August 2022

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[ad_1] Surveying the royal gardens, neighbourhoods, architecture, cultural and religious highpoints of the great cities of European history are seldom an easy and inexpensive task. But visiting Cordoba – once the largest and most prosperous of all cities in Europe and seat of Arab power on the continent – can effortlessly be explored without the need for a metro system or complicated network of buses. Now little more than a provincial gem, the old city’s rustic streets bring to life the colourful and eclectic history of Spain’s romantic Andalucía region. In addition to an obligatory walk along the Guadalquivir River, here are some tips on how to see the best of Cordoba. What to see when visiting Cordoba Only a 40-minute train trip away, Cordoba is a great day trip from Seville. Alternatively, book a night or two’s accommodation to full explore the city. Regardless of how long you spend visiting Cordoba, her are a few things to do: Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba The undoubted jewel in the ancient city’s crown is the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Built on as a basilica by the Visigoths, the site became a massive mosque under its Arab rulers before being transformed into a unique Catholic cathedral, encompassing its 1000-year-old Islamic architecture. A tour is well worth the 15€ entry fee. Otherwise a wander around The Orange Tree Courtyard (free) is a great way to get a flavour of the compound’s majesty. Get your skip the line tickets here. Cordoba, Spain view of the Roman Bridge and Mosque-Cathedral on the Guadalquivir River. – depositphotos.com Alcazar (castle) of the Christian Monarchs The imposing Alcazar (castle) of the Christian Monarchs is another structure which bolsters Cordoba’s credentials as a European historic centre. Not as dull as it sounds, the towers once occupied by a succession of royal courts have witnessed some of Spain’s most important historic events. Now featuring a museum comprising artworks and artefacts from its time as a royal court, the sense of history is complemented by the beautifully manicured gardens and network of sophisticated water features which surround the fortress. Entrance is free on Wednesday mornings.  Get your guided tour and skip the line tickets here. Fountains and Gardens at the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos in Cordoba in a beautiful summer day, Spain – depositphotos.com The Jewish Quarter The cobblestone streets of the city’s old Jewish Quarter is full of life, atmosphere and a myriad of shops, bars and restaurants. One of the last surviving (although unused) synagogues in Spain can be found in one of the back streets and is worth a look. Related tour: Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour The Arab baths During its time as massive Arab city, public baths were popular among the region’s rulers, visitors and general population alike. The baths which were the centre of Arab social life during the 11th and 13th centuries were uncovered in the 1960s and have been transformed into a museum detailing the importance of the baths to the society.   If you want to see what all the fuss is about Arabs baths, there are two hammams in town which provide the full Arab bath experience from €50. You can book an experience Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus here. What to eat and drink in Cordoba Glorious examples of the region’s world-famous culinary delights – including tapas and paella – are all found a short walk from its historical centre. For beautifully fresh, homemade (and cheap) tapas or more substantial meals, try the bodegas on (and in the streets branching off) the orange tree-lined Calle San Fernando. Terrace restaurants on the relaxing Calle Romero Torres also serve reasonably priced tapas and drinks. While sangria is a popular beverage satisfying the palates of countless tourists, a fruity cup of vermouth (vermut rojo) is more popular among locals with several bars offering their own homemade drop. El Baron in the central Plaza Abades and a collection of small bars near the more cosmopolitan Plaza Tendillas serve locally made vermouths for less than 4€ a cup. For a sunset drink with some atmosphere, be sure to try a drink and tapas at the picturesque Plaza de la Corredera. Plaza de la Corredera in Cordoba, Spain – depositphotos.com Travel Dudes I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] If you’re looking for the ultimate sustainable Bavaria travel guide, you’re in the right place! The Free State of Bavaria (in German: Freistaat Bayern) comprises the entire southeast portion of Germany. This area of Germany is packed with many incredible things to do and sights to see, making creating a Bavaria itinerary pretty trick as it becomes hard to pick which activities to include. To help you plan your trip to Bavaria, we’ve compiled a list of the top things to do, places to stay and restaurants to eat at in our sustainable Bavaria travel guide. See also: Traveling in Europe: Rail Tickets and More A sustainable Bavaria travel guide Here’s a complete guide to exploring the Bavaria region sustainably. Eco-friendly places to stay in Bavaria Here are our top recommendations for sustainable accommodation in Bavaria. Biohotel Falkenhof Address: Paracelsusstraße 4, 94072 Bad Füssing Tel: +49 8531 9743 Biohotel Falkenhof is ecologically designed down to the last detail, from the furnishings to the diverse relaxation offers and culinary delicacies. An amiable team takes care of the well-being and needs of the guests. We love the sustainable values at this accommodation. At the Bio-Vitalhotel Falkenhof you will find by conviction only the best that nature has to offer. 100% BIO mainly from BIOLAND and DEMETER. Conservation of resources and efficient use of energy are just as important to them as the promotion of regional structures and organic farms. By building a combined heat and power plant in spring 2011, they now produce their electricity and heat, thus saving 90 T CO2 per year. They have been using green electricity since January 2012. Facilities include a private spa, sauna, muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen, water gymnastics in the salt water pool, Qi Gong, silent Qi Gong, meditation, Nordic walking, back training, yoga, run yourself fit. Bio Thermalhotel Falkenhof – image by Booking.com 7 Sentidos Address: Halliant-Gerstl GBR, Grossbaernbacher Strt. 50, D-94253 Bishop Corn Tel: +49 (0)9920 9036737 7Sentidos offers sustainable luxury with hammock & box spring beds in the middle of the Bavarian forest. The 7Sentidos is home to lovely people who appreciate easy living. The sunny attitude to life and the dignified, almost tangible attentiveness of the Bavarian Forest. Chilling out in the hammock is just as much a part of the good tone here as having a relaxed breakfast in your pajamas. Their casitas are so far apart that everyone can consciously enjoy their private space. And yet they are so close that a homey, cozy village feeling soon sets in. All around – and very often in the middle – are many charmed retreating places. Sometimes shady, sometimes mossy, sometimes in full sun. Sometimes protected under the canopy, sometimes quite ethereal, esoteric & dreamy. 7Sentidos accommodation in Bavaria Sustainable things to do in Bavaria What’s a Bavaria travel guide without a list of things to do? Here’s how to make the most of the region, sustainably. Hike to Burgberger Leite Hike to Burgberger Leite, one of the most impressive gorge landscapes in the Bavarian Forest and one of the most beautiful geotopes in Bavaria. You should not miss the suspension bridge over the Wolfsteiner Ohe. ÖPNV/Transport tip: There is a daily bus connection from Ringelai back to Freyung. You can find the times of the buses here: Timetable. You can also find a possible tour here. Tour Info: Drive (~1 hour) to the starting point/parking: Wanderparkplatz Ohebrücke, Ringelai (free parking) Walk with the Komoot app, following the Tour “Rundweg Buchberger Leite”. Or use the following files for your own hiking app: Tour length: 9 km Hiking time: about 3 hours Rundweg Buchberger Leite hiking trail Refreshment stops: In Freyung and Ringelai, there are several places to stop for refreshments. A sensational hiking trail along the raging waters of the “Wolfsteiner Ohe” into which you can also dangle your feet to take a break. The approximately 9 km long hiking trail leads through one of the most impressive gorge landscapes of the Bavarian Forest to the town of Freyung. The Buchberger Leite between Ringelai and Freyung was awarded as one of the most beautiful geotopes in Bavaria. “Wildbachklamm Buchberger Leite” is the name of this hiking trail, which was awarded the seal of quality as “Bavaria’s most beautiful geotope”. With this, the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment brought the new protection program “Bavaria’s most beautiful geotopes” to the district. In the Buchberger Leite, the sensational interaction and the mighty forces of nature become clear to one. Wildly romantic, lined with lush flora and fauna, this gorge-like gorge of the “Wolfsteiner Ohe” is a treat for the eye and soul during the good two-hour hike. At the water’s edge, flora and fauna offer rarities in abundance that can hardly be found elsewhere. For example, the iridescent kingfisher, the fire salamander or the tawny owl, which has its territory here. Species-rich canyon forest with spruce, beech, fir, sycamore maple, mountain elm, black alder, determines the vegetation on the steep slopes and accompanies the hiker along the stream. Many wild flowers, such as honeysuckle, aconite, golden nettle, brookwort, soldanelle, are constant companions. An installation with dam walls is still witness to the old drifting on the Wolfsteiner Ohe, where tree trunks were once transported by water. Shortly before Ringelai, the weir of the Triftsperre is very well preserved. An absolute “must” on the trail is the suspension bridge near Ringelai, which is attached to the banks by four ropes. Those who take the test of courage march over it, those who don’t can take the path past the fish pond. At the Triftsperre, both paths converge again. Rundweg Buchberger Leite hiking trail Cycling tour to Schloss Neuburg am Inn Join a cycling tour to Schloss Neuburg am Inn (~1.5 one way). You’ll get the rental bike through the hotel’s bicycle partner “Fahrrad Uttenthaler”. Neuburg am Inn Castle is located in Neuburg am Inn near Passau in Lower Bavaria. The hilltop castle is enthroned opposite Wernstein Castle high above the Inn Valley on the border with Austria. It was

[ad_1] It’s quite easy to predict what a first-timer’s Kuala Lumpur itinerary would look like. You can bet that it will include a stop at the Petronas Towers, a climb to Batu Caves, and a food crawl through Jalan Alor. Perhaps a day trip to Genting Highlands, too. These staples are almost always there, and for good reason. They have become the most recognizable tourism icons not just for the city but for Malaysia as a whole. But if you’ve visited KL before, where should you go? Does the Malaysian capital have anything fresh to offer these days? And the answer to that, my friend, is a resounding yes. Over the past few years, Kuala Lumpur has restored old sites and created new ones, adding to the already long list of things to do and places to visit in the city. In this post, we’ll share with you some that you might want to consider on your next trip to the Garden City of Lights. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE? Spanning almost 70 meters, the Saloma Link is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge that straddles Klang River and Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway. Because it connects the old-world village of Kampung Baru (Kampong Bharu) to KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre), where the Petronas Towers stand proudly, it also serves as a magnificent lookout. From here, one could admire the top halves of the twin towers sticking out from the skyline. Saloma Bridge was opened to the public in February 2020, just before the pandemic brought global tourism to its knees. Hence, many of those who had been to Kuala Lumpur before probably have never seen this link yet. And it’s a sight to behold, indeed! Designed by VERITAS Design Group, the structure is inspired by the betel nut leaf, part of the Malay wedding custom. It is best visited at night, when it is dressed in colorful, almost kaleidoscopic illumination, seemingly inviting and ushering visitors to the Petronas Towers and other nearby buildings. This means that it’s also more crowded at night, so just keep that in mind. It wasn’t plan of our original itinerary. We didn’t even know about this link until we were already on the way to the Petronas Towers. Our AirAsia Ride driver casually mentioned it as we passed by the intersection close to it. He recommended that we go in that direction after we had our time with the Twins. And we did! From the Petronas Towers, it was only an easy 10-minute walk away. Because it was built to service both pedestrians and cyclists alike, it is equipped with ramps on either side and an elevator on the Kampung Baru side. The bridge was named after the Malaysian-Singaporean singer Saloma, whose remains were laid to rest at the nearby Jalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery on the KLCC side. Location: Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaNearest Station: Kampung Baru LRT Station or KLCC LRT Station We know Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown district has been around for a long time. And if you’ve been here before, you probably best remember Petaling Street, a 800-meter shopping strip running from Leboh Pasar Besar/Jalan Yap Ah Loy on the northern end to Bulatan Merdeka in the south. About 300 meters of it is covered by a green roof (fondly nicknamed the “Green Dragon”) and marked by two Chinese arches on either end. Petaling Street, in particular, has seen a number of transformations since Cantonese and Hakka tin trade workers arrived in the city in the 19th century. But sometime towards the end of the millennium, development slowed down and this part of KL became largely known as the go-to place for counterfeit products — from branded accessories to illegal DVDs. But as the 2010s ended, Chinatown has been enjoying a sort of renaissance. Counterfeit products are still there, but cool, hipster, Instagrammable spots also began popping up. A night food market came to life, serving an endless selection of Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes and snacks. Some buildings also got a much-needed makeover. But this transformation is most evident at Lorong Panggung, also known as Kwai Chai Hong after a restoration passion project that spearheaded by Bai Chuan Management. It used to be a bleak and forgotten alleyway, but when it reopened to the public in 2019, visitors saw a captivating heritage site that has been thoroughly cleaned up and adorned by colorful street art and murals, depicting the Chinatown of yore. It covers the restoration of 10 pre-war shophouses — six on Jalan Petaling and four on Lorong Panggung — bringing back the 1960s glory days of KL’s Chinatown. It wasn’t just a simple face lift; it also brought back its pride and dignity as a heritage space. The once-neglected back lane has become a charming attraction that both locals and tourists can enjoy. If you get hungry or thirsty, try one of the restaurants, cafes, and bars lining Lorong Panggung and Jalan Petaling. One of the most popular is Bunn Choon Restaurant, an iconic establishment serving highly sought-after egg tarts along with other pastries and dimsum since 1893. Just next to it, in the same bright yellow building, is Pandan Republic, also a local favorite best-known for its breakfast and dessert offerings like Hakka lei cha (pounded tea), pandan gula Melaka cheesecake, and pandan soft serve. In another corner, you’ll find Beryl’s Chocolate and Cafe at Lot 18. Beryl’s, of course, is Malaysia’s homegrown chocolate brand, which I best know for its dragées, those simply irresistible egg-shaped chocolates with almonds or raisins at their core. You might even spot an art installation or interactive exhibits. Location: Lorong Panggung, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaNearest Station: Pasar Seni MRT Station The River of Life is seven-year RM4-billion government project that ambitiously aimed to clean up, rehabilitate and beautify Klang River (Sungai Klang) and surrounding areas. But for tourism purposes, it mostly refers to the point where the Klang meets the Gombak River (Sungai Gombak), which best exemplifies this impressive transformation. This is

[ad_1] Almost all trips to Tenerife are centred around one thing: the beaches. Being the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, you’ll find many incredible beaches in Tenerife. While you’ll find many classic white sand beaches in Tenerife, due to the island’s volcanic nature, there are also many beautiful black sand beaches in Tenerife. Here are a few of the most popular beaches and a few quiet beaches in Tenerife. But first, let’s talk about getting around Tenerife. Getting around Tenerife If you want to beach-hop around Tenerife, you’ll need to know how to get around. There are three main ways to get around: by bus, taxi and car. Getting around by bus in Tenerife is the most affordable way of seeing the island. You’ll be able to find the bus timetable at any of the bus stations, or you can ask your hotel for assistance (or Google). The second option is by taxi. We recommend getting a taxi from the airport as it’s the easiest way to get to your hotel – check out Solhop. Once at your resort or hotel, you’ll likely find taxi ranks nearby or spot taxis while out and about. Taxis display a green light on the roof and will have an official plate with the letters ‘SP’ (servicio público – public service) on them. However, hiring a car in Tenerife is the most convenient way to get around the island. There is a variety of car hire companies to choose from, with many different cars. See also: Exploring the Roads in Tenerife Roads in Tenerife, Spain Beaches in Tenerife If you love exploring different beaches, here are a few of the best beaches in Tenerife. 1.      Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje beach Playa del Duque beach in Tenerife is often considered the main beach in Costa Adeje. This whole area is quite exclusive, offering a premium resort feel. While it is quite commercialized, this beach also offers opportunities for rest and relaxation. It’s also protected by a breakwater, making it safe for children and families. You’ll also find all beach facilities, including sun loungers and parasols, toilets, showers, changing rooms and beach bars. It’s also one of the twelve beaches in Tenerife with facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility. Location: Calle Unterhacing, s/n, 38679 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje beach – depositphotos.com Where to stay: Bahia del Duque Overlooking Duque Beach in Tenerife, the luxurious Bahia Del Duque is surrounded by 6 hectares of subtropical gardens. It offers 5 outdoor pools, 8 restaurants, 7 bars, fitness centre and stylish accommodation with private balcony. 2.      Playa de Las Teresitas, San Andres Located in San Andres, near the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas is one of Tenerife’s most popular golden-sand beaches. It’s a large beach, stretching 1,3 kilometers long and 80-meters wide. There’s a big parking lot (that’s free) along with changing rooms, toilets, showers, restaurants and bars. One of the best things about this beach is that it’s lined by beautiful palm trees – giving it a fabulous island beach feel. Location: Lugar Playa Teresitas, 108, 38129 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain Playa de Las Teresitas, San Andres in Tenerife – Depositphotos.com Where to stay: Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey This stylish, urban hotel with a spa is located in a colonial-style building. The hotel is situated in a quiet residential area, just 50 m from García Sanabria Park. It is just 5 minutes’ drive from the ferry port with regular crossings to the other islands. Where to stay: Labranda Bahia 3.      Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz Playa Jardín is one of the Puerto de la Cruz beaches. Located in northern Tenerife, it’s one of the most popular beaches in the region. It’s also one of the black sand beaches in Tenerife and is divided into three sections: Castillo beach, Charcón beach and Punta Brava beach. Surfers will be happy to find the open areas, while other beach lovers can enjoy the promenade, gardens, children’s playgrounds, terraces and restaurants. You’ll also find all beach facilities, including sun loungers and parasols, toilets, showers and changing rooms. It’s also one of the twelve beaches in Tenerife with facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility. Location: Calle Luis Lavaggi, 14, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain Beach Playa Jardin, of Puerto de la Cruz de Tenerife, Spain – Depositphotos.com Where to stay: Cómodo estudio Playa Jardin Situated in Puerto de la Cruz, just 250 m from Playa Jardin, Cómodo estudio Playa Jardin features beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a shared lounge and free WiFi. The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with pool views. 4.      Playa Guios Beach, Los Gigantes Here’s one of the black sand beaches in Tenerife. It’s located in the resort town of Los Gigantes and is well known for its tall cliffs reaching up to 800 meters. While it’s not a very big beach, only about 180-meters long, but it has everything you need for a perfect beach day of swimming and relaxing – including showers and toilets and lifeguards. Location: Calle los Guíos, s/n, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain Beautiful beach Playa de los Guios in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain – Depositphotos.com Where to stay: My Ocean – Cliff & Ocean View Situated in Acantilado de los Gigantes, just 100 m from Los Guios Beach, My Ocean – Cliff & Ocean View features beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a garden and free WiFi. With sea views, this accommodation offers a balcony. 5.      Playa La Tejita, Santa Cruz Located on the East Coast of Tenerife, this is one of the largest natural beaches on the island. You can expect soft sand beach, bright blue waters and craggy volcanic rock formations. It’s much windier here, making it a great beach

[ad_1] Ever thought about visiting historical casinos while on holiday? If you’d like your travels to be a combination of beautiful experiences, historical marks, and a lot of fun, this might be the perfect fit for you. Even though casinos are associated with gambling and fun, there are also historical and cultural experiences to experience at them. When planning a trip, many people look for the biggest, most popular destinations. But have you ever thought about traveling to one of the great historic casinos around the world? Why should you visit casinos while traveling? In recent years, the commercial gaming revenue has set new records, including gambling. Therefore a visit to the casino might be on a lot of people’s bucket lists. Visiting different casinos around the world is always a lot of fun. While some are more notorious than others, you shouldn’t skip past the lesser-known ones. For beginner gamblers, don’t worry, there are many opportunities to practice your skills before setting foot in a real casino. Start practing on one of the many online casinos – just remember that you will need to be located in one of the states where gambling is legal. For example, you can search for casinos in Pennsylvania, as of 2019, this state has permitted gambling along with 17 other states. As long as you make sure that you are on the right side of the law, you can start preparing for your historical casino trip. Top cultural and historical casinos around the world There are several great casinos to visit around the world, some are enormous and flashing, while others are elegant and historic. And you will most definitely find some cultural history visiting some of these casinos.  Baden-Baden Kurhaus, Germany This is one of the oldest casinos, established around 1820 and has been working as a casino ever since. It has an atmosphere of high class and intellectual spirit as many famous guests have visited this spectacular casino, amongst them are the composers Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann. As well as being a casino, this establishment hosts a spa section that is just as extraordinary and extremely beautiful. Located in this beautiful city with a lot of other great attractions and things to do, you will not regret visiting this spot. Historical casino – Baden-Baden Kurhaus, Germany Monte-Carlo Casino, Monaco This casino has received a revival through its appearance in two Bond movies and for good reason. This is yet another beautiful historic casino worthy of a visit. As with Baden-Baden Kurhaus, it’s one of the older ones, as the casino was opened to guests for the very first time in 1858. Since then, it has been working as an exclusive and extraordinary casino attracting some of the most wealthy casino travelers and visitors around the world. So, when you visit here you will need to spend a bit to get to play. And you should remember to dress up nicely.  See also: Monaco Sightseeing: What Not to Miss Historical casino – Monte-Carlo Casino, Monaco Casino di Venezia, Italy This is the oldest casino in the entire world and just for this reason it’s worth a visit. However, there are plenty of other reasons too. Firstly, it’s located by the waterfront on the Grand Canal in Venice, and you enter the casino by gondola. After this classy and exciting entry, you’ll be met by a beautiful interior that is well-preserved, transforming you back to earlier times. If not for the casino, you should visit Venice no matter what. There are tons of incredible things to do in Venice and the city in itself is indeed worth a visit.  Casino di Venezia, Italy Travel Dudes I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit Get my best stuff sent straight to you! [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [id^=”_form”] [id^=”_form”] [id$=”_submit”] [id$=”_submit”] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [id^=”_form”] [id^=”_form”] [id$=”_submit”] [id$=”_submit”] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] Is Cancun Safe? Get my best stuff sent straight to you! [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [id^=”_form”] [id^=”_form”] [id$=”_submit”] [id$=”_submit”] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [id^=”_form”] [id^=”_form”] [id$=”_submit”] [id$=”_submit”] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [+_a-z0-9-‘&=] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [class^=”wpforms-“] [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] If you’re looking for an alternative Osaka travel guide, you’ve just landed on the right page. Japan expert, La Carmina, shares her best tips and advice for exploring the more underground side of Osaka. Only three hours from Tokyo by bullet train, Osaka is a turbo-charged setting for a long weekend getaway. Although it’s worth seeing historic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, travelers shouldn’t miss out on exploring the underground culture for an alternative perspective of the city. For instance, Osaka is home to a gritty and raucous music scene that’s matched only by its drinking holes — where the staff has feathered and dyed hair, the speakers blast Def Leppard, and the walls are decorated with grinning skulls. I’ve been writing about Japan and visiting Osaka for well over a decade on my La Carmina travel blog. Here are some of my favorite subculture hangouts in the city, which I hope you’ll get to check out on your next trip. See also: A day in Osaka, Japan La Carmina, Japan travel and fashion blogger of LaCarmina.com Osaka shopping guide Let’s start off this alternative Osaka travel guide with a few vintage, indie and unique shopping spots in Osaka. Shinsaibashi Shinsaibashi’s Shopping Arcade is a bustling treasure hunt: look for indie and vintage boutiques, such as Dangerous Nude, amidst the mass retailers. Nearby Amerikamura is the cultural equivalent of Tokyo’s Harajuku, with Goths, punks and rockers hanging out in Triangle Park (here’s a map of the best stores). Poke your head through the beaded curtains for cyber fashion, tarot cards and 1980s toys. A Satanic-themed 666 clothing shop in the Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. Image by La Carmina Blog. EST Center A stone’s throw from Umeda Station, EST is a young women’s “shopping town with dream and excitement.” The boutiques lure you in with frantic J-pop music and the chic outfits seen in Cutie and ViVi magazines. If the hundred-plus indie and alternative shops aren’t enough, across the street is Hep Five, a shopping and entertainment megalopolis with a red Ferris wheel. Pokemon Center, Osaka. Image by La Carmina Blog. Sightseeing in Osaka Here are a few more unique sights to visit in Osaka. Pokemon Center Believe it or not, the Pokemon Center is one of the top tourist attractions in all of Japan. The gargantuan Umeda, Osaka store is stocked with every character imaginable. Children in Pikachu hats will remind you that the brand’s motto is “gotta catch em all,” so bring your wallet. Kaiyukan Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world and a family favorite. Young Osaka resident Takumi Tanaka reminisces on his childhood visits. “It’s always fun to see the penguins and dolphins playing, but my favorite thing to do is visit the Floating Jellyfish tanks. It’s so relaxing to watch the intertwining tendrils,” he says. “Also I love to watch the staff feed the sea otters, who play like children.” Osaka Castle Tanaka also encourages first-timers to visit the historic Osaka Castle, especially during the cherry blossom season. “There are always festivals and gatherings in the beautiful park, and little stalls that sell traditional foods like takoyaki. It’s fun to just sit on the benches and watch people go by,” says Tanaka. Related tour: Guided Walking Tour around Osaka Castle Fu-Ki pours a devilish drink at hard rock Bar Midian, Osaka. Image by La Carmina Blog. Bars and Nightlife in Osaka What’s an Osaka travel guide without a list of the best bars and nightlife? Related tour: Osaka: Nightlife Experience Bar Midian Fans of Visual Kei/J-rockers Blood were heartbroken when the group disbanded. But like a Goth Elvis, vocalist Fu-ki is alive and ominously wielding an ice pick behind the counter of his Bar Midian. The Umeda dive is near-impossible to find, so I suggest studying these detailed directions on my La Carmina Blog. Midian’s decor is a heavy metal wet-dream: a dripping candle sits in a Dracula wine bottle; an axe rests in the umbrella stand. That night, we sat with tattooed rockers who headbanged to Black Sabbath videos and scandalized us with their boy-on-boy antics. Drinks are 500 yen and have names such as Black Rose and Satan. Fu-ki mixes a strong cocktail and will gladly make you a special one, or pour you a Belgian Satan Beer. He’s also known to pick up the tab for newcomers, especially if you bond over music — so don’t forget to ask him about his Motley Crue cover band. Bar Moonwalk When metal and rock bands tour Osaka, they frequently stop by Moonwalk, a bar that pumps Marilyn Manson and Japanese glam metal to a young, heavily-pierced crowd. My travel comrade and I had an instant crush on our eyeliner-smeared server Kouta, who plays bass in a new Visual Kei band. The fantasy faded a little when he went into the kitchen to cook our orders: tasty 315 yen plates of Korean fried rice and lotus pork cakes. There’s a 400 yen cover charge, but the drink menu — which has over 300 offerings for 200 yen each – more than makes up for it. Got a sweet tooth? Try the raspberry yogurt cocktail. More of a hardcore type? Go for the brandy ginger mixer. And don’t be surprised if the charming bartender brings over free shots. Bar Rock Rock Alice Cooper. Bad Religion. Motley Crue. Metallica. They are among the hundreds of famed faces who have raised hell at Rock Rock since the bar opened in 1995, leaving behind autographed photos and tales of destruction. The atmosphere reminds me of a really chill jazz club, only with screamo vocals. The bar plays anything from punk to metal and has events throughout the year that bring in throngs of rock fans. These include special DJ nights such as Hell’s Bells (AC/DC), Emotion is Dead (emo) and the self-explanatory Loud & Heavy. The menu is a typical selection of pizzas, pastas and salads (600-800 yen). The drinks are standards, plus a selection of

[ad_1] Kenya is a unique African country, famous for its safaris and epic coastline. You can expect to find fantastic wildlife like lions, elephants and giraffes – and many more!  If you’re looking to travel to Kenya, you might be eligible for a Kenya eVisa. The Republic of Kenya has launched a Kenya eVisa system which allows visitors to get a Kenya visa online without visiting the Kenyan authorities.  Read on if you want to find out exactly how to get Kenya eVisa for your next trip to this great country in East Africa. See also: Reasons to Visit Kenya Nairobi National Park, Kenya Can I get a tourist visa on arrival in Kenya? Since 2021, the visa on arrival in Kenya was discontinued, meaning that all foreign visitors who require a visa to visit Kenya need to apply for it online. Travelers who were previously eligible for a visa on arrival must now get an eVisa. All visitors must get an eVisa whether they are traveling to Kenya by air, sea, or land. Who is eligible for a Kenya eVisa? Residents of any country listed as a Category 2 can apply for a Kenya eVisa online. Visitors under Category 1 do not require a visa to visit Kenya. This is mainly reserved for some nearby African countries, select South American regions, some Caribbean islands and islands in Australasia, not including Australia or New Zealand.  Category 2 is reserved for visitors that can get a Kenya visa online. This includes African countries not listed under Category 1 and most other countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Most countries are eligible to apply for a Kenya eVisa under this Kenyan visa system. The countries under Category 3 require a referred visa, meaning they’ll need to apply in advance. This includes Afghanistan, Armenia, Iraq, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya and other Middle Eastern countries.  How long does the Kenya eVisa take to process? They are typically processed 48 hours after application and can be valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue. Therefore, it’s advised not to apply too far ahead for your trip.  If you are worried about processing time, remember to apply at least 1 week before your intended departure date.  What documents do you need for a visa for Kenya? To submit a successful online application for a Kenya eVisa, you must prepare some documents beforehand. Travelers wanting to apply for a Kenya eVisa must have: A scanned coloured copy of their biographical page within their current, valid passport Passport-style photographs for Kenya, to be attached to the eVisa. You may be required to show evidence of your accommodation reservations, a travel itinerary and a return air ticket for a tourist visa.  For a business visa, you must establish a business invitation or valid company registration letter and return an air ticket. For a family visa, you may be required to show a letter of invitation from your relative, a passport or other identity documents from your host in Kenya, and a return air ticket.   Suppose you are traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is a health risk. In that case, you must show your Yellow Fever certificate to border officials upon arrival in Kenya to prove your vaccination status.  You might be required to complete a Kenyan Travelers Health Surveillance form as a result of COVID-19 regulations for air travelers.  Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya – depositphotos.com How much does a Kenya eVisa cost? The average Kenya eVisa cost for a single entry visa is around $51, which includes a $1 service charge and card handling fee. This will allow the visa holder to visit Kenya once. If you decide to opt for a multiple entry visa, it costs $101 and can be valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue. A 5-year multiple entry visa costs $161. For a transit visa, the Kenya eVisa cost is $21, which includes a $1 service charge and card handling fee. This is valid for anyone needing to connect to another destination through Kenya for up to 72 hours and does not apply to anyone with a connecting flight who won’t leave the airport.  Kenya also has a joint East African tourist visa, explicitly dedicated to tourists traveling to or from Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda solely for tourism purposes. This unique Kenya eVisa cost is $101, including service charges.  Are you ready to visit Kenya? If you’re looking for an East African adventure, Kenya better be on your bucket list. With so many incredible attractions in Kenya, including Nairobi, Wasini Island, the many beautiful beaches and, of course the main highlight, the Masai Mara National Reserve, you have many reasons to visit. Remember to send in your Kenya eVisa application in advance to make the most of your next vacation to Kenya!  Travel Dudes I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes. [ad_2] Source link