Archive for September, 2009

New York, New York

September 30th, 2009

New York is such an exciting city and a culture vulture’s paradise with literally hundreds of cinemas, theatres, music venues, museums and art galleries to explore. If you want to be part of New York’s vibrant cultural scene, plan your trip well and choose a handful of cultural highlights to amaze and inspire you. Here are a few of the most famous cultural places to visit and my personal favourites:

If music is your thing, book a hotel on Sugar Hill Harlem! Harlem was originally a Dutch settlement and became a hot spot for black culture in the 1920’s with the rise of immigration. This moment in time came to be known as the Harlem Renaissance and produced some of the most famous jazz venues in the city today, including the Cotton Club where Duke Ellington Played. Visit Harlem for it’s history but also to feel the exciting cultural vibe that lives on there today.

If you are more interested in paintings than concerts, the MoMa comes highy recommended for anybody who’s interested in contemporary art. This modern art museum houses one of the worlds finest collections of contemporary art and is located in a building which is considered to be a major New York landmark. Check out the MoMa website for information on temporary and permanent exhibitions.

And who needs to be told where to go for the best theatre, dance shows and musicals…Broadway of course! Check out some hotels near to Broadway if you plan on attending one or more Broadway shows so that you don’t have to worry about travelling across the city late at night to get back to your bed. Tickets to a Broadway show, although pricey, really will make your trip to New York extra special.

With over 500 art galleries and literally thousands of venues decicated to cultural activity, there is something for everybody in New York. This city is a world leader in terms of artistic expression and, even you are not particularly artistically inclined yourself, you can’t help but feel inspired by the city’s sheer energy and variety.

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Alternative Paris

September 28th, 2009

If, like me, you have been to Paris, seen the Eiffel Tower, done the Louvre and drunk coffee in quaint Parisian cafes overlooking the Champs Elysees, you may think that you have seen all that the French capital has to offer, but you couldn’t be more wrong! Paris has a whole alternative side, far from the beaten tourist track which is both interesting and a real eye opener as to what contemporary Paris is all about. Here are some tips on where to find the “real Paris”……

Logically, picture postcard Paris is in the centre of the city, neatly arranged around the Champs Elysees and Montmartre; so it makes sense to think that as you go further out of the centre you go further towards a more genuine image of the city. Having said that, if you go south you will come across some very affluent residential areas which are of little interest unless you like drooling over beautiful properties. Going north-east you will find some the venues for Paris’ alternative scene, from dingy smoky bars to cheaper, international restaurants.  Art squats in Paris  are also located in this area and give an interesting insight into the city’s underground scene and how that revolutionary French spirit is kept alive in Modern Paris.

As far as accommodation is concerned, B&B’s in Paris can be a good option for a more independent stay, but check exactly what is included in the price when you book as you may find you get your bed but no breakfast. Another alternative for meeting likeminded travellers are the many hostels in Paris.

For alternative shopping, check out the city’s flea markets. My personal favourite has to be Les Puces de Clignancourt for its bustling atmosphere and sheer size. You can buy all sorts here and I always feel like anything I buy there already has a secret history and a story to tell.

For culture, skip the louvre and head for one of the city’s excellent smaller musuems such as the lovely Orangerie, which houses some of Claude Monet’s finest works or hunt out the hidden Buddhist temple in the Asian quarter.

The Paris we all know and love is timeless, beautiful and romantic, but dont come here and overlook what’s back stage as it will help you understand Paris and its people and, ultimately, get more out of you trip.

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Classic Madrid

September 25th, 2009

I love Madrid for its vibrance and variety but also for its timeless quality and traditional Spanish feel. It’s a city that is constantly changing and evolving with the times but, fortunately, there are some things in Madrid that never change. El Rastro Market, the Museum Triangle (el Prado, the Reina Sofia and Thyssen) and El Retiro Park are three of the city’s golden oldies that you can always rely on and are well worth a visit.

El Rastro is Europe’s largest outdoor market and takes place in the historical centre of Madrid every Sunday morning. You can go to Plaza Mayor as a starting point and work your way through the network of winding streets all lined with stalls selling everything from antiques to clothes. El Rastro Market has a long tradition in Madrid and is a wonderful way to while away a Sunday morning, taking in the sights, sounds, aromas and flavours of Spain. Dont even contemplate going by car as parking is impossible. If you are staying at a hotel near to El Rastro, walk, if not, go by metro.

The Museum Triangle is made up of the city’s three oldest and most acclaimed museums which are all just a few minutes away from each other on foot; El Prado, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. El Prado is an enormous art gallery with both permanent and temporary exhibitions, including some world famous works of art. You could easily spend a day at the Prado alone, but if you are pushed for time, the Reina Sofia Museum is not far and houses an interesting collection of modern art. The Thyssen Bornemisza exhibits an equally exquisite art collection in a stunning 18th century palace which is a work of architectural art itself. A culture vulture’s paradise!

The Retiro Park ( or El Parque dell buen retiro – the good rest park) is a beautifully landscaped park located just on the outskirts of the city centre. It is the city’s largest park and is equally appealing in summer for picnics and in autumn for pleasant walks through fallen leaves. Look for accommodation near to Retiro Park if you want to enjoy a central location but have somewhere pretty and quiet to escape to after a long day out in the city.

The beauty of these places is that you could come back in 50 years time and it’s very unlikely that they will have changed at all!

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Off the beaten track in Athens

September 25th, 2009

Far from the tacky tourist shops selling replicas of the Acropolis and I love Athens t-shirts, you will find the beautiful and far more authentic areas of Piraeus, Glyfada and Kifissia. There you can experience a more “real”, more “Greek” Athens on every level, from shopping in the local supermarkets to eating out in family-run tavernas. Below is a short description of each of these areas to give you a feel for their unique atmospheres.As is the case in many modern cities, Athens as spread out from the centre and absorbed some of the surrounding villages like the port of Piraeus and you can notice a different atmosphere in this area, one which the locals are keen to maintain. Accommodation in Piraeus is easy to come by and it is still reasonably close to the rest of the city (it is 10km south-west of the city centre) so you can combine sightseeing with a restful seafront stay. Piraeus is divided into two main parts: The Great Harbour and the Zea Marina but don’t overlook the lovely little harbour called Microlimano which is a lovely place to have a stroll or enjoy an evening drink looking out over the private yachts which are moored there. If you are planning on visiting the Greek Islands as well as the capital city, Piraeus is the logically place to stay as ferries depart from here.
Sometimes it is easy to forget you are anywhere near the sea in Athens, especially if you stay in the hot, dusty city centre with its traffic and general noise. The Glyfada Beaches are located just 10km south-east of the city though and are ideal for a summer break (especially if you like night clubbing). This is where the city’s best beaches are and it naturally becomes very crowded in summer so don’t overlook this place in winter as the beaches are still lovely and most hotels in Glyfada are open all year round and will be a lot more peaceful and pleasant in the cooler months.

Kifissia is an affluent Athens suburb located 18km north-east of the city centre. It is an interesting place to visit both during the day and by night as it has a number of classy bars and clubs where the city’s most chic young people congregate. Even if you can’t afford to shop in the Prada and Chanel boutiques that line the streets here, it is still interesting to wander around the area, taking in the beautiful Greek houses and pretty green areas to get a feel for how the other half live in Athens.

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Navigating Prague

September 21st, 2009

Prague is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque Medieval city’s in Europe; it’s church spires, turreted buildings, cathedrals, castles and winding cobbled streets are a delight to behold and also very well maintained as the city centre was hardly touched during the World War Two bombings. The city’s thriving cultural scene is also a draw for artists, opera fans and so forth, making it one of Central Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and the ideal setting for a magical weekend away, on a par with Venice for it’s beauty and history.

The city is built over seven hills and is split down the middle by the River. The city centre itself is divided up into different areas, although neighbourhood names vary from one travel guide to another which can be confusing. Here I’ve named just a few of the main, tourist areas (in English) to make it a little easy to picture the city in your mind’s eye. There is the Castle area, Lesser Town, New Town, Old Town and Jewish Town.

This is a wonderful high spot from which to enjoy stunning views over the city and the river, but the privilege has a price. For cheap accommodation near to Prague Castle area you should look at hostels and book out of season or expect to pay top dollar. Lesser Town is also near the castle and home to many government buildings.

New Town and Old Town are situated opposite each other and are both very historical, although New Town is where you will find the city’s wildest nightlife. If you are looking for the Prague you know and love from TV documentaries and picture perfect postcards, Old Town is your place.

The Jewish Town is where an old Jewish Ghetto originally stood (another thing the city has in common with Venice) and has an interesting past within its own right. Come here for Kosher food and interesting architecture but equally for classy restaurants and chic shopping. Hotels in the Jewish Town are easy to come by and it can make a nice base from which to explore the city.

Choose your Prague base but make sure you do the rounds and visit at least a few of the other neighbourhoods to get a well rounded view of this wonderful, vibrant European city!

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Preparing for Rome

September 18th, 2009

You may come to Rome expecting to find a kind of open-air museum full of historical monuments and picturesque photo opportunities, and you would be absolutely right; what a lot of visitors don’t bargain for however is how all of those famous historical sights are dotted around a sprawling, modern metropolis, absorbed by busy streets full of department stores, hotels and cars. The noise of Vespa’s whizzing by at an illegal speed and the heat of Rome on a summer’s day may have you feeling rather exhausted and after walking several kilometres or navigating the city’s metro system to reach the Trevi Fountain, and you are not likely to have much energy left to really enjoy it once you get there. That is why I highly recommend choosing your accommodation in Rome with the main places of interest in mind if you plan on doing some sightseeing.
The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of famous places and monuments, so staying here is always a safe bet. The best way to see them and really make the most of the city’s places of interest is by contracting a guide to give you a walking tour and explain the sights as you pass them. This tour guide’s nearly always have funny little anecdotes to tell that really add to your experience and understanding of the city.
There are some very important places of interest in Rome though that are a little further removed from the historical nucleus and, if they are what you are really interested in, it may be worth booking a hotel near to that sight and moving from there by public transport to the rest of the city.
Accommodation near to the Colosseum is naturally a little more expensive than certain other areas, but the feeling of waking up in the morning and just strolling to this world famous historical sight is priceless. You have to do a fair bit of walking around the Colosseum itself, so you will be glad to arrive there fresh and ready. If it is the Vatican that interests you, you really should look for accommodation near to the Vatican City as it covers an enormous terrain and is set apart from the rest of the city (although connected to it by road and public transport).
Rome is a wonderful city to visit at ay time of year but come prepared with a good pair of walking shoes, a map and a realistic itinery to make the most of your time in the Italian capital.

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Valencia, a Mediterranean gem

September 14th, 2009

Valencia is a beautiful Mediterranean city which is often overlooked by tourists but that is fast becoming a popular holiday destination thanks to the money and energy that has been invested in the city over recent years. Much of the city’s face lift is thanks to the America’s Cup, the world’s most prestigious yacht race which was held in Valencia in 2007. You can still visit the America’s Cup port and installations in Valencia if you are a fan. The Formula 1 street circuit brings flocks of racing fans to the city on a regular basis that, naturally, bring money with them. The City of Arts and Sciences is another major tourist attraction, as much for its contents as for its space age architecture.

But it is not only the modern improvements which make Valencia a great place for a weekend getaway, it is those improvements combined with Valencia’s natural and historical attributes. The historical town centre, a neighbourhood known as El Carmen, is a charming little network of old streets with cafes, pretty public squares and monuments where you can see the legacy left behind by many different cultures. Fiesta is a word you will hear regularly when in Valencia, whether it is referring to the lively nightlife you will find in the city’s many bars and nightclubs or to the colourful traditional celebrations that seem to take place in the street nearly every week.

The friendly, unpretentious people make Valencia a relaxed, safe place to be and the gorgeous Mediterranean climate makes it a delight to stroll around, especially in spring and autumn. There is no shortage of fresh local produce to make delicious Mediterranean dishes with here either and kicking back with a glass of red wine, a plate of Paella is (for me at least) one of the highlights of a trip to Valencia.

For a more independent stay, there are plenty of B&B’s in Valencia where you can enjoy the convenience of a hotel with the homely feel of a smaller establishment. Apartments in Valencia are a great alternative for longer stays and if you really want to experience “living” like a local.

Wherever you stay, and whether you are interested in food, history, sport or simply sunbathing on the beach, this little Mediterranean city has a lot to offer and is sure to surprise you.

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Barcelona by areas

September 8th, 2009

When visiting Barcelona, think carefully about the area that you chose to stay in as the Catalan capital has many different faces and the neighbourhood you pick to stay in will greatly effect your first impression of the city. From the chic Passeig de Gracia to the gritty Raval, there are parts of the city which, while geographically very close, are actually worlds apart in terms of atmosphere and security. For the purposes of this short post I’ve chosen to look at just two main tourist areas in the city centre, but naturally, there are many more.

Passeig de Gracia is Barcelona’s most glamorous shopping avenue and also home to two major architectural works by Gaudi – Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. This wide, leafy avenue has a certain Parisian style with all the bustle and glamour of New York. Come here to enjoy Barcelona’s most sophisticated side, spend a fortune in chic boutiques, eat in exquisite tapas bars and explore some of the city’s finest Modernist architecture. Accommodation on or near to Passeig de Gracia doesn’t have to be expensive though, so staying here is not only a luxury reserved for the rich, it is also one of the safer areas of the city by night.

The Born neighbourhood is where you will find the Picasso Museum and the Textile Museum with its attractive terrace cafe as well as a wide range of bars and cafes that give this area is buzzing atmosphere, day or night. Here, you can also enjoy a spot of shopping although it’s more likely to be shabby chic than Chanel as the Born neighbourhood is famous for its quirky little independent boutiques (that’s not to say they are cheap!). Eating out for less is possible here too. The neighbourhood is built upon the remains of the medieval era and there are some streets in particular, such as Calle Montcada, which are well worth a visit, along with sights such as the spectacular Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral. All of this just 10 minutes from Barcelona’s beaches! If you really want to immerse yourself in the Born atmosphere look for accommodation near to the Picasso Museum which is one of the most typical areas of this neighbourhood.

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