Enchanting San Francisco: A Love Letter to a Captivating City

As I close my eyes and envision the city of San Francisco, my heart begins to race with excitement and anticipation. There's something so captivating about this city, from its charming architecture to its vibrant culture and picturesque views.

As I stroll through the winding streets, I can't help but feel enamored by the beauty that surrounds me. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, with its majestic orange towers, serves as a reminder of the city's grandeur and historical significance. And as I look out towards the horizon, I am filled with a sense of wonder and awe, watching as the sun sets over the shimmering waters of the San Francisco Bay.

Every corner of this city holds a special place in my heart. From the bustling energy of Union Square to the bohemian spirit of Haight-Ashbury, there is a unique charm and character that permeates throughout each neighborhood.

And let's not forget about the food! San Francisco is a food lover's paradise, with a diverse array of culinary delights to tantalize the taste buds. Whether it's a classic sourdough bread from Boudin Bakery or a decadent chocolate treat from Ghirardelli Square, every bite is a sensory experience.

But what truly makes San Francisco special is the people. The warmth and kindness of the locals make this city feel like home, even to a stranger like me. I've had countless conversations with friendly locals, sharing stories and laughter over a cup of coffee or a delicious meal.

San Francisco is a city that is impossible not to fall in love with. Its charm, culture, and people make it a place that will always hold a special place in my heart.

 

Discovering Lisbon's Palaces, Castles, and Landmarks

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a destination rich in history and culture, offering visitors an incredible array of palaces, castles, and landmarks to explore.

One of the most famous palaces in Lisbon is the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, a stunning 14th-century royal residence located just outside the city. With its ornate Gothic architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Lisbon.

Another highlight is the Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle perched high on a hill overlooking the city. The castle has a rich and fascinating history, having been occupied by everyone from the Moors to the Portuguese monarchy.

For those looking for a taste of the opulence and grandeur of Portugal's past, the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is a must-see. This beautifully restored palace was the official residence of the Portuguese royal family for over a century and is now open to the public.

But Lisbon isn't just about palaces and castles. The city is also home to some incredible landmarks that showcase its unique blend of history and modernity. One of the most iconic is the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 16th century and played a crucial role in Portugal's Age of Discoveries.

The Praça do Comércio is another standout, a grand square that has been the heart of Lisbon's commercial district for centuries. The square is home to some of Lisbon's most impressive architecture, including the stunning Arco da Rua Augusta.

And no trip to Lisbon would be complete without a ride on the famous Tram 28. This vintage tram takes passengers on a scenic tour of the city's historic neighborhoods, including the narrow, winding streets of the Alfama district and the colorful hillside neighborhood of Bairro Alto.

Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking up the vibrant culture of one of Europe's most exciting cities, Lisbon is a destination that truly has it all.

 

3 Reasons to Love Tbilisi, the Georgian City that Loves You!

According to the Georgian ancient proverb, Tbilisi is the city that loves you! Since ancient times, it has been noted that “Every guest is Godsend,” for hospitality. Located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is a former Soviet republic that’s home to Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches is a confluence of multiple cultures. Explore this underrated yet spectacular city of culture, art, and hospitality with the Tbilisi Travel Guide and Offline Map for a stress-free visit.

1.      The Architecture

The patchwork architecture in Old Tbilisi is reason enough to visit this pretty capital city. Intricate balconies sigh from tired buildings. Cobbled streets ramble through historic neighborhoods. Centuries of Persian, German, and Russian architectural influence is visible. But it’s not just the historic aspects that fascinates. Tbilisi’s more recent stability has it screaming into a disorienting modernity. Controversial space-age architecture takes up residence alongside the historic buildings. A gamut of architectural possibilities sit in the shadow of the 4th century Narikala Fortress. Tbilisi has a complicated history that has continued into the present. The aesthetic of the city bears testament.

2.      The Wine Culture

Georgia’s clay vessel winemaking process, Qvevri, made UNESCO’s list for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They are one of the oldest wine regions in the world, where they cultivated grapevines and neolithic wine production for over 8000 years. Sprinkled throughout the boutiques and sidewalk cafés are dozens of wine shops and tasting rooms. Wine is the icebreaker with new Georgian friends. Each time you meet a local, you can bet they'll share with you their favorite variety. Even more often, they might just boast of their tasty homemade wines.

3.      The Hospitality

Hospitality runs deep in every Georgian's blood, as evidenced by Kartlis Deda watching over over Tbilisi from Sololaki Hill. Better known as Mother Georgia, her looming figure exemplifies the spirit of welcome in the country. For Georgians, this statue represents the dual priorities of hospitality and freedom. Erected in the 50s, Mother Georgia carries a bowl of wine in one hand and a sword in the other. The wine is for friends, the sword for enemies.

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

Best places to to put your feet on at the Amalfi Coast!

Italy has become one of Europe's most popular Summer destinations and with beauties like the Amalfi Coast, it's really no surprise as to why. With its steep, picturesque cliffs, and sparkling views that's been considered an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO, it has fast become one of Italy's most popular destinations. And you've probably seen it all over social media these days as there are picture perfect moments at every turn. Download the Amalfi Coast Travel Guide and Offline City Map and start planning your next Summer escapades.

1.      Positano

This famed Italian destination is every photographer and travel blogger's dream. The village is home to tiny, winding roads that run down to the sea and are lined with restaurants, shops, and a cascade of pastel-colored boutiques and hotels. It's the most photogenic town you'll ever see. Positano is a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well as families and groups stopping through on day tours. Spend hours wandering the winding roads of the village and explore the beach path that hugs the mountainside and ends up at the watch tour castles. Every turn brings something new and exciting into view. As you meander through Positano, the charm of this otherworldly town is intoxicating.

2.      Amalfi Cathedral

You might ask yourself why Amalfi, for such a small place, has its fair share of monuments, not least the spectacular cathedral. It was, of course, one of the four powerful Maritime Republics and established many commercial relationships not least with traders from the Orient. The Cathedral complex is formed of the 'Cloister of Paradise', the 'Basilica of the Crucifix', which houses the Museum, the 'Crypt of St. Andrew' and the Cathedral. Concealing the original Romanesque church, the Baroque interior we see today dates from the early 18th century as do a number of paintings celebrating St. Andrew. Look out for a canvas by Andrea D’Asta on the main altar showing St. Andrew on the Cross. Two superb antique granite columns from Paestum support the triumphal arch of the main apse.

3.      Amalfi Paper Museum

Located in an ancient XIV century medieval paper-mill, along the road to the Ferriere Valley, Amalfi's Paper Museum is, no doubt, one of the most original museums on the Amalfi coast. It was founded in 1969 by Nicola Milano, owner of the paper-mill and member of one of the most famous families working in the paper production. It hosts machineries and instruments used in the ancient paper-mills. The ancient technologies, restored and active, reconstruct the entire production cycle of the paper. Among the century-old tools in the Museum it is possible to admire the ancient wooden mauls, operated by an hydraulic wheel, the press used to remove the water in excess from the paper, the continuous printing machine and the Dutch machine.

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

Must see! Cologne, Germany’s Oldest City

Located across both sides of the Rhine river, the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne is considered Germany's oldest city and is the region's cultural hub. The city itself is brimming with rich architecture and history. It is brimming with galleries and museums that showcase a range of exhibitions and shows from 20th-century pieces to modern art and sculpture and even Roman antiquities. There so much to see in Cologne that it might get overwhelming at times, make sure to download the Cologne Travel Guide and Offline City Map to help you on your cultural trip.

1.      Cologne Cathedral

What is locally called the grand Kolner Dom–Germany's largest cathedral–dominates Cologne's skyline with its famous twin spires. This massive church took over 600 years to build and is hailed as the epitome of European gothic architecture. It is one of Western Europe's most famous medieval sites of Christian art where you can admire its beautifully stained-glass windows and elaborately decorated towers. If you're up for a challenge, you can climb up 509 steps of the South tower and witness a breathtaking view of the city from up above.

2.      Museum Ludwig

Right next door to the Cologne Cathedral is the Museum Ludwig, which offers a stimulating trip through the art of the last century, the third-largest Picasso collection in the world, as well as one of the most comprehensive Pop Art collections by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein outside the Unites States. The museum it in itself is also a work of art, showcasing a combination of striking sharp angles and curves. If you’re keen on a pre-game bite before getting lost in a sea of art, the Museum Cafe and Restaurant's food is an excellent treat.

3.      Rhine River Cruise

One of the world's most popular river cruising destinations is Europe's longest river, the mighty Rhine River. Take in Cologne's beautiful scenery as you cruise down at least 20 ancient, hillside castles, lush vineyards, and about 15 German Rhine towns with their winding streets and sleepy medieval architecture. Visit the famous Trendelburg Castle or also fondly known as the Rapunzel's Castle along the Rhine Gorge. If you've whipped up an appetite from all the sightseeing, fret not, the river cruises not only offers amazing architecture, old world style and charm, but also delicious wine, beer, and food in a fairy tale atmosphere.

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

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!

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.

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

If you want to know the most popular tourist spots in a particular city, just look for the travel guides in eTips and your travel will surely be a breeze!