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London City Guide

Oct 29, 2025 20:00:00 UTC

London

London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, is home to around 9 million people. A central feature of London is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of King Charles and the location of many royal ceremonies. The palace is well-known for its routine changing of the guards and its beautiful gardens. The Tower of London, a former residence of the royals, is a historic castle where you can see the crown jewels and look out over the beautiful Tower Bridge. The “City of London,” otherwise known as “the City,” is the historic and financial heart of London. West End is the district for all musical shows and theatrical performances in London – it is to London what Broadway is to New York. One perk of visiting London is that all state museums are free!

What could you do in your free time?

Visit the Westminster Area, including the Abbey where royal weddings and coronations take place. About 30 kings and queens are buried in the church, including other famous individuals such as Charles Dickens!

North of Westminster, stroll along the River Thames where you will find London’s iconic national timepiece, Big Ben, the House of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square.

Eat lunch or have a drink in the café in the crypt at St. Martin in the Fields, located nearby Trafalgar Square. The café features 18th-century stone floors and tombstones and serves British food at reasonable prices. Sometimes they have fish and chips and occasionally they will sell homemade pies!

Explore the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to see famous works by da Vinci, Bellini, van Eyck, and others.

London’s British Museum is one of the largest in the world, showcasing over 2 million years of human history, art, and culture. See the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial, and Assyrian Lion Head reliefs.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, houses over 2.8 million items, including famous Renaissance portraits by Botticelli and Tintoretto.

Visit the M&M Store in Leicester Square, the largest in the world! Here you can create your own M&Ms and take your photo with M&M characters crossing Abbey Road, inspired by the famous Beatles album cover.

Harrods, the most luxurious department store in London, offers exclusive designer clothes and excellent food options. On the ground floor, you can find a memorial for Dodi and Lady Di.

Piccadilly Circus, a famous road junction and public space in West End, is well known for all of its neon lights. There are many restaurants, theaters, and shops to try in the area.
 


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Paris City Guide

Oct 08, 2025 13:50:00 UTC

Europe Food Part Two

Paris, the capital city of France, is known for romance, light, fashion, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame. It is one of the most famous cities in the world. The Seine River runs through the heart of the city, dividing it into its west and east banks, each with their unique atmospheres. The city is made up of 20 arrondissements (districts) that form a clockwise spiral, beginning at the city’s center. A walk through Paris will show you the importance placed on French food and culture. Enjoy foods ranging from high-class Michelin restaurants to bistros with tables out on the streets to macaron shops that look like jewelry stores. Enter bakeries where the simplest baguette or éclair tastes like heaven. Take advantage of the Paris underground for a quick and cheap way in and out of the city. That said, Paris is a very walkable city with plenty of places to explore.

What to do in your free time?

Visit the Louvre Museum (be sure to make a reservation to avoid long lines!) and see the original Mona Lisa! Plan for a minimum of 1.5 hours to ensure you see all the highlights, including Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Coronation of Napoleon by David, and Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix. Also, visit the Courtyard of the Louvre to see the famous glass pyramid.

The Tuileries Gardens, located between the Louvre Museum and Concorde Square, are a good place to walk or to sit down on a bench and take in the surroundings. The gardens were designed by Catherine de Medici for the Tuileries Palace. The palace no longer exists, but the gardens have elegant fountains and statues with colorful flowerbeds during certain times of the year.

Musée de l’Orangerie houses Monet’s famous water lilies and other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Tickets cost €12.50 per person. Take a walk along the Seine River and cross over it using the Pont Alexandre III, a deck arch bridge connecting the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. The bridge is widely regarded as the most ornate and extravagant bridge in Paris.

Notre Dame, located on the Île de la Cité (one of two islands on the Seine River), is one of the world’s most famous cathedrals. After the damage of the fire of 2019, Notre Dame underwent restoration and its doors opened again in 2024. To enter the cathedral, you will need to make a reservation online: https://resa.notredamedeparis.fr/en/reservationindividuelle/date. Reservation and entrance are free of charge.

Visit the Latin Quarter and have a drink in a café. Musée d’Orsay, located in an old train station along the Seine, is one of the most important museums in Paris, featuring mainly French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists. Explore the Musée Rodin, a museum located in an 18th-century mansion showing the life and works of the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Tickets cost €14.00 per person.

Centre Pompidou, a cultural center featuring high-tech architecture, brings together different forms of art and literature in one place. The venue features famous works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Fernand Léger, Piet Mondrian, Marc Chagall, and Wassily Kandinsky. The Arch of Triumph (the Arc de Triomphe), located at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, is a famous monument honoring French military victories.

Opéra Garnier, or the Palais Garnier, a historic opera house located at the Place de l’Opéra, was built for the Paris Opera from 1861–1875 under the order of Napoleon III. For fashion lovers, Galeries Lafayette is a great place to explore. It has a stunning dome in the Art Nouveau style, and the food court is also worth a visit. From the rooftop, you have an excellent view of the city.

Take the metro up the hill to Montmartre where you can see Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Sacred Heart Basilica. This district was home to famous artists such as Picasso, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec during the 19th and 20th centuries. Finally, explore the Eiffel Tower and surrounding area. Be prepared for the potential of long lines. To purchase tickets visit the official Eiffel Tower website.


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City Guide Introduction

Oct 06, 2025 15:32:00 UTC

Discover Europe: Our Experienced Tour Managers Highlight Must-See Sights Across the Continent
Embarking on a journey through Europe is like stepping into a living museum, a vibrant tapestry woven with centuries of history, culture, art, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your very first European adventure, this new series of city guides will be your trusted companion, guiding you through the most captivating sights in highlighted cities.

What to Expect from This Series
Europe is a treasure trove of wonders, from the romantic canals of Venice to the historic castles of Scotland, the artistic streets of Paris to the bustling markets of Barcelona. Each city has its own unique story, flavor, and charm waiting to be uncovered. Our series will explore:

Iconic Landmarks: Discover the must-visit monuments, cathedrals, and squares that define each city’s skyline and spirit.
Hidden Gems: Venture off the beaten path to uncover secret spots, quaint neighborhoods, and local favorites.
Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the art, music, festivals, and traditions that bring each city to life.
Culinary Delights: Savor the authentic tastes and flavors that make European cuisine a highlight of any trip.


Why Follow This Series?
Traveling is more than just ticking off famous landmarks, it’s about connecting with the soul of a place. These city guides aim to provide you with rich narratives, practical insights, and inspiring ideas that will help you create meaningful experiences, making the most of your free time and create memories that last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and follow along on a captivating journey through Europe’s most enchanting cities. Stay tuned for upcoming posts that dive deep into the sights, sounds, and stories that make each destination truly unforgettable.


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