Do Shanghai, China

Exploring Shanghai was more fun than expected. The city itself is not considered to be very touristy, but in my opinion it has so much to offer. There are enough sites to visit during the day, but during the night you will be 100% fascinated by how colorful Shanghai is. And especially if you are a club fan, Shanghai will become a favorite party spot for you =)

Getting around Shanghai is easy. The metro is not overcrowded and there are stops next to all the important sights. Personally I prefer travelling with taxis - they are cheap and easy to catch (especially compared to cabs in Beijing). Not so many drivers speak English though, so just be prepared to show the address/sight written in Chinese. 

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Yu Gardens and Bazaar

Yu Yuan Gardens and Bazaar are situated in the city center of Shanghai. When I first visited it I finally got the feeling that I'm in China. I liked wandering through the narrow streets with little souvenir shops and I found the old-style buildings (although they are not really that old) absolutely fascinating. Do not miss to visit the Ming Dynasty Yu Yuan Gardens (Entrance fee - 40CNY) - Shanghai's finest traditional garden.

The Bund

The Bund is the area situated along Huangpu river and is the place with the greatest view in Shanghai. Alond the street (Zhongshan East Road) you will see lots of amazing colonial buildings - mainly hotels and banks - facing the newest district in Shanghai - Pudong (across the river). You can enjoy the view by day, but in the evening you'll fall in love with it. Certainly the best way to do it is with a drink in your hand =) Soon I'll post information about nice bars, clubs and restaurants I've visited here so far =)


Pudong

Pudong district is on the East bank of Huangpu river. The easiest way to get there is by taking the metro (Line 2 - Lujiazui station) or the Cross-River Ferry. I haven't tried out the ferry so far, but it was recommended by friends as an absolute must do. From Pudong can enjoy the view of the Bund from one of the cafés nearby. In the evening go for a walk along Shiji bvd - there is a nice elevated pedestrian walkway - and just feel the beat of one of the largest building sites in the world.






Tianzifang

Tiazifang is one of my favorite places in Shanghai - small and narrow streets, adorable little shops, great cafes and bars (with heaters outside, which is great for the cold months) and delicious restaurants.









Xintinadi

Xintiandi is similar to Tianzifang, but personally I prefer Tianzifang, which I find far more authentic. But on the other hand Xintiandi is situated in the city center, right next to one of the biggest shopping streets - Huahai Lu. Here you will find lots of bars and restaurants, many tourists and you can enjoy the contrast between new shiny skyscrapers and the small building that form Xintiandi.




Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu

Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu are two of the biggest shopping streets in Shanghai. Shopping malls are right next to each other, so if you came to Shanghai to spoil yourself a little bit more, then you came to the right place =) It is worth visiting them both during the day and by night. Also don't forget to make a stop at the so famous Fake Market (580 West Nanjing Road) to have a slightly different shopping experience =)))




To be continued...

Do San Sebastián (Donostia), Spain

My Spanish mood continues, but now it's mixed with some seaside memories. Costa del Sol is one of the most famous summer destinations in Spain, but if you are up for a change go North! 

I totally recommend San Sebastián (also known as Donostia - it's basque name). Unfortunately we spent only couple of hours there, but we enjoyed them as much as we could. What I loved about San Sebastián was that it was so alive, the restaurants are excellent and there were so many great bars. It's definitely a great vacation spot!

Travel recommendations:

1. The best view of the city - go up on top of the Monte Igueldo (the West end of La Concha bay). You can get there by car or taking the funicular. There was a tax we payed, but we were more than happy to pay it - the view from the top was magnificent!

2. Go to the beach;

3. Eat;

4. Drink;

5. Have fun!

Do Zaragoza, Spain

The first time we visited Zaragoza was craaazy! By chance we booked a night stay during the biggest  musical festival in Spain - Fiestas del Pilar - which is celebrated 9 days in a row. The streets and the main plaza were crowded day and night and it was a really interesting experience.

Travel recommendations:
- Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar - seen from a distance, it is really impressive by night; also during the day you can take the lift up one of the towers to have a view of whole Zarazoza;
- Catedral del Salvador "La Seo" - part of the Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon;
- Palacio de la Aljafería - a beautiful Islamic palace worth visiting.