If you’re looking for a travel destination where you can breathe in romance and sheer beauty while appreciating historical heritage, Paris city is the place. Also known as the City of Light and Capital of Fashion, Paris proudly houses great names in fashion such as Chanel and Christian Dior. Situated on the river of Seine, this capital of France attracts 45 million people yearly. While almost every part of Paris radiates with extraordinary beauty, there a few top tourist attraction and sights that you would not want to miss during your travel.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a famous icon of France, and it is the tallest structure in Paris. Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, this tower is made of iron. This is the single monument in the world that has the highest number of visitors. In the evenings, this tower illuminates with dazzling light. You can visit the Eiffel Tower to admire its beauty; you can climb it or take the lift, or even enjoy a Seine River / Eiffel Tower cruise.

The Notre Dame Cathedral

This Cathedral is renowned as one of the finest displays of Gothic, Roman Catholic architecture in Europe. Within it are beautiful stained glass, astounding towers, historic organs, bells and sculptures. You can even join a service for prayer and meditation amidst the panoramic view. You may want to visit in time to listen to the choir. Consuming more than a century to complete, a climb up its North Tower would give you a breathtaking view of Paris.

The Louvre

Art lovers would find this place a haven as this is the museum that houses the greatest collection of sculptures, paintings and ornamental objects from the 20th century. You can view masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the works of other great artists. This art museum was built in 1793 and is very impressive by itself. It attracts about 6 million tourists yearly.

Musée d’Orsay

This is yet another world famous museum that holds a collection of impressionist art. Taking its place in a former railway station, this museum displays major works such as those from Van Gogh, Delacroix and Monet. With enthralling ambience and characteristics, the Musée d’Orsay is visited by more than 2 million visitors yearly.

Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées

This 164-foot arch does not go as high as the Eiffel Tower, but it offers one of the best views of Paris. Ordered by the Emperor Napoleon, it is a symbol of power and military victory. The amazing sculptures that decorate this arch, were erected in honor of the Napoleon’ army. You can further walk down the Avenues des Champs-Elysees to experience matching feelings of magnificence.

Paris city is a wonderful travel destination and time will never be enough to truly explore each tourist attraction sight. If you are going to Paris city, be sure to book your tickets in advance, and look out for special months and seasons. Besides attractive places, Paris host events all the year through. It would be great if you could experience them as well, while you sight-see.

Travel to Paris is a post from: Travel City Info

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New York, also known as the Big Apple, is famed as the city that never sleeps. People from all over the world have made their way to New York, dreaming of making it big in the land of endless opportunities, throwing caution to the wind. People of various cultures and styles have turned New York into a melting pot that only adds to its intriguing diversity.

Being made up of almost 30 acres of park land and 22 kilometers of public beaches, New York City has become one of the most exciting cities in the world. This glamorous city attracts close to 50 million tourists yearly. You would actually be spoilt for choice when you go to New York City, as there are amazing numbers of tourist hot spots to visit. If you are visiting this city for the very first time, there are a few major destinations that you would love to see.

The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is the third tallest skyscraper in America, falling below the Willis Tower, and Trump International Hotel and Tower. It is the 15th tallest building in the world and maintains its stand as the highest standing structure in the state of New York. This landmark consists of 102 storeys, 73 elevators and 6,500 windows. It is rather incredible to imagine more than 20,000 employees are working in that building every day.

The Empire State Building costs almost USD 41 to build, and comes with floodlights that light up the top of the building at night. You will notice that different colors are lighted up at different times, as colors are illuminated accordingly to mark various events in the country and the world, every day. When you visit this building, you can join the other millions who have exploited its observation deck that offers a 360 degrees view of the breathtaking city, on the 86th floor. The Observatory is accessible day or night, regardless of weather conditions. This is also where movies such as Love Affair and Sleepless in Seattle were hosted.

Besides that, the observation deck is complemented with a simulated helicopter ride, called the Skyride, so you can enjoy an aerial tour for almost 25 minutes. 3D theaters also provide tourist with realistic experiences. While visiting this building, you can check out the restaurants, sushi bars, coffee shops, a Hallmark card store and the exciting night life activities in the vicinity.

Apart from that, visiting this Art Deco landmark also gives you the opportunity to see the Chrysler buildings that are within view of the Empire State Building. With matching beauty and exquisite architecture, the Chrysler buildings are known to be among the finest in the state.

Rockefeller Center

Named after the philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., the Rockefeller Center was originally a set of 19 commercial buildings in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Now, it is made up of a combination of two buildings. The Rockefeller family constructed this building, and it has been declared as a National Historic Landmarks.

The Rockefeller Centre takes great pride in housing the Radio City Music Hall, the biggest American indoor theater. With seating capacity of 6,000 people, the interior of the Music Hall displays truly elegant Art Deco. The Music Hall has hosted the performances of music legends such as Frank Sinatra, and has even offered the Grammy Awards. When you visit this great tourist attraction, you will add to the dumbfounding figure of more than 300 million people who have already attended this hall. There are many musical shows and performances going on all year round, so you can actually join official tours and get behind the scenes to discover secrets of the Great Stage.

You can also delve into the rich legacy of history and stunning artistry, through the Rockefeller Tour. You will be taken back into the past through the center’s most prominent garden and spaces, with the guidance of a historian that you can listen to via a headset. Beautiful sculptures, amazing architecture and spectacular spaces await you.

Not only that, you will be able to feast your eyes with a spectacular 360 degrees view from its ‘Top of the Rock Observation Deck.’ You can go all the way up 70 floors o enjoy the spectacular view across the lush Central Park, while the Kodak professional team is readily available to snap shots of you. The timed-ticketing system allows you to go up when you want.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, officially termed Liberty Enlightening the World, stands towering on Liberty Highland in New York Harbor. The people of France presented it to the people of the United States of America as a gift of friendship during the American Revolution. Dedicated on 28 October 1886, this statue is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. As a visitor to New York, you would definitely want to visit this icon that stands as one of the most famous in the United States.

Rising 151 feet into the air, weighing about 450,000 pounds, you would need to climb 168 steps to reach the top of the pedestal if the elevator is out of service. The climb all the way up to the Statue’s Crown takes 354 winding steps. So, if you are game for the thrilling ascends, you should be there early as it can take as long as 3 hours to climb your way to the top. You should drink water at least 30 minutes before embarking on your climb as there are no washrooms once you begin on these narrow steps. The climb can be rather strenuous and you need to make sure that you have good health conditions. If you are bringing children, they must be able to climb up and down, unassisted.

There are a few tours and cruises that you can join when you are here to maximize your enlightening experience. Among them, most include the pedestal, museum and crown access. You can catch a glimpse of history as you walk through historical exhibits and museum objects within the monument. You can also ride on the cruises that provide breathtaking view of Ellis Island, which is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument besides seeing the spectacular Manhattan skyline.

The Statue of Liberty is accessible daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm. The only day that it is closed is on Christmas Day – 25th December. Ferries carry people across to the majestic statue every day, so transport is not a problem. However, if you really want to visit the renowned tourist spot, you should book your tour tickets early. This is even more important if you desire to reach all the way up to the Crown, as Crown access is the only way to it. Entries per hour are limited for safety reasons. Some tourists even book tickets up to a year in advance, but the downside is that tickets sold are not refundable.

Central Park

The Central Park is the most visited city park in the United States of America, with about 25 million visitors annually. A number of famous movies have been filmed on its land, given its wide area of picturesque scenery, causing it to further attract flocks of tourists. Central Park covers about 840 acres of land in Manhattan, New York City. It was opened way back in 1963, and looks very natural although almost entirely landscaped.

Central Park is a beautiful place for you to just relish the beauty of surrounding grass lands amidst the concrete jungle. Within Central Park, you can find a few natural lakes and ponds, vast areas of walking tracks, ice skating rings, and a swimming pool. There is also a wildlife sanctuary, the Central Park Zoo and vast forested areas, among others. Apart from that, there is a huge reservoir with a running track around it. You can just sit down, enjoy a picnic or participate in sports as grassy areas are available for outdoor and relaxation activities. This is a perfect place to be in whether you are alone or with your family.

If you’re a bird lover, you would be delighted to drop by at this place during fall or spring when migratory birds can be seen flocking here. Regular sightings of around 200 species are reported. At other times throughout the year, people just jog, cycle and skate; more on weekends. Even if you have nothing to do in particular, just walk around the park and you will be impressed by the astonishing sculptures that have been erected. The number of sculptures has increased over the years and there are 29 in all.

Theatrical fans would simply be delighted by the outdoor amphitheater here, named the Delacorte Theater. In the summer times, performances such as “Shakespeare in the Park” are presented. Apart from that, Central Park is also known to host open-air concerts and famous figures such as Elton John, Carole King and Diana Ross have graced this place. This place offers endless pleasure to tourists with the plethora of events organized throughout the year.

Times Square

Immerse yourself with energy as you step into the cross roads of the world – Times Square. The blocks between the Sixth and Eighth Avenues as well as the West 40th and 53rd Street make up Times Square. This is also where a part of New York City, Broadway and the Seventh Avenue meet. Adding to its fame, this place has been attacked and destroyed on the big screens, being used for cinematic effects in movies such as Deep Impact and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. More than 40 million people visit this bustling intersection annually.

You would totally adore this haven if you are an entertainment enthusiast because Broadway screams theater, and the thought of those dramatic live performances simply sends the heart pumping. For visitors who would like to learn more about Broadway history, a new self-guided audio tour called ‘Walking Broadway’ is now available. You get to hear backstage secrets, spine-chilling music and a whole lot more as you tour each block and theater.

You are in for a treat in this place if you visit on a Friday afternoon, where a free walking tour is provided to travelers. The Times Square Expose’ will walk you through the highlights of this crossroads and behind the scenes of theaters. There are a number of other tours available such as the 42nd Street Tour and The Times Square Walking Tour.

Another highlight of the Times Square is the Madam Tussauds. The famous wax museum displays amazingly realistic figurines of historical characters as well as celebrities of our times, such as Shakira. Not only that, you can experience interactive encounters with you favorite life-like star figurine. For instance, you can softly say some words in Jennifer Lopez’s ears and watch her blush, or make music with Usher. Imagine the thrill of walking down the red carpet with Jennifer Aniston after a makeover!

Besides all that, the Times Square is also a shopping and eating avenue. You can find anything under the sun, from men and women’s gifts, clothes, accessories to books. A great variety of restaurants also await travelers to taste their cuisine. You can never get bored in Times Square as there is always something going on; be it large group afternoon exercise or exciting night life. You would probably want to stay in the vicinity to explore the entire place. Having said that, you don’t have to worry about accommodation; there around 15,000 hotel rooms in this place alone.

There are just a few of the tourist attractions in New York City that you should not miss, if you’ve never been here before. New York City is definitely one place that will allow you to capture breathtaking moments and immortalize unbelievable memories. The places to visit are continuous and there are so many sides to this astonishing city. The day times are bursting with people’s voices, while the night is lighted up with glitz and glamour. At the end of the day, everything here just leaves you standing in awe!

Travel to New York City is a post from: Travel City Info

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Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Bangkok is home to some of the most famous Buddhist temples in Thailand. Every visitor to Bangkok should see some of the city’s stunning temples. The most famous temples in Bangkok include Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located adjacent to the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s historical Old City and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok. The temple was constructed in the 18th century and is best known for the Emerald Buddha, a statue that represents the Buddha in a meditating position and is carved from a single piece of jade. The statue is covered by a cloak that is changed by the King of Thailand three times a year. There are also several pagodas, statues and murals inside the temple grounds.

Visitors dressed in shorts, sleeveless or revealing tops or short skirts are not allowed in. Shirts and long trousers can be hired for a small charge from a facility by the entrance. Personal Audio Guides are available in several languages. The Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew are open daily between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm, and the Chao Phraya River Express boat service stops nearby at the Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier.

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s largest Buddhist temples. The temple is home to the famous statue of the Reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long and 15 metres high and is covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho also has a traditional Thai massage school and a treatment centre in the premises. Ancient marble tablets around the temple grounds illustrate the principles behind traditional Thai massage and the traditional Thai medical system. English-speaking guides are available for guided tours around the temple. Wat Pho is located a short walk from the Grand Palace.

Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok dating from the 16th century. It houses the country's largest reclining Buddha and it has the biggest collection of Buddhist images in the country. This reclining Buddha is 46m long and 15m high, illustrating the passing of the Buddha into final nirvana. The figure is modeled out of plaster around a brick core and finished in gold leaf. Mother-of-Pearl inlay ornaments the eyes and feet and the feet display 108 different auspicious characteristics of Buddha.

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, stands on the west bank of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. Its central pagoda is 79 metres high, and it is visible from far away. Famous for its beautiful architecture and the intricate porcelain decorations on the walls of the pagoda, Wat Arun looks stunning in the morning around sunrise. Wat Arun is also known as Wat Chaeng. The temple is easy to get to by boat from the Tha Thien Pier (near Wat Pho) on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Arun is a beautiful temple located along the shores of the Chao Phraya river.

Tips for Visiting Bangkok’s Temples

Buddhist temples are sacred places and temple visitors should dress respectfully. Shorts, short skirts or tank tops should be avoided. Some temples in Bangkok may refuse entrance to visitors who are dressed inappropriately. Shoes must be removed before entering temples. Feet should never be pointed towards an image of the Buddha.

The best time to visit Bangkok’s temples is in the morning when the weather is not too hot. The morning is also a good time to witness the temples’ resident monks as they perform their daily routines. Many temples in Bangkok close their doors to visitors by 6.00 pm. Most temples charge an admission fee.

Image Credits – zoonabar rahuldlucca bfick Christian Haugen

A Visitor’s Guide to Bangkok’s Temples is a post from: Travel City Info

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The Humboldt Mountains, part of the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand.

New Zealand is an island with a vast and varied history. It is sure to offer something for every family member. The history, lush scenery and attractions offered in New Zealand give a wonderful perspective of life on the island and its historical roots.

New Zealand offers a unique cultural experience because it was the last country to be charted and inhabited only 1000 years ago first by the Maori Natives and then the British. Currently its population has reached nearly 4 million people with roughly 14 percent being Maori Natives and the remaining 86 percent British. The two distinctive cultures are evident throughout the island.

New Zealand is a modern country with a good economy but there are some things to consider when planning a vacation to the island.

Things that may not be widely known include:

1. Even though New Zealand is perfect for year round travel it is better to travel during the summer months. The island offers many attractions that are available year round however skiing is only available during the winter. The schools in New Zealand have their Christmas break the last two weeks of December and the entire month of January which means higher volume at most attractions during these times.

2. When considering travel to New Zealand possession of a valid passport is a must. Your passport must be valid for a period of no less than 90 days past the day of your intended departure. Passports are required of most visitors.

3. During the colder months it is vital to make sure you pack suitable attire. The weather in New Zealand can be wildly unpredictable and therefore waterproof outer clothes are almost necessity.

4. Agriculture is of the utmost importance to islanders and their economy therefore, there are strict restrictions placed upon animals, foods and plants being brought into the country. It is advisable to leave any of these items at home to avoid issues with clearing customs.

5. To avoid any delays at customs if you must bring a large quantity of medication for an extended stay it is advisable to request a doctors’ note to verify these drugs.

6. New Zealand has no prominent health risks associated with it however it is important to be aware of a water parasite that can cause diarrhea. Giardia is found in lakes, ponds and rivers and it is vital to treat any water from these sources prior to consumption.

7. Most foreign drivers licenses are accepted in New Zealand however, it is crucial visitors remember New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road. The right of way is always given to traffic approaching from the right.

8. New Zealand has a GST tax added into the ticket prices of all goods and services. The amount taxed is 12.5%.

9. Credit cards are accepted for all purchases on the island and the national banks will offer cash back on all cards except American Express. For American Express cash advances visitors must go to the American Express office.

10. New Zealand offers many resources for travelers including visitor information centers that can offer information on attractions and travel within the country as well as booking services.

Overall, New Zealand is a country with a strong sense of national pride.

They have embraced a unique identity and the isolation the country once faced has provided the opportunity for a diverse and distinct natural environment to develop.

With many birds, plants and landscapes that can only be seen on the island it is defiantly a highly sought after vacation location.

© 2009 Karrie Emms

Image Credit – kiwinz

Ten Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to New Zealand is a post from: Travel City Info

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Travel City Info Blog – Your Guide To Top Cities of The World is a post from: Travel City Info

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