quick travel tips

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7 Best Cities to Visit in Spain

1. Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalunya. It is one of the most visited cities in Spain. City has beautiful beaches on Mediterranean Sea in the east, and hills on the west. Barcelona is famous for Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church and also for Football Club Barcelona. Furthermore it has many Gothic style buildings, and contemporary architecture with beautiful landscape.

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Barcelona

2. Madrid

Madrid is the biggest city and capital of Spain. It is also the residence of the Spanish king. The city is in the middle of the country. It’s a political and economic city hence it’s a busy city. Madrid is also culturally vibrant. Furthermore city has many wonderful parks, those are much needed to refresh from hectic city life. Madrid is also home to Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid football clubs.

Madrid. photo by Stanislav

3. Valencia

Valencia is another popular city advantaging the Mediterranean Sea side. It has vibrant mixture of its nature, architecture and culture. Being on the sea side gives Valencia some of amazing beaches, and comfortable weather city enjoys later till the autumn and from early spring. This attracts many visitors here. Valencia also has many beautiful buildings like Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía

Valencia. photo by Mathieu

4. Seville

Seville is again a very popular city in Spain. City is in southern Spain and it’s the capital of Andalusia region. Plaza de España is a good spot for taking pictures around its water channels and bridges. Alcazar Castle complex is one of the main attractions in the city. It’s a Moorish royal palace with beautiful gardens. Another place to must visit is Seville Cathedral.

Seville. photo by Skeeze

5. Bilbao

Bilbao is not a big city, but it has many colors to show. It’s the northern Spanish industrial port city on north Atlantic Ocean. Capital of the Basque country has beautiful architecture, new and old. Famous Guggenheim museum by Frank Gehry attracts many visitors. Nervion river flows through the city of Bilbao and it is also surrounded by green mountains. It makes beautiful natural landscape for the city.

Bilbao. photo by Javier

6. Malaga

Malaga in the south of Spain lies on the shore of Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea. Its very popular for its clean beaches and resorts among visitors. City has its history of its Moorish times on hilltop fortress. Malaga is the birth city of Pablo Picasso and has Picasso Museum showcasing some of his artworks.

Malaga. photo by Manolo

7. Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital city of Mallorca Island. Palma is a resort city and popular vacation destination in Europe. It also has medieval, gothic and Moorish architecture. Cathedral of Mallorca (Santa Maria Cathedral) is one of the city landmarks. Its huge and worth a visit.  

Palma. photo by Anja

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City in a day: Sydney

Sydney is the largest and one of the most beautiful city of Australia. its most active city towards visitors. On new year’s eve people gather to see spectacular fireworks at Sydney harbour. The Opera house of Sydney is among the most visited site in the city, it has very unique architecture. other then that, Sydney is famous for white sand Bondi beach. it is surely hard to choose what to see in Sydney in a day. Let’s find out…

Things to Remember

Australia lies in southern hemisphere, it has warmer Christmas in December and colder in June-July months. Sydney is on the eastern coast of Australia’s New South Wales state. Currency of Australia is Australian Doller, time zone is AEST (UTC+10)+1 in summers(AEDT). The city has very well connected public transport.

Top places to visit in a day in Sydney

1. Sydney Opera House

The most attractive attraction of Sydney without any doubt. its always number choice among tourists, Sydney Opera House is also UNESCO world heritage site. it hosts many performance every year. but you don’t need to spend whole day here if you have only one day.

Opera House, photo by andre klee
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

This iconic bridge is just next to opera house, spanning Sydney harbour. you can take a walk or bike to cross the bridge for beautiful views around or climb over bridge for much spectacular view.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, photo by skeeze
3. Bondi Beach

One of the most famous beach in the world. white sand Bondi beach attracts everyone. so you can find it crowded with many people taking sunbath, swimming or surfing. blue water beach is crescent in shape.

Bondi beach, photo by Lee
4. Darling Harbour

Darling harbour is one of the most happening place in the city, it has many activities around. there is Sydney aquarium, Sydney wildlife world and many more. There are also many restaurants around it. you will never gonna get bored.

Darling Harbour, photo by Patty Jansen
5. Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney

Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney was opened in 1816. and the oldest of such kind of institution. it has thousands of verities of plants. There are also many features including rose garden, shops, restaurants, lawns, pond etc. Garden is overlooking Sydney harbor.

view from Royal Botanic Gardens, by Horst Müller
6. St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

Sydney’s main catholic cathedral. its in the city center next to Hyde park. it is surrounded by many important buildings. Its made of local sandstone and architecture is what makes it stand out.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, by Rani Graff

What’s more around:

Sydney is full with attractions, no doubt it is one of the best city for tourists. there are many other places like Sydney’s Taronga Zoo on Mosman, north of Sydney Harbour. There is Sydney Harbour National Park next to it also.

Sydney tower in city center is highest structure of the city. you can get ariel view from the top deck or enjoy a meal on the top. other than that you can enjoy Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Queen Victoria building, The Rocks, Museum of Sydney, Australian museum, Centennial Park and many more. Keep exploring

write us for queries or suggestions.

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City in a day: New York

New York is one of the biggest metropolitan city in the world. Manhattan in New York is not just a commercial hub or place to find skyscrapers but it also have a huge Central park, many museums and many iconic architecture. New York city has amazing places around and it’s hard to choose what to see first. let’s find out…

Things to know:

The City is in the north-east of United States, on the north Arctic Ocean. Hudson river flows through Manhattan and neighbor city of New Jersey. Currency is Doller and timezone is EST (UTC-4 hrs). New York city also has one of the biggest subway(metro) system.

Places to see in a day:

1. Central park:

Central park is an urban park, it’s a big park offering several activities in the center of New York city.  there are sports areas, cafe, restaurants, sculpture etc. it makes a high contrast on skyline of Manhattan. New York Central Park, photo by Slovenčina

 
2. Times Square

Major city square with shining lights, you must have seen it on tv. its a commercial square and a tourist attraction in the city. its often crowded, be there and see that city never sleeps. Times Square, photo by Jeff

 
3. Statue of Liberty

An iconic monument on the Liberty island in New York harbor, 2.5 km from Manhattan. it was a gift from France. 93 meter high stature is made up of copper. its one of the main attraction in New York city.

Statue of Liberty, photo by Bruce
 
4. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn over East river. this historical bridge is a hybrid combination of Cable stayed and suspension bridge, and working since 1883. it has central 1st level pedestrian walkway, take a walk and also a photographs around cables.

Brooklyn bridge, photo by Monica
 
5. Empire State building

one of the oldest skyscraper and a landmark of Manhattan, New York. its common among tourists to go on the top observation deck to see around. place is often crowded.

Empire State Building
 
6. Rockefeller center

Another city center and tourist attraction of New York city. its a large commercial complex with many buildings. there is a big Christmas tree and ice rink to see if you visit in winters. there is top of the rock observation deck for 360 degree view of New York. check the website for more.

Rockefeller center, photo by Liliana
 
7. Grand Central Terminal

As its name, its one of the biggest train terminal in the world. on 42nd st. in New York. the whole complex has many shops, restaurants, offices etc. It has many sculptures and beautiful architecture decorations. Terminal is one of the most visited place in New York.

Grand Central Terminal, photo by Maurice

there are many more things in New York like Bronx Zoo, botanical garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York High line and many more. if you have more time to spend, check one of these. write us for queries or suggestions.  

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City in a day: Rome

Things to remember

Rome is Italian capital city. Italy is a part of Schengen zone as well as Eurozone. Which means open all road borders with France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria. Currency is Euro and time zone is UTC+1.

Moving in the city

Rome has public buses and very well connected metro service. its a big city and most of the tourist attractions are within center, old city narrow streets are comfortable for walking too.

What to see in a day

1. Vatican City

The Holy Place and also house of Pope. Its better to get in line as early in the morning as possible, line keep gets bigger to see the Vatican museums. you can also take one of the local guides available in your language.
The Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and huge St Peter’s Square is part of the city. there is no entry fee for coming to the St. Peters square. its all open for everyone.

2.  Piazza Venezia

It is a big square facing Altare della Patria. A memorial white marble monument. its not a pedestrian square, but a node of many streets. in front there is a old city and markets. on the left Via(road) dei Fori Imperiali leads to Colosseum within a kilometer.

3. Colosseum

Most important iconic spot of Rome. this place take you in to the era of gladiators. due to the major attraction it is always crowded. and you can face an hour in a ticket line sometimes. but other option is take a guide nearby who got you a ticket too. or pre-book it for time saving.

4. Roman Forum and Palatino

Collective ruins of early Roman urban developments, the place will not impress you today but its history and story will, once you start identifying it significantly. If you have a ticket for Colosseum, it also covers in same ticket within 48 hrs.  there is a metro station at Colosseum.

5. Pantheon

hidden between the small streets. this temple makes you feel small. one of the best in condition structure of ancient Rome. its free for public, a hangout place often very crowded in summers

6. Piazza di Spagna

A good public hangout place. famous for 18th century Spanish steps. this place is often busy, but find a place to sit on the steps and relax with gelato.  there are many cafe around. its well connected by metro underground.

7. Fontana di Trevi

Before completing the day its good to make a wish at Trevi fountain and throw a coin in the water. Trevi fountain is one of the main tourist attraction in Rome.

Remember

Rome is a big city. It will be hard to go everywhere and spend enough time. But can also cover by proper management. The city has many restaurants and cafes. people here speak English better than in north Italy.

‘Are you visiting a city for 24 hrs or just for the daylight, are you staying here the night or have a flight layover. Friends Traveller will suggest you few of the best options.’

write us for queries or suggestions.

 

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City in a day: Milan

Milan is world famous for fashion, so always been a shopping stop. It has amazing Italian cuisine and multiple restaurants lying around the beautiful canals. It is a world city of northern Italy. The Metropolitan got many things for you, make sure to maximize your time in Milano

Things to remember

Milan is part of the Northern state of Lombardy in Italy, Italy is a European country and also part of Schengen zone as well as Eurozone. Which means open all road borders with France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria. Currency is Euro and UTC+1 time zone.

Entry and exit points in Milan

Milan has 3 airports. 2 outside of the main city and Linate is almost in Milan. Getting into the city can take up to an hour or 2 from your arrival. A train will drop you directly inside the city. more on how to reach Milan here

For ease, we suggest making Milano Centrale (central railway station) as entry-exit points. If you are coming/leaving from the Linate airport, or Cadorna railway station or Lampugnano bus stop, then Duomo is a good option.

           

Luggage storage is available at Station and on the airports

Moving options

Milan provides very good public transport and its comparatively cheaper. 2 euro for 90 mins single ticket and 7 euro for 24 hrs ticket. It covers all transportation options within the city. It’s the best option for Milan, you don’t need more.

For the bike you need to reach one of the bike sharing services, although it can be complicated because of the big city and traffic movement. bike trend is increasing in Milan but not like Amsterdam.

Places of interest in Milan

Milan is full of Museums, but it takes lot of time to see things and also needs reservation for the likes of the Last Supper

Once in Milan the city center is a must visit. it connected with history and shopping which is one quality of Milan.

First part:

Piazza del Duomo: Beside the history of 14th-century cathedral square. It is also most active city center square of Milan. It is one of the most active places throughout the day. People sometimes like to stay late and have some chit-chat and drink overnight around the Piazza.

 

Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo with Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the view

Duomo: This marvelous Cathedral of Milan is the biggest in the country and architecture will definitely catch your eyes. just in front of Piazza. one can go inside and climb to the top to have a city view.

 

City in a day milan, duomo friends traveller

 

The third point is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on the north side of Piazza Duomo is a wonderful shopping mall. its architecture and history make it unique on its own. there are restaurants also along with shops. this place is more of touristic than a Shopping place.

 

Shopping and eating:

Now if you are in the mood of shopping you can head towards San Babila from Duomo with so many shops around you. another option is Via Torino. 

The expensive Milanese shops are on Via Montenapoleone. Take a yellow line metro with a couple of stops. One more name for shopping is Corsa Buenos Ares (red line metro Porta Venezia Stop)

Or if you are hungry you can head towards Via Dante towards Milan Castle (straight west from Duomo). If you wanna try Milan’s special Apertivo. head to Navigli for some of the best restaurants.

 

via Danta
Via Dante

Navigli canal is lined up with restaurants and they are packed up during summer months. (Tram from Duomo) or 15 mins walk south on via Torino.

Another option is Arco Della Pace. On the other face of Parco Sempione. tram in front of the castle will drop you there or walk from the park for 10 mins.

 

arco della pace
Arco della Pace

 

Other things to do

Take a tram ride in one of the oldest trams(wooden). line 1, 2, 3 etc and also new trams like 9, 14 etc. Ride through busy streets and old roads is an amazing experience.

go to Garibaldi to have a look and maybe get to the top of UniCredit building to see Milan from the top.

There are other museums likes Pinacoteca di Brera or Pinacoteca Ambrosiana also Museums in Castello or interesting one is Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology.

Remember

Milan is not very big and also not the very small city. It can tire down you if you wish to walk. The city has many supermarkets and cafes. people here rarely speak English. so better learn few Italian words.

If you have a short layover in Malpensa then it can take 4 hrs just in travelling to and fro. Better calculate if you can make it max or not.

Are you visiting a city for 24 hrs or just for the daylight, are you staying here the night or have a flight layover. Friends Traveller will suggest you few of the best options.

write us for queries or suggestions.

City in a day - illustration - friends traveller

Quick travel tips for one day city visit

These quick travel tips are dedicated to those who are just about to step out for your one day in a city.

Also, those who are currently on a bus or train using free wifi or maybe waiting for your flight sitting at the airport in one of the lounges and totally missed out planning earlier somehow.

City in a day - illustration - friends traveller

Friends Traveller doesn’t want to waste your time for reading a lengthy article.

so just scroll down quickly to see how and what you should do to travel in a day.

we assume you are arriving in the morning,  here are few basic things to follow.

  • understand your location

whenever you arrive in a city you must be found yourself at the airport, main or secondary train station, or any of the bus terminals. don’t get panic and do not hurry up things. take a deep breath and maybe enjoy a morning coffee at the nearest cafe before travel.

It’s very important to look around and read the atmosphere, look at people, roads, colors, weather etc. it will help you in getting comfortable with the environment of the city.

friends traveller - city map illustration

  • Get a map

Your next step is to mark your favorite locations in the city, for that you need a map.

We know that nowadays people are very comfortable with a lot of online-offline Mobile applications. but sometimes you find yourself without wifi, cellular network or your battery might drain out. it will make your day harder.

Friends Traveller recommend you to get the map at any of the nearest tourism office or maybe just tourist information kiosk at any major railway station or airport, sometimes it’s hard to find at bus terminals.

  • Plan your day

On a Map, mark locations, including starting and ending points. take your time for marking as its going to be very important for rest of the day.

Do mark out closest Subway/Metro stations. it will help you to manage time, and always be sure to save an hour extra to reach your departure location.

sometimes you find yourself in the middle of transport strike which can make your travel taste bitter.

  • Things to keep in mind

Most important part is to not to visit everywhere in the city, running will make you tired, which you do not want until the day’s end. remember that, not everything requires a visit.

we recommend you to avoid going to every museum because they take up a lot of subconscious time and you will regret it if you are on a day travel.friends traveller - money illustration

Do walk a little between close attractions, famous streets, shopping area, historic center, it is worth your time.

We understand photos are important but do spend some time just appreciating the city, and remember to taste some local cuisine. there is always enough time for these in your travel.

Do not pack up too many things in your bag because you might need nothing, also keep some space for souvenirs

If you are traveling with a luggage, you can try to find luggage storage facility at major stations

We consider that an hour is enough to visit an attraction if you want to maximize your travel,

we will come up with detailed articles about it later.

Amsterdam centraal - friends traveller
Amsterdam Centraal: central railway station and transport hub of the city

Important: take care of your money and important belongings every time, nowhere is always safe.

Happy traveling and share your experience with us 🙂