Let’s have a look on where to go in Sydney and what to see.

　　Sydney is included in some of those places in the world which are famous for its tourists’ attractions and holiday destinations. There are a lot of places in Sydney which will fill your heart with immense delight. So get ready to know about the most attractive places in Sydney. I am sure that after reading this article you will definitely plan a tour to Sydney. Let’s have a look on where to go in Sydney and what to see.
1. Darling Harbor
Darling Harbor is located in the center of the city. There are a large number of restaurants, cafes’ and hotels located here in darling harbor. Other tourists’ attractions include:
Paddy’s Markets: Here in these markets, you will enjoy doing a lot of shopping. The items sold in these markets include fish, fruits, vegetables, gifts and clothes.
　　Chinese Garden of Friendship: As its name suggests, Chinese Garden of Friendship gives you a chance to have a deep look into the Chinese culture and traditions. The garden has exclusive features including Dragon Wall, Twin Pavilion and The Tea House providing you customary Chinese drinks, tea and other refreshments.
　　Sydney Aquarium: It is located on the eastern side of Darling Harbor. Here you can find a large variety of sea life including 6000 fish. Its exciting features include see-through glass tunnels where you can see sharks swimming above you. It will be definitely a unique experience you can ever have in your life.
　　Sydney Wild Life World: It is a wild life park exhibiting reptiles, butterflies, koalas, rain forests and much more.
　　Other attractions in Darling Harbor are:
Powerhouse Museum
Star City Casino
Sydney Entertainment Center
The LG IMAX Theatre
Australian National Maritime Museum
2. Opera House Sydney
Sydney Opera House is a great place to visit especially at night. It is actually a performing art center in Australia. For tourists’ entertainment, there are restaurants, bars, cafes and retail stores. It also has a recording studio. Performance venues and facilities in Sydney Opera House include:
The Concert Hall
The Opera Theatre
The Studio
The Playhouse
The Forecourt
　　3. Sydney Harbor Bridge
It is a steel bridge having a height of 456 ft being the tallest steel arch bridge. The Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House are located just close to each other and have become an icon for Sydney. On the New Year’s Eve the celebrations on Harbor Bridge are worth-seeing. Fireworks are displayed in different patterns. So the best time to visit Sydney is when the New Year is heading.
　　4. Taronga Zoo
It is one of the world’s finest zoos having both Australian native and international animals brought from all over the world. There are almost 2600 animals in this zoo. It is an amazing place to visit for kids and elders alike. The animals in the zoo include some very unique animals like water rat, pacific black duck, feathertail glider, ghost bat and red kangaroo to name a few.
　　5. Bondi Beach
It is the most well-known and famous beaches of Sydney. It has become a must see place for the tourists providing them with cafes, restaurants and bars. Its other attractions include lifesaving clubs, Bondi Icebergs and commercial area providing stunning scenes of the beach.

Malecon, seawall

　　Roughly translated, Malecon means seawall. And in Habana, or Havana, it stretches for a little over 4 miles, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history, culture, architecture and the indomitable spirit of its people. The blue waters of the Caribbean are a wonderful backdrop to the architectural gems that line the route.
Habana is a vibrant place that’s full of contradictions and a walk along the Malecon allows you wonderful insights and should definitely be a part of your holiday travel in Cuba. 50 years of communism have led to a ruined economy but have also led to tremendous innovation from a people grappling with economic hardships. Art, music and dance have flourished and remained distinctive because of Cuba’s relative isolation from the rest of the world.
As you stroll along the Malecon, which is also a kind of social hub for the Habaneros (residents of Habana), you will feel the pulse of the city. There’s always something happening here, by day and by night. You will see children jumping into the sea, people fishing, lovers kissing, musicians playing and tourists taking pictures. People watching can easily keep you engrossed for a long time. In the winter months, very high sea waves crash along the seawall, drenching pedestrians and providing entertainment for children who duck and play with the fury of the waves.
It’s also an incredible sight to see Cadillacs, Russian Ladas and other cars from the 1940s and 50s still gliding, or occasionally sputtering, down the wide avenue. Camel buses and Coco taxis are the other forms of transport. If you are not up to walking the 4-mile stretch, flag down a horse carriage and enjoy a leisurely ride along the Malecon.
There are three main sections that you will pass as you make your way along the Malecon. At the entrance of the bay of Havana in the east, is the Vieja Habana where many colonial buildings have been beautifully restored. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta and the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro are the main sights along the Vieja Habana section of the Malecon. As you head west, you will pass Centro Habana where the crumbling facades of pastel-hued neoclassical and neo-Moorish buildings and apartments present an intriguing picture of the city’s, and also Cuba’s, past glory and current economic woes. At sunset, the buildings look particularly beautiful, so if possible arrive here to watch the play of light as the sun goes down. In the northwest and beyond Centro Habana is the relatively modern-looking Vedado with high rises, a lot of them Russian inspired. Vedado is where you will find a lot of nightclubs, restaurants and art galleries and it is considered to be the trendier suburb.
Sitting on the seawall and gazing at the fading grandeur of Havana, it’s hard to imagine that Miami is just 90 miles across the ocean.
Havana Carnival
The colourful Carnival takes place on each weekend of July and August. Parades and floats with costumed dancers and musicians make their way along the Malecon to the accompaniment of salsa music. Cuban rum flows freely and thousands throng the malecon and take part in the singing and dancing. A lot of international tourists time their Cuba holidays to coincide with the Carnival.

The most romantic ways to spend your honeymoon

　　One of the most romantic ways to spend your honeymoon is to set off on a leisurely cruise amidst crystal blue waters. Spacious private suites, incredible cuisine, attentive service and unforgettable sunsets make the perfect ingredients for a memorable honeymoon. If your budget allows, opt for smaller yachts and boats instead of joining thousands of families on a huge ocean liner.
You can sunbathe on the deck or stretch out in your suite and hear the waves gently lapping against the hull. Special barbecues served on isolated beaches and wonderful candlelight dinners on board are some of the other highlights of a honeymoon cruise. You can also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and fishing while sailing around remote islands and coves. Day excursions to various islands are often also part of your cruise itinerary.
There are many great Romantic Destinations to choose from for your honeymoon. Some great honeymoon destinations include French Polynesia, central France, the Greek islands and Alaska, as well some Private Beach Resorts in exotic locales.
French Polynesia
If you’ve done the Caribbean, try French Polynesia which has a more romantic vibe and is definitely less crowded. French Polynesia comprises 118 islands so your cruise can take you to the smaller, secluded islands as well as the more well known ones like Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. The incredible reefs found here offer superb snorkeling.
Tahiti is the largest and the most populated of all islands. Craggy peaks jut out of lush green tropical forests through which many streams flow. Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and is located in Tahiti. Papeete means ‘water in a basket’.
Moorea, meaning yellow lizard, is the second largest island and is located just 12 miles off Tahiti. A wonderful shallow lagoon surrounds the island. Volcanic peaks and lush forests create a picturesque location.
Bora Bora is another breathtaking island with lovely white sandy beaches, tropical scenery and rich marine life.
With 118 islands, there’s a lot to discover and enjoy.
Also read about Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa which is located just off Bora Bora.
Burgundy and Franche Comte, France
An idyllic way to spend your honeymoon is on a luxurious barge which sails slowly, as in very slowly, through ancient canals that criss-cross through France. The leisurely pace takes you through ancient fortress towns, vineyards and lovely local restaurants and markets. The slow pace of the cruise makes you relax and allows you to appreciate nature as you sail through centuries old canals.
Choose a smaller, luxurious barge which doesn’t have more than four to five suites. Some of the suites come with French antiques and even a marble bathtub! Five-course gourmet meals paired with the finest wines are served on board. The meals also include local produce and delicacies. Candlelit dinners on deck are a great way to enjoy each other’s company as well as the peace and beauty of the French countryside.
Also choose an itinerary which takes you through historic towns and the verdant wine country. Sailing through Burgundy and Franche Comte is a good route which will take you through the Canal de Bourgogne. On the way you will pass through Chagny and Denevy which are both steeped in history. You will also sail along the wine regions of Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune and, no doubt, stop and taste some delectable wines.
The barges often provide bikes so you can just stop at a quaint village and go cycling along country roads and tree-lined streets. After the sumptuous meals and many glasses of wine, this is something you may really look forward to.
Alaska and the Greek islands are also incredibly scenic places for a honeymoon cruise. You can even charter your own yacht for a truly romantic honeymoon. Read more at Alaska Yacht Charters and Greek Island Yacht Charters. To help you plan a cruise, read Cruise Holidays.

Cruise holidays

　　In recent years there has been a steady growth in the number of people embarking on cruise holidays. Some of the reasons for this continued trend are quite easy to understand. A cruise liner is like a mammoth floating luxury hotel that has everything you can possibly imagine onboard – restaurants, sports activities, entertainment and more. Then there is the fact that you don’t have to do a lot of planning like you would have to for a regular holiday. Your cruise liner has a set itinerary and all meals, accommodation, entertainment, gym membership and, most often, even flights are included in the price of your cruise. So, contrary to popular belief, a cruise often works out cheaper than a regular holiday. Shore excursions are not normally included in your cruise price and you may have to pay separately for them. A cruise is also a relaxing, stress-free way to travel and you also get to meet people from all over the world.
Once you decide on a cruise holiday, the next thing to do is to fix a budget. There are cruise liners to fit every budget. So you can go for a super luxurious cruise or something less expensive. Smaller cruise boats and yacht charters are another option if you don’t want to travel with loads of people. Parents, however, generally opt for the bigger cruise liners as there’s every kind of activity available on board for the kids and the parents can make use of baby-sitting services. A lot of newly married couples choose Honeymoon Cruises for the romance and intimacy that those cruises offer. Some families also prefer to like to go off on Christmas Cruises as they allow families to spend time together without the hassle of cooking and cleaning. The cruise liners usually go to great lengths to make Christmas a special occasion for its passengers.
The duration of the cruise naturally affects the price. You can opt for shorter duration cruises of a few days to even round-the-world-trips of a few months. And you can sail to practically every part of the world, from Australia and South Pacific to Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Caribbean and Central, North and South America. Some routes are known for their spectacular natural beauty while others take you through historic towns with fabulous museums.
Almost two thirds of the global cruise traffic originates from America and the Caribbean remains the most popular destination because of its wonderful beaches, warm climate and its proximity to the US. Europe, including the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean, are the next most popular cruise routes. The top cruise lines for the Caribbean include Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America, P&O, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises.

Must-see holiday travel destinations

The New7Wonders Foundation announced the list of the modern seven wonders of the world on July 7, 2007, in Lisbon. The results were based on a worldwide poll in which about a 100 million people cast their votes. Of the ancient wonders of the world only the Pyramids of Egypt survive and have been named as an Honorary Candidate. These are must-see holiday travel destinations for anyone.
The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá, Mexico
The El Castillo Pyramid is an ancient Mayan temple built using precise astronomical calculations. It is a step pyramid of four sides, measuring 60 meters on each side and rising to a height of 24 meters. On each side there are 91 stairs leading up to a temple platform. The total number of steps is 365 steps – one for each day of the year.
On the Spring and Autumn Equinox, a magical play of light and shade takes place. The edges of the terraces cast a single shadow on the north staircase, creating the illusion of the feathered serpent Kukulcan or Quetzalcoatl descending from the temple to the serpent’s head at the base of the pyramid. This phenomenon occurs at the rising and setting of the Sun on Equinox.
Best time to visit: December, January, February
Christ The Redeemer, Brazil
The statue is located on top of the 700-meter high Corcovado mountain and overlooks the magnificent vista of Rio de Janeiro. White sandy beaches, bays with bobbing yachts, towering skyscrapers, Sugar Loaf mountain and also hills and forests create a fabulous view from the top. With hands outstretched, the statue seems to embrace its surroundings. About 39 meters tall and 30 meters wide, the statue was inaugurated in 1931 and remains a powerful symbol of Brazil’s Christianity.
Best time to visit: September, October
The Roman Colosseum, Italy
It is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman empire and the grand stage for gladiatorial contests and animal hunts. Some of the contests involved the use of elaborate sets and were immensely popular with the local population. With a seating capacity of 50,000, the Colosseum runs 189 meters long and 156 meters wide and covers an area of 6 acres. A total of 80 entrances ensured that crowds could enter and exit with incredible ease.
Today the Colosseum remains an icon of Roman engineering and architecture.
Best time to visit: April, May, September, October
The Taj Mahal, India
Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth. It took 20,000 workers 22 years to build the mausoleum on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra. The Taj houses Mumtaz Mahal’s grave, and Shah Jahan was later laid to rest beside her after his own death. The style of architecture is Mughal and reflects Persian as well as Hindu influences. Built entirely in translucent white marble, it is decorated with delicate motifs and with inlaid with precious stones. The beauty of this monument is unparalleled.
Best time to visit: October to March
The Great Wall of China
The Wall is not a single continuous wall but rather a series of separate walls measuring a length of about 8,500 kms. Construction of the wall began in the Qing dynasty in 221 BC. Fortification and extensions continued in the next millennia but it wasn’t until 1368 AD during the Ming dynasty that major extension recommenced. The older wall is made of rammed earth while the modern wall was built using stones and bricks and is as a result much stronger.
The Wall was built to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders. After Mongolia was annexed during the Ming dynasty, the construction of the wall ceased. Best time to visit: May, September, October
Petra, Jordan
The ancient Nabatean kingdom had Petra as its capital. Hidden by massive sandstone mountains, Petra served as the centre of caravan trade routes and hence flourished through trade. Approaching Petra from the east, make your way through the Siq, a one-kilometer long narrow, dark gorge formed by a split in the sandstone rock. At the end of the Siq, you will get the first dramatic glimpse of the Treasury through a narrow opening.
The façade of the Treasury, or Al Khazneh, is carved out of the rose-coloured sandstone mountain cliff. Rising to a height of 40 meters, the Treasury is remarkably well preserved because it is protected from the elements by the rock cliffs. Further ahead are an amphitheatre, various tombs and the Monastery.
Best time to visit: January to May
Machu Picchu, Peru
Located at a height of 2,450 meters in the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu is spectacularly located between two mountains. Built between 1460 and1470 AD, it was inhabited for about a century before being abandoned. Although known to the locals, it was never discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors and came to light in 1911 thanks to Hiram Bingham of Yale University.
Around 1,200 people, mostly priests, women and children, lived in Machu Picchu. There are about 140 structures surrounded by terraces used for growing crops. The main structures are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. The architecture is classic Inca involving stones cut into blocks and placed together without mortar. The stones are so tightly placed that not even a blade of grass can pass through.

Enjoy your holiday travel

You may have always wanted to experience the romance and luxury of a cruise but felt that it was just too expensive. Well, last minute cruises are a great way to get around the hefty price tag and enjoy your holiday travel.
Cruise liners are typically huge ships that carry thousands of passengers on board. But their size makes it difficult for them to fill up all their rooms. So as the date of departure draws nearer, they start discounting their cruise packages. They have to sail anyway and it is preferable not to sail with empty cabins. Plus the cruise companies make most of their money on extras such as shore excursions, onboard massages and other services. So they are quite happy to offer their cruises at a discounted rate.
This is where you step in. If you have a flexible schedule and are prepared to compromise, if needed, about the cabin onboard, then a last minute cruise is perfect for you. Contact a travel agent or do an internet search and identify a cruise package that suits your budget. Princess, Cunard Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Carnival are some of the most respected cruise companies in the world. They are known for their service and amenities and offer a luxurious way to travel and discover the magic of an ocean crossing. So check out their sites and see what they have to offer.
A typical cruise has a duration of about 7 days. Identify your travel destination, decide on your budget and the number of days you want to spend at sea. Then shortlist your options. Now it’s time to take a hard look at the fine print. Check the conditions under which a particular stateroom or cabin is offered. You may be assigned a stateroom with no porthole next to an entertainment lobby or under a dance floor, making it claustrophobic and noisy! Your package may not be all-inclusive and you may have to pay for more extras than you had anticipated. There may be no refunds. The last minute deal may apply only to firemen, military personnel, senior citizens or other specified categories. It’s wise to read the terms and conditions carefully so there are no nasty surprises later.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the best deals are available when kids are at school. So there are great bargains to be had from September to early December. But it’s hurricane season from June to November in the Caribbean and the Bahamas and you don’t want to sail in choppy seas if you are headed there. Weather is an important factor while deciding on your cruise and it’s best to do your homework.
Some great deals are to be had on Christmas cruises. So if you don’t have a big Christmas planned with your family, why not set sail with cancellation cruises? They are a great way to enjoy a memorable Christmas at a price that won’t bust the bank.
If you live in or around New York, keep an eye out for some incredible last minute cruise deals. There are hundreds of cruises from New York to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Trans Panama Canal, Bermuda, Eastern USA, Canada and Europe. You can depart from any of its three ports of Brooklyn, Manhattan and Cape Liberty (NJ).

Introduction to Cabo San Lucas

　　Set at the southernmost tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas was once legendary for big-game fishing and the ensuing beachside revelry after netting them. Now, Cabo enjoys a reputation as Mexico's most elite resort destination. Luxury hotels transformed this rowdy outpost into a place where travelers escape for long, relaxed, sun-kissed weekends and world-class golf. Possible adventure activities include snorkeling, diving and surfing, and playtime doesn't end when the sun sets. Yet Cabo remains mostly a one-stoplight town, with almost everything an easy walk from the main strip.
Beaches
Slather on the sunscreen and spread your blanket at Playa El Médano, Cabo San Lucas' main beach. Whatever your pleasure -- swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or sipping tropical drinks at a beachside bar -- you can find it at Médano. Rainbow-colored coral and frilly fish brighten the ocean floor at Chileno, a beach popular with snorkelers. Kayakers rent boats along the shore for a trip to Playa del Amor and towering Arch Rock.
Things to Do
Spanish missionary Nicolás Tamaral established the picturesque stone Iglesia de San Lucas in 1730. A large bell in the church's archway commemorates the occasion. More materialistic pastimes dominate Puerto Paraíso. Glittering storefronts sell leather sandals, gauzy sundresses, sexy beachwear and even Swarovsky crystals. For unique and authentic local souvenirs -- Oaxacan weavings, Pueblan talavera and lacquered boxes from Guerrero -- visit 100% Mexico. The government-certified store encourages the development of Mexican artisans and sits near Puerto Paraíso's main entrance.
Eating and Drinking
Médano Beach lures sun worshipers to dinner at Edith's Restaurant, whetting their appetites with squash blossom quesadillas and then delivering sampler platters overflowing with traditional Mexican dishes. Early Bird's is one of several good dining options on the Marina, satisfying hungry crowds with tacos guisados filled with steak and potatoes or pork and squash combinations. Leave the beach behind for Cabo's Paseo Pescadores, where locals flock to no-frills Gardenia's Tacos for the absolute best meat-and-veggie tacos.
Nightlife and Entertainment
The Southern sunshine bakes Cabo San Lucas during the day, but after hours, it's Cabo's nightlife that sizzles. Marina Boulevard is known for its tequila-fueled dance parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. Hotels throughout Cabo offer more traditional Mexican entertainment, but you can always count on Mi Casa to deliver an evening fiesta with colorful skirts and mariachi musicians. Head to restaurants and bars on Land's End for cocktails accompanied by peaceful crimson-and-orange sunsets.

Introduction to Chiang Mai

　　From 1296, under King Mengrai, Chiang Mai (meaning New City) was the cultural and religious center of the northern Tai. The city was overtaken and occupied by the Burmese in 1558 until Chao (Lord) Kavila retook the city in 1775, driving the Burmese forces back to near the present border. Burmese influence on religion, architecture, language, cuisine, and culture, however, remained strong. Local feudal lords (sometimes referred to as princes) carrying the title chao, remained in nominal control of the city in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but under continued pressure from King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the Lanna kingdom was brought under the control of the central government in Bangkok. In 1932, the city was formally and fully integrated into the kingdom of Thailand, becoming the administrative center of the north.

These days, Chiang Mai is booming, with an estimated population of 250,000 (in a province of some 1.6 million) and growing; with those numbers come the attendant "big city" problems of suburban sprawl, noxious pollution, rush-hour traffic, and water shortages, as well as serious flooding (June-Aug).
It would be difficult to find a city that reflects more of the country's diverse cultural heritage and modern aspirations than Chiang Mai. Its heart is its Old City, an area surrounded by vestiges of walls and moats originally constructed for defense. It lies in the shadow of an increasingly expanding city, encircled by gargantuan concrete highways, lined by giant hoardings and superstores. Massive modern tour buses crowd Burmese-style wats (temples) ablaze with saffron robes and chanting ancient mantras. Increasingly, old shophouses are giving way to multistory shopping malls and boutiques and big-name resorts, while towering condominiums fill the skyline. Vendors dressed in hill-tribe costumes sell souvenirs in the busy market next to fast-food outlets. Narrow streets lined with ornately carved teak houses lie in the shadow of contemporary skyscrapers.
From March to October, the north's climate follows the pattern of the rest of the country -- hot and dry followed by hot and wet. Yet, from November to March, it's almost like another country, with cool breezes blowing down from China, bright sunny days, and rarely a cloud in the sky. During these cooler months, Chiang Mai is an excellent base for exploring the north.
Monk Chat
What do you say to these tonsured men in orange robes one sees piously padding barefoot around Thailand? The answer is: "Hello. How are you?" Monks, especially seniors, deserve a special level of respect, of course, but are quite human, and the best way to find out is to stop by Mahachulalongkorn University (adjoining Wat Suan Dok, west of town on Suthep Rd.). Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 5 to 7pm, they welcome foreign visitors for "monk chat," a classroom venue of small, informal discussion groups where visitors and monks come to connect, share culture, and learn about Buddhism from novices, eager to explain and, of course, practice their English. It is a mostly informal discussion about one's own country or sports (young novices are nuts about English Premier League football [soccer]), but the more senior monks can give you some insights into Buddhist practice and monastic life. They also meet for meditation groups and retreats.

Introduction to Marrakech

Marrakech defies mapping, logic and time. One minute you're immersed in Jemaa el Fna square's drum-thudding, monkey-juggling theatrics; the next you're slipping behind a numberless door to a riad where a fountain burbles and birds twitter in the pomegranate trees. The medieval din of the minaret-studded medina, the boho-chic clubs of Hivernage, the colonial glamour of boutique-lined Ville Nouvelle -- all roll into this one intense, colorful, gigantic puzzle of a city. Just when you think you've figured it out, it amazes and inspires you all over again.

Things to Do
The everyday enchants in Marrakech's derbs (alleys). Get lost in the mazy souks and rejuvenate with a steam clean and orange-flower oil massage in a domed hammam. Moroccan artistry excels in the geometric zellij (mosaics) and intricate cedarwood of former Koranic school Ben Youssef Medersa, while the Bahia Palace's sultanly splendor flashes back to an age of tittering concubines. Keep your cool in exotic Jardin Majorelle and over Atlas mountain views in the Menara Gardens.
Shopping
Dodge the donkeys and brace yourself for haggling and mint tea in the labyrinthine souks. Souk Semmarine is full of brisk trading in carpets, babouches (pointy slippers) and olives. Sparks fly on Place des Ferblantiers where tinsmiths work filigree lanterns. Go to Kasbah's Spice Souk for saffron and Rahba Kedima for miracle cures and Berber whisky (mint tea). Image-conscious Marrakchis shop in boutiques and galleries in Ville Nouvelle and Mouassine, where celebrities adore La Maison du Kaftan Marocain's couture kaftans.
Nightlife and Entertainment
At dusk, your ringside seat for Jemaa el Fna square awaits. Before you can say "non, non," you'll have a cobra around your neck, a fortune teller reading your palm or Gnaoua drummers spinning into a trance -- for a tip. Kosybar's rooftop terrace is primetime sunset viewing as the medina lights up. In Ville Nouvelle, Hivernage and Guéliz, join the nouveau jet-set at decadent supper clubs, on Pacha's dance floor and in 1950s Casino de Marrakech.
Restaurants and Dining
Chefs at Jemma el Fna's smoky food stalls lure diners, and the daring tuck into snails and muttonheads. All fountains, petal-strewn tables and candlelight, dining in medina riad is an intimate affair. Bring an appetite for a diffa (feast) of sweet pastillas (pigeon pastries), meltingly tender lamb and olive-studded tagines. For glamour, dine on French cuisine in Ville Nouvelle's cafes, or enjoy belly dancing, Gnaoua beats and shisha at a glitzy Guéliz supper club like Le Comptoir Darna.

Introduction to Tokyo

Tokyo's kaleidoscopic lights, crush of humanity and sheer scale can be overwhelming for first-timers. Yet linger a while and you'll almost certainly encounter the serene side of traditional Japan. Discover graceful tea ceremonies and gardens awash with springtime cherry blossom, a world apart from skyscraper-dotted Shinjuku or trend-obsessed Harajuku. Forget trying to make sense of this megalopolis, with its jigsaw of real estate and seething mass of people, and follow the example of the omikuji (fortune scrolls) at Senso-ji Temple -- just take Tokyo as it comes. 

Things to Do
Tokyo stuns with its contrasts -- one minute you're lost in Shiodome's skyscraper jungle, the next in quiet contemplation beside a carp pond in the Zen-like Hamarikyu Gardens. Too vast to grasp, this city is all about delighting in the details -- whether you're watching locals retrieve their fortunes from wooden drawers at Buddhist Senso-ji Temple or enjoying springtime cherry trees in bloom in Ueno Park, home to the treasure-trove Tokyo National Museum. Across the color-changing Rainbow Bridge lies artificial island Odaiba's futuristic cityscape and Edo-style hot springs.
Shopping
With its neon lights and insatiable appetite for trends, Tokyo screams consumerism. The hippest styles are found on Harajuku's Takeshita Street, where young Tokyoites dress up as Goths and Manga characters. Hunt for electronic wizardry in Akihabara or traditional lacquer bowls and silk kimonos in Asakusa. Designer boutiques and interior-design stores stud ultramodern Omotesando Avenue, near the diamond-like Prada store. Sidestep giant tuna to enjoy fresh sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market, at its lively best before 10am.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Sleep is overrated in this 24-hour dynamo of a city. Roppongi attracts party-loving expats to bars reverberating with DJ beats, karaoke, and Elvis impersonators. For an alternative scene, try Ebisu's funky cafés. Sleek lounges cluster in high-rise Shinjuku, where you can sip cocktails and see the skyline glitter at Park Hyatt's 52nd-floor New York Bar of Lost in Translation fame. This wouldn't be Tokyo without Japanese kabuki dance-drama at Kabuki-za Theater and sumo wrestling at Kokugikan Stadium.
Restaurants and Dining
Tokyo is a city of interiors, as seen in skyscraping Shibuya and Shinjuku, where restaurants' avant-garde designs and panoramic views are as big a draw as their menus. For a party vibe, join locals at boisterous izakaya bars in Roppongi, where yakisakana (grilled fish) and onigiri (rice balls) are washed down with copious amounts of sake. In Asakusa's narrow backstreets, kimono-clad waitresses shuffle gracefully between low tables piled high with okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and steaming noodles.

Introduction to Key West

 If you're looking for a party, you'll find it in Key West. More than any other island, this is the land of the eternal vacation, where no one wears a watch or tie and the phrase "hasta mañana" could have been invented. It seems the sun is always shining in this part of Florida, making the island a perfect destination for sunbathers, deep-sea fishermen, divers and motorcyclists. Munch on fresh seafood, watch the jugglers in Mallory Square and have another margarita. You can think about work tomorrow.
Things to Do
In a town that's perennially on vacation, the preferred leisure activity in Key West is relaxing poolside. Visitors inclined toward more active pursuits head to the docks, where divers leave port to explore submarine reefs. Hemingway set out from Garrison Bight Marina and you can, too, in hopes of landing sailfish and tarpon in the sunny, azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Shopping
There's no way around it: Walk the streets of Key West, and you'll soon become convinced the predominant island souvenir is a tacky t-shirt. But if you can make it past the crude shirts, you'll discover a nice supply of bathing suits, strappy sandals and sunglasses all along Duval Street. Head to Cigar Alley between Front and Greene streets for a souvenir stogie rolled by Cuban immigrants.
Nightlife and Entertainment
When the sun begins to drop on Key West, Sunset Celebration goes into full swing in Mallory Square. Magicians, jugglers and one-man bands entertain the crowds each evening as the sun tints the sky and waves with orange and purple. After dark, Duval Street buzzes with live music, wet t-shirt contests and lots of frozen fruit drinks. Favorite bars include Sloppy Joe's, reputed to be an old Hemingway haunt, and Hog's Breath Saloon.
Restaurants and Dining
For a taste of authentic Cuban food at its best, locals and visitors wait in line for a table at El Siboney. Marinated melt-in-your-mouth pork is served with hearty helpings of yellow rice and beans. Order a pitcher of Key West's finest sangria to wash it down. Head off the beaten track to enjoy a fish dinner at Hogfish, where tattooed bikers and yacht owners alike gather to eat freshly caught fish at picnic tables.

Paris Sightseeing

Tourist information:
Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau
25 rue des Pyramides, 1st, Paris
Tel: 0892 683 000.
Website: www.parisinfo.com
Opening times: Daily 0900-1900 (Jun-Oct); Mon-Sat 1000-1900, Sun 1100-1900 (Nov-May).
Further tourist offices can be found throughout Paris, including at Gare de Lyon, 20 boulevard Diderot, 12th, Gare du Nord, 18 rue de Dunkerque, 10th, and Opera, 11 rue Scribe, 9th.

Passes:
The Museum Pass (www.museums-of-paris.com) allows free unlimited access to more than 70 museums and monuments in the Paris region, including the Arc de Triomphe, Musée National du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Musée Rodin. The two-, four- or six-day pass is available from tourist offices, participating museums and monuments, the main métro stations and FNAC stores. It allows visitors to bypass queues but does not provide free admission to special or temporary exhibitions.
Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate the victorious French Army, the Arc de Triomphe has been a defining symbol of Paris ever since its completion in 1836. Engraved on the arch are numerous names of important and not-so-important victories and beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors can reach the 50m-tall (164ft) top of the arch for stunning views of Paris, including the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées, or tour the museum inside which charts the history and construction of the arch.
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (Sacred-Heart Basilica)
A long, wide series of steps lead to the snowy-white domed Basilique du Sacré-Coeur that dominates the arty district of Montmartre. A mishmash of styles, the Catholic church was built between 1870 and 1919, to fulfil a vow made during the Franco-Prussian war. The interior is splendid with neo-Byzantine mosaics and the domed tower offers a spectacular view over Paris. The crypt contains an interesting collection of religious relics and a slide show on the construction of the Basilica. Below the church, a park tumbles down the hillside in a flurry of benches that make an ideal spot for surveying the Paris skyline.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Begun in 1163 by the architect Maurice de Sully and completed in about 1345, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris ranks as one of France's finest examples of Gothic architecture. It has also been the site of many historical events, including the crowning of Henry VI of England in 1430, and the marriage of the Catholic Marguerite de Valois to the Protestant Henri de Navarre in 1572, which sparked the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre during the French Wars of Religion. Today, the cathedral still awes visitors with its massive rose windows, 7,800-pipe organ, towering spire and splayed flying buttresses. Visitors should be prepared to climb the 387 spiral steps to the top of the 75m (246ft) north tower. The views over the River Seine and the city centre are well worth the effort.
Centre Georges Pompidou (Georges Pompidou Centre)
Considered outrageous in 1977, the Pompidou Centre, designed by Piano and Rogers, has become part of the Parisian landscape, primary coloured tubes and all. The building was revamped and extended a few years ago, to cope with the huge numbers of people visiting its expanding collection of contemporary art and multimedia library.
Cimetière du Père Lachaise (Père Lachaise Cemetery)
The Cimetière du Père Lachaise, which occupies 44 hectares (109 acres) on the eastern edge of Paris, is one of the city's less obvious attractions, yet features on many a visitor's itinerary. The cemetery is named after the Jesuit priest Père François de la Chaise, who was confessor to Louis XIV, and quickly became the most prestigious burial ground in the whole of the city, due to its location and royal connections. Some 70,000 graves adorn the site, with famous names including writers, such as Molière, La Fontaine, Balzac and Oscar Wilde, singers Edith Piaf and Maria Callas, composer Frédéric Chopin and impressionist painter Camille Pissarro. Jim Morrison's grave invariably attracts the most attention.
Grande Mosquée de Paris (Paris Grand Mosque)
Built between 1922 and 1926, close to the Jardin des Plantes, this Hispano-Moorish mosque caters for France's Muslim community. There is free access and guided tours to the sunken garden and patios. The prayer room, however, remains closed to the non-Muslim public. There is also an authentic hammam (Turkish bath) with masseurs at hand, as well as a wonderful mosaic courtyard complete with fig trees and a fountain - the perfect setting for enjoying a sweet mint tea served in tiny gilded glasses with some honeyed baklava.
Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden)
This garden, part formal, part jardin à l'anglaise, was created for Marie de Médicis (Henri IV's widow), along with the Palais du Luxembourg, which now houses the French Senate. It is a favoured spot for a Sunday stroll, game of tennis, chess or boules, pony ride or yacht trip on the lake.
Musée d'Orsay (Orsay Museum)
This magnificently restored railway station houses the French national collection of art from 1848 to 1914. Since opening in 1986, the museum has attracted pilgrims from far and wide who come to take in the stunning collection of Impressionist and Post Impressionist art. Paintings include Manet's Déjeuner sur l'Herbe (Luncheon on the Grass), five Monet canvases of Rouen Cathedral, ballet scenes by Dégas, and works by Cézanne, Van Gogh, Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum's restaurant is a finely decorated dining room, preserved in its original state, and popular with its many visitors.
Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum)
Constructed as a fortress in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the mid-16th century as a royal palace, it wasn't until 1793 that the Louvre became a museum. Today, it is the home of some of the world's most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The rest of the permanent collection includes Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Egyptian and oriental antiquities, as well as sculptures, objets d'art and prints and drawings. Entrance to the museum is through the largest of the three glass pyramids that dominate the courtyard. The huge global success of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, which opens with the murder of the museum's curator in the Louvre Museum, has swelled visitor numbers.
Musée Picasso (Picasso Museum)
Paris-based Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) owned most of this collection, one of the largest worldwide, housed in a stunning 17th-century mansion in the Marais. All phases of his art are represented, with preparatory sketches and paintings covering the Blue Period, Rose Period, cubism, classicism and surrealism, and sculptures ranging from a huge plaster head to a small cat. Memorable works include the Blue Period self-portrait Paolo as Harlequin, the surreal Nude in an Armchair and poignant paintings of Marie-Thérèse, his lover and muse. There is also a glimpse of the artist's personal taste in paintings, with his Matisse and Cézanne paintings displayed alongside his own.
Musée Rodin (Rodin Museum)
Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) lived and worked in this 18th-century hôtel particulier, now the Rodin Museum, and his sculptures populate the interior and gardens. Indoors, The Kiss portrays eternal passion frozen in white marble, while The Hand of God gives life to creamy white, half-formed figures. Works of Rodin's mistress and pupil, Camille Claudel, and paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir and Rodin himself are also on display. The gardens are graced by the monumental bronze The Thinker, whose godly physique contrasts sharply with the decrepitude of the writhing figures of The Gates of Hell and the controversial final portrait of Balzac, once described as 'a block that disgraces its author and French Art'.
Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower)
The Eiffel Tower literally towers over the Champ de Mars in Paris's smart 7th arrondissement. The top (third) floor offers a sweeping panorama of Paris. From directly underneath, there is a fascinating view of the delicate ironwork constructed by Gustave Eiffel, who was commissioned to build the tower for the Exposition Universelle in 1889 - the centenary of the French Revolution. The Tour Eiffel is also home to a number of restaurants, which offer views of the city and sky-high prices to match. There’s an excellent restaurant at the top.