The 30th of October is when the exhibition “Annie Leibovitz – A Photographer’s Life” opens at Vienna’s Kunsthaus gallery. On the 16th of October “Edvard Munch and the Uncanny” opens at the Leopold Museum located in Vienna’s unique Museumsquartier venue. Fans of Jazz are sure to find something to enjoy at the IG Jazz Club Festival which runs from the 1st until the 30th of November. Musical fans ought to head for the “Rudolf” musical at Vienna’s Raimund theatre. Pop fans will be just as pleased, with world class acts such as Bryan Adams (7th of November), Depeche Mode (3rd of December) and Pink (17th of December) all coming to Vienna this autumn. Pop fans will be just as pleased, with world class acts such as Bryan Adams (7th of November), Depeche Mode (3rd of December) and Pink (17th of December) all coming to Vienna this autumn.
Archive for October, 2009
Live music and movie felstivals: autumn in Vienna
October 9th, 2009Art in Lisbon: the Berardo Collection
October 9th, 2009Berlin Shabby Chic
October 1st, 2009Berlin’s turbulent past has laid the foundations for what is now a city of cultural variety and striking contrasts. Gone are the days when Berlin was considered by tourists as interesting but poor and behind the times; the German capital has long since had a face lift and is now one of Europe’s most modern and fashionable capitals with sleek architecture and prime tourist attractions and a world leader as far as nightlife is concerned thanks to the continually bubbling creative activity that fuels Berlin’s edgy underground club and music scene. If you are coming here to enjoy Berlin’s night life, the ex-pat’s magazine Exberliner includes club listings and concerts and, naturally, it’s in English.
Being so trendy, young and vibrant, Berlin is a very attractive destination for budget airlines so finding cheap flights to Berlin is usually easy. As far as accommodation is concerned, self-catering apartments in Berlin are a good option and a great way of experiencing the city like just another Berliner. Budget B&B’s in Berlin have the added advantage that you can fill up on breakfast as it comes included in the price of your stay, especially as a German breakfast is a hearty affair that could see most people through till dinner!
Alte Schenhauser Strasse in the Mitte district is a good place to go for international cheap eats, and attracts both tourists and budget conscious locals. And for cheap and chic second hand clothes, all the cool kids head to Mauerpark flea market on Saturdays and Sundays where you can find everything from antique jewelry to hand printed t-shirts. Even if you don’t have any money to spend, this is a good place to experience the city’s alternative vibe and witness the city’s trendiest inhabitants strutting their stuff in some seriouly interesting outfits.
For a clearer understanding of this modern metropolis, head to Checkpoint Charlie, which is now a museum. And, literally for a clearer view of the city, nothing beats the glass dome of Reichstag parliament building, which is free to get into and offers incredible 360 degree views of the city from a giddy height and is especially pretty by night.
Berlin does shabby chic like no other city thanks to its combination of the edgy vibe in east and the ultra modern west, hence it’s reputation as “poor but sexy”. But If you want to explore the many different sides of this fascinating city, come soon as Berlin as a whole is on the up!
The Perfect Weekend in Amsterdam
October 1st, 2009Amsterdam, city of canals, coffee houses, tulips and bicycles; can you think of anywhere better to spend a delightful weekend? With so much to see and do in Amsterdam, I’ve selected a few personal favourites to help you get the most out of your precious 48 hours there!
Shopping: The Negen Straatjes, which literally means “nine little streets”, is a wonderful area for quirky boutique shopping. It is full of cool little independent houseware and clothing shops as well as beautifully decorated cafes. It’s a lovely place for a wander around or even to stay if you can find a hotel in Negen Straatjes. Simply bursting with eccentric Dutch character!
Musuems: Naturally, the Van Gogh Musuem and the Anne Frank House are two of the most popular places with tourists in Amsterdam, and with good reason. Although often crowded and a little pricey, they are very interesting and worth dedicating half a day too. They are also fairly close to each other so you visit one after the other. There are plenty of hotels near to the Van Gogh Museum too, so finding accommodation here shouldn’t be a problem.
Something different: If you are more of a drinker than a smoker, the Heineken Experience is a classic Amsterdam attraction and can be a lot of fun as well as actually quite educational. It is a musuem located in a former Heineken factory where you can sample different beers and learn a little about the history of the company and the beer making process.
Wandering: The Old City Centre is the best place for an aimless wander. Here you can take in the Red Light District, the Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud’s, the canals and their boats as well as the coffee shops. If you want to be in the thick of things, look for accommodation in the Red Light District or any other part of the old centre.
With a musuem, a stroll, a bit of window shopping and a few beers, you’ve got yourself a fun-filled weekend in Amsterdam. Just enough to whet your appetite and come back for a week long stay the next time!
