Rome

Introducing Rome

The city of Rome really impresses with it’s wealth of history, but it’s food also worth the trip!
All the food is very good here but the best can be found outside the main tourist areas. Choose a district, get lost and ask a local Roman where they like to eat – you will not regret it. The Ditirambo is probably my preferred restaurant for its good Sicilian wines and handmade pasta.
My preferred monument is the really impressive Palazzo Venezia, built entirely with white marble. Just a couple of metres away the monumental Coliseum, is so well preserved that you can imagine the gladiatorial contests and public spectacles that have taken place there.
The Veneto Hotel Rome is a pretty four star hotel, located 5 minutes walk from the magnificent Villa Borgese and very close to the Barberini subway station (Trevi fountain) and the Plaza de Spagna. Click here for more hotels in Rome>>
There are plenty of taxis in Rome, though flagging them down can be tricky as most use designated taxi ranks. Be careful not to use unlicensed taxis, which generally will not use a meter. Also note that if you book a taxi by phone, the meter will start running as it comes to collect you, and not when you get in.

Bruges

Introducing Bruges

Called the “The Venice of the North”, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Bruges’ charm comes from its numerous canals, bridges, mills and the remains of fortifications surrounding its downtown area. Its alleys harbour a strong medieval architectural heritage. Bruges has many different faces: romantic, gourmet, fun… which will satisfy the most demanding.
The delicious frikandel/fries can be tasted in a typical “friterie” on the main square, or in a more ‘classy’ place such as at the restaurant Chez Vincent which offers a large selection of grilled dishes like brochette, meatballs and croquettes. Do not leave without trying the famous Belgian waffles at Bittersweet, renowned also for its teas, coffees and hot chocolates.
Housed in 17th century almshouses, the Volkskunde museum exhibits historical objects from Flemish culture set in rooms recreated from that period of history: shoe repair store, classroom, lace workshop, candy store… For more fun visits, stop at the chocolate museum Choco-Story and at the Frietmuseum where you’ll be able to taste Belgian Fries.
Ter Brughe Hotel a charming four-star hotel located along a canal in the Northern part of the city and only a few minutes walk away from the Market Square. Click here for more hotels in Bruges>>
Taxis in Bruges are easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and metered. Don’t hail a taxi in the street; it’s better to pick one up by heading to a rank outside any of the major tourist attractions, train stations, or commercial hubs. Alternatively ask your hotel in Bruges to arrange one on your behalf.

Paris

Introducing Paris

Paris is a beautiful city and there are a hundred different ways to discover it. Why not try to visit the “real” Paris of those who live there and love it.
Try a “brasserie” (French for brewery but with more food involved). One of the best certainly is “Au Pied de Cochon” and it opens late…“Le Verre a Pied” is the ultimate Parisian bistro - almost nothing has changed here since before the wars. Here you will meet philosophers, students, painters... around a glass of red wine or a “petit crème” (small latte). If you are searching for more interlope crowds try “Aux Follies” in Belleville.
Le Musée D’Orsay, for the building itself (it used to be a railway station) and for the beautiful collection of Impressionist paintings and sculptures. “La Mouffe” or “le quartier Mouffetard” for the little restaurants and coffee-shops and the marquet. On the top of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont you will have one of the most authentic view of Paris.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Paris-Republique, very well located near to the metro stations and with a lot of restaurants, bars and shops close by. Click here for more hotels in Paris>>
Look for a lit-up 'LIBRE' sign in the window and just put out your hand if you want to hail one of Paris' 15,000 cabs. Taxis are not pricey in themselves but with the city traffic, taking one during the day can quickly become a costly and frustrating business.

Seville

Introducing Seville

In discovering Andalusia, Seville remains my favourite city and in my view the best starting point to discover the region. Always in motion except at nap time, she refers to me the banks of the Guadalquivir in the sun, the narrow cobbled streets, parks and fountains and the Andalucian carelessness.
The Patio San Eloy – the referent tapas bar, Las Columnas – view on the Cathedral, Viniera San Telmo – excellent cheap tapas bar, « La Cantina » Market - large covered market for fresh produce and tapas.
Like many Andalusian cities, Seville is full of vast parks, little gardens and fountains. Something to stay in the shade when the heat becomes too strong. The Casa de Pilatos is an Andalusian palace open to public. Architecture lovers will recognize the successful alliance of Arab-Andalusian, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The Triana district, on the other side of the Guadalquivir, is renowned for its nightlife and its cheap bars. This is the meeting place for students. It would be the birthplace of flamenco but, for my part, I admired it at the Flamenquito restaurant located opposite the university.
Becquer Hotel Sevilla is a beautiful four star hotel, a great base for all the tourist attractions and shops. Click here for more hotels in Seville>>
Although a hire car is strongly recommended to browse the rest of Andalusia, traffic is not convenient in the city: many one way streets and limited parking. But as a pedestrian, it's nice to have little traffic in the city.

Nice

Introducing Nice

Nice is one of the most beautiful cities of the French Riviera and certainly one of the most artistic. Art is everywhere in the city on the place Massena, in the square Doyen Jean Lepine..even the tramway stations’ names are made by a local artist.
Try all the local specialities like: ratatouille, gnocchis, socca (unleavened pancake of chickpea flour)- Nissa Socca is a typical restaurant where you can try it (7 rue Sainte Réparate). In front of the “English promenade” the Karré Noir is a nice place to have a drink and listen to some salsa music (Sundays & Tuesdays) or one of numerous bars at Cours Saleya (the most crowded place during the summer attracting people for its markets (flowers, flea market (Mondays) & typical food product: olive oil, candied fruits, spaces…)
My favourite museum: In the hills of Nice the Matisse Museum is my favorite .
My favourite district: Definitely the old town with its small streets.
I loved staying at the Westminster Hotel! Idealy located right across from the sea, close to the old town and the famous Negresco hotel. Click here for more hotels in Nice>>
Taxis in Nice are far from cheap so try and avoid them if you are on a budget. It is best to find a rank to catch them, as hailing them in the street is not common. These are usually near large hotels and transport terminals.