Visitors Guide to Seattle, Washington, USA
The city of Seattle is situated in the eastern area of the state of Washington in Northwest America, between the waters of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Known for its appealing atmosphere and emergence as the USAs city of the 1990s, Seattles waterfront is its main attraction and this lies along the Alaskan Way, although the city does contain a number of must-see sights.
Seattles community is built on commerce, fishing and timber, greatly influenced by the nearby Boeing aerospace company. Full of gourmet coffee shops, museums, art galleries and a lively nightlife, the city now also celebrates an important tourism industry.
Seattle is a large cosmopolitan city, covering around 90 square miles / 233 square kilometers, with a population of almost 600,000. The city incorporates many smaller communities and important, historical neighborhoods. Amongst these locations are the Ballard, Belltown, Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market, Freemont, Greenlake, Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, SODO and University districts.
Seattle Tourism:
Tourist attractions in Seattle are varied and impressive, making Seattle an excellent vacation destination. Facilities include many notable landmarks and monuments, museums and art galleries, parklands, recreational activities and insightful guided tours of the city. Top attractions include the Boeing Factory, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Fisherman’s Terminal, the Smith Tower Observation Deck, Hing Hay Park, Safeco Field Stadium, the Seahawks Exhibition Center and the Seattle Center both a cultural center and popular amusement park constructed for citys World Fair, which was held in 1962.
Seattle is perhaps best known for its eye-catching Space Needle, which towers around 150 meters / 490 feet on the city skyline, offering spectacular views. City museums worth a visit include the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the Museum of History and Industry, the Science Fiction Museum and the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Popular parklands in the Seattle area include Discovery Park, Freeway Park, Green Lake Park and the Washington Park Arboretum.
Seattle Transport:
Around Seattle, public transport provides a number of affordable options, including Amtrak trains, Greyhound and regional buses, and boats from Canada. One of the most popular ways to travel around the city is on the Metro Transit Buses, which are cheaper outside of peak hours. Renting a car is another transport option favored by many visitors to Seattle, allowing easy exploration of the city and surrounding areas.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport stands around 12 miles / 19 km from the city center and is a bustling transportation hub. With many passengers both arriving and departing each day. The airport provides a number of affordable ground transport options, which include shuttle buses, taxis, car rental options and luxury limousines.
Seattle Hotels:
The city’s central downtown district is often booked solid during the summer months, when hotel rates are at their highest. However, outside of downtown Seattle you will find many further hotels, which are more reasonably priced and just a short distance from the city center. Room rates are also often reduced during the rainy season, from October to April, and at weekends. Bed and breakfast accommodation in Seattle is both affordable and popular with visitors, with a number of options being located close to the waterfront.
Seattle Restaurants:
Seattle takes its coffee very seriously and is famous for being the origin of Starbucks, with the first store still in operation at Pike Place Market. Many other stylish coffee shops and espresso bars can be found throughout the city, together with an abundance of restaurants and dining options. Restaurants in Seattle cater for all palates and many are concentrated along the waterfront, where seafood is a particular specialty. The northwestern side of the city is another popular dining location, with restaurants offering Pan-Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican and more traditional American cuisine.
Seattle Shopping:
Seattle is a popular shopping destination offering a large range of major shops and stores. Facilities include a number of famous designer outlets, vast department stores, boutiques and large shopping malls. Popular shopping areas include Broadway Avenue East, First Avenue, Maynard Avenue, Pike Street, Pine Street, Queen Anne and West Dravus, Seneca and Fourth Avenue and University Way.
Seattle Weather:
The Seattle area is known for its rain, although this is a little unfair, since the city’s annual rainfall averages less than 40 inches / 100 cm. Much of the weather is both fine and mild, with hot summers and cooler winter weather. Temperatures are hottest during the months of July and August, peaking at around 25C / 77F. January is the coldest month, when temperatures during the daytime average 8C / 46F, well above freezing.
Visitors Guide to Orlando, Florida, USA
The world-famous city of Orlando is located in the central area of the state of Florida, in the USA. Home to the world’s number-one tourist attraction, Walt Disney World, Orlando also offers a range of must-see sights, which are popular with both children and adults. Ranging from historical museums to vast water parks, landscaped gardens to superb restaurants, Orlando has it all and is one of America’s most popular vacation options, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Orlando is a spreading city and covers almost 100 square miles / 260 square kilometers, with a population of around 200,000. Acclaimed as perhaps the ultimate family holiday destination, Orlando is also known for its outstanding shopping malls, vibrant nightlife and sports facilities. Other popular attractions can be found in nearby towns and cities, including Kissimmee.
Orlando Transport:
Around Orlando, public transport is well maintained and the city offers a number of options, which include taxis, coaches, trains, trams, and buses operated by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Orlando area and allows the freedom to explore the nearby towns, which surround the city.
Florida’s number one airport, the bustling Orlando International Airport (MCO), is located close to the city and each month sees several million passengers arriving and departing. Also, the smaller Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is nearby and has two terminals, offering a range of flights. Both airports provide a selection of reasonably priced ground transportation, which travels into central Orlando.
Where to Stay in Orlando:
Since the arrival of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the tourist trade in Orlando has grown dramatically, together with the number of hotels. Orlando now offers an enormous selection of hotels, both throughout the city and clustered around many of the popular attractions, particularly Disney World. The nearby town of Kissimmee is just a short trip from Orlando and offers many reasonably priced hotels, which are often more conveniently located and offer better value for money.
Orlando Shopping:
Orlando is an impressive shopping destination offering a huge selection of outstanding shops and stores. Facilities include an endless range of designer outlets, many well-known department stores, countless fashion boutiques and sprawling shopping malls. Popular shopping areas include the famous International Drive, together with South Orange Blossom Trail, West Oakridge Road and Vineland Road.
Orlando Tourism:
Tourist attractions in Orlando are outstanding, making Orlando the ideal holiday destination. Facilities include many major landmarks and monuments, museums, art galleries, historical sights, recreational and sporting activities, and in-depth guided tours of the city. Top attractions in Orlando include the Disney Magic Kingdom – complete with its fairytale castle and Mickey Mouse attractions; the Universal Studios – with many outstanding rides, such as the ‘Back to the Future’ ride and the ‘Earthquake’; the Epcot Center – Disney’s vision of the future; and the MGM Studios Theme Park – where you will find many movie-related rides and tours.
Other popular places to visit in Orlando include the Church Street Station, Gatorland, Leu Botanical Gardens, the Orlando Science Center, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Wet ‘n’ Wild and Sea World of Florida – home to Shamu the killer whale and featuring more than 200 acres / 80 hectares of marine stadiums and lagoons.
Orlando Weather:
Orlando has a subtropical and extremely warm climate, with hot summer weather and sunshine throughout the year. The city has become a year-round resort, with little rain and predictable high temperatures. Winters (from December to April) are mild and pleasant and many of the city’s most popular festivals are held at this time of the year. Summers (from June to September) are hot, with temperatures consistently in the 80s and 90s.
Ya Mule! Backpacking in Siena, Italy
Ah, the glamour of backpacking through Europe. Of course, the glamour comes with a price as I found in Siena, Italy.
Siena
Siena is located an hour or so outside of Florence, Italy. My handy dandy guidebook suggested it was a side trip that just had to be made. A medieval structure located behind protective walls on the top of a hill. The central area was generally closed off to cars and it was a taste of true Italy. Who was I to argue?
As I sat on the train, I check my backpack for any excess weight. I had already discarded or sent home unnecessary items and was feeling pretty light on my feet. Next thing I knew, the train had stopped and I was standing on flat road next to a rolling hill covered in trees and homes. Siena proper was at the top.
The thing about rolling hills with lots of foliage is they are simply evil. You can never get a grasp on how far it is to the top. You keep thinking the top appears to be a few hundred feet in front of you until you reach it. Then you discover it is just a dip before another upward section. The hill up to Siena is just such a rolling hill. Throw in a road that twists all over the hill like a drunken sailor on leave, and youll never scoff at a moped again.
Getting in touch with my inner mule, I began to climb and tame the great beast. As I trudged along, I thought of all the great people that must of walked up the same hill throughout history. As I stood in the shade panting, I thought all of those great people probably hitched a ride instead of walking like me.
After thirty-five minutes or so, I was seriously starting to think about hitching a ride. Of course, this would mean admitting defeat. The battle between my genetic male stubbornness and this sucks attitude was intense. Like a mule, I kept going. Five bends, three dips that I could have sworn were the top.
Just as I was giving ina wall. A really big wall. I passed it and suddenly was in a large parking lot area with tourist buses. Hands on knees, shirt soaking, I tried to maintain my dignity as the tourist looked at me like I was insane. Did that moron walk up here? One even took a picture!
After composing myselferr, getting my breath back, I booked a room in a little hotel. The young lady working the desk seemed hesitant, but I made some comment about it being a long way up from the valley. She started giggling and I had the room.
I showered and went looking for trouble. Well, trouble that was on a flat surface. In the town centre, I stumbled upon a small caf selling Mexican beer. Being from San Diego, this was nirvana. My inner mule was quickly appeased and the hill of death forgotten.
Reflecting on my climb from a historical perspective, I learned a good lesson. It is far better to be behind the wall than trying to attack it!
Why The British Love To Holiday In Spain
Have you ever been to Spain for a holiday? Are you thinking of travelling to Spain for a holiday in the near future? Do you always return to Spain each year for your annual holiday? Many British people continue to travel to Spain each year despite there being many more destinations available around the world at affordable prices. In this article, I write about why the British love and continue to travel to Spain for their holidays.
A recent report highlighted the fact that many British people do not just return to Spain once, but in fact return to Spain most years for their holiday. One lady who was around fifty years of age was asked by the reporter how many times she had chosen Spain for her holiday destination, twelve she answered. A man who was probably in his forties was asked the same question, he replied, eight times.
With the birth of the budget airline you would have thought that people may choose other destinations to visit, some of course do, but what is the reason behind all of these other people travelling back to Spain, year in, year out?
Many of these people will only be able to afford one holiday abroad per year and if they have really enjoyed travelling to Spain in the past and all what it has to offer, they may not be willing to take a risk with a new resort or country.
A lot of these people see Spain as quite similar to the UK, apart from the fact that it is a lot warmer. This sun is of course is why most of them are taking their holiday abroad, how many times have we taken a holiday in Britain, in August for example, and the weather has been poor?
The food in these Spanish resorts is very much catered for us Brits and there are many British themed bars where people are able to drink British beer and watch the English Premiership in football.
This is no doubt true of many other resorts around the world but people may be of the mindset of why fix it, if it is not broken.
To travel to Spain is very cheap and the flights are also quite short, this suits a family taking their children as well as members of an older generation.
With the internet now available in most households, people are able to plan and book their holidays for even cheaper than before, this is by booking the flights and hotels well in advance.
I personally like to travel to different destinations when I go abroad but can fully understand why other people would choose to return to the same place, for example Spain.
Visitors Guide to Florence, Italy
The city of Florence is actually the capital of Italy’s Tuscany area and stands alongside the scenic banks of the Arno River, close to the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas. Bustling with local industry, which includes arts and crafts, commerce and tourism; Florence is a particularly historic location, steeped in heritage.
One of the most desirable places to visit in Italy, Florence was originally founded by Romans during the first century and grew dramatically between the 1200s and 1600s. Of particular importance, the Medici family, who ruled over Florence during the 15th century, were responsible for many of the city’s most spectacular landmarks, buildings and monuments, most of which remain in excellent condition.
Florence Travel:
The Florence area features a well-structured public transport network, comprising of main railway lines, orange ATAF buses and local taxis that congregate at various taxi ranks and around the piazzas. Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Tuscany area and the A1 Motorway connects Florence to many major Italian cities, such as Bologna, Milan, Naples and Rome. Also the A11 Motorway links Florence to Lucca, Pisa and a number of coastal resorts.
Florence is easy to reach from around the world and the city’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport is nearby. Just 5 km / 3 miles from the city center, the Florence Vespucci Airport offers modern facilities and is home to a number of important international and Italian airlines
Florence Commerce:
With a thriving commercial city centre and many businesses supporting the services and financial sector, Florence is a wealthy city. Nowadays, with tourism being an equally important industry in the city, many local crafts boost the economy, such as jewellery, leatherwork and ceramics, together with hotels. Florence contains a number of notable, medium-sized companies, including engineering firms, publishing and textile businesses.
Florence Hotels:
Hotels in Florence are often fairly expensive throughout the year and many are centrally located, although a number of popular cheaper alternatives are available. Accommodation during the peak season quickly becomes fully booked in the most popular hotels and it can be advisable to book at least two weeks ahead. If you decide to rent a car, ensure that the hotel has car parking space available before booking. Hotels can be found all around the city centre, in the green Viale dei Colli area, close to the Santa Maria Novella train station, alongside the Arno River and on the city outskirts.
Florence Tourism:
Tourism in the Florence area is important and thousands of people choose to visit this part of Tuscany each year, to enjoy the scenic views, historical buildings, stunning architecture and famous works of art. Must-see attractions in Florence include a number of magnificent palaces, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and Palazzo Strozzi. Other attractions include the Piazza del Signoria, the Teatro Comunale (theatre), the arched Ponte Vecchio bridge, the historic Campanile di Giotto and the world-famous Duomo / Santa Maria del Fiore also known as the ‘Cathedral of Florence’.
Top museums in Florence contain many important art exhibitions and outstanding exhibits. Worth a visit are the National Archeological Museum, the Uffizi Gallery and the Academy Gallery, amongst many others. Also, the Chianti area, which is situated between the city of Florence and nearby Siena, features one of Italy’s most stunning countryside landscapes and is also home to a number of famous vineyards.
Florence Restaurants:
Restaurants in Italy are known as ‘Ristoranti’ or ‘Trattories’ and are widespread in Florence, with many different kinds of cuisine readily available. Menu prices do not usually include service charges and these are added to the bill, together with any further cover charges (‘coperto’). Therefore, tipping in Florence restaurants is not strictly necessary, although always very much appreciated. Lunch in the city is generally taken around 13:00 and is the main meal of the day, with dinner being eaten between 20:00 and 21:00.
Florence Weather:
The city of Florence features fairly temperature weather, with notable hot, sunny summer months and cooler, breezy winters. Temperatures between the months of July and August are at their hottest and reach highs of up to 32C / 90F. January tends to be Florence’s coldest month with daytime temperatures only reaching 9C / 48F, although lows of 1C / 34F may be experienced.
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam is a country deeply scarred by war and yet its outlook is forgiving and forwardlooking. Its people believe last centurys occupations, battles and political influences have enriched the nation.
Washed ashore above the Mekong Delta, some 40km north of the South China Sea, Ho Chi Minh City, known also as Saigon, is a city on the march, a boomtown where the rule of the dollar is absolute. It is a testament to its wartorn past. Its history has made it resilient, effervescent, charged with initiative and roaring with trade.
The centre of Ho Chi Minh is compact and ideal for wandering around. It boasts fine restaurants, immaculate hotels and glitzy bars amidst its colonial villas and venerable pagodas.
There are many interesting places to visit including the markets, cathedral, riverport, Presidential Palace (perfectly preserved for some unknown reason!) and the nearby park which also houses a museum of Vietnamese History and Culture and a small zoo.
Ho Chi Minh City started life as a fishing village known as Prei Nokor and during the Angkor period (the 15th century) it flourished as an entrpot for Cambodian boats pushing down the Mekong River. Cargo ships still to this day jostle with rice barges and fragile sampans (an Oriental boat propelled by a sail or oars), whilst porters sweat in the humidity loading the boats.
During the 18th century, the Khmers by now had been ousted, Prei Nokor was renamed as Saigon and was made a temporary capital between 1772 and 1802, after which the Emperor Gia Long used it as his regional administrative centre.
The French seized Saigon in 1861 and set about a huge public works programme by building roads and draining marsh land. The war against the French lasted thirty years after which Saigon was finally designated the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam.
American troops withdrew in 1973 and two years later Saigon had been renamed as Ho Chi Minh City.
This is a port that is steamy hot and searlingly stylish. The streets are lined with imaginative oneoff boutiques, design stores and busy cafes where you will be able to meet the local people on an informal basis. Dong Khoi and Le Thanh Ton streets are favourites for elegant silk clothing, hand embroidered scarves, and lacquerware. (Many stores will provide a service of organising a container to ship purchases home) In many ways Ho Chi Minh City is far more cosmopolitan and hedonistic than the capital, Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh is also full to bursting point with people for whom progress hasnt yet translated into food, lodging and employment, so begging, stealing and prostitution are very much in evidence. Petty crime, unfortunately, has increased in the last few years so much care should be taken when walking the streets or travelling on bicycles or motorbikes, especially after dark and around tourist nightspots.
For more information on Vietnam, or any South East Asian topic, please visit http://www.Sticky-Rice.com
Why Romania is a Holiday Must This Summer
Planning a vacation? Well Romania is the place to beit is the most diverse country in terms of climate, terrain, flora and fauna; snow capped mountains and a sultry coastline- you can ski on snow or on water!
It is located in southeastern Europe. Romania is surrounded by Ukraine to the north, Hungary to its north west, Moldova to the north east and Bulgaria in the south. The famous river Danube flows through Romania from the northwest to the east into the equally famous black sea after forming a picturesque delta- the famous Danube delta!
Romanians are known to be very friendly and hospitable people. The national language is Romanian and others include Hungarian and German. Most Romanians can also communicate fluently in English.
How to get to Romania?
If you are in Europe you can get to Romania by train, road or a sea cruise!
If you are in another part of the world then the most convenient airline is the AUSTRIAN. For the flight details, you can either visit an international travel agent in your area or book your tickets online the latter is preferable if you want to move about and discover the place on your own and of course if you have done it on previous vacations to other places. You can opt for a tour package if you are not too sure of going on your own.
Places to stay once you are there:
Why not try the 4 Star Hotel Europa in Eforie Nord. Situated in a dramatic setting overlooking the bay in the scenic Efories Nord.
Or perhaps spend your holiday at the 3 Star Vox Maris Club Resort Hotel an ideal short haul summer destination. In Costinesti the Vox Maris is a self-contained club resort and is a perfect location to enjoy the Black Sea.
Or finally why not stay at the excellent value Raluca Hotel in the beautiful Black sea beach resort of Venus.
Places to Visit
Looking for leisure?
The beaches along the black sea coast of Romania are your best bet. Romania has a 225 miles stretch of the most beautiful pristine white sandy beaches dotted with hotels and natural spas. The lakes and rivers of the Danube delta are another place for leisure and for the romantic at heart!
For the history enthusiast
There are a number of ancient castles and fortresses and still intact medieval towns for the history buff to visit. The most famous castles are Peles castle, Bran castle, Corvinesti castle and the Royal Palace Bucharest. Among the best preserved medieval towns are Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara. One of Sighisoaras most famous attractions is the Clock Tower also known as Council Tower built in the 14th Century; another famous attraction is Vlad the Impaler or Dracula House. The painted monasteries are another very interesting must see place in Romania!
Looking for Natural Therapeutic Remedies?
Spas are said to have been started by the Romans and Romania is home to a third of Europes mineral and thermal springs. Romania’s main spas are located at Mangalia, Neptun, Eforie Nord, Covasna, Slanic Moldova, Vatra Dornei, Borsec, Sovata, Tusnad, Calimanesti, Govora, Herculane, Buzias and Baile Felix.
Activities:
Given Romanias diverse terrain, climate, flora, and fauna you can choose from a number of activities such as Bird watching, camping, cycling tours, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, skiing.
Visiting Puerto Rico? Stay in a Parador
Next time you are visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, instead of just concentrating your trip around the metro area and it’s surrounding historical places, take a trip around Puerto Rico’s country side and discover it’s beauty and culture. You can start by staying at a Parador.
A Parador in Puerto Rico is a small country inn participating in a government program. This program certifies the quality and hospitality of the inn. The inns in this program that also have restaurants serve traditional Puerto Rican food. These Paradores are usually located close to historic areas or popular attractions.
Some of the most popular paradores include:
In the hearth of downtown Mayaguez, the town with the only zoo on the island, The main place of the west side of the island and home to one of the biggest universities in Puerto Rico.
In between a coffee and a sugar plantation on the south east coast of the island, at the start of a panoramic road with some of the most interesting views on the island.
At the shore, just minutes away from the Bioluminescence Bay, with tours and local attractions, one of the most attractive Paradores in the island.
These are some of the locations of The Paradores in Puerto Rico, explore your options for an unforgettable adventure, sightseeing beautiful places in the tropical island of Puerto Rico.
Varanasi, India The City of Death
Travel to the city of Varanasi and you will travel back in time. No other city in India will impact you more than ancient Varanasi.
Varanasi
One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is located in the upper east area of India and is not far from the border with Nepal. Sitting on the Ganges River, the city is an overwhelming display of crowds, colors and ancient Indian architecture. Roads are packed with people, cars, cows and the pavement is more or less dirt and mud depending upon when you are there.
Architecturally, Varanasi is a typical of India itself. Youll find shanty towns and run down homes laying in contrast to stunning temples and homes of the Maharajas. If you want to be impressed, simply walk down to the Ganges River and look up and down the river. The structures lining the river will remind you of Venice, Italy, without the glitz. The towering structures are both beautiful and ancient.
Following this view, a visit to the Darbhanga Ghat is an eye opener. The massive structure is home to the Maharajas of Dharbhanga of Bihar. The Ghat reeks of power, mysticism and long ago ages. Youll know what I mean when you see it.
Ganges
The Ganges is the hub of life in Varanasi. The holiest of cities, Varanasi is known as the city of light, but is really the city of death. Believed to have been founded by the Hindu goddess Shiva, the city is a mecca for those seeking religious enlightenment. Thousands of Indians seek to cleanse themselves in the waters each morning, which makes for an explosion of activity and colorful dresses. The rest of the day will amaze you even more.
As the holiest Hindu city, many of the Hindu faith believe dying in Varanasi brings enlightenment. Thousands upon thousands of Hindus travel to the city in their later years for this purpose. Charitable institutions and Hindu temples take in the multitude of elderly. Although not as prevalent as in the past, many of the deceased are cremated in the open on pyres overlooking the Ganges. It is truly a site to be seen.
In many ways, Varanasi is a microcosm of India. If you visit only one place in India, Varanasi should be the destination.
Visitors Guide to Venice, Veneto, Italy
One of the jewels of Italy, Venice is known throughout the world for its stunning architecture and miles of canals. Consisting of 117 separate islands linked by a series of historic bridges, canals and pavements, Venice is visited each year by many thousands of tourists. Home to some of the world most stunning buildings, impressive museums and art galleries, and a large selection of top restaurants, Venice has much to offer and rarely disappoints.
Central Venice consists of six main regions, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Polo and San Marco, each full of local charm and appeal. One of the most famous landmarks in the city, San Marco Square is the only public square in Venice and offers a rich heritage, with the magnificent buildings of Doge’s Palace and the Basilica San Marco nearby. Castello is the most historical area of the city and is known for its Arsenale ship-building yard.
On the northern side of Venice, Cannaregio contains the Santa Lucia Railway Station, with nearby Santa Croce linking the city to Italy’s mainland. The smallest area of the city is the San Polo district, which offers many local eateries and inns. On Venice’s southern side you will find the district of Dorsoduro, which contains the notable 17th-century Dogana da Mar.
Transport in Venice:
Central Venice is easy to traverse on food, being generally well pedestrianized. Popular methods of transport include inexpensive water buses and more pricey motorboat taxis, both of which offer a convenient and extremely scenic way to travel around the canals. Connected by rail to many large cities in both Italy and Europe, Venice stands on the A4 Autostrada.
The city is home to a large and busy airport, which is located around 8 miles / 13 km from the centre and caters for many international airlines. Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport is easy to reach by a range of transportation, such as buses, cars, taxis, boats and rail.
Venice Tourism:
No trip to Venice would be complete without a trip in a traditional gondola and the city is geared up towards the tourist trade, with many must-see sights and attractions. Some of the most popular things to see in Venice include the numerous palaces and historic structures, such as the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the Palazzo Mocenigo, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and a host of churches. The city is also home to countless trendy shopping areas, which are lined with local boutiques and specialist shops, together with a number of colourful markets.
Some of the most outstanding art galleries and museums in the city include the Marciano Museum, the Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico), the Accademia Gallery and the Contini Gallery. The watery city of Venice is also home to a surprising number of green spaces and parklands, such as the Royal Gardens (Giardinetti Reali) and the Giardino Giusti. Nearby Venice you will find a many interesting and appealing towns worth a visit, such as Burano, which is just a short trip by ferry and is known for its lace making.
Throughout the year, many major events are held in the Venice area and consist of religious festivals, cultural events and sports. Events not to be missed include seasonal carnivals, the Festa di San Marco at the end of April, the Festa Medioevale del Vino Soave Bianco Soave each May, the Vogalonga rowing regatta in May, the Venice International Film Festival at the end of August, and also the New Year’s Eve masses in the city’s Catholic churches.
Venice Shopping:
Full of elegant and trendy boutiques, independent shops and vibrant markets, the city could be called a ’shopper’s paradise’ and offers plenty of genuine bargains. The best shopping areas in Venice are around the San Marco region, the Mercerie and also close to the Calle dei Fabbri. Also, regular fish markets are held alongside the Grand Canal and are popular with both locals and visitors to the city.
Venice Restaurants:
With a vast selection of restaurants, cafes and eateries, Venice offers many traditional Italian dishes, which include freshly made pizzas, pastas, paninis, cheeses and salads. Many other types of cuisine are also available aimed at tourists visiting the city, such as fast-food outlets and bars. Al fresco dining is particularly popular in the city and around the San Marco area, known locally as the ‘Piazza San Marco’.