Top Three Spots to Visit in Nice, the Epitome of the French Riviera

Do you have a trip planned to France during the European Winter, but can't take much cold weather? Then Nice is the place for you where the sun shines all year round. This 19th-century picturesque coastal city has everything you could ask for. It is filled with great markets, a bewitching old town, and of course, beautiful architecture. There's no better way to enjoy what the French Riviera has to offer than in Nice. So what are you waiting for? Download the Nice Travel Guide and Offline Map and head over to Nice!

1.     Vieux Nice

Nice' Old Town is such a treat for any explorer. With its well-preserved buildings from the 1700's, you won't mind getting lost in its narrow, winding alleyways. For all its delis, restaurants, and bars, there is one place that will instantly draw you in--the Saleya. A huge market square that's divided into sections. The most famous being the food market filled with fresh produce and foodie souvenirs and the flower market for all your fresh blooms and fragrances need.

2.      Promenade des Anglais

In 2015 this famous 4-kilometer stretch of the Baie des Anges was submitted as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. And rightly so, the sweeping promenade is filled with historic landmarks including the Hôtel Negresco, the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée (1929) and Niçoise sculptor Sabine Géraudie’s giant iron sculpture La Chaise de SAB (2014), which pays homage to the city’s famous blue-and-white beach chairs.

3.     Musée Matisse

The brightly colored museum in the heart of the Cimiez quarter is home to a multitude of works by Henri Matisse. The fascinating art pieces range from oil paintings, drawings, sculptures, tapestries, and his most famous paper cut-outs. They are displayed as a permanent collection in a red-ochre 17th-century Genoese villa surrounded by an olive grove. Matisse himself is buried in the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez cemetery, across the park from the museum.

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The Best Places to See in Toledo, the Walled City of Spain

Toledo is a testament to Spain's diverse history where you see churches, synagogues, and mosques stand together in its historic quarter. Sitting atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages, a place where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted. It is also a city rich in stunning countryside views and is known to be El Greco's inspiration for his paintings, which are on display around the city. Enjoy this wondrous city with the Toledo Travel Guide and Offline Map on hand.

1.      Alcázar Fortress

At the highest point in the city emerges through the imposing Alcázar. The stone fortification was once used as a Roman palace in the third century and was then restored under Charles I and his son Philip II of Spain in the 1540's. Once the court moved to Madrid, Alcázar it eventually became a military academy. It is a place that indeed stands the test of time. In the 1930's the fortress was heavily damaged during the siege of the garrison by loyalist militias at the start of the civil war. Today, it is reopened as a vast military museum.

2.      Museo de Santa Cruz

Can you imagine a hospital that boasts an ornate plateresque portico that welcomes you into a series of with six cradles that intersect forming four courtyards? Well, Museo de Santa Cruz was exactly just that. The 16th-century building is a work of art that was built to centralize assistance to orphaned and abandoned children in the city. Now it houses beautiful arts and ceramics with various sculpture exhibits on display.

3.      Cathedral

The Toledo Cathedral is one of the most notable cathedrals in Spain. In fact, it ranks among the top 10 cathedrals in the country. The illustrious building is an impressive example of medieval Gothic architecture. Its enormous interior is full of the rose windows, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and pointed arches, which are classic pieces of the style. The cathedral is an art gallery by its own right, with displays of old masters such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco himself.

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3 Must-see Site in Jerusalem, the Cultural City of Three Religions

Jerusalem, the city of incredible blend of religions and cultures. This Middle Eastern city near the Dead Sea, has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for Jews, Christians and Muslims for well over 3,500 years. Walk the streets filled with rich religious culture and visit the Old City, which is home to significant religious sites in the Temple Mount compound; including the Western Wall (sacred to Judaism), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (a Christian pilgrimage site), and the Dome of the Rock (a 7th-century Islamic shrine with a gold dome). Don't let such a vibrant city overwhelm you and download the Jerusalem Travel Guide and Offline Map for a stress-free visit.

1.      Western Wall

The Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall or HaKotel in Hebrew) is an ancient limestone wall in the Old City and is probably considered the most known attraction to visit in Jerusalem. It is the remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a place of prayer sacred for the Jewish people. The wall is believed to be a unique place where you can have a direct line to Heaven. When there, everyone is encouraged to insert a small piece of paper with your prayer in the cracks between the stones of the wall. Be sure to at your respective section as males and females are separated. Along with all other wishes, your prayer will be buried in a special cemetery later.

2.      Holy Sepulchre

Located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City in Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a major pilgrimage destination for Christians. Built in the fourth century over the site of a Roman Pagan temple, this is considered one of the world’s holiest shrines to Christians, preserving the most important moments of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The church is believed to contain the slab of rock where the body of Jesus Christ was laid to rest.

3.      Dome of the Rock

This 7th century Islamic shrine is an architectural gem and is the 3rd most important Muslim site (after Mecca and Medina). It is one of the most recognizable structures in Jerusalem for its golden dome, which can be seen from the Western Wall, Mount of Olives, Tower of David, and many of Jerusalem’s city streets. A visit to Temple Mount is a popular activity on many tourist’s itineraries, but getting in is not so easy. Visiting hours are limited, there are restrictions for non-Muslims, and lines can be long so be sure to check out the visiting hours prior to your visit.

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Love to chill in cold places? Go to Québec, North America’s Winter Wonderland

If you love the cold, the city of Québec will be a paradise for you. Here are some convincing reasons why you should come to Québec City. Download the Quebec Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map so you’ll have an easy time exploring the city.

1.      The Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel is the only one of its kind in North America and it is Québec City’s most famous attraction. This modern structural wonder, located on the lower slopes of the Laurentian Mountains, is made up of 500 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow. It has 44 rooms. Curtains are used as doors and the beds are made of blocks of ice fitted in a wooden frame. Guests are provided with sleeping bags designed specifically for the ice beds. The bathrooms are in a separate outhouse building. The average temperature inside the hotel is -4˚F so don’t check in unless you are confident you can handle the cold. When you make your reservation, you can also request for a custom suite to be carved for you if you so desire.

2.      Village Vacances Valcartier

The Village Vacances Valcartier is the largest winter playground in North America. It is the perfect place to set the child in you free. The attraction has more than 35 snow slides along with ice skating, ice rafting, ice tubing, and ice carting facilities. Its slope-slide sugar shack sells the most delicious maple candy-pop in the city. Once you’ve had enough of the cold, you can warm up in the park’s restaurant and reenergize your body with some hot soup and dishes. Thrill seekers can test themselves in the Himalaya, a tube ride that features a 90-degree jump during which the tube can reach a speed of 50 miles per hour.

3.      The Nordic Spa

The Nordic Spa operates based on a millennium-old Viking tradition of tempering the body by subjecting it to extreme shifts in temperature. The first stage involves bathing in an outdoor hot tub. Then the second stage of sweating it up in a sauna follows. And finally, the final step of immersing yourself in frigid waters. To help normalize your body, a 60-minute long Swedish massage caps off the experience.

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Outstanding Reasons to Visit Havana, a Premium Destination for Americans

The Cuban Government has made making it easier for Americans to visit the country a key part of its tourism campaign. There are now direct flights to Cuba from many cities in the United States. A lot of major American cities even have nonstop charter flights to Cuba. This alone makes it a good idea to visit this country. And if you will visit Cuba, might as well choose its capital and largest city, Havana. For easier time navigating Havana’s busy streets, get the Havana Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map. The Tourist Area of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja)

There is no better way to immerse yourself in the culture of Havana than taking a casual walk through the busy, crowded Calle Obispo from Calle Mercaderes, near Havana Harbor, west to Avenida Bélgica. You might even pick up souvenirs along the way as the sidewalks are littered with closet-sized shops selling refrigerator magnets, stuffed dolls, marionettes, t-shirts, and more.

You can also grab some street food as you go along with your stroll. An elote (corn on the cob on a stick) is a must try. You will also come across vendors selling sticky pastries and small Cuban sandwiches along the way. You might also encounter musicians giving free performances on a random street corner.

What a view! Havana Morro and the city Malecon seawall

Historical Havana

Cuba had its fair share of battles. It came under Spanish occupation for many years. Americans also tried to invade and conquer it numerous times. In Havana, you can find various fields, buildings, and promontories that were once battlefields. Take a walk on the walkway through the lawn facing the Malecón and the beautiful water beyond. Look for the historical markers that provide clues of when Cubans and Americans faced off using rifles and cannons.

1950s and 1960s American Cars

Havana is a paradise for automobile enthusiasts who have a taste for the antique. You will surely be amazed by how many vintage Buicks, Pontiacs, Chrysler Plymouths, Ford Fairlanes, Chevrolets, Dodges, and Studebakers parade the streets. Perfectly restored cars are often parked near hotels and plazas waiting for tourists who want to rent them.

Havana's Typical Old American Cars

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Wonderful Reasons to Visit Zurich, One of Europe’s Hippest Destinations

Zurich is not only one of the top destinations in Switzerland; it is also one of the country’s fastest growing business hubs. The city offers a perfect marriage of traditional Swiss culture with the hip of modern times. Below are some of the reasons why Zurich should be on your list of places to visit. To check out all tourist spots in the city, refer to the Zurich Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro. The Partying

Gone are the days when Swiss were known to be one of the most conservative people in the world. Zurich is buzzing with nightlife and a very vibrant party vibe. The city has numerous locations where you can dance all you want especially in Züri-West, the heart of Zurich’s nightlife. The most notable club is the Badi Bars, a network of waterside bars. You might also want to come in time for the Zurich Street Parade. With thousands of participants, this is festival is the largest techno party in the world.

The best shopping experience in Zurich

Old Town

Spending an entire day roaming the streets of Old Town is not a bad way to spend your time. Old Town houses the majestic Historic Centre which is the symbol of Zurich culture. Check out various churches, residential buildings, and other establishments build during the Middle Ages with some dating as far back as the reign of Charlemagne.

The Lake

The beautiful crystal-clear Lake Zurich is located at the center of the city. The lake is always teeming with activity from people having a picnic near the shore to oarsmen racing in their canoes to couples having a romantic time in their pedalos.

Sit back and enjoy Zurich lake view

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