Birmingham is a city and metropolitan situated in the West Midlands county of England. It is situated in the heart of England, about halfway between London and Liverpool. Birmingham is one the most populous British cities aside of London with, as of latest measurement Birmingham has a population of 1 million people.
The city of Birmingham has mixed cultures, beliefs and lifestyles and is as of lately becoming a fashionable place to hold business conferences. Yet it still retains pride of it’s strong industrial side. The lively downtown and city center areas you can find several historic buildings such as the Town Hall and the Council house, but also of course good shopping areas, restaurant scenery and several theaters, bars and pubs. Cultural Birmingham is rich and filled with several good museums and art galleries for instance the Birmingham Museum and the Ikon Gallery.
Recently, Birmingham has become known for the “Spaghetti Junction” which is an infamously complex motorway system going through the city. Further more the entire city has been under renovation including the Victoria Square, City Hall and several new pedestrian areas where canals have been becoming an important feature in Birmingham’s industrial and urban reputation. To narrow it down, as most travelers would agree the city of Birmingham is a great starting place to explore the sightseeing’s in and around the Heart of England.
Travelers to Birmingham need a valid passport and visa. American citizens will receive a 180 days visa upon arrival after filling in a form. Unlike other countries within the European Union Birmingham does not have the Euro as its currency but the Pound. The best period to visit Birmingham is the summer months between July and August.
Geneva is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, and the second largest city in Switzerland after Zurich, as well the most populated city in the French speaking part of the country Romandie. Geneva is situated where the Rhône River exits Lake Geneva. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 200 thousand people.
Some locals think of Geneva as “a continent on its own” while travelers at first shall refer to it as home of the European United Nation offices, yet even a short trip to Geneva can change this opinion quickly. The city center offers nearly anything, ranging from exclusive shopping areas to a rich culture and cultural input. It’s packed with museums, cathedrals and other historical sightseeing. It’s also houses several spacious parks which have been created by financial input of wealthy citizens, where during summer months free concerts and theaters are being held. Other than that the parks are used as a preparation for the Geneva nightlife.
Getting round in the city isn’t any problem either, like most cities in Switzerland there’s a efficient public transport. The Transports Publics Genevois provides frequent bus, tram, boat ‘mouette’ and suburban train service to within a block or two from important buildings and most sightseeing. Besides the fact that the old city center, and business districts easily can be explored on foot.
Visiting Geneva from the United States? Then, you will no longer need a visa to enter Switzerland. Bring along your US passport, of course you get up to 90 days stay in Geneva. Also make sure that you have all your travel documents and necessary visas because you may have to pass through other cities, such as London.
Varna (Варна) is the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and in Northern Bulgaria, as well the 3rd largest city in Bulgaria after it’s capital Sofia and Plovdiv. Varna is also known as summer capital of Bulgaria, it’s a popular tourist destination, business and university center, seaport, and headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy. As of latest measurement the city of Varna has a population of 360 thousand people.
Besides the fact Varna is the 3rd largest city in the country, it’s also the most popular tourist destination for locals and foreigners. Varna is known as Bulgaria’s Seaside Capital and Pearl of the Black Sea Coast. The city is arranged in tiers along the Varna Bay, which has popular beach resorts and shops, restaurants and lounges on the boulevard. Further more it offers art galleries, museums, historical buildings and cultural entertainment making it an all year round travel destination.
Beyond the beach areas there are incredible treasures spanning back from Stone Age, Thracian, Classical and Mediaeval times. Cultural and historical sightseeing in Varna is therefore not a problem. Within city center there’s cathedrals, temples and chapels of multiple centuries ago. Simply walking to the streets is sightseeing itself, try to enjoy its ambiance while there.
Travelers arriving in Varna through Varna Aiport can make use of bus and taxi to the city. A valid passport is required to enter Varna, there are no visa requirements. Your stay is valid for up to 90 days. Varna is an important railway station which connects the city to other cities, including capital Sofia. The city has regular bus transport to move around. Most sights in the center are walkable.
Doboj (Добој) is a city and municipality in north of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s one of the oldest cities in Bosnia, as well the most important urban center in the North of the country. The city is situated in the northern part of the Republika Srpska entity on the river Bosna. Doboj, is also the largest national railway junction within the country. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 90 thousand people.
When traveling to Dojob, the nearest international airport is Banja Luka, when arriving by plane you can travel via Beograd/Serbia, Sarajevo/Bosnia or Zagreb/Croatia. Dodoj can also be reached by bus through international and domestic destinations. Once arrived in Doboj you will notice it’s one of those Bosnian towns where you can find historic Orthodox and Catholic Churches and Mosques nearby city center and the downtown areas. The town itself is spread out wide, therefore it’s advised to make use of the local buses when going to see sightseeing’s, to a restaurant or to local convenient stores.
The city has very few, yet unique sightseeing available for locals and tourists. Including the Oboj Fortress, which is famous throughout the country. Enhanced in the 13th Century by the Bosnian aristocracy Kotromanic, today’s cultural fortress is still in tact, and it’s hilltop view worth the climb. Further more there’s a 13th century St. Nichola’s Monastery near Petrovo which is the best known in the city, and a beautiful lake around 5 miles outside city limits named Goransko lake where you can camp, swim, barbecue or simply relax outside city life.
Travelers to Doboj need a valid passport and return ticket. American citizens don’t need a visa to visit the city. The warmest time to visit Doboj is in July. The city has a continental climate with warm summers and harsh winters.
Plovdiv (Пловдив) is the second largest city in Bulgaria after it’s capital Sofia. Plovdiv is also the administrative center of the Plovdiv Province as well two other municipalities named Maritsa and Rodopi situated in southern Bulgaria. Plovdiv is also as important transport, cultural, education and economic center. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 380 thousand people.
It’s one of the globe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities as Plovdiv’s history goes back over 6 thousand years. Plovdiv is located in the large plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south Bulgaria, and the Balkan Range, or Old Mountains (Stara Planina) which runs through center Bulgaria. The Maritsa River flows southeast of the city, leading to the Greece and Turkey border which situated by the Aegean Sea.
The main areas, city center and downtown are road blocked for cars, as well that the city size is excellent for getting round on foot. It offers a good collection of historical Bulgarian buildings in the forms of museums, restaurants, hotels and several parks. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets to visit the centuries old St. Marina Church with it’s one of a kind wooden tower and a mosque from the Ottoman Empire nearby the old town center. For those who need to travel further it’s advised to use a taxi. When traveling with more than 3 people it’s cheaper to use a private taxi than a public bus, when you order a taxi directly from the company’s hot line.
Travelers to Plovdiv require a valid passport, but don’t need a visa. Your stay is valid for up to 90 days. Plovdiv is an important railway station which connects the city to other cities, including capital Sofia. The city has regular bus transport to move around. Most sights in the center are walkable.
Ghent, formerly known as Gaunt in English is a city and municipality situated in the Flemish region of Belgium. It’s the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. Ghent once started as a settlement situated at the banks of the Scheldt and Lys Rivers in the Middle Ages and became one of the largest and richest cities of North Europe. Today it’s a city with a population of 250 thousand people.
In a unique and brilliant way, Ghent has managed to keep its Middle Ages power while keeping up with present time. Ghent has turned to the third biggest city of Belgium, and according to locals and tourists the most beautiful one. The city center alone proves it, which is a showcase of Middle Ages wealth and commercial success. It may remind some of Bruges, yet it’s slightly better and expanded. Ghent has more of a city feel, with a good combination of cultural sightseeing, nightlife, fine dining and shopping experiences without a overwhelming tourist flavor.
Of course, Modern Ghent cannot be missed, the city has an important port where large boat arrive and depart through the Ghent-Terneuzen canal. It’s possible for tourists to take a tour and see the port with their own eyes, it’s also advised to bring a digital camera. While the port is an interesting attraction other sightseeing’s may not be missed including the Count’s Castle, the Belfry, the Graslei and Saint Bavon’s Cathedral. The city is also famous for Ghent Festivities, the biggest street theater festival in Europe hold each year at the end of July. A 10 day festival where every hour a street performance is taking place from street artists from all over the world.
Travelers to Ghent need a valid passport and return ticket. For stays that do not exceed 90 days a visa is not required. English is not widely spoken in Ghent, might as well bring yourself a French and Dutch dictionary or learn a few words. The best time to visit Ghent is during the summer months from July till August.
Graz is the second largest city in Austria, after Vienna. It’s also the capital of the province Styria in the southeast corner of Austria. The city of Graz is located in between rolling hills to the north, east and west, only open to the south. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 290 thousand people.
You can easily reach Graz within 2,5 hours by train or car from Vienna, the capital of Austria. Once arrived in the city you can notice the beautiful views and historical buildings while walking down the narrow streets, which luckily can be explored by foot. If you wish to make use of public transport, travel by tram, bus or taxi. Withing city limits there’s several sightseeing’s to be visited, these include; The historic old town, Glockenspiel at 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00, Spiral staircase in Burg, The symbol of Graz Uhrturm and the Kunsthaus, a art exhibit hall.
Graz has a large percentage of students living in the city, therefore it’s nightlife is outrageous and ongoing till sunrise. The many bars, pubs and discos are spread out over the city, with low prices and the busiest days of the week Saturdays and Sundays. During the university break the clubs are fuller than regular weekends. Average price for a alcoholic drink is $3.5 in Graz, Austria.
Visa-free travel to Austria lasts for no more than 3 months for Americans and other nationalities. You can request for an Austrian visa prior to traveling to the country in the Austrian embassy, or apply in Austria before the 90-day duration has expired.
Linz is the capital of the Upper Austria state as well the third largest city in the country after Vienna and Graz. It’s situated in the north of Austria and located on both sides of the Danube (Donau) river, approximately 18 miles south of the Czech Republic border. As of latest measurement Linz has a population of 190 thousand people.
Linz is often referred to as “In Linz beginnt’s” which is the tourist slogan of the city, It starts in Linz. The industrial city Linz has both modern and historical city parts spread over 9 districts due to the Nazi bombing. It’s old town city center is called Altstadt where you can find old houses, stores and several factories. In other districts of the city the modern Linz can be found, completely rebuild after Nazi bombings. Yet even the supposedly modern city parts feel ancient with churches, narrow streets with on each sides pubs and bars where the industrial workers go after work, before going home.
When visiting Linz it’s recommended seeing the main street Landstraße leading from the Blumauerplatz to the main square with several small cafes and pubs. But there are also historical and cultural sightseeing’s in the city including, St. Mary’s Cathedral Mariendom, Pöstlingberg Kirche, Brucknerhaus, Gugl Stadium, The Linzer Landestheater.
Visa-free travel to Austria lasts for no more than 3 months for Americans and other nationalities. You can request for an Austrian visa prior to traveling to the country in the Austrian embassy, or apply in Austria before the 90-day duration has expired.
Encamp is a town in the parish Encamp in the northeast of Andorra, it’s situated between Andorra la Vella and the French boarder at Pas de la Casa and located on the banks of the Valira river and connected to a 4 miles long cable car to Lake Engolasters. As of latest measurement the parish has a population of 12 thousand people.
The main town shares the same name Encamp and is about 3 miles away from the capital city of Andorra, Andorra la Vella. The highest mountain in Encamp is Pic del Pessons with a height of 9400 ft. The economy of Encamp is mostly based on the tourism industry with as biggest categories skiing and hiking. There’s also a retail industry for skiing and hiking stores, covering a lot of local stores. Several supermarkets and post offices are spread out over the town.
Local transportation within the town could be done by car or foot. In the town there’s a road tunnel which connects Encamp with Anyós in the neighboring parish La Massana, it cuts down a 45 minutes journey to just 5 minutes going through the tunnel. When staying in the town, or passing by there’s several of local sightseeing worth seeing including historical and cultural ones. One of them is the historical complex at les Bons, consisting of a Church Sant Roma, defense tower, water tank with irrigation channel to cut rock and the remains of a fortified house from the beginning of the Middle Ages. During the months from July to August there’s free guided tours.
American and European citizens can enter Andorra after showing their valid passport and a return ticket to immigration. If the duration of your stay does not exceed 90 days, there’s no requirement for any type of visa. In general the city of Encamp has a low crime rate.
Escaldes Engordany is one of the parishes and administrative divisions of Andorra la Vella. The parish composed of the following areas including les Escaldes, Engordany, Vilars d’Engordany, Engolasters, and El Fener. As of latest measurement the parish has a population of 20 thousand people.
The main city shares the same name Escaldes Engordany and is about 1 mile away from the capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella. It’s also situated on the road to La Massana and Ordino. One of the notable events being hold and also one of the reasons travelers visit and come back to the city is the yearly is the annual Jazz Festival. The city of Escaldes Engordany is of pretty small size, it’s easy to get around by foot. Besides, the greater part of the town is stretched towards Spain and the east, which is wonderful playground for walks heading towards Riu Madriu, Pics del Pessons and Coll de Vall Civera where in certain areas several beautiful lakes are located.
When in or around the city it’s advised to visit the local sightseeing including the Sant Miquel d’Engolasters which is a Romanesque style church dated from 12th century which was recently restored. Walk by the Casa Crue on 67 Carlemany Street, and a unique style home address from the 1930s designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. When looking for time to relax, visit Roc del Metge which is a hot spa, considered to be one of the hottest spa’s in Europe with heat up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
American and European citizens can enter Andorra after showing their valid passport and a return ticket to immigration. If the duration of your stay does not exceed 90 days, there’s no requirement for any type of visa. In general the city of Escaldes Engordany has a low crime rate.
