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Cultural Sydney

The hubbub and business-centric bustle of Sydney hides a great deal of historical and cultural gems. As one of Australia’s most famous cities, Sydney draws millions of visitors a year and has a lot on offer for them. The usual landmarks are definitely worth a visit (Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park etc etc), but for an experience that really taps into the heart of Sydney’s origins and its cultural life, the best places to explore are the city’s museums, its galleries, its historical suburbs and its parks.

Sydney is notorious for being the first British colony in Australia. Here is where British prisoners were sent to help empty Britain’s gaols, here is the first landing place for gentry and hopeful labourers seeking opportunity, and here is where a great number of immigrants have entered the country, contributing to Australia’s motley history. Unsurprising, then, to find inner city districts kept as monuments and memorials to Sydney’s colonial days. The Rocks, with its many museums, distinct local architecture and now superb location in the bay (back in the colonial times, the Rocks were one of the worst areas for disease and filth, mitigated by the closeness to the water), is an absorbing blast to the past. Explore the narrow streets and gaze at the restored old houses. Browse the markets and the art galleries, and find one of the many museums highlighting different aspects of the Rocks’ and Sydney’s history. The Rocks Discovery Museum, the Argyle Gallery and the Susannah Place Museum are all excellent and enlightening.

Further into the heart of the city is the Museum of Sydney, which delves into a more general overview of the political past of the city. Set in the remnants of the first Governor-General’s house, the museum’s building is as interesting as the information within it. Also worth checking out for its social and political notetaking is the Sydney Jewish Museum; this museum taps into one of the many ethnic cultures in the city and is utterly fascinating. Other museums to watch out for are the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum and the White Rabbit Museum: one details the coming and goings of the bay, another displays alternative art at its best and the last is a compendium of Chinese art.

Interspersed between these museums are plenty of other cultural hotspots. Browse the shops in the magnificent Queen Victoria’s Building. Discover a hidden cafe tucked away amongst the skyscrapers of the central business district. Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and Potts Point for a relaxing return to nature. Admire the grand Conservatorium of Music. Become lost in Paddy’s Markets, near Chinatown. Taste authentic cuisines from around the world, as a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and cultures make up the local Sydney community and contribute to the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Find local food and flea markets and grab a bargain. Catch a theatre show. Whatever the interest, whatever the budget, and whatever the person, Sydney has it and more to offer.

Las Vegas: The Entertainment Capital of the World

 

Las Vegas, Nevada, is the brightest place on Earth—verified by space photographs. Neon lights blaze on buildings, landmarks and shops from one side of the city to another.
 
The glitz and glamour of this gambling mecca draws millions of visitors every year from everywhere in the world. Roll the dice while rubbing elbows with celebrities, business mogels and royalty before heading into a cozy lounge to hear recording stars and new artists. Laugh for hours as you enjoy headliner comedy acts, watch Elvis Presley impersonators and rising stars.
 
Sit back and relax in your candlelit booth as you let the sultry sounds of a saxophone envelope your psyche and the dulcet vocals of jazz and blues greats carry your troubles away.
 
Nicknamed by some as 'Sin City' is the desert city that never quits. The Entertainment Capital of the World refines the word, “Marvellous.” From the sights and landmarks of the area to the luxury hotels to the world-famous casinos to the space aliens wedding chapels and more, Las Vegas offers something for almost anyone—and does it 24 hours a day.
 
Claim your Thomson discount code and book your holiday in Las Vegas where you, too, can indulge in fantastic food, the excitement of Roulette or the 'cha-ching' of slot machines and still have time for your favourite lounge act.

Milan, Italy – the Fashion Capital

Italy is in southern Europe and is a favorite destination that is visited year round.  If you are into fashion then you have probably already been to Milan which is said to be the fashion capitol of the world.  Glamor and mystery are both found in Milan and it has other nick names such as the factory of the future and the city with a heart in a hand. Milan is located in Lambardy with its population of 1.3 million and its sub tropical weather. 

This weather is due to its geographical location where winters offer snowfall and fog and humidity and heat with thunder storms in the summer time. The world famous semi-annual Fashion Week takes place here in February and March.  Later in September is when those who want to see the Autumn/Winter event will return. 

Italian cities, including Milan, are more expensive than other European countries so consider that next time you book your vacation plans. You can find travel vouchers to use on your next getaway from Thomson discount codes.  You can save on tours, hotels and attractions and never again will you miss an opportunity to save on travel plans.  After fashion and tourism, football is also very popular in Italy. 

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

Even though there are a lot of interesting places to visit in Italy, I find Lake Como as one of the best ones to visit nonetheless. In this article, we are going to discuss the reasons why Lake Como is famous for being one of the world’s best travel destinations.

For starters, Lake Como is the most popular lake in Italy. It is also noted as the deepest in the country, with beautiful villas and resort villages surrounding the lake. When seen from above, you will notice how Lake Como forms an inverted Y shape gorgeously.

Of course, the most popular forms of entertainment in Lake Como include water sports, boat trips, and other similar activities. Aside from these thrilling activities to enjoy, you will also find Lake Como to be very romantic. If a nice dinner on a boat, surrounded by the glimmering lights of nearby villages and resorts, is your idea of a romantic evening, then Lake Como is certainly perfect for you.

Situated perfectly between the glamorous city of Milan and the Switzerland border, you can easily visit Lake Como by train. The train stops at the city of Como, from which you can rent a car or use available busses to the accommodation you are staying in. You can also use ferries to visit villages surrounding Lake Como, perfect for getting around and enjoying some sightseeing at the same time.

With all these great attractions to enjoy, Lake Como is certainly worth visiting on your next trip to Italy.

Visiting Spain: Madrid’s Top Museums

Among the best cities to visit in Spain is of course Madrid. In this city, you will find some of the best tourism attractions in the world just waiting to be explored. In this part, however, we are going to focus more on Madrid’s top museums. Let’s have a look, shall we?

First, we have the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. This art museum features the works of two most important artists in the world: Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. If you want to enjoy Picasso’s masterpieces while sipping a nice cup of coffee, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is certainly the place to visit.

For an even more spectacular collection of paintings and sculptures, the Museo del Prado is what you should be visiting. This art museum is noted as one of the best museums in the world – and also the best museum in Spain. Here, you will be able to enjoy the best works of art from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Works by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco are among the attractions you will be able to enjoy here.

Still in Madrid, you can also visit the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Aside from its gorgeous architectural features and tons of amenities surrounding the museum, you will also find top art from famous figures being displayed in this museum as well.

That concludes our discussion on the best museums to visit in Madrid. If you are an art fan and you are visiting Madrid, be sure to visit these three museums.

Visiting Ancient Rome

Rome is a breathtakingly beautiful city to visit, but in order to enjoy the true values of Rome you need to visit certain tourism attractions that represents ancient Rome. That is why in this part we are going to take a look at some of the best attractions that shows the glorious history of Rome.

First on our list? The Colosseum of Rome. It is certainly one of the best tourism attractions to visit in Rome, featuring the remnants of Rome’s huge amphitheater. The architecture and surrounding sceneries alone are more than enough reasons to visit this historical site. You will be able to explore the inside of The Colosseum of Rome and enjoy that authentic sense of ancient Rome indeed.

Next, we have the Pantheon, also known as the temple of all gods. It was built between 118-125 AD by Emperor Hadrian before it was converted into a church in the 7th century by early Christians. Today, however, the Pantheon is recognized as the most preserved building that shows the greatness of ancient Rome. There are a lot of restaurants nearby as well, so you will be able to admire the Pantheon while enjoying some delicious cuisines.

My personal favorite is the Roman Forum, a gigantic complex that features temples, basilicas, and arches. There are countless picture taking opportunities here, so make sure you empty your camera’s memory cards first before visiting the Roman Forum. The gorgeous views during sunset are also worth waiting here in the Roman Forum.