresh as it is obtained from their farm.

3.The best salad: Nicoise Salad is found in Paris, France.

This salad comprises of tomatoes, red peppers, boiled eggs, tuna, shallots, raw vegetables, green beans and Nicoise olives. Vinaigrette is used to dress the salad hence its luscious taste. The word salad is said to have originated from the French phrase ‘salade’. This goes without saying that Paris, France offers the best salads in the world. You can enjoy salad Nicoise at dinner after a long day of touring France’ beautiful structural designs.

4.Soup a l’oignon popularly known as French soup is a must have dish while in Paris.

The French soup dates back to the Roman Times. It is prepared from beef soup and caramelized onions. The soup is finalized by putting a large piece of bread or cheese on top. This gives it an attractive appearance and a splendid aroma. You can make your own French soup by getting a French recipe online.

5. Paris is rich in Red and White wines.

Getting the best wine can be tricky. This may not be the case in Paris. France has been known to be the largest producer of wine for a long time now. Paris to be specific has abundant wine regions such as Burgundy and Loire Valley. You can get some of the cheapest wines in the city for less than $20. For instance, the Domainede Paris cotes de Provence Rose that goes for $15.99 only. Some little wine is good for the stomach.

France offers a beautiful scenery of historical sites and architectural designs. Some of the finest architectural pieces include: Eiffel Tower, Sainte Chapelle and The Louvre.

6. The Louvre.

Located in Louvre Palace, the Louvre is the largest museum in Paris, France. A million of visitors tour this historic monument annually. It hosts royal paintings and drawings from various parts of the world such as Greece and Egypt. You can gain free entry into the museum all days except on Tuesday. This initiative was put in place following the terrorist act that occurred on 13th November 2015. The Mona Lisa painting and Michelangelo’s Dying slave drawing are a must see in the Louvre.

7. The Eiffel Tower is the best place to be in Paris.

The iron tower which is 324 meters tall stands out as the tallest building in France. It is situated on Champ de Mars close to Ecole Militaire to the Southeast. You can enjoy the diverse French cuisines offered in the first and second floors of the building. Citizens from the European union can also enjoy viewing Paris and its surroundings from the third level. You can opt to use stairs or a lift to find your way to the top of the structure. The experience is worth a try.

8. Sainte Chapelle

The Holy Chapelle or Sainte Chapelle as its popularly known is located in the heart of Paris. The structure of Sainte Chapelle follows the Gothic structural design. The church has the finest stained glass windows in the world. This is one feature that attracts visitors here. The center is open from 9.30AM-6PM on Wednesdays. You can book tickets online to avoid missing out on Sainte Chapelle tours. This is definitely a spiritual healing spot for everyone.

9. Dressing in France

Paris is the leading fashion hub in the entire world. For instance, designer Culottes originated from France. Culottes originated from the French word ‘Culot’. These undergarments were worn by both female and male persons in France. Although these clothes were worn by men to signify the rejection of the patrician rule, the culture of wearing culottes has since spread across the world at present.

Top 10 things/sites to explore while in Berlin

Located on the banks of River Havel and Spree lies a beautiful city, Berlin. This town is endowed with a moderate and pleasant climate no wonder it has plenty of parks and forests.

1. The Berlin Wall.

This site has an interesting backdrop. It was erected in 1961 to prevent gigantic movement of people into West Germany. In 1989, the wall was destroyed allowing citizens of East Germany entrance into West Germany. This was marked with joy and celebrations across Germany. However, prior to this many people had lost their lives. The Berlin wall is therefore a symbol of the effects of Cold War envisioned in East Germany. At the moment, tourists enjoy free movement and unlimited access to the Berlin Wall facilities. The government of Germany has also marked this day as a national holiday that is celebrated annually. Grab a 1 or 2- Day ticket to Berlin today for $21 only.

2.The Brandenburg Gate is a must visit place in Germany located between Mitte and Pariser Platz.

This beautiful site was established in the 18th Century as an entrance point into Berlin. The gate has a statue on top dabbed ‘Quadriga’. Initially the gate had this sculpture Quadriga; a statue of a goddess driving a chariot pulled by four horses. It was seized by Napoleon Bonaparte but later on claimed by Prussian soldiers who reinstated the ‘Quadriga’ symbol in 1990. Brandenburg Gate stands as a sign of victory from Bonaparte’s rule with tourists flooding the site annually. The Berlin Hip-on-Hop off Bus tour will take through the city easily. You can however walk your way to Brandenburg and take photos if you like.

3.The Reichstag building is quite an outstanding site located near The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Started in 1894, the building served as parliament where German rulers adjudicated national matters. Reichstag was doing well until 1933 when it was severely destroyed by a fire. In 1990-1999, this building was renovated by architect Norman Foster regaining its initial appearance. The house has an attractive look with a glass shaped Dome on the top. At the moment, Reichstag is the modern Parliament (Bundestag) where officials meet to legislate national affairs. This site is open to tourists and families throughout the year. You can walk onto the roof and have a better view of the Reichstag and its environs.

The center is open from 8AM-12AM during the weekends but runs throughout the week. Start booking online from 12 pounds alone.

4. The Berlin Cathedral is a gorgeous structural design to visit in Berlin.

Located on Museum Island in the Mitte municipality, the site offers a beautiful view of Mitte’s surrounding. This antique structure was made by Kaiserzeit, a renowned architecture in Germany. This church is ranked as the largest parish in Berlin that accommodates majority of protestant worshippers. It is also a tourist attraction with millions of visitors touring the site yearly. The Berlin Cathedral serves many functions such as concerts and tours among others. Feel free to visit the spot.

5.Fernsehturm or The Berlin Television Tower.

This structural design stands out as the tallest building in Berlin at 368 meters. Fernsehturm was constructed in the 1960s majorly to capture the beautiful appearance of Berlin. It is located in Mitte close to Alexanderplatz. The building has been said to have a unique sign of the cross when the sun shines on it. Hence the name, ‘ Rache des Papstes’- the Pope’s Revenge. Regardless of this, the site hosts millions of visitors annually. You can also enjoy a beautiful 360 degrees view of the city. After a long day of touring Berlin, you deserve a first-class meal. Dining in the Berlin Television Tower is worth your time and money.

Things to try out in Berlin

The Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a mouth-watering dish you cannot avoid while in Berlin. It is made from thin veal slices that are pounded lightly in breadcrumbs, whipped eggs and eventually rolled in flour. This dish is prepared by qualified chefs right before you. It is served with capers, cucumber slices and lemon to provide an appealing appearance and fresh taste. The best Wiener Schnitzel is located at KaDeWe.

You can also enjoy street foods such as Naan pizzas which are cooked in a unique Taandori oven.

Naan Pizzas

This food is usually accompanied with fresh ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes and avocado. Naan pizzas are pretty much cheap. They cost about 4 Euros only. It even gets better when you drink an Apple Grass juice after the meal. Enjoy the best Naan pizza at W Der Imbiss, Kastanienallee street in Berlin.

Berlin experiences summer, autumn, spring and winter yearly. The best season to visit the city is in Spring usually in May. During this time, the city has reawakened from winter. As a result, many folks such as street vendors have resumed their duties while others enjoy the Easter festivals. You can also visit the Museum Island during winter. During this time, there are less visitors hence no congestion. Make sure you get warm clothes and shoes to last you the entire trip.

The 4 Most Beautiful Beaches In The World

Going to a beach is a favorite vacation itinerary of billions of people all around the globe. It is not surprising at all because there are a lot of heavenly beaches that you can go to wherever you are in the world. Check out the most beautiful beaches in the world today. Check the view and make it your next summer stop.

1. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

It is the place where you can find more than fifty white sand beaches, and you can choose the first beach you want to dip your body in. You would also be able to see stunning lime stones partnered with clear blue water. For two consecutive years, El Nido has made its way to the number one spot.

2. Honokalani Beach, Wai’anapanapa State Park, Maui, Hawaii, USA

It is famous for its jet black shore that is made up of small lava pebbles from volcanic eruptions. It is a haven for photographers who want the perfect picture of the wild. You will be able to enjoy the view of the blue water while you are surrounded by the greenery of the forest.

3. Pansy Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

It is a very famous spot for different divers in the world. There are six islands in total, but only four are inhabited. It is perfect if you are looking for a peaceful ambiance. The place is better known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

4. Anse Lazio, Praslin, Seychelles

We are aware that Seychelles is a beautiful place to take your time off, but you have to wait until you see the clear blue water of Anse Lazio. You might want to stay in the paradise for good. It will give you a panoramic view most especially if you witness the sunset on this beach.

Now that you know about the four most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s time for you to start planning. You better get in shape as well as these beaches would want you to flaunt what you’ve got.

The 3 Must Visit Destinations In Europe

For people who love to go on a vacation, Europe is always on top of the list that everyone wants to visit. Why not? It is a beautiful continent where there are a lot of places that can take your breath away. If you are thinking to spend your next time off in Europe, here are the must visit destinations that should be on your list.

1. Rome, Italy

It is a magical city that is backed up by a great myth of its origin. It is a rich country, most especially when it comes to history. There are also a lot of places that you should not miss when in Rome. You should see Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Basilica di San Pietro and a lot more.

2. Paris, France

It is a beautiful place not just for lovers but for everyone. It is known as the city of lights, and it is one place that someone will not be able to forget once you step in this magical place of love. You must visit Centre Pompidou, Versailles Palace, Eiffel Tower, Musee du Louvre and so much more.

3. London, United Kingdom

It is a town where you can find all the things you want in life. It is one place whereas people would love to visit and stay for good. All the contemporary things can be found in this city. You can feel the high respect of the people from Shakespeare up to the finest royalty. If you step foot in the city, you must never leave without seeing the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern and the British Museum.

Those are the top three must-visit destinations in Europe that should be on top of your bucket list. The three cities will no doubt make you fall in love with the place.

4 Reasons Why A Cruise Is The Best Way To Spend Your Vacation

We all have our dream vacation. Most of us usually travel by land and by plane. Guess what? There is a better way to enjoy your vacation in the best possible way. How should you do it? It is by spending your vacation on a cruise.

Here’s why a cruise is the best way to spend your vacation.

1. Make the most out of your money

Unlike any other vacations that you have to pay for all the things separately like airfare, hotels and the whole set of activities, everything is all set if you will choose to go on a cruise. The money you will pay is already inclusive of all amenities. There are cruise deals that will even include the airfare before you get on board.

2. Relax after you are done booking your cruise

It is one of the perks of getting yourself on a cruise. Once you are done in choosing which cruise to join and the cabin you want to take, everything is already set for you. The only thing that you will have to think about is how to get yourself on the cruise ship when the time comes.

3. No need to worry unpacking multiple times

If you get on board a cruise ship, you will only unpack once then you will just think of what clothes to wear every day. You won’t have to suffer from packing and unpacking your things over and over again because you will only stay in the cabin you chose.

4. See more places in one trip

More often than not, when people go on a vacation they just settle for visiting one place at a time. It is not the case if you go on a cruise. You get to reach multiple destinations in one go. It is always better to see more most especially you only get a couple of days off in your hectic schedule for the whole year.

Next time you plan a vacation, put a cruise on your number one list so you can treat yourself for a better vacation experience.