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Activity City Massachusetts USA

Boston, MA

Known as the “Cradle of Modern America, Boston was the birthplace of the American Revolution, therefore one of the first places that you will want to head off to, is the location of the Boston Tea Party.  Here you will find a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels! You can recreate your own Boston Tea Party by throwing tea into the water.

Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts, USA

Most of Boston’s historical sites can be reached by following what is known as the Freedom Trail across the city.  Keeping with a nautical theme, 2nd stop on your trail could be a visit to the USS Constitution, which is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned her nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, she captured a number of merchant ships and defeated five British warships including HMS Guerriere which is where she earned her nickname.

USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

A visit to Boston wouldn’t be complete without an outing to watch one of the cities top class sports team play.  Visiting from April to September a trip to Fenway Park to watch the Boston Red Sox is must.  Since 1912, Fenway has been home to the Red Sox and is the oldest Baseball Arena in the USA if not the world.  Unlike some of the newer arenas, the compact design of Fenway takes you back in history and gives you a spectator experience that you will not find anywhere else except maybe Wrigley Field in Chicago.  If there are no games scheduled, then a stadium tour is recommended.

Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox
Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox

On a more cultural level, Boston is home to over 60 museums of which the most famous is the Museum of Fine Arts, which is the 5th largest museum in the USA and one of the top 50 most visited museums in the world.  It is home to over half a million exhibits, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.  The 1888 painting by Vincent Van Gogh’s Postman Joseph Roulin, is one of the museum’s best known works in its collection. 

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Activity Asia Bangkok City Heritage Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

You cannot spend a day in Bangkok without a visit to Wat Pho.  It is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. The temple complex known as the Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds. The larger northern walled compound, is open to visitors and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and very famously the 46m long reclining Buddha. The southern compound, contains the living quarters for Buddist monks and a school.

The Temple of the Reclining Bhudda – Wat Pho – Bangkok – Thailand

Next on your list and be prepared to set aside a good few hours for this one, is a visit to the Grand Palace. The palace at one time was the king’s home (1782 -1925) as well as the place where the government of Thailand carried out their work.  The Great Palace is not a single building but a collection of buildings divided up into four main courts: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Some buildings are open to the general public, whilst others are still used by various government departments.

Grand Palace – Bangkok – Thailand

For contrast take yourself shopping.  At one end of the scale head for Chatuchak Market which is open on Saturdays and Sundays.  With over 8000 stalls and at local prices you are bound to find a bargain or two here.  At the other end of the scale head for Siam Paragon.  You will only find 250 shops here, but they are high end brands and even include car manufacturers including Bentley, BMW and Porsche.  You will also find South East Asia’s biggest aquarium and numerous food outlets.

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Activity Beach City Florida St Augustine Sun USA

St Augustine, FL

St Augustine itself is the oldest city in the USA, it is home to the oldest wooden school house in the USA and it is the location of the oldest street in the USA.  The St Augustine tourist authority describes the destination as full of old-world charm, historical monuments, unique attractions, world class shopping, sunny weather and beaches just minutes away.  On that basis St Augustine makes an ideal holiday destination for everyone.

Aviles Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Aviles Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA

Aviles Street in St. Augustine is the oldest street in the USA.  Archaeologists digging down several layers under the brick paving, have found pottery shards from the early 1600s. The Pilgrim Fathers didn’t land on the continent until 1620.  This historic street is also St. Augustine’s original artist district, dating back to the 1930s when the Hamblin Hardware warehouse at 11 Aviles Street was transformed into studio and gallery spaces for artists. The street also boasts some of St Augustine’s oldest historical sites.

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is one of the best preserved colonial buildings in the town and is preserved to recall the first tourist boom in Florida from the 1830s to 1850s.  The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is an authentic reconstruction of a military hospital that stood on this site during the Second Spanish Colonial Period (1784–1821) and depicts the state of care that was on offer during the 1790s.. Finally the Father O’Reilly House Museum that was constructed in 1691, purchased by Father Miguel O’Reilly in 1785. Father Miguel, an Irish priest in the service of the preserving the old values.

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the USA, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the USA, St Augustine, Florida, USA

The Oldest Wooden School House is cited as being the oldest wooden school building in the United States. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it first appears on tax records in 1716. We know that it cannot have been built before 1702 because the British burnt the City to the ground. Since 1937 the building has been encircled by a large chain, to help anchor it to the ground in case of a hurricane. The classroom was one of the first in the US to be co-ed educating both boys and girls since 1788.

Bridge of Lions, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Bridge of Lions, St Augustine, Florida, USA

In 1982, the Bridge of Lions was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in the mid-1920s as a way for cars to travel from St. Augustine on the mainland to Anastasia Island The bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge, also known simply as a drawbridge, which allows commercial and recreational boats to pass through a center channel when the moveable span is in the up position.  It poses a magical image at dusk as it is all lit up.

There is plenty more to see in St Augustine.  We haven’t even mentioned the pirates!!  I hope that the video above by “Dawes” has inspired you to find out more about this beautiful city, often forgotten as a holiday destination due the bright lights and thrill rides of destinations like Miami and Orlando.

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Activity Bratislava City Europe Heritage Slovakia Uncategorized

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia is sometimes forgotten as a tourist destination.  For nearly 1000 years it did not have much control over its own destiny.  Even during the period of the First Slovak Republic 1939 – 1945 it was a client state of Nazi Germany.  Around the year 1000 it became part of the Kingdom of Hungary and today over 9% of the population state their mother tongue is Hungarian.

Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, stands on the banks of the Danube and as such borders both Hungary and Vienna.  Bratislava markets itself as a 72 hour city as that’s the average length of time tourists spend in the city.  In those 72 hours there are plenty to keep you occupied.

Bratislava Castle, Slovakia - Peter Tóth
Bratislava Castle, Slovakia

Due to its geographical position and history a good starting point is Bratislava castle. Not only does it house the Museum of History but affords tremendous views across the city.  Down in the town, the Michael’s Gate which is the only preserved gate of the city fortification system dates back to the 14th century gives you a great view back across the Old Town and the castle.  The tower at the gate houses the Museum of Arms.

Bratislava houses the largest war memorial in Central Europe. It rises over 50 metres and dominates the city skyline.  It is the burial ground of 6845 soldiers of the Soviet army who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II.

St Elizabeth’s Church (The Blue Church) - Hans Hansen
St Elizabeth’s Church (The Blue Church)

On a religious note, don’t miss out on a visit the 15th Century St Marin’s Cathedral, the Art Nouveau style St Elizabeth’s Church, also known as the blue church and cubist style synagogue built between 1923 and 1926.

You will be spoilt for choice with a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars and for those of you with a sweet tooth, patisseries something they do so well in Central Europe. Whilst in the city look out for the amazing sculptures.

Sculpture, Bratislava - Sebastian Mies
Sculpture, Bratislava
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Activity City Sun

Lisbon, Portugal

Despite a history of earthquakes, Lisbon has always been an important city through the ages. The Romans, the Berbers, the Moors and then Reconquista knights have all taken a interest in Lisbon due to its position of the River Targus. The Torre de Belém is the most iconic building in the region, dominating the entrance to Lisboa harbour on the north bank of the river. Originally built in the 16th century and subsequently improved over the years, it would have been the last part of the country that sailors who sailed west to discover and visit the new world across the Atlantic Ocean would have seen.

An absolute must when visiting Lisbon is a ride on the trams. There are two types of tram, the historic “Remodelado” trams or the modern Siemens “Articulado” trams. In fact the best way to get to the Torre de Belém is by the modern No 15 tram. However you must travel on the historic No 28 tram that will work its way up the steep, cobbled roads and into the old Alfama district. The Alfama district is one of the top destinations for tourists in Lisbon. It is the oldest part of the city dating back to the time of the Moors. It survived the 1755 earthquake as its built on dense bedrock. Up here you will step back in time. Wander through its narrow streets, tiny squares, visit it’s churches and wonder about the history that has taken place inside those whitewashed houses. In the evening you will find many great restaurants to eat in or out and you will are bound to hear Fado music, dates back to the 1820s.

Tram - Lisbon - Walkerssk
Tram – Lisbon

There are many more places to visit in Lisbon and now it’s off the UK quarantine list, it makes a great destination for a short break or the starting point for a tour of the country. Don’t miss out on visiting the solid looking and imposing Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, known locally as simply the Sé. Finally you must not miss out on the Pasteis de Nata, deliciously soft, sweet, custard tarts, that are a cult in Lisbon.

Pasteis de Nata - Portuguese Custard Tart -CarolinaP
Pasteis de Nata – Portuguese Custard Tart
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City Europe Heritage Latvia Riga

Riga, Latvia

Riga stands at the centre of the Baltic States, Estonia to the north and Lithuanian to the south. Both are easily reached from Riga. Hire a car and get to Tallin the capital of Estonia in 4 hours and Kaunas the capital of Lithuania is 3 hours, 30 minutes away. Currently UK citizens can freely travel to and return from the Baltic States.

Riga, Latvia, Germans Alenins
Riga, Latvia

Besides being the largest of the Baltic capitala it is a very beautiful city full of gothic and medieval architecture. Unlike other European capitals that are heaving with tourists in the summer months, Riga is full of Latvians. Not being on the top ten list of most city break fans even pre-Covid it was a good option and now its even better.

For travellers on a budget staying and eating out in Riga represents great value for money. Prices are in line with destinations in Poland, Hungary and Romania. Restaurant prices are about half of those in most UK cities.

Riga, Latvia, AG-Pics
Riga, Latvia

Well what is there to do in Riga? First stop would be the St Peter’s Church. The church dates back to 1209 and has undergone various transformations over the years. The most recent due to damage caused by artillery fire in 1941. Head up to the viewing platform to experience superb views across the rooftops.

Like many towns and cities across Eastern Europe, Riga has reminders of its time under the influence of the Soviet Union. A trip to the Latvia Academy of Sciences, a mini Empire State building, head up to the 17th floor of this 1950’s building for an alternative outlook on the city.

Maybe we have too much of an interest in the macabre. Head off to the “Corner House”, the former headquarters of the KGB which is very emotional. Not a fun way to spend a day, certainly sobering and puts into perspective Latvia’s recent history.

Baltic Sea Riga Latvia Edgars Koronevskis
Baltic Sea Riga Latvia

On a happier note, there are plenty of back streets, markets, restaurants etc to visit to keep you busy but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle then visit Ķīpsala Beach right in the centre of Riga on the River Daugava. A little further afield there are several beaches within easy reach of Riga. With 500km of coastline there is bound to be a beach to suit you.

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City Europe Poland Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland

In 1945 85% of Warsaw had been destroyed but walking around the old town today you would have no idea. It has been reconstructed with alleys, houses and churches so faithfully that the area has earned UNESCO World Heritage Status. The plan was to recreate the city’s late 18th century appearance, you can judge for yourself how successful they have been. Old drawings, plans and even paintings by the famous Italian landscape artist Bernardo Bellotto were used to aid the reconstruction. You can find more details on the UNESCO site. The majority of the work was completed by the mid 1960s but the final piece was finished in 1984 with the opening of the Royal Palace.

The most historic part of the Old Town is the old market square. Here you can dine out and watch the world go by surrounded by magificent Renaissance and Baroque buildings where in years gone by the town’s merchants would have lived. Whilst visiting the Old Town do not miss out on a visit to the Royal Palace which is now a museum and the Castle Square where Bill Clinton welcomed Poland to NATO in 1997.

Warsaw Old Town Copyright Jacqueline Maco
Warsaw Old Town

If you have a fascination for architecture from the Communist era then you must not miss the 237 meter tall Palace of Culture and Science. The building was a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland in 1955 and today houses four theatres, two museums and a multi-plex cinema amongst its offerings. Take a trip up to the 30th floor observation tower for a great view of the city.

Palace of Culture and Science Copyright Andrzej
Palace of Culture and Science

Other notable stopping points on your visit to Warsaw might include the Warsaw Uprising Museum where you can discover the story of the August to October 1944 uprising that led to much of the destruction of the city by the Germans, with many before and after images. A relatively recent addition to the museums in the city is the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) that was fully opened in 2014 and documents the lives of Jews over the thousand years during which Poland became home to the largest Jewish community in Europe.

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Austria City Europe Vienna

Vienna, Austria

Vienna was the capital of the Habsburgs for over 600 years from here the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire was ruled. The grand architecture from the 19th century in particular reflects the power and wealth of the country at that time.

View from City Hall. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Gregor Hofbauer
View from City Hall. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Gregor Hofbauer

Encircling the historic city centre is the Ringstrasse and a trip on the special Ring Tram is the perfect way to become aquainted with all the main glorious buildings and the features of Viennese life from your onboard guide. The Opera House, Parliament, the Art History Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Imperial Palace are just some of the sites you will see along the route.

Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater, Vienna. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper
Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater, Vienna. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper

Not to be missed in Vienna is the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) at the entrance to the Prater Amusement Park. Not only will you experience great views on your ride but when you watch “The Third Man” or the James Bond film “The Living Daylights” you’ll be able to say I was there.

In fact it was the soundtrack to “Best Ever British Film” The Third Manand its memorising soundtrack by Anton Karas that brought our attention to this beautiful city.

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Berlin Europe Germany

Berlin, Germany

Berlin Wall.

This week we are in Berlin. In 2013 having not released any new material for 10 years David Bowie released his 24th album “The Next Day“* on his 66th birthday. The first single to be released from that album was “Where are we now?“* The song and the video below make references to places in Berlin that have a connection with Bowie.

Where are we now? Berlin!

After 19 secs we see some of the graffiti art on the few remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. These are worth the time and effort to see on your trip to Berlin. Potsdamer Platz (0.28) was the place to be in the 1920s. Today you’ll find the Lego Discovery Centre nearby. A great option if its raining and you have children. The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is Berlin’s tallest landmark and the view on a clear day is superb.

Copyright: visitBerlin, Foto: Sarah Lindemann
Fersehturm – Berlin

The back entrance to the German Parliament (Bundestag) is next on the route, followed by Nürnberger Strasse where Bowie played several times in The Dschungel nightclub. Although reference is made to the KaDeWe department store (1:10) is made we actually get to see the magnificent Cathredral (Dom). Berlin’s answer to Marble Arch is up next. The Brandenburg Gate (1:49) is one of the most recognised sites in the city.

Brandenburger Tor Copyright: visitberlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien
Brandenburger Tor / Brandenburg Gate

Berlin makes a great destination for a short break. There is so much to see that you will want to go back again. Not be missed are the Wall Museum and Check Point Charlie, the Jewish museum, the largest in Europe, the very moving Holocaust Memorial and not too far from the city centre is the former concentration camp at Sachsenhausen.

Holocaust Memorial Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Copyright visitBerlin, Foto: Pierre Adenis
Holocaust Memorial

Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.

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Argentina Buenos Aires South America

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has a curious blend of the European and the Latin. It is well known for its preserved colonial and neo-classical architecture as well as its rich cultural life including a tango show or a visit to a ranch. In more recent years ” meat loving” visitors will seek out traditional “asado” or a themed tour devoted to famous Argentines such as “Evita” (Eva Peron).

Buenos Aires is the most visited city in South America and the second most visited city in Latin America after Mexico City. Known as the “Paris of South America”. In a survey for Travel and Leisure Magazine, visitors voted it the second most desirable city to visit after Florence. According to the Tourism Board of Argentina nearly 6m tourists visited the country in 2018 a figure that more than doubled over a ten year period.

Cabildo of Buenos Aires - Copyright Welcome Argentina
Cabildo of Buenos Aires

The most popular tourist sites are found in the historic core of the city. Buenos Aires was conceived around the Plaza de Mayo. To the north of here is the Caefral Metroplitana and the Banco de Nacion Argentina. To the west is the Cabildo that was the seat of the town council in colonial times.

If you have the time then seek out the Café Tortoni. The café was opened in 1858 by a French immigrant who named it after a Parisian café bearing the same name. Café Tortoni was selected by UCityGuides as one of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world.

Café Tortoni - Copyright WelcomeArgentina.com
Café Tortoni- Buenos Aires – Argentina