Visiting Europe

[Visiting Czech Republic] Cesky Krumlov

2006-11-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Town of Cesky Krumlov:

Located in Southern Bohemia, the medieval town of Český Krumlov is a popular destination for those wanting an easy weekend trip from Prague. Home to the stunning Krumlov Castle and a historic medieval city center, the town of Český Krumlov is a UNESCO protected site. Second in size only to Hradčany castle in Prague, Krumlov Castle offers visitors a look at a well-preserved Czech treasure. Castle tours are complete with a viewing of the beautiful 1766 Baroque theater, and a castle moat with live bears living in it. The town also boasts of a museum dedicated to Egon Schiele, a painter who was born in Český Krumlov.

Transportation from Prague to Cesky Krumlov:

Buses from Prague to Cesky Krumlov: Bus is the best way to get from Prague to Český Krumlov. Buses leave regularly from the Na Knizeci bus station in Prague 5. The bus takes less than three hours one way.

Trains from Prague to Cesky Krumlov: Trains travel from Prague's Hlavni Nadrazi station to Český Krumlov on a regular basis, with a change at Ceske Budejovice. Be warned that the train station in Český Krumlov is a 20 minute walk from town. The trip takes around 5 hours one way.

Driving from Prague to Cesky Krumlov: If you drive, the best option is to park in a lot on the edge of town, as the narrow cobblestone streets are difficult to drive on. Driving takes around 3 hours one way.

Hotels and Hostels in Cesky Krumlov:

Mid-Range Hotel in Cesky Krumlov: Hotel Belarie - With only 5 rooms, Pension Hotel Belarie is a small, friendly hotel with lots of character. Double rooms for 66-88EUR/night.

High-End Hotel in Cesky Krumlov: Hotel Ruze Cesky Krumlov - A five star hotel located in the heart of the old city. Double rooms for 136-208EUR/night.

Other Short Trips from Prague:

Best Short Trips from Prague

[Visiting Czech Republic] Brno: Trip from Prague

2006-11-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

Pic title: Brno 7 - View from Stará Radnice (Link)

The City of Brno:

Located in the heart of southern Moravia, Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic.

Spilberk Castle

Spilberk Castle was built in the mid-1200's. Originally used by the governors of the province, the castle became a baroque fortress as time went by. Today it is home to a museum.

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Brno

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Brno was built in the 1300's-1400's. Like Spilberk Castle, many visitors to Brno tour the cathedral.

Motorcycle Racing in Brno

Motorcycle racing has a long history in Brno, dating back to the early 20th century. Brno is on the Czech ETCC circuit and is host to the Moto Grand Prix.

Villa Tugendhat / Tugendhat House

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe built the Villa Tugendhat / Tugendhat House in the late 1920s. A classic example of modern architecture and functionalism, the house is one of Mies' famous works. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transportation from Prague to Brno:

Buses from Prague to Brno: Buses travel from Prague's Florenc Station to Brno on a regular basis. The bus takes around 2 hours, 45 minutes one way.

Trains from Prague to Brno: Trains travel from Prague's Hlavni Nadrazi and Holesovice stations to Brno on a regular basis. The trip takes around 2 hours, 45 minutes one way on the EC trains.

Driving from Prague to Brno: If you drive, take exit 190 from Prague. Brno is located at the intersection of D1 (Prague-Brno) and D2 (Brno-Bratislava). Driving takes around 2 hours, 30 minutes one way.

Hotels and Hostels in Brno:

Budget Hotel in Brno: Pohoda Pension (Vinohrady 29, Brno) - Located away from the bustle of the city center, the Pohoda Pension an early 20th century villa with three themed rooms -- Japanese, Blue-and-White, and Rustic. Tram: Videnska Ulice. Double rooms for 21EUR/night.

Mid-Range Hotel in Brno: Imos Hotel (Hudcova 72, Brno) - Located near the city center, the Imos hotel has a billiard hall and free parking. Tram: Hudcova. Double rooms for 29-49EUR/night.

High-End Hotel in Brno: Grandhotel Brno (Benesova 18-20, Brno) - A four star hotel in the heart of Brno, the Grandhotel Brno was built in 1870. The famous hotel serves traditional Moravian food in its Grand Cafe Bistro. Double rooms for 55-111EUR/night.

Other Short Trips from Prague:

Best Short Trips from Prague

[Visiting France] Antibes - Day Trip from Nice

2006-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

antibes' beach
Originally uploaded by *heloise*.

The Town:

Officially named Antibes Juan-les-Pins - but called Antibes for short - the town is an easy day trip from Nice. With great beaches, historical ramparts, an impressive yacht harbor, and a renowned Picasso museum, the town attracts visitors from all over the world.

Hotels in Antibes:

Mid-Range Hotel in Antibes: Mediterranee Hotel (6 avenue Maréchal Reille) – The recently renovated Mediterranee Hotel has air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms. It is located inside the Medieval City, right in the heart of Antibes. Standard rooms are 42-60EUR/night.

High-End Hotel in Antibes: Hotel Don Cesar (46, boulevard de la Garoupe) - Located between Antibes and Juan les Pins, the elegant Hotel Don Cesar caters to an elite clientele and boasts of the acclaimed restaurant Le Lys d'Or. Standard rooms are 165-485EUR/night.

Transportation from Nice to Antibes:

Trains from Nice Ville to Antibes: Trains run from Nice's Gare SNCF to Antibes regularly. The train station in Antibes is near the yacht harbor, and is a short walk from the beaches and the town ramparts. The trip takes 30min each way.

Transportation from Nice Airport to Antibes

For information about activities in Antibes:

Activities and Beaches in Antibes

[Visiting France] Hotels in Nice, France

2006-11-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hotel Negresco, Nice

Hotel Negresco
37, Promenade des Anglais - Nice - 06000

Built in 1912, the world famous Hotel Negresco is the most well-known hotel in Nice. In 1974, it was classified a National Historic Monument and Hotel Negresco remains one of the few privately owned hotels in the world. Hotel Negresco showcases art from epic periods in the history of France, dating back to the renaissance. If you can't afford a room (they start around $300USD/night), stop by for tea or to admire the decor.

Hotel West End
31 Promenade Des Anglais - Nice - 06000

Just down the street from the Hotel Negresco is another classic Nice hotel, the Best Western Premier Hotel West End. The six-story hotel has 126 rooms, many of which have great views of the Mediterranean. Rooms start around $170USD/night.

On a Budget?

Click Here for Information on Great Hostels in Nice, France

[Visiting France] Paris Hotels: Luxury Hotels in Paris

2006-11-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

Right bank or left bank, there are plenty of options for luxury hotels in Paris. Here are our favorites:

Hotel Prince de Galles - Paris Champs Elysees
33 Avenue George V, Paris 75008, France

Starwood luxury collection's Hotel Prince de Galles is housed in a beautiful Art Deco building from 1928. A stone's throw from the fashion houses on the Champs Elysees, this site is perfect for the traveler looking to revel in the chi chi neighborhoods of the right bank.
Special Features include:
- Wireless High Speed Internet Access in All Meeting/Event Facilities (Charge)
- In-Room Massage Treatments
- Cellular Telephone Rental
- Medical Services Available
- Dry Cleaning Service
- Barber/Beauty Salon
- Pay Parking Facilities
- Air-Conditioned Facilities
- Business Center

Melia Colbert Paris Hotel
7 Rue Hotel Colbert, Paris 75005, France

Melia Colbert Boutique Hotel in Paris is a restored 19th century mansion situated in a prime area of the Latin Quarter on the left bank. A short walk from St. Michel and the Notre Dame, it is also close to great restaurants and the St. Germain nightlife.
Features include:
- 39 Rooms
- Air conditioning
- Direct dial telephone
- Bathroom with hairdryer
- Minibar
- Laundry service
- Public parking
- Bar

On a Budget?

Click Here for Information on Budget Hotels and Hostels

[Visiting France] Paris Hostels: Budget Hotels and Hostels in Paris

2006-11-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Paris 2004
Originally uploaded by Joits.

Right bank or left bank, there are plenty of options for hostels and budget hotels in Paris. Here are our favorites:

3 Ducks Hostel
6, Place Etienne Pernet, Paris 75015, France

The 3 Ducks Hostel has a courtyard and a great bar, which make it an ideal place to sleep and hang out. Situated near the Eiffel Tower, this hostel is in a great location. With rooms starting at 19EUR/night, it's a great place to stay if you're on a budget.

Le Village Hostel
20, rue d'Orsel, Paris 75018, France

Located in the Saint-Pierre neighborhood of Montmartre, most rooms at Le Village have a view of the Sacré Coeur. Here you are close to the Moulin-Rouge and other famous Montmartre sites. With rooms starting at 20EUR/night, this place is a steal.

Not on a Budget?

Click Here for Information on Luxury Hotels in Paris

[Visiting France] Hostels in Nice, France: Inexpensive Places to Stay

2006-11-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

Nice France
Originally uploaded by patryck.net.

Villa St. Exupery
22 Avenue Gravier, Nice 06000

Winner of the Author's Choice in Lonely Planet 2005, the Villa St. Exupery is a former Carmelite monastery. With free breakfast, a great bar, free internet, a large self-service kitchen, and free bus pick-up, this is not your usual hostel. The one drawback is that it is not in the heart of town; it is located fifteen minutes from the train station. To make up for it, the hostel offers bus transport until 1:10 am. Rooms range from 26-27EUR/night for double room with bathroom; 18-22EUR/night for dorm room.

Backpacker's Chez Patrick Hostel
32, Rue Pertinax, 1st Floor, Nice 06000

If you’re looking for a hostel in the heart of Nice, Backpacker's Chez Patrick Hostel is the perfect place. It is a five minute walk from the train station and close to the beaches and the Promenade des Anglais. The hostel attracts students and backpackers, so it is a great place to stay if you are looking for a social atmosphere. Rooms range from 40-45EUR/night for double room; 18-21EUR/night for 3-6 person room.

Not on a Budget?

Click Here for Information on Great Hotels in Nice, France

[Visiting Czech Republic] Prague Hotels: Where to Stay in Prague

2006-11-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

K+K Hotel Central
Hybernská 10, Prague 1

Prague's K+K Hotel Central is a high-end hotel located near the Municipal House and Old Town Square. With its swanky decor and beautiful art nouveau architecture, it is a great option for a stay in the Czech Capital. 268EUR/night for a single room.

Jerome House
V Jircharich 13, Prague 1

If you're looking for a mid-range hotel, Jerome House is a great option. Located in New Town, it is in close walking distance to Wenceslas Square, the National Theater, the Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. There are lots of great restaurants and pubs in the neighborhood, too. Rooms range from 81-124EUR/night for a single room.

On a Budget?

Click Here for Information on Great Prague Hostels

[Visiting Czech Republic] Prague Hostels: Inexpensive Places to Stay in Prague

2006-11-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

Pic title: Municipal House Prague (Link)

Hostel Junior
Senovazne nam. 21, Prague 1

Located in the heart of Prague, the newly renovated Hostel Junior is a comfortable and social place to stay. Enjoy the pizzeria, cafe, and bowling bar, or hang out in the lounge and meet fellow travelers. Situated near Wenceslas Square, the pedestrian mall, and Old Town Square, the hostel is in a great location for those wanting to explore historic Prague. Rooms range from 21-35EUR/night for a double room; 15-23EUR/night for 3-8 person room.

Hostel Apple
Nam. Republiky sqr. 7, Prague 1

Hostel Apple is on Namesti Republiky, right next to Prague's beautiful art nouveau Municipal House. It is near Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, and many bars and restaurants. The hostel boasts of a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed internet access, a laundry room, and a lounge. Rates include breakfast, hot showers and taxes. Rooms range from 25-32EUR/night for double room, 14-17EUR/night for 12 person room.

Not on a budget?

Click Here for Information on Great Prague Hotels

[Visiting Czech Republic] Day Trip from Prague: Karlovy Vary

2006-11-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

The City of Karlovy Vary:

Pic title: Karlovy Vary (Link)

Founded in the late 14th Century by Charles IV, Karlovy Vary is a spa town located in western Bohemia near the German border. The city's 13 major hot springs and three hundred minor ones have drawn tourists and celebrities for centuries, and the waters can still be imbibed today.

The architecture of Karlovy Vary is as variegated as its water. From colonnades to Russian orthodox churches, Karlovy Vary's eclectic architectural style reflects the diversity of its visitors.

For those that want to taste more than just the waters, Karlovy Vary is also famous for Becherovka and spa wafers.

Moser Glass Factory:
Kpt. Jarose 46/19, 360 06 Karlovy Vary

For the shopper, the Moser Glass Factory is a must-visit. Famous throughout the Czech Republic for its quality and craftsmanship, Moser makes beautiful vases, stemware, and other glass and crystal art.

Becherovka Factory and Jan Becher Museum:
T. G. Masaryka 57, 360 76 Karlovy Vary

The giant Becherovka bottle out front makes this place hard to miss. Go in four a tour and tasting, and learn about the Czech Republic's most famous alcoholic beverage (besides beer, of course).

Transportation from Prague to Karlovy Vary:

Buses from Prague to Karlovy Vary: Buses run regularly from Prague's Florenc bus station. The bus takes roughly two hours each way.

Hotels in Karlovy Vary:

High-End Hotel in Karlovy Vary: Grandhotel Pupp
Mírové náměstí 2, 360 91 Karlovy Vary
A beautiful old hotel located in the heart of the city.

Other Short Trips from Prague:

Best Short Trips from Prague

[Visiting Czech Republic] Day Trip from Prague: Kutna Hora

2006-11-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

Pic title: St Barbara, Kutna Hora (Link)

The City of Kutna Hora:

The medieval Bohemian city of Kutná Hora is deserving of its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Originally a silver mining town, Kutná Hora is now known for two of its religious sites: Kostnice Ossuary and the Church of Saint Barbara.

Kostnice Ossuary in Kutna Hora:

Built in 1511, the Kostnice Ossuary was erected for the purpose of housing human bones. The building today maintains the bones of about forty thousand people and boasts macabre sights such as a chandelier made from every bone in the human body.

Church of Saint Barbara in Kutna Hora:

The massive Church of Saint Barbara was constructed in the 14th Century by Peter Parler, the designer of Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral. Known for its beautiful spires and flying buttresses, the church is open to the public for visits and should not be missed on a trip to Kutná Hora.

Transportation from Prague to Kutna Hora:

Trains from Prague to Kutná Hora: Trains run regularly from Prague's Hlavní nádraží and Masarykovo nádraží. The train takes roughly one hour each way if you catch the express.

Buses from Prague to Kutná Hora: Buses run regularly from Prague's Florenc bus station. The bus takes roughly one hour and twenty minutes each way.

Other Short Trips from Prague:

Best Short Trips from Prague

[Visiting France] Paris Deals: Top 5 Ways to Save Money in Paris

2006-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

musée dorsay

5. Student / Senior / Child Discounts

Most Paris museums and attractions offer substantial discounts for students (with ID), seniors, and children. Some shops and restaurants also offer discounts, so be sure to ask.

4. Free Sundays at Paris Museums

The following Paris museums are free the first Sunday of every month, all year:
- Musée des Arts et Traditions populaires
- Musées de l’Assistance publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
- Musées des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet
- Musée Delacroix
- Musée Gustave Moreau
- Musée Hébert
- Musée Henner
- Musée de la Légion d’Honneur et des Ordres de Chevalerie
- Musée du Louvre
- Musée du Moyen Âge (Thermes de Cluny)
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Musée d’Orsay
- Musée Picasso
- Musée des Plans reliefs
- Musée Rodin

3. Free Paris Museums

The following Paris museums are free every day, all year:
- Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
- Maison de Balzac
- Musée Bible et Terre Sainte
- Maison Bourdelle
- Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris
- Musée Cernuschi
- Musée Cognacq-Jay
- Musée du Compagnonnage
- Musée Curie (Institut du radium)
- Musée Jean Moulin
- Musée du Parfum-Fragonard/Théâtre musée des Capucines-Fragonard
- Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux Arts de la Ville de Paris
- Musée de la Préfecture de Police
- Maison de Victor Hugo
- Musée de la Vie Romantique
- Musée Zadkine

2. Paris Metro Pass

Paris Metro passes like the Paris Visite and the Carte Orange can save you time and money during your stay in Paris.

1. Paris Museum Pass

The Paris Museum Pass grants access to over 60 museums and monuments in Paris and surrounding area, and saves you from waiting in long ticket lines. You can purchase the Paris Museum Pass at any metro station.

Fares for Paris Museum Passes:
2 days: €30
4 days: €45
6 days: €60

[Visiting France] France Transportation: Train Guide

2006-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Gare du Nord

France train transportation is efficient and easy to use. Here are some tips for making the most of France's Corail (regular-speed) and TGV (high-speed) trains, as well as Eurostar and Thalys trains:

Use the SNCF website for:

- Checking schedules
- Booking tickets online (you can pick up your ticket in any train station if you have the reservation number and the credit card you used for purchase)
Note: Discount fares sell out quickly, so purchase tickets as far in advance as possible

Paris Train Transportaion:

There are six major train stations in Paris, each of which is served by the extensive metro network:

Gare du Nord
Gare Montparnasse
Gare de l'Est
Gare de Lyon
Gare d'Austerlitz
Gare Saint-Lazare

How to get from a Paris train station to another destination in Paris:

- Find your station on the metro map to see which metro lines connect there
- For detailed directions, use the RATP website to map your route

For information about Paris Metro and RER transportation:

Paris Transportation: Metro Guide

[Visiting France] Paris Transportation: Metro Guide

2006-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Paris Metro sign

Paris public transportation is efficient and easy to use. Here are some tips for making the most of the Paris Metro and RER (urban rail):

Paris Metro Overview:

- The Paris Metro has 16 lines, numbered 1-14, with two sub-lines, the 3bis and 7bis
- Start/end stations are used to identify which direction a line is going (e.g. "Line 1 to La Defense")

Paris RER Overview:

- The Paris RER has 5 lines, lettered A-E
- The lines connect to metro stops in the city center, and are useful for trips both within the city and farther away (like the Paris airports and Versailles)

Use the RATP website for:

- Mapping a route to your destination (Don't know the address? Try the Pages Jaunes)
- Full maps of the Paris Metro and RER
- Information on Paris Metro passes
Note: If you speak French, the French version of the RATP website has more detailed and extensive information.

Paris Metro and RER Tickets and Passes:

Within the city center (Zones 1 & 2), Paris Metro and RER tickets are interchangeable and are valid for unlimited transfers. Metro and RER tickets for Paris outskirts and suburbs vary in price by distance.

Single Journey on Paris Metro or RER:
- Purchase ticket at a machine or booth in any Paris metro or RER station

Multiple Journey on Paris Metro or RER:
- Carnet Dix: packet of ten single-tickets; purchase in any metro station
- Paris Visite : card for either a 1, 2, 3 or 5 day period; purchase in any metro station, airport, or participating hotel / tour operator
- Carte Orange: weekly or monthly pass; purchase in any metro station

For information about France train transportation:

France Transportation: Train Guide

[Visiting France] 36 Hours in Paris

2006-12-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Eiffel Tower

The New York Times recently did a feature on Paris entitled "36 Hours: Paris." The article gives sightseeing and other travel tips for visitors.

Full Article - 36 Hours: Paris

36 Hours: Paris
By SETH SHERWOOD

"THE chief danger about Paris,” T. S. Eliot wrote to a friend, “is that it is such a strong stimulant.” That wasn’t merely the overcaffeinated ramblings of a Left Bank cafe habitué. Few cities thrill visitors with such a beguiling multiplicity of personalities. There is the devout Paris of Notre Dame’s Gothic solemnity, and the naughty Paris of Pigalle’s red-light bars. Sophisticated Paris radiates from the vaulted galleries of the Louvre and the gilded Opéra Garnier, while bohemian Paris emerges in the art galleries of the Marais and gritty rock ’n’ roll nightclubs. For every Gallic gastronomic temple, there’s an Asian, African or Middle Eastern restaurant brimming with exotic flavors. And for every Jean Paul Gaultier, there’s a fledgling fashion student opening his first boutique. In the words of Henry Miller, another American drawn to Paris’s manifold pleasures, lofty and low: “To know Paris is to know a great deal.”

Continued on nytimes.com

[Visiting Czech Republic] Prague Museums

2006-12-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Mucha Museum

Top 6 museums in Prague:

6. Museum of the City of Prague / Muzeum hlavního mesta Prahy
Na porící 52, Prague 8
Metro: Florenc

The Museum of the City of Prague focuses on the history of Prague from the 9th century to today. The main attraction is Antonin Langweil's 20 sq. ft. (2 sq. m.) paper-and-wood model of the city of Prague. Constructed in the early 19th century, it took Langweil over 10 years to complete. Legend has it that Langweil tried to sell the model during his lifetime, but the museum waited until after his death to take it from his home for free.

5. Museum of W. A. Mozart and the Dušeks / Muzeum W. A. Mozarta a manželů Duškových
Vila Bertramka, Mozartova 169, Prague 5
Metro: Andel, Tram: 4, 6, 9, 12, 14

Mozart completed his famous opera Don Giovanni in the Dušeks' villa in 1787. Today the beautiful rococo villa houses the Mozart Museum in Prague, which exhibits Mozart memorabilia and offers outdoor concerts in the gardens during the summer.

4. National Museum / Národní museum
Václavské námestí 68, Prague 1
Metro: Muzeum, Tram: 11

The Czech National Museum is housed in an imposing classical-style building at the top of Wenceslas Square in Prague. The museum has an extensive collection of prehistoric artifacts from Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia, as well as exhibits on mineralogy, paleontology, zoology and anthropology.

3. Jewish Museum in Prague / Židovského muzea v Praze
U Staré školy 1, Prague 1
Metro: Staromestská, Tram: 17, 18
The Jewish Museum in Prague has one of the largest collections of Judaic art and memorabilia in the world. The museum consists of six different buildings: the Maisel Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery and Ceremonial Hall. All buildings are located near each other, and visitors can choose to visit any combination of them.

2. Mucha Museum / Muchovo muzeum
Kaunický palác, Panská 7, Prague 1
Metro: Nam. Republiky, Mustek

The Mucha Museum is a must-visit for lovers of Art Nouveau. The Museum highlights art by Czech artist Alphons Mucha, who was famous for the Art Nouveau works he produced while living in France. The museum houses many of Mucha's famous paintings, photographs, drawings, and personal belongings.

1. Museum of Communism / Muzeum komunismu
Na Prikope 10, Prague 1
Metro: Nam. Republiky, Mustek

The Museum of Communism in Prague showcases memorabilia from the communist period of 1948-1989. The Museum of Communism's slogan, "Communism- the Dream, the Reality, and the Nightmare," is indicative of the array of themes the museum covers. With everything from video clips to historical memorabilia to a replica of a communist interrogation room, the museum provides a thorough yet light-hearted depiction of life under communist rule.

[Visiting France] Art Museums in Nice, France

2006-12-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Mattise roman ruins

Top 4 art museums in Nice, France:

4. Fine Arts Museum / Musée des Beaux-Arts (Musée J. Chéret)
33, ave. des Baumettes, Nice 06000, Bus: 3, 6, 9, 10, 12, 22, 23, 38

Housed in a 19th century mansion, the Fine Arts Museum in Nice boasts of a collection of over 6,000 works from the 17th century to the mid-20th century. The museum showcases works by French and other European artists, including Rodin and Picasso.

3. Modern and Contemporary Art Museum / Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain
Promenade des Arts, Nice 06364, Bus: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 16, 17

Nice's Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, or MAMAC, showcases American and European art from the 1960s to the present, including New European Realism and American Pop Art.

2. Matisse Museum / Musee Matisse
164, ave des Arènes, Nice 06000, Bus: 15, 17, 20, 22, 25

The Matisse Museum houses many great works by Matisse, who lived in Nice from 1918-1954. The Matisse Museum's permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and some of the artist's possessions. The museum is located right next to the Roman ruins, which are also worth a visit.

1. Chagall Museum / Musee Chagall
Ave du Docteur Ménard, Nice 06000, Bus: 15

The Chagall Museum in Nice houses a great collection of Chagall's paintings, engravings, Old Testament gouaches, lithographs and stained-glass windows. Chagall himself was involved in the design of the museum, and the space compliments his work beautifully.

Note: Bus 15 offers a free shuttle between the Chagall Museum and Matisse Museum in Nice. Ask for a ticket at the reception desk of either museum.

[Visiting France] Nightlife in Nice, France

2006-12-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Too many drinks

Top 5 nightlife spots in Nice, France:

5. Les 3 Diables
2, cours Saleya, Nice 06300

Les 3 Diables in Nice is a great place for dancing the night away. With two stories and a balcony overlooking the Cours Saleya, Les 3 Diables offers karaoke every Wednesday, student nights every Thursday (reduced cover with student ID), and all-night happy hour every Sunday.

4. L'Escalier
10, rue de la Terrasse, Nice 06300

L'Escalier in Nice is a huge underground space between the Cours Saleya and the Promenade des Anglais. With its laid-back atmosphere, it is a great place to listen to live music or play billiards.

3. Blue Whales
1, rue Mascoinat, Nice 06300

With live music every night at 10pm, the Blue Whales bar in Nice is the most popular nightlife spot for the after-hours scene. Head over after a night of drinking at Wayne's or L'Escalier.

2. L'Odace
29, rue Alphonse Karr, Nice 06000

L'Odace nightclub occupies the former space of Le Grand Escurial, the largest dance club on the Cote d'Azur. For those familiar with Paris nightlife, L'Odace in Nice is reminiscent of Buddha Bar in Paris. L'Odace offers Asian-inspired food and drinks with hip music and a trendy space. If you like the see-and-be-seen crowd, this is the perfect place.

1. Wayne's
15, rue de la Préfecture, Nice 06300

Wayne's (aka Chez Wayne or Wayne's Bar) is by far the most famous bar in Nice. Visitors come for the great live music, extensive drink menu, and always-packed scene. With regular ladies' nights and other special events, Wayne's is a popular place to go any night of the week.

[Visiting Czech Republic] Czech Beer

2006-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

the real king of beers

Czech pivo (beer) is famous around the world, but is best consumed in the Czech Republic. Locals are well aware of this; they see to it that the Czech Republic is consistently ranked #1 for highest per-capita beer consumption in the world. Although Czech people are consistent with their beer-drinking habits, the Czech beer industry has seen a lot of changes since the fall of communism. One of them is the taste of the beer. Locals say that the taste has gone downhill slightly since the fall of communism due to stricter health standards. Go figure!

Made from hand picked Bohemian hops, the best and most well-known Czech beers are:

Pilsner Urquell
A pale lager brewed in the town of Plzen and exported worldwide, Pilsner Urquell is the best known Czech beer.

Budvar
Brewed in Ceske Budejovice, Budvar is the beer that inspired the American Budweiser. Try it at the Budvar Bar or any pub in Prague.

Staropramen
Staropramen is the second biggest producer of beer in the Czech Republic, and its beers deserve their great reputation.

Gambrinus
A favorite with Czech locals, this beer is brewed in Plzen. Gambrinus pale lager has a gold color and is full-bodied and bitter.

Pivo Prosim (Beer Please)!

[Visiting France] Cafes in Paris: The Best of the Best

2006-12-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

Café a Paris - Les Deux Magots

Paris has as many well-known cafes as it does museums and fashion houses. Whether you want to read a book, write a book, or visit the place where your favorite book was written, Paris has a cafe that will suit your mood. If literature isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of cafes with ample space for discussing your favorite subject or just watching the passers-by. Here are our top 3:

3. Cafe le Paris
93, ave des Champs Elysees (8e)
Metro: George V

For those looking for a non-touristy cafe in the heart of touristy Paris, Cafe le Paris is a hidden gem. Located on the bustling Champs Elysees, Cafe le Paris is frequented by local Parisians who work in the area. With friendly staff and affordable prices (especially compared to other cafes on the Champs Elysees), Cafe le Paris is a great place to stop for a quick cafe au lait during a long day of sightseeing or an afternoon of power shopping.

2. Cafe Les Deux Magots
6, place Saint Germain des Pres (6e)
Metro: Saint Germain des Pres

Known for being an intellectual center of Parisian thought and debate, cafe Les Deux Magots was a regular meeting place for French literati like Sartre, Gide and Simone de Beauvoir. Situated on a busy street corner, the cafe gets packed inside and out with visitors paying homage to France's past masters.

1. Cafe Les Editeurs
4, Carrefour d l’Odeon (6e)
Metro: Odeon

Lined with dark wood shelves overflowing with books, the atmosphere of the cozy cafe Les Editeurs is enough to make even the most logophobic person start writing or discussing heady ideas. Offering both a full menu of coffee and tea drinks and a menu of food items, cafe Les Editeurs is the best place to revel in Paris' cafe culture.

[Visiting Czech Republic] Cafes in Prague

2006-12-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

A break

Prague has no shortage of cafes. Whether you're looking for a place to read a book, revel in Czech history or play billiards, these Prague cafes have something for everyone.

Cafe Slavia
Narodni trida 1, Prague 1
Metro: Mustek, Tram: 17

Once popular with dissidents like former Czech President Vaclav Havel, Cafe Slavia is now better known as a tourist destination. However, that shouldn't be reason to avoid the cafe. With stunning views of the Vltava and Prague Castle, Cafe Slavia is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or light meal during a day of sightseeing in Prague.

Cafe Louvre
Narodni trida 20, Prague 1
Metro: Mustek, Tram: 22, 23

Prague's Cafe Louvre opened its doors in 1902 in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. Once patronized by Kafka, the cafe is now a popular evening hangout for Prague locals and visitors. The pastries and hot chocolate are amazing, and their non-smoking room is a welcome haven for those unaccustomed to smoky cafes. The separate dining room offers French food for those that weary of heavy Czech cuisine, and their billiard room is a great place to have a beer and play pool.

The Globe
Pstrossova 6, Praha 1
Metro: Mustek / Karlovo namesti, Tram: 22, 23

The Globe cafe in Prague is the ultimate Anglo-expat bookstore and coffee shop. The bookstore offers a wide range of English-language titles, and the cafe area has PC's with internet access and a laptop area. On top of all that, they serve great coffee and Czech beer, and a variety of pastries and light fare.

Cafe Franz Kafka
Siroka 12/64, Praha 1
Metro: Staromestska, Tram: 17, 18

Located in Josefov, Prague's historic Jewish quarter, the Kafka Cafe is a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. Grab a table inside and admire the Kafka memorabilia, or sit outside at a table on the sidewalk.

[Visiting France] Paris Parks: The 8 Best Parks in Paris

2006-12-29T10:46:00.000-08:00

Jardin du Luxembourg

Paris has some of the best city parks in the world. We could fill volumes writing about all of them, but these are our top eight picks.

8. Le Bois de Vincennes (12e)
Metro: Porte de Charenton, Porte Dorée, Liberté

Le Bois de Vincennes, home to the Chateau de Vincennes, is a sprawling park in the eastern part of Paris. With its zoos, museums, four lakes, and sporting arenas, the park attracts visitors from all over Paris.

7. Jardin des Plantes - Botanical Gardens (5e)
Metro: Censier-Daubenton, Monge, or Gare d'Austerlitz

Opened to the public in 1650, the Jardin des Plantes is located in the heart of Paris. The space contains a botanical garden, the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, a zoo, an aquarium, and several gardens. It is a great place for families to visit in Paris.

6. Le Bois de Boulogne (16e)
Metro: Porte Dauphine, Porte Maillot

Spanning over 2,000 acres, Le Bois de Boulogne is one of the largest parks in Paris. The park was developed by Napoleon III in the 19th century on what was formerly a royal hunting ground. The park is popular for jogging, boating, and family activities during the day, but its popularity as a gathering place for prostitutes makes it best to be avoided at night.

5. Jardin des Tuileries (1er)
Metro: Tuileries

The Jardin des Tuileries, once the garden for the Tuileries Palace which burned down in 1871, is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. The Tuileries is a perfect place to rest or have a picnic after a visit to the Louvre.

4. Jardin du Luxembourg (6e)

3. Place des Vosges (4e)

2. Parc Monceau (8e)

1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (19e)
Metro: Buttes-Chaumont

Located away from the bustle of the Paris city center, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the best romantic spots in Paris. The Buttes-Chaumont was laid out in the English style by Baron Haussmann in the 1860's. The park is complete with a man-made lake and waterfalls, a Roman-style temple, and steep hills offering beautiful panoramic views of the Paris skyline.

[Visiting France] How to get from Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport to the Paris City Center

2006-11-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Getting from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly Airport to the Paris city center doesn't have to be difficult.

By Taxi:

Taxi is the most expensive way to get from the airport to the city center in Paris, and can be slow if you hit traffic. Most drivers speak some English, but it helps to have your destination written down.

Taxi Fare: 40-50 EUR

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

By Bus:

Bus transport is an easy way to get from the airport to the city center. Most buses leave from the bus terminals outside of the airport doors and drop you off at or close to a metro station. Air France and Roissy have reputable bus services, as do several other companies.

Bus Fare: 8.20-11.50 EUR

Travel Time: 45 minutes from CDG, 25 minutes from Orly

By Train (RER):

The RER runs from the airport to the Paris city center. Follow signs to the RER terminal (depending on where you land, you may have to take a shuttle to get there), and purchase your ticket before boarding the train. Beware: ticket lines can be very long and ticket machines finicky, so the RER may not be a good option if you are in a hurry or have a lot of luggage.

RER Fare from Charles de Gaulle: (RER B + Metro): 7.75 EUR

Travel Time: 35 minutes

Helpful Websites:

Paris Airports

RATP Public Transport

[Visiting Czech Republic] Walking Tour of Prague: Castle Hill

2006-10-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Prague Castle

Start your tour on the Charles Bridge, where you'll have amazing views of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Walk across the bridge to Mala Strana (Lesser Town). Go straight up the street and stop by the green-domed St. Nicholas Church on your right. The church is a beautiful example of Rococo architecture, complete with pink marble columns and more cherubs than you'll find in heaven.

Once outside, take a right in the plaza and then a left on the street. Follow the street up castle hill. If you need a rest on your way up, stop for some tea and pastries at U Zeleneho Čaje, a teahouse where scenes from the movie Amadeus were filmed. Try the gingerbread or apple strudel if you're hungry.

Once you've made it to the top of the hill, you will find yourself at the doorstep of Prague Castle. Walk around the castle, and do an audio tour or walking tour if you're ambitious. The highlight of Prague Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, an amazing church built in the Gothic style. Half of St. Vitus Cathedral was built long before the other half; if you look carefully at the columns inside, you'll see the difference in the quality of the craftsmanship. Also note the stained glass window by Czech artist Alfons Mucha on the left near the back. Other highlights of the castle area include the small houses of the Golden Lane, the Basilica of St. George, and several art museums.

Once you have seen the castle, you have two options. One is to take tram #22 or 23 down to the bottom of the hill. To get to the tram, you’ll have to walk across the bridge to the left of the castle entrance. The other is to walk down the hill through the Prague Castle Gardens. The entrance is on the side of the castle closest to the river, and you can walk down through the Prague Castle Gardens to get back to Mala Strana (Lesser Town).

[Visiting Czech Republic] Walking Tour of Prague: Charles Bridge to Old Town Square

2006-10-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

Pic title: Prague, Czech Republic, May 2002 (Link)

Start out at the Charles Bridge on the Old/New Town side of the river. If your back is to the river, take a right and walk along the river to the National Theater. Enjoy the classic views of the castle along the way, and then turn left on Narodni Třida at the National Theater in New Town. Check out the theater and the famous Cafe Slavia across the street. From there, walk down Narodni Třida away from the river. If you stay on the right-hand side of the street, you'll eventually walk under a covered walkway. There's a small monument to the 1989 revolution, which consists of a plaque and small sculpture of bronze hands on a wall. Keep going down the street, and when you get to Tesco, veer slightly left onto Na Přikope, a pedestrian street.

Walk down Na Přikope until you get to Wenceslas Square. Take awhile to explore the square, and then continue down Na Přikope in the same direction you were going before. Stop by the Museum of Communism or the Mucha Museum if you have time, otherwise continue down the street.

Eventually you'll come to the Obecni Dum, or Municipal house. It is a large yellow art nouveau building on your left when the pedestrian street ends. Go inside and walk around. Each room is decorated for a different social class and purpose; the rooms and restaurants upstairs are more formal, while those downstairs are more pub-like.

Go back out side, and walk a few steps back toward where you came from. On your right you'll notice the Powder Tower. Walk through it and go down Celetna Ulice to Old Town Square. On your way, note the Cubist "House of the Black Madonna" on your left. Once in Old Town Square, spend some time visiting the Clock Tower (Orloj), statue of Jan Hus, Týn Church, and other sights.