Travel - Best Places of Interest

January 14, 2019 Food, Round the world, Travel

Best places to visit in Budapest

If you are planning a trip to Budapest or are currently in Europe, don’t miss these best places to visit in Budapest

Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest

The Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermans bastion are very popular attractions on the Buda hill. You can walk across the towards the end of the chain bridge and there is a funicular which takes you directly to the castle hill. Be sure to see all these places and there are a number of important museums out there like Hungarian History Museum, National gallery etc..

Szechnyi , Gllert or Rudas Baths

Baths are must-see and unique to Budapest. You have to spend about 3000 forints to enter baths.

The Hungarian Parliament

Hungarian Parliament building IC:
Godot13
Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Hungarian Parliament is a majestic aesthetically crafted building and the front of the parliament is really beautiful. You can’t miss the guided tour inside the parliament and it is a must-see.

Heroes Square (Hosok Ter)

Hősök tere (meaning “Heroes’ Square” in Hungarian) is one of the major squares of Budapest, Hungary, rich with historic and political connotations. It lies at the end of Andrássy Avenue (with which it comprises part of an extensive World Heritage site), next to City Park.

IC:
Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia

Heroes Square is the place where Andrassy street ends and it is not far from Deak Ferenc square. There are important museums on either side of the square and visiting them takes at least 2-3 hrs. If you walk behind the heroes square, you can visit szechnyi thermal baths, the castle and a beautiful park. This is a very important monument and well worth spending your time visiting.

St. Stephens Basilica (Panoramic view)

The St.Stephens Basilica is one of the important tourist attraction and the third highest church in Hungary. The sheer size of the basilica, its facade and bell towers is worth admiring. You can go on top of the tower through life and see the best panoramic views of Budapest and you can’t certainly miss that.

The Margarit Island

Budapest cosmos Margaret island Mexican autumn rose
IC: Pixabay

The Margarit island, not far from Parliament is a long island completely a park. You can relax if you are a nature admirer of green vegetation. The park is very well maintained and is very big and certainly renting a cycle is very recommended to see the island. There is a bus which runs through the island and there are also hotels at the end of the island.

Gellert Hill and Citadella

Gellert Hill is also a very important tourist attraction in Budapest. If you wish you can climb the hill starting from Gellert bath near Szabadsag and climb up. It might be tiring to reach Gellert but climbing up and down is a really fun part of exploring the hill.

The Chain Bridge (Szechenyi Hid)

Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, connecting Buda with Pest, by Silar 2010

Walk on the chain bridge at night (amazing)

Deak Ferenc Ter (Main city centre)

Károly Boulevard, ‘Deak Ferenc ter’ temporarily tram stop and bus – waiting area for tram replacement buses. The ‘real’ Deak Square is two blocks away.
IC: Kleszczu

Main city centre in Budapest. Start from here and all the tourist buses start from here

Vaci Street (shopping street)

Vaci street is one of the main shopping and restaurant street in Budapest. It starts with Deak Ferenc and is a very long street buzzing with tourists.

House of Terror Museum (Andrassy street)

House of Terror in Budapest, Hungary
IC: Chmee2/Valtameri

The Terror Museum on Andrassy avenue contains exhibits related to the fascist and communist dictatorial regimes in 20th century Hungary and is also a memorial. Tickets are not free but I think you can get discounts with Budapest card. It is at a walkable distance from opera.

The Hungarian State Opera

The State Opera is one of the buildings and must be visited at least for a photo. Guided tours are available inside the opera and are worth visiting. For timings please the www.opera.hu website.

The Central Market Hall

Budapest great market hall Hungary building IC:Pixabay

The Central market hall is one of the biggest market halls in central Europe. It attracts many tourists for its sheer size and there are hundreds of shops inside for shopping souvenirs, food items, Hungarian delicacies at very reasonable prices. It is at Szabadsag bridge and it can be reached by taking a tram from Deak Ferenc ter.

Castle of Vajdahunyad

The Vajdahunyad Castle and entrance is not very far Heroes square and in fact if you walk it is just behind it. This castle cannot be missed and especially a beautiful church inside it and you would love to take pictures of the castle and gardens. The castle is now Agriculture museum.

Museum of Applied Arts

Lake Balaton: 1 -day full tour

Lake Balaton is the largest fresh-water lake in Central Europe and is about 1 hr from Budapest and there are full-day bus tour trips conducted by tourist companies which include Herend porcelain visit, lunch and spending half a day at Balaton. During summer, over a million tourists visit Lake Balaton and is one of the main attractions in Hungary. Enquire about this at the tourist information office in Budapest and they will book you with one of the companies. You can also take a train which runs from Deli Payaudvar station (Red line metro) to Lake Balaton if you prefer. Very certainly, you will get to enjoy unique Lake Balaton and there are plenty of souvenir shops out there to shop. Be sure to add 1 more day to your trip itinerary, if you want to visit Lake Balaton.

Danube Night River Cruise with dinner and live music

The cruise ride during Night is the best way to see Budapest with all bridges and parliament and castle lit up at night and it is so beautiful. You can get to catch a glimpse of both Buda and Pest on both sides when sailing. The cruise trip starts at night 20:00 and is about 2.5 hr trip including dinner. You have to get tickets at Budapest port or near Erzsebet bridge (White bridge) on the riverside, and there is a ticket counter to buy tickets.

River Ride Bus

The River ride bus is very unique and is the main attraction in Budapest. The bus runs both on land and water and this way you get to see Budapest both on land and water.

References and Links

Tourist Information Office: http://tourinform.hu/english

Restaurants

You will find nice restaurants in these areas. walk around liszt ferencz square near oktogon, then raday utca. There are tonnes but Gundel is the most famous and expensive restaurant.

Coffee Shops

Grab a coffee in Central cafe, New York coffee, Alexandria cafe (worth seeing)

Amazing UAE Holidays: Best Places to Visit in UAE

Most people think of Dubai when they think of UAE or the United Arab Emirates. While Dubai is an important part of the city, it is not the only one. On the other hand, this Arab country is an amalgamation of seven Emirate cities which are Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al-Quwain. Dubai and Abu Dhabi do not need any introductions as most people know about it and millions of people choose these cities for their annual holiday destination.

However, UAE is not just about Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The other Emirates, maybe not as developed as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, do offer some exciting places to see and things to do. Let us check out some of the best places that you should not miss while holidaying in the UAE.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

Known to be the largest mosque in the UAE, the Grand Mosque beautifully combines both the ancient and modern styles of Islamic architecture. Made in white marble and adorned with mosaic tiles, gold embellishments, glass work and crystal chandeliers, the mosque is a sight to see, both during the day and at night. One of the highlights of this place is that it is home to the largest handmade carpet in the world. Do not forget to spend time by the pool to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the place, especially in the evenings.

Burj Khalifa, UAE

The Burj Khalifa is a part of the world records as it is the tallest building as well as freestanding structure in the world. While you can see this building from anywhere in the city (as it stands out from all other skyscrapers in the city, it is also possible to visit the Burj Khalifa. Consisting of 162 floors, the observation decks on the 124^th, 125^th and 148^th floors are open for the public. From the observation deck, you would get to have an incredible view of the entire city. Moreover, during your visit, you would be able to have a ride on the fastest and longest elevator in the world.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

If you want to know more about the history and development of Islam, there is no better place than Sharjah Museum of Islamic civilization for the same. It is a one-of-a-kind museum that traces the history of Islam not just in a particular region but across regions. You would be able to learn about Islam, different Islamic empires, rare manuscripts and religious documents at this museum which is located along Sharjah’s Corniche Street.

Hajar Mountains

While the UAE is known for its luxury, it is important to know that the country is not devoid of natural beauty. If you want to spend time outdoors amidst nature as well as indulge in some outdoor activities, the Hajar Mountains is a great place to visit. Endowed with picturesque wadis, roller coaster roads, Hatta rock pools and dry river beds, the Hajar Mountains is a unique place to explore. You would also be able to visit traditional villages here. It is a great place to enjoy hiking, trekking and even bird watching.

Ferrari World

The UAE is home to several amazing themes and adventure parks but the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi surely takes the cake. One of the main reasons is that it is based on Formula One race and has some cool rides. One of the star attractions of the Ferrari World is the Formula Rossa, which is the fastest roller coaster in the world, as it runs at a speed of 240 km/hour. Apart from this, there are Ferrari car expositions and a racing simulator. You also get to learn about how to assemble a Ferrari during a ride. There is also a store that sells Ferrari themed gifts and souvenirs.

The Bastakiya Quarter

Contrary to popular belief, Dubai is not all about its tall buildings and glamorous vibes. On the other hand, the Bur Dubai area of the city still preserves a memory of the times gone by with the Bastakiya Quarter. Complete with narrow lanes, sandstone buildings, wind towers and beautiful interiors, the Bastakiya is a fine example of Arabian architecture and style. Apart from walking around the lanes of the Bastakiya Quarter, you can check out the interiors of a few of the buildings and homes that house the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Ostra (art gallery). Arabian Tea House, Majlis Gallery, XVA (art house and gallery). Walking in the Bastakiya Quarter would take you away from the chaos of the modern city and is something you must experience.

Al-Bidyah Mosque

The popular mosques of the UAE are huge and extravagant. However, if you want to experience a simpler version of the mosque in the country, you must visit the Al-Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah. It is the oldest mosque in the UAE and is modest in both size and design. However, it is beautiful in its own and also a significant historical monument of the city. This mosque has been preserved well and you would be able to see the original shaft patterns on the walls. Moreover, you would also be able to see an archaeological site where many metal artefacts and pottery have been excavated in the past.

Warner Bros. World

The Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is an indoor amusement park dedicated to Warner Bros. characters and shows. This amusement park has six zones or lands including Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch, Bedrock and Warner Bros. Plaza. Each land is true to its name and offers rides and attractions based on its theme. You would be able to enjoy 29 thrilling rides, interactive attractions and live entertainment during your visit to the park. The Warner Bros. World is a park that would be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

Souks

Every Emirate city has huge malls and shopping centres where you can buy products from all over the world. However, if you want to enjoy a traditional shopping experience, you must visit the souks which are present in all the Emirates. Dubai has some of the best souks which include the Gold Souk (where you can bargain while buying gold jewellery), the Textile Souk, the Perfume Souk and the Spice Souk. There are also some modern versions of the souks (Souk Madinat is one of them) in the city. The Central or Blue Souk is known for its affordable shopping experience as well as its unique architecture and design. Abu Dhabi is home to the Carpet Souk where you would find more than 100 shops selling beautiful carpets from Afghan and Persian. You should also visit the Camel Souk in Al Ain to experience its traditional vibe. The best part about shopping in the souks is that you get to buy a variety of local products and handicrafts at reasonable rates.

This list of places to visit in UAE does not do justice to this Arab country. In fact, it has many more natural and manmade wonders that one must see during your UAE holiday. The Al Ain Zoo, the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, Jebel Hafeet, Ski Dubai, Dubai Marina and Creek, Sir Bani Yas, etc. are a few more places to see in the country. Moreover, the dhow cruise, desert safari, water and adventure sports are some of the things to do during your UAE tours. With so much to see and do in UAE, make sure to make a visit to this Arab country at least once in your lifetime.

Priya is an avid travel writer who specializes in adventurous travel writing. Her blogs and articles give deep insight about various tourist places and act as a perfect travel guide for someone who is traveling to a place for the first time. Priya has exemplary research, writing, and editing skills which make her easily match the reader’s intellect and interest. She has blogged extensively about her travel experience while traveling to several places like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Europe, Dubai, USA, Canada, etc.

January 4, 2019 Round the world, Travel

How to travel to Europe on a budget?

Are you planning a trip to Europe but have a low budget to travel?

Worry not as there are several countries which may be affordable or even dirt cheap for you.

If we talk “UN recognized states” then there are a couple to consider:

Ukraine, Eastern Europe

This country would probably be the most expensive on the list. Home to a lot of churches, villages and nice landscapes, this country was a host to a European football cup in 2012 and has won the Eurovision song contest twice.

You would be well off with 600$ for a couple of weeks including renting the apartment in the high season and other expenses.

Odessa, Theatre, Morning, Sky, East Europe

Republic of Moldova, Eastern Europe

Another former Soviet Republic is considered the poorest country in Europe as the median salary barely exceeds 180$/month.

It is well-known for home-made wine, its villages and Romanian heritage.

You could rent a nice hotel room or an Airbnb Apartment for as little as 15$/day

Moldova does, however, have an autonomous region, which de facto is a self-proclaimed republic, which leads us to…

The partially recognised territories

Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic (Transnistria)

If you plan to travel there, cross its border via Moldovan side in order to avoid problems in Moldova. Beware of bribery on the border

The de jure Transnistrian Autonomous Unit is a self-proclaimed state which is a frozen conflict zone since 1992, filled with Russian troops.

This territory is landlocked between Moldova and Ukraine

Your travel would most likely be a time travel to the end of the USSR at the end of the ’80s. Same panel buildings, some new shops; same mentality, some new technological advances, like broadband internet and a cell phone.

A lot of its infrastructure belongs to its former presidents making it a very corrupt oligarch.

Median salary exceeds 300 $/month (in Transnistrian rubles) making it richer than (the rest of) Moldova.

Its citizens do often claim their ancestry from other countries thus having a handful of other passports (Moldovan, Russian, Romanian and Ukrainian). Amid plastic coins, you would also be able to use an ATM there, which belongs to an Abkhazian bank (partially recognised state that recognised Transnistria) to retrieve Russian Rubles to exchange them into a Transnistrian currency.

You would probably be well off with a couple of hundreds $/ 2 weeks. Do please check the immigration rules of this state (e.g. how you need to register yourself at the border and at the police station after you arrive at the hostel/ your apartment)

Tiraspol, Transnistria (Pridnestrovian Republic/Moldova)

Republic of Abkhazia

Check with Abkhazian and Georgian authorities about the rules of getting in and registering yourself. Misfollowing these may get you to a prison in Georgia

Psyrtskha railway station, Eastern Europe — Psyrtskha railway station
The Republic of Abkhazia This station is served by a daily Moscow Sukhumi train and locals to Adler and Sochi in Russia.
Image courtesy-Clay Gilliland

This is another partially recognised state (recognised by the several UN States such as Nauru and Russia) on the list. De jure, this is still considered a part of Georgia.

It is home to a cheap and nice coast and delicious food and climate.

I can however not say how cheap it is, but you would definitely be well of on a couple of hundred bucks for a week or two of travelling.

~ Gagry, Abkhazia (Georgia)

January 1, 2019 Round the world, Travel

Five European Countries That You Need to Visit in 2019

person sitting on rock formation beside body of water European

The start of a new year typically comes with a list of goals, plans, and dreams that you want to achieve. For many people, one of the things that pop up on their to-do lists is to do some travelling. If this sounds familiar and is something that you want to be able to do in 2019, then Europe may be the destination you have your eye on.

Saying you want to visit “Europe” doesn’t really narrow down the list much, so to help you out we’ve put together a list of five European countries well worth visiting

Let’s take a closer look.

Ireland

For many people, visiting Ireland isn’t just an intriguing place in Europe, it’s a bucket list kind of trip that takes you to a magical and absolutely stunning country. Known for its natural beauty and castles galore, there is plenty to do and see in Ireland. It’s for that exact reason that you may want to book a guided tour through a company such as Go Irish Tours. They offer a wide array of vacation packages and tours that will ensure that you see all the very best that Ireland has to offer. You can also tie it in with a visit to the UK and Scotland if you choose.

Italy

Of course, you can’t create a list of must-visit European countries without including Italy. The country has so many noteworthy cities and towns – in fact, one visit to Italy isn’t usually enough. Standout places to tour in Italy include Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan, and Lake Como. You can opt for a bustling metropolitan city-style vacation, or something more laid back and relaxed where the scenery and architecture is the real star of the holiday.

Austria

Here’s a country that doesn’t always get the buzz it deserves, and can prove to be a traveller’s paradise. While many are familiar with Austrian’s most popular city of Vienna, there is so much more to the country. Austria is well-known for its unbelievable ski hills, spas, architecture, palaces, churches, castles, shopping, markets, entertainment, and dining. You can easily spend an entire vacation in the city, or make it a stop on a European tour.

Croatia

Here’s another European country that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. For anyone who has ever travelled to Croatia before, they will be the first to gush about just how spectacular it is. If you happen to be a beach-type of person, Croatia offers some of the most awe-inspiring shorelines there is. With that said, you can easily combine a classic beach-style holiday with European flair, history, and culture, making this a really unique destination.

Norway

For those who simply want to get away from it all, feel as though you have taken a step back in time, and really left all the stress and worries behind, then Norway can act as the perfect sanctuary. It’s here where you will find glaciers, rugged mountains that run the length of the coastline, massive fjords, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Because Norway is located within the Arctic Circle, you will also get to experience the Midnight Sun.

No matter which of these countries you choose to explore in 2019, one thing is for sure and that is the fact that you will be building memories that last a lifetime.