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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The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music in Salzburg

Some come here for the legendary Mozart. Some come for a more recent musical legacy, The Sound of Music. Either way, one thing is for sure, people stay for its spellbinding beauty. This city in north-central Austria is not only known for its musical legacies, but also for being the epitome of Baroque architecture, which is very much evident in the streets of old town. Nestles bedside the fast-flowing Salzach River, this wondrous city gives you spectacular views of beautiful spires and domes, a formidable clifftop fortress from a distance, and the endearing mountains from afar. So what are you waiting for? The music is calling! Download the Salzburg Travel Guide and Offline Map now.

1.      Festung Hohensalzburg

The city’s most visible icon is this mighty, 900-year old-old cliff-top fortress. The fortress is considered one of the biggest and best preserved in all of Europe. Built in 1077 as a humble bailey at present is now a formidable fortress thanks to Leonard von Keutschach, prince-archbishop of Salzburg from the late 1400’s to the late 1500’s. One of the highlights of anyone’s visit is the Golden Hall where lavish banquets used to take place under a gold-studded ceiling imitating a starry night.

2.      Schloss Mirabell

Built in 1606 by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich to impress his mistress, this splendid palace with a lavish interior, replete with stucco, marble, and frescoes. Its famed Marble Hall provides a sublime backdrop for evening concerts. Its gardens are a thing to behold as well. Here you’ll find the Pegasus statue, the steps and the gnomes of the Dwarf Garden where the von Trapp children practiced their “Do-Re-Mi”.

3.      Erzabtei St Peter

A Frankish missionary named Rupert founded this abbey and monastery in around 700, making it the oldest in the German-speaking world. Though the vaulted Romanesque portal remains, today’s church is very much baroque with rococo stucco, statues, and striking altar paintings. Its cemetery is also home to the catacombs—cave-like chapels and crypts hewn out of the Monchsberg cliff face. The graves itself are also intricate works of art made from stone and filigree wrought-iron crosses.

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There's More to Sardinia than its Picturesque Coastlines

Sardinian is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and has nearly 2,000 kilometers of coastline. But beyond its famous sandy beaches and rugged landscapes, Sardinia also offers a mountainous interior crossed with hiking trails. Its landscape is dotted with thousands of mysterious Bronze Age stone ruins called Nuraghi. These ruins are shaped like beehives and one of the oldest and largest Nuraghi is said to date back to 1500 B.C. What are you waiting for? Take that trip to beautiful Sardinia with the Sardinia Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Nuraghe Su Nuraxi

What's a trip to Sardinia without visiting its sole UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island's most famous Nuraghi. The Su Nuraxi is a 1500 B.C. tower. It once stood on its own but was later incorporated into a fortified compound. Many of the neighboring buildings were erected in the Iron Age and this makes the beehive of circular interlocking buildings that tumble down the hillside. The Nuraxi tower, the oldest part of the complex, originally rose to a height of 18.6m and had three floors.

2.      Alghero

Like the rest of Italy, Sardinia is home to many medieval cities, but Alghero is probably one of the best on the island. Its picturesque historic center is one of the best preserved in Sardinia and is a great place to wind down and relax with an abundance of restaurants and bars to choose from. It is enclosed by robust, honey-colored sea walls; it's a tightly knit enclave of cobbled lanes, Gothic palazzi and cafe-lined piazzas. Alghero makes an ideal place to stay between exploring the beaches and the nearby Riviera del Corallo.

3.      Costa Smeralda

Famous for its brilliant green-blue waters, Costa Smeralda or the Emerald Coast's beauty has drawn millionaires, royals, and business moguls to its coastline. Starting at the Golfo di Cugnana, the Costa stretches 55 kilometers northwards to the Golfo di Arzachena. The most famous spot among the yachties is the Porto Cervo, although Porto Rotondo comes to a close second with its attractive seafront promenade.

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Corsica, the French Island of City Breakers

Dubbed as one of the pearls of the Mediterranean, Corsica Island has quite an animated history. Known to be "often conquered, never subdued" the island has been successively Pisan and Genovese and now French since 1768. The diversity of the island's scenery is outstanding and contributes to the multitudes of activities you can do. You can go sunbathing by the beach, scuba diving, and even sailing at sea or if you're the mountain adventurer type you can also go hiking on the infamous G20. Download the Corsica Island Travel Guide and Offline Map to help you map out your Corsica trip.

1.     G20

Infamously known as the toughest long distance trail in Europe, the G20 is not for the faint hearted. It traverses Corsica diagonally from north to south and is also one of the most beautiful mountain trails. It's 180 kilometers long with variations in heights of about 10,000 meters and can be walked in a whopping 15 days. The GR20 doesn't necessarily require any climbing techniques or perfect fitness level, but it does require a whole lot of confidence to walk over a variety of rugged terrain.

2.      The Ruins of Aleria

The capital of ancient Corsica was established in the 6th century B.C. by the Phocians after they were chased from the homeland by the Persians. They were subsequently conquered by the Romans in 259 B.C.; an easy feat considering the site is directly across the sea from Rome itself. In 1730 the city was captured by the troops of Pascal Paoli, who landed here in 1936 and crowned himself King of Corsica. The city was then lost and would only be rediscovered again between 1920 and 1951; archaeological digs continue to this day and have led to the discovery of a great many everyday objects: weapons, crockery, Etruscan vases, and money.

3.     Pinia

Known for its calm seas all year-long, Pinia is a famous spot for families to relax and enjoy the sun without much worry for their younger children frolicking by the beach. Surrounded by pine trees of the forest that is also named Pinia, the fine sandy beach stretches out over several kilometers. When you find the beach all too crowded for your liking during high season it's easy to escape by disappearing into the neighboring forest and taking a walk over to the lake.

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Discovering the Best of Taipei, the Artsy East Asian Metropolis

The modern metropolis of the Taiwanese capital is filled Japanese colonial lanes; busy shopping districts, and aesthetically remarkable contemporary buildings. It is widely known for its artistic flair and lively street-food scene boasted by the contemporary art galleries and flourishing night markets. A visit to Taipei can be overwhelming to both the senses and mind so be sure to download the Taipei Travel Guide and Offline Map before your trip.

1.      Modern Districts

Enjoy the modern commercial district of Daan, which offers quite a number of department stores, plenty of fashion boutiques, lounge bars, and atmospheric restaurants. Xinyi district is also not one to be missed as it is home to the Taipei 101. Towering over the city of Taipei, the Taipei 101, which gives you a full 360 view of the entire city. Xinyi is also known as the modern financial district and is where the World Trade Center and International Convention Center is located.

2.      Old Districts

Wanhua is the oldest district of Taipei and offers many historical buildings, such as the Longshan Temple and Red House Theater. Stroll around the shopping neighborhood of Ximending and experience the "harajuku of Taipei" firsthand. It is centered on teenage fashion, Japanese culture and subcultures. What used to be the commercial center of the city, Datong, is also not to be missed. Although it has lost relevance as the economic center, it is now most known for Dihua Street with its Japanese colonial and Qing Dynasty architecture.

3.      Suburban Districts

Taipei is all about its rich history and flourishing night market scene. Enjoy the best of both worlds and visit the district of Shilin. It is known for its excellent museums, including the world famous National Palace Museum and at the same time holds Taipei's largest night market. Located North-east of the city is the Neihu district. It is a great example of how the old and the new meld into a beautiful juxtaposition in Taipei. It offers a mix of local Taiwanese culture and modern shopping malls and restaurants.

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Top 3 Spots in Honolulu, the Hawaiian Island Paradise

Take a trip to Honolulu, the capital of America's tropical paradise, Hawaii. Whether you'll be traveling alone, as a couple, of even as a family there's always something for everyone to enjoy. From surfing world-class waves and breath taking diving spots to trekking amazing jungles and finding massive waterfalls, Honolulu is sure to leave you and the whole family amazed. Honolulu offers the best of worlds of gleaming high-rises and beautiful natural spots. You can also explore the traditional neighborhoods of Chinatown and Kakaako. Explore this paradise with the Honolulu Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Waikiki Beach

It doesn't come to a surprise that Waikiki one of the most famous beaches in the world. Whether you're off to the island paradise of Oahu, Waikiki to surf, canoe paddle, snorkel, swim, tan, or even just witness the beautiful sunsets--the two-mile stretch that is Waikiki Beach has it all. Prepare yourself as it's considered one of the busiest spots in Oahu with local and tourists about from sunrise till sundown. But don't let the bustling streets discourage you; the abundance of activities to do will surely keep you busy.

2.      Submarine Adventures

Honolulu isn't just breathtaking on the surface; it's equally stunning underwater too. You can explore Honolulu's waters and descend 100 feet (30 meters) under the surface of the water without getting wet on several submarine tours available. You can even go on a glass bottom submarine ride. It won't just be a feast for the eyes, but you'll also learn about the local fish, coral, and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary.

3.      Diamond Head

The Diamond Head is one of the famous volcanic tuff cones all over Honolulu. Its cone shaped mountain range that was created due to a series of volcanic eruption events from the Ko'olau Volcano. It's one of Honolulu's famous landmarks, which includes Punchbowl Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Mānana Island. It is estimated to be about 400,000 to 500,000 years old. Take a 1-kilometer hike to the edge of the crater's rim and enjoy a great view Honolulu.

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1.      Waikiki Beach

It doesn't come to a surprise that Waikiki one of the most famous beaches in the world. Whether you're off to the island paradise of Oahu, Waikiki to surf, canoe paddle, snorkel, swim, tan, or even just witness the beautiful sunsets--the two-mile stretch that is Waikiki Beach has it all. Prepare yourself as it's considered one of the busiest spots in Oahu with local and tourists about from sunrise till sundown. But don't let the bustling streets discourage you; the abundance of activities to do will surely keep you busy.

2.      Submarine Adventures

Honolulu isn't just breathtaking on the surface; it's equally stunning underwater too. You can explore Honolulu's waters and descend 100 feet (30 meters) under the surface of the water without getting wet on several submarine tours available. You can even go on a glass bottom submarine ride. It won't just be a feast for the eyes, but you'll also learn about the local fish, coral, and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary.

3.      Diamond Head

The Diamond Head is one of the famous volcanic tuff cones all over Honolulu. Its cone shaped mountain range that was created due to a series of volcanic eruption events from the Ko'olau Volcano. It's one of Honolulu's famous landmarks, which includes Punchbowl Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Mānana Island. It is estimated to be about 400,000 to 500,000 years old. Take a 1-kilometer hike to the edge of the crater's rim and enjoy a great view Honolulu.

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

1.      Waikiki Beach

It doesn't come to a surprise that Waikiki one of the most famous beaches in the world. Whether you're off to the island paradise of Oahu, Waikiki to surf, canoe paddle, snorkel, swim, tan, or even just witness the beautiful sunsets--the two-mile stretch that is Waikiki Beach has it all. Prepare yourself as it's considered one of the busiest spots in Oahu with local and tourists about from sunrise till sundown. But don't let the bustling streets discourage you; the abundance of activities to do will surely keep you busy.

2.      Submarine Adventures

Honolulu isn't just breathtaking on the surface; it's equally stunning underwater too. You can explore Honolulu's waters and descend 100 feet (30 meters) under the surface of the water without getting wet on several submarine tours available. You can even go on a glass bottom submarine ride. It won't just be a feast for the eyes, but you'll also learn about the local fish, coral, and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary.

3.      Diamond Head

The Diamond Head is one of the famous volcanic tuff cones all over Honolulu. Its cone shaped mountain range that was created due to a series of volcanic eruption events from the Ko'olau Volcano. It's one of Honolulu's famous landmarks, which includes Punchbowl Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Mānana Island. It is estimated to be about 400,000 to 500,000 years old. Take a 1-kilometer hike to the edge of the crater's rim and enjoy a great view Honolulu.

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

Come to Strasbourg, the Charismatic French City with a German Accent

There are numerous compelling reasons why you should visit Strasbourg other than the fact that it is the official seat of the European Parliament. Here are some of them. And don’t forget to get the Strasbourg Offline Map & Guide City Travel & Metro to aid you on your visit.

1.     The Beauty of Strasbourg

Beauty has almost become synonymous with France. It's like everything French is beautiful whether it is in terms of language, fashion, food, art, or architecture. Such captivating beauty can be found in Strasbourg no matter which direction you look. The city is full of half-timbered houses built as far back as the Medieval Ages. Strasbourg most iconic structure is the Gothic Cathédrale de Notre Dame, which is the tallest medieval building in the continent. The cathedral features a colossal astronomical clock built in 1842 that depicts man's life and death cycle. Climbing to the top of the cathedral rewards you with a spectacular view of the city and the Alsatian countryside. Also, check out the Les Pont Couverts Bridge.

2.      The Marriage of French and German Cultures

The Rhine River is the only thing separating Strasbourg from Kehl, Germany which made it easy for the two cities to influence each other. Strasbourg was also conquered by Germans twice; first by the German Empire and second by Hitler’s Nazi Regime. Today, Strasbourg is in such good relations with Kehl that a Strasbourg citizen doesn’t even need to show a passport to cross the border to Kehl and vice versa.  You can clearly see German influence in Strasbourg’s cuisine, culture, music, fashion, and accent.

3.      The Alsatian Cuisine

The Alsatian cuisine combines traditional French food with German flavor and it is Strasbourg’s specialty. The city loses only to Paris when it comes to the number of Michelin-starred restaurants and eateries. Have a sip of both authentic French wine and German-style beer in one of the many breweries. Check out the bakeries for some world-renowned French bread sprinkled with some German love. You need to absolutely make sure that you don’t fail to sample the Tarte Flambée, the Alsatian version of thinly-sliced crispy crust pizza cut in rectangular slices.

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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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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.

Hamburg, the Most English City Outside England

Many Englishmen refer to Hamburg as the most English city outside of England saying that its vibe is more English than German. It is one of the most welcoming port cities in the country and being only a two-hour ride from Berlin makes it an ideal last stop for tourists nearing the end of their Berlin vacation. Our Hamburg Travel Guide and Offline City Map will is surely the best guide before your travel! On its own, however, there are still many reasons why you should visit Hamburg. Hamburgers

Hamburgers are one of the most popular foods in the world. The true origin of hamburgers has yet to be fully ascertained but Hamburg does have a pretty strong case considering hamburgers are named after Hamburg. Going to the origin of hamburgers and not taking a bite of the authentic local hamburger can be considered a sin. The most popular hamburger joint in the city is Kleine Pause. Food in Germany is quite cheap so don’t hold back and gobble up as much as you can. You can worry about losing the extra weight you’ve gained when your vacation is over.

Schanzenviertel

Schanzenviertrel is the quirkiest and most hip part of the city so be sure to check it out when you visit Hamburg. This part of town is filled with graffiti making it look like a giant painting. Numerous bars, eateries, and small stores can be found all around and there is someone playing music at every corner. It is the best place to look for souvenirs and taste a wide variety of food.

St. Pauli

If you are looking to stay up all night and party then the neighborhood of St. Pauli will be perfect for you. This portion of the west side of Hamburg is filled with 24-hour establishments. It is like a part of the city that never sleeps. If you don’t like low-key bars full of young people, St. Pauli is also where the Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s Red Light District, is located. Here in Reeperbahn you can find nihtclubs, beerhouses, and strip clubs.

St. Pauli District. The night never ends

Warehouse district

The Warehouse district is the best part of the city to have your pictures taken. The long, old brick warehouses will serve as amazing backgrounds for your photos. These red brick buildings have been restored and converted into shops, eateries, galleries, etc. and exploring each one would be a great adventure.

Hamburg Warehouse District

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Strasbourg Interesting Facts

 

1. The Grande Île is Strasbourg's historical center which was the first city centre to be classified entirely by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
2. Spanning across the river into the German city of Kehl, on the eastern bank of the Rhine and with nearly half a million inhabitants in a metropolitan area Strasbourg is one of the nine largest cities in France.
3. The historic city centre can easily be explored in a day or two and is most easily explored on foot. You should consider hiring a bike or using the public transport network to be able to cover more ground.
4. Strasbourg has to offers many cultural events concerts- both free and not-so-free, operas, ballet, and more besides than dozens of museums.
5. In many traditional restaurants, in the city or in the neighborhoods many Alsatian specialties can be eaten. For example, you shouldn't leave Alsace without having thesauerkraut (choucroute in French).
6. Built between 1176 and 1439, the Cathédrale Notre Dame is undoubtedly Strasbourg's finest architectural highlight. With a 142 metre tower is the highest cathedral tower in France.

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