Europe Explored » eras https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Taking a weekend Shopping Break in Manchester | UK https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/05/taking-a-weekend-shopping-break-in-manchester-uk/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/05/taking-a-weekend-shopping-break-in-manchester-uk/#comments Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:03:17 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=8253 Sometimes you just need a break and a chance to spoil yourself a bit, so what better way is there than a shopping weekend in Manchester? You deserve it after all the hard work you do day after day. Whatever you’re looking for, Manchester has so many great stores to shop til you drop. Waterstone’s […]

The post Taking a weekend Shopping Break in Manchester | UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Sometimes you just need a break and a chance to spoil yourself a bit, so what better way is there than a shopping weekend in Manchester? You deserve it after all the hard work you do day after day. Whatever you’re looking for, Manchester has so many great stores to shop til you drop.

Waterstone's, Manchester, UK
Waterstone’s at the Arndale Centre, Manchester / Ben Sutherland

For you ladies, there are plenty of shops to hit in Manchester that cater to every taste. For some vintage fun, check out Retro Rehab, Cow, Pop Boutique, or Oxfam Originals. These places will jump out at you with their array of vintage clothing, handbags, and fun accessories. Create your own signature style by mixing and matching from different eras and really show your individual flair for fashion.

If you’ve just got to have that new designed piece, then the place to go is the accessories department at Selfridges and Co. Once you’ve spotted what you’re looking for, you’ll have a hard time leaving because this store is splurge heaven. Designer dresses, shoes, top-of-the-line makeup, and much more await your perusal. Be sure to have a good breakfast before you go because you’ll need to keep your strength up to see everything.

Men, if you’re looking for new casual attire to spruce up your wardrobe, the Arndale centre has so many stores that offer every kind of look you’re seeking. For sportswear, Lacoste On New Cathedral Street, JD Sports, and Nike are just three of several stores where you can find stylish casual wear. For that cool, street-wear look, head on over to Ark Clothing and step out cooler than when you went in.

New Cathedral Street, Manchester, UK
New Cathedral Street / Pimlico Badger

For that perfect suit, Moss at 1-5 St Anns Square has styles that will make you look like the company CEO without even trying. Of course, no suit is complete without some sharp-looking shirts, ties, and belts. Then you’ll realize you need some new shoes to go with that new suit. Back at work and looking good, you just may get noticed for a promotion, so consider this an investment in your future.

Both guys and girls will love shopping at Vinyl Exchange, a second-hand music store where you can find old vinyl records, CDs, videos, and more at discount prices. You’ll find great stuff from all music genres and eras. Sell or trade what you don’t want anymore too. You’ll get lost for hours here if you’re not careful. If you’re a collector, don’t miss stopping in.

If you love to read, then Manchester’s largest bookstore, Waterstone’s, offers a tremendous collection of books, periodicals, and many American imports. Get lost in the stacks and stock up on fun and interesting reading material. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a book signing or lecture while you’re there.

For that next electronic gadget, the go-to place is at the Maplin electronics store. You’ll find things you never even knew existed. Maybe you’d like a vinyl-to-mp3 turntable where you can play and convert music from your vinyl records to mp3. Who knew? Get a new hard drive or PC game. The list goes on and on. If you can’t find it here, you probably won’t find it anywhere. This store has it all.

Plan your shopping weekend to Manchester and be sure to check out these awesome stores. There are many more that will keep you busy the whole weekend and beckon you to come back again. Take that well-deserved break and don’t forget to spoil yourself. Whether you come back with a new look or just a new book, you’ll be happy that you treated yourself and you’ll want to do it again.

This article was written by freelance writer Ross who also writes at blog.netflights.com and loves Manchester


View Taking a weekend Shopping Break in Manchester UK in a larger map

The post Taking a weekend Shopping Break in Manchester | UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/05/taking-a-weekend-shopping-break-in-manchester-uk/feed/ 0
Rhodes island – one of the best tourist destinations in Europe | Greece https://europeexplored.com/2011/01/28/rhodes-island-one-of-the-best-tourist-destinations-in-europe-rhodes-island/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/01/28/rhodes-island-one-of-the-best-tourist-destinations-in-europe-rhodes-island/#comments Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:12:07 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2444 Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese islands and the fourth largest Greek island. It has an area of 1404 km2 and about 100,000 inhabitants. The island, which is always full of sun is very popular destination and according to several Travel sites it is the best travel destination in Europe. You can spend […]

The post Rhodes island – one of the best tourist destinations in Europe | Greece appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese islands and the fourth largest Greek island. It has an area of 1404 km2 and about 100,000 inhabitants. The island, which is always full of sun is very popular destination and according to several Travel sites it is the best travel destination in Europe. You can spend your holiday on the beautiful beaches, admiring the picturesque scenery and see many historical monuments from different eras. In fact, Rhodes island offers everything that a tourist can imagine. One of the most famous site in Rhodes is Valley of the Butterflies.

Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site.


View Rhodes island – one of the best tourist destinations in Europe Greece in a larger map

The post Rhodes island – one of the best tourist destinations in Europe | Greece appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2011/01/28/rhodes-island-one-of-the-best-tourist-destinations-in-europe-rhodes-island/feed/ 0
Budapest – Queen city on Danube River or the City of Spas | Hungary https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/02/budapest-queen-city-on-danube-river-hungary-or-the-city-of-spas/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/02/budapest-queen-city-on-danube-river-hungary-or-the-city-of-spas/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:38:20 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=1397 Budapest is the only capital in the world boasting nearly 100 thermal wells and 12 spas, where 19 million litres of thermal water breaks to the surface every day. If you also want to enjoy a night time bathing party in the Rudas or a romantic engagement on Margaret Island, then Budapest is the best […]

The post Budapest – Queen city on Danube River or the City of Spas | Hungary appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Budapest is the only capital in the world boasting nearly 100 thermal wells and 12 spas, where 19 million litres of thermal water breaks to the surface every day. If you also want to enjoy a night time bathing party in the Rudas or a romantic engagement on Margaret Island, then Budapest is the best place for you to visit. The whole city is packed with fortifications and buildings from Roman times, Turkish baths still in use today (built during the 16th century in the period of the Turkish occupation), the heritages of the Gothic and Baroque eras, and the incredibly rich architecture of the Art Nouveau.

Budapest is the owner of two World Heritage Sites, which, uniquely in the world, form a single, continuous road; taking tourists along the most beautiful parts of Budapest (Heroes’ Square, villa buildings, Kodály-körönd, Pesti Broadway, Buda Castle Quarter, House of the Hungarian National Ballet, Budapest Opera House, Danube-panorama, Jewish Quarter, Andrássy Road ).

Budapest is home to 1,72 million people (2.06 million in 1980). Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the river Danube with a unification on 17 November 1873 of right (west)-bank Buda and Óbuda with left (east)-bank Pest.

Hungarian Parliament in Budapest | Hungary
Photo by Nathan Demeny Photography

Budapest is one of the sophisticated cities in Hungary. Budapest has become a rendezvous of political big brothers, business tycoons and celebrities.

Budapest also welcomes modern technology and you will find a number of IT sectors in this city. It is a vital commercial hub in Central Europe. For this reason, when you plan to go to Budapest on vacation, you must watch closely how the city life in Budapest runs smoothly on its rut. Numerous brick and mortar made skyscrapers, monuments, sophisticated market plazas, malls, storefronts, aerodromes, luxurious hotels, bars and cafes have changed the facelift of this city. At night, streets, lanes and by-lanes are illuminated in gorgeous fluorescent light.

Before visiting Budapest, you must choose some important attractions/sights/tourist spots which are located in different parts of this capital city in Hungary.

Fishermen’s Bastion is one of the major tourist attractions in Budapest, located in Castle Hill in Budapest. This terrace was constructed for better viewing. Fishermen’s Bastion was decorated by a famous architect named Schulek dating back to 1895. You can climb up Bastion terrace to extend your vision over Pest.

Matthias Church belongs to the top sights in Budapest as well. It is beautifully decorated. It is a religious shrine. Matthias was a brave Hungarian king who planned to build this historical building for celebrating his nuptial ceremony. This church came into existence during 13th century. However, eminent architects and designers have modified this heritage establishment several times to make it more attractive.

Before starting your journey to reach Budapest in Hungary, you can contact tourist agencies to take a backup for ensuring trouble free trip to this capital city of Hungary. Guides will escort you to visit exotic places in Budapest to update your mind regarding religion, culture, heritage, science, literature and trading in Budapest.

What to see in Budapest

Panoramic views

  • Naphegy panoramic view to Gellért Hill, best near view to south side of Buda Castle, historic district Krisztinaváros
  • The Fisherman’s Bastion panoramic view across the Danube to Pest, in the heart of the Castle District.
  • Tabán historic site, near panoramic view to Buda Castle, Danube Promenade, Erzsébet Bridge, park and 1956 Hungarian Revolution Memorial
  • Gellért Hill best far view to the Danube Bridges, Danube Promenade and Gellért Baths
  • Danube Promenade view to Buda Castle, Gellért Hill
  • Sashegy impressive, far view from the top of the Natural Reserve Park to: Gellérthegy, Naphegy, Buda Castle, Danube Promenade. End of the Tájék street.
  • Széchenyi-hegy, far view to: Gellérthegy, Naphegy, Sashegy, Buda Castle, Danube Promenade

Main sights

  • Andrássy Avenue with its several sights including the Hungarian State Opera House, the Pest Broadway and the House of Terror
  • Bauhaus in Budapest
  • Buda Castle with the Royal Palace, the Funicular, Hungarian National Gallery and National Széchényi Library, Matthias Church, Holy Trinity Column (a plague column) and Fisherman’s Bastion
  • City Park with Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, the Timewheel, the Zoo, the Municipal Grand Circus and the Amusement Park
  • Danube Promenade
  • Ferenciek tere with Paris Courtyard and Erzsébet Bridge with Inner City Parish Church nearby
  • Franz Liszt Academy of Music
  • Gellért Baths, Gellért Hill with Gellért Statue, Cave Church and Citadel with Liberty Statue
  • Geological Museum
  • Great Market Hall and Liberty Bridge
  • Heroes’ Square with the Millenary Monument, the Palace of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts
  • Margaret Island with the Centennial Memorial, a Japanese garden, a Musical Fountain, several recreation facilities and Franciscan, Dominican and Premonstratensian ruins from the Middle Ages
    Museum of Applied Arts
  • National Museum
  • Szabadság tér One of the most beautiful squares in downtown Budapest
  • Corvin tér Beautifully restored square at the foot of Castle Hill
  • Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe with the Holocaust Memorial (weeping willow statue)
  • New York Café
  • Óbuda
  • Palace of Arts and National Theatre
  • Parliament Building with the Holy Crown of Hungary and sceptre, Kossuth Memorial, Ethnographical Museum, Attila József statue, Imre Nagy statue
  • Saint Stephen’s Basilica
  • Sashegy – The largest Natural Reserve Park of Budapest
  • Shoes on the Danube Promenade Gyula Pauer – Holocaust Memorial
    Statue Park
  • Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Academy of Sciences and Gresham Palace
  • Tomb of Gül Baba
  • Váczi utca and Vörösmarty Square
  • Western Railway Station
  • Erzsébetváros District VII, the former Jewish quarter


View Budapest – Queen city on Danube River, Hungary in a larger map

The post Budapest – Queen city on Danube River or the City of Spas | Hungary appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/02/budapest-queen-city-on-danube-river-hungary-or-the-city-of-spas/feed/ 0
Prague – City of a Hundred Spires and the sixth most visited city in all of Europe https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/20/prague-city-of-a-hundred-spires/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/20/prague-city-of-a-hundred-spires/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 01:41:15 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=203 The city of Prague is the capital as well as the largest city in the Czech Republic. Many people also consider Prague to be the most beautiful city in the entire country and as a result has been commonly referred to as the Golden City as well as the Mother of Cities, or the City […]

The post Prague – City of a Hundred Spires and the sixth most visited city in all of Europe appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
The city of Prague is the capital as well as the largest city in the Czech Republic. Many people also consider Prague to be the most beautiful city in the entire country and as a result has been commonly referred to as the Golden City as well as the Mother of Cities, or the City of a Hundred Spires.

Prague can be found situated along the banks of the Vltava River in the Northwestern part of the country. It offers a unique and interesting climate with warm mild summers and chilly winters. There are more than 2 million people who live in the metropolitan area that surrounds the city of Prague. Prague is also one of the most popular destinations in all of Europe, and as a result more than 4 million people from all over Europe and the world make their way to the city every single year.

Charles bridge, Prague, The Czech Republic
Charles bridge, Prague, The Czech Republic / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

For more than 1100 years, the city of Prague has been the cultural, economic as well as political center of the Czech state. The city was first established during the Holy Roman Empire words that as the permanent seat for two different Roman emperors prior to becoming the capital of the Czech Republic. Today, the historic town centre is designated an UNESCO world heritage site.

For the most part, the city of Prague survived much of the destruction associated with both world wars. And thanks to this the city is home to numerous attractions and monuments; many of which are centuries old. The most popular of these attractions of course is that of Prague Castle. Then of course there is the old Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, Kampa, the city’s old historic town square, as well as Petřín Hill.

Old town square, Prague, The Czech Republic
Old town square, Prague, The Czech Republic / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

Anyone who chooses to visit the city of Prague will also find that there are 10 different major museums that can be found within the city, as well as numerous theatres, cinemas as well as art galleries and other historically important exhibits. Of course there is no need to walk around the city because there is an excellent and very modern public transportation system that can get you to any destination within the city.

There are many historically important destinations which can be found within the city of Prague. And thanks to the fact that it survived the wrath and destruction of both world wars, most of the destinations and attractions within the city have been well preserved since their initial construction centuries ago. After all, there is a reason why Prague is the sixth most visited city in all of Europe.

Once you choose Prague for your holiday destination (which I always recommend), here you can find Top 15 places to see in Prague! The list has been prepared by me as the current Prague resident.

The post Prague – City of a Hundred Spires and the sixth most visited city in all of Europe appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/20/prague-city-of-a-hundred-spires/feed/ 1