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Don’t Forget About All The Freebies In Vegas |
Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a huge fan of freebies and living frugally. What self respecting Vegas visitor would ever pay full price if they didn’t have to or leave this great city of chance without getting something for nothing. One of the best services I can provide my fellow man is the ability to share these fabulous free finds with anyone that is interested in what I have to offer.
This is better than a ‘tell all’ book on who did it and why isn’t it? The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a delight to the eyes of the beholder. It is a true delight to all the senses to see the sights and inhale the fragrance of these gardens that display seasonal highlights in plants, flowers, and produce. Each season offers new delights to the senses and there is no admission fee to view these beautiful floral arrangements. This is a great place for a photo op to help you remember your time in Las Vegas.
Have you ever seen water dance? If not, then while you’re visiting the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio, you’ll want to stick around long enough to witness the fountains of Bellagio. These shows consist of more than 1000 fountains that are literally dancing in choreographed unison with light to the music (you may be surprised or quite possibly impressed by the extent and variety of the music play list for this particular show). This is also free to witness and occurs every half hour or so after 3:00 PM throughout the week and after noon on the weekends.
If you’re looking for more great fun that is free for the entire family to enjoy, head on over to Circus Circus for Circus Acts-this show is free to watch and provides the audience with the thrills and chills of the big top day after day. You can watch different acts as they perform throughout the day at the half hour mark between the hours of 11 AM and Midnight.
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall offers a stunning display of water and laser lights daily at 2:00, 6:00, 8:00, and 10:00. This show is called “Sunset Stampede” and takes place in a 9-story atrium that hosts a natural habitat of live trees, greenery, waterfalls, and trails.
Another great free attraction in Vegas is the Masquerade Show in the Sky. The show is free to watch, if you choose to participate by riding one of the floats, the cost is $12.95 (that is subject to change). This experience is very reminiscent of Carnivale in Brazil. The floats are literally suspended from the ceiling for the sake of this show which is considered one of the best free shows that Vegas has to offer.
Perhaps one of the most interesting freebies is the Silverton Hotel and Casino’s Aquarium. This attraction is completely free to the public and a fascinating thrill to children big and small (even mom’s find this one fascinating). Enjoy watching both salt water and freshwater fish in their natural habitats and enjoy the ambiance of your surroundings.
The Sirens of Ti is a great sexy pirates tale that shows at Treasure Island TI daily as the weather allows. This is one great show that the kids, especially little boys that think pirates are the bomb and big boys that enjoy watching ships sink and sirens do what sirens do, will all agree to enjoy together.
Free entertainment is often the best entertainment that can be found. There are so many things to do and see that cost literal fortunes. It is nice to know that there are so many thrilling adventures available for little or no cost to explore while visiting Las Vegas. If you spend wisely, you will discover that you can enjoy the better part of most days filled with activity without breaking your wallet or becoming close personal friends with any creditors.
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An NYC Trip Isn’t Complete Without A Visit To Coney Island Filed under:
Destinations, Travel on
26
Aug
|
If you’ve never been to New York City, you can’t claim to have gone unless you trek on out to the infamous boardwalks of Coney Island. It is important to understand first of all that Coney Island is only open seasonally so you have to plan your journey accordingly. The second thing that is important to understand about Coney Island is that it isn’t one centrally owned operation.
The vast majority of attractions at Coney Island close either immediately or very soon after Labor Day. The beach and the actual boardwalk are open to the public year round, some times are simply lonelier than others. Nathan’s Hot Dogs and the New York Aquarium remain open after the summer season has ended and operate most days throughout the year.
The Coney Island Museum is Open on the weekend from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM year-round. During the summer season when tourism is high along the boardwalk the two major theme parks: Astroland and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park sponsor firework shows on Fridays at 9:30.
The amusement parks of Coney Island are only part of the attraction but they work to bring many people to this very unique entertainment venue each and every year. Astroland Amusement Park is the largest amusement park in New York City. The Cyclone is the most famous ride in this particular park and this is a ride that is well known by roller coaster enthusiasts around the world. It is a wooden roller coaster that offers quite a thrilling ride.
Other great rides at this park include the Astroflume, The Break Dancer, the Astroland Carousel, The Swings, Top Spin, Dante’s Inferno, Power Surge, and Astro Tower. For the little ones there is a very nice selection of kiddie rides that will keep them entertained while older children enjoy some of the more thrill-oriented rides. If you’re looking for a day of great food and great fun in the sun Astroland is a great place to be.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park is most famous for its Wonder Wheel. The cars on this magnificent ride are red, white, and blue (rather patriotic of them wasn’t it?) with swinging red and blue cards and stationary white cars. The Spook-A-Rama is another popular if not frightening ride that is offered at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park.
If you need a shot of thrills and spills try the Super Shot but only if you’re 52″ or more or the Thunderbolt, which has a 48″ height requirement. And what day at Coney Island wouldn’t be complete without a taste of bumper cars? There are also plenty of rides for the little ones to choose from on their outing as well.
For something a little more sedate than thrills and chills at the amusement parks, Coney Island is also home to the New York Aquarium at Coney Island. This is a great way to learn about marine life and enjoy watching your children watching fascinating sea creatures they would be unlikely to see in other circumstances. There are more than 8,000 animals represented at the New York aquarium. Not only is this a fascinating adventure of its own, you won’t have to sacrifice your hairstyle in order to enjoy it.
The Coney Island Museum is also well worth taking a peek. You will find relics of old rides and memorabilia of days gone by in the museum as well as incredible views of the rides available today. The admission price is rather affordable at 99 cents and it’s a fun place to visit and get out of the sun for a bit. No trip to Coney Island is really complete without at least stopping into the Museum. Besides, these might be the cleanest restrooms on the island. Coney Island is one of the greatest things about a visit to New York. If you can schedule your trip to New York when the Parks are open and the boardwalk is bustling I highly recommend you spend a weekend night out on the boardwalk.
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Let The Lights Of Broadway Shine On Your Vacation |
Whenever I think of a trip to New York City whether for a vacation or just a short one or two-day visit I can’t help but think of Broadway and the delightful shows that await in these hallowed halls of entertainment delight. Broadway is the essence of New York to me. It can in turns be bawdy, brawling, loud, rowdy, soft, romantic, comedic, and rip-roaringly hilarious. Broadway has it all for those who are willing to look for their perfect fit.
The problem with Broadway is that there are so many wonderful shows to see and such limited time (for most of us) in which to see them. I don’t even believe those who live in New York City have enough time in which to appreciate the artistic treasure trove that is represented within this wonderful city that never sleeps. The truth of the matter is that in order to properly enjoy all the theatrical offerings available to you, you’d almost have to never sleep yourself.
Musicals
It is important to remember that all shows are not available at all times. Check to see if the show you wish to see will be playing during your visit before getting your hopes up. On to the musicals, which are, by the way, my favorite types of Broadway entertainment. Chicago the Musical, Forbidden Broadway (this one offers an hilarious ’spoof’ of Broadway), Jersey Boys, Naked Boys Singing (yes, they are!), Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Wicked, and Mama Mia!
Comedies
Broadway is well known for thumbing its nose at convention as well as for letting it’s hair down and having a good ole time. The same holds true for the Broadway theatre of today. Comedies and musicals on Broadway are not mutually exclusive so some of the hilarity mentioned below will have some degree of song and dance (well most likely quite a bit of both but you will definitely laugh). Let the comedies begin! I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change (seriously, that’s the name we’re already off to a great start on the road to laughter). Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead (I think someone’s been peeking in my kids windows at night-this one is actually off Broadway but I thought it bore mentioning with such a catchy title and all). Spamalot. This one is rising star with rave reviews by critics and a fairly good attendance rate so buy your tickets early! The Producers, which was recently made as a motion picture and The Little Dog Laughed round up my list of comedies. I hope you’ve seen something here that looks like a good laugh; I know I’ve seen a few!
Drama
While many people think of the happy go lucky song and dance that is often associated with Broadway there is a deep dramatic flare to the offerings as well. Particularly some of the musicals that carry with them profound messages about music, life and love-among these wonderful icons of Broadway are the following: Rent- a very La Boheme meets modern life musical that is probably one of the best Broadway musicals I’ve ever seen and I’m a huge fan of Phantom. Les Miserables is another Broadway drama that really needs no introduction, Grey Gardens is perfect for anyone who fears becoming a cat lady or spinster, A Chorus Line, Chicago, The Color Purple, Phantom of the Opera (my personal favorite), and The Vertical Hour (this is a new one let’s hope it lasts).
There are a few family friendly musicals and plays that bear mentioning among them are the following: Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera (may be a little frightening for younger children during certain scenes), Tarzan, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Momma Mia!, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Beauty and the Beast. You know your child best and what will or will not be frightening for them or possibly lead to uncomfortable questions for you, view most Broadway plays with that in mind.
Broadway is a great way to really enjoy what New York has to offer its visitors for entertainment. While it would hardly be possible to see each and every show that might attract your attention it is quite possible to make the time to view the one that is most appealing to you and it will be quite an experience for the entire family.
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All Inclusive Family Vacations: Tips for Scoring a Discount on Your Next Trip with the Kids |
You may think of tropical getaways as romantic interludes for couples only, but many all inclusive resorts actually cater to families, with special activities that allow children to have a memorable vacation and that allow parents some special one on one time. Here are some tips to getting a good deal on your next all inclusive family vacation.
Why consider all inclusive?
All inclusive tours can really help you to save money, and they can help busy parents to relax. Most all inclusive resort vacations include beverages, meals, taxes, entertainment, activities, and even gratuities in the price of your accommodations, so you can just relax and enjoy yourself.
Is an all inclusive vacation right for your family?
An all inclusive vacation may mean spending less for your vacation, or it may mean spending more. It all depends on your traveling style.
An all inclusive vacation may not be for you if your family enjoys doing a lot of independent adventuring and exploring because you’ll be paying for these additional things in addition to your all inclusive rates.
Also, make sure that the activities included at the resort will be of interest to your children. Some children love the resorts “kids’ clubs,” which often provide great educational and cultural activities for all different age groups (and they give the parents some time alone). But some children may be wary of joining new kids and new caregivers in a new place. You want to make sure to keep everyone’s needs in mind when you are planning such a trip.
If your kids are excited to try new adventures in a new place, and you tend to get stressed out every time you need to pay for yet another thing on your vacation, you might particularly appreciate the all inclusive travel experience.
How to find a Discount All inclusive Family Resort
The Internet provides so much information on different all inclusive resorts, the trick is in narrowing your options and not getting overwhelmed.
The best thing to do when you are first starting out is to ask your family and friends about any all inclusive resorts that they have particularly enjoyed. The experiences at these so-called tropical paradises can vary greatly, and it’s difficult to get the information you need from a brochure or a corporate website. Talk to people about recommendations and spend some time combing through travel websites that offer independent ratings and reviews (by travelers) of different resorts.
Especially when you are traveling with kids, it’s a good idea to look for a good discount (by traveling during an off peak time, for example) at a quality, well-known resort rather than securing a cheap regular rate at a place you’ve never heard of. It’s one thing to be stuck somewhere you would rather not be stuck, but when you have young kids with you, you want to keep any ghastly surprises to a minimum.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options of family friendly resorts to just a few, make sure to read all the fine print. Find out exactly which activities and attractions are paid for at the resort, and which are not. Some packages offer free fares to children; others offer discounts. Sometimes, kids stay and eat for free. Sometimes, you’ll find kid clubs are included in the price, but nannies and babysitters are not included. It’s important to be very clear with the inclusions and exclusions so you are sure you are comparing resorts fairly.
Research the resorts’ websites as well as their write-ups at your favorite travel website. Compare rates and check whether the price listed is for the entire group or per person. (Sometimes, the rates quoted online for these types of vacations will be listed as per adult, but will also include your children’s accommodations).
Traveling often comes with hidden charges, and savvy travelers are aware of them ahead of time. See if you will be paying any additional airport charges, governmental travel fees, security fees, airport fees, shuttle fees, and so on. If you aren’t sure what exactly the price includes, pick up the phone and double check before booking.
A little research will really pay off. An all inclusive family vacation is best planned far in advance. Get the brochures. Do an Internet search on the name of the resort that you have chosen before you book. This is a good way to see what other travelers are saying about the resort in independent forums. Look to see which family resorts have earned top marks and awards from the travel industry, as well.
If you use a travel agent, it’s still a good idea to get online and see what’s out there. Then you can talk to your agent about the different options and the features and activities that you want to make sure your all inclusive vacation includes.
Whether you want to lounge by the pool, or have an all out family adventure, you’ll be able to find a resort that will cater to your needs. Then all you need to do is pack your bags and get ready to relax.
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Travelling Around London A Guide For Tourists Filed under:
Destinations, Travel on
24
Aug
|
The easiest way to get around London is by public transport. This article provides brief information about the various transport options available to you, including useful maps to guide you around the city.
What is an Oyster card?
Oyster is the easiest way to pay for single journeys on buses, Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground and some National Rail services in London. You can store your Travelcard/Bus Pass and/or cash to pay as you go on your card.
How to use your Oyster card
Just touch your Oyster card flat on a yellow card reader each time you make a journey.Always touch in at the start and touch out at the end of your journey, even if the gates are open.
Buses
Always touch in as you board. You do not need to touch out.
Trams
Always touch in on the card reader on the tram stop platform before boarding a tram. You do not need to touch out.
How to pay for your journeys with Oyster
You can store cash on your card to pay for single journeys as you go. You can make as many journeys as you like in a 24 hour period and you will always be charged less than the price of an equivalent Day Travelcard or One Day Bus Pass.
For complete flexibility, you can store tickets and cash on a single Oyster card. Remember: the cash you put on Oyster never expires so hold onto the Oyster card for your next visit to London.
How to get an Oyster card and top up. You can renew the ticket stored on your card or top up your cash balance:
Online at the UK Government site. At most Tube stations through the touchscreen ticket machines and the station ticket offices. At over 2,200 Oyster Ticket Stops. Find your nearest one at the UK Government site
At some National Rail ticket offices. At 7 London Travel Information Centres, which also offer travel advice, free maps and entry tickets to many attractions.
Using Oyster on National Rail
7 Day and longer period Travelcards stored on Oyster can be used across National Rail services in London. If using cash to pay as you go for single journeys please check with the train operator before travelling as not all routes are covered on National Rail.
I hope this small guide helps you if you are ever visiting out capital city, they sure helped me when I visited. The confusion really comes when you try to use the tube system in London, I shall leave that article for another day as it gets even more difficult than travelling by the bus system. If all else fails then I guess you can always rely on a trusted black cab driver.
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Cruising – Luxury Gigayacht Announced |
Are the days of the super yacht coming to an end? Not likely, as there are many luxury yachts traversing the oceans and seas at any given time. Celebrities and other wealthy people love their time away from land in their personal yachts.
A new breed of luxury yacht is making an appearance on the horizon. This newly designed yacht is called the gigayacht. The gigayacht is an entirely new classification of yacht. WallyIsland is said to be the first of the gigayachts. Plans for WallyIsland include a 59 ft wide deck to accommodate the extensive garden area.
Luxury yachts, also known as super yachts, are expensive, privately owned yachts that are operated by a professional crew. Yachts are recreational boats used for leisure and relaxation. They generally start at 32-35 feet in length and increase from there. The term “mega yacht” usually refers to a yacht that is more than 100 ft in length. In order for a yacht to achieve “luxury” or “super” status, it must be at least 200 ft in length.
One of the most famous super yachts in the world is the super yacht owned by the Sheikh of Dubai. The Sheikh’s ‘Platinum’ is an impressive 525 feet long and powered by four 9000 horsepower diesel engines. The actual price tag of ‘Platinum’ has not been disclosed, but some estimate the price to be in excess of $300 million.
Another famous super yacht still under construction is that of Chelsea Football Club owner, Roman Abramovich. Upon completion, Abramovich’s yacht is rumoured to be 550 feet and an estimated 200 million sterling. The super yacht will have space for two helipads, a private cinema and a submarine. Abramovich currently owns a small fleet of luxury yachts widely known as ‘Abramovich’s Navy’.
Possibly the most famous of all super yachts is The Royal Yacht Britannia. Eighty-third in a royal line of yachts, Britannia proudly served the Royal family for 44 years. During its time, the yacht safely delivered The Queen and the Royal Family to 968 official destinations. The super yacht is now moored in the historic port of Leith in Scotland.
Now, the gigayacht isn’t the largest yacht ever made, but it is created to be the greenest. The main deck is designed with the comforts of your own floating estate in mind. The deck consists of a swimming pool, a beautifully landscaped garden and the foliage of your choice. The gardens will be kept healthy and green by an onboard irrigation system.
The extra-wide deck space gives the gigayacht a much larger feel than yachts nearly twice its length. A roomy 1,000 square meter deck space allows room for gardens, fountains and even outdoor sports. A comfortably large swimming pool also adorns the main deck.
The inside of the gigayacht will be just as impressive as the outside. The five accommodation decks include a saloon, dining room, library, cinema, and spa and fitness area. Sleeping quarters aboard WallyIsland include the owner’s suites and space for up to 40 crew members and 24 guests. As one would assume, the suites are rumoured to be spacious and comfortable.
The enormous fuel tanks hold 750,000 litres of fuel, giving the owner the opportunity to stay out of port for an amazing 15,000 nautical miles. This yacht comes fully equipped with everything one would need to maintain life on your own private floating island for five years.
The price tag associated with the gigayacht is expected to meet or exceed current luxury yacht prices. Don’t let the actual price disappoint or intimidate you. Although an official price has not been named to date, it is believed the gigayacht will remain under $200 million. This is a very competitive figure when compared to similar yachts.
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Early Easter Means Early Travel Filed under:
Destinations, Travel on
24
Aug
|
An early Easter holiday provides a nice jumpstart for tourists beginning their yearly treks.
Easter is a popular time for travel. People love getting out and being able to enjoy the sun after several months of winter. Several people choose Florida as their Easter-time destination because of the warmer climate.
Easter is always celebrated the second Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon. The holiday is usually in early April and provides a break for students as well as working adults. However, in 2008, Easter was on March 23 and provided an earlier spring break than usual. To many people around the world, Easter marks the beginning of spring. It is also one of the most travelled holidays. An early start to spring means an early start for tourism.
During Easter 2008, the British airports for example saw a dramatic rise in business. Manchester airport alone saw more than 200,000 travellers over the holiday weekend. In the London area another 400,000 departed from Heathrow, 250,000 from Gatwick, 170,000 from Stansted and 60,000 from Luton. An estimated 2 million Brits had big holiday plans. Most travellers were either headed to the mountains for skiing or to the Spanish islands for sunbathing.
Scotland saw a big winter freeze over the Easter holiday weekend. Many Scots booked flights to warmer locales to escape the freezing weather for the weekend. Some of the most popular destinations for Scots escaping unfavourable weather were Dubai, Alicante and Tenerife. Those who decided to stay home for the Easter weekend were advised to bundle up and stay warm.
For those passengers seeking sunshine, the Balearic and Canary Islands were very popular destinations. Some chose to go further abroad and ventured to Florida in the USA. Most airlines reported holiday flight schedules sold out for the holiday weekend.
The Canary Islands have a lot to offer the winter-weary traveler looking for a nice beach to hang out on. They are located just north of the Western Sahara desert in Africa and southwest of Spain and Portugal. The flight from England is only a few short hours and very worth the time spent. The Canary Islands consist of seven large islands, two smaller islands and several islets. The climate is perfect nearly year round with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
Tenerife, is the largest and perhaps most visited of the seven large islands. It has a surface area of 2,034 km. (785 sq. mi.) and a population of fewer than 1 million. It is a very well-known and highly sought-after holiday destination, especially for Brits.
Many resorts and country clubs on Tenerife offer a variety of sporting events, including golf, squash and tennis. Diving is very popular among visitors because of the crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life. Other water sports are also very popular on Tenerife. Several of the resorts and country clubs on the island also have first class golf courses.
In order to please more visitors, Tenerife opened a new water park in April. The enormous water park is only the beginning of improvements and additions to the island for 2008. The park is the largest water park on the Canary Islands and features Siamese themes. The park cost an impressive 52 million Euros to construct. Some of the rides include The Volcano, The Dragon, Wave Palace and Jungle Snake.
One of Siam Park’s largest attractions is the Jungle Snake: four water slides that follow the park’s terrain. The Lost City, a play area with 120 fun and exciting games, is expected to receive rave reviews, especially from smaller children. To add to the fun there is a sea lion pool near the park’s main entrance and a fully equipped amphitheater.
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Activities in Phuket : Tours, Sports and Fun |
You will get the chance to meet the local forest workers, understand the environment and explore local plants you never knew existed in this unaltered environment. This unique tour enables you to dig deep into the interior of Phuket without the crowds. Small groups and complete instruction and helmet are provided in this package.
Phuket eco tours in Khao Sok & Khao Lak are also a viable option. Situated in the mainland province of Phang Nga just north of Phuket Island, Khao Lak has only recently been “uncovered.” The area, visited by only a few tourists, spreads across three national parks and offers nature lovers an unadulterated tropical landscape of beaches, hills, mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. You can go for a trek on an elephant, float down the river on a bamboo raft, walk through the forest and get face to face with nature in this magical place.
Phuket tours also include visiting Phi Phi before the crowd – with the wind in your hair and the excitement of traveling by speedboat. You will get the chance to go island hopping. Get amazed by Ao Ling (Monkey Bay) on Koh Phi Phi Don, then can indulge in snorkelling at the famous Hin Klang and relax or swim in Koh Mai Pai (Bamboo Island) before reaching Koh Phi Phi Don for a great lunch. Enjoy the rest of day at Phi Phi Leh, visiting Maya Bay – site for the Hollywood film: The Beach – and snorkeling in some of the most pristine water on the planet.
There is an abundance of sports activities available for you in Phuket. The strange and compelling limestone scenery of Phang Nga has numerous tiny islands, many uninhabited, which is home to hidden caves, tunnels and interior lagoons – known locally as “hongs.” Looking into the interiors of the area by sea canoe/kayak is a safe and peaceful way to witness this fascinating world, with minimum damage to the natural habitat.
With a wealth of colorful marine life, warm waters and easy access, Phuket and its nearby islands are perfectly suited for snorkeling. Swim among parrotfish, clownfish, needlefish, damselfish and surgeonfish, and you may even watch an octopus or two peeking out from beneath a rock.
Surfing is another of those thrilling water sports available to you in Phuket. During Phuket’s monsoon season (May-October), the normally calm sea churns up enough to give surfers and boogie boarders a splendid ride. Golf is yet another widely accepted sports activities in Phuket. Phuket boasts of four fine golf courses, all of which have been designed to efficiently utilize the island’s tropical trees and abundant water.
The choices offered for making fun is in no way limited. Phuket offroad fun park and the various kinds of amusement parks are among those unlimited options. In summary, the diverse tours, sports and fun activities offered to you will make you feel aplenty.
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Berlin: A Troubled Past, A Promising Future Filed under:
Destinations, Travel on
23
Aug
|
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a city that is rich in history, despite the fact that a large proportion of the city was destroyed during World War II. Most of the city has been rebuilt, restored and rejuvenated since that time and it is now a wonderful place to view old and new side by side.
Berlin had been divided for over 28 years by the Berlin Wall. When the wall came down in 1989, it was a leap forward for the city. You can see countless attractions and landmarks throughout East and West Berlin. Besides for the history that can be found there, Berlin is a vibrant cosmopolitan city today with a lively nightlife, bars, dancing floors and a number of underground clubs.
When you are visiting Berlin, make sure to spend some time at Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Jewish Museum and the Keiser-Wilhelm Memorial. There are sections of the Berlin Wall that are still standing and you should definitely have a look at part of it. The most famous part of the wall is known as Checkpoint Charlie. Other popular tourist attractions in Berlin include the Fernsehturm Television Tower, which is the tallest structure in the city and which includes a revolving restaurant at its top, Potsdamer Platz, which is one of the busiest squares in Europe and contains many shops, bars, cafes and places of entertainment, and the Reichstag, which is the old German parliament building. The Reichstag has a large glass dome that was constructed on top of it that you can enter. It affords you a stunning view of the city.
If you are looking for culture, Berlin is home to many museums and galleries. Museum Island is a complex of five museums and the Egyptian Museum contains many artifacts, dating as far back as 6,000 years. Art galleries in the city house the sculptures and paintings of famous artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Cezanne. There are many other architecturally beautiful buildings and places of fascinating historical interest throughout the city. You can view some surviving medieval buildings, as well as ultra-modern glass and steel buildings. You are able to purchase a 3-day ‘welcome card’ at tourist offices, ticket offices and some hotels. This will provide you with up to 50% discounts on museum and other attraction entry, as well as free inner city transport on the bus and train networks.
Berlin is full of holiday accommodation options. There are many hotels in the city and it is possible to find fairly cheap prices, even if you are looking at the five star category of hotel. Most of the better hotels can be found in the Western part of Berlin the section that was once East Berlin does not have the same standard of hotels or of other tourist facilities. If you are a member, you can stay at a youth hostel or if you not a member, you can stay at a regular hostel. These are among the cheapest accommodation options in the city. It is also possible to find private bed and breakfasts or boarding houses.
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The Cultural Side Of Vienna Filed under:
Destinations, Travel on
22
Aug
|
Vienna is the capital city of Austria, situated on the banks of the Danube. Its historic city center was recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Vienna was once home to Habsburg Empire. The Empire is long gone, but Vienna remains rich in Imperial history and there are many historic attractions to be seen throughout the city. You can find a number of narrow medieval alleyways, cobbled lanes and imperial squares.
Many ancient monuments can be found throughout the city. The Schonbrunn Palace and the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) are a treat to behold. The Imperial Treasury is a must see when you visit Vienna. The Imperial Furniture Collection is also a popular stop for visitors to the city. If you walk along the Ring Boulevard you will find examples of stunning majestic architecture.
Make sure to visit the Stephansplatz in the heart of the city where you can see the cathedral’s tall spire. You are able to climb to the top of the spire and despite the effort, it is well worth the stunning view of the whole of Vienna and some of its countryside that you will be rewarded from the top. Parliament and the aquarium zoo are other sites that may interest tourists to Vienna.
Besides for its rich history, Vienna is a city that is full cultural interest. From museums to art galleries, music to festivals, Vienna has enough to keep any tourist occupied. It contains the Museum of Fine Arts which is among the world’s largest art museums. Vienna was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. Today, it boasts the Wiener Philharmoniker which is one of the world’s best orchestras, as well as the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the Vienna Conservatorium. It hosts many classic theaters, film and dance festivals, operas, exhibitions and concerts. There are many museums and cultural institutions located in the Museum District.
You are able to see Vienna on one of its many sightseeing tours. These can be done by bus, by foot or in a hackney carriage. You can also get around the city by hiring a bicycle, by tram or by train. If you enjoy a bit of quiet relaxation, you can take a slow riverboat along the Danube. The Wiener Tiergarten contains many hikes and wildlife and it is a fun place to relax.
There are a variety of accommodation options in Vienna and tourists should be able to find accommodation to fit any style or budget. You can find beautiful five star luxury hotels and if these are beyond your budget you can choose to stay in a reasonably priced pension or bed and breakfast. Apartment-hotels are a popular choice in Vienna as they provide extra space and privacy with a fully equipped kitchen. Rental apartments are also available, ranging from luxury apartments to smaller cheaper ones.
These are an excellent choice for families or groups or for people who are planning to stay in Vienna for longer than a week. Youth hostels and regular hostels are also available throughout the city.

