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City Guides
26th January 2025Embarking on a three-day city getaway to Vienna offers a delightful blend of imperial history, artistic treasures, and culinary delights. Below we have compiled a comprehensive itinerary to help you experience the best of Austria’s capital. Where to Stay There are several locations to consider for your stay to be more convenient to access major attractions. Innere Stadt (First District) is a central area which is home to many of Vienna’s iconic sites and offers a range of hotels to suit various budgets. Alternatively, the districts of Leopoldstadt (Second District) and Mariahilf (Sixth District) provide more affordable options while still being close to the city center. Popular choice can also be considered, therefore you may check the top 12 hotels in Vienna as rated by users. Day 1: Exploring the Historic Center Morning: St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): Begin your day at Vienna’s most iconic Gothic cathedral. Take an elevator or climb the 343 steps of the South Tower for panoramic city views. Allocate about 1.5 hours for the visit. Midday: Hofburg Palace: A short walk from the cathedral, the former imperial residence of the Habsburgs awaits. Explore the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection. Plan for approximately 2-3 hours here. Lunch: Naschmarkt: Head to Vienna’s most popular market, offering a variety of international cuisines. It’s an ideal spot to sample local dishes and fresh produce. Afternoon: Vienna State Opera House: Join a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. Tours typically last around 40 minutes. Evening: Graben and Kohlmarkt: Stroll through these historic shopping streets, admiring Baroque architecture and perhaps indulging in some window shopping. Day 2: Palaces and Art Morning: Schönbrunn Palace: Visit the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Explore the opulent rooms and take a leisurely walk through the expansive gardens. Allocate about 3 hours for the palace and gardens. Lunch: Café Central: Experience a traditional Viennese coffeehouse atmosphere while enjoying classic pastries and light meals. Afternoon: Belvedere Palace: Divided into Upper and Lower Belvedere, this Baroque masterpiece houses an impressive art collection, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Spend around 2 hours exploring the art and gardens. Evening: Prater Amusement Park: Visit the historic Prater park and take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel for a unique view of the city, especially enchanting during sunset. Day 3: Culture and Leisure Morning: Albertina Museum: Home to one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world, the Albertina also hosts modern art exhibitions. Plan for a 2-hour visit. Lunch: Figlmüller: Known for serving some of the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, this restaurant offers a quintessential Austrian dining experience. Afternoon: Hundertwasser House: Explore this unique residential building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, known for its colorful façade and unconventional design. Spend about an hour here. Evening: Danube River Cruise: Conclude your trip with a relaxing evening cruise along the Danube River, offering a different perspective of Vienna’s landmarks illuminated at night. Transportation Vienna boasts an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway). Consider purchasing a 72-hour Vienna City Card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at various attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available for added convenience. Additional Tips Weather: Vienna experiences mild winters and warm summers. It’s advisable to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Our year-round Vienna weather also presents the best period of the year to travel here. Cultural Etiquette: When visiting churches or attending classical music performances, dress modestly and be mindful of local customs. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of Vienna’s rich history, artistic heritage, and modern attractions, ensuring a memorable three-day getaway. [...] Read more...
15th July 2023Getting to know Liverpool What you can do for free in Liverpool Explore the Liverpool waterfront (Albert Docks and Pier Head) There is a lot to see when you go exploring the Liverpool waterfront: the complex of dock buildings and warehouses is called The Royal Albert Dock. Process to the Pier Head and you’ll find sculptures, beautiful buildings with fascinating architecture, the Museum of Liverpool, the Royal Liver Building and more. Wonder around Sefton Park Sefton Park is spread across 235 acres and it has plenty of things to check out – if you plan on visiting you can reserve a whole day for exploration here. There are playgrounds, the Palm House, cafes, caves and waterfalls, statues, monuments, the Bandstand and generally a lot of greenery and beautiful nature. Stroll along the beaches Go for a walk on Crosby Beach or Formby Beach to enjoy a relaxing evening (or any other time of the day you wish). If you find your way to Crosby beach, you’ll be able to admire the “Another Place” modern sculptures by Antony Gormley. 100 cast iron figures face towards the sea and create this fascinating scenery for visitors. Top spots to visit Beatles-related sites Since Liverpool is very famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, it would be a shame to skip visiting all the various Beatles-related sites. The list of potential spots to add to your itinerary includes the Penny Lane, the Strawberry Fields, The Beatles Story in Albert Dock, the rebuilt Cavern Club, the Beatles statues on Pier Head, the Beatles Shop and the homes of members of the band. You can even find tours focusing on these spots, but you can go on your own for free if you know what you want to see and make a plan yourself. Museums and galleries Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum – these are only a few of the spots that can be a great addition to your Liverpool visit. Depending on your interests and what types of arts and artists you’re most interested in, make your choice and enjoy! St. George’s Hall St. George’s Hall is a Neoclassical building containing concert halls and law courts. The place can be visited and it is definitely an impressive spot – both the interior and the exterior have plenty of things to see, from the sculpted friezes on the facades to the beautiful stained glass windows, the bronze doors and beautiful floors inside. Hidden spots to visit Formby Pinewoods Liverpool is a place where bluebell flowers take over the ground in many spots in the springtime. One such spot is the Formby Pinewoods – if you’re a nature lover, you should love it here. These woods are also home to many red squirrels and it is a great spot to admire the wildlife and nature (make sure you respect the animals and remember that you’re entering their home and should not disturb them). Williamson Tunnels A series of subterranean excavations can be found in the Edge Hill area in Liverpool – these tunnels span over quite a large area and they are not your typical tourist attraction, although quite fascinating. If you’re into the more obscure spots and enjoy a dose of creepiness from time to time, these tunnels should be up your alley. Sefton Shipwrecks You can see quite a few shipwrecks along the Merseyside coastline and the Sefton ones are part of the list. Keep in mind that tides, water and sand movement sometimes cover and uncover certain wrecks and you might not reach the spot you’ve planned to at the right time – make sure you check online to see how things present themselves lately. Restaurants The diversity when it comes to food and cuisines is great in Liverpool – you can find anything from American, Indian, Asian, European cuisines to all sorts of bars and cafes with good sweet and savory foods. Go for a fine dining experience at The Art School, Mamasan Liverpool, Puffin’ Rooms, Röski or check out the cheaper options at Blackdoor Bar & Bistro, Cowshed, Noso, The Edge at Joey Orr’s and Lucy in the Sky. Choose according to proximity to your accommodation or the spots you’re visiting and make sure you check out some online reviews before. Recommended time for visiting Liverpool is good to visit at almost any point during the year. While the winters and cold and the days are short during this time and most people would not find it pleasant here then, you can always go anywhere from late spring to early autumn. The weather is generally pleasant even in the summer days and early autumn gets a bit chillier but also less crowded, so you might enjoy that plus the lower hotel fares. [...] Read more...
15th May 2023Getting to know Amsterdam What you can do for free in Amsterdam Visit the Rijksmuseum Garden While the Rijksmuseum itself does require a fee to enter, you can find your way to the gardens without having to pay – it won’t be hard to do so. These gardens surround the museum and they are a great spot to explore, with statues and fragments of old Dutch buildings spread all over for the visitor’s pleasure. Go for a ferry ride Yes, you read that right, ferry rides are free in Amsterdam! Given that the city has many canals and crossing various bodies of water is sometimes essential for the inhabitants to reach certain spots within the city, the public transport system here provides many free ferry connections for pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds across the river IJ. You can find a list of routes and the points they connect on the GVB website – GVB (Gemeente Vervoerbedrijf) Amsterdam is the municipal public transport operator for the city. Explore the historic areas Canal Belt and Chinatown are some of the most fascinating historic area that you can visit in Amsterdam; here you can walk around and admire the beautiful scenery with lovely architecture and if you’re going for the Canal Belt, you can easily reach some of the best attractions in Amsterdam as well, such as the Anne Frank House, the Flower market, museums, Westerkerk and more. Top spots to visit The port of Amsterdam The port of Amsterdam is a landmark of the city and it is the 4th busiest port in Europe by metric tonnes of cargo. The Port of Amsterdam is also the 4rd biggest cruise port in Europe. Overall, this is a fascinating spot to visit and learn more about. Museums There’s many museums in Amsterdam and they’re all top spots and well worth a visit – Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum, The Anne Frank Museum – these are some of the most important ones and they’re worth including in your list of places to see while on your Amsterdam vacation. Westerkerk (West Church) Westerkerk is a Reformed church and it is located in central Amsterdam; it was built between 1620 and 1631 in Renaissance style and it is definitely an impressive building. Its tower (Westertoren) is the highest church tower in the city (87 meters). Hidden spots to visit Beurspassage It’s easy to overlook this beautiful, unique passageway, especially being in such a busy location where everyone seems to be in a rush, but make sure you look up if you decide to visit. Find the colored mosaic tiles, stained glass and the mesmerizing chandeliers between the Damrak and Nieuwendijk shopping corridors. Nieuwe Spiegelstraat Nieuwe Spiegelstraat is the perfect spot to visit if you’re into antique things. This street is lined with antique shops and you’ll see obscure, fascinating collections of all sorts of different things more than anywhere else here. Amsterdam Begijnhof Certain communities, especially in the Middle Ages, could benefit from charitable housing, also known as an almshouse. Hofje is the Dutch word for a courtyard with almshouses around it and Amsterdam Begijnhof is one of the oldest hofjes in the city. It now houses two churches and it offers stunning scenery to visitors. Restaurants Try out the local Dutch cuisine, as well as other options such as European, Italian and Asian. Find good food at de Silveren Spiegel, Graham’s Kitchen, Senses Restaurant, Utrechtsedwarstafel or maybe at Cuddle, Sir Hummus or Rob Wigboldus Vishandel for a smaller price. Wherever you decide to go, you can always take a look online for reviews before choosin, to verify if the experience has the potential to be the best one. Recommended time for visiting If you’re looking to find the most vibrant city and a lot of energy and buzz, April is a great month for visiting Amsterdam; several national holidays take place in April and there is the least amount of rainfall during this time too. If you prefer to avoid crowds, go for late summer like September. Hotel rates tend to lower when there aren’t usually as many visitors. [...] Read more...
Travel Tips
27th May 2024Europe is a continent rich in history, art and culture and its cities offer endless opportunities for thematic exploration. From ancient ruins and Gothic cathedrals to art museums and vibrant squares, every European city has a unique story to tell. Here are some suggestions for themed tours that will help you discover Europe’s hidden treasures. 1. Paris, France: Capital of Art and Culture Paris is famous for its rich cultural heritage and its central role in art history. Start with a visit to the Louvre, one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, where you can admire masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Continue with Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, which showcases Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork from famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Degas. Don’t miss the Notre-Dame Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located on Montmartre Hill, offering spectacular views of the city. End your tour with a walk on the Champs-Élysées and a visit to the Eiffel Tower, the iconic symbol of Paris. 2. Rome, Italy: In the Heart of Antiquity Rome, also known as the “Eternal City”, is a dream destination for history lovers. Start your tour at the Colosseum, one of the most impressive monuments of ancient Rome, where you will discover the stories of gladiators and public performances. Next door, the Roman Forum will take you through the ruins of the central square of Roman antiquity, where temples, triumphal arches and administrative buildings are located. Don’t forget to visit the Pantheon, an impressive Roman temple turned Christian church and the Catacombs of Rome, an underground complex of tunnels and early Christian tombs. End your tour with a walk on Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest Roman roads and a visit to the Vatican Museums, where you can admire the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. 3. Vienna, Austria: The Splendor of Music and Imperial Architecture Vienna is a city of music, art and grand architecture. Start exploring with Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, where you’ll be able to visit luxurious rooms and impressive baroque gardens. Then head to the Hofburg Palace, where you will discover the imperial apartments and the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Don’t miss an evening at the Vienna State Opera, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, plus a visit to the House of Music, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of music and famous composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. End your tour with a stroll along the Ringstraße, the circular boulevard that surrounds Vienna’s historic center and is home to impressive buildings such as the Rathaus (Town Hall), the Parliament and the Burgtheater. 4. Barcelona, Spain: Gaudí’s Art and the Catalan Spirit Barcelona is a vibrant and colorful city known for its unique architecture and lively atmosphere. Start your tour with the Sagrada Família, architect Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, and continue to Park Güell, a public park full of colorful structures and sculptures designed by the same brilliant architect. Don’t miss Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), two of Barcelona’s most famous modernist buildings, and explore Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) with its narrow streets and picturesque squares. End the tour with a visit to the Picasso Museum, where you will discover the artist’s early works and his Catalan influences. Thematic tours are a great way to explore and better understand the cultural and historical diversity of European cities. Whether you are an art, history or architecture enthusiast, these tours will give you memorable experiences and a deep insight into Europe’s rich heritage. So pack your bags and embark on a themed journey through the continent’s most fascinating cities! [...] Read more...
31st January 2024Our world’s historical heritage consists of places steeped in history, be they medieval castles, royal palaces or ancient cities. However, the inexorable passage of time and natural impacts have led to the degradation of many such places. However, around the world there are restoration projects that turn ruins into well-preserved jewels. This article explores some of these remarkable projects that have brought impressive historic places back to life. 1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany The imposing high roofs and slender towers make the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany a fantastic spot to find your way to; it is often called the “Fairytale Castle” of Ludwig II of Bavaria. The king died in 1886 and its construction was stopped then, but this mesmerizing castle was since restored & quickly became a top tourist destination. Restoration efforts included bettering the structure, redecorating the interior plus refreshing the gardens surrounding the building – today this place is a feat of restoration that brings fairytale scenes to real life. 2. The ruins of Petra, Jordan Petra, the ancient rock-cut city in Jordan, is famous for the “Khazneh al-Firaun”, or “Pharaoh’s Treasury”. However, many other ancient structures dug into these rocks have been left in ruins. In recent years, restoration projects have been initiated to preserve and restore ancient temples and dwelling houses in Petra. These projects give visitors a closer look at life in the ancient city and show how restoration efforts can reveal the treasures of a vanished culture. 3. Palace of Westminster, Great Britain The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the Parliament of Great Britain and an example of the booming Gothic architecture. Over time, the building required extensive repair and restoration work. Recent projects have included the rehabilitation of exterior facades and the rehabilitation of major halls, such as Westminster Hall, which was badly damaged by the fire of 1834. The restorations have been carried out with attention to detail to maintain the authenticity and grandeur of the building. 4. The temple of Angkor Wat, Cambodia Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex in Cambodia and a symbol of world heritage. It was built in the 12th century and over time has suffered significant damage from vegetation and armed conflict. Restoration projects in Angkor Wat have involved removing unwanted vegetation and strengthening the structures to prevent collapse. This place is returning to its historical glory, allowing visitors to explore Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. 5. Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Greece Located under the Acropolis in Athens, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is true ancient gem; although it has been restored over the decades, recent projects have brought extensive improvements to preserve and better the acoustics and comfort of the halls. These efforts brought life to the theater as a performance and concert venue, allowing a new generation to enjoy the historic venue. These restoration projects are a plea for the preservation and enhancement of our historical heritage. They give people the opportunity to connect with the past and experience the beauty of places that would otherwise have disappeared into the void of time. Through restoration efforts, historic sites are transformed from ruins into precious treasures that can be admired and appreciated by future generations. [...] Read more...
8th December 2018Are you ready to face the world with nothing but a backpack? If yes, it is very important to know what to pack because you will be doing most of the carrying on your own. So, unless you are the incredible hulk and the weight of the back pack will not be an issue, it is important for you to know the 10 Things which should not miss from your travel backpack. This guide is for someone who is going to be spending a lot of time outdoors trekking or exploring. 1. Minimalist clothing Now is not the time to pack the high heels and Gucci bags. You need to carefully consider the weight and number of clothes you will need to carry. Shorts and light t-shirts are a good idea. Carry what can also dry quickly so that you can wash what you have worn and wear it on subsequent days. This will significantly reduce the number of clothes you need to carry. Make sure you carry a few warm clothes for chilly nights. 2. Camera and phone You are on an adventure right? It is important to capture the images for posterity’s sake. Fortunately most phones nowadays have very advanced cameras meaning you can do away with the bulkier camera and use your phone. 3. Charger Remember to bring your charger along, a solar charger is even better so that you do not have to look for a power source when you need to charge your phone. A portable power bank that can charge the phone multiple times without needing to be charged is a great idea. 4. Portable tent and sleeping bag If you plan on sleeping outside and not in a motel, then you will need a portable tent and a sleeping bag; a place to lay your weary bones after an adventure filled day. 5. Torches/Head lamp If you are trekking, this will come in handy at night. You do not want to be out in the wild at night with no light. Consider a solar lamp/torch so that you can charge it on the move (just place the panel at a strategic point on your backpack). The head lamp is especially strategic because it will free up your hands. 6. Important documents These include your passport and visa if you will be crossing borders, identification and money, although not too much, take advantage of the mobile money services to ensure you can access money at different points. Carry these in a money belt for safety purposes. 7. Medicine Carry some form of medicine like paracetamol, balm, stomach medication, band aid, repellant for mosquitoes and bugs just to name a few. Do not of forget insulin or other life saving prescription drugs that you might be on. Make sure you also have water to ease dehydration on the long treks. 8. Toiletries This will include a toothbrush, toothpaste, tissue, wet wipes, sanitary towels and deodorant. You may need to use a public toilet that has no tissue. On the road you may not be able to take a shower and the wet wipes will come in handy. For the ladies carry sanitary towels in case you are in a place you cannot access any. 9. Padlock You will need to secure the contents of your backpack with a padlock so that nimble fingers do not get away with your stuff. 10. Universal plug adapter Carry a universal plug adapter in case you find yourself in a place that does not have what you require. This will save you the expense of buying an adapter when you get to your destination. You are now ready to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Remember to stay safe and keep in contact with your loved ones back home. [...] Read more...

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We are a community of travelers writing for travelers. Our aim is to improve your travel experiences with tips on what to do in various destinations, with cheaper deals through comparison for the exact same itinerary. Traveling is supposed to be fun, taking you out of the daily routine and improving your state of mind and physical well-being. Traveling should improve your understanding of other cultures, making you more tolerant and more aware of the big world around you. Traveling may improve your social life as an overall, from meeting new interesting people along the way, to creating lifetime stories that you can share with your friends and more. And not last, traveling makes you smarter, from better understanding people around you, learning new ways of doing things, discovering new cuisines, and why not, learning new words in other languages. As you can see, there are a lot of benefits and advantages of traveling, with many more to be discovered by you and hopefully getting to share them with us.

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