Barcelona, a European cultural center with a city-proper population of 1.6 mil, has several great neighborhoods, to include: Ciutat Vella (Old Town), the Barri Gotic, La Rambla, and El Raval. Another great neighborhood that visitors will not want to miss is Eixample, a vibrant, relatively modern district of Barcelona.Designed in the mid-nineteenth century, Eixample expanded ... Read Full Article
Exploring Barcelona’s Montjuïc
Montjuïc, situated on a hill in Barcelona’s Sants-Montjuïc neighborhood just southwest of the city center, boasts some of the best views of the city as well as some of Barcelona’s finest museums and sights.Montjuïc hill overlooks the Barcelona city center and harbor. Once covered with forest, the hill was cleared in the late nineteenth century for building. It was then selected as the site ... Read Full Article
A Weekend in Madrid
While there is so much to see and do in Spain's dynamic capital city of Madrid, lets get focused on just a few suggestions for spending a relaxing, sunny weekend in this city of 3.3 million people (6.5 mil. metro Madrid.) Parque del Buen RetiroMadrid, with one of the best urban park systems in Europe, takes great pride in its largest park, Parque del Buen Retiro, which spans 350 acres of ... Read Full Article
Follow Your Nose to These Food Streets in Paris
Paris has a myriad of restaurants, bars, and specialty shops clustered throughout the city’s twenty arrondissements. In need of a French comic book or two? Visit the row of comic book shops on rue Dante in the 5th Arrondissement. In Paris, restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisine are also found gathered together in concentrated areas. The following streets are where you'll find authentic ... Read Full Article
Barcelona’s Mercat de la Boqueria
One cannot visit Barcelona without spending an afternoon, or several, at the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. Located in the city’s old town, with an entrance just off La Rambla, the market is extremely accessible and thus very popular with tourists. Don’t let the throngs of camera touting visitors scare you, the market offers some of the city’s best food and is well worth pushing your way ... Read Full Article
Rue Saint-Anne: a Japanese Food Haven in Paris
Looking for traditional Japanese food in Paris? Look to Rue Sainte Anne, which runs through the first and second arrondissements, near the Opera District. With a high concentration of Japanese businesses, the street forms a Japanese haven in France’s capital city. Wander the street and sample the best of what the district has to offer, from tiny restaurants to grocery stores. Rue Saint Anne offers ... Read Full Article
Gaudí’s Barcelona
Antoni Gaudí’s unique architecture defines Barcelona for many of its visitors. Born in 1852, Gaudí became one of Spain’s most celebrated architects. His works defied any one particular architectural style though were clearly influenced by art from around the world, including: India, Persia and Japan. Drawing on numerous architectural forms, from Moorish works to Gothic Revival, Gaudí developed his ... Read Full Article
Getting Around Madrid on the Cheap
Though wandering around the streets of Madrid is a great way to see the city, be sure to take advantage of the fantastic public transportation system in the capital.Getting to Madrid From the Airport Madrid Barajas International Airport connects to the city by Metro line 8 and by Cercanias commuter train line C-1. The fastest, and least expensive way, to access the city center from the ... Read Full Article
Brussels in a Day
Brussels is a lovely city and great jumping off point to visit towns throughout Belgium as well as nearby international destinations like Paris and Amsterdam. Consider staying in Brussels and using the city as your hub while you take day trips to nearby locations. The city can be explored in one day or many. The following are suggestions on what to do in a day in the Belgian ... Read Full Article
Munching Your Way Through Madrid’s Vibrant Food Scene
Any trip to Madrid could quickly become food-centric, as one visits Madrid's vibrant food scene at the markets, taverns, restaurants, and bars; sampling the best that Spain’s capital city has to offer.One might as well begin with the Mercado de San Miguel , the city’s main market, located near the Plaza Mayor. Declared a Spanish Property of Cultural Interest, the market is frequented by ... Read Full Article