Posts Tagged ‘city breaks’

Russia’s Coolest Cities

When visiting Russia, and thinking of exploring cities, most people will automatically assume that the capital city Moscow and the nearby city of St Petersburg are the only places worth a look. However in a country as vast as Russia there are other cities to choose from to explore and enjoy too.

Moscow – Of course it is highly likely that if you are traveling to Russia you will want to visit the countrys vibrant capital city, Moscow. The city has in recent years seen a huge growth in its economy and is now as famous for its millionaires as its traditional tourist sights. Caf© culture and fine dining prevail in the city with a great number of cool bars, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. If its culture you are after then you wont be disappointed as Moscow is also home to the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, the Bolshoi Ballet and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Art. For a taste of the history of the country you can look at the citys various churches and monuments and also visit the famous sights of the Kremlin and Red Square.

St Petersburg – St Petersburg was designed and built by Italian architects and this is reflected in the stunning neo-classical architecture you will see in this breathtaking city. Often described as the Venice of the North, Russias window to the West is also built amongst a network of waterways. St Petersburg has more of a European vibe to it than Moscow does, however there is plenty to explore for culture lovers. There are many fascinating museums here including the Winter Palace/Hermitage Museum which houses a wide collection of European art. For those who enjoy a cool, cosmopolitan experience then St Petersburg is the perfect city destination. The White Night season occurs during the summer months when the city rarely gets darker than your average twilight. This is the perfect setting for a spot of all-night partying and with a wide variety of cool clubs, bars and restaurants to choose from, people who enjoy nightlife should have no problem finding somewhere to hang out and soak up the atmosphere.

Vladivostok – A full 9 hours way from Moscow by air, Russias south-eastern city is a window on to East Asia. Although not on the same scale in terms of activity as Russias two major cities, Vladivostok nevertheless makes for a cool destination. This port city is best seen on foot and is perfect for wandering and exploring the various forts, museums and monuments or you could even visit Brynner House, the art nouveau style house and birthplace of actor Yul Brynner.

Irkutsk – The city of Irkutsk is found along the Trans-Siberian Railway near to the Baikal Lake. This city gives you a glimpse into 19th Century Russia with its traditional wooden buildings; this type of building was destroyed in the bigger cities during the Industrialization period. The city is often used as the start point for tours of Lake Baikal or trips along the Trans Siberian Railway towards the East of China. The city is also the gateway to mountain ranges and Olkhon Island another popular tourist destination. There are several museums in Irkutsk itself which are worth a visit and a number of cool eateries and bars where you can soak up the ambience.

Now Try : Moscow Hotels

Bristol Weekend Breaks, the Jewel of the South West

City breaks are big business with people looking for a weekend away, be it for a special occasion or just to get away from the mundane of routine for a few days.

With most city breaks being aimed at the London, Birmingham and Manchester markets, there are other options that can bring a welcome change to the usual overcrowded tourist centres.

Bristol is a great example, being the largest city in the south west of England and located between Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Places to Visit

Bristol has as many places of interest as any other major urban area. Some that should be added to any short list are the Bristol Zoo Gardens, Blue Reef Aquarium, Cheddar Caves & Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Berkeley Castle.

Places to Eat

As with any major city, Bristol has a wide and varied selection of restaurants and eating establishments. From fast food to something a little more special, Bristol has a wide range of options that range from exquisite international cuisine to the best locally grown and cooked food that the West Country has to offer.

Some of the places worth considering include The Glassboat restaurants, Browns and Aqua Italia.

Getting about in Bristol and Parking

Bristol has a top-notch public transport system with regular bus and rail networks. Driving in and around the city isn’t nearly as daunting as navigating through London or Manchester and there are ample city centre car parking options to choose from in and around the city.

If you’re journeying from further afield and prefer flying over driving, Bristol airport is located approximately 8 miles from the city centre and is easily accessible by car and public transport. The airport offers good facilities for those flying in and out of the city including Bristol Airport parking and regular connections to and from the city. For those that want accommodation near to the airport, there is a good range of Bristol Airport hotels located near to the airport.

So if you’re looking for a Christmas shopping weekend break, a romantic weekend away or just feel the need for a change of scenery, why not visit Bristol and enjoy the wealth of history, places to visit and fun things to do.

City Breaks In Europe

One of the most popular destinations in Europe is Paris, in France. Paris is one of the largest cities in Europe and has the long-held reputation as being one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. The city is brimming with culture and offers a wealth of fantastic restaurants, art museums and fashion houses. Many world-famous landmarks are situated within Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre Museum. Paris has long been the most popular tourist destination in the world with over 45 million tourists visiting the city every year, placing it top of our city list.

The Spanish city of Barcelona sits nestled on the edge of northern Spain, right on the beach-front. Its Mediterranean location and large architectural style means that humidity can be uncomfortable during peak times but throughout most of the year the weather is pleasant and comfortable. A number of museums and cultural attractions are on offer along with fantastic food and drink. Travel to Barcelona is easy, with rail and train links available Europe-wide at all times of the year.

Since German reunification in 1990, Berlin has grown to become one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in Europe. 3.4 million people from over 190 countries live within the city limits. Berlin is known for its liberal and cultural history, lively night-life and art. The East of Berlin has grown to become the centre of culture in Europe with artists and creative types flocking to the city throughout the year to create and display art. Must-sees include the Brandenburg Gate and the Bundestag.

London, England, is the archetypal centre of multiculturalism for many Europeans. It is the largest city in the European Union and attracts many millions of visitors every year. Traveling into and around London is very easy with five airports serving the city and the famous underground train system making inter-district travel quick, simple and affordable. Famous sights such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Big Ben are not to be missed, but there’s so much going on in the city that you’re very unlikely to see it all.

The stunning Italian capital of Rome is famous as the capital of the Roman Empire and the home of the Vatican City. Rome is the ancient capital of culture and religion as was the center of power for much of Europe and world throughout history. At the center of the planet’s greatest global civilization, Rome still exerts huge power over the world. Famous attractions include the unmissable Coliseum, Pantheon and Santa Maria. Rome is easily accessible by rail or air and transport around the city is easy using the Roma Pass scheme.

Read On : Co op Travel

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