Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts

Monday, September 22, 2008

Travel Destination - Europe

Europe is like a time machine, every country having a slightly different flair of old and new. Triumphs of past centuries are often intermingled with modern skyscrapers and architectural wonders. Elaborate palaces, gothic churches, and many historical spots and modern marvels are seen throughout Europe.

The Tower of London is a good example and a popular starting point. This metropolitan city has one of the world's largest international airports and, as the capital of England, is serviced from all points world-wide. Formerly used as a prison, the Tower of London now secures the Crown Jewels of England, making it one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Also throughout London are the Yeoman of the Guard (aka "Beefeaters") who still wear the uniforms that date back from the rule of the Tudors.

The Houses of Parliament (collectively, the New Palace of Westminster) is the seat of British legislature. Three towers, the Victoria Tower, Middle Tower, and Saint Stephen's Clock Tower (housing the world-famous Big Ben) are the hubs of the complex.

France is the world's favorite sight-seeing spot for European vacation goers. The Musee de Louvre houses many of the world's most famous art, including da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Paris' Eiffel Tower is another world landmark along with the nearby Avenue des Champs-Elysees. The Notre Dame Cathedral cannot be missed and families will be interested in visiting Disneyland Paris.

The Dutch city of Amsterdam is also extremely popular as a destination, housing more attractions than can be seen in just a day or two. The house of Anne Frank, the Rijksmuseum (housing the world's largest collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings), and the works of Vincent van Gogh.

Italy, while usually associated with fashion, also offers some of the world's greatest old-world charm. You're sure to want to visit again and again as the mixture of tradition, culture, and architecture dating from the Roman Empire all the way into the middle ages and into today's modern age will delight. Make sure to toss a coin into Rome's Trevi Fountain, which will assure you're return, according to tradition.

Visiting Italy means seeing old Roman buildings, such as the Pantheon and the Colosseum, both world landmarks and very impressive feats of ancient architecture. These fascinating structures are home to ancient stories of gods, battle, and glory.
Milan, Italy's fashion and shopping haven, is also a major center for art and architecture. Traversing Piazza del Duomo and seeing the Duomo itself, a huge Gothic cathedral of white marble are virtually requirements for any visitor to Italy.

If you're an art lover, you'll definitely want to visit Europe, especially Madrid, Spain. Some of the finest museums in the world are found here, including the Museo del Prado. Spain holds too many museums of renown to name and will surely delight anyone who loves art.

By Emma Geller

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Popular Shopping Centres in London

Millions of people travel to London throughout the year either for business or for vacations. Whether you are a businessman or a leisure traveler, shopping shopping centres in London always attracts everyone and one can not stop himself/herself from buying something. Harrods is one of the most famous shopping centres in London apart from many others.

London being a tourist as well as a financial hub always sees lots of people coming here. Whether you are a business traveler or leisure traveler, shopping is always on the cards. You can opt for the world famous Harrods and can also go for the local shopping as the options are wide open.

Few of them named randomly are:

Bond Street
This is probably the best shopping street in the world. Old Bond Street and New Bond Street together make up what is called Bond Street. The shops here are said to have exclusivity. You can find many brands like Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein and others. This street is said to have the most stylish and elegant shops. This is a dream place for any shopper.

Kings Road
In 1960, this was the epicenter of fashion. The old shops have been replaced with chains but it has still got its charm. There are many boutiques, bars and restaurants where you can shop as well as enjoy a drink or two.

Brick Lane Market
Located in East London this market opens only on Sundays from early morning to 2 pm. It is famous for bric-a-brac. Here you can buy stuffs like new and vintage clothes, shoes, leather jacket etc.

Camden Market
The largest street market of the UK has many things to offer. You can have clothes, vegetarian food and many others quality products from here. This street market is spread over whole of Camden town.

Charing Cross Road
This is one place where book lovers can be seen quite in good numbers. You can have old books from here also. Don’t forget to bargain even though it may take time but in the end you will be much satisfied.

Covent Garden
This is another market in London where you will enjoy staying. It has everything that one can ask for like street entertainment, restaurants, cafes and royal opera house. Come here to shop and relax as the ambience is tension free.

Oxford Street
This is one place which is always bustling with people especially on Saturdays. Here you will find different kind of shops like sports shop, branded outlets and fashion wears. Selfridges is a departmental store which has a huge customer base and has been serving from 1909.

Regent Street
Fashionable boutiques, restaurants, international brands and many other stores can be found easily in Regent Street. The whole appearance of this street is beautiful, with the wide pavements and awesome architecture. Hamley’s, London’s largest toy shop is also present here. Shopping here can be a treat for your kids.

Piccadilly
Fortnum and Mason is the oldest and most famous shop here. It was founded by the grocer of King George III. You can also opt for two out of the league shops, the Burlington and Piccadilly. These two have product range from pen to sweaters. Here you can also see the oldest police force ‘the Burlington Beadles’.

Tottenham Court Road
This is a marketplace famous for computer and electronics related products. There are few discount shops which may be worth checking and if you are lucky then you might find a suitable one for yourself. Here you can also look out for many restaurants and bars and mind you they are pretty good in their business.

London is calling you and it is the right time as it is always to visit London. Book your London Hotels in advance!

By Mohit Jain

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Top 10 Places to Visit in London

Tourix - Top: City of London skyline, Middle: Palace of Westminster, Bottom left: Tower Bridge, Bottom right: Tower of London.London has numerous sights and attractions to see like museums, art galleries, parks etc. Let us explore top 10 places to visit in London.

London enchants everyone who comes here. This is a place filled with fun and entertainment and it also has a history to bank on. Palaces, parks and museums are there in good number. So let us start our journey and explore London.

Tower of London: Located on the north bank of river Thames, this is marvelous palace to go for. Recently it has also been included in UNESCO world heritage list. Earlier this place was known for torture and great misery.

Buckingham Palace: Visit this place for the changing of guards. It is quite funny to look at the guards with big black hats. This place attracts millions of visitor every year. St Paul’s

Cathedral: Built in 1710, this is a beautiful church. St Paul’s Cathedral has awesome interiors and go to this place for men and women who risked their lives for its safety. Also look out for acoustics because it is very interesting.

West End: This is art capital of London and has many theatres. Enjoy plays and musical shows which run throughout the day. There is every chance of meeting your favourite actor because they are also regular visitor here.

Westminster Abbey: This place is one of the tourist attractions of London. There are many big names buried here. Visit this place for the architecture and rest assure about cherished memories you will carry home.

Trafalgar Square: This is a place once visited for feeding pigeons but that is not allowed these days. Go there for many monuments and you will not be disappointed.

Clock Tower: Often referred to as Big Ben this is one of the most pictured tower. Visit this place for having fun and taking snaps of the world largest four faced chimney clock. The whole experience will be amazing.

Harrods store: Any vacation is incomplete without shopping. Harrods store is world famous and you can get many things for near and dear ones back home.

London Eye: Take a ride of this London Eye and you will say why I did not come here earlier? London Eye gives you a panoramic view of London.

Hyde Park: Spread over more than 300 acres, this is one of the parks that give London a greener look. You can check this one and also since it is closer to many other attractions, this is a must for your London visit.