Prague city guide

Prague is the Czech Republic's largest city and capital. It's widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and charming cities of Europe, with fantastic attractions, architecture, nightlife, art and entertainment. It's no surprise why Prague attracts millions of tourists every year. Tourists can learn a lot about Prague simply by its nicknames: "the golden city," "city of a hundred spires" and "Praha matka měst" or "the mother of cities." Incidentally, the word "praha" in Czech and "praga" in German mean "capital." Established in the late 9th century, Prague served as the seat of Bohemian Kings, and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, many of whom occupied the city’s majestic Prague Castle, which still stands to this day. From the early days, the historic Vltava River ran through Prague, serving as a mirror to the city’s impressive architectural landscape. The city flourished under Charles IV during the 14th century when many of Prague’s leading attractions were created, including some of its magnificent bridges, church domes and gold-tipped towers. This magnificent architecture survived World War I, when Prague was made the capital of Czechoslovakia, and was largely spared during World War II, except for one bombing raid. The medieval center’s walled courtyards and cobbled lanes remained intact. In 1992, the medieval center was added to UNESCEO’S World Heritage List. In 1993, Czechoslovakia was split into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Today, Prague is home to 1.2 million people. The city pulsates with modern energy that is evident in its music, art and special events that are geared towards tourists with a sense of adventure. The following are some of Prague’s most popular tourist attractions. Prague Castle The Guinness Book of World Records lists Prague Castle as "the largest ancient castle in the world." This 1100-year-old castle watches over the city from its elevated perch and provides breath-taking views of surrounding areas. It is a favorite subject of postcards and paintings, especially as the sun sets behind it on the east. The Prague Castle grounds feature a lookout tower, several museums and palaces, the magnificent Royal Garden, the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Castle Picture Gallery, which contains works by Titian, Rubens, and Tintoretto. The Castle Picture Gallery contains the artworks that were left behind when the Swedish army looted the castle's art collection in 1648. Castle Entrance Known as the "First Courtyard," the castle entrance features huge statues of battling titans that date back to the 18th century. The Presidential Guards at the entrance are a tourist favorite thanks to their changing of the guard ceremony every hour and the exchange of banners at 12 midnight. The guards are decked in impressive attire, courtesy of the costume designer of the movie "Amadeus," who was hired by then-President Vaclav Havel in 1989 to re-design the guard uniforms. Old Town This is the historic city center of Prague and the site of some of its most popular old buildings and structures, including the Astronomical Clock, Jan Hus monument, Storch mural building and Estate Theater. The old town boasts of several historical churches such as St. James Church, GothicTyn Church, and Church of Our Lady. New Town During the 14th century, New Town was built as an extension of Old Town. Its most popular venue is Wenceslas Square, site of numerous shops and restaurants. Much of New Town has been modernized and now features discos, arcades and art nouveau hotels. New Town also hosts the Disney-colored Jubilee Synagogue. Lesser Town Lesser Town is located in the area just before Prague Castle and is notable for its amazing streets and churches, including the famous St. Nicholas Church. Near the Charles Bridge, tourists will find the Lennon Wall, which features handwritten tributes to John Lennon and grievances against the old communist regime. Loreta Located in Lesser Town, this Baroque convent was built in 1624 and was said to be patterned after Santa Casa, the home of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, angels carried the original Santa Casa to Loreto, an Italian town. Josefov A historical Jewish ghetto, Josefov is renowned for its unique and well-preserved synagogues, including the oldest active synagogue in Europe, the Old New Synagogue. Rumor has it, this is where the legendary Prague Golem rests. Josefov also features the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe and the house of acclaimed national artist Franz Kafka. Prague Dancing Building Constructed in 1996, this building combines two structures that appear to be dancing: a curving narrow-waisted glass tower that appears to be clutching an upright building. Hence, it was nicknamed the “Fred and Ginger Building” after legendary dance partners Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Petrinska Rozhledna Located on top of a hill, this tower resembles a smaller version of the famed Eiffel Tower. It is 299 steps to the top where tourists can enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Prague. Charles Bridge Built during the 14th century, the Charles Bridge is one of the most impressive attractions in Prague. It is one of several bridges on the Vltava river and the most beautiful of them all. During the daytime, tourists love to stroll on the bridge and frolic on its crowded fairground. The best time to visit is at dawn when you can appreciate the bridge in all its splendor. Museum of Communism Through rare photos, videos, writings and other mementoes, the museum takes visitors back to the days when Czechoslovakia stood behind the Iron Curtain. There are photos of the old Stalin monument in Letna terrace and other photos about how it was passionately destroyed. One of the most popular features is a video of protests that culminated in the Velvet Revolution. Ironically, for a museum dedicated to Communism, it certainly has a curious location -- between a casino and a McDonald's fast-food place. Dining In Prague, lunch is traditionally the most important meal of the day. It’s a favorite time to indulge in traditional Czech cuisine, which revolves around pork and beef along with side dishes such as fries and dumplings. The leading restaurants usually draw crowds during lunch and dinner so it’s advisable to make your reservations. The price of meals already includes taxes but many restaurants that cater to tourists tack on a “kovert” or additional charge. This charge should be printed on the bill as part of the meal charge. If it’s scrawled by hand, tourists can clarify the charges. Note: ketchup, bread and anything else brought to the table is charged. There are many different kinds of restaurants in Prague, but if you’d like to sample Czech cuisine, here are some of the best places: Box Block This luxurious restaurant is located inside the Carlo IV hotel (Senovážné náměstí 13, Nové Město) and serves Czech, Italian, and Fusion food. Its marble floors and elegant frescoes make the Box Block an excellent venue for fine dining. It serves haute cuisine such as turbot in truffle sauce, tuna carpaccio and bison steak. U Zlaté Hrušky Located at the romantic Nový Svět area (Nový Svět 3, Hradčany), “At The Golden Pear” is a favorite venue of locals and tourists alike. Their Czech cuisine is elegantly prepared and they also serve a wide array of international dishes. During summer months, diners can seat at the leafy garden restaurant across the street. U Modré Kachničky That stands for “At the Blue Dumpling,” a baroque hunting lodge tucked away on a quiet street (Nebovidská 6, Malá Strana). This old-fashioned romantic restaurant serves candlelit dinners and is perfect for traveling couples. The menu consists of traditional Bohemian poultry and fish. Legenda Located at Legerova 39, Vyšehrad, Legenda gets rave reviews from foreign tourists who are looking for a filling meal of steak, pasta or Czech classics. The prices here are relatively inexpensive considering its generous and quality servings. Bars and Nightlife There are many excellent and friendly nightclubs and “hospoda” or pubs in Prague. Keep an eye out for a hanging green sign at the entrance which means that the place serves the country’s best local beers, Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar. Most pubs offer only a limited selection of beers. It’s a custom in Prague for people to sit with other people if there are no tables available so don’t be alarmed if this happens to you and don’t be shy about doing the same thing. If you’re curious about the local pub scene, join “The Crawl.” It’s a nightly pub crawl where participants visit a host of pubs and clubs with good entertainment at low prices. The Crawl begins with a few rounds of free beer, wine and absinthe at the Old Town Square clock tower every night at 9:15 p.m. Duende It you're in the mood for some bohemian drinking while listening to live guitar and violin performances, Duende is the place, located at Karolíny Světlé 30, Staré Město. It's a favorite hangout of the arty, local crowd and of tourists of all ages. An excellent venue for good conversation and romance. Baráčnická Rychta Located at Tržiště 23, Malá Strana, this popular pub and bar is tucked away on Mala Strana. It has the furtive and secretive ambience of a 19th century beer hall it once was. There are four types of beer served upstairs while live shows featuring big bands occupy the Cabaret Hall downstairs. Jáma This is the favorite bar of the American expatriate crowd. Naturally, the menu features steaks, ribs, burgers, fries and chicken wings. Jama features at outdoor beer garden decorated by lime and walnut trees. Tourists of all nationalities are here during weekends, rubbing elbows with young locals. It's located at V jámě 7, Vyšehrad. Kuŕe V Hodinkách It means "the Chicken in the Watch," the name of a popular Czech music album from the 1970s. This posh pub attracts tourists and wealthy locals every night. Its walls are adorned with rock paraphernalia. The main attraction of this place is its wide selection of beers and malts as well as its delicious food. Getting In and Around Ruzyne International Airport is about 20 kms away from Prague’s city center and a 30-minute drive by car. Taking a taxi will cost around 350 - 700 CZK, but it’s the most comfortable way to get to the city. Try to avoid taxi drivers who solicit passengers inside the terminal building because they charge between 50% to 100% more. The bus is the most inexpensive option for getting into the city. It costs only 26 CZK, plus an additional 13 CZK if you have a lot of luggage. However, bus drivers don’t accept foreign currency so make sure you have Czech Crowns on hand. The Airport Express and Cedaz bus services have buses leaving every 30 minutes starting at 4:40 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., respectively, until 9:30 p.m. at night. There are also shuttle services for certain hotels that cost 9 EUR per person. Once inside the city, most tourists take public transport because it’s very convenient and services all the places tourists are likely to visit. There are tram and bus schedules at all major stations as well as maps of the city. They operate until 5 a.m. If you’re planning on using public transport, purchase a Prague Card for 790Kc. It’s good for four days and comes with a guidebook and free entry into over 50 tourist attractions aside from other discounts. For an additional 330Kc, tourists get to ride the bus, tram and underground subway for 72 hours. Children and students get a special discount on the Prague Card. Hailing a taxi on the street can be expensive for tourists and its best to negotiate the price in advance. If you have to take a taxi, try to get one from the major taxi companies. Their telephone numbers are as follows: Profi Taxi, +420 844 700 800; PAT Taxi, +420 800 870 888; City Taxi, +420 257 257 257; Halo Taxi, +420 244 114 411; and AAA Taxi, +420 222 333 222. Festivals and Events People in Prague are big on holidays, and there's always a major celebration city-wide during New Year's Eve, Three King's Day (6 January), Easter Monday (March or April), Labor Day (May 1) and Liberation Day (May 9). Labor Day coincides with the Majales spring festival, which Czechs celebrated for over two centuries but was banned by the Nazis and communists. However, its celebration was revived in 1997 with as much fervor as before. On this special day, the streets are filled with bands, costumes, floats and merry-makers enjoying their beer and sausages. Another big celebration is held on January 19, the anniversary of Jan Palach's death. It honors the student who burned himself to death protesting the Soviet occupation in 1969. Prague’s other major festivals include the following: Spring Festivals Prague has a host of festivals in March, April and May. The most notable of these are the Easter Market celebration in April, which features parades and stalls at Wenceslas Square as well as a giant Easter egg hunt, and Witches Night on April 30, where the locals gather around bonfires and celebrate while warding away witches. Winter Festivals As Prague is the winter festival center of the Czech Republic, there's a lot going on in the city from November to February, including music festivals, ballroom dancing and pagan holidays. The International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music in December brings amateur adult and children's choirs together in a friendly competition that commemorates Christmas. The Prague Christmas Market in December is held at the Old Town Square and features plenty of food, drinks, souvenir stalls and live entertainment. Saint Nicholas' Eve on December 5 is filled with Christmas cheer and is highlighted by Santa's Parade through Prague. On New Year's Eve, Prague celebrates like any other European city with non-stop parties, dancing, drinking and merry-making. Finally, Ball Season in January is celebrated throughout the Czech Republic with classical ballroom dancing.

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Barcelona city guide

Welcome to Barcelona, one of the most stylish and elegant cities in the world From the art collections of Picasso to the eccentric architecture of Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona’s unique sense of style is evident everywhere: art, architecture, fashion and entertainment. And at night, Barcelona transforms into a premier party town, where people party everywhere until the wee hours of the morning, especially during summer. The people of Barcelona are a fun loving bunch, exuberant and creative, always full of good cheer and neighborly warmth. There are around 1.6 million residents in Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, and 3.1 million in the Metropolitan Area. Flanked by the rivers of Besos and Llobregat, Barcelona is a thriving economic center. Its famous ports and the bustling Barcelona International Airport host a parade of human traffic and various goods all day long. Meanwhile, tourists know Barcelona more for its cultural heritage, amazing sights, seven beaches and 68 municipal parks Barcelona’s history underscores its prominence during past civilizations as the capital city of the Crown of Aragon and the Counts of Barcelona. It was founded as a Roman city and historical battles were waged for its control. Today, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an Autonomous Community of the Kingdom of Spain and one of 17 regions that compose Spain. It is the seat of the Catalan government: the executive branch, parliament and Supreme Court. It is also the capital of Barcelonès county. The most prominent and interesting quarters in Barcelona are Ciutat Vella, the oldest town in the city with Medieval roots; Eixample, Modernist in every sense, including its buildings; the gentrified Gràcia; and Barceloneta, a tourist haven of beaches, restaurants, bars and cafes. Barcelona has been one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations for the last decade. Its busiest time is August and September when some shop owners actually close shop and go on vacation to avoid the maddening throng of tourists. Despite the crowds, foreign visitors are more than glad to visit stylish and elegant Barcelona. Attractions Architecture The first thing that strikes a tourist about Barcelona is its amazing architecture, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Much of the credit for the city’s dazzling architectural landscape goes to two architects, Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech y Montaner. Between them, they account for nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Casa Mila, Crypt in Colonia Guell, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Park Guell and Sagrada Familia. Football Anybody who loves football should visit Camp Nou, a veritable European football “cathedral” and home ground of FC Barcelona, the city’s number one team and a European football powerhouse. The arena can accommodate nearly 100,000 people, all of whom scream and stomp when their favorite team is in action. When Franco reigned, FC Barcelona was one of the few ways the people of Catalana could express their anger for the dictatorship, which is one reason why the team is so beloved. La Rambla Barcelona’s most famous boulevard is the perfect place to soak in the city’s culture. As the saying goes, if you sit here long enough, you will see all of Barcelona pass you by. Tourists pack La Rambla during the day to enjoy the sights, meander around the pet stalls or delight in the street performers. At night, the locals are out in droves. If you’re on La Rambla when FC Barcelona wins, especially against hated rivals Real Madrid, you will be treated to the fantastic sight of an entire city rejoicing. La Plaça Reial Sitting right beside La Rambla, La Plaça Reial is renowned as one of the most beautiful squares everywhere. Its charm is enhanced by streetlights designed by Gaudi. Parks Spanning an amazing 203 hectares and located on a mountain, Monjuic Park is the largest park in Barcelona. However, it’s the second largest park that really captures the fancy of tourists, Ciutadella Park, with its zoo, many museums, an old military citadel and the Parliament building. Oreneta Castle Park and Diagonal Mar Park are also can’t-miss destinations. Children will enjoy the Labyrinth Park, with its dizzying garden maze. Museums The Archeological Museum in Santa Madrona boasts of artifacts dating back to the 7th century. The Frederic Mares Museum displays a wide array of Spanish scriptures and artworks from the Middle Ages, including masterpieces of the Virgin Mary and the crucifix. As its name indicates, the Picasso Museum displays nothing but Picasso's paintings and his scope is amazing. The Wax Museums features over 300 famous and life-like figures. Sports buffs will adore the Sports Museum in Buenos Aires while FC Barcelona fans will consider the Museo del Futbol Club de Barcelona as a worthy shrine to their beloved team. Olympic Port Not sure what you want to do tonight? Head to the Olympic Port where you'll find countless bars, pubs, restaurants and other types of entertainment. The Olympic Port is one of the biggest reasons why the night is always alive in Barcelona. Tibidabo According to legend, this is where the devil tried to offer Jesus Christ the world in exchange for His allegiance. Located in the mountains, Tibidabo may not provide a view of the world, but it certainly gives tourists a dazzling view of Barcelona from a vantage point of over 500 meters high. Make sure you take the metro to Tibidabo Station and the Funicular to reach the top of the mountain. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk an entire day to enjoy the view. Montjuic Castle If you want a panoramic view of the city, another excellent place to visit is Montjuic Castle, a fortress built during the 17th century. The view is absolutely breath-taking. Montjuic also hosts some of Barcelona’s most popular parks and gardens. L'Aquarium This is Europe's second biggest aquarium where fishes, penguins and even sharks number in the thousands. Visitors can walk through a long "tube" made of glass and feel like they are in the water with the sharks and other fish. The tube is something that even Europe's biggest aquarium in Genoa doesn't have. Dining Food in Barcelona has a tendency to be inconsistent, and where you eat matters a great deal. Here's a tip: follow the locals and patronize the restaurants and cafes that they frequent. You can’t go wrong. Restaurants typically have a menu of the day (menu del dia) consisting of a simple two-course meal, with three or four options. Keep an eye out for lunch specials from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. which serve food at a fraction of the price. The hours between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Barcelona are usually for siesta time, and most of the restaurants and cafes are closed. However, there are a few good restaurants that stay open, such as Origen, Udon and international food chains. Here’s a rundown of some of the best restaurants in the city: Alkimia Located at Carrer Industria 78, Alkimia is a winner of the Michelin Star for excellence in dining. It specializes in Catalan cooking and seafood dominates the menu. Interiors are simple and all-white to draw more attention to the food. Operated by acclaimed restaurateur Jordi Vila, Alkimia is one of Barcelona’s best restaurants. Gaig Here’s another Michelin Star winner. Food connoisseurs say Gaig has the freshest produce in the city. That’s easy to believe, especially once you see the chickens in the patio freely walking about. Located at Arago 214, Gaig also specializes in Catalan cuisine. In contrast to Alkimia’s simple decor, Gaig’s interiors are a contemporary red and black. Circ Sentits In 2004, Conde Nast Traveler named this restaurant among the “80 Hottest New Restaurants in the World,” and Circ Sentits is living up to that lofty billing. The specialty is also Catalan cuisine, but served with a wine pairing. It is located at Aribau 58. Casa Leopolodo This is the place where pork lovers should dine. They have everything from pork stew to hoof of pork. For variety, Casa Leopoldo also has fish and seafood dishes, including its famous Norway lobsters. It is located at Sant Rafael 24. Bars and Nightlife Barcelona's pubs, bars, nightclubs and discos are constantly buzzing with the live sound of salsa, rock, jazz and flamenco. Here are some recommendations to make the wandering tourist feel right at home. Catwalk This is one of the hottest nightclubs in the city. Catwalk attracts such a crowd that they need every inch of their two dance floors. Dance the night away to R&B and hip-hop as well as Techno music. Things don’t really heat up until 2 a.m. Fonfone Located on Escudellers 24, Fonfone features all-night dancing to the hot beats of electronic music as the multi-colored tiled walls flash non-stop. The interiors are hip and modern. Fonfone also boasts of a well-stocked bar. La Paloma If you’re the type who enjoys gyrating with the young and beautiful crowd, La Paloma is your night club of choice. Located at Tigre 27, this place really begins to heat up at 2 a.m. The dance floor is packed and the party doesn’t stop until 5 a.m. Maumau Meanwhile, if your idea of a night on the town is chilling out at a lounge bar as slow, relaxing music fills the air, Maumau is the place. They regularly host live concerts and short film nights. Sutton Sutton has one of the largest dance floors around as well as two VIP rooms for its hip guests. There’s also a small stage where only the best dancers venture to show off their skills. Thursday is Studio 54 night. The rest of the week features a steady diet of House music. This is a must-visit for lovers of Techno. Chupitos The name says it all: chupitos means “shots” and that’s the specialty of this club. There are hundreds of different types of shots available, including the “Harry Potter,” which is sprinkled with cinnamon. You’ve probably never seen so many shot-happy people all in one place. And don’t worry about staring. Watching other people enjoy their shots is all part of the show. Getting In and Around The Barcelona International Airport, known locally as "El Prat," services flights from Europe and beyond. It’s a mere 10 kms away from the center of Barcelona. Taxis are always available but they can be expensive. Instead, you can take the RENFE suburban train, which leaves the airport every 30 minutes and takes 20 to 30 minutes to get to the city center. Tickets cost around €2.20. There’s also the Aerobus A1 line, which departs from the airport every five to 10 minutes. All its buses are air-conditioned and the fare to the city center is just €4.05. However, the Aerobus is only available until midnight. Once in Barcelona, tourists have many options for traveling around the city. One of the most convenient is the Bus Turistic, which connects to dozens of different tourists attractions. They have northbound and southbound routes. A whole-day ticket costs around €20 while a ticket for two consecutive days is around €26. You may want to consider taking the metro around the city. Tickets are €1.30 for a single trip and €7.30 for 10 rides. There’s also a 50-ride ticket worth €27.55 that’s good for a month. Heading to Tribidabo provides tourists with the opportunity for more exotic types of transport: the Tramvia Blau and Funicular. Tramvia Blau is an old tram dating back to the early 20th century which takes passengers to the foot of Tribidabo mountain. Funicular is another tram that takes passengers to the mountain top. Traveling around Barcelona on a bicycle is a popular way to see the city. There are many places where you can rent a bike such as Barceloneta Bikes near the harbor and Budget Bikes, which has several outlets scattered around. You can also rent a bike from Fat Tire Bike Tours or try out their tour for €22. Renting a car is naturally another option, but parking can be costly at €1.5 to €2.5 per hour. Moreover, driving around the city can be complicated as many of the roads are one-way. It's essential to have a driving map on hand. Festivals and Events Barcelona has year-round wild occasions filled with drinking, dancing and dressing to the nines, especially during the 15 official holidays of the year. Here are some of Barcelona’s leading festivals. Fiesta de San Antonio Abad Naturally, a year of fiestas begins with New Year's Day and is quickly followed by Fiesta de San Antonio Abad on January 17. This occasion is celebrated all over Spain with partying in front of bonfires, especially during the Saturday closest to the 17th. Las Fallas This major festival is celebrated from March 12 to 19. Families make paper mache dolls of Shrek, George W. Bush and other famous figures then parade them all over town and burn them in bonfires at the end of the day. All the while, music is playing and people are drinking and dancing. If you haven’t seen bonfires as big as buildings, just wait for the last day of Las Fallas. It looks like the whole city is on fire. La Diada de Sant Jordi On April 23, Barcelona celebrates this Valentine's Day of sorts and also commemorates the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, who passed away on the same day. It’s a special day for lovers and, naturally, party time for everyone else. Festes de la Merce This is one of Barcelona's biggest yearly festivals featuring fireworks, live music, processions with wooden giants and a popular contest on who can create the tallest human tower. It's also a day for drinking lots of Cava, Catalonia's national drink. Festes de Gràcia On August 15, Barcelona commemorates the Assumption with a week of fiestas and fireworks. It's an important Catholic occasion and the people of Barcelona celebrate it appropriately. Fira de Santa Llúcia This three-week celebration unfolds from December 2 to 23 and revolves around the feast day of Santa Llucia on December 13. Since Santa Llucia is the patron saint of fashion designers, the day features colorful costumes and floats. It's a favorite day of the gay community.

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Cardiff city guide

Introduction Cardiff is both the political and the cultural capital of Wales. It is located in southern Wales. It is included in the Eurocities network of the European cities and has become an important tourist destination in recent years. Having a shoreline on the Bristol Channel and being situated on the coast of south Wales plain, Cardiff is a picturesque city. Apart from beautiful landscape and gardens, the important historic sites are what make Cardiff an attractive town. It isn’t the pale industrial city any more. Cardiff is a lively city now, especially when it hosts Welsh sporting events in its new Millennium Stadium. As the attractions are generally outdoor oriented, it is best to visit Cardiff during spring. Attractions Cardiff Castle The castle is located in the city centre, very close to the Bute Park. It is a fine piece of Gothic architecture with a beautiful courtyard. Interior design is even more impressive with colorful paintings. There are peacocks wandering in the grounds that are surely worth seeing. The entrance fee to the grounds is 3.75 GBP while admission to the castle in accompaniment of a guide is 7.50 GBP. Gorsedd Park This charming park is surrounded by the Cardiff Civic Centre buildings of City Hall, the Law Courts and the National Museum of Wales. The park has countless colorful flowers all around. There are also statues of important figures like Lloyd George. You can take some nice photos especially at night when the City Hall is illuminated. Bute Park Bute Park is a green area that offers many activities to its guests. The area is suitable for a nice picnic. There are also an arboretum, recreation grounds, flower gardens worth seeing and some ruins including the Standing Stones. The Glamorgan County Cricket Club, the Welsh Institute of Sport, a riding school and Sophia Gardens are located in the garden, too. Millennium Stadium The stadium is located in the city centre of Cardiff, across the road from the castle. It was opened in 1999. It is known to have the first retractable roof in the UK. You can explore the changing rooms of the football players and also the players’ tunnel. Apart from the sports events, it also hosts music events. The seating capacity of the stadium is 74.500. Cardiff Bay

The Cardiff Bay area is a popular promenade. The bay has some of the highest tidal ranges in the world. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars that you can go and enjoy the beautiful view of the bay. There are also street entertainers and shows around the bay on summer Sundays. Cardiff Indoor Market This market is quite popular among ardent shoppers. From groceries to umbrellas, you can find almost anything you need at this market. It is like a huge tunnel between St. Mary’s Street and The Hayes. There is also an informing display about the market on the balcony. The Cardiff Market has been there since the 14th century! The market is open from Monday to Saturday between 8 am to 5.30 pm.

Dining and where to eat As Cardiff is both the capital and the largest city of Wales, it has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and fast food restaurants which have attractive offers to satisfy every budget. There is a great number of Italian, French, Greek, Indonesian, Turkish and Moroccan restaurants throughout Cardiff. Caroline Street is the address of the cheapest dishes, take away- food and kebab shops, so it is a quite popular street especially at nights. ASK To have a great dinner in Cardiff, all you have to do is just “ask”. ASK is a nice Italian restaurant where you can find all kinds of pizza along with pasta. Added to this is the friendly service. The restaurant is located at 24 Wyndham Arcade, Mill Lane. An average dinner costs about € 7- € 10. Diner 77 This is a small American restaurant. It is located at 77 Pontcanna Street. Apart from the delicious cuisine including steak, chicken and ribs, there are also good meal options for vegetarians. The restaurant has been run by a family since 1977. As it may be crowded, it is a good idea to book in advance. (Prices are about the average.) The Kismet The Kismet is a very nice Indian restaurant for those who like Indian cuisine and those on a budget. It is located at 24 City Road. Try the Indian buffet till early evening just for £ 2.95! The buffet includes rice, Indian bread; curry sausages, chicken on the bone and some veggie dishes. If you would prefer a three course meal, you can have it for about £ 6.95. Haze Haze is the right address to try some Welsh cuisine. It is located in the Old Library, the Hayes- opposite St. David’s Hall. There is a wide selection of food- including Welsh produced cheese, spirits, liqueurs and seafood. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10 am and 4 pm. (Prices are less expensive than the average.) Bars and nightlife St. Mary’s Street is the heart of nightlife in Cardiff. Many pubs, bars and clubs are focused on the street. Charles Street is the second address of fun at Cardiff nights. Visit especially the Brewery Quarter on St. Mary’s Street which is a relatively new place assertive on the field of entertainment. Here are some of the clubs you can try when in Cardiff: Oceana Oceana is situated off Queen Street, near New Theatre. This nightclub is located in a two story- building. It has three dance floors, one of which is located on the ground floor, the rest being upstairs. The bar downstairs is open till 2 am. After that time, you can go upstairs to the nightclub for free! Clwb Ifor Bach This is a Welsh club situated in the heart of Cardiff, between Cardiff Castle and Westgate Street Multi-storey car park. There are three dance floors, a bar and a live band in the club. Entrance fee is quite reasonable- around £ 3. Transportation to and in Cardiff Cardiff is mainly served by Cardiff International Airport which is about 12 miles from the city. You can use the regular bus services to get to the airport from the city centre. Apart from the bus service, rail service is also available and quite convenient to use. Take the train to the Rhoose Cardiff International Airport Railway Station which is close by. Shuttle buses from the local rail lines to the airport are also frequently used. To go to the main city centre attractions, the easiest way is to use Cardiff Central Railway Station. There are about 22 train stations in Cardiff. Besides the inter-Wales services, there are also frequent trains to Manchester and Birmingham. This makes access to Cardiff from the nearby cities even easier. Cardiff Festival This is an annual festival held every weekend between July and August. This is a big event which generally includes a Children’s festival, Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, MAS Carnival and a lot more. Do not miss this event when you are in Cardiff.

Istanbul city guide

Istanbul, a city with a stunning beauty Istanbul is located on the north western part of Turkey. Spanning over two continents the city is the most populated city of the country and whi,le nolt the actual capital city of Turkey it is still a leading capital of culture, finance and education. Due to its unique location which makes the city a geo-politically important city, Istanbul has suffered many sieges by various civilizations throughout the history. From powerful Roman Empire to prestigious Ottoman rule Istanbul played house to many empires which enabled the city with a diverse culture and stunning historic beauties. Often regarded as the city where East meets West, the city enjoys a rich historical heritage which offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture and history. Apart from its historical importance, Istanbul strikes the visitors with its natural beauties. Bosphorous with its picturesque turquoise colour, gorgeous little islands nestled in the Marmara Sea, various sports facilities and with its generous weather the city is an excellent destination for leisure travels. With its modern structure, vibrant cultural and entertainment scene and numerous shopping facilities, on the other hand, Istanbul offers everything which will satisfy the needs of the modern traveller. Istanbul is a huge city with a huge population, therefore the life in the city may seem chaotic at times, especially if you are coming from a place where everything is well organised. Yet, once in Istanbul you will find a unique system within this chaotic structure which keeps this huge city in a special order keeping the life going as it should. Whether you are here for leisure or business, whether you are looking for an exotic vacation or simply for a tourist holiday in Istanbul it is for sure that you will get much more than what you are searching for. Enjoy your time in Istanbul Gastronomy in Istanbul The cosmopolitan structure of Istanbul reflects itself on the culinary diversity as well. As a city where East meets West, Istanbul has a rich gastronomic kitchen where you can find examples from Eastern and Western cuisines. With thousands of restaurants and cafes serving tantalising specialties from Turkish and international cuisine Istanbul invites you to a memorable culinary experience which will well suit both your taste and wallet. Tramway Cafe/Restaurant Located just a stroll from the historic tunnel, Tramway is an excellent restaurant serving delicious tastes from Turkish cuisine as well as specialties from European cuisine. With a spacious dining area, warm atmosphere, good service and reasonably priced menu Tramway is one of the best places to enjoy a fine lunch/dinner in Istanbul. Address: Istiklal Cad. 346, Beyoglu. Leb-i Derya Leb-i Derya is one of the most popular restaurants among locals. Due to its location at the backstreets of the busy Istiklal street the restaurant might not seem very attractive, yet once you’re inside the it will amaze you with its perfect view overlooking Bosphorus, extensive menu, decent atmosphere and quality food. Not to be missed. Address: Kumbaraci Yokusu 57/6, Tunel, Beyoglu 360 360 offers tantalising specialties from international cuisine with an emphasis on Turkish culinary tradition. Sit back enjoy the best dishes in the town while overlooking the gorgeous city of Istanbul from the restaurants spacious terrace. Address: Istiklal Cad. Mısır Apt. 311/8 Beyoglu. Sultanahmet Koftecisi If you are up for a real Turkish lunch/dinner then located right across Sultanahmet Square, Sultanahmet Koftecisi is the right place to go. Serving delicious Turkish meatballs together with salad and piyaz (a cold dish made with dried beans and chopped onions) this restaurant gives an introduction into the Turkish cuisine which makes it a must-visit place while in Istanbul. Address: Divanyolu Cad. 12, Sultanahmet as well as various locations throughout Istanbul Bambi Café Bambi is the name for a café chain in Istanbul which serves a wide range of fast food from hamburgers to toasts, from sausages to durum (wrapped meat/chicken chopped into small pieces). Nice place to drop by before a second round of sightseeing, or after a long night out. Inci Nestled in a small shop at the heart of busy Istiklal Street, Inci is a must-visit place serving delicious profiteroles. The shop has a limited number of seats so be prepared for a long wait before you finally find somewhere to seat and enjoy your dessert. Address: Istiklal Cad. 124/2, Beyoglu. Lively nights in Istanbul You have explored the city by day, so now it is time to dive into the colourful nights of Istanbul. Centred on Beyoglu and Ortakoy areas, nights in Istanbul offer a memorable time out. Whether you are up for a few drinks in a relaxed corner or for heavy partying until the first lights in the morning in this magical city you are assured to find what you are looking for. Enjoy your night in Istanbul! 360 Istanbul Are you ready to dance the night out? With its fascinating design and generous menu including the best local and international drinks 360 is the right place to enjoy the lively nights in Istanbul in a refined setting accompanied by the best views over the city. Istiklal Cad. Mısır Apt. 311/8 Beyoglu Balans and Jolly Joker Balans is a music and performance hall ( Jolly Joker) which has a busy event schedule. Mostly packed with university crowd, Balans is well worth checking out. Address: Balo Sok., 22 Beyoglu Roxy One of the most popular nightspots in Istanbul, Roxy hosts various live music performances, dance and concept parties offering the greatest entertainment in the city. Closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Entrance fee: 40 YTL (weekends). Address: Sıraselviler Cad. Aslanyatağı Sok. 5 Beyoglu Babylon Babylon is a leading live music venue housing various live music events by various local and international bands & singers throughout the year. Entrance fees vary for each event. Address: Sehbender Sok, 3 Tunel-Asmalimescit-Beyoglu Hamam Nestled in the terrace of a historic 16th century building, Hammam is a trendy place to enjoy a fascinating night out in Istanbul. Address: Istiklal Cad. Bahceli Hamam Sok, 3. Studio Live Studio Live is another popular nightclub among the locals in Istanbul. Housing various local and international music events as well as DJ performances and dance nights, Studio Live is a must-see place while in Istanbul. Address: Atif Yilmaz Cad. 17/A Beyoglu Nevizade Street Located in Beyoglu District adjacent to Istiklal Street, Nevizade is the best place to be if you enjoy a more relaxed kind of entertainment. With various bars & restaurants (specialising mostly in see food) it hosts Nevizade Street offers the best of entertainment in a laid back atmosphere. Catz Bebek Located right across Bebek Mosque, this is a trendy place where you can enjoy a couple of drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. With its rich menu including best quality local and international spirits served lovely setting by attentive staff Catz Bebek invites you into a memorable night in Istanbul. Address: Bebek Mahallesi Cevdetpasa Cad. Hamam Sok. 2. Topkapi District This is a cosy district where you can find various cafes where you can sit and chat with friends while eating hand-made delicious bakeries called “gozleme”. Flavoured Shisha is a must-try while in Topkapi. Key events in Istanbul International Film Festival (Annual, in April) Held in various venues in Beyoglu area, Istanbul International Film Festival is a leading festival showcasing numerous local and international films and hosting directors and movie stars from all around the world. International Theatre Festival (Annual, late May/ early June) International Theatre Festival is a three week festival during which numerous plays meet the audience in various venues throughout the city. International Istanbul Music Festival (Annual, June) Held by Istanbul Culture and Art Organisation (IKSV) International Istanbul Music Festival is a leading event housing performances by world-famous artists and orchestras filling the city with a musical air. Efes Pilsen One Love Festival (Annual, June) Held on the longest day of the year, Efes Pilsen One Love festival features rock music performances, dance shows and many other colourful events bringing the lovers of rock music into the city. International Jazz Festival (Annual, July) International Jazz Festival showcases excellent local and international jazz performances attracting thousands of visitors each year. Akbank Jazz Festival (Annual, October) Sponsored by Akbank (a private bank company in Turkey) Akbank Jazz Festival is another key event in the city’s music scene. The festival is held in various venues throughout Istanbul. Efes Pilsen Blues Festival (Annual, November/December) Turkey’s only blues festival, Efes Pilsen Blues Festival gives the lovers of blues music the opportunity to meet the leading performers in the world’s rock music scene. International Istanbul Biennial (From September to November) Sponsored by Koç Companies Group, International Istanbul Biannial aims at promoting contemporary Turkish works of arts. Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon (Annual, last Sunday of October) Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon starts from the Asian side of Istanbul, and ends on the European side, on route passing the most beautiful sights of the city offering the participants a unique experience. Widely attended by thousands of local and international runners, this marathon is not to be missed if you are in Istanbul in October. Book your Istanbul hotel online with gtahotels and get the best rates for your Istanbul accommodation http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/istanbul.htm

Hotel reviews

Surveys show that travel website users want social media and user-generated content which means any hotel review you write when you get back from your trip is going to be read! Here are a handful of the most recent hotel reviews that have been written by guests and submitted to the gtahotels.com website Apostoli Palace Locanda Hotel in Venice Great quiet location (but still close to everything). You'll be relieved to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of St Marks Square etc. Rooms are small but nicely decorated and extremely clean. Breakfast is lovely too and the staff are friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay there again http://www.gtahotels.com/hotels/apostoli_palace_locanda_hotel_venice_island.htm Crown Court hotel Inverness We were there for a wedding and found the staff very efficient and helpful. The wedding meal was superb - wonderful veggie choice too - and was served with speed and ease. A huge choice at breakfast too which couldn't be faulted. Brilliant! When we entered our bedroom it was nicely decorated and welcoming. Unfortunately what a disappointment when we looked in the bathroom! If we were to have stayed another night I would most certainly have asked for another room http://www.gtahotels.com/hotels/crown_court_hotel_inverness.htm City River hotel Siam Reap Cambodia I would definitely recommend this hotel to others. The price was good and the service was excellent. I especially liked the Roof-top swimming pool, which had a good selection of foods, including Western and Asian options. The rooms were Spartan but nice. There is a very nice pool area and a gym for people who need to workout. The hotel is close to pub street and old market http://www.gtahotels.com/hotels/city_river_hotel_siem_reap.htm Kemer Resort hotel Kemer Turkey This is an excellent hotel. Spotlessly clean, great choice of food. The best value hotel we have ever stayed in.It promises a lot and delivers. Great and safe for youngsters, ramps everywhere for disabled. Popular with Russians and german families. You won't be disappointed. http://www.gtahotels.com/hotels/kemer_resort_hotel.htm

Popular summer beach destinations

Fuerteventura is just 100km from the coast of Africa and its fine weather makes is an ideal year round destination. Fuerteventura is relatively unspolit and boasts over 150 beaches. For a fun day out, visit the La lajita Oasis Park with its outstanding Botanical Garden, parrot and sealine shows and even a camel safari! Popular resorts in Fuerteventura are Caleta de Fuste and Corralejo. Corralejo is one of the most popular and lively resorts on the Island of Fuerteventura. Once just a tiny fishing village, the harbour of Corralejo is now a bustling area with day trippers heading to Los Lobos Island and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote. The main street of Corralejo is Calle General which is lined with souvenir shops, cafes and bars. Corralejo's restaurants offer a wide choice, from English fish and chips to tacos or curry

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Golden Sands is one of the largest resorts along the Northern coast of Bulgaria. Golden Sands is famous for its hot water mineral springs and its long sandy beach. Watersports are available on the beach and there are plenty of bazaars, restaurants, bars, clubs and a casino for when night falls. Sample the Bulgarian cuisine at one of the local tavernas.

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http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/golden_sands.htm Sharm El Sheikh is a popular year round holiday resort and world-acclaimed dive centre. Between the two tourist districts of Old Sharm and Naama Bay there are a huge selection of shops, bazaars, restaurants, night clubs and casinos. Take a day trip into the desert and visit Mt Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery.

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Ayia Napa

Once a small fishing village in the south-eastern corner of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is now a hotspot for holidaymakers looking for a lively vacation - over 250,000 clubbers swarm into this party capital each summer and the phenomenal atmosphere in its scores of bars and nightclubs is nothing short of explosive. Located in the centre of the market garden area of the island, Ayia Napa also boasts a string of superb golden sandy beaches and vestiges of its cultural heritage - there is a Venetian decorated monastery fronted by a 600-year-old Sycamore tree, and a quaint harbour filled with colourful fishing vessels. Just a few miles from Ayia Napa, the resort of Protaras is more restrained and is much more suited to family holidays. Both resorts have excellent beaches, the most famous being Fig Tree Bay. Other popular beaches include Nissi Beach and Nissi Bay, two miles (3km) west of Ayia Napa; Cape Greco to the east, where the challenge is to leap from the rocks into the sea; and Konnos Bay, just past Cape Greco, where there is a beach café and speedboats for hire. Shopping in Ayia Napa is pure pleasure for locals and holidaymakers alike, with real bargains to be had particularly on designer goods. Top name watches, sunglasses, clothing, cameras and jewellery are available at prices up to 30 percent cheaper than in the United Kingdom. Shops and boutiques are generally small and friendly, opening until 11pm every night except Sundays. The local handcrafts make for good souvenir shopping, including beautiful embroidered Lefkara lace, original ceramic pottery, artistic silver jewellery, baskets, woven and silk goods and high quality leatherwear. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere. Variety is the spice of dining out in Ayia Napa, where countless restaurants specialise in a host of cuisines from around the world, everything from the romantic and traditional, to fast food and pub-grub being on offer, holidaymakers won't be disappointed. Whether it is a Big Mac, fish 'n chips, a Chinese or formal French you fancy, you won't have to go far to find it. Visitors are well advised to try the Cypriot fare, however, particularly in the delightful, traditional tavernas clustered around the harbour. Highly recommended is the typical Cypriot 'meze', made up of between 15 and 30 island dishes. Other local specialities include taramosalata, tsatsiki, moussaka, stifado (beef or veal stew), aphelia (pork and red wine), and loukoumades (doughnuts dipped in syrup). Holidaymakers in Ayia Napa soon learn that it is essential to plan an afternoon siesta, if they are to make the most of the sensational nightlife for which the resort has become world-renowned. The Cypriot's appreciation for the good life and good times comes to the fore after the sun sets, with bars, discos, nightclubs and bouzouki clubs open well into the early hours of the morning. Most hotels have their own nightly entertainment with a resident band, and Greek nights with folk dancing are offered. The resort's clubbing scene is legendary with big name DJ's appearing frequently at some of the popular clubs.

The extensive, silvery sandy beaches along the coast of Ayia Napa are washed with warm waters that provide a myriad of opportunities for watersports, including water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, pedal boats, motor boats, parasailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation supervises the beaches, many of which have Blue Flag status. Holidaymakers can take excursions from Ayia Napa to places like Agia Thekla, four miles (6km) to the west, with a small offshore island, Makronisos Beach, a cluster of three sheltered bays, or to the historical city of Larnaca, 25 miles (40km) along the coast. Jeep safaris around the island itself are popular, with attractions like the Caledonian Falls and the Byzantine Monastery of Kykkos waiting to be explored. The island's position in the Mediterranean also lends itself to making excursions to other countries, even Jerusalem or Cairo, for a night or two of sightseeing.

Generally Ayia Napa is clean, well ordered and favoured by all types of holidaymakers. Those who do not enjoy noise and bright lights, however, are advised to stay clear of the central monastery square area, which is where most of the popular nightclubs are situated. The main clubbing season is between June and September, and during this period the resort is packed with young people from all over Europe. Older holiday makers may prefer to enjoy the resort during the ‘shoulder’ months (April, May, October and November), when the weather is still good, the sea relatively warm, but the tempo quieter. The island can be windy, but the geographic locations of the surrounding beaches means that it is possible to find a sheltered beach even on windy days. Nissi Beach tends to be overcrowded, but there are other beaches within easy reach where it is possible to enjoy peace and quiet.

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