Places

Paris’ fresh spring weather and its gardens in bloom make for the perfect scene to indulge in the finest outdoor pleasures The City of Lights has to offer. From world-renowned parks and atmospheric street markets to festivals and chic sidewalk cafes, there’s plenty to see and do in Paris these days. Springtime in the capital of romance comes with wonderful gifts and lots of entertaining opportunities. As Audrey said, “Paris is always a good idea” and I guess we all agree that each season has its own special charm in the City of Love. However, spring is a wonderful time to explore Paris, to stroll beneath its serene blue skies and to take in the culture, history and picturesque scenery around. Here are 5 reasons to visit Paris in the spring: The Night of...

Sibiu is the prettiest city in Romania and its most important cultural center. It lies in the very heart of the country, in the enchanting region of Transylvania and stands out due to its atmospheric Old Town whose magnificent architecture conveys the visitor through 8 centuries of history and traditions. This lovely historical center is an ensemble of squares, museums and National Monuments of great beauty and inestimable value. Suspended in time and encircled by beautiful architectural buildings, the Grand Square (Piata Mare) has established itself as Sibiu Old Town’s most prominent landmark. It houses one of the world’s oldest museums - the National Brukenthal Museum (1870), the striking Council Tower and a surprising mix of cafes, shops and restaurants....

Cobblestone streets steeped in history, medieval town walls, excellent festivals and an outstanding bohemian vibe make from West Ireland’s largest city one of the sexiest Irish destinations. Often regarded as Ireland’s Cultural Heart, Galway plays host to a wealthy range of festivals and events such as the Galway Arts Festival with its flamboyant Macnas parade or the Galway International Oyster Festival, one of country’s most exuberant celebrations. Throughout the day, both locals and tourists fill the city’s charming streets in order to soak up the laid-back atmosphere, admire the eye-catching buildings and cool off in the arty cafes. Galway is also a great place to throw off some money, providing a surprising range of shopping opportunities. The finest...

Ever wondered what brings nearly 2 million tourists each year in San Marino? Well, from medieval castles to excellent shopping, the tiny serene republic of San Marino has plenty to delight its visitors. Nestled between the dashing Emilia-Romagna and the lovely unspoilt region of Le Marche, San Marino is a microstate that lives up to its nickname: La Serenissima. Picturesque and tranquil, this Italian-flavored enclave clusters around Monte Titano, offering spectacular views over Italy’s countryside, and on a clear day, even over the blue Adriatic Sea. Shopping With its elegant jewelry shops, idiosyncratic boutiques and elaborate shopping centers, San Marino is a treat for aficionados, but what really makes it stand out is its tax-free heaven reputation. Bargain...

Despite its abundance of UE institutions and annoying business flair, Brussels is an incredibly beautiful city, a place full of culture, romance and plenty of character. It is, however, one of the most misunderstood European capitals. The headquarters of Nato and European Union has certainly much more to offer than just a wealthy playground for Eurocrats. Excellent café culture, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, superb restaurant scene and an incredible collection of museums, churches and parks add to Brussels’ main lures – chocolate and beer, shaping one of the most appealing cities in Europe. What to do Whether you’re looking to discover the secret of Belgian beer, to indulge in art and culture or to relish in a stylish shopping break topped off...

The dramatic landscapes of New Zealand have always been a lure for travelers and an inspiration for film makers, but with The Hobbiton latest euphoria, the lovely island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations on the planet. The Hobbiton is a village along The Water river in the western part of the Shire – Tolkien’s fictional universe known as Middle-earth. Part of Arda, this imaginary setting is carefully depicted by the author in many of his works, including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. Those charmed by Tolkien’s stories and their successful adaptation on screen have the opportunity to visit the real Hobbiton, which lies in the agricultural town...

Grandiose mosques and ultra modern skyscrapers dominate its skyline. Underneath, timeless grids of buzzing bazaars, hamams and exotic teahouses fuse with high-end shopping venues and hip restaurants in a sophisticated mix of old and new. And there it is, the ancient strait of Bosphorus venturing to tear them apart forever. This is Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest and most dramatic cities and the place where, beyond any cliché, the East really meets the West. Why visiting First, Istanbul is unique, and not only for standing on two continents or for being larger than Greece, but because it’s a true spectacle, one that never ends. The flavors, the colors, the music, the rush, the faces on the streets are pure energy. With one foot in Asia and the other one...