Spend a night at paris

April 30, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Nightlife




When darkness falls the City of Light gives credential to its name. The monuments and bridges are illuminated, and the glow of old-fashioned and modern street lamps, the blaze of sidewalk-cafe windows, and the glare of neon signs flood the avenues and boulevards. Parisians start the serious part of their evenings as in other European people stretch, yawn, and announce it’s time for bed. Once the workday is over, most people go to a cafe to meet with friends over a drink and perhaps a meal. Later they may go home or even proceed to a restaurant or the theater; and much later, they may show up at a bar or a dance club.

Parisians shows one the many facets of nightlife; where to go for a quiet drink and a tête à tête, and where to go to party. Whether one wants to watch a play or film, see a concert, or dance until the early Metro. Paris is the place to be in and the best place to spend an evening.

Pigalle is the seedy sex centre of Paris but home to some good music venues and the Moulin Rouge cabaret, where the cancan is still performed. Montmartre is heaving in summer but the views over Paris from Sacre-Coeur are matchless.Bastille is buzzing with bars and clubs but is a bit too hectic for some. The best area for an evening’s café-hopping is the Marais district, closely followed by the increasingly fashionable Oberkampf, which suits a younger crowd.

The hottest Paris nightspots are in the city’s northeastern districts, particularly around Ménilmontant, Oberkampf, and Belleville, while the Bastille clubs and the Marais bars are still going strong. The Grands Boulevards and Pigalle/Montmartre are also bubbly places with plenty of theaters, bars, and concert venues. By contrast, the Rive Gauche is a relatively minor player, dominated by student pubs and jazz bars in the Latin Quarter and a sprinkling of chic hangouts toward St-Germain-des-Prés. The Gucci-and-Vuitton-clad jet set can still be found around the Champs-Élysées and Rue St-Honoré, with prices to match the ritzy atmosphere. In warmer months Parisians flock to the floating clubs and bars, moored along the Seine from Bercy to the Eiffel Tower. Midweek, people are usually home after closing hours.

Nightlife in Paris is alive and kicking. The “City of Lights” has never been shy or early to bed. “Bars” aren’t clearly defined. It could mean an establishment which serves beer, one which serves beer and food, wine, wine and food, a cabaret atmosphere or any other descriptions. Bars have taken the place of the café.

The variety of music halls, jazz clubs, dance halls, rock music, cabarets, satiric theater, and risqué entertainment is incomparable to other places in the world. Paris is still a city not shy of nudity and there are many gay and lesbian clubs and restaurants mostly found in Le Marais. Bars are usually wine bars and pubs are generally serving beer and hard liquor. Clubs usually have food and entertainment. There are still some literary haunts and many hotels have their own clubs. Cabarets are still the first choice of nightlife entertainment because it is in the cabaret one will find the cancan of Paris.

Just about every club and cabaret has a cover charge. Some covers include champagne or a one drink. There is no way one can get bored in Paris. Paris after dark is swinging.



Holidaying in Scandinavia:oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki

April 29, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Hotels




Lands of fjords and the midnight sun, Scandinavia is a realm where ancient sagas spring to life, stave churches cling to hills on forlorn shorelines, and the legacy of the Vikings still lingers.

Oslo

Capital of ruggedly beautiful Norway, Oslo is a laid back city with plenty to see and do.

Transport:getting there and getting around

Oslo is well connected my air from Europe and North America. The international airport is located in Gardermoen, 30 miles north of the city. Bus services connect Oslo with other Scandinavian countries, Germany and Russia. There are ferries between Oslo and other Scandinavian countries along with the UK and Germany, and trains link Oslo with Stockholm, Copenhagen, Hamburg and London.

Getting around Oslo is a snap due to its efficient subway and a range of buses, streetcars, taxis, and ferries on the fjord. Oslo is a compact city so walking is a fine option.

Climate

Compared to the rest of Scandinavia, Oslo weather is relatively benign. May to September offers long sunny days with temperature of around 16 C and up. Its coastal location make it prone to rains, however. Winter is a time of deep freezing cold with the mercury hitting 1 C in the south though the Gulf Stream keeps the coastal areas from icing up. In winter, Oslo is shrouded in snow and gloomed in perpetual twilight.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Oslo hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Constitution Day (17 May) is the big bash of the year. Norwegians enjoy dressing up in traditional folk costumes.

*Midsummer’s Eve is another biggy. This is celebrated with beach bonfires.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a dream city of parks and waterways, churches, gardens, museums, palaces and castles. It’s a lively place too with a maritime cast and a cosmopolitan feel owing to a high immigrant population.

Transport:getting there and getting around

Stockholm’s Arlanda airport is 28 miles north of the city. Long-distance buses use Cityterminalen which is situated adjacent to Centralstationen. From here, direct trains link Stockholm with Copenhagen, Osla, Storlien (for Trondheim) and Narvik. Ferries are available too to Helsinki and Turku.

Climate

Sweden’s northern location results in a cool temperate climate. Rain is frequent all year round. Summer is delightful in Stockholm with an average of nine hours of sunshine daily between May and July. Winters are far less pleasant being, chill dark and often snowy. Temperatures average -1 C between January and March and 16 C from July to August.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Stockholm hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*The Summer Music Festival held at the Drottningholms Court Theatre lasts from late May through August. Enjoy performances of opera, classical music and ballet.

*A Taste of Stockholm in early June showcases the countries cuisine. The city’s restaurants set up in the central Kungstradgarden to offer food, drink and entertainment.

*Mid July is the time for the Stockholm Jazz Festival blows and the gay and lesbian Stockholm Pride event is held in early August.

*The Stockholm International Film Festival is held in November. It’s one of the few existing 24-hour film festivals.

Helsinki

Helsinki is an elusive entity. It emanates touches of Sweden and of Russia but nevertheless manages to remain very much iteself. It’s an open city of parks and waterways fresh with winds blowing in from the sea.

Transport:getting there and getting away

You can reach Helsinki by air or train from Russia or by ferry from Sweden, Germany or Estonia. Helsinki Vantaa International Airport (HEL) is situated about 12 miles from the city centre.

Helsinki has one of Europe’s best public transport systems with the metro, trams, buses and ferries all accessible with a single ticket. It’s a company city, too, so walking is a pleasure. Plus there are extensive cycle trails with bikes for rent from coin machines.

Climate

Winds from the Gulf Stream and the Baltic Sea gives Helsinki enjoys a more benign climate than most of Finland. Nevertheless, winters are dark and freezing with temperatures ranging from -3 C to -5 C. The summer months from are June through September are very pleasant with temperatures of around 25 C.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Helsinki hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Vappu, the May Day festival is a time for alcoholic overindulgence.

*Helsinki Day on 12 June celebrates the city’s anniversary.

*The summer sees free classical and pop concerts every Sunday in Kaivopuisto park.

*The crowning event of the year is the Helsinki Festival from late August through to early September which celebrates the arts.



Belgium Gay Bars

April 29, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Nightlife




Belgium can be found in North West Europe and is a large country which is very popular for holiday goers and for residents. At the moment there are a large range of Belgium gay bars and clubs to choose from and if you are looking for a great night out then Belgium will have all you want and more. The best places to go are Antwerp and the capital city, Brussels.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is a popular destination for party goers and for people on vacation. The Belgium gay bars and clubs here are great and are all easy to find. L\’Homo Erectus for example, is a nice cozy bar with a lot to offer. They are open from 3pm until very late and on Mondays and Thursdays they offer entertainment such as strippers, drag shows and more. You can expect to have a great night here and the atmosphere is personal and friendly. Another Belgium gay bar is a place called Le Baroque which is a popular bar with the local gay community. This bar is a leather and bear bar and is open from 5pm until the early hours of the morning on Wednesdays until Sundays. All the Belgium gay bars in Brussels are very popular and you might want to get in early so as to get a seat.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a large city in Belgium and offers some amazing Belgium gay bars and clubs. Body Boys for example, is a very popular bar/club and offers a disco every night. The popularity of this bar is shown by the hoards of people inside every night. They are open from 12pm until 5am every day so you can be sure to have a great night. This Belgium gay bar is probably one of the most popular in Antwerp and you can almost guarantee a good night here no matter what day of the week it is.

Here at BelgiumGayBars.com we allow our users to look through a list of all the Belgium gay bars and Belgium gay clubs in the area. We also allow our users to use the feedback and ratings system to leave comments about their favourite venues. You can also look at photos and locations of all the Belgium gay bars and clubs in out listings.



Scandinavians Most Handsome and Sophisticated City

April 29, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Nightlife




Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden

It is built across 14 islands and is often called the Venice of the North. Lots of foreign visitors than any other city in Scandinavia it is also considered to be the Capital of Scandinavia.

As water covers one third of the city area, the maritime life is an important aspect of the city. There are plenty of bridges, marinas and locks. The water is so clean that you can drink it and catch salmon in the middle of the city.

Due to its unique location surrounded by water and countryside, with parks and gardens everywhere and a delightfully pure atmosphere.

Everything is in easy walking distance, everybody speaks perfect English, and the summers midnight sun makes Stockholm a great destination for short break.

Stockholm, like many other big cities, is best experienced on foot. In the city centre through Gamla Stan all the way to Slussen a walk that will take you through a wealth of history, culture and shopping opportunities. Visit the Royal Palace for the changing of the guard at midday in summer or see the imposing City Hall. Stockholm boasts an impressive collection of museums, including the National Museum of Art and the new Design Museum. The extraordinary Vasa Museum is a must, housing a superbly restored 1628 warship.

In the winter visit the Christmas markets in and enjoys a warm glass of alcohol or ginger biscuits.

For shopping, the best local buys are crystal, leather goods and ceramics. There are numerous contemporary design outlets selling cutting edge Scandinavian design furniture and accessories, while the many antique and curiosity shops are well worth a browse.

Theres no shortage of entertainment from theatre to live music and more at clubs and cafes. Stockholm This Week tells you whats on when listings.

Despite being an expensive country, Sweden has a good youth hostel and campsite network and there are plenty of budget travel hotels, but booking ahead is essential in summer, particularly at two of the best hostels, Al Chapman and Langholmen which is a former prison cells. Regular hotels, packages are the best way to get a room for a reasonable rate, or try to stay weekends when most places offer half price rates.

A good selection of traditional eateries and a wealth of international restaurants are found in the city centre. Try fresh fish, meatballs or a traditional smorgasbord. For lively bars and jazz clubs, the most popular are to be found in the Sodermalm and Stureplan areas.

The climate is very much conditioned by the sea winds, so even the warmest summer day will be contingent upon the sea breeze finding its way into the city streets.



Paris on a Budget

April 27, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Nightlife




The city of Paris has so much to offer travelers it’s difficult to know where to begin. Although the wide variety of youth hostels in Paris mean that it is possible to experience each section of Paris on its merits and, even if only for a fleeting few days, as a resident.

River Seine

With a supremely efficient and metro service that’s cheap, regular and comfortable there’s little point in walking. However, to see Paris in this way would be to miss out on its unique atmosphere and attention-grabbing sights and for this reason, a walk along the River Seine is the perfect place to start.

Although it’s advisable to take a map anyway, many of the city’s most renowned landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral jut out of the city around them with an unmissable and indescribably grand distinction.

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is not only home to many of the best youth hostels in Paris, but also offers some of the best and most finance-friendly nightlife on offer in the city. Originally so-called because of its predominance of Latin-speaking students, it has fast become the social and shopping hub of Parisian students and budget travelers.

The street market along the Rue Mouffetard is one such location, which by day offers food and drink stuffs as well the occasional souvenir. By night however, the restaurants and cafes clamor for custom by offering cheap deals on already superbly priced and generally high-quality food that is an attraction of Paris all of its own.

Nightlife

Clubs and bars in Paris are rife with activity in the evenings, with the Latin Quarter and the famed Moulin Rouge offering a wide range of themes to appeal to a variety of tastes.

The nightlife proper tends to take off quite late in the evening, generally to accommodate the late dinner that characterizes Parisian habit. However, be warned that the Metro only runs until 1:30 AM.

Although cabs are readily available, for the budget traveler keen on sampling the nightlife on a regular basis, it is often more advisable to select youth hostels in Paris located close to the clubs and bars.



Trip to Sweden

April 26, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Nightlife




Sweden is one of the most accessible areas of travel in Western Europe. This statement will be raised some eyebrows a few years ago, but it became a reality. So why not go to Stockholm this year?

The leaders of both continents, may have different views on world politics, but U.S. travelers like Europe, just as the Europeans like to see in the U.S.. Several American tour operators and travel agencies even expect to sell more trips to Europe this year than ever before.

This is wonderful. Dollar euro exchange rates to make the European vacation away from cheaper today.

If you want to see Europe without losing too much money, you must choose a direction that had not yet switched to the euro.

Sweden is a great choice. Sweden is one of the EU (do not require a visa for Americans), while the Swedes are still paying with the Crown, rather than in euros.

To make sure that prices in the Nordic countries, in fact, far less than I the price of three well-located three hotels in the Swedish capital Stockholm to similar hotels in the popular capitals of the two euro zone countries in Paris and Rome.

The difference was incredible. Prices in Stockholm started between 113 and 125 dollars per night. In Rome, you had to pay from 155 dollars and 184, and in Paris from 167 dollars and 222 dollars.

And this is just the price. Restaurant prices in Stockholm took place in recent years, but at least for foreigners.

I also went to a popular ticket seller and the search for the lowest price. The cheapest ticket from New York to Stockholm cost 851 dollars, while the best tickets to Rome and Paris cost 897 dollars each.

But hey, you do not choose a travel destination because of the money! Would you like to see something too!

Well, do not worry about it. Stockholm is often called the most beautiful capital in the world, and rightly so.

The city is built on 14 islands, and another 24,000 not far. Wherever you go, you always get a glimpse of water. This is a very green city, too. Stockholm is the only capital city in the world with the legal protection of the national park within the city.

And that’s not all. There is a well-preserved old town with the center of the medieval streets and alleys. The city has about 100 museums, which are different and attractive to all ages – and many even have free admission.

A vibrant nightlife and modern shopping area to keep you busy after the sightseeing, but relaxed atmosphere and amazing clean streets only add to your holiday mood.

See you in Stockholm this year? You should already be there!



Sweden Hotels

April 26, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Hotels




Sited on the Scandinavian Peninsula in the region of Northern Europe, Sweden is among the most sought after holiday destination. Sweden offers a gamut of attractions and surprises to visitors and tourists. High on natural splendors in Sweden you will find lush forests, glaciers, cascading river streams, pristine lakes and mighty mountain ranges… natural beauty is galore here. If the capital city Stockholm boasts of an ultra modern ambience then the region around Mountain Kebnekaise is a hot spot for many hikers and adventure seekers. Be it indulging in adventure sports, strolling by busy streets or relaxing in the laps of nature… Sweden offers it all. Like Sweden, like Sweden Hotels. Well equipped with all the necessary facilities, Sweden Hotels make sure that each of their guests is as comfy as it gets. Particular about the pleasures of guests the hotels of Sweden will make your trip a memorable one.

Stockholm

Deemed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden. The city is basically spread over 14 islands that lie between Stockholm Archipelago and Lake Mälaren. In the center is located the Old Town also known as Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen. Together the two boast of being called the largest and the well preserved medieval European city core that prides itself on a history dating back to as old as the 13th century. In the region of Gamla Stan is a great place to hit as here you will find many interesting palaces and historical monuments. Among the best sight is Royal Palace that is the largest one of its kind in Northern Europe.

Gothenburg

The city of Gothenburg is the second biggest town in Sweden. A popular destination, Gothenburg is also the cultural and industrial hub in the region of Northern Europe. Here you may have a relaxing time unwinding at any one of its cozy restaurants and gorge on the delicious food available. The city is always vibrating with fun, excitement and life. With pubs, cafes, bars and lounges just at a spitting distance… you are bound to have a great time in the city.

Malmö

The city of Malmo is a well known town of Sweden. Characterized by its continental aura, this city is distinct from all other cities of the country. If history is anything to go by then factually Malmo was once a Danish town that was a major commercial and agricultural hub. Today Malmo pulls hordes of tourists each year and bewitches them by its sheer elegance. High on architectural splendors and places of interest, this city is truly a tourist’s haven.

Accommodation in Sweden is very easy to find. Sweden hotels are absolutely exquisite and offering the best of lodging experience to all its guests. Well equipped with all necessary facilities and amenities, Sweden Hotels also boasts of rendering world class service. From Discount Hotels in Sweden to luxurious ones … you will find it all in the country.

Have a great time exploring the beautiful city of Sweden.



Paris City of Light, Hotels or Apartment Rentals ?

April 25, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Restaurants




The dramatic increase of French hotel prices over the past few years, especially in Paris, have led many tourists to shorten their holiday or simply pick other European destinations to spend their vacation.

However, some wise travellers have already pitched on a far more money-saving accommodation system which, it appears, may well become as popular as the traditional hotel business in the years to come.

Indeed, weekly apartment rental has become for many the best way to experience the city of lights without putting further strain on their holiday budget.

If the advantageous financial aspect of vacation rentals is a well-known fact, it is also the best way to live in the city just like one of its native inhabitants and forget about all the hassle of “not being at home”. Don’t want to go to the restaurant? You can have a romantic dinner at home! Don’t want to go to the bar? You can have a bottle of wine in your own private living room with your guests! It goes without saying that renting an apartment in the very heart of a city is certainly the closest way to experience Paris just like a true Parisian would.

Choosing your pied-à-terre in the city is now as simple as booking a hotel room and can be done in a few clicks. And with such a large choice of apartments or studios, travellers can now find an accommodation that will match their expectations in terms of size, budget or location, be it for adventurous backpackers or luxury travel addicts.

Paris Be A Part Of It

http://www.paris-be-a-part-of-it.com



The Charm of Brussels

April 24, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Hotels




Brussels, the capital of Belgium is a beautiful city. The places to see in Brussels cannot be exhausted in a short article. Nevertheless, some of the highlights of Brussels are Grand Place, Town Hall, Mannekin Pis, Galeries St Hubert, Mont Des Arts, European Union, Ommegang Festival, The Museum of Musical Instruments, The Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art, The Dinosaur Gallery at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, The Cantillon Brewery, The Cantillon Brewery, Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule, Palais de Justice, Palais Royale, Royal Greenhouses, Place du Grand Sablon, Place du Petit Sablon, Museum Horta among several others.

Grand Place is one of the most beautiful buildings constructed in Gothic style in 13th century. It is the major city center where you can enjoy the Belgian hospitality at a terrace café. It is now listed under the UNESCO heritage. The town hall within the Grand Place will charm you with its Gothic architecture and wired façade. The building is 315 feet high with Archangel St Michael at its top.

The little boy peeing in a fountain (Mannekin Pis) has been amusing visitors since almost four centuries. The visiting heads of states have traditionally offered their national dress to the naked boy that is housed in the Brussels museum. Galeries St Hubert built in 1847 is the first shopping arcade of Europe dotted with cafes, shops, and theatres. Mont Des Arts located midway in the city is rich in museums and monuments attracting tourists.

Brussels has large chain hotels such as Hilton and Marriott. The upper end hotels in luxury category offer discounts up to 70 and 75 percent as often announced in their websites. If you carefully select your hotel to stay you might discover that the five star hotels are priced less after discount than four or three stars. The luxury hotels can be priced as low as Euro 70, while a lesser starred hotel can cost you 9 to 10 Euro more.

While selecting the hotels location is an important consideration. The location can considerably affect the tariff per night in a hotel. The hotels located near Grand Place that have a number of sites of tourism importance such as museums, and shopping centers can be relatively expensive. As for instance a four star hotel located in the centre of the city may cost as much as a five star hotel located at a distance. Although most of the hotels are expensive in Brussels, the cheaper ones can be found in the range of 50 Euro.



Club Paris: Party Like a Hilton

April 23, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Nightlife




Club Paris opened recently in downtown Orlando, Florida. Club Paris Orlando is just one of many clubs opening around the United States and even the World that bears the name of the famous heiress, Paris Hilton. The Club Paris nightclubs are multi level and decked out with a ton of pink everywhere.

FEATURES

Some attractive features about Club Paris are the multi level dance floors, drink specials, and nightly themes. On certain days of the week there is ladies night, college night, and many themed nights sponsored by various Orlando radio stations. Club Paris is meant to be a very trendy nightclub that caters to those who live an indulgent lifestyle or just want to experience it for the night. Club Paris is billed as a place to be seen and a place to see

The music of Club Paris is nothing but the most popular dance music today. They stick with a top 40 style pop rotation that guarantees many people will flock to the dance floor for every song. Anyone who loves dancing will be impressed by the dance floors that span multiple levels and the nice assortment of lighting and smoke machines. Live DJ’s are at Club Paris every weekend and are sure to bring extra excitement to the already wild nightclub.

Club Paris features a VIP area on its second level that is decorated with a bedroom style and has private dance floors await the select few who will be allowed access there. For the rest of us, Club Paris is decorated mostly in hues of pink and has many pictures of Paris Hilton here and there. Paris Hilton supposedly visits her Orlando club a couple times a year so you never know if you will see her there.

Club Paris really has a lot of appeal to people in the 21-30 age groups and is guaranteed to be filled to capacity on any weekend. During the weekdays, depending on promotions, you may have a better chance of being able to check out this one of a kind experience. Many people want to go to Club Paris just so they have the status of saying they have been there. There is a large New Years Eve party planned for the end of this year and it may already be booked.



Next Page »