Bilbao Pictures

Things to do in Bilbao

In this city of such rich history, but constant renovation and exciting improvements, there is never a dull moment in Bilbao because it has something to offer for absolutely everyone. The most popular new attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, with its amazing curving architecture on the outside and very interesting and decorative exhibits on the inside. In front of the museum is a flower puppy, which is a famous symbol of modern Bilbao. Aside from this, Bilbao has museums galore, including the Museo de Bellas Artes, Basque Museum, La Ria Maritime Museum, and Muse Taurino, to name a few. Alongside museums, Bilbao has many gorgeous Gothic churches and cathedrals. One of the most symbolic is Basilica de Begona, but a few others are Cathedral of St. James, Iglesia de San Anton, and Iglesia de San Nicolas. Check out the Teatro Arriaga, which is the beautiful and detailed ancient theater now used as a tourist office. To experience lavish beauty, check out Palacio de la Disputacion which is ornate on both the outside and the inside. Also, check out Parque Etxebarria, transformed from an industrial building in the late 1900’s, which now has beautiful views of Casco Viejo and Teatro Arriaga. Old Town, or Casco Viejo, is filled with historical town houses and a feel for the past. For some amazing views, be sure to climb the stairs at Plaza Unamundo up to Parque Etxebarria and see Bilbao as a whole.

Nightlife in Bilbao

The nightlife of Bilbao can be everything from a relaxing evening, to bar and tavern hopping all night long. Casco Viejo is a great place to start your night off, and some bar-hopping zones are Paseo del Arenal, Calle Ledesma, and Calle Elcano. Located in Casco Viejo, the Lamaik is a comfortable and relaxing coffee house. Check out Cafe Nervion for a gorgeous view of the river. Another set of bars definitely worth your while are Cafe Iruna, Cafe La Granja, and Cafe Boulevard. For something more interesting and fun, head to Galeon, which is a bar with a maritime motif, a mermaid statue, and the decor as the inside of a ship. For karaoke and Spanish club music, Dakar is the place to check out. Another great street for nightlife is Calle Simon Bolivar, with a line of clubs such as Cotton Club, Caos, Pinkertons, and Indie.

Dining in Bilbao

Like many areas in Spain, the people of Bilbao do not even think about eating dinner until 8pm or after. Usually around 6pm, tapas or pintxos (the Spanish appetizer) and drinks are served at cafes, which are enough to hold you over until a late dinner. One of the best places for pinxtos in Bilbao is Aritz, where they are famous for their specialties. A few good places to eat near Plaza Nueva are Bilbao Cafe Bar, Charley Bar, Fernando, and Victor. To have a taste of the traditional Basque cuisine, check out Casa Vasca for some fabulous dishes. Another option is Matxinbenta, serving dishes such as tuna in piquant tomato sauce. If you are planning on going out to a nice dinner during your stay, it is recommended that you call to make reservations ahead of time, because many traditional restaurants tend to get booked up very quickly.

Shopping in Bilbao

One of the biggest covered markets in Europe is located in Bilbao, and is known as Mercardo de la Ribera. This market sells anything from produce, to fish and meat every single morning aside from Sundays. In Plaza Nueva, you can find a market every Sunday morning of used books, stamps, coins, and other small trinkets. The main shopping district of Bilbao is Plaza Moyua and Gran Via, where you can walk along to find clothing stores (name brands) and a department store, El Corte. Casco Viejo is and has always been a great shopping area of Bilbao, which has a good number of shoe shops along with many independent boutiques and some chain shops. If you should so desire a shopping centre, a new one was just built along the river, names Centro Comercial Zubiarte. Shops included here are a supermarket, outlets, bars, and a cinema.

Bilbao Travel Tips

• If possible, try not to drive or rent a car in Bilbao. Many streets are one-way hills and there tends to be construction projects around the city.
• From the first Saturday after August 15 until 9 days later is Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia or Semana Grande- the holiday of the city. Travel during this time and experience crowds in the street, music, events, and fireworks displays every night.
• When in Bilbao, go to the park! These public parks are scattered about the city, and it is truly a part of the culture to play sports, relax, read, eat, and even sleep in the park.

Catania Pictures

Things to do in Catania

Many baroque buildings and architecture can be viewed when walking around the city, and the sites will never cease to amaze you. Head to the Piazza del Duomo, which contains the Elephant Fountain, or the symbol of the city and many shopping areas. The Cathedral is gorgeous and can be toured on the inside. The true city center is the Piazza Stesicoro and contains the historical and interesting ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre. Check out the Teatro Massimo in Piazza Teatro, where you can view this amazing structure and experience the lively city. The Greek/Roman Theater and the Odeon are worth a visit and have been kept up quite nicely. The San Nicolo church is one of the biggest in all of Sicily and a great site to see. When in Catania, right by Mount Etna, make the most of your trip by taking a Volcano Trek! Many organized tours can arrange this trip for you, or you can hire a Volcanologist and explore areas that may never have been seen before! As you travel in Catania, relax, shop in the markets, dine, stroll, and explore a volcano!

Nightlife in Catania

With the University of Catania located in the city, this college town is packed with young local students looking to have a good time. One great place to check out for Catania nightlife is Barrique Club, which is known for its atmosphere, Italian drinks, and Sicilian music. Another popular place to go is Quattro Venti, or 420. This restaurant transforms into a nightclub at about midnight, where trendy locals come to dance and have a great time. If you are visiting Catania in the summertime, check out Filenz, which is the most popular nightclub next to the beach. Strike nightclub plays catchy hip hop and R&B and is packed with people wanting to party! If you are feeling classy, head to Manteca, which is a quite elegant restaurant and piano nightclub. The view of the ocean is spectacular and the night will be very romantic to say the least! The Brew Pub is good if you are a beer drinker, because they brew their own lager and also have a great variety of different types of beer.

Dining in Catania

There are a few specialties of Catania which you can only get in traditional Sicilian restaurants. One of these is Anrancino, which is a fried ball of rice, tomato, and cheese. Try the cannoli alla ricotta, which you may have tasted before, but not like that in Catania. Horse meat is a popular item on most menus, so do not be afraid to branch out a bit. The fish in Catania is also delicious and fresh, with the city being located right on a port. A very popular lunch dish is a cold panini, which you can be filled with something like prosciutto and cheese. If you would like it hot, they can be made with cheese and meat and will be fried or baked. A great restaurant to try out is Sicilia in bocca, where you can sample traditional Sicilian cuisine and different types of pizza. Other nice places to check out include Il Sale Art Cafe, Pesce Cotto, and Casablanca.

Shopping in Catania

With many main centers, there are tons of popular places to shop in Catania, and you can find almost anything, from fresh food markets to high-quality clothing. Shoes, ceramics, and designer goods are some of the more popular items to purchase in Catania. The fresh food and fish markets below the Piazza del Duomo are very lively and colorful, often busy throughout the entire day and night. The main market of the city is the Mercarto de la Fiera located in the Piazza Stesicoro, a great place to visit. A fairly large supermarket in Catania, the Auchan has pretty much everything you could need- from wine to electronics. Corso Italia is more of an upper-class shopping road where you can find many brand name shops and stores. If you are looking for a great souvenir or some Sicilian trinkets, check out Porta Uzeda Shops, where they have interesting items for great prices.

Catania Travel Tips

• Although the primary language of Catania is Sicilian, there is now a mix of both this and Italian, especially in the city center.
• When in Italy, be prepared to talk! Italians and Sicilians are known for being outgoing, social extroverts so you will see a lot of that in the streets.
• If you are going to be driving or renting a car in Catania, prepare yourself. There are very few laws of the road, rarely any street signs, and you must drive without any hesitation.

Vienna Pictures

Things to do in Vienna

Vienna is a traveler’s paradise. Within the city limits, you can find everything from the world’s oldest zoo (founded in 1752) to some of the most stunning parks, impressive monuments, and unique museums in the world. The likelihood of visiting each and every famous historical site in Vienna during just one trip is pretty slim, but the best part about that is you’ll have no trouble finding something to do the entire time you’re there. On nice days, it’s a treat to stroll the city streets. Vienna was once enclosed by a high wall all around the city, but in 1857 the wall was removed, and in its place the Ringstrasse was installed. Now you can walk around the periphery of the city, passing by sites like the Rathaus (the town hall), the Burgtheater, the University, The Parliament, and the State Opera House. On days when it may not be as nice, you can take a trip to any number of museums, from the famous gallery Belvedere, to the Sissi Museum and Silver Chamber, and also the Kunsthistorische (art history) Museum.

Nightlife in Vienna

Vienna is beauty by day, luxury by night. Just steps from the busy day-time parks, visitors will find courtyards brimming with locals, casually enjoying a drink and easy conversation. Nearby restaurants are full of those seeking a more up-beat and quick paced evening, enjoying local food and wine. Museum cafés turn into nightly hot-spots, pulsing with music, activity, and conversation.

Dining in Vienna

Vienna has been touted as a “gourmet heaven,” which seems a reasonable claim given its culinary roots. With influences from the Germans, Polish, Czechs, Slovenians, Hungarians, Italians, and many more, Viennese cuisine offers a diverse set of tastes and treats. Most important to mention is the Wiener Schnitzel (veal escalope), which originated in Vienna, and is an international favorite.

In Vienna, meals start early in the morning, and snacks are plentiful. A classic Viennese lunch or dinner has three courses, with a soup, a pastry or noodle dish, and a meat dish. Some of the more popular Viennese classics include Tafelspitz (boiled beef) gulasch, Rostbraten (braised beef) or Beinfleisch (leg). Vienna is also world-famous for a wide array of cakes and pastries, including favorites like Dobostorte, Indiane, Malakofftorte, Linzertorte, and the greatest of all, the Schertorte. There are many fantastic restaurants to visit while in Vienna where you can get a taste (or two) of the delicious local cuisine.

Shopping in Vienna

Shopping in Vienna is the embodiment of fancy European shopping. It is all about high-style, and will likely prove one of the most unique shopping excursions you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing. With an array of specialty shops and boutiques, the city’s principal shopping mile, Mariahilfer Strasse, is a sight to behold. The core of Vienna’s shopping is situated within the ringstrasse, and consists only of local boutiques. Most stores are within comfortable walking distance of each other, so it is easy to get around, and the calories burned during your store-to-store browsing might make you feel slightly less guilty about stopping into one of many confectioneries. Vienna is known for them, and a trip there wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one. Some of the most acclaimed include Grand Cacao, Xoclat, Schokoladekönig, and Sacher Confiserie.

Vienna Travel Tips

• If you have time, take a trip to the Spanish Riding School. Founded in 1572, it holds some of Vienna’s most poignant cultural history, and the Lipizzaner horses you will find here are world famous for their stunning acrobatic displays.
• The ideal times to visit Vienna are during the spring and fall, when the weather is milder. However, if you’re a winter person, the winter months are crisp and clear, with abundant sunshine.
• The Imperial Apartments are a long wing of 21 open-to-the-public rooms in the palace, adorned with all sorts of treasures collected through the centuries by the Habsburg family. Definitely a great spot to check out if you’ve got the time while visiting Vienna!

Bordeaux Pictures

Things to do in Bordeaux

Tourists staying in Bordeaux will find plenty of attractions to visit and culture to enjoy. Highlights include the Croiseur Colbert, an enormous battleship featuring guided tours, now docked at the Quai des Chartons; Palais de la Bourse, a magnificent building overlooking Bordeaux’s winding River Garonne; Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace), a particularly fancy and historic building now used as the town hall; Grand Theatre, Europe’s oldest wooden-framed theatre, where many musical shows and theatrical performances are held; Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac (Bordeaux Zoo), with exotic animals from parts Africa and Asia; Jardin Public and Jardin Botanique, a centrally located park complete with botanical gardens and a huge lake; and also the 11th-century Cathédrale St. André, an iconic local landmark dominating much of Bordeaux and located to one side of the Place Gambetta. There are many landmarks in the city, most of which are hard to miss. Look out for the large public square that is the Esplanade des Quinconce, the historic Pont de Pierre bridge, the 15th century Tour Pey Berland bell tower, the Grosse Cloche belfry, and also the Palais Gallien, a local monument known to date back to Roman times and home to an ancient amphitheater. Also, Bordeaux is particularly famous for its legendary wine and often hosts many enormous wine-related events. Around the city itself you will find a wealth of vineyards and wineries, many of which welcome visitors and often hold wine-tasting days.

Nightlife in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a quiet city but at night the discos and bars open for a night of relaxation and enjoyment of the local wines. Night owls in Bordeaux gravitate toward quai du Paludate, where restaurants, bars, and discos remain open till the wee hours. If you want to dance salsa, merengue, samba or any Latin American rhythm, visit La Casa Latina Bar. For electro-jazz music go to L’Absolute Lounge. L’Alligator has blues on Wednesdays nights and the Comptoir du Jazz provides a healthy dose of jazz and blues on the river at the Quay de Paludate, and is the main point where young people have fun. In the heart of town is the location of the famous gay bar l’Hotel de Ville, and here you can find live entertainment along with heavy metal and rock concerts and drag shows. The Grand Théâtre located at the Place de la Comedie offers musical concerts and theatrical productions, and if you are feeling lucky, you may want to head over to the Casino de Bordeaux, which has no admission fee and offers live music on the weekends.

Dining in Bordeaux

To many people, Bordeaux is all about wine, but keep in mind that when visiting the area the city also hosts some truly fine restaurants, as the area offers one of France’s richest and most charming cuisines. Fine lobsters, oysters and fish from the ocean and rivers are readily available. The lamb raised in Pauillac is known to be among the most tender and tastiest in the world and the local butter and cheeses, especially those made from goat’s milk are superb. Even though some restaurants are expensive, far more are reasonably priced and relative to most of France, are less expensive. Some restaurants near the center of the city one should consider are Bistro de Someillier, La Chamade, Jean Ramet, Le Rouzic, and La Tupina, jus to name a few.

Shopping in Bordeaux

Few people outside Europe realize what a shopper’s paradise Bordeaux truly is. There are some of the world’s most popular brand names on parade here: Cartier, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc, Christian Lacroix, Rolex and Tartine et Chocolat. A popular site is the Galerie Bordelaise, a 19th-century shopping arcade. Luxury label boutiques concentrate within ‘le triangle’, and an antique market fills the square on Sunday mornings. Rue St. Catherine is Bordeaux’s busiest shopping street, as it’s over a kilometer in length and suited only for pedestrians. Another popular place to shop in Bordeaux is along the Cours de l’Intendance. Luxury labels fight with each other in its many designer boutiques. Visitors aren’t forced to spend top dollar on upscale designer shops, though. Tati, on the corner of Rue St. James and the Cours Victor Hugo, caters to those with a somewhat tighter budget. Furthermore, there are plenty of less expensive French chain stores here, as well as numerous locally-owned boutiques. Bordeaux is truly a shopper’s paradise.

Bordeaux Travel Tips

• The central train station is called Bordeaux TGV.
• The currency in Bordeaux is the Euro (EURO).
• The international calling code is 556 if dialing from a long-distance phone.

Verona Pictures

Things to do in Verona

Verona is a beautiful Roman City with many of its early ruins preserved. 12th-century churches and art museums flood the city of Verona displaying European, Medieval, and Renaissance Art. Make sure to stroll through Giardino Giusti, a Renaissance garden with eccentric statues leading you through. Of course you cannot forget to visit Juliet’s house and the balcony where her and Romeo’s ever so famous love scene was filmed. You will have the chance to head up to the balcony and reenact the scene yourself!

Nightlife in Verona

There is definitely a good amount of nightlife in Verona contrary to what some people may think. Vecia Veronetta is a two-story pub that is open until 4 in the morning and offers lots of beer and mixed drinks. Put on your most fashionable outfit and head on over to Caffe delle Erbe with good food and drinks, occasional live music, and a chic upscale crowd. One of the most known nightclubs in Europe, Alto Ego, offers a great DJ and bartenders who make up drinks to satisfy exactly the type of drink you’re looking for. Instead, you could settle down and watch the night goers head out while sitting outside at a cafe and sipping on some coffee.

Dining in Verona

Dining in Verona automatically adds some stress simply because every place is worth dining at. On the flip-side, that means you’ll never be disapointed. Ristorante Greppia offers a beautiful and great atmosphere along with a wide range of high quality food. Osteria al Duca offers indoor and outdoor seating allowing great people-watching or privacy if wanted. Osteria al duca has great food and some good prices as well. Verona is known for horse-meat, pasta, and of course, gelato. A meal in Italy cannot be complete without a cup of gelato. Make your way to La Boutique del Gelato to satisfy your sweet tooth. Are you a wine lover? Then head to Verona in early June where they hosts the annual International Wine and Spirits Exhibition with over 4,000 exhibitors displaying the best wine in the world.

Shopping in Verona

First stop for shopping in Verona is Via MAzzini which is known as the Golden mile of shopping where designer labels line the street. Another known shopping center is Corso Borso Borsari where you will find items and clothing worth your money. If you are looking for a different side of shopping, you can find great authentic antiques at Corso Santa Anastasia. Definitely try and explore the flee market at Piazza San Zeno where you can find jewelry and other great trinkets to take home with you.

Verona Travel Tips

• Here’s a phrase you might want to know: Parla Inglese? -Do you speak English?
• Italy is known for its fine tasting wine, so make sure you stop by one of Verona’s Wine bars.
• Purchasing a Verona card saves you money and hassle by enabling you to have access to 14 of the most important and popular attractions in Verona. The card also allows you to use the local transportation.

Thessaloniki Pictures

Things to do in Thessaloniki

A cool place to hang out is at the end of Tsimiski street at the center of Thessaloniki, where you can find many great museums such as the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum, The Museum of Byzantine Culture, State Museum of Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, Museum of Cinematography in Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Technology Park, Museum of Science, Folklore and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki International Fair, Jewish Museum, Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Municipal Gallery of Art, Teloglion Foundation of Art, Museum at the White Tower, Museum at Aghios Demetrios, Goulandris Museum of Natural History, and Attaturk House. Whew, that’s a lot of history, culture, and things to do! You can also hit up the northernmost Byzantine wall, where you can take a long walk along the enormous seafront promenade which has great views of the city. You should also check out “upper town” with its traditional old houses, small cobblestone streets, Byanine citadel, and Eptapyrgion fort. Thessaloniki was also once known as “the mother of Israel”, due to the once flourishing Jewish community here, which existed from the Roman period and grew after the Ottoman Empire took in the refugees from Spain (”Sephardis), until World War II when most of the city’s Jews were transported to Auschwitz. However, there are still two Synagogues, and you can visit the Jewish Museum.

Nightlife in Thessaloniki

Some cities like to brag, but when a 2007 New York Times article called it the “Seattle of the Balkans” it was settled: this city has the best nightlife around and isn’t afraid to say “it’s all Greek to me!” Being the liveliest city in Northern Greece, Thessaloniki has tons of the trendy bars, most of which are located along the old seafront (Nikis ave.) and around either the downtown area or in the old city. You can also find numerous bars and tavernas at Krini, an area in eastern Thessaloniki. They even has floating bars that leave ever 2 hours and take a short trip across the water, playing foreign and traditional music!

Dining in Thessaloniki

Eating in Thessaloniki is best summed up into this philosophy: local specialties and cheap ouzo taverns are good and foreign restaurants are bad. Avoid big chains and stick to local shops for the best food. For some of the best Greek food around try Chatzis, famous for its collection of Greek Asia Minor sweets, Terkenlis, famous for its variety of “tsoureki”, a sweet bread much like brioche, and Elenidis, considered the expert in “trigona”, or triangles made of sfoglia and filled with cream. Thessaloniki has also voted baked quince as the best dessert to enjoy in winter. Goody’s is a Greek fast-food chain where you can find semi-traditional food for cheap on the go.

Shopping in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has very high fashion stores such as Proxenou Koromils, Mitropoleos, and Tsimiski. Although you won’t find bargains, the cute shopping areas coupled with tons of cafes make it the perfect place to shop, have some coffee, and then keep shopping! For cheaper clothing and more bargains check out Egnatia street. If you’re looking to buy more authentic food, try the Terpsis and Omega delicatessens at the Modiano market. You could even bring back sweets from Salonica, like tsoureki, or sweetened bread for which Thessaloniki is famous.

Thessaloniki Travel Tips

• Thessaloniki has many different consulates throughout the city, so be sure to visit at least one.
• The city is very visitor-friendly, and virtually crime-free!
• Check out the nightlife scene while visiting.

Turin Pictures

Things to do in Turin

Piedmont, where Turin is located, is famous for its’ incredible wine. Although when discussing Italy it is hard to not find a good wine region. Piedmont has some fantastic vineyards. While fall is the prime season for the grape varieties, summer is when they are in the process of growing and are nice to see on a tour. The benefits of traveling in the summer also is that the vineyards aren’t as busy with the wine production. Tours of these wineries can be found all over the region. Many touring companies will pick up groups in the city and take them out to the various vineyards with a complimentary lunch. In the center of the city there is a lot to do and see as well. Mole Antonelliana is one of the stand-out landmarks of the city. Once a synagogue, the building is now one of the best and most extensive cinema museums in Europe. The original cape that Christopher Reeve wore in the Superman movie is here. The most famous Egyptian Museum, besides the one in Egypt, is located here. Over 30,000 exhibits are housed within these walls that were built in the late 1800’s. Palazzo Madama has recently been open to the public for viewing. Once home of the Queen and now a showcase of the Royal Family during Baroque and Medieval times. The Castello di Rivoli is located in the town of Rivoli, right next to Turin. This town is accessible via bus. The castle here is open to the public and people can tour around the unfinished rooms. You will also want to make a point of seeing The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. This duomo is quite impressive. Walk around inside and check out the paintings.

Nightlife in Turin

Many of the bars in Turin are located by the river. Why this is, we are not sure. But what is important to know is that you can have a really fun time with a mix of young and older crowds here. Many people who visit Turin enjoy mixing their dinners with casual drinks and conversation. The good thing about this city is the waiters at restaurants will not hover over you to chase you out of the place. Most places like to let you take your time and enjoy your drinks. Grab a small snack, or aperitivo, with your cocktail or glass of wine. Savor the flavor of the local wines and enjoy the company of good friends. This is the way of the Italian mindset after all. If you are looking more for a separate bar atmosphere head over to Zonk or Lab. Both offer a good selection of cocktails. Zonk offers scorpion bowls and live music after dinner hours.

Dining in Turin

When eating out in Turin remember one important thing, take your time! In Italy meals can go for up to three hours. The idea is that dinner is a social hour to relax, spend time with family and friends, and really enjoy your meal. Always order a glass or bottle of wine with meals too. Don’t think about ordering soda either. A common mistake made by tourists, unless you are grabbing a slice of pizza, you will stick out like a sore thumb with a glass of soda here. There are a few courses including a pasta course, salad course, and main course where you match your meat to side dish. Then there is dessert if you are not completely stuffed already. A few good places for those on a budget include Tre Galli, Fratelli La Cozza (with a balcony view), and Trattoria Decoratori & Imbianchini, which has a fixed meal price for the entire night.

Shopping in Turin

The shopping in Turin is pretty nice. You won’t be attracted, or more like overwhelmed, by the designer stores like in Milan. The shopping here is more low key. Via Garibaldi attracts a crowd. This is the longest pedestrian-only shopping street in Europe, according to locals. There are a bunch of cute and fun shops. Carts also line parts of the street and competitive buying is the name of the sport. Don’t be afraid to barter here for deals. Just remember not to barter so much inside established stores. Le Gru is a great shopping center. However it is outside the city and requires a bus to get to it. For students studying abroad in Turin it is attractive because there are many home necessity items. This is a nice and rare treat when visiting Italy. Via Pietro Micca is good if you are looking to spend a little more money on some items. Higher end things like jewelry and leather goods can be found here. And most are made by locals!

Turin Travel Tips

• Turin is located in the Piedmont region of Italy.
• Taste the local Piedmont wines.
• Be aware of gypsies around the train station and high volume tourist areas.

Larnaca Pictures

Things to do in Larnaca

Although the number of actual sites to see is somewhat limited in Larnaca, there are plenty of miles of beach to relax and lay on as well as places in the city to explore on your own time. A main attraction to Larnaca, especially for experienced scuba divers, is the wreck of the Zenobia, which is a ferry that sunk in 1980. Even if you have never dived before, Dive-In Cyprus can accommodate you to explore this fascinating underwater scene. Larnaca also has gorgeous churches to tour, such as the Ayia Phaneromeni Church, which is built over a rock cave. The Church of St. Lazarus was built in the ninth century and is said to have been built around the tomb of Lazarus, the brother of Mary. Head over to the northern side of town, where you can find the ancient ruins of Kition and the Phoenician temple of Astarte. During the winter (from November to March) the Larnaca Salt Lake is frequented by flocks of pink flamingos. On the edge of the Salt Lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke, an important Islam mosque which holds the tomb of Umm Haram (the mother of Mohammad).

Nightlife in Larnaca

No matter what day of the week, there is always something going on in Larnaca, and there are always people looking to have a great time. The place for nightlife in Larnaca is the city center just off the main promenade called “Laiki Yeitonia”. This area has numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs which come alive at night. A couple of the most popular nightclubs in Larnaca are Club Deep and Times. Another popular club in the area is the Corridor Club, which is a fairly classy club with live music. Another area of the city to head for great nightlife is Larnaca-Dhekelia Road, where you can find many British tourists at the hotels, nightclubs, and bars. If you are looking for a wide selection of spirits, check out the Blue Pine Bar near the American Academy after 10pm, where you will find a relaxed atmosphere and a great time.

Dining in Larnaca

Along the seaside located near many of the newly renovated hotels, seafood restaurants are frequent and do great business with the tourists. In order to find a true favorite of Cypriots, look for a restaurant filled with locals, not English-speaking tourists. To try the traditional food of Cyprus, go to Militzis, where you can get meat and potatoes, complete with a delicious house wine. Right on the main promenade is Hobo’s, another favorite of the locals, that serves a variety of local and international cuisines. Some of the best restaurants, though a bit more on the expensive end, are Kantara, Rendez-Vous, and Ganga, located on Dhekelia Road. A few Italian restaurants to check out are Casa Mia and Summer Queen cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. If you are looking for a cheap but delicious place for lunch, head to Jimmy’s Cafe, where you can get a variety of toasted sandwiches along with a large Keo beer, for around $5.

Shopping in Larnaca

One of the main trades in Larnaca is jewelery-making, and owning jewelry and watchmaking shops (which you can find everywhere) is very common. Head down to Ermes/Ermou Street to have your choice of many of the fine independent jewelers and watchmakers. Oro Fino Jewelery has many Italian and Greek designs, diamonds, and even name-brand watches from DKNY to Guess for much cheaper than normal prices. Another great jeweler is C. Charalambous Art Collection, where you can find very unique and stunning pieces of jewelry. Another local favorite, Tony’s Jewelery, is much cheaper than the places in town and will customize anything to make your piece truly special. Lace and silverware can be found readily in the nearby village of Lefkara, definitely worth a visit.

Larnaca Travel Tips

• When shopping in Larnaca, it is important to remember that most shops have half day closing on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and are closed completely on Sundays. Also, in the summer, most shops take a siesta from 1-4 pm.
• Check out the free beach concerts on Sundays at 11am, where you can experience Greek folk music and dancing for an hour.
• Beware of the strong heat and extreme sun rays in Cyprus. It is very easy to get a sunburn!