Dubai. In the western world, it is arguably the most famous of the seven emirates within the Arabian Peninsula. It is a country and city known for its exhibition of opulent wealth. Its shopping districts easily rival those of Paris, Milan, and Beverly Hills. And although Dubai is a wealthy nation within the middle east, its wealth does not stem from petroleum or natural gas, which constitute less than 6% of its economy. Dubai’s resources come from real estate, construction, and the utilization of its great city as a hub for global business. Dubai is especially tolerant of western culture and other religions, allowing for houses of worship of all faiths including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. When visiting Dubai, there are a number of sites one should see. Here are just a few of them.

Burj Al Arab

Photo credit: Faithful Chant

Burj Al Arab with heliport pad

Quite possibly the most iconic building in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab, at 1050 feet high, is the second tallest building in the world to be solely used as a hotel. The absolute tallest in the world is the Rose Tower, also in Dubai, which stands at 1090 feet. The Burj Al Arab stands on one of Dubai’s man made island and is known most for its unusual shape, which purposefully resembles the sail of a boat. Prices start at $1000 a night.

The Dubai Mall

Photo credit: austinevan

City Centre Mall Dubai

This is it, the world’s largest shopping mall. Dare we say an American’s dream? Now, some may argue that there are larger malls out there, such as the South China Mall, and the SM Mall of Asia. This is, in a way, true. There are other malls out there that provide a larger area of space. So, why is the Dubai mall considered the largest? Because it contains the most amount of stores, 1200 to be precise. Volume-wise, the mall is about the same size as the West-Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America. When the Dubai Mall opened in late 2008, six-hundred retailers were already open for business, making it also the largest mall opening in history. The mall features an aquarium with the largest viewing panel in the world, as well as a full, Olympic-sized ice skating rink.

Burj Dubai

Burj Dubai via wikipedia

This is, quite simply, the tallest man-made structure ever in the history of mankind. It is currently in its completion stage and should be finished by the end of 2009. Total price tag for the project is somewhere in the vicinity of $4.1 billion, almost a bargain compared to the price of the man made islands Dubai has been creating. The building measures in at 2,684 feet high. Historically, this building will mark the first time the world’s tallest, free-standing, man-made structure has been located in the middle east since the Great Pyramid of Giza was surpassed in 1311.

Palm Jumeirah

Man made island Palm Jumeirah

This is the first of three palm shaped artificial islands Dubai plans on creating. The island’s palm shape has created an additional 40 miles of coastal real estate for the country. This effectively doubled the length of Dubai’s coastline. Construction of the island began in June of 2001, with the first residents moving to the island in 2006. The island was created by dredging seven million tons of sand and rock. A Dutch company, who are experts in land reclamation, oversaw the project. The cost of creating the island was $12.3 billion, but that does not include maintenance. Suffice to say, it is currently the largest man-made island in the world and will soon be teeming with luxury hotels and resorts.

The World

Mansion on one of the World Islands via Wikipedia

If a man made island with 40 miles of coastline is not impressive then perhaps “The World” will be. This man made archipelago consists of over 300 islands. It is called “The World” because the islands have been designed to form a rough map of the entire world. There is an island in the shape of England, another in the shape of Greece, etc.. The idea here, of course, is status as one can claim they own “England” by purchasing the corresponding man made island. The entire archipelago covers an area of 3.7 by 5.6 miles. Islands typically sell for between $15 to $50 million dollars, which should eventually cover the full development cost of $14 billion. The project is currently on hold due to the world economic crisis.

Ski Dubai

Photo credit: muness

Ski Dubai

When one thinks of Arabia, let alone Dubai, one likely pictures an arid desert of heat and sun. One does not think of snow skiing. Yet, that is what one can do at Ski Dubai, arguably the largest indoor ski resort in the world. The resort features 22,500 square meters of ski area. The heavily insulated building is kept at 30.2 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 21.2 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the night, which is when the snow is generated. The resort features five ski runs and is open year round.

Sheikh Zayed Road

Photo credit: Augapfel

The Other End of Sheikh Zayed Road

It might seem strange to have a highway on a list of sites one must see while in Dubai, but bear with us. Sheik Zayed Road is part of the “E 11” highway, which is the longest road in the United Arab Emirates. When it passes through Dubai, it is known as “Sheik Zayed Road”. So why is it on this list of must see sites? Because it is along this highway that most of Dubai’s skyscrapers are built. If one is visiting Dubai then must drive down this stretch of road, especially at night. It was one of the most beautiful views in the city.

Whether it be snow skiing in the middle of the Arabian desert, man made islands, or just all out displays of extravagant wealth, Dubai is a region teeming with luxury. Its nightlife is second to none, with the New York Times listing it as one of the greatest party cities in not just the Middle East, but the world. If opulence is what one seeks then one will not fail if they travel to Dubai.

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Famous Landmarks in Dubai

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Miami is one of those cities that is perfect for a weekend getaway, in fact it’s a noted hotspot for celebrities looking for a quick mini vacation from the world. Miami has so much to offer that you can cater to almost every personality and interest. The best way to experience Miami is to take in a little bit of everything the city has to offer.

Photo credit: (le)doo

Miami Beach Lifeguard tower

Miami Beaches

Miami is known for its beaches, one in particular. And any visit to Miami doesn’t feel complete without a trip to the ocean. South Beach is the most noted beach and draws the greatest crowds. It’s the place where people go to see and be seen. And you may see more than you bargained for as topless sunbathing is not uncommon. South beach is convenient to get to and within walking distance to a number of wonderful cafés and restaurants that feature outdoor seating so you can people watch while dining. The other beaches in Miami don’t draw quite the crowds that South Beach does, which has its appeal as well. Miami beaches have it all, whether you’re looking for a place to sun yourself, explore native habitat, windsurf or even camp.

Miami Art

Miami has a thriving art community and there is no shortage of art galleries, museums and events to explore. Although the visual arts may be your first instinct, and there are a number of places to explore the visual and traditional art of the region there are other art forms which attract a crowd and inspire many. The music scene in Miami is thriving and diverse with strong gospel roots, a noted Latin beat and incredible club music. The performing arts make a strong appearance on the local scene with a handful of local performing arts arenas with everything from traditional Shakespeare to interpretive dance. One art form that often gets overlooked but is key to Miami’s personality is the architecture which is mainly art deco in style. But if you’re really interested in architecture the Wolfsonian Museum houses the John and Drew Eberson Architectural Records Archive which is an incredible dive into their work from 1909 through 1988.

Photo credit: Alaskan Dude

The ornate Vizcaya Museum, Miami

Miami Museums

Speaking of museums, Miami has a number of museums and one for just about every subject. For families the Children’s Museum is exciting and always changing so that kids can play and learn at the same time. The Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium with more than 60,000 artifacts and a fantastic planetarium. The Lowe Art Museum with an interesting scope of multicultural exhibitions and special events to open your awareness of the artistic world. In addition to these traditional museums Miami has many special interest museums that you won’t find anywhere else, like the American Police Hall of Fame, the Jewish Museum of Florida and the Wolfsonian with its focus on architecture and interior design.

Photo credit: karen horton

Alligator

Naturally Miami

Miami has a unique environment with the everglades, the ocean and its beaches and the incredible wildlife. The Everglades National Park is a wonderful way to explore the natural environment of Florida. The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire United States and is home to many rare and endangered species. Keep your eyes peeled and you’re sure to see an alligator in its natural habitat. For something a little less wild and more controlled, Miami Seaquarium might be the way to experience a little bit of wildlife. This 38 acre tropical paradise is an exciting place to learn more about the sea life around you and enjoy a little entertainment as well. The Miami Zoo is another way to explore the wildlife of the world, it’s Florida’s oldest and largest zoological garden.

Historical Miami

Miami is actually a fairly young city as the everglades made it pretty inhospitable until modern building and conveniences turned it into the vacation hotspot that it is today. But that’s not to say that the city doesn’t have its own history that will appeal to history buffs. One of the most beautiful and interesting historical spots in Miami is the Ancient Spanish Monastery. This Ancient Spanish Monastery is actually the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux from Sacramenia in Sergovia Spain. This 1133-1144 monastery was seized and sold to William Randolph Hearst who had it dismantled stone by stone and shipped to Miami. Unfortunately the structure wasn’t rebuilt until the 1950s and wasn’t restored in exactly the right manner. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the Venetian Pool was created in the 1920s. Fed by underground artesian wells the pool is the largest freshwater pool in the U.S. and is surrounded by vine covered loggias, shady porticos, observation toward and waterfalls. And the Historical Museum of Southern Florida is a must to learn about the history of south Florida and the Caribbean.

Photo credit: Marcin Wichary

Carnival Valor

Miami for Lovers

And what trip to a tropical destination is complete without a little romance. Miami is known for its cruises and a one day cruise to the Bahamas is an incredible way to spend the day with your loved one. In addition to getting to explore the Bahamas you get all of the amenities of the cruise ship without having to spend most of your vacation locked aboard a ship. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is also a wonderful place to visit for hand in hand walks through this fairytale garden. For fun in the sun and ocean together any of Miami’s beaches can serve up the romance you’re looking for. But for the ultimate in Florida romance you have to take a little trip to Homestead Florida’s Coral Castle, an incredibly romantic structure and garden. This beautiful valentine was created by Ed Leedskalnin over the course of 28 years in honor of the love of his life who left him the day before they were to be wed. And to cap off the night, visit one of the romantic restaurants in Miami for a candlelit dinner for two.
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Weekend Getaways to Miami

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The Golden Gate Bridge in California spans the opening of the San Francisco Bay out onto the Pacific Ocean connecting San Francisco’s peninsula to Marin County. Completed in 1937 the bridge was the longest suspension bridge at the time and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco. If you’re visiting the San Francisco area then the Golden Gate is not only a visit you’re sure to want to make, but it’s also so much more than just a bridge, you’ll want to take in everything the Golden Gate Bridge has to offer.

Photo credit: David Paul Ohmer

San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge

There are different ways to experience the bridge, you can bike across, walk across, drive across or you can look at it from afar. There’s actually an online bridge walk that you can take if you are not coming to San Francisco. For those who decide to use the walkway you have to make sure to pay attention to the posted signs as certain walkways are restricted at different times and walkers are not always allowed on the bridge. Pay attention to those around you, the bridge walkways can get very busy. The walk across the bridge is 1.7 miles long and isn’t a difficult walk, unless you’re afraid of heights.

Bicyclists have toll free access to the bridge’s sidewalks 24 hours a day but must yield to pedestrians when they’re on the sidewalks. Bicyclists also have some restrictions to the sidewalks that are open to them during various times of the day so it’s important to check with the posted signs before hitting the road.

Photo credit: IanPhilipMiller

Golden Gate Bridge at Night

If you’ve decided to take the walkways on foot then there are a couple other stops you should see, the nearby Golden Gate National Recreation Area and The Presidio offer a number of trails to explore.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area doesn’t just focus on the bridge, it celebrates more than 200 years of occupation in the region by Native Americans, the Spanish Empire frontier, the Mexican Republic, the California Gold Rush, the growth of the current city and the importance of the maritime activities in the area including costal fortifications. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most visited units of the national park system and hosts more than 13 million visitors each year. It is one of the largest urban parks in the world and actually isn’t just in one place, the park is a collection of areas with the closest area to the Golden Gate Bridge being the Presidio of San Francisco.

Photo credit: telmo32

The Presidio

The Presidio of San Francisco was originally fortified in 1776 by the Spanish who then used it as a military center as they expanded through the region. In 1847 the fort became United States property and it wasn’t until 1989 that it was finally declared inactive. In 1994 it became property of the National Park Service. Part of the Presidio is the Crissy Field Center, a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about the local environment and culture at one of the many hands on interactive programs in the media lab, resource library, arts workshop, science lab, gathering room, teaching kitchen, café or bookstore. There are a huge number of things to do at the Presidio from historic buildings to nature walks to the Presidio Golf Course, this park is a day’s visit in itself but bring your camera, some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge are located in the Presidio.

Photo credit: Bruce_of_Oz

Fort interior

Another spot that is known for its incredible view of Golden Gate Bridge is Fort Point. In fact the views from here of the bridge are probably familiar to anyone who has caught sight of the bridge in a movie or television show. Originally Fort Point was constructed to defend California from a naval attack. This well constructed fort was built between 1853 and 1861 and was really designed to help protect the local gold fields that had been discovered in the 1850s. The fort never actually saw battle and after world war II the fort was remodeled to be a detention barracks but it was never used for that either. In the 1930’s when the bridge was to be constructed the fort was to be destroyed but it was spared and now serves as a tourist attraction.

Photo credit: David Paul Ohmer

San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge

For the nature lover the area around Fort Point will really interest you with its manicured hedges and several acres of beautiful annual and perennial flower beds. The brick sidewalks are designed for visitors so feel free to wander around and check out the flowers, the scenery and the incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The idea of creating a bridge for this region had been speculated on quite often but it was a 1916 article in the San Francisco Bulletin that declared the task would cost $100 million to build. Engineer Joseph Strauss responded and promised he could build the structure for $17 million. Although local authorities agreed they wanted some input and there was still opposition, in fact there was so much opposition it took more than a decade to get the support necessary to begin construction and then it took several more years to actually begin. Construction finally started in 1933 and at this time the cost had risen to more than $35 million. A statue to Strauss is prominently displayed in front of the Gift Center which is open for tourists wanting to pick up some historical information or souvenirs. The Café is also open daily for snacks and small meals, perfect if you’ve decided to have an impromptu picnic in the nearby park.

Photo credit: Paraflyer

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

As a side note, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most popular place to commit suicide in the United States and is one of the most popular places in the world. There are no exact figures on how many suicides have occurred from the bridge because many bodies don’t wash ashore and the jumps aren’t always witnessed but an official count was kept and by 2005 the average was one jump every two weeks. It appears that the number of suicides have been growing as are the number of people prevented from jumping by the police. So while you’re visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, keep your eyes peeled for jumpers and bring your cell phone, you may be able to save someone’s life.
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Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

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Los Angeles may seem like the perfect place for young rock and rollers, start struck stalkers, and families to vacation but it’s actually an excellent place for couples looking to add a little bit of romance to their life. In a city of angels at least one of them has to be cupid.

Photo credit: westerndave

hollywood nights-westerndave44

A stroll through Hollywood is a must for any visitor to Hollywood and even better if you’re holding hands with a loved one. Spend the day shopping, dining and the many restaurants, and spend the night rocking the hottest nightclubs. But the most obvious attraction in Hollywood is the Hollywood Sign which has become its own sort of romantic icon, signifying a dream for many and broken dreams for almost as many. Strolling down the street you’ll notice the Walk of Fame with more than 2000 people, animals, fictional, characters and some companies and buildings honored on the 3.5 mile walk. Look for your favorite stars as you walk down the strip. Another popular attraction in Hollywood for visitors is Grauman’s Chinese Theater, purportedly the most famous theater in the world.  Originally established in 1927, the theater was the brainchild of Sid Grauman who knew how to create a spectacle. Rising 90 feet into the air, the roof commands attention of passersby. The exterior and the interior feature Chinese architecture and artifacts but the most noted feature is not Chinese at al. Grauman came up with the idea to have the stars put their handprints and foot prints in wet cement to immortalize them during publicized ceremonies in the Forecourt of the Stars.

Sunset Ranch

Take a break from the city and relax at Sunset Ranch on horseback. The romantic two our tour takes you and your loved one through Griffith Park with its scenic views of the city of LA, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The view atop a horse from Mt. Hollywood is one you will never forget. And the price is more than reasonable.

Photo credit: jplouis

IMG_0770.JPG-jplouis804

Speaking of Griffith Park, one of the highlights of the park is Griffith Observatory. Almost as famous as the stars themselves, Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles and a national leader in astronomy. Resting on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, it’s visible from many parts of the city and is therefore pretty hard to miss. One of the highlights of the Griffith Observatory is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. The new dome and the laser digital star projection system turns the 300 seat auditorium into an evening under the stars for you and your sweetheart.

Private Flight

Take a romantic flight in a helicopter or airplane over the city and see the sights from a truly unique vantage point. Turn the experience into a romantic getaway of a life time and take the dinner and helicopter tour combination or helicopter tour and wine tasting experience at a private hilltop vineyard in Malibu. These are romantic experiences that will leave you with priceless memories and a story that will make all of your friends jealous. This is also a perfect way to pop a certain question.

Photo credit: rox sm

IMG_0295-rox sm270

Nothing says romance quite like a night at the theater, so why not try a different theater experience at the Hammer Museum and Billy Wilder Theater. The Hammer Museum and Billy Wilder Theater is located at UCLA and is designed to recognize the talents of artists in all aspects of culture and society. This museum considers itself on the cutting edge and aspires to connect the classics with contemporary art through its wide range of exhibits, the variety of collections it displays and the provocative programs presented to its audiences. The exhibits and productions change frequently so each visit is a unique experience.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Share the beauty of the ages with the most beautiful person in your life at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States and features more than 100,000 objects from ancient times to the present. Through its vast collections, traveling exhibits, public programs and research facility it reaches almost a million people annually and provides inspiration through its art.

Photo credit: emmyboop

Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier-emmyboop876

Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll along the beach and a peaceful sunset or if you’re searching for more excitement, the Santa Monica Pier has it all. The pier offers dining, shopping, amusement rides at Pacific Park an attraction in itself, a 1922 carousel and interactive aquarium. It also has the ocean. Take advantage of all that the Pacific Ocean has to offer with fishing, snorkeling, swimming, sandcastle building, sun bathing and of course surfing. In addition to the permanent fixtures at the Santa Monica Pier, there are the aforementioned sunsets, roaming performers and musicians and artists that make every visit to the pier a unique experience.

The Peninsula Spa

Give your body a sensual retreat at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. The Peninsula Spa is a Conde Nast Traveler favorite and received accolades as the number one spa for service and number two for treatments for urban spas in the United States. A massage at The Peninsula Spa is a mix of eastern and western approaches and a couple’s room is available for romantic adventures. Space is limited to seven fully equipped treatment rooms with electronic massage beds and a slew of pampering amenities so make sure to book your appointment in advance. While you’re waiting for a treatment take advantage of the serenity lounge or a poolside Jacuzzi or steam room session.

Nine Thirty

For a romantic dinner try Nine Thirty. Nine Thirty has won its share of critical acclaim and is another one of the uber trendy restaurants that is touting the fresh is best motto. Their approach is an upscale version of from farm to table with a seasonal emphasis on American cuisine. Nine Thirty is housed in the W Hotel in Westwood and the menu is chock full of local ingredients with information on the farm that each item was raised or grown at. The menu changes nightly so be prepared to find a new favorite at every visit. For more fun into the night, Rande Gerber’s Whiskey Blue nightclub wraps around Nine Thirty providing you an easy and instant evening full of excitement.

Photo credit: tylerdurden1

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Romantic Destinations in Los Angeles

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The National Mall is especially these days as the location where the massive crowd formed to see the inauguration of President Barrack Obama.  Over forty years ago, it was famous for a similar occasion when people gathered there to hear Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech.  The mall is also home to a wide array buildings, most of which are fabulous museums.

Washington Monument

Completed on December 6^th, 1884, the Washington Monument to this day is still the tallest stone structure and obelisk in the world. It is also the tallest building in Washington DC. If that’s not impressive enough, when the monument was first completed, it was tallest man-made structure in the world until the Eiffel Tower was completed a few years later.

Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

As the name suggests, this memorial was built in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the 16^th President of the United States. It was dedicated on May 30^th, 1922. The memorial can be found at the opposite end of the National Mall from the United States Capitol. Together, these two structures form the “book ends” of the park. The Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool is the largest in Washington DC. It reflects both the Lincoln and Washington Memorials.

Jefferson Memorial

Often overlooked as part of the National Mall, the Jefferson Memorial was indeed created with the mall in mind. While the east and west bookends of the mall are the Lincoln Memorial and the Capital Building, the Jefferson Memorial serves as a south anchor point for the mall, with the Whitehouse located directly north. The Jefferson Memorial was completed in 1943, having initially been spearheaded by President Franklin Roosevelt, who held a great admiration for Thomas Jefferson.

United States Capitol Building

Located at the top of Capitol Hill, this is home to the United States Congress, the Legislative Branch of the United States government.  Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have their own chambers here, where they do business.  It is in the House of Representatives chamber where the President of the United States gives his annual State of the Union Address.

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, this memorial honors President Ulysses S. Grant.  Looking at the memorial, though, it is obvious that Grant is especially commemorated for his role during the American Civil War in which he defeated Robert E. Lee.  The statue of Grant astride his favorite horse, Cincinnati, faces down the length of the National Mall, directly to the statue of Lincoln, Grant’s Commander and Chief during the war.

National Air and Space Museum

When people think about the “Smithsonian Institute” it is more than likely they are thinking of the Smithsonian Institute’s National Air and Space Museum. Glamorous Glennis, the first plane the break the sound barrier, is here. This is also home to the Spirit of St. Louis, and an actual Wright Flyer.

National Museum of Natural History

This is the natural history museum of the Smithsonian Institute.  The museum’s most well known attractions are its Hall of Mammals, Hall of Dinosaurs, Hall of Geology Gems, and Minerals, its live Insect Zoo, and of course its IMAX theater.

National Museum of American History

Another of the Smithsonian Institute’s museums.  The key artifact at the heart of this museum is the original Star Spangled Banner.  This is the flag Francis Scott Key saw flying over Fort McHenry when he was inspired to write the poem that became the United States national anthem.

United States Botanic Garden

This is the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the United States.  In 1842, Charles Wilkes returned from the “United States Exploring Expedition” with a massive collection of plants previously unknown to the United States.  This garden was ultimately built to house those plants.  Within the garden today, there are still four plants that are believed to either be the actual plants from the expedition or their descendents.

National Museum of the American Indian

This is the Smithsonian Institute’s museum dedicated to the original natives of the United States.  This museum actually has three facilities, with this building being just one of them.  Interestingly enough, the museum is just as much dedicated to focusing on the Native Americans living today as it is to their history.

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

This is Smithsonian Institute’s museum that focuses on art created after WWII, especially during the last thirty years.  The building itself is a work of modern art as it is a cylinder resting on four legs above the ground.

Arts and Industries Building

This is the second oldest building in the National Mall that is used by the Smithsonian Institute.  The building has primarily been utilized to house the exhibits from the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.

Smithsonian Institution Building

This is the home of the Smithsonian Institute’s administrative offices and information center.  The building’s appearance has earned it the nickname, “The Castle”.  Of all the Smithsonian Institute’s buildings, this one was the first.  It was completed in 1855.  While the building gained electric lighting in 1895, it wasn’t until 1968-1970 that the building was fully retrofitted with all the modern conveniences of climate control, modern electrical systems, and elevators.

Freer Gallery of Art

This is one of the two Smithsonian Institute galleries dedicated to Asian Art.  The gallery was founded by Charles Lang Freer who dedicated his vast art collection to the United States as well as enough funds to build a museum to house them.  Although the gallery primarily exhibits Asian art, Freer also owned an impressive collection of American art too, which is also shown in the museum.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

This is the second Smithsonian Institute gallery dedicated to Asian Art.  It opened in 1987 when Arthur M. Sackler donated his own Asian Art collection of some 1000 pieces as well as $4 million to help with constructing a gallery to house them.

National Museum of African Art

As the name would suggest, this is the Smithsonian Institute’s museum dedicated to African Art.  Interestingly enough, it actually began as a private museum in 1964 only to become part of the Smithsonian a few years later in 1979.  Its building features a circular motif, which is used throughout its design.

National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden

This museum is actually comprised of two buildings linked by an underground tunnel, with a large sculpture garden beside them. The West Building was built in a neoclassical style. In contrast, the east building is designed to appear as if it were several interlocking prisms.

Suffice to say, if you’re a person who loves museums, the National Mall in Washington DC is a virtual heaven with something for almost everyone.  It’s the sort of place one visits for a day and wishes they could stay for a month.

Photo Credits

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Buildings of the The National Mall

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Traveling London is an exciting adventure, there is so much to see and do it’s hard to fit it all into one trip but using the following guide will help you plan your visits to the top landmarks in London.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is another official residence of the British monarchy but it also serves as the administrative headquarters. Like Kensington Palace, the state rooms are also open to the public every year for most of August and September. This palace is most often used by the reigning royalty to host visitors and more than 50,000 guests are invited to participate in official events each year.

Trafalgar Square

Photo credit: ** Maurice **

The National Gallery on Trafalgar square

Trafalgar Square is the largest square in London and is considered a central meeting site for many since the Middle Ages. Back in the Middle Ages the site was known as Charing and then Charing Cross. In the center of the square is Nelson’s Column in honor of Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. Throughout the square are a number of other statues and two fountains. Circling the square are many historical buildings that are also great stops for tourists.

Big Ben

Photo credit: josangel_ap

Big Ben and Parliament Building

Big Ben is a nickname for the bell of the clock in the Palace of Westminster but the nickname often is used to refer to the clock tower itself. The first clock tower in Westminster was built in 1288 but was destroyed in 1834 and the new one was built in its place. The tower is a famous tourist attraction but the interior is not open to the public, well actually it’s not open to non-U.K. residents. The clock is known for its accuracy but small adjustments must be made regularly, this is done by putting a penny on or taking a penny off of the top of the pendulum. One penny creates a 0.4 second adjustment.

Parliament

Parliament is the where all official government activities take place for the United Kingdom. It is where laws are made, debates are held, and the House of Commons and House of Lords meet to complete their elected duties. Parliament is open to the public and visitors can watch committee hearings and debates. Although debates are open to the public year round, foreigners are only allowed to tour Parliament during the Summer Opening.

Westminster Abbey

Photo credit: stevecadman

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is actually nickname for The Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster and is the traditional site of English and British coronations and burials. According to tradition the Abbey was first founded in the 600s, proven origins are in the 960s or early 970s. It wasn’t until around 1045 to 1050 that a stone Abbey was built on the location. And the present church didn’t come into being until 1245. Tours are open to the public regularly and guests can attend mass if they wish.

Cleopatra’s Needle

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Cleopatra's Needle

Located on the Thames Embankment, Cleopatra’s Needle is an obelisk that was originally constructed for Tuthmose III. The originally hieroglyphics praised Tuthmose and later ones were added by Ramesses II to celebrate his victories. The area is decorated with other touches of Egyptian art and architecture and seem pleasingly out of place on the riverbank.

Piccadilly Circus

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Regent Street in Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus in London is much like Times Square in New York, it’s a famous road junction in the center of the city. Built in 1819, Piccadilly Circus originally connected the major shopping district of Piccadilly and Regent Street but now has grown into tie in the theater district and several other major streets. If you’re out and about in London it’s almost impossible to miss Piccadilly Circus.

Tower Bridge

Photo credit: Annie Mole

Tower Bridge from City Hall

Tower Bridge in London is a very recognizable structure situated over the River Thames. The two towers on the bridge are connected at the top by walkways, cars actually drive along the lower portion. Each day more than 40,000 people, both motorists and pedestrians, cross the bridge. Because the Tower Bridge is such an iconic structure it’s often called the London Bridge but the London Bridge is actually further upstream and not nearly as impressive.

Tower of London

The Tower of London began in the early 1080s as a stone tower created by William the Conqueror and was something totally unique in its day. Throughout the centuries the monarchs that followed added to the fort, turning it into a massive structure that serves as a fortress, palace and prison. There are a number of things to do at the Tower of London during your visit and many exhibits to see including the crown jewels, Henry VIII’s arms and armor, the Medieval Palace and Tower Green, the site of many noted executions. But one of the sites that many visitors don’t catch a glimpse of are the many ghosts of the Tower of London, keep your eyes peeled in case you’re lucky enough to see one of these elusive attractions.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Photo credit: Robert Scarth

St Paul's Cathedral

Since 604 AD a cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has stood on this site. Today’s structure is the fourth such cathedral and dates back to 1675. The cathedral is a cornerstone for the Christian faith in London and has served as the church of choice for many significant events throughout the centuries. In 2010 the cathedral will celebrate its 300^th anniversary (construction wasn’t officially completed until 1710) and multiple celebrations and events will be held in honor of this iconic structure.

Photo credit: stevecadman

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has been a residence for the British Royal Family since the 17^th century and is considered the primary residence of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess of Kent. It is probably best known as the primary residence of Diana, Princess of Wales until her death. Visitors can tour the state rooms which are opened to the public. As you can imagine there are a great deal of stories, some true some not, associated with Kensington Palace.

These are just a few of the most popular landmarks in London, there are several others that top tourist lists of things to see and do. It’s difficult not to get overwhelmed by the historical significance of almost everything around you. London is an incredible place to visit and there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s tastes.
Photo credit: Wikipedia

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Monsters.  What can  you say?  They’re awesome.  Those interested in traveling to areas of historic significance may be frustrated that the kids couldn’t care less about a castle.  But tell them a werewolf was once thought to live in the nearby forest and their ears will perk right up.  Below is a list of several countries and their respective monsters.  Some are steeped deep in ancient folklore, while others are modern machinations of Hollywood.  Either way, a knowledge of monsters will add color to any vacation.

Egypt, Mummies

Pyramids at Giza - The Mummy

Three guesses what the most famous monster in Egypt is, and if you really need all three guesses we have a problem.  The answer, of course, is mummies.  Ancient Egyptians believed that preservation of the body was essential for one’s afterlife.  The result, of course, was countless ancient Egyptians were preserved through mummification, and are still being found today.  Folklore and Hollywood brought about the idea of mummies returning to life.  When it comes to folklore, however, the only real dangerous aspect of mummies are the supposed curses placed upon their tombs.  Where can one see mummies?  Museums of course.  If in Egypt, the Luxor Museum actually has two mummified pharaohs.

Scotland, The Loch Ness Monster

Loch Ness Monster - Loch Ness

It’s one of the most famous monsters in the world, the Loch Ness Monster.  “Nessie”, as the monster is colloquially known, gained national popularity in 1933.  Substantial searches and speculation have gone on for decades trying to figure out what the monster could be, or if it even exists in the first place.  So what is our official opinion?  Does the “monster” really exist?  Certainly.  So, what is it?  Probably a number of things, depending upon the viewer.  On the most mundane level, seals are known to visit the loch along with various other animals.  Keep in mind that if one is “looking for a monster” they’re probably going to see one.  The least mundane idea lies in a simple, but surprisingly little known fact about the loch.  It has eels in it.  If anyone has had a pet fresh water eel, they’ll tell you they’re relatively boring animals that spend most of their time burrowed under the sand in your tank.  When they do come out to eat, they’ll stick their head out of the water trying to find a way out.  If one of these eels were to grow at all large, even six feet, let alone huge, say fifteen feet, it would certainly come across as a monster.  Plus, its questionable if a creature that spends most of its time burrowed under the gunk at the bottom of the lake would show up on sonar.  How old can they get?  There is one that has been living in a well in Sweden for 150 years.  So, where can one possibly see Nessie?  Loch Ness of course.

United States, Sasquatch

Olympic National Park Washington State - Bigfoot

The United States has many of its own monsters including skunk apes, and the Jersey devil, but the most famous is without a doubt the Sasquatch, also known as “Bigfoot”.  Stories of “wildmen” originate from all over the world.  The most predominant ones, however, come from the Pacific Northwest where the native Americans told stories of giants who lived in the mountains and would on occasion steal fish from their fishing nets.  The stories of Bigfoot gained the most prominence in 1958 when the media finally picked up on the stories and published them  nationwide.  So is Bigfoot real?  Who knows?  It seems unlikely that a giant race of humanoids could still be living within the United States yet remain undiscovered.  It doesn’t help that many so-called “Bigfoot tracks” have proven to be hoaxes.  Another damning coincidence is the fact that bears exist in virtually every area where Sasquatches have been sighted.  It seems plausible then that the Sasquatch of legend could simply be bears standing on their hind legs.  If one wants to go look, however, a great place to start would be the state of Washington, where the most reported sightings have taken place.

Romania, Dracula

Dracula - Poenari Castle

Possibly the most famous monster in the world.  Vampires are known world-wide in various iterations, but the modern European style vampire is the one embodied in the idea of Dracula.  The stories surrounding European vampires originated largely from Southern Slavic folklore.  When Bram Stoker created Dracula it was only natural that he would choose this region as the home for his vampire, let alone a noble from this region known for his ruthlessness.  Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, also known as Vlad the Impaler, gained his nickname by creating forests of impaled bodies to intimidate his rivals and enemies.  In western Europe, he is considered a psychopath.  In east Europe, however, he is regarded as a hero, who kept the Turks at bay with his behavior.  So where can one see Dracula?  In the movies of course.  There are, however, a number of sites in Romania attributed to Vlad III.  The ruins of Poenari Castle is a site, without question, tied to Vlad III’s history.  When Vlad III was captured at this castle, it is said his wife threw herself into the river below, so she would not be held captive.  The castle is in Romania, where Wallachia was once located.  Another historic region of Wallachia goes by a different name, Transylvania.

France, Werewolves

Statue in Gevaudan - Wolfman

Although England seems to be attributed by Hollywood as the place for werewolves, this is a bit of a misnomer.  Wolves were wiped out in England some time ago, so British werewolf folklore is virtually non-existent.  While werewolves and various shape-shifter lore can be found throughout the world, one of the best places is France, where they are known as “loup-garou”.  The most famous wolf story in France is the Beast of Gevaudan.  During a short period in the former province of Gevaudan (modern Lozere), a monstrous wolf attacked numerous locals.  Estimates have placed the numbers as high as over 200 attacks and over 100 deaths, with dozens of injuries.  Worse, this was not an isolated event.  Large man-killer wolves have terrorized France for centuries.  The term man-killer is not hyperbole.  These wolves were specifically known to target humans even when there were much more easier animals nearby.  Women and children were especially victimized.  In Gevaudan, two wolves were shot, both believed to be the beast, and the attacks finally stopped.  Today the beast is believed to have been either an aggressive wolf or perhaps a wolf-dog hybrid.  Today the area of Lozere is known for its beautiful countryside and great fishing.  The Abbaye des Chazes, where the first beast was killed, still stands to this day.

Monsters are fascinating, and knowledge of the local folklore can bring new depth to any journey or vacation.
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Few cities have as much to offer as New York City. This city is known the world over for everything it has to offer and you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to escape for a weekend getaway.

Photo credit: McNamara Images

Times Square

New York City Theater Getaway

You can’t mention visiting New York City without bringing up the theater action. There may be no other city in the world that has the quantity and quality theater productions that New York City has. If you are interested in the theater and want to plan a getaway that centers around Broadway your best bet is to select one or  two Broadway shows you’d really like to see. If possible, book those shows as soon as possible as some of them sell out months, if not years, in advance. Then fill your days and off nights with surprise theater productions. Look for the TKTS booths set up in and around the Broadway region to get a killer deal on plays that aren’t sold out. Most of the booths sell tickets only on the day of the play but the discounts can go as deep as 50% off. Keep your mind open and see a couple theater productions you normally wouldn’t pick, you’ll never be disappointed in New York City.

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Ellis Island

New York City Historical Getaway

Although not officially dubbed New York City until 1664 the area’s history reaches much further back. But it really doesn’t matter if you’re interest in ancient history, the history of the city’s birth and growth, or more recent history, New York City is full of historical monuments and locations for all sorts of history buffs. Ellis Island is a must stop for any history buff on their trip to New York City. From 1892 to 1954 served as the main entry point for immigrants coming to the United States, for many people this location offers a connection to their ancestors. The Statue of Liberty is another stop that most tourists and  history fans make, donated by the people of France as a sign of friendship, freedom and democracy its an impressive piece of artwork and a national monument. A  Harlem Heritage Tour is a more modern touch with a guide that gives you a deeper insight on this famed neighborhood and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. A more modern place of great historical significance is the World Trade Center. Currently a haunting construction site, this once stately symbol of prosperity served as the site of one of the most devastating acts of terrorism ever. These are just a few of the historical getaways in New York City, one weekend is not nearly enough time to take in all of the history this city has to offer.

Photo credit: C.K.H.

Monet

New York City Museum Getaway

The list of New York City Museums is so extensive it reaches from the traditional art museum to the non-traditional museum of sex. There is really something for everyone when it comes to New York City museums but there are a couple museums that garner a bit more attention than the others. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a perennial favorite with more than 2 million pieces of art on display. The Guggenheim museum is another favorite art museum, with a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the structure is almost as famous as the artwork inside. The American Museum of Natural History takes you out of the art world and into one of the largest and most celebrated museums of the world. Featured in a large number of media works, the museum is probably best known for its starring role in Night at the Museum. For a museum that is a bit of history itself, the Fraunces Tavern Museum is a great visit. This 1719 residence served as a home and tavern and was most famously known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental army in 1783.

New York City Romantic Getaway

If you’re headed to New York City with a loved one then you’ll want to give your getaway a touch of romance or soak up all the hearts and flowers the city has to offer. New York City’s Central Park has a lot to offer the couple in love, wander around the zoo, grab a bit to eat at Tavern on the Green, rowboat across the lake, find an outdoor theater production or just stroll hand in  hand through the park. Broadway is also a fabulous place to take your sweetheart, you can take in one of the many Broadway Theater productions, stop in for a meal at one of the great restaurants in the region or spend some time shopping at the world famous stores that line the streets of New York City. Touch your loved one’s heart by tracing their family tree back to Ellis Island. Visit an icon and see the Statue of Liberty or spend time exploring the city’s famed Museum Mile.

New York City Shopping Getaway

One of the best parts of New York City is the shopping. The city is packed full of shopping options for every type of shopper, from the luxury high end boutiques to the deep discount stores. Many noted department stores have their flagship shops in New York City and no trip is complete for a shopper without a little brown Macy’s bag from the original Macy’s Store. In addition to Macy’s the city is host to huge versions of Bloomingdale’s, Sak’s Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.  But the department stores in New York City are far from all the city has to offer. As far as shopping goes, in NYC you’ll literally find everything in one place.

For the best weekend getaway in New York City take a taste of everything the city has to offer, this way you’ll see some of the sights, enjoy some of the cultural aspects, learn about this city’s history and take home a few trinkets to remind you of your vacation.

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Colorado with its towering mountain ranges is known as the best place in the United States to go skiing and it’s got some of the best resorts to complement the ski experience. Learn more about the top ski destinations in Colorado and then find the one that suits your ski style best. 

Photo credit: mcclave

Aspen Colorado

Aspen, Colorado

Probably the one city that comes to everyone’s mind when they think of skiing in Colorado is Aspen and with good reason. Aspen Colorado is only 220 miles west of Denver and has its own airport. The town is full of quaint Victorian architecture, top notch restaurants, world class resorts and of course the skiing. Known the world over as an incredible place to go skiing, Aspen also has the distinction of being the place where the glamorous people go to ski. With four mountains in the Aspen region you actually get a variety of ability levels to choose from, there is the Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are combined into the same resort areas and are known for its steeps and big bumps, it’s also the home of the Silver Queen Gondola which runs down the streets of Aspen. The Aspen Highlands is known for its tree skiing, a few double-back freefalls and Highland Bowl. Highland Bowl is a real big mountain experience and only for the experienced skier. Buttermilk is the smallest mountain in Aspen and great for less experienced skiers and for learning a new trick. The resorts in Aspen are also world class and typically have price tags that prove it but you’ll love the experience if you like the pampered life.

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Mammoth Ski Slope

Vail, Colorado

In the same league as Aspen is Vail Colorado, a favorite among skiers the world over. Vail Mountain features seven miles of mountain front, seven Back Bowls, three terrain parks and typically 300 days of sunshine, making it one of the most perfect places to go for skiing. Vail has been rated the number one ski resort in North America repeatedly and with good reason. Vail is the largest single ski resort on the continent with more than 5,000 acres of snowy winter fun for visitors and locals. The base elevation is just over 8,000 feet, peak is more than 11,500 feet and vertical rise is 3,450 feet. The average snowfall in Vail is 350 inches. Although there are trails in Vail suited for every skill level the majority of them, about 53% are for expert or advanced skiers and only about 18% of them are for beginners so if you’re just starting then Vail may not be the most enjoyable first time vacation. But if you’re an experienced skier and looking for a challenge then Vail is just the thing.

Photo credit: gmiphone

Telluride

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride Colorado is a quaint little town nestled in a box canyon with the San Juan Mountains surrounding it on all sides. The city is only six blocks wide and twelve blocks long and is full of that small town charm and friendliness. The ski resort in Telluride is a non-pretentious escape in a town that doesn’t even know what pretentious is. The mountain is really one that is suited to all levels of skiers. Novices will enjoy that fact that some of the highest peaks have runs that even they can experience. Telluride features more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 115 trails. The longest run is known as the Galloping Goose and stretches a long 4.6 miles. About 23% of the trails in Telluride, Colorado are considered beginner trails, and less than half, 41% are advanced or expert. The free gondola ride from mountain top to the city below is a must for everyone and extremely convenient for guests looking to have a good night out at some of the local restaurants.

Photo credit: CCRcreations

Breckenridge Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge Colorado is another famous skiing haven in North America’s west. Breckenridge features four large peaks that span more than 2,000 acres and five different terrain parks. One of the biggest highlights is the Imperial Express, the highest chairlift in the country. The base elevation in Breckenridge is 9,600 feet with a summit elevation of just under 13,000 feet and a vertical rise of around 3,400. 600 acres are groomed daily, that’s basically all of the intermediate and beginner trails and some others. The longest run stretches for 3.5 miles and is called Four O’Clock. In addition to the 155 ski trails Breckenridge has a lot to offer visitors and locals alike. The town has a lengthy history and have developed a unique culture throughout the years. The shops offer the traditional souvenirs and western United States trinkets but are also full of unique items that you will be happy you stumbled upon. There are a large number of restaurants and bars for a small town, a beautiful historic district, a thriving art community and if the weather isn’t cooperating there’s always the golf course.

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Copper Mountain is often overlooked when creating lists of the top ski destinations in Colorado but it shouldn’t be. Copper Mountain is just 75 miles from Denver and features just under 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. The city is more like a small town than anything else and you feel oddly at home every time you visit. The base elevation at Copper Mountain is around 9,700 feet and the summit elevation is slightly more than 12,300. The vertical drop at Copper Mountain is 2,600 feet and the average natural snowfall a year is 282 inches. The longest run at Copper Mountain is a respectable 2.8 miles and the 12 miles of cross country trails that wind through White River National Forest make this an incredible destination for skiers of all sorts. In fact not just skiers enjoy Copper Mountain as the mountain is also amenable for ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and dog sledding.

Each of the Colorado ski destinations above have their own specials throughout the season and the off season too, and sometimes you’ll find resorts battling it out and giving visitors incredible deals but some of the best deals seem to be reserved for the locals. Don’t get caught up in the hotel package deals but take the time to check out season passes as they often are the best deals around.
Photo credit: CCRcreations

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Castles … they remain a modern day link to Kings, Queens, and Knights of the past. Sometimes if the castle was the home of historical figures like Count Dracula they can even be quite spooky. Below are 20 castles that showcase a wide variety of styles from across the globe, and one that locals believe might just have belonged to a certain vampire …

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Peles Castle

Peles Castle is Neo-Renaissance castle that was built in a particularly beautiful part of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains between 1873 and 1914. King Carol I of Romania fell in love with this particular stretch of rugged terrain and decided to build the castle in 1866, which, according to architectural technicalities, is actually a palace due to its lack of defensive fortification. Peles Castle is widely regarded as one of Romania’s national landmarks.

Photo credit: KM Photography..

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

The Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century palace that was constructed in Southwest Bavaria, Germany, and it has become one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. Commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and homage to Richard Wagner, the castle has become the most photographed building in Germany, even though photographs of the interior are not permitted. About 50 million people have visited the castle in the last 120 years.

Photo credit: Pear Biter

Sun Sets on Château de Chillon

In Lake Geneva is the Chillon Castle, which is also known as the Chateau de Chillon. This castle is comprised of 100 individual buildings that were connected one by one over time. The history of the Chillon Castle dates back more than 800 years.

Photo credit: afloresm

Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a rocky island located off the coast of Normandy, France, and it is home to an abbey of the same name. Designed in the Romanesque architectural style in the 11th century, the abbey is known for a variety of underground tunnels that were built in order to support the otherwise-overwhelming weight of the church. Throughout the rest of the Middle Ages, Mont Saint-Michel would undergo various reinforcement efforts.

Photo credit: Tambako the Jaguar

The castle of Neuchâtel

Neuchatel is a scenic town in Switzerland whose name, in Old French, literally means “new castle.” The Castle of Neuchatel, which watches over the city from a high vantage point, was originally constructed in the 10th century by Rudolph III, King of Burgundy. Even today, the castle is still used as a place for local government officials to meet and do business.

Photo credit: Wolfgang Staudt

Schwetzingen Castle Mosque

Schwetzingen Castle is a German palace located in Schwetzingen in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Known for its huge, gorgeous gardens, as well as for the ornate charm of the castle itself, Schwetzingen Castle was originally created as a summer home for Karl III Philip and Charles Theodore. The castle was built on the grounds of a hunting lodge in the early 18th century.

Photo credit: JoopDorresteijn

Ozakajō Osaka castle

Osaka Castle originally known as Ozakajō is Japan’s most famous caslte, and played a key part in the Unification of Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi.Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction especially during the cherry blossom bloom.

Photo credit: fmc.nikon.d40

Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle is located in the southern part of Denmark’s Funen Island and it is Europe’s best preserved Renaissance water castle. While Egeskov’s history dates all the way back to the 14th century, the structure itself was not erected until 1554. The castle was constructed during a time when civil unrest made it necessary for homes to be fortified, hence the defensive architecture and the surrounding water.

Photo credit: Gilles 92

Chateau de Chantilly

Located in the town of Chantilly, France, the Chateau de Chantillyis a historic chateau comprised of two attached buildings, the Grand Chateau and the Petit Chateau. The Institut de France owns the building and allows the public to visit. Construction of the estate began in 1484, but the building underwent several changes and even had to be reconstructed after the Grand Chateau was destroyed during the French Revolution.

Photo credit: foxypar4

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is located in Scotland’s Highland and it serves as the seat of the Countess of Sutherland and Clan Sutherland. While the castle was originally constructed in the 1300s, the castle as it appears today mostly results from extensive renovation in the 19th century. Architecturally, the castle combines French Renaissance characteristics with traditional Scottish architectural considerations.

Photo credit: sonewfangled

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest castle currently with full time residents still living in it. It dates back over 1,000 years to the time of William the Conquerer. It currently serves as one the three primary residences of the British Monarchy.

Photo credit: Nawal_

Chateau de Perrifonds

The Chateau de Perrifonds is a castle located in the Oise department of France. Although it underwent an enormous restoration effort in the 19th century, the Chateau de Perrifonds retains most of the architectural similarities to a defensive fortification from the Middle Ages. The castle was originally built in the 12th century and would change hands through several families throughout the rest of the Middle Ages.

Photo credit: Markusram

Burg Eltz Castle

Nestled in the hills above the Moselle River in Germany, the Burg Eltz is a medieval castle that is still owned by a branch of the same family that constructed it back in the 12th century. The castle is divided into several parts, which are then shared by the various heirs of the castle. Burg Eltz incorporates a variety of architectural styles, such as Romanesque and Gothic.

Photo credit: kopretinka

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey was founded in 1920 as a Benedictine monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, which was located in Connemara, Ireland. The Abbey was meant to serve as a place of refuge for Benedictine nuns that fled Belgium during World War I. The structure was built between 1863 and 1868 as a private home for a wealthy politician, but the politician did not spend much time at the castle after his wife passed away.

Photo credit: tupolev y su cámara

Castle of the Mendoza

Manzanares el Real is a town with 6,140 inhabitants located in the northern part of the Community of Madrid. The pride of the town is the Castle of the Mendoza, the most well-preserved castle in the Community of Madrid. Construction of the castle began in 1475 and it was finished shortly thereafter, and since then, the castle has been featured in a variety of motion pictures, such as El Cid.

Photo credit: Global Jet

Blarney Castle Ireland

Located in Cork Ireland, Blarney Castle has been the location for many castle’s over the years. The current version was constructed by the McCarthy clan in the mid 1400’s. It’s currently home to the Stone of Elloquence more commonly known as the Blarney Stone.

Photo credit: dynamosquito

Castle of Monfort

The Castle of Monfort is located in the Dordogne River Valley and it was originally constructed by the French as part of their war with the British. The purpose of the castle was to allow the French to control traffic down the river, giving them a strategic advantage. However, the castle ended up being destroyed several times, having to be rebuilt each time.

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is a military fortification built on top of Castle Rock. The area has been settled by humans as far back as 9 BC. The area has long been of strategic military value and numerous seiges over hundreds of years have caused the fortifications to be destroyed and rebuilt several times. The oldest of the buildings still standing date back to the 16th century.

Photo credit: Shadowgate

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

Eilean Donan is a small island located in Loch Duich, which is in turn situated in the Highland region of Scotland. Lying half a mile from the Scottish village of Dornie, the island is connected to the mainland by a footbridge and is characterized by the medieval castle that sits atop the island. The castle was built in the 13th century to protect against Viking raids and underwent restoration from 1919 to 1932.

Photo credit: law_keven

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is located on the coast at Bamburgh, which is located in Northumberland, England. The first written reference to Bamburgh Castle was made in 547, but historical evidence shows that the castle had been in use for at least 100 years before that. The castle and the surrounding areas have come under the scrutiny of archeologists in recent years, those who seek to learn about the history of Bamburgh Castle and the people that inhabited it.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Bran Castle or Castle Dracula

Bran Castle sits on the border between Translyvania and Wallachia in modern day Romania. The castle is considered by some to be the home of Vlad the Impaler, more commonly known as Count Dracula. There’s is little historical evidence to support that he lived here during his reign, as much of his attention was focussed on Poienari Castle (which lies in ruins). However the current owners of the castle market it as Dracula’s Castle complete with a museum and other historical exhibits.

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21 Not so Spooky Castles

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New York City is a ridiculously expensive city to live in and visit, that is unless you are in the know on some of the fun and popular free things to do in NYC.

Photo credit: rosemanios

mesopotamia, iraq - assyria gateway

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known at The Met, has a policy of pay what you wish, so it’s theoretically free but it wouldn’t hurt you to drop a couple bucks in the bucket when you visit. The Met is simply gigantic and looks to cover every aspect of art through more than 5,000 years and from every country currently existing and long since gone. The Met’s size makes it a challenge as it’s hard to find your way around and it’s almost impossible to see everything in one day.

Federal Reserve Bank Tour

The Federal Reserve Bank Tour in New York City is open to the public and is free but the space is limited so you should come early, you’ll also have to go through security which will take at least 20 minutes. The tour gives you a look inside the Federal Reserve with some interactive exhibits, a look behind the scenes, a video, and narrated tour. There is also a trip five stories below street level where the Gold Vault is kept.

American Museum of Natural History

Photo credit: Alex Castellá

Natural History Whale

New York City’s American Museum of Natural History also follows the pay what you wish rule when it comes to admissions, and again it’s nice to give at least something when visiting. Note that special exhibitions, the IMAX, and other events may require an additional fee. Another huge museum, the American Museum of Natural History is comprised of 25 buildings with 46 permanent exhibit halls, laboratories and a library. Of the museum’s 150 million species only a fraction can be displayed at once so the museum does a good job of rotating exhibits and keeping the experience fresh.

Times Square Tour

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More Night & Lights

Get a look behind the scenes and learn the history of New York’s noted Times Square with a free Times Square Tour. Every Friday at noon guides from the Times Square Alliance gather at the Times Square Information Center to give a free behind the scenes walking tour. The tour takes you through historic theaters, new sites, and gives you the little insider tips that make your visit so much more interesting.

Central Park Walking Tour

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Central Park Bridge

The Central Park Conservancy offers about a dozen different free walking tours. Each tour lasts about an hour to an hour and a half and is led by a knowledgeable guide. The tours are all a little different but you will glean more interest in the park’s history, ecology, design and many interesting little facts along the way. If you are looking for a more in depth tour, you can even arrange to have a custom tour created for you and your group.

Free Music in the Parks

The park system of New York City has created an incredibly varied free concert series across the parks to give a little bit of everything to locals and visitors. Check out the schedule to see what concerts interest you, when they’re performing and where. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors while taking in some good free music.

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Lazy Jazz in Bryant Park

Piano in the Park

Bryant Park brings some of the best pianists in the city to the park for Piano in the Park. The music tends to lean more toward ragtime and jazz and is always an exciting event filled with the enthusiasm of a toddler bopping along to a favorite song. The concerts are regularly scheduled from noon until 1:45 pm unless inclement weather prohibits.

Classes in the Park

Bryant Park also offers a series of free classes throughout the year and everyone is welcome. The Tai Chi class is one of their most frequent classes but there is also yoga, knitting, and other events throughout the year. The free Tai Chi classes are a good way to warm up in the morning and experience NYC in a different way.

Free Summer Movies

Once again the New York City Parks department is to thank for the free summer movie series. These outdoor films occur at a variety of parks throughout the city and at differing times and dates. For added interest, explore the Cinematic Parks website to learn about NYC parks that have been the setting for many films from Hitchcock to Hitch. Create your own tour of the parks, taking note of what movies where filmed where.

Free Summer Theater

But you can see movies anywhere, it’s the theater that people come to New York City for, so why not enjoy some of the best theater in the world for free. The New York City Parks Department has gathered a slew of theatrical productions from kid-friendly farce to gut wrenching romantic drama and bundled them up into a free summer theater series. The free theater events happen in different parks throughout the city and change regularly so check online to see what is playing during your stay.

Free Galleries

New York City is known for its great art scene but it’s the smaller galleries that have some of the best up and coming artists’ works on display. A number of galleries are free to the public and a wonderful way to view the local art scene. PaceWildenstein has been a staple in the New York art scene since its opening in 1960 and has hosted more than 500 exhibitions and 200 artists. Cheim & Read is another noted gallery in New York City although its history only reaches back to 1997. The focus of Cheim & Read is international contemporary artists who specialize in painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. Another gallery that is a must is Gagosian Gallery which is one of the biggest in the city. Here you will see some of the more famous artists such as Warhol, Picasso, Lichtenstein and other noted greats. Something to keep in mind, the Gagosian has eight locations across the globe so it may become a stop you frequent on other travels as well.

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London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom and has a history of influence and power that reaches back more than two thousand years. It’s no doubt then that a city with as much history as London is full of incredible museums that house relics of the past. The list of London museums below is an abbreviated list with a focus on the most popular ones, there are many more museums in London to explore.

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Natural History Museum

Museum of London

The Museum of London is one of the world’s largest urban history museums and houses more than two million artifacts. The museum tracks the area’s past from prehistoric times all the way to today. The museum first opened in 1976 and was culled from a collection of other museums. The museum is designed so guests must follow the chronological order of events throughout the museum, being taken from the oldest galleries to the most modern exhibits. In addition to the overall Museum of London the museum also is connected to a couple other museums, the Museum of London Docklands which chronicles the history of London’s ports and the Museum of London Archaeology who carries out about two thirds of all excavations in the area. The Museum of London is free to the public.

British Museum

The British Museum began with the physician, naturalist and collector, Sir Hans Sloane. Sloane collected more than 71,000 objects during his lifetime and donated the collection (for a relatively small fee) to King George II to be displayed for the public. The original collection mainly consisted of books, natural specimens, antiquities and ethnographic material. The museum opened in 1759 and has grown in importance and significance since. Some of the highlights of the museum are the Rosetta Stone, the Townley collection of classical scripture and the Parthenon sculptures.

Science Museum

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Making the Modern World Gallery

The Science Museum in London is one of the most popular stops for tourists. Founded in 1857 it was originally part of the South Kensington Museum but was broken off in 1958 and was then the Museum of Patents and then in 1863 the Patent Office Museum and finally in 1885 the Science Museum. The museum currently holds more than 300,000 items arranged thematically, some of which are permanent and some are temporary. The galleries include; Power: The East Hall, Exploring Space, Making the Modern World, Flight, Launchpad and a number of touring exhibits. In addition there is an IMAX theater and The Dana Centre bar and café.

Museum of Garden History

The Museum of Garden History in London was established to promote the understanding of the history and changes of gardens and gardening in the region. Founded in 1977 it’s the first museum of its kind in the world. In addition to the great work the museum does in educating the world about London’s gardening past it is also credited with saving the beautiful St. Mary-at-Lambeth from destruction. The church had fallen into disrepair but as the garden group’s founders traced the family tomb of two 17^th plant hunters, the John Tradescants, they discovered the churchyard and it became an important part of the museum and its garden history.

Imperial War Museum

Photo credit: Andrew Stawarz

Blackbird

The Imperial War Museum covers Britain’s conflicts from the First World War to present day. The museum was founded in 1917 and has been housed in several different buildings. At present the Imperial War Museum has four branches in addition to the main building, the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, HMS Belfast, Imperial War Museum Duxford, and Imperial War Museum North. The museum attempts to collect every type of evidence to document conflict times from works of art to aircrafts. The thorough collection of artifacts is an interesting trip through time.

Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms

The Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms is one branch of the Imperial War Museum. The Cabinet War Rooms are housed underground and served as the control center throughout World War II. The rooms were abandoned after Japan’s surrender in 1945 but weren’t opened to the public until 1984. The museum was expanded in 2003 and reopened in 2005 with the inclusion of the Winston Churchill exhibits which chronicle his life both public and private.

Photo credit: Matt From London

Deerstalker pipe and glass

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Located in one of the world’s most famous addresses, 221B Baker Street, the Sherlock Holmes Museum celebrates the fictional life of one of the most beloved characters in modern literature, Sherlock Holmes. The home has been decorated to reflect how it was depicted in the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and can be toured every day of the year except Christmas. As an interesting side note Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s daughter who objected to a museum that supported the notion that Sherlock Holmes was an actual person and not just her father’s creation. She was asked if she wanted to donate artifacts to a room in honor of her father but she refused.

Design Museum

The Design Museum in London was founded in 1989 and is considered the first museum of modern design. The Design Museum explores design in products, industrial applications, graphics, fashion and architectural design. Not only does this museum seek to educate and enlighten the public on many different aspects of design, it also serves as a location for business meetings, lectures on or by designers, and it can be rented for events such as weddings.

National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum in London officially opened to the public in 1937 and details the very long and storied history the region has with the sea. In fact the museum has the world’s largest maritime historical reference library with more than 100,000 volumes which date back to the 15^th century. The museum building is located within the Greenwich Royal Park along with several other buildings including the Queen’s House and Royal Observatory Greenwich. In addition to all of the historical information you’ll gather are the maritime exploits of the region you can also learn a bit about the location and the other buildings housed there. As with many government run museums in London, admission is free.

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St. Louis is one of those cities that is just packed with activities for locals and tourists to do and see. From the world famous Gateway Arch and the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales to the little known Historic city of Kimmswick, there is something for everyone when sightseeing in St. Louis.

Photo credit: Lucas Jans

Gateway to Winter

The Gateway Arch

Sightseeing in St. Louis should begin or end with its most noted landmark, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, which is the tallest manmade monument in the United States at 630 feet high. For those people brave enough to ride to the top on a windy day you’ll notice that then entire arch is swaying. The arch can sway a maximum of 18 inches, nine inches each way, in winds of 150 mph or more. But unless you’re out in these conditions you may not even notice a sway, a half inch each way is the typical movement. Plan for a day at the Gateway Arch because the entire riverfront area is packed with activities and adventures.

Museum of Westward Expansion

One of the sights to visit after the Gateway Arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion, this museum houses some of the rarest artifacts from the great explorers Lewis and Clark. There are also a number of artifacts and exhibits that relate to Native Americans and their history in the St. Louis region. Complete the historical experience by visiting William Clark’s gravesite in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Historic Old Courthouse

Photo credit: Marcin Wichary

The courthouse and the Gateway Arch behind it

The Historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis was built in 1826 in a rather traditional Federal Style with several style and architectural transitions until 1862. The courthouse was a center of activity in its day from the Dred Scott suit to the local Suffragist movement spearheaded by Virginia Louisa Minor. The Old Courthouse today is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park and features a number of displays that cover various points of time in St. Louis history.

The Mississippi

One of the sights you just have to see when you visit St. Louis is the Mississippi River, mainly because it’s hard to avoid. But there is a lot of love and enjoy about the Mississippi River as well. One of the best ways to take full advantage is by going on a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise. There are a huge variety of cruises to choose from but dinner cruises tend to be the most popular tips. Because the riverboat guides are very informed about the Mississippi River and the St. Louis area this is an adventure you may want to schedule at the beginning of your trip so you can get tips on other highlights in St. Louis.

Anheuser-Busch Complex

One of the most famous companies headquartered in St. Louis is Anheuser-Busch and so it’s no wonder that three of their buildings are national historic landmarks, the Old School House, the Brew House and the Clydesdale Stable. The Old School House was originally constructed in 1868 and was originally known as the Lyon School. In 1907 the city no longer needed the building and sold it to Anheuser-Busch which promptly converted it into their central office until 1982. The Brew House was built in 1891 and 1892 and was the center of the St. Louis Brewery. The Romanesque building with its clock tower was quite impressive and the most modern, efficient brew house of its time, since then it’s been expanded over the years and has an annual capacity of 15.8 million barrels. The Clydesdale Stable was built in 1885 for $35,000 and was once a private stable for Adolphus Busch. As with all their buildings, no expense was spared at the time to make it the most impressive, beautiful stable around. It wasn’t until 1933 that August A. Busch, Jr. decided to use the stable to house the new signature Clydesdale horses. All of these landmarks are open to the public and an interesting look into the lives of the Busch family as well as their empire.

Busch Stadium

Photo credit: Kevin.Ward

Busch Stadium Panorama

Official home of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Busch Stadium is a must see for the sports fans visiting the St. Louis area. This stadium opened in 2006 and hosts all of the St. Louis Cardinal home games. The facility is built so that fans not only get a great view of the game but can see the beautiful skyline behind the outfield. Check the game schedule to see if you can fit a game into your schedule.

Historic Kimmswick

The historic town of Kimmswick takes visitors back to a different era, back to the mid 1800s when this small town was settled by German immigrants. The town was once very prosperous but by the turn of the century it was almost forgotten and fell into decay and disrepair but in 1969 a movement was started to restore the city. The city that once was home to 1,500 is now home to about 150 people who live and work in the original buildings which are open to the public as antique stores, craft shops, souvenir and collectible stores and quaint restaurants.

Photo credit: lissalou66

Darkness Awaits

Missouri Botanical Gardens

The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 and is the national’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. With79 acres, including the 14 acre Japanese strolling garden, the original home to Henry Shaw is truly a magnificent beauty. Of note to flower lovers, the gardens house the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered orchids. If you’re headed to the Missouri Botanical Gardens in 2009 you’re in luck, it’s their 150^th anniversary, or the sesquicentennial, and there will be celebrations throughout the year. The gardens recommend you spend at least three hours visiting the grounds to get the most out of the experience, but feel free to stay longer if you want.

St. Louis is a unique city that takes advantage of its historical past, its beautiful natural elements and stately architectural structures to create unique sightseeing opportunities for locals and visitors. There is something for everyone in St. Louis, in fact there is so much to see and do you can change venues every time you change your mind and still not run out of things to explore.
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New York City, well known for for being a cosmopolitan melting pot of different cultures, the Big Apple is also home to many beautiful and breathtaking churches, cathedrals and synagogues. From St. Paul’s Chapel where George Washington worshiped, to the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, each of these buildings showcase a diverse rich cultural heritage and architectural styles that are only possible in the Big Apple.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Construction of  St. Patrick’s Cathedral began in 1858 and the Catholic cathedral has now become one of  New York City’s most recognizable sites. Decorated in a neo-Gothic style, the cathedral serves as the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The building is ranked 11th out of 150 buildings on a list of America’s Favorite Architecture.

Trinity Church

Photo credit: Tony the Misfit

Trinity Church (interior), New York City

Located at the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street in downtown Manhattan, Trinity Church is an Episcopal parish built in Gothic Revival style. Trinity Church is one of the largest landowners in New York City and it has been rebuilt, the first Trinity Church having been destroyed in the Great New York City Fire of 1776. Trinity Church is very well known for its stunning music program.

St John the Divine

Photo credit: Wikipedia

St John the Divine

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, which has also earned the nickname of St. John the Unfinished because it is still under construction, is located in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights. Construction began in 1892, and since then, the cathedral has undergone several stylistic changes and has seen construction halt for a variety of reasons. Construction on the church is a continuing process.

Riverside Church

Photo credit: WalkingGeek

Riverside Church, NY

Riverside Church is one of the most famous churches in America for its stunning Gothic architecture, its prominence as a gathering point for progressive movements, and its importance in a variety of religious movements. An interdenominational church that serves both American Baptist and United Church of Christ congregations, Riverside Church has 2,400 members. It is the tallest church in the United States.

St Paul’s Chapel

Photo credit: the accidentalist

St. Paul's chapel

St. Paul’s Chapel is the oldest surviving church in New York City, serving the Episcopal community since 1766. It is located opposite the east side of the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan, on Church Street between Fulson and Vesey streets. As the oldest building in New York City still in continuous use, St. Paul’s Chapel is a National Historic Landmark.

Mahayana Buddhist Temple in the New York Chinatown

Photo credit: Mossaiq

Templo Mahayana

The Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Chinatown is the largest Buddhist temple in New York City. Mahayana is one of two sects of Buddhism, Theravada being the other, and it places more emphasis on the teachings of Buddha. The temple was built to honor Annie Ying’s 83rd birthday and it features a sixteen-foot golden statue of Buddha.

Central Synagogue

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Central Synagogue, New York

Central Synagogue was built in 1872 in the Moorish Revival architectural style, consciously copying Budapest’s Dohany Street Synagogue. No other synagogue in New York City has been in continuous use for a longer period of time. Although the building once drew criticism for its elaborate style, it is now hailed as a National Historic Landmark and a symbolic pillar of New York’s Jewish community.

St Thomas Church

Photo credit: KLnyc

St.Thomas Church-KLnyc439

Saint Thomas Church is an Episcopal parish church located on the corner of 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue. Incorporated in 1824, Saint Thomas Church was designed in the French High Gothic architectural style and is home to the renowned Saint Thomas Choir. While the men of the Saint Thomas Choir are professional singers, the boys all attend Saint Thomas Choir School.

St Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University

Photo credit: llahbocaj

St. Paul's Chapel

Columbia University’s St. Paul’s Chapel was built from 1904 to 1907 and it features Italian Renaissance, Byzantine, and Gothic architectural characteristics. Like many university chapels, the building is used for a variety of religious observations, and it has also become popular for weddings. It is known as Columbia University’s most impressive building.

St. Bartholomew’s Church

Photo credit: Kind of Bruin

St Bart's in New York City

Commonly known as St. Bart’s, St. Bartholomew’s Church is an Episcopal parish established in 1835. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the church was built in a Byzantine style and was, for a long time, one of New York City’s wealthiest parishes. The church is home to the tenth largest pipe organ in the world and the largest in New York City.

Church of Transfiguration

Photo credit: Mr. Littlehand

Mott St. Church of the Transfiguration-Mr. Littlehand934

The Church of Transfiguration on Mott Street was constructed in 1815 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Located in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood, the church was originally known as Zion Protestant Episcopal Church. Eventually, it was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of New York and has become the oldest Roman Catholic Church in New York City.

St Nicholas Russian Orthodox

Photo credit: St Nicholas

Cathedral of St Nicholas

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was built in 1902 and has held great significance much of America’s Russian community. Today, a bishop from Moscow has planned many renovations and modernizations for the cathedral. The building is designed with typical Russian architectural considerations in mind, complete with domes and a brick façade.

Abyssinian Baptist Church

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Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem

The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a Harlem landmark, one of the most famous of the district’s many activist churches. The history of the church began in 1808 when African-American parishioners of segregationist churches decided to establish their own parish. They named the church after the historic name of Ethiopia.

Eldridge Street Synagogue

Photo credit: vige

Eldridge St. Synagogue and lanterns

A National Historic Landmark located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Eldridge Street Synagogue was one of the first synagogues built in the United States by Eastern European Jews that is still open today. The synagogue underwent a period of abandonment in the 1950s through the 1980s, but has now become a public museum. Its renovation involved the cooperation of many different groups.

Grace Church

Photo credit: alvy

Grace Church

Grace Church is located on Broadway near 10th Street, close to New York University and East Village. Designed by James Renwick, Jr., Grace Church is known as one of the most impressive examples of the Gothic Revival style. It is a National Historic Landmark because of the beauty of its architecture and because of its significance to New York City.

Synagogue Bialystoker

Photo credit: wikipedia

Synagogue Bialystoker

The Bialystoker Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The building itself is a New York landmark, first built in 1826 out of Manhattan schist that was taken from a nearby quarry. It was recently renovated on the interior by its congregation, restoring the building to its former glory.

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17 New York City Cathedrals, Churches, Synagogue’s and Temple’s

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There are so many landmarks in Rome it’s almost impossible to list all of them, but there are certain landmarks that make Rome such a popular place for tourists. Who can travel to Rome without stopping to see the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain? With a past that stretches back thousands of years it’s no wonder that the city of Rome is packed with some of the most historically, culturally and artistically significant landmarks in the world.

Photo credit: RaSeLaSeD (back from lappland)

Colosseum at night

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is probably the best noted landmark in all of Rome, Italy. Built in the Roman Empire between 70 and 72 AD the Colosseum was originally called the Amphitheatrum Flavium. It was the largest amphitheatre of its kind in the empire and could seat 50,000 spectators. Most people know that gladiators fought for audiences within the Colosseum but there were other public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and theatrical dramas. It is estimated that somewhere around 500,000 people died and more than a million wild animals were slaughtered. Eventually the building was no longer used for entertainment and served as housing, a venture for workshops, home for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine. Today the Colosseum is a landmark viewed mainly by tourists but it does serve a part in some Roman Catholic celebrations. The Colosseum lies partially in ruin due to earthquakes and stone robbers but a remarkable portion of the original structure remains standing.

The Pantheon

Photo credit: j.reed

Pantheon Interior

The Pantheon was built around 27 BC for Marcus Agrippa but it was destroyed in a fire in 80 AD. It was rebuilt but only to be ravaged by fire again in 110 AD. The Pantheon immediately was rebuilt once again. Originally the Pantheon was designed to serve as a temple to all of the gods worshipped by Romans at the time and has been continuously used throughout its history, most famously being used as a tomb starting in the Renaissance. The Pantheon is still being used today by the Roman Catholic Church and masses are said there regularly. The rotunda with its dome is the oldest large scale dome in Rome. Attached to the rotunda is a portico which is one of the best preserved buildings in the city. If you’re so inclined, see if your visit coincides with a holy day and experience a Roman Catholic mass in Rome in the middle of the Pantheon, an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Photo credit: Sebastian Bergmann

Trajan’s Market at night

Trajan’s Market

Trajan’s Market or Mercatus Traiani is a collection of ruins located across from the Colosseum. The Trajan’s Market was built between 110-110 AD by the famous architect Apollodorus of Damascus. The structures are not as they originally were built as additional levels were added and defensive structures were built. The Market is actually a good example of ancient roman city living, which is strikingly similar to modern living in many ways. The bottom level originally houses shops, taverns, and food markets. The next floor housed businesses and above them were homes of roman citizens. Two large halls have been discovered and it is assumed that they were used for public displays such as concerts or theatrical presentations.

Trevi Fountain

Photo credit: ScubaBeer

Trevi fountain late evening p

Rome is full of fountains, it’s like bars in Wisconsin, there’s one on every corner. So why is the Trevi Fountain so special? One reason is it’s the biggest fountain in the city of Rom at 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. Completed in 1762 it’s a relatively new structure compared to some in the city but its creation actually began in the early 17^th century. Tradition at the time was to have a fountain mark the end point of all aqueducts, the Trevi Fountain stands at the terminus of the Acqua Vergine. The Trevi Fountain comes with a few traditions, one is throwing coins into the fountain. The original legend says you have to throw your coin with your back to the fountain, using your right hand and tossing the coin over your left shoulder, this will ensure a return to Rome. The new legend states that throwing one coin means a return to Rome, two means a new romance and the third will lead to marriage. If you’re curious, as I was, the coins are collected every day and donated to a supermarket that serves the poor and the Italian Red Cross and a few other local charities. In 2009 currency approximately $4000 U.S. dollars are collected each day from the fountain.

The Vatican

Photo credit: juanRubiano

view of Vatican

The Vatican or the Holy See has served as a papal residence from the 5^th century. The building itself is located within Vatican City which is its own sovereign city-state. With a population of only 900 and covering only about 110 acres it is the smallest country in the world. Although the Holy See has been in existence since the 5^th century it wasn’t until 1929 that Vatican City became its own city-state. Half of the space in Vatican City is covered by gardens which are littered with fountains and statues that were created by some of the best known artists in the world. Visiting the Vatican Museums is a must for any tourist as that is where the famed Sistine Chapel resides. In addition to the Chapel there are hundreds of priceless works of art, the likes of which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. It’s a magnificent collection housed in one miraculous location. If you’re interested in seeing the Vatican Library and the Secret Archives, and who isn’t, you have to acquire the proper academic credentials as it is not open to the public.

There are so many more landmarks to see in Rome, all the piazzas, palazzos, cathedrals in addition to the stunning gardens that have been preserved for thousands of years. Everywhere you turn in Rome something reaches out from the past to make its presence known, the city is one of the best ways to connect to the past through its remarkable landmarks.

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Athens is a city with an almost unbelievable history, having been considered a magical city at one time full of gods and goddesses and actually worshiped. It has been called the birthplace of civilization and where democracy was born. A trip to Athens Greece will fill your mind, body and soul with overwhelming touches of the past, the present and the future. Just being in Athens is enlightening but there are specific locations that really should be experienced.

Acropolis

Photo credit: Panoramas

Athènes - Acropole

The Acropolis in Athens, Greece is sometimes referred to as the Sacred Rock and is considered the most important site of the city and is undeniably one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. There are other acropolises in the world but the one at Athens is the best known, so much so that it is considered THE Acropolis. The Acropolis in Athens is a flat topped rock that is almost 500 feet above sea level. This region has been inhabited since the 6^th millennium BC although there are no definitive artifacts on the site of the Acropolis to support Mycenaean life on the hill. Throughout history buildings were demolished and rebuilt as religion and need dictated. It’s remarkable that the Acropolis still exists and its sparkling gem, the Parthenon, can be seen for miles around.

Photo credit: Panoramas

Athènes - Acropole - Parthénon

Parthenon

Speaking of the Parthenon, it’s another one of our must see landmark stops when you visit Athens, and since its located atop the Acropolis it’s like knocking down two birds with one stone. The Parthenon was originally supposed to be a different structure but it was sacked by the Persians in 480 BC so, not ones to waste, the ancient Greeks used the ruins to fortify the north end of the Acropolis and in its place the Parthenon was constructed sometime between 447 and 432 BC. The architects were Iktinos and Kallikrates and the building was originally dedicated to Athena Pallas or Parthenos. A gold and ivory statue to Athena was housed inside the building. Those who remember studying Greek architecture in social studies or history classes, the Parthenon is a classic example of Doric architecture with eight columns at the front and seventeen columns in the rear. The back of the Parthenon featured a room that was to house Athena’s treasures and four Ionic columns support this structure. Visitors to this temple were not expected to enter it but to view the statue from the outside, through the columns.

National Archaeological Museum

Photo credit: Tilemahos Efthimiadis

Zeus Statue

The National Archaeological Museum is the place to go if you really want to see some incredible Greek artifacts collected and preserved for everyone to view. The artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum have been collected for numerous locations around Greece and stretch from prehistory to late antiquity. This is considered one of the primary museums of the world with the best collection of Greek antiquity in the world. The first national archeological museum was created in 1829 but it’s been moved several times but it wasn’t until 1889 that it found a permanent home. At the time it was called the Central Museum but the name was later changed and remains the National Archaeological Museum today. The building itself is a pretty magnificent structure and has been undergoing almost constant expansion and renovation. Prior to the Olympics in Athens in 2004 the museum closed for almost two years to accommodate some elaborate renovations and the inclusion of more artifacts. Believe it or not, there are already rumors of more expansions to come.

Photo credit: Panoramas

Athènes - Plaka

Plaka

The Plaka is the oldest section of Athens and closed to most vehicles to preserve the architecture and as the ancient streets are simply to narrow. This old neighborhood is situated on the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis and features a ridiculous maze of streets lined with neoclassical architecture. This is one of the top tourist locations and it also houses several stops inside the city. Visitors come to tour the Jewish Museum of Greece, the Greek Folk Art Museum and the Frissiras Museum. If you’re in the area look for Adrianou Street, the oldest street in Athens still in continuous use with same route.

Ancient Agora of Athens

The Agora in Athens was a unique area at the time and served as the town seat. All law courts were centered in the Agora and anyone who was in the region at the time may have to serve on the jury. Originally the region had private houses but was reorganized in the sixth century BC under Peisistratus to serve as city center. Homes were destroyed, wells were closed and a drainage system and fountains were built. Many of the buildings, or parts of them, have been preserved and the region has been under excavation since 1931.

Photo credit: *clairity*

Flea market booth

Monastiraki Flea Market

The Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens is the main shopping district in the area and isn’t what people in the United States think of as a flea market. The square features small stores and boutiques that sell clothing, souvenirs, specialty items and other goods. It’s a great place for tourists to pick up a memento and a gift for those at home, and if you’re good at wheeling and dealing you’ll probably find more than one bargain. On Sunday’s the flea market turns into something that’s a bit more familiar to those from the United States with impromptu stores set up for the day. Make sure to take a break and enjoy a coffee or snack at one of the many cafes along the street. It’s a wonderful way to take in the sights and sounds of the city and to imagine what it may have been like centuries ago as people shopped the same streets.

Lycabettus Hill

Photo credit: Ian W Scott

Lycabettus Hill in Athens

Whether you decide to climb Lycabettus Hill to view the impressive city below or if you prefer to view it from the streets, it’s an impressive site. This limestone rock reaches 1,000 feet in the air and at night the top is floodlit. In the day time the tree draped hill is topped by a tiny white church, the Agios Georgios. If you do decide to check out the view from the top, the funicular is the easiest route. There’s also a café once you arrive so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Photo credit: Kyri Sarantakos

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The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria Germany is one of the most famous castles in the world and an incredible architectural structure that would make any princess swoon with envy.

The Neuschwanstein Castle was built in 1869 by Ludwig II of Bavaria, or as he was more commonly known, Mad King Ludwig. Ludwig wanted to create a castle with incredible drama and stage presence, so he hired a stage designer for help bringing his artistic dreams to reality.

Photo credit: abhijeet.rane

Neuschweinstein Castle, Germany

This summer castle probably greatly contributed to the moniker of Mad King Ludwig, as in this era the building of incredibly grand castles was a bit out of style but Ludwig worked to have the castle be one of the most prominent structures around, inside and out. A lifetime fan of the composer Richard Wagner, many scenes from Wagner’s operas are painted as murals on the walls of the castle and even the name of the castle came from one of Wagner’s operas, although in German the name means New Swan Stone Palace. But an interesting side note, during King Ludwig’s lifetime the casted was referred to as New Hohenschwangau Castle.

Although the castle appears very old it actually isn’t as Germany in the 1860s had many modern conveniences such as running hot and cold water, flush toilets and heating, which the castle has. Although these conveniences existed at the time they were still considered cutting edge and the idea of putting them in a castle of this size was considered a bit nutty. The castle is full of steam engines, electricity, modern venting, a modern water system with an aqueduct and heating pipes.

Photo credit: ZeHawk

Neuschwanstein Castle glows on a cold winter day

The greatest shame of Neuschwanstein Castle is that Ludwig did not live to see the castle’s completion. In 1886 King Ludwig was declared insane by a State Commission under Dr. von Gudden and arrested at the palace. A very distraught Mad King Ludwig was taken to Castle Berg where he was found drowned in a nearby lake. Only King Ludwig was not the only body discovered in Lake Starnberg that day, von Gudden was also lying dead in the water. There is a lot of speculation surrounding his death and its cause whether it was suicide, murder or simply an accident, although an accident seems highly unlikely.

But one good thing about Ludwig II of Bavaria’s death is that the castle was converted from a private dwelling to a structure that was open to the public. Today more than a million tourists visit the castle each year, meaning that thousands of people flock through its doors (and impressive doors they are) each day.

Photo credit: /kallu

Tour of Neuschwanstein Castle

Even if you haven’t been to the castle, Neuschwanstein Castle still probably looks a little more than vaguely familiar as it has not only been the inspiration for several facsimiles, including the Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Cinderella Castle, but it’s also been in many Hollywood movies.

The castle features a gatehouse, a tower, the knight’s house with its own square tower, a citadel, and two additional towers on the west end.

Photo credit: albany_tim

Neuschwanstein interior

The Throne Room of the Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps rests within the Palas or the citadel and was created as the Grail-Hall of Parsifal and decorated in an unbelievably elaborate Byzantine style. With two stores and a series of pillars serving as imitation porphyry and lapis lazuli the room is officially listed as being completed in 1886, but the Throne Room actually remains unfinished as no throne resides in this stunning room.

Photo credit: albany_tim

Interior of Hohenschwangau

The bedroom (the main one) at Neuschwanstein Castle carved in a Neo-Gothic style with what was reported as 14 woodcarvers working for four and a half years to create the elaborate carvings throughout the room. The highlight, the Monarch’s bed is topped by some of the most intricate woodcarvings in the entire castle and draped with richly embroidered draperies.

The Palas also features the singer’s hall, which encompasses the entire fourth floor and the grotto. Other rooms in the castle include an oratory, a room designed to look like a cavern, a kitchen with heated cupboards and servant’s quarters.

The rooms that are completed in the castle are absolutely breathtaking but there are actually on 14 rooms that were finished before Ludwig’s death and much for the further building and decorating was halted upon his death. There are rumors that construction needed to end and tourists had to be allowed to enter as there was so much debt accumulated by the estate. No real figures or even estimates could be found on what the cost of Neuschwanstein Castle was or the debt left after Ludwig’s death.

Photo credit: jeffwilcox

Neuschwanstein: The Bavarian Castle

Tickets for the castle have to be purchased at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau so make sure you get them before you begin the climb up to the castle, if you decide to go on foot. The cost is EUR9 which converts to about $11.50 USD. While the mandatory portion of the tour takes only a half hour there is a bit of walking involved and several stairs. If you have a handicap or special needs tours held on Wednesdays are designed specifically to accommodate your needs.

If you’re sold on taking a trip to see the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle there are several different tour options available. Take one of the tours that offer additional side trips to view the beautiful countryside rather than simply heading directly up the street to the castle. Or rent a bicycle and explore the grounds by yourself at your leisure, you can even stop for a swim at the nearby lake.
Photo credit: joiseyshowaa

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Chicago is a great city to visit whether you’re going with your family, a romantic interest or by yourself. There is so much to do in the city that you’ll find yourself wanting to come back time and time again to see the sights you’ve never seen before and revisit the ones you enjoyed the most.

Photo credit: David Paul Ohmer

Chicago - Millennium Park

Millennium Park

Millennium Park grew up out of the railroad property in downtown Chicago. Initially a 1998 idea for a park with a venue for outdoor music performances and large scale sculptures, Millennium Park has turned into a cultural icon with its magnificent Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the interactive Crown Fountain, and Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture. The Lurie Garden is also a magnificent site that draws visitors to the beauty of the Midwest. Although the idea began in 1998, the park wasn’t not open to the public until July 2004 and has since been visited by millions. This is a great place to take the kids on a hot summer day as the park is typically cooler than the more congested parts of the city and the Crown Fountain will thrill and chill them.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is literally packed with things to do for everyone. But just a few years ago it was a floundering eyesore known as Municipal Pier #2. It was during the 1990s that the pier started its makeover which would make it one of the most popular places for people to gather in Chicago. Now you can catch a variety of programs at Navy Pier, see movies at the IMAX, ride the Ferris wheel, visit the Chicago Children’s Museum or the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, shop, eat out, or just people watch until the fireworks begin.

Photo credit: Smart Destinations

Shedd Aquarium - Dolphin Show

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium opened to the public in 1930 and was the largest indoor aquarium in the world at the time, and for some time following. This inland aquarium brought saltwater fish to the people of the Midwest for the first time on exhibit. With more than 2 million visitors each year it’s the most popular cultural attraction in Chicago. The Shedd Aquarium has more than 1500 species of fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects with five permanent exhibits; Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World, the Oceanarium, and Wild Reef. Hands on experiences are available for an additional price for those who want to get up close and personal with their favorite aquatic inhabitant.

Adler Planetarium

Chicago’s Adler Planetarium was the first one in the Western Hemisphere and is the oldest in existence today. Founded in 1930, the Zeiss Planetarium projector has thrilled crowds with its accurate depictions of the night sky and the movement of the stars around us. In addition to the Sky Theater with the Zeiss there is also the all digital Definiti Space Theater and the Universe 3D Theater. For real astronomy buffs the Adler Planetarium is home to one of the world’s most important antique instrument collections. There are a large variety of programs available and quite often a special emphasis on children and education.0

Photo credit: JOE M500

Sue the T-Rex

Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is part of the Museum Campus in Chicago with the Adler and Shedd. The Field Museum features more than 21 million species with its most famous inhabitant being Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus in known existence. In addition to a very extensive permanent collection, with enough exhibits and hands-on experiences to keep you busy throughout the day, the Field is known from bringing in some incredible traveling exhibits. Their big exhibit for 2009 is Real Pirates which provides an in depth look at pirates and in particular, the slave ship Whydah. Look for special events with children and education in mind as the Field is known for their all ages educational experiences.

Magnificent Mile

For shoppers no trip to Chicago is complete without a trip down the Magnificent Mile. This world renowned shopping district provides a complete mix of shopping experiences, from high end stores to discount shops, designer clothing and exclusive one-of-a-kind items to run of the mill daily staple products. It can all be found in the more than 460 stores along the magnificent mile in Chicago.

Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park is the largest park in Chicago with more than 1200 acres and tons of things to do, but the most popular attraction in the park is arguably the Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo was established in 1868 and is the oldest free public zoo in the entire country. It’s not the largest zoo around but with 80 species it’s no slouch either. This zoo is just a nice complement to a day in the park along the shores of Lake Michigan. Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo offer visitors and locals a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Photo credit: jameskm03

Windy - Tall Ship in Chicago

Tall Ship Windy

The Tall Ship Windy is an impressive sight as the 148 foot four masted gaff topsail schooner slides up to Navy Pier. There are a variety of cruises available for visitors who want to experience a tall ship. The trips are all a little bit different and weather dependent but there are several basic themed tours that you can pick from; The Life of a Tall Ship Sailor, The Ecologically Aware Tall Ship Sail or Eco-Sail, From Canoes to Clippers, Real Pirates of the Inland Seas, Project Origin, Windy’s Fireworks Sail, Sea Shanty Sails, Moonlight Sails, Spirit Ships and Haunted Harbors and Water under the Bridge. Each cruise has something else to offer and is sure to delight everyone on your trip, as long as they don’t get seasick.

Shoreline Architecture Cruise

The Shoreline Architecture Cruises in Chicago are not to be missed if you are at all interested in the history of the city and its buildings. The guides entertain you throughout the cruise telling stories of how Chicago emerged from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871. The one hour cruise is a beautiful tour and a relaxing way to take in the city from an unusual vantage point.

Photo credit: James Jordan

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For Americans, bullet-trains are an anomaly.  They’re common in the western-world, awesome, and hi-tech.  However, unless an American has traveled overseas, they’ve likely never seen one, let alone experienced the thrill of riding via high-speed rail.  Below, are listed a number of these high-speed rail services, as well as a few actual bullet trains that have warranted themselves a place in history.

ETR 200

Photo credit: Wikipedia

ETR 209

The very first bullet-train in the world was not built by the French, nor the Japanese.  It was built by the Italians.  The project began in 1934 and used the latest technologies.  The train cars themselves were developed with a wind tunnel to maximize aerodynamics.  The train, which entered service in 1937, was electric and could reach a top speed of 80mph.  It was designed to handle speeds of almost 109mph, but the pantographs (the devices that connect the train to its power lines) could not handle the higher speeds.  In its time, the ETR 200 was also considered the most comfortable train in the world.  It acquired the world mean speed record in 1939.

Tokaido Shinkansen

Photo credit: ensign_at_e233net

Tokaido Shinkansen 300 series

While the ETR 200 is the world’s first bullet train, one could say that the Tokaido Shinkanzen is the world’s first contemporary bullet train.  The project began construction in 1959 and opened in 1964.  When service began, the trains would travel at 130 mph, but that number jumped to 135mph only a short time later.  The route runs between Tokyo and Shin-Okaka.  Today, this bullet train holds the record as the most heavily traveled high-speed rail route in the world.  It should also be noted that the term “bullet train” itself comes from a literal translation of the Japanese phrase “dangan ressha” which has been the nickname for these trains since they were originally suggested all the way backing the 1930’s.

Nozomi Shinkansen

Photo credit: MShades

Nozomi

The fastest bullet-train service now operating on the Shinkansen high-speed rail network is the Nozomi.  The trains, which commenced service in 1992, reach a speed of 186mph.  Nozomi trains also make fewer stops, which adds to their overall travel speed.  Over its history, the Nozomi Shinkansen has actually used 3 different series of trains, the 500, 700, and the newest N700 series.  It is predicted that by 2011 the service will exclusively use N700 series trains, which happen to be the fastest.

Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail

If you’re looking to ride the bullet train with the fastest operating speed in the world, this is it.  The Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Rail currently runs at a speed of 217 mph.  The train is actually capableof operating at 245 mph, but the Chinese slow it down for safer normal operation.  The rail commenced service in late 2008 just in time for the Beijing Olympics.  A number of events for those Olympics were also held in Tianjin, making the brand new bullet train quite a convenience.

TGV

Photo credit: FaceMePLS

Train à Grande Vitesse

The “Train a Grande Vitesse” is France’s high-speed rail service.  The trains’ start to stop average speed of just over 173 mph is the current world record.  Development took place during the 1970’s and service began in 1981.  The French bullet trains proved so popular that the network was expanded and then emulated by several other countries in Europe including Germany, Belgium, and Spain.  The French themselves, however, had been inspired by the Japanese.  Today, the TGV is the second most popular bullet train service in the world.  The most popular being the Shinkansen in Japan.

V150

Photo credit: Alain Stoll

V150

This is it.  The fastest conventional train in the world.  Unfortunately you won’t be able to ride it.  The V150 was a specially modified TGV train put together specifically for the purpose of conducting tests and breaking the world record.  In April of 2007 it reached a speed of 357 mph.

TAV

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Treno Alta Velocita - TAV

As it all started in Italy, bullet trains are finally making their triumphant return to their homeland.  The Treno Alta Velocita SpA is an entity created for the development and construction of Italy’s new high-speed rail network.  The operations of this new high speed rail network will be brought to match European rail standards.  The network will also connect with neighboring high speed rails such as the ones in Germany, and France.  Construction is currently underway with new segments opening throughout the next several years.

JR-Maglev

Photo credit: Wikipedia

jr maglev

This could be the future.  The JR-Maglev is Japan’s experimental magnetic levitation train system.  The project has been in development since the 1970’s, so there is no telling when the trains may actually be put into general operation.  As the name suggests, unlike conventional trains, which run on wheels, the bullet trains of the JR-Maglev system hover on a frictionless magnetic field.  Suffice to say, the trains are fast.  How fast? They’re the current world record holder for the fastest non-conventional train.  In 2003, one of these trains reached a speed of 361 mph.

United States Air Force Rocket Sled

Click here to view the embedded video.

Plans have been underway for quite some time for a bullet train in America.  If the funds can be found, it looks like there may finally be one built in California.  Until that train becomes a reality though, Americans will just have to travel to Europe or Asia to experience one of the best methods of travel in the world.
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In the last few years you’ve probably been hearing more and more about Dubai. The country has made a conscious effort to boost its tourism appeal and become a must see destination for travelers from all over the world. The good news for Dubai is their ploy worked. With such noted sightseeing hotspots as Deira and Jumeirah Beach, a number of souks or Arabic markets, the Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque, Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House, Dubai Creek, and even the upcoming Dubailand drawing in crowds by the thousands Dubai’s tourism future looks more brilliant than ever before.

Palm Islands

Photo credit: olli_steinmann

Palm Islands

The Palm Islands in Dubai are a collection of three of the world’s largest manmade islands and are composed of The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, and The Palm Deira. The islands feature luxury hotels, exclusive housing structures, single family homes, shoreline apartments, marinas, water parks, restaurants, shopping destinations, sports arenas, health spas, cinemas and incredible dive locations. Really they provide every convenience a modern created community can provide and then they up the luxury quotient a bit. Each of the islands has a little bit different feel and appeal. Remarkably, from the air you can see that each island (or series of islands) is in the shape of a palm tree topped by a crescent.

Photo credit: .Bala

Spice Souk-.Bala803

Souk/Arabic Markets

As mentioned before, a Souk is an Arabic Market which used to be open booths set up at the docks to handle cargo from foreign cities. Now the souk has gone a little more modern and more closely resembles a shopping mall. But the deals you can get at a souk are just as amazing as they used to be, and you can get bamboozled just as easily too. But a trip to Dubai is just not complete without a visit to the Souk.

Dubai Museum

The Al Fahidi Fort, built around 1787 was renovated in 1971 to serve as home for the Dubai Museum. The museum is one of the things on the island that has been around before the tourism boom and gives tourists a glimpse into what life on in Dubai was like before the discovery of oil. Dioramas let you see what life was like and galleries give you a glimpse into the day to day life of the locals. One of the more interesting aspects of the museum are the artifacts from excavations into graves that date back to the third millennium.

Photo credit: robertpaulyoung

Dubai Museum and Grand Mosque

Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque in Dubai is one of the largest mosques in the entire United Arab Emirates and can hold up to 1200 worshippers. The mosque opened in 1900 and originally served as a kuttab or a Quaranic school where children learn the Quran. In 1998 the Grand Mosque was rebuilt to be even more impressive and beautiful.  Although this mosque is a favorite among tourists and a particularly good photo op its interior is closed to non-Muslims.

Jumeirah Mosque

The Jumeriah Mosque is one mosque that allows non-Muslims to enter and in fact tours are arranged through the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to boost cultural awareness. Schedule your tour prior to your visit to be sure to get in at the time that works best for your schedule. It will no doubt be an enlightening experience.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum was the leader of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and his home has been turned into a national monument and museum. Built in 1896 the original home had an incredible view of the harbors but as with many of the older structures in Dubai, it was destroyed to make way for a bigger and better structure. The current home was build next to the original and contains restored architectural elements. Inside the home is the Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents of the Emirate of Dubai which a large number of photographs from 1948 to 1953 that are available to the public. For further dissection the documents, maps, treaties, coins and stamps are also available.

Photo credit: Lori Greig

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek divides the city into two areas, Deira and Bur Dubai. The region around the creek was the first part of the city that was settled and became very popular due to its access and transportation. Many industries grew up on and around the creek further solidifying the region’s importance. The creek has key significance to the city’s development and offers many sightseeing options along the route.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, letting locals and tourists experience snow and snow sports year round. Ski Dubai features five runs for skiers and snowboarders, a Snow Park with 3000 square meters of snow, two themed restaurants, a retail shop, Snow School and professionals to help you along the way. And for locals who don’t own winter clothing or travelers who don’t want to lug their parkas along, the resort carries ski clothing and equipment for everyone.

Burj al Arab

Photo credit: jonrawlinson

The Burj Al Arab Hotel

Burj al Arab is the most popular hotel in Dubai and one of the most photographed structures in the world. From a distance it actually looks like a billowing sail on a ship as it reaches 321 meters into the sky and is brilliantly illuminated at night to alternate between water and fire images. For visitors to the hotel, you’re in for a real treat as everything is designed to ooze luxury and give you a vacation you’ll never forget and possibly a destination that you’ll never want to leave.

Photo credit: robertpaulyoung

Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park is a themed water park centered around the local tale of Juha the outdoor water park’s highlights include a heated/cooled wave pool, multiple water slides, two artificial surf machines, and the largest waterslide outside of the United States. Fans of the Amazing Race may remember seeing the park in both the American version Amazing Race 5 and the Asian version Amazing Race Asia 1.

Dubailand

Dubailand is a huge entertainment complex that is still under development. The target for completion of the first segment is some time before 2011with three other phases due to be completed before the end of 2020. When done Dubailand will be twice the size of Walt Disney World. Current estimates are for 45 mega projects with 200 subprojects that cover basically the entire realm of attractions.

Photo credit: Joi

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