Archive for September, 2009

You all may be well aware of the phrase, “The Best Things In Life Are Free.” Well, this phrase has been sometimes overworked. In fact it deals in truth. The most memorable sites and experiences in Europe in fact involve no admission charge. Here are ten such places that are free in Europe and it is suppose to be a must noted in the list of 10 things to do in Europe.

FIRST
Free Spectacular View of Paris: The popular place to view Paris from the top is the Eiffel Tower, but it usually involves lengthy line and hefty price. A very good alternative for better view of Paris at no charge is at the base of Sacre Coeur atop Montmartre. Visitors have to only pay a small fee to ascend the basilica (on foot). The view of Paris from the top of the steps that leads to the cathedral is really breathtaking.

SECOND
London’s Changing of the Guard: It is absolutely free but one may love to invest some time to get early there to get the view at the Buckingham Palace at 11:30 am. The Queen’s Guard changes in the Forecourt inside the gates of this Palace every day in summer months and every alternate day in the winter. This is the most famous free attraction in Europe.

THIRD
Tour of Rijksmuseum Gardens in Amsterdam: Opened only on weekends, one will find some great art treasures at this Gardens in Amsterdam, which can never be seen elsewhere. A free guide available there points our exactly what to see inside the Rijksmuseum.

The Roman Forum

FORTH
The Roman Forum: The Roman Forum was the main marketplace of Romans in the ancient time. Spending time is worth here and one can imagine how the life of Romans used to be in ancient time. Oh! Yes, it is also free to view.

FIFTH
Tate Modern and Borough Food Markets of London: Tate Modern and Borough, both attractions are located close to each other. The Tate Modern of London offers some interesting arts and the Borough Food Markets are a real fun place to be there on weekends. One can spend a budget day here with inexpensive picnic lunch from the market.

SIXTH
Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral: Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. It is also absolutely free to enter and to walk inside. Climbing the towers and visiting the museum has a small fee. It is a must-see once in a life time. In summers there are usually lengthy lines to enter the cathedral.

SEVENTH
Westminster Abbey in London: The worshiping is free otherwise there is a admission fee for seeing Westminster Abbey. One can see the Abbey Choir perform at 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.

Amsterdam Harbor Area

EIGHTH
A Free Ferry ride in the Amsterdam Harbor: Ferry tours in Amsterdam are very famous. The boat tours are pricey, but one can traverse the older part of Amsterdam port on a free ferry that is available behind the Central rail station. Though the ride is short, but it is a good opportunity of pace after a day of walking through the sites.

NINTH
Scandinavia’s Natural Phenomena: Three things on should never miss on a trip to Scandinavia in Europe. These are the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the Midnight Sun and of course the Polar Nights. Though a visit to the Scandinavia countries are a bit expensive, but if one consider these three natural treasures then it would be a handsome dividends on the touring investment.

TENTH
Fashion Gawking in Paris: Never forget to see fashion at Rue de Faubourg St. Honore or the nearby Avenue Montaigne without any cost. Moreover, one can fine the place full of latest fashions and of course the best shoppers in action.

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Take Europe Flight Guide Supplement before you move. Happy Journey.

Cuba is one of the most popular tourist islands in the Caribbean. Havana is its capital and the largest city in Cuba. The second largest is Santiago de Cuba. These days tourism in Cuba is much more than what it used to be before. It offers unique events, hot music scene and also immaculate beaches for tourists. The place has become the dream of travelers.

Facts About Cuba

Cuba is known to be the most populous insular nation in the Caribbean with more than eleven million people. The culture, customs and people of Cuba has diverse sources such as aboriginal Taino and Ciboney peoples, period of the Spanish colonialism, introduction of African slaves and also its proximity to the US.

Travel To Cuba

Last year over 100,000 Americans visited Cuba and data reveals that Cuba is becoming the fastest growing travel destinations of the world.

Here are top 10 things to do in Cuba:

FIRST

Stroll to the popular Malecon – The Malecon at Havana is a famous tourist destination in all of Cuba. It is a pedestrian walkway along the waterfront built in 1900s. Malecon features 6 lanes for city roadway and it is one of the main arteries of Havana. It is an important social gatherings, a perfect route for different parades on festivals, and of course the best place to watch setting sun.

Malecon at Havana

SECOND

Tour the Old Havana – It is famous with the name La Habana Vieja among the Cubans. It is also widely known as a tourist magnet. Here one can see the old mansions and also old churches, which makes the Old Havana as the most renowned tourist destination in Cuba. Moreover, the Old Havana has been announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

THIRD

Vedado – While still in Havana one should not miss district of Vedado. It is centrally located and hosts several good hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. Don’t miss here the famous Plaza de la Revolucion. It is one of the largest squares in the world.

FORTH

Visit Santiago de Cuba – Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city of Cuba. Here is the famous and most fascinating Old Santiago. It is widely admired for architectural splendour and also some of the shady parks. Moncada Barracks is not to be missed here.

FIFTH

Hike the Sierra Maestra – Sierra Maestra mountains are ideal for hiking and climbing. It is very close to the city Santiago de Cuba.

SIXTH

Head to the Beaches – Cuba has more than 3,000 miles of coastline. At the Cuban beach such as the Varadero, Cayo Largo, and Cayo Coco, one can honestly enjoy several watersports, soak up themselves in warm rays, and also can refresh his or her inner soul by just enjoying the transparent Caribbean waters.

SEVENTH

Catch Live Cuban Music Performance – The music of Cuba has been mostly taken from the Afro-Cuban roots of the country. Those are original, innovative and very typically all at once. One can enjoy these music in the night clubs of Cuba or else drop in any of the Music Houses.

EIGHTH
Explor Bellamar Caves – The Bellamar Caves of Cuba was discovered in latter 1800s and it has become as one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Cuba. It is located around sixty miles away from the Havana city and only twenty-five miles from the Varadero city. One can discover inside the Bellamar Caves some ornate crystal sculptures, underground rivers and ponds, and also some of the indigenous pictographs that can only be found inside the caves.

NINTH

Scuba Diving – Scuba diving in Cuba is one of the most famous places. All over Cuba one may find dive centers and some facilities springing up rapidly.

TENTH

Rolling Cigars is a Must – Try your hand at the rolling cigars in any one factory of tobacco in Cuba out of many.

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Want to know more about Cuba? Read La Gaceta De Cuba magazine.