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.

Do Toledo, Spain

Toledo is a beautiful small city perfect for a day-trip from Madrid. Getting there is easy and fast - you can either take the bus or the train (so far we have only traveled with the train). If you choose the second option it will take you exactly 33mins to get to Toledo =) When you arrive, go inside the train station - it is fascinating! From the train station I recommend you to take the City-Center-Bus which will take you to the highest point of the old city. From there you can start the pleasant walk through down through the old town - you will for sure enjoy the narrow streets, the small plazas, cervecerías and restaurants. Do not miss to visit the cathedral - it is really impressive. When you're ready to go back, just walk down the main route until you reach the main gates to the old city. From there to the train station you can take again the bus for one stop, or if you're late for the train (which happened to us twice so far =))) ) there are many taxis waiting to take you fast to the train station =) 

Enjoy Toledo!

Do Valencia, Spain

Valencia is beautiful, interesting, hot and sunny!

Walk through the old town, enjoy the narrow streets and the nice plazas, go to the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) and definitely visit the L'Oceanogràfic -  the largest aquarium in Europe! Also go to the beach at least for lunch - Passeig de Neptú offers such a variety of restaurants and bars. And of course eat PAELLA - Valencia is the established Paella Capital of Spain!

Do Cuenca, Spain

Cuenca was a real suprise to us! It's a small city in central Spain and a perfect destination for a one-day trip from Madrid or Valencia. The old town of Cuenca is built on rocks between the rivers Júcar and Huécar and is also famous for its so called Casas Colgadas (the hanging houses). To enjoy the best view of the houses go to the bridge Puente de San Pablo. When you reach the old town center, get a map of the city from one of the Tourist Information spots. The guys that work there will show you the best walking routes and where the best view spots (Miradores) are. If you are a fan of game meet, you're lucky. In one of the small restaurants on Calle Larga (it was on the right of Restaurante El Terreón) we had the most amazing game meals. Try the hot boar paté - it was absolutely deliciuos! To get to this restaurants just go up the old town and trough the walls of the old town. 

Do Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is an amazing city! 100% worth visiting!

General info:
- Visit when the weather is warm so that you can really enjoy this beautiful city;
- Take the Hop-on Hop-off buses which are really useful, as the sights are not concentrated in one part pf the city;
- No matter how long you decide to stay in Barcelona, it will never be enough. But a minimum of 3 days is recommended =)


TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS:


Sagrada Familia (Calle Mallorca, 401)

Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous famous cathedrals in the world! When you go inside you must visit the small museum where you can learn more about Gaudí and his inspirations to design in this extraordinary way!

Discounts: 

- For those who are using the Hop-on Hop-off buses - when buying the tickets you will receive a small booklet with different discounts. Use it =)

- Students also have discount when showing their student ID card

Parc Güell (Carrer d'Olot 5)

Parc Güell is an absolute must visit! Enjoy it =)









Casa Batlló (Passeig de Gràcia, 43)

From Gaudí's houses (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà/La Pedrera) I recommend you to visit Casa Batlló. The entrance fee is around 20 euros (for juniors, students, seniors and Hop-on Hop-off customers with their small booklet there is a discount), but it's 100% worth visiting!

Casa Batlló is on walking distance from plaza de Catalunya. If you have enough time take the walk to this sight  =)

Palau Güell (Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5)

Palau Güell is again designed by Antonio Gaudí for the Catalan industrial tycoon Güell. It's very interesting and totally different from the other houses designed by Gaudí.








Magic Fountain (Pl Carles Buïgas, 1)

Visit the Magic Fountain by night! It's a nice show with music and lights, but combined with lots of Spanish vino, jamón y queso it's outstanding :) Climb all the stairs up to enjoy a great view of Barcelona by night!

To check the operating hours click here: 

http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html

Barrio Gótico

Go for a walk through Barrio Gótico. With it's cathedral, Plaza Real, narrow streets and cafes on small plazas it's a great place to visit. 











Passeig de Colom

Passeig de Colom is another favorite part of Barcelona. Here you'll see the Columbus Monument (Columbus pointing towards America), El Cap de Barcelona (Barcelona's Head) - a sculpture by the artist Roy Lichtenstein, the Rambla del Mar - the famous wave-shaped footbridge, L'Aquarium Barcelona and much more.



Port Olímpic

Port Olímpic is a famous nightlife district thanks to the high concentration of bars, restaurants and clubs around the marina. Whenever we visit Barcelona, we go there for one reason - La Fonda del Port Olimpic (Moll de Gregal, 7-10). This restaurant was recommended to us by a local guy and it's absolutely delicious. Order a Paella for how many people you are + seafood plate and mix them together. Enjoy!