The whole city is in love with Disney and the world has flocked to Walt Disney World Resort ever since the 60s, making it the most visited recreational park in the world. But what if you’re fed up with Disney? Well here are some things to do in Orlando that don’t involve anything linked to Walt.

1. Seaworld

Sticking with the general recreational themed day out, Seaworld take you on a journey through the oceans and on rides and in front of various spectacular shows, all of which explore to deep. The latest sight to be seen is called Believe. It’s been ten years in the making and is the world’s first human and killer whale performance show.

2. Stuff yourself at the Hard Rock Café

Famous now the world over, the Hard Rock in Orlando is the largest in the whole world. With the all-American menu full of meats, potatoes, corn, coke and ice cream, you’ll end up coming out of the place the size of the whale you’ve just seen.

3. Glow in the dark mini golf.

Head down to the Putting Edge in the Festival Bay Mall for a round or two of glow in the dark mini golf. All the usual favourites are there, assault courses for the ball, various themes such as medieval and the ocean, but there is added bonus of neon glowing borders, pins and greens. It’s open late too so you’ll see it really come alive when the sun sets.

4. A lot of wine tasting.

Down at The Wine Room in Winter Park you’ll find something of a treat for all you wine lovers out there. There are over 150 electronic dispensers that can give visitors a taste of all the wine available to buy. After a few you might find yourself paying for more than you thought you would.

5. The oldest African-American municipality.

Eatonville proudly boasts it’s cultural heritage and in 1887 became the first all black town following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. It’s about six miles north of the city centre and is well worth a visit to see the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts (The Hurston) particularly.

6. Simulate an earthquake.

If you’ve ever wondered what it must feel like to be in an earthquake then a trip to WonderWorks might be just the ticket. Like everything in the city, it resembles a theme park in style, but the actual content will educate you just as much as entertain. Most of the buildings in the park are upside down and for a real thrill there’s a 5.3 quake experience to make your hair stand on end.

7. Orlando Science Center.

More entertaining science on show here as you can become a food particle amongst other fascinating things to see and do. There are always amazingly inventive exhibitions on, such as a whole town run by children.

Top 5 Orlando Hotels:

• Sky Hotel & Resort – Hotel near Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores – $140
• Hotel Bahama Bay Resort – Hotel in Davenport – $99
• Hotel Comfort Suites – Hotel in Kissimmee – $70
• Hotel Caribe Royale – Hotel near Disneyworld Resort – $130
• Hotel Parkside Inn & Suites – Hotel in Kissimmee – $28

Photo of  Seaworld aquarium, Orlando, Florida, by Allie Caulfield

Learn a language on the bus

Vilnius was the first in the world to offer language classes while you travelled on public transport. While you whiled away the time getting around the city, the ‘language buses’ played a collection of phrases in Polish, Lithuanian and English. There were worksheets inside the bus to allow you to follow along with the tape as it plays. All of the stops on the route were announced in the languages. Launched in 2007 it was funded by the EU for a year and proved hugely popular.

Do you believe in the Easter Granny?

Forget that silly old bunny. He’s nothing but a minion for the real master of ceremonies in terms of Easter egg distribution in Vilnius and the rest of Lithuania. The real star of the show is the Easter Granny. Every year the Velyku Senele (Easter Granny) brings the colourful chocolate Easter eggs to all the children in the family. The bunny is relegated to helping her paint the eggs.

Who found Vilnius?

Not in the geographical sense because it was never actually lost, but in terms of making the city what it went on to be, the Grand Duke Gediminas from the 13th and 14th Century is the man with the idea for a habitation of the region where the city now lies. It is said that the Duke has a dream one night that involved one wolf howling with the volume of a thousand wolves on a hilltop. That hilltop soon become a fortress and then finally Vilnius.

What’s with the bread and the salt?

If you are a visitor to Vilnius then you might find you’re presented with bread and salt as a mark of hospitality. It’s a tradition dating back hundreds of years. The Lithuanians even hand it to married couples on their wedding day. It’s something Lithuania shares with many other Baltic states.

Top 5 Hotels in Vilnius, Lithuania

• Hotel City Gate – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €69
• Hotel Vingriai – 4-star Hotel – Room Price: €55
• Centrum Uniquestay Hotel – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €38
• Hotel Comfort Vilnius – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €36
• Hotel Telecom Guest House – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €35

Photo of Gediminas Tower, Vilnius, Lithuanian by Vlumi

If you haven’t been to Amsterdam before then I guarantee that even with a good map in front of you you’ll still be staring blankly around, scratching your head and wondering whether you’re even in the same city anymore.

There are so many streets where you’re suddenly right in front of another canal and can’t get across. By the end of the day you’ll be building a raft and sailing back to your hotel. Holland is a pretty flat country overall so don’t expect there to be any high points of reference such as hills or mountain in the distance for you to get your bearings.

The alleys are all small and windy and have names so long you’ll be buying a magnifying glass to read them on the map or else needing a genius IQ to work out the abbreviations. Taxi drivers in the city make a living out of taking tourist for rides – both in the actual and the metaphorical sense of the word. Many a group of weekenders up to mischief in a coffee shop have been taken the scenic route back to their hotel whilst under the influence, unaware they were only one street away from their destination.

Find a good map of Amsterdam

What you need to do is to first and foremost find a really good map. In my experience the best ones come from the tourist office or the train station or the hotel. They might look cheap and cheerful and full of too much colour but they are often designed by people used to asking where places are so are well thought through.

Amsterdam Central Station

Once you have your map in front of you, find Centraal Station and hang out there for a few minutes, unless you have otherwise. It’s probably the most useful point of reference the whole city. It’s your northern pin in the map.

Amsterdam’s main canals

Then there are the main canals to learn off by heart. These are Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht. They roughly work their way around the city in a semi circle and resemble a seating plan in a theatre, broken up now and again like aisles do. Watch out though because sometimes the names of streets change when they get to this broken section. Once you’ve got the hang of these canals and where you are and are going to in relation to them, then you should be well on your way.

Amsterdam’s main squares

Finally the main squares are worth learning and finding beforehand. These are Dam, Nieuwmarkt, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Dam is the big one with the grand hotels and the street performers and the famous Bulldog café, which will have hordes of people looking rather sheepish outside.

Amsterdam Hotels near Dam Square

• Hotel Tulip Inn Dam Square -3-Star Hotel – Room Price: €175
• Hotel Golden Tulip Amsterdam – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €105
• Hotel Rho – 3-Star Hotel – Room Price: €124
• Hotel Tulip Inn Amsterdam Center – 3-Star Hotel – Room Price: €95
• Hotel Die Port Van Cleve – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €104

Map of Amsterdam picture by Mark Andrew Webber

1. A mouse robbed a bank

Imagine popping to the cash machine to get some money out and finding a half-eaten bank note sliding out of the hole. You’d think something funny was going on wouldn’t you? But would you immediately think that it was the work of a little mouse who had found his way into the ATM in Tallinn and chewed his way through hundreds of Estonian Kroons? The mouse had made a nice bed out of the notes and had munched a few over the course of the weekend.

2. Where Skype comes from

No offense but would any one guess that the world communication phenomenon Skype came from Estonia, and more strangely was developed by a group of men including an Estonia man called Jaan Tallinn? It’s true. The company were also responsible for the file-sharing site Kazaa. Skype currently has offices all over Europe and some in America, with one of the largest ones in Tallinn.

3. The last Gothic town hall

This might surprise some people but Tallinn can proudly play host to the only surviving town hall to have been built in its original Gothic style. The hall dates back to the 13th Century and is a fine example of the period’s architecture. The most famous and appealing part about it is the weather vane high up on the top of the building. It’s a figure of Old Thomas, who is said to guard the city. He was a young boy who was an expert archer and could knock wooden parrots off the top of the spire using his crossbow. The original vane now lives inside the Town Hall, as it was knocked off during WW2.

Hotels near Tallinn Town Hall

• Hotel St. Petersburg – 4 star hotel – double room from €95
• Merchant’s House Hotel – 4-star hotel – double room from €89
• Hostel Vana Tom – Double room from €35

View of Tallinn Town Hall, Estonia, by I3aac

Wealthy homes, white marbled buildings and monuments lie on one side of town while in the suburbs, away from all the tourists is the dangerous and run-down projects full of drug crimes and countless murders.

The smooth

The Georgetown University, the US Capitol, The Washington Monument, the African American civil war monument, the Lincoln statue, the Pentagon and of course The White House are all some of the United States’ most precious and boasted tourist attractions. Every year millions of people from all over the world go on the guided tours and soak up American’s recent but very treasured history. The Smithsonian Museums bring in more tourists every year than anywhere like them in the world.

The city sits in its own District, the District of Columbia, but the bordering states are Maryland and Virginia. Although it’s the capital city, downtown Washington isn’t that large compared to other US cities. You can get around the main tourist attractions quite easily, but then it’s worth thinking about spending a few days out in the leafy suburbs too.

Washington has some wonderful parks full of their much-loved cherry blossoms that make the city look like wedding scene. The Georgetown Waterfront is one of the most beautiful and popular open spaces in the city. Overlooking the Roosevelt Island on the banks of the Potomac River, it’s a great place for an evening meal and a stroll with a loved one.

The rough

Sadly Washington isn’t all statues and flags. There is an altogether much darker and hidden side to the city that many feel the powerful politician who work alongside the President either don’t know or don’t care about.

During the 1990s DC was the murder capital of the entire United States. Beating the like of New York, LA and New Orleans there was a frightening 482 homicides in one year prompting some lengthy discussion in the nearby white stone buildings where worried suits sweated over what to do on their own doorstep. Was all the Districts money being spend in the same parts of town all the time leaving the others neglected? There was certainly a divide between the rich and the poor.

Areas such as Logan Circle and Columbia Heights were rife with gun crime, drug dealing and prostitution. Something had to be done. East Washington was becoming a war zone. The District police changed many of their personnel and their tactics and a massive gentrification project was undertaken – which attempts to bridge the gaps in society between the rich and poor by physically moving the more affluent into the area where poorer people were so as to reduce the ideological gap. Crime rate dropped. Murders dropped. By 2006 the murder rate was down to 169.

During that time there was quite a famous legal battle in which the Second Amendment’s ruling on American possession of handguns was brought into question, something many people in Washington became divided upon, but which eventually led to the city having to relax its very strict ban on guns, which many fear will only bring a return to high the murder rates of the 1990s.

Top 5 Popular Washington DC Hotels on Venere.com

• Hotel Red Roof Inn – 2-star Hotel – Double Room from  $229
• Capitol Skyline Hotel – 3-star Hotel – Double Room form $398
• Henley Park Hotel – 4-star Hotel – Double Room from $109
• Holiday Inn Central Washington – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from $137
• Hotel Washington Plaza – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from $99

Photo of Washington DC T-shirts by M.V. Jantzen

But don’t be expecting scones with jam and cream, earl grey and old ladies crashing into cake stands. The elegant tea rooms in Granada are something quite different but equally as enchanting and irresistible.

The close proximity to the tip of northern Africa down in the southern towns and cities in Spain has led to a certain Arabic buzz to the air that has permeated into the output in the shops and the cafés. All around the Plaza Neuva, which is quite central in the city and not too far from the majestic Cathedral, you will find a host of these charming little tea rooms, known as teterias that are rich with teas you might have never encountered before.

Some teas come with milk, some with water, some with water and a host of greenery for flavour. The teas are all served in delightful looking glass and metal cups and often in a host of totally unique tea pots. You will smell the tea before you taste it. Rich aromas from all over Africa and Asia fill these little cafes. You could hear the Moorish music before you see it. The staff treat their tea very seriously and are more than used to people walking in off the street not knowing which to choose. They will guide you through the flavours and how they are served so you get the most interesting afternoon brew.

Some of the best to look out for are Sueños de Alambra, which comes with hot water, and Te Pakistani, which is served with hot or cold milk depending on what you ask for. There are a great number of fruit teas as well as herbal teas. But don’t expect many to come in a bag. These teas are as fresh as the oranges in Seville.

If you’re with young children, or even people who aren’t that into tea, then don’t worry, as there’s something extra special for them too. The milkshakes and the fruit juices in these accommodating tea rooms are to die for. A good one is called Limonada and is an Arabic juice of lemon and mint. Then quite a few of them also serve light snacks such as crepes or northern African sweet pastries and cookies.

You’ll find yourself wasting hours in these warm and cost little tea rooms. You could even do a crawl from one to the other all afternoon, soaking up tea like a sponge. Some of the best to look out for are on Calle Caldereria Nueva 4 and Calles Caldereria Nueva & Caldereria Vieja.

Cozy Hotels in Granada, Spain:

• Room Mate Shalma – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €130
• Room Mate Leo – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €107
• Hesperia Granada – 4-star Hotel – Double Room from €59

Photo of tea house in Granada, Spain by Hector de Pereda

Pompeii is a household name but what about the intriguing ancient harbour city just outside Rome?

Head west from the capital on the SS8 and you’ll be on your way to the Mediterranean and to the town of Ostia. The first thing you need to know is where the confusion sometimes lies in terms of the name Ostia. There is the new town of Ostia, which is also known as Lido di Ostia. This is not far from the larger town of Fiumicino, where the airport is.

Lido di Ostia

The town of Lido Ostia boomed during the middle of the first half of the 20th Century. Thanks to a new and improved railways and roadways, that brought Romans out of the city to the seaside, many people flocked to the beaches and waterfronts for their holidays. Art Nouveau buildings were erected, bathing pools were constructed and it became the place to be seen in the summer months. But sadly the latter half of the century led to poor water quality and then a dramatic decline in tourist numbers. Today the town is almost like a satellite orbiting the ever-expanding city of Rome. The distance between the two is now much less, as Rome gets bigger and bigger. Some fear it will one day be part of the city.

Ostia Antica

Men and women from the 20th Century weren’t the first people to head west from the great city. The ancient remains of the town of Ostia Antica now pay host to some of the country’s most impressive archaeological remains that pays host thousands of tourists into the area every year. But back in the reign of the like of Claudius it was a bustling seaside town and harbour with boats and with goods being brought in and out of the mighty Empire’s capital.

There is proof of remains from as far back as 4th century BC but it’s believed the area is much older. There are military camps, temples and vast banqueting halls. Over the years the site has been something of a target for pirates fresh off their boats and in 68 BC they sacked the town and it had to be built again.

The dizzy heights of the town came in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries AD. Population topped roughly 80,000 and the Emperors Maximan and Constantius Chlorus raised it to become one of the most fashionable and popular city retreats. There is the remains of a very impressive theatre, which dominates much of the site. There are baths, taverns and even a fire station.

If you fancy a visit to the site then get on any train heading that way from Rome – the Metro is only about 1 Euro. Admission is pretty cheap too and is usually around 5 Euros per person so it’s well worth it.

Popular Ostia Hotels on Venere.com:

• Ostia Antica Park Hotel – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €79
• Il Giardino Pensile – Bed & Breakfast – Double Room from €75
• Residence Rodrigo de Vivar – Farm House – Double Room from €100

Photo of mosaics in Ostia Antica, Rome, by Dane Larsen

Edinburgh is world famous for being the place for tourists to soak up the country’s heritage, but it’s cooler younger brother Glasgow has recently been ahead in terms of bars and pubs. So where can the Scottish capital fight back?

1. The Peartree

If you’re young and cool and like hanging out in a hip part of town with students then head to The Peartree where you’ll be welcomed into the enchanting beer garden with it’s namesake on centre stage – that being the pear tree itself. Get there after dark and you’ll see the tree lit up like a Christmas tree along with the rest of this sparkling garden. It’s worth taking note of the prices here though if you’re on a diet of beans on toast because it’s a wee bit more than surrounding watering holes, but it’s still one to spend all day in the summer at with the paper and a loved one.

2. The Penny Black

If you like whisky instead of milk on your porridge then you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s an early bird in the world of Edinburgh pubs and it’s called The Penny Black. Black might be the colour of your eyes when you leave if you start at that time though as it’s a pretty rowdy boozer that doesn’t win a huge amount of prizes for décor but more than compensates when it comes to friendly and proper Scottish drinking spirits, of all kinds.

3. The Jekyll and Hyde

Some people become different versions of themselves when they’ve had a few drinks, this pub is a different version of most pubs in Edinburgh. There’s a really fun sense of comedy about this place. The staff are all friendly and will be more than happy to talk you through the drinks they have on offer – which range from themed horror cocktails to seven deadly sins shot which will no doubt bring out the Hyde in all of you. The building doesn’t take itself too seriously either. There’s cobwebs everywhere, spooky skeletons propped up at the bar and various potions on the shelves all around…these things all being real in Glasgow by the way. Finally it’s worth taking note of the hilarious toilet door caper. It’s disguised as a bookcase so try not to look that stupid while you hold it in.

4. Whistle Binkies

What’s that we can hear? That’ll be the sound of the latest hip and trendy band playing at Whistle Binkies on South Bridge just near Cowgate. It’s one of the hotspots for live music in Edinburgh and regularly stays open until 3am and 5am during the August Festival – something worth looking into for all of these pubs by the way. Open mic nights are a regular fixture here so if you feel the need to get up and sing a Proclaimers song then you’re probably one of about a thousand to do it that week.

5. Le Monde

The fashionable place to strut ones stuff in Edinburgh is George Street, where the huge old stone buildings are all now banks, designer clothes boutiques, fancy hotels, plush cocktail bars, with Le Monde being one of the best. The drinks are all whizzed up by glamorous bar staff and the food is chic little dishes with more plenty of garnish. The central bar means you’re always being ogled at when you look your best. It’s a great place to go when you’re dressed up and are getting riled up to go for a dance elsewhere.

Top 5 Edinburgh Hotels with a bar or a pub onsite

• The Grassmarket Hotel – Edinburgh Old Town -  Double from £83
• Piries Hotel – Edinburgh Murrayfield district – Double from £79
• Carlton Hotel – Downtown Edinburgh – Double from £154
• Hotel The King James – Edinburgh Princes Street area- Double from £79
• Royal Ettrick Hotel – Edinburgh Morningside district – Double from £87

Photo of Le Monde, Edinburgh, Scotland, by Squeezyboy

The people are very friendly and polite. Quality of life her is some of the best in the world, which is what we all look for as we get older. It’s famous for many things but what is there for the more mature members of society to do in Zurich?

Getting around Zurich won’t be a problem for a start because the city is the master of buses and the trams. There is range of trams on offer, from electricity to diesel and a good old fashioned trolley bus system too, which will have many of you reminiscing. The transport is everywhere so don’t worry about too much walking.

• The Grossmünster church

The Grossmünster church is a must-see for those interested in architecture and history. Dating back as far as the 12th Century in parts, this Romanesque design is a box shape with two large towers at it front – which Wagner once called pepper mills. These will be seen from most points around the city so you can’t miss it. Within the church there are a number of ornate stone carvings and gargoyles, some of which are quite strange. The crypt is well worth a visit and is in keeping with the Roman style. Before you leave, make sure you glance up at the more modern stained glass windows by artist Augusto Giacometti.

• Beyer Watch and Clock Museum

Time is something many older travelers will know a great deal about, but perhaps not as much as the Swiss due to their famous love of clocks and watches. While you’re in town, don’t miss a rare chance to soak up to Beyer Watch and Clock Museum, found on Bahnhofstrasse 31 just across the river from the Grossmünster and in the busy shopping area of the city centre. Take your time as you wander between the cabinets that present around 500 time pieces, some dating back as far as 1400 BC. Just when you think you’ve seen more interesting ways to tell the time, then discover the unique water clocks, sundials and oil clocks.

• Zurich Botanical Garden

Then there’s the relaxing ambience in the Botanical Garden Zürich to the south east of the city, the nearest tram stop being Hegibackplatz. As well as the luscious gardens that have some exotic plants, flowers and very interesting medicinal herbs on display, there is also an arboretum on site too. The trees in the arboretum and divine. Set against the Schanzengraben moat, it’s a real treat for any horticulture lovers out there. The whole site is part of the University of Zurich so has many links with the research areas of their study. With over 1.5 million plants it’s certainly a vital part of the city as well as being a beautiful spot to spend an easy day. It’s open between 07.00 and 19.00 on weekdays and 08.00 and 18.00 over the weekend and doesn’t cost a franc to get in.

Senior-friendly hotels in Zurich:

• Hotel Engimatt – 4-star Hotel – Double room from €150.5 per night
• Hotel Opera – 4-star Hotel – Double room from €188 per night
• Claridge Swiss Quality Hotel – 4-star – Double room from €211 per night

Picture of  Zurich, Switzerland, by Beat Küng

Some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the world can be found in the Latvian capital of Riga.

A whole district is dominated with examples of the architecture and art works from the late 19th Century. Some of the best examples can be found on the main street of Elizabetes Iela . There are over 800 Art Nouveau buildings in the city so good luck ticking them all off.

A medical themed restaurant

Doctors in Riga have opened a restaurant called Hospitalis where the dining room looks like an operating room and the waitresses wear nurse’s uniforms on wheeled beds. There are syringes and operating tools for cutlery as well as test tube and beakers for wine glasses. If you order the cake then you’re likely to see some fake fingers balanced on the top!

And finally….a flying penis

The Red Bull Flugtag competition was held in Riga in 2008, where complete nutters try to defy gravity and fly through the air over the river. Riga paid host to the usual crowd of strange ideas but one rose to the occasion, so to speak. A giant penis and testicles made its way into the water with the owner standing on top.

Top Riga Hotels on Venere.com

• Reval Hotel Elizabete – 4-star hotel – double room from €116
• Hotel Centra – 4-star hotel – double room from €79
• Hotel Bellevue – 4-star hotel – double room from €109

Photo of Art Nouveau building facade in Riga, Latvia, by Blind Höna

The southern Spanish holiday town of Marbella has seen a few changes over the years. There’s always been a relaxed and fun feel to the town, something the almost constant sunshine and warm weather helps create. People from all over Europe, especially in the north, have flocked here in their thousands for the summer months. At one stage they were the elite member of society who could afford such a destination but over the last twenty or so years a much wider demographic enjoyed the town’s beaches and restaurants with the help of affordable package holidays. This has tarnished the town with a reputation for being all about sun, sea, sand and steaks but is there more here to offer? There certainly is.

Marbella parks and gardens

Something you need to know is that the people in Marbella have a great deal of pride for their parks and gardens. Their green fingers are well worth enjoying the fruits of so head slightly out of town towards the Sierra Blanca mountains and then on to Nagueles Park. Often a destination for organised educational trips, this is a beautifully kept park with lots to see and do from climbing to adventure playground to simply peaceful areas to picnic and take in the view down to the sea.

Back in the town there’s even more in the way of beautiful parks in the form of Alameda Plaza, which has some expertly kept flowers and tropical plants on display and, along with the Parque de la Constitucion, is a great central place to meet people and to have a spot of packed lunch in the shade in between some sunbathing.

The prize for the most innovative and exciting area of green in the town though goes to the former river-bed but now wonderful garden called Arrollo de la Ripresa. Not only are there lots for the children to do here in the form of playgrounds etc, but there’s also something for those keen on nature with the famous Bonsai Museum; proud to boast some of the rarest and most stunning micro trees in the world.

Marbella cultural sites and museums

If parks are not your thing and you like to dip your toe into the pools of history then head across town to Orange Square, noted for its perimeter of orange trees, and rich with 15th Century buildings, many of which have a strong Moorish look and feel. The Church of St Mary is very nearby and the Baroque style that dates back to the early 17th Century is very impressive and has a unique organ too.

Keep with the history and head to Rio Verde to see some magical roman remains of baths and temples. Juxtapose this with the Moorish mosques all over the city, which really unfold the diverse history of this town.

Finally if you want to visit a rather unusual museum but one of the best of its kind in all of  Spain then take a trip to the Bazan hospital where you’ll find the Spanish Contemporary Engraving Museum. There are exhibits here from the last two hundreds years with works from great artists such as Dali and Picasso here to see.

Top 3 Popular Marbella Hotels on Venere.com:

• Hotel Central - 2-star hotel – double room from €86
• Hotel Princesa Playa – 4-star hotel – double room from €129
• Hotel El Frao Inn – 3-star hotel – double room from €90

Photo of Parque de la Constitucion, Marbella, Spain, by Bulletsays

48 Hours in Copenhagen: Day 1

Try to find a hotel near Strøget, in the city center. As with all capital cities this helps with the navigational aspects but particularly with Copenhagen because it’s a bit of a maze and there’s often water in your way when you need to cross somewhere. A good way to start the break is to head towards the Rosenborg Have park and find the famous Rundetårn Tower. It might look like a giant toilet roll with windows but the climb up this 350-year-old 200-metre observatory is a fantastic welcome to the city. Take a good map and try and find someone to help you point out certain landmarks. You’ll then feel very confident getting around on foot.

If you have a taste for history then one of the best museums in Copenhagen is the aptly named National Museum of Denmark. There are wonderful archaeological remains, detailing this vibrant and colourful country’s history. One of the highlights in the collection is the clothing remains of the Egtved Girl, whose teenage body was preserved in a barrow. If you want to see what the fashion was back in 1370 BC then you might be surprised to see how little things have changed.

Let’s head to the shops for a while shall we? Copenhagen loves shopping. The area you want to head over to is the place they call “the stroke”, or Strøget if you’re a local. The wide, pedestrianized zone is the longest shopping walkway in Europe and is full to the brim with fashionable outlets, many of which you might know from other countries and some of which have a certain Danish feel. Built to reduce the cars that were starting to spoil the city centre around fifty years ago, this area has become something of a template for cities the world over.

Only a short walk from the shops of Strøget is the famous Rosenborg Castle Gardens aka The King’s Gardens. A place perfect for those tired legs and feet after all that shopping. Or maybe somewhere for the gents to sit and read the paper while their female loved ones shop till they drop. It’s the most visited park in Copenhagen and the views of the castle will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

A park of a very different nature is perhaps something to save for the following day, when you a little more energy. For the climax to the opening day you couldn’t do better than to go out for dinner at Restaurant Gråbrødre Torv 21, found between the park and the university, it’s a very traditional affair. The décor is very earthy and simple but the atmosphere is as warm as the food. Trying something traditional is almost a dead cert here. Why not plump for some of the wonderful fish, fresh from the North Sea.

48 Hours in Copenhagen: Day 2

On your second day you could either take it easy or not. Or maybe you could merge the two? If so then head straight for the world famous Tivoli Gardens in the morning for an energetic experience to rival no other. It’s an amusement park with an edge. Being one of the oldest of its kind in the world there is a huge array of things to see and do. Roller coaster rides and carousels in one corner but then traditional dance and theater across the trees in the other. There’s a Pantomime Theatre, a Glass Hall and even the odd chance you’ll see some famous musical acts if you’re there in the summer months.

On your final afternoon in Copenhagen, why not take it easy with a saunter around The National Gallery and soak up some masterpieces from Rembrandt and the like. It’s just next to the Nørreport Metro station.

Popular Copenhagen Hotels near Strøget

• Hotel Best Western City – Double room from €168
• Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven – Double room from €121
• Hotel Copenhagen Strand – Double room from €117

Morocco’s ‘Red City’ will send you red in the face if you don’t quickly become street wise enough to know that everyone is out to make and save a buck or two.

It’s not done in a nasty or deceitful way. It’s simply how they run things. Your days of trying desperately to knock the odd penny or cent off the price of something in a second-hand shop will seem like playschool after you’ve been to Marrakech.

First of all you need to know that there is very little in the whole of Marrakech that has a fixed price. Don’t just think of trinkets on a stall in a market however. We’re talking beers, food, bus fares and even hotel rooms sometimes. The Moroccans love to haggle and the second thing you need to know is they are very very good at it.

When you walk around the maze of the city, if you look like you’re a tourist then the locals will fly around you like mosquitoes showing you what they have to sell to you and assuring you that not only do you absolutely need the item but also that it’s the best price in the world. It’s not. Prices seem to have been plucked from thin air in some cases. A quick example being a very cheap Fez made from card, some velvet and a tassel probably cost under a £1 to make but worked out as over £20 as a starting price. If you aren’t confident, hugely suspicious and quick with your maths then you could get stung every day for the whole trip. So assume everything that everyone is selling is at least double than what you should pay.

Whether you’re buying leathers, lights, lanterns or lattes you’ll find a man running after you convincing you he’d be starving his children is he sold what you wanted for anything less. The best way to get what you want for the price you want is to have a good look at the item but then walk away as quickly as you can without showing any interest in it any more than anything else. Then do exactly the same at other stalls but make sure you compare the quality and prices of the item you want. Then head back to the stall where it was cheapest and start to barter.

Have a figure in your head and stick to it.

Make it one you feel it fare considering the other items you saw. The stall holder will then shake his head at you, as though you’re about to get laughed out of the country, but don’t worry, he knows it’s a fair price and also he knows at that point that this is probably going to be what he sells it for so he’s getting as used to it as much as you.

Then your simple tactic has to be one of firmness.

Walk away and say ‘no thanks’ and I assure you he’ll come running after you. Keep shaking your head and walking away until he drops to the price you want. He won’t follow you forever so don’t worry. Ignore him until he agrees. It’s hard but it works.

The only annoying part of this is that when you genuinely don’t want the item anymore there’s not really any way you can distinguish between this and expert bartering so at that point you might have to start running.

Holiday Apartments in Marrakech, Morocco:

• Residence Assounfou -  From €59 per night
• Flat Appart Slimania -  From €77 per night
• Palemeraie Village – From €87.5 per night
• Le Domaine de l’Ourika – From €100 per nigth

Photo of  Marrakech souk, Morocco, by Vtveen

From as far back as the 8^th Century, the Aquitaine city on the south west coast of France has been making wine that many feel rivals non other in the world. The tours of the numerous vineyards are what flock tourists here in their droves, but information on them is for another article at another time. This one is to tell you a little more about what else Bordeaux has to offer.

1. The Grand Theatre

Make sure you don’t leave before giving this majestic building a good look around both inside and out. Found just off the Rue Esprit de Lois in the centre of town, you might think you were in Rome at first as the huge pillared forum-like structure. Its history is extensive, beginning by design from Victor Louis in 1780 in a neo-classical style but with 12 pillars, each one representing the nine muses and three goddesses, who, in ancient Greece, inspired art and literature. The wooden frame remains the last European wooden structure to remain intact in its original form. If there is a ballet or opera performance while you’re in town then don’t miss it.

2. Saint Andre Catherdral

Every city has it proudest church and Bordeaux is no exception. If you make your way over to the Hotel de Ville tram stop then you won’t miss this grand building. The very oldest part of the cathedral dates way back to the 11^th Century and to Pope Urban II. But only a small part of that remains as large chunks of the building were rebuilt in the 15^th Century. The famously imprisoned Eleanor of Aquitaine was married here in 1137 to Louis VII, this being a few years before she married King Henry II of England. Find the energy to walk all the way up to the top of the tower for a great view of the whole city.

3. Le Calle Ocho

For something much more energetic and musical, this live music bar and nightclub will have you shaking your hips all night long. On 24 R des Piliers-de-Tutell, it’s small and quite hard to find on a weekday but come the weekend and the evening it springs into life. The Cuban spirit bursts from the speakers and the mojitos and beers start to flow as much as the torsos. It’s a very popular spot for locals and one of the best nights out in the whole city.

4. Bordeaux Botanic Garden

A fabulous open space in the more industrial area of town around Place Bardineau on the river. There has been quite an effort to boost the site in recent years, which has led to a brilliant new collection of plants and flowers from China and Japan.

5. Museum of Aquitaine

You’ve been to the cathedral so don’t leave before you’ve been to the museum. The four floors give you a great idea about the local history, archaeology and ethnography. Right in the centre on 20 cours Pasteur it’s been around for a few hundred years and is a great place brush on your facts ready to tell you family and friends when you get home.

Popular Bordeaux Hotels on Venere.com

• Hotel de France – 2-star Hotel – Double starting from €64
• Hotel Chateau Grattequina – 4-star Hotel – Double starting from €152
• Hotel Comfort Suites Victoria Garden – 3-star Hotel – Double starting from €51

Photo of the Grand Théâtre, Bordeaux, France, by Arnaud Bertrande

We might know about the Provencal magnets for tourists but do we know enough about one of its most beautiful and alluring cities?

1. Cours Mirabeau

Before you start thinking this is all going to be museums, galleries and churches, let’s sort out one of the most accessible but brilliant places in Aix. It’s quite simply a long boulevard, bordered with wonderfully kept symmetrical plane-trees, with a road running through the middle and with dozens of cool cafes, restaurants, shops and bars flanking it. It’s the place to see and be seen in the city and from as far back as the mid 17th Century has been a principle thoroughfare. Walk the whole length and you’ll have gone from the old into the new – or the other way around.

2. Atelier Cezanne

There are a few famous names in the world of art associated with this region and Cezanne is one who has been very well respected in this city. This museum is like a spooky window into the past. It’s like an artist’s shipwreck. The former studio of the great man is just to the north-west of the city centre. The whole building has been kept exactly as it was when Cezanne worked there. You can see his canvasses, easels and paints and imagine the man himself standing there with you. Worth a visit, even if you’re not a huge follower of Cezanne’s work.

3. The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour

Perhaps more of a conventional idea but not something that lacks uniqueness and charm. Located in the medieval part of Aix this is a building that dates back as far as the 5th Century and presents a wide blend of different architectural styles, from Gothic doors to a Renaissance dome.

4. Festival d’Aix-en-Provence

For a city bursting with culture, fans of opera won’t be disappointed with Aix-en-Provence. During June and July the city burst into song as it pays host to one of the most important in Europe. Venues all over town, such as Théâtre de l’Archévêché, Théâtre du Jeu de Paume and the Grand Théâtre de Provence, provide wonderful shows in these months but the real treat is in the outside concerts at Théâtre du Grand Saint-Jean, just out of town. It’s a must again, even if you’re not particularly into opera.

5. Le Mistral

Not the famous wind but rather a nightclub. There isn’t a huge amount of cool hangouts after dark in this city, which serves many people well but might not appeal if you’re looking to have a few drinks and have a dance. This place on 3 rue Frédéric Mistral is great to head for if you like your expensive cocktails and pumping dance music played until the early hours. France is the place for new dance music these days and Le Mistral is out to prove it’s not just Paris that can have all the fun.

Popular Aix-en-Provence Hotels on Venere.com:

• Hotel Royal Mirabeau – 3-star Hotel – Double room from €75
• Hotel Novotel Pont de l’Arc – 3-star Hotel – Double room from €95
• Hotel Mas d’Entremont - 4-star Hotel – Double room from €155

Photo of Cezanne “C” stud in Aix-en-Provence, France, by Christophe Moutier

In terms of the general feeling towards the gay scene in the city there is a relaxed enough feel to the bars and clubs to welcome any gay or lesbian tourist. The area around Alameda de Hércules has a lively and chilled-out vibe, not so buzzing in the summer months though, but always up for a laugh.

Gay Bars in Seville

Before we go any further then it’s worth listing a few of the openly gay bars in Seville.

• El Barón Rampante, C. Arias Montano 3 – this is technically a gay bar but there’s always quite a mixture of people hanging out here as it’s a cool spot.

• El Bosque Animado, C. Arias Montano 5,

• El Hombre y el Oso, C. Amor de Dios 32 – this one is one of the oldest in the city and has a thing for teddy bears.

• El Paseo, Paseo Cristóbal Colón 2.

• Isbiliyya, Paseo Cristóbal Colón 2 – one of the hottest places on the whole gay-scene. It’s always packed and spills out on to the street with drinking and party-goers. When the music starts up you’ll know about it. A great place for a hot and sweaty night.

• Noveccento, C. Julio César 10,

• Men to Men, C. Trajano 38 – a more in your face type of places with a very wide cliental and some rather secret little hideways where you never quite know what’s going on.

Seville Gay Pride

Topping the bill for the gay scene in Seville has to be the annual Gay Pride on the 28th June each year. Like many others gay prides, Seville doesn’t fall short of the mark when it comes to all out exciting celebrations and partying. Organized by the Lesbian Gay Platform of Seville, called Somos, the day consists of a variety of events, from film screenings, to conferences. But a gay pride wouldn’t be complete without a procession of some kind and Seville doesn’t fall short, even though it’s not been running for very long at all. Kicking off at the Plaza Neuva, the procession makes its way through the city via Los Remedios before finally coming to a halt where the annual Seville Fair (Feria de Abril) is hosted.

Top 3 Seville Hotels Booked by Gay Travelers on Venere.com

• Hotel Rey Alfonso X – 4-star hotel in downtown Seville – Double starting from €64
• Casa Romana Hotel – Boutique hotel in Seville city center – Double starting from €107
• Hotel Vincci La Rábida – 4-star hotel in El Arenal, Seville – Double starting from €64

Photo of Flamenco dancer in Seville, Spain, by Ruth L

What you might not know is that Miami Beach is its own city, separate from Miami itself. If you are thinking of a holiday there, or even a day trip while you’re in Florida, then here are some tips for blending in with the elite.

South Beach

Head to South Beach. It’s what many of you might be thinking of when imagining the stretch of sand. It’s been famous in various films and of course the TV show Miami Vice. To get through a day on the beach you’ll obviously need your sun cream, as temperatures can get up to the late 30 degrees in the summer months.

There are quite a few topless areas for bathing around South Beach so if that’s not your sort of thing then keep an eye out before you get out your towel.

If you want to spend a lot of your time on the beach then try and find somewhere cheap to stay near South Beach or you might spend all your time and money in and out of cabs to the beach. It’s a very large area so don’t be fooled.
Pick a spot on the sand that looks like it has people like you. There are some quite intimidating and dirty areas of the beach and this might get worse throughout the day as more and more people arrive in the mid afternoon and after work.

If you want to surf or do anything wave related you’d have to check way in advance for the tides because you might be disappointed with the lack of height and power to waves onto the beaches carry. It’s not Malibu.

Miami Beach Nightlife

There are literally hundreds of nightclubs and bars to entertain you in the evenings in Miami Beach. It’s teeming with cocktail bars paying host to various exotic dancers on poles etc. There is obviously a big Latino vibe to the whole entertainment and you’re likely to come away having had to best mojito of your life. But just beware that many of the nightclubs are very expensive to get into and you might find yourself queuing for hours only to be told by the big man on the door that you aren’t cool enough to come in. It’s worth watching for a minute or two who is being let in and who isn’t. Might seem a bit un-cool but it’ll save your night. Some of the best bars in town are Lost Weekend, Mac’s Club Deuce, The Abbey Brewing Company, Room Inc, Free Spirits and The Playwright – the latter being an Irish pub in a quite un-Irish place but that doesn’t fall short with the Guinness, the music and the general good cheer and banter.

Miami Hotel Pools

This last tip is a bit of a risky one but if you’re feeling rather cheeky then some of the best pools in the city are found in the best hotels. But if you’re not staying at those hotels then you can forget it. Or can you? If you feel courageous then try walking confidently through the main lobby of one of the best hotels and aiming straight for the pool out the back. If you look like you’re staying there, then they’ll think you are and you’ll have a lovely day by a lovely pool. You won’t have been the first person to try this.

Photo of Miami Beach by (le)doo.

1. The home of the largest synagogue in Europe

Dohány Street Synagogue is colossal. Able to house 3000 people and stretching 44 metres high and filling a size of over 2000 metres square, it is the second largest synagogue in the world, after one in New York. The synagogue is made up of various temples and gardens and was built in the mid 19th century with a design based on Moorish architecture from northern Africa.

2. The oldest underground train system in mainland Europe.

Another record-breaking fact about the capital of Hungary lies underground this time. Apart from London off the mainland – whose underground lines are the oldest in the world -Budapest can proudly boast some of the oldest metro railways in the world, with work beginning on the system in 1896. But there are only three lines and in order to get onto the others you have to change at one station. Something London might struggle with in rush hour.

3. How to become a better writer

If you touch the pen of the Anonymous statue, that sits in the park just near to Heroes’ Square then it’s said it will make that person a better writer. The statue is pretty menacing and looks like the Grim Reaper, but is thought to be a chronicler of King Bela. But no one is really sure which Bela as there have been quite a few in Hungary throughout history.

4. It’s getting hot down there

Budapest has more thermal springs below the city than any other capital in the world. The springs have given birth to dozens of medicinal baths all over the city and can produce an amazing 70 million litres of water every single day. There are also over 100 springs that have been enjoyed by many of the patrons and visitors of Budapest since the Roman Empire.

Hotel near Dohány Street Synagogue

• Starlight Suiten Hotel Budapest
• Hotel Carat Budapest
• Hotel Budapest Karoly Central

Photo of Budapest Synagogue, Hungary, by harshilshah100

But the stunning and warm city of Zaragoza, found right in between the square that is the cities above, might just be the hidden gem of Spain.

Coming with a multi-cultural background that has seen it ruled by Romans, Arabs, the Aragonese and then Christians, it’s not surprise to find out that the city is rich with a great variety of traditions, buildings and people. Modern history was deeply affected by the Spanish Civil War. Zaragoza was one of the most bombed areas and was the home of the famous anarchist militia group the Durruti Column. Nowadays the city has been largely trouble-free, apart from the ongoing and difficult threat from radical groups such as ETA. There a so many things for a visitor to do in Zaragoza you’ll never be bored. Here are just a few selections.

1. Take Part to Las Fiestas del Pilar

Dig out your red checked scarves for a 7-day festival that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint James by the Nuestra Señora del Pilar. A whopping 2 million people will be in and around the city during the festival. There are always plenty of bars and restaurants looking lively and entertaining all through the night as well as nightclubs and stages with live music and plenty of dancing. Daily bullfights in the morning always attract the crowds. Largely due to it being open to the public, or rather those brave enough to end up in hospital.

2. Visit the Catedral del Salvador

The Cathedral of the Saviour is found on the Plaza de la Seo, which very appropriately means “see”. There’s certainly something to see when you get there. When the Christians came to town around the 12th Century, they removed the Mosque, which was previously on the site, and built the church you see today. Before the Mosque it was also a Roman temple, so the site has had religious importance for hundreds of years. What might strike you when you enter is the unusual amount of natural light. It’s a bright and warm building with a truly spectacular 15th Century Gothic altarpiece. A beautiful Mudejar wall on the outside provides a window in the past.

3. Visit Aljafería Palace

If the Muslim world was short-changed in history at the Cathedral then they more than make up for it at this place. It’s a sort of cross between a castle and palace but it one of the most important Moorish buildings in the whole of Spain. Even though it is open to tourists and pilgrims, the building is also the site of the Aragonese parliament. One of the highlights include the Troubadour Tower, which was originally built for defence reasons and has many arrow-slits where attacks could be defending with ease.

Top 5 Zaragoza Hotels Recommended by Venere.com Users:

• Hotel Sercotel Oriente
• Eurostars Hotel Plaza Delicias
• Hotel Silken Reino de Aragon
• Hotel Zenit Don Yo
• Hotel Catalonia Zaragoza Plaza

Picture of Palacio de la Aljaferia, Zaragoza, Spain, by Wjotek Gurak

It’s a region of rivers and fishing ports. It’s known as the “land of a 100 rivers”. These watery snakes sweep across the land and end up in either the beautiful sandy beaches of As Mariñas or into the dangerous sharp cliffs of Costa de la Muerte, which is the coast of death, but don’t be too scared.

Galicia could be called the garden of Spain. Unlike its deserty friends in the south of the country, the region is wet and damp and never as hot as the likes of Andalucía and Mercia in the south. It’s a temperate climate with plenty of rain. The riverbeds add to that rain so there’s a lush greenness to the region not too dissimilar to the likes of Sussex in England and Tuscany in Italy.

The history of the region dates back to the Celts but the Roman influences are more prominent today. The he walls in the ancient town of Lugo are thought to be the oldest in the region. There’s plenty to see and do in the whole region though.

As the capital of the region and UNESCO World Heritage Site, you won’t be disappointed with the beauty of the city Santiago de Compostela. It’s a lively and happening place to be and in 2000 was the European City of Culture. The city centres around the building which gave it its name. St James’ Cathedral marks a very significant point on the Christian pilgrimage route called The Way of St James. Since the 9th Century thousands of pilgrims have made the trip to the building to see the remains of Saint James in the building.

The city offers a lot more than this though. There is a divide between the old and new town, like so many places, but both have a lively nightlife and plenty of bars and restaurants. Look out for the famous Empanadas, which are little pasties made from pastry that looks like a Cornish pasty but are famous in the region for containing fresh fish (often cod) and shellfish.

The busiest city in the region, Vigo, is on the western coast of Galicia and is home to the biggest and most important port. Even though it’s not the capital of the region there are around half a million people living in the city and surrounding suburbs and a lot of them have a hand in the port’s activity. Sailing is a natural favourite for the locals and events such as the hugely prestigious Atlantic Week are a big part of the annual calendar.

Don’t go home with taking a trip to O Castro de Caldelas either. It’s perhaps the most beautiful area of the region and a short drive from the city of Ourense. You’ll be stunned by the beauty of the cliff-top castle, nearby churches and quaint little villages nearby that will show you the true heart of the hidden gem that is Galicia.

Top 5 Galicia Hotels Recommended by Venere.com Users:

• Farm House Casa Grande Do Bachao, Diáns Santiago de Compostela
• Hotel Hesperia Finisterre, La Coruña
• Hotel Husa Puerta de San Pedro, Lugo
• Chess Hotel Mexico, Vigo
• Hotel Husa Villa Covelo, Poio

Photo of Islas Cíes beach, Galicia, Spain, by Aprendiz de Amélie