Athens is a city rooted in its Greek history. The birthplace of democracy and now the capital city of Greece, Athens is a cultural center with fine cuisine, theater, the Acropolis, and generous Greek hospitality.

The best time to visit Athens is in the Spring. The weather is perfect and rates are reasonable. Beware of summers in Athens as they can reach high temperatures near 110 degrees F. So if you plan on going to Athens in the summer please make sure to bring a hat, light clothing, sun block, and a bottle of water everywhere you go.

Greek Hospitality

The Greek are known for their hospitality and generous ways. Athenians are laid back people who are generally accepting of all visitors. Many people in Athens know English so feel free to ask for help or directions from locals and passers-by.

Meet Athenians half way and learn a few words of Greek. People will appreciate your effort and maybe more inclined to help you.

The Acropolis

The most famous landmark in Greece is the Acropolis, and happens to be located in Athens. Ancient Greek civilization was represented on top of this hill by the Parthenon and other structures that symbolized the lavish lifestyle of the Greek gods.

The New Athens

Since the Olympics were held in Athens in 2004, the city has been revamped. It seems the over growth of Athens has caused poor air quality, busy streets, and a generally overcrowded feeling. But some of this has been made better since the renovations.

Best Hotel Value in Athens

If you want to stay in the heart of Athens, the G.R. Louis Hotel is the perfect choice with a selection of museums and a concert hall, right down the way. The hotel is known for its knowledgeable staff and quiet surroundings. Tourists will definitely enjoy their stay in Athens at the GR Louis Hotel.

Local Customs

Beware of the concrete jungle that has become Athens. With so many drivers, people have a bit of road rage. Try to stay off the streets if possible. Even pedestrians may have trouble walking across the street in a crosswalk. Athenians don’t always adhere to the traffic rules.

Smoking in Athens is perfectly acceptable to locals and you can light up just about anywhere you wish. So, you probably shouldn’t ask locals to go find a smoking section since that is the norm there. Independence Day is March 25th. They celebrate their Independence day with parades and celebrations making traffic congested and the city busier than ever.

“Ochi” Day, held on October 28th, is another Greek holiday. Greeks commemorate the day Mussolini’s request to let Italian troops into the country at the beginning of World War II was denied. “Ochi” means “no” in Greek. You may see soldiers and tanks parading down the streets in show of Greek pride. Whenever you plan on visiting Athens, you are sure to be met with fabulous Greek food, plenty of shopping, historical monuments, and local Athenian culture and customs.

Europe is full of old-world style, culture, and history. If you’re planning a trip to Europe and want to visit some of the best landmarks in Europe, investigate these top picks for your next trip to Europe.

Big Ben, London

When people think of Big Ben, they think of the clock tower near the House of Parliament. Big Ben is, in fact, the name for the bell inside the tower. Regardless, it is probably one of the most famous landmarks in London.

The bell chimes every 15 minutes so all Londoners can hear. If you’re a native of the UK, you can climb the clock tower to see Big Ben, however oversees visitors are not permitted to tour the tower.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is the icon of Paris. It was erected as tribute to the end of the French Revolution, but today it is one of the most well-known and most recognizable buildings in the world.

The magic of the Eiffel Tower can truly be felt when you venture to the top to get a spectacular view of Paris. Going to the top of the Tower right before sunset provides the best views. After it gets dark, you can see the lights on the Tower twinkle in the twilight. Lights go off at 2 am, so be sure to catch a glimpse before then.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

The Leaning tower of Pisa began its construction back in 1174 as a clock tower for the neighboring cathedral. During its construction, the ground began to sink causing the tower to lean to one side. To this day, the famous landmark continues to sink into the ground at a very slow rate. The top of the tower can be reached by the 200+ stairs found in the center of the building.

Buckingham Palace, London

Buckingham Palace is probably London’s most famous building, and still a working Palace and home to the Queen. If you go in the summer months when the Queen is in Scotland you can get a tour of the staterooms.

You can witness the famous “Changing of the Guards” at Buckingham Palace. It takes place every day at 11:30am.

Notre Dame, Paris

Notre Dame is a Paris Cathedral and one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture. It’s free to enter but if you want to go up into the towers, you will need to pay.

There are lots to do around Notre Dame like watch the street performers or sit in a local café for a bite to eat.

Europe has plenty of choices for culturally interesting monuments and landmarks for travelers to choose from. Whether it’s the geography with the famous winding rivers, the majestic cathedrals, history with the greatest Kings and Queens, or centuries-old clock.

Cape Town is a beautiful city with rich cultural events and the top 5 attractions in all of South Africa. When you visit Cape Town, South Africa, you will need to make sure you are prepared, so your trip will be more enjoyable. The more preparation you do before you leave, the less you have to worry about once you get there. Then you will be free to relax and enjoy your visit.

1. Sun Protection

The sun in South Africa can be harsh, so you’ll need to wear sun protective lotion, as well as protective clothing like hats or visors to keep the sun out of your eyes and face.

2. Copies of Passport and Travel Documents

You always want to make sure you have more than one copy of your passport and travel documents in case you are to lose them or have them stolen. These are the only means by which you can return to your country, so protect them well.

3. Proper Clothing

Light cotton clothing is advised in the summer. The evenings get cooler so pack warmer clothing as well. Dress is typically casual in Cape Town even for evenings at the theater or restaurants.

4. Good Accommodations

My favorite place to stay in Cape Town South Africa is the Commodore Hotel. This is a 5-star hotel on the waterfront near the center of Cape Town. While, the room rate is a bit pricey, a hot breakfast buffet and world class service certainly makes up for it.

5. Money for Tipping

South African currency is called the Rand (R). The Rand is split into 100 cents, similar to the US Dollar and cents. You will need to carry money with you to tip people for service such as wait staff, taxi drivers, hotel staff, etc. 10% is a fair tip in Cape Town.

6. Safety Precautions

Never walk unpopulated streets of South Africa alone. Do not wear excessive jewelry or watches and keep the amount of cash you carry to a minimum. The Police emergency number is 10111.

7. Immunizations

While there are no international immunizations needed to enter South Africa, you should be aware that Malaria is a risk throughout the year. So protect yourself from diseases as you feel necessary. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

8. Local Driving Rules

In Cape Town everyone drives on the left side of the road. Many of the National roadways have tolls so always bring money with you if you are planning on traveling by car. Seat belts are required and if you have a young child with you, you should reserve a car set in advance.

9. Local Prices

You should have some understanding of the local prices, so you don’t get surprised or taken advantage of while on holiday in Cape Town. The average McDonalds meal is R23.00, bottled water is R5.00, a ticket to the movies is R30.00 and dinner out is about R100.00 each person.

10. Travel Insurance

Medical services are available at private hospitals and doctors in private practice. You should have some form of travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Again, it’s better to be safe than sorry in case something does happen during the trip away.

Every day airports are crammed with people traveling for business or pleasure. There are those who always pack light and those who pack everything in their closet. Listed below are tips to help those who want to take everything with them without lugging multiple bags around.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is one of the most important things you can do. Make a list of all the items you will need to pack. This list will help you pack more efficiently and also will be a reminder for those last minute items. Take a copy of the list with you for repacking purposes. You don’t want to leave anything behind.

Before planning your wardrobe, look up the weather conditions for the place you will be visiting. Consider also the activities you will be participating in while there. Make a separate list of possible outfits. Pick clothes that go well with each other. For instance, if you need to take a jacket pick one that will match several outfits so you can wear it more than once. Try to pack no more than two pairs of shoes - one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of dress shoes. Coordinate your outfits to match these shoes.

Once you have an idea of what you want to wear it’s time to pack them up. Plan each day out and what outfits you will be wearing for that day. Lay out all the clothes you will need for that day. Make one stack for each day. This will help to insure that you do not forget to pack an important item for that day.

Packing

Okay, you have your lists and your clothes are all laid out so now, how are you going to fit it all in one manageable bag? Make sure your clothes are ironed prior to packing. Zip all zippers and button up all shirts, dresses and pants.

Socks, jeans, t-shirts, and undergarments can all be rolled. Rolling your clothes helps save space and helps eliminate wrinkles. Dress shirts and blouses can be folded into each other. Lay the shirts flat on top of each other and fold them using the department store method. This method of folding will also help in eliminating wrinkles.

Use all available space. The inside of your shoes are a great place to stuff socks. The outside pockets on your luggage are perfect for smaller items. Pack tightly so your clothes are less likely to be tossed about during travel.

When packing toiletries, think small! Most items you need will be available in travel sizes. Purchase a small toiletries bag. Any liquid items should be placed in a small zip lock bag to prevent any damage in the event of a spill. Call your hotel to see what amenities they offer. Most supply hairdryers, irons, soap, conditioning shampoo and body lotion. Make-up should also be packed in a small toiletry bag. Pack only the make-up items you will need for the trip.

After all items are packed, place a copy of your itinerary on the top in case of lost luggage. Also purchase smart tags, for the outside of your luggage with your name clearly printed on it. This will help in the event of lost luggage.

All valuable items like jewelry, keys, and travel documents need to be carried with you on the plane.

Once you have reached your destination, unpack your bags and place the items in the available drawers and hang dresses and dress shirts. If you took more than one bag, place them into each other and store them out of the way. This will prevent having to dig through your luggage daily and will also help with wrinkle prevention.

Top Tips to impress your guests.

One key ingredient in running a successful bed and breakfast is the ability to get along with all types of people who will be staying at your B & B. When you operate a bed and breakfast, you become the host (not an owner) who greets and welcomes guests (not clients).

Hospitality is our business. A successful bed and breakfast operation builds its reputation on the hospitality it provides. Repeat business and referrals often come as a result of your interactions with the guests. Guests who frequent bed and breakfasts usually seek the enjoyment of getting to know their hosts and sometimes develop close friendships with them.

Provide a warm, friendly welcome at the front door.

Show guests to their room and give them an opportunity to settle in.

If they feel up to it, you may want to give guests a quick tour of your home soon after they arrive. Offer a beverage and/or a light snack after guests have had some time to settle down from their trip. Be a "fountain of information" for your guests. As hosts, you should be able to answer questions about your area and mention nearby attractions and places of interest.

Provide guests with a fact sheet listing frequently asked questions and answers about your B & B and the surrounding area.

Collect brochures and maps for the immediate area as well as other nearby areas of interest. Make these available to your guests at no cost.

Collect menus from local restaurants. You may put these in guest rooms or leave them in your lounge area.

Offer "special touches" that will appeal to a variety of guests, such as offering breakfast in bed for newlyweds or for special occasions.

Find out when guests arrive what they would prefer as a beverage in the morning, and always have coffee made early. A pot of freshly brewed coffee outside the door in the morning will be a treat for the true coffee drinker.

Be sure to provide a variety of beverages so that guests can choose from a good selection. Coffee should be of the best quality -- never instant! Experiment with different blends.

Offer -- for an extra fee -- to make special picnic baskets for lunch or dinner so that guest may enjoy a special outdoor location.

Provide an umbrella stand with loan umbrellas near the door for guests who aren't prepared for bad weather.

Set up a special corner in your public lounge area with a variety of games, cards, books and magazines. Provide a variety of reading material in each room.

Have extra sample-size toilet articles on hand for your guests, such as shampoo, hand lotion, toothbrushes, razors and toothpaste. You can order a supply of many such items imprinted with your logo to promote your bed and breakfast.

Use liquid soap or small, individually wrapped soaps in the bathroom so no guest have to use someone else's soap.

A special guest "welcome tray" in each room can include fruit, biscuits or individually wrapped chocolates. Provide disposable drinking cups in each room as well as tissues, etc.

Have an area, which is easily accessible to guests where they can always find a beverage or snack of some kind.

Keep an extra hair dryer, make-up mirror, curling iron, iron and ironing board available for guest use. Provide a local newspaper.

Be able to provide your guests with a local map. Mark your home, restaurants and other attractions on the map.

Collect discount coupons from local restaurants, and other attractions for your guests' use

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has the full range of accommodation for visitors, from cheap and cheerful bed and breakfast/guest houses, through to the very best in 5 star comfort and pampering. Self-catering accommodation in the form of flats and houses is also available, with caravans being on offer outside the city itself. Regarding any accommodation in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, the nearer you get to the River Tyne the higher the price will be. For an overview of accommodation in Newcastle-upon-Tyne please click here.

Most of the cheaper guest house style accommodation is to be found in the north of the city around the suburb of Jesmond - look for places on and off the Osbourne Road. Buses leave for this area from outside the Central railway station and the Haymarket. If you’re looking for a really good bargain for your accommodation, it’s probably best to look across the River Tyne to Gateshead. A 3 star hotel such as the ‘Bewick’ on Prince Consort Road will give you a double room for £25 a night. Remember there are excellent links into Newcastle from Gateshead - 20 minutes by bus and 5 minutes on the Metro.

However, even out in the suburbs of Newcastle, a 2 star hotel like the Dene Hotel, about 11/2 miles outside the city centre on Grosvenor Road, will be £40 a night and a 3 star hotel such as The Jesmond, on Osbourne Road, can be £50 a night for bed and breakfast.

All the national chains of hotels are present in Newcastle. For example, Premier Lodge, located at the Quayside with a price from £65 a night, is excellent value. It has the coveted Quayside location at a price below what you’d expect from one of the national chain of hotels. A Premier Lodge is a Premier Lodge anywhere, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of the room and facilities. The Quayside Premier Lodge occupies what was once the Exchange Building. There are other Premier Lodges in Newcastle ranging from £53 a night for a typical double room. The Newcastle Novotel is some 4 miles out of the city centre with its room prices starting at £42 a night. Copthorne, Hilton, Swallow, Thistle and Holiday Inn are also to be found in the city.

If you’re determined to stay inside the heart of the city itself, prices start from about £60 per night for a 4 star hotel. The Grey Street Hotel (I think you’ll guess where that is) is typical for the area. The Grey Street, like many of the new breed of ‘city’ hotels, is sited in an old Victorian bank and prides itself on its minimalism and style.

At the top end of the range are hotels such as ‘Malmaison’. For an old warehouse located on the Quayside it has style and luxury in abundance. Rooms currently range from £100 to £140 a night. The Royal Station Hotel, surprisingly close to the Central railway station on Neville Street, is another of Newcastle’s ‘posher’ hotels, cheaper than Malmaison, but then it isn’t on the waterfront. At prices from £90 a night it offers all the grandiose statements you’d expect from a Victorian railway hotel in the centre of a city. Majestic staircase in the lobby and a chandelier worth £25,000!

Off the A69 Carlisle to Newcastle road and only 25 minutes away from the city centre, is the privately owned Matfen Hall Hotel. This is a country house hotel and does not need to bother itself with ‘stars’. It was given the award of ‘Large hotel of the year 2006’ by the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. A double room including breakfast starts at £160 a night and their set menu for dinner is around £30.

For both business and leisure visitors, a self-catering apartment might be what is required. In the city, two developments stand out. Premier Apartments on Thornton Street are located in the heart of the city. There are 30 double bedroom apartments priced at £65 a night which, considering the standard of accommodation and central location, is excellent value. City Aparthotel in Jackson House on Northumberland Street is very similar to the Premier Apartments, prices start at £60 a night for one of its 20 rooms. Please note, both of these apartment blocks have ‘nearby’ parking which is Pay & Display!

For those who are members, there is a YHA in which you can book a dormitory bed costing £17.50 a night at the Jesmond hostel. Also, during the Easter and summer holidays, the University of Northumbria releases some of its student accommodation for visitors to Newcastle. Their typical charge is £25 per night. The university is located about 1 mile north east of the railway and coach stations heading out towards Jesmond.

On the coast and in rural Northumberland there are plenty of locations with permanently sited caravans for hire. The ones nearest to the city of Newcastle would be at South Shields and Whitely Bay, both of which are on the Metro line into the city centre.

Being the largest city in the north-east of England, Newcastle is easy to travel to and from. Within Newcastle, there is a Metro railway service alongside the usual public bus services and road links.

Getting to and from Newcastle:

Newcastle airport, Newcastle is served by its own airport located about 7 miles north-east of the city centre - by road the airport is just off the A696 near Ponteland. The airport can also be travelled to and from using public service buses and the Metro rail service which also links it to the national rail network. Local taxi companies also offer services to and from the airport. Flights to and from major UK and Europe cities and holiday destinations are available. Inter-continental flights also connect with Toronto (Canada), Sanford (Florida, USA), Puerto Plata (Puerto Rica, USA), Sharm El Sheik (Egypt, Africa), Monastir (Tunisia, Africa) and Agadir (Morocco, Africa).

Major roads routes for Newcastle are maintained by the Highways Agency. The main road route into Newcastle from the south or north is the A1, a major trunk road that runs from London in the south to Edinburgh (Scotland) in the north. From the west, the A69 from Carlisle is the main road into Newcastle. As the conurbation of Newcastle reaches the east coast, there is no single major road route from the east.

With the city being on the direct railway route between London and Edinburgh Newcastle Central is the city’s mainline railway station and is located in the heart of Newcastle. The main London to Newcastle train operator is GNER and has a minimum journey time between Newcastle and London (Kings Cross) of 2 hours and 50 minutes. Another major railway operator into and out of Newcastle is Virgin Trains, who operate services connecting North East and South West cities and towns.

Newcastle is famed for its port which rose to prominence during the industrial revolution. Today it is an important port for ferries operating to and from Scandinavia. DFDS Seaways operate ferries between Newcastle and; Stavangar, Kristiansand and Bergen (all in Norway) and Gothenberg in Sweden. There is also a ferry to Ijmuiden, near Amsterdam in Holland.

The city’s main bus/coach depot, Gallowgate coach station, is located off St James Boulevard. It is convenient for the city centre and close to the St James Metro station. It also has a bus service linking it to other local buses at the Haymarket bus station. Gallowgate is the main stop for National Express coach services into and out of Newcastle.

Travel in and around Newcastle:

Newcastle has an excellent local railway network providing visitors, shoppers and commuters with efficient travel between 59 stations in and around the city. The Metro is also integrated into the other transport systems for Newcastle ie the airport, ferry port, main railway station, bus and coach stations. The Metro network extends as far as Whitely Bay, Tynemouth, Gateshead, South Shields, Jarrow and Sunderland. Telephone enquiries about the Metro should be made to 0191 203 3333.

Newcastle has an extensive local bus service network. Key features of this are the CityLink Busway (bus only routes) linking the city centre and Metro trains with the Metro shopping centre. Superoute is a rapid and high-quality service that operates along the main arterial routes in and out of the city. There is a special QuayLink bus service, which operates between the city centre and the expanding Quayside developments in Newcastle and Gateshead. It is especially useful for those wishing to visit the Baltic Centre, Millennium Bridge or the ‘Sage’ in Gateshead. LinkUp is the city’s ‘demand/response’ service for those who have difficulty accessing normal public transport systems. Finally, Route19 links the Metro system, at Percy main station, with the ferry service between North and South Shields.

Being situated on a major river, the Tyne, Newcastle has always had a ferry service linking the North and South banks of the river. The Shields Ferry takes about 7 minutes to travel between North and South Shields. Two boats are used on the Shields Ferry, the Shieldsman and the Pride of the Tyne. In 2007, the Shieldsman is to be replaced with a new/modern ferry.

Like any major British city in the early twenty first century, Newcastle’s roads, with their network of bridges and one-way systems, can become congested. However, once in the city, there are plenty of car parks to use. Some roads have dedicated cycle lanes and there are cycle tracks separate to the road network. Bulletins regarding congestion etc on Newcastle’s roads are regularly broadcast by local radio stations.

There are many taxi ranks in the city centre for Hackney Carriage taxis. Numerous MiniCab/Private hire taxis are also available. Telephone enquiries regarding city centre taxi ranks can be made at 0191 277 8965

For general enquiries about Metro, Bus and Ferry services you can telephone 0191 203 3333.

Despite Newcastle-Upon-Tyne being strongly associated with the industrial revolution of the 19th century, the Romans were the first to build in the area. Being at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, in 122 AD the Romans realised the importance of having a fort at the point where the River Tyne could be crossed and where the wall ended. The site of the fort, known as ‘Pons Aelius’, eventually became the same place on which the settlement that became Newcastle-Upon-Tyne was founded.

After the Romans left Britain, there is only scarce evidence of inhabitation of the area during Saxon times. However, following the Norman conquest of England in the 11th Century the strategic importance of the River Tyne’s crossing point and its potential as a port was again realised. So it was, in 1080, that William the Conqueror’s son, Robert, was dispatched north to build a new wooden fort on the old roman site. Hence a New Castle was built! During the next 200 years the castle, its fortifications and city walls developed allowing Newcastle to become a thriving provincial settlement. Merchants and traders in fish, cloth, sheep, coal and, of course, wool could all be found in Newcastle at that time. Trade was so good that in 1216 the town was granted a Royal charter enabling it to elect its own Mayor. In 1400, as Newcastle grew even more, it was allowed to have its own sheriff and became a county.

By the 16th century Newcastle had become the major town of the North East. It controlled the important shipping traffic on the River Tyne, from which it exported its greatest asset – coal. In the early 17th century England was in the middle of an economic slump as the price of wool plummeted. Newcastle, with its vast reserves of and expertise in mining coal, continued to thrive. The port at Newcastle on the River Tyne allowed it to expand its trade in coal by over 1000%. The first recorded reference of the saying “to take coals to Newcastle” – meaning to make a wasted journey - was in 1538.

With a population of about 10,000, the English civil war of the mid-seventeenth century briefly slowed down the economic growth of the town. Newcastle declared itself for the Royalist cause and was under siege for three months. It is said, but difficult to establish for certain, that during the civil war King Charles I gave Newcastle its motto; “Fortier Defendit Triumphans”, which means “Triumphing by a bold defence”. Unfortunately the truth is that Newcastle fell to the Parliamentarian forces, which were mainly Scottish mercenaries.

Newcastle quickly recovered and by 1665 had the fifth largest population, behind London, Bristol, Norwich and York. The wealth generated by the coal industry helped other trades to develop such as iron, glass and salt industries. At the beginning of the 18th century the town became a regional centre and was able to complete its development with an assay office and the first branch of Carr’s Bank outside of London. With the population rising to 20,000 the writer Daniel Defoe commented that whilst Newcastle might seem a prosperous town there was “ ….. a prodigious number of poor in Newcastle.” By the end of the 18th century the richer inhabitants of Newcastle were leaving the squalor of being ‘inside the city wall’ for what eventually grew into the suburbs of Newcastle.

In the 19th century the industrial revolution really took off. A benefit of this was that the money generated for the town led to the city centre being rebuilt in the 1830’s. Industries long associated with Newcastle that began during this time include the Armstrong shipyard, Swan electrics and Parsons turbines. The famous Newcastle Swing Bridge was opened in 1876 to aid shipping up and down the river, to further increase the export of its goods. Between 1850 and 1910 the population of Newcastle rose from below 90,000 to over 260,000 and it was in 1882 that the town of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne became a city.

Between the two world wars, Newcastle suffered massively in the depression with coal, ship-building and heavy engineering all declining. In 1936 the Jarrow marchers set off for London from across the River Tyne. The end of the Second World War did not see the fortunes of Newcastle restored, as along with the rest of the UK, it lost more and more of its manufacturing capability. Whilst some of the ‘traditional’ industries have survived, with its status as a regional centre, Newcastle has been able to develop a thriving retail and service industry base.

Today, as with many other cities, Newcastle is again re-inventing itself with improved transport links, Quayside developments, shopping malls, new housing and cultural opportunities. All in all this means that Newcastle retains its place as a major UK city. The term ‘Geordie’ is often associated with people living in the North east of England and Newcastle especially. ‘Geordie’ should only be applied to someone born in Newcastle or Gateshead and within site of the River Tyne. ‘Geordie’ is simply a familial diminutive of ‘George’. Geordies will often refer to Newcastle simply as ‘the Toon’.

Cardiff or Caerdydd in Welsh is the capital city of Wales. The city is situated in the county of Glamorgan and used to be a small traditional town until the 19th century when it started to rapidly grow due to the sudden influx of industry in the area Cardiff or Caerdydd in Welsh is the capital city of Wales. The city is situated in the county of Glamorgan and it used to be a small traditional town up until the 19th century when it started to rapidly grow due to the sudden influx of industry in the area. At this point in time Cardiff became the main port in the region exporting coal. In the year 1905 Cardiff officially became a city and exactly 50 years later, in 1955, it was proclaimed the capital of Wales. The port here is known as Tiger Bay and it used to be very busy for a long period of time. Today, the port of Cardiff is not so popular for transport, but is very much appreciated by people all over the world as an art, entertainment and nightlife location.

The name of the city comes from the English pronunciation of the Welsh name “Caerdydd”. The origin of the name is not known, there being several hypotheses. “Caer” is the Welsh word for castle, but there is no explanation for what “dydd” could be standing for. Some people believe that this term was a corruption of the term “Taff”, which is the name of the river that crosses the city. In this case, the name “Cardiff” would actually mean “the castle on the river Taff”. However, modern researchers have serious doubts about this explanation, preferring to concentrate more on the Latin influence over the term. It is known that the Roman Emperor Antonius Didius built a fortress in Cardiff, thus they believe that it is most likely that the name of the city refers to the castle of Antonius Didius. Whatever the true origin of the name may be, the fact is that a beautiful 2000 year old Norman castle still exists in Cardiff and it would be a shame to miss visiting it while in the city.

One of the most popular city icons is the Cardiff professional football team - Cardiff City F.C. There are also other teams that bring fame to the city, such as the Cardiff Blues (the regional rugby team) and the Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey team.

Cultural Attractions Besides the Norman castle, Cardiff also hosts the National Assembly for Wales, St. David’s Concert Hall (one of the most popular concert venues in Britain due to its many productions), the National Museum and many more. One of the most interesting places in Cardiff is Caroline Street, the third oldest street in the city. This street is the main link between two of Cardiff’s busiest streets. On Caroline Street you can find a great variety of stores and shops and recently it seems to have become the home of chip and kebab eateries! Thus, the street became to be referred as the Chip Row or the Chip Alley. During the last few years the street became populated with new luxuriant flats and has been completely refurbished.

Festivals Cardiff is the home of the Big Weekend Festival that is held every year in late July or early August. The Festival takes place in the center of the city and it brings together all sorts of theme park events and rides. Each year about 2 hundred thousand people come to take part in this event. Another big event in the city is the Cardiff festival, considered to be the biggest outdoor festival in the entire country. This festival is actually the host of different smaller festivals, such as the Children’s Festival. The city also hosts the Cardiff Design Festival. Another thing that should be noted about Cardiff is that it was the home of the National Eisteddfod five times (1883, 1899, 1938, 1960 and 1978) and it is to be the host again in 2008.

Parks

One of the most beautiful places in Cardiff is the green site in the centre of the city known as Bute Park. This area used to be a part of the castle grounds and today it has been designed to be a charming place inside the city. The park extends towards the northern part of the main shopping street in the city, Queen Street. The beautiful garden combines with the Llandaff Fields in the northwest area and together they form a unique place highlighting the Taff River. The people who live on this part of the city bear the nickname of Taffy after the river that crosses this region.

There are a few more parks in Cardiff, such as Roath Park in the north of the city. This amazing park was actually donated to the community by the third Marquess of Bute in 1887. One of the most popular tourist attractions in this park is the boating lake. Another very colorful park in Cardiff is Victoria Park, which was the city’s first official park.

Music and nightlife

Cardiff has proven to be one of the most popular places in the UK as far as the wide range of music is concerned. Some of the most visited and appreciated places in Cardiff include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Welsh National Opera. Many of the leading acts across the country have emerged here. Also, as far as modern music is concerned, many Welsh bands have had their debut on one of Cardiff’s stages, before becoming well known nationally and even internationally.

Cardiff is also very popular for its strong nightlife, being the host of a numerous variety of nightclubs, bars, pubs and clubs. Most of these places can be found in the city centre and in Cardiff Bay, which has lately developed quite an impressive night scene. St. Mary Street is also one of the most populated places in Cardiff during the night time. The best time here is during good weather when the terraces are open and the street seems to have a life of its own.

A very entertaining way to spend a few hours in Cardiff would be to eat somewhere special and have a sip or more of tasty wine or beer. The Welsh, and especially the people living in Cardiff, are famous for their exquisite taste in food and their gifted chefs that prepare meals with Welsh meat and vegetables, plus those secret ingredients that make each dish incredibly tasty. The lamb, beef, vegetables, shellfish or salmon have never tasted better than those made by the Welsh chefs.

If you are in the mood for some great food and wine, just go Cardiff’s city centre, in the Brewery Quarter, where you can find all sorts of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. There are also other restaurants in other parts of the city, these also being great venues to please your appetite.

The list of restaurants and places to dine is endless in Cardiff. If you go to the Armless Dragon on 97 Wyeverne Road, Cathays, you will be welcomed by a lot of Welsh specialities and you can have a pleasurable meal in a relaxing atmosphere.

For some oriental food go to Bar Oriental. You can enjoy the special cocktails in this bar, located in Mermaid Quay. Are you looking for something new? Check out the Bali restaurant which will offer you a wide range of specialities from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The bar is on 30-32 Caroline Street.

If you want to watch a cooking show, go to the Bayside Brasserie, which has an open kitchen as well as a pleasant view over Cardiff Bay. They serve all sorts of fish dishes and dishes prepared with meat, so this is not a place for vegans. However, a good place for vegans and vegetarians is the Crumbs Salad Restaurant, which will offer you numerous choices of huge salads, all served in wooden bowls. Another great venue for vegetarians is the Greenhouse Cafe, where organic and seasonal ingredients are used.

Take a glimpse at Italy’s finest recipes at Bella Italia, and taste the spaghetti and pizzas they make here with Italian ingredients. This restaurant is on 6 High Street. If you want to compare Italian dishes, you can also check out Bella Pasta, which is a traditional Italian restaurant in the Red Dragon Centre. Or you can go to 48 Charles Street, to the Capsule Space and Cantina restaurant.

For Turkish traditional food, visit Bosphorus on Mermaid Quay and you will be able to sample Turkey’s best dishes served in a pleasant ambiance. Listen to some jazz at Cafe Jazz, with live bands playing on a regular basis. For Moroccan food, go to Casablanca, a great place for couples. The Celtic Cauldron will offer you specific Welsh dishes in an atmosphere that will remind of the legendary times of Wales. For Spanish Tapas, go to Champers on St Mary’s Street. There is also an open kitchen here, so you can witness your food being made. Are you up for a large steak? Go to Charleston’s Brasserie, a place that is decorated in the 1920s style. Another place to eat a good steak is the Taurus Steak House on St. Mary Street.

China China is a restaurant where you can eat Chinese dishes. The place is on St Mary Street. Would you rather taste some Mexican food? Then Chiquito is the place for you. It is located in the Old Brewery Quarter. Da Venditto is a restaurant that has been awarded with the AA restaurant of the year 2003, so check it out on 7-8 Park Place. For the French Cuisine lovers, the Dome will offer you the best wine in a relaxing romantic atmosphere. The restaurant is at Atlantic Wharf.

If you want food served in a Swedish buffet, you should go to El Puerto, where you can choose from all kinds of fish and meats to put on your plate. An elite place in Cardiff is the Elements Champagne Bar and Restaurant, but make sure you book well in advance. The place is in Harbor Drive. If you would just like some fish and chips while you are visiting Cardiff, stop at Harry Ramsdens, placed in the very heart of Cardiff bay. Juboraj is the restaurant that brings Indian and Bangladeshi dishes to Wales. It is located on 10 Mill Lane. For Peking, Szechuen and South East Asian cuisine, check out the Noble House on Wood Street.

The Norwegian Church will offer you the best choice of Scandinavian dishes, and you can also enjoy the art exhibition at this restaurant.

As you can see, there are various themed restaurants scattered all around Cardiff. If you haven’t decided yet on what type of cuisine you would like, go to Belllini’s , where you’ll find food from all around the world prepared in delicious dishes.

If you are full, and would like to drink something instead, you can choose from a wide range of wines, not to mention the delicious beers of Wales. You will find a multitude of bars on St. Mary Street.

Mill Lane and the Mermaid Quay are also places crammed with bars and clubs, so you can check them out one by one.

Cardiff Bay is another place to go when you want some ‘Brains’, which refers to the local brewery, producer of Cardiff’s most popular pint.

Choose from the Buffalo Bar, Bar XS, Buff’s Wine Bar, Fat Cat Café Bar, Floyd’s Bar, Kiwi’s, Lava’s Lounge, Rummer Tavern, Rosie’s Bar, Salt, The Wharf, The Yard, Tiger Tiger, Varsity, Zync Bar…..the list could continue much longer.

All in all, Cardiff is a city that will offer you great sights, delicious food and, last but not least, good beer, perhaps even the best. Going out in a bar

If you are planning to take a trip to a romantic destination, allow us to guide you to Wales and recommend that you pay a visit to Cardiff Castle. This beautiful and strange city houses within its midst, among shopping centers, museums and government buildings, a well preserved Norman castle filled with romantic history. Here is a quick run through Cardiff Castle’s troubled history, architectural modifications, interior designs as well as the attractions that it features today.

This beautiful structure dates back to the time of the Roman conquest and was built on the site of a Roman fort as early as 1091. However, the most appealing features of its design date from the 19th century when two talented dreamers tried and succeeded to recreate the Middle Ages in their own time. John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his talented and creative architect William Burges changed the exterior as well as the interior of Cardiff Castle. The interior of this fantasy land is decorated with Moorish designs, pleasures of the seasons and nature’s creatures while the exterior offers lush gardens and fountains making this castle a very attractive romantic destination. The troubled history that fills its walls, the kings that owned it, the heroic rebels and noblemen that were imprisoned there, complete the appeal of this beautiful Norman castle. However, the appeal of Cardiff Castle stretches to the present day as this magnificent and well-preserved structure is the home of the largest Mardi Gras in Wales, the Summer Ball of Cardiff University and of several notable rock concerts every year.

A trip through the history of Cardiff Castle takes us back to the Roman conquest when the first settlement was built there in the first century AD. The first Roman construction was a fort measuring 10 acres that probably used to be the location for workshops, stores, barracks and many other essential structures. This fort was followed by two other constructions of the same nature erected by the Romans during their stay in Cardiff. Some of the original Roman masonry lasted until after the Norman Invasion and it was incorporated into a Norman castle built by Robert Fitzhamon, Lord of Gloucester around 1091. The timber and earth fortress, measuring 40 feet in height, was reinforced with stone and with a shell keep in the 12th century by the son of King Henry I, Robert “the Consul”, who was at that time the lord of the castle. Except for the gatehouse and a stairway that were added during the 15th century, there were no significant changes brought to the castle until it came in the possession of John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute in the 19th century. The outside as well as the inside of Cardiff Castle were embellished with magnificent Victorian additions; lush greenery, marble fireplaces and flowing fountains were used to enhance the medieval effect that Lord Bute was seeking. The interior decoration themes include astrological symbols, heraldic features, biblical characters dressed in robes, creatures of nature and pleasures of the seasons mixed with Moorish designs all used by the brilliant architect and decorator William Burges to achieve the flamboyant grandeur that Lord Bute desired.

Although the most famous episode in Cardiff Castle’s history was the imprisonment of Robert, Duke of Normandy by his brother Henry I, the King of England, the castle’s past is filled with such troubled moments. One of the major revolts of the Welsh in 1183-1184 brought severe damage to the castle walls and also to the town nearby. The problems persisted until Wales was unified under Llywelyn the Last, a charismatic Welsh leader, in 1270. At that point the castle was refortified by Gilbert de Clare in fear of further rebellion. The Despenser family, notorious in Britain for their love of conflict, took hold of Cardiff Castle in 1306 and kept it for a hundred years. During this time they imprisoned daring Welsh hero Llywelyn Bren who had instigated a riot against the English lords and brutally killed him against the direct order of the king. His death was avenged during the rebellions of Owain Glyndwr of the 15th century when the castle was assaulted. A more peaceful time in Cardiff Castle’s history came under the Beauchamps family, earls of Warwick when rebellions ended and the lords of the castle were more preoccupied with improving the castle itself and the buildings around it. In 1483 Richard, Duke of Gloucester, husband of Ann Warwick who was then owner of the castle, became King Richard III and Cardiff Castle became possession of the monarchy for the next 75 years. During the Civil War of the late 17th century the castle was sought by both Royalists and the Parliamentary forces and was eventually taken over by the army of Oliver Cromwell. The castle passed into the hands of the Bute family in 1776 which had a great impact on the development of the building as well as the city of Cardiff. As of 1947 the castle is under the care of Cardiff City Council and this beautiful Norman fortress is available for public visitation for a fee.

Aside from the historical relevance and architectural beauty of the fortress, a visit to Cardiff Castle may also bring you entertainment via social gatherings like the largest Mardi Gras in Wales, held there every summer in August, or the Summer Ball held by Cardiff University every year. Special events that take place at the site include rock concerts and other performances as the castle can host up to 10,000 people. The Stereophonics Live at Cardiff Castle concert from June1998 is one of the most notable of the events held there.

When you visit Cardiff Castle you get to take advantage of the unique fairytale atmosphere of this dream residence located near the center of the city but surrounded by the remains of ancient Roman forts and the ruins of the old Norman castle.