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Fall in Love with Vibrant Atlanta, the Capital of the South

Fall in Love with Vibrant Atlanta, the Capital of the South

There’s so much to do in Atlanta and it’s really no surprise why it’s dubbed as the capital of the South. The city is home to 5.7 million people and there’s a plethora of things to do and check out here; from big ticket attractions in the Metro to learning about the iconic African American history and even outdoor activities for the adventurers out there. Explore Atlanta with the Atlanta Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     World of Coca-Cola

Wether or not you’re an avid drinker of the world-famous soda, the World of Coca-Cola is definitely a must-see when visiting Atlanta. The museum showcases the history of the beverage company. There are multiple exhibits for you to get lost in, a pop culture gallery, and even a 4D cinema. For the Coke lovers, you’ll especially love trying out more than 100 different Coca-Cola beverages from all around the world.

2.     Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the second largest aquarium in the world and the biggest in the United States. It is home to over 500 species of marine life, which include whale sharks, dolphins, penguins, beluga whales, manta rays, turtles, and so much more. And if you’re brave enough you can even take dip with the whale sharks—don’t worry, they’re not called gentle giants for nothing.

3.     Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain is Georgia’s most visited attraction with nearly 4 million visitors each year. With over 3,200 acres of natural beauty, its highlight is definitely Stone Mountain itself—the largest exposed granite in the world. The park is also home to the world’s largest LaserShow. You won’t be disappointed as the park offers so many attractions, entertainment, and recreation.

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Beat the Caribbean Blues in the Tropical Oasis that is Key West

Beat the Caribbean Blues in the Tropical Oasis that is Key West

This 7-square-mile island feels like a beautiful tropical oasis. It’s allure stems not just from beautiful beaches and palm trees, but from the classical Caribbean homes and its eccentric vibes. It’s easy to find your groove in Key West—no matter where your interests lie. As in other parts of the Keys, nature plays a starring role here, with some breathtaking sunsets—cause for nightly celebration down on Mallory Square. Download the Key West Travel Guide and Offline Map and prepare for your trip down Highway One!

1.     Mallory Square

The fun begins in the hours leading to dusk where you’ll witness every single oddity and eccentric character on the island. Have a beer. And a conch fritter, and take a front-row seat to the music-filled mayhem. Once sunset arrives, all eyes turn to the water; and the showing comes crashing to an end shortly after the streaks of post-sunset gold, amber and lilac light up the evening sky.

2.     Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

“America’s Southernmost State Park” is home to an impressive fort, built in the mid-1800s that played roles in the American Civil War and in the Spanish-American War. The beach here is the best one Key West has to offer – it has white sand to lounge on (but is rocky in parts), water deep enough to swim in and tropical fish under the waves.

3.     Hemingway House

Key West’s biggest darling, Ernest Hemingway, lived in this gorgeous Spanish Colonial house from 1931 to 1940. Papa moved here in his early 1930s with wife No 2, a Vogue fashion editor and (former) friend of wife No 1 (he left the house when he ran off with wife No 3). The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Green Hills of Africa were produced here, as well as many six-toed cats, whose descendants basically run the grounds.

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From Sleepy to Metropolitan, Booming Portland

From Sleepy to Metropolitan, Booming Portland

What once seemed like a sleepy town, Oregon's largest city is now booming with rich advancements any metropolis would envy. The grubby dive bars have been replaced by coffee roasteries and craft breweries on just about every block. And the food carts--more and better than ever. If it sounds like Portland has become a concrete jungle, fret now. There is an abundance of natural beauty – perfect parks with leafy trees and a view of Mount Hood on the horizon. Download the Portland Travel Guide and Offline Map and go see for yourself!

1.  Pittock Mansion

This grand and beautiful 1914 mansion was built by pioneer-entrepreneur Henry Pittock, who revitalized the Oregonian newspaper; his wife, Georgiana, also a pioneer, started the earliest of Portland's annual Rose Festivals. Guided tours are available, but it's also worth visiting the grounds simply to have a picnic while taking in the spectacular views. If you're up for a wander, the mansion lies along the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, with dozens of miles of connecting trails branching off it.

2. Forest Park

Abutting the more manicured Washington Park to the south is the far wilder 5100-acre Forest Park, a temperate rainforest that harbors plants and animals and hosts an avid hiking fraternity. The Portland Audubon Society maintains a bookstore, a wildlife-rehabilitation center and 4.5 miles of trails within its Forest Park sanctuary. It's worth visiting the grounds just to check out the spectacular views – bring a picnic.

3. Pioneer Courthouse Square

One of Portland's grandest Victorian hotels once stood here, but it fell into disrepair and was torn down in 1951. Later the city decided to build Pioneer Courthouse Sq, and grassroots support resulted in a program that encouraged citizens to buy and personalize the bricks that eventually built the square. Names include Sherlock Holmes, William Shakespeare, and Elvis Presley. Across 6th Ave is the Pioneer Courthouse. Built in 1875, this was the legal center of 19th-century Portland.

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Antwerp, the City of Medieval Allure

Antwerp, the City of Medieval Allure

Oh Antwerp, where do I begin? It is considered as Belgium's second most influential city and rightfully so. Through the years, starting in the 16th century, it's one of Europe's most important cities with fashion moguls, art lovers, and even diamond dealers are drawn to its magnetic charm. Despite its turbulent experiences during the WWII, Antwerp retains its medieval allure with an abundance of cafe-filled cobbled lanes, riverside fortresses, and an impressive cathedral. So what are you waiting for? Download the Antwerp travel Guide and Offline Map now!

1.     Rubenshuis

The picturesque 16th-century building was built as a home and studio by baroque superstar painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Unfortunately the stunning palatial residence was left in ruins until 1937 when it was extensively restored. The building is indeed jaw-dropping with a baroque portico, rear facade and exquisite formal garden. The furniture all dates from Rubens’ era, although it's not part of the original decor. Fourteen Rubens canvases are displayed, along with some wonderful period ephemera.

2.      Grote Market

What is a Flemish city without its signature medieval Grote Markt or Market Square? The triangular shaped, pedestrianised space features a baroque Brabo Fountain depicting Antwerp’s giant-killing, hand-throwing legend. Flanked on two sides by very photogenic guildhalls, the square is dominated by an impressive Italo-Flemish Renaissance-style stadiums, completed in 1565.

Antwerp Travel Guide for iPhone, iPad & AppleWatch

3.     The Jane

If you're looking for a truly gastronomic experience with a splash of aesthetically pleasing modern art then The Jane is the place to be. Antwerp's most dramatic restaurant is the perfect marriage of fine dining and rock and roll. Architect Piet Boon did not shy away at with restoring what once was a military-hospital chapel in its decaying state. Paired with the already sumptuous architecture is an even more sumptuous offering by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman.

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3 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Visit San Antonio

3 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Visit San Antonio

Amidst the towering buildings and modern urban architecture, San Antonio is still very much rich in its colonial heritage. As the seventh-most populated city in the United States, it comes to no surprise that San Antonio holds a charm not a lot can resist. From 18th-century Spanish buildings to HemisFair Parks's 750-feet Tower of America, the city that once was a part of Mexico is definitely a must-visit on your trip to the United States. Enjoy the sights San Antonio has to offer with the San Antonio Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      The Alamo

The city is home to five 18th-century Spanish missions, including The Alamo and together with the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo was founded as a Roman Catholic mission and fortress. It also marks the site of the infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico. Today, it stands as a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District.

Travel to San Antonio with eTips Travel Guide

2.      River Walk

Also known as Paseo del Río or simply as the River Walk is a network of walkways along the San Antonio River banks. It is one story beneath the automobile street and is lined with bars, shops, restaurants, public art, and of course, lots of nature. Its history, however, goes beyond just being a famous tourists attraction. After a disastrous flood in 1921, plans were then developed for flood control of the river. One of them was what would become the River Walk.

3.      La Villita Historic Arts Village

Located on the South Bank of the San Antonio River, La Villita was one of San Antonio's first neighborhoods. Today, it serves as an art community lines with art galleries, stores selling souvenirs, gifts, custom jewelry, pottery, and imported Mexican folk art, as well as several restaurants. One of the best things about visiting the La Villita is that it's close to other sites you should definitely check out like The Alamo, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Rivercenter Mall, and HemisFair Park.

San Antonio Travel Guide for iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Reasons to Visit Budapest, the Explorer’s Paradise!

Reasons to Visit Budapest, the Explorer’s Paradise!

Visiting Budapest? Check out Budapest Travel Guide and Offline City Map. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is also referred to as a paradise for explorers as one could find something interesting at every turn. The city is jam-packed with cool cafes, hipster hotels, and countless structures with grand and exciting architecture. Below are just a few of the many reasons!

1. It's affordable

Budapest is one of the cheapest tourist destinations in Europe. Your 3-day budget for other cities can last for more than a week on this one. Hotels, cafes, and pubs are everywhere and the tight competition makes the prices of their products and services quite consumer friendly.

2. Marvelous design

Numerous structural marvels are spread all around Budapest. Most popular ones are:

  • Kiosk, Március – a former gymnasium converted into a bar and grill. It offers authentic Hungarian cuisine with an amazing view of the Danube. The interior is filled with remarkable items such as exposed brickwork, side tables made from oil drums, banquette seating made from alive leather lined with copper plates, light bulb clusters, and a real-looking faux tree planted at the heart of the bar. The mouthwatering smell of grilling is also a welcome bonus.
  • Mazel Tov – an old courtyard transformed into a modern ruin pub. It has a glass roof light and a garden at the back and serves affordable Middle Eastern dishes.
  • Menza – this eatery will take you back to the 70’s with its oversized plastic and copper pendant lighting, lurid ceilings, and loud, abstract floral walls. It serves simple and extremely affordable food.

3. Coveted filming location

Budapest is one of the most popular filming locations in Europe thanks to its distinctive Mitteleuropean atmosphere. It is a place where the chances of running into a world famous actor or an active film set is quite high.

4. The café culture

The rich café culture can already be enough justification to visit Budapest. It is the most populated city in Hungary and cafes are the primary means of satisfying the populace’s need for food and drinks.

Budapest Cafe City. Don't miss one
Budapest Cafe City. Don't miss one

5. The thermal baths

The mineral-rich thermal baths offer quite a unique experience and the Szechenyi Thermal Baths is the most popular. Chill your afternoon away and wander at:

  • painted mint green changing rooms
  • black and white tilted floors
  • 15 indoor pools
  • 3 outdoor pools
  • 10 saunas and steam chambers
Budapest Thermal Baths. Relax and enjoy!
Budapest Thermal Baths. Relax and enjoy!

These are just a small sample of the numerous reasons you should visit Budapest. To know more, check out eTips.