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Barcelona
Barcelona
is fast becoming one of the most popular European destinations and it
easy to see why. After a clean up in 1992 for the Olympics, Barcelona
has continued its efforts and is now a modern, prosperous and extremely
chic city. Combine the magnificent new architecture, skyscrapers and multimillion-pound
airport with the history of Barcelona, narrow streets, cathedrals and
museums, the unique culture of the Catalan people. Add near perfect Mediterranean
weather, situated within a spectacular harbor city with pavement artists,
buskers, performance artists and tourists all jostling for space and you've
found the perfect getaway.
What
to do in Barcelona
- Walk down
Las Rambles the famous tree lined street
- Visit
one of the many nearby wineries
- Spend
the night trying the many bars in town
- Or watch
a flamenco show in a club such as Los Tarantos
- Take a
30-minute Las Golondrinas cruise (motorized gondolas!)
- Wander
round the zoo
- Marvel
at the gothic cathedral
- Barter
at one of the many flea markets
- Simply
wander round the harbor; it is beautiful.
- Look round
the Museu Picasso, the Museu d'Art de Catalunya and the Museu d'Histo
de la Ciutat (city museum)
When
to go to Barcelona
Ideally
in May or October when the weather is great but the crowds haven't descended.
If you like the weather HOT and fairly humid, and don't mind the crowds
go in the summer.
Recommended
reading
DK
Travel Guide: Barcelona - (Paperback 16 September, 1999)
"Time
Out" Barcelona Guide - (Paperback 27 January, 2000)
The
Rough Guide to Barcelona - Jules Brown, Melanie Cooke (Editor) (Paperback
25 March, 1999)
Brussels
A
delightful mix of people populates Brussels, nearly 1/3 of all inhabitants
are from other countries and as such Brussels exudes a cosmopolitan and
friendly aura. It is the home of the European Commission and the Council
of the European Union. A city of art and culture, Brussels is the ideal
place to explore a major city, without the associated stress and strain
generally connected with large cosmopolitan areas. Welcome to this city
of exquisite chocolate, fine beer and stunning art. High on many people's
travel agenda, especially since the development of the Eurostar.
What
to do in Brussels
- Wander
round one of the many art museums such as the Musees Royaux des Beaux
Arts
- Eat locally
made chocolate (hand made praline is the best) and drink Belgium home
made beer!
- Experience
the wonder of a Viennese Opera, particularly at La Monnaie
- Laugh
out loud at the Comic Strip museum….
- Shop in
the world's first ever shopping mall: Galeries Royales St-Hubert
- View art
at the Horta Museum, the former home of Victor Horta.
- If you're
around on July 21st, you'll no doubt get involved in Belgium's
National Day and the month long fair that follows throughout Brussels.
- Take a
peek at the famous peeing boy (on the corner of Eikstraat / Stoofstraat)
- The Toone
Puppet Theatre is on the first floor of a pub dating back to 1696, combine
the theatre with some of the fantastic Belgium beers available downstairs.
When
to go to Brussels
The
weather in Vienna could be called boring, there are no extremes, and in
fact it is pretty standard throughout the year. Even in summer do not
be surprised if the sky is grey and you carry the umbrella and raincoat
with you all day long! Traditionally April to September is the warmest
period, but like we say - be prepared….
Recommended
reading
The
Rough Guide to Brussels ~ Martin Battersby, et al (Paperback - 25 March,
1999)
DK
Eyewitness Travel Guide: 48 Brussels ~ (Paperback - 27 July, 2000)
"Time
Out" Brussels Guide ~ (Paperback - 6 July, 2000)
Dublin
Dublin,
the capital of Ireland is one of the liveliest cities in Europe offering
a wide range of nightlife to suit all tastes, not to mention an impressive
catalogue of attractions to keep you occupied during the day. The main
attraction to Dublin has to be the very people who live and work here,
they have a contagious enthusiasm for life, and visitors to Dublin are
rarely disappointed with any aspect of their stay. In terms of size, Dublin
is a small city, but the action is packed in.
What
to do in Dublin
- St. Patricks
and Christ Church Cathedral are 12th century Anglican churches for those
who enjoy culture of this kind
- Built
on 1204 Dublin Castle still stands strong
- Go shopping
down Grafton and O'Connell Street, Irish made items to look out for
include Waterford Crystal, Irish whisky, and Aran sweaters.
- The Garden
of Remembrance is dedicated to the memory of those who died in the cause
of Irish Freedom.
- Kilmainham
Jail has many exhibitions and shows for visitors, it is decommissioned.
- Dublin
Zoo, within Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed urban parks
in the world, or alternatively if you just fancy a stroll, the picturesque
Merrion Square Park it is surrounded by fine building to every side.
- Can you
wander round the Old Jameson Distillery without stopping for a dram?
Or the home of Guinness for a pint come to that!
- Greyhound
racing at Shelbourne Park Stadium is very popular with the Irish, why
not join them?
- Many come
to Dublin just for the pint of pure luxury. Spend an evening staggering
from to pub to pub.
When
to go to Dublin
Ireland,
the Emerald Isle, is green for a very good reason; rain. The warmest months
are July and August and are therefore also the busiest, however bring
an umbrella whenever you visit. July and August are good bets if your
looking for a quieter season with a likely chance of sun! St. Patricks
Day is huge in Ireland of course, book early to join in the March the
17th celebrations. In the winter months some attractions can
be closed as the Irish hibernate during the long nights, this could be
seen as a greater excuse to go to the pub earlier though!
Recommended
reading
The
Rough Guide to Dublin ~Mark Connolly, et al - 2nd Ed (Paperback - 14 January,
2000)
DK
Eyewitness Travel Guide: 37 Dublin Paperback - 176 pages (15 April, 1999)
Time
Out Guide: Dublin - 2nd Ed (Paperback - 30 September, 1999)
Lonely
Planet: Dublin ~Tom Smallman - 3rd Ed (Paperback - 25 June, 1999)
AA
City Pack Dublin ~Peter Harbison, Mark Morris - (Paperback - 2 January,
1999)
Geneva
Geneva,
the 2nd largest city in Switzerland is set in the beautiful
location imaginable, the banks of Lake Geneva to the fore, with a backdrop
of the Jura Mountains, the start of the Alps. A city with strong French
influence due to the fact it is almost surrounded by France with the exception
of a narrow corridor of land and of course the lake. A colourful and airy
city Geneva is both cosmopolitan and historical, The Old Town feels like
your stepping into a centuries gone by whilst the hotels, clubs and restaurants
are on a par with the international jet set who party till the early hours.
Old and young alike will love Geneva and all it has to offer.
What
to do in Geneva
- The Jet
d'Eau is the cities famous 130 metre high fountain, a must see, simply
because you're in Geneva!
- Wander
through the Old Town with its winding streets
- Great
Museums such as the Musee d'Art et Histoire, Musee Ariana and that of
the Red Cross are all worth the time out
- If money
is no expense become a member of the private Griffin disco and rub shoulders
with the stylish crows till the early hours
- Window
shop for watches and jewellery, but don't get too carried away, the
prices are high!
When
to go to Geneva
Geneva's
summer period lasts from June through September, but it can be busy so
if you're looking for a deal try April/ May or October. The ski season
of course lasts from late November to early April, so if you're into skiing,
Geneva is a great base to enjoy the civilisation of the city with the
excitement of skiing a couple of hours drive away.
Recommended
reading
The Rough
Guide to Switzerland ~ Matthew Teller - (Paperback - 29 June, 2000)
Lonely
Planet: Switzerland ~Mark Honan - 3rd Ed (Paperback - July 2000)
Switzerland
Pocket Guide ~ Berlitz - revised edition (Paperback - 22 July, 1999)
Paris
Paris
is one of those cities that everyone in the world has heard of, without
exception, one of the fashion capitals of the world; alongside New York
and Milan. A vibrant and exciting city; where the action never stops.
Culture, fine wine, excellent cuisine, magnificent architectural feats,
art and creativity exude from every corner of Paris, including the people.
The accessibility of Paris has increased recently with the opening of
the Eurostar service directly to the center. Paris is one of those cities
that you want to return to again and again. A fascinating mix of evening
entertainment and daytime culture.
What
to do in Paris
- A visit
to Paris wouldn't be complete without trips to the Eiffel Tower and
l'Arc de Triomphe
- Wander
round the Louvre, The Orangerie and the Musee Rodin housed in a beautiful
18th Century mansion. Paris has much fine art to show and
these are some of the best exhibitions in the world!
- An evening
boat ride, to take a romantic view of Paris by night, all lit up.
- Take advantage
of the amazing night life, in Paris, fine food, vibrant bars and clubs
open till the early hours
- The Moulin
Rouge, well what can we say. Eye opening.
- Disneyland
is just outside Paris to the East, a magical place whether you have
kids or not!
- The Notre
Dame
- The Centre
Pompidou is a feat of architecture that many people marvel at every
day and the many street entertainers will entertain you outside the
building.
When
to go to Paris
With
weather not so different from the UK, the best time to go has to be based
on the crowds and the Parisians themselves! French people tend to take
their holidays in July and August, so you may find during these months
that the there are only skeletal staff to serve visitors. At the same
time of year students overwhelm Paris and budget accommodation is hard
to find.
At
the beginning of October Paris holds a 'huge' car show attracting thousands
of people, only you know if this is desirable or not for you! Otherwise
May/ June and September are great times to visit as the attractions are
not too overcrowded but the weather is reasonable.
Recommended
reading
The
Rough Guide to Paris - Kate Baillie, et al (Paperback 22 February, 2001)
DK
Eyewitness Travel Guide: 02 Paris - (Paperback 20 April, 2000)
Lonely
Planet: Paris - Steve Fallon (Paperback 22 December, 2000)
Prague
Prague
is an incredible place to visit, it has a unique atmosphere that captures
visitors and makes them fall in love with the city. Known as the City
of a Hundred Spires, the best way to experience Prague is on foot. It
is only by walking through the winding cobblestone streets that you can
best appreciate the beauty of the place.
With
its selection of fine European architecture, in the form of the Gothic,
Renaissance and Baroque buildings, it is no surprise that Prague is now
competing with many other big cities as a major European destination.
Coupled with the museums, classical music and great Czech Republic beer,
Prague is fast becoming more popular with those tourists looking for a
different, yet still incredible and thoroughly enjoyable city break.
What
to do in Prague
- Visit
the stunning art nouveau Municipal House (Obecni dum), recently reopened
and returned to its previous state.
- Take a
trip to one of the museums or galleries; The Museum of the City of Prague,
the National Technical Museum or the Mozart Museum.
- See the
fabulous architecture, whilst relaxing on a boat trip down the Vltava.
- Join in
with the street performers and musicians who congregate on the Charles
Bridge in the evening, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the view.
- Taste
the local produce by spending an afternoon in a beer garden trying the
local favorites.
- Get a
picnic together and plonk yourself down on one of the benches or under
one of the trees in the Old Town Square garden.
- Or for
a more peaceful picnic, take your things to the citadel above the Vltava,
where there is less traffic and tourists, and beautiful gardens with
great views of the city.
- See the
sketches drawn by children held at the Terezin concentration camp -
they are on display at the Ceremonial Hall of the Old Jewish Cemetery,
and are a moving reminder of the Nazi occupation of Moravia and Bohemia.
When
to go to Prague
The
weather in Prague is changeable to say the least. During summer some days
can be so warm it's uncomfortable, whereas then next can be distinctly
chilly.
Winter
is freezing
Recommended
reading
DK
Eyewitness Travel Guides 13: Prague - (Paperback 12 May, 1994)
Lonely
Planet: Prague - John King, Richard Nebesky (Paperback March, 1999)
Frommer's
Prague and the Best of the Czech Republic - John Mastrini, Alan Crosby
(Paperback 20 August, 2000)
Rome
An
exciting and vibrant city, Rome is the home of the Pope, ruins of temples,
spectacular architecture, flamboyant people and the center of chic style
exist alongside the Italian fashion conscious people going about their
daily business. A Mediterranean country, Rome is the capital of Italy,
a beautiful city; as such it is fair to say that Rome is the center of
fun and frivolity for the Italian people. A city of amazing historical
buildings. You could spend a month in Rome and still have plenty left
to see, coupled with the many bars and restaurants it is one of the most
fascinating places to visit in Italy.
What
to do in Rome
- Wander
round the Campo de'Fiori market, a relaxed and informal busy market
- You simply
must visit the Colosseum
- Throw
a coin in the Fontana di Trevi fountain, an extravagant
- The Musei
Vaticani and Capella Sistina are sights to behold and this museum is
amongst the finest in the world
- Visit
San Pietro in Vaticano, the largest church in Christendom
- Wander
through the back streets, looking at the architecture, quaint shops
and everyday life of the people of Rome
- Eat and
drink at one of the many café's, watching life go by in the bust
streets.
When
to go to Rome
The
summer lasts from May through October, getting humid at its height. The
best time to go and avoid the majority of tourists is in May or October,
when the average temperature is 70'F. During the summer temperatures soar
up to 87'F! Too hot for some to handle… During Easter the Pope gives his
address at the Vatican, many flock to Rome on their annual pilgrimage,
only you know whether this is the time to go - or the time to avoid!
Recommended
Reading
Lonely Planet:
Rome - Helen Gillman, Sally Webb (Paperback 22 July, 1999)
DK Eyewitness
Travel Guide 4: Rome - (Paperback 14 October, 1999)
The Mini
Rough Guide to Rome - Martin Dunford (Paperback 27 April, 2000)
Vienna
Vienna
whips up images of magical music history, nostalgia, melancholy and romance.
Guess what, you will not be disappointed. Architectural styles are far
reaching, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance, not to mention Rococo please
the eye at every turn. However there is more to Vienna than historical
architecture and art, Vienna has recently flourished as a youthful exciting
venue for partying and celebration, opening up its attraction to a wider
range of visitors.
What
to do in Vienna
- Schönbrunn
Palace, St Stephens Cathedral, Belvedere Palace and The Hofburg Imperial
Palace - all breathtaking
- Sightseeing
for free - take a trip on tram #1 or #2 at no cost!
- See the
city from height on the Riesenrad Ferris wheel, built in 1898
- Chill
out in one of the many music cafes that line the streets.
- Visit
a famous grave at the Zentralfriedhof cemetery, including Beethoven,
Brahms and Schubert!
- Spend
an evening in the Bermuda triangle, a network of alleyways, literally
littered with bars and clubs, so called because people disappear into
the clubs and seem never to re-appear until the early hours!
- A day
at the funfair and parklands of the Prater is always fun
- Museums
include The Museum of Fine Art and the Sigmund Freud Museum
- Watch
the Lipizzaner horses in action at a show
- Book a
night with the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Boys Choir or the Staatsoper
(State Opera) guaranteed to delight the soul
When
to go to Vienna
Peak
times for visitors are July and August, although you may find it too hot
ad humid if planning a real city tour. June and September are popular
for this reason. Winter getaways are not as popular, you may find some
attractions closed, however you are more likely to get a great deal! The
Vienna International Festival is a great time to go (mid-may to mid-June)
when art are the highlight of the day.
Austria
is of course also a renowned skiing resort, why not drive over from the
UK and combine several days of culture in Vienna with the exhilaration
of skiing / snowboarding just up the road (in relative terms!)
Recommended
reading
The
Rough Guide to Vienna ~ Rob Humphreys (Paperback - 26 August, 1999)
DK
Eyewitness Travel Guide 18: Vienna ~ (Paperback - 20 October, 1994)
Lonely
Planet: Vienna ~ Mark Honan (Paperback - 30 June, 1998)
AA
CityPack Vienna ~ Louis James (30 June, 1999)
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