Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 102)
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Top 4 Beaches in Spain
Picture this; you’re staying in traditional Spain Villas, nestled close to the beach. There’s beautiful food at your doorstep, whether you want to indulge in paella, pintxos, or even a glass of tinto de verano. You can spend your vacation enjoying some of the finest beaches in the world, while breaking your day up with a siesta and later enjoying a fiesta. That’s Spain in summer in a nutshell (and even parts of Spain in winter). If this sounds like your kind of holiday, then you might want to check out the following top 4 beaches in Spain. Once you’ve booked your Spain Villas for your trip, you can then make the most of the golden sand, delicious food and the relaxing lifestyle the Spanish are well known for.
1) San Sebastian
San Sebastian is one of my favourite beaches in all of the world, let alone Spain. It’s a great holiday destination, even if you ignore the beach – which is pretty hard because the city is spread around it. Here you’ll find some of the best food in the world – and in all of Spain, called Pintxos. Pintxos are small portions of delicately designed dishes that will woo your taste buds. You move from restaurant to restaurant, seeking out restaurant specialties before moving on to try something else. It’s a very social and fun way of enjoying new things. The beach in San Sebastian is literally a few meters from the city centre and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s easy to spend a few lazy days here, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the Basque region.
2) Costa Blanca
Literally translated as “White coast” this part of Spain is prized for it’s bright turquoise waters, the irresistibly white sandy beaches and exciting nightlife – it is a perfect mix of everything you would want for a great holiday escape away. This is a great place for younger travellers who might want to party a little – or families who are keen to soak up some serious sunshine and relax, making it a very versatile place to visit. This is also a great part of Spain to do water sports… if you’re so daring.
3) The Canary Islands
As if Spain wasn’t tempting enough as a holiday destination, the Canary Islands boast beautiful sunshine year-round. So while others are suffering a dismal winter, you can plan a quick escape to the Canary Islands and enjoy their everlasting sunshine. These islands are regarded as the perfect family escape, proving to be a nice relaxing break from the day to day hustle and bustle of modern life.
4) Ibiza
If you’re young and want to party, there’s really no where else in the world that tops Ibiza. You can literally crawl from the beach into a nightclub at any hour of the night – or day, and you’ll find yourself thoroughly entertained. Top DJs headline the clubs in Ibiza throughout the year and there are a number of different beaches around the island depending on whether you want to party hardcore or are here to enjoy a bit of a mix between relaxing and partying. Book into one of the many luxurious Spain Villas so that you can get adequate sleep in between dancing the night away.
Spain is a great place to plan a holiday, especially if you’re a beach bum like me. Regardless of whether you’re traveling as a couple, with a family, as a group of friends or solo, there’s somewhere in Spain to suit every style of traveler and every budget.
Have you been to any Spanish beaches? Which were your favourites?
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Top Toronto Picks
Visiting the largest city in Canada can be an expensive trip. There are so many things to see and do, but most of them come with a hefty price. If you can save on your flight with cheap companies like Air Transat and find an affordable accommodation, you’ll be able to indulge guilt-free in all the activities you want. Here are my top picks of things to do in Toronto.
Niagara Falls
It’s an obvious, but unavoidable sight to see. Swarmed with tourists, getting splashed by the Niagara Falls is a breathtaking moment that you won’t soon forget. Watching more than six million cubic feet of water fall over the crest line every minute in high flow is spectacular. With a variety of packages and viewpoints, you can choose the one that is most convenient for your situation. From a journey behind the falls to a boat ride or observing them from afar, they are a must-see!
Canada’s Wonderland
To satisfy the little kid in your heart, you can go visit Canada’s Wonderland, the first and largest theme park in Canada. With over 60 rides to enjoy, you are guaranteed a great day filled with fun at this amusement park. You can even ride Canada’s largest roller coaster, the Leviathan. Here is a video of what it feels like to be in the first row on this adventurous ride.
There are also special events and live entertainment depending on when you plan your visit.
CN Tower
Another popular attraction that is not to be missed is the CN Tower. It is Toronto’s trademark and main place to visit. Riding in the glass elevators to the top is going to offer a whole different view of Toronto. Enjoying a decadent meal at the revolving 360° restaurant could make for a fantastic dinner and a memorable night. If you’re the adventurous kind, they offer edgewalking. EdgeWalk is basically walking hands free around the top of the tower while attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system. Leaning back will give you an incredible rush and remarkable view of the city.
Distillery District
Once you are done hitting up the major sights to see, it’s time for a break. One of the areas that is in downtown Toronto and that could give you a rest from the typical tourist activities is the Distillery District. It is a pedestrian only zone and consists of a variety of unique boutiques, galleries, cafes, shops and renowned restaurants. The District describes itself as an area with a relaxing European atmosphere with a cool New York City vibe. It is a great place to relax, shop, eat and take in some history about Toronto.
Toronto is a fun and vibrant city, with events happening year-round. Make sure that you do as much as you can and take in all that it has to offer. Also, Canadians are some of the friendliest people that you will meet and it will help make your visit that much more memorable. Happy visiting!
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Revisiting Places
During my travels I’ve been to a lot of places I’ve really loved – and a few places I really didn’t like, such as Paris and Laos.
When I find somewhere I love, I seem to revisit the place, hoping to capture the same experiences and feelings I had the first time I visited.
I’ve learned that most of the time it’s not possible.
On my upcoming trip with my sister, I decided not to go anywhere new. This is for a few reasons: I’ll have to keep “working” while I’m away, earning an income to pay for my travels and my bills back here in New Zealand. If I was venturing to new places, I’d want to spend each second out exploring and I know I’d get absolutely nothing done in terms of work. Secondly, I’m traveling with my little sister. She’s very independent, but she’s still 7 years younger than me and I am a little protective, so I want to go to places I feel comfortable and that I feel comfortable with her exploring by herself.
So I’ve chosen a great mix of countries: Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. Quite a lot for our month’s trip.
After so much solo travel (which I love), I’m ready to share some of my favourite places with one of my favourite people.
I’m looking forward to sharing the magic of volunteering overseas with her. The vibrant green rice paddy fields of Ubud.
The never ending malls of Singapore.
The view of the Petone towers at night while sipping on cocktails in Skybar.
Whether you are traveling to Australia or from Singapore to Malaysia, there is always a new adventure just around the corner. Staying all over the globe has helped me to narrow down some of the best places I have visited. Staying in unique Kuala Lumpur hotels was a great experience and taught me a lot about Asian architecture. The buildings in Malaysia are tall and creatively designed, adding a modern feel to the city. Visiting Singapore changed my whole outlook on Asian cuisine while Australia made me realize how much I love being outside and enjoying the weather.
I’ll get to share with her, little by little, the places that have shaped me and my perceptions of the world.
For some of these places it is my second time visiting, others my third, fourth – even fifth time.
I seem to keep revisiting the places I love, rather than venturing out and exploring new ones. One thing I’ve learned, however, is that a place is never really the same the second time you visit it. The weather’s not as great, the party scene isn’t the same, or it’s gone out of control – it was probably a lot less touristy the last time you were here, you must have visited just before it got too over ridden with tourists…
It’s never the same. And I think that’s partially because you rarely get to revisit the same places with the same people you originally met or visited there.
After years of travel I’ve come to learn that the people are often more important than the specific place you are in. That’s why I randomly decided to follow two crazy Europeans on a whirlwind tour of Asia, even though we were re-visiting places I’d already been and their fast-pace movement was expensive, in terms of extra flights. Because the people are more important than the places.
How lucky am I to be taking one of my favourite people, to some of my favourite places? As we start filling in the connecting flights and budgeting in how our days will most be likely spent, I can’t help feel really excited for what’s to come.
Have you ever found yourself in places you’ve revisited, feeling disappointed or surprised because it’s changed so much or just doesn’t seem as great because your favourite travel buddies aren’t there?
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Going out for tapas in La Latina
One of the most noticeable aspects of life in Spain is the sheer variety of rich and remarkably diverse cultures which together make up the nation’s identity. Each region has its own distinct traditions and ways of life, which reflect on everything from industry and agriculture to music, leisure activities, and eating habits. From the arid plains of inland La Mancha to the coastal south of Andalusia, or to the northernmost reaches of the Basque country, there is no single experience which can fully encapsulate the Spanish way of life.
This celebration of diversity is reflected best in Spanish food. Because, for all of its variety, there is a food which brings Spanish culture together more than any other: and that is tapas.
Tapas has become synonymous with Spain, and it is this unique dining experience which visitors remember fondly, long after their time in Spain has come to an end. Whilst each region has created its own speciality dishes and ingredients, the tradition of tapas is largely the same across the whole of the country. So, when you visit Madrid, you will find not only the foods of the surrounding region, but also the most popular dishes from every part of the nation.
Visiting the capital is perhaps one of the best ways to experience Spain’s wide range of traditions anyway, and this is for a number of reasons. Being in the geographical centre of the country, the capital allows for quick and easy access by road or rail to every other of Spain’s autonomous communities. Train travel is very affordable in Spain and services such as Avis car hire in Madrid are readily available. However, as Spain’s largest city, Madrid can also boast residents and businesses from every other part of the country, meaning that tourists will not have far to travel in order to experience a taste of the vibrant diversity of the nation’s cuisine.
One of the most memorable locations within the city is the historic Barrio de La Latina neighbourhood. La Latina is situated in the oldest part of Madrid, and is characterised by its lively bazaars, its Muslim architecture, and its many open plazas and squares, which are connected by narrow streets and alleyways. For this reason, navigating La Latina is perhaps best conducted on foot. But walking through the historic streets will also give visitors the best opportunity to soak in the local atmosphere. On the street and in amongst the activity, tourists will find some of Madrid’s premier tapas bars and restaurants at every turn.
There is an art to eating the tapas of Madrid. With so many eating establishments, and each serving a wide selection of dishes, finding the best that the city has to offer has become something of a cultural pass-time for the locals. It is not an uncommon sight to see the residents of Madrid moving from bar to restaurant within a single mealtime, in order to experience the most celebrated morsels from each establishment. The tapas experience contributes to the relaxed way of life, and lunchtimes can comfortably extend from 2pm into the early evening, and diners may visit upwards of five or six different eateries in that time.
For this reason, local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to finding the highlights in a small space of time. When visiting one of La Latina’s many restaurants, feel free to ask for recommendations from the owners or – better yet – from a fellow diner. Locals love to pass on their personal favourites, and the lively, friendly atmosphere of La Latina is instantly welcoming for new visitors. Whether yours is a long stay, or a brief stopover, a meal of tapas in La Latina is the true taste of Spain.
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The best Water Parks to visit in Orlando
If there’s one thing that Orlando is synonymous with, it’s water parks. This city in Florida, a hub for tourists, partygoers and fun-seekers, simply can’t get enough of them. Not that you can cast blame – as the mercury rises in the summer, water parks are a great way to stay cool and invigorated. They’re also one of the best ways to have fun, whether you’re with your family or friends, and the combination of water and themed attractions is the perfect recipe for summer time success.
Water parks are not just for summer of course. One of the beautiful things about Orlando is that it is a year round destination. Temperatures in the winter months are a little cooler, but they’re still pleasant, and the winter tends to have less rain too. Orlando’s water parks have a great series of fun-packed events throughout the year, especially at key times like Christmas, so what are you waiting for?
Wet’n Wild, opened in 1977, is Orlando’s original water park and it continues to be voted the best, appealing to all age groups from young kids to adults and open year-round with seasonally heated pools. With a fantastic range of tube rides, flumes, rafts, cascading waterfalls and kids’ rides, Wet’n Wild has a crazy mix of themed adventures. Top rides for thrill-seekers include Brain Wash, an extreme tube ride with a 16 metre vertical drop; The Blast, an exhilarating ride down a ruptured pipeline; The Storm, which spins you in dizzying circles; and speed slide Der Stuka, with its heart-stopping 76 metre free fall. Then there are the amazing flumes of Mach 5, the twisting multi-passenger tube ride The Surge, disco-themed Disco H2O and space-themed Black Hole. Kids will love the Kids’ Park and the bouncy Bubble Up. For more sedate rides, head to the Lazy River, with its nostalgic Florida docks and fading billboards.
SeaWorld, of course, is a major attraction for its fantastic animal shows, experiences and exhibits. Visitors can get up close to penguins, marvel at sea lions, dolphins, beluga whales and manatees, learn about animal care and conservation issues, and be enthralled by sharks in one of the largest underwater tunnels in the world. SeaWorld has ten aquariums and more than 3000 marine animals. Shows include A’Lure, with incredible siren aerialists, and One Show, featuring majestic killer whales. There are plenty of rides at SeaWorld, from the spinning and gliding Manta and monstrous Kraken to the Journey to Atlantis, where you can explore the watery depths of this sunken mythical city. Shamu’s Happy Harbor has some great rides for kids, including jellyfish-themed Jazzy Jellies, the Sea Carousel and teacup ride Swishy Fishies.
At Walt Disney World there are thrills and spills galore. Blizzard Beach is a frosty ski resort, formed –so the story goes – after a freak snowstorm in Orlando. Slalom, toboggan or sled down the face of Mt. Gushmore and experience the dizzying rush of free-falling 36 metres down the Summit Plummet slide. Other rides include the white water raft ride Teamboat Springs, the flume ride Snow Stormers and the Chair Lift, ferrying visitors to the top of Mt. Gushmore. There’s also a wave pool and kids’ play area.
Also at Walt Disney World is Typhoon Lagoon, a ship-wrecked island with a saltwater pool, lazy river and plenty of tropical rides, such as the slides of Humunga Kowabunga and Storm Slides and the meandering Castaway Creek. At Shark Reef you can snorkel amongst exotic sea life including nurse sharks.
Aquatica, a SeaWorld park, has a South Seas theme, with colourful birds and fish, together with lagoons, waterfalls and wave pools. Rides include the fantastic Dolphin Plunge, leisurely Loggerhead Lane, thrilling Omaka Rocka and racing Roa’s Rapids.
With car hire Orlando, all the region’s water parks are easily accessible and you can plan your own itinerary to ensure you make the most of your holiday.
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Top Coach Destinations for Wine Lovers
If you love wine and you love holidays, why not combine the two? There is no better feeling than drinking a glass of local wine whilst gazing over the best views that the country which produced it has to offer and learning a bit more about your favourite tipple into the bargain.
France
France is, of course, one of the world’s most prolific producers of wines and trying to taste the numerous varieties from the many regions could take weeks. From the soft reds of Burgundy to the crisp whites produced in the Loire Valley, from Provencal’s famous rosés to the authentic bubbles of Champagne, France offers everything a wine lover could dream of.
Spain
The wine industry in Spain is booming and it’s not hard to see (and taste) why. It’s impossible to choose one region over another, but wine hot spots include Rioja, Ribera and Navarra. They are blessed both with a fascinating culture, beautiful architecture and great places to stay. You will also find a huge variety of wines to try in the cities, as well as enough culture to satisfy the most ardent history lover.
Italy
Wine has been produced in Italy for centuries. You will find experts at every location you care to mention offering in-depth advice and fascinating historical details. Famous for its wine production, its delicious food, its friendly people and scenery to die for, Italy may just be the perfect holiday location for a wine connoisseur. From Tuscany to Emilia-Romagna and from Veneto to Rome, you can’t help but find a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy some local wine under the trailing bougainvillea.
The Americas
Travelling further afield, why not consider a trip to California? The climate supports masses of vineyards which produce a variety of delicious wines to try. With terrain including the tallest mountains and the valleys and the plains in between, a contrasting assortment of wines are produced by the individual micro-climates that make up this great state. You are guaranteed sunshine and the welcoming atmosphere of this tourist-friendly destination will ensure you have a holiday that you will remember for years to come. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head for Chile. Try visiting the world-famous city of Casablanca for a taste of the fine sauvignon blancs, chardonnays and pinot noirs that are so characteristic of that area. Chile is now rightly regarded as a leading producer of quality wines and is a destination not to be missed.
South Africa
South Africa might not be first country that springs to mind when thinking of combining wine with travel, but think again. South African wines continue to grow in popularity and South Africa is a uniquely beautiful country with a great climate and an abundance of attractive destinations. You could consider a trip to the famous Winelands that nestle among the mountains east of Cape Town and produce some of Africa’s finest wines.
Never before have the world’s best wine-producing areas been so accessible. You can visit www.coachholidays.com to book a trip to a destination where you will find a warm welcome and, of course, a freshly poured glass of fine wine waiting for you.
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Easy Weekend Trips from Berlin
One of the things I loved about living in Central Europe, is that everything’s central. You drive to another country in just a few hours and be somewhere that is somewhere completely different, soaking in a new culture, language and style of food. When living somewhere as central as Berlin, it’s easy to make a whole weekend trip somewhere completely different. Living in New Zealand, the furtherest I could really go for a weekend trip would be Australia, and to me that just feels like a big version of New Zealand. If you’re heading to Berlin or already living there, consider these easy weekend trips from Berlin.
1) Prague
Prague is one of my favourite cities in the world, it has an old charm like no where else, combined with one of the most wonderful city castles. Enjoy the cheap beer, beautiful women and lovely old Czech architecture. Prague is only 4-5 hours drive from Berlin making it the perfect nearby destination. Hire a car from Berlin and head to Prague in the afternoon, arriving just in time to indulge in some traditional and hearty Czech fare.
2) Munich
Munich has a completely different feel to Berlin – it could almost be in a different country. Best known for Octoberfest beer festival, there’s so much more to Munich than just good beer. Known as a city with a solid art and science background, Munich an offer some internationally renowned collections of art. Surrounding Munich is some of the best scenery in all of Europe, with the gorgeous Alps. It is the perfect city to escape to for a weekend of shopping and gallery hopping.
3) Krakow
The journey between Berlin and Krakow will take the better part of an afternoon, but will be worth it. This Polish city is very affordable – cheap even compared to Berlin and houses a lot of old charm. In this city you’ll find a beautiful castle, impressive squares, hoards of churches and a number of grand palaces. If you’re interested in visiting theatres and old cinemas, then Krakow has a lot to offer in this regard. Food, alcohol and accommodation are all relatively cheap in this wonderful city.
The great thing about living or visiting such central cities as Berlin, is that you’re never too far from somewhere else. A few hours in a car and you can be enjoying a whole new language, cuisine and country without too much hassle. The next time you’re in Germany, look at renting a car while you’re in Germany to save time and cost while you travel around central Europe.
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Best Beaches in Australia
Australia is one of the hottest destinations at the moment, with people flocking from all over the world to visit this giant country. As someone who is from New Zealand, I often take Australia for granted as a holiday destination, placing it firmly in the “I’ll visit it properly one-day” category. Although the majority of Australia is a desert, the coast and surrounding islands boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Because of Australia is relatively close to the equator, much of it is toasty warm all year only fostering the beach mentality. One of the best things about living up in the Southern Hemisphere is that Christmas and New Years can easily be spent on the beach, enjoying some serious sunshine.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Australia and here are my top five best beaches in Australia.
Bondi Beach:
This was my first introduction to Australian beaches and I remember being thoroughly impressed by how “white” the sand was. If you’ve ever visited Bondi, or seen it on TV, you’ll know that the sand is nowhere near white. In fact, it’s more of a yellow colour. But for someone who had spent most of her beach time on the brown sound beaches surrounding Christchurch, New Zealand, Bondi’s sand seemed sparkling white. Every time I visit Sydney, I love to visit Bondi beach. Pro tip: using Accor when booking a hotel in Sydney can help save you both time and money – so you can head down to Bondi and make the most of this gorgeous beach.
Kurrawa Beach:
This is an all round great beach, if you want surfing, fishing, somewhere nice to sunbathe or some great seaside restaurants, than Kurrawa might be just what you’re looking for. Kurrawa beach is located in the heart of the Gold Coast’s beaches. Part of the popularity of this beach is due to its large and lively Surf Lifesaving Club. One of the greatest features of Kurrawa beach is its long boardwalk which allows you to stroll along the beachside, admiring the beautiful views. This is a beach that is thriving all year round, so you should definitely add it to your list of places to visit, no matter the season.
Byron Bay:
There are quite a few great beaches clustered together in Byron Bay, meaning that there’s a little beach for almost everyone here. Whether you’re a hardcore surfer, a keen sunbather or just someone wanting to enjoy a great family holiday. Main Beach is great for families as it is properly patrolled during the Summer months, ensuring that it is safe for families. The Pass and The Clarkes Beaches are both very popular with surfers, attracting a younger crowd. Byron Bay town is a very family friendly town that is filled with gorgeous picnic spots.
Hyams Beach:
Hyams Beach claims a very special title: the whitest sand in the world, making it a truly striking beach. Located on the southern shores of Jervis Bay, Hyams Beach is an extremely popular holiday spot with local Australians and International tourists alike. The beach is surrounded with a number of gorgeous natural attractions including walking trails overlooking clifftops and lush native bush forests. If you’re dreaming of paradise, but want the convenience of great walks, quality cafes and a strong holiday vibe, then Hyams beach is the perfect place for you.
Whitehaven Beach:
No mention of Australian beaches would be complete without admiring the Whitsundays. Whitehaven Beach is a prized beach, it is actually uninhabited which has only further solidified its reputation for being paradise. Here you’ll find pure white silky silica sand sloping into deep blue water. Thankfully this breathtaking beach is only a day trip away from Airlie Beach on the mainland, ensuring that it is still relatively accessible. If you’re hunting for paradise, then you don’t have to look any further than Whitehaven Beach.
These are my top picks for the best beaches in Australia. Have you visited any of these beaches? What’s your favourite beach in Australia?
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Missing Spain
I lived in Spain for two months last summer, working as an Au pair. Afterwards, I took the liberty of making my way around this fun, diverse and gorgeous country. I’m happy to say that I managed to see almost every place I wanted to go in Spain, although I didn’t quite make it to Valencia but there’s always next time. Despite all the weird things that the Spanish do, there’s so much to do in and see in Spain that it remains one of my favourite countries in the world. Despite all odds, Spain is still relatively cheap – with the general rule being the further south you go, the kinder it will be on your wallet. If you’re looking to visit Spain and want to hit the hot spots, check out my list of favourite places and why I fell in love with them.
1) Madrid
I’m not really a fan of big cities, only a few seem to really catch my attention but Madrid is one of them. This city oozes “cool” and has so much going on, all the time, that you can’t help but get caught up in the beauty of it. Madrid is the only place I’ve stumbled out of a club at 6 am, to see clusters of couples who were in their 70’s walking out of their favourite cafe. You know a city is good when even the elderly are out making the most of it at any hour. Check out Templo de Debod at sunset for one of the best views over the city. Even though alcohol’s banned, most people bring some beers or sangria to this great look-out spot.
2) Tenerife
Do you love gorgeous beaches? Sangria in the sun? Making the most of island life? Well, Spain’s got all this for you and more. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary islands and simply a must-visit if you’re craving some beach action. Once you’ve figured out where to stay in Tenerife you’ll want to start planning how to spend your time. Tenerife boasts some of the most striking landscapes, called The Finger of God. You can spend an afternoon in a park that has the world’s largest collection of parrots, Loro Parque, or head to the oldest cathedral Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. There’s so much to do in Tenerife, providing you can pull yourself away from the gorgeous beaches for long enough to explore.
3) Granada
There’s so many wonderful things about Granada, but for whatever reason far too many people miss this town off their list. Here you’ll find the Alhambra, undoubtedly one of the most breath-taking buildings in all of Europe. In many cafes, restaurants and bars, when you order a drink it will come with gratis tapas, that is – free tapas. It is possible to spend an evening moving from establishment to the next, ordering a drink and filling yourself up on delicious fare. The old town is lined with beautiful buildings, with little markets popping outside of the streets. It’s cheap while the locals are laid-back and friendly. What more could you want from a city?
4) San Sebastian
I’ve spoken time and time again about my affection for San Sebastian. It’s a great city, with incredible food, gorgeous buildings and an irresistible beach that is literally on the city’s front door. San Sebastian manages to be the perfect fusion between France and Spain – all the beauty, charm and chic of France, while being fun and unpretentious in an purely Spanish way. Although there’s not a lot to see here, except the beaches, a few cathedrals and the wonderful bars it’s definitely worth a visit for at least a few days.
These are my top four places to visit in Spain. I miss living in Spain almost every day and can’t wait for the opportunity to revisit. Have you ever been to Spain? Where was your favourite place?
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Unmissable Things in Rome
Rome is Rome – there’s simply no where else like it in the world. The grand buildings, the rich heritage, the beautiful coffee (and people) – there’s a lot to absorb and it’s safe to say that any trip to Rome would not be long enough. While there’s ample galleries and museums to explore, Rome’s streets are really the best museum, every nook and cranny offering its own little insight into this grand city. Because there’s so much to see you have to be clever with your time, to ensure you can really make the most of it. Browse through our top five unmissable things in Rome and tailor your perfect Roman escape.
1) A Visit to the Colosseum
It’s little surprise that the Colosseum tops the list of the most unmissable thing to do in Rome, but it’s sheer size and historical significance makes it an essential part to any trip. Marvel at the beautiful detail of the Colosseum and contemplate all the violent history that took place here. The contrast between the delicacy and detail employed in creating the Colosseum and the harsh reality of the many fights that went on here is very intriguing. The Colosseum is one of Rome’s largest tourist attraction and consistently pulls upwards of 16,000 visitors a day. So arrive early to try to beat the crowds and the relentless summer sun.
2) Throw a Coin Trevi Fountain
As one of the most famous fountains in the world, if not the most, the Trevi Fountain is a beautiful fountain that oozes romance. Visitors come to throw a coin into the fountain to wish for their dreams to come true. It’s a very large fountain, that almost takes up the entire plaza that it’s housed in. This fountain, much like the Colosseum, is consistently drenched in visitors so the best time to visit is actually in the evening, when the crowds subside and you can enjoy the fountain with a little more privacy.
3) Enjoy Some Luxury
Rome is known for being a comfortable, romantic and very luxurious city. It’s the perfect splash to splash out on accommodation and to choose a wonderful hotel to relax and enjoy your holiday. If you’re looking to stay somewhere special, visit Splendia to find the best luxury accommodation in Rome. Rome is also known for it’s high quality shopping, as Romans like to dress very well. Visit the Trident, located in the city centre, for some of the best luxury shopping in the world.
4) The Vatican Museums
When choosing to visit the Vatican Museums, ensure you have enough energy and motivation to deal with the hoards and hoards of crowds that will be here and the long lines that await you. Don’t let this grim warning put you off; there’s certainly a reason everyone flocks to these museums, but it can be quite tiresome. There are numerous security checks throughout the museums which can be frustrating, but it’s all part of the experience and a necessary hurdle to indulging in some of the finest museums in the world.
5) Admire the Pantheon
This 2000 year temple is nothing short of striking. It has been converted into a church and remains one of the best preserved buildings in all of Rome. While the outside of the Pantheon definitely shows its age, walking inside it’s immaculately maintained interior is a different experience. The thing that makes the Pantheon really special is its outrageously large dimension and the beautiful domed roof. As it stands, the Pantheon remains one of the most influential buildings in the Western World and is definitely an unmissable destination in any visit to Rome.
These are our top five things to do in Rome – have you been to Rome before? We’d love to hear what you enjoyed most.
