Paris is one of the most known cities of the world, which is famous for its history, arts, fashion and culture. Every year around 30 million travelers visit Paris from around the world and this city has many wonderful things to offer to the visitors.

How to reach Paris
By air – airways are the fastest way to reach the city there are two international airports in the city one is Charles De Gaulle international airport which is situated 25 km to the north east of the Paris and other one is the Orly airport situated to the south of the city.

By train – to reach Paris you have to take the train from the Italy following are the trains which you can take from the Italy to reach the Paris city:

Rome to Paris, with Palatino
Venice to Paris, with the Rialto
Milan to Paris, with Stendhal
Florence to Paris, with the Galileo

These trains arrive at Gare de Lym and are furnished with sleeper carriage with sleeper carriages with bed and bunks.

Major Attractions
There are hundreds of wonderful attractions in the city which also includes various museums and the historical places to visit but in all these there are six such monuments which alone draw about 24 million visitors every year these are-

Eiffel tower – it is one of the world’s most recognizable monument from the top of it you can you can get the view of whole Paris city and this monument alone has drew about six million visitors in 2002-03.

Central Pompidou – the funky and hip centre Pompidou displays the most wonderful collection of the modern art within it and has a creatively designed building structure. You can also watch cinema, concert etc here and it attract about 6 million visitors every year.

Louvre museum – this museum is believed to be one of the most famous art museum of the world and it is the only place where you can see Monalisa the most famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci. This museum is established in the latter half of the 18th century and is one of the oldest museums of the world.

The Seine river – one of the most beautiful thing to see in the Paris is the seine river which passes through the heart of the city and is very big attraction for both visitors and the Hollywood professional as banks of this river are the famous location to shoot the action stunts.

Arc de Triomphe – it is also one of the most famous attraction for the visitors of the Paris, this monument is constructed in the memories of one of the most fearless leader of the France Napoleon Bonaparte. From the top of this monument you can have a fabulous view of the Paris city.

Musee d Orsay – it is one of the most visited museums of the world and it houses the largest collection of the paintings and decorative objects produced between the 17th and 18th century and also showcases many of the most remarkable works by the humans in the modern era.

Hotel Accommodation
Following are the most popular hotels of the Paris city:-
Hotel Lancaster – next to the Champs Elysee.
Hotel Des Croises (Langlois) – close to the Gustave Moreau Museum.
Artus Hotel – in the heart of saint-Germain-Des-Pres.
Hotel Delavigne – in the Latin quarter

Exploring the Romantic City of Paris
Paris was basically founded just in the end of the 3rd century BC by a tribe who then settled and started to live in that particular region which during those days was called “Île de la Cité” (which now in the modern day is known as Paris). The name Paris is basically derived from the name of the people who discovered it and settled there called as “Parisii”.

Paris is the capital city of France and is one of the most populous cities of the country, having population around 2,203,817 (as of January 2006). Paris today is one the world’s biggest and leading cultural and business centers and is also considered as one of the Europe’s biggest economies.

Out of the “Fortune Global 500″ companies, 38 of them are from the Paris region. And also it has the honor of hosting many international organizations, out of which one example is UNESCO.

If we take a look geographically, Paris is located in the north side of the (River Seine). Paris is basically divided into two parts out of which one is the older part of Paris and the other is the smaller and comparatively so called as new Paris. But if we take a closer look at the geographical location of Paris, you can see that the whole of the city is mostly made up of flat surface. In total the covered are of whole of the Paris is 460 square miles.

Looking at the climate France does not receive many rainfalls during the whole year. Temperature remains moderate which means that it does not possess extreme summer or winters. If one wants to visit Paris than the best season is the spring season, in which you can really admire the natural beauty of Paris.

There is a lot of monuments and landmarks in Paris which act as the most important and attracting places for the tourists. Among these monuments “Eifel Tower” has now become the symbol/representation of Paris. It was a temporary construction from “Gustav Eifel” in 1889 but it was not abolished and now it is considered as an icon of Paris and an endurable figure.

Economically, Paris is a strong city and contributes a lot in the total GDP of the world. Having a GDP of (731.3 billion US$) makes Paris region one of the biggest and strongest GDP’s of Europe.

Attractions in Prague

Considered a home to about 1.9 million residents, Prague and Prague attractions are a gem waiting to be explored by the eager tourist. Being not only the capital, but the largest city in the Czech Republic, Prague is filled with rich history and a unique culture. Prague is located on the banks of the River Vltava. With its many bridges for those travelling on foot, Prague has a romantic and mysterious energy. You may find yourself transported to a time long ago as you gaze at the peaceful and calm river running below you. The city of Prague has an extensive history, dating back to 4000 BC when the German and Celtic tribes made parts of Prague their home. Later on the Slavs came to Prague and put down roots of what was to become the modern Prague we know today. Prague attractions are bountiful; making sure you can never get bored in this dazzling city and having something of interest to offer to all.

The city is filled with museums, such as the Mozart Museum, the National Museum, and the only Mucha Museum in the world. Alfons Maria Mucha was a Czech painter, born in 1860, famous for his work, one of which is The Slav Epic. The Slav Epic consists of twenty paintings showing the struggle and history of the Slav People. The talented Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart often found solace in Prague. Visiting his friends, who were musicians as well, he would spend the summer months working on his music and is said to have created the “Bella Mia Fiamma, Addio” piece while visiting, which he then dedicated to his cherished friends. The estate which Mozart visited has survived to be intact and serves as the Mozart Museum. Visitors can have an intimate glimpse of where this gifted and extraordinary soul drew his inspiration from.

Prague attractions include river cruises during which you can enjoy a romantic dinner while taking in the sights of the city. The cruises are available all year around and leave from every port. Reservations may also be made to be picked up from the hotel and transported directly to the port. All that is left for you to do is to climb aboard and enjoy.

Among the most famous Prague attractions are the Old Town and Prague Castle. True to its name, the Old Town is the oldest part of Prague. It grew significantly in the 13th century and eventually became the headquarters of the Czech Republic Government. Today, the Old Town offers visitors numerous attractions such as the Municipal House, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the opportunity to see the Astronomical Clock. The birth of the Astronomical Clock began in 1410 when a clockmaker, Mikulas, created the mechanical clock and dial. Over the next 100 years, the clock would undergo additions and changes until becoming the stunning clock we know today. Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century and was founded by Prince Borivoj. The castle is an important part of Czech history and is one of the most beloved places in the country. It is considered to be the largest castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The castle itself is about 70,000 m2 and consists of numerous palaces, cathedrals and gothic style buildings.

Planning A Travel To Prague, Czech Republic
There are a few basic things elements to consider when traveling to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. These travel basics will ensure fewer surprises and help travelers decide what to bring and what to leave at home.

Currency
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic which uses Czech koruna (CZK) as its sole currency. This is the main currency visitors are expected to use. Euros are only accepted at a few limited places and won’t be particularly useful to have on a trip to Prague. The best and cheapest way to get Czech koruna, or crowns as it’s known, is from a bank machine. In general, the numerous exchange offices throughout the city are more expensive and tend to have poorer exchange rates. Using a cash machine or a bank to get Czech crowns is generally the best way to obtain Czech currency.

Language
Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic and is a Slavic based language that is quite different from English. Although, learning a few key phrases can be relatively easy and Czechs will certainly appreciate the effort. Thankfully many people in Prague speak English especially younger generations who learn English at school. Meanwhile some older people may speak German and possibly a bit of Russian.

Arguably, the most important phrase to learn is “dobry den”. This is a formal greeting that is used between people who aren’t familiar with each other and is the first words between any strangers whether on the street, in a hotel or in a shop. It literally translates as “Good day”.

Packing for a Trip
It’s always best to pack lightly when traveling to Prague, especially if you are venturing to other cities as well. Also consider that at some point you might have to pull or carry your luggage through a train station or along Prague’s cobble stoned streets so lightweight things are most efficient. In addition, visitors might check with their hotel or apartment to verify what they need to bring. Most places of accommodation will supply a hairdryer, for example. Possibly the most important items for a trip to Prague will be comfortable walking shoes.

Getting Around
Prague is one of the most compact cities in Europe. Meaning, visitors can walk to most sights within the city center without needing a taxi or using the metro system. Even if you don’t plan to walk a lot, the layout of the city almost forces visitors to walk some especially in Old Town where there are numerous small streets not meant for cars. Besides walking, Prague has an excellent metro system that includes buses, trams (street cars) and an underground metro. The entire metro system is very safe and very reliable.

If you require a taxi during the trip, always make sure the driver uses the meter in the car and it’s best to ask for an estimate before getting in the car. Prague has had notoriously corrupt taxi drivers in the past which would often overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Lisbon on a Budget

As one of the cheapest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon has long been a popular destination for travelers exploring the continent on a budget. However, there’s much more to recommend the city than its sheer affordability alone!

From its attractive historic streets to its lively nightlife, Lisbon combines all the excitement and culture of a great capital city with a laidback vibe that sets it apart from much of urban Europe.

Cheap Hostels
As you would expect in such an inexpensive city, budget accommodation is plentiful in Lisbon, starting at just $20 a night.

In fact, Lisbon hostels include some of the best available in Europe, from the well-equipped Oasis Backpackers’ Mansion perched above the river on the Miradouro do Santa Catarina, to the super-stylish Lisbon Lounge Hostel a little further to the north.

Lisbon for Free
When it comes to sights and museums, there’s even more good news for budget travelers – Lisbon is full of free attractions! The international collection at the Centro Cultural Belem is free to explore, as are the masterpieces at the Museu de Fundacao Calouste Gulbenkian every Sunday.

There’s also plenty of free architecture and heritage, including the beautiful and ancient Convento do Carmo church (which also houses a small museum of archaeological treasures from the monastic era), and the 16th century Jeronimos Monastery with its unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

In addition, the remains of the Roman amphitheatre at Patio do Aljube – and the museum that showcases the excavations – are similarly free to enter.

Affordable Eats
Backpackers will find that eating and drinking in Lisbon is just as budget-friendly, with coffee from an old-fashioned kiosk or a copo of wine costing as little as $2 across the city.

Home to dozens of reasonably priced restaurants – particularly those selling Portuguese cuisine – Lisbon is a great city for budget travelers looking to treat themselves to a few meals!

The best value spots tend to be around the Rua dos Correeiros (east of Rua Augusta) or Rua das Portas de Sao Antao to the north of the city center. The latter is known for its quality fish restaurants where local specialties such as sardinhas asadas (chargrilled sardines) are served.

East of Alfama, Graca is another great place to head for a meal. Here the district’s large Brazilian population has influenced the culinary scene, and as a result there’s a cluster of excellent restaurants offering traditional Brazilian fare.

Nightlife
Aside from the great culture and restaurants, Lisbon is worth visiting for its nightlife alone! Home to one of the liveliest scenes in Europe, Lisbon’s numerous venues cluster among the city’s historic narrow streets, and allow jubilant revelers to party until dawn finally comes.

Bairro Alto is a particular hotspot for bars and clubs, whilst the Parque das Nacoes (to the northeast of the city center) is home to a handful of laidback cafés that are perfect for an early evening drink.

Traveling to Lisbon

If you are planning to spend some time in the city of Lisbon, you will enjoy many advantages to finding a Lisbon hotel in or near the city center. This way you will be close to many of the beautiful squares, bustling streets and excellent shopping areas, and efficient transportation systems.

The population of Lisbon consists of about 600,000 people. Not very large. However, surrounding the main city are a number smaller urban areas together making up the Greater Lisbon Area.

This area measures about a thousand square kilometers and includes ‘dormitory’ towns for commuters to and from the city center. In total, Greater Lisbon has a little more than two million inhabitants.

It is situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River mouth, known as Rio Tego, in Portuguese. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has a fascinating history for those who are interested in the past. It is also the westernmost city on the mainland of Europe.

The city of Lisbon consists of 53 ‘freguesias’, which can be translated in English as ‘civil parishes’, or ‘bairros’ which in English are called ‘neighbourhoods’, run as democratic entities. Each little municipality has its own elected president and a small elected staff.

Throughout Portugal, there are a little over 300 separate municipalities. These are divided into freguesias, amounting to about 4,000 in all.

The city has a moderate climate, seldom going below 5 deg in winter or above 30 deg in summer. The winters are untroubled by frost or snow, and subtropical – Mediterranean vegetation thrives there.

Even in the vibrant center of the city you will find beautiful parks where you can enjoy nature and a bit of open space. One of the loveliest and most convenient to the city center is the Parque Eduardo VII.

Apart from a little lake, beautiful gardens and greenhouses, you will also be able to enjoy lovely views. It is close to the famous Marquês de Pombal Square and the impressive Liberdade Avenue, which has a similar atmosphere to the Champs Elysées in Paris.

For getting around the city of Lisbon, you have several options. There is the metro system which is reliable and fast, but if you want to see a bit of the city while you travel, you should probably choose the trams, ‘eléctrico’, funicular, or the buses.

Take special care if you choose to walk and sightsee. The traffic, although not particularly aggressive, is not famed for its pedestrian friendliness, especially at crossings where there are no red lights.

However, walking is always a good way to see a city at a more intimate level. This is ideal when you want to explore a particular area of the city more closely.

A good alternative to walking is to ride a bicycle. More and more cycle paths are being constructed in some areas. Not every part of the town is suitable, for this.

However, a popular area for cycling and sightseeing at the same time is along the safe and very scenic bicycle lane along the Tegus river front from Baixa to Descobertas-Belem-Jerónimos, a historically really interesting area.

Most transport systems will help with free transport of bicycles to designated cycling areas, but generally at off peak periods and weekends.

Another interesting way to get unusual views of the city is to take one of the many boats, ferries and shuttles that cross the mouth of the River Tagus. There are also the two great bridges you can use to cross the water: the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

To enjoy your tour, you need to be close to the shopping areas, and transportation facilities; hence choose the best Lisbon hotel in the city center.