Amman City

Things to See and Do

Jebel al-Qala’a

Standing authoritatively over the city, the ruins at Jebel al-Qala’a are fertile ground for exploration, and something that should feature in any visit to Amman. The easiest way to get there would be to hop in a taxi for the short drive from Downtown, though, if you’re feeling adventurous, the steep climb up several staircases is a rewarding one.

The ruins of The Temple of Hercules are an impressive sight that tower over the cityscape and make for a dramatic place to watch the sun slide down. There are plenty of ruins to keep your curiosity high, from the citadel that dominates the complex, to fragmented remains of a statue that would have once been a monumental picture.

Jebel al-Qala’a also serves as an ideal place to enjoy a panorama of the jagged, sandy buildings that stretch across the city.

Downtown

The winding avenues of Downtown make for an interesting afternoon amble and it’s a good place to familiarise yourself with the feel of Amman. The hurried business of the souks around King Faisal Street and the King Hussein Mosque are intriguing for shoppers and observers alike.

It would be difficult to visit Amman without spending some time immersing in the sights and smells of the markets of Downtown.

Beirut City

Things to See and Do

Beirut is a city with a mash of different cultures all living harmoniously in one very densely populated city. Mosques and churches exist side by side in a fog of shisha smoke, car exhaust fumes and thoughts of “wait, I can drink beer here? And I’m still in the Middle East?”. Oh yes my friend.

The thumping nightlife that supports this teasing thought will keep you powering on till 3am, and that kebab you usually go lusting after will be replaced with the real deal, a Lebanese shwarma. Prepared by a bloke that has been doing it long before the word “doner” even existed in Britain.

Downtown Beirut

As the jewel in this very cosmopolitan city, the downtown area is the nicely maintained, recently built part of Beirut adorned with fashionable boutiques, the Government quarter and the most important mosques and churches.

By deviating one block back off the main streets, ruins of Roman baths can be found excavated right next to brand new developments, highlighting the historical significance of this city.

As you wander around, you’re constantly honked at by taxis who jump to the conclusion that you’re crazy to be walking around the city. You can gaze into some of the lavishly appointed accessory stores, aimed at rich Emirati wives looking for a way to show their wealth with diamond encrusted high heels and leather handbags worth thousands of dollars.

Beirut Souks

Built on the site of the original souks in Beirut, the Beirut Souks shopping mall has recently become the number 1 shopping destination in the city. Maintaining the casual open-air experience of a traditional Middle Eastern souk, it’s a great way to ease into the city before delving deeper into the neighbourhoods and more hectic markets dotted around Beirut.

Al-Amin Mosque

Without a doubt the most iconic landmark in the skyline, the Al-Amin Mosque is one of the newer Muslim places of worship in the city and to say that it is of significance is an understatement and a half.

Creating an imposing profile from all angles, the mosque is lit up brightly at night and the four minarets tower over the blue domes like watchmen standing guard over a prized possession.

If you’re a guy, you can take off your shoes and go for a wander inside and really get a feel for the sheer size of this mosque. The silence really creates an atmosphere that fosters self-reflection and contemplation.

Seville City

Things to See and Do

Plaza de España

In a city of 700,000 people (Spain’s third largest) there’s no shortage of things to do. A great place to start however (and a good spot to get your bearings) is at the centre of the Plaza de España, made famous from the 1929 World’s Fair as the home of the Spanish pavilion.

It’s free to enter and walk around the ring of mosaics, each one dedicated to a separate province in Spain, and Star Wars geeks might also be interested to know that the central bridge here was used in Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Be sure to have a wander in the adjacent Maria Luisa Park too and take shelter under some of its huge palms.

Cathedral of Seville

The history behind Seville’s magnificent Cathedral, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, is pretty lengthy and complicated. A visit here, on the other hand, needn’t be either.

When it was finished in the 16th century the Cathedral of Seville upstaged the Hagia Sophia as the largest in the world. None of that scale is lost today. Walk around the building, the whole 11,520 square metres of it, and marvel at its size. Home to no less than 80 chapels as well as Spain’s longest nave, the €8 fee to get in here is decent value. Watch out too for the remains of Christopher Columbus, the conquistador part responsible for such opulence.

Barrio Santa Cruz

Seville’s Jewish quarter, Barrio Santa Cruz, is best visited after a trip to the Cathedral (given its close proximity) and best discovered on foot. Famed as the most picturesque and elegant of Seville’s neighbourhoods, it’s easy to get lost in the narrow alleyways here for hours on end only to surface out onto beautiful tree-laden squares like Santa Cruz and Dona Elvira.

Among the stores here selling tourist stuff centred on Flamenco and bull fighting you can find some neat little artisan shops too.

Real Alcáza de Seville

Originally a fort built by the Moors to protect their city of “Sbiliya”, the Alcáza later morphed into a fantastic palace beset with ponds, courtyards, patios and baths.

Shell out the €8.50 to get inside and you can even set foot in the room where Columbus’ voyage to Asia, erm, America, was planned.

Marseille City

Things to See and Do

Vieux Port

The amazing Vieux Port (old port) dominates the centre of Marseille. It was used as the main port of call for North African immigrants into France in the last few hundred years. Today it’s mostly a leisure marina, filled with expensive yachts and catamarans.

The ad-hoc fish market that gets setup at the end of the port is worth checking out as watching all the fisherman auction off their catch is pretty cool. Just walk around both sides of it and take in the culture

St Josephs Fort

Situated on the boulevard on the south side of the old port, this is a huge old port built to protect Marseille. It’s free to enter and you can just walk straight up into it and check out the ramparts and everything inside. Provides awesome views of Marseille.

La Corniche

Located on the north side of the port, this is the walkway surrounding the other fort built to protect the port. It’s a good easy stroll around the fort and you can see locals fishing, swimming, playing local French/Arabic traditional music and discussing whatever it is people in Marseille talk about.

Continue around the Corniche and you’ll find yourself staring straight at the next stop.

Berlin City

Things to See and Do

Berlin is chockers with significant attractions that tell the stories of the Nazi years and Soviet occupation; but it’s also home to a rich cultural tapestry that’s worth seeking out.

Brandenburg Gate

On Pariser Platz, at the end of Unter den Linden (basically the big main historical drag of Berlin) and before Tiergarten lies the Brandenburg Gate. As probably the most recognisable icon of Germany, it’s the last 18th century gate through which Berlin was once entered. It’s great to walk around the base and check out the visible bullet holes in the pillars from the Battle of Berlin at the end of WW2 and get a feel for the size and significance of it. It’s easily accessible by U-Bahn/S-Bahn, get off at Brandenburger Tor station. Watch out for gypsies loitering around Pariser Platz doing their “do you speak English” spiel to try and get money out of you.

Berlin Wall

This was definitely up there on my list of stuff to check out in Berlin. I was fascinated by the history behind the East and West Berlin separation and was stoked when I finally laid eyes on the wall. There isn’t much of it left, but a large section can be found on Niederkirchnerstraße (the below photo was taken there), near the Topography of Terror (see below). Dotted all over Berlin are signs with small anecdotes about the wall and the people it affected; how many died and how daring they were to get into West Berlin to see their families.

The path of the wall is commemorated throughout Berlin by cobblestones, and you’ll see them in weird places as to trek around the city. Another great place to view the wall and the graffiti adorned upon it is at the East Side Gallery, easily accessible for Ostbahnhof train station.

Holocaust Memorial

Located just down the road from the Brandenburg Gate, this is a haunting reminder of how many Jews were killed during WW2. There’s no official explanation as to what message it’s meant to convey, it’s more about immersing yourself in it and working it out for yourself. As you walk into it, you can’t really tell how deep it goes and how high the pillars become until you get right amongst it. You start to feel really isolated and you can’t see around the corners. Definitely don’t miss it.

Checkpoint Charlie

So Checkpoint Charlie was one of 3 Allied checkpoints between East and West Berlin, Charlie being the American one. There’s nothing original left here at all, everything you see in the below picture is fake for tourist purposes. The sign, the guardhouse, the lot. Have a look around and keep going, not really worth more than 5-10 minutes.

On the other side of the big signpost with the American soldier on it is a Soviet Union soldier and it’s meant to signify America looking into the Soviet Union and vice versa. It’s basically a huge tourist trap really. One cool story is that one day whilst the wall was still up, an East Berliner got a convertible, low enough to fit under the boom gate and gunned it through the checkpoint into West Berlin to his girlfriend. After that, they installed a chicane, heh.

It’s located on the corner of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße and you can get there by taking the U-Bahn to Kochstraße.

Lisbon City

Lisbon is a city that parties all night, is steeped in culture, is a bit rough around the edges and was the starting point of many great voyages of discovery. It’s southern European location allows it good weather through most of the year, making it a perfect place to escape the chill in London.

It’s a bit further afield than most destinations you’d routinely think of in Europe for a weekend away, but Lisbon’s trump card (and the rest of Portugal for that matter) lies in the fact that it’s in the same time zone as London. This allows for a longer than usual flight, without the significant hit to time once your arrive in a city you won’t soon forget.

Things to See and Do

Lisbon is a city that doesn’t immediately burst out at you with its sights. It’s a city you need to wander in, soaking up the atmosphere, the architecture and the heartbeat of the local lifestyle. The fact that Lisbon is built on seven hills (much like Edinburgh), makes getting around on foot a challenge at times. It does prove rewarding when you find yourself at a crossroads of four streets, each ascending or descending in a different direction and you think “how could anyone have built here, and how can anyone negotiate this place?”.

Castelo de Sao Jorge

Built in the Middle Ages, the Castle of Sao Jorge is the main fortification in Lisbon that has withstood hundreds of years of invasions and earthquakes in the city.

Situated high above the city, it provides amazing views of the Tagus River and the skyline. There isn’t much to read about or see here, but it’s a worthwhile visit to appreciate what castles were like in this part of the world.

Belem Tower

Built in the late 16th century, Belém Tower is significant because of the role it played during Portugal’s lead in the Age of Discoveries. It was used as part of a defence network of the Tagus River on which it is built, along with various other fortresses along the coastline.

The tower was dedicated to the patron saint of Lisbon, St Vincent and commemorated the key expedition of Vasco de Gama to find a trade route to the Indies.

It is a stunning example of architecture from this time (it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and has 4 levels for different purposes including an armoury and a dungeon.

Jeronimos Monastery

A striking building both inside and out, it is located not far from Belem Tower and signifies the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Built between 1517 and 1550 and plagued with political and religious problems affecting construction, it is a fantastic example of Manueline architecture.

This is also a significant site for the entire European Union, as it is where the Treaty of Lisbon was signed on December 13, 2007. The Treaty of Lisbon brought together two other treaties to provide the constitutional basis for the European Union.

Bruges and Ghent City

Things to See and Do

Bruges boasts a number of significant churches and civil buildings, but it doesn’t end there.
A lot of the charm this town is so well known for can be found simply wandering around, appreciating the centuries of history that adorn each and every canal and laneway.

The Belfry

It’s the central focal point of the Markt, that smacks you in the face as you pop out of the narrow side streets that feed into the large open space that the Belfry presides over. The Belfry of Bruges, represents everything that has held the town together since it was first founded.

Be prepared for a wait to climb the steps to the top, it’s quite popular. The view is definitely worth it however, and the elaborate carillon made up of 50+ bells with all the mechanics associated is incredible.

View from the top of the Belfry

The Canals

Definitely the thing that makes Bruges special and unique are its canals.

They wind around the central old town to form an egg-like barrier, whilst smaller canals weave in and out of the tight streets, providing for amazing landscapes that make medieval buildings look like they’re floating on water.

Take a walk around the town and traverse alongside the many canals. Grab yourself a hot chocolate and maybe take a boat tour.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood

Built in the 12th century, this church on the right hand side of the Burg square is a bit hard to find. It houses a vial of blood that is said to be that of Jesus Christ, brought back from the crusades by the Count of Flanders at the time.

It gets pretty chockers with tourists, and you can’t take any photos inside. Check it out briefly though, it’s kind of cool.

The Markt in Bruges ablaze with light at night

Graz City

Things to See and Do

Graz has no shortage of impressive historical sights, interesting cultural hangouts and cool bars and cafes. With an extensive main shopping strip and the castle mountain that dominates the city skyline, you’ll be well setup for two fulfilling days.

Schloßberg and the Clock Tower

Without a doubt the most dominating feature of the city, the Schlossberg towers of the old town and harbours the history of hundreds of years of conflict and empire rule. It was such a stronghold in its heyday that it was the only place in the region that never fell to the Ottoman Turks.

The Clock Tower (Uhrturm) is the last remaining structure of the castle that once stood on the hill and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Schlossberg boasts no less than four ways of ascending to the top to enjoy the view. You can take the stairs, built by former Turkish slaves and cut into the cliff face, the funicular railway or the elevator, dead set in the core of the mountain.

The view of Graz from the Schlossberg

The mountain is also dotted with the remains of former buildings that adorned the top over the centuries, and features a large open air auditorium where concerts are held. Another unique event space is hidden *inside* the mountain itself (near the elevator) and is host to rave parties, concerts and gala dinners.

Armoury (Landeszeughaus)

Preserved since 1551, the Landeszeughaus houses the complete collection of arms of Styria and displays over 30,000 items.

It’s the largest existing original armoury in the world and attracts visitors from all over. It holds weaponry, tools, suits of armour (for battle and for parades) going back hundreds of years. The guided tours are excellent value – the guides know tonnes about the pieces, what time period they are from, what they were used for, even which particular workshop made them.

Murinsel

One of the more quirkier landmarks in Graz, the Murinsel is an artificial island in the middle of the river Mur.

After trapsing down the gangway into the main superstructure, you’ll find a café, an open-air theatre and a playground.

Rathaus (City Hall) and Old Town

As the striking centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, the Rathaus stands imposing over the central square.

Landhaus

This palace in Lombardic style in the centre of the Old Town houses the federal state parliament of Styria. It’s one of the most incredible examples of Renaissance architecture in Austria and was built by the Italian architect Domenico dell’Allio between 1557 and 1565.

The Landhaus is one of those quiet, unique places to just wander around for a bit, admiring the architecture and the detail in the archways.

Milan City

Things to See and Do

So you’ve arrived, and you want to take in as many of the memorable sights as possible in your 48 hours. Here’s what’s worth checking out in Milan:

The Duomo

A massive Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century. It’s made completely out of marble and has hundreds of spires and is absolutely mind blowing inside. Some of the most beautiful stained glass window installations in Europe and the sheer size is incredible. Walk around the outside and admire the attention to detail in all the gargoyles and other statues adorning this amazing building.

Beware of the dodgy blokes hanging out the front (and around all the Duomo metro exits, and in the grounds of Castello Sforzesco) with their “gifts” of cotton bracelets. They will attach them to you so you can’t get them off and then demand cash. When you see them, keep walking and do not acknowledge them (they will try to lay it on your shoulder). Strategically time your photo opps as to not attract too much attention.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

A huge shopping mall directly next to the Duomo. It houses boutique fashion labels from all over the world (Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, etc) as well as the flagship Prada store. If you’re the shopping type, you will go nuts over this place. Well worth a wander through inside to experience what Milan is very well known for.

Castello Sforzesco

Walk in a westerly direction from the Duomo down Via Dante and you’ll hit Piazza Castello. You can’t miss this massive castle with it’s huge front tower and enormous walls that seem to go on for hundreds of metres, only being ended by circular towers on all four corners.

This was where the ruling families of Milan resided, and later where the Austrian governor resided while the Lombardy area (of which Milan is a part of) was part of the Hapsburg empire. There are a ton of museums inside (e.g. archaeological, Egyptian, natural history, the castle museum itself) and you can buy a ticket from the central office which gets you entry to all of them. Just walking around inside the castle’s epic grounds is cool enough, but the museums may also take your fancy.

Leonardo Da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology

Definitely a great attraction if you’re a tech buff like myself. Here you can find exhibitions on steam power, electricity, biotechnology, air, sea and rail transport, telecommunications and heaps more. The museum exhibits well a lot of the advances Italian inventors contributed to technological development especially in the fields of radio communication and transport.

This museum is also a good way to learn more about Italy during World War 2 and their military innovations. There is a decommissioned submarine on display within the museum grounds; tours inside it are available when scheduled throughout the day.

This one isn’t as easy to find, but it’s right near the Sant Ambrogio metro station or if you proceed south out of the Castle and down Via Giosue Carducci and follow it right down to aforementioned metro station, you can’t miss it.

Hong Kong City

This isn’t a typical 48 hour post, but I’ve included a selection of things I did whilst I was there that would keep you occupied for a short stopover.

Things to See and Do

Symphony of Lights

A visit to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the Symphony of Lights show on the harbour. Get yourself a nice viewpoint from the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and enjoy the show, commencing at 8pm each night. The way the lights are mounted on the buildings and how the lasers go off is incredible.

Victoria Peak

The best vantage point you’ll get of Hong Kong Island. Take the Peak Tram (funicular railway) up the hill from the Lower Terminus on Garden Road in Central all the way to the top to get some amazing views of the city. It was pretty hazy when I went up there but still nonetheless awesome. Go in the morning to avoid the crowds as the day progresses.

Lan Kwai Fong

Once night falls and you’re after a good bar to knock back some Tsing Taos (a top Chinese beer), Lan Kwai Fong is a great place to start. It’s the sort of joint that will have you looking around all over the place at the people, the clubs, the bars, the signage, it’s crazy. It’s in Central and is easily accessed from the main drag.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

After all the drinking and sightseeing, it’s good to take a sidestep and check out the culture of Hong Kong and how it come to be. It’s packed with Cantonese history, art and culture; a great way to spend half the day. The Heritage Museum It’s located outside of Kowloon in Sha Tin and is easy to get to from the Sha Tin MTR station.

Hong Kong History Museum

If you’re keen on learning more about the history of Hong Kong specifically, drop into the History Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. It goes into incredible detail about the British occupation and hand over back to China, the opium wars and how Hong Kong has developed into a sprawling metropolis.

Paris City

Paris, it’s such an iconic European destination. It’s the most visited city in the world and epitomises so much about amazing culture, art, architecture, legend and history. It’s been a focal point of European politics and conflict for centuries and will leave you with a fantastic impression of France.

I packed a lot into the weekend I was there; it is possible to get a really good cross-section of the city in such a short period of time. Keep reading to get my low-down on how to have a great weekend in the City of Lights.

Things to See and Do

You could spend days and days in Paris visiting the various arrondissements (neighbourhoods), museums and galleries and still have missed some unique part that isn’t that well known but has its own charm and character.

If you’re keen on packing in the top tier of attractions, the below will provide you with a good experience of quintessential Paris.

Arc du Triomphe

Built to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, it lies on the hill at the top of the Champs Elysees and forms the middle arc of the Three Arcs of Paris (the first being down near the Louvre and the last being in La Defense, the central business district of Paris).

DO NOT even think about attempting to negotiate the roundabout here as you’d probably die. I did, but then found the entrances that go underneath. They are on the Champs Elysees side and the opposite side, allowing you to walk easily down to the entrance and also to the Metro station.

Champs Elysees

The famed shopping strip of Paris, this is the absolute mecca of French style and haute couture. In fact, even all the French car companies have showrooms on the Champs Elysees. Have a saunter up it and take in the atmosphere. There are also some cool street performers around that really know how to get the crowd fired up that put on a cool show.

Eiffel Tower

It really needs no introduction, it’s the Eiffel Tower. You can’t really get an understanding of how epic it is until you stand underneath it and look upwards at the mammoth steel structure above you. Expect to wait at least 30 minutes in line to walk up the stairs, and at least twice as long if you want to take the elevator.

Notre Dame Cathedral

When I saw this cathedral in person I thought “hey, hunchback of Notre Dame!” It’s amazing both inside and outside and is a brimming example of French architecture. Entry is free to this iconic Parisian landmark is free and you can also opt to go up one of the towers where you can get a good view of Paris.

Moulin Rouge

The whole afternoon I was in the Pigalle/Blanche area of Paris I couldn’t get “Lady Marmalade” out of my head from the movie. It’s cool to check out this famous burlesque house and get a feel for the area, which is quite seedy but has some nice bars where you’ll find plenty of locals.