Hit the markets

Nothing captures the buzz and character of London more than its bustling markets. Colourful, cultural and packed full of bargains galore, whether you’re looking to uncover chic gems in the vintage clothes stalls of Camden, sample the sights, smells and tastes of Whitecross Street Food Market or hunt for treasure in Brixton, there are plenty of unique and tempting markets all across London which are at their best during the week, away from the tourist-trapping weekend trade.

London Eye and Panorama, England, UK by Elliott Brown

Soak up the views

Whether you’re a hard-nosed Londoner who knows the Tube map like the back of your hand, or an innocent tourist clutching your guidebook, the chances are you’re often in too much of a rush to really soak up the unique beauty of this city. A day off is a fantastic chance to take a step back and just drink it all in. The London Eye may be one of London’s most recognisable icons but it is also one of the best ways to get a great view of the famous buildings, landmarks and skyline that lie all around you.

Explore the quirky side of life

As well as its glitzy tourist attractions and mainstream entertainment, London really excels itself when it comes to underground culture and off-beat antics and there are plenty of ways to explore this side of the city – you just have to know who to ask. The Alternative London Tour will show you some of the best street art and unique cultural history of East London, while Ghost and Murder Walks can help you uncover the darker sides of London’s spooky underbelly.

London Fields, Hackney, Egland, UK by Charles Hutchins

Hit the park

A day off means relaxing and getting away from the daily grind. Luckily, London is blessed with plenty of green spaces which means you don’t need to travel far to be able to chill out on the grass or enjoy a rejuvenating wildlife walk. If you’re planning what to do with your bank holiday, then a barbecue is often the first thing that springs to mind, but for many Londoners access to a garden comes at a price. But fear not, if sparking up the barbie in your front room fills you with fear, then you can always head off to Highbury Fields in Islington or London Fields in Hackney, two parks which permit barbecues in designated areas.

This article has been produced by FollowUK. The place to follow UK Bank Holidays 2013 dates, not to forget dates for special occasions and important events.

The post Top Things to Do in London on Your Day Off appeared first on Europe Explored.

Castle of San Angelo and the bridge, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Sightseeing

There will never be a shortage of places to go or see when visiting the city. Rome is a living and breathing tourist attraction. An old fountain or historic church will always be there to welcome any first time visitor. Thousands of years of history have filled the city with some of the world’s most beautiful structures. A simple glimpse of these places is enough to transport anyone to another time in history. The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon and Spanish Steps are just some of the must-see places to visit. Creating a travel plan with each of these places location in mind helps minimize travel time and lets you cover more places. Hiring a tourist guide for example helps you

Shopping

Italy is known for its designers, whether it’s the latest car design or the latest fashion trends from Milan, shoppers will find Rome to be a haven. Looking for a Bargain? Then visiting the Spanish steps or centro storico will give you a glimpse of some of the country’s biggest and upcoming names in fashion.

Weekday shopping hours are from 3:30 to 7:30 pm and 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM during weekends. Italians also take their coffee breaks seriously so be ready to wait for a few minutes in the afternoon. There are also avenues in the city lined with shops selling high-fashion brand names at discount prices. Talking to a local could help you get the best bargains and inside scoop for the city’s hidden treasures.

There are also a number of flea markets for buying souvenirs. Porta Portese in Trastevere is one of the most popular hunting grounds in the city. You could also give Testaccio’s food market or Campo de’ Fiori to get a better look into what the city has to offer.

Museums

The Vatican Museum is home to the world’s most beautiful art pieces. Located at the northwest corner of the city, it showcases works by some of the best Italian artists like Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. Other notable museums to visit include the Capitoline Museum, Musei Vaticani and Galleria Borghese. The Vatican requires a dress code for visitors entering the Sistine Chapel, Basilica di San Pietro and Musei Vaticani. Be ready to allocate some of your touring day’s for visiting these museums and arrange your travel plans accordingly.

St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican / Photo by admin

Entertainment

The city is not only home to art pieces from the past but also hosts some of the best performing artists in the world. Rome by day is a sight to behold and could only be rivaled by its nightlife. There is always something for everybody. Restaurants and cafes lining the city’s streets will be a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. Theatres are some of the best in Europe. The Auditorium-Parco della Musica is a large venue that regularly shows live performances. Trendy bars and night clubs give visitors some of Europe’s best nightlife scenes.

This is an article by Suzzane who works for Rome Apartments.

The post A Traveler’s Must Do Guide When Visiting Rome | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.