Marseille formerly known as Massalia is the second largest as well oldest city in France. It forms the third largest metropolitan area after Paris and Lyon. Situated on the south east coast of France facing the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille has become France’s largest and most important commercial port. As of latest measurement the city of Marseille has a total population of 1,7 million people.
The rise of Marseille as a travel destination cannot be ignored, since 1998 the number of tourists has grown every year. Some may say the “World Cup effect” increased the number of tourists. But we think otherwise. Travelers wouldn’t go back to a city if they didn’t like it in the first place. It’s ever changing city center is fascinating as it offers fashion malls, cinemas and theaters, shopping facilities, music, concerts and hosts many congresses. Also cultural and historical sightseeing are available around city center, so without abandoning any of its history, Marseille presents itself as a modern European city of today.
Some of the things every traveler should have done, being in Marseille include visiting the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde a historical iconic church, Musée d’Histoire de Marseille a museum about the history of Marseille, Plage du Prado and Plage de la Corniche the shores of Marseille, Cathédrale de la Major one of the largest cathedrals of Europe, Musée de la Faïence a museum from the 18th century.
Travelers to Marseille need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Marseille is a good destination any day of the year, the city offers besides regular tourist attractions many concerts, theater shows and ballets throughout the year. The summer time and its peak season are in the months May till August.
De Wallen is the largest yet best known red light district area in Amsterdam, and the world. It’s a major tourist attraction that’s located in the heart of oldest parts of Amsterdam city. The area covers multiple blocks around the Oude Kerk and crosses several canals. De Wallen, together with the prostitution areas Singelgebied and Ruysdaelkade is locally known as “Rosse Buurt” and worldwide known as “Red Light District”.
Kraljevo (Краљево) is a city and municipality in the Republic of Serbia. The city is located on the river banks of Ibar about 4.5 miles from its confluence with the Zapadna Morava, and in the middle of an valley with the Kotlenik Mountains to the north, and Stolovi Mountains in the south. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 100 thousand people.
In the last decade Kraljevo has become a remarkable travel destination for lovers of Serbian culture and history. For example the city has several famous museums and art galleries like the National Museum, founded in 1950 which collects and features exhibits documents and archaeological, ethnological and art collections. As well the New Gallery, which was the former grammar school that has become a prominent space for exhibitions and scientific meetings. Another valuable sightseeing is the Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage where numerous medieval Serbian buildings are gathered together in between venerable monuments.
Besides culture and history sightseeing, the city of Kraljevo also offers several areas for relaxing like the local beach at the banks of the Ibar, aside the beach there’s a boulevard with sporting areas filled with restaurants offering brilliant local cuisine and a nice view over the beach and river.
American and European citizens aren’t required a Visa to enter Kraljevo when the duration of the stay does not exceed 90 days. A valid passport is that’s valid for at least 6 months needs to be shown upon arrival to the immigration officers at the international airport. Tourists are required by law to register with the Serbian police within 24 hours after entering the Serbian border.
The city of Odense is the third largest city in Demark, after Copenhagen and Århus. It’s the main city and “unofficial” capital of the island Funen and is seat of the Odense Municipality. The city is more than a thousand years old. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 160 thousand people.
Odense is one of the oldest cities throughout Denmark and therefore offers a lot of cultural sightseeing and history. One of the most famous sightseeing in Odense is the Odin Tower (Odinstårnet) which was constructed in the year 1935, and used to be the second tallest tower in Europe after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The tower was once blown up by a Danish Nazi group in the second world war and never got rebuilt, what’s left is a miniature model in the spacious park of Odinsparken where the original tower was situated.
Because a rich culture and history the city of Odense also offers several sightseeing interesting for family and couples like the Odense Zoo, Funen Village the Danish Railway Museum and the H.C Andersens House. Besides the fact that these are also, the top 4 most visited attractions by travelers. Downtown Odense has many narrow pedestrian streets with stores and shops, small pubs and cafes, local restaurants where you can feel, taste and enjoy the life of Denmark locals.
Travelers to Odense need a valid passport and visa. American Citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Odense suggests travelers to use their public transportation network to get round which has perfect time schedules, routes and is reasonable priced. The best period to visit Odense is in the summer months from June till August with average temperatures of 68 degree Fahrenheit.
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic, as well the second largest urban agglomeration after Prague. The city of Ostrava is situated on the confluence of the Opava, Oder, Ostravice and Lučina rivers. The city has benefit from the largest exploitation of high quality black coal through the Czech Republic which has given the city the nickname “steel heart of the republic” (ocelové srdce republiky). As of latest measurement the city of Ostrava has a population of 337 thousand people.
In the recent years the industrial face of Ostrava has been changed rapidly into a travel destination that can offers history, culture and sightseeing. Downtown Ostrava shows a historical city center where most the buildings, churches, old apartment buildings and shops have been restored. One of the main sightseeing in the city is Stodolni street which offers more than 70 nightclubs, pubs, cafes and bars. Each settlement has a unique atmosphere, music and style which makes Stodline street special. Visitors can either relax at one of the lounge bars or dance the night away in the discotheques. The street is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
As earlier mentioned Ostrava is home to a rich cultural life all year round, it offers five permanent theater where opera’s, drama and ballet and operetta is being played in multiple languages, as well local as international. In addition, there’s a range of cultural centers which often have musical events featuring international artists with all sorts of music. For museums lovers the OKD Mining Museum is recommended showing the historical coal mining throughout the city with large collections of mining lamps and equipment. Also there’s a reconstructed coal mine beneath the museum.
United States and European citizens do not require a valid visa in order to enter the Czech Republic when the total length of the stay does not exceed 90 days. Though, if you’re planning to visit for longer than 30 days you have to register with Alien and Border police. Always make sure you have your travel documents, return ticket and hotel reservation ready to present to the immigration officers.
Haapsalu is a seaside resort town situated on the west coast of Estonia. Haapsalu is situated about 63 miles north west from the capital city Tallinn. Tourists and locals refer to the city as “Venice of the North” due to the plenitude of water. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 15 thousand people.
The city of Haapsalu has been known by travelers for centuries due to its pleasantly warm seawater and peaceful atmosphere. Almost any of the narrow streets with early twentieth century wooden houses lead you towards the sea. It’s being most visited by traveling families and romantic couples due to the sightseeing and activities that include, picnics and long walks along the shore or visiting one of the many spa’s throughout the city offering mud baths, sauna’s and massages. Also sea activities are popular in Haapsalu doing sailing and swimming.
Haapsalu also has an cultural side, many of the main sightseeing age mid centuries. Including the Episcopal Palace, Promenad and the Assembly Hall which was built in 1898, when visiting these sightseeing don’t forget your camera especially in the summer months. Every year the town is heart to many travelers that love classic music visiting several festivals like the Old Music Festival and August Blues Festival. For more information about the town of Haapsalu there’s a tourist information center located in downtown.
If you are from the United States or Europe, you need only a valid passport to enter Estonia. You will not be asked for a visa or a return ticket if you are staying in the country for 90 days or less. Still, it’s advised to carry your travel documents safely with you.
Maastricht is a city and municipality in the province of South Limburg. The city is situated on both banks of the Maas river in the south-east of the Netherlands, near the borders of Belgium and Germany. As of latest measurement the city of Maastricht has a population of 120 thousand people.
Antwerp is a Belgium city and municipality, as well the capital of the Antwerp province. It’s situated on the right bank of the river Scheldt, which is linked to the North Sea. Antwerp has a long history of being a important city in the Benelux as well economically and culturally. As of latest measurement Antwerp has a population of 490 thousand people.
Antwerp has an international reputation for being the “world’s leading diamond city” as more than 70% of all diamonds are traded in Antwerp. It’s also a popular travel destination for many travelers, the overwhelming friendliness of the Belgium locals, and their urge for a quality living and food, combined with an overall low stress lifestyle, makes it a relaxing and desirable travel destination.
In the heart of Antwerp lies a irregularly shaped square named Grote Markt which is being surrounded by decorative guild buildings aging from the 16th century. The Grote Markt is home to the statue of Brabo, according to the 16th century legend, his actions led to the city’s name. It’s said that Silvius Brabo had flung the hand of Antigonus, a giant who terrorized ships passing by. Antwerp’s city hall is located right on the square, which has great Italian and Belgium characteristics. Furthermore the city of Antwerp has several historical sightseeing including museums and churches, as well fine dining opportunities with both local and international cuisine.
Travelers to Antwerp need a valid passport and return ticket. For stays that do not exceed 90 days a visa is not required. English is not widely spoken in Antwerpen, might as well bring yourself a French dictionary or pick up a few French lines. The best time to visit Antwerpen is during the summer months from July till August.
Akureyri is a city in the northern part of the Republic of Iceland, also nicknamed the “Capital of North Iceland”. It’s the second largest urban area after Great Reykjavík area and the fourth largest municipality after Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður, and Kópavogur. The Akureyri is a important port and fisheries center, with a tiny population of just 18 thousand people as of latest measurement.
The city is located near Eyjafjordur Fjord and is the home to the Akureyri University, the city is surprisingly active and has a big cultural history for such a small town. Sights in the city include, for example the Folklore museum and several botanical gardens. A large number of art galleries operate year round, a professional theater is also present for those interested. Arureyri isn’t a big metropolis, everything should be a on walking distances for any reasonable fit traveler, it can get a bit hilly though. The public bus system is free of use for anyone.
As there’s several universities and students living around downtown area the nightlife is vibrantly presence throughout the city, there’s a few recommended pubs and bars including Sjallinn, where live bands play near a bar area. Another bar for the mature crowd around downtown is the Kaffi Akureyri. When you are looking for a quiet coffee time, visit one of the coffee bars Kaffi Karólína and Bláa Kannan.
United States citizens do not need a visa when entering Akureyri for personal or business travel. At least if their stay does not exceed 90 days. The following things are required, valid passport, proof of return or onward tickets of travel and proof of sufficient funds for stay.
In Rotterdam south, in the municipality Charlois lies a spacious park named Zuiderpark. The park is located directly in between the two municipalities of Carnissewijk and Zuidwijk/Pendrecht. It was built in the year of 1952 and meant as a place for enjoyment and relaxation for city locals. Since the year 2006 the park has gone through restructuring, which has improved the park a lot.
