It seems unthinkable that in the pantheon of articles done here over the course of time, not one has dealt exclusively with the fine capital of Portugal. Time to remedy the obvious omission with a list of ten must-see attractions in the phenomenal city of Lisbon.

10. Belém Tower

If Lisbon is the veritable heart of Portugal, the Belém Tower is the undisputed symbol of the capital city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the late 16th century to honor the exploratory exploits of of Vasco da Gama.

9. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was a famous businessman and philanthropist from Armenia with a ferocious appetite for art. Upon his death in 1955, a foundation was set up to disperse a large share of his fortune and vast art collection. One of the results was the world class Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

8. Jerónimos Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery is the most successful interpretation of the Manueline, or Portuguese Late Gothic style. Construction of the magnificent monument took over half a century and today, the brilliant complex symbolizes the Age of Discovery in Portugal.

7. Castelo de Sao Jorge

For brilliant views of Lisbon and the Tejo River, the medieval citadel that overlooks the city is a must. Castelo Sao Jorge, in the historic heart of Lisbon, is a glorious relic of the Middle Ages.

6. Estadio da Luz

The Stadium of Light, or Estadio da Luz, is the ultimate theater of football in Portugal and one of the best in Europe. The UEFA Elite Stadium holds over 65,000 fans and is the home of legendary Benfica. Built for UEFA Euro 2004, the facility features a polycarbonate roof and superb pitch.

5. Chiado

Between the Lisbon neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, Chiado is the name of a square and area of the city. A wonderful mix of old and new, Chiado has some notable landmarks to discover. The monument to national poet António Ribeiro for one, in addition to the A Brasileira café, Santa Justa Lift and Carmo Convent.

4. Alfama

The most historic neighborhood of Lisbon connects the Castelo of Sao Jorge with the shores of the Tejo River below. As such, Alfama has a lot to offer, with scores of nooks and narrow streets to explore. The area is popular today for restaurants, nightlife and Fado bars and teems with tourists and locals on warm summer nights. Great attractions in Alfama include the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora and spectacular Church of Santa Engrácia.

3. Baixa

Baixa, or Pombaline Lower Town, is a wonderful section of central Lisbon built for the most part, after the destructive earthquake of 1755. Look for the district to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the near future.

2. Sé de Lisboa

Though in Alfama, we have to single out the Lisbon Cathedral on our must-see list. Construction on the Sé began in 1147, with subsequent restorations in the wake of fires, earthquakes and general wear and tear. Despite a change in appearance since the medieval era, the cathedral is incredible to behold, with tons of interior gems to admire. The Gothic cloister is particularly cool.

1. Bairro Alto

Another fine area of central Lisbon is the Bairro Alto. Though historic, the neighborhood has undergone a period of epic transformation over the past two decades. Now completely pedestrian, the Bairro has become a pulse point for counterculture, live music and nightlife in Lisbon. Though problems with drugs, vandals, petty theft and graffiti persist, if you want to party in Lisbon, the Bairro is the place to be.

Check out some of the best hotel rates in Lisbon.

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Dublin is the first town people think about when the land of Ireland is mentioned. For many, even people who have never visited the Irish republic’s capital city, the name conjures up visions of a merry, lively place.

People visit Dublin to enjoy the pubs and entertainment, to peruse its museums,…

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Only a few years ago, San Francisco, California sat at the center of the so-called dot com revolution. The area was incredibly popular and was suddenly also incredibly unaffordable.

After the dot com glass ceiling fell through, the city readjusted itself to a more moderate standard of living and the city is once again a wonderful place for tourists and residents to enjoy. With plenty of cultural attractions, parks, and theatres to choose you are guaranteed to have a packed itinerary throughout your stay.

When to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a nice place to visit just about any time of year. The nicest weather, where temperatures are actually at their warmest, occurs between September and October. The coldest temperatures are around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius). The winter months are usually rainy and the added wind from the nearby ocean can make temperatures seem cooler than anticipated so you should plan accordingly.

Transportation in San Francisco

Despite being one of the most popular and largest tourist destinations in the United States, the city of San Francisco proper is actually pretty small. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that you can reach most tourist attractions from any San Francisco hotel you choose to stay in.

Many San Francisco tourists enjoy walking from attraction to attraction. The most popular destinations, including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square, are easy to get to from the center of the city. You should be in relatively good shape and wear comfortable walking shoes, though – the steep slopes are more than some people expect them to be.

If walking isn’t your thing you will find a very promising public transportation system. There are streetcars, cablecars, buses, and a large subway system to choose from. The largest transportation system, Muni, is in charge of almost all of these systems and is incredibly reliable.

Taxi cabs and bicycles also provide viable options but we don’t recommend you try to drive in the city unless you are already familiar with its layout. Even if you do find your end destination we’re pretty sure you’ll have a ridiculously rough time finding a place to park.

Health and Safety Considerations in San Francisco

San Francisco is like every other major city around the world. It has a few areas you might want to avoid but is relatively safe for the average tourist.

The city of San Francisco has a high homeless population and you’ll likely see people panhandling almost everywhere you go. It is believed that most of the panhandlers, especially those near the Civic Center, are not dangerous but many have mental illnesses and exhibit unpredictable behavior and should be avoided.

During the evening hours you should stay out of the “Tenderloin” and Mission districts. These are safe areas during the day but they transform into something completely different at night. Ask your hotel concierge to help you mark your map so that you understand exactly where these areas begin and end before going out.

Free and Low Cost Attractions in San Francisco

The cost of living in San Francisco is relatively high. Somehow, though, the city manages to offer quite a variety of free and low-cost attractions to the public. Keep your eyes peeled for special deals during different parts of the week and make sure you explore the city parks, beaches, and public areas for some of the area’s hottest free theater performances.

There are several museums in San Francisco that offer free admission all of the time. These include:

• Chinese Culture Center
• Creativity Explored
• Fort Point Natural Historic Site
• Museo Italo-Americano
• Octagon House
• San Francisco Cable Car Museum
• Tattoo Art Museum
• San Francisco Art Institute

There are several other museums throughout San Francisco that do not offer free admission all of the time but do participate in a free admission program during the first week of every month. Each offers free admission on a different day so you’ll want to check in advance before heading out. These include:

• Asian Art Museum
• Cartoon Art Museum
• Exploratorium
• Museum of Craft and Folk Art
• San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design

Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city and you’ll be amazed at the incredible attractions, concerts, and even free tours you might stumble upon. San Francisco warmly welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Take your time and explore all that the city has to offer.

Peace, tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings, these are three of the attributes that, for some people, make lakes more popular than endless seas and oceans. Whether you’re looking to relax and meditate in the middle of nature, or just want to take your family on a nice vacation, these…

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Ghost hunting may, to many, seem like a silly and frivolous endeavor. To those who truly believe in the supernatural and the existence of trapped spirits, however, ghost hunting is an incredibly serious hobby. Many states even have formal Ghost Hunting clubs and organizations where individuals can get together to discuss tips, techniques, ghost hunting tools and, of course, the best places to watch for ghosts.

Ghost Hunting Tips and Guidelines

Most novice ghost hunters think it’s alright to simply grab a flashlight, find a deserted building or area, and simply start exploring. While these may be great places to watch for ghosts there are a few rules and regulations you need to keep in mind before you embark on your first ghost hunting adventure.

First of all, you should never go on a ghost hunting expedition alone. You should have at least one other person with you at all times, even if he isn’t really into ghost hunting the way you are. Having a second person with you will ensure you have a witness if anything strange happens but, most important, will ensure you have a second person on hand in the event of an emergency.

The next important step is to visit any ghost hunting site in daylight before exploring it at night. The reason you need to visit during the day is because you will be able to see any warning signs or hazards. Doing so will help you to avoid being arrested for trespassing and will ensure you don’t injure yourself in ditches, holes, or in areas with unstable construction.

Speaking of unstable construction, you really shouldn’t do any ghost hunting in a building that has been condemned, on strange cliff sides, or in any other area that could cause you to risk your life. Seeing a ghost isn’t worth the chance if it means you may be joining them on the other side.

Always carry a watch, logbook, tape recorder, camera, flashlight, and any other necessary equipment you can think of. Carry extra batteries so that your records of the event aren’t cut short. Carry only what you need. The more you carry, the more your attention will be turned away from the hunt itself.

The Best Places to Ghost Hunt

There are tons of ideal places to go if you want to look for ghosts but the absolute best places to go ghost hunting are in old churches, graveyards, and old castles. Old churches, the ones with their own graveyards out front, are usually always crawling with some sort of supernatural or paranormal activity. Look for old, rural towns and do your research. If you don’t find a church with its own graveyard nearby you may find one that was built on top of an old graveyard instead.

Graveyards are a great place to look for ghosts for a couple of reasons. The history at your average graveyard usually isn’t littered with strange stories of torture and murder. They’re usually exactly what they are supposed to be – simple graveyards. The size of the graveyard you choose to visit doesn’t really matter but it’s reasonable to assume that the larger the graveyard the better your chances of spotting a spirit.

Old castles are usually rich with incredible history. There are stories of plots to take over lands, dungeons, tortures, murders, and outright community punishment. Visit an old castle (if you can get in legally) if you want to search for some of the most troubled spirits.

Trukee, California

One of the most notable recent ghost hunting adventures took place this past September in Trukee, California. Ghost hunters from Haunted and Paranormal Investigations (HPI) gathered at the The Truckee Hotel so that they could tour the hotel itself, the local town jail, a local restaurant and a few other Lake Tahoe locations believed to be haunted.  You may have missed the formal tour but if you head on out that way yourself (with a ghost hunting partner, of course) you never know what (or who) you might see.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has long been embraced as an incredible place to research paranormal activity, with stories of spirits and haunting dating back decades. If you contact the New Orleans Paranormal and Occult Research Society you may even be able to find someone familiar with the area and join in on a local hunt.

West Virginia Penitentiary – Moundsville, West Virginia

Not ready to try your hand at ghost hunting on your own? The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville is believed to be haunted and ghost hunters from around the country flock there between March and November each year to try to track looming spirits. Tickets go on sale for the upcoming season each January and your session lasts from 8pm until 6am the following morning on the evening you book. You’ll get a guided tour of the facility, a dinner, and will then have the chance to try your hand at ghost hunting on your own.

Ghost hunting isn’t for you? No problem. If it is your cup of tea, though, you’ll want to proceed with extreme caution. You never know what spirits may be awaiting your arrival!

A premier world city, Moscow is without a doubt, one of the most important capitals on the planet. For all the inherent charm and superb architecture of Europe’s most populous urban area however, Moscow can dish out a major wallop on your travel budget. For three years in a row, from 2006 to 2008, the city was the most expensive in the world for foreign visitors.

While Tokyo and Osaka beat Moscow out in 2009, the city has a long way to go to compete with the likes of Buenos Aires and Montreal. Still, despite the prospect of high currency conversion rates for most, there is a way to make Moscow affordable. The city of more than 10 million people after all, is world class. So read this list of free or almost free attractions in order to enjoy Moscow on the cheap.

Ryabushinsky Mansion

The Ryabushinsky Mansion has a phenomenal legacy, first as a notable creation of Fyodor Osipovich Schechtel. The architect was the most influential master of Art Nouveau and late Russian Revival in the early 20th century. The mansion may not be on the map for most tourists however, were it not for the fact that it was home to author and activist Maxim Gorky between 1931 and 1936.

Mayakovsky Museum

A great poet of the revolution deserves a standout museum for all to enjoy. That is exactly what the Vladimir Mayakovsky Museum offers, in the confines of the poet, playwright and noted Futurist’s former home, across from KGB headquarters.

Kolomenskoye

The former royal estate of Kolomenskoye has a singular UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Church of the Ascension. The 16th century white stone church is a marvel and the crown jewel of a complex that includes several other historic landmarks.

Novodevichy Convent

Though the official UNESCO inscription reads Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent, Novodevichy will suffice. The 16th and 17th century complex is the archetype of the Moscow Baroque style and has indelible links with the social, religious and political evolution of Russia. The convent cemetery contains the grave sites of Chekhov, Gogol and Prokofiev.

Sergiyev Posad

Though a city within the Moscow Oblast, Sergiyev Posad is easily accessible from Moscow proper and is well worth the 90 km journey. The main reason? The spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox church is here, in the form of the UNESCO World Heritage Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra. The mere tip of the iceberg in the area northeast of Moscow known as The Golden Ring, Trinity Sergius Lavra is brilliant.

Vorobyovy Gory

Vorobyovy Gory, or Sparrow Hills, is a prominent hill on the right bank of the Moskva River and one of the premier landmarks in Moscow. If for no other reason, visit the summit for peerless panoramas of the city, in addition to Trinity Church and Moscow State University.

State Tretyakov Gallery

For fine art from Russia, there is no better place in Moscow than the State Tretyakov Gallery. The original museum facade is unusual and quite notable on the cityscape, with recent expansions into other landmarks, such as the 17th century church of St. Nicholas. All in all, the gallery offers more than 130,000 works of art.

Kuskovo

As a former summer country estate, Kuskovo is spectacular. Just east of downtown Moscow, the 17th century mansion and gardens of the noble Sheremetev family is a wonderful escape in the city. Check out the Grotto and State Museum of Ceramics.

Hermitage Garden

First-rate recreation and relaxation is on hand anytime at the Hermitage Garden in Moscow. The superb park in the central part of the city hosts many festivals, concerts and events.

Red Square

The most obvious attraction in Moscow is also free and best of all, without peer. Take a walk in UNESCO World Heritage Red Square and admire the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Kazan Cathedral, not to mention pace of daily life. It’s here, more than anywhere else in Moscow, that you’ll know exactly where you are in the world.

Check out superb deals on hotels in Moscow.

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Slovenia is proof that there are some areas in Europe that are really underrated when it comes to tourism promotion. This small country is the only place in Europe where you can see a perfect harmony between a developing and modern atmosphere and evidence of living history. This is a place where…

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