The city of Manila or simply Manila is the capital and second most populous city (after Quezon City) of the Philippines. The city is located on the eastern shore of the Manila Bay just west of the National Capital Region in the western side of Luzon. Manila has a population of 1.6 million people.
Manila is a still developing world city with common problems such as choking smog, traffic and poverty. However, this should not dissuade anyone from traveling to Manila. It’s a diverse and excotic place for the adventurous tourist that likes to discover on its own. Also low budget travelers will be satisfied with Manila as travel expenses are cheap compared to the experience & knowledge you will gain during the trip.
Manila’s rich culture, exclusive nightlife and shopping center’s shall impress you, seeing is believing! As the city is still developing itself there are a few downers travelers should be aware of. Decent European/American food in restaurants are rare to find and there’s a lack of working ATM machines (ATM machines that do work, will only allow you to take out maximum of 10 thousand pesos about $200 US a time).
Travelers to Manila must have a valid passport and visa. American Citizens receive a 30 day visa upon arrival. You don’t have to worry about getting lost in Manila as the English language is widely spoken by Philippinos. The best period to visit Manila are in the summer months from January till April when there’s the least rain.
London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. London’s population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures and religions. As of latest count the city had a population of 7.5 million people which is counted as the most populous municipality within the European Union.
The city of London is perfect for all sort of travelers. Whether you’re a walker or wanderer, a strider or a stroller. London is the perfect size to see sightseeing’s on foot. Its easy to navigate through the city streets and markets or escape the busy city life by relaxing and enjoying in the parks and along the river.
London is quite an expensive city, therefore here a few tips for an uncompromising yet wallet-friendly trip. London counts many tourist attractions, most of them cost money for entrance yet the best of them are free. Don’t think you are selling yourself short by visiting parliament buildings, galleries, museums and spacious parks for free. A few places that you must have seen are the: Houses of Parliament, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, Bushy Park and The Longford River.
Travelers to London need a valid passport and visa. American citizens will receive a 180 days visa upon arrival after filling in a form. Unlike other countries within the European Union London does not have the Euro as its currency but the Pound. The best period to visit London is the summer months between July and August.
Berlin is the capital city of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million people from over 190 nationalities Berlin is Germany’s biggest city, and the European Union’s second most populous city. The city is a major center of politics, media, culture, and science in Europe.
Many travelers to Berlin are fascinated with the resurrection of the city, especially with its infamous wall which was divided after World War 2, its dark period. There’s little left to be seen of the wall, and the city of Berlin is regaining its pre-war reputations as a center of culture and entertainment, the epitome of all that is great for the German culture.
A holiday in Berlin is for the travelers that enjoy fun and culture adventures. The city is known for the famous cabaret and opera concerts from its highest sort. It is recommended for travelers to keep there digital cameras ready for the many sightseeing’s including museums and memorials, spacious parks and fabulous shopping districts such as the Potsdamer Platz.
Travelers to Berlin need a valid passport and visa. American citizens will receive a 90 day visa upon arrival. To transport yourself within the city is easy, Berlin offers many different forms of transportation. There’s trains, trams, subway, bus and taxis. The best period to visit Berlin is the summer months from June till August when outdoor cafes, restaurants and events come alive.
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, it is also the capital of the Lisbon region. The Lisbon region is the wealthiest region in Portugal, its also the political center of the country, as seat of government and residence of the Head of State. Lisbon has a population of 550 thousand people.
The city of Lisbon is spread across its steep hillsides that overview the Rio Tejo. Lisbon offers the diversity you would expect of Portugal’s main tourist attraction. The many museums, Gothic cathedrals and majestic monasteries are all part of its colorful cityscape. Yet the real experiences lie in the discovery in the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets.
In the other parts of town, travelers and locals chase the ghosts of Pessoa in old classy 1930s-era cafes or walk along the long stretched seaside. While the history is pretty much alive in centuries-old Lisbon, its spirit is youthful alive and kicking. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto the bars and restaurants line up in the small streets. This area is a popular nightlife spot for locals and tourists, its many nightclubs and discotheques keeps people happily occupied till dawn.
Travelers to Lisbon need a valid passport and visa. American citizens are being issued a 90 days visa upon arrival. The city of Lisbon is safe and tourist friendly, the best period to travel to Lisbon is in the summer months as well peak season between July and August.
Dublin (or Baile Átha Cliath which means Town of the Hurdled Ford) is the capital and largest city of Ireland. The city is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast, at the mouth of the river Liffey and in the center of the Dublin Region. Dublin’s population counts nearly 2 million people.
Dublin was once founded as a viking settlement. Nowadays its the cultural, administrative and economic center of Ireland with the fastest growing population in the European Union. Dublin offers activities for all type of travelers from history lovers to nightlife freaks. Whether you prefer to shop in the day away in one of the many shopping districts or visit one of its many historic museums and monuments. Dublin delivers it all!
The city of Dublin has a vibrant nightlife, the main reason is that 50% of its inhabitants are younger than 25 years of age. The best known international nightlife scene is the Temple Bar area just south of the river Liffey, with many bars, superpubs and discotheques in one area. A more local area yet safe for tourists is located around the St. Stephen’s Green especially Harcourt Street, Camden Street, Wexford Street and Leeson Street is a center for some of the most popular nightclubs in Dublin.
Travelers to Dublin need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. To transport yourself through the city you can use DART trains or LUAS trams, both are part of the public transport network. Of course metered taxis are available throughout the city. The best months to visit are June till August, these are Dublin’s summer months.
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country’s second largest city after Istanbul. Ankara and its eight districts have a total population of 4.5 million people. Ankara is strategically located for the crossroads of trade, highway and railway networks which serves as the marketing center. As well Ankara is the center of the Turkish Government and houses all foreign embassies.
Ankara is situated upon a steep and rocky hill which rises 150 m above the nearby situated Sakarya (Sangarius) river. The hill which overlooks the city is crowned by ruins of the old castles of many different civilizations which adds value to the already breath taking view, but due to the fast modern growth only a few of the many historic structures have survived till today’s date.
Today’s modern Ankara has diversity for tourists. Other than regular family shopping on markets, Ankara has 9 top attractions that must be seen by travelers including; Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi), Arslanhani Camii, Ataturk Mausoleum (Anit Kabir), Caracalla Baths, Citadel (Hisar), Temple of Augustus and of Rome (Ogust Mabedi), Beynam Ormani, Soguksu Milli Parki and the Genclik Park.
Travelers to Ankara need a valid passport and visa. American citizens are being issued 90 days visa upon arrival. The most used form of transportation for tourists is the Dolmus minibus taxi system; flag a taxi on the street to get on, fares depend on the distance covered. Another quick and cheap method is using the underground metro network (which has only two lines). The metro network operates from 6am till midnight. There are also regular metered taxis available, be aware the meter is working while driving.
Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain. The city is located in the heart of Spain on the river Manzanares. Because its location, the history, the political and financial headquarters Madrid is seen as the most important city of Spain. With a population of 3.2 million people Madrid is the third most populated city in the European Union after London and Berlin.
Madrid is a large, chaotic and variety city. Its impossible to give a good definition without seeing it yourself. By fact from year to date Madrid is known as one of the few European cities with a extensive nightlife. In fact its one of the only European cities where bars, nightclubs and discotheques are opened and full from Thursday night till Wednesday morning. While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure and look, it still has a lot of historic buildings and national parks left to be seen.
One of the most famous historic sight seeings is the Palacio Real (the Royal Palace). Other landmarks include; the Teatro Real (Royal theater) which is a restored 1850 Opera House, the Buen Retiro park, National Library containing Spain’s historical archives, an archeaological museum of international reputation and three art museums; Museo del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza which hosts one of the finest art collections worldwide.
Travelers to Madrid need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. In Madrid you don’t have to worry about transportation, its large and fair priced (a day pass costs €4.00 according to the latest measurement) underground metro network has 12 lines running across the city. The best time of the year to visit is spring, especially in the months April and May.
