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Utahraptor ostrommaysi

By Nix, CC BY-NC 4.0

Etymology: Thief from Utah

First Described By: Kirkland et al., 1993

Classification: Dinosauromorpha, Dinosauriformes, Dracohors, Dinosauria, Saurischia, Eusaurischia, Theropoda, Neotheropoda, Averostra, Tetanurae, Orionides, Avetheropoda, Coelurosauria, Tyrannoraptora, Maniraptoromorpha, Maniraptoriformes, Maniraptora, Pennaraptora, Paraves, Eumaniraptora, Dromaeosauridae, Eudromaeosauria, Dromaeosaurinae

Status: Extinct

Time and Place: Between 129 and 120 million years go, from the Barremian to the Aptian ages of the Early Cretaceous

Utahraptor is known from the Yellow Cat and Poison Strip members of the Cedar Mountain Formation

Physical Description: Utahraptor was a very large raptor dinosaur, and had the associated bodily characteristics - a bulky trunk, shorter legs, long arms, large head, and long, stiffened tail. It was really and truly huge, about 7 meters long and 500 kilograms in weight - about the size of a modern Grizzley or Polar Bear, though they might have been heavier than previously thought. Like other raptors, it had huge sickle claws on its feet, and the claws were probably around 24 centimeters long - or even longer, if they had been covered in a keratin sheath as potentially thought. The skull of Utahraptor has not yet been described, so for now we can only say that it had a long, triangular head like other raptors, with sharp serrated teeth. As with other raptors, it would have been feathered - with very large wings for flapping, and a distinctively huge tail fan. The legs of Utahraptor would have been slightly less feathered, but still distinctive. In short, it was a big and fluffy bird-bear, and the largest predator in its environment.

By Matt Martyniuk, CC BY-SA 3.0

Diet: Utahraptor was a large predator and, accordingly, ate large sources of food such as ornithopods and younger sauropods.

By PaleoNeolitic, in the Public Domain

Behavior: As a raptor, Utahraptor would have been most analogous to a cat - probably stalking alone rather than in packs, and utilizing ambush behavior to trap its prey. Since it had somewhat stubby legs and wasn’t very fast at all, it couldn’t have relied on pursuit to attack its food, even if its food was just as slow as it was. Instead, these powerful legs helped Utahraptor to jump onto its food and surprise it, even from the ground where it spent its time. It then could use raptor prey restraint (RPR) to stay balanced on the prey, flapping its wings rapidly as the prey moved around and tried to escape. Those impossibly large sickle claws then were used to strategically stab at places where the prey would bleed out - important veins and arteries - rather than slash. In addition to this, Utahraptor would have been able to flap its wings rapidly and run up steep surfaces - a technique called Wing-Assisted Inclined Running (WAIR) - even vertical ones, like cliff faces and trees. This allowed Utahraptor to reach strategic vantage points and search for prey - and even jump down onto it from high heights. These techniques allowed Utahraptor to not only hunt the similarly-sized Ornithopods of the time, but also potentially attack the even larger Sauropods with which it shared its home. When it needed a smaller snack, that large claw could be used to pin down struggling furry mammals and lizards, in order for Utahraptor to then take a bite.

By Fred Wierum, CC By-SA 4.0

Though Utahraptor did not hunt in packs, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t social - and, indeed, there is considerable evidence not yet described that it lived in dense family groups. This would probably mean that adult Utahraptor would go out hunting on their own, while the little ones would gather their own food, before coming together in the same space for safety from other Utahraptor and just to spend the night. It is very likely that Utahraptor took care of its own young based on its relatives - and there’s hopefully more evidence on the way to corroborate this. This was a very complex social animal, using those fancy wings and tail fan to display to other Utahraptor - by holding up the wings and lifting the tail fan to display, it could communicate with others that it was a threat, that it wanted to mate, or to stay away from its nest. In general, it would have behaved very bird-like - walking around, bobbing its head, and moving its head to look for food and for each other rather than moving the eyes. And, like birds, it would have been very active, and warm-blooded.

By Ashley Patch

Ecosystem: When the Cedar Mountain Formation supported Utahraptor, it was a very large floodplain environment, that periodically flash flooded and filled the valley with mud. This was a seasonally wet environment with a variety of rivers, forests, prairies, and open woodlands. The ecosystem had a short wet system and a very long, tedious dry season. Utahraptor shared this environment with countless creatures - the tuataran Toxolophosaurus, the turtle Glyptops, a variety of fish, the mammaliaform Cifelliodon, and - of course - other dinosaurs. There was the ankylosaur Gastonia, the large Iguanodon-like Ornithopods Cedrorestes, Hippodraco, and Iguanacolossus; the Sauropods Cedarosaurus and Mierasaurus; the Therizinosaurs Martharaptor and Falcarius; the Troodontid Geminiraptor; the Ornithomimosaur Nedcolbertia; and another raptor - Yurgovuchia! This gave Utahraptor a wide variety of things to hunt in its environment.

By Emily Willoughby, CC By-SA 3.0

By the time of the later Poison Strip environment, things were changing rapidly in Cedar Mountain. Dry seasons were longer now, and a significant amount of sand was washing through the ecosystem. This made life higher in the floodplain, and probably eliminated many of the forests and river-woods that had been present prior to, leaving only a somewhat scrubland-esque plain. Accordingly, creature diversity actually went down - it was something of an ecosystem collapse. There was still food for Utahraptor to eat - the Ornithopod Planicoxa, and the sauropods Moabosaurus and Venenosaurus; but that was it. Utahraptor, thus, was living in a miniature extinction event - and disappears from the environment by the time the mud and rainy seasons returned in the Ruby Ranch Environment, and the large predator niche was replaced by the carnosaur Acrocanthosaurus.

By Calum O’Halloran

Other: Utahraptor was the largest raptor known, and we actually have many fossils of it - but they’re trapped in a block! Well, there isn’t funding to remove them from the block, anyway. So much more could be (and will be, dammit!) written about this excellent dinosaur if it was adequately funded to be researched properly. Check out the Utahraptor Project if you want to learn more about Utahraptor - and consider donating! Literally every penny helps. Utahraptor is also one of the inspirations for the raptors of Jurassic Park, along with Deinonychus - though, obviously, those creatures do not resemble their real counterparts in the slightest.

~ By Meig Dickson

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topfygad · 4 years

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Cheap City Breaks Best Affordable European Destinations 2020

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Cheap European Breaks in Prague, Czech Republic

Porto, Affordable City in Portugal

Cheap City Breaks in Athens, Greece

City Trip to Valencia, Spain

Affordable City Break in Budapest, Hungary

Affordable City Break in Lisbon, Portugal

Istanbul, Turkey, Affordable European Destination

Cheap City Escape in Brussels, Belgium

Cheap City Break in Florence, Italy

Best City Break in Madrid, Spain

Best Cheap Trip to St. Petersburg, Russia

Cheap European Vacations in Rome, Italy

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Summary of Affordable European Destinations

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Cheap European Breaks in Prague, Czech Republic

Right in the heart of Europe, this spectacular city hides lots of secrets, even a medieval astronomical clock that seems to come from a fiction novel. Read a fascinating post for three days in Prague Itinerary.

What are the best things to do in Prague?

Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí)

Charles Bridge (Karluv most)

Prague Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral (Chrám svatého Víta)

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Dancing House

Prague Astronomical Clock

National Theatre (Národní Divadlo)

St. Nicholas Church (Chrám svatého Mikuláse)

When to go to Prague?

To avoid large crowds, better go to Prague in spring and early fall (March-May) when the weather is mild. Avoid the holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter).

During May there is a range of important events taking place too: the Prague Marathon, Czech Beer Festival, Prague Food Festival, Prague International Music Festival.

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Check accommodation and guided tours/tickets/passes options for Prague.

Porto, Affordable City in Portugal

A stunning coastal city with great architecture, history, food, and museums (museums are free to enter on Sundays). The city hosts the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira District.

What are the best things to do in Porto?

Dom Luís I Bridge

Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens)

Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies)

Estação de São Bento (São Bento Railway Station)

Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market)

Porto’s fantastic beaches

Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello Bookstore)

Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis)

Port Wine Tastings & Tours

Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

Fundação de Serralves (Serralves Foundation Complex)

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis (National Museum Soares dos Reis)

Dragão Stadium

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From May to September the weather is warm and sunny. Some significant events happening during that time are Optimus Primavera Sound, Serralves em Festa, Festa de São João, Regata dos Rabelos, Festival Mares Vivas.

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Here are your options for hotels and guided tours/tickets/passes.

Cheap City Breaks in Athens, Greece

There are plenty of things to do in Athens, despite Parthenon and Acropolis. Many prefer this city for two days itinerary but when you read posts like this one, this and this (all Athens section) you will understand that it is for much more.

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All parks in Athens are free to enter and churches too. Free admission museums are:

The Museum of the History of Greek Costume

The Philatelic and Postal Museum

Railway Museum of Athens

Theatrical Museum of Greece

Natural History Museum of Maroussi

Athens University History Museum

Museum of Greek Folk Instruments

Centre of Folk Art and Tradition

Hellenic Children’s Museum

Free admission holidays

6th of March – Memory of Melina Mercouri

18th of April – International Monument Day

18th of May International Museum Day

5th of June World Environment Day

European Days of Cultural Heritage (The last weekend of September)

27th of September – International Tourism Day

When for Athens?

It’s in Greece! If you avoid December and January, then all other months are fantastic to go to Athens. Even in wintertime, there are ski resorts in less than 2 hours distance from Athens (two in Peloponnese and one in Parnassos mountain). There are options for hiking, all museums are open, and food remains excellent all year long.

Check here for accommodation and available guided tours.

Athens is one of the most fabulous European destinations, as it is a pivot point for the Greek islands.

City Trip to Valencia, Spain

Affordable and easy to reach with a high-speed train from Barcelona or Madrid. A coastal city, vibrant with history and museums. It is famous for its oranges too, so taste some while there.

What are the best things to do in Valencia?

Central Market (Mercado Central)

Plaza Ayuntamiento

Cathedral (Seu)

Fine Art Museum of Valencia (Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia)

Instituto Valencia d’Arte Modern (IVAM)

Albufera Nature Park (Parque Natural de la Albufera)

La Lonja de la Seda

Valencia Beaches

Bioparc Valencia

City of the Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

When it is great to go to Valencia?

April to May is best, though there are plenty of visiting in the wintertime. Keep in mind that museums operate under short ours in the winter. Critical events in that period are The Superbike World Championship, Fiesta de San Vicente Ferrer, Holy Week, Festival of Our Lady of the Forsaken.

Check staying prices and guided tours/tickets/passes options for Valencia.

Affordable City Break in Budapest, Hungary

An aspect of the castle from afar

The city is famous for its food and its baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture. Budapest dates back to the Stone Age and comes with great food options!

What are the best things to do in Budapest?

Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya)

Danube River

Castle Hill (Várhegy)

Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)

Heroes’ Square (Hosök Tere)

St. Stephen’s Basilica (Svent István Bazilika)

Buda Castle (Budai vár)

Matthias Church (Mátyás-Templom)

Dohány Street Synagogue (Dohány Utcai Zsinagóga)

Gellért Hill (Gellért-Hegy)

Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)

Hungarian Parliament (Országház)

House of Terror Museum (Terror Háza Múzeum)

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum)

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

Legenda Sightseeing Boats

Thermal Baths

When is it fantastic to be in Budapest?

March to May and September to November is best. That is if you want to avoid huge crowds of tourists (in summertime). The weather is generally mild. Special events happening during these months are:

March to May: Budapest Dance Festival, Macaron Day, Budapest Spring Festival, Budapest100, Rosalia Festival, OTP Bank Gourmet Festival, Budapest Beer Week.

September to November: Jewish Cultural Festival, Budapest Wine Festival, Sweet Days Chocolate, and Candy Festival, Oktoberfest Budapest, Design Week Budapest, Budapest Christmas Markets.

Here is Budapest accommodation options & tours.

Affordable City Break in Lisbon, Portugal

Belem Tower

The city offers at a fraction of the cost whatever you expect to find in a European city. This is another city that emits mystery from Old-World, despite the growth of the modern building. Read this insider’s guide for things to do in Lisbon.

What are the best things to do in Lisbon?

Alfama

Belem

Sintra

Torre de Belem and Monument to the Discoveries

Cascais

Feira da Ladra

Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa)

St. George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge)

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian)

Monastery of St Jerome

Oceanarium (Oceanario de Lisboa)

Taste of Lisboa Food Tours

Lisbon By Boat

Tram 28

When is it best to visit Lisbon?

March to May and September to October is ideal, not excluding other months, too, of course. From March to early June, these events take place: Lisbon Half Marathon, Lisbon Fish & Flavours, Music Days in Belem, IndieLisboa, Festival de Sintra, Out Jazz Festival. On the other hand, the MOTEL X – Lisbon International Film Festival happens in September, while the Out Jazz Festival continues too (May to September).

Read our posts for Lisbon and Lisbon food, Cascais, Sintra, Fatima. There are plenty of day trips from Lisbon to consider.

Book your accommodation early and allow time for guided tours.

Lisbon and the nearby cities make it another great spot among all European destinations.

Istanbul, Turkey, Affordable European Destination

A jewel of the Orient. A city of thousands of secrets and legends, with different locations that drive your mind to thousands of mystical stories.

Herbs & spices, Bosporus, belly dancing, fantastic architecture, and all kinds of landmarks. Istanbul will fill your days with many things while acting as a pivot point for many nearby cities.

It is famous for Agia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, but that is just a fraction of the things to see and do. Read the post from our trip there. For what to eat in Istanbul, read this.

What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)

Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

Taksim Square

Ortaköy

Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi)

Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)

Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi)

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Chora Museum (Kariye Müzesi)

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)

Dolmanbahçe Palace

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

When it is amazing to visit Istanbul?

Best go there from September to November and from March to May. In the first period, you will have the opportunity to attend these too: Contemporary Istanbul, Istanbul International Puppet Festival, Akbank Jazz Festival, Istanbul Theatre Festival.

In the March to May period, these things happen at the Istanbul Film Festival, Istanbul Music Festival.

For hotels in Istanbul, check these options as well as for guided tours.

Cheap City Escape in Brussels, Belgium

If you crave for some delicious chocolate, then you can visit Brussels even for one day. Take the train from Paris or Amsterdam and savor all these from kiosks you will find in all streets.

Restaurants will be pricey, so no need to pay more for chocolate than needed. There are lots of museums and don’t forget that this is a multicultural & multilingual country.

People here speak Dutch, French & English, of course.

What are the best things to do in Brussels?

Manneken Pis

Grand-Place

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Royal Museum of the Army and Military History

Palais de Justice

Mini-Europe

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Musical Instruments Museum

Atomium

Horta Museum

Belgian Comic Strip Center

Cantillon Brewery

When is it nice to be in Brussels?

March to May and September to October is best. In the first case, because it is Springtime while in the second case, prices drop significantly, while the weather stays mild enough.

Check Brussels accommodation prices. Here are the tour options.

Cheap City Break in Florence, Italy

Have we been to Florence, Italy? Yes, twice. The first one was as part of a road trip that involved crossing Europe to the UK driving at the North.

The second one was as part of another road trip getting from the UK to Greece from the South part fo Europe!!! Read this excellent post for Florence (Firenze).

We have traveled to many cities in Italy (including Sicily island). Read the post for things to do in Sicily.

What are the best things to do in Florence?

Piazzale Michelangelo

Ponte Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Baptistry (Battistero)

Galleria dell’Accademia

Palazzo Pitti

Basilica di Santa Croce

Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

When it is most nice to visit Florence?

Preferably from May to September. Lots of sunshine, but you need to search thoroughly for accommodation as in touristy places prices get high.

There is no need to stay in, such though as the city is easy to walk. You can quickly get into the historical center with public transportation.

Either way, you will walk all the historical center to see the things mentioned above.

Check this for staying in Florence and all the tickets & passes options.

Florence is one of the best cultural European destinations, that is seen in video games.

Best City Break in Madrid, Spain

There are so many plaza’s (Madrid is Spain’s largest city) that are free to the public. You can spend days just visiting each other.

However, Madrid is far more than that. Read our post for things to do in Madrid and check the list below too.

What are the best things to do in Madrid?

Plaza Mayor

Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol)

Plaza de Cibeles

El Rastro Market

Temple of Debod

Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Mercado San Miguel

Sorolla Museum

Bernabéu Stadium

Queen Sofia Arts Center

When is it excellent to visit Madrid?

The March to May and September to November rule holds for Madrid too. The weather temperature is the main reason for this. Summer in Madrid is scorching due to the city’s geographical location. In Autumn, you can attend the Autumn Festival.

Here are the Madrid lodging prices & tours.

Best Cheap Trip to St. Petersburg, Russia

Russia is a destination where you will get reasonable prices if you book early. Most people will visit Moscow, St. Petersburg, or both on a trip.

Moscow is great for New Year’s Eve, too, while St. Petersburg offers an entirely different experience.

What are the best things to do in St. Petersburg?

Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Grand Market Russia Interactive Museum

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

Summer Garden

Peterhof Palace & Garden

Russian Museum

Yusupov Palace

The Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Kronstadt

Chapel of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg

Yelagin Island

When is it great to visit St. Petersburg?

Avoid winter. Better to visit from June to September. Hot events taking place are White Nights, International Festival of Choral Art, International Early Music Festival.

Winter is cheaper, but lots of activities are not happening, and cold in Russia is rather extreme.

Check the best accommodation options and guided tours/ticket/passes options for St. Petersburg.

Cheap European Vacations in Rome, Italy

The famous Vatican stairs: Bramante Staircase

The city of Rome is a living, walk-through museum. It is an unbelievable destination suitable for all seasons (not so good when rains fall but still beautiful).

We have been multiple times in Rome with kids or not. It is suitable for going without kids too. Prepare for lots of walking as a car is useless in the vast historical center which covers most of the city of Rome.

What are the best things to do in Rome?

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi

Santa Maria Della Vittoria

Ancient Appian Way

Trastevere

Basilica di San Clemente

Piazza Navona

Gianicolo Hill

Campo de’ Fiori

Porta Portese

Spanish Steps

Musei Capitolini

St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

Pantheon

Colosseum (Colosseo)

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

Palatine Hill

Galleria Borghese

Gruppo Storico Romano Gladiator School

When is it wonderful to visit Rome?

Prices are lower from October to April. The weather is hot in summer, but Rome has free water fountains all over the city, and you will be amazed by the colors of the city with summer light.

You can find lots of affordable accommodations outside of the historical center, but it will still be close to it, so no worries. Better to go there with the sun than rain.

The cold will not be an issue with all the walking (if you plan for winter). Food is affordable if you avoid tourist restaurants.

Check here for where to stay in Rome and all tours with a guide and skip the line tickets.

Cheap City Break in Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a contradictory island, suitable for many different tastes. One of its sides/coasts has lots of beaches while the other one is rocky.

The best beaches will be revealed by the locals when they like you, so make sure they do. This post will be somewhat informative for you.

The islands hold the essence from the Venetian history, and you will notice that in the architecture of its capital.

What are the best things to do in Corfu?

All the beaches

Paleokastritsa Monastery (and beach)

Corfu Donkey Rescue

Church of Saint Spyridon

Corfu Museum of Asian Art

Achillion Palace & Museum

Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress)

Aqualand (lots of fun)

When is it superb to visit Corfu?

Summertime is the best season. In case you want to hit the lowest prices ever then visit Corfu from April to May and September to November.

Corfu is in the West part of Greece, and you can encounter lots of rain during those times. In case you can be there in Orthodox Easter time, you will see lots of local customs happening.

Here is where to stay in Corfu and guided tours.

Berlin, Germany Cheap Holiday Destination

Berlin is a somewhat controversial city with extreme nightlife. If you are after nightlife, then it won’t be very cheap. Many other things come at really affordable prices.

Here is a post with ideas for three days in Berlin and another one for five days in Germany.

What are the best things to do in Berlin?

Brandenburg Gate

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Potsdamer Platz

Tiergarten

The topography of Terror

East Side (Wall) Gallery

Reichstag

Museum Island

Pergamonmuseum

Zoologischer Garten Berlin

Checkpoint Charlie

TV Tower

Charlottenburg Palace

When is it thrilling to visit Berlin?

From May to September, you can additionally attend these events: Formula E ePrix Championship, Carnival of Cultures, Fete de la Musique, Berlin Fashion Week, Lesbian and Gay City Festival, International Berlin Beer Festival, Berlin Marathon.

Berlin is at the center of Germany but also in the North of Europe so that any other months will be rather cold.

Find here the Berlin lodging options & tickets for excellent tours and landmarks.

Seville, Spain Cheap European City

With hotels moving around the USD100 per night, this city is affordable too. There are hostels and such if you want to lower the accommodation fees.

There are lots of parks, promenade locations, museums, bull-fights, and tasty food. See more great places to visit in Spain.

What are the best things to do in Seville?

La Carbonerí

Guadalquivir River Cruise

Metropol Parasol

Museum of Fine Arts

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza

Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium

Torre del Oro

Isla Mágica

When it is great to visit Seville?

Better to visit from March to May due to mild temperatures. The famous events of Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, happen in these months.

Where to stay in Seville? Check here. What do in Seville? Click here.

Munich, Germany Cheap Holidays in Europe

Munich maybe not the first destination that comes in your mind when you plan to visit Europe, but it is a great one.

You can read our experiences in Munich from here, here and here. By the way, beers and food are fantastic.

What are the best things to do in Munich?

English Garden

Church of Our Lady

Viktualienmarkt

Nymphenburg Palace Gardens

Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm

St. Michael’s Church

Marienplatz

St. Peter’s Church

Deutsches Museum

Residenz Royal Palace

Old Picture Gallery

Augustiner-Keller

Bayerische Staatsoper Opera House

Nymphenburg Palace Museum

Modern Picture Gallery

When is it amazing to visit Munich?

March to May is best, though the weather may get a bit chilly. Things are happening in the summertime, but there are lots of crowds too.

Check for accommodation in Munich and all the tours & passes

Summary of Affordable European Destinations

As you see, there are lots and lots of places to visit. This list will expand more in the following days, so make sure you subscribe to it!

Traveling is fun, and budget or/and affordable traveling is preferred by many.

Have fun!

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lavidagaditana · 5 years

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Seven Months. Already?!

7 June 2019

Conil de la Frontera--I’m clearly a terrible chronicler of this adventure. I have no excuses, but lots of reasons, for neglecting this little blog. Many of them have to do with the cellphone store and the ayuntamiento (or town hall), but I’m getting ahead of myself.

I last posted here in the middle of January after we visited Antequera and Malaga. Since then, so much has happened. Many friends have visited (and even some relatives!). This was a rare weekend without visitors, which is why I have a little time to catch up on the blog.

I’m going to try to avoid a lengthy narrative, so here goes (boring stuff first, but I am a completist, so bear with me):

Administrative issues: Well we thought we had successfully registered with the town in December (empadronamiento), but alas it was not meant to be. Lesson #1: when the town sends you an official looking document, read it before filing it away. Google Translate is your friend.

Here we are on December 14 after our third visit to the ayuntamiento. We look happy because we mistakenly believe we have successfully registered. Not so fast people . . . .

Long story short (and really not complete even now): we didn’t follow the instructions in above-mentioned letter so they cancelled our application back in December. They didn’t tell us that until February when they sent us a letter by registered mail. We returned to the ayuntamiento to correct the situation, filled in some forms, got them stamped, and left. Apparently, that was a complete waste of time because those forms went nowhere (don’t ask). We didn’t know that until May when our attorney said we needed to prove we were registered in order to get a certification of our tax residency. Back to the ayuntamiento to get some proof of our registration. Oh, wait. We aren’t registered you say?

We had to start over from the beginning, this time with someone from our attorney’s office with us. We still don’t know if we are registered, but we got the tax residency certificate, so all is not lost. La lucha continua.

Internet and cellphone: I won’t bore you (much). But no account of our first six months in Conil would be complete without mentioning how much time we actually spent in the Airwifi and Yoigo shops. Things went awry almost immediately after having the fiber optic internet installed. We decided to switch providers, but wanted to keep our cellphone number. Right. Buena suerte.

We are on a first name basis with the staff at each of these stores. The good news is that we finally have reliable fast internet and television via Yoigo and relatively reliable cellphone from Airwifi. This took at least four months and countless store visits. Thanks to Carrie Austin d’Arbustino’s intervention in April, things seem to have fallen into place. Sort of. Still no Sky TV channels, but I don’t really care anymore thanks to HBO España. (One small hiccup with HBO España: the Dothraki in Game of Thrones has Spanish subtitles. Doh!)

Spanish: Each of us has a tutor now. We meet with our respective maestras a couple or three times per week for 90 minutes. I’m not sure if our Spanish is improving. Ask me in another six months. Poco a poco. . .

Our town: We love Conil. Our little townhouse is clean and comfortable, and our landlords Bob and Karen are very nice. We’re very close to the beach and clifftop paths, and a short ride to town.

In April the beach bars, or chiringuitos (see above), started to open for the season. Now it’s possible to walk from our house to town along the beach, stopping for cañas or copas at several bars along the way. We’ve identified a half dozen favorite restaurants in or near Conil. The staff are very nice and make us feel welcome even though no hablamos español. Standouts in town are Feduchy, Barra de Rosario, Vascook, and Mangiafoho (for excellent pizza and pasta!!). Nearby standouts include Patria near La Muela, Califa Express in Vejer, and Codigo de Barra in Cadiz.

Transportation: Since my last post, we bought a Vespa and a Volkswagen Golf. Pro tip: Don’t expect to drop into a car dealership and test drive a car; you have to make an appointment. Also, do not expect to drop into a car dealership and drive away in a new car. It took us several visits to the dealership just to test drive and then order a car, and then we had to wait a few months for our car to arrive. Perhaps Cadiz is different from other parts of Spain, but I got the impression in both VW dealerships we visited that no one was particularly desperate to sell us a car. I guess it’s better than the alternative, i.e., feeling like a captive at the dealership until you leave with a car.

The Vespa purchase was simpler once we figured out which shop in our town is the authorized dealer (not as easy as it sounds). We chose the scooter from a catalog and it came from Jerez. It’s vibrant, to say the least. Whoa! We’re calling it El Sapito.

More to come. . .

#conildelafrontera #chiringuito #vespa #empadronamiento #padron #andalucía #spain #movetospain

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ebizworldwide · 6 years

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How to Launch a Legally Covered Business in Barcelona (in 5 Steps)

For any individual slightly northern, getting an opportunity to live and work under the light southerly sunlight feels like a desire happened. And for some time currently, the opulent and also perspective region of Catalonia, in addition to Spain generally, has actually been very thanks for visiting those bold adequate to try themselves in a completely brand-new business setting. As a variety of expert as well as able entrepreneurs-to-be quickly rises all throughout Barcelona, we cannot help yet ask - is the Catalan resources a new Capital for business enterprises?

Is It Feasible and Do You Have What It Takes?

Controversial or not, the growing influence of the web has actually made our lives easier in many means. Its most fun brainchild, digital nomadism, has actually taught us a lesson on the significance of reducing our roots every from time to time and rebounding from any place we like. In addition to being completely sensible, functioning remotely has opened a world of possibilities for attentive jobbers.

Still, such a way of life is not for everybody. Taking the best from both globes, enthusiastic businessmen growing are beginning to load their bags as well as shifting someplace warmer and favorable. All over the globe, megalopolises like Barcelona are taking off with innovative start-up ideas.

Even though the Catalan resources is rather aggressive to jobbers, it supplies a lot of possibilities for fresh business suggestions. While online-based companies that target market from around the globe are still more likely to be successful, locally established businesses are not without a chance either.

Niches pertaining to style, gastronomy, event company as well as arts and also crafts are constantly popular in the distinctive business atmosphere of Barcelona, which implies having an one-of-a-kind collection of talents, a trigger of creative thinking and a little braveness is essentially adequate to obtain you observed. To return to the question from the start - if enhanced with expert audacity and armed with an original suggestion, Barcelona will most definitely support you on your means to the business top.

However motivated, do not hurry purchasing the ticket just. Rather, take some time to form up your start-up strategy and get the required documentation. Below's what you need to obtain your brand-new Barcelona-based business up and also running.

Step 1: Begin with Your Residence Office

If currently devised, your company suggestion will certainly need a little bit of moulding prior to ultimately being understood. It's possibly for the very best that you start working with it from residence, and also have a full-blown and also functional strategy before moving. To make it sure-fire, go online and also find out more about the best ways to compose a solid company plan. Certainly, you'll have to do some extensive research, and also analyze the lawful policies, the specific market of Barcelona's business globe, as well as the possible competitors as well as clientele.

Unless it's being developed under the wing of a currently signed up venture, like Airbnb for example, your company will certainly have to be lawfully covered. Still, that does not stop you from releasing your web presentation even prior to the real company is open for company. If feasible, build a website from house, draft an advertising and marketing strategy as well as start involving your leads before taking a huge leap and altering your address.

Step 2: Become a Legal Citizen

Once you lastly arrive, don't allow the city sweep you off your feet with its succulent tapas, potent sangrias and also splendid casas, however instead scamper to the authorities and also obtain the obligatory requirements needed for becoming a Barcelonian. Besides a passport, which you already have, you'll require these as well.

1. Foreigner Recognition Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

Otherwise known as NIE, The Foreigner Recognition Number is a forerunner for any outsider preparing to remain in Spain for longer compared to 3 months. Número de Identificación de Extranjero is a paper every immigrant requires in order to take on any type of kind of commercial action in Spain. In case you'll be buying a home - whether for the purposes of your company or for your personal requirements - this paper is required for that. It's being provided by the General Administration of the State (Administración General del Estado), and it typically takes them up to 2 weeks to get it made.

2. Neighborhood Registration Certification (Certificado de Empadronamiento)

By getting signed up as a participant of the regional community of your picking, you're acquiring a Neighborhood Enrollment Certification. Similar to NIE, Certificado de Empadronamiento legitimately enables you to survive on Barcelona grounds as well as enjoy the opportunity of its citizenship. To stay clear of the lengthy lines in front of your area's neighborhood bureau, get the document online.

Step 3. Obtain the Mandatory Business Licenses

After obtaining cleared up and also cosy in your recently found Barcelona home, the time has to do with appropriate to start introducing your business. Here's just what you need.

1. Certificacion negativa de la denominación social

The very first certificate your Barcelona-based company will need is Certificacion negativa de la denominación social. Its function is an official evidence of your firm's name being legitimately secured, as well as it should be restored every 6 months. The price of the preliminary document being released (the experience usually takes 2 days) is 16.25 EUR.

2. Tax obligation for Economic Tasks (Impuesto de Actividades Económicas)

Even though you'll probably locate that Barcelona really is a brand-new business Mecca, however, the Catalan funding is not a tax-free area. To obtain your demanding laws in order, you'll have to pay the Tax obligation for Financial Tasks, after which you'll acquire your Codigo de Identificacion Fiscal (CIF) - the tax identification code. The place you'll require to be trying to find is Delegación Especial de Economía y Hacienda.

3. A Payment System

Owning your personal special tax obligation recognition code virtually needs you to have a business savings account too. You could open it without extra expenses, as well as it will serve you as a business profession payment system later on.

4. Authorities Signatures as well as Stamps

However uncostly, obtaining documentation required for the launching of a start-up business in Barcelona does not come without a catch. To get your records officially legitimate and prepared for the company opening, you'll require to pay an extra cost for notary trademarks and also stamps.

Step 4: Set Your Grounds

In a city as far-spreading as Barcelona, discovering a practical area for running a company is not so tough. You can also enjoy with it and discover a number of choices! If buying a home is not an economic course of action your budget will have the ability to maintain, think about leasing one out. There's a warm brand-new culinary fad climbing in Barcelona that avoids large costs of having a restaurant.

As a short-lived service, pop-up eateries utilize different venues to prepare and also offer food, which is a possibility you can manipulate if working inside the niche. Other kinds of businesses that require a permanent property need a certain permit to obtain started.

Municipal Opening Permit (Licencia Municipal de Apertura)

After you have actually registered your company place in the Municipal government (Ayuntamiento), quit by the City Planning Department (Departamento de Urbanismo) and apply for the Metropolitan Opening License (Licencia Municipal de Apertura).

Step 5: Obtain Your Human being Resources Secured

Before opening for the general public, start taking treatment of your employees. They will certainly have your back for a long period of time, so be sure making their working standing official and their workplace safe.

1. Register Your Employees

To make your workforce legally covered, bear in mind to register your staff members at the Social Security General Treasury (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social) and the National Work Institute (Instituto Nacional de Empleo).

2. Apply for an Insurance

Mandatory or otherwise, a government insurance program is an ethical responsibility of every entrepreneur. To appropriately guarantee your business and also, much more importantly, your staff members' well-being, do not forget to sign up for social solutions. In Barcelona, their taxes are around 25EUR per month.

With a wealth of possibilities for every single hard-working entrepreneur, Barcelona absolutely is a best location. Be daring adequate to try your luck within the prolific market of the Catalan capital, as well as don't neglect to enjoy in its special society, openhearted individuals as well as delish fare.

#business #Business Plan #marketing #marketing plan #marketing strategy #new business #sample business plan

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jbinbcn · 5 years

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North Trip

06-09.12.2018

Pamplona - San Sebastian - Zumaya - Bilbao - Vitoria

Long weekend trip with ESN! I had never visited the North of Spain so when I saw the opportunity to go there with ESN, I bought the ticket :D And I needed to take a day off on Friday (6.12 is a holiday in Spain). SO GOOD SO GOOD!

4 days, 5 cities, more than 1300 km !

And I could see my lovely ocean after 2 years! <3 But for sure I’ll come back there! Still so many places to visit! Asturiuuunuuus are waiting XD So let’s start from the beginning.

06.12.2018 Valencia -> Pamplona

The meeting point was at 5 ! I slept 3h... and when I was walking to the bus I passed so many drunk people enjoying the night xD Why so early? Because it’s around 6h in the bus, we could leave Valencia even earlier to have more time for visiting. I slept like dead.. I got used to it, I just sit in the bus/train/car and I sleep. The bus stopped in the middle of nowhere for a break. There was a huge restaurant-shop to enjoy breakfast. I liked that place. Nice to have something like that, not only McDonalds and Orlen hot dogs.

At 8 I enjoyed from the bus the sunrise. It was really cool one, but yeah, photos through the window...

A few words about spanish landscapes. What I noticed, Spain is sooo empty. I mean, when you drive a car on the highway, there is nothing, no buildings, no forests, nothing. Just mountains in many parts, and windmills. I mean, for me is totally different from this what I see in Poland ;) Especially those mountains, but this in -> Chulilla.

We arrived around 12:00 to Pamplona. Our first city. ESN guys took us around the center doing their best city tour.

---In the brackets I’ll write the name in BASQUE language!--- Probably you know about Cataluña, independence and catalán language. Spain is even more crazy. In the North of Spain there is a Basque Country (es: Pais Vasco, Euskadi) - yes, we are still in Spain. It’s an Autonomous Community (one of 17). But they have own language, spanish and basque are co-official languages there. You think, yeah sure language, probably it’s just dialect, he he, no xD Euskara It’s one of the languages which the etymologists can not find origins. For sure none of the European and is a language isolate to any other know ones. It’s like magic. My personal feelings (don’t take it serious): for me it’s a language of wildness, of woodsmen, of Vikings! Like big bearded guys xD sorry 🙈

Still don’t believe me? So let’s have a look at the examples of the words, english - spanish - euskara

my favorite one: butterfly - mariposa - tximeleta others: hello - hola - aupa yes - si - bai no - no - ez kiss - beso - musua beach - playa - hondartza xDDD restaurant - restaurante - jatetxea father - padre - aita I love you - te quiero - maite zaitut ❤

Sooo? Do you agree with me that is like viking? XD BASQUE MAN TRUE MAN!

If you still think that I chose only really different words, go to wikipedia, find some article (like famous one) and change the language to Euskara and enjoy ;) BTW, The girl from Bilbao said that Eusakara is a difficult language to learn. There are 12 gramatical cases !!!! Ok hungarian still wins - 29... For spanish speakers:

youtube

For others, from 1:30:

youtube

----------

But let’s back to the trip.

Pamplona (Iruña) 06.12.2018 In polish - Irunia - is a cute version of a name Irena ;)

It’s a capital city of Comunidad Foral de Navarra (Nafarroako Foru Komunitatea). So it’s not a “basque” city - I mean, autonomous community, but it’s in Basque Country as a region (Euskal Herria).

It’s really easy to notice when you passed the border of Spain and Basque region. Unfortunately we didn't stop to take some breathtaking photos, and from the window.. you know..

Mountains appearing in the fog...

For me it was amazing! But not on the photos. Sorry not sorry.

Do you know what Pamplona is famous for? ---Running of the bulls (encierro)--- During 9-day festival of Sanfermines (6-7 of July) First run is on 7th, at 8 am. And then day by day till the end. It’s a good time to visit Pamplona second time ;) Then I can describe the whooooole tradition. Right now just some words. Origins: 14th century, men wanted to be faster and faster with transporting their bulls to the market square. They noticed that the best way is to make the bulls excited and frightened. After a while young boys and others started to making a competition between each other - who will be the fastest in the pens without being injured and overtaken. Because spanish people are crazy, the tradition expanded popularity and nowadays it’s preserved in many spanish cities. In Pamplona tradition is more touristic now, so maybe is better to go to another city to enjoy the old tradition. Enjoy - maybe it’s a wrong word, I don’t know if I would be strong enough to watch people running and getting injured and those poor bulls which will finish at the arena for a fight and dead at the end with a long way. In 1910 they began record-keeping and since then 15 people died. Last one in 2009. On wikipedia you can check exact data if you are interested. ----------

Step by step how we visited in few hours Pamplona (with many photos).

We started at the Plaza del Castillo, center of the city, social life, concerts, markets, events. The buildings around are really beautiful and reminded me Krakow ;)

The weather was like warm autumn.. ahh <3

El kiosko is a heart of the square.

Then we just followed ESN and enjoying the city. Of course we chose city tour in spanish, si si!

Around the cathedral there was a nice terrace to have a view of Pamplona from one side.

ESN guide tour we finished at Ayuntamiento. Baroque style, lions bearing coats of arms and a trumpet-blowing angel.

FREEEE TIME, means exactly food time.

---And now food story--- Vasco Pais is known as a land of pintxos. What’s that? Do you know tapas? Yes, the same “style”, just smaller. Pintxos - small “finger” foods. Like small sandwiches (takie kanapeczki koreczki). Slice of bread with a toothpick in the middle holding the rest together. They can be warm or cold. You enter the bar and in front of you there are all available pintxos, sometimes in the menu you can find more, which have to served warm. How to order? Depends, there are 2 ways. If the plate is on the counter and pintxos are easy to take, take the plate and put there whatever you want. If there are no plates or pintxos are behind the glass, just walk around, choose what you like and then ask a waiter to serve you them. In some bars they are all in the same price so you pay for how many toothpicks you have on the plate after all, or just you pay at the beginning when they are served. Funny fact: you enter the bar and you see it a little bit (or veeeery) dirty, like the floor is full of napkins. It means that the bar is good one, visited by many locals. Wtf?! It’s more hygienic to throw it than to keep it next to your food. In pintxos bars there are not places to sit. Pintxos are for standing socializing. You have a pintxo, you talk, you enjoy, you drink txacoli (sparkling, very dry white wine). You change the bar. It’s like pintxos crawling. Of course there are competitions which bars serve the best ones. ----------

So we knew what we want to eat - pintxos - claro que si. And the best for that is street called: Estafeta (on this street bulls run during the festival). But we found “the best ones” which won some prizes last year: Restaurante Baserriberri.

When we saw the prices there… 3e for a small pintxo xDDD

But then we saw that the waiters are serving something really interesting. In the menu we checked that this pintxo - bOOmveja - won last year some prize. Look:

The form is not eatable. It’s printed in 3d printer. Inside I tasted some parkerhouse rolls (???? butter bread?) with (as we said) sheep cheese. It was amazing, so delicious, mmmm <3

What I found about the ingredients? Read that xDDD But I can recommend. 3,5e, smaller than appetizer but was good XD

Then we went to the plaza de castillo to eat what we still had in our backpacks :D

Uncle Google recommended us to visit Ciudadela - 16-century fortress which from the top looks like an extraterrestrial star. In 18th century it was a prison, now it’s a park to chill. We took some stupid photos and it was time to come back to the bus.

On our way we passed Baluarte Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio de Navarra - cultural center, modern art, art art art. And we stopped on Plaza de Toros next to Bullfighting Monument to take such an awesome video (I’m wondering how many people had the same idea).

So there was nobody! Finally some old people appeared so I asked them (I knew that it’s stupid idea) if some of them can take a short video of us (because I wanted to be in the video as well…). I prepared my phone, the old man, how to stand, what to click, we did our performance.

I checked what he had recorder... eh yes.. one more time please, again, preparing everything I even clicked the start… but he clicked the stop to early xD

Well… at least he helped!

So bus time again. Pamplona - thank you and maybe see you in July. All day should be enough if you (like me) don’t visit all museums from inside. Next city!

San Sebastian (Donostia)

My favorite city in the northern Spain !! I’d live there just because of the view and location. The other aspects I don’t know ;)

We arrived to the “hostel”. Exactly we arrived to some place in the middle of something. And behind the hill we found our hostel. If you have a car or money for the taxi - is ok, they are able to reach the place. If not, like we, only big bus, we had to climb and then go down to find the hostel. It was already dark so even we didn’t know what we are doing, darkness. Of course, mess at the beginning who is with who in the room (sorryyyy Carlyne!). But finally we managed it to be together (5!) and 6th one scotch-italiano new friend ;)

Some free time and then all the group took a public bus to go to the center for a dinner, before party, party and after party depends on your strength.

So it was night sightseeing in San Sebastian.

Of course we went to eat pintxos. So much tourists. We entered to Senra Zaharrean.

Pintxos calientes ;)

It was a little bit crowded, but we waited like 5min to get a table. In this restaurant you take a plate, put what you want, pay. If you wanna beer, the waiter will bring you. Or if you’re going to the table you can pay later.

Next step we decided to buy some % and enjoy on the beach side. Of course hiding, drinking from the plastic bag.. 🙈

And then ESN and others came and we went to do BOTELLON ---------- I think I’ve never explained what is botellon. So it’s before party. Like we meet somewhere outside with a lot of alco etc, we enjoy, drink, have some social life before going to the clubs. Clubs in Spain are open mostly after midnight, people appear there more around 1-2 because during that time you don’t pay for the entrance, or you pay less. ----------

So our botellon was on the beach, under promenade. Good place, I recommend you to visit it during your stay in San Sebastian xD

And because I love the ocean so much I was in heaven. I haven’t seen it for 2,5 years! Ocean is the power, strength. It keeps me calm but gives me the energy at the same time. I’m in trance like I wrote once on fb ;)

I spend I think 1h looking at waves, were good/big enough. Satisfying ;) But because in Dec I didn’t have any winter clothes with me and north is quite cold during “winter” I started freezing so I came back to the Botellon. It was first and last time when I could see the ocean during the night. Hope to come back soon :D

To be honest I was so tired after this first day and night in the bus. Or I’m getting old too fast. :( But when ESN said that we have a free beer in the bar Bataplan, I went there to enjoy it xD #cebula

But it was one of the worst beers ever. Ble.. Carlyne took wine and it was even worse xD So it wasn’t worth but at least was warm. Erasmus had a karaoke party there and later they were supposed to go to the club to dance but no idea.

We decided to come back to the hostel. But because it was sooo f. away we had 2 options. Walk 3,5km oooor take a taxi. The problem was that we were 5 and nobody wanted to take us, and 2 taxis - too expensive come on xD So we walked xD 40min, up and down. I felt like in Porto od Gdynia, we go up, we go down, do it again again again, do it again again again. But it was ok, I did my steps.

The hostel was ok, just the shower “perfect size”, like you enter and don’t move. And localization - terrible. For sure not for me, but for the big group works well.

Morning we started with of course breakfast but then city tour in San Sebastian. We had to move out, take our things to the bus, leave them there and enjoy San Sebastian during the day - the weather was perfect <3

So now it’s time for photos ;)

At the beginning we had a city tour with ESN. We started next to the beach to go up for the view.

Parte Vieja - old town, just walking and enjoying.

Rumbo! XD Better version of it. (Rumbo is a club in Valencia which I don’t like and I don’t recommend). Una mierda.

Can you see a heart?

I read on the internet about this basque dessert so we tried. Like sweet rice pudding - good one!

Ayuntamiento - It’s kind of masterpiece, no? Before it was casino, you know, politicians, businessmen, etc.

And around:

Urgull Mendia is a hill by the ocean. It’s a perfect chilling spot for enoying the view. AMAZING!

The flag of Basque Country.

Mamma mia !

ahhh my stupid pink-eye-make-up... Sad story behind :(

Heheszki

Yes, I’m happy :))

Museo de San Telmo - the oldest and the biggest in Basque Country. From prehistory to modernity. The original part of the museum it was a Dominican convent (XVI) so it’s like mix of the styles. Yes, I haven’t visited it inside.

Unfortunately we didn’t have time for many things!!! But I’m pretty sure they are worth a visit. :(

Monte Igueldo - The view has to be amazing. You can reach it by the antique funicular railway. On the top there is amusement park and tower - El Torreón.

La Catedral del Buen Pastor - 10 000 whistles in the organ - one of the biggest in Europe.

Isla de Santa Clara - to be honest - I’ve NOT seen it !!! Writing this I’m reading some stuffs and then I see on the photos the island, I’m like wtf, there was not any island! I checked my photos, yes, on mines the island “doesn’t exist”, because I was on the other side and for me it was just one land, one coast. Eh :( Another reason to come back!

There is a small cafe and a lighthouse. But you can access it only between 1th June and 30th September via ferry.

Paseo Nuevo - fuck my life. Another thing which I haven’t seen! It’s a new promenade around the Urgull hill, starts in Kursaal, and finishes in the port. It’s famous for the photos with huge waves. Come on, it’s my element (no byłabym w swoim żywiole!). Who wants to join me?

Peine del Viento - one of the best-known works by sculptor Eduardo Chillida. If you wanna a postcard from Donostia, probably it will be with those sculptures. We were supposed to go there, it’s on the opposite side of the beach (Playa de Ondarreta) but we didn’t have enough time so we came back to the old town. AND if we had gone there, we would have seen also the island… so bad so bad JB. Those sculptures are so heavy and there is story behind them, but I’m not gonna write about it, not yet! I’ll go, I’ll explore, I’ll learn, I’ll take pictures, then I can tell you more - my version :D

So when we noticed that there is no time for the sculptures, we went to eat pintxos, how it could be different. And to be honest we found finally cheap <more or less> and good ones! Oh yeah! So I recommend this place in San Sebastian - Bar Gorriti.

On the floor there were a lot of napkins so it had to be good! In this one you say what you want and the waiter will put it on the plate, what has to be served warm, he will give you in 2-3min. Here I tried txicoli, yeah, sparkling and sour. But the way how they serve it, look!

I took some bowl, it was warm pintxo and really good one! It was my favorite one I think. Inside there was kind of mixed meat, maybe some smashed potatoes and it was fried - recommend!

Next step was - to chill xD I could see so many things but what I did? I went to sleep on the beach xD It was really good siesta, I just lied down on the wall and I was enjoying my dreams. And from there we had a view on the surfers - this is surfing, not like in Valencia, minimal waves, no adrenaline, etc (but they do it in Valencia! lol).

When I wake up (15-20min, true afternoon siesta), I went to say goodbye to the ocean. Calm me baby.

Then the bus and let’s go to another city!

Zumaya

We went there only for like 45min. Why? There is an amazing view spot. Some scenes of Game of Thrones were recorded there (I don’t know which ones, I don’t watch it, sorry not sorry). But maybe you can guess from photos:

But it was the only place where was raining and was soooo f*ck… windy! Omg xD

But it was worth it. You know, act like nothing is happening, just for photos, and then run away before you fall off. But amazing, amazing! Basque landscapes - wow!

zmokła kura.

Next city!

Bilbao 07.12.2018

We arrived when was dark already, so like always, just run away from the bus (because it stopped where it shouldn’t), take the luggage and enter the hostel. This time the hostel was more or less in the center so walking time (probably we would have walked even if it had been located somewhere outside xD). We had some time to prepare, do shopping, before leaving for botellon.

So we did. A good shopping. Just look xD We wanted to be prepared, not like in San Sebastian, just one beer. HE HE XDD

That night ESN prepared for us a dinner, like tortillas de patatas, chips chips chips, chorizos, jamones, etc.

After that we had some drinking games and then let’s go! Botellon spot was next to Guggenheim Museum - artistic botellon! And here will be the story of Bilbao xD

I left my phone in the hostel, because I’m with big group, we have a lot of vodka, just to be sure that I won’t lose it. The hostel had 3 doors to pass, entrance - code, room area - code, room - code. Better because we were 12 (!!!) in the room so impossible to share one key (like in San Sebastian). I hadn’t known that, and when receptionist saw me fighting with the “room area” door, he gave me a card with all codes and with the address of the hostel. I put it to the pocket with thinking - it will be useful. We (5 of us) started drinking during the way to botellon (you know, like there is no time). And yes, for 2 of us it was a little bit bad idea XD And when ESN said that we have to go to the club to enter before 2 (because for free), I decided to take a friend home, another 2 stayed, one left with ESN. So it was like 15min walking, more or less 2 big streets. To remind - I didn’t have my phone with me, and the other person phone didn’t work - wtf! Like just stopped, all apps from Google just stopped. We were left without a map… I just knew one street at the beginning and that’s all. So ok, we will ask on the streets. I even didn’t remember the hostel name xDDD Buuut yes, a had an address!!! <3 First person to ask - young dustman. When he showed me the map, I was like, fuck, we are lost already, after 10min we were somewhere else than we were supposed to be. Ok, he said, go straight and at the end ask someone else. But I really needed to use the toilet, like really. And then I saw some cafe in the middle of some park, it looked like private party, but the door was a little bit open, I entered like without touching, like I’m matching perfect to this open door hole. I said - HOLA, my instinct just knew were to go to find a bathroom, I used, I came back to that door, I said - ADIOS. Easy xD We asked again some people in this park about the way. Then we again asked some young guys, they look at the map and like - oooookeeeey, maybe we will take you there. They knew about crazy Erasmus life. They understood those feelings. We were walking walking walking, then they said that it’s at the end of the street. You even can’t imagine how happy we were. But then we were lost again xD My friend because of hiccup was hiding behind - glass lift xD when I was asking some group of old people (+60) about the hostel. They were like, it’s here… And then I look around, I noticed Carrefour (where we did our lovely shopping). I can not explain those positive emotions which I had that time… That happiness! When I entered the room, the rest of the group was sleeping already.. how?!?! We were walking for 1,5h hour… Love you Bilbao ;*

In the morning, breakfast, shower (we had 1 shower for 12 people, good luck), and let’s explore what we explored during the night. No idea how was our path. I tried my best, but yeah.. We went first to Guggenheim Museum. Ok, I was fascinated (I think first time) because I read a book of Dan Brown - Origin (Początek) last Christmas and there were some of the actions.

Solomon Guggenheim was crazy about abstract art, his flat started being to small for all his collection, so he set a foundation up and established museum - Museum of Non-Objective Painting. But the place was also too small. Frank Lloyd Wright designed a new building. When you think about museum, probably you think about old building, you know artistic, wow, photogenic, wow, art, wow, majestic! This one was different, was destroying all the well-known rules. The collection was growing and growing and in 80s the contemporary director Thomas Krens decided to set branches up. That time Bilbao was a dying city. There was an economic crisis, the big industrial companies crashed. The Basque government asked Krens to build of the branch in Bilbao, he asked Frank Gehr to construct it. It cost a lot of money, but was built on time and budget. Has it helped Bilbao? A lot! Maybe that’s why you know that city. ~9000 workplaces, during first 2 years more than 2 600 000 people visited the museum!

The building is made of titanium and glass. You can see there fish, flower or a sailing boat, depends from which side you are looking at (or how “creative” you are ;) ). Around the museum you can find:

Puppy - West Highland terrier, 13m, 16 tonnes, tens thousands of flowers.

Maman - “mummy”, spider, almost 10m, includes a sac with 32 eggs, meaning: mother’s protection - soft for children, dangerous for others - many interpretations.

Fire fountain - from time to time 5 fountains blast flames into the sky - I haven’t seen :/

Tulips - bunch of 7 large tulips (5m) like a baloons.

Tall Tree & The Eye - 73 reflective spheres, too deep to write.

Fog - it appears from time to time.

The entrance: 16e, 9e (students <26). Better to check the hours and if that day is open.

We had a headphones with the guide (in english). You clicked the interesting number and you could hear the story. Take the map with you.

It’s really big but accidentally I went first to the room with sculpture of THE MATTER OF TIME. For me it’s sooooo fascinating! It was in the book of Dan Brown and it’s not art which you should go deep in, like think why it looks like that, what the author thought, no! Richard Serra is known as an artist whose sculptures you can’t feel, you can’t get them with your eyes only, you can’t look at them and understand them. It’s all about physical feeling. When he started, people didn’t like his art, it was ugly for them. It’s impossible to show his sculptures on the photos, because they mean nothing then. You have to walk through them, they will work for you physically (no w sensie, że nie fizycznie odczujesz co ziomek chciał przedstawiać, zacznie Ci się kręcić, w głowie, albo jakieś inne takie efekty specjalne). Maybe you know those blocks in front of the Museum of Holocaust in Berlin? He designed them. On the photos - hmm you don’t know wtf, but when you walk through you should start feeling lonely, uneasy, lost. This art I appreciate :D So what about The matter of time? 8 sculptures, the lightest piece weights 44 tons and the heaviest 276 tons - wow - together - 1034 tons - wow! In the room next to it you can find everything explained and small version of it to have a better look at the construction.

After the previous night I was a little bit dizzy, but when I passed all those sculptures I wanted to die. It seriously works! It makes you dizzy, you feel like it’s closing you inside, you lose the orientation, you are lost in time. Maybe it’s better to visit this room at the end, to feel better during walking on the 2nd and 3rd floor.

One more room was quite interesting on the 1st floor. In the middle there were kind of bowels (flaki, wnętrzności, takie jelitka czy ciul wie co). In one corner just phone recording you and showing it on a big screen - lol. Kind of strange tent - no idea. Some flying big balloons, salt xD

And 3 figures of dogs. Here I listened to the record carefully but when the guide said that it’s Maria and Jesus.. well.. I changed the channel.

Next floors (2nd & 3rd) - omg so boring (sorry art lovers). Paintings, paintings… no sense, no feelings, no. Aaaaa and it was forbidden to take photos :/ I noticed it too late xD

But this painting... wtf ! Or there was one, totally black, with one white corner. No.

And then we went to eat! Pintxos, claro que si! We just were walking with ESN, but because the group was too big, we entered to the next bar. Also recommended! I liked it.

Plaza Albia

I saw that they also have those balls so I took one. Hmm it was different, not that delicious buuuuuut

The sauce was so so so f. spicy! But good at the same time, like you keep eating mmm it’s perfect, but when you stop... better to not stop XD

mniam mniam mniam!

Napkins on the floor!

Then we walked a little bit and decided to come back to the museum (there was our meeting point) and chill there.

Bilbao’s architecture:

Then we had a city tour with guys from ESN Bilbao so we learnt more about the city from true basque people :)

Beautiful sunset!

We decided to eat for a dinner CAROLINA! It’s like another basque dessert. But on our way we found bubble wafer which I always wanted to try in Krakow so... (szału nie ma dupy nie urywa).

And we found carolinas! In Poland we have something similar for winters and we call it - warm ice creams - ciepłe lody. Mniam :D

On our way to the hostel... we passed the street to the right and we noticed 10min later when we were on the top of the hill... Bilbao <3

So this night was our! Like finally we wanted to end up in the basque club! Por favor xD But this time we needed to take metro and walk a little bit (~40min in total) and we had botellon just in front of the club. But what it was a club! xDDD When we were walking from the metro we were like in the worst part of the city, between some industrial buildings, garages etc. Like wtf. And then we stopped on the parking, and we were playing games and drinking (more careful than the day before). When I asked ESN where is the club they showed closed door to one of the garages XD And yes, it was this, around midnight the door opened and you could see that this can be a club. How it was? Typical spanish club, maybe not enough of reggaeton and music to dance, like to many songs of electro something, but at all - not bad. I was thinking to walk to the hostel but when I saw the area and everything, nope, metro. Even taxi doesn’t go there xD And when we were waiting for the club, spanish people started arriving and it was like “village need for speed shows” XDD You know chicos in the cars showing their best screech of tyres (no powiedziałabym sądeckie dresy popisujące się paleniem opon, no poczułam się jak w Nowym Sączu przez chwilę).

So party in the North - checked. At least once xD

In the morning, zombie packing and let’s go to the next city!

Vitoria (Gasteiz) 09.12.2018

It’s a capital city of Basque Country (nope, not Bilbao). It’s not big one but it’s cute. We started next to the new cathedral, again we had a city tour with a girl from ESN Vitoria. It was a good tour!

This place is like social life center. During the summer old people (like +60) meet here to dance. It has to be so cute :D When I pass my 60 I’ll go to Vitoria to dance the whole night :D

This is the new cathedral. Why? Where is the old one? The old one was damaging and the city needed a cathedral so they build new one. But as I heard they are not proud of it - it’s ugly.

We started a sightseeing from a new part. Look at the architecture.

Iglesia de San Miguel

Plaza Nueva It’s like Sunday spot for locals. In the past it was a market place and bull arena. Now it’s a place to meet, grab a drink, etc. Every Sunday children come here to exchange with some posters, stamps, coins etc (pamiętacie wymianę karteczkami? XD).

Plaza de los fueros Before it was Plaza de Abastos - for selling fresh products. New one exist for >30 years. Fuero - forum, open spacec used as market.

In basque cities they have a cool way to put the names of the streets. I like it.

In the wall on the right (second photo on the left) there is a girl. She was walled up and people say that you can hear her sometimes, well.

El Portalon c. XV, traditional basque food, not cheap one.

In Vitoria you can find some nice graffiti.

We finished out tour. Free time for food and it’s time to go back to Valencia. This time I’ll surprise you, for the lunch we ate - kebab! XDDD Because it’s big enough for 6h in the bus and it costs like 2 pintxos so.. xD

Then we walked throught the city, enjoying it last time.

Locals call it - pussy.

In the Florida parkea - the park - there was a kind of Bethlehem. We were looking or a Jesus like 15min xD asking locals if they know, they didn’t, but we found it, it was so hidden!

Nice pig XD

Like in Barcelona.

Sooo that’s all from basque cities. We took a bus to Valencia.

Super trip! I’ll come back, for sure to San Sebastian! Thank you guys! :D

And you did it, you survived till the end XD CONGRATULATIONS!

//whatHappenedInTheNorthStaysInTheNorth

#erasmus #trip #valencia #basque #pamplona #sansebastian #zumaya #bilbao #vitoria

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wanderonwardsvanessa · 4 years

Text

Mexico City is a VIBE. The streets are bustling with people constantly. The air is thick with different smells peeking out of the local restaurants and food stands. With nearly 22 million people in the greater Mexico City area, there’s a true heartbeat to the city that you just can’t deny! And what better way to enjoy the MAGIC of Mexico City for the first time than by staying in the heart of the Historical Center with Hotel Punto Mx.

Key Details

As I dive into the details of my review, I wanted to first provide a quick snapshot of some important details about Hotel Punto Mx:

Overview:

Average $85 per night

3.5-star hotel with restaurant

Near Ayuntamiento (City Hall)

Address: Calle República de Uruguay 47, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, CDMX, 06020, Mexico

Good For:

People who want to be in the hustle and bustle of Mexico City

Couples, Groups of Friends, Families with older children

Foodies! So many options in a walkable distance

My Experience

We arrived to Mexico City at 8pm, completely and utterly jetlagged. It was a 12 hour flight, I had been awake for at least 24 hours at that point… death seemed imminent (lol). Then our baggage took AGGGEESS to be unloaded so there was literally nothing better than seeing our taxi driver holding a sign that said ‘Vanessa’ once we exited. He was very welcoming, spoke some English due to his 6 month stint working in California, and was more than happy to field our questions about Mexico City.

When we arrived to Hotel Punto Mx, the front desk sorted us out completely in under 2 minutes. He could tell that we were exhausted and that the only thing we wanted more than an authentic Mexican margarita was to go to bed immediately. The person who helped us spoke immaculate English so if this is important to you, fret not. I was having a ball practicing my Spanish and everyone was very kind with their compliments about my child-like mastery of the Spanish language.

The PERFECT Honeymoon Suite

As this was our honeymoon, we were blessed with a gorgeous suite that also had an indoor jacuzzi! The sheets were luxurious and soft, the bed actually fit my 2 meter tall husband (which is rare!) and the bathroom was beautifully tiled. We felt super spoiled in this suite. A few subtle details that stuck out to me:

The jacuzzi was ‘outdoor’ with a tinted roof that let loads of natural light in

The electrical sockets had USB plugs so it didn’t matter if we had adaptors or not

The room service was AMAZING! Anything you could possibly want would appear at your door in under 30 seconds

The absolutely BEST part about the room was the fact that you couldn’t hear anything from the street or the other rooms in your personal palace of silence; which is exactly what you need sometimes after a long day of traveling.

Organizing Travel & Transport

The front desk was spectacular with helping us organize cars and taxis to take us around town. Whilst there is Uber in Mexico City, I would still recommend using a private car for farther destinations or more lengthy stays. Getting out of Mexico City to these far-away destinations is the easy part… the hard part is getting back.

For example, we were planning to do a day trip to Tenochtitlan and it was going to be a one-way, $220 peso trip with Uber. However, once we were there, we also needed to go to a restaurant that was close-by called ‘La Gruta‘ and we would likely need to pay an extortionate price get a short ride over by a local driver who just ‘happened‘ to be outside of Tenochtitlan. THEN, we would need an additional Uber back to the city and if we couldn’t get one, we would have to take a very packed, public bus for nearly 2 hours back home. No thank you!

Instead, Hotel Punto Mx organized a private cab for us with a local driver in a mid-size SUV and we comfortably rode up to Tenochtitlan without a problem. The driver then waiting for us for a few hours whilst we took photos and explored, only to run into two people that we had met on a prior tour at Tenochtitlan. We offered to share our cab and lunch reservation at La Gruta (because you HAVE to book 3 weeks in advance) and we had a wonderful afternoon. The driver was polite, accommodating and was very patient with our wanderings. For 6 hours, we paid $1500 pesos or $80 and it was worth every dime!

Food & Dining

Breakfast

Every morning, we wandered downstairs to the Hotel Punto Mx breakfast buffet and we were never disappointed. There’s a made-to-order omelette bar that was my absolute FAVORITE. Each morning, I got to create new omelettes based on traditional mexican meats and vegetable combinations and I was in HEAVEN. There were also multiple aguas frescas to choose from so I kept going back for seconds, thirds, and forths.

For anyone who is less inclined to dive into Mexico food first thing in the morning, there were also loads of foreign options available; even fresh-made waffles!

Mid-day

After a long morning of tourism, we LOVED coming back to Hotel Punto Mx to enjoy an ice-cold margarita whilst we looked at the photos we took during the day. These margaritas were SO lovely, sweet, and there was always a rim of salt that tickled my taste-buds with every sip. It was the perfect place to relax, recoup, and prepare ourselves for dinner; which was always a beast.

Dinner

Whilst dinner was offered in the Hotel Punto Mx restaurant, there was just SO MUCH FOOD outside as well, we had a hard time choosing where to go. Fortunately, the concierge had loads of wonderful recommendations AND so did the bellboy. We actually conversed with the bellboy loads during our time there because he was quite charming and knowledgeable about the surrounding area.

Top Food Locations Around Hotel Punto Mx

Yes of course you can go to the fancy food establishments that are scattered around the Historical Center, but you should also try a few down to earth local places as well! I PROMISE you – the food is just as good 😉 All of these recommendations (and more!) can be found in my FREE downloadable Google Maps Guide below. Here are my top local restaurants in the Historical Center neighborhood!

Casa Churra – what an incredible and delightful accident! We literally stood in line for multiple ‘fancy’ restaurants that all of the blogs said we should try and we couldn’t get in. This was 100 m from Hotel Punto Mx and we were blown away by the authentic cuisine. I had a Mole Tamale that gave me LIFE and I washed it all down with a jamaica agua fresca.

La Casa de Tono – yet another incredible and life-changing restaurant just a few meters away from Hotel Punto Mx! This one fills up quickly, so you’ll want to go at odd times or just before the dinner rush at 6pm. The food was incredible and after 6 or 7 courses, the bill only came out to $20.

El Moro – I hope you’re patient with lines, because we NEVER saw this place without one. Whilst we weren’t brave enough to weather the wait, I’m 100% sure it’s totally worth it. Grab a coffee and a churro and watch the world pass by without worry.

Conclusion

Hotel Punto Mx was the perfect home-away from home for us while we were in the heart of Mexico City. Everything was so walkable, it was the perfect launch pad for nearly everything that was wanted to do in town. I would absolutely recommend Hotel Punto Mx to anyone who wants to stay in the middle of it all! Thank you so much for being a valued sponsor of Wander Onwards.

FREE Google Maps Guide

Don’t forget to download my Mexico City Google Maps Guide onto your phone! It’s the perfect way to check out the city and I’ve pinned LOADS of restaurants around the Historical Center. Just press the ‘[ ]’ to download onto your Google Maps app.

Mexico City, Mexico: Stay in the Heart of the Historical Center with Hotel Punto Mx Mexico City is a VIBE. The streets are bustling with people constantly. The air is thick with different smells peeking out of the local restaurants and food stands.

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tripstations · 5 years

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Holy Toledo! What to See in Toledo Spain in One Day

Toledo is crammed with churches and cathedrals and former mosques and former synagogues. It is the center of the Catholic Church in Spain and was Spain’s capital until Carlos I abandoned his half-built Alcazar Palace (which he completed anyway) for Madrid. El Greco also made it his home and there are many pieces of his work scattered around the city for us to see. We arrive in Toledo España by 10:00 a.m., find some parking and take the escalators opened by King Juan Carlos up, up, up to the top of the town. We grab a not too helpful map from the very helpful tourist board and start to discover the old town of Toledo. We walk past one church with its doors wide open and walk in. Not very interesting (maybe that’s why there is no admission charge or “voluntary donation” demanded of us). We walk out the front door into an inner courtyard and keep moving forward, through more inner courtyards. We have found our way into the university, but we can’t find our way out… until at last, feeling like we’ve walked from one side of Toledo to the other, and down the hill and back up the other side, we find an exit onto a street. We walk down the street, into a nice plaza which isn’t marked on our map. Holy Toledo indeed!

El Greco’s, a Titian, a Bassano, even a Van Dyck.

Finally, we find the tourist route and begin our tour of Toledo in earnest. First stop is City Hall, the Ayuntamiento, quite an attractive building with a somewhat Germanic feeling. It must date from the Hapsburg period. From here, we are a short walk to the Catedral, home to the Inquisition, famous for not hiring El Greco to paint its murals. In the Catedral, we read of the sign that celebrates the 1492 expulsion of the Jews from Spain by Ferdinand and Isabel. Bankrupt and unable to repay the loans from the Jews that had financed their retaking of Spain from the Muslims, they chose to expel the Jews in order to escape their debts. Unlike most of the throng making its way through the Catedral, we pay the 5.50 Euro entrance fee to get into the Sacristia, where we are overwhelmed with the art: it is full of El Greco’s, a Titian, a Bassano, even a Van Dyck.

Out of the Catedral, we walk to the Alcazar. It was virtually destroyed during the Civil War, but Franco, whose forces were holed up inside it, had it rebuilt.

A Final Masterpiece

We walk through Toledo, getting lost and finding ourselves. Finally, just as we decide it is time to return to Madrid, we stumble upon Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s masterpiece El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz, which tells the story of the burial of the Count of Orgaz, when Saints Augustine and Stephen descended from heaven to attend the funeral. Interestingly, El Greco painted himself and his son into the picture, although the funeral happened about 300 years before the painting was done. We spend a good hour in the church, looking at and thinking about this important painting.

World Traveler, Writer, and Blogger, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the tripstations.com travel blog. A former Actor, current shower-singer, and non-hipster foodie. Loves his week-end house in St Marys, Ontario. Dad to Sophia, Ariel, and Hastings three of the best cats in the world.

The post Holy Toledo! What to See in Toledo Spain in One Day appeared first on Tripstations.

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scottallenblake-blog · 6 years

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Europe is full of exciting places that will give you joy and happiness, because it’s wonderful ambiance and stories. Europe is a really big country, where every single cities and side of it has something unique to offer. One of the greatest places here is found in the country of Spain. The beautiful city of Barcelona is also located here, and also our today’s topic the wonderful city of Madrid, the city that will live your wonder lust, about how beautiful the place is. The history of this place is very interesting. Madrid is a very wonderful place, where there are a lot of century old houses that stands still in this beautiful city. The architecture of different buildings, museums and structure are really detailed and beautiful. The city of Madrid is a perfect destination for any type of traveler, because there are a lot of arts and museums for art lovers, there are a lot of food stalls, restaurants, and markets for food lovers, there are a lot of clubs, for party lovers. Madrid is perfect destination; it is an all in one package. Every single thing about this place is absolute perfect. It is the city that is not sleeping, because the people here are still awake until dawn. There is only one reminder for travelers; this is not a city for early sleepers. Compare other country and cities, the party here starts at dawn and you can still see many people even in the wee hours in the morning. Here are some of the things that you should try, and places that you should see:

1. Palacio Real. As I’ve said earlier the history of this place is really wonderful. The Royal Palace or the Palacio Real is located here in Madrid. Palacio Real is the official residence of the King of Spain. The place is only used as the ceremonial place for the state. Palacio Real is one of the places that people protect and value its history. Palacio Real is open to the public if there is no any ceremonies host by the state. The inside of the palace is made of perfection and beauty; it is a very majestic palace that anyone would dream to live with. The Palace is open for everyone, but during Wednesday, it is free for the European Union Citizens, and it is closed during Sundays. If you want to enjoy its beauty and know more about its history and story, you can hire for a tourist guide that will tell you everything about the place.

2. Stroll Plaza Mayor. If New York City, has Times Square, and Bangkok has Khao San Road, then Madrid has Plaza Mayor. Plaza Mayor is another historical place for the people of Spain and Madrid; it is the Main Square of the city. It is located in the middle of the city. These winding streets will take you past churches, tapas bars, and give you insight into Royal history and architecture. While walking this plaza, not to be missed, include Ayuntamiento, San Pedro, San Francisco el Grande, and Calle de Cuchilleros. The Plaza Mayor is a must visit place, because it is a one stop shop, where you can enjoy everything you want to a place.

3. Puerta del Sol. Another historical and important place for the people here is the Puerta del Sol. This is Madrid’s most famous and most Central Square, located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor. Originally it was the site of one of the city’s gates, which faced the east and was adorned with an image of the sun, hence the square’s name. The square is actually almost semi-circular in shape and owes its current form to the major renovation work carried out between 1854 and 1860.

4. See Flamenco dancers. Another great thing to do here is to watch the famous dance is Europe, Flamenco. You can watch the dancers, dancing this famous Flamenco or even learn this very famous dance. Flamenco is a part of the culture of the locals here, make sure that you respect it and the beauty of this dance is really fantastic. Madrid is the perfect place for Flamenco since 19th century and the best dancers and artist of this dance gain their triumph here. Anywhere in Madrid, you can see stores, bars and restaurants that they do Flamenco performers. Learning this dance isn’t that hard, because it is really exciting and at the same time it is very easy.

5. See a Bull Fight. Another exciting thing to do here is to witness the famous bull fight. Watching a very angry bull that is being irritated by the red flag holding by a man is a very famous tuff in Madrid. Madrid’s main bullring is called La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas del Espiritu Santo, or more simply, Las Ventas, this place is the center of all exciting bull fights in Madrid. Watching bull fights is very exciting and the experience is really great and one of a kind. The best time to see bullfights in Madrid is during the months of May and June. The world famous San Isidro bullfight festival takes place during these months and brings together the best fighters, bulls and aficionados. There are fights every day for 20 days, starting at 7 o’clock in the evening.

Madrid is a really great place for all type of traveler, learning its very wonderful history is very exciting. There are a lot more activities and places that you will enjoy in Madrid. The place is full of excitement. Tip! Don’t follow any travel books or guide, just let your feet discover how wonderful Madrid is. I’m sure that your heart and mind will be full of memories and joy.

Check https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldventures for more travel guide.

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theleaderdotinfo-blog · 7 years

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Orihuela Costa Demands Change has been published at http://www.theleader.info/2017/08/05/orihuela-costa-demands-change/

New Post has been published on http://www.theleader.info/2017/08/05/orihuela-costa-demands-change/

Orihuela Costa Demands Change

Residents turn out in force on Friday in front of the Playa Flamenca Town Hall to demand a better deal for the Orihuela Costa.

Organised by the Association of Residents and Merchants “Movimiento Ciudadano La Zenia” over 200 people took part in a peaceful demonstration in support of “A fair deal for the Orihuela Costa.”

This is the second time that such a demonstration has been held, the previous in July of 2014 when over a hundred of residents protested on the roundabout in front of La Zenia Boulevard, once again demanding better services for the people of the Orihuela Costa.

The banners going up

Friday’s demonstration was held for essentially the same purpose, to once again demand that the City Council recognise the Orihuela Costa and its growing number of residents, particularly when making budget allocations.

Association President, Félix Arenas, said on the Town Hall steps that he was delighted to see such a positive turnout. “People are tired of always hearing the same promises and the same excuses from the Orihuela politicians, who are denounced virtually every day on social media sites for the lack of importance they place on the coast. Our Facebook page is full of photographs showing the deplorable state of the coastal area which the authorities constantly ignore.”

Protesters streaming into the town hall

Residents claim that there is an unfair and disproportionate distribution of the municipal budgets regarding the Orihuela Costa, and a lack of transparency in councillors responding to the letters and complaints that are regularly submitted.

As well as deploring the state of cleanliness on the coast they also demanded better safety measures and pedestrian signalling at the crossings along the Villamartín Ctra., the completion of the emergency centre in the Orihuela Costa, the removal of the toll on the AP-7 as it passes through La Zenia, and the replacement of the bus stop previously removed from La Zenia.

Following speeches in front of the Town Hall the protestors then moved inside, grateful to be out of the sun, where they took up residence for almost an hour in the salon, and where speeches continued from demonstration leaders.

The arrival of the mayor, Emilio Bascuñana, was greeted with booing from some members of the audience, but when he put down the microphone and threatened to leave, all went quiet. Most of what he did say put the blame on previous governments, but he stated that residents on the coast would see improvements with the approval of the 2017 budget.

One further promise he made was the construction of a Multicultural centre which he said had already been allocated 50,000 euro. He also confirmed the reinstatement of the bus stop in La Zenia and completion of the Emergency Centre, which he said would shortly be put out to tender.

The mayor was initially booed as he entered the room

One voluble Spanish resident was clearly unimpressed as he stood and left the salon shouting ‘Blah, blah, blah,’ presumably his non too inspiring opinion on what the mayor had to say!

Coinciding with Friday’s demonstration was the press release from the Federation of Associations of Orihuela Costa (FAOC) demanding a better deal for the Coast in the 2017 budget, which is still to be approved by the Orihuela Council. They say that the element allocated to the coastal region falls far short of its needs.

FAOC LOGO

The Group adds that it does not intend to enter into debate about how much should be allocated to the coast, nor of the comparative grievances with regard to the allocation as it is divided between the city, its outlying pedanias and the coast, but what they do insist upon is that the council must cover the needs of each, and in so doing they must also recognise the very different needs of the Orihuela Costa.

They also highlight the debacle regarding the increase in IBI, Property Tax, where the residents of Orihuela pay one of the highest tax rates in the area (0.75%), compared to Torrevieja (0.425% ), Pilar de la Horadada (0.517%), San Pedro del Pinatar (0.690%) and San Miguel de las Salinas (0.65%).

But having analysed the provisional budget allocations recently announced by the council FAOC say that it is clear to see that the coast will continue to suffer a significant deficit, which will be reflected in a lack of policing, cleanliness and refuse collection, road safety as well as the funding allocated to celebrations and fiestas.

They state that the staff operating from the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca will maintain their poor level of attention to the public, not able to increase their number as is required, and the maintenance of infrastructure will remain at a level which is well below their requirements.

There is also concern and disappointment that such important matters as the collection of waste, street and urban cleaning, will continue to go from bad to worse, given its low funding, so that residents will continue to suffering from the inadequacies that stem from the lack of employees on the coast, from machines and containers, as well as the inadequate system for the collection of garden waste and bulk rubbish, as it regularly remains scattered across the streets of the coast for long periods of time.

Similarly the budget for Beaches is totally insufficient to carry out the necessary investments that are required with regards to access, particularly for the infirm and disabled, beach furniture and cleanliness, in order to keep them at the same level of quality as our neighbours.

Nor is there funding available for the construction of the frequently promised Multicultural Centre, staff to manage the Citizen Participation Centre (former reading point), so that it can be opened and the local population encouraged to use it, and the too few sports areas on the coast will remain abandoned and unavailable to the local youth, as will the council’s promises of the construction of a football field and a skate park.

The section covering Coastal Investment also treats the Orihuela Costa very badly, where, of the investments of 2017 which will reach a total of almost 14 million euros, all of it derived from the sale of public land on the coast, only 2 million euros, or 15% of the total, will be dedicated to the coast, to be used for the refurbishment of the seafront (500,000 euros), tarmac roads (the 500,000 euros allocated is well below the amount required), improvement of Contracts for maintenance of parks and gardens (300,000 euros), and other areas.

All these observations and requests, which still remain unresolved, were presented to the mayor in September of last year during the campaign in preparation the 2017 Budgets. Now it has become clearly evident that this was nothing more than a marketing operation by the Ayuntamiento.

FAOC and its associates, through this statement, wish to make public the voice of the coastal communities, who feel betrayed by the budgets that, far from reducing the historical deficit that they constantly suffer in services and infrastructures, will only enlarge the gap.

It seems now, that at long last, the Coastal Associations are beginning to come together which can only be good news for the residents of the coast in their demands for a fair deal for the Orihuela Costa, and the fact that the mayor was able to see first-hand the strength of feeling at the demonstration should certainly have him deliberating when making future allocations!

#Orihuela Costa Protest

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topfygad · 4 years

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Cheap City Breaks Best Affordable European Destinations 2020

Read this for the top 10 safest countries in the world today, and this one for cheap travel destinations in Europe.

Are you are a student who wants to travel? Then this post is for you.

Affordable European Destinations 2020

Cheap European Breaks in Prague, Czech Republic

Porto, Affordable City in Portugal

Cheap City Breaks in Athens, Greece

City Trip to Valencia, Spain

Affordable City Break in Budapest, Hungary

Affordable City Break in Lisbon, Portugal

Istanbul, Turkey, Affordable European Destination

Cheap City Escape in Brussels, Belgium

Cheap City Break in Florence, Italy

Best City Break in Madrid, Spain

Best Cheap Trip to St. Petersburg, Russia

Cheap European Vacations in Rome, Italy

Cheap City Break in Corfu, Greece

Berlin, Germany Cheap Holiday Destination

Seville, Spain Cheap European City

Munich, Germany Cheap Holidays in Europe

Summary of Affordable European Destinations

Affordable European Destinations 2020

There is a secret list of affordable European destinations that frequent travelers know.

Countries and cities included in this list are considered a pivot point for your travel experience. Traveling through these cities gets you acquainted with the essence of Old Europe and its history.

We are here to share these secrets for the best cheap city breaks with you.

Cheap European Breaks in Prague, Czech Republic

What are the best things to do in Prague?

Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí)

Charles Bridge (Karluv most)

Prague Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral (Chrám svatého Víta)

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Dancing House

Prague Astronomical Clock

National Theatre (Národní Divadlo)

St. Nicholas Church (Chrám svatého Mikuláse)

When to go to Prague?

To avoid large crowds, better go to Prague in spring and early fall (March-May) when the weather is mild. Avoid the holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter).

During May there is a range of important events taking place too: the Prague Marathon, Czech Beer Festival, Prague Food Festival, Prague International Music Festival.

Prague is fantastic among all European Destinations.

Check accommodation and guided tours/tickets/passes options for Prague.

Porto, Affordable City in Portugal

A stunning coastal city with great architecture, history, food, and museums (museums are free to enter on Sundays). The city hosts the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira District.

What are the best things to do in Porto?

Dom Luís I Bridge

Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens)

Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies)

Estação de São Bento (São Bento Railway Station)

Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market)

Porto’s fantastic beaches

Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello Bookstore)

Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis)

Port Wine Tastings & Tours

Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

Fundação de Serralves (Serralves Foundation Complex)

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis (National Museum Soares dos Reis)

Dragão Stadium

When to go to Porto?

Porto is one of the best summer European destinations.

Read our post for Porto.

Here are your options for hotels and guided tours/tickets/passes.

Cheap City Breaks in Athens, Greece

Due to its geographical location and weather conditions, it is ideal for 10 out of 12 months.

What are the best things to do in Athens?

In short? Read this long post for Athens and things to do if you want more inspiration this post for 40 things to do in Greece and 14-day trips from Athens. You will thank us.

All parks in Athens are free to enter and churches too. Free admission museums are:

The Museum of the History of Greek Costume

The Philatelic and Postal Museum

Railway Museum of Athens

Theatrical Museum of Greece

Natural History Museum of Maroussi

Athens University History Museum

Museum of Greek Folk Instruments

Centre of Folk Art and Tradition

Hellenic Children’s Museum

Free admission holidays

6th of March – Memory of Melina Mercouri

18th of April – International Monument Day

18th of May International Museum Day

5th of June World Environment Day

European Days of Cultural Heritage (The last weekend of September)

27th of September – International Tourism Day

When for Athens?

Check here for accommodation and available guided tours.

Athens is one of the most fabulous European destinations, as it is a pivot point for the Greek islands.

City Trip to Valencia, Spain

Affordable and easy to reach with a high-speed train from Barcelona or Madrid. A coastal city, vibrant with history and museums. It is famous for its oranges too, so taste some while there.

What are the best things to do in Valencia?

Central Market (Mercado Central)

Plaza Ayuntamiento

Cathedral (Seu)

Fine Art Museum of Valencia (Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia)

Instituto Valencia d’Arte Modern (IVAM)

Albufera Nature Park (Parque Natural de la Albufera)

La Lonja de la Seda

Valencia Beaches

Bioparc Valencia

City of the Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

When it is great to go to Valencia?

Check staying prices and guided tours/tickets/passes options for Valencia.

Affordable City Break in Budapest, Hungary

An aspect of the castle from afar

The city is famous for its food and its baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture. Budapest dates back to the Stone Age and comes with great food options!

What are the best things to do in Budapest?

Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya)

Danube River

Castle Hill (Várhegy)

Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)

Heroes’ Square (Hosök Tere)

St. Stephen’s Basilica (Svent István Bazilika)

Buda Castle (Budai vár)

Matthias Church (Mátyás-Templom)

Dohány Street Synagogue (Dohány Utcai Zsinagóga)

Gellért Hill (Gellért-Hegy)

Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)

Hungarian Parliament (Országház)

House of Terror Museum (Terror Háza Múzeum)

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum)

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

Legenda Sightseeing Boats

Thermal Baths

When is it fantastic to be in Budapest?

March to May and September to November is best. That is if you want to avoid huge crowds of tourists (in summertime). The weather is generally mild. Special events happening during these months are:

March to May: Budapest Dance Festival, Macaron Day, Budapest Spring Festival, Budapest100, Rosalia Festival, OTP Bank Gourmet Festival, Budapest Beer Week.

September to November: Jewish Cultural Festival, Budapest Wine Festival, Sweet Days Chocolate, and Candy Festival, Oktoberfest Budapest, Design Week Budapest, Budapest Christmas Markets.

Here is Budapest accommodation options & tours.

Affordable City Break in Lisbon, Portugal

Belem Tower

What are the best things to do in Lisbon?

Alfama

Belem

Sintra

Torre de Belem and Monument to the Discoveries

Cascais

Feira da Ladra

Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa)

St. George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge)

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian)

Monastery of St Jerome

Oceanarium (Oceanario de Lisboa)

Taste of Lisboa Food Tours

Lisbon By Boat

Tram 28

When is it best to visit Lisbon?

Read our posts for Lisbon and Lisbon food, Cascais, Sintra, Fatima. There are plenty of day trips from Lisbon to consider.

Book your accommodation early and allow time for guided tours.

Lisbon and the nearby cities make it another great spot among all European destinations.

Istanbul, Turkey, Affordable European Destination

A jewel of the Orient. A city of thousands of secrets and legends, with different locations that drive your mind to thousands of mystical stories.

Herbs & spices, Bosporus, belly dancing, fantastic architecture, and all kinds of landmarks. Istanbul will fill your days with many things while acting as a pivot point for many nearby cities.

It is famous for Agia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, but that is just a fraction of the things to see and do. Read the post from our trip there. For what to eat in Istanbul, read this.

What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)

Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

Taksim Square

Ortaköy

Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi)

Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)

Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi)

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Chora Museum (Kariye Müzesi)

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)

Dolmanbahçe Palace

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

When it is amazing to visit Istanbul?

In the March to May period, these things happen at the Istanbul Film Festival, Istanbul Music Festival.

For hotels in Istanbul, check these options as well as for guided tours.

Cheap City Escape in Brussels, Belgium

If you crave for some delicious chocolate, then you can visit Brussels even for one day. Take the train from Paris or Amsterdam and savor all these from kiosks you will find in all streets.

Restaurants will be pricey, so no need to pay more for chocolate than needed. There are lots of museums and don’t forget that this is a multicultural & multilingual country.

People here speak Dutch, French & English, of course.

What are the best things to do in Brussels?

Manneken Pis

Grand-Place

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Royal Museum of the Army and Military History

Palais de Justice

Mini-Europe

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Musical Instruments Museum

Atomium

Horta Museum

Belgian Comic Strip Center

Cantillon Brewery

When is it nice to be in Brussels?

March to May and September to October is best. In the first case, because it is Springtime while in the second case, prices drop significantly, while the weather stays mild enough.

Check Brussels accommodation prices. Here are the tour options.

Cheap City Break in Florence, Italy

Have we been to Florence, Italy? Yes, twice. The first one was as part of a road trip that involved crossing Europe to the UK driving at the North.

The second one was as part of another road trip getting from the UK to Greece from the South part fo Europe!!! Read this excellent post for Florence (Firenze).

We have traveled to many cities in Italy (including Sicily island). Read the post for things to do in Sicily.

What are the best things to do in Florence?

Piazzale Michelangelo

Ponte Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Baptistry (Battistero)

Galleria dell’Accademia

Palazzo Pitti

Basilica di Santa Croce

Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

When it is most nice to visit Florence?

Preferably from May to September. Lots of sunshine, but you need to search thoroughly for accommodation as in touristy places prices get high.

There is no need to stay in, such though as the city is easy to walk. You can quickly get into the historical center with public transportation.

Either way, you will walk all the historical center to see the things mentioned above.

Check this for staying in Florence and all the tickets & passes options.

Florence is one of the best cultural European destinations, that is seen in video games.

Best City Break in Madrid, Spain

There are so many plaza’s (Madrid is Spain’s largest city) that are free to the public. You can spend days just visiting each other.

However, Madrid is far more than that. Read our post for things to do in Madrid and check the list below too.

What are the best things to do in Madrid?

Plaza Mayor

Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol)

Plaza de Cibeles

El Rastro Market

Temple of Debod

Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Mercado San Miguel

Sorolla Museum

Bernabéu Stadium

Queen Sofia Arts Center

When is it excellent to visit Madrid?

Here are the Madrid lodging prices & tours.

Best Cheap Trip to St. Petersburg, Russia

Russia is a destination where you will get reasonable prices if you book early. Most people will visit Moscow, St. Petersburg, or both on a trip.

Moscow is great for New Year’s Eve, too, while St. Petersburg offers an entirely different experience.

What are the best things to do in St. Petersburg?

Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Grand Market Russia Interactive Museum

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

Summer Garden

Peterhof Palace & Garden

Russian Museum

Yusupov Palace

The Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Kronstadt

Chapel of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg

Yelagin Island

When is it great to visit St. Petersburg?

Avoid winter. Better to visit from June to September. Hot events taking place are White Nights, International Festival of Choral Art, International Early Music Festival.

Winter is cheaper, but lots of activities are not happening, and cold in Russia is rather extreme.

Check the best accommodation options and guided tours/ticket/passes options for St. Petersburg.

Cheap European Vacations in Rome, Italy

The famous Vatican stairs: Bramante Staircase

The city of Rome is a living, walk-through museum. It is an unbelievable destination suitable for all seasons (not so good when rains fall but still beautiful).

What are the best things to do in Rome?

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi

Santa Maria Della Vittoria

Ancient Appian Way

Trastevere

Basilica di San Clemente

Piazza Navona

Gianicolo Hill

Campo de’ Fiori

Porta Portese

Spanish Steps

Musei Capitolini

St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

Pantheon

Colosseum (Colosseo)

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

Palatine Hill

Galleria Borghese

Gruppo Storico Romano Gladiator School

When is it wonderful to visit Rome?

Prices are lower from October to April. The weather is hot in summer, but Rome has free water fountains all over the city, and you will be amazed by the colors of the city with summer light.

You can find lots of affordable accommodations outside of the historical center, but it will still be close to it, so no worries. Better to go there with the sun than rain.

The cold will not be an issue with all the walking (if you plan for winter). Food is affordable if you avoid tourist restaurants.

Check here for where to stay in Rome and all tours with a guide and skip the line tickets.

Cheap City Break in Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a contradictory island, suitable for many different tastes. One of its sides/coasts has lots of beaches while the other one is rocky.

The best beaches will be revealed by the locals when they like you, so make sure they do. This post will be somewhat informative for you.

The islands hold the essence from the Venetian history, and you will notice that in the architecture of its capital.

What are the best things to do in Corfu?

All the beaches

Paleokastritsa Monastery (and beach)

Corfu Donkey Rescue

Church of Saint Spyridon

Corfu Museum of Asian Art

Achillion Palace & Museum

Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress)

Aqualand (lots of fun)

When is it superb to visit Corfu?

Summertime is the best season. In case you want to hit the lowest prices ever then visit Corfu from April to May and September to November.

Corfu is in the West part of Greece, and you can encounter lots of rain during those times. In case you can be there in Orthodox Easter time, you will see lots of local customs happening.

Here is where to stay in Corfu and guided tours.

Berlin, Germany Cheap Holiday Destination

Berlin is a somewhat controversial city with extreme nightlife. If you are after nightlife, then it won’t be very cheap. Many other things come at really affordable prices.

Here is a post with ideas for three days in Berlin and another one for five days in Germany.

What are the best things to do in Berlin?

Brandenburg Gate

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Potsdamer Platz

Tiergarten

The topography of Terror

East Side (Wall) Gallery

Reichstag

Museum Island

Pergamonmuseum

Zoologischer Garten Berlin

Checkpoint Charlie

TV Tower

Charlottenburg Palace

When is it thrilling to visit Berlin?

Berlin is at the center of Germany but also in the North of Europe so that any other months will be rather cold.

Find here the Berlin lodging options & tickets for excellent tours and landmarks.

Seville, Spain Cheap European City

With hotels moving around the USD100 per night, this city is affordable too. There are hostels and such if you want to lower the accommodation fees.

There are lots of parks, promenade locations, museums, bull-fights, and tasty food. See more great places to visit in Spain.

What are the best things to do in Seville?

La Carbonerí

Guadalquivir River Cruise

Metropol Parasol

Museum of Fine Arts

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza

Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium

Torre del Oro

Isla Mágica

When it is great to visit Seville?

Better to visit from March to May due to mild temperatures. The famous events of Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, happen in these months.

Where to stay in Seville? Check here. What do in Seville? Click here.

Munich, Germany Cheap Holidays in Europe

Munich maybe not the first destination that comes in your mind when you plan to visit Europe, but it is a great one.

You can read our experiences in Munich from here, here and here. By the way, beers and food are fantastic.

What are the best things to do in Munich?

English Garden

Church of Our Lady

Viktualienmarkt

Nymphenburg Palace Gardens

Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm

St. Michael’s Church

Marienplatz

St. Peter’s Church

Deutsches Museum

Residenz Royal Palace

Old Picture Gallery

Augustiner-Keller

Bayerische Staatsoper Opera House

Nymphenburg Palace Museum

Modern Picture Gallery

When is it amazing to visit Munich?

March to May is best, though the weather may get a bit chilly. Things are happening in the summertime, but there are lots of crowds too.

Check for accommodation in Munich and all the tours & passes

Summary of Affordable European Destinations

As you see, there are lots and lots of places to visit. This list will expand more in the following days, so make sure you subscribe to it!

Traveling is fun, and budget or/and affordable traveling is preferred by many.

Have fun!

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/3evzYQA via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

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topfygad · 4 years

Text

Cheap City Breaks Best Affordable European Destinations 2020

Read this for the top 10 safest countries in the world today, and this one for cheap travel destinations in Europe.

Are you are a student who wants to travel? Then this post is for you.

Affordable European Destinations 2020

Cheap European Breaks in Prague, Czech Republic

Porto, Affordable City in Portugal

Cheap City Breaks in Athens, Greece

City Trip to Valencia, Spain

Affordable City Break in Budapest, Hungary

Affordable City Break in Lisbon, Portugal

Istanbul, Turkey, Affordable European Destination

Cheap City Escape in Brussels, Belgium

Cheap City Break in Florence, Italy

Best City Break in Madrid, Spain

Best Cheap Trip to St. Petersburg, Russia

Cheap European Vacations in Rome, Italy

Cheap City Break in Corfu, Greece

Berlin, Germany Cheap Holiday Destination

Seville, Spain Cheap European City

Munich, Germany Cheap Holidays in Europe

Summary of Affordable European Destinations

Affordable European Destinations 2020

There is a secret list of affordable European destinations that frequent travelers know.

Countries and cities included in this list are considered a pivot point for your travel experience. Traveling through these cities gets you acquainted with the essence of Old Europe and its history.

We are here to share these secrets for the best cheap city breaks with you.

Cheap European Breaks in Prague, Czech Republic

What are the best things to do in Prague?

Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí)

Charles Bridge (Karluv most)

Prague Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral (Chrám svatého Víta)

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Dancing House

Prague Astronomical Clock

National Theatre (Národní Divadlo)

St. Nicholas Church (Chrám svatého Mikuláse)

When to go to Prague?

To avoid large crowds, better go to Prague in spring and early fall (March-May) when the weather is mild. Avoid the holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter).

During May there is a range of important events taking place too: the Prague Marathon, Czech Beer Festival, Prague Food Festival, Prague International Music Festival.

Prague is fantastic among all European Destinations.

Check accommodation and guided tours/tickets/passes options for Prague.

Porto, Affordable City in Portugal

A stunning coastal city with great architecture, history, food, and museums (museums are free to enter on Sundays). The city hosts the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira District.

What are the best things to do in Porto?

Dom Luís I Bridge

Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens)

Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies)

Estação de São Bento (São Bento Railway Station)

Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market)

Porto’s fantastic beaches

Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello Bookstore)

Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis)

Port Wine Tastings & Tours

Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

Fundação de Serralves (Serralves Foundation Complex)

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis (National Museum Soares dos Reis)

Dragão Stadium

When to go to Porto?

Porto is one of the best summer European destinations.

Read our post for Porto.

Here are your options for hotels and guided tours/tickets/passes.

Cheap City Breaks in Athens, Greece

Due to its geographical location and weather conditions, it is ideal for 10 out of 12 months.

What are the best things to do in Athens?

In short? Read this long post for Athens and things to do if you want more inspiration this post for 40 things to do in Greece and 14-day trips from Athens. You will thank us.

All parks in Athens are free to enter and churches too. Free admission museums are:

The Museum of the History of Greek Costume

The Philatelic and Postal Museum

Railway Museum of Athens

Theatrical Museum of Greece

Natural History Museum of Maroussi

Athens University History Museum

Museum of Greek Folk Instruments

Centre of Folk Art and Tradition

Hellenic Children’s Museum

Free admission holidays

6th of March – Memory of Melina Mercouri

18th of April – International Monument Day

18th of May International Museum Day

5th of June World Environment Day

European Days of Cultural Heritage (The last weekend of September)

27th of September – International Tourism Day

When for Athens?

Check here for accommodation and available guided tours.

Athens is one of the most fabulous European destinations, as it is a pivot point for the Greek islands.

City Trip to Valencia, Spain

Affordable and easy to reach with a high-speed train from Barcelona or Madrid. A coastal city, vibrant with history and museums. It is famous for its oranges too, so taste some while there.

What are the best things to do in Valencia?

Central Market (Mercado Central)

Plaza Ayuntamiento

Cathedral (Seu)

Fine Art Museum of Valencia (Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia)

Instituto Valencia d’Arte Modern (IVAM)

Albufera Nature Park (Parque Natural de la Albufera)

La Lonja de la Seda

Valencia Beaches

Bioparc Valencia

City of the Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

When it is great to go to Valencia?

Check staying prices and guided tours/tickets/passes options for Valencia.

Affordable City Break in Budapest, Hungary

An aspect of the castle from afar

The city is famous for its food and its baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture. Budapest dates back to the Stone Age and comes with great food options!

What are the best things to do in Budapest?

Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya)

Danube River

Castle Hill (Várhegy)

Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)

Heroes’ Square (Hosök Tere)

St. Stephen’s Basilica (Svent István Bazilika)

Buda Castle (Budai vár)

Matthias Church (Mátyás-Templom)

Dohány Street Synagogue (Dohány Utcai Zsinagóga)

Gellért Hill (Gellért-Hegy)

Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)

Hungarian Parliament (Országház)

House of Terror Museum (Terror Háza Múzeum)

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum)

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

Legenda Sightseeing Boats

Thermal Baths

When is it fantastic to be in Budapest?

March to May and September to November is best. That is if you want to avoid huge crowds of tourists (in summertime). The weather is generally mild. Special events happening during these months are:

March to May: Budapest Dance Festival, Macaron Day, Budapest Spring Festival, Budapest100, Rosalia Festival, OTP Bank Gourmet Festival, Budapest Beer Week.

September to November: Jewish Cultural Festival, Budapest Wine Festival, Sweet Days Chocolate, and Candy Festival, Oktoberfest Budapest, Design Week Budapest, Budapest Christmas Markets.

Here is Budapest accommodation options & tours.

Affordable City Break in Lisbon, Portugal

Belem Tower

What are the best things to do in Lisbon?

Alfama

Belem

Sintra

Torre de Belem and Monument to the Discoveries

Cascais

Feira da Ladra

Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa)

St. George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge)

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian)

Monastery of St Jerome

Oceanarium (Oceanario de Lisboa)

Taste of Lisboa Food Tours

Lisbon By Boat

Tram 28

When is it best to visit Lisbon?

Read our posts for Lisbon and Lisbon food, Cascais, Sintra, Fatima. There are plenty of day trips from Lisbon to consider.

Book your accommodation early and allow time for guided tours.

Lisbon and the nearby cities make it another great spot among all European destinations.

Istanbul, Turkey, Affordable European Destination

A jewel of the Orient. A city of thousands of secrets and legends, with different locations that drive your mind to thousands of mystical stories.

Herbs & spices, Bosporus, belly dancing, fantastic architecture, and all kinds of landmarks. Istanbul will fill your days with many things while acting as a pivot point for many nearby cities.

It is famous for Agia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, but that is just a fraction of the things to see and do. Read the post from our trip there. For what to eat in Istanbul, read this.

What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)

Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

Taksim Square

Ortaköy

Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi)

Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)

Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi)

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Chora Museum (Kariye Müzesi)

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)

Dolmanbahçe Palace

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

When it is amazing to visit Istanbul?

In the March to May period, these things happen at the Istanbul Film Festival, Istanbul Music Festival.

For hotels in Istanbul, check these options as well as for guided tours.

Cheap City Escape in Brussels, Belgium

If you crave for some delicious chocolate, then you can visit Brussels even for one day. Take the train from Paris or Amsterdam and savor all these from kiosks you will find in all streets.

Restaurants will be pricey, so no need to pay more for chocolate than needed. There are lots of museums and don’t forget that this is a multicultural & multilingual country.

People here speak Dutch, French & English, of course.

What are the best things to do in Brussels?

Manneken Pis

Grand-Place

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Royal Museum of the Army and Military History

Palais de Justice

Mini-Europe

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Musical Instruments Museum

Atomium

Horta Museum

Belgian Comic Strip Center

Cantillon Brewery

When is it nice to be in Brussels?

March to May and September to October is best. In the first case, because it is Springtime while in the second case, prices drop significantly, while the weather stays mild enough.

Check Brussels accommodation prices. Here are the tour options.

Cheap City Break in Florence, Italy

Have we been to Florence, Italy? Yes, twice. The first one was as part of a road trip that involved crossing Europe to the UK driving at the North.

The second one was as part of another road trip getting from the UK to Greece from the South part fo Europe!!! Read this excellent post for Florence (Firenze).

We have traveled to many cities in Italy (including Sicily island). Read the post for things to do in Sicily.

What are the best things to do in Florence?

Piazzale Michelangelo

Ponte Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Baptistry (Battistero)

Galleria dell’Accademia

Palazzo Pitti

Basilica di Santa Croce

Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

When it is most nice to visit Florence?

Preferably from May to September. Lots of sunshine, but you need to search thoroughly for accommodation as in touristy places prices get high.

There is no need to stay in, such though as the city is easy to walk. You can quickly get into the historical center with public transportation.

Either way, you will walk all the historical center to see the things mentioned above.

Check this for staying in Florence and all the tickets & passes options.

Florence is one of the best cultural European destinations, that is seen in video games.

Best City Break in Madrid, Spain

There are so many plaza’s (Madrid is Spain’s largest city) that are free to the public. You can spend days just visiting each other.

However, Madrid is far more than that. Read our post for things to do in Madrid and check the list below too.

What are the best things to do in Madrid?

Plaza Mayor

Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol)

Plaza de Cibeles

El Rastro Market

Temple of Debod

Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Mercado San Miguel

Sorolla Museum

Bernabéu Stadium

Queen Sofia Arts Center

When is it excellent to visit Madrid?

Here are the Madrid lodging prices & tours.

Best Cheap Trip to St. Petersburg, Russia

Russia is a destination where you will get reasonable prices if you book early. Most people will visit Moscow, St. Petersburg, or both on a trip.

Moscow is great for New Year’s Eve, too, while St. Petersburg offers an entirely different experience.

What are the best things to do in St. Petersburg?

Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Grand Market Russia Interactive Museum

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

Summer Garden

Peterhof Palace & Garden

Russian Museum

Yusupov Palace

The Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Kronstadt

Chapel of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg

Yelagin Island

When is it great to visit St. Petersburg?

Avoid winter. Better to visit from June to September. Hot events taking place are White Nights, International Festival of Choral Art, International Early Music Festival.

Winter is cheaper, but lots of activities are not happening, and cold in Russia is rather extreme.

Check the best accommodation options and guided tours/ticket/passes options for St. Petersburg.

Cheap European Vacations in Rome, Italy

The famous Vatican stairs: Bramante Staircase

The city of Rome is a living, walk-through museum. It is an unbelievable destination suitable for all seasons (not so good when rains fall but still beautiful).

What are the best things to do in Rome?

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi

Santa Maria Della Vittoria

Ancient Appian Way

Trastevere

Basilica di San Clemente

Piazza Navona

Gianicolo Hill

Campo de’ Fiori

Porta Portese

Spanish Steps

Musei Capitolini

St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

Pantheon

Colosseum (Colosseo)

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

Palatine Hill

Galleria Borghese

Gruppo Storico Romano Gladiator School

When is it wonderful to visit Rome?

Prices are lower from October to April. The weather is hot in summer, but Rome has free water fountains all over the city, and you will be amazed by the colors of the city with summer light.

You can find lots of affordable accommodations outside of the historical center, but it will still be close to it, so no worries. Better to go there with the sun than rain.

The cold will not be an issue with all the walking (if you plan for winter). Food is affordable if you avoid tourist restaurants.

Check here for where to stay in Rome and all tours with a guide and skip the line tickets.

Cheap City Break in Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a contradictory island, suitable for many different tastes. One of its sides/coasts has lots of beaches while the other one is rocky.

The best beaches will be revealed by the locals when they like you, so make sure they do. This post will be somewhat informative for you.

The islands hold the essence from the Venetian history, and you will notice that in the architecture of its capital.

What are the best things to do in Corfu?

All the beaches

Paleokastritsa Monastery (and beach)

Corfu Donkey Rescue

Church of Saint Spyridon

Corfu Museum of Asian Art

Achillion Palace & Museum

Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress)

Aqualand (lots of fun)

When is it superb to visit Corfu?

Summertime is the best season. In case you want to hit the lowest prices ever then visit Corfu from April to May and September to November.

Corfu is in the West part of Greece, and you can encounter lots of rain during those times. In case you can be there in Orthodox Easter time, you will see lots of local customs happening.

Here is where to stay in Corfu and guided tours.

Berlin, Germany Cheap Holiday Destination

Berlin is a somewhat controversial city with extreme nightlife. If you are after nightlife, then it won’t be very cheap. Many other things come at really affordable prices.

Here is a post with ideas for three days in Berlin and another one for five days in Germany.

What are the best things to do in Berlin?

Brandenburg Gate

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Potsdamer Platz

Tiergarten

The topography of Terror

East Side (Wall) Gallery

Reichstag

Museum Island

Pergamonmuseum

Zoologischer Garten Berlin

Checkpoint Charlie

TV Tower

Charlottenburg Palace

When is it thrilling to visit Berlin?

Berlin is at the center of Germany but also in the North of Europe so that any other months will be rather cold.

Find here the Berlin lodging options & tickets for excellent tours and landmarks.

Seville, Spain Cheap European City

With hotels moving around the USD100 per night, this city is affordable too. There are hostels and such if you want to lower the accommodation fees.

There are lots of parks, promenade locations, museums, bull-fights, and tasty food. See more great places to visit in Spain.

What are the best things to do in Seville?

La Carbonerí

Guadalquivir River Cruise

Metropol Parasol

Museum of Fine Arts

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza

Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium

Torre del Oro

Isla Mágica

When it is great to visit Seville?

Better to visit from March to May due to mild temperatures. The famous events of Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, happen in these months.

Where to stay in Seville? Check here. What do in Seville? Click here.

Munich, Germany Cheap Holidays in Europe

Munich maybe not the first destination that comes in your mind when you plan to visit Europe, but it is a great one.

You can read our experiences in Munich from here, here and here. By the way, beers and food are fantastic.

What are the best things to do in Munich?

English Garden

Church of Our Lady

Viktualienmarkt

Nymphenburg Palace Gardens

Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm

St. Michael’s Church

Marienplatz

St. Peter’s Church

Deutsches Museum

Residenz Royal Palace

Old Picture Gallery

Augustiner-Keller

Bayerische Staatsoper Opera House

Nymphenburg Palace Museum

Modern Picture Gallery

When is it amazing to visit Munich?

March to May is best, though the weather may get a bit chilly. Things are happening in the summertime, but there are lots of crowds too.

Check for accommodation in Munich and all the tours & passes

Summary of Affordable European Destinations

As you see, there are lots and lots of places to visit. This list will expand more in the following days, so make sure you subscribe to it!

Traveling is fun, and budget or/and affordable traveling is preferred by many.

Have fun!

source http://cheaprtravels.com/cheap-city-breaks-best-affordable-european-destinations-2020/

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