The Best Irish Pubs in Dublin

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and also the country’s largest city. This is also the pub capital of the country, meaning that wherever you go, you will likely find a pub. They are located in some of the smallest city corners and the most happening shopping districts. These pubs are much more than simple watering holes. You will often find folk musicians thrilling the crowds there. Visiting Dublin and not going to one of these pubs is like going to Italy and not trying pizza.

Here are the best Irish pubs in Dublin:

The Brazen Head – This Irish pub claims to be the oldest in the country, and very well may be considering that it was established in 1198. You will see history everywhere—especially since famous literary and historical figures like James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, Brendan Behan, Robert Emmet, and others have had a pint here. Don’t miss the fantastic music shows here.

O’Donoghue’s – This is the place for some serious Irish folk music. The famous ballad and folk group of Ireland the Dubliners launched their career here. So some of the musicians you see performing now could become famous one day, too. You should certainly come here if you like folk music, but keep in mind that it can be crowded, particularly during peak tourist season.

Stag’s Head – This was the first pub in Dublin to have electricity. It’s been famous for the last 140 years. Its mahogany bar with the red marble top, glass windows, and leather chairs make it among the most beautiful pubs as well. Come here if you don’t like loud places but still want to experience the Dublin pub scene.

The Hairy Lemon – This is a typical Irish pub in Dublin. You will find antique weapons, tickets of old rugby games, wood everywhere, and a cramped downstairs. It’s typical, but it works for most people. Students love this pub, as do those into indie rock and the classics.

McDaid’s – This Irish pub is convenient as it is located right in Dublin center. However, that’s the precise reason why there is always a crowd. People usually come in for a quick bite and a drink, but you should spend some time here to appreciate its art deco interiors loved by artists.

The Gravediggers – This is an interesting Dublin pub. It is next to the huge Glasnevin cemetery, and workers from the cemetery used to come in for a drink here in the old days. The feel and look from that time period has been preserved wonderfully, even to this day.

Top 10 Things to Do in Berlin

What are the top 10 things to do in Berlin? Frankly, this isn’t an easy decision. That’s because, there is indeed a lot to see and do in this German city. Abandoned airports, amusement parks, beer museums, historic sites…you can pick from so many. If you are visiting Berlin for the first time, then here are the top 10 things you shouldn’t miss.

Berlin Wall Memorial – The Berlin Wall is no more, but you can learn about its history, the division of the country, and the eventual unification at the memorial. See a film in the information center on how the wall was constructed and then climb up to the view tower to look at the stretches of wall that still stand.

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) – This is among the most famous landmarks in Germany and it’s a Berlin icon. It has been a symbol of war, peace, terror, and victory. The gate now stands as testimony to the unification of Germany and is the spot where US President Ronald Reagan stood and declared, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

Berlin Television Tower – Locals call this the Fernsehturm. At a height of 368 meters, it is the tallest building in Berlin and it’s visible from everywhere. Make the effort to climb up to the tower and you’ll find a beautiful, 360 degree panoramic view of Berlin.

River Cruise – Cruising the River Spree is a unique way to see Berlin. It is nice and relaxing as you see some of the famous city landmarks on the banks.

Jewish Museum – You can learn about the history of the Jewish community of Germany in this museum, as well as their contributions to the country. There are exhibits of the harrowing Holocaust memories. It’s a must visit.

Gendarmenmarkt – This is a beautiful square near Friedrichstraße, which is the most exclusive shopping area in Berlin. You will surely be impressed with the architecture of the buildings. Check out the French and German Cathedrals (Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom) and the Concert House.

Charlottenburg Palace – This German palace is close to the Berlin city center. You will definitely like the palace garden if you are not up for the long walks inside the palace corridors. You might want to spend some time at the Charlottenburg museum too, which sits just opposite the palace.

Egyptian Museum – Locals call this Berlin museum the Papyrussammlung and the Agyptische Museum. Of course it’s not as grand as the museum in Cairo, but the papyrus and Egyptian art collection is impressive. See the Berlin Green Head and the Queen Nefertiti bust.

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – This is certainly among the most famous orchestras worldwide, and you don’t want to miss it. The interior of the concert hall is striking and its seating arrangement was revolutionary at the time it opened. Lunchtime concerts are free on Tuesdays.

Beer drinking – You have got to savor the beer when you visit Germany. There are many famous pubs and bars you could head to for trying some authentic German beer.

The Most Popular Hotel in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most-visited cities in Europe, popular for both business and leisure travel. It’s not surprising, really. The city has some stunning architecture from world famous artists and some fantastic squares. Barcelona is the gateway to southern Spain and many Mediterranean cruises depart from the port here. There are hundreds of hotels here of all sizes and classes. The best hotels in Barcelona are located close to the promenade, offering very good views of the sea. Rightly so, as the view is indeed spectacular, night or day! But which one is the most popular hotel in Barcelona? That’s a difficult decision, as there are indeed some very good ones out there.

Here are three fantastic hotels in the city. You can choose from any one of them. They are all very popular among both leisure and business travelers.

Hotel Majestic

If there is one Barcelona hotel that stands tall among all others, it’s Hotel Majestic. It sits majestically in two very famous buildings – Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The history of this property goes back to more than 90 years. A chandelier and grand columns will lead you to its bar, lobby lounge, and piano room. The guest rooms showcase the history of the place, though they have been renovated recently to suit the modern-day traveler. Stand on the balcony and you can see the Barcelona promenade while the rooftop lounge and pool offer stunning views of Passeig de Gràcia and La Sagrada Familia.

Casa Camper

The location of this hotel in Barcelona is so popular. It is a hotel in Raval, where there are many fine restaurants and bars. Casa Camper is very close to Las Ramblas, the Centre of Contemporary Culture, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is the perfect place to see some of the main attractions of Barcelona. There is a private mini lounge with each room and the walls are painted in blood red. This one is certainly a fun and quirky place.

Mandarin Oriental

Those who want a nice and unhurried vacation in Barcelona often pick the Mandarin Oriental. The service is impeccable and the vibe remains tranquil and relaxed always. It has become a popular Barcelona hotel among many city visitors also because of its exceptional breakfast spread. The rooftop pool offers very good views, as do the rooms overlooking the Passeig de Gràcia.

Choosing the Right Hotel in Prague for Any Budget

Prague provides its visitors with various accommodation options that range from motels, camp sites, and hostels to five-star hotels. Some of the places for accommodation from which you can choose to stay in Prague are:

If you are tight on budget, you can stay in hostels and houses offering lodging options. These cost-effective options help you in enjoying the beauty of Prague in the same way as if you are staying in any luxurious hotel. Hostels in Prague can be found in both the main city as well as town outskirts. These hostels do not offer much luxury or services, but you’ll get a cheap bed and use of a bathroom (though in most cases, it’ll be shared).  The rooms have a common TV facility and a common study room.

Prague is a place full of campsites that offer another cheap option for staying. These accommodations in tents or caravans are pocket-friendly but due care is taken to maintain high quality hygiene standards. These Prague camping options are situated in beautiful and superb settings having various recreational facilities.

You can also stay in apartments in Prague, providing a family setting with sports or cultural activities as well. You’ll find various services ranging from satellite TV, bars, and safe deposit boxes. If you are driving all day and want to relax during night, motels in the vicinity can be the best option to stay.

The Czech capital city of Prague is a host many luxurious hotels usually rated four or five star. If budget isn’t one of your biggest concerns, these Prague luxury hotels provide you with ultimate luxury and make your stay exceptional.  Some wonderful luxury hotels in Prague include Hotel Esplanade, Jalta Hotel, and Hotel Kings Court.

Amsterdam Jewish Historical Museum

Location: Jonas Daniel Meijerplein 2-4, Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a rich Jewish history, which is represented by many of the sites that can be visited, such as the Anne Frank House, but if you are looking for a single location that can give you a sense of the history of Judaism in Amsterdam, then you must visit the Jewish Historical Museum.  The museum itself is located in one of the historical four Ashkenazi synagogues located in the center of the old Jewish quarter of the city.

The synagogues alone, built in the late 17th century, make the trip worthwhile, and have been fully restored to their condition before the World War II. The museum contains a permanent exhibit that details the role of the Jewish religion and traditions in Amsterdam, as well as life stories dealing with the persecution of Jews during the Second World War.

There are also a number of temporary exhibits, which cover all areas of Jewish religion and culture, including the Jewish arts, writing, and even the food.  There are also a number of exhibits that are specifically tailored for children that will help them to better understand the relevance and impact of Judaism in Amsterdam.

Top Things to Do in Florence

Florence is one of the favorite cities of Italy and is particularly famous for its historic architecture. You can enjoy a lot in Florence as there is a huge variety of activities to pursue. There are beautiful gardens, palazzos, cathedrals, and museums that are crowded by visitors. Most of these places are designed by famous architects.

Duomo
It is a famous cathedral. The exterior of this construction is in green, white, and pink marble. This cathedral has beautiful statues and is therefore considered to be great work of art.

Galleria dell’ Accademia
This is a famous gallery, which consists of many sculptures and paintings of a particular era (13th-16th centuries), including Michelangelo’s David. The gallery provides you with a good collection of musical gadgets to observe as well.

Top Squares in Florence
There are some amazing squares in Florence, which are definitely worth a visit. Many of these squares are similar to outdoor museums with tremendous artwork drawing in the tourists like bees to honey.  Check out Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Piazza del Duomo for some fantastic architecture and wonderful people-watching.

Uffizi Gallery
This is one of the most popular galleries in Florence. It is good to hang around in this place while observing one of the nicest collections of Italian paintings.

Wine
In Florence, there are several places where you can go for wine tasting. You would be highly pleased with the customer service, as the staff working in the wineries in Florence are really incredible and known for their hospitality and expertise.  Be sure to taste some Chianti Classico produced in the surrounding area.

Eating
The restaurants, cafes, and bakeries of Florence allow you to enjoy delicious food. Apart from other activities, enjoying a variety of dishes is also a great experience. Furthermore, people enjoy eating gelato in Florence. Gelato shops are spread throughout the city.
Florence is overall an amalgamation of different attractions.

When to Visit London

If you are planning to visit London, then summer is the ideal time to do it. Summer in London is the busiest season, drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists to see the city’s biggest sights.

July in London is normally sunny and the city is preparing itself for the City of London Festival of theater and music, the Wimbledon Tennis Championship, and summer concerts in Hyde Park. August in London is the most active month of the year, during which the Notting Hill Carnival that attracts millions of people from all over the world.

You can also visit London in autumn, when it’s still warm and dry. London theaters host many new shows and a lot of events take place. September in London is perhaps the best option, as October and November in London are often gloomy and dull, and not the best time for London sightseeing.

London in winter is also not bad. There is no snow and the weather is not as cold as in many other countries. The Christmas time in London is near and everybody is found in a very cheerful mood. The city looks even better if it doesn’t rain. It’s also a good option to travel to London after December as the hotel prices drop drastically.

You should stay in central London, regardless of the time of your visit, in order to avoid the hassles of traveling long distances and wasting time while traveling underground.

You don’t need to search for the best time to visit London because London is worth visiting throughout the entire year.

Fantastic Budget Hotels in Rome

Rome is one of the top destinations that travelers love to visit. It has everything a tourist would want in a vacation spot. Rome has history, fashion, art, food, and numerous types of entertainment venues. You go to Rome and you come back feeling like you took a trip back in time with all the Roman ruins you see. The Colosseum alone leaves an imprint, as does the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Since travelling can be expensive we thought you’d like to know about some of Rome’s central and budget hotels.

These five budget hotels in Rome are great choices for those who are looking to save some money, but maintain all services and amenities. From all of them you can walk to many main squares and sites, plus public transportation being nearby. This second characteristic also saves you money, by giving you the option of cheap modes of Rome transportation.

Hotel Accademia in Rome has 75 guest rooms with en suite bathroom, A/C, mini-bar, toiletries and all other needed amenities. The Rome hotel near the Trevi Fountain provides an optimal location for seeing Rome. Your mornings can start with an American buffet breakfast and for dinner there is a nearby Grill and Wine Restaurant. Guests can get complimentary vouchers to eat here at the hotel.

Torre Rossa Park Hotel near Cornelia metro station is a short metro ride away from the historical center. The cheap Rome hotel has 250 guest rooms with private bathroom, A/C, satellite TV, and more. Internet is available at an extra charge and for dining the hotel has Il Borgo restaurant where you can try traditional Italian cuisine.

Smart hotel, a new central hotel near Rome Termini Station, features the most advanced technology, including a PowerTV, which is an entertainment, infotainment, and utility hotspot right in your Rome hotel room. Watch a movie, find out what time the Colosseum opens, see your hotel bill—all from the comfort of your own room.  With the close proximity to Termini station, you’ll be able to reach all of Rome’s biggest attractions in no time!

Bettoja Hotel in Rome is a classic style hotel that dates back to 1930, but is up to date when it comes to the amenities and services required in today’s age. Guest rooms have mini-bar, Wi-Fi, A/C and TV, as well as en suite bathroom. The lobby bar is great for a snack or drink, as well as an espresso. This budget Rome hotel is near the Termini station and Piazza della Repubblica, putting you in the best spot to move around both by foot or metro.

Last, but not least, look at the hotel alternative Hotel Metropolis, a boutique hotel in Rome near the Vatican. Guest rooms are modernly decorated and feature top-notch amenities, and the suite features an in-room Jacuzzi.  Located in the trendy Prati neighborhood, this Rome boutique hotel is just down the street from the Lepanto metro station and right across the river from Piazza del Popolo.

Travel Tips for Exploring Barcelona

Barcelona is a city of magnificence and beauty and it should be on every traveler’s must-see list. To make your travel to Barcelona enjoyable and memorable you should follow certain travel tips that will guide you in a better way and inform you about touring in Barcelona. First, you should come prepared with the information about the places you want to visit. If you don’t come prepared you may lose your way half-way through the trip, or may find yourself stranded and spoiled with too many options but not enough time. So, it is imperative to have an overview and a plan about the places you intend to visit.

The routes that lead to the tourist attractions are all motorable or traversable. The options of travel are bus, taxi, hired transport or Metro Lines. You should opt for the Metro lines as they cut across most of the Catalonia and you will quickly reach your destinations. Tour buses are also an option, but they may get boring and monotonous after a while, and you may not be able to let loose and fully enjoy the surroundings while on a tour bus.

But above all, the biggest challenge while touring Barcelona is steering yourself safe of pickpockets and scams. Barcelona has an infamous reputation for tourists getting robbed and swindled. So, it’s important that you don’t keep much cash with you and that you never leave your luggage or belongings out of sight while travelling. Moreover, don’t fall for the con-men who may try to deceive you into “magic tricks.” Visit the city equipped with enough information that can make your journey smooth and successful. The last thing you need is you being stranded in the middle of a square with a map in hand and asking for directions from unknown people.

The Best Time to Visit Athens

Athens is a wonderful city with history, culture and entertainment.  The best time to visit really all depends on you.  If you like crowds, warm and hot weather, a vibrant night life and so on; you should go in the summer months (June to August).  This is the time of year where children, teens and adults are out of school or college and those who work as well.  In Europe the summer months are a guaranteed two week vacation so you will see plenty of tourists from that area.  If you prefer quiet and less crowded the rest of the year is your best choice, except for holidays of course.  Keep in mind that the winter months start from about November until February.  If you don’t want to be on vacation with winds, rain and cold you might want to opt out of those months. You just need to choose your dates and book the best hotel in Athens. Have fun!

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Food and traditions in Madrid

The Spanish cuisine was acquired from various cultural influences that include the Roman, Jewish and Arab traditions.  At the same time every region, town and city adapted their unique spin, like it happens in most countries.  Something is added, something taken away from and so on.  You can be sure that most foods will at one point or another include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, beans and ham.  In Madrid one traditional and favored food includes the “jamon”, ham from the Iberian pig.  This type of ham is darker and with a more distinct flavour than usual ham.  The second food to try that is typical of this area is the bull’s tail.  In addition to these you will have the chance to taste local dishes when you go out for drinks.  In Madrid when you order drinks at a bar they will bring you “tapas” too.  “Tapas” are snack foods that will include local preferred dishes.  Something sweet that is also unique to Madrid is churros with hot chocolate.  This is a must try and the oldest and most renowned place to go for this is the Chocolaterìa San Ginés.

Top Athens Sites

Athens is a one of those tourist cities that has everything.  You can find amazing beaches, relax, night clubs and pubs, great food, and historical sites.  History, architecture and artefact lovers can find so many sites that feed their curiosity and love for Greek culture and remains.  One of the first sites that needs mentioning is the Acropolis and the Parthenon.  These remains are a standing symbol of Greek history and tales, as well as standing in a spot that gives you one of the most panoramic views over the city.  The National Archaeological Museum is where you should go next.  Expect to spend at least a couple hours in it and see a collection of artefacts from the Cycladic Island, Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations.  Other sites you should try to see are the Temple of Poseidon, Piraeus Archaeological Museum, Nautical Museum and Lycabettus Hill.

Typical dishes in Lisbon

Tourists who come to Lisbon know they are going to see sites and relax, but they will also want to taste typical dishes of this area.  Any place you visit, should have gastronomic exploration as well.  Unless you are that picky of an eater there are some things you will want to taste while you are in Lisbon.  Due to the fact that Portugal is predominately a seafaring nation it is assured that you will find an array of fresh fish and shellfish dishes.  In addition to exquisite seafood dishes the Portuguese like to mix spices and flavors.  Some of the most popular dishes that you will want to try include grilled sardines, which is especially favored in the summer and on their saints’ celebration.  Snacks that you will find in small taverns are things like boiled snails and deep fried green beans.  This last dish, even though most often imported, is salted codfish.  Salted codfish known as bacalhau is considered the national dish and served as a tradition during the Christmas season with olive oil, potatoes and cabbage.

Granada the gem of Andalucia

If Andalucia is the most beautiful part of Spain, Granada is the most beautiful part of Andalucia: Granada is a magical city that stands out to the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountain and today we wish to be part of its magic.

For fashion lovers in Madrid

Attention to all fashion lovers! That’s a fair that you can’t miss when you visit Madrid!

Madrid International Fashion Fair is being held in Madrid during the month of July, this year it will be held between July16th to 18^th at Feria de Madrid.

Madrid International Fashion Fair is where quality and variety go hand-in-hand on the runway! It’s one of those fairs where business mixes with pleasure. It will be held at Feria de Madrid from 16 to 18 July 2009.

There you could enjoy the outcome of the participation of many international companies on each edition of the fair.Such yearly participation confirmed the event as one of the leading centers for business within the world of fashion.

Of course there’s a strong presence of neighboring European brands. Many European countries like Portugal, France & Italy come to speak one language in Spain which happened to be not Spanish or English, it’s fahsionish!

World-wide brands also participate heavily with their latest trends. Designers from Latin American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico compete with their European colleagues to reach the goal of leading the world fashion trends.