Make the Perfect Gingerbread Man

Make the perfect gingerbread man

One of the best things about Christmas is that’s it’s a time to give into temptation and indulge in all the Christmas sweet treats! A European classic, the gingerbread man is always the perfect festive biscuit. This year why not try making some for yourselves with our simple gingerbread recipe?!

Ingredients check list:

• 4 tsp ground ginger
• 7 tbsp golden syrup
• 200g brown sugar
• 250g butter
• 600g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking soda

Method:

1) Preheat the oven to 200C.

2) Sieve the flour into a bowl and mix in the baking soda.

3) Melt the butter in a saucepan and add syrup, brown sugar and ginger. Stir until the mixture forms a thick syrup.

4) Mix the dry and the wet mixtures together to form a sturdy dough. If the dough is too wet, roll in some more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry add a teaspoon of water at a time. Do this until the dough is moist and easy to handle and shape.

5) Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes.

6) Bake for 10 - 15 minutes.

7) Leave to cool and decorate!

If your feeling really creative you could also try and make gingerbread Christmas trees, reindeer, snowmen, even a whole gingerbread house! The possibilities are endless…

New Years Eve in Berlin, come and join us!

Do you have plans for New Years Eve? Berlin is one of the top European cities to celebrate New Years Eve in. When we think of Berlin the first thing that crosses our mind is the famous love parade. Although Berlin has so much more to offer to people that can’t stop partying!

A Berlin New Years Eve is of course celebrated in different clubs across Berlin. It is handy to keep up with the programming of the hotspot like; Kulturbrauerei, Club Watergate and the Magnet Club.

If you find yourself searching for an outdoor event that has everything, then why not try the huge Brandenburger Tor party! This is a big event with various performers live on stage. They use a big clock for the crowd to count the seconds until the 1^st of January.

Another possible place you don’t want to miss is the Kreuzberg area. The bars here organise great parties and also provide an enjoyable fireworks display in the Viktoria park.

It is impossible to go to all the events but you can pick one that is above, or go exploring and see if you can find a highlight of your own!

Have you already been in Berlin!? Tell us your story we would like to hear from you.

Saludos!

Best British Holidays

Personally, when I think about holidays, I can’t help but picturing paradise. You know, sun, palm trees, sandy beaches, cocktails, secluded ocean view villas… the works. Being a realist though, I understand that for many, including myself, this is just a pipe dream, and one that isn’t happening any time soon. But who’s to say you have to splash the cash and whisk away to exotic destinations to have a good time? As a Brit, I often forget about the beauty that exists on my very own doorstep. Rather, I spend hours stressing, working up a budget and fretting over this year’s holiday destination. I mean, even places like France and Spain, which are relatively close by, can be expensive. Come to think of it, anywhere you go can be expensive. So, why not stay put? Britain may not be everyone’s holiday of choice, but it’s full of gems that I truly believe match even the best of destinations. Here is a pick of some of the best bits of Britain:

Stonehenge- Ok, the obvious one to begin with but really a must-see. This mysterious prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 3100BC- yet nobody knows for sure exactly when, by whom or what purpose it served.

Lake District- This stunning rural area in the North-West of England is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in England. Stretching over miles of countryside, this is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you will also find Lake Windermere (Cumbria), the largest natural lake in the country (2 miles long, 1 mile wide and 220 feet deep).

The Giant’s Causeway- This is a World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. It is a stunning picture. This natural structure is made up of around 40,000 basalt columns, created by a volcanic eruption and is really something to behold as the tide of the sea lash against it.

Bath- Another gem in the South West of England. Few other towns can yield such elegance, charm and fantastic architectural riches. Here you’ll find the famous Roman Baths, Circus and Royal Crescent.

York- This beautiful historic town in the North of England is another must see. It is home to York Minster, one of the country’s most impressive cathedral’s and, incidentally, the largest in Northern Europe.

Edinburgh- The Scottish capital is a cultural treat- full of galleries, museums, regular arts festivals and dominated by the impressive Edinburgh Castle. It’s also got some fantastic nightlife on offer, and is home to one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, the Hogmanay

London- Finally we come to the UK’s largest city and England’s capital, London. There is so much to see and do here, the list is endless. Historic monuments, museums, parks, buzzing night life. What’s more, the city will be playing host to the 2012 Olympic Games!

So there you have it. Obviously not a complete list, I’ve only just brushed the surface when talking about what Britain has to offer. But this should be enough to get you started!

Crêpes & Paris, the perfect combination!

Mmm chocolate…we all love the odd chunk of chocolate don’t we? Well, have you ever thought about having crêpes with chocolate? How about crêpes, chocolate and the Eiffel Tower in front of you? This may seem may not seem so special to you, but for me this simple combination is one of my fondest memories of the French capital. Paris has got to be the best place to enjoy crêpes in the entire world- it’s the capital of romance, of haute cuisine, of haute culture and anything else “chic” that you could think of, but it also reserves a special place for me as THE capital of tasty chocolatey treats. With hundreds of stalls selling them across the city, you won’t find a better crêpe au nutella in the world.

Let’s start with my personal favourite, the best crêperie in town in my opinion. The crêpes at Crêperie Bretonne, (on the 11^th arrondisement, near the Bastille) are sensational. Here they are referred to as blé noir, or buckwheat flour in English and if you decide to make the trip here you’re guaranteed not to leave disappointed. The chocolate here is silky, milky and simply melts in your mouth as it oozes out of the sweet wrap.

But you don’t have to stop there. Many places offer various alternatives and combinations. You could mix nutella with strawberry. Nutella with banana (another personal favourite). Even nutella with cream. All will leave you going back for more. Even if you’re not feeling particularly in the mood for something sweet, a delicious substitute would be a savoury crêpe, the perfect option for a quick and light lunch. Some examples could include crêpes with ham, ham & cheese or ham & mushroom. The great thing about these tasty pocket-sized treats is that they’re just so convenient. On a chilly winter’s day, they’re the perfect quick snack to warm you up. And as everyone knows Paris is the city of amour, so they’re also perfect to pick up as a quick bite when on a romantic walk with the partner.

Bon appétit!

A Gem of the East

What is there to see and do in Warsaw, Poland’s capital city? To put it simply, a lot! The city has a more turbulent history than most, which is what gives it its distinct character, but also combines this with a modern urban diversity. This can be seen instantly through its skyline, a mix of modern sky scrapers and structures reminiscent of the many upheavals that the city has witnessed. Here’s of pick of Warsaw’s top attractions:

 

The Old Town: This area of Warsaw was raised to the ground in WW2, completely destroyed by the Germans; located in the heart of Old Warsaw, the structures have been impressively restored to their past glory after years of reconstruction. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and people watching, with many windy streets, square and cafés/bars/restaurants around every corner.

The Palace of Culture and Science- This is Poland’s highest building and was also once the highest in Europe. If you go to the top of the Palace, you’ll see staggering panoramic views of Warsaw from the observation decks.

Lazienki Park- This is one of Warsaw’s most beautiful spots. Perfect for a peaceful/ romantic stroll, you might even get lucky and catch one of the music concerts often performed here. You’ll also be able to tour the impressive Palace on Water, a luxurious palace with an expansive garden that was built by King Stanislaw during his eighteenth century rule.

The Zoo- This is always a popular choice amongst kids if you happen to be travelling yours. With over five-thousand different species of animals, lush park trails, an aquarium and a reptile house, the zoo is a dead cert to please young and old alike.

The New Town: The term is slightly misleading as this part of the city was constructed in the 13^th century. The area offers an exceptional dining and shopping experience with a distinct tendency towards Polish culture.

The Warsaw Uprising memorial: This inspirational memorial was erected in honour of the many men and women who lost their lives battling against German forces.

 

For those looking to do a bit of drinking on their trip, why not go vodka tasting and experience one of the true roots of Polish culture. Vodka is a beverage which originates in Eastern Europe. Poland is well known for its vodka and there are many of them. Distilled from grain or potatoes, Polish vodka tends to have more taste and texture than others.

Centre of the Wine World

In my lifetime I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many wonderful places across the globe. One place that particularly stands out for me is the small, yet incredibly charming French town of Beaune. Located just a few hours south-east of Paris and in the heart of the Burgundian wine country, this may not jump out to you as one’s dream destination, but I´m almost certain that if you ever have the chance to visit you’ll quickly be seduced. The fact that I spent 10 months living there probably does have something to do with the attachment I have developed with the town, however I would highly recommend visiting for anyone who happens to be in the area, especially wine-enthusiasts.

Beaune lives and breathes wine- making it, selling it, tasting it, but most of all drinking it. It has consequently become one of the best places in France for wine tasting. But Beaune has much more to offer than just wine: It is a bustling, wealthy, and charming place of pilgrimage for art lovers and gastronomes too. It is also home to one of the jewel’s of Burgundy: the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, France’s grandest medieval charity hospital and one of the country’s most visited tourist spots.

For the typical tourist, Beaune is a half-day town. The historic town centre (with its narrow, cobbled streets and picturesque old square) is charming and a pleasant place to walk around. Clearly the Hotel-Dieu (or Hospices de Beaune) is a must-see, but doesn’t take too long to see. In contrast, there’ll never be enough to time to spend in and around the town for the food and wine lover. For this the region is like a wonderland. Almost every town in the Côte-d'Or (the “département” where Beaune is located) has a fabulous restaurant, where you can sample all the local delicacies (such as the famous “escargots”, or “snails” in English), as well as countless cellars to taste wine. Even though the wine appellations in the Côte-d'Or are geographically not far apart, the wines produced in relatively close appellations vary radically- this diversity is one of the major attractions of Burgundy wine, and is what makes it such a popular destination. You’ll find world-famous wines dotted all over the region.

Beaune makes the ideal base for exploring other small wine towns in the region. It is centrally located and well connected to other famous nearby wine towns like Montrachet, Pommard and Nuits-Saint-Georges, all just a short drive away.

Krakow - The Market Square

If ever you have the pleasure of visiting the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland’s former capital, the chances are you’ll come across the Market Square (‘Rynek Glowny’, in Polish) at some point. In fact, it is one of the largest squares in Europe and is the city’s main attraction, so you can’t really miss it. Within, you’ll find countless shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, and all the culture and history you could possibly hope to soak up.

The Market Square was initially constructed long ago in 1257, after the Mongol hordes swept through the city. At 200m squared, it immediately became the largest market place in Europe at the time. Yet the beauty of the square is that as one is taking a peaceful stroll through, it never seems too big, with the also famous Cloth Hall running through the centre and providing a perfect feeling of balance. Many important events of Polish history were realized here and the square remains one of the most energetic, vibrant and inspiring places in the country. It really is a must see for anyone visiting Poland.

At the beginning, the square was the life and soul of Krakow, providing the social and commercial heart of the city. It became an emporium of the Black Sea trade and from here a springboard to Poland’s connections with the Western World. In modern times, the square provides the perfect meeting point for Cracovians of all ages. One of the most attractive aspects of the square is that it never sleeps. There always seems to be people milling around within it no matter what the time. The phrase “Pod Adamem” (“By Adam”, in English) refers to the famous statue in the middle of the square and is often used to mean “we´ll meet by the statue”).

 
Anyone that has been here will agree that the square has a certain sense of majesty and magnificence about it. There are many grand buildings within it (the old aristocracy built their palaces here) which one can use as vantage points to view the square. And probably the best time of year to visit, as you can imagine, is during the summer months. This is when the bars and cafés dotted about the square begin setting out tables and chairs, which provides a fantastic place to relax and take in the beauties of the square- all you need to do is sit back and watch the buskers, flower sellers and horse drawn carts flow by.

Its location is also a massive plus point. Just a short walk away is the ancient Wawel Castle and Wisla River, which you can reach through the many charming, narrow streets that branch off the square itself.

A unique city

Right throughout the country, England is brimming with many wonderful towns, cities and buildings, all beautiful in their own individual way: Historic York, the peaceful regatta town of Henley, university-dominated Cambridge and the famous horse-racing Cheltenham. These are just a few examples of the gems one can find in England, yet the country is littered with many more. Though I must say that from personal experience, having travelled a fair bit around the country, no other place has been so stunningly striking than the very unique City of Bath, better described as a spa-town, where I have studied for the past 4 years.

Few other towns can yield such elegance, such charm and such fantastic architectural riches. It really cannot be compared to any other town in the country, or at least I have seen none other like it. Bath´s original construction somewhat ran in the family. John Wood (there were two, the elder and the younger), both of them, were responsible for much of the city´s impressive architecture, constructing the famous Circus and the Royal Crescent. Many beleive the two combine to form a huge question mark symbol, visible from a bird´s eye view.

Upon arrival in the town you´ll also immediately notice the obvious architectural harmony, continuous throughout the city. Particularly after Bath was pronounced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, strict construction regulations have meant that every building must be in keeping with its surroundings. For this reason, the heritage of the city has been meticulously preserved right up to this day. There really is nowhere else like it.

Yet not only is the city bursting with architectural beauty, it is full of many other treats. The famous Roman Baths (open to visitors) are a main attraction and there are endless cute little restaurants, bars, cafés and shops to keep you busy all day. Merely taking a stroll through this peaceful, historical town will take your breath away.It really is a must-see.

Try tapas in Seville

Seville is well known for two things: The flamenco and tapas. Along with some of the nicest monuments, palaces, cathedrals and Gardens in the whole of Spain. In some areas of Spain the tapas can be very similar, for example in every cafe/restaurant it can be hard to find something different. But in Seville after passing one tapas bar after another you realise that the offer is extremely varied compared with the major cities of Barcelona and Madrid where although you can find excellent tapas it’s often at a high price. Many of the Seville tapas bars serve it free when you order a drink such as the Spanish Cruzcampo beer.

The cities beautiful architecture combined with the excellent cooking provides a stunning setting to sample the Tapas. 
One of the most popular dishes is the squid friend on a skewer along with fresh prawns and coconut.

Top 5 Bars in Barcelona

Barcelona along with many other cities in the world, has an excellent Bar scene. Spain has a culture for late nights and Barcelona does not disappoint with many bars staying open until 04.00! Many of the bars don't get busy till around 11 or 12.

Here is a list of our Top 5 Bars that our a must visit when you visit Barcelona!

Ice Bar - A bar that's cooled down to a chilly –8ºC! You will be provided with a Jacket and gloves to keep you nice and warm!

Espit Chupito – Really popular bar with over 500 varieties of shots, some of which are set alight along the bar!

Manchester Bar – Taken straight out of Manchester, England its a relaxed bar with English themes.

Oveja Negra – Set in a side street close to the “Las Ramblas” it is really popular with students as the alcohol is really cheap. You can buy 3 litre containers of either Beer or Sangria!

Champañería – A Beautiful Bar which serves some really tasty Cava and Tapas.

Nightclubs in Barcelona

Barcelona; like many other cities around the world has some great nightclubs. They range from student clubs to luxury clubs where the Barcelona footballers hang out. Many of them stay open until at least 6:00am which means you can literally dance all night! The clubs can be expensive but usually if you arrive before a certain time you will gain free entry into the club. Although often you will find people handing out flyers to gain free entry for most of the night.

Top 3 popular nightclubs include:

Sala Be Cool

One of the best clubs in Barcelona, it has top quality DJ’s that play Techno, House and Disco. People that travel to Sala Be Cool go to just because of the club but because of the music. It has one of the best sound systems in Barcelona.

Shoko

Located right by the beach, it’s in a perfect location. It’s usually has free entry before 1:00am and drinks are €10 each. The club mainly plays house and has 2 different rooms with VIP areas.

Razzmatazz

One of the most popular clubs in Barcelona, it is popular with students. It regularly plays to concerts from top bands, with 5 different rooms, playing host to Indie, Electro, Pop , Chill out and Disco it is a huge club with something to suit every taste!

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is one of the busiest streets in Barcelona and is a well known tourist attraction. The street has plenty to entertain you and is full of street sellers and famous for its human statues!

The street can get especially busy during the summer months but is well worth a visit. The street is home to the “La Boqueria” which is an old market that is full of people selling all kinds of foods from around the world. It’s a lot cheaper than the supermarkets and no doubt the food is fresher.

It is also home to the “Teatre de Liceu” which is an opera house where you can see regular performances.

The Street is full of “human statues” that often come dressed in scary clothing! There is a statue that appears to be floating in the air which often draws many visitors! Towards the bottom end of Las Ramblas Plaza Real is situated. It is a plaza that is full of lovely restaurants and cafes. The ramblas leads down to the harbour so it’s defiantly worth a visit. I would recommend heading off Las Ramblas into the El Gotico area after to find a nice café or restaurant to eat in. As there are many tourists that use the street it has been known as being a target for pickpockets but the main advice is always look after your belongings and make sure that you have always got an eye on them. Las Ramblas is well served by the Barcelona metro system you can either get off at Plaza Cataunya   , Liceu   or Drassanes . Drassanes is at the bottom and Plaza Catalunya is at the top.

 

Parks in Rome

Rome has lots of parks for to explore and enjoy a great, relaxing day out. The parks are a great place to enjoy relaxing activities such as cycling or skating.

Or you could take the more traditional approach and just relax and take in the scenery.

At Villa Borghese you can take a break from your walk by having a look in or at the art museum. It’s located in the centre of the park and has painting by the famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci. The park also houses a hot air balloon which takes you around 150 metres in the air and you can see views all over the city. Really worth a visit!

Parco Acquedotti is an area which provides Rome with one of its many water supplies.

At Via Nomentana you will find Villa Torlonia, which is a public park in the centre of Rome. It was created in the 1806 by Giuseppe Valadier. Tourists and locals both enjoy this beautiful park.

One of the best parks Rome has to offer is called the Villa Doria Pamphili which is where Cesar built a castle for Cleopatra. The castle nowadays is used for lots of official occasions.

The famous Vatican city is a must see! And in the city there are some beautiful gardens. Due to its popularity some of the garden is only open to the public with a guide. The park has a lot of beautiful animals, gardens and birds. The park makes a great place to come and spend an afternoon.

Parks in Rome make a great place to get away from the business of the city. Especially when the weather gets hotter and the crowds increase, as seen in the summer months. They provide someone for you to enjoy rest and relaxation.

How to get to Florence

Amerigo Vespucci international airport is the one closest to the city, with the driving distance being about fifteen minutes, by bus or taxi in this case. If you opt for the bus, there is the Ataf Sita Vola in Bus service that costs 4.50 Euro one-way. It transports to the central train station that gives you access to the other major cities in Italy. The trains are fast and modern and they connect you to the rest of Italy and essentially Europe too.If you are planning on making the trip even special why not stay in a Florence Apartment

If you really want to appreciate the beauty of Florence, then you should prefer walking the distances to being driven around. The magic of the city is best captured when you are on foot. But if you like there are bike rental services courtesy of the city that can help you get around much faster while still getting to see all the architecture and works of art. The historic center is a no-ride zone and any violation of this results in hefty fines.

Via car the A-1 Autostrada is the best highway. It connects to Bologna, Milan and even Rome. Driving around the city is somewhat complicate and if you happen to rent a car, be sure to ask about getting in and out of the city without violating the ZTL- these are rules. Once in the Piazzale Michelangelo, you can make the parking but only for a specified amount of time. You can pretty much walk from here on end since the distance to the heart of the city is not too long.

Outside the centre is where most of the Italians go to it, and depending on how much you want to spend, there are several dishes for you to choose from. Your taste buds will have a kick as you get to taste the Italian food. If you are in the spirit of spending, then there are great restaurants that will help you do just that

 

Take a visit to Florence!

Florence is often an underrated city and one which is defiantly worth a visit especially if you have never been to Italy before. It provides some real culture authentic of Italy.

Amerigo Vespucci international airport is the one closest to the city, with the driving distance being about fifteen minutes, by bus or taxi in this case. If you opt for the bus, there is the Ataf Sita Vola in Bus service that costs 4.50 Euro one-way. It transports to the central train station that gives you access to the other major cities in Italy. The trains are fast and modern and they connect you to the rest of Italy and essentially Europe too.If you are planning on staying in the city why not rent a Florence Apartment so you can enjoy the city in style!

If you really want to appreciate the beauty of Florence, then you should prefer walking the distances to being driven around. The magic of the city is best captured when you are on foot. But if you like there are bike rental services courtesy of the city that can help you get around much faster while still getting to see all the architecture and works of art. The historic center is a no-ride zone and any violation of this results in hefty fines.

To get into Florence via car the A-1 Autostrada is the best highway. It connects to Bologna, Milan and even Rome. Driving around the city is somewhat complicate and if you happen to rent a car, be sure to ask about getting in and out of the city without violating the ZTL- these are rules. Once in the Piazzale Michelangelo, you can make the parking but only for a specified amount of time. You can pretty much walk from here on end since the distance to the heart of the city is not too long.

Not only does it have some beautiful architecture but some stunning restaurants to wet your appetite!

 

Florence

The city of Florence can well pass for the place with the greatest art in the world. Buildings are adorned in it, and this combined with the great architecture, make the initial statement well worth believing. So you have planned to visit the city and be part of its glory, then you need to have all the travel information that may help you make that necessary trip.

Amerigo Vespucci international airport is the one closest to the city, with the driving distance being about fifteen minutes, by bus or taxi in this case. If you opt for the bus, there is the Ataf Sita Vola in Bus service that costs 4.50 Euro one-way. It transports to the central train station that gives you access to the other major cities in Italy. The trains are fast and modern and they connect you to the rest of Italy and essentially Europe too.

If you are planning on making the trip even special why not stay in a Florence Apartment

If you really want to appreciate the beauty of Florence, then you should prefer walking the distances to being driven around. The magic of the city is best captured when you are on foot. But if you like there are bike rental services courtesy of the city that can help you get around much faster while still getting to see all the architecture and works of art. The historic center is a no-ride zone and any violation of this results in hefty fines.

To get into Florence via car the A-1 Autostrada is the best highway. It connects to Bologna, Milan and even Rome. Driving around the city is somewhat complicate and if you happen to rent a car, be sure to ask about getting in and out of the city without violating the ZTL- these are rules. Once in the Piazzale Michelangelo, you can make the parking but only for a specified amount of time. You can pretty much walk from here on end since the distance to the heart of the city is not too long.

Outside the historical center is where most of the Italians go to it, and depending on how much you want to spend, there are several dishes for you to choose from. Your taste buds will have a kick as you get to taste the Italian food. If you are in the spirit of spending, then there are great restaurants that will help you do just that.

 

Visit Venice!

There are not many other cities in the world like Venice. The city is a full of canals, bridges, cobblestone streets and lively squares. Explore the unique sites of this great city on foot or by vaporetto, a network of boat which is them main mode of transportation in the city.

 

Make the most of your visit to the amazing city and stay in a Venice Apartment.

When in Venice, the must see sights are:

St. Mark's Basilica is the best example of Byzantine architecture in the world. Filled with incredible artworks, the church has over 40,000 gold mosaics covering the walls and ceilings. Just outside is St. Mark's Square, or Panetta, the gathering place where you can people watch while sitting at one of the sidewalk cares. Take a short elevator ride up the bell tower, St. Mark's Campanile, for amazing views of the Piazza and Basilica. St. Mark's is also full of pigeons. There are only certain areas where you can feed them, so make sure to look at the signs to avoid a fine. An interesting fact is that Venice only allows a certain number of vendors to sell bird seeds - these licenses are passed on from one generation to another. It would be highly unlikely for someone to be able to obtain a license to sell feed today unless it was already in the family.

Venice has over 409 bridges, over 150 canals. The Grand Canal is the main water-traffic thoroughfare full of gondoliers serenading tourist and locals moving swiftly on evaporators also known as water buses. Lined with more than 170 historical palazzos, the Grand Canal offers a view into the everyday life of this bustling city. When riding in a gondola, many cannot appreciate the work that goes into each one. They are made from 8 different types of wood, in 280 pieces. Take note also that one side of the gondola is longer than the other, to offer set the weight of the gondolier.

One of the most famous buildings in Venice is the Doge Palace. The building has been used as the home to the ruling family, a courthouse and prison. Its unique gothic architecture features beautiful medieval sculptures, columns and arcades. Look for the red marble arch, once reserved for the Doge to announce death sentences and oversee public executions in the square below. Many of the Italy tours include sightseeing already.

Visit London!

London is one of the most visited cities in the world. Tourists and travellers keep coming year after year to the city, for several reasons; The main reason for its popularity is because of its history, which dates back centuries ago to Roman times, when it was known as Londinium.
London is known for having more than 200 museums including the Natural History Museum, art galleries like the Tate Modern, with modern and contemporary art, and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace. London has something for everyone; its multicultural diversity means that wherever you come from you will always find something that appeal to you.
Other tourist attractions such as the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, the British Museum and many more demonstrate the development and modern history in London. The famous works of great artists and famous authors are displayed in museums and galleries to date. There are numerous churches and other places of worship spread throughout the city; St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey are the most significant.
Due to the high number of visitors each year, London hosts a variety of apartments and hotels to find the best accommodation. Check out Apartments London for some of the best.
London is a destination for all ages. Therefore, even you’re the parent of a young child or a teen, or you’re perhaps enjoying your retirement, a trip to London is perfect.
The most popular reasons to travel to London include romantic getaways, family holidays, solo explorations, honeymoons, anniversaries and business travel. Regardless of why you are travelling in London or what you expect from your trip, it has everything you could want.

Besides visiting all the attractions mentioned above, there are many activities you can participate in during your visit to London. These activities include visiting restaurants, shops (all budgets and tastes are served), museums football stadiums, just to name a few of the things you can do.

 

Rebajas (Sales) in Barcelona!

If you are low on funds, well not to worry! The sales started last month and finish in March and start from August through to September.

If you're not quite sure of what you can find and where you can find it, the itinerary we are offering will be of great use. On the other hand, it's worth remembering that the whole of Barcelona is a Shopper's paradise.

Shopping Routes

First of all, you could walk down Passeig de Gracia and Las Ramblas de Catalunya, where you'll be able to find the most exclusive fashions. The hippest houses, such as Armani, Chanel, Herrera, Herme's, Calvin Klein, Max Mara etc. are all located right here. Attention, though: this area is solely for the seriously rich! ("Not for me, then!")

For younger fashion, you need to head for Portaferrissa and Portal de l'Angel. The prices are middling and as well as the big chains like H&M, Mango and Zara, there are also smaller shops with alternative goods. In this area you will also find other brands, such as Pull&Bear, Stradivarius and System Action, and so on.

Avinguda Diagonal ("Diagonal Avenue") also has tons of shops! You will find everything!

La Ribera, El Raval and Barri Gotic (the Gothic quarter) hold many gems too. On Riera Baixa 'Street' in the Raval there are Hippie Clothes' Shops. You should also have a walk down Avinyo' and Princesa Streets, where you will see import and local fashions; ethnic goods; cyber-punk styles and much, much more. This is for those who appreciate a different culture and don't want to parade around dressed head-to-toe in clothes from Zara and Mango.

Shopping Centres (a few suggestions):

1. Gran Via 2 (located close to Ikea)

2. L'Illa (On Diagonal)

3. Mare Magnum

4. El Corte Ingle's (In Placa Catalunya)

5. Les Glo'ries (near to the Agbar Tower)

6. Diagonal Mar (Yellow L4 Metro, get out at the 'Maresme Fo'rum stop)

The majority of Second Hand Clothes' Shops can be scoped out in Riera Baixa and Tallers (you'll find one shop after another). Strolling down Portaferrisa and in and around Gracia you will also be able to spot more shops of this kin.

At the small Marketplaces many and various goods are on offer at very low prices, especially if you're hunting down accessories. El Mercat de Bellcaire in Dos de Maig Streen in Encants is just one example amongst many.

Artisan, jewellery and Accessories are ten to the dozen in Barcelona. Many stores belong to young designers who put their creations on sale. Enter, browse and you will be to find things that are unique and out of the ordinary. Ferlandina 'Street', the Passeig Del Born and Rossello' are some of the places where you'll be able to find such things.

Whilst we're thinking about it, for further information on the Winter Sales please consult the following links where you'll find further information.

Happy Shopping!

A word of advice: the cheaper your hotel or flat in Barcelona is, the greater your budget will be for shopping. Do your homework and find your perfect place!