Citytrips-Highlights.com

Barcelona is a unique city where you can find a lot of passion in fiestas, tapas and Gaudí´s creations. On the other hand it is one of the world´s leading tourist, economic, trade and cultural-sports centres.

Even if you are in Barcelona for just one day, you should stroll down La Rambla, one of the most famous boulevards in the world. This mile-long road is full of tourists, artists, human statues, fortune-tellers, dancers and musicians.

You can also gaze in wonder at Gaudí´s fairy-tale architecture. The Sagrada Familia is breathtaking and funny by turns. Take the list to the top for a wonderful view.

Park Guell is a magical place which emulates and English garden city. Climb to the heights of the park and admire the magnificent panorama.

Even if you are not a regular church-goer, you should visit the beautiful churches in Barcelona. The Sant Pau del Camp is a rare example of Romanesque architecture with a fantastical façade and extraordinary cloister. The basilica of the Santa Maria del Mar may be the best surviving example of Catalan Gothic and make a great place to go for a classical concert.

Most of us are not graced with dancing skills, but this does not stop you from being at least a spectator of the traditional Spanish dance for, called flamenco. Head to El Tablao de Carmen where the stars and new talent display a vibrant spectrum of flamenco singing, dancing and music.

If you get hungry and want to try Catalan cooking, visit the Cinc Sentits which is creating quite a stir in Barcelona gastronomic circles.

As the legend says Lisbon is a city set on seven hills. This city has a lot of to discover. Most popular places are located around Rossio and Praça do Comércio.

When going to see the sights you should for sure not miss Geronimo’s monastery. Vasco de Gama´s resting place which cloisters are considered among the most beautiful in the world and is listen as a World Heritage.

The city´s icon is Belem tower that is also a symbol of the Age of Discovery. It served to defend the Tagus River bank, but as the time passed it had been given different functions such as a customs control point, a telegraph station, a lighthouse and even a political prison.

St. George´s castle – from the millennium-old walls of the castle you have a beautiful view of the city in the company of roaming peacocks. There is a small archaeological museum inside.

If you get tired of sigh-seeing and want to go shopping, the best shopping mall in Iberian Peninsula, Centro Commercial Colombo will offer you a lot of options. For those ones who prefer shopping in local markets, there is a wonderful market at the campo de Santa Clara.

In case you want to experience discos, go to Lux. Another recommended place is Bairro Alto. Do not think you will just sit here and let yourself to be served. No way. You buy drink and you go out to the street with it where people you do not know talk to you. However, this is the way how it works here.

Known as Pressburg to German-speakers or Pozsony to Hungarian-speakers, Bratislava got its present name only 90 years ago. Despite this fact the city has a long and proud history that dates back to pre-Roman times. In spite of its exciting history, Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in the world and its population is also very young. The modern metropolis is opened to Europe and to the world as proved by the increasing number of foreign visitors. They are attracted by the cosiness of the rather small city that nevertheless possesses a throbbing social life and historic charms combined with the most recent trends. Palaces, modern shopping and trade centres, admirable arts of the Slovak cooks and brewers, friendly people and various international cultural or sport events, exhibitions are the reasons why it is worth to visit.

Of course there are sights which are known by a lot of people, but beside them there are curiosities which cannot be found anywhere else in the world:

Rubberneck
A unique Bratislava curiosity: no other city in the world has a statue emerging from a manhole. After Rubberneck had lost his head twice due to careless drivers city councillors decided to help him by erecting a road sign to warn drivers: another world-first…

Schöne Náci
This statue commemorates a unique figure in Bratislava’s history. Not a statesman, a sportsman or soldier: instead, the Schöner Naci, whose real name was Ignác Lamár, is remembered for being one of Bratislava’s social institutions. Born in 1897, he was famous for wandering the streets of the city, elegant in morning suit and top hat. He would frequently doff his hat to the ladies he passed and offer them flowers or a song.

Paparazzi
Passers-by in Bratislava’s old town are drawn to this life-sized statue of a paparazzo celebrity photographer. Peering around a corner into Laurinská Street and holding a camera in his hands, he seems to be in the process of photographing some member of Bratislava’s high society emerging from the eponymous bar next door.

Napoleon´s Soldier
One of Bratislava’s most popular photo opportunities is this bronze statue of a Napoleonic soldier leaning over a bench the old town’s Hlavné námestie (Main Square). Its creator is the sculptor Juraj Meliš. Napoleon’s troops came to Bratislava on two occasions. The first was in December 1805, when 300 riders and 9,000 infantrymen marched through the streets of the city after Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz resulted in a treaty known as the Peace of Pressburg, which was signed in the Mirror Hall of the Primatial Palace. Napoleon himself entered the city after the conclusion of a subsequent peace.

Accommodation
Bratislava has accommodation for everyone, whatever your budget is. More than 70 accommodation facilities provide services in various categories and standards. The more luxurious ones are in the city centre, many of which are right in the old town pedestrian zone. However, more economical guesthouses and hostels can also be found in the centre. It is recommended to book well in advance because of Bratislava’s growing popularity as a tourist destination, so there is rising occupancy level at its hotels.

Cuisine in Bratislava
Do you know that the streets of the Old Town district have been referred to as “one big restaurant”? Sample a nobler atmosphere reminiscent of old ‘Prešporok’ in the restaurants Au Café or Leberfinger. You can enjoy a breath-taking view of the city from the Veža restaurant in the broadcasting tower on Kamzík hill or from the UFO restaurant on top of the Nový Most Bridge overlooking the Danube. You can find cuisine from all over the world in Bratislava. Healthy Italian fare is particularly popular, with numerous quality venues to be found in the city centre: Due Amici, Al Dente, Aglio Olio, Antica Toscana, Flowers. Why not try the largest pizza in the city at Pizza Mizza. For Greek cuisine you can visit Taverna, or sample Arabic food at Samir, Cuban fare at Malecón, or get a taste of Mexico at Hacienda Mexicana. Sushi bars can be found on Gorkého Street (Kikaku) and on Panská Street (Tokyo). Enjoy Chinese food in the centre at Bambusová záhrada, Jasmín and Hua Li Gong. For an Argentinean steak you should go to El Gaucho, while fish dishes are particularly popular at Fish Gate, Kogo, or on the moored boat Kriváň. Top quality international cuisine is offered by Alizé, Camouflage, Caribic’s, Paparazzi and Le Monde.

Helsinki is the biggest village in the world – this is what it is said about this beautiful city which is great for tourism. It is a real heaven where you can have a rest and spend an incredible time.

The Lutheran cathedral was originally built as a tribute to the Grand Duke, Nicholas I. The domes of it are considered the city´s highest structure and the church can be seen for miles at sea.

Espoo Museum of Modern art holds more than 2 000 works, ranging from the early 20th century to the present. It is definitely Finland´s most significant private art collection and worth the From Helsinki.

The best way how to appreciate Helsinki´s seaside location is by heading out to the myriad of island restaurants. The most famous is the stylish, spired Klippan, which is set in a villa on Luoto Island.

Finish cuisine is based on fresh and natural ingredients that vary according to the season. Finnish food is typified by simplicity and purity of taste. Culinarists will also like the ingredients on display at the Old Market Hall and the Market Square.

The city cannot compete with bigger cities in terms of the amount of nightlife, but it offers high quality and nature of it. A wide range of clubs and bars offer something for everyone. It has a strong DJ-led club culture. The trendiest establishments favoured by media can be found in the districts of Kamppi and Punavuori. Large and friendly clubs for everyone can be found in the city centre.

Stockholm is often considered as a pearl of Scandinavian countries. This city was built on 14 islands which are connected by 57 bridges. The Royal National City Park was the first National City Park in the wold. Nowadays this green space breathes for the city and makes it a place where people can relax. Beside that the city offers a lot of world-class museums and attractions.

While doing your tour, you should visit Stockholm city Hall, climb the tower for a fantastic view of the city. Do not miss Gamla Stan, the oldest attraction and the best medieval city centre in the world. Go for a walk through the small winding streets lined with stores which are full handcrafts, antiques, art galleries and cafés. You can also find Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral here.

The Vasa Museum is famous and the only preserved 17th century ship in the world which is a unique art treasure because more than 95% of the ship is original. The ship is 69 meters long and it is decorated with hundreds of carved sculptures.

However, the best sightseeing can be done from the water. There are a lot of tours that can be done on the ground of your interest. Under the Bridges of Stockholm, Royal Canal Tour and the early good Morning Stockholm Tour focus on central part of the city. Hop On Hop Off is a flexible way to see the city from the water. However, this one can be combined with a bus as well.

Kiel is a town where you should definitely go if you love sailing. There are a lot of sailing events from which the best known is called Kiel Week. This event takes place between 17th and 25th June and it is a celebration of warm weather, seaside living and all above sailing.

Laboe Naval Memorial includes underground memorial room and a museum detailing the history of the German Navy. It was completed in 1936 and the tower of it is 72 m high. Since 1950s it is a memorial for sailors of all nationalities who died in the World Wars.

Kiel Botanical Gardens contains 14 000 plant species from all over the world. The green houses cover over 2 000 square metres and each one represents a different climate. Outside there are areas of heath, moor, dune, salt meadow, pond and ountain as well as rose and flower beds and an arboretum.

Grusellabyrinth is a dark world which is full of goose skin and scary beautiful atmosphere. So, if you like adrenalin, you are kidnapped by the scythe man into the realm of horror. 3 attractions and an exclusive Buffet restaurant expect you and offer to you magic morbid maintenance.

If you are looking for shopping centre next to the sea, than go to Sophienhof which is next to the sea and only a few minutes away from the harbour and the central station.

In Kiel you can combine beach holidays with a city trip including shopping expedition. Moreover, there is a considerable offer of cultural events.

Copenhagen is a city which can suit every taste and interest. Besides being the capital of Denmark, it is also the cultural and trade centre where the Little Mermaid can be seen.

Tivoli is a famous amusement park and gardens which is more than 100 years old. The gardens display a wealth of flowers and thousands of light sparkle from the trees can be seen at night.

In 1909 Carl Jacobsen, the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries, attended the Royal Theatre to see The Little Mermaid ballet based on the fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen. He was so deeply moved by the performance that he commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a statue of the mermaid which was then presented at Langelinie waterfront in 1913. Every year her birthday is celebrated with balloons, music and mermaids.

The city is speckled with palaces, especially the marvellous Rosenborg Castle. A favourite of visitors is the castle´s Royal Collections which include the Crown Jewels. After checking out the exhibits, make sure to take some time to unwind in the King´s Garden.

The largest shopping area is centred on Stoget which is in the heart of the city and the world´s longest pedestrian with a wealth of shops, from budget-friendly shops to world´s most expensive brands.

Regarding the nightlife, the city offers anything from mainstream discos, through glamorous venues and underground clubs. Go to Karrierebar in the Meatpacking District. Norrebro and especially Sankt Hans Torv is a guarantee for a good time with cocktail bars clubs and discos.

Genoa is a mystic place where the national hero of Italy Guiseppe Garibaldi or Christopher Columbus was born. This city also has a nickname “the Superb one” because of the glorious past and impressive landmarks.

If you want to sense how Genoa teems with unpretentious night life go to Piazza delle Erbe. This small square full of labyrinthine alleys offer bars, restaurants, pizzeria and gelateria. Parts of Genoa´s old city still look and feel like the Middle Ages. The cobblestone alleyways are so narrow that you can stretch out your arms and touch buildings on either side of the streets. “Get lot” and find yourself again in the heart of the old city by San Lorenzo Cathedral which dates back to the 9th century.

In case you want to try little wine after a long day, visit Taggiou which is a place that is guaranteed to whet your palate with a wide variety of white, red and heaping plate of salami and cheese. Popular food include pesto sauce, focaccia, farinata or salsa di noci.

Time to enjoy you can be found in the Aquarium of Genoa which is the second largest in Europe. It is scientific and cultural centre that welcome millions of visitors every year.

Doing the shopping in the design stores is more like going to a museum. Via Garibaldi is for example housed in an old palace. More design products can be found at Compagnia Unica which carries Dior for your closet and Norman Copenhagen for your kitchen.

Venice is a romantic city in northern Italy where a lot of films and videos for songs were made. The city is also well-known for its typical masks which have been worn during the Carnival of Venice. This carnival has existed since the Middle Ages, but it came into its own in the 18th century.

However, not only the ball in Venice is magnificent. Standing in the middle of piazza San Marco is an experience in itself. St. Mark´s basilica, often seen as the living testimony of Venice´s links with Byzantium, Doge´s Palace, once Venice´s political and judicial hub or Torre dell´Orologio, a clock tower which was built between 1496 and 1506 are not just the square’s but some of the city´s main attractions.

Being in Venice you should not miss getting around in a gondola. This will be for sure an experience of lifetime, especially if you share this with someone you really care for.

Venice is a city where you can eat seafood you have never seen before. The lagoon city has a long and glorious culinary tradition based on fresh seafood. Going with the flow of “la cucina veneta” requires a certain spirit of open-minded experimentation. Not everybody has eaten “granseola” which is the spider crab or “garusoli”, the sea snails. However, Venice is the right place where you can try these.

If seafood is not your cup of tea, then you can try a delicious gelato. The best one is served in Boutique del Gelato. However, be prepared to be patient because there is always a huge crowd waiting to be served.

Accommodation in Istanbul covers the full range of lodgings, from luxury palace hotels through charming, historic inns to simple, but clean and cheap pensions and hostels or even rental villas and apartments.

Five-star hotels offer luxury and all services, especially when they are connected with worldwide chains. However, they are more expensive than the local chains which offer a bit less class but better value. Breakfast is definitely not included in the normal rates and costs for them may be amazing in many cases. On the other hand breakfast can be included into package deals.

Four-star hotels are very comfortable, mainly local hotels which are actually independent or small Turkish chains. The staff is usually multilingual, they have nice restaurants, bars and offer very good breakfast.

Three – star hotels often offer rooms with satellite TV, minibars or even swimming pools and nightclubs. They can be rather found in smaller cities and resorts.

Two or one star hotels are very simple, homey very often like a European pension. They do not offer a lot of services. However, Wifi Internet, TV in the lounge, clean rooms with private shower and simple breakfast may be found there.

It is recommended to book a room in advance especially if you travel to Istanbul in spring and autumn as they are the busiest times. Have in mind that several months in advance are not too early to reserve. At this time you also have to expect higher prices.

The best way how to accommodate is to reserve at least the first night or two of your stay as the day you arrive will be confusing and time-consuming enough without having to look at several hotels to find the room you want at a price you want to pay. Even when it happens the hotel you booked is not what you want, you can always find another one and you do not have to search for it the first night you arrive when you are tired and totally unfamiliar with the new place.