Top Three Destinations in the Marvelous City of Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa where the beaches are golden, the mountains lush, and the nightlife is filled with samba. This city certainly does not disappoint, but don’t take our word for it, go see it for yourself. Lushly forested mountains fringe the city, shimmering beaches trace the shoreline and a string of tiny islands lie scattered along the seafront. So download the Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide and Offline Map and start your adventure now!

1.     Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach is so famous that a song was named after it. Here you’ll enjoy a clearer and cleaner beach compared to that of Copacabana. The word ipanema is an indigenous word for “bad, dangerous waters”, which is not far off given the strong undertow and often oversized waves that crash onto the shore. The long stretch of sun-drenched sand is demarcated by posts, which mark off subcultures as diverse as the city itself.

2.     Parque Nacional da Tijuca

The 39-square-kilometer tropical jungle preserve is extremely rich with what mother nature has to offer. It filled with beautiful tress, waterfalls, mountainous terrain, and high peaks. It’s hard to imagine what this place once was as Tijuca is all that’s left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. Serious hikers are very fond of Tijuca as climbing the 1,012 meter summit of Pico da Tijuca offers you a majestic view.

3.     Cristo Redentor

Of course, we can never leave out the famous Christ the Redeemer. Standing atop Corcovado, the massive statue of Cristo Redentor gazes out over Rio. The mountain itself rises straight up from the city to 710 meters and at night the brightly lit 38-meter high open armed statue is visible from nearly every part of the city.

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Three Awesome Things to See in Brittany, the French region for Explorers

There's far more to Brittany than delicious crêpes and homemade cider. The hilly peninsula that stretches towards the Atlantic Ocean is filled with a dramatic coastline, medieval towns, and lush forests. Once you go beyond world-famous sights such as stunning St-Malo, you will be charmed by the wild, varied landscapes including prehistoric menhirs and even an unusual blush-hued beach. Discover what Brittany has to offer the Brittany Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     St-Malo

With one of the world's greatest tidal ranges here you'll witness waves lash the top of the ramparts of the city. But don't let that discourage you from visiting, just mere hours after a storm the blue sky becomes one with the cobalt sea and as the tides recede they expose broad sandy beaches the surround granite outcrop islands. The beautiful walled city's fortifications began in the 12th century and during the 17th and 18th century it soon became a base for merchants and pirates alike.

2.      Carnac

Beyond its enticing beaches and stunning town center, Carnac holds a collection of magnificent megalith sites making it a must-see while in Brittany. Predating the Stonehenge by a century, the town is also home to a sheer number of ancient sites found in its vicinity. The collection contains more than 3,000 upright stones erected between 5000 and 3500 B.C. making it the world's greatest concentration of megalith sites.

3.     Château de Josselin

Upon your first glimpse of the château, you will be greeted by its three round towers. It is an incredible sight and remains the home of the Rohan family today. The castle flamboyant Gothic facade is accentuated by the central courtyard's tree-filled grounds and a great view of the river below. Although you will need a guide to enter the castle, here you will see a medieval-style dining room, a 3000-tome library, and a grand salon filled with Sèvres porcelain, Gobelins carpets, and an astronomical clock.

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Top 3 Things to Do in Naples, One of the Oldest Cities in the World

Sitting on the Bay of Naples is the third largest city in Italy and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It had undergone numerous changes from being a Greek settlement in the Bronze Greek Age starting in the second millennium BC to eventually becoming a cultural center of the Roman Republic in the sixth century BC. Today, it is famously known for its rich history--enclosing 27 centuries of memories and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy your trip to Naples with the Naples Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The eruption that rocked the Roman Empire is said to have released a hundred thousand times the thermal energy released by the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings. At present, Vesuvius remains active and is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years. Enjoy a stunning view of this sleeping dragon from the ruins of Pompeii or visit the Mount Vesuvius National Park.

2.      Castel Nuovo

Right in the heart of central Naples is the scenic and imposing castle that was erected in 1279. The medieval site is considered one of the main landmarks of the city. When Charles I of Naples became King he ordered a new castle to be built not far from the sea to house his court. Three years later, Castel Nuovo housed royalty up until the War of the Sicilian Vespers. Castel Nuovo soon became a witness to famous historical events so it's definitely a site not to be missed by history buffs.

3.      Catacombs of San Gennaro

The series of underground paleo-Christian burial sites located in the northern part of the city can easily be identified by the church of Madre del Buon Consiglio. What was once separate cemeteries, dedicated to Saint Gaudiosus, Saint Severus, and St. Januarius is now interconnected by spacious passageways along two levels. The lower level dates back to the 3rd-4th century and may actually be an earlier pre-Christian cemetery.

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Must-See Islands in the Tropical Paradise of Seychelles

The island country of Seychelles consists of 115 islands that you can choose from. This little archipelago in the Indian Ocean is paradise on Earth filled with stunning beaches, powdery-white sandy shores lines, uninhabited islands, and kilometers of reefs. We warn you, it might be a difficult decision on which islands you'd like to visit as every single one holds its own special charm. But with the Seychelles Travel Guide and Offline Map rest assured that you'll be able to pick your little slice of paradise without a problem.

1.      Praslin Island

What is often dubbed as the "Garden of Eden", this island is only 12 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, but it has a plethora of things to offer. Take a dip in the most beautiful beaches on the entire Seychelles like Anse Lazio. It is considered as the best beach to visit and for good reason. The beach is bordered by large granite boulders making it postcard pretty. Praslin is also home to one of the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai. The reserve is full of lush natural palm trees preserved in almost its original state.

2.      La Digue

Even the tiny, La Digue, packs a punch when it comes offering the beauty of nature. With only 2,000 or so inhabitants it is the epitome of island life. You can expect to be completely relaxed with its slow pace and absolute silence. Signs of modern civilization like asphalt roads and tall buildings are absent and you can even see the occasional ox carts servicing as taxis. To preserve the calmness of the island getting around is exclusively done by foot or by bike.

3.      Mahé

Mahé is the biggest island of Seychelles and is home to 86 percent of the country's total population. You'd be surprised for such a small island it holds an international airport and the city of Victoria--the smallest capital city in the world. The island also offers a variety of entertainment options. You can even go hiking to the top of Seychelles' highest peak, the Morne Seychellois, which lies in the Morne Seychellois National Park.

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Bucket list add on! Vancouver, Where Nature Meets Science

Are you planning a family trip? Why not consider visiting Vancouver in British Columbia? The bustling west-coast seaport has something to offer for every member of the family. As Canada's densest and most ethnically diverse cities, it come to no surprise that Vancouver has a lot going on. It's a sea port that's surrounded by picturesque mountains and it's thriving art scene is very much palpable with its notable architecture. Whether if dad is a thrill seeker and you're bringing grandma along Vancouver has something for every taste and personality. make sure download the Vancouver Travel Guide and Offline City Map to help you plan your trip!

1.      Science World

A sparkling geodesic dome, towering metal dinosaur and Mondrian-like exterior invite you into a museum with intricate exhibits that will keep you preoccupied for hours. Located just minutes from downtown at Main Street, it ignites your mind with its interactive indoor and outdoor displays, inspirational feature exhibitions and jaw-dropping live science demonstrations. From environment, life sciences, physics, and even sustainability, Science World is a dream come to true for any science buff. They even hosts occasional After Dark adult evenings featuring special guests such as the animators from “Jurassic World”!

2.      Stanley Park

Stanley Park was named the "Top Park in the World" by TripAdvisor and it come to no surprise. The park itself contains 27 kilometers of trails through rainforests, an almost century-old seawall, sandy beaches, First Nations totem poles, wildlife, the Vancouver aquarium, sports facilities and plenty of dining options. Walk the trails around Beaver Lake. Here you'll feel like you've been transported to another place, being surrounded by a 400-hectare rainforest, you'll never feel like you're right in the heart of downtown. Go for a walk around the lily pad covered lake and you’ll encounter wildlife such as raccoons, frogs, herons, and friendly squirrels.

3.      Granville Island

Touted as a paradise for food lovers, this man-made island is a gem located only 10 minutes from Vancouver Downtown. It's main attraction is its public market. As a hub bustling with activity, it offers fresh produce, fruit, meat, fish and more. Enjoy homemade ice cream and pastries and explore more of island as it's also considered one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theaters, artisan workshops and craft studios.

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Alluring Reasons to Visit Cape Town, the Southernmost City of the African Continent

Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in the continent of Africa and here are some of the many reasons why. Download the Cape Town Travel Guide and Offline City Street Map beforehand so you’ll have an easier time exploring this magnificent city.

1.      The Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is the most famous attraction in Cape Town. The Cape of Good Hope gives you direct view of one of the most extraordinary natural displays on earth – the collision of currents from the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Afterwards, you can go to the Castle of Good Hope and have a look at an extensive collection of art and military memorabilia put together by William Fehr.

2.      The Kirtenbosch Botanical Gardens

The Kirtenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the 'Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the World'. It houses all the luscious and rare flora of Cape Town. The flowers and plants are just half of the reason you should pay these majestic gardens a visit. The journey to the gardens itself will surely be an unforgettable experience. You will trek through the numerous pathways and trails at the back side of Table Mountain. During the trek, you’ll get to see a wide variety of African plants, each well marked so you’ll know their name and a little bit more information about them.

3.      Robben Island

Robben Island is the prison where world-renowned imprisoned leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu were held captive. The island prison holds plenty of historical artifacts that give light to how it was like to be a prisoner there. Today, the island now serves as a symbol for freedom from discrimination. The journey to the island itself is a popular attraction. The half-day ferry ride takes you across the captivating waters of South Africa.

4.      Cape Point

Cape Point is the one place in the city where you can take part in whale viewing. Get a rare up-close glimpse of a variety of whales including Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Killer Whales, and more. It might take hours before one emerges or breaches but the splendid view will be well worth it.

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Dublin, Ireland’s Fair City

Dublin is one of the most exhilarating tourist destinations in the world. But it offers a lot more than just the extreme. Below are some of the most interesting reasons to check out Dublin. And don’t forget to get the Dublin Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro when you do.

The Forty Foot

The Forty Foot is one of Dublin’s traditional bathing pools is also the city’s most iconic attraction. It is a rocky plateau projecting into the Irish Sea. The clean deep waters of this swimming hole have been providing thrill and enjoyment to locals and tourists for more than 250 years. Just remember that it is not for everybody. The waters are frigid and there are no lifeguards. Jumping from the rocks is discouraged by not prohibited.

Mass-participation Events

Dublin holds several mass-participation events each year. The most popular of these events are the Great Dublin Bike Ride held in September and the Dublin Marathon held in October. Several thousands of people participate in each of these two events each year. They provide an opportunity for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts to meet and mingle with other likeminded people.

The ADIFF

The 10-day Audi Dublin International Film Festival 10-day is the event film buffs and movie nerds from all over the country are looking forward to the most. Numerous premiers, previews, and Q&A sessions happen in each of the 10 days. Prominent local and international celebrities grace the event. The highlight happens in the last few days when the audience is given the chance to see upcoming films several months before their scheduled released dates.

St Patrick’s Festival

Dublin is the true home of St Patrick’s Day. It is a national celebration of identity, arts, and culture during which the best of the best of local and international talents are honored with a slew of festivities. There is always something to look forward to when it comes to Dublin’s celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The city ups the ante each year so even regular visitors don’t know what to expect.

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Bruges, a City of Historic Medieval Feel

Bruges offers one of the most unique experiences in Europe and listed below are some of the reasons why. Before visiting the city, make sure you have your trusty Bruges Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map.

Like Living in a Fairytale

Bruges looks and feels out of this world, like a place out of a Disney storybook mainly because most of the city has remained unchanged through the centuries. It still has its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and swirling canals. Many of the buildings have also remained the same, still sporting architecture from hundreds of years ago. The city being fairly small also means you can do all your exploration on foot.

Captivating Canals

Bruges’ fascinating winding canals earned it the nickname of “Venice of the North”. The waterways also make exploring the city through canal boat rides. Many boat operators are also quite knowledgeable Bruges’ history so they can teach you a lot during the boat ride. Just keep in mind that canal boat riding is a favorite activity of tourists visiting the city so it is better to go on one in the morning to avoid long queues.

Tasty Chocolate

Bruges has numerous chocolate shops and all of them sell high quality, authentic chocolate. Many of them also use their own original recipes so their chocolates cannot be found anywhere else. Some even offer sample boxes for tourists who want to have a free taste. The most famous chocolate box is probably the one sold by Chocolatier Dumon.

Different Beers

Beer is a mainstay of life in Bruges. Aside from beerhouses, almost all restaurants and eateries also serve and extensive assortment of beers. One of the city’s most infamous booze is the Pauwel Kwak which is served in a tall, funnel-like cup and is known for its unique crisp taste. If you want to visit just one beerhouse, the 2be makes a great choice since it has one of the largest collections of beers in the city.

Calm Atmosphere

Unlike most European cities that are noisy and fast paced, Bruges is serene and calm. Most of the activity is on the town square. The rest of the city is as laid back as most rural towns. Bikes and walking are the main modes of transportation and most establishments close early.

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3 Top Notch Reasons to Visit Sydney, Australia’s Most Populous City

Sydney is Australia’s most populous city. Locals love it and tourists adore it. If you ever plan on visiting the Land Down Under, Sidney is a city you should not miss. Here are a few reasons why. And remember to download the Sydney Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro to make your vacation easier and more pleasant.

1. The Beaches

debajo de beaches.jpg

Sydney is a city of beaches. With several beaches to choose from, finding one suited to your tastes will be quite easy. The Palm Beach is a popular choice as the mesmerizing scenery during the one-hour long trip to get there from the city center is truly unforgettable. The Clovelly Beach is ideal for families who just want to have a quiet and wholesome picnic by the beach. Shark Beach is known for having its own shark net and a majestic view of theSydney Harbor Bridge.

2. Authentic Sydney side Cuisine

There are several eateries in the city that can provide you with a taste of genuine Australian cuisine. Harry’s Cafe De Wheels is the most popular and most iconic among them all. It is a simple hot dog and pie stand. For a few dollars, you can enjoy a quick meal while enjoying a great view of the Woolloomooloo Harbor. The Doyles is well-known for its take on Australian Fish and Chips that uses squeezed lemon and mayonnaise in place vinegar. And the Kawa Café is the top choice for Australian coffee.

3. So Much Free Stuff to Do

debajo del parrafo So Much Free Stuff to Do.jpg

You can have fun in Sidney without spending a dime. In the center of the city, you can find the Botanic Gardens. This place is full of all kinds of harmless wildlife such as lorikeets, cockatoos, and water dragons. From the Botanic Garden, you can take a straight path to Paddington. In this route which is a few miles long, you can see flying foxes and other sorts of fruit bats flying around. If you are looking for panoramic views of the city, you can go to the Opera House or the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

These are only a portion of the things you can do in Sydney. To get more information, come and check out eTips – your reliable traveling companion.

A city armed with Gothic grit and glamour- Visit Lisbon!

WOW! Lisbon skyline at sunset

Lisbon which came out of a dire recession galvanized and game for anything, has found itself in the unexpected position being of Europe's new cool capital. There are more exciting things to do in Lisbon so make sure you have your Lisbon Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro.

Enjoy the view

Strap on some comfy shoes and get moving, Lisbon, after all, is a city of seven hills, which means there are breathtaking views around (nearly) every corner. One of the best views of Lisbon can be found from the São Jorge Castle. Get your tickets online to avoid lining up, and enjoy the view of the city from the castle grounds. If you’d rather not pay for a view, Miradouro da Graca offers some of the best sights free of charge. Bring a sandwich, grab a bench, and enjoy a leisurely lunch with a stunning view of Lisbon. If you’re after a luxurious setting, Silk nightclub is supposed to be one of the best vantage points to see Lisbon at night. Just make sure to dress the part, as this club has a fairly strict dress code (we found out the hard way).

Shop

Shopping in Lisbon is plentiful and very affordable. Skip the useless souvenirs, and instead stock up on delicious Portuguese specialties like gourmet tinned fish, sweet Ginja, and the delicious Portuguese-made preserves and honeys. Portuguese ceramics and fragrant soaps are also amazing keepsakes to bring back with you. Make sure you’re not buying the Made in China products by shopping at stores that sell the locally-crafted ceramics (and other goodies) – Lisbon Shop, A Vida Portuguesa, and Embaixada are a few of my faves. Embaixada deserves a special mention for its beautiful setting.

Explore

Lisbon is a lively, beautiful city with a ton of things to do and plenty of landmarks to visit. Admiring the many tiled buildings was probably my favorite thing, which is why I’m so sad that we missed out on a visit to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (aka the Tile Museum). I hear it’s a gem, so check it out if you get a chance.

It was too hot for us to ride the infamous Tram 28, but hanging out along its route to take photos of the passing trams was just as fun.

So beautiful, typical Lisbon architecture

Eat

Lisbon’s foodie scene was definitely a pleasant surprise. Nearly every single meal we had during our trip was a smash hit. There’s a plethora of delicious options at the admittedly touristy Time Out Market; the Piri Piri chicken from the Miguel Laffan stall was my personal favorite, but other restaurants were great too according to my friends and fellow travelers (just watch out for aggressive table stealers).

For a fresh take on ceviche, A Cevicheria is a must-visit. You won’t be impressed with the quantity of food at this tiny resto, but you will certainly love every bite.

Get to know more about Lisbon or some other city you plan to visit, just go to eTips to get all the info you need!

Miami, the Tropical City in the West

If you’ve had enough of the dreary weather but don’t have the time to visit a distant tropical country, then just come to Miami, Florida. There are tons of things you can do in Miami so make sure you have your Miami Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro.Tropical Weather

The weather in Miami is simply perfect. It is tropical most of the year. You can go around the city wearing simple shorts, a tank top, and some flip-flops and you’ll be just fine. Since it’s like it’s always summer here, the variety of summer clothes sold in malls and boutiques is massive.

Beaches

Miami Beach is the foremost destination of most people that go to Miami for a vacation. It is like an endless paradise of sun, sand, and clear blue water. Paired with the great weather, every day is a perfect time to hang out on the beach. It is also one of the rare locations were some people even take a stroll at the beach during winter.

Another typical day at Miami Beach. Nice!

Water Activities

Sunbathing or swimming is not the only thing you can do in Miami Beach. You can also go boating, jet skiing, water skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and more. If you prefer to stay dry, you can just go and eat some good food at one of the several restaurants built right over the water.

Shopping

There are a lot of gigantic malls in the city so you can pretty much find anything and everything you want and need. One of the most popular malls in Miami is the Aventura Mall. There are also plenty of small shops and boutiques scattered all around the city.

Diverse Culture

Miami is a part of the Land of the Free. People in the city come from all walks of life bringing their own traditions and culture with them. One of the best products of this diversity is the food. You can find a restaurant for almost every country and culture in Miami.

Miami amazing cultural diversity

Want to know everything about Miami or some other city you plan to visit, just go to eTips to get all the info you need.

Visit Bern, the Swiss Capital!

When tourists talk about Switzerland the most common topics are Geneva and Zurich. Often overlooked is the nation’s capital, Bern. Below are a few reasons to visit Bern. And when you do go and visit Bern, make sure to have this app ready: Bern Travel Guide and Offline City Map. It will make your exploration easier.

1. The BearPark

The BearPark, which was recently renovated in 2015, is one of the best places in the world when it comes to observing bears in their natural habitat. It is located just outside Old Town so you can make it the first item in your itinerary to get yourself pumped up by a few bear encounters. It has an area for bears to swim and relax and an inclined lift for visitors.

So sweet! Bern BearPark!

2. The Rosengarten

Just a short 10-minute uphill walk from the BearPark is another Park named Rosengarten. The Rose Garden gives you the best aerial view of Bern and is also home to a wide variety of roses. The park also has its own restaurant aptly named Restaurant Rosengarten where you can dine while enjoying a view of the city.

3. Old Town

Bern’s Old Town is like a bear city. You will see bears everywhere such as bear decorations in shop windows, bear carvings in residential houses, etc. You can’t walk five minutes without spotting a new bear. The cobblestone streets and fountains are a thing of beauty. If you are too lazy to walk, there is also a tram that runs throughout Old Town. There are two places you should never forget to check out while in old town:

• Zytglogge – the city’s landmark clock tower where mechanical figures come out to celebrate the arrival of each new hour.
• Bern Münster – the country’s tallest cathedral with a towering height of 300 feet.
• Old Town Park – offers the best view of the sunset.

Amazing Bern Old Town View

4. The Einstein Museum

Albert Einstein, one of the most renowned geniuses in the world, came up with his famous formula E = mc 2 and a huge portion of his Theory of Relativity during his two-year stay at Bern from 1903 to 1905. The Einstein Museum has a section of 1,000 square meters dedicated solely for Einstein. You can also visit the apartment where Einstein stayed which is just a few minutes away from the Museum.

Do yourself a favor and bring with you a virtual map of the city you are visiting. You can get the best travel guides from eTips.

The Art of Meriggiare: How to Leisurely Travel Rome in One Day

If there is one person who knows the right way to see Rome, it’s Italian poet Eugenio Montale. In his famous work, Meriggiare, he talks about spending the day in deliberate languidness - observing the cracks on the pavement and watching the ants march in a single file - and the pleasure derived from doing it.

Meriggiare means “to pass the hottest hours of the day in a shady outdoor place.” It has no direct translation in English, but if it did, it would simply mean “the best way to enjoy Rome,” which is to say purposefully unhurried.

Even if you’re only in Rome for a layover, all you have to do is download the Rome Travel Guide and Offline City Map find a cozy café using its offline maps, order an espresso, and check out eTips suggestions on how to travel in Rome based on the art of meriggiare.

Take A Walk

Rome is notorious for its bad traffic. In fact, it’s widely recognized as one of the worst places to drive in the world. So, if you only have a few hours to spare in the city, forget about traveling by car.

There is no better way to see Rome than by foot. Take a stroll in the alleys of the Jewish Ghetto,

the oldest Jewish community in Europe, and indulge in the community’s historic and picturesque charms.

One of the ghetto’s must-see attractions is Bocca della Verità or the Mouth of Truth located in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedia. Legend has it that it was used in ancient times as a lie detector during trials.

The way it works is that the accused will place his hand inside the mouth. If he’s telling the truth, he gets to keep his hand. If he lies, the Mouth of Truth will punish him by biting off his hand.

You’ll probably recognize the Mouth of Truth from Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s film Roman Holiday.

Rome best places to visit

Visit A Local Market. But first, a grattachecca.

As Anthony Bourdain would tell you, if you want to know a city, you have to visit its local market.

Found just south of Piazza Navona, Campo de'Fiori is known as one of the best open-air markets in Rome. It has everything from fruits, vegetables, spices, cheese, flowers, even tableware. There are also stalls that hawk unique souvenir items.

But the highlight of any market are the food stalls. Snack on some porchetta, pizza al taglio, deep fried cod, supplì, and even a cone or two of gelato for a pre-pub hopping fill, before Campo de’Fiori transforms from midday market to an open-air pub at night.

But first, get yourself a refreshing glass of grattachecca, a dessert made from shaved ice, syrup, and fruit toppings, to start your day.

Don't miss Rome amazing markets

Nightcap at Trastevere

Trastevere translates to “across the Tiber” is a laidback neighborhood which seamlessly combines Rome’s medieval past and bohemian present.

Indulge in its hipster neighborhood vibe while getting a bite from a trattoria or sipping on wine in an outdoor cafe.

You can start your day with a walk through Trastevere’s winding cobblestone streets. Get your aperitivo on while admiring the well-preserved Medieval architecture, before heading to Piazza Santa Maria to do some people watching.

Haight-Ashbury: On San Francisco's Hippie Trail

Fueled by either flower-power or psychedelic drugs, an estimated 100,000 tie-dye-wearing, alternative-lifestyle-advocating, Vietnam-War-protesting, rock-and-rolling youths marched to the corner of Haight and Ashbury in San Francisco.It was 1967 – the Summer of Love.

Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair

If the Summer of Love had a soundtrack, Scott McKenzie’s San Francisco would be the first track. The song - along with its now famous lyrics, “be sure to wear flowers in your hair” - was used to promote the Monterey International Pop Festival.

Headlined by legends such The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, The Mamas and the Papas, Otis Redding, The Animals, and Ravi Shankar, the now iconic three-day long music festival officially kicked-off the Summer of Love.

And as the festival wound down, the thousands in attendance continued their counter-culture pilgrimage to what will soon become as the epicenter of hippie culture – Haight-Ashbury district, San Francisco.

Going on a Good Trip

Although the Haight-Ashbury district is a very different scene now, fragments of the 60s hippie culture still peeks through the high-end boutiques, private schools, and even through a Ben & Jerry’s franchise.

So, if you’re up for a very good – excuse the pun – trip, to re-live the era of free love, first, download this free app. The San Francisco Travel Guide and Offline City Maps SF has an augmented reality feature, offline metro maps, and suggested itineraries.

To get you started on following the hippie trail, here are a few suggestions of historical and groovy places to visit in the Haight-Ashbury district from eTips.

San Francisco Travel Guide and metro maps

The Red Victorian

As one of the Haight-Ashbury originals and witness to the Summer of Love, there are plenty of reasons to stay at The Red Victorian.

But mostly, who wouldn’t want to stay in hotel that’s rumoured to have been a brothel, hosts World Peace Conversations on Sundays, and have rooms named Summer of Love, Flower Children, Earth Charter, and Peacock?

The Painted Ladies

If only Haight’s Painted Ladies can talk. These intricately-designed Victorian and Edwardian houses that line up the district’s streets, were once home to such greats as Jimi Hendrix (1524A Haight St.), The Hell’s Angels (719 Ashbury St.), Grateful Dead (710 Ashbury), Janis Joplin (122 Lyon St.), and Sid Vicious (32 Delmar St.).

Hippie Hill

Living up to its name (and history), Hippie Hill on the east end of Golden Gate Park hosts the annual 420 in the Park festival. Where thousands of visitors smoke up, listen to some drum circles, face paint, and most probably, satisfy their mid-day munchies.

The festival isn’t exactly legal, so enjoy at your own discretion. But if you want a more law abiding happening, the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of June.

Bound Together Bookstore

Nothing screams more of counter-culture symbol than a bookstore with "An Anarchist Collective" as its tag-line. The all volunteer-run, consensus-based shop sell zines and books that cover topics like feminism, queer culture, poetry, politics, drugs, spirituality, and, of course, Anarchism.

Tourism in San Francisco

Amoeba Music

While it wasn’t yet around during the Summer of Love, Amoeba Music is the portal to era’s record collection. True to its name as the world’s largest independent record store, it carries everything from vintage vinyl LPs to hard-to-find CDs, even cassettes.

If you’re a music lover, better dedicate a whole day just for visiting the shop. Because with their quality stock of music and movies, you might not even make it to the new release aisle.

Jammin’ on Haight

What better souvenir from the home of the hippies than premier psychedelic fashion items? In true peace and love fashion, the boutique gives a portion of its profits to Taking It To The Streets San Francisco (TITTS), an organization that works with homeless youth.