Sights and sounds of Stockholm

Sweden, the land of forests and lakes, also boasts bustling cities where cutting edge design mixes with rich cultural heritage. The capital city Stockholm is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, largely due to the archipelago system it is built around. Captivating landscapes abound in Sweden from scenic coastlines, idyllic islands, arctic wilderness areas, vast lakes and starkly beautiful forests that cover over half the country. Stockholm has to be seen by water as it sparkles with the water that surrounds it. Made up of fourteen islands ‘the water city’, as it has been nicknamed, is the capital of Sweden and the Nordic region’s largest city. Here grand historic buildings and culture dating back to the 13th century intermingle with some of the best contemporary art and design in the world. Stockholm’s extensive public transport system makes it easy to get around and discover hidden corners of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. City Sightseeing has bus tours guided in several different languages. The buses take you from the centre of the city and around the different parts of Stockholm passing all interesting sights. If you prefer to step off at the sights we recommend our Open Top busses and the Hop-on Hop-off tour that can also be combined with the Hop-on Hop-off boat. If you want to go further out in the archipelago the Cinderella boats depart from Strandvägen heading far out to small isles. Also recommended is the purchasing of the Stockholm Card which provides free entrance to 75 sightseeing spots, free use of city sightseeing buses, undergrounds, bus and suburb trains. The Stockholm card is sold in most tourist information centers and hotels. There are many ways to see Stockholm apart from the ones mentioned above. There are biking tours, kayaking tour of the archipelago, sunset wildlife safari tour, royal tour, historical tour, Viking history day trips, royal canal tour and so on and so forth. You can take your pick as per your liking and convenience. You can also do a round of sightseeing in just a day if you are short on time.

Sights and Sounds of Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a wonderfully compact city with an efficient public transport system. This is why even if time is short, you can quite easily get a feel of the place and see most of the city and its many sights and attractions. You’ll want to see as much as you can, so get your soft shoes on so you’re comfortable and get ready to have an exciting time going around the city of Copenhagen. The city is a blend of historic and modern architecture and you can find many very unusual attractions. You can pick from some fantastic things to see and do. Find out why they call it "wonderful Copenhagen" with a city sightseeing tour of Denmark's vibrant and graceful capital, and get a bird's eye view of Copenhagen's swirling towers and turrets, not forgetting the Little Mermaid by trying out the Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Copenhagen. Make the most of your time in Denmark's capital and take advantage of free and discounted transport and admission as you explore the numerous museums and attractions the city has to offer by taking the Copenhagen Card. Be sure to see the Kastelett and the Tivoli when you’re in the city of Copenhagen. You’ll have your choices of so many wonderful things to do. Go and gaze at the Amalienborg, the Royal Castle, right near the centre of the city – it is actually four castles formed around a parade square and the residence of the Queen and the royal family. Every day at 12 noon you can enjoy the Changing of the Guard. Copenhagen landmarks are conveniently clustered in an area that is easily accessible by foot, train or bus. Around 900 years ago, a footpath was formed down what is now the heart of the city: the pedestrians-only street, Stroget, with its centuries-old architecture, fountains and busy shops.

Sights and Sounds of Warsaw

Sightseeing and Warsaw don’t usually go together, and the reason, if not the blame, for that falls on her citizens. While some cities may have been happy to wait out Nazi occupation, the Warsaw locals were having none of that. The ensuing uprising which took place in 1944 would become both the most glorious and tragic episode in the city’s history. Warsaw is among the greenest metropolises on the continent, with the Europe’s wildest river gushing through the centre of the city. During World War II Warsaw was reduced to rubble, nonetheless she was brought back to life and continues flourishing. There are many ways to fully comprehend Warsaw, get to it better, and many more are waiting to be defined and shared with others. Everyone will find amusing or entertaining ways to spend time in Warsaw, which should help with understanding this multitude of contrasts and variations that define this spectacular city. Paradoxically Warsaw’s Old Town is only fifty years old. After World War II it was proudly and laboriously reconstructed to its present form. In 1980 it was placed on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Monumental and lapidarian Socialist realism neighbours the subtle and ethereal Art Nouveau, and modern-glass skyscrapers tower over the apartment buildings. Modern office building designed by the famous architect beautifully blends in with its neighbouring Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was constructed as the arcade of Saxon Palace. Monumental district Praga, which for decades was in the shadows of cultural life, is enduring meticulous revitalization, and it is becoming a promised land for the artists and the oasis for the creative undertakings. There is an absolutely, one hundred percent authentic orchard on the roof of the largest University Library in the city. There is Hip-hop and all-pervading Fryderyk Chopin whose music you can listen to within ancient walls of the Łazienki Park – where the composer himself used to play. It is an interesting contrast.

Sights and Sounds of Budapest

Budapest is a city once again at the heart of Europe, a booming cultural metropolis where history and the contemporary blend with cosmopolitan flair. With architectural wealth and natural beauty that can rival any city on the continent, Budapest ranks next to Paris, Rome and Prague as one of the great European capitals. It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the 'must-sees' and 'must-dos' in Budapest. Budapest is a "walking city" and there are plenty of walking tours that will allow you to see many of the city's attractions at once, such as the Castle Hill Walking Tour, or the Jewish Quarter Tour. If you don't want to make the trek you can always make use of the city's excellent transportation system. Although it’s easy to discover Budapest on your own there are also plenty of guided tours available that will help you to explore the many faces of the city. Budapest has re energized it self so much since the  war, the cafes, the places to see, the cuisine. If these myriad reasons aren’t enough to get you on the next Budapest-bound flight, don’t forget that the Hungarian capital is also a spa town, and a great place to relax in hot sulphur baths or to get massaged beneath art deco murals in grand hotels. Hungarian itself may be impenetrably foreign, but even if you don’t speak a word you’ll soon feel at home here.

Sightseeing in Prague

One of Europe’s most charming and beautiful cities, Prague is a magical city with cathedrals, bridges, gold tipped towers and church domes. Almost undamaged by WWII, Prague's compact medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle that looks eastward as the sun sets behind her. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events catering to the independent traveller's thirst for adventure. The view of Prague from the Vltava river is a unique experience, as the historical centre is visible from a different perspective, presenting unusual prospects to the watcher.

Sightseeing in Madrid

There are many instances of architectural and artistic styles spanning the range of medieval to modern throughout the city. Attractions that demonstrate a baroque style include Fuente de la Fama, Convento de San Antón and San Isidro. San Jerónimo el Real is essentially Gothic in appearance. Neoclassical architecture may be seen in the Puerta de Alcalá and Palacio de Bibliotecas y Museos whilst the Botero Statues and Faro de Moncloa are distinctly modern. As Europe's lushest capital Madrid has an abundance of pleasant parks and open spaces, such as the Real Jardín Botánico, Casa de Campo and Parque del Oeste, which offer a diversion from the hubbub of the city. These areas are also arenas for a multitude of leisure activities, for example visitors to the Parque del Retiro may wish to unwind by rowing out on the lake. Thanks also to the Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, Madrid is a top port of call on the European art tour. Madrid's main sights occupy a compact area between the Palacio Real and the gardens of El Retiro. However, monuments are not really what Madrid is about. To get a feel for the city you need to branch out a little, and experience the contrasting character of the various barrios. The most central and rewarding are the areas around Plaza de Santa Ana and c/Huertas, east of Puerta del Sol; La Latina and Lavapiés, south of Plaza Mayor, where the Sunday market, El Rastro, takes place; and Malasaña and Chueca, north of Gran Vía.

Sights and Sounds of Edinburgh

Capital of Scotland since the 15th Century, Edinburgh stands on seven hills creating the dramatic skyline of this lively cosmopolitan city. What better way to see this fantastic city than from the top of a City Sightseeing Tour Bus. Each tour is tailor-made to offer a distinctive and entertaining experience and provide a great introduction to Scotland's Capital City. What's more, their hop-on hop-off tickets give you the flexibility to visit the famous sights around the City as you pass them. Compare Edinburgh's Old Town, where families lived in cramped conditions and rubbish was thrown out of the windows to the elegant Georgian New Town with its three main streets and a square at either end. Hear about the hangings that took place in the Grassmarket as you marvel at the impenetrable Castle Rock above you and hear about the attempts to capture Edinburgh Castle. See the Royal Mile which joins Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House.

Attractions in Athens

Life in Athens takes place on the street. The best way to experience the city is to join in this intoxicating mix that’s somewhere between bedlam and joie de vivre. Get yourself in the mood with an afternoon volta (stroll) along the Ancient Promenade. Circling the heart of the ancient city, the pedestrianized route takes in The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the mighty Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. You’ll also find plenty of modernity here, with open-air art exhibitions, book fairs, buskers and street traders, lending the promenade a festival air. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It’s one of Europe’s safest and liveliest cities – a heady mix of grunge and grace with an undeniable urban soul. Most visitors will leave impressed with its vibrant street life and relaxed lifestyle, where people take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed. Athens has improved in its social amenities and infrastructure so much, that it has become one of the most popular tourist spots. Omonoia, Psirri and Gazi, Syntagma are few remarkable Sightseeing in Athens. Still there are many hills, old museums and universities to be visited. After Marathon and Olympics fame, Athens has become the most wanted place to visit.

Sightseeing in Lisbon

Situated on the north banks of the River Tagus, the charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past. Its renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city's rich cultural heritage. Its eclectic blend of neighbourhoods, culture and architecture distinguish this capital city uniquely from the other European capitals and make it a truly fascinating and comprehensive city to visit. Observing an odyssey of sea creatures in a state-of-the-art aquarium and a breath-taking view from the walls of a millennium-old castle. A seemingly endless modern bridge and tiny turn-of-the-century trams. Climbing picturesque hills by day and bar-hopping through vibrant cobbled lanes at night. Legendary cafés and art nouveau shops. World Heritage monuments and singular museum treasures. Fairy-tale palaces and sandy beaches nearby. Long dinners and an insatiable appetite for nightlife. Antiquated and trendy; lively and melancholic. A city set on seven hills, as the legend tells, with its cobble-stoned pavements and narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafés promises a lot to discover. Most popular spots in Lisbon are; located around Rossio and Praça do Comércio, Baixa; situated on the hill around St. George’s Castle, Alfama and Mouraria; and set on Tagus River, Belém. Some museums that you can try to take out time to visit apart from the ones mentioned are Tile museum, Coaches, Maritime, Chiado, Orient, Marionette, the list is endless. All that is Lisbon. A captivating city. A soulful European capital.

Sights and Sounds of İstanbul

With its long history at the center of empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to take in. The bulk of these ancient monuments, date back to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. While you are there, apart from seeing the sights, you must make a visit to a hamam, or Turkish Bath. At one time, the nargile, or Turkish water pipe, was the centre of Istanbul’s social and political life. Today some of the locals still consider it one of life’s great pleasures and is something interesting to try. In the south of Sultanahmet, near the sea, is Yeni Marmara, where you can sit in the terrace and enjoy the view. Another area with few big good looking places is the Rıhtım Caddesi, between Galata bridge and Istanbul Modern Museum. Take a tram or walk to Eminönü (where the boats leave for trips to Asia or up the Bosphorus). Visit the New Mosque at the back, then the Egyptian Bazaar next to it, and going further in that direction, locate the Rüstem Pasha mosque with its excellent tiles. It's on a raised platform near an old clothes market. The Galata Tower, Rumeli fortress, Hippodrome, Pera and Golden Horn, Chora Church, Beylerbeyi Palace are some of the places not mentioned in detail but one must try and cover them too. Below are just some of the places one must visit when in Istanbul.

Sights and Sounds of Jakarta

The dynamic metropolis of Jakarta is centred on the historic enclave of Batavia, originally developed by Dutch colonialists, and therefore contains plenty in the way of historical tourist attractions. As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta is the cultural centre of this diverse and populous nation. There are dozens of attractions worth checking out in the city, but most visitors start their explorations in the old Dutch enclave of Batavia. Fortunately for visitors, many of the tourist highlights are concentrated in the central district of the city. Each district has its own merits, from the historic Kota neighbourhood to the old port area of Sunda Kelapa. Monuments, museums, mosques and temples can be found everywhere you look, offering days of exploration for those hardy enough to brave the traffic, pollution and heat. Catch a ride on an Indonesian train for an experience you won’t forget. The Kota Train Station is a classic example of contemporary colonial architecture dating from the 1930s. Soak in the old Dutch colonial ambiance at Fatahillah Park. Step back in time with a visit to Jatinegara Meester Cornelis. If you have time to make one excursion out of the city, this charming Dutch colonial town on the eastern fringe of Jakarta has a wonderfully antiquated feel to it. The local produce market, gemstone bazaar and temples from every religion imaginable complement the residential villages which ring the commercial heart of the town.

Sightseeing in Colombo

Colombo is an easy city to travel around. Some people appreciate its colonial heritage and dash of urban buzz in a rural country, while others quickly tire of the diesel fumes. Fort district, Sri Lanka's business and commercial areas is in the north of the city. You can find many shopping malls, bookshops, airline offices here. Fort is also the site of the Central Bank, which the Tamil Tigers blew up in January 1996. There are considerable sites including the clock tower, a former lighthouse, the president's residence (known by traditionalists as Queen's House), and colonial buildings, which lend the district an air of the bygone Empire. In the southern part of Fort is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of green graced by cricket games, kite flyers and trysting lovers while in the east is the Pettah bazaar district. Visitors will find there are many different kinds of goods which include fruit, vegetables, meat, gems, gold, silver, brass and tin junk for sale. Beyond this lies Colombo's smart neighbourhood, Cinammon Gardens, boasting elegant mansions, tree-lined streets and the lovely Viharamahadevi Park. The closest beach resort to the city is Mount Lavinia, about 10km from the city. Most who holiday in Colombo do so for a short time on their way to or from one of the beautiful Sri Lankan beach resorts, because the capital city with its frenetic traffic and general chaos is a little too much for most to handle. Colombo is, however, worth a look, offering colour and some interesting attractions, like the national museum, historic buildings, beautiful parks, the Pettah bazaar and some lovely temples. People who travel to Colombo also enjoy the Galle seafront and delicious local cuisine.

Sightseeing in Shanghai

Before arriving in Shanghai, you're probably wondering what you should visit first or how you should plan your trip because of time limit. Shanghai is an energetic international metropolis and combined with its rich heritage and Chinese culture, there is much to see and do. Modern Shanghai is emerging as one of the coolest cities in the world. Visit an experimental art collective, discover political chic souvenirs, take in the dazzling architecture and trendy nightspots, and go green at Asia’s first carbon neutral hotel, URBN. Shanghai is fascinating for night owls. The Bund is an absolute must for visitors. The rippling Huangpu River, characteristic buildings on the west bank and extraordinarily futuristic skyscrapers on the east bank all become more enchanting adorned in sparkling colored lights at night. A night cruise on the Huangpu River is highly recommended. For art lovers, Shanghai Grand Theater and Oriental Art Center will delight a visitor's taste. For those seeking relaxation, the ideal choice should be Hengshan Road and Xin Tian Di which are thronged with a variety of nightclubs, discos and bars. Between September and October every year Shanghai puts on an event with the sole purpose of attracting holidaymakers. The Tourist Festival, as it’s known, includes an Opening Day Parade, traditional entertainment, and even incorporates the Shanghai Shopping Festival. Resulting in 3 weeks of back to back, visitor-orientated fun.

Sights and Sounds of Tokyo

For decades Tokyo was visited mainly by business people connected with Japan's booming electronics and car manufacturing industries. Today, more and more people are coming to this huge, exciting megalopolis in order to enjoy its vast array of attractions and to experience a little of the culture that Japan offers visitors from overseas. Tokyo's infinite charms include temples, palaces and gorgeous, intricate gardens as well as a nightlife second to none. As for shopping, Tokyo is world famous for its boundless variety of shops and stores. Visitors in spring can enjoy the special bonus of seeing the fabulous cherry blossoms that attract vast crowds to the city parks. But a trip to Tokyo, at any time, is guaranteed to be a profoundly interesting and enjoyable experience.Tokyo is the point of entry for most visitors and business travellers to Japan. It is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Extraordinary, vibrant, fashionable, modern, a true metropolis, which still manages to reveal glimpses of its traditional past. Tokyo should be at the top of any Asian tourism agenda. It presents the mystique of traditional Japanese culture since the 17^th century, when the city was born. Its designation as the capital of Japan is fitting. Not only is it the biggest and most populous city in the nation, but it also represents the finest in Japanese heritage.

Scenic Sights of Mauritius

Mauritius is a treasure waiting to be discovered. The green island in the middle of the Indian Ocean will enchant you from the very first moment. The holiday will refresh your body and soul. There is a fair amount to see and do in Mauritius. It is known for its pristine beaches, emerald seas, craggy shorelines with colonies of water birds. Black Gorges, a must for nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts, museums, fortifications, galleries, colonial houses, beaches and what not. The beaches are the some of the best you will ever come across. White sands, clear blue waters, a treat indeed for any traveller. A host of water sports are available – sailing, windsurfing, water skiing or you can just sunbathe or relax at your hotel spa. Since the island has good weather all year round and has one of the largest coral reefs in the world, diving is a great activity anytime. Safari jeep tours, biking trips, full day sightseeing, tandem skydiving, dolphin watch, hiking, trekking, horse racing, rock climbing, kayaking. The list of what one do in Mauritius is endless. Some of the sights one must visit are covered briefly for you.

Visual Delights of Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan’s crowded capital has a unique personality. One of the most underrated tourist destinations of Asia, distills the best of what Asia has to offer. Vibrant night life, great food, hot springs, beautiful mountains, one of the best collections of Chinese art. It has a large number of museums, temples and many more places of tourist attractions. Both old and new are represented within the city limits. While old neighbourhoods, on one side of the city, sport narrow alleyways and traditional Chinese architecture, Taipei’s other half is littered with malls and office complexes. In between are the hectic roadways and nonstop commerce of this vibrant city. Sightseeing in Taipei can be a wonderful experience.  At sunrise, many Taiwanese head to the nearest park to practice Tai Chi, the slow moving exercise meant to enhance both body and mind by moving chi (a kind of life energy) throughout the body.

Sightseeing in Maldives

Maldives is a place known for its beautiful atolls. Male, being the hub of commercial trade, is the most happening place in Maldives. Its local markets and the fish market are worth visiting. There is a big reservoir of tourist places in Maldives. Since the first resort island opened on the Male Atoll in 1972, tourism has been developed to become the most important industry in this country, there are now over 90 resorts in the Maldives, each of which is on its own island, with its own unique natural beauty, style and concept. Apart from the beautiful resorts and beaches, Maldives has a unique lifestyle, culture and architecture which are very impressive. So, take out your cameras to click the photos of these picturesque places.

Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong

For the compact island it is, Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions. Hong Kong can be divided into 3 main sections. Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. Apart from these places one can discover, there are pretty islands dotted around its coast. Hong Kong island is the heart and soul of the city. Hong Kong itself is subdivided into districts like Central, Wanchai, Admirality and Causeway Bay. What you can cover in this part is The Peak, Man Mo temple, Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Convention Centre. You can take the Star ferry to Kowloon, extremely popular with travellers. Again is divided into districts. Tsim Sha Tsui with Nathan Road is one of the busiest places in Hong Kong. The Waterfront and Mong Kok are the other areas. The New Territories include a lot of beaches, and actually is residence to a lot of people who have moved there. You cannot stay here if you are a visitor, because its too far and there isn’t much to see apart from its beautiful beaches. The Outlying Islands include Lamma Island and Lantau Island, home to Hong Kong Disneyworld and Giant Buddha.

Sightseeing in Manila

The capital follows the curve of Manila Bay approximately from north to south. It is the largest city in Southeast Asia with approximately 10 million people. Manila today is a vibrant metropolitan area and consists of 17 cities within it. Initially Manila grew from a Muslim settlement on the banks of River Pasig to a Spanish colony for three centuries. This was the time one sees much of the culture getting intertwined and it is reflected in the architecture, dress, food, religion, music and dance and many others.

Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for tourists coming to Asia. English is spoken and understood, making it fairly easy for tourists from all over the world. KL, one of the most vibrant and bustling cities of Asia, is blessed with natural as well as man made attractions. The tourist attractions are very diverse too, from stunning waterfalls, rainforests, beaches to pulsating nightlife, architectural marvels and entertainment.

Some of the must see sights of KL are listed below.