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Our Favourite Places to Visit in India

 

India is well known for having one of the most prominent cultural histories, as well as it’s widespread religious beliefs. India is the second most populated country in the world, with over 1.2 billion people, and this means that there are thousands of different architectural feats, hundreds of different types of cuisine, and all different kinds of art. India is a wonderful place to visit as any tourist, and it’s no wonder that tourism in India is growing rapidly. (India received 23.3 million foreign and domestic tourists in 2016.) India has numerous different attractions to visit, including the iconic Taj Mahal, Gateway of India and the Lodi Gardens. Here are some of our favourite places to visit in India.

  1. The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned mausoleum that was commissioned in 1632 by the Emperor of the Mogul Empire, Shah Jahan, as a tomb to house his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal itself was built with glistening white marble and is a magnificent building to look at. The Taj Mahal is over 350 years old,  and it is still one of India’s most celebrated structures, and the grounds compliment the fine scenery that you will see when you go there. The Taj Mahal is also a UNESCO world heritage site, so there are many tour guides to show you the Taj Mahal and allow you to experience the trip in its full. If you go to the Taj Mahal, the breathtaking building and wonderful insight from a tour guide into the building’s history will be well worth the visit, just make sure you bring sunglasses to prevent the glare from the white marble and the sunlight.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal

2. The Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is an arch monument that was built during the 20th century. It is located in Bombay, India, and it was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911 (although it was only completed in 1924.) This imposing archway incorporates Islamic-style architecture, and the basalt archway faces out to Mumbai Harbour from the top of the Apollo Bunder. The Gateway of India has been referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Mumbai”, and for good reason. You will definitely enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, stretching out in front of the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, (which is a hotel.) The Gateway of India is free of charge and has many good cafes and restaurants nearby. People flock together in the Gateway of India, and it is just a great place to visit, and a wonderful experience for anybody who enjoys fine architecture.

Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens

3. The Lodhi Gardens

The Lodhi Gardens is a park situated in New Delhi. Lodi Gardens are one of the pleasantest green spaces in Delhi, with hundreds of different types of flowers and trees that are labelled so tourists can recognise each one of them. Lodhi Gardens is spread over 90 acres, and it contains multiple different tombs, including the tomb of  Sikander Lodi, (built in 1517 by his son) who was the second ruler of the Lodi Dynasty. The Lodhi Gardens is protected by the Archeological Survey of India, and the Lodhi Gardens is a hotspot for Delhites who are going for an early morning walk. It is a breathtaking garden of flowers that are in full bloom, and you would forget that you are in the middle of a city. If you are in New Delhi, the Lodhi Gardens is a place to go, relax, and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and mood.

Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens

4. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The biggest landmark in the city believed to be one of the very few “living forts” in the world. Jaisalmer Fort is a former city, and for the better part of 800 years was the former city of Jaisalmer. There is still nearly 1/4th of the city’s population still living there. This is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by the Rajput Rawal. The fort has massive yellow sandstone walls, camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, Jaisalmer Fort is also known as “Golden Fort”. In 2013, at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, Jaisalmer Fort, along with 5 other forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaisalmer Fort Jaisalmer fort looks utterly spectacular from the outside, and once you are within the walls of the fort it continues to shine. Beautifully preserved and full of shops, dwellings, restaurants and accommodation you really get the feeling that you have stepped back in time wandering around the narrow alleyways.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort

5. Mehrangarh

Mehrangarh also referred to as “Mehran Fort”, is located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is one of the largest forts in India, and definitely one of the best preserved. Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, this fort is situated 125 metres above the city and is enclosed by massive walls. A stunning and sprawling fort set on a hill that was really a royal home. The rooms inside the Mehrangarh Fort are converted to a museum which documents the rich history of the ‘Rathores’ elaborately in the form of paintings, attires, arms, etc. The museum is considered as one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan.Your tour of the museum will take you into the private living arrangements of Indian Kings and their royal consorts and wives. The architecture is well preserved and intricate, and the museum’s pieces are well curated and tell an intimate story about the royal household. It is absolutely fascinating, and any history fans will absolutely love Mehran Fort.

Mehrangarh

Mehrangarh

6. River Ganges

The river Ganges is one of the most well-known rivers in the world, being over 2500 km long and passing through India and Bangladesh. It is the third largest river by discharge, and millions of Indian people depend on it for their daily needs. Three towns holy to Hinduism, Haridwar, Prayah and Varanasi attract thousands of tourists and pilgrims to the River Ganges to take a dip in it. This is done because cleaning yourself in the river Ganges is believed to “cleanse oneself of sin and help attain salvation.” The rapids of the Ganges are very popular for river rafting, especially during the Summer months, and there are many beautiful walkways that go across the Ganges for the benefit of tourists. An ancient highway that connected kingdoms, its shores are lined with majestic palaces, historic battlegrounds, and remote villages that offer up a slice of Indian life you won’t find in the big cities. The River Ganges is great and you can even take a ride in a boat which will carry you around it and show you how the people in the villages near the Ganges live.

River Ganges

River Ganges

Thank you for reading about our 6 favourite places to visit in India.

Our Favourite Places to Visit in India

Germany is well known for its abundance of festivals, from the well-known and loved Oktoberfest to Weihnachtmarkts, Germany has a festival for everybody. Here are 10 of our favourite festivals that happen in Germany!

  1. Berlin international film festival

This is the world’s second-largest film festival, only after Cannes. The 68th annual Berlin International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from 15 to 25 February this year and it is one of the most popular events for pro and amateur moviemakers alike. The Berlin Film Festival first occurred in 1951 and has been going ever since. More than 334,000 sold tickets, more than 21,000 professional visitors from 127 countries, including more than 3,700 journalists: art, glamour, parties and business are all inseparably linked at the Berlin Film Festival. It’s worth a visit, especially if you’re a fan of fine filmmaking. 

Berlin Film Festival

Berlin Film Festival

      2. Rock am Ring/Rock Im Park

Two huge rock festivals held simultaneously over three days in two different locations. This year, Rock Am Ring will begin on the 1st of June, and it ends on the 3rd of June. While Rock am Ring takes place at the Nürburgring race track, Rock im Park takes place at the Zeppelinfeld in Nuremberg. there are dozens of different performers in both festivals, but some notable ones that are there this year are Snow Patrol and the Foo Fighters. Rock am Ring and Rock im Park are great places to visit for any music fans, and it is highly recommended to visit one of these two if you are in Germany at the time. 

Rock am ring

Rock am ring

       3. Oktoberfest

Funnily, this does not actually happen in October. It starts on the 22nd of September and continues until the 7th of October, and it is filled with beer, traditional Bavarian foods, Oompah bands and Lederhosen. There are 30+ beer and food tents in Munich, Bavaria, where the main event is held. Each one has its own atmosphere, yodelling, families, celebrities and atmospheric music. If you’re a fan of beer, you’ll love Oktoberfest. During the 16 day festival in 2016, over 7.7 million litres of Oktoberfest Beer was served. There are also so many different attractions, such as fairground rides, side ground stalls, and games. Oktoberfest does have loads of attractions for children too, so don’t be afraid to take a child with you. (as long as you don’t bring them into the beer tent!) 

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest

4. Kaltenberg Medieval Tournament 

Held in the town of Kaltenberg, it has mock battles, archery, birds of prey and everything else you might associate with medieval life. It’s Europe’s largest medieval music festival. Take your tent and chill out to modern interpretations of medieval music. The tournament is held on 7 stages, with various brilliant street shows and performers. There’s a massive medieval market, traditional handcrafted foods can all be bought here. There is also an event called Gauklernacht or Jesters’ night, and it has hundreds of different performers including jesters, acrobats and musicians. This is a great place to go for any history fans and it’s a good time for parents and children alike. 

Kaltenberg Medieval Festival

Kaltenberg Medieval Festival

5. Leipzig Book Fair

The book fair may be the biggest date on a calendar, but Leipzig is the place to go for all things literary. You can meet your favourite authors, and find out what’s new in the world of books. Leipzig Book Fair is one of the biggest festivals of literature in Germany, and it features more than 2,600 events held at dozens of different venues. This year, the Leipzig Book Fair begins on the 15th of March, and it is held until the 18th. If you wanna find out some of Germany’s newest publications, this is where they are likely to be announced. 

Leipzig Book Fair

Leipzig Book Fair

6. Bayreuth Festival

Bayreuth festival is a music festival showcasing the work of composer Richard Wagner. The festival occurs from 25th of July to the 29th of August. This famous festival is considered the highlight of German culture, and performances take part in a specially designed theatre named the Bayreuth Festspielhaus. Richard Wagner personally supervised the design and construction of the theatre, and it is now considered one of the finest theatres in Germany. The Festival has become a pilgrimage destination for many Wagner enthusiasts, but any person interested in fine, classical music should be going to the Bayreuth Festival. 

Bayreuth Festival

Bayreuth Festival

7. Karneval or Mardi Gras

Better known as Mardi Gras, it officially starts from the 11th of November at 11.11 to the following Ash Wednesday, but the main celebrations start on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, in Karneval, women can kiss a man after cutting off his tie. There are huge street parades and parties on Rose Monday, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. The festivities of Karneval date back to the middle ages and Germans celebrate Carnival in several different regions and ways throughout Germany. During Karneval, there are normally numerous street vendors, with hundreds of different kinds of foods including Bratwurst, Krapfen and other party foods. Karneval is a great time for anybody who just wants some fun, and the parades are some of the best things that you can be part of in Germany. 

Karneval

Karneval

8. International Dixieland Festival, Dresden.

The oldest jazz festival in Europe, it recreates the atmosphere of deep South America. International Dixieland Festival first took place in 1971. There’s music played on paddle boat streamers on the Elbe River. Brass bands parade around the streets of Old Town and perform on stages all around the city. One of the yearly highlights is the riverboat shuffle on the Elbe when the world’s oldest and largest fleet of paddle-steamers becomes a floating stage and festival-goers are invited to step aboard. The climax is the Dixieland parade through the city centre, which is one of the most enjoyable times of all the festivals.

Dixieland Festival

Dixieland Festival

9. Africa Festival, Wurzburg.

Every year, Wurzburg hosts the largest festival of African music and culture in Europe. There are up to 4 stages, 100s of musicians, singers and dancers from Africa, and thousands of visitors from all around the world. Come for the day, or bring a tent to stay for the whole weekend.  

Africa Festival, Wurzburg.

Africa Festival, Wurzburg.

10. German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkts).

Throughout Germany, you’ll find Christmas markets, with quaint little stalls selling gifts, foodstuffs & spiced wine. An interesting fact: There are over 70 of these in Berlin. These markets are a reason to make a trip to Germany. Famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Augsburg, Dresden, Frankfurt, and Nuremberg. The Nuremberg and Dresden markets draw about two million people each year; The two most visited Christmas markets in Germany are to be found in Dortmund with more than three and a half million visitors of 300 stalls around a gigantic Christmas tree. Most Weihnachtsmarkts open in late November and are open until after Christmas. A great time for the entire family.

Weihnachtsmarkts

Weihnachtsmarkts

 

Best Cities to Visit in Europe

Europe is well-known for having some of the best cities and countries in the world. Europe has such a wide range of cultures and attractions which make it a great place for the whole family to visit. Whether you’re in Greece to eat some authentic souvlaki or in France to have some fine croissants, Europe has something for everybody.

1. London, the United Kingdom.

London is the capital of England and the most populated city in the UK. It is one of the most culturally- influencing cities in the world, with hundreds of different movies, books and art based on it. It is the world’s most visited city by people from all around the globe, and London has even hosted the Summer Olympic Games three times. London’s culture is diverse, with over 300 languages being spoken, and there are over 8 million people currently living in London today. London has four world heritage sites, and they are some of the most well-known places all across the world. The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, The River Thames, Trafalgar Square, etc. The list goes on. London also has hundreds of different galleries, theatres, restaurants, and parks. It is a very prestigious city, and there’s a good reason for that.

London, UK.

London, UK.

2. Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin is the capital of Ireland, with a population of over 1.2 million people. Founded by Viking settlers, Dublin has an abundance of Irish History behind it and there is no doubt of its authenticity. Ireland is known for its pubs, and Dublin has numerous different quality pubs. Dublin’s got the Olympia theatre, magical walking trails, picturesque lakes, dozens of cycling trails and even many places to ride a horse. You can visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the famous beer is made, go to Phoenix Park and have a picnic, or go to Dublin Castle and look through the grounds that are centuries old. Dublin is a wonderful place for foreigners and locals alike.

Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin, Ireland.

3. Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague is a magnificent city, containing brilliant historical and cultural sights. The largest city in the Czech Republic, this lovely capital is situated on the Vltava River, and it has a population of over 2.2 million people. Prague was founded around the 7th century, and it was the capital of the kingdom of Bohemia and the residence of several Roman Emperors including Charles IV, who was the ruler of Rome after 1346 – 29 November 1378. Prague is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and in 2014, it received more than 6.4 million tourists in one year alone. It also has over 10 museums, numerous galleries, cafes, fine restaurants, cinemas, and other attractions such as Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.

Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague, Czech Republic.

4. Paris, France.

Paris, one of the most visited cities in the world, is a global centre for all sorts of things. Art, fashion, culinary delights, and culture. France has a population of over 2.2 million people, and it is known mostly for its architectural landmarks and cafes. There are hundreds of amazing attractions to visit in France, from The Louvre, (the most visited art museum in the world in 2016.), to the esteemed Eiffel Tower, to the Opéra Garnier. No wonder over 22 million tourists visit Paris every year! And once you finish observing all the art in one of the museums, you can go to eat in one of the 9000 luxury restaurants with the finest food and drinks.

Paris, France.

Paris, France.

5. Athens, Greece.

Athens is well known for being one of the oldest cities in the world, with a recorded history spanning back nearly 3400 years. It has and always will be a global centre for the arts and philosophy, being the birthplace and death place of Pluto, the famous Greek philosopher. Athens has a population of 664,000 which is the sixth most populated capital city in Europe.  It also contains the port Piraeus, which is the largest passenger port in Europe, and the second largest in the world. Getting to Athens is easy, and there are many boats that are setting sail for an economy price. Athens contains two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Acropolis and the Daphni Monastery which have a rich history and guided tours. The Parthenon (temple ruins) is another amazing place to visit. There is also the Odeon of Herodes Atticus which is a stone theatre that is thousands of years old, and regular music, plays and comedians are staged there.

Syntagma Square Athens

6. Berlin, Germany.

Berlin is the second most populated city in Europe, with a population of over 3.7 million. It is a city of culture, science, politics and media. The city is well known for its orchestras, museums, entertainment venues such as theatres, and the numerous festivals that happen every single year (including Oktoberfest and the Berlin international film festival). Germany is also the home of diverse architecture which has a very long, rich history with buildings such as the Cologne Cathedral. Germany is the third-most visited city in Europe with 11.9 million visitors in 2014. You can visit the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, the Pergamon Museum or just visit the Gendarmenmarkt. (a public square with famous architecture and a Christmas Market every year.)

Berlin, Germany.

Berlin, Germany.

7. Rome, Italy.

Rome has 2,876,051  residents which makes it the highest populated country in all of Europe.  Rome is also one of the most photogenic cities in the world, with some of the most picturesque architecture ever built. This includes the Colleseum and St. Peter’s Basilica, which are both monuments filled with centuries of history behind them. They are also some of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and are renowned and revered by people all around the globe. Rome is a magical place with hot weather, lovely cafes, lush parks and much more. You can explore the city and find out all of its quirks, or just visit one of the many museums and bring the whole family with you. Rome has panoramic views, delicious food and is a great place to learn all about Roman culture and art.

Rome, Italy.

Rome, Italy.

8. Madrid, Spain.

Madrid has almost 3.166 million inhabitants and it is the third-largest city in Europe. Madrid’s influences on entertainment, environment, media, fashion, science, culture, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities. Madrid’s got many popular museums such as The Golden Triangle of Art which contains three different museums, the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. They are all exhibiting different things and they are very popular among tourists. You can also visit Buen-Retiro park and see the beautiful lake, or go to the Royal Palace of Madrid and get a tour of the building.

Madrid, Spain.

Madrid, Spain.

9. Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Saint Petersburg has over 5 million inhabitants. Saint Petersburg is the place where the Hermitage museum is located, and it is one of the largest art museums in the world showing much of Russia’s historical and cultural heritage. You can also visit Peterhof Palace, another museum complex surrounded by parklands and fountains. If you like religious history you can also visit Saint Isaac’s Cathedral or the Kazan Cathedral. The Mariinsky Theatre is a grand 19th-century concert hall with music that happens weekly, and many different shows for children and adults alike.

Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Saint Petersburg, Russia.

10. Budapest, Hungary.

Budapest has a population of over 1.7 million and it is the capital of Hungary. Budapest is one of the most densely populated cities in the EU, due to its popularity with tourists. (over 10 million tourists each year.) Budapest has places to visit such as Buda Castle which is the venue for the Hungarian National Gallery and different sculptures and displays. Széchenyi thermal bath is also a very relaxing place to visit, a bathhouse that was built in 1913 where you can just sit in warm water and unwind.

Budapest, Hungary.

Budapest, Hungary.

Thank you for reading our favourite cities to visit in Europe.

 

Best cities & places to visit in Russia

There’s so much more than visiting Russia than snow and ice. Russia is a fascinating place to visit due to the numerous different attractions and the cultural heritage that it possesses. Russia has some of the most breathtaking cathedrals in the world, and the cathedrals are some of the main attractions that nearly every Russian city has. The history behind these cathedrals goes back hundreds of years, and visiting one is truly an amazing experience. Russia is the largest country in the world; there is a massive area to explore so it is great for any travellers who enjoy exploration.

Our favourite places to visit in Moscow:

1. Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin was built in 1495 and it is an area in the centre of Russia which contains the Kremlins, (Russian citadels) five palaces, four cathedrals and the Kremlin wall and towers. The main building within the complex is known as the Grand Kremlin Palace, and it is the residence of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The Moscow Kremlin has been recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1990 and the beautiful set of buildings are visited thousands of times each year by tourists and locals alike.

moscow kremlin

Moscow Kremlin

2. Red Square

The Red Square is a city square which separates the Moscow Kremlin from the merchant corner. Around the square are many different points of interest, including Lenin’s Mausoleum, (the resting place of Soviet Leader Vladimir Lenin), the GUM (a massive shopping centre with over 240 different stores), and the bronze statue of Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. The Red Square is a great place to take your entire family, either just to go shopping or to see the sights and absorb the amazing views that the different sculptures and attractions have to offer.

The Red Square

The Red Square

3. Gorky Park

Gorky Park is in the centre of Moscow, and it was named after Maxim Gorky. It was first opened in 1982 and it has a very large 300~ acres of land in its entirety. The park stretches across the Moscow River, and it is a very entertaining place to visit. There’s a great range of funfair rides, roller coasters, and food stalls. You can also ride a horse, sail on a boat and go bungee jumping. There’s music in the summer, and on days you don’t feel like doing anything you can just sit on the grass and relax. Gorky park’s a great place to take the family and it’s very popular among the locals as well.

Gorky Park

Gorky Park

4. St. Basil’s Cathedral (The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed)

St. Basil’s Cathedral is also located in the Red Square, and it is a museum as of today. Visitors take a route into the centre of the Cathedral and can then admire the magnificent painting in the central church roof and the large gallery consisting of dozens of different fine paintings.

St. Basil's Cathedral.

St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Our favourite places to visit in Saint Petersburg:

1. Hermitage Museum

Hermitage Museum is regarded as St. Petersburg’s most popular tourist attraction, with 2,898,543 people visiting in 2013. It’s a must-see for any first-time travellers in the city, full of magnificent artwork and cultural exhibits with over 3 million items in its collection. It was established in 1764 and has been popular ever since. The Hermitage Museum contains 4 main buildings that you can visit, each exhibiting different cultural arts. The bulk of the collection is placed inside the Winter Palace. Whether you are looking for some fine impressionist-art or just an Italian sculpture from the 15th century, this museum has enough for everybody.

Hermitage Museum

Hermitage Museum

2. Peterhof Palace & Park

Peterhof Palace and Park is a massive area that is hundreds of years old. It was the residence of Tsar Peter the Great from 1725 to his death. The Palace is very luxurious, possessing approx. thirty rooms, including the Chesma Hall that is decorated with a dozen paintings of the Battle of Chesma (a victory for the Russians in the Russo-Turko war in 1974). The Lower and Upper gardens contain 64 different fountains, and it’s a beautiful sight to behold. The entire Peterhof Park is filled with magnificent flowers and trees, and the view of the Gulf of Finland is just breathtaking.

Peterhof Palace & Gardens

Peterhof Palace & Gardens

3. Palace Square

Palace Square connects Nevsky Prospekt with Palace Bridge, and it is the centre square of St. Petersburg. The Square is rich with history, being the place where Bloody Sunday and the October Revolution occurred. The Winter Palace from the Hermitage Museum is located in the Palace Square, and it truly is a beautiful sight during Winter when the snow falls. In the centre of the square stands the Alexander Column which was raised after the Russian victory in the war with Napoleon’s France.

Palace Square

Palace Square

4. Russian Museum

The Russian Museum is the biggest museum filled with Russian fine art in all of St. Petersburg. The museum was created on April 13th, 1895 upon enthronement of Nicholas II to commemorate his father, Alexander III. The museum has many different exhibitions, including Russian art from the 12th-17th century, video art, and Peter the Great’s house.

Russian Museum

Russian Museum

Our favourite places to visit in Samara:

1. Samarskaya Luka National Park

This park is nearly completely enclosed by a ring of water, and the only Russian mountain range (Zhiguli Mountains) of the Russian plains is located here. The park is 22,500 hectares and is inhabited by different fauna, including owls and European bee-eaters. On the south side of the park is the Saratov Reservoir and on the north is the border with the Zhiguli nature reserve. Samarskaya Luka National Park is popular with tourists due to the number of hiking trails that there are, and the recreational setting that it is in. You can hike inside the Stephen Razan caves, Witch lake trail or just get a simple museum tour. It’s a great place to bring experienced hikers and new ones alike, and there is a range of difficulties depending on the trial that you choose.

Samarskaya Luka National Park

Samarskaya Luka National Park

2. Stalin’s Bunker

Stalin’s bunker has a history dating back nearly a hundred years ago, constructed in the 1930s before World War II. The bunker was kept secret for years and was connected by tunnels with other various underground buildings including the Moscow Metro system. A stadium was chosen as a shelter for the secret bunker and buildings beneath it. The Izmailovo Stadium has over 120,000 seats and it was a very good way to hide the bunker that was hidden underground. Nowadays Stalin’s bunker is a brilliant museum that exhibits how his secret bunker was used and what was contained in it. It even has some of Stalin’s personal items and it has not been heavily changed since it was built, in the 1930s.

Stalin's Bunker

Stalin’s Bunker

3. Sok Krasnaya Glinka

Sok Krasnaya Glinka is a ski resort with 5km of slopes available from 100m to 270m. The ski resort is good for beginning and intermediate skiers, but if you’re looking for something a bit tougher you won’t find anything here. The slopes are relatively simple to go down, and even the intermediate levels are pretty easy. If you’re learning to ski or bringing somebody who doesn’t know how to ski, it’s a good resort to visit.

4. Samara Zoological Park

Samara Zoological Park is a compact Zoo that covers no more than a football field, but it’s a great place to visit nevertheless. The zoo has a good range of animals, from owls to dogs, to even tigers. It’s a good place to take the kids and visiting it will be an enjoyable experience.

Thank you for reading about the Best cities & places to visit in Russia.

 

Best cities & places to visit in Russia

The best places & cities to visit in Spain.

When you visit Spain you have numerous options to choose from, from Madrid’s cafes, museums and boutiques to Barcelona’s iconic architecture and sunny beaches. Spain has some of the best places to visit in the world, and it’s no surprise that nearly 76 million tourists visited Spain in 2016 alone. Spain is a great place to visit if you just want to relax. Sit on the beach and get a tan, visit a museum and see some of Spain’s historic sculptures, even visit a cafe and just watch the time fly by. Here are our favourite places to visit in Spain.

                   Our Favourite Places to visit in Madrid

  1. Museo Del Prado

The Prado Museum is widely considered to have the world’s finest collections of European Art, dating from way back in the 12th century up until the 20th century. It is also known for having the single best collection of Spanish Art. Founded in 1819, it is now known for being one of the best art museums in the world, with a collection of over 15,000 different paintings, sculptures, and prints. The museum received nearly 3 million visitors in 2012 and is ranked 18th globally in the number of visitors each year. Museo Del Prado is an amazing museum for anybody to visit, with its massive variety of different arts and exhibitions, and I highly suggest you visit it. Especially lovers of fine art.

Museo Del Prado

Museo Del Prado

2. Cafe Murillo

Cafe Murillo is located right behind Museo Del Prado, and it’s a convenient and cosy spot to eat some lunch and have a coffee. A lovely little place with a nice interior to rest in. There is a wide range of food (for a cafe), including cakes, hot drinks, roast chicken, burgers, and even vegetarian meals. Perfect to take your kids to.

Murillo Cafe

Murillo Cafe

3. La Sanabresa

La Sanabresa is a very popular place for locals and tourists alike, but it is a quaint little place. With only three servers (with one being the owner) to attend to the entire restaurant, it is a very homely place with over 30 different tasty, inexpensive and well-liked foods. Another great little restaurant to take your kids too, with a lovely atmosphere and very attentive servers.

Meatballs at the Sanabresa

Meatballs at the Sanabresa

4. Buen Retiro Park (Park of Pleasant Retreat)

The Buen Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in Madrid, which was owned by the Spanish monarchy until the late 19th century when it became a public park. Created in 1680, it is one of the biggest parks in Madrid, with picturesque views, magnificent sculptures and monuments, and a large peaceful pond. (known as the Retiro Pond.)  Buen Retiro Park is a place where you can bring a picnic, sit on the massive lawn with the view of the garden, and eat in complete peace. You can also play sports, such as rollerskating, jogging, cycling, and even sailing in the serene water. A lovely place to go for anybody, especially large families that just need a break from all the buzz of the main city.

Buen Retiro Park

                   Our Favourite Places to visit in Barcelona 

1. La Boqueria

La Boqueria is a large public market and one of the city’s most revered tourist landmarks and it was mentioned as early as 1217. The market has a very diverse selection of goods, from a massive amount of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, to nuts, spices, and many other dry ingredients. There are also dozens of bars, cafes and restaurants to visit. This is a great place to go with the family to get some great quality food, and just for a day out to see how some of the tourists make their living!

La Boqueria

La Boqueria

2. Montserrat

Montserrat (not to be confused with the Carribean Island) is a rocky range with multiple different peaks. The highest peak is called Sant Jaroni, and it is a staggering 1236m in height. There are two other main peaks known as Montgros (1120m) and Miranda de la Agulles (903m). It is the site where the Benedictine Abbey is located, and it is supposedly the location of the Holy Grail in Arthurian myths. You can get to the Benedictine Abbey by car, cable car, or the Montserrat Rack Railway. The highest peak is accessible by multiple hiking trails across the mountain, some easier than others.

Montserrat Mountain

Montserrat Mountain

3. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art opened to the public on November 28, 1995. It has a large collection of over 5,000 works from the 20th century onward, and the collections mainly focus on post-1945 Spanish and Catalan art. It has a shop and cafe as well as the fabulous art that is on display in the massive building.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

4. Sagrada Familia (Church of Holy Family)

Sagrada Familia is the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world. But it is not finished. It was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and the foundations were laid in 1882. Currently, only 70% of the Basilica is finished and the six central towers are being worked on. The Sagrada Familia is supposed to be finished in 2026, but tourists can still visit it and it is one of the most popular places in all of Spain. When you visit the Sagrada Familia, you can see all the different tours, from Gaudi’s work and life to an autoguided visit.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

                     Our Favourite Places to visit in Valencia 

1. L’Oceanografic

L’Oceanografic is an oceanarium where many different marine lives are represented. It was designed by Felix Candela and it was opened on the 14th of February 2003. L’Oceanografic is the largest oceanarium of its type in the world. It has a surface area of 110,000 square metres and a water capacity of 42,000,000 litres. There are many different attractions to see, such as the dolphinarium, and massive ocean tanks with hundreds of other fish, ranging from sharks, to penguins, to seals, to stingrays. There are over 45,000 animals of 500 different species and  the park is divided into ten areas (including an Arctic area, Mediterranean area,  and a Red Sea area.)

L'oceanografic

L’oceanografic

2. Valencia Bioparc

 Valencia Bioparc is a 25-acre zoo which is owned by the City Council of Valencia. It opened on February 28th, 2008 and it is known for having a massive collection of Fauna. It is an innovative zoo with barriers that the animals struggle to see, and they are put in an area that is just like their dwelling in Africa. This Zoo is known for bringing the visitors totally into the natural habitat of the animals. Valencia Bioparc has a big range of fantastic animals, Leopards, Lemurs, hyenas, lions, gorilla, giraffes… The list goes on. This place is a great place to go for adults and kids alike, with many different exhibitions that children will love.
Valencia Bioparc

Valencia Bioparc

3. Museo de la Almoina (Archaeological Museum of l’Almoina)
The Museo de la Almoina was inaugurated in 2007. This is a museum that has exhibitions of large sets of archaeological pieces from various times in history (Roman, Visigoth, Arab,)  It shows how the city was founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago, and it has exhibitions from the remains of buildings, baths and other Roman architectural works of art.
Museo De La Almoina

Museo De La Almoina

4. Mestalla Stadium

The Mestalla Stadium is the home ground of the Valencia football club (Valencia Club de Fútbol). The stadium was built in 1923 and it has a capacity of nearly 50,000 seats. It was one of the venues of the 1982 FIFA world cup. It a great place to visit for any Valencia Football club fans or footballers alike.

Mestalla Stadium

Mestalla Stadium

Thank you for reading through the best places & cities to visit in Spain!

 

The best places & cities to visit in Spain.

Top 5 Attractions to Visit in Canberra

Australia is a great place. Famous for its natural wonders, beaches, deserts, and open spaces it is visited by millions of people every year. The capital of Australia, Canberra, has a population of over 403, 000 and there are numerous wonderful places for you to visit. Ranging from the Australian War Memorial to the National Gallery of Australia, if you want a good day out with the family or are just visiting solo, here are some of my favourite places to visit in Canberra.

     1. Lake Burley Griffin 

Lake Burley Griffin is a beautiful place with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Burley Griffin is located in the centre of Canberra, completed in 1963 and named after Walter Burley Griffin (who was Canberra’s chief architect). Many popular attractions are placed around the Lake Burley Griffin, such as the National Australian museum and the High Court. The lake is 11km long, and 1.2km wide. Numerous water sports are played on the Burley Griffin, some examples are canoeing, sailing, and even wind-sailing. During the summer, many people swim in the lake for events such as the Sri Chinmoy Triathlon Festival. If you’re a fan of water sports or just like views, then Burley Griffin is a good choice for you.

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australia.

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australia.

2. The Australian War Memorial 

The Australian War Memorial was established in the middle of WWII, in 1941. It is Australia’s national memorial towards the members of its armed forces who have participated in wars involving the nation of Australia. The memorial contains a military museum, sculpture garden and the main memorial building. There is also a research centre, which contains the records of all of the soldiers who have died in these wars. The Australian War Memorial is a beautiful, thought-provoking place to go and it is one of the most well known memorials of its kind in the world. If you want to see the history of Australia and the soldiers that died, this is a great though solemn place to visit.

Australian War memorial, Canberra.

Australian War memorial, Canberra.

     3. The National Library of Australia 

The national library of Australia is the largest reference library in Australia. Established on 23rd of March 1961, it was designed by the architectural firm Bunning and Maddens. It contains over 6.9 million books for all ages. Ranging from manuscripts, to newspapers, to novels, to pictures, to music, it has everything a library needs. The building is highly alike the Acropolis located in Greece, albeit a much more modern version of it. Whether you enjoy reading or not, this library is a great place to go even just to see once due to the variety of the things that you can do.

National Australian Museum, Canberra.

National Australian Museum, Canberra.

     4. The Mount Ainslie Lookout

The Mount Ainslie lookout is located in the Northeastern suburbs of Canberra. The hill is a relatively high spiking at 843 metres at the top, and it is a popular place for seasonal hikers and mountain cyclists. It is at the rear of the Australian War Memorial, and it is a common vantage point for many people who live in the city. On the way up the mountain, there are various commemorative plaques and magnificent views from the top. You can see all of central Canberra from the top of the mountain, and if you look West you can see the Black Mountain. There is a paved walking trail to the top, known as the Kokoda trail. If you’re a seasoned hiker or just like the view from the top of the mountain, you should definitely visit here.

View from the top of Mount Ainslie, Canberra.

View from the top of Mount Ainslie, Canberra.

     5. The National Gallery of Australia

Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Gallery of Australia is one of the largest galleries in Australia, holding more than 160,00 works of fine art. It was established in 1967 by the Australian Government and designed by Colin Madigan. The museum contains three levels with different art from all around the world, including work from Asia, America, and even the UK. There are many different exhibits: oil paintings, sculptures, water colours, costumes, ceramics and even photographs. This is a great place to go if you enjoy fine art or like to see how art has progressed through the years.

 

National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.

Top 5 Attractions to Visit in Canberra

5 most popular attractions in Paris

When visiting France, there’s so many things you can do. Visit the various landmarks, eat a croissant in a cosy cafe or just sit in the street and watch the birds fly by. The capital of France, Paris, is renowned especially for its museums and architectural landmarks. Paris receives over 22 million visitors each year, and for good reason. There are hundreds of different cafes, museums and parks to visit in Paris. Don’t forget the Eiffel Tower! Out of all the attractions in Paris, here are my five favourite.

Coffee, France.

Coffee, France.

  1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the best known structures in the world. When most people think of Paris, they think of the Eiffel Tower, and for good reason. It is a global cultural icon for France, being the most visited monument in the world, with 6.91 million people visiting it in 2015. The tower is 1063 feet tall, and it is named after the engineer Gustav Eiffel, whose company designed the tower and built it.  There are three floors accessible by visitors on the Eiffel Tower, the first and second floor being restaurants and the third being an observation area. You can walk 300 steps up to the first floor, or you can just take the lift straight to the top.

The Eiffel Tower, France.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris.

2. The Louvre

The Louvre Museum is the biggest art museum in the world. It is a central landmark of Paris, being over 200 years old, with over 72,000 square metres of exhibits. The Louvre museum is also the world’s most visited art museum, with over 7.3 million visitors each year. The museum is located in Louvre palace, which was originally built as a fortress in the 1300s by Philip II. The building has been extended many times to get it where it is today. The Louvre has approximately 38,000 objects to view, ranging from sculptures, to paintings, to Greek and Roman art from the Renaissance period.

The Louvre, Paris.

The Louvre, Paris.

3. Disneyland Paris

Disneyland a place where nearly all children want to go. A magical place where princesses and fairy tales come to life, Disneyland Paris is the most visited theme park in all of Europe, with 13.4 million visitors per year. The resort was opened in 1992, and it is 19.425 km squared. Disneyland contains Disney Village, a leisure district with a number of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. It also has a golf course, dozens of rides, and seven hotels.        

Disneyland, Paris.

Disneyland, Paris.

4. Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is a fine museum, albeit less popular than The Louvre. Unlike the Louvre, it mostly contains French artwork and sculptures, but it has art that is seen as more modern than the Louvre’s. It is housed in a former railway station, Gare d’Orsay, and was established in 1986.  The museum possesses the largest collection of impressionist art in the world, and it has a large range of difference masterpieces, by artists such as Renoir, Monet and even Van Gogh. It has over 3 million visitors each year, and it one of the most popular museums in Europe.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

 

5. Café de la Paix

The Café de la Paix is a very popular cafe, designed by the architect Alfred Armand. It is said that if one sits at the cafe long enough, one is bound to run into a friend or acquaintance due to the cafe’s popularity and reputation. It was opened on June 30th, 1862. It is known for being warm, professional and prompt. The cafe serves food, many different drinks, and is renowned as having a magical atmosphere. The wine is very popular, but the cafe is often full due to it’s massive popularity. On August 22, 1975, the Cafe was declared a historic site by the French government.

Cafe de la Paix, Paris.

Cafe de la Paix, Paris.

France is an amazing place, and one of the most visited countries in Europe. Thank you for reading.

 

 5 most popular attractions in Paris

5 Best Attractions To Visit In London

London is known for posh accents and full English breakfasts. But that’s not all there is to the London, no. If you like imposing structures such as the Big Ben or the Tower of London, then the London is a great place to go sightseeing. There are thousands of different attractions to visit in the London, but here are the ten most popular.

  1. Big Ben

Elizabeth Tower, also known as the Clock Tower or more popularly known as Big Ben is a British cultural icon, appearing in films such as James Bond, and it is one of the most prominent symbols of Britain and British culture. Big Ben is 315 feet tall, and it was finished building on the 31st of May 1859. Big Ben is now undergoing cultural renovation until 2021, and it will not toll and chime until the renovation is complete. The Big Ben is always magnificent to look at, and if you visit you can marvel at the excellent sight of the second biggest clock in the world.

Big Ben, London.

Big Ben, London.

2. The Tower of London 

The Tower of London is a historical castle located in central London that lies on the North bank of the River Thames. The building of the Tower started in 1078, and the last major upgrade happened in 1399. The Tower of London is 30 metres high, and it is a UNESCO world heritage site as of 1988. There were over 2.7 million visitors in all of 2016, as the tower is a very popular tourist attraction. Getting a tour here is very interesting and the tour guide will tell you about its history and guide you through the different areas.

Tower of London.

Tower of London.

      3. Buckingham Palace 

Everybody knows what Buckingham Palace is. It’s the magnificent location that the Queen and the Royal Family live in, and it is one of the most prestigious buildings in the world. Built for George III in 1850, this massive palace is located in the city of Westminster and is frequently at the centre of state occasions and events. It was remodeled by Sir Aston Webb in 1913 to make it from a “Queen’s House” to a palace. The palace is an astonishingly well built structure, (as it should be for the Queen) and it looks even better in real life than it does on screen.

Buckingham Palace, London.

Buckingham Palace, London.

      4. Hyde Park 

Hyde Park is a major park located in the centre of London. It is the largest of the four Royal parks. The park was made by Henry VIII in 1536 when he required the use of Westminster Abbey land to use as a hunting ground. It opened to the public in 1637 and has been popular ever since, with over 10 million visitors each year. Free speech demonstrations have been present since the early 19th century, and it a place that is commonly visited by protesters due to its size. Hyde park is full of flowers, and there are some statues and sculptures such as the Diana’s memorial, the princess of Wales. Many concerts and sporting events happen each year, some examples include Pink Floyd and Snow Patrol. In 2012 the triathlon for the Summer Olympic Games occurred in Hyde Park.

Hyde Park, London.

Hyde Park, London.

      5. Trafalgar Square 

Trafalgar Square is a public square in the city of Westminster, which is located in the centre of London. It was named Trafalgar Square to commemorate “The Battle of Trafalgar” which was a British naval victory against France and Spain in the Napoleonic wars that happened on the 21st of October 1805. A number of commemorative statues occupy the Square, including the Four lion statues that are at its centre. The square is mostly used for community gatherings or public demonstrations, including anti-war protests and campaigns against climate change.

Trafalgar Square, London.

Trafalgar Square, London.

 

5 Best Attractions To Visit In London

3 best places to visit in Italy.

Italy. The land of pizza, pasta and meatballs. If you love food, Italy is obviously an amazing place to visit. But there are so many more reasons to visit Italy. Italy is a place that has countless different histories behind it, from the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, to the Renaissance, to the Italian revolution. There is an ever-present air of Italian culture throughout the city, from the lovely sights of the Colosseum to the picturesque Amalfi coast. It is a leading and founding member of the European Union, being the sixth most wealthy country in the world. It is inhabited by 60,589,445 people, and this means it has the fourth highest population of any country in Europe. Italy’s most popular attractions range from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the site where Pompeii erupted, but there are numerous other great spots to visit. Here is my three favourite.

Italian Marinara sauce

Italian Marinara sauce

  1. Piazza San Marco 

Piazza San Marco, also sometimes known as St. Mark’s Square in English, is the public square in Venice. This magnificent Piazza is surrounded by shops, vendors and cafes such as the Grancaffè Quadri, a popular cafe that has been open since the 17th century. According to a local legend, Napoleon called the Piazza “the drawing room of Europe.” The square is was named after the remarkable St Mark’s Basilica, the cathedral church which is located at the end of the Piazza San Marco. It is sometimes known as the “church of gold” (Chiesa d’oro) due to its elaborate design and gold mosaics. The countless attractions and beautiful statues mean the Piazza is a great place to take pictures, but it is a very popular place to visit, so be wary of crowds. There is often music and performances in the middle of the plaza, as the Piazza is a very favoured place for buskers and professional musicians due to its popularity. Piazza San Marco is a great place to visit if you like looking at historical statues or enjoy listening to live music, so if you appreciate either of those things, you should definitely visit.

Piazza San Marco, Italy.

Piazza San Marco, Italy.

2. Colosseum 

Ah, the Colosseum. One of the most popular and sought-after destinations for hundreds of years. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre made of concrete and sand. It is the largest amphitheatre in history- built by three different Roman emperors, the Colosseum was made big enough to hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators- a massive amount of people. It was used to pit gladiators against each other in fights to the death and public executions. The building stopped being used for entertainment in the medieval era and was instead used for religious purposes, workshops or housing for people. The Colosseum is partially damaged due to earthquakes and stone-robbers, but it is still a key symbol of Imperial Rome and the history that it has throughout it is astonishing. It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, and for good reason. If you enjoy seeing historical sites such as this, it’s well worth the visit and you will marvel at the authenticity of it.

The Colosseum, Italy.

The Colosseum, Italy.

3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa took nearly 200 years to build by numerous different builders. It was finally completed in 1372. The tower’s tilt began during construction in the 12th century, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support and it just stayed that way. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a recurrently popular attraction due to the unintended tilt that it has, and it is 56 metres tall at its full height. The tower leans at an angle of about 3.9 degrees, and it only stopped moving in 2008 for the first time in history.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy.

There are many great places to visit in Italy, and this is just three of my favourite. I hope you enjoyed reading this and thank you for reading.

3 best places to visit in Italy.

5 best places to visit in Bavaria

Bavaria is the largest of the sixteen German states, nearly covering up one fifth of Germany. Best known for hosting Oktoberfest in Munich every year, Bavaria is filled with beer halls. That’s not all it has though. Museums, pristine lakes, castles and forests, Bavaria has a wide range of different places you can visit- Whether you enjoy drinking beer or not.

  1. Nuremberg Castle

 

Situated in the middle of Nuremberg, Nuremberg castle is considered to be one of Europe’s most formidable medieval fortifications. Starting from a humble beginning in the mid-11th century, and almost completely rebuilt after the Second World War, this castle is quite an amazing place to visit. The museum presents an excellent exhibition on the castle’s history. If you’re a historical person and you enjoy interesting places then this is a place for you.

Nuremberg Castle

  1. Viktualienmarkt

 

Viktualienmarkt is a food market in the center of Munich. Originally a farmer’s market in the early 19th century, Viktualienmarkt is a massive area covering 22,000m squared with food stalls selling flowers, poultry, cheese, bread, juice, and so many others. There is many different events, ranging from gardener’s day to “dance of the market women” on Shrove Tuesday. If you enjoy buying quality food, this is the place to go.

Viktualienmarkt

  1. Zugspitze

 

Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, at a massive 2962 metres above sea level. There are three cable cars which run from the top of the Zugspitze to the bottom. The views that you can see from the cable car are brilliant, nothing short of breath taking. There are various hiking and ski trails which you can reach to get to the top of the mountain, with three main routes to the summit. The Zugspitze is a very popular snowsport destination during the winter, being the highest ski resort in Germany. If you enjoy hiking, skiing, or just magnificent views, this is a great place to go.

Zugspitze

View from the top of the Zugspitze in a cable cart.

 

  1. Olympiapark

 

Olympia park is an Olympic park which was made for the 1972 summer Olympics. Even though it is not used for Olympics anymore, it is used as a venue for many different events, predominantly cultural and social. Some examples of some of these events are the four day run, Munich triathlon and twenty-four hour swim. From the top of the tower you can see the whole park, and you can take a stroll around the hall and admire some of the memorials and the magnificent structure of the building. There’s many restaurants nearby, so once you’ve finished your stroll, you can go and eat some fine food and drink some fine alcohol. If you’re a sporty person, this is a great place to visit.

Olympiapark

  1. Linderhof Palace

 

Linderhof Palace is a chateau, located in southwest Bavaria. It was built by King Ludwig II and it was the only palace out of three that he saw finished. If you get to experience a tour of this magnificent building, you will observe a hall of mirrors, (made for the slightly eccentric king himself) two tapestry chambers, and the dining room where King Ludwig II himself ate. If you take a stroll around the building, you will see beautiful golden statues, colourful flowers, and many fountains to admire. Visiting the Linderhof Palace is a brilliant experience for any history lover or any person who enjoys good architecture.

Linderhof Palace

Bavaria has thousands of magical places to visit, this article only being a fraction of what Bavaria has to offer. But if you enjoy good food, breathtaking views, snow sports, or alcohol, Bavaria is a yes to visit. With the multitude of different places to go and things to see, you will never run out of ideas.

5 best places to visit in Bavaria