Ciutat Vella is the oldest part of Barcelona and it is situated in the city center. You can arrive by train, subway(L1, L3, L6, L7) or regular bus(or Aerobus to the Airport) to Plaça Catalunya. The district is divided in four quarters, Barceloneta, La Ribera, Barri Gòtic and Raval.
La Ribera
Palau de la Música Catalana is an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, which is a masterpiece of Catalan's Modernist Architecture. It was the headquarters of the Orfeó Català, the oldest Catalan Choir. The most beautiful part is fine glass ceiling inside of the Modernist Cencert Hall. As said by the director, the joy of the color, the glass and the atmosphere - these make it special and impressive.
Guided Tour of Modernist Concert hall (and Lluís Millet Hall and the Chamber Music Hall when available) : Euro. 12/adult (20% discount for Barcelona Card holders)
Personally, I highly recommend to listen to symphonic music inside as well as enjoy the amazing architecture. However, it is worth to have a guided tour if your schedule is tight.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar at Plaça de Santa Maria is a Catalan Gothic architecture featured a sombre appearance but with beautiful interior. It is located near the Picasso Museum.
Picasso Museum, where you can understand the formative years of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Please note that it is FREE on the first Sunday on each month (close at 8:00pm).
Entrance: adults: Euro 9/adult
Raval
La Rambla. Often the first landmark that people identify with the city. It is the central and the most famous boulevard which cuts through the heart of the city centre and is a vibrant and lively promenade filled with Barcelona action at its best and worst. It stretches from the harbor to La Plaça Catalunya running through the Ciutat Vella like a spine. Come here to see the street performers jump out at unsuspecting tourists, enjoy the flower and pet stalls, or just sit back and watch all of Barcelona walk by. During the day, La Rambla is packed with tourists, at night, the locals come out, as well as many prostitutes. There, you can find newspaper and book stands, birds, flowers, musicians, street-performing artists that all contribute to create a lively and unique atmosphere. If you happen to be here after Barca win, you're in for a treat! A few blocks south of its north end, you'll find La Boqueria, a very large, fresh air (but covered) market.
Cansaladeria i Formatgeria Josep's is a market with front-line stand featuring most of hams and meats a tourist needs.
Barceloneta
You can just walk down La Rambla until the monument to Columbus in Barceloneta or take subway (L4 yellow line stopping at Barceloneta).
Parc de la Ciutadella is a central park, which includes a zoo, a lake and several museums. The Catalan Parliament can be found in the center of the park.
Zoo-Barcelona - was famous for its albino gorilla "Snowflake" and there is a a science museum inside the zoo today.
Entry fee: Euro. 16/adult.
L'Aquarium is the second biggest aquarium in Europe and is located at the Port Vell leisure center, next to the IMAX cinema.
Entrance ticket :Euro 16/adult.
Olympic Port is a dining and entertainment place where you can find lots of restaurants, bars as well as casino.
Beach stretches from the tip of Barceloneta in Port Vell till Vila Olimpica and so on. The beach is just 10-15 minutes walk from
Useful links:
The official website of Palau de la Música Catalana - http://www.palaumusica.org/
The official website of Picasso Museum - http://w3.bcn.es/V66/Home/V66XMLHomeLinkPl/0,4589,417470534_417617303_3,00.html
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Attraction in Ciutat Vella, Bacelona
Monday, 5 April 2010
Attraction - A Day out to Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay is situated on the north-eastern coast of Lantau Island, New Territories in Hong Kong. Discovery Bay is currently residential site with a sizable community of expatriates. Unlike many other developments in Hong Kong, pets are allowed there.
Discovery Bay is located 2 km west of Hong Kong Disneyland and approximately 12 km west from the nearest point on Hong Kong Island.
Transportation
Central Pier 3 <--> Discovery Bay Pier - around 30mins/ride
Ferry fee: HKD31/adult/way
Train - MTR / Bus
1. Bus DB01R - around 20mins/ride
Take bus from Tung Chung Citygate Bus Terminal, at Tung Chung MTR station
2. Bus DB02R - around 30mins/ride
Take bus at Bus stop outside of car park at Hong Kong International Airport
3. Bus DB03R - around 15mins/ride
Take bus from Sunny Bay MTR station
Things to DO
Dining
Sun, Sand and Sea
Hikking
1. Within Discovery Bay
Start from Discovery Bay Pier --> Waterfront --> Seahorse Lane --> Discovery Valley Road --> the Lookout Point (panoramic view of Discovery Bay) --> descend via Discovery Valley Road or climb up 700m long stairs --> Turn left to Central Park or walk back to D Deck
Start from Mui Wo Pier --> Silvermine Bay Beach --> take stairs to the viewing pavilion --> the ancient Trappist Haven Monastery in Tai Shui Hang --> Nim Shue Village --> Discovery Bay
Useful link:
The official website of D Deck - http://www.ddeck.com.hk/eng/index.htm
Attraction - The Wetland Park
The Wetland Park is located at the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, Hong Kong. The site was originally intended to be an ecological mitigation area (EMA) to compensate for the wetlands lost due to Tin Shui Wai New Town development.
Take West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station and then change to Light Rail 705 or 706 Tin Shui Wai Circular. Get off at Wetland Park Station.
Admission Fee:
HKD30/adult and HKD15/child (aged 3 to below 18)
Opening hours:
Open daily from 10.00 to 17.00 except Tuesday. But if public holiay falls on Tuesday, the park will open for public.
Exhibition & facilities
Wetland Reserve
Pui Pui's home
Stream Walk
Succession Walk
Mangroves Boardwalk
You can enjoy the floating boardwalk experience in Mangrove habitat.
Wildside Walk
In the Wetland Reserve area, you are able to see the variety of birds in bird hides, where are located at riverside, fish pond and mudflat.
Wetland interactive World in Vistor Centre
Through interactive games shows, you can explore issues on wetland conservation and learn how we should save wetland and our wildlife.
Useful link:
The official website of The Wetland Park - http://www.wetlandpark.com/en/index.asp
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Travel Guide - Como, Italy
"Lake Como, one of the most attractive summer resorts of northern Italy" - that is how one of famous travel guide book described Lake Como (Lago di Como). Como is a town in Lombardy, on the Italian-Swiss border. It sits at the southern end of Lake Como.
It is just one-hour-train ride from Milan. You can catch the train from Cadorna railway station in Milan and get off at Como Lago (LeNORD).
Once you leave railway station, you will see beautiful Lake Como. You can walk along the waterfront.
Boat Trip
Take a boat trip on Lake Como (Lago di Como) to nearby lake-side villages, such as Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. Tickets for a few of the villages near Como are cheap (6 Euros) and can be purchased at the kiosk on the lake front. The boat stops in these villages and you can take a walk there and continue the trip with the next boat until you reach Como again.
Attraction in COMO
The most famous landmark is the Duomo at the Piazza Cavour. Duomo is a 14th century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral. There are many heritage buildings, and two more basilicas in the walled Old Town.
For a wonderful view of Lake Como, you can climb the Baradello Tower. Tempio Voltiano (Temple Volta) is a round building on the waterfront. It houses an exhibition about Volta who invented the electric battery. War Memorial is just next to the Tempio Voltiano. It is one of the tallest buildings near the lake.
Funicular Ride
Take the cable car (funicolare) to the tiny village of Brunate perched on the hills overlooking Como. The cable car runs between Como and Brunate. The journey time is around 7 minutes.
Brunate is a beautiful town filled with fairy-like houses. You can enjoy a stunning view of Lake Como from top.
Volta Lighthouse is located on the top of the hill. Although it is a bit tough to climb up, it is the best place for you to look down on the lake over 2000 feet below.
Useful links:
The website of Trenitalia - http://www.trenitalia.it/
The travel guide to Como - http://wikitravel.org/en/Como
The website of Como-Brunate Funicular - http://www.funicolarecomo.it/
The website for the timetable of Boat ride in Lake Como - http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/com/nlc_ora.html
Friday, 26 February 2010
Travel Guide - Milano, Italy
Milano(Milan) is a cosmopolitan city located at northern part of Italy. It is also the second largest city in Italy.
Transportation
By air
Milan has two main international air gateways, Linate airport (LIN) and Malpensa airport(MXP) both are main international gateways in Milan. Budget airlines operate flight at another airports, Bergamo's Orio al Serio airport (45 km East) and Parma airport (100 km South).
By rail
The main railway station is the Central Station (Milano Centrale), which is served by Trenitalia. This station is also an interchange place of MM2 and MM3 metro lines. It is also worth to visit this masterpiece of Rationalist architecture.
Attraction
The Milan's main cathedral Duomo is situated in Piazza del Duomo. This Gothic church is in white marble with hundreds of spires and thousands of statues on its exterior and a famous façade. Don't miss brilliant stained glass-windows inside of cathedral. After that you can climb up onto the roof. and s the chance to climb up onto the roof and enjoy the spectacular views of the city between the Gothic spires.
You can take metro (MM1 or MM3) to Duomo Station.
Roof opens from 0900 till around 1700 daily.
Fee for climb up onto the roof:
Elevator - Euro 8/person
On foot - Euro 5/person
Please take note of the ticket office is located behind of the Duomo.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is located on the northern side of the Piazza del Duomo and connects to the Piazza della Scala. The street is covered over by a popular design for nineteenth-century arcades - an arching glass and cast iron roof. Its central octagonal space is topped with a gogerous glass dome. Now the Galleria is occupied by many luxury goods' shops, including Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as fast food outlets such as McDonald's.
The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most famous monuments in Milan. Now it houses several museums.
You can take metro MM1 to Cairoli - castello Station.
This castle opens daily to public with free admission, except museums in castle.
Shopping
Milan is a world-known fashion shoppers' paradise. The main shopping area is called as Fashion Quadrangle (quadrilatero della moda), just nearby Piazza Duomo. There are in Montenapoleone Street, Della Spiga Street, Vittorio Emanuele Street and Manzoni Street, where are known as the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world. You can reach there by metro MM1 San Babila or MM3 Montenapoleone stations.
If you are not interested in shopping, you can take a day trip to a beautiful lake - Lake Como. You refer more travel information for Lake Como in my upcoming article.
Useful links:
The travel guide to Milan - http://wikitravel.org/en/Milan
The website of Duomo Milano - http://www.duomomilano.it/ground1024_en.html
The official website of the Castello Sforzesco -http://www.milanocastello.it/ita/home.html
The guide for shopping outlets in Italy - http://www.factory-outlet-italy.com/en/FO/index.php
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Travel Guide - Venezia, Italy
Beside taking vaporetti, walking is another option to explore in Venice. However, the lanes in Venice seems like 'maze'. So here is the important information for you to avoid 'Get Lost' in Venice. When you are lost, don't panic! Just look for the main road signs.
Road sign of Per Ferrovia P. Roma
Per means " for", Ferrovia means "Railway", P. Roma means "Piazzale Roma"
You can follow this sign to Railway station and Piazzale Roma.
Road sign of Per Rialto
This means "To the direction of Rialto bridge"
Road sign of Per Piazza S. Marco
This is for the direction to Piazza S. Marco
Attraction
The Santa Lucia Railway Station is the only railway station on the island of Venice. Just outside of the station, you can catch the Vaporetto (public water bus) or take a private taxi boat to explore. The Scalzi Church just stands on the left hand side of the station and facing to the Grand Canal. Follow the main street - Lista Di Spagna, you will reach Jewish Ghetto area.
If you turn right after leaving station, you can walk to Piazzale Roma, where is a bus terminal and car parking area.
The Grand Canal (Canałasso) is a large S-shaped canal in Venice. At one end the canal leads into the lagoon near Santa Lucia railway station and the other end leads into S. Marco through the central areas of Venice.
There are so many routes for you to wander lanes in Venice. Here is my suggestion.
Railway station --> Cannaregio --> (via Castello) -->Piazza S. Marco
Railway Station --> Piazzale Roma --> S. Croce --> S. Polo --> via Rialto --> Piazza S. Marco
Cannaregio
Museo Ebraico in Jewish Ghetto is a Jewish Museum of Venice situated in Jewish Quarter.
Ca' d'Oro is one of the most beautiful Palaces on the Grand Canal in Venice.
Castello
The Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) is one of largest churches in Venice.
Campo S. Maria Formosa is the place where Church of Santa Maria Fomosa.
S. Croce
The church of San Simeone Piccolo, S. Giacomo Dell'orio and S. Maria Dei Frari all are noted landmark in the Santa Croce of Venice.
S. Polo
The famous Ponte di Rialto (or Rialto Bridge) is one of the oldest bridges across Grand Canal.
S. Marco
Piazza San Marco
Saint Mark's Basilica is on the large and broad public Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). There is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice. On this square, you will find St. Mark’s Cathedral (Basilica Di S. Marco), the Doge’s Palace, the beautiful Clock Tower and museums.
Piazza S. Marco --> S. Maria Della Salute in Dorsoduro
Piazzale Roma --> S. Croce --> S. Maria Della Salute in Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro
The Accademia (Gallerie dell' Accademia) was a art school and now is a museum of art gallery in Venice. It is situated on the south bank of the Grand Canal, nearby one of oldest bridges - Ponte dell'Accademia. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of premier modern art museums in Europe. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a Roman Catholic church situated in the Dorsoduro. After Salute, there is another museum - Punta Della Dogana.
Useful links:
The travel guide to Venice -http://wikitravel.org/en/Venice
The website of Jewish Ghetto - http://www.ghetto.it/ghetto/en/index.asp
The website of Museo Ebraico - http://www.museoebraico.it/english/home.asp
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Travel Guide - Pisa, Italy
Pisa is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is easy to reach Pisa by train from Firenze. The train journey is around 60mins to Pisa Centrale. The return ticket costs approx. Euro 11.40/person. So you can have a day-trip to Pisa if you staying at Firenze.
It takes around 30mins’ walk to Piazza del Duomo from Pisa Centrale station. Walking on the streets is the best way to enjoy the sight and local atmosphere.
Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza XX Settembre, these two squares are linked up by a bridge - Ponte di Mezzo, where is considered as the center of the city. So you can walk along an old street, Borgo Stretto with lots of shops, pass by a middle bridge - Ponte di Mezzo across Arno River to another street, Corso Italia. In Piazza XX Settembre, the Logge dei Banchi is a building created to host textile market in 1600, and the town hall is in the Palazzo del Comune.
Piazza Delle Vettovaglie is now a main city shopping area: markets, towerhouses and shops.
S. Francesco Quarter is the place where Galileo Galilei was born. The church founded by St. Francis of Assisi stands here, too.
The Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square") is a wide, walled area at the heart of the city of Pisa. This square is partly paved and partly grassed and also is dominated by the Duomo, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistry and the Camposanto. It is also known as Piazza dei Miracoli ("Square of Miracles"). The whole square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The heart of the Piazza del Duomo is the Duomo, which is built by grey marble and white stone set with discs of coloured marble.
The world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa) is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest building in Piazza del Duomo after the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Climbing the tower requires reservation. The ticket costs Euro15/person. Please purchase your tickets once you arrive at Piazza dei Miracoli. You are expected to wait for 45 minutes to 2 hours. But you can visit other sites while you are waiting.
The Baptistery , is the largest baptistery in Italy, which stands opposite the west end of the Duomo. The Campo Santo monumentale ("monumental cemetery") is a beautiful walled cemetery lies at the northern edge of the Square.
On the Southeast edge of the square there is the Gothic style brick building of Spedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito ("New Hospital of Holy Spirit"). This hospital was to help pilgrims, poor, sick people and abandoned children with a shelter. Nowadays this building is no more a hospital.
Useful links:
The official website of Visit Pisa - http://www.visitpisa.it/en/
The website for Ticket office of Leaning Tower of Pisa - http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/index.jsp
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Travel Guide - Firenze, Italy
Florence (Firenze) is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy, filled with cultural, artistic and architectural treasure.
Transportation
By air
Florence's Amerigo Vespucci international airport (FLR) is the international airport in Firenze. It can be reached in about fifteen minutes from city center by taxi or bus.
By rail
The main station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella on the edge of the historic old town.
Attractions
Chiesa Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is the first great basilica in Florence. It is situated just opposite to the Santa Maria Novella main railway station.
Duomo
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) is the cathedral Gothic style's church of Florence. The cathedral complex includes the Baptistery of St. John and Giotto's Campanile (bell tower). These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence. The Basilica is the one of largest churches in Italy and the dome is the largest brick dome ever constructed.
The Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John) is a religious building in Florence which has the status of a minor basilica. The Baptistery stands in Piazza del Duomo, in front of the Duomo cathedral and the Giotto bell tower (Campanile di Giotto). This Florentine Romanesque style's bell tower is also one of the oldest buildings in the city. Don't miss to climb up the Duomo or Campanile! You can find stunning view of Florence as well as the Tuscan countryside.
Galleria dell'Accademia
The Gallery of the Accademia di Belle Arti is an academy of fine arts in Florence and it has housed the original David by Michelangelo since 1873.
Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce. This site is known as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie) as some of famous Italians were buried there, such as Michelangelo and Galileo.
Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence in the Piazza della Signoria, where you can see the copy of Michelangelo's David Statue stands there. The Loggia dei Lanzi (Loggia della Signoria) is a building on a corner of the Piazza della Signoria, adjoining the Uffizi Gallery.
Palazzo degli Uffizi
The Palazzo degli Uffizi is a palace in Florence and now houses the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi). This gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest wholly-stone arch bridge over the Arno River in Florence. This medieval bridge was occupied by butchers, but now you can find lots of jewelery, art and souvenir shops. It is also the way to connect the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti.
Palazzo Pitti
The Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) is a vast mainly Renaissance palace in Florence. It is situated on the south side of the River Arno. It takes around 5mins walk from the Ponte Vecchio. It was originally the residence of a Florentine banker and later was bought by the Medici family. It houses collections of paintings, plates, jewelry and luxurious possessions.
Piazzale Michelangelo
By bus - the bus stop of Bus no. 13 opposite to St. Maria Novella main railway station
Ticket can be purchased on bus at rate of Euro2/person/way. In fact, this is a circular line which is also good for sightseeing.
Piazzale Michelangelo is a famous square with a magnificent panoramic view of Florence. There is a popular tourist destination in the Oltrarno district of the city. The view from this most famous observation point is fantastic. So it is the best place for photographers to take a postcard-like photos of Firenze, especially during sunrise or sunset time.
Useful links:
The website of Duomo - http://www.duomofirenze.it/index-eng.htm
The official website of Galleria dell'Accademia - http://www.accademia.firenze.it/english
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Travel Guide - Rome, Itay
Most of attractions is situated in the old city of Rome. So walking is the best way for you to wander around the anicent monuments.
Attractions
Colooseo --> Palation --> Campidoglio --> Piazza Venezia
Metro: Metro line B (Blue) and get off at Colosseo
The Colosseum is a largest ever built elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy and it is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
The Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) is a triumphal arch in Rome, which is just next to Colooseo and you won't miss it. Behind the Arch, there is Via di S. Gregorio, where the entrance of Palatino (Palatine Hill) is located at. On the Palatine hill, you will find mostly ruins of palaces and homes of the rich. Next to the Palatine Hill, there is the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), was the first and largest Chariot Racing Stadium in ancient Rome. Now you could see that the rest was destroyed by a fire and only a grassy hollow and a few ruins of bleachers.
After exit the site, Piazza Campidoglio in Capitoline Hill will be in front of you. The Capitoline Musems (Campidoglio) houses Medieval and Renaissance palaces surrounding a piazza. An attractive pure white marble building, Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II is situated between the Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill.
Piazza Venezia --> Area Sacra --> Panteon
Trajan's Column (Colonna Traiana) and Trajan's Forum (Foro Traiani) are nearby Piazza Venezia. Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele from Piazza Venezia, Chiesa del Gesu and Area Sacra both are on the left hand side. Then move to Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda. Pantheon is a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome.
Piazza Navona --> Castel Sant' Angelo --> Vatican
Walk across Piazza Navona from Panteon, following the direction to Ponte Sant' Angelo, that is the most beautiful bridge in Rome. This bridge is linked to Castel Sant' Angelo across Fiume Tevere. The Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant'Angelo) is a towering cylindrical building in Rome, used as a fortress and castle, and is a museum now. Besides climb up the Cupola of Dom in Bascilia St. Peter, you also can enjoy a breathtaking view at the top of the castle.
Just walk along Via della Conciliazione, you will reach St. Peter's Square in Vatican.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin
The Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin (Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin) is a minor basilica church in Rome, Italy. It is located at the foot of the Aventine hills. There is a conserved Roman statue that has attracted the attention and curiosity of tourists from all over the world. It is the "Bocca della Verità", which means 'the Mouth of Truth'. This is an ancient stone mask that represents a river god with an open mouth, wide eyes and a flowing mane of hair. If you want to check a person who is a liar or not, you can ask him/her to put his/her hand inside its mouth. If he/she is a liar, he/she will lose his/her hand. Believe it or not!
Piazza di Spagna --> Spanish Seps --> Trinita dei Monti --> Fontana del Tritone --> Fontana di Trevi
The Fontana della Barcaccia is a Baroque fresh-water fountain in Rome in the Piazza di Spagna, just below the Spanish Steps. It also named as "Fountain of the Old Boat". Walk up the longest and widest staircase in Europe - The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti), there is a Baroque church, Trinitra dei Monti in the Piazza Trinita dei Monti on Pincio Hill.
Follow Via Sistina to the direction of Barberini, Fontana del Tritone is stood in Piazza Barberini, where Metro Barberini is located at.
From Barberini, follow the main road of Largo Chigi Via del, Fontana di Trevi will be on your left hand side. You walk across Piazza Acc. S Luca, you will see the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. There is some legends about throwing coins into the fountain. If you throw a coin, you are ensured a return to Rome. If two coins, you will lead to a new romance and three will ensure either a marriage or divorce. But some said that you should throw three coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. Will you try this traditional legends when you are there? Personally, I didn't.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Travel Guide - Vatican, Rome, Italy
State of the Vatican City is a landlocked country and its territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. It is ruled by the bishop of Rome, the Pope.
Nearby metro station:
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano and then walk around 5-10mins along Via Ottaviano
Nearby attraction in Rome:
Walk around 5-10mins along Via della Conciliazione from Castel Sant' Angelo
Attractions
Saint Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro)
Saint Peter's Square is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Did you watch the film named "Angels and Demons"? Lots of scene in this film was taken place there.
Saint Peter's Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano)
St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world and also holding an unique position in the Christian world.
Free entry into Basilica
Admission fee to the Cupola of the Dom
Walk up 551stairs : Euro5/person
Take elevator and walk up 320stairs : Euro7/person
Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)
Admission fee : Euro14 (Roma Pass is not applicable in Vatican)
Rental of audio-guide: Euro 7
You can walk through the most significant cultural and religious areas of the Vatican Museums. The itinerary includes: the Pio Clementino Museum (classical antiquity), the Gallery of the Candelabras, the Gallery of the Geographical Maps and the Tapestry Gallery (Renaissance Art), the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.
Works of art and surroundings may be photographed, except in the Sistine Chapel. It is forbidden to use flashlight photography inside the Museums.
Useful links:
The website of Vatican - http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
The details of The St. Peter's Basilica - http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-peters-basilica
The official website of Vatican Museums - http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html
Friday, 22 January 2010
Travel Guide - Salzburg, Austria
If you are using Salzburg card, you can enjoy one-time free entry for the below attractions.
Salzach Crusie
Attractions in Old Town
Take the oldest cable funicular in Austria up to the Fortress and explore different museums. You can find a stunning view of Salzburg there.
Come down from Fortress, you can see a DOM - Cathedral (Cathedral Museum, Cathedral Excavations), which is one of landmarks in Salzburg. Nearby DOM, there are Panorama Museum, Residenz State Rooms and Residenz Gallery, Salzburg Museum and Georg Trakl Memorial and Research Centre.
From Hanuschplatz nearby the Makart-steg (Bridge), you can visit Museum of Natural History and Technology and Museum of Mordern Art Salzburg Monchsberg. Although you are not museums' lover, you should take Monchsberglift (elevators) up to Museum of Modern Art Salzburg Monchsberg, because there is also the most stunning panorama terrace in Salzburg.
Toy Museum --> Festival Halls --> Michael Haydn Museum --> Museum of Modern Art Salzburg Rupertinum --> Collegiate Church and Alter Market
Mozart's Birthplace
The building is arranged as museum in all three floors, with the three exhibitions three exhibitions "Daily life of a prodigy", "Mozart on stage" and "The Mozarts – a family is being introduced". You can see the original instruments of Mozart , authentic portraits, even though furniture and objects of daily use of Mozart’s time.
Attractions in New Town
Mozart's Residence and Mozart Sound and Film Collection
This building was the former residence of the Mozart family. It exhibits relating to the life of the Mozart Family, the history of the building, as well as collection of audiovisual documents on W.A. Mozart and contemporary Salzburg composers.
You can walk past Makart-steg (bridge) to Old Town or wander along the Salzach river.
Attractions in countryside
Untersberg
Take Bus 25 and get off at "Grodig-St. Leonhard"
Hellbrunn Palace
Take Bus25 and get off at "Schloss Hellbrunn"
Salzburg Zoo
Take Bus 25 and get off at "Salzburg Zoo", nearby Hellbrunn Palace.
Stiegl-Brauwelt
Take Bus 1 and get off at "Brauhausstrasse".
Stiegl-Brauwelt is the biggest beer exhibition in Europe. For Salzburg cardholders, you will have a free beer tasting in the brewery restaurant and a welcome gift.
Useful links:
The website of Salzach Cruise - http://www.salzburgschifffahrt.at/
The website of Monchsberglift - http://www.moenchsbergaufzug.at/
The official website of Museums in Salzburg - http://www.salzburgmuseum.at/
The website of Museum of Modern Arts - http://www.museumdermoderne.at/
The website of Residenz States Rooms - http://www.salzburg-burgen.at/
The website of Residenz Gallery - http://www.residenzgalerie.at/?L=1
The website of Mozart's Birthplace, Mozart's Residence and Mozart Sound And Film Collection - http://www.mozarteum.at/
The website of Untersbergbahn - http://www.untersbergbahn.at/
The website of Hellbrunn - http://www.hellbrunn.at/
The website of Folklore Museum - http://www.salzburgmuseum.at/
The website of Salzburg Zoo - http://www.salzburg-zoo.at/
The website of Stiegl-Brauwelt - http://brauwelt.at/
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Travel Guide - Wien (Vienna), Austria
Vienna Card costs only Euro18.50 with validity of 72hours from date of issue. This card is valid for unlimited free travel by underground, bus and tram as well as 210discounts at museums and sights, theatres and concerts, in shops, cafés, restaurants and the ‘Heurige’ wine tavern ... It is available in hotels and at the tourist information centre on Albertinaplatz (open daily from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm) and the tourist information point at the airport (open daily from 6.00 am to 11.00 pm), at sales and information points of the Vienna Lines (e.g. Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, Westbahnhof.)
Besides the Vienna Card, the following travel cards are available:
24-hour season ticket Euro5.70
48-hour season ticket Euro10.-
72-hour season ticket Euro13.60
This travel card is valid for unlimited free travel by underground, bus and tram within validity.
Taking Vienna Ring Tram is the best way to explore Vienna’s magnificent ring boulevard with all its glorious attractions , such as the State Opera House, Imperial Palace, Parliament, Vienna City Hall, ...
Attractions in Ringstrass
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Underground: Stephanspl U1 or U3
Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper)
Underground: Karls-platz U1, U2 or U4
Vienna State Opera House is located at the southern end of the Kärntnerstrasse in the 1st district of Wien. It is an opera house since mid of 19century and has a worldwide reputation for its first-class opera performances and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. You can experience the most impressive opera here.
Vienna's Imperial Palace (Hobfburg)
Walk around 5-10mins from Stphansplatz or by underground or trams
Underground: U3 (orange), alight at Herrengasse
Trams: 1 and 2, alight at Burgring
You can buy a Hobfburg ticket with audioguide to visit 3 imperial highlights ( Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments and Imperial Silver Collection).
Nowadays there are "Österreichische Nationalbibliothek" (National Library), "Schatzkammer" (Imperial Treasury), "Museum für Völkerkunde" (Museum of Ethnography) and famous "Spanische Hofreitschule" (Spanish Riding School) in this palace. Sunday Mass in the "Hofmusikkapelle"(Chapel of the Imperial Palace) with famous Vienna Boys' Choir is required for reservation in advance. Please make reservation through hmk@aon.at .The Vienna Boys' Choir performs every Sunday from January through June and mid-September through end of December.
Just next to the palace, "Heldenplatz" is the square of heroes and is one of Austria's symbols of national identity. Walk past the square, MuseumsQuartier is in front of you. Turn right you can reach Volks-garten. Turn left you can go to Burggarten, where you can find Mozart Memorial statue there.
Opposite to Volksgarten, there is Parlament and Rathaus-park. In Rathaus-park, you can see a Gothic-style's building, that is Vienna City Hall.
The Votive Church (Votivkirche)
Metro: Schottentor Universitat U2 or walk around 10mins from Vienna City Hall
Votivkirche is one of the most important neo-Gothic religious architectural sites in the world. It is closed to University of Vienna.
Attractions outside of Ringstrass
Schonbrunn Palace
Ticket: Grand Tour with audio guide at rate of Euro12.90 takes approx 50mins.
Grand Tour begins in the west wing of the palace and take you through the Imperial Apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), through the central wing with the ceremonial and state rooms and into the east wing. After tour, you can wander around Privy garden, Maze & Labyrinth, Gloriette (Viewing terrace). You take Schönbrunn Panorma Train with charges or walk by yourself. You can enjoy the breathtaking view up to Gloriette.
Useful links:
The details of Vienna Card - http://www.wien.info/en/travel-info/vienna-card
The website of St. Stephen's Cathedral - http://www.stephenskirche.at/
The website of Staatsopera - http://www.staatsoper.at/
The website of MuseumsQuartier Wien - http://www.mqw.at/fset_en.html
The official website of Schoenbrunn Palace - http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/home.html
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Travel Guide - Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It is divided by Danube river. West bank is BUDA and east bank is PEST.
The transporation network is well-delevoped in this city, like tram, coach, metro,rail.
Deak Ferenc ter is located at the city centre, where is an interchange point for metro lines. There are totally 3metro lines - M1, M2 and M3.
Nyugati is one of main railway stations in Budapest. Nepliget coach terminal is located at Nepliget, where is also a metro station.
One day travel card pass costs at HUF1550/person. This pass is valid on all transporation, like metro, trams and buses for unlimited trips within 24hours . Bus no. 16, Tram no. 47 or 49, all can connect Buda side and Pest side. Tram no. 2 is a good choice for sightseeing in Budapest.
Attractions in PEST side
Deak f. Ter - City centre
Transporation: Metro: Deak f. Ter
[i](Tourist information centre) is just nearby Deak f. Ter metro station. Le Meridien Budapest is located next to metro station. Just opposite to hotel, there is a bus stop, where you can take Bus no. 16 to go up to BUDA Castle Hill.
St. Stephen's Basilica is one of tallest building in Budapest and it is just around 10mins walk from Deak f. Ter metro station. Visitors may access the dome by elevators or by climbing 364 stairs for a 360° view overlooking Budapest.
Central market is the largest indoor market in Budapest. Most stalls on the ground floor offer variety of vegetables, fruit, cheese and meat, as well as souvenirs, like paprika. On the upper floor, besides food court, there are souvenirs shops selling postcards, dolls, glasses, tablecloths, chess boards and clothes made in Hungarian style.
The opening hours of Central market is: Sunday - closed, Monday - 0600 - 1700, Tuesday - Friday - 0600 - 1800, Saturday - 0600 - 1400
Transporation: Tram no. 47, 49
Vaci Utea is a famous shopping street filled with luxury fashion shops and souvenirs shops. It is just opposite to the Central market.
Vajdahunyad Castle is located nearby Szechenyifurda metro station (Metro M1 line).
The biggest museum of agriculture in Europe can be found in the Castle of Vajdahunyad on the Széchenyi-island in Városliget, Budapest in outstanding building. This castle was declared a national monument in 1991.
Heroes' Square is outside of the castle. Andrassy utea is just in front of the square. This street is known as "Avenue Des Champs Elysees" in Budapest, along tall strees and across 6metro stops long. Opera House, museums and luxury Shops are found there, like famous Hungarian State Opera House.
Attractions in BUDA side
Major sights in Castle Hill are Royal Palace, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Royal Palace is situated at the top of the Buda Hill, now it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the National Széchenyi Library. Don't miss the panorama view of Budapest from Fisherman's Bastion, which is in architecture of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style around Matthias Church.
Transportion:
By Bus no. 16 at Deak f. Ter (opp. to Le Meridien Budapest), or
Take the Buda Castle Hill funicular (Sikló) from Clark Ádám tér at the Buda end of the Chain bridge (at rate of HUF800/adult for upward).
Come down from the Castle Hill and wander along the Danube river
Church of St. Anne is located at Batthyany ter (Metro line M2). In front of the church, there is Batthyany square, also known as Market Hall.
Chain Bridge across Danube River
1. Walk across Szabadsag hid from Central Market (PEST side) --> wander along Danube river and enjoy hte view of Gellert Hill, Castle Hill (BUDA side) --> walk across famous Chain Bridge back to PEST side --> pass-by Intercontinental hotel --> You will find Kiskiralylany (Le Petit Prince ) sitting on the fence with fantastic background of Royal Palace and Danube river.
2. Take Tram No. 2. - You can enjoy fantastic view of the Gellert Hill, Castle Hill, the Budapest Parliament, also the Danube river and the graceful bridges over it.
Useful links:
The official website of Budpest Tourism Office - http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en
The website of St. Stephen's Basilica in Hungarian - http://bazilika.biz/
Travel Guide - Beijing, China (Other popular attractions)
Other popular attractions in Beijing
Summer Palace 颐和园 (Yíhé Yuán)
UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List in 1998. It declared the Summer Palace as "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value." It is a popular tourist destination but also serves as a recreational park.[1]
Entrance Fee: RMB 40 (low season) / RMB 50 (peak season)
Please note the entrance fee is not included the admission to some specific scenic spots inside the Summer Palace.
Transportation: By bus (refer to the Beijing bus website)
Beihai Park 北海公园 (Běihǎi Gōngyuán)
Beihai Park located in central Beijing, is one of the oldest and well-preserved imperial gardens in China. There are pavilions and towers surrounded by the beautiful scenery of landscapes and lakes.
Admission fee:
April to October – RMB10/adult
November to March – RMB5/adult
Transportation: By Bus or just walk from the entrance of the Forbidden City to the North Gate. It takes around 30mins on foot.
Olympic Green 北京奧林匹克公園
The Beijing National Stadium 国家体育场 (or Bird's Nest 鸟巢) hosted the main track and field and football match, and final competitions for the 2008 Summer Olympics, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. Just opposite to Bird’s Nest, there is the Beijing National Aquatics Center 国家游泳中心 (or Water Cube 水立方. This center was used for swimming, diving and water-polo games during the Olympic Games 2008. After the games, the center has turned into a large water recreational center open to the public. Its appearance seems the structure of "H2O" - the semi-transparent "bubbles" spread out all over its surface with a shape.
Entrance Fee: Water Cube RMB 40; Water Cube RMB 60Transportation: By Subway
Subway Line 8 (Olympic Special Line): get off at Olympic Sports Center Station,get out of the station from Exit B1 (northwest exit) or Exit B2 (northeast exit), and walk north.
Sanlitun 三里屯 (Sānlǐtún)
Sanlitun is an area of the Chaoyang District in Beijing. It currently houses many bars and clubs popular with both expatriates and locals as well as international band-name stores. The Ya Show (雅秀) market is also in the area, a popular indoor market for tourists wishing to buy counterfeit garment. There is a food mall on the top floor also.
Useful links:
Official website of Beijing subway - http://www.bjsubway.com/
The website of Travel China Guide -
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/
The website of Summer Palace - http://www.summerpalace-china.com/en/index.html
The website of Beijing bus - http://www.bjbus.com/home/index.php
The website of Beihai Park - http://www.beihaipark.com.cn/en/about/index.htm
The website of Beijing National Aquatics Center - http://www.water-cube.com/en/
The website of National Stadium - http://www.n-s.cn/en/
[1] Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Palace
Travel Guide - Beijing, China (Major attractions in countryside)
Major attractions in countryside of Beijing
The Great Wall of China 万里长城 (Wànlǐ Chángchéng)
The Great Wall of China is one of the Eight Wonders of the world and was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. It starts at the Jiayuguan Pass of Gansu Province in the west and ends at the Shanhaiguan Pass of Hebei Province in the east.
Badaling section is one of the most gorgeous and magnificent part of the Great Wall in Beijing. Just close to Badaling, there are is a big Great Wall Museum and the Great Wall National Theater. The theater offers you a chance to get a full view of the Great Wall.
Many tourists choose to take the cable car up to the mountain, and then walk down the Great Wall to save their time and energy.
Transportation: By Bus No. 919 to Badaling Great Wall
To get to Badaling Great Wall, visitors can take Bus No.919 at Deshengmen Gate德胜门
The no.919 bus station is located north of the gateway of Deshengmen Gate.The no.919 bus is in green color. It costs CNY 12 per person by cash and CNY 4.8 by using the public transportation IC card. It runs non-stop between 06:30 and 18:30 from Deshengmen to Badaling Great Wall, and returns from Badaling Great Wall to Deshengmen from 12:00 to 17:00. Please do not take private buses or coaches.
How to go to Deshengmen Gate德胜门?
Take subway line 2 to Jishutan积水潭 and look for exit NE (Northern-east).
Badaling Great Wall
Admission fee: CNY 45 (Apr. 1 to Oct.31); CNY 40 (Nov.1 to Mar.31)
Cable car: CNY 40 (single way); CNY 60 (round trip)
Opening hours: 06:30-19:00 (In summer); 07:00-18:00 (In winter)
The Ming Dynasty Tombs 明朝十三陵 (Míng cháo shí sān líng)
13 Ming Dynasty Emperors were buried in this Ming Tombs, which were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in August 2003. As Ming Dynasty Tombs are located at countryside and are relatively near Great Wall, you can visit both in a day.
Admission Fee:
Changling Tomb: CNY 30 (Nov.1 to Mar. 31); CNY 45 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31)Dingling Tomb: CNY40 (Nov.1 to Mar. 31); CNY 60 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31)
Opening Hours:
Changling Tomb: 08:30 to 17:30; Dingling Tomb: 08:30 to 18:00
Useful links:
Official website of Beijing subway - http://www.bjsubway.com/
The website of Travel China Guide -
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/
The website of Ming Tombs - http://www.mingtombs.com/
The website of Beijing bus - http://www.bjbus.com/home/index.php
Travel Guide - Beijing, China (Major attractions)
Beijing (北京) is the capital of China located at the northern part of China. This city is the centre of political and culture and art, where you can experience the real life of Chinese in China.
Best season to visit Beijing:
Summer is from June to August, but it is considered as peak season
Autumn is from September to November, when is the best weather and fewer tourists.
Spring is too windy and dusty and winter is too cold for outdoor visit.
Avoid peak holidays to visit Beijing:
Most Chinese travel around during Chinese holidays. When are Chinese holidays in China? The 3 main peak holidays are Chinese New Year (around end of January to mid of February), Labor Day 1st May (end of April to early of May), and National Day 1st October (early of October).
Major Attractions in Beijing
Tiananmen Square 天安門 (Tian an men)
Tiananmen Square is the largest square in the world. This square was the place where Chairman Mao proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. On the north of Tiananmen Square is Tiananmen (Gate of Heaven Peace); on its east is National Museum of China where exhibits China history; Monument to the People's Heroes and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum is on its south; on its west is the Great Hall of the People, where is the meeting place of national people's congress of the People's Republic of China.
Many tourists like to watch the raising and lowering ceremony of the Chinese National Flag at sunrise and sunset. But please go there at least 30 minutes early to have a good location to watch.
Transportation - By Subway: Take Line 1 to Tian'an men East or Tian'an men West
The Forbidden City 紫禁城 (zi jin cheng)
The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Now it becomes Palace Museum, which opens daily.
Transportation - By Subway: Take Line 1 to Tian'an men East or Tian'an men West
Admission fee:
April 1st – October 31st: RMB60 November 1st – March 31st: RMB40
Tian Tan Park (Temple of Heaven Park) 天坛 (tian tan)
The Temple of Heaven was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would worship the god of heaven and pray for good harvest. In 1998, it was recognized by the UNESCO as “one of the human heritages of the world”. It is a very popular park for exercising Tai Chi.
Entrance fee: RMB10/adult
Transportation: By subway line 5 and get off at Tiantan Dongmen天坛东门
Useful links:
Official website of The Forbidden City - http://www.dpm.org.cn/
Official website of Beijing subway - http://www.bjsubway.com/
The website of Tian Tan Park - http://en.tiantanpark.com/newEbiz1/EbizPortalFG/portal/html/index.html
The website of Beijing bus - http://www.bjbus.com/home/index.php
Friday, 1 January 2010
Travel Guide - Hallstatt, Austria - SALZWELTEN
SALZWELTEN - Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour
Hallstatt Salt Mine Prices – combination ticket at rate of approx. Euro24/adult, including return rides on the Salzberg funicular railway and admission to the Salt Mine. The Salt Mine and Salzberg funicular railway both are open from end of April to end of Octobor only.
Take Salzbergbahn funicular railway up to the Mount. Plassen.
Walk up to the valley and pass-by open gravesite and Mirror pillars on the pathway to Miners' hostel
Enter into Miners' hostel - where the tour of Hallstatt salt mine begins
Visit Exhibition in the miners’ house to experience of the work and life of the miners’ in the 19th century before enter into mine
Walk into the depth of the mine and take the First miners' slide
View a slideshow about Time spiral : how it all began and Geology - how salt got into the mountain in the first
Take another 64meters mega slide with speed gun and photo shot
Reach Hornerwerk cavern (the subterrancean salt lake) where you can View information film about salt mining and storytelling about "Man in Salt" (Man in Salt was found in 1734.)
Ride back out on the mine train
Walk pass Vantage-point bridge and take Panorama lift before taking funicular back to the ground
Useful link:
The official website of SALZWELTEN - http://www.salzwelten.at/
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Travel Guide - Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a small lakeside village in Salzkammergut, Upper Austria. It is situated in the south-western shore of the Hallstätter See (lake). This village is is a World Heritage Site for Cultural Heritage. The first known salt mine in the world is also in Hallstatt.
Transporation:
By rail:
Take train from Wien Westbahnhof or Salzburg to Hallstatt via Atnang-Puchheim. Once you reach Hallstatt railway station, then go to a Pier to take a boat ride to Hallstatt.
By bus:
Postbus operates in between Obertraun / Bad Ischl and Hallstatt.You can find the bus-stop in front of Obertraun and Bad Ischl railway station.
Accommodation: Gasthof "Weißes Lamm"
Dr.-F.-Morton-Weg 166, 4830 Hallstatt, AUSTRIA
Gasthof "Weißes Lamm" is run by the Holl's family. The hotel is decorated in a typical traditional German style combined with comfortable furniture. Its restaurant serves breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner daily. The meal is delicious and in reasonable price. It is located in town and just behind the tourist information centre. The location is very good. Each spacious room has balcony, bathroom and toilet with internet access (LAN connection only).
Attraction:
Hallstatt World Heritage Museum - It is a door of history of Hallstatt. Once you step in, you will have an impressive travel through time. You will experience the history and delevlopment of Hallstatt.Salzwelten - the oldest salt mine in the world
Salt culture theme trail - experience the life of miners
Protestant Church - is situated within a churchyard bordering the dark waters of the lake
Catholic Church with graves
Useful links:
Austria rail: http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jspHallstatt official web site: http://www.hallstatt.at/
The web site of Gasthof "Weißes Lamm": http://www.weisses-lamm.at/en/index.php
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