MUST SEE TOURIST SPOTS

Antwerp’s Grote Markt (Town Square)

Not as big as the ‘Grand’Place’ of Brussels, but certainly as beautiful is the ‘Grote Markt’ (= Town Square) of Antwerp. Here is still the heart of the old city. The Grote Markt is beautifully surrounded by the Town Hall and the so-called houses of the Guilds or corporations. In the background the tower of Our Lady’s Cathedral completes the magnificent view.

In the middle of the town square lies a statue of the first hero of Antwerp Brabo. He was the man who had killed a giant, who according to a legend used to control river traffic and extract money from people. The roman soldier Brabo cut the giant’s hand and threw it into the Schedlt River.

Our Lady’s Cathedral

Our Lady’s Cathedral is another important landmark. With its Gothic architecture, the 123 meter lofty tower is a sight to behold. The cathedral is home to two of the masterpieces of Reubens, ‘The Descent from the Cross’ and the ‘Elevation of the Cross.’

Antwerp Castle

The Antwerp castle, known as Steen (stone) is called such because castles in the 13th century were built of wood. This was the first castle at that time to be built of stone.

Meir

The Meir is another tourist attraction and the main shopping street in Antwerp. The Osterrieth House and the former royal residence of the Belgian kings in Antwerp are two of the important buildings in the Meir. The first stock exchange building in the world was built on Meir. It was gutted down in the middle of the nineteenth century and was reconstructed in Neo-Gothic architecture.

CLIMATE IN ANTWERP

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Antwerp. Although during the winter months it can be cool and damp there are plenty of things to do indoors – like museums and shopping. If you are not a fan of crowds, late autumn to early spring is probably the best time to visit.

The city is definitely more up-tempo in the summer, with more street markets and a special Rubens festival in August when the stall-holders dress in traditional costumes. The nightlife is always especially good in the summer, and sitting out at a terrace café and watching the world go by is a favourite pastime.

In spite of its frenetic urban pace, you can sill appreciate Milan’s rich history and culture by visiting its passionate operas, unique art treasures, delightful churches and museums.

NICE SIGHTS

Duomo
Dating back to 1300, the Duomo is Milan’s most outstanding artistic and religious monument. Also the world’s third largest Christian church, this Gothic wonder has one of the best views in the city.

La Scala
Since 1778, this famous opera house is dedicated to Italy’s most celebrated composers and performers. It was here that Rossini made his name, where Verdi premiered most of his works nad Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” had its first airing.

Santa Maria delle Grazie
A pilgrimage for all Leonardo Da Vinci’s fans, this church houses Milan’s greatest art treasure – Leonardo da Vinci’s “The last Supper”. The recently restored fresco can be admired on the refectory wall. And unlike most of the church, the refectory miraculously escaped the bombs of World War II.

BE IN VOGUE

Arguably one of the world’s fashion and design capitals, it’s no surprise that shopping is a religion here. Check out these exciting and must-sees and must-do, especially if you are a fashionista.

Monte Napoleone
Shop till you drop. Or maybe just window-shop if your budget doesn’t stretch to designer goodies. It is still worth taking a stroll down Milan’s high-fashion emporia, Monte Napoleone, and its equally chic sister street, Via Spiga.

photo by Luisfran

Milan Fashion Week
In recent years, the Milan Fashion week has been extended to include some 100 shows. Expect to see hot new creations of the world’s top designers like Versace, D&G, Armani and more.

burberry

Galleria Vittorio Emmanulle II
Designed by Gluseppe Mengoni in 1864, Galleria Vittorio Emmanulle II is a stunning glass-domed arcade lined with chic restaurants, cafes and bookstores – a great place to sip coffee and watch the world go by.

photo by James Martin

INDULGENCE IN STYLE

There will never be a shortage of stylish places to wine, dine and party in Milan. Here are the hot spots not to be missed.

Teatro 7
One of Milan’s most popular restaurants – known for its hip decor and open kitchen where flamboyant chefs Rico Guarnieri and Claudio Colombo cook up complicated delicacies effortlessly.

10 Corso Como
Located in a former mechanic’s workshop, it is a 13,000 square foot complex housing a restaurant, bar, bookstore and homeware/ fashion boutique all rolled into one. It even has an exhibition space for art that attracts collecotrs and enthusiasts alike.

II Volo
Trendy and unique, this bar is at the forefront of the Milanese aperitif revolution. Set in a typical Milan house, there’s a special garden where Armani-suited clientele sip on cocktails under the trees.

Barcelona is the city in Spain and is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Europe. The cultural offerings of the city draw visitors from all over the world. Barcelona is renowned for its contemporary architecture. The architecture of Barcelona is one of its kinds and is really a beauty to behold. There are over 45 famous museums in Barcelona. The works of architecture by famous architect Antonio Gaudi is one of the biggest attractions in Barcelona. Apart from the architecture there are several spectacular beaches. You can come to these beaches and bask under the sunshine enjoying the sight of the tides lashing on the sea shore. You can feel the magnanimity of the sea sitting on the beaches.

There are many museums at Barcelona whose contents are from the most ancient periods. A visit to the City History Museum that is housed in a medieval building will tell you the history of the city. There is a Roman ruin in the basement of the city that is really interesting. It also comprises the Museum-Monastery of Pedralbes, one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture. The Museum-House Verdaguer is dedicated to the poet Jacint Verdaguer. The Museum on the History of Catalonia was opened in 1996. A visit to this museum will tell you the story of Catalonia since prehistoric times. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, more widely known as MACBA gives an insight on post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art. It also includes foreign works. The works of Joan Miro are found in the museum of the Fundacio Joan Miro, along with the guest exhibitions from other museums around the world. The Picasso Museum features early works by Pablo Picasso and his “Las meninas” series. The Fundació Antoni Tà pies holds a collection of Tà pies works.

Here are the top five famous tourist attractions in Barcelona, Spain:

La Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi:

A Giant Temple designed by the master architect Antonio Gaudi. This building has been under construction since 1882 and they’ve still got another 30 to 80 years (depending on funding and resources) to go before it will be finished.

Much controversy surrounds the building of the Sagrada Familia. Today new construction materials are being used which, some feel, Gaudi himself would not have used.

When you visit the building you will see the contrast in the stone colour between the front and back of the building. Also the actual style of construction appears somewhat different between the new and old parts of the building.

Website: www.sagradafamilia.org

L’ Aquarium de Barcelona
The largest aquarium in Europe, it contains 21 glass tanks positioned along either side of a wide, curving corridor. Each tank depicts a different marine habitat, with emphasis on everything from multicolored fish and corals to seagoing worms to sharks. The highlight is a huge “oceanarium” representative of the Mediterranean as a self-sustaining ecosystem. You view it from the inside of a glass-roofed, glass-sided tunnel that runs along its entire length, making fish, eels, and sharks appear to swim around you.

Website: www.aquariumbcn.com

Poble Espanyol de Montjuic or The Spanish Village

Poble Espanyol was created to give vistiors an overview of all of the different people of Spain. This Spanish village contains representations of all of the cultures, lifestyles and craftmanship of Spain. It is a charming town and the craft stores are unique and diverse. Guided tours are offered. It would be better to book the tour in advance because you will get a one hour tour rather than a 1/2 hour tour for the same price if you book at the door. While you’re there, take a walk across the street from the entrance and enjoy the beautiful view that overlooks Barcelona.

Website: www.poble-espanyol.com

La Pedrera – Casa Mila

Another building designed by Antonio Gaudi. The building is definitely without a straight line. It looks really magnificent and overwhelming some say it is like waves of lava or a sand-dune. Everything breaks our understanding of conventional architecture. The most astonishing is the roof with lunar appearance and dreamlike landscape. The building is again a more of a sculpture than a regular building. Critics might remark on its detachment from usefullness. This is ART, not blocks of flats, for Christ’s sake.

This house was amazing. It was inspired by the mountains surrounding Montserrat and the apartments themselves resemble cave dwellings. when you go up onto roof you can see the Sagrada Familia in the distance. Wait a bit and photograph the Sagrada Famila framed by one of the arches on the roof.

Barcelona Zoo
The great zoo of Barcelona was founded in 1892 and remains as popluar as ever. Its most famous resident is the only albino gorilla in captivity. Other highlights at the zoo include dolphin shows and and killer whale show. The adventure playground seems like a great place for kids.

Website: www.zoobarcelona.com

References:
Barcelona Tourist Guide
Barcelona Travel Guide

The top Tourist Attractions in Paris are:

Eiffel tower

The Eiffel tower has come to symbolize the city. This historical monument was built during 1889 as the centerpiece of the World’s Fair. Try to climb to the top of the Eiffel tower and have a magnificent view of the city below.

Website: www.louvre.fr

The Louvre

The Louvre is a world famous art museum and was once the residence of kings. the Louvre’s most popular piece is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” It was established in 1793, and is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Its collections spans from the birth of great civilizations up to the 19th century.

Website: www.louvre.fr

Musee d’Orsay
One of the world’s most-visited museums, the Musee d’Orsay houses the largest collection of painting, sculpture, and decorative objects produced between 1848-1914, showcasing many of the most remarkable works of the early modern era.

Website: http://www.musee-orsay.fr

Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral is arguably the most stunning gothic cathedral in the world—and is undoubtedly the most famous. Conceived in the 12th century and completed in the 14th, Notre Dame Cathedral was the very heartbeat of medieval Paris. After a period of neglect, it recaptured the popular imagination when 19th-century writer Victor Hugo immortalized it in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.

Website: www.cathedraledeparis.com

Sacre Coeur and Montmartre

With its unmistakeable white dome, the Sacre Coeur sits at the highest point of Paris on the Montmartre knoll, or butte. This basilica, which was consecrated in 1909, is best-known for its garish gold mosaic interiors and for its dramatic terrace, from which you can expect sweeping views of Paris on a clear day. Take the funicular up with a metro ticket and stop off at Sacre Coeur before exploring the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre.

Website: www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées

The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visit attractions. This monument is devoted to one of France’s most fearless leaders, Napoleon Bonaparte. A visit to the Arc de Triomphe gives visitors a chance to see this architectural wonder, as well as a fabulous view and photo vantage point on the Champs Elysees. Here is a guide to visiting Paris’ Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile. The arch brings in 1.4 million visitors each year.

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Keukenhof (pronounced [?kø?k?n?h?f], in Dutch: Kitchen Court), also known as the Garden of Europe is situated near Lisse, Netherlands, and is the world’s largest flower garden. According to the official website for the Keukenhof Park, there are approximately 7,000,000 (seven million) flower bulbs planted annually at the park. [1]

Keukenhof is located in South Holland between the towns of Hillegom and Lisse, south of Haarlem and southwest of Amsterdam. It is accessible by bus from the stations of Haarlem or Leiden.

The flower garden was the idea in 1949 of the then-mayor of Lisse, a small town south of Amsterdam. The idea was to have a flower exhibit where growers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could show off their hybrids which will help the Netherlands as it is the world’s largest exporter of flowers. Keukenhof has been the world’s largest flower garden for over fifty years.

Keukenhof is open annually from the last week of March to mid-May. The best time to view the tulips is around mid-April, depending on the weather. In 2008 the Keukenhof will be open from March 20 to May 18.

Guided Tour

Keukenhof organises guided tours daily.Obviously you can make a stroll through our park on your own. If, however, you intend to visit Keukenhof in a group, you can also select an organised guided tour. You will then get an explanation on the history, background information on the planting and you will hear all kinds of interesting information that you would normally miss. Are you coming with a foreign group? No problem, we provide organised guided tours in Dutch, English, Spanish, French, German, Swedish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. It costs ? 125.00 per group of maximum twenty persons. This includes VAT and excludes admission. A walk through the park takes approximately 2 hours.

Map:

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Keukenhof
Stationsweg 166a
2161 AM Lisse
Telephone: +31 (0) 252 465 555
Fax: +31 (0) 252 465 565
e-mail: info@keukenhof.nl

References:
Keukenhof Official website