15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany

History, culture, and natural beauty perhaps best describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. With its historic cities and small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors are spoiled for choice. Those wanting to sightsee or experience the arts should head to the metropolitan areas, while those looking to engage in recreational activities should visit places such as the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, or the Mosel Valley. Lovely old cathedrals and grand palaces are everywhere, and in the smaller towns and villages, many centuries-old traditions continue. At the cultural heart of Germany is the capital, Berlin, home to many fine museums and galleries, while nature lovers will find a world of possibilities in Germany's great outdoors.

1 Editor's Pick Berlin's Brandenburg Gate

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate

Modeled on the Acropolis in Athens and built for King Frederick William II in 1791, the monumental sandstone Brandenburg Gate in Berlin's Mitte district was the city's first Neoclassical structure. Measuring an impressive 26-meters in height - including the spectacular four-horse chariot perched atop - its six huge columns on each side of the structure form five impressive passages: four were used by regular traffic, while the center was reserved for the royal carriages. Huge Doric columns also decorate the two buildings at each side of the Gate, once used by toll-collectors and guards. Undoubtedly Berlin's most iconic structure, it was also once part of the infamous Berlin Wall and for a few decades was symbolic of the division of Berlin into East and West.

2 Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

The towering Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, Kölner Dom, on the banks of the Rhine is Cologne's most impressive landmark. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, was begun in 1248 and was the most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages. As imposing as its façade, its magnificent interior covers an area of 6,166 square meters and boasts 56 huge pillars. Above the high altar is the Reliquary of the Three Kings, a 12th-century work of art in gold designed by Nicholas of Verdun to house the relics of the Three Kings brought here from Milan. Other highlights include the panoramic views from the South Towers, the 12th- and 13th-century stained glass in the Three Kings Chapel, and the Treasury with its many precious objects.

3 The Black Forest

The Black Forest

The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in Europe. In the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometers from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it's a hiker's heaven. On the west side, it descends steeply to the Rhine crossed by lush valleys, while on the east it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys. Popular spots include Germany's oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden, and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell. Other highlights include the spectacular Black Forest Railway centered on Triberg with its famous falls, and Triberg itself, home to the Black Forest Open Air Museum.

4 The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein

The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein

The old town of Füssen, between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps, a popular alpine resort and winter sports center, is a good base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Europe's most famous royal castles. From 1869-86, King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress - the inspiration for Walt Disney's famous theme park castles. A variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers' Hall, and some of the country's most spectacular views.

5 Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg

Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg

In the heart of the historic Port of Hamburg, the magnificent Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway, is an attraction that appeals equally to young and old alike. Boasting more than 12,000 meters of track, this massive scale model includes sections dedicated to the USA and Scandinavia (as well as Hamburg) and incorporates 890 trains, more than 300,000 lights and in excess of 200,000 human figures. It's not unheard of for guests to spend many hours exploring this fascinating world with its remarkably detailed miniature airports (and planes that actually take off!), crowded cities, quaint rural scenes, and bustling harbors. Speaking of harbors, be sure to explore the vast Port of Hamburg while you're there. Covering 100 square kilometers, this huge tidal harbor known as the Gateway to Germany is best explored by boat. Afterwards, visit the harborside promenade, a lovely pedestrian route, and the Warehouse District with its continuous lines of tall brick-built warehouses.

6 The Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley

The Rhine is Europe's most important waterway, and its most beautiful. With a total length of 1,320 kilometers, this magnificent river stretches from Switzerland through Germany all the way to the Netherlands. While there are many places in Germany to enjoy this majestic river, the lovely Upper Middle Rhine Valley section is probably the best place to see it. Here, this often-dramatic 65-kilometer stretch of river boasts more than 40 castles and some 60 picturesque medieval towns all just waiting to be explored either by river cruise or by car. Bingen, where the river cuts through a deep gorge before entering the Bacharach valley, is a good place to start .

7 Museum Island in Berlin

Museum Island in Berlin

World-famous Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, lies between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben - a 400-meter-long canal off the river - and includes many of Berlin's oldest and most important museums. The heart of this pedestrian-friendly district is the Old Museum, constructed in 1830 as a place to exhibit the royal treasures. Soon after, the land behind the museum was set aside for art and the "knowledge of antiquity." Between 1843-55 the New Museum took shape, and the National Gallery was added in 1876, along with the Bode Museum, built in 1904 and home to collections of antiquities. Another highlight of a walking tour of these spectacular museums is the Pergamon with its recreated historic buildings from the Middle East. But be warned: there's so much to see among these amazing museums that you can't possibly cram it all into a single day.

8 Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt

Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt

In the valley of the Regnitz where the river divides into two arms, Bamberg, the old imperial city and the most important town in Upper Franconia, is one of the best preserved of Germany's many charming old towns. Its old episcopal quarter is home to the 13th-century cathedral and the old Benedictine abbey of Michaelsberg. It's between the two river branches that you'll find spectacular Bürgerstadt, a small borough of Bamberg that contains the Grüner Markt, an excellent pedestrian zone that's home to the 17th-century Baroque church of St. Martin and, to the north, the New Town Hall, or Neues Rathaus, built in 1736. Perhaps the town's most important structure, however, is the Old Town Hall, built on top of the Obere Brücke (Upper Bridge).

9 Zugspitze Massif

Zugspitze Massif

Part of the Wetterstein mountain range, the Zugspitze massif straddles the frontier between Germany and Austria and is surrounded by steep valleys. The eastern summit, at 2,962 meters, is crowned by a gilded cross and can be reached by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn, a cog railway, or by cable car. Another great way to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty is aboard the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn, a railway that runs to the Zugspitzkamm station at 2,805 meters. From here, the journey can be continued via a cable car to Zugspitz-Westgipfel Station at 2,950 meters with its excellent panoramic restaurant. A highlight of the journey is the chance to walk through an 800-meter-long tunnel, complete with viewing windows, to the Schneefernerhaus station at the top of the Bavarian cog railroad, from where you can ascend the eastern summit with its viewing platforms.

10 The Island of Rügen

Sea bridge of Sellin, Rügen Island

Rügen is the largest and most beautiful of the German Baltic islands, separated from the mainland by the Strelasund and linked to the mainland town of Stralsund by a causeway. The island's beauty stems from its diversity of landscape, including everything from flat farmland and forest-covered hills to expansive sandy beaches, lagoons, and lovely peninsulas. Highlights of a visit include the Jasmund Peninsula, reaching heights of 161 meters, and the beautiful Stubnitz beech forests, which come to a dramatic end on the Königsstuhl where a sheer chalk cliff plunges down to the sea from a height of 117 meters. Another must see is the little old resort town of Putbus, seat of the Princes of Putbus and with numerous Neoclassical buildings and parks.

11 Königssee (King's Lake)

Königssee (King's Lake)

This lovely Bavarian lake is one of the great beauty spots of the region known as Berchtesgadener Land. Also known as the King's Lake, this area near Salzburg is a walker's paradise. One of the most popular routes is the attractive footpath along the east side of the Königssee to the Malerwinkel, or Painters' Corner, with its superb views of the lake and the mountains. Another equally attractive sightseeing option is a boat trip to the 17th-century Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Bartholomew at the south end of the lake, and to walk from there to the Obersee. Berchtesgaden, at the end of the Deutsche Alpenstrasse, is perhaps the best-known tourist town and one of the most popular mountain resorts in the Bavarian Alps.

12 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The old Franconian imperial city of Rothenburg, one of the most attractive places on Germany's famous Romantic Road tourist route, lies on the steep banks of the picturesque River Tauber. With its walls and towers untouched since the Thirty Years War of 1618, this completely preserved picture-perfect medieval town offers endless charm. Individual buildings of note include the imposing 13th-century Town Hall (Rathaus); the wonderful Ratstrinkstube, or Council Tavern, built in 1466 with its interesting clock; St.-Georgs-Brunnen fountain, built in 1608 near the end of Herrngasse; St. James's Church with its fine high altar dating from 1466; and the Imperial City Museum. Simply walking the old streets past these beautiful buildings is a timeless experience, especially if it involves the Plönlein, one of the town's most picturesque spots.

13 Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam

Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam

Spectacular Sanssouci Park, laid out between 1744 and 1756, is considered the most celebrated example of Potsdam Rococo. Reflecting the personal influence of Frederick the Great, the park includes a lovely Baroque flower garden, more than 3,000 fruit trees, and numerous greenhouses. It's a pleasure strolling around this huge park, especially the straight-as-an-arrow, two-and-a-half-kilometer-long avenue, shielded on each side by trimmed hedges, perfect lawns, and gorgeous gardens. A number of park buildings are worth exploring, too, in particular the Picture Gallery with its many works of art; the exquisite Chinese House, an extremely elaborate garden pavilion; and the wonderful Roman Baths complex. The Palace itself, a single-story Rococo building with an elliptical dome in the center and a circular room at each end, is notable for its large oval Marble Hall and sumptuous apartments.

14 Insel Mainau: the Flower Island of Lake Constance

Insel Mainau: the Flower Island of Lake Constance

Insel Mainau, the spectacular Flower Island on beautiful Lake Constance, covers an area of 110 acres and attracts many visitors with its beautiful parks and gardens, luxuriant with semitropical and tropical vegetation. Access to the island is by boat, or via a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the mainland, so be sure to allow a little extra travel time in addition to the two or more hours needed to properly explore this stunning property. Another highlight is the 18th-century Schloss, notable for its lovely White Hall, the old defensive tower, and the gatehouse.

15 The Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall

While not exactly the most picturesque of places, the Berlin Wall - or what's left of it - is one of those attractions that any visitor to Berlin simply must see, if only to say they've been there. Built in 1961, the wall was the most visible manifestation of the Cold War mentality that existed after WWII, and by the time it was torn down in 1990, it extended some 155 kilometers. Thankfully, all that remains of the wall today are small graffiti-covered sections, stark reminders of the more than 70 people who died trying to escape from the East. Sections of preserved wall include a short stretch at infamous Checkpoint Charlie, as well as a section at Humboldthafen opposite the Reichstag Building on which the victims of the wall are listed. Also of note is the excellent Berlin Wall Exhibition, with its permanent exhibits relating to the Berlin Wall, and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

 

Source:http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/germany-d.htm

   

Read More

London's Best Museums

London is rich in art, history and culture. Immerse yourself in all 3, and visit the vibrant, diverse museums located in the UK’s capital city. For history buffs, visit the Imperial War Museum. For the art aficionado, check out the art at Tate Modern. And for the sports fan, explore the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. There’s something for everyone at one of London’s12 must-see museums.

1. The British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over 2 million years of human history, with more than13 million pieces in its collection. Visitors can enjoy a unique comparison of the treasures of world cultures under one roof, centered on the magnificent Great Court. World-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies are visited by up to 5.8 million visitors per year. There is also a program of special exhibitions and daily gallery tours, talks and guided tours.

2. Tate Modern
Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art from around the world is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames. The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building, and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.

3. The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum contains hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits in one of London’s most beautiful landmark buildings. Highlights include the popular Dinosaurs gallery, the Mammals gallery, with its unforgettable model blue whale, and the spectacular Central Hall, home to the museum’s iconic diplodocus skeleton. The state-of-the-art Cocoon building is where, on a self-guided tour, you can see hundreds of fascinating specimens, as well as look into laboratories and view scientists at work. The museum offers a wide-ranging program of temporary exhibitions and events, including chances to join experts in topical discussions about science and nature.

4. The National Gallery
The National Gallery displays Western European painting from approximately 1250 to 1900. Visitors can view amazing works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, Cezanne and van Gogh. There are special exhibitions, lectures, video and audio-visual programs, guided tours and holiday events for children and adults.

5. The Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum is arguably the world's greatest museum of art and design, representing over 3,000 years of human creativity, with collections unrivaled in their scope and diversity. Situated in South Kensington, the V&A has recently undergone a dramatic program of renewal and restoration. Highlights include the Medieval Renaissance Galleries, containing some of the greatest surviving treasures from the period, the breathtaking William and Judith Bollinger Jewelry Gallery and the stunning British Galleries, illustrating the history of Britain through the nation’s art and design. In addition to the free permanent collection, the V&A offers an internationally acclaimed program of temporary exhibitions and an extensive events program.

6. The London Science Museum
The London Science Museum displays life-changing objects from Stephenson's Rocket to the Apollo 10 command module. Visitors can catch an immersive 3D movie, fly with the RAF Red Arrows in a special-effects simulator, and even encounter the past, present and future of technology in 7 floors of galleries.

7. The Charles Dickens Museum
The year, 2012, marks the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth. The Charles Dickens Museum is located in the building he lived in from 1837 to 1839, with an outstanding collection that includes letters, pictures, first editions, furniture, memorabilia and lovingly restored rooms. There are also temporary exhibitions celebrating the bicentenary throughout 2012.

8. Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum provides a remarkable, multidimensional tour of the traditions, triumphs, sights and sounds that have made Wimbledon the most coveted title in tennis. Visitors can explore the game’s evolution from a garden party pastime to the multi-million dollar professional sport played worldwide today. The museum uses interactive touchscreens and audio guides to bring the history of tennis to life.

9. Royal Museums Greenwich
In 2012, the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House, the Royal Observatory and the Peter Harrison Planetarium joined together under a new name: the Royal Museums Greenwich. Located in the beautiful World Heritage Site of Greenwich, these 4 top attractions welcome thousands of people each year. Visitors can stand in 2 hemispheres astride the Prime Meridian, touch a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite, view Harrison's timekeepers and Nelson's uniform, before traveling to the stars in London's only planetarium. In 2012 the National Maritime Museum is celebrating both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and its own 75th anniversary with a major exhibition about royalty and London’s River Thames.

10. The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Artists featured range from Holbein to Hockney, and visitors are able to come face to face with British history’s most influential people in the form of paintings, sculptures, photography and video. The National Portrait Gallery has a diverse range of exhibitions, free events and a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views across the London skyline. www.npg.org.uk
11. Museum of London
The Museum of London offers an unforgettable journey through the capital’s turbulent past. Visitors can discover prehistoric London, how the city changed under the Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. The Galleries of Modern London allow visitors to walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor’s Coach.

12. Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum tells the stories of people’s experiences of war from World War I to the present day. The galleries depict what life was like during both world wars, at home and abroad, from a frontline trench to a blitzed street in 1940. The Large Exhibits Gallery shows the impact of modern warfare on people and places. The Holocaust Exhibition traces the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews, and the extraordinary stories of bravery behind Victoria Cross and George Cross in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery.

Link: http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/united-kingdom/london/articles/londons-best-museums

Read More

Best Travel Destinations in Europe

Europe is a magical miscellany of peoples and places, and the range of destinations can be overwhelming if you’re planning a trip. To narrow down the choices, we asked our team of Europe-based editors and authors to pick a list of 10 destinations looming large in their travel plans right now. This year’s list features a mix of rejuvenated classics, up-and-coming places making a bid for our attention, and a few out-of-the-way spots that just make us want to book a ticket, throw some stuff in a bag and go. Welcome to Lonely Planet’s best places in Europe for 2015.

1. Akureyri, Iceland

  Akureyri sits at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord. Image by Federica Gentile / Moment / Getty Images

Five years ago tourism to Iceland was low-key. Now, after a currency crash, two volcanic eruptions, and five seasons of Game of Thrones, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and distinctive culture are firmly on the map. For most visitors, that means the south of the country – the Golden Circle, Reykjavík, and the mountains and glaciers of Skaftafell. Less visited Akureyri, in contrast, sits on the north coast under snowcapped peaks at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord. It’s Iceland’s second biggest urban area, and while you shouldn’t expect a big-city vibe (the population is only 18,000), this easy-going place has more buzz than anywhere outside of Reykjavík. It’s also a great base for exploring the north's green pastures, fishing villages, mudpots, waterfalls, ski fields and whale-filled bays. Signs of the earth’s power – glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields and stacks of basalt – are everywhere, while strange underwater features lure divers and offshore islands are home to colonies of seabirds.

2. Leipzig, Germany

  Leipzig is gearing up for a year of festivities. Image by Oliver Hoffmann / iStock / Getty Images

Related articles:

Porto on a plate: a perfect day in Portugal's food capital Daytime Belgrade for beginners Europe’s foodie secret: Serbian cuisine

It’s easy to see why this ramshackle yet chic city has been touted as the ‘new Berlin’: students, artists and entrepreneurs are flocking here in search of cheap digs and a fresh scene. But Leipzig is no mere imitation – this place is as plucky as they come. A Stasi headquarters (now a public museum) still looms over the city, and it was the mass demonstrations held here in 1989 that fuelled the revolution culminating in the fall of the Berlin Wall. This year sees the 850th anniversary of the Church of St Nicholas, the stage upon which many of these political protests played out. Leipzig Central Station will celebrate its 100th birthday and, as if that wasn’t enough, 2015 marks 1000 years since the city’s first documented mention. Unsurprisingly, this summer will be an extravaganza of festivals and exhibitions. Get there before the cool kids catch on.

3. The Azores, Portugal

  The Azores are famed for their eye-popping crater lakes. Image by mgokalp / iStock / Getty Images

The Azores are a long way from anywhere, which helps to explain why they’re one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets. This spectacular chain of nine islands, which belongs to Portugal, lies in the mid-Atlantic about 1500km west of Lisbon. Nature reigns supreme here: the few who’ve been wax lyrical about the archipelago's emerald landscapes, abundant marine life, and the sort of environmentally friendly adventures that lead to the Azores being named as the world’s top sustainable tourism destination last year. Climb the perfect cone of Mt Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain; glimpse whales in the nutrient-rich waters around Sao Miguel; or hike, bike and canyon your way around Sao Jorge, an island-sized adventure playground for grown-ups. The list of outdoorsy things to do goes on and on. You can fly direct to the Azores from the US, Canada and Europe, and the start of budget flights from the UK late last year suggests the secret might finally be out.

4. Málaga, Spain

  Málaga has added the lure of world-class art to its traditional charms. Image by Tupungato / iStock / Getty Images

Laid-back Málaga boasts sunshine, beaches, seafood and a historic centre crammed with atmospheric alleyways. So far, so good. But one thing you might not have expected from a city that’s the gateway to the resort-lined Costa del Sol is a world-class cultural scene. Recent years have seen this 3000-year-old port invest heavily in art – with spectacular results. The Museo Picasso, with over 200 works by the Málaga-born painter, and the Museo Carmen Thyssen, which explores Andalusian landscapes and life, are both relatively recent arrivals, and 2015 saw the opening of the Pompidou Centre’s first branch outside France (centrepompidou-malaga.eu), and the Russian State Museum (coleccionmuseoruso.es) in a converted tobacco factory. Combine Málaga’s traditional charms – eating fried fish and sinking beers on the beach, or clambering up the 14th-century Gibralfaro fortress for glorious views – with its galleries and redeveloped port and you’ve got a great city break.

5. Belgrade, Serbia

  Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress is a stunning backdrop for a festival. Image by Lunja / iStock / Getty Images

Wearing its elegant but crumbling facades as a badge of honour, Belgrade has emerged as Europe’s in-the-know destination in recent years. Its boisterous nightlife has brought comparisons to those much more famous (and expensive) ‘Bs’ in the west, Barcelona and Berlin. Add in hearty cuisine, a blossoming hostel scene and improved air connections to the rest of Europe, and the stage is set for exploring beyond the river-barge clubs. Destroyed and rebuilt countless times in its 2300-year lifetime, Belgrade is a history buff’s dream: the Kalemegdan Fortress (hosting a new festival this summer – kalemegdansummerfestival.com/sr), the Royal Palace and a handful of fascinating museums have stories to tell. For a unique perspective, join new kayaking, biking or underground tours (tob.rs/belgrade-sightseeing-tours/other-sightseeing-tours). Historic hoods and destinations du jour include the cobblestoned bohemian Skadarlija strip and the creative hotspot of Savamala (home of the hip Mikser Festival – festival.mikser.rs). And with a Dubai-style makeover of the waterfront slated to start this autumn, you'd better catch some of that spirit before it’s gone.

6. Piedmont, Italy

  The rolling countryside of Piedmont is dotted with vineyards and hilltop towns. Image by Rostislav Glinsky / Shutterstock

As host of Expo 2015, Milan might be hogging the headlines right now. But turn your sights west to the nearby region of Piedmont and you'll discover there's a lot going on in Turin. The city recently gave the Holy Shroud a rare public outing and is currently halfway through its stint as European Capital of Sport. Events in the pipeline range from rugby matches – Italy play Scotland on 22 August – to street golf and beach volleyball. If you're more interested in mummies than marathons, the city's celebrated Egyptian Museum just got better after the completion of a five-year revamp. For a change of pace, the vine-clad slopes of southern Piedmont are ideal for touring. Pick up a car and explore the Unesco-listed landscape of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato as you meander your way through wine towns like Barolo, Barbaresco and La Morra.

7. Baku, Azerbaijan

  Baku's skyline contains some striking modern architecture. Image by Wilfred Y Wong / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images

Although it sits on the Caspian Sea between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan’s capital Baku sees itself as a part of Europe... and it’s one of the continent's fastest-changing urban spaces. The city's Soviet-era concrete is being rapidly replaced by Dubai-meets-Paris glitz. New architectural icons include Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre (heydaraliyevcenter.az), whose fluid white form makes it photogenic from any angle. Meanwhile, towering above the stone battlements of Baku’s Unesco-listed medieval Old City, the three blue Flame Towers skyscrapers actually appear to burn each evening thanks to an imaginative light show. Until recently Azerbaijan's awkward visas and oil-economy prices put off tourists. However, a 35% currency devaluation in February this year has lowered prices. And with the Baku 2015 European Games (baku2015.com) and 2016 Baku Grand Prix coming soon, there are hopes that tourist-visa restrictions will ease.

8. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

  Check out the views from the deck-like roof of Amsterdam's NEMO science centre. Image by Anik Messier / iStock / Getty Images

With its photogenic canals, masterpiece-packed museums, ubiquitous bicycle paths, flower-filled markets, nightlife that needs no introduction, and a cosmopolitan foodie scene (including a new food hall inside the converted tram sheds of the cultural and design complex De Hallen (dehallen-amsterdam.nl), there's never a bad time to visit Amsterdam. But 19 to 23 August 2015 sees the Dutch capital host Sail Amsterdam (sail.nl), a once-every-five-years extravaganza that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors (so start making your travel plans now). Highlights of this huge event – the Netherlands' largest – include tall ships sailing into the city, nautical-themed performances and concerts, and the opportunity to climb aboard old and new vessels. Seafaring enthusiasts can also check out year-round attractions like the Het Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum), just across from the boat-shaped NEMO science centre, where the deck-like roof terrace has panoramic views of the city.

9. Tromsø, Norway

  The floating, snowflake-shaped Krystall hotel will become another good reason to visit Tromsø. Image by V. Belov / Shutterstock

Tromsø's star has been rising and rising in recent years. The ‘Arctic capital’ abounds with adventures thanks to snow-crowned mountains and big wilderness in its backyard. Season permitting, you can hike, kayak, whale watch, ski, snowmobile and dogsled. And come winter or summer, the city brims with events, from midnight sun marathons in June to the reindeer-racing in February. Excitement is already snowballing about the Krystall, which is slated to open for Christmas 2016. What’s the deal? Picture a whopping snowflake-shaped, five-star hotel cast adrift off Tromsø's rugged coastline. Now imagine 86 minimalist-chic rooms with glass roofs that allow you to gaze up at the Northern Lights while snuggled down in bed. Cool? You bet. Floating between two fjords, its blend of Nordic architecture and close-to-the-elements setting is bound to leave guests smitten.

10. Porto, Portugal

  Porto is experiencing a creative rebirth – and it's also a bargain. Image by rusm / E+ / Getty Images

Move over Lisbon – now everyone is talking about the Portuguese capital's bright, soulful, party-loving northern sister. Scooping awards left, right and centre as one of Europe's best (and cheapest) destinations, Porto has the verve of a city finding its creative feet. Porto's delights go beyond tasting tawny port in venerable cellars like Taylor's (taylor.pt/en/visit-taylors/port-cellars) and strolling its Unesco-listed centre, Ribeira, where the candy-coloured houses spill down to the banks of the Douro. Street art has injected cool into these medieval lanes, with names like artist Hazul Luzah bringing a splash of colour to streets like the Rua Miguel Bombarda, a hipster haunt of cafes, boutiques and galleries. Into your food? You'll be in your element, too. Celebrity chefs like Rui Paula and José Avillez have given the city kudos in the kitchen, and the 19th-century Mercado do Bolhão is receiving some much-needed TLC in 2015. For an indulgent half-day walk, hook up with the terrific Taste Porto Food Tours (tasteportofoodtours.com).

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015

Read More

The 20 best things to do in Switzerland

Finding things to do in Switzerland isn’t hard. It may be tiny, with a population of just eight million, but Switzerland's cities pack in a lot of sights, culture and activity. From UNESCO-protected medieval town centres to world-class festivals, museums and music venues and of-the-moment independent shops, restaurants and bars, Swiss cities combine a strong sense of history and tradition with a thriving contemporary culture. It’s evident in the former industrial area of Zurich West, now a hub for inventive start-ups, the regenerated train depot in St Gallen, now a contemporary arts centre, and the cellars of Bern’s Old Town, home to tiny bars and artist workshops. Eating and drinking rivals hiking as the country’s national hobby of choice, and Swiss cities are packed with restaurants reflecting the country’s quadrilingual culture. All the while that rich, fertile, highly photogenic landscape sits on the doorstep, beckoning you to a lake, a river or a mountain top – which, given Switzerland’s famously punctual public transport system, is only a short journey away.

1. Ride into Europe’s biggest waterfall

After starting life at the source in Graubünden, the Rhine river passes through northern Switzerland before continuing on its long journey to the North Sea. And what a palaver it makes in Schaffhausen, where the water rushes over a 150m-wide stretch of rock to create Europe’s biggest waterfall. A rather hypnotic site, the Rhine Falls are Schaffhausen’s biggest attraction and the town makes the most of it by offering visitors the chance to get up close to the falls through boat trips, viewing platforms and an adventure trail. Take a boat to the rock in the middle of the falls for a heart-pumping view of the rushing water, or have dinner overlooking the falls at Laufen castle. The centre of Schaffhausen is worth exploring too – its car-free medieval Old Town is one of the prettiest in the country.

2. Visit the country’s most beautiful library

The university town of St Gallen was founded by a monk in the 7th century, and its focal point remains the abbey district, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a landmark of the city thanks to its imposing Baroque cathedral.  The highlight here is the monastery’s incredible Rococo library, a museum piece in itself. Over 170,000 books and documents – some a thousand years old – are displayed around the walls on wooden bookcases which stretch from the floor to the ornate painted ceiling which must have been something of a distraction to the Benedictine monks trying to concentrate on their reading material. Outside the monastery, wander through the pretty pedestrian streets of St Gallen’s Old Town, which now bustles with restaurants and cafés.

3. Wander the streets of Bern’s Old Town

One of the prettiest and best preserved in Switzerland, Bern’s Old Town is understandably UNESCO-protected. Stretching from the train station to the bear park, the medieval cobbled streets, ornate fountains and raised, arched walkways (called ‘lauben’) are a photographer’s dream. Stop by the beautiful Zytglogge on the hour to watch the mechanical figures on this 16th-century astronomical clock whir into life. On the Bundesplatz, home of the country’s parliament buildings, you’ll see kids playing in the pavement fountains in summer, or tottering about the pop-up ice rink in winter. Best of all are the cellars strewn along every Old Town street which throw up artisanal workshops, independent shops and idiosyncratic bars stuffed with character. Round off your day with a drink or dinner at the Kornhauskeller, a former grain store whose High Baroque architecture now houses a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant. For a fun way to combine a trip round the Old Town with food, take a fondükscha tour, where you’ll be driven round the city in a rickshaw while tucking into a warming fondue. In December, Bern’s Christmas markets and festive decorations make the Old Town even prettier.

4. Get snap happy in Winterthur

For an insight into Swiss life and culture, spend a day browsing the diverse collections at the Fotomuseum in Winterthur. From displays dedicated to the work of 20th-century master photographers to collections of documentary-style photography in fashion, architecture and medicine, it’s easy to while away an afternoon here. With so much competition for your attention in Winterthur (the Fotomuseum is just one of 17 museums packed into this culturally rich but manageably small city), standards are high.

5. Take a walk along Zurich’s lakeside promenade

The best way to get to know any city is to people-watch, and the promenade in Lake Zurich’s Seefeld district, known as the Zurich Horn, allows plenty of opportunity for that. It’s here that people come to stroll, cycle, in-line skate (in practice for the city’s regular mass skates), lounge about on the shore and have a dip in summer. Watch street artists gather crowds around their trompe l’oeil chalk drawings, pick up handmade jewellery at street stalls or sit on a bench and scoff an ice cream. Rather incongruously, at the end of the promenade there’s a pretty Chinese-style garden complete with colourful pagodas, which was gifted to the city from the Chinese town of Kunming, twinned with Zurich. A bit further on, stop at Tiefenbrunnen beach for a swim in the lake and use of its water slides, diving boards and children’s playground.

6. Explore Zurich West

Switzerland may not be a country you immediately associate with the word ‘hip’, but look hard enough and there’s definitely an alternative to its reputation as a place of lakes, mountains and bankers' bonuses. One example is Zurich West, a regenerated former industrial area of Zurich that is now a dynamic, arty district heaving with independent shops, emerging designers and youthful start-ups. For shopping, choose furniture with an industrial bent at interior design store Walter, learn to knit at concept shop Senior Design Factory and grab yourself a custom-designed sweatshirt at Townhouse. At Viadukt, numerous independent boutiques, cafés and delis are now nestled under the arches of a late-19th century viaduct, while the covered market hall plays host six days a week to a fabulous food market selling local farmers’ produce and ready-to-eat snacks and drinks. If you’d rather a sit-down lunch, bistro Im Viadukt offers market-fresh dishes. For culture, head to the former Lowenbrau-Areal brewery whose imposing red-brick building now houses several museums and galleries including the Kunsthalle.

7. Have some down time in Lindenhof

The historic centre of Zurich is up on this hill. Overlooking the Old Town, Limmat river and cathedral, the elevated spot of Lindenhof is the former site of a Roman castle, around which the city of Zurich grew. There are still remnants of Roman and medieval settlements up here, earning its status as a site of national importance. But these days people come here to relax rather than ruminate on history.  As an established recreational area it’s a good place to head with a book or a dog for a sit or a stroll, while several giant chess boards provide entertainment for players and spectators alike.

8. Have a cultural afternoon in St Gallen

In stark contrast to the centuries-old abbey district, St Gallen’s Lokremise proves that while the town is rooted in history, it’s a thoroughly modern place too. Just a short hop from the main train station, this urban contemporary arts centre was converted in 2010 from an early 20th-century circular train depot and is a rather funky addition to the city’s cultural life. Housing a theatre, cinema, art gallery and restaurant, it presents a rich array of shows, dance, film and music in large spaces that allow plenty of room for artistic expression and experimentation. Regardless of what’s on, the Lokremise is an interesting place to hang out during the day, too. Get the measure of the place by having lunch at the Lokal restaurant, whose tables spill onto the outdoor terrace formed by the building that encircles it.

9. Get cultured in Lucerne

As the home of numerous festivals throughout the year, the central Swiss city of Lucerne is a favourite destination for classical music, jazz, blues and much more. Its ability to host such events is boosted considerably by the KKL Luzern, a huge arts centre on the waterfront containing a concert hall whose architecture and acoustics ensure Lucerne’s place on the international circuit and afford the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra a beautiful home. The KKL is the centrepiece of the Lucerne Festival, whose summer, Easter and autumn piano festivals attract big international names from the world of classical music.

10. Catch Basel’s biggest show

Visit Basel in spring and you have to stop by Art Basel, the oldest and most important contemporary art fair in the world, which makes headlines every year for its record-breaking sales. Whether you’ve got the necessary purchasing power or you’re simply there to browse both the artworks and the jewellery-jangling clientele, a visit makes for an eye-opening day out. After a busy day’s gawping, relax with a drink in one of Kleinbasel’s numerous bars, such as the lovely Consum on Rheingasse, where you can sample Swiss and international wines and nibble on tapas plates of salami and cheeses.

11. Drift over the Rhine in Basel

The Rhine river is the heart and soul of Basel. It divides the city neatly in two, and yet brings its inhabitants together – whether to stroll along its banks, take to the water for a summer swim, or have a drink in one of the numerous cafés and bars strung along it. One of the best ways to experience the river is to cross it on one of four tiny boats which ferry a handful of passengers at a time between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. These environmentally friendly vessels are driven solely by the power of the river current, making this both a noise-free and PC way to cross the Rhine. In the run up to Christmas one of the boats, the Vogel Gryff at Klingental, gets dolled up in sparkly lights to offer passengers a particularly jolly Christmas ferry service.

12. Join in Switzerland’s biggest party

Basel’s Fasnacht must be experienced at least once. The biggest carnival in the country isn’t for wimps – the partying starts at 4am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday and carries on for three days straight. Roaming bands of costumed and masked musicians will entertain you in the streets, while thousands turn out to watch the parades, including one featuring Basel’s children on the Tuesday. The festivities keep going until 4am on the Thursday morning, after which time you are finally allowed to go back to your home or hotel and sleep it all off.

13. View modern masterpieces at the Fondation Beyeler

The bonus of being a private art collector is that no one can dictate your artistic tastes. The superb Fondation Beyeler on the outskirts of Basel showcases the gloriously diverse preferences of the late Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, art dealers whose private collection was built up over 50 years. Now housed in a museum designed by star architect Renzo Piano, it’s one of Basel’s top cultural attractions. In the permanent exhibition, paintings by Monet, Picasso, Lichtenstein and Bacon share space with rare tribal sculptures, while its regular temporary exhibitions make this a place to return to again and again.

14. Hop on a boat

As the region’s plaything, Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman in local parlance) provides myriad opportunities for entertainment, not least the chance to hop on a ferry and explore the towns that sit on its vast shore. The Compagnie Générale de Navigation provides the service, whisking passengers from Geneva and Lausanne-Ouchy to destinations around the lake including Montreux and its striking Chatêau Chillon, the medieval French village of Yvoire, and the famous spa town Evian-les-Bains. Sitting on the sun deck of one of the CGN’s beautiful old paddle steamers is a lovely way to travel and really appreciate the vastness of central Europe’s largest lake. Plus if you’re embarking at Geneva you’ll get a rather special view of the Jet d’Eau as you cruise past. CGN also offers a variety of dinner cruises and themed evenings, including an evening cruise with dinner prepared by Swiss celebrity chef Philippe Chevrier.

15. Muse on the meaning of art

The term ‘art brut’ – literally ‘raw art’ – was coined by Jean Dubuffet, a private collector who sought to collect art from all over the world created by untrained artists on the fringes of society. After several decades spent gathering up some 4,000 pieces he donated it all to the city of Lausanne, and thus the Collection de l’Art Brut opened in 1976. It’s hardly your average art gallery, but that’s what makes it such a find. The difficult lives led by many of the artists – some with social or psychological problems, others who languished in prison – have resulted in drawings, paintings and sculptures that are beautiful and eyebrow-raising in equal measure. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon browsing its permanent collection, stroking your chin and ruminating on the nature of art.

16. Join the crowds in Montreux

For a tiny place, the town of Montreux at the eastern end of Lake Geneva certainly knows how to throw a party. Quiet and unassuming most of the time, twice a year it attracts hordes of people to two tremendously fun events. Firstly – and most famously – for two weeks in July the Montreux Jazz Festival transforms the place into the world’s premier live music venue with a line-up of huge stars in jazz, rock, pop and much else. At Christmas the crowds are back, this time to descend upon Montreux Noël, the town’s package of festive activities including one of the biggest Christmas markets in Switzerland, a mountaintop Santa’s grotto and a Christmas village.

17. Potter through Carouge’s age-old market

There’s never a bad time to hang out in Carouge, Geneva’s Italianate district created by a bunch of architects from Turin in the 18th century as an independent town. Its shuttered townhouses are attractive, it’s packed with great restaurants and nightlife (try Le Cheval Blanc and Le Chat Noir for starters), and the area’s numerous independent shops and artisanal workshops mean the shopping is, for the most part, way more interesting than the chain shops in the centre of town. On Wednesdays and Saturdays Carouge gets a further boost with the arrival of the market on the lovely Place du Marché. Take a big bag and fill it with fruit and veg, cheese, honey, fresh bread, flowers, wine and locally made treats.

18. See Lugano from on high at Monte Brè

Since 1912 the people of Lugano have been escaping the city on a sunny day and heading to the hills. Specifically, they’ve been catching the funicular railway from the lakeshore at Cassarate which trundles at an impressive angle up to the summit of Monte Brè, the city’s local mountain. At the top, active types can opt to follow a number of hiking trails or race down the 30 mountain bike runs. Have lunch in one of the mountaintop restaurants or explore the pretty village of Brè, a short walk down from the summit. Those who would rather not move at all can just sit and ogle Lake Lugano and the mountains beyond.

19. Chill out in Locarno

As Locarno’s meeting place, market square and people-watching hub, the beautiful Piazza Grande earns its keep year round, but come at certain times and you’ll find an extra buzz about the place. In winter the square hosts pop-up ice rink Locarno on Ice, one of the country’s biggest ice rinks and a lovely place to hang out of an evening watching the disco lights flutter over skaters as they stumble and glide about the ice. In August, the square turns into a huge outdoor cinema to welcome a crowd of 8,000 to nightly film screenings as part of the longstanding Locarno Film Festival.

20. Tuck into a risotto in Ticino

The canton of Ticino is rather obsessed with risotto, so it’s hardly a surprise that the creamy Italian rice dish forms a central part of the area’s Rabadan celebrations every February. On the Tuesday after the weekend’s carnival, people gather in the town centre to chow down on a communal risotto with luganighe (local sausage), whipped up in massive pots in the open air. It’s a tradition that’s been going since the late 19th century and is still hugely popular – get down there early to make sure you nab one of the 2,500 portions dished out by the hard-working chefs. 

 Source: http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/the-20-best-things-to-do-in-switzerland

 

Read More